CAN-BC-OBITS-L Archives

From: "Pamela" <>
Subject: [CAN-BC-OBITS] Cranbrook, BC - June 2007
Date: Tue, 3 Jul 2007 13:30:10 -0700

Kootenay News Advertiser

BURCH : EAST : FUGEMAN : GRUBISIC : MOROSOFF : MYERS : WILSON : WOOD :

EAST, Dr. William Henry Sparling Saturday, 23 Jun 2007 Kootenay News
Advertiser Cranbrook, BC FERNIE: Sparling, or “Doc East”, passed away
peacefully on June 23, 2007 in Fernie, B.C. Born in Winnipeg on September
19, 1912, Sparling was predeceased by parents Rev. Samuel and Anne, brothers
Rev. Stewart and Lloyd, and sisters Margaret and Dorothy, and daughter in
law, Libby. Surviving are Mary, his devoted wife of 65 years, sons Stewart
(Pauline), Craig (Rosemary), Fraser, Blair (Janie) and niece Donna Wilson
(Mike). Seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren are left with
cherished memories of “G.G. Spar” and the family gatherings at the Fernie
home or the East Wing cabins at Rosen Lake.
Dad experienced a full and varied 94 years beginning with a number of
Saskatchewan and Manitoba towns his father served, high school at Regina’s
Scott Collegiate, Regina Normal School, teaching in various rural
Saskatchewan schools, attending University of Saskatchewan and Manitoba
Medical School. After graduating as a medical doctor in 1941 he interned at
the Winnipeg General and St. Boniface hospitals before enlisting in the
Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps with war service in Canada, Holland,
France, and Germany. Mom, a nurse, met Dad at the Winnipeg General and they
married in 1942 before Dad went overseas.
After his discharge, but in his army uniform, Sparling arrived in Fernie in
December 1945 to begin a 46 year practice until his retirement in December
1991. The clinics on Second Avenue were very busy for Dad with his delivery
of around 2,600 babies, and a family medical practice spanning up to five
generations in a few instances.
In what became his beloved Fernie, Sparling became actively involved in the
Fernie Royal Canadian Legion Branch, the Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary
Club and the Fernie Senior Citizen’s Association. He served as president of
the Fernie Legion, Rotary Club, Boy Scout District, and the East Kootenay
Medical and the B.C. Coroner’s Associations, and the medical staff at the
Fernie District Hospital. He was also a member of the Michel-Natal-Sparwood
Hospitals medical staff for 35 years.
Dad, with his early interest in education, became involved in School
District Number One (Fernie) as a Trustee for 17 years of which 7 years he
served as Chair.
Other Fernie activities included being a 60 year member of the Elk River
Masonry Lodge No. 35, and an honorary physician to the Knights of Columbus.
In 1987 Dad was recognized as an Honorary Member of the College of
Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. and, in 1992, for 35 years service and as a
Founding Member of the College of Family Physicians of Canada. The City of
Fernie, in 1996, inducted Dad as an honoured member to the Fernie Wall of
Fame, and, in 2002, Dad was awarded the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for his
community involvement. To commemorate his lengthy medical service, the
medical staff and Board of the Fernie District Hospital established the Dr.
Sparling East Scholarship Fund in 1992 which provides annual scholarships to
graduating Fernie Senior Secondary students entering some aspect of post
secondary medical education.
‘Doc’ or ‘Doc East’, as the players called him, loved his Fernie hockey
teams. Spar served as the team doctor for the Rangers, the Sabres, and the
Elk Valley Blazers from 1955 to 1987. More recently Dad was an avid fan of
the Junior Ghostriders. (A special railing was installed to enable Dad to
get to his favourite seat)
The East Family would like to thank Dr.Geddis, Dr. McBeath, and the
wonderful Staff of Elk Valley Hospital for their mindful care during Dad’s
final days. To the people of the communities of Fernie, the South Country
and the Elk Valley for their kind thoughts and support, we extend our
heartfelt gratitude.
A service for “Doc East” was held at the Fernie Community Centre on June 26,
2007. Internment followed at St Margaret’s Cemetery.
The Family would appreciate that in lieu of flowers donations may be made
to: The Elk Valley Hospital Foundation and /or The Fernie Rotary Club for
the development of the Rotary Park.


