We are heartbroken that a wonderful soul left us on the morning of November 18, 2023 at the age of 65, after a brave, year long battle with cancer.  Mark is survived by Sandi, his best friend, travel mate and cherished partner of 23 years, brothers Gary and Brent, sister Jane, 3 nieces, 2 nephews, a great-niece and a great-nephew.  Mark was predeceased by mother Patricia (2010) and father Michael (2021) Sharhon.

Mark was born and raised on 14^th Avenue in Burnaby where he attended 2^nd Street Elementary and then Caribou Hill Secondary.  Mark made many life-long, loyal friendships, sharing an amazing history of memorable adventures with his numerous pals over the years.

Mark had many remarkable journeys throughout his life.  At the age of 18, he rode his 10 speed bike down the west coast of USA, then east to Florida, visiting and working in a variety of jobs in many different cities and towns along the way to support himself.  Later in life, Mark  lived and worked in many North American places, and later traveled overseas to Hong Kong, Thailand and Cambodia.   He was a skilled outdoor person who loved hiking, skiing, camping and exploring the unbeaten path, most often with friends, and he had an uncanny sense of direction.

Mark was a carpenter by trade and master craftsman, working his last 25 years with Kingston Construction of Langley, where he had advanced to the position of Superintendent, overseeing many major projects around B.C.  He took pride in his workmanship and in his many accomplishments.  He truly appreciated the opportunity of mentoring and taking new apprentices under his wing.  He was respected and liked by everyone he worked with.  He was a good friend to his many co-workers and highly regarded by his superiors.

A few years after Mark and Sandi met in 1999, they bought their first home together In Coquitlam where many renovations and improvements took place, including a major kitchen reno, house expansion, interior/exterior woodworking and gardening projects that they loved planning and undertaking together.  Mark was so knowledgable, he could fix or build almost anything and taught Sandi a lot.  The highlight of their summers was cruising around in Mark’s restored 1966 red Mustang Convertible.

They had many memorable holidays over the years.  Some they shared with friends and family including an Alaskan cruise followed by a 5 day stay in Anchorage,  vacations in Dominican Republic, Portugal, plus multiple trips to Cuba, Hawaii, Las Vegas and to many areas of Mexico.  Their more adventurous holidays included self-driving tours around Panama, Morroco and Nicaragua (including stays on Corn Island and Little Corn Island on the Carribean Sea). Trips also included England, Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok, Spain and Sri Lanka (which included a brief stay in India, where they were deported back to Bangkok for not having India Visitor Visas).

In Sri Lanka, they fed baby elephants at the orphanage, discovered rare leopards on a safari, saw great white sharks and massive spinner dolphin pods while searching for Blue Whales on the Indian Ocean.  Mark and Sandi also toured many UNESCO world heritage sites. They encountered a variety of monkey species in Sri Lanka, Nicaragua and Panama, rode camels and saw tree-climbing goats in Morocco, and patted a baby Grey Whale in the wild in Mexico.  They had fishing excursions in almost every country they visited, catching baracuda, tuna, halibut, salmon, shark, scorpion fish, trigger fish, and rooster tail.  Mark also once had an accidental and surprising  Pacific Giant Octopus “catch & release” experience in Desolation Sound.

While Sandi did most of the vacation researching and co-ordination, Mark planned various cultural and historic site visits and events.  Mark also developed a keen artistic eye, photographing all their adventures .  Both Mark and Sandi developed a love for bird watching over the years, keeping a journal of all the species they encountered in their travels and at home.

Mark’s fly-in fishing trips with his dad and Sandi to River’s Inlet Resort and later to West Coast Resort in Haida Gwaii, were a particularly memorable highlight, especially for Michael.   They returned home with an abundance of salmon, halibut and many stories.  Who knew Salmon Sharks even existed before that last trip?

Their Canadian travels included boating, camping and RV expeditions that took them to a vast array of B.C. locations.  They also travelled around Ontario and Newfoundland, as well as 2 weeks driving along the southern California coast in 2010.  They had swapped their Coquitlam home for a 30’ motorhome during the Vancouver Winter Olympics, just to get away from the crowds.  Although a small TV had to be purchased along the way to watch the Canada / US hockey Gold game at an RV park on a picnic table.

