It is with heavy hearts that we announce her passing at Peace Arch Memorial Hospital, in White Rock, B.C., on March 5th, at the age of 93.

Stephanie was born in Ukraine and came to Canada in 1930 as a baby with her parents and two older brothers. They were raised on a farm in Bowmanville, Ontario where she learned to love everything about nature: flowers, trees, animals, birds and just being outdoors.

She chose teaching as a career after graduating from McMaster University in 1953. After her marriage in 1957 she moved to British Columbia with her husband Ralph Tortorelli, who was a teacher and later a principal. Stephanie taught and then became a Librarian in the school systems in Mission, Quesnel, and Lillooet.

After retiring and moving to White Rock in the mid 70’s Stephanie spent endless hours creating a beautiful floral garden at their home in Ocean Park. She loved the variety of birds who visited her birdfeeders and enjoyed canning and baking with the fresh fruits and vegetables from her garden. She also enjoyed making her own wine, was an excellent cook, and made the best apple pies!

Stephanie loved reading, gardening, bridge, sewing, crocheting, enjoyed drawing and painting as a way to express her love of nature. She painted in oils and watercolour, adding beautiful artwork to her journals to document her many trips abroad in her later years such as; a garden tour in England, an opera tour in Italy, a safari in Africa, as well as travel to Japan, China and a cruise around the tip of South America to the Galapagos Islands to mention a few.

Stephanie always had a very positive outlook on life, enjoyed her time spent with her friends and family and new people she met on her treasured adventures. Stephanie enjoyed her retirement home at Westminster House and appreciated the caring staff and the opportunity to take part in the art classes, concerts, and all lovely activities the kind staff provided. Stephanie was very loved by all who met her and her time with each of us will be treasured always.

Predeceased by her husband Ralph Tortorelli, her mother and her father Ivan and Tacianna Bonk, brothers Sam, (wife Anne) and Michael Bonk. Stephanie will be fondly remembered by her sister-in-law, Pat Bonk, her nieces and nephew, their families, and the surviving members of the Tortorelli family.

In lieu of flowers, donations my be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of B.C. or B.C. Cancer Foundation. https://alzheimer.ca/bc/en/take-action/donate/donate-memory-honour or https://bccancerfoundation.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwn9CgBhDjARIsAD15h0AEfVkX47ZoAjq2LBOtW2i0RhJ5XgUhuJfc_DskXuU5W51a0gna5SQaAsHLEALw_wcB

Heart-centric, eccentric, and exceptional father, husband, son, and friend Alex Coombes has left us with his final riddle. Alex passed away in his sleep on Valentine’s Day at the age of 41, leaving his cherished family and devoted friends in shared grief. He was wholly unique in his capacity for knowledge, humour, and kindness and the world has lost a brilliant and incomparable man.

Alex Coombes was born in August 1981 and spent his childhood in North Vancouver. Switching to Downtown’s ‘City School’ in his teen years proved pivotal, and he credited the program with focusing his quirky and energetic intellect. He met Caitlin in 2004 while pursuing a Bachelor’s degree at UBC Geography, and the two were instantly and inseparably lovestruck. After a year-long sojourn in Beijing, Alex completed his Bachelor of Law at the University of Alberta in 2009, and true to form pursued tax law as he viewed it as the most challenging legal field. Alex embraced the mental game over the material gains of law. An accomplished lawyer, he became legal counsel for the Government of B.C. in 2021. He distinguished himself early in his career, but eventually eschewed the long hours of private practice to spend more time with his family and volunteering to better his community. Quality time with his sons was his highest resolve and greatest joy. Alex also committed himself to volunteer duties in the community, including Pro Bono legal work, Board Member and Coach with the Port Moody Soccer Club, and sitting on Port Moody’s Heritage Commission and Transportation Committee. He worked tenaciously to protect children’s well-being, successfully campaigning to have traffic calming devices placed in front of the local elementary school and advocating for children whose family homes were being demolished. A committed and passionate citizen, he was just getting started in his quest to enhance public life.