MOROSOFF, Jacob “Jake” Tuesday,
Born July 7th, 1945 in Creston, BC, Jake passed away quietly in Kimberley,
BC on June 19, 2007 at the age of 61 years.
Known for his sense of humour and wit, Jake will be greatly missed by his
many friends and acquaintances.
He is survived by his family Jerry Morosoff, Cranbrook, BC, Nina (Tim)
McPhail, Toronto, ON, Ginny (Grant) Macdonald, Whitehorse, YK, Bernice (Tom)
Brown, Nanaimo, BC, Elaine (Michael) Janssen, Whitehorse, YK and numerous
nieces and nephews.
Jacob was predeceased by his parents Mary and Mike Morosoff.
There was a memorial service held at 11:00 am on Thursday June 21, 2007 at
McPherson’s Funeral Chapel in Cranbrook, British Columbia. Interment
followed in the Creston Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Jake may be made to the East Kootenay Regional
Hospital – Palliative Care Unit. 13-24th Ave N, Cranbrook, British Columbia
V1C 3H9.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the
family may be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com

MYERS, Harry Kenneth
Harry was born in Mexstone, Saskatchewan to William and Mary Myers. He moved
from Saskatchewan to Ontario and cut pulp logs for one year before moving to
Slocan, BC in 1948. Harry spent his years in Slocan underground mining in
the numerous small mines in that area and in the logging and milling
business. Harry and Frances were married in 1950.
In 1970 the family moved to Canal Flats, BC where Harry was employed by
Crestbrook Forest Industries Ltd. as the Logging Superintendent. Harry
retired from this position in 1990.
Harry is survived by his wife Frances, sons Les (Mary), Art (Robin) and
daughter Sandra (Bill), grandchildren, Anya, Naomi, Eric, Ashton and Brody.
In lieu of flowers memorial tributes may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society
of BC to East Kootenay 300-828 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1E2 or to
Columbia House Long Term Care Facility, 850 - 10th Avenue, Bag 5000,
Invermere, BC V0A 1K0.
The family wishes to thank Harry’s numerous friends in Canal Flats for their
support in the early stages of his illness and also the staff at Columbia
House for their excellent care.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the
family may be offered at: www.mcphersonfh.com

BURCH, Stewart “Stu”
Stu was born and raised on a family farm in Saskatchewan. His mother was his
first schoolteacher. He played hockey and coached a team, including one
player who made it to the NHL. He moved to Vancouver in 1963 and worked at
Oakalla Prison Farm and the Fraser Regional Facility. He said he spent 31
years in jail – more than a life sentence. He was on the shooting team and
won many trophies in Canada and the US. He also won a gold medal at the BC
Summer Games. He took up archery in 1990, winning many ribbons. Stu was an
outdoor enthusiast and hunted and fished all over BC, teaching his sons
Kenny and Steve to also be great hunters. In his later years he enjoyed just
watching the wildlife on our property near Wardner where he retired in 1994.
Many happy memories of family and friends at his campfires were enjoyed. He
will be missed by all who knew him.
Stu is survived by his loving wife Charlotte, brother Glen Burch, sisters:
Shirley Hall (Ted), Marlyn Gudmundson (Emerson), children: Dan Burch
(Debbie), Diane Burch (Paul), Ken Burch, Jason Burch (Cheryl), Lorie Burch
(Bill) and Steven Drader (Lynn), grandchildren: Joel, Lukas, Cole, Logan,
Hayley, Heather, Parker, Joseph, Stephanie, Angus, Mason, many nieces and
nephews and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents George and Elsie Burch, brother Rae Burch,
and daughter Karen Drader.
There will be a memorial service held at 1:00 pm on Monday, June 25th, 2007
at the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Day Saints, Jaffray, BC.
Reverend Jack Lindquist officiating.
Donations in memory of Stu may be made to a charity of donor’s choice.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the
family may be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com