In 2014, Mark and Sandi  purchased a ‘Palapa’ beach house property in Baja California Sur, Mexico, a stone’s throw from the Bay of Conception, near the town of Mulege on the Sea of Cortez. After a few years of flying down, they hit the road and hauled their 5^th wheel down through the USA and Baja, spending the winter months fishing, swimming, kyaking, star gazing/UFO discoveries, whale and dolphin watching, sharing afternoon Happy Hour with the playa neighbours and exploring Baja, along with their Dane/Mastiff companion, Pepper.   Their return trips north to Canada always took a different route, with camping stays along the way in California, New Mexico, Nevada, Idaho, Utah, Colorado, Washington and Oregon.  They always made many new friends on their travels and enjoyed some spectacular and historical sights.

Both Mark and Sandi were loyal Vancouver Canuck hockey fans, attending some home games (thanks to Kingston and Paul & Vicky).  They hosted many game night dinner parties and bbq’s with friends. Mark also enjoyed a variety of musical genres, attending more than 89 concerts over the years (he saved all his concert stubs).  He loved dancing and singing, but couldn’t really carry a tune.  But, hey, he knew all the words to so many songs.

Mark was a loving, intelligent, caring person and such a good friend. He had an infectious personality, a great sense of humour, and had many stories and adventures to share. He was loved by all and will be profoundly missed.  He leaves a hole in our hearts.

A Celebration of Life gathering will be planned for the Spring of 2024.

Please contact Sandi at macsandimac@hotmail.com for further information or to be added to the Celebration announcement e-mail list.

Franco slipped away from us peacefully Tuesday at Holyrood Manor in Maple Ridge, two years and eight months after the sudden and tragic loss of his beloved wife Carolina.

He 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 his brother Luigino Polzot, his wife Nadia and their children; by his late brother Mansueto, his late wife Valeria and their sons; and by his cousin and dear friend Aulo Bearzi, his wife Marisa and their daughters.

His loss will be equally felt by extended family and friends in Windsor, Ontario, in Italy, and in the Tri-Cities of British Columbia, which he and Carol had called home since moving to Port Moody in 2006.

Born to Maria Roia and Aldo Polzot in the town of Avausa, north of Udine in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region of Italy, Franco grew up in the splendour of the Alps. He loved the outdoors and was happiest in the woods of Val Pesarina, hiking and foraging for mushrooms or wild asparagus. He became a tile setter, contributing to significant construction projects including helping build a large hospital in Milan. Some of his fondest memories of his youth were from this period, and from his training and service in the Italian army.

In the mid-1960s, he and Mansueto travelled to Windsor, Canada in search of adventure and employment. It was there Franco met Carol, who had come separately with her family from the Lazio region south of Rome. They married in May 1974. Liz was born later that year, followed by Christina in 1978. The family moved back to Italy in 1980, and returned to Windsor in 1991. During those years, Franco was always up for a game of briscola or a ballroom dance with his beloved Carol. He often impressed the crowd while dancing the twist. He was also an avid soccer fan, closely following AC Milan and spending Sunday afternoons at the Societa U.S. Ancora soccer pitch in Pesaris.

Franco loved a good meal – especially Carol’s home-cooked ones – accompanied by a good glass of wine, and often followed by a digestif. He was fiercely devoted to his family, working hard from a humble upbringing to seek a better life and future for his daughters and in turn their children. Julia, Luka and Nolan will always have fond memories of their nonno.

His family extends their deep thanks to friends and neighbours in the Tri-Cities, and to members of the Cliffhuggers hiking group, for their unwavering support in the past months — in particular for celebrating Franco’s 78th birthday with him at Holyrood a week before his passing. A small service will be held in his honour in the coming days.

Donations in Franco’s name can be made to the Port Moody Ecological Society or the Burke Mountain Naturalists

David Boyes, aged 56, was taken from us far too soon and passed away on July 31, 2023, in Delta, BC.
David was born in Feilding, New Zealand to Elinor Joy and Ronald Edmund Boyes – the second of 4 children. He travelled to Canada in late 1990s to play rugby where he met his wife, Jennifer, a few months later at a New Year’s party in Vancouver B.C.

David was a loving, kind, and patient husband and father with a wickedly dry sense of humour. Dave cherished his wife, his two daughters, his family, and his friends.

A passionate rugby and cricket player, Dave also enjoyed golf, crabbing, fishing, travelling and following the achievements of the All Blacks Rugby team.

Dave was a fitter-welder and worked for B.C. Ferries since 2007. He will be greatly missed by his work “family”.

David is preceded in death by his mother Elinor Joy.
He is survived by his loving wife Jennifer, daughters Claire and Emma, sisters Kathryn and Margot (Andrew), brother Peter (Serena), nieces Nikki, Edyn, Lucy and Amy, and nephew Hunta.
David will remain in his friends’ and family’s hearts and live through their shared memories, smiles, and laughter.

