P IONEER C

Announcement

Francis Godfrey Ferguson

April 17, 1935 – March 8, 2023

Francis Godfrey Ferguson of Kamloops passed away on March 8, 2023 with his family at his side He is survived by his beloved wife Deanna and their children Judy (Len) Dunn of Kamloops, Laurie Ferguson of Slave Lake, AB, Joyce Ribalkin of Kamloops, Mike (Cindy) Ferguson of Castlegar; grandchildren Tyler (Amber) Dunn, Katie (Steve) Prior, Aaron (Melissa) Dunn, Chelsey Boissonneault, Patrick (Kris) Surrette, Charlotte Ribalkin, Kyle Ferguson, Conal Ferguson, Tyrane Ferguson and great grandchildren Braxton, Avery and Paige Prior, Casey and Emily Dunn.

He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Lottie Ferguson, brother and sister-in-law Lewis and Frankie Ferguson, son-in-law Bill Ribalkin and grandson Lonnie Ferguson.

Francis was born on April 17th, 1935 in High Prairie, Alberta where his spent most of his childhood only living briefly in the Yukon with his family after the war As a teenager he excelled in hockey baseball and curling and loved to spent time in the outdoors hunting and fishing with his brother, Lewis and their friends Francis left High Prairie for Whitehorse, Yukon to find work in 1953. In 1955, he packed his car and headed south and joined his mum dad and sisters in Edgewater BC

In October of 1955 Francis met a clown at the Halloween Masquerade who changed his life! That night he met Deanna, it was a relationship that started out with a strength and brightness that was sustained throughout their marriage They were married in February of 1957 and called a tiny trailer in Moyie home While in Edgewater Francis worked for Spike’s Sawmill, Wilder Brothers Mill, Kirk’s Christmas Trees, Government Survey in Kootenay Park and finally for Dawson Construction. It was the work for Dawson that would take Francis, Deanna and their new family to Moyie, Castlegar, Golden, Donald, Kootenay Park and finally back to Edgewater Along the way they welcomed Judy, Laurie, Joyce and Michael

In 1964, they pulled up stakes, packed their trailer and made the big move to Kamloops where Francis worked for Patek Mill and Logging Supplies as a mechanic and then a shop manager

In 1969 Francis and Deanna opened F G Ferguson Equipment on West Victoria Street in Kamloops – it was a nothing ventured, nothing gained moment! Here Francis started out as the lone mechanic, parts and salesperson for small engines, lawn and garden equipment, chainsaws and snowmobiles and Deanna began her career as a bookkeeper and “Girl Friday”! It was risk worth taking and very soon the business expanded to the current location on Seymour Street Francis was an extremely hard worker always ensuring that his customers had the best service possible He was very proud that their youngest son, Michael worked at the shop for many years and was grateful for the support of his staff members While this was happening, he was busy with the kids on the ball fields in summer and, in the winter, you would find them all in the arenas In the early 1970s they purchased a tiny cabin on Dominic Lake Francis loved teaching his children and grandchildren how to fish, chop wood and enjoy the outdoors –they all have wonderful memories of the time spent at the lake with Grandad. Among the many community endeavours that Francis was involved in, he was most proud of being President of the Kamloops Snowmobile Association and the money KSA raised for the Children’s Hospital through Snowarama

In 1982, Francis and Deanna moved to their beautiful log home on the South Thompson River – it was a great place for family and friends to gather to enjoy the gardens, orchard and massive lawn that Francis took so much pleasure in caring for Francis and Deanna sold Ferguson Equipment in the spring of 1990 and enjoyed retirement on the river until 2000. Then they moved to Rose Hill and had many caring neighbours Francis and Deanna loved to travel and had many trips to places afar but they also never missed an opportunity to reconnect with family and friends They loved to go back home to High Prairie and Edgewater to catch up with those who made these places so special Deanna has been in care at Brocklehurst Gemstone since the fall of 2014 when her Alzheimer ’s progressed to where she was not able to be at home and Francis moved to Mayfair to be close to her He spent all of his time with her, walking over early in the morning and staying with her until the evening. His love and devotion never lessened as he continued to care for her even after joining her at Gemstone in 2018 due to Parkinson’s disease COVID lock down was a very difficult time as he and Deanna were cut off from family except for Facetime visits He was so thankful when family could finally come in to visit