WOOD, Edwin Roy
We are sad to announce the passing of Edwin Roy Wood of Cranbrook, British
Columbia on June 14, 2007 at the age of 72.
Edwin was born July 8, 1934 in Wetaskiwin, Alberta. He loved bowling and
coached the youth bowling club for 20 years. Edwin also enjoyed playing
cribbage at the senior's hall.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Bernice, sons Robert and Stephen
(Colleen), grandchildren Kaitlyn and Meghan and his brother Gordon (Linda)
Wood.
A memorial service will be held on Friday June 22, 2007 at 11:00 am at
McPherson's Funeral Chapel, Cranbrook, British Columbia.
Donations in honour of Edwin may be sent to the Canadian Cancer Society
19-9th Ave. S. Cranbrook, British Columbia, V1C 2L9
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the
family may be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com

FUGEMAN, Patricia Monday, 11 Jun 2007 Kootenay News Advertiser Cranbrook, BC
Patricia Fugeman
January 14, 1926-June 11, 2007
Born in Weston, Ontario, wife of the late
Peter Fugeman, loving mother to helen Catsirelis (Cranbrook) &
Andrea Fugeman-Millar (Calgary), grandmother
to Barry & Andy Catsirelis, Matthew, Kate
& Luke Millar.
A life enjoyed
It was Patricia’s wish that no services be held.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service.

GRUBISIC, Rudolf (Rudy) Matt
Rudolf (Rudy) Matt Grubisic, formerly of Wasa Lake, BC, passed away suddenly
at the Cranbrook Regional Hospital with family by his side on June 7, 2007
at the age of 66 years. Rudy was born on May 9, 1941 in Kimberley, BC to
Rosa (Pontoni) and Dusty.
He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Dolores Hansen (Tiffin). He
will be remembered by his loving children Dena (Chuck) of Vancouver, BC,
Krisi (Mike) of Kelowna, BC, and his four beautiful grandchildren Alexandra,
Caleb, Samuel and Oliver. He also leaves behind his brother Robert (Bob) of
Alberta as well as many relatives and dear friends.
Rudy worked for over 35 years as an Industrial Electrician and was a proud
member of the IBEW. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends as
well as watching hockey, country music, old western movies and hot tubbing.
A celebration of his life will be held at the Wasa Community Hall on Monday,
June 25, 2007 at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations
to be made in his memory to the British Columbia Lung Association
1-800-665-5864 or the Canadian Cancer Society 1-888-700-1131.
“Gone, dear father, gone to rest. Away from sorrow, care and pain; May you
rest in peace, dear father; Until we meet again.”

WILSON, Alton Ralph (Al)
Al passed away peacefully at the Cranbrook Hospital on June 6th, 2007,
surrounded by his loving family, his wife and best friend Marjorie,
daughters Doris (Rollie) Cummins of Cranbrook, Rosemarie (Don) Saby of
Cranbrook and Kathy Ross of Calgary. Al was born March 11, 1922 in River
John, NS.
At the age of 17 Al joined the Canadian Navy and served during WWII at sea.
After his naval retirement Al worked at IMP Marine in Dartmouth, NS for 17
years. He was also a member of the Dartmouth Volunteer Fire Dept. for 15
years, a service of which he was very proud. Al and Marjorie, as he called
her “The light of my life”, moved to Cranbrook in 2002 to be near family, a
huge move but one they came to love.
He is survived by his wife and family of 3 daughters, son Timothy, 9
grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren, Al is also survived by his sister
Irma Innis of River John, NS and Minnie Langille of Charlottetown, PEI. He
was predeceased by his mother and father Hazel and Leonard Wilson, brother
Harold and brother Chester. Al was a kind and wonderful person, a true
gentleman, and to all who knew him remember, “measure twice, cut once”
Memorial donations may be made to the East Kootenay Regional Hospital -
Palliative Care Unit. 13-24th Ave N, Cranbrook, British Columbia V1C 3H9.
There was a gathering of friends and family on Saturday June 9th, 2007 at
the home of Rose and Don Saby, to celebrate the life of a most wonderful
man.
Interment will take place at a later date in River John, NS.
Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Service. Condolences for the
family may be offered at www.mcphersonfh.com

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• [CAN-BC-OBITS] Cranbrook, BC - June 2007 by "Pamela" <>