Alex was a gifted polymath with boundless curiosity and creativity. From Pyongyang to Port Moody, punk rock to public service, he delighted in wholly throwing himself into the arena. It was impossible not to share in his sense of wonder when in his company. His commitment to learning was matched by a moral sense of action, to be in the constant practice of personal growth and improving conditions for family, friends, community, and beyond. It was this combination of intellect, empathy, and ethical purpose that endeared him to all who knew him. A brilliant wordsmith in letters and oration, he had an uncanny ability to fold complex concepts into hilarious anecdotes. Alex ran up mountains, his mind was oceanic, and his heart was like the sun. Whether embracing the many subcultures of his youth, or his increasingly active roles in community work and local politics in recent times, his transformation as a family man and engaged citizen was always undergirded by a resolve to defend the vulnerable and create a sense of belonging for all. Already vastly accomplished, we can only imagine what incredible impacts he would have made with more time.

Alex is survived by his wife beloved Caitlin; His sons Wyatt and Theo; His mother Carolyn and stepfather Blaine; loyal beasts Henry and Evil Meow Meow. His nieces Ellie, Esmae and Reya. Nephew Wesley. Mother-in-law Sheren and father-in-law Richard (Faye). Brothers-in-law Eric (Anna) and Paul (Melissa). Uncles Tom, Chris and Mike. Cousins Nick, Grace, Sean, Kaitlin, and Laura. Lifelong friend Alasdair. And a cadre of extended family, friends, and colleagues who transcend all lifeworlds in society.

Recently predeceased by his cousin Todd.
In lieu of flowers, Alex’s family is accepting donations to help them through this tumultuous time.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/alex-coombes-in-support-of-his-family?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=p_cp%20share-sheet&fbclid=IwAR0niptMmnMAKPTg-y4Mng_zDLWPyCTkScZAXCFiT2Q0PRtqWHzyF_YBUtk

Celebration to honour Alex on Sunday, April 2 at 3:00 pm at (UBC) Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre, 6163 University Blvd, Vancouver. Doors open at 2:15 pm.

Helpful information about the venue and parking:

https://alumnicentre.ubc.ca/visit-us/

Desiree was born in Regina, Saskatchewan into a large loving family; she was raised by her mother Shirley. Desiree spent her young adult years in Winnipeg, where she found herself becoming an exceptionally outgoing and caring person. She loved going out and meeting new people and made instant friends wherever she went. As a proud Libra, she strived for life balance, found compromise important and tried to keep peace in her life as much as possible. She was an extremely empathetic person. As a loving mother of 5 children, she was good at organizing and controlling the chaos. She loved to be heard, she was always chatting people’s ears off. Her love for cooking, inspired by her mother, was a constant joy in her life; she’d often make her famous “oxtail” for her family and friends.

Desiree’s favourite thing to do was to get out of the city and explore; she loved hiking, going on walks around the sea wall and picking up new plants to pot. It has always been her form of solace.

Survived by, her children; Fabien Marcus Luther Lyde, Malcolm David Joseph Lyde, Sasha-Marie Mahogany Lyde, Keisha-Anastasia Gail Lyde and Moses Clifton Lyde and her siblings; Paul Panton, Karlene Lewis, Patrick Neufville, Sharon Allen, Claudia Allen and many more family and friends.

There will be a Celebration of Life at a later date TBA.

However, those wishing to offer condolences and pay their respect to the family, may join us for a Viewing on Tuesday, February 21st at  5:00 pm at Jubilee United Church (New Location) 6000 Sussex Ave., Burnaby.

Our beloved Marcos died suddenly on January 23, at the age of forty-three, in Vancouver, Canada. He was born in Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, Brazil. First son of Chirley and Sebastião Branco. Marcos was a special kid, always very happy, always smiling. He loved his younger brother Eduardo and they spent a lot of time playing games and video games. He loved to ride his bike.

He started his education at FEPEVI, graduated from high school at Colegio Fayal and then started a new chapter of his life going to University at UFSC in Florianopolis to pursue a degree in Computer Science. He left his hometown for studies but found a new home in “Floripa”, made friends for life, created good memories that he happily shared until his last day. He completed his degree earning a bachelor’s in Computer Science. It seems that every place would become small to him and he decided to move to Rio de Janeiro. He lived in Rio de Janeiro, where he worked, made more friends for life and met his wife Carolina and his step kids Gilberto and Isabel. Marcos and Carolina decided to move to Vancouver in 2018, pursuing a dream of living abroad and providing a better future for their family.

