Obituaries

It is with the greatest and deepest sorrow we announce the death of Gary Nicholson. Gary passed away in his sleep at home in the early morning hours of Friday, March 10th at the age of 54 years. Gary was born February 21, 1969 in Esterhazy, SK to Jim and Elsie Nicholson. Shortly thereafter, the whole family moved to Fernie which remained Gary’s home ever since. After Elsie passed away in 1993, Jim and Gary formed a special bond, caught the “travel bug” and spent many...

It is with heavy hearts and sadness that we announce the passing of Peter Kliment.  With his wife by his side, he was released from the clutches of a horrible illness and his spirit is now free. Pete was born on January 6, 1960 in Cassiar, BC to Frank and Hedwig Kliment.  As a kid in the north, he loved spending time at their cabin on Chain Lakes (Boya Lake) and spent many hours fishing there.  He enjoyed playing hockey, hiking with his snowshoes to shoot ptarmigan and riding...

Reverend (Pastor) Dennis Allan Williamson passed away surrounded by his family after a courageous battle with cancer on February 20th, 2023 in Fernie BC. Dennis is survived and missed by his loving wife Julie, his children Jason (April), Christy (Ray), Cari (Erik) & Jon. He will be forever remembered and cherished by his grandchildren Brittani, Brooklyn, Josiah, Holly, Josh, Heidi & Santana and his great granddaughter Mikaela. His memory lives on in his siblings Doug...

Alfonso Elia passed away on February 10th, 2023, at the age of 95 years. Alfonso was proud to have lived a long, happy, and healthy life until the end. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 69 years, Erminia, whom he missed deeply. Alfonso was born July 10th, 1927, in the village of Serradipiro (Bianchi), Calabria, Italy, where he grew up in a small house with three sisters and eight brothers. As a young man, he met and fell in love with Erminia Elia and eloped shortly thereafter in...

Danna Burgess passed peacefully on Wednesday, February 8, 2023 at the Elk Valley Hospital after a short, courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Fernie on August 15, 1963 to parents Daniel and Lorraine Bendicson. Danna is survived by her husband of 38 years, Andy Burgess; her children, Sarah (Mat) Riel and Ally Burgess, and her precious granddaughter Sophi. She will also be missed by her many other relatives and friends, who she loved deeply. Danna and Andy married in Fernie on...

Hazel May Oien passed away suddenly on February 5, 2023 at the age of 87 years. She was born February 25, 1935 at Blue Township, ON to parents Henning and Rose Anderson. She was raised in a very large family, having 16 brothers and sisters. Hazel is survived by her eight children: Brenda Wilde, Donald (Susan) Oien, Oliver Oien, Debbie (Pete) Then, Sharon (Mike) Foley, Barry Oien, Delbert Oien, and Bev (Johnny) Pippard, 15 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her...

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John (Johnny) Johnsen on February 5, 2023. Johnny came into this world on January 7, 1960 and spent most of his life in Sparwood, BC. He absolutely loved fishing, camping, playing darts, doing impersonations of people, and being a joker. He was an avid Edmonton Oilers and Toronto Blue Jays fan. Johnny enjoyed spending time with his son Shane, his family, and friends; though he wasn’t much of a beer drinker, hahahahaha. Johnny...