Jeff died in Surrey, B.C., at the age of 54. He loved his family and the great outdoors, spending time fishing, camping, swimming and waterskiing at local lakes and beaches. Jeff was a social person who liked to gather with friends and family. He was a dog lover, including his dog Roscoe, who predeceased him and dog Louis, who outlived him. He was a great cook and was king of the barbecue. In his younger years, Jeff played football and was on the wrestling team.

Predeceased by father James, nephew Karson Storzuk and mother-in-law Ethel McAree.

Survived by loving wife Dianne, son James, mother Ruth, sister Kim Storzuk (Kevin), nephew Kolton Storzuk, sister-in-law Theresa McAree, brothers-in-law; Jim McAree (Audrey), Ray McAree (Melva) Mike McAree (Corine) and Craig McAree (Lena), father- in-law James McAree, nieces Ashley Trigg and Lauren McAree.

Well-loved for 52 years, this world has lost an exceptional human being. Jason was one of the good ones, a true gentleman and kind soul. Jason was well-spoken, witty, reliable, yet humble. He personified the ultimate combination of human decency and cool. He was an exceptional human being.

Always sensitive to others, Jason was a selfless and gentle man. He knew that the little things were the big things, playing the bass, sunny days at the beach or forest, secret breakfast with his boys, a good cuppa joe, being in nature hiking, drawing, and painting. With his wife, Clara, time was spent just chatting about the state of the world, planning for the future, creating a household of cherished traditions with experiences and customs of four different cultures: Japan, Canada, the UK, and China. His main priority really was his family, including his extended family. He was not someone who had a big social circle as he was a bit on the shy side. But he was well-respected by all who met him.

Jason moved to Japan in 1993 to teach English in Saga, Japan. After a year, he left for Osaka where he continued to teach, study and master Japanese, work in a bar and play in a band. In 2001, he made the leap to change careers and moved to Tokyo. People have described Jason and Clara’s meeting as a “meeting of souls”. As a couple enjoying life in the big city of Tokyo, each year, they travelled extensively to Australia and the UK, Asia, and Canada many times over as they have a large network of friends and family. Married in 2005, they finally started their family by adopting Tora in Japan in 2011 and welcomed Ryan by natural birth 9 months later. They moved to Clara’s hometown, Vancouver, in 2014.

Jason was a natural leader. He worked as Director of the Tokyo English Life Line in Japan for 6 years. In Canada, he started working for the Crisis Line Association of B.C., which provides online support for suicide prevention. In Canada, he started working for the Crisis Line Association of B.C., which is a network of crisis lines providing 24-hour support for suicide prevention and mental health. In 2017, he was one of the key leads in forming Canada’s first national suicide prevention service through Crisis Service Canada (CSC). He continued in this role as Director of Operations for CSC, until his death. Colleagues have described him as a gentle, diplomatic yet passionate and driving force who led a team to form something that has literally saved thousands of lives. He was a person who always revealed something interesting and new to them, bestowing stories of climbing Mt. Fuji no less than seven times, fighting ten opponents in a row to get a black belt in karate, playing his bass in a band in Japan, as well as sharing his love of music with his kids. He loved riding motorcycles and having a beer with family and friends at the pub.

Since his Myeloma diagnosis in 2018, Jay dealt with his disease in the same way he lived his life: with positivity, hope and grace. He never asked, “why me”, never complained and in fact, few people even knew of his battle. The final months were hard but in his last days, Jason was at peace to leave this world. He was ready and he was not afraid.

Jason was predeceased by his mother Mary in 2015.

Survived by loving partner of twenty years, Clara, sons; Tora and Ryan, father David (Pauline), siblings; Mark (Louise), Claire (Steven) Carter and half sister Natasha, brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Grace (Enoch) Liang, David (Sofie) Hung, father-in-law Philip Hung, nieces and nephews; Aimee, Jacob, Samuel, Helena, Madeline, Elijah, Dylan and Isaias.

Private funeral mass will be held at St. Francis of Assisi Parish. Donations may be made to GoFund.me/2913c08b in honour of Jay.