Rato lived for his music, his BBQ and his family. He was a heavy metal aficionado, he collected CDs, Records of his favourite bands: Iron Maiden, Metallica, Sepultura, to name a few. Metal was a part of his lifestyle. He also loved rugby, as he played on two Rugby teams Guanabara Rugby and O Jay’s. He loved board games; having game nights with his friends was one of his favourite times. He loved to go to concerts of his favourite bands. He loved to grill steaks on the weekend and enjoy a good time barbecuing.

He was a kind man, cared for everyone, he made his friends part of his family. He brought people together. He was a very positive person, always seeing the best in people. Rato considered friendship and showing people his love for them something of great importance.
He will be deeply, deeply missed. Marcos was a loving husband, father and friend.

He is survived by his wife Carolina, children Gilberto and Isabel, parents Chirley and Sebastião, brother Eduardo and many friends and extended family members.

Funeral to honour Marcos on Thursday, February 2nd at 11:30 am at Celebration Hall at Mountain View Cemetery, 5445 Fraser St., Vancouver.

Nosso querido Marcos partiu de repente no dia 23 de Janeiro, com quarenta e três anos de idade, em Vancouver, no Canadá. Ele era natural de Balneário Camboriú, Santa Catarina, Brasil. Foi o primeiro filho de Chirley e Sebastião Branco. Marcos era uma criança especial, sempre feliz e sorrindo. Ele tinha uma ligação especial com seu irmão Eduardo – eles cresceram juntos brincando e jogando videogames. Ele adorava andar de bicicleta.

Marcos iniciou sua vida de estudante na FEPEVI e formou-se no segundo grau no Colégio Fayal. Fez vestibular para a Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, buscando formação em Ciências da Computação. Ele deixou sua cidade natal para estudar, mas encontrou um novo lar em “Floripa”, onde fez amigos que o acompanhariam a vida toda e viveu aventuras e momentos de muita alegria – ele fazia questão de compartilhá-las com todos até seu último dia. Formou-se em Ciências da Computação na UFSC. Parecia que um lugar só não poderia conter sua personalidade contagiante, então ele decidiu se mudar para o Rio de Janeiro. Lá ele trabalhou, fez novas amizades e conheceu sua esposa Carolina e seus enteados Gilberto e Isabel. Marcos e Carolina tinham o sonho de viver no exterior e dar um futuro melhor para sua família, então juntos tornaram esse sonho realidade, fazendo a mudança para Vancouver em 2018.

Rato vivia para sua música, seus churrascos e sua família. Ele era fã de heavy metal, e colecionava CDs e discos das suas bandas favoritas: Iron Maiden, Metallica, e Sepultura, entre outras. Metal era parte do seu estilo de vida. Ele também adorava rugby, tendo participado de dois times: Guanabara Rugby e O Jay’s. Ele era vidrado em jogos de tabuleiro e um de seus passatempos preferidos era passar a noite jogando com seus amigos. Marcos adorava ir aos shows das suas bandas favoritas. Nos finais de semana ele gostava de assar uma carne e curtir o dia fazendo churrasco – com sol ou chuva.

Ele era um homem bom e se importava com todos; seus amigos eram também sua família. Rato era a força que unia todos em qualquer círculo de amizades que participava. Ele era muito positivo, sempre conseguindo ver o melhor em todos. Para o Rato, amizade e demonstrar o seu amor pelas pessoas era algo muito importante. Ele deixa saudades em todos que tiveram o prazer de fazer parte de sua vida. Marcos foi um super filho, irmão, marido, pai e amigo.

Marcos deixa sua esposa Carolina, filhos Gilberto e Isabel, pais Chirley e Sebastião, irmão Eduardo e muitos amigos e família.

O Velório em homenagem ao Marcos acontecerá na Quinta-feira, dia 2 de Fevereiro, às 11:30 da manhã no Celebration Hall, cemitério Mountain View, Rua Fraser, Nº5445, em Vancouver, Canadá.

