THURSDAY, November 3, 2016
www.kamloopsthisweek.com
A27
Obituaries & In Memoriam Gerald (Jerry) Dennis Biollo
Tony Nigro
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Tony Nigro on October 30, 2016, a life well lived at the age of 92. Tony is survived by his wife Aurora, his son Charlie, daughter Rose (Frank) and his two grandsons Maurizio and Antonio Saccomanno. He also leaves behind his nieces Teresina Petretti, Rose Rende, Franca Crasti, his sister-in-law, Maria Sicoli and many cousins, relatives, friends and longtime acquaintances. Tony was predeceased by his father and mother Pasquale and Rosina, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fiore and Luisa Sicoli, his sister Sarina Cuzzetto and his niece Marisa Malakoff. Tony was born in Grimaldi, Cosenza, Italy on June 1, 1924. He came to Canada in December of 1949 and worked on the railroad for a short time, but his true passion for welding soon took over. He opened up his own welding shop on Tranquille Road in 1956. Over this period of time, Tony saw the landscape of North Kamloops change, but the welding shop remained the same. To many in the Italian community, he became known simply as “Mastro” (teacher) for his creativity of all things iron. Over the last few years the “shop” was more of a meeting place than a workplace. For old friends and new, those who visited on a daily, weekly or occasional basis, it served its purpose well. Stories were told, opinions were shared and as memories grew shorter, the tales seemed to grow longer, however, everyone left as if all the world’s problems had been solved.
He will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him and will forever remain in our hearts. Prayer Service will held at 8:30 p.m. Sunday, November 6, 2016 at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 635 Tranquille Road, Kamloops, BC and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Monday, November 7, 2016 at the church, with the Reverend Father Paul Simms officiating. Interment will be at the Hillside Cemetery followed by refreshments in the OLPH Parish Hall. Condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com Schoenings Funeral Service 250-374-1454
ERIC JAMES BROWN
It is with great sadness that the family of Eric Brown announces his peaceful passing on Monday, October 31, 2016 at Royal Inland Hospital after a brief battle with lung cancer. Eric was born in Kamloops on May 9, 1952, the 2nd of 3 children born to Andy & Barbara Brown. Eric grew up in Kamloops and continued to make it his home his entire life. Eric began working at Brown’s Repair Shop, the family business, in 1969. He proudly took ownership of the business, which has been in the family since 1922, upon his father’s retirement. Eric and his wife Shirley enjoyed camping and exploring in their motorhome, with their menagerie of animals, as well as many summers at Shuswap Lake. Eric was an avid reader! In the last few years he rediscovered his love of motorcycles and took great pleasure in riding to visit family and friends. His most recent adventures were to Gabriola Island to visit his daughter and granddaughters where he purchased a lovely property to enjoy future retirement. Eric is survived by his daughter Dianna Bonder and granddaughters Ekko and Nico Bonder. They were the absolute highlight of Eric’s life and he was extremely proud of them. He is also survived by his sister Elaine (Roger) Parkes of Kamloops, his brother Allan (Nancy) Brown of Calgary and their children Jared & Erin Brown, as well as relatives too numerous to mention. Eric was predeceased by his wife Shirley and his parents Andy and Barbara. Eric will also be dearly missed by the staff of Brown’s Repair Shop: Kim, Brenda, Tom and Mack. The family would like to thank the dedicated staff of Brown’s Repair Shop who will continue to support the Kamloops community. The family would also like to thank the wonderful staff of 7N for the excellent care they provided for Eric. Please join the family on Saturday, November 5, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. in the Parkside Room at the Sandman Centre, 300 Lorne St, Kamloops for a CELEBRATION of Eric’s life. Eric battled several cancers in his last few years, so in lieu of flowers the family would like donations to be made in his name to the Canadian Cancer Society or to the charity of their choosing.
(250) 377-8225
Jerry was born on November 6, 1941, the fourth of five children, and passed into the arms of his Heavenly Father on October 30, 2016. When Jerry was 6 years old, the Biollo family moved to Kamloops, where he attended Stuart Wood School for 1 year and St. Ann’s Academy for 3 years. The family’s next move was to Vernon. After completing Junior High School, Jerry entered the Minor Seminary of Christ the King in Mission B.C., for grades 10 - 12. In 1959, he entered St. Joseph’s Seminary in St. Albert’s, Alberta for 2 years of Philosophy and 4 years of Theology. On April 3, 1965, he was ordained a priest in his home parish of St. James, where he received his first assignment as Monsignor Miles ‘assistant. His love for young people and for music found him spending many hours with the students at the school, teaching them to enjoy music by playing his guitar and singing for them. For the next 10 years, he assisted in North Kamloops, Vernon and at the Cathedral in Kamloops, where he was appointed Rector in 1975 and spent the next 10 years. After a 2 year sabbatical, he returned to 100 Mile House. He remained there for 1 year after which time he bought a 14 acre parcel of land in Lone Butte and built a house. He lived there until 2004, at which time he moved to Vernon, to reside with his mother, who had been in a serious car accident. After her passing, he lived and worked in various cities in the Okanagan. For the past 3 years, he has resided at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Shrine at Cache Creek. He loved it there, and enjoyed keeping the Shrine “up & running “. He shared his talents generously with his family and was always willing and eager to do a fix it job or a reno for them.They felt so lucky to have him in their lives. He is survived by his sister Arlene Bergonder, her children Darcy Meers, (Taylor, Trevor & Natalie), Paul Bergonder & Kevin Bergonder, his brother Amerigo, his brother Stephen and sister-in-law Kathy and their children Shaun & Jenna and friend Karol. He was predeceased by his parents Amerigo & Guiditta, brothers Kenneth & Leo, and brotherin-law, Leonard Bergonder. He was to celebrate his 75th birthday tomorrow with the family gathering at his sister’s home. We celebrate today in a different way - we remember a kind, gentle, giving and loving soul who graced us with his presence. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Prayers will be recited on Friday, November 4, 2016 at 8:00 pm at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, 635 Tranquille Rd, Kamloops, BC. The Reverend Father Paul Simms will celebrate The Funeral Mass in the church on Saturday, November 5, 2016 at 2:00 pm. An afternoon reception will follow.
In Loving Memory of Ewald Kaus
February 17, 1925 – November 3, 2010
Another year has passed. Dear husband, father and friend Loving thoughtful with a heart of gold to the end. Memories of you we deeply hold. Until one sweet day we’ll meet again, and hold each other close once more.
Donations to the Canadian Catholic Organization for Development & Peace, 1425 Rene Levesque Blvd. West 3rd floor, Montreal, QC H3G 9Z9, or a charity of your choice in memory of Jerry would be greatly appreciated.
We love and miss you dearly.
Condolences may be expressed at www.schoeningfuneralservice.com
Your loving Mary and family
Schoenings Funeral Service 250-374-1454
Oswald “John” Weisbeck
Leo Gerald “Gerry” Levasseur March 29, 1927 – October 28, 2016
1924 – 2016
We are sad to announce the passing of Gerald Levasseur. He will be sadly missed by his loving partner Sheila; sister Jean of Pine Falls; children Shaunda (Dan), Linda (Doug), Heather (Paul), Dan (Cheryl) and Darren; many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, plus nieces, nephews and friends. Gerald was predeceased by his parents William and Dora and by three brothers Rolane, Loie and Paul. Gerald was born in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. He moved to Vancouver and joined the navy. After the navy, he returned to Vancouver and became a salesman. He learned and practiced many trades such as mechanic, welder, truck driver, shop foreman at Evan’s Pulp Mill, and he owned his own logging company in Revelstoke. Gerald moved to Kamloops and was hired at Trimac Bulk System, where he stayed until retirement. Gerald loved hunting, fishing, camping, family gatherings and coaching hockey and baseball teams. Our heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Wynne and the amazing staff at Ridgeview. At Gerald’s request a private family gathering will be held.
(250) 377-8225
Mr. Oswald “John” Weisbeck died in Kamloops, BC on October 30, 2016 at the age of 92. He is missed by his wife Mary (Bianchin) of 68 years and by his children Carol (Mike) Ostrikoff, Rodney (Lynette) Weisbeck and Rev. Fr. Fred Weisbeck, his sisters Isabel Kost and Rev. Sr. Joan Weisbeck, his five grandchildren: Derick (Joelle), Karen and Daniel Weisbeck, Chris (Michelle) and Ryan (Rebecca) Ostrikoff; eleven great-grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. He is predeceased by his parents John and Sofia Weisbeck (nee Lerner), son Donald (Linda) Weisbeck and sisters Rose, Helen, Matilda, Anne, Clara and brother Oliver. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Most Rev. Bishop Joseph Nguyen and concelebrated by Fr. Fred Weisbeck and his brother priests on Monday, November 7, 2016 at Holy Family Catholic Church at 10:30 a.m. Condolences may be expressed at: www.schoeningfuneral service.com Schoenings Funeral Service 250-374-1454