All Obituaries

Father, grandfather, great grandfather passed away peacefully in his sleep, at the age of 97.  Willem was predeceased by his wife of 65 years, Frederika, in 2014.  He is survived by his four sons, Jack (Geri), Marten (Linda), Conrad (Corrine), and Evert (Shirley) Dykens; his daughter Minnie (Mel) Steer; 11 grandchildren; 20 great grandchildren and his sister Martje Dykstra and her family. Thank you to Wellsprings Home and Community Services for their years of home care for our...

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Verna Zavaduk.  Verna passed away peacefully at Bulkley Valley District Hospital with family by her side. Verna was born in Smoky Lake, Alberta to parents Penteley and Elana Koshman.  She grew up in Vilna, Alberta.  In 1953 she married the love of her life, Vic, and together they raised two sons.  After moving to Smithers in 1965 Verna went to work at the Royal Bank and later at Perry & Co.  She was an...

Wally was born in Denmark to Kristian and Jensina Thomsen. He came to visit his brother in Telkwa in 1957 and fell in love with the beautiful Bulkley Valley and its people. He worked in the bush for a short time and then in 1960 he was hired as a mechanic for Dahl Equipment in Telkwa. In 1962 he met Jean Cunningham and they were married in 1963. Wally had purchased farm property and together they built a home where they raised two daughters,...

Ricardo Mansana Cometa passed away peacefully the morning of June 9, 2021, at the Bulkley Lodge in Smithers, BC, at the age of 98. Ricardo was born in Manila, Philippines and moved to Smithers in 1993 with his wife and daughter.  As he did in Manila, he participated actively in community programs.  He was a member of the Pretenders, the Catholic Church Choir, and the Knights of Columbus for several years. Ricardo was a loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to...

Joyce was born in Smithers British Columbia on December 19, 1939 to Duncan and Winifred McLean.  She lived her whole life in Smithers.  Her mother Winifred was a devout Christian and led Joyce to a personal faith in Jesus at a very early age. Joyce met the love of her life Harold, and they were married in Smithers on May 21, 1965. God blessed them with a son John. Joyce spent her life as a loving wife, mother and prudent home maker. She loved to tend her garden, especially...

Jonesey, named Judith Ann by parents George Henry Northan and Irene Mae Northan (nee Barker), was born in Port Arthur, Ontario. The family moved to the BC Okanagan when Jonesey was three.  She grew up in Kelowna and spoke of long summer days at the lake, swimming and jumping off the diving tower, and switching high school classes with her identical twin sister, Jill.   Jonesey married Lyle McKenzie in a double wedding with sister, Jill and brother-in-law Neil Stables, on July...

Henry passed away peacefully on the morning of May 21, 2021 at the age of 94. He was born in Hazelton, BC in the Wrinch Memorial Hospital on Dec. 26, 1926. Henry was predeceased by his father Lars Hagen, mother Anna, brothers Art, George and Norman, sister Louise, and his son Raymond Arthur Hagen.  He is survived by his children Chuck, Kathy (Rene) and Cliff (Stephanie).  He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren Charlene (Calvin), Orin, Sage (Cody), Paisley...

Larry passed away peacefully in Houston Residential Care on May 19th, after a long battle with kidney disease.  He was 81 years old. He is survived by his four children, Richard, Linda, Brent and Bobbie, and his grandchildren, whom he loved totally.  All currently live in Ontario.  Larry was born in Hanover, Ontario and as a teenager he was proud to join the Navy.  After his time in the Navy, her toured through the western provinces.  When he saw Smithers, he knew...

It is with heavy hearts that we regret to inform you of the passing of our beloved mother, sister, Auntie and friend, Louise Anne Maag (nee Mercredi).  Louise passed with her family by her side, following a battle with cancer on May 16, 2021, at the age of 69, in the Bulkley Valley District Hospital in Smithers. Louise was born on March 25, 1952 in Fort Smith, Northwest Territories.  She did not have the easiest life, but she stepped up and was a parent to her siblings.  She...

It is with a sad and heavy heart that we announce the passing of Malcolm Davis Chaplin. On May 13, 2021. Malcolm passed away at the Bulkley Lodge, surrounded by his wife and sons. Born on August 27, 1946, Malcolm Davis Chaplin was the 3rd child of Charlie and Laura Chaplin of Smithers, BC. As a young boy, Malcolm helped his dad Charlie and brother Murray clear the land at Smithers Landing on Babine Lake for the hunting and fishing lodge known as Tukkii Lodge. Malcolm worked there with his...