Early in the morning, on December 25^th, Nancy left us to celebrate Christmas somewhere more beautiful.  Fancy Nancy’s 80 years on this earth were full of love and laughter.  She loved her family and friends more than anything. Nancy loved to have a party and to always be around family and friends. She would celebrate her Birthday for a month. Nancy was kind to everyone and had a great sense of humour. You could always hear her laugh.  She loved all things with bling, Bonton cake, the Keg, wine and spent many a day shopping for “pretties”.  Nancy loved Christmas and would start her Christmas shopping in August. She watched Days of our Lives and Survivor religiously.

Nancy was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, cousin and friend.  Everyone will miss her terribly.

Nancy is survived by her loving husband David of over 57 years, her sons Shawn (Shelley), Jeff (Bonnie), grandchildren Travis, Taryn, Talia and Tyus, brother Paul (Nancy), nieces Jennifer (Jeff), Courtney and great nieces Madison and Ava.

The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers at Langley Hospice for your care and kindness.  It is not a place you go to die but a place you go to live your final days surrounded by love and comfort.

In lieu of flowers please donations to Langley Hospice are encouraged.

https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/460?v1=true

The family plans on having a celebration of life for Nancy around her Birthday in April at the family home.

We will love you forever….

You will never be forgotten.

Tylor Jordan Palmer passed away December 25,2022 at the age of 31. Tylor was a talented creative person and a voracious reader and lover of literature. He loved a great conversation and could keep one captivated for hours. Tylor will be known for his enormous heart and listening ear and of course his mom will remember that he gave the best hugs ever. From the moment Emma was born, he was so proud to be her big brother. Even on his darkest days he was kind and generous to others around him.

Predeceased by Papa Glenn Palmer, Bent Jensen, Aunt Sunny, Aunt Suzanne, Aunt Belinda, and Uncle Tor. We find solace that they will be there to welcome him.

Tylor leaves behind his loving parents; Liana Palmer- LeBlanc, Dan LeBlanc and Ted  (Sangeeta Khosla), sister Emma, grandparents; Judith Jensen, Helen Palmer, Valeria Sacchetto, Bernice Coughlan and Gary Coughlan, aunts; Bonnie Hornell and Tracey Chapman Jensen, uncles; Donald LeBlanc, Terry LeBlanc and Murray Palmer, step-siblings Divya Prasad and Amit Prasad and many cherished cousins and friends.

Celebration to honour the life of Tylor on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 2:00pm at Eagle Ridge United Church, 2813 Glen Dr, Coquitlam

Those we love don’t go away,

They walk beside us everyday.

Unseen, unheard, but always near.

So loved so missed, so very dear.

Passed away peacefully on November 24^th, 2022.

Frocia was a fiercely loyal and generous friend, beloved Aunt, and cherished surrogate grandmother.    She was a true dame in the purest sense of the word.  She had an incredible sense of style and flair, and relished being the centre of attention in every room.  Frocia had an irrevocable moral sense and was never afraid to tell you when you ran afoul of it.   A real foodie, she was an incredible hostess whose dinner parties were legendary.  She loved being in the presence of intelligent people and had a special place in her heart for animals and children.  An extremely witty conversationalist, she often had people doubled over in laughter.  She will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Predeceased by her parents, Paul and Catherine Nachine; brother Frank; sisters Olga and Anna; and husband, Roy Pyper.  She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and countless friends.

Thank you to Home Instead and Crossroads Hospice for providing end of life care.

A Celebration to honour Frocia will be held on Sunday, December 4, 2022 at 12 noon, at Pitt Meadows Golf Club, 13615 Harris Rd, Pitt Meadows

Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Vancouver Humane Society https://vancouverhumanesociety.bc.ca/  or B.C. Cancer Foundation https://bccancerfoundation.com/

Andy died on November 2, 2022, at the age of sixty. He was raised by his loving parents, Ritva Salo and Esko Ahonen. Andy was born in Vancouver and raised in Burnaby. He proudly called himself one of the “Capital Hillbillys”.

Andy was a humble, honest and outgoing guy. He loved watching the Canucks and watching soccer, especially when Liverpool was playing. Old time Rock n Roll was in his soul. Laughing with friends with a Jamiesons in his hand was his idea of time well spent.

Andy was the kind of person who would whisper a joke in your ear at the most inappropriate times for a laugh.