Dorothy was born and raised in Vancouver. She met and married the love of her life Richard Purvey in 1952. They were a great team and very devoted to one another. They moved the family to Coquitlam in 1960 where they became very active members of the community. Over the years she kept up a beautiful garden and a lovely home. Once retired, you couldn’t stop Dorothy from all of her social activities. She played tennis at Dogwood Pavillion, bridge with friends and she and Richard travelled overseas. They spent a month in Hawaii every autumn. Sadly, Richard died in 1997 leaving Dorothy a young widow. She carried on with the trips to Hawaii, with her sister as her new companion and continued to stay busy for many years until she was no longer able. She is survived by children; Larry and Nancy (Paul), grandchildren; Jennifer (Jeff), Courtney, Brad (Britanie), Stewart and Taylor, great grandchildren; Madison and Ava. Dorothy and Richard are gone, but their legacy lives on. Donations to the Alzheimer Society suggested in Dorothy’s honour. alzheimer.ca

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Tyler passed in his sleep while at Forensic Psychiatric Hospital in Coquitlam, B.C. He was born in Campbell River, B.C. to proud and loving parents Rhonda and Karl. Tyler was predeceased by his father in 2001, and all of his biological grandparents over the past several years. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his mother Rhonda Johnson (Robert Grove), brothers; Derek Johnson, Clayton Steinthorson (Laura), Jonas Steinthorson (Cheyenne), nieces; Alexis, Payton and Emilie Steinthorson, aunt Kim Hilderman, great-aunt Cheryl Shirtliffe, great-uncle Stephen Miechkota, step-grandfather Donald Chadney, and many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Tyler was a kind and amazing young man with a great sense of humor. He loved to tell jokes or make funny faces, especially when he knew somebody was sad. He was a father figure to his brother Derek, who he loved and missed dearly when he was away. When he was 13, he taught himself to play the electric guitar. When he was 15, his friends called him “Professor Steinthorson,” because he studied and learned to be a self-taught organic agriculturist. Tyler volunteered for numerous seniors and friends, helping them with different garden pest issues, grass cutting, or grooming their yards.
Tyler was diagnosed with severe schizophrenia in 2015 and struggled to get stable due to his hypersensitivity to the potent antipsychotic medications. Even during the most challenging times in his life, he was always looking out for others and sharing what little he had with those less fortunate than him. He fought two successful B.C. human right’s cases to advocate for the other mentally-ill who were struggling in the prison/forensic system, that helped to make a few positive changes. Tyler was a Warrior who fought a good fight in his thirty short years, but he will continue to make more changes in the system with His Passing. Donations may be made to the B.C. Schizophrenia Society, Homeless Shelter of your choice, or plant a tree in his memory. bcss.org

I Made It Home
I just wanted to let you know that I made it Home.
Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh, so new.
I wish that you could close your eyes so you could see it too.
Please try not to be sad for me. Please try to understand.
God is Taking Care of Me. I’m in the Shelter of His Hands.
Here there is no sadness, no sorrow, and no pain.
Here there is no crying, and I’ll never hurt again.
Here it is so Peaceful, when all the Angels sing.
I really have to go for now… I’ve got to try my Wings!
P.S. I’ll be the first face you see when you get here.
Love, Ty

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Paul died March 11, 2021 at the age of 51. His illness was a long struggle. May he find peace. Paul was born in Prince George to loving parents Erin and Maurice. He spent his youth in Vernon, and moved to Victoria to complete his studies at UVIC. He and his family moved to the Lower Mainland in 2002. Paul was a social being. He loved to host parties with great friends, music, dancing, and food- Paul was an accomplished and creative cook. He was always into whatever new toy the tech industry brought his way. Paul was innovative, playful and will be remembered for his quick-witted comments. But what really matters most is that Paul was a caring and loving friend and father. He was full of love and helped a lot of people throughout his life. Paul was predeceased by his mother Erin. He is lovingly remembered by his father Maurice, his children, Connor and Dionne, their mother, Nicole and his former partner Karin Vengshoel, brother Jody and so many friends and relatives.