Donations in David’s name can be made to B.C. Cancer Foundation.

Celebration to Honour Dave begins at 2:00 pm on Saturday, August 12th at Beach Grove Golf

Club, 5946 12 Ave, Delta, B.C. (livestream viewing: https://youtube.com/live/XqSMD5YfWe4)

Anna passed in Port Coquitlam, at the age of 91.

Anna was born in Bukovina, Romania in 1932 to parents Johanna and Johan. Her childhood was unsettled by moving from Romania to resettlement camps in Austria, Germany, and Silesia (both losing and separated from two of her three brothers). Her family eventually settled in Poland where she studied music and later worked as a store manager in Lidzbark Warminskii where she met her future husband, Ted. They immigrated to Canada in 1961 with their eldest son George residing first in Vancouver and then in Maple Ridge from 1977 until 2018.

Anna was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She welcomed and opened her heart and home to so many. Devoted to family, she lived alongside her husband Tadeusz, for over 65 years and together they created a beautiful family. Anna is survived by her three children George (Brita), Dorothy (Guy), and John (Sandra), eight grandchildren, three great grandchildren, and six nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her mother, father, brother Louis, Adam (Nancy), August and her beloved husband Ted.

Together, they enjoyed country living and their large property where family and friends would gather each weekend and special occasions to eat, sing, and laugh together. Anna loved cooking, gardening, sewing, weaving, crocheting, singing, dancing, and taking care of her farm animals.

Most of all Anna loved her family, regularly hosting large gatherings including copious amounts of food that she cooked herself for days. She opened her door to all, especially spontaneous visits to share a cup of coffee or long chats, Christmas always included a friend or stranger that needed a place to go.

Anna was a resourceful and resilient woman. She survived the war, a serious accident, and more recently Covid twice. She never wasted anything and recycled far before it became standard practice. She had the most loving, fun-loving spirit, she was up to trying anything, foods, sports, games, and adventures.

She travelled the world, accompanying Ted on his project assignments to the U.S. and Canadian Cities where they would live for 2 years at a time. Also, re-visiting Romania, Poland, Germany, and the Philippines to see family.

Anna’s last few years of life were spent at Hawthorne Care Facility where the staff (who took care of her so well and gently) enjoyed her great sense of humour and lively wit. We will all miss her tremendously.

Celebration of Life to honour Anna on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 12:00 pm at Como Lake United Church, 535 Marmont St, Coquitlam, B.C.

Lyle, as he was known to family and friends, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at the age of 69 after a short but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.  He was born to Alexander and Erline Fahlman in Regina, Saskatchewan in 1953. He moved to B.C. with his family in 1959 and grew up in Richmond.  After he graduated from Steveston Secondary School, he lived in Tsawwassen and Richmond before settling in Surrey.

He worked at Richmond Plywood and Woodward’s Warehouse before beginning his career with the airlines.  He started in the commissary department driving trucks for CP Air before moving to the ramp at Vancouver International Airport. He enjoyed his years as a Station Attendant for CP Air/Air Canada where he retired after 40 years of service in May 2020. Lyle was passionate about his job and his co-workers.

Lyle loved to work on classic cars with his sons and took pride in passing on his mechanical knowledge and skills as his father had done with him.  He enjoyed attending car shows where he would check out each and every car. He was an avid Nascar fan and enjoyed watching Formula 1 racing too.  In 2016, he was fortunate enough to have attended the historic 100^th running of the Indianapolis 500, an experience he said “He would never forget!” He loved to travel in the family motorhome, and travelled all around the United States.  In later years, he always looked forward to spending time away camping and relaxing at Birch Bay.

Lyle will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 48 years Judy, sons Travis and Erik (Sarah) and grandchildren Petra and Sebastian. His brothers Dwayne (Katharine), Dennis (Scott), Greg, Leonard and Kevin (Karen) and sister Orianna, and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, sister Lorna (Mike) and brother Leland Fahlman.

Lyle’s wife and family are so very grateful to the N51 Medical Oncology nursing staff at Surrey Memorial Hospital for the care, kindness and compassion shown during this difficult time.

To honour the life of Lyle, family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life at 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 24^th at Deer Lake School, 5550 Gilpin Street, Burnaby.

A private graveside service will take place at Garden of Gethsemani Cemetery, 15694 32nd Avenue, Surrey.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Canadian Cancer Society https://cancer.ca/en/ways-to-give/personal-donation or Surrey Hospital Foundation https://www.surreyhospitalsfoundation.com/

Cory was born to Brenda Barry and Wallace Phillips, following close on the heels of his brother and sister and was raised in the lower mainland. His paternal grandparents had a hand in raising him; he told stories of the tall stilts his granddad made for him, and how granddad taught him to ride a too-big bike in the driveway by building a special step to launch from and land on, before his feet could reach the ground.

His high school days took him to 9 different schools in 5 years; he came out of that with a love of punk rock and some solid friends like Aaron, who stuck by him for the rest of his life. With his mother’s discerning taste, and his father’s sense of humour he made his own way in the world.

Through early adulthood he tried his hand at many a career, resting for a while at a cedar mill, where he trained to be a lumber grader, driving construction waste roll-off bin trucks, professional moving crew foreman, …and Tim Hortons drive-through clerk, not in that order.

After some dark years following his mother’s death he reconnected with friends and family in recovery. From that point onward, healing and seeking became the compass of his life. He grew a spiritual and meditative practice that ebbed and flowed through the rest of his life.

Through his seeking he found the VCC program in counseling which led to outreach work in the downtown east side. This work fed his soul for his last 12 years. He brought his whole self to work with community members in need, meeting them where they were at, whether it was finding permanent housing, a spot in detox, a bed for the night, a coffee, or a good laugh. He listened when others would not, and let people know they mattered.

At age 44 he met Claire at a meditation centre, and at 47 became a father to Monte. She lit up his world; he was wholly taken by her presence, and their connection was deep and genuine. He was a fun and playful daddy, always up for a game of hide and seek, or “scary Harry.” His pancake breakfast was unparalleled, and he would regularly serenade her with his guitar.

His last years also presented him with some difficult mental health challenges and to manage he turned to a rigorous spiritual practice of his own making. He’d often prepare for challenging times with meditation, smudging, and Portuguese hymns, sitting on his cushion sometimes for hours at a time. He found solace in the sun, on his bike and by the water: he was solar powered, ever youthful, and never wore a drop of sunscreen.

He will be dearly missed by his daughter Monte, partner Claire, brother Adrian, sister Kim, best friend Aaron and countless cousins, nieces, family and friends.

Born in Lowmans, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Carmelita migrated to London, England in 1957 before coming to Canada in 1969, making her home first in New Westminster, B.C. She then made her way to Toronto, ON, and then to Montreal, QC, before returning to Port Coquitlam, B.C., where she spent her final years lovingly tending to her vibrant and luscious garden, with the help of many wonderful neighbours.

As a member, for many years, in her community church choirs, her cheerful and radiant soul was seemingly contagious to everyone around her when she would beautifully sing all her favourite hymns and songs. Her youthful spirit shone the most when she would dance and party the night away and get everyone around her to feel the power of the beat of the music. Carmelita was widowed in 2012 after 53 years of marriage to Stephen Adolphis Osborne. Carmelita was daughter to Matilda Fraser & Conrad Davis, and sister to 13 siblings: Vena, Belle, Nopsie, Ivor, Aneta, Raymon, Barbara, Gail, Valentine, Jeffrey, Cynthia, Cyril and Yvone.

She leaves behind her 2 children, Angela & Tony, as well as her grandchildren Tyson, Omari, Chanelle & Honesty, and great grandchildren Isaiah, Tatiana, Kaiya & Tyson Jr. It must also be stated that the list of others that called her mom is endless.

Funeral to honour Carmelita on Saturday, June 17th at Como Lake United, 535 Marmont St., Coquitlam. (Please note this address, as it has changed recently.) Visitation at 12:00 pm. Funeral at 1:00 pm

Laura was born in Oberndorf, Germany but she grew up in Madrid, Spain and moved to Vancouver, Canada as a teenager. She was raised by her parents Ingrid Renate Bergmann and Juan Consuegra Segura along with her brother Jorge Consuegra.

Laura loved to travel to warm places where she could experience their culture, their food and their music. She loved dancing and you could often find her in a beautiful dress and amazing heels twirling away at one of her favorite Latin spots throughout the city; her smile and energy captivating those around her. On quiet days, you would most likely find her with a book, a cup of tea and a cozy blanket, escaping into the latest novel she was enjoying.

Laura worked at Dexter Realty for 29 years, where she loved her colleagues, and they gave her that same amount of love right back. She made life-long friends there and considered many to be family. She was always so grateful to David for being like a second father to her.

Laura was a lover of cats throughout her life, and she is now reunited with Chuna, Xena and Luna. She leaves behind Reina, Simba, Blanca and Leo. Over the past few years, she also discovered her love of dogs when Blu came into her life and stole her heart.

