Obituaries

With great sadness we announce the sudden death of Harold Wayne Schwindt, our loving husband, father, grandfather and friend. Harold died suddenly on Wednesday, July 17th at the age of 66. He was born in Fernie on March 2, 1953 to parents Eldon and Edith Schwindt. Harold will be dearly missed by his wife Janice, daughter Lyndsey (Dany) Vinet, son Kurtis Schwindt, and his precious grandchildren: Kaelen, Tye & Rhys Vinet. Harold is also survived by brothers Ross (Patsy), Ken (Shelly), and...

On Saturday, July 13th, Russell Melvin Rath, beloved son, brother, husband and father, passed away suddenly in Fernie, BC at the age of 60 years. He is survived by his wife Christine Laidlaw, sons Matthew and Justin Rath, his brother Todd Rath, and parents Melvin and Nina Rath. Russell attended S.A.I.T. and specialized in Telecommunication Technology. Throughout his career as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA), he worked for AGT, BC-Tel, and Telecom Canada, finishing his career at Edon...

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, friend, and gift from God. Jensena is survived by her daughters, Sharon, Isabel, Janet (Shaun), and (son) Shep McGregor, granddaughters Tova (Mark), Tara (Kevin), Melisa (Rick) and Joanna, along with many wonderful great grandchildren and her sister Margaret Mason. She was predeceased by her loving husband Robert of 67 years in 2012. Her beautiful legacy is left behind in all...

Gerald Eade Harris, aka Gerry or Papa, passed away at the Elk Valley Hospital on July 11, 2019 after a lengthy illness. He was born on November 27, 1936, at Vancouver, BC, to Charles and Hazel Harris, who also had 8 other children. The family moved to Barriere, BC where Gerry met his future bride, Rochelle Ross, and they were married on December 26, 1956. Gerry and Rochelle raised their family in Barriere, until they relocated to Fernie in 1971, and settled in the South Country one...

Supported by his family and caregivers, Charles Joseph “Joe” Smith passed away peacefully at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook on Monday, July 8th, just days following the death of his daughter, Michelle Neben. Joe is lovingly survived by his wife Linda and their two sons: Gary (Korina) Smith with their children Brock and Brandon, and Stuart Smith; his son-in-law Peter Neben; Michelle and Peter’s children: Andrew (Chelsie) with Joe’s great...

On Monday, July 1, 2019, Richard Hedrich, husband, father, son and brother, passed away suddenly at the age of 45 years. Rick will be forever remembered by his wife and best friend Stephanie, and their children, Whitney, Brendan and Ford, grandchildren Sailor and Daxtin, by his mother Joan Hedrich, and by his brother Jeff. Rick will also be forever remembered by his numerous extended family members and dear friends. Rick grew up in Fernie before relocating to Grasmere and then Cranbrook...

It is with sadness the family of Warren announce his sudden passing on Friday, June 21st. He is survived by his mother Rayma Rolfes, sister Anita Fehr (Jim), brothers Murray Rolfes (Barb), and Scott Rolfes, and nephews Justin Fehr and Dylan Fehr. He is predeceased by his son Kyle Rolfes, father Vince Rolfes, and brother Glen Rolfes. Warren was born in Lethbridge, AB and the family settled in Sparwood, BC in the early 1970’s where he attended elementary and high school. He was...

Glen passed away peacefully at the Elk Valley Hospital with Lynda and close friends by his side. He fought a very short battle with cancer. Those left to honor his memory include his wife Lynda of 25 years, daughter Melissa (Julian) with their children Emily & Jessie, and his son Kris (Amanda) with their children Kaylie, Nora & Lauryn. Glen was the youngest son of Mary and Jake Falk. He also had 4 brothers: Allan (Evelyn), Bill ((Olga), Gordie (Delores), and Lavern (EJ), 13 nieces...