Theresa died peacefully in her sleep on March 4, 2021, at the age of 98. Born in Rockland, Ontario to Dora and Rene. The family moved to Maillardville when she was 12. She will be missed, but family is glad that her wish has been fulfilled to be reunited with her husband Albert. Family and her faith were paramount to Theresa. Even when she was limited in her speech, you could hear her attempting to pray the Hail Mary as she felt connected to Mother Mary. She and Albert were married in 1939 at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish. Later, as a founding member of Our Lady of Fatima Parish, she was extremely involved in parish activities, such as Les Dames de Sainte Anne, bingo canteen and the choir. Theresa sang solos for weddings and funerals for over 50 years. When her children attended Our Lady of Fatima Elementary she volunteered making costumes for pageants and was member of the PTO serving in positions from President/Secretary/Treasurer.

Theresa was a longtime blood donor and volunteer for the Blood Donor Clinic sharing the stories of being awoken to give blood in the middle of the night, as the process was different in the past. She and Albert shared a love for music and passed this on to their children, with the piano in the front room and Albert right beside with his violin. Making made-to-order meals for her family brought her joy. Who could forget her baking? Theresa loved to sew, knit and crochet all whilst humming a tune. She had a flair for fashion only leaving the house fully done up and often wearing her signature pink. Many an afternoon was passed joyfully playing cards. She was the cribbage queen. Back in the day, her dailies included mass and visiting with her sister Joan and close girlfriends. You know who you are.

Theresa was predeceased by her husband Albert, son Ronald, siblings Charlie, Joan, Gerry & Trudy, grandchildren Joseph and Stephanie and great-grand-daughter Renee. Survived by children; Fr. George OMI, Lorraine (Maurice) Hurtubise, Dianne (Bert) LeChasseur, Mark (Lola), and daughter-in-law Gail. Grandchildren: Michelle (Steve), Alan (Stepanka), Richard (Wendy), Melissa (Kevin), Heather (Fred), Myles (Jay), Jennifer (Craig), Joss (Nadine), Laurie (Dave), Bree (Kevin), Matthew (Danielle), Lance (Krista), Karen (Chris), Jillian (Paul), Sarrah (Brad), Adam (Kendra),and April. Great-grandchildren: Shayna, Isaac, Justin, Jairus, James, Kristian , Alyssa, Haley, Caleb, Julianna, Vanessa, Audrey, Mitchell, Elliot, Benjamin, Allan, Taryn, Jacob, Logan, Laura, Liam, Jaxon, Tyler, Sophia, Zoe, Chase, Jacob, Kamryn, Sydney, Matteo, Lynden, Sienna, and Paisley. Family wishes to acknowledge the caring staff at Belvedere Care Centre. Donations may be made in Theresa’s honour to assist marriage and family ministries in the archdiocese at https://support.rcav.org/donate-lmf/.

Funeral  mass to honour both Theresa and her son Ronald, on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 11:30 am at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 315 Walker St., Coquitlam. If you wish to join us virtually, email to: RSVP@ANORAlife.com for information.

Passed away peacefully, in Burnaby B.C. with family by her side on Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 at the age of 78. Diane was an only-child born in Vancouver, B.C. and was raised by loving parents Anne & Findlay in Vancouver and the University Endowment lands. She attended U Hill, UBC and successfully completing a BA in Psychology. After University, Diane moved to California with what would become life-long friends. She settled there for a time, married once and had daughter Renee (Shawn). Diane and family moved back to the Vancouver area and soon after Diane had her son Mike (Claire). She spent several years as an office manager with Bel-Par Industries. She was a tireless single-mom who, after two major medical surgeries defied all the odds. She returned to a normal life and re-trained as a Family Counsellor, ultimately opening her own practice in Coquitlam in the 1990’s. In recent years Diane endured a battle with Dementia, but she always enjoyed time with her children and her many grandchildren. She will be missed by many. A service will be planned in future. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to B.C. Children’s Hospital Foundation to honour Diane, as per her wish. www.bcchf.ca

Carol was torn from us suddenly at Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster, British Columbia last week. Franco, her partner in life, adventure, love of family and marriage for nearly 47 years, was with her for what was supposed to have been a routine procedure to address her kidney condition.