Laura was a truly bright light who, although a little shy at first, had an uncanny ability to connect with anyone around her, always knowing what to say to make people feel at ease. Her laughter was contagious, her glamour unmatched, her beauty glowed both inside and out.

Laura leaves a beautiful legacy behind in her three children: Sergio, Vanessa and Monica. She is also survived by her loving partner Gabriel; her father Juan and his wife Sonia; her brother Jorge; her former husband but eternal friend Marcus; her sister-in-law Ana, mother-in-law Vera and father-in-law Carlos; and by the set of girlfriends, she considered to be her chosen sisters.

Laura was predeceased by her beautiful and doting mother Ingrid.

A Celebration of Life to honour Laura will be held on Sunday, May 28 starting at 3:00 pm at Mangos, 1180 Howe St, Vancouver.

Please bring printed photos of Laura for the family to create a special photo album afterwards.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Mary in Maple Ridge on March 14, 2023.

Mary was born in England to John and Rhoda Scambler, they moved to Australia until she was eight years old and then moved back to England. She had one sister and four brothers, and a favourite pet cow named Bluey. She joined the navy when she was nineteen years old, where she met her husband Ken. They had son Michael and a daughter Anne, then moved to Canada when Michael was six years old. Mary traveled throughout Canada, as well as Hawaii and Reno many times. She enjoyed walking, gardening, reading, sewing, baking and crossword puzzles.

After her husbands passing she moved in with her sister and they lived together for many years. She was very family oriented and had a great sense of humor with her (cheeky) brothers who loved to tease her and her sister. Eventually, Mary moved in with her sister at her niece Irene’s home. We would like to express our gratitude to Irene for opening her home to them.
Predeceased by her daughter Anne, husband Ken, son Michael, sister Doreen, and brothers John, Ron, and Eric.

Survived by her brother William (Irma), sisters-in-law Wendy and Linda, daughter-in-law Barb, grandchildren Bill, Julie and Dan, great grandchildren Ryan, Heather and Kaylee, great great grandchild Walker, as well as many extended family members.

Celebration to honour Mary on Saturday, April 15 at 1:00 pm at St. Luke’s Parish Hall, 20285 Dewdney Trunk Rd., Maple Ridge.

Marguerite passed away March 14, 2023, in Burnaby, B.C. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and grew up in Summerland B.C. Marguerite was the eldest child of Cyrilla and John Menu. At age 16 she was named Miss Summerland and was always so proud of this achievement.

After high school, Marguerite entered nursing school at St. Paul’s Hospital. During this time, she fell in love with her husband Murray White from Penticton, and she married him in 1957. They moved to Port Moody for a few years but settled in beautiful Kelowna to continue to raise their family. Marguerite and Murray operated and owned a care home, Crestwood Lodge Rest Home in Kelowna. She also worked on call at Cotton Woods Care Facility for a few years.

Marguerite was fond of puttering in her vegetable garden, alongside her sweet dog Charlie. The family were her pride and joy. She loved them unconditionally. Marguerite was an excellent cook and baker, and hosted large family dinners whenever possible. Marguerite was a member of the Kelowna Jaycees, where she made many lifelong friends. Marguerite’s Catholic faith was an important part of her life. After her husband passed away, Marguerite met another wonderful man named Elgin Gregory, whom she married. She was blessed with kind, loving and patient men in her lifetime.

Predeceased by her brother Eddie Menu (Carolyn). Marguerite is survived by siblings, Irene Mundie, Patricia White (Willis), Johnny Menu (Penny), Arthur Menu (Alanna), Joseph Menu and many loving nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her three daughters, Diane (Tom), Karen (John), Michelle (Rob), and son David. She leaves behind her grandchildren Jennifer, Nicole, Kara, Courtney, Maya, Miles, Ava, Justine, Adam, and great grandchildren. Marguerite leaves behind her stepchildren as well, a special mention to Sloan Gregory.

The family would like to thank the staff at Normanna Care Home in Burnaby for their excellent care, love, prayers and support they provided to Marguerite and her children. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C. or Normanna Care Home. https://alzheimer.ca/en/take-action/make-your-donation-today or https://normanna.ca/fundraising-and-donations/

Mass of Christian Burial on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at 10:30 am at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church, 9387 Holmes St., Burnaby. Interment on Monday, March 27th, 2023, at 10:00am at Kelowna Memorial Park Cemetery, 1991 Bernard Ave., Kelowna.