Obituaries

Alexander Gredzuk, our beloved father, grandfather, brother, and uncle passed away peacefully at the Elk Valley Hospital with his children by his side on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at the age of 89.  He was born March 18, 1932 in Fernie, BC. Alex is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Arlene and Ray Dykhuizen and their children Rosemary (Brad), Megan (Denison), Emily and Laura; his son and daughter-in-law, Stephen and Jody Gredzuk and their children Sarah (Kadin) and Tyson (Alexis),...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, husband, father and grandfather, Carl Charles VanDoorselaere. Carl passed peacefully with his family at his side on Saturday, June 12th in Fernie, BC, after a long battle with cancer. He was 70 years of age.  Carl was born on December 20th, 1950 in Minto, NB to Simon and Kathleen (Kay) VanDoorselaere. The oldest in a family of five children, Carl started working in the coal mines at an early age with his father in...

It is with great sadness that the family of Kay Diakow announces her passing at the age of 95. She was born to parents John and Pearl Popowich in the town of Buchanan, SK. Kay was raised in a large Ukrainian family of twelve children and was the last surviving of her siblings. She married Matt Diakow at the Ukrainian Catholic Church in Yorkton, SK on October 6, 1949. They and their two children; Debra Wilson and Darcy Diakow, moved to Fernie, BC in November 1969. Kay is also survived by her...

Grayce Eva Roberta Attwood (nee Stephens) was born in Montreal, QC on May 1, 1926, and passed away in Fernie, BC on June 5, 2021, at the age of 95. Grayce grew up in Longueuil, QC and loved dancing, starting at the age of 10. By the age of 15, her passion led her to open her own dancing school in Longueuil where she continued to teach for the next 10 years. She also modeled for Dr. Arthur Lismer of The Group of Seven, and danced for the 300th Anniversary of Montreal at the Chalet on Mt....

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of George William Cockburn on June 1, 2021. George passed away at home in Gene's arms after a short battle with cancer. He was a husband, father, grandfather (Pappa), brother, uncle, and friend. George was born April 30, 1946 in Victoria, BC where he lived for many years before exploring the rest of BC. George traveled the province working many different jobs; carpenter, server, and miner before settling in Fernie where he remained,...

It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sandra, Mom, Grandma, GiGi and friend after a lengthy illness. She was our pillar of strength, kindness, and positivity.  She was deeply loved, and she will be greatly missed. Sandra was born in Fernie, BC to biological parents, Robert and Angelina Scales.  After the death of her mother at the young age of six, Sandra was raised by Ross and Victoria Colgur.  In 1963 she married the love of her...

On May 25th, at the age of 86 years, our beloved husband, father & grandfather, Harvey Travis, passed away peacefully, supported by his loved ones and caregivers. A lifetime resident of the Elk Valley, Harvey was born in Natal on January 12, 1935. He was an honorable and loving man whose devotion to his family was extraordinary; they were always first and foremost in his life. Harvey enjoyed any excuse for a family gathering, and Christmas was always his favourite time of year. He was...

On May 19th, with her daughter by her side, Roberta Jean Jurczak passed away peacefully at the age of 79, freed from her battle with Alzheimer’s disease. She was born in Blairmore, AB on May 13, 1942 to parents Hector and Albina Vanoni. Roberta is survived by her children, Russell Curry (Vicky) of Brantford, ON and Robyn Curry of Fernie, BC; her stepson Wesley Curry and family of Fernie; her brother Robert (Sharon)Vanoni and nieces Leanne and Lori. She was predeceased by her first...

Daryl and Delee were heartbroken to learn of the unexpected passing of our brother, Brian. He was much loved and respected by us both. He was 66 at the time of his death and had lived in the Elk Valley for 43 years. Known as Bummer to life-long acquaintances, and as Dad to dog Dory (pictured at left), Brian was born in Regina as the middle child of Mary and Len Merrett. The family home was at 1066 King Street. Brian went to Wascana elementary school, where he formed several life-long...