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

Died December 5, 2020 at the age of 81. He was born in Hong Kong to Yip, Kai Wan and Leung, Choy Har. He courageously moved to Canada and became a proud citizen in 1979. Man Chan will be remembered with love by his wife of 40 years, Susan, daughters Virginia and Florence, son-in-law’s Mike and Tim & grandson’s Noah and Mathias.

Man Chan worked very hard his entire life, at times working multiple jobs, to provide for his family. Man Chan’s faith was his guiding light, he was a man of truth, honor and love. Man Chan was a parishioner at St. Francis Xavier Church where he also volunteered. In his later years he developed a passion for singing Chinese opera, and he often visited with friends at his local S.U.C.C.E.S.S, where he was a member. We love him and he will always be in our hearts.

Tony passed away on the 30th June 2020, at the age of 82. After several months of declining health, he passed away peacefully, with his beloved partner Joyce King by his side.

Tony was born in Leeds, UK on the 28th August 1937, the youngest child to parents John and Sylvia Pratt. He is survived by his sister Shirley whom he holidayed with many times with their families. They discovered most of the Greek Islands together.

Tony met his wife of 53 years Joyce Bottomley through the Burley Methodist Church and they married in 1961 after a long courtship whilst Tony completed his National Service in the RAF. Unfortunately, Joyce predeceased him in 2015.

He is survived by partner, Joyce, two children; Stuart John (Jayne) and Debra Suzanne (Neil), grandchildren; Freya, Toby, Ben and Katie and countless extended family. All held him in the highest regard and loved him dearly.

He was an adventurer and loved the outdoors having climbed most of the Wainwrights in the Lake District and some high ones in the Alps including the Jungfrau. He also loved sailing and windsurfing and introduced many friends and family to the love of the water. Tony was a volunteer Venture Scout leader and whilst as a leader he discovered a passion for skiing, which took over his life for the next 30 years. As a family, they joined the Lions Ski Club, where Tony as mentor to his children took them all over the UK ski racing. He was chair of the club and for many years helped to organise ski holidays in Europe.

He worked most of his life in Insurance for Commercial Union where he was known as John Pratt, retiring in 1997. For the next 15 years they took full advantage of retirement and traveled all over the world until it became too much for his wife Joyce who he then cared for until her passing.

Still with a sense of adventure he resumed his travels, especially on cruise liners, where he met his partner Joyce, a Canadian, and for the next few years they enjoyed life together and then at the age of 81 he moved to Canada to be with her. A true adventurer to the end!

Kesavan Ashokkumar, son of Ashokkumar and Sugirtha, was born on April 16, 1986. He lived his life in India, Sri Lanka, Montreal and Vancouver, Canada. Kesavan was loved globally. He was known as a son, older brother, boyfriend, fiancé, best-friend, leader, cousin, grandson, and nephew. Kesavan’s family describes him as the biggest gift, as he was known for his kind, warm, loving heart, and was recognized as the most caring person in the family. His siblings; Akilaa and Kiran looked up to Kesavan as a role-model and a warrior that protected his family under his wings. Undeniably, he was confident and always set the bar high to positively think and overcome difficult situations. Most people knew Kesavan had the capacity to be serious, driven, and motivated to get tasks done and ensure that his family and himself are stable physically, mentally, financially, socially and emotionally. However, those whom knew Kesavan more on a deeper level often described him as a roasted marshmallow; being rough and tough on the outside, and soft, mushy and warm on the inside. Some words his family shares is that he would do anything to see his family smile and laugh. He was giving, wise, social, selfless, and accepting of anyone he loved. He always ensured that everyone was included. One aspect that Kesavan’s family mutually loved was his unremarkable and memorable laugh. For example, he always found joy in the smallest things; sometimes even his own joke at times, which made the room he was in more joyful.

Regardless of how old he got, Kesavan’s family all agree he was young at heart. He was the eldest cousin and brother, but his spirit never aged. His joy, love, passion, compassion, excitement and humour was endearing and quite contagious. Kesavan never looked at himself as belonging to a particular age group and often found ways to blend with his family, friends, and loved ones. Without a doubt he bonded with everyone. The bond would be nurtured through common ground like his love for sports, travel, marvel, cars, shoes, jerseys, kothoroti, as well as his own life experiences and triumphs. Even if there is no common ground he will always find a way to strike up a conversation to help you feel belonged.

Kesavan lead by example not by words. He taught us that family is first. He also taught us how to be driven and self-accepting of who you are, and what you are capable of. He showed us what it meant to live, love, and cherish every given moment. He was taken too young, but his legacy, lessons, and life will never be forgotten. We love you forever and always. May you Rest In Peace, Kesavan. June 22nd, 2020.

Virtual Funeral via ZOOM:
Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 11AM

Virtual Event Link:
Us02web.zoom.us/j/82917239070
Meeting ID: 829 1723 9070

To dial in by phone without video,
the one-tap mobile number is +14388097799,,82917239070#

Or dial (346) 248-7799 and enter
Meeting ID: 829 1723 9070#

We will all miss Doug’s laugh and exuberant “hellos”. Born in Wasa, Saskatchewan to parents Margaret and Joe, then raised in Cranbrook. Doug went to high school in Kimberly, and after graduation started working at Overwaitea Foods. He transferred to Courtenay, then spent many years at the head office in Burnaby, which eventually moved to Langley, where Doug retired at 55.

Doug cherished raising his family in Coquitlam with loving wife Lucie of 54 years, who survives him. Also survived by: Son Jeff (Sira) Daughter Michele (Todd) and Grandchildren Kain, Brynne, Jacob and Ava.

After retirement, Doug spent over 20 years as a volunteer at the Community Police Station in Coquitlam. He also loved wood working and enjoyed spending time in his workshop. Doug loved people and always had time to stop and have a conversation. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Private mass of Christian Burial. A Celebration of Life to honour Doug will be announced in the future.

With sad hearts we announce the passing of Wayne, at the age of 93. After a sudden turn in health, he passed peacefully in the tender care of his girls. Predeceased by wife Pat and stepson Tim. Wayne will be remembered with much love by daughters Faye (Gerrit), Debbie (Richard), stepdaughter Susan (Chuck), James & Eli, grandchildren Jamie (Lisa), Rhonda (Devin), Dennis (Polina), Tim (Diane) and six great-grandchildren who brought him such joy. The family thanks the staff at the Belvedere Care Centre for looking after Dad so well for the past 5 years. Friendly & happy with a big smile for everyone, he will be missed.