She will be sorely missed and always cherished by daughters Elisabeth and Christina, sons-in-law Philippe Josset and Stephen Wicary, granddaughter Julia Josset, and grandsons Luka and Nolan Polzot-Wicary; by her sisters Stella and Benedetta, and their husbands Edoardo Pomponio and the late Saverio Grossi; by her brother Gaetano and his wife Rita DiPonio; and by nieces and nephews Peter and John Pomponio; Anna, Ornella and Luisa Grossi; and Dana and Mark DiPonio. She was predeceased by her brother Mario in 2014, and by sister Giuseppina and brother Donato in 1944.

Her loss will be equally felt by in-laws Luigino and Nadia Polzot, and their children Ilaria and Alessio Polzot; nephews Alberto and Cesare Polzot, whose parents Mansueto and Valeria have also passed; and by cousin and dear friends Aulo and Marisa Bearzi, and their daughters Stefania and Deborah Bearzi.

Born in Comune di Sant’Elia Fiumerapido, near Cassino in the central Italian province of Frosinone, Carol came to Canada in 1965 with her parents and siblings, save sister Benedetta. They settled in Windsor, Ontario where she met Franco, who had come from the northern region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia. They married in May 1974. Liz was born at the end of the year, followed by Christina in 1978.

The family moved back to Italy in 1980, living in Franco’s home village of Avausa, in Comune di Prato Carnico, raising their daughters amid the splendors of the Alps. In 1991, they moved back to Windsor, where with the girls in high school Carol took on jobs at Master Cleaners and the Cleary International Centre, serving customers with nearly as much attention (and certainly as much heartfelt conversation) as she offered her family and friends.

She loved to cook and bake for her family, often sending cookies – sometimes even tomatoes and other garden-fresh fare – to both Elisabeth and Christina in Montreal, where they each spent time studying. Those generous habits were revived for her three cherished grandchildren, who from the youngest ages regularly received packages full of home-baked goods, plus hands-on lessons in making pasta, pizza and gnocchi. She will be remembered fondly as a loving, playful and happy grandmother by her beloved Julia, Luka and Nolan.

Carol and Franco moved to Port Moody, B.C. in 2007 to be closer to Elisabeth while Christina began her career in Latin America. The mountains of the Lower Mainland reminded them of the Alps, and they eagerly explored hiking trails around the inlet, up the coast and further inland. Carol continued working, getting to know many people in her new community over the counter at Casa del Pane, among other retail outlets, or through her volunteer efforts at the Community Dialysis Unit in Coquitlam, where she was able to help secure beautiful installations by local artists in support of patients like herself.

She and Franco also enjoyed traveling across Canada, to France, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and to Alaska, Washington and Oregon. She often traveled to see Christina in Montreal and Toronto, in La Ceiba, Honduras, and then in Ottawa. Trips to San Diego, California and Havana, Cuba were added to the itinerary in 2012, when both daughters moved abroad simultaneously. Vacations to Italy, New England and Spain with immediate and extended family in recent years – that were intended to be only the first among many – will be forever remembered. Nothing will be the same without her.

Beyond her family, she will be greatly missed by her book club gals; by hiking club friends from the Dogwood Centre and from the Klahanie Community Association; by Community Dialysis Unit volunteers; and by many dear friends and neighbours in Port Moody, Windsor and Italy.

Due to the pandemic, only a private visitation will be held at this time. A celebration of her life will be arranged once we can gather safely again. Donations in Carol’s honour may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Ronald Albert LaGrange was born September 04, 1940 in New Westminster, BC to Albert and Theresa LaGrange and was the eldest of five children. His childhood home was filled with deep faith, music and the love of a large extended family.