Predeceased by his father Esko and his brother Timmy.

Survived by soulmate and life partner Leeola Zanetti, mother Ritva, children Kaitlin and Riley (Stefani Vujadin), sister Laura Bryant, nieces Eva Bryant, Jessica Bryant – Rönnqvist (Daniel), the mother of his children Jody McGill and many friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to https://rchfoundation.akaraisin.com/ui/inmemory/p/Andy

Andy’s family is abundantly grateful to the ICU nursing staff at RCH.

Celebration to honour Andy on Wednesday, November 16 at 1:30 pm at the Scandinavian Community Centre, 6540 Thomas St, Burnaby.

You’ll never walk alone.

(Click on the photos to see the whole image.)

Ashokkumar Subramaniam, 64, of Vancouver, passed away on October 9^th due to the cardiac arrest he suffered a few days earlier. Ashok was born on June 24th, 1958 to E.R. Subramaniam and P.K.Chandra in Sri Lanka. Ashok had three siblings; he was a loving brother and did his high school in Vivekananda Vidayalaya, Colombo.

The Civil unrest in Sri Lanka meant that he had to migrate to a new place and find a safe home for his family. He did spend some time working in Saudi Arabia for a short while before settling in Vancouver, Canada which he called home to the very end.

His children looked up to him for guidance and protection all through his years. He taught the meaning of being morally respectful and appreciative of everyday we were blessed with. The list of people Ashok has helped and supported throughout his life is endless. Even as the years passed, Ashok managed to follow and support those around him with care and compassion. Those dearest to him recognize his thoughtfulness as a genuine act that always came from the heart. What brought most joy into his life was seeing his kids prosper, from watching his daughter excel in the art of dance, and his two sons follow their passions in sports and education, Ashok was there every step of the way cheering and supporting them in their pursuit for success and happiness.

Ashok worked for Primerica Financial Services as an insurance specialist for the major part of his career before branching out on his own. He also worked in the real estate industry for a brief period. A loving son, brother, husband, father and friend to many, Ashok is known as the person who would be the first one to show up when someone is in need, a quality so rare which made him very unique, and he holds a special place in the hearts of everyone who crossed his life.

Ashok is predeceased by his parents and his elder son, Kesavan. He is survived by his wife, Sugirtha; his two children, Akilaa and Kiran. He was taken very suddenly, but his legacy, lessons, and life will never be forgotten. We will love you forever and always.

Please join us to honour Ashok on Monday, October 17 at Fraserview Banquet Hall, 8240 Fraser St, Vancouver. Visitation from 1:00 – 3:00 pm.

May you Rest in Peace.

Tamara was born in Vancouver to Sophia and David Knox. She grew up in Richmond. Tamara was a lifelong ice hockey fan and spent many a Hockey Night in Canada glued to the TV with her dad. She was a die-hard Canucks fan from day one, attending as many games as she could. If the Canucks were in the playoffs, she would be glued to a TV somewhere munching on chips and dip. If a Canadian team was in the playoffs, she would be following them.

Tamara loved to dance, if you were into the 80’s dance scene in Vancouver or Richmond you probably were in the same clubs as she was.

Tamara believed in the social contract and giving. She volunteered for several organizations including Rape Crisis Centre and Everywoman’s Health Centre. She was a prolific blood donor and would receive requests for her rare AB negative blood when there was a need. A proud union member, she had several positions in the Telecommunications Workers Union.

Tamara was extremely proud of being a BCIT graduate and one of the first female electronic students.

She started a second career in Funeral Service, graduating from the Canadian College of Funeral Service in 2006. She also volunteered her time for over 9 years, tutoring students at the college.

Tamara was capable of learning anything she put her mind to and found great joy in not just tutoring but teaching others how to learn and study affectively.

Tamara was an avid reader of almost everything, from the classics to murder mysteries, magazines to textbooks. She often was in the middle of several books at the same time.

Other hobbies/activities: Tamara was a sailor and owned her own boat with which she had a love/hate affair with. She was a certified scuba diver and enjoyed anything that was fast, although she could and would fall asleep going one hundred miles an hour down a country road with the wind in her face.

Tamara had a disarming sense of humour. She was also not one to let an opportