Anne McKinnon née Kennan

Anne McKinnon née Kennan
Anne

McKinnon née Kennan

Year of Birth: 1954
Passed Away: August 29th, 2026

Anne McKinnon was born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and passed away in Surrey, B.C. at the age of 72.

Anne lived on Sussexdale Farm in Zimbabwe before later making her home in Coquitlam, Canada. She travelled to Australia, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Scotland, Holland, and eventually settling in Canada in 2016.

After finishing school, Anne trained as a nurse and soon became a devoted young mother to Markham and Sheila. She later worked as a secretary for the engineering firm Alexander Gibb and Partners, and after leaving Gibb, she dedicated herself to doing the bookkeeping for the family business.

Anne married her lifelong partner, Geoffrey, with whom she shared fifty wonderful years. Together they embraced a love for the outdoors, spending countless camping trips in the Zambezi Valley and the Lowveld — places that became woven into the fabric of their life together.

A gifted and adventurous cook, Anne delighted in experimenting with new recipes and was known for her exceptional cake‑icing skills. She loved fishing; Tiger Bay remained her favourite place to cast a line. After moving to Canada, Anne poured her creativity into knitting, crafting over a hundred dog sweaters as a volunteer—each one made with care and joy.

Anne also had a lifelong love of cats. Her beloved Tiggs remained in Zimbabwe, and more recently, Mochi chose Anne as his favourite human, bringing her companionship and comfort. She loved to write and dreamed of publishing her book, Anne from Africa, hoping to share the many stories and adventures from her life in Zimbabwe.

Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Tom and Sheila Kennan; her brother Paul; her brothers‑in‑law Peter and John; and her grandson Dylan.

She is survived by her husband Geoffrey; her children Markham and Sheila (Richard); her grandchildren Steven, Geoffrey, David and Kristin; her sister‑in‑law Mary; her nephews Kevin and Dylan; her niece‑in‑law Mia; her great‑nieces Whitney and Molly; her siblings Ella, Denise, Andries and Kit; her brother‑in‑law Alastair; her nieces Bree and Amy; her nephews Reece and Beni, and her great‑nephews Lios and Oscar.

Anne’s warmth, creativity, and adventurous spirit touched everyone who knew her. She was immensely proud of her grandchildren and found great joy in watching them grow. Her presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Roy John Manion Jr.

Roy John Manion Jr.
Roy John

Manion Jr.

Year of Birth: 1945
Passed Away: August 25th, 2026

Roy John Manion Jr., 81, passed away suddenly, surrounded by his family, on Tuesday, August 25, 2026, at Burnaby Hospital.

Born on May 10, 1945, in New Westminster, Roy was the son of Velma and Roy Sr. His early years were spent in Port Coquitlam where he worked alongside his father. These formative experiences helped shape the values of hard work, integrity, and perseverance that would remain with him throughout his life.

Roy graduated from Port Coquitlam Senior Secondary School, now Terry Fox Secondary, and went on to further his education at St. Mark’s College at UBC. He dedicated more than six decades to the Canadian wood industry beginning in 1961 with weekend and holiday work at Canfor while pursuing his education. What began as a young man’s first steps into the industry grew into a distinguished career in sales and management taking Roy across Canada and around the world as he developed markets for Canadian wood products and ultimately oversaw sales throughout Asia and Oceania. His commitment to the industry extended well beyond his own career. He served as President of BC Wood Specialties Group and on the advisory board of Forintek contributing his knowledge, experience, and leadership to an industry that had been such an important part of his life.

At 23, Roy met Jan, the love of his life. They married on August 28, 1971, and shared 54 years together. Their life was built upon a foundation of faith, family, and devotion, and together they raised their two daughters, Charmaine and Danielle.

Family was at the heart of Roy’s life. He took great pride in attending weekly Mass especially when his daughters led the congregation in song. At home, he could often be found puttering around the “Homestead” taking great pride in caring for the place his family called home. He was particularly gifted with his hands and took great pleasure in woodworking, devoting countless hours to ensuring that the house his in-laws had built was not simply maintained but continually cared for and improved.

Above all, Roy was a man of deep faith. His love for the Lord was the foundation of his daily life and guided the way he lived, worked, and cared for others. One of his happiest memories was a Holy Pilgrimage to Israel in 2017, a journey that held a special significance for him. Roy lived his faith with conviction. His integrity was evident in all that he did, and his deep connection to Jesus and the Catholic Church was expressed not only in words but in the way he treated others. He had a gift for sharing his faith through action and example, often leaving a lasting impression on the young people and colleagues whose lives he touched.

Those who knew Roy will remember his generosity, kindness, determination, and unmistakable sense of humour. He had a natural ability to put people at ease and believed in the simple importance of making others smile. He brought warmth to the people around him and never seemed to miss an opportunity for a good laugh. Above all, Roy’s greatest legacy is the family he cherished and the faith to which he remained devoted throughout his life.

Roy is survived by his beloved wife, Jan; children and their spouses, Charmaine (Charles) and Danielle (Matthew); grandchildren, Isaiah, Xavier, Trinity, Logan, and Jaxon; siblings, Dale (Bob), Joan, and Sherry; and close family members Vesna, Ashley (Chris), and Johnny (Christina).

Roy’s funeral service will be held on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Francis de Sales Parish, 6610 Balmoral St., Burnaby. A reception will immediately follow in the parish hall.

Interment will take place at 1:30 p.m. at Ocean View Cemetery, 3883 Rumble St., Burnaby.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC SPCA, an organization that was meaningful to Roy: BC SPCA – Roy Manion Memorial Fund.

May the road rise to meet you, Roy. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, and may the rain fall softly upon your fields. Until we meet again, may you rest peacefully, surrounded by the love you gave so freely and the many lives you touched along the way.

Donald Dennis “Don”

Donald Dennis
Donald

Dennis “Don”

Year of Birth: 1935
Passed Away: August 2nd, 2026

It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Don Dennis at the age of 91. Don was born in Kenora, Ontario, and was raised in Vancouver with his brother, Les, by their parents, John and Mary Dennis.

He often told stories about riding his bike all the way to Burrard Inlet to swim with his friends as a youth, hiking up Seymour Mountain and staying in a cabin in the woods so they could go skiing. As a teenager, he worked as a pin boy at Commodore Lanes, sparking his lifelong love of bowling, which he later passed on to his daughters.

Don met his wife, Joyce, when they both worked at BA Oil and were introduced through the company bowling league, just after Don had been transferred from Calgary to Toronto. He was heavily involved with the Port Moody Soccer Club, serving on the board and coaching his daughters’ soccer team. Every weekend, he would travel to more than one field or gym to watch his daughters participate in their various sporting activities.

Summers were spent camping on Camano Island, Deception Pass or along the Oregon Coast with family and friends. When camping became a bit more challenging, Don and his wife, Joyce, took up cruising, visiting destinations such as the Panama Canal, Mexico, Alaska, and Hawaii.

After retiring as head of systems in the library processing department at UBC, Don filled his spare time volunteering with the local Speed Watch, tending to his garden and reading good books. He was an avid reader, averaging about a book a week. He was also a very social person and enjoyed the sorority socials, his weekly crib games at Dogwood Pavilion, and walks or coffees with his Healthy Heart Group.

Don was predeceased by his loving wife, Joyce; his brother, Les; and his sister-in-law, Anne. He is survived by his children, Karen (Robert) Phillips and Lynda Green (Adam Mullen); grandchildren, Ezrai Phillips and Kendall Green; as well as his in-laws, nieces, and nephews. He will be greatly missed by his many close friends.

A memorial service to honour Don will be held on Saturday, August 29, at 1:00 p.m. at Como Lake United Church, 535 Marmont St., Coquitlam. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to B.C. Lung Foundation or Eagle Ridge Hospital Foundation.

Don’s memorial will be streamed. https://www.youtube.com/live/APcEk85k64g

Marko Dasović (Jauk)

Marko Dasović (Jauk)
Marko

Dasović (Jauk)

Year of Birth: 1942
Passed Away: July 9th, 2026

Marko Dasović (Jauk), 84, passed away peacefully on July 9th in his home in Coquitlam, BC, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Perušić, Croatia on February 23rd, 1942, Marko immigrated to Canada in 1968 and would make Canada his home for the remainder of his life.

Marko is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dragica, their children Joe (Bonnie), Mary (Tony), Nick (Angela), his five grandchildren–Nicole, Monica, Natalie, Marco and Lucas, his brothers-in-law Marko (Barbara), and Mate, along with their families. Marko was preceded into heaven by his parents Joso and Matija, and older siblings Peko and Milja. From the time Marko arrived in Canada, he has been a fervent supporter and contributor to Vancouver’s Croatian community in myriad ways, most importantly through his links–as coach, president, and avid supporter–of Croatia SC, Vancouver’s Croatian-supported local soccer team. In addition, he supported and was active in local diaspora political organizations and community institutions such as the Immaculate Heart of Mary Croatian Catholic Church, Stranka Prava, and the Croatian Cultural Centre, which he helped build.

Marko was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, and friend, and we cherish his memory as we look back on his life and the devotion, he showed his family and his community. May his soul rest in peace. We love you!

We kindly ask that in lieu of flowers donations be made in his name to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation, whose work was crucial in providing Marko with many years of additional time with us.

A Funeral Mass will take place on Friday, July 17, 2026, at 10:00 a.m.at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Croatian Parish, at 3105 E 1st Avenue, Vancouver B.C. Burial to take place after the Funeral Mass at 1:00 p.m. at Gardens of Gethsemani Catholic Cemetery, 15694 32 Avenue, Surrey B.C.

 

George W. Atkinson

George W. Atkinson
George W

Atkinson

Year of Birth: 1934
Passed Away: June 6th, 2026

George was born on a bright, sunny July day in 1934. George lived a full and active life in Richmond, B.C., for nearly eighty years. Known for working hard and playing hard, he was also a long-time volunteer and board member at Thompson Community Centre in Richmond, B.C. He was predeceased by his parents and five sisters. He is survived by his loving wife, Yvonne, with whom he shared sixty-eight years; his two children, Judi-Ann, and Norman; his seven grandchildren; and his four great-grandchildren. George passed away peacefully after a short battle with esophageal cancer. A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at Wisteria Place, 4388 Garry Street, Richmond, B.C.

Bertrand “Bert” George LeChasseur

Bertrand “Bert” George LeChasseur
Bertrand “Bert” George

LeChasseur

Year of Birth: 1951
Passed Away: July 6th, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Bertrand “Bert” George LeChasseur. Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend passed away peacefully surrounded by his family in Abbotsford.

He was predeceased by his mother Mary, his father Bert Sr., his sister Elaine, his stepmother Merle, and his infant daughter Stephanie. He will be forever loved and deeply missed by his wife, Dianne, of fifty-five years; children: Jennifer (Craig), Joss (Nadine), Bree (Kevin), Matthew (Danielle), Jillian (Paul), Sarrah (Brad), Adam (Kendra), and his seventeen grandchildren who adored their Grandpa.

He lived in various places including Peru, Oliver, Chilliwack, Langley, and Hemlock Mountain. Bert graduated from St. Thomas More Collegiate in Burnaby where the Christian Brothers played a significant role in shaping his character and values. Their influence inspired his lifelong commitment to Catholic Education and to supporting youth athletics. Bert and Dianne were a constant presence at their children’s sporting events, performances, and milestones and continued this tradition with their grandchildren. Bert was one of the founding members of the BC Catholic High School Basketball Tournament, an event that has, for thirty-eight years, reflected his passion for basketball and his commitment to youth.

Bert dedicated thirty years of his life to Gray Beverage and PepsiCo, mentoring many salespeople along the way. He spent an additional ten years as a District Sales Manager at Island Farms where he was his own greatest customer!

In his retirement, Bert and Dianne enjoyed time with family, travelling, and walking with their loyal labradors.

Bert was a loving husband and father, welcomed all with an open heart, and encouraged those around him to be the best version of themselves. He will be deeply missed, and he leaves a legacy that will continue for generations.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to your local Catholic School’s sports program in memory of Bert and his lifelong commitment to helping children and supporting his community.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, July 24, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, 20675 87th Avenue, Langley, BC with a spirited Celebration of Life in the parish hall to follow. In honour of Bert’s favourite attire, please wear your suspenders!

 

Leo Hector Joseph Hurtubise

Leo Hector Joseph Hurtubise
Leo Hector Joseph

Hurtubise

Year of Birth: 1951
Passed Away: June 21st, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leo Hector Joseph Hurtubise on June 21, 2026, Father’s Day. After a brief illness related to Parkinson’s disease, Leo passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him most: his wife, Linda (née Blake); his daughters, Nicole and Yvette; son-in-law, Rudy D’Andrea; and his beloved grandsons, Oliver and Douglas.

Born on July 30, 1951, Leo was the youngest child of Harvey and Fran Hurtubise. He was predeceased by his sister, Carmen, and is survived by his brother, Maurice. Growing up surrounded by cousins, aunts, uncles, and a large extended family, Leo developed a deep appreciation for family that remained with him throughout his life. He took great pride in his nieces and nephews and cherished every opportunity to gather with family.

One of Leo’s greatest blessings was meeting the love of his life, Linda, in study hall. Together for more than 55 years, they built a life filled with love, laughter, friendship, and adventure. Whether they were travelling, spending winters at Almer Acres, or simply enjoying time together, they were happiest in each other’s company.

Leo was a man of many talents and endless generosity. A true “jack of all trades”, he could fix almost anything and was always ready to lend a hand when family, friends, or neighbours needed help. He enjoyed camping, even if his idea of a getaway sometimes meant driving only a dozen miles down the road to Derby Reach.

He loved card games, hot tubs, and spending time with the people he cared about most. He was particularly fond of poker and was known to finish a season at Almar Acres with a little extra money in his pocket. Fishing, however, was a different story. Leo had all the makings of a great fisherman except for one small detail: catching fish. Fortunately, his enthusiasm for the sport far exceeded his success.

Above all else, Leo will be remembered for his kindness, his steady presence, his willingness to help others, and the unconditional love he had for his family and friends. He was a devoted husband, a proud father and grandpa, a cherished brother and uncle, and a loyal friend.

His family finds comfort in the many memories he leaves behind and in knowing that his legacy lives on in the people whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson Society British Columbia.

A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Thursday, July 2 at 1:00 pm at St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church, 20676 Fraser Hwy, Langley, BC. Reception to follow.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.

Gareth Farfan

Gareth Farfan
Gareth

Farfan

Year of Birth: 1969
Date of Death: June 22nd, 2026

Gareth Farfan died peacefully on June 22, 2026, at Eagle Ridge Hospital, Port Moody, BC after a brief and unexpected battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife Amanda Gleave, his daughter Lily, his siblings Frank, James, Leslie, Penelope, Harry (predeceased), and Matthew.

We lost a true legend. His passion for anything creative, his aspiration for adventure and trying new things, his unique ability to elevate any situation with humour, to bring out the inner child in every person he met, and his unconditional love for the people he adored, he will never be forgotten.

“Gareth the Great” will be missed by more people than he could have ever imagined.

The family will hold a Celebration of Life in his memory at a date to be determined.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following charities:

Kidsport Tri-Cities
https://secure.kidsportbc.org/p2p/fundraising/fundraise/participant/GarethFarfan/en-CA

Arts Umbrella Foundation
https://www.artsumbrella.com/donation-page-in-honour-of-gareth/

Gordon Maxwell Kerr

Gordon Maxwell Kerr
Gordon Maxwell

Kerr

Year of Birth: 1955
Passed Away: May 5th, 2026

Gordon Maxwell Kerr was born in November 1955, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, where he lived much of his life until his move to British Columbia in 1996.

Gordon completed his high school diploma then pursued a lengthy and successful 25 plus years career as a musician. He was an accomplished bassist who played and travelled with many local Winnipeg bands until his move to British Columbia. He later completed his Property Management and Real Estate degree from the Sauder School of Business at UBC and worked as a Property Manager for 3 years from 2007-2010.

Diagnosed with a liver ailment in 1991, he received a liver transplant in the summer of 2000 at Vancouver General Hospital which gave him and his loved ones the gift of 26 additional years of life.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sheila, his sister Debra, son Matthew, daughter-in-law Caitlin, grandson Nolan, daughters Rebecca and Frances, former wife Nancy, Aunt Margaret, half-sister Holly, and cousin Marion. In addition to these family members, Gord will be forever missed by his wife Sheila’s family and many close friends who described him as a “beautiful, peaceful soul” whom they were “blessed and honoured to have known”.

A lifelong love of music (especially Jazz) wasn’t Gord’s only passion. His love of the sea and sailing was a hobby from a very young age. Throughout his life, he had the pleasure of sailing the lakes of Ontario and Manitoba, as well as the beautiful waters of Howe Sound, Sunshine Coast and Desolation Sound, and the Gulf Islands of B.C.

Gordon is pre-deceased by his mother, Susanne Berger (nee Rees), his father, Bruce Kerr, and cousin Rick Rees.

A calm, quiet, and wonderful man with a quick-witted sense of humour, Gord asked for no funeral services but just peaceful wishes for family to remain connected and to be remembered by those close to him.

A huge debt of gratitude from the family goes out to the following:

– The BC Liver Transplant Clinic (coordinators, physicians, nurses, and surgeons).
– Vancouver General.
– Royal Columbian Hospital (nurses, doctors, surgeons, Emergency Room staff).
– Fraser Health Home Support nurses and staff, and
– ANORA Cremation, Burial & Events.

All these professionals will be remembered with affection for their contribution and care in making Gordon’s final days and hours comfortable and peaceful.

Mary Elizabeth Babcock

Mary Elizabeth Babcock
Mary Elizabeth

Babcock

Year of Birth: 1965
Passed Away: May 10th, 2026

Forever in our hearts, we mourn the passing of Mary Elizabeth Babcock at Vancouver General Hospital on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at the age of 60. Born on July 14, 1965, in Port Arthur, Ontario, to John and Joan Babcock (née Leers), Mary was the third of four children and grew up with an open accepting heart, devoted to her family, friends, learning, and community.

 

Always outgoing with a ready smile, Mary easily made many life-long friends. With her compassion for people and love for mathematics, teaching was an easy choice. Mary earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Education, and later a Master of Education. She began her teaching career at Pinetree Secondary School in Coquitlam where she remained for 25 rewarding years, finally retiring in August of 2024. She was known for her devoted and caring approach, especially with those challenged in math.

 

In the late 1980’s, Mary met Howard the love of her life through mutual friends. They married in Vancouver on the 21st of May 1994 and during those early years of their relationship focused on making a home and developing their professions while keeping family and friends close. Mary’s passion was travel, socializing with friends and activities including skiing, hockey, golfing, hiking, biking, and fitness.

 

The birth of their children, Sarah in 2001, and Ethan in 2003 enhanced their active lives with the addition of youth sports, coaching, boating, camping, and family destinations.

 

Mary’s greatest joy was being part of a loving family and surrounded by friends. Her door was always open and welcoming to all, where she created a home filled with love and laughter. Mary enjoyed playing fun competitive games, especially cards, reading a good book, and sharing a

glass of wine with her friends. She took great pleasure in gift shopping for family and friends (and yes, she would pick out just the odd thing for herself!) and would unfailingly select the perfect item for each person.

 

Mary faced her battle against Leukemia with unwavering courage and grace, determined to beat the odds. The support she received from family, friends and neighbours was touching and will always be remembered. We would like to sincerely thank everyone for their kindness and generosity, especially those at the VGH BMT unit and Dr. Song.

 

Mary is survived by her husband, Howard, and children Sarah and Ethan. She is also survived by her mother, Joan Babcock; sister Cathleen (Derek) Duffy and their son Elijah (Lily); brothers James (Laura) Babcock and their children Claire and Alana, and John Babcock; sister-in-law Lorraine (Don) Merkel; brother-in-law Ken Smith (Elisa Jordan) and their children MacGregor and Ronan; colleagues from her professional life and her many precious friends and neighbours.

 

Mary is pre-deceased by her father, John Norman Babcock; her grandparents George and Elizabeth (Morton) Babcock, and Louis and Florence (Penkul) Leers; and her in-laws, Ken, and Phyllis (Larkin) Smith. Cremation and a private internment service have taken place.

 

In Mary’s memory, the family is committed to raising money in her name in the fight

to cure blood cancers. If you would like to participate, please make a donation by following this link: http://secure.llscanada.org/goto/MarysArmy