In 1958, Ron enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force and began what would become a 33-year life of service to his country. In 1961, while posted in Gimli, Manitoba, Ron met the love of his life, Gail Sveinsson, on a blind date. He told his friend that night, “That’s the girl I’m going to marry” and so he did, after a brief delay caused by the Cuban Missile Crisis necessitating an emergency posting to Germany.

In May 1963, he flew back to Canada, married Gail and whisked her away for four years to Germany where the first two of their five children were born. They returned to Canada in 1966 and added another son to the family in 1967, and sadly lost another, Joseph, in 1969. In 1970, Ron became an original member of the ground crew of The Snowbirds, the aerobatic flying team. In fact, he designed the smoke system used in ‘sky-writing’ that is still in use today.

In 1973, he accepted a commission from the ranks and was posted to Ontario, later followed by Cold Lake, Alberta, where a daughter was added to his family. He was posted to Comox, BC and then to Winnipeg, Manitoba where he retired after the Gulf War as a Lt.-Colonel.

Ron had a very happy retirement in Tappen, BC where he was chiefly occupied by never-ending renovations. He loved to design and build and was meticulous in his handiwork. He and Gail loved to travel, particularly by car, and drove across Canada several times.

Having a son and his family in Prague, they also flew to Europe many times to watch their grandchildren grow and to sample the excellent Czech beer. They also made a trip to Gail’s ancestral homeland, Iceland, to meet extended family and take in the magnificent landscapes.

Ron was predeceased by his father, Albert, his son, Joseph and his grand-daughter, Renee. Since Ron’s passing, his mother Theresa died March 2021. Left to mourn his passing are his loving wife of 57 years, Gail, his children: Michelle (Steve) Holmes, Allan (Stepanka) LaGrange, Richard (Wendy) LaGrange and Heather (Fred) Squires and his grandchildren: Shayna, Isaac, Jacob, Kristian, Vanessa, Alyssa, Julianna, Allan and Laura. Also deeply feeling his loss are his siblings: Fr. George LaGrange, omi, Lorraine (Maurice) Hurtubise, Dianne (Bert) LeChasseur and Mark (Lola) LaGrange, along with many nieces and nephews.

Like his father before him, Ron was an honourable man. He was honest, hard-working and loyal. He loved his family with all that was in him, and he will be profoundly missed.

As Ron’s mother, Theresa LaGrange, passed away a brief ten weeks after him, a Memorial Mass will be held for them both on Saturday, September 25 at 11:30 am at Our Lady of Fatima Parish, 315 Walker St, Coquitlam. If you wish to join us virtually, email to: RSVP@ANORAlife.com for information.

Ian was born in Port of Spain, Trinidad to Yussuf and Aileen. He first came to Canada in 1975, and settled there permanently in 1977 when married to Donna Ameerali, with whom he raised their eight children.

For over two decades, Ian was a much-loved, vibrant presence at the Royal Columbian Hospital, where his infectious good humour regularly raised the spirits of the patients, visitors and his co-workers alike. He worked hard to provide for his family while continuing to advance his own education, eventually becoming a respected high school educator who inspired hundreds of students over his many years teaching in Surrey and beyond.

Ian embodied curiosity: he could often be found exploring his community on foot or by car, or passionately and knowledgeably debating philosophical and political issues. Ian loved music, dancing and cars. Most importantly, Ian taught his children to work hard, play hard, love deeply and think for themselves, after his own example. He was a wonderful grandfather who enjoyed playing with his grandkids like he was a child himself. In his last years, Ian was committed to developing his very personal relationship with God.

Ian was predeceased by his son Michael and his brother Neil, but leaves many behind to mourn and remember him: his wife Arnelia; his children Peter, Kyron, Kerriann, Mark, Ricardo, Stephon, Nathalia and Maria, and their mother, Donna; his grandchildren Kassaday, Gabriel, Raphael, Michael, Benjamin, Giada, Ashleigh and Isabelle; and his siblings David, Lester, Nigel, Hayden and Sandra.

Virtual Event to honour Ian to take place Thursday, January 7 at 10:00 am PST