Francis continued his love of sports throughout his life and always enjoyed a game of catch until the last few days of his life He followed the Canucks Blue Jays and enjoyed watching curling! He was a huge Kamloops Blazer ’s fan - a community shareholder and an original season ticket holder He attended games even as it became physically difficult Francis and his family spent his last evening watching the Kamloops Blazers and Vancouver Canucks win their games – an most fitting send off!

The family would like to thank the staff and residents of both Mayfair and Gemstone who gave kindness and support to Francis over the past nine years A very special thanks to Stephanie and Maddi for their smiles care and the joy they brought to Francis each week as they helped him to cope with his physical ailments – they brought a sparkle to his eye each time they visited.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer ’s Association in Francis’s name

A celebration of life will be held a later date

Condolences may be expressed to the family at kamloops@cypressfuneral.ca

Mann, Alana Patricia

July 10, 1947 – March 17, 2023

In Loving Memory

L g M

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Alana Mann, a long-time resident of Invermere, at the age of 75. Alana was born in Trail, BC, where she grew up on the East Trail Dairy farm She spoke fondly of memories from her early years riding her mare, Sandy, in the hills around the family farm near what is now known as Miral Heights and Shavers Bench.

After graduating from high school, she left Trail to work in Vancouver and get a taste of the big city Alana then moved back to the West Kootenay area where she became a secretary working for BC Tel During her career at BC Tel, she met and fell in love with Robin Mann, her future husband and life partner of 49 years They were married in 1970 and moved to Invermere where they built a bustling hobby farm and raised two children. Alana enjoyed sharing her time with Robin, flying, camping and fishing. In the late 1980’s Alana and Robin moved up to the Toby Benches where they enjoyed the peace of being surrounded by nature She continued her passion of raising animals, including rabbits, chickens, miniature horses, and many family pets She had great compassion for all animals; large and small Alana and Robin laboured to turn their homestead into a serene retirement location where she enjoyed the beauty of wildlife and flowers Alana was predeceased by her parents Ann and William Beetstra, and her husband Robin. She will be lovingly remembered by her son Richard (Elizabeth), daughter Michelle (Clint), brother William, grandchildren Jerome, Anthony, Kevin, and Elijah, as well as numerous nieces and nephews

A special thanks to all those in the Columbia Valley who helped Alana in her later years There will be no service at her request

Sherry Huether

June 5, 1962 – March 22, 2023

1962 – M h 2023

Sherry Huether lost her battle with cancer on March 22nd, 2023 surrounded by loved ones She will be remembered for her caring nature, unwavering positivity and putting everyone’s feelings or needs before her own. She is survived by her husband Duane, sons Rory and Coby, daughters in-law Malory and Britney, and grandsons Alden and Chase She will be sorely missed, as she touched so many people’s hearts and was a mother and friend to many

Open to Tender

Columbia Valley Arts is currently seeking proposals for Food Service based out of the historical Pynelogs Cultural Centre, at Kinsmen Beach Opportunity is available for mobile units/foodtrucks/pop ups also Beachside setting, large patio overlooking the lake and surrounding greenspace Includes kitchen space and furniture, storage space Additional opportunities for year round operations, catering and special events in collaboration with Columbia Valley Arts

Application package is available by email info@columbiavalleyarts com

250 342 4423, tues-sat 11am-4pm

Application closes April 22nd 2023

Mission

Under direct super vision of the SR Utility Operator, the proposed Utility Operator will use their wealth of knowledge from the water & wastewater industr y to help efficiently deliver these ser vices at optimal capacity The incumbent will complete daily operations and maintenance of the systems while helping to mitigate risks and plan for future expansion This rotation may include regular weekend work with your days off during the week

Who Are You?

You have significant experience working in utility operations and/or a relevant red seal trades certificate

You are a proven hard worker with ample room for improvement and growth You chase excellence in ever y aspect of life and work is no exception

You exhibit confidence, versatility and navigate challenges with positivity and apply innovative solutions with your team

You’re a methodical thinker and analyze the outcome of ever y situation By planning, prioritizing, and executing you manage your time efficiently and accomplish tasks accordingly

You are a team player that is a coachable and actively participates in progressive discussions towards a common goal

What Will You Do?

You will analyze and track system data while performing routine maintenance and periodic repairs to the system

You will be part of a passionate team that looks to deliver the best possible utilities, safely and efficiently to its members and customers

Participate and provide feedback on system operations and maintenance

Key Responsibilities

• Perform routine maintenance programs

• Troubleshoot and anticipate system issues

• Respond to emergency situations (On-call, Nights/Weekends/ Holidays)

• Conduct assessments and condition reporting

• Analyze test results and instrument readings

• Collect and test water samples for chemical and bacterial content

• Collect waste and sewage samples, test and analyze results

• Complete and maintain plant logs and reports

• Maintain and repair installation equipment, help with the installation, the assembly, and repairs to equipment

• Monitor and inspect plant equipment and systems to detect equipment malfunctioning and to ensure plant systems are operating normally

• Operate and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment to regulate the treatment and distribution of water

• Operate and monitor computerized control systems and related equipment to regulate the flow of sewage and to treat and dispose of sewage and wastes

• Patrol plant to check pumps, motors, filters, chlorinators and other plant equipment

Qualifications and Terms

• EOCP certified Water / Wastewater operator level 1 or 2

• Any other EOCP courses would be beneficial (cross connection, treatment, stormwater)

• Relevant Red Seal Trades Certificate

• Basic computer skills in Microsoft Office, excel, HMI, SCADA and maintenance software

• Experience with pumps (submersible, positive displacement, centrifugal)

• Pipe laying / Pipe fitting experience

• Knowledge of electrical and instrumentation equipment

• Familiar with motors and compressors

• Confined Space, WHMIS, First Aid and other safety courses considered assets

• Able to provide a cleared RCMP Criminal Record Check

• Possess a Drivers License with a clean drivers abstract

• Must be able to work onsite, in Invermere, BC

Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication skills Proven ability to communicate clearly and professionally both orally and in writing

• Excellent organizational skills Proven ability to manage multiple tasks with consideration to timelines and directives

• Attention to detail Able to use critical thinking skills to be able to troubleshoot challenges and find solutions

• Understand general practice of maintaining confidentiality

• Collaborate effectively with community members, band staff and external partners

• Understanding of the Shuswap Band community, culture, and Secwepemc values

• Team player You understand your role in a team and can make those around you grow to their full potential You delegate properly and help your team improve by putting them in positions to succeed

This is a full-time, year-round position.

Regular work week: Must be able to work weekends – days off ar flexible but must be during the week Ie Wednesday to Sunday 8-4 30 or Thursday to Monday 8-4 30 (30 minutes unpaid lunch)

The ideal start date is June 1st 2023

We offer a wide variety of perks including:

• Employer matched pension plan after 3 months

• Company Vehicle

• Extensive health and benefits package

• Bi-weekly healthy food box

• Dynamic work environment

How to Apply

We value diversity and welcome all qualified candidates to apply Employment and promotion of a qualified Indigenous person or Shuswap Band member will be administered in a fair and reasonable manner and is consistent with the Canadian Human Rights Commission Policy on “Aboriginal Employment Preference ”

If interested, please apply to sstump@shuswapband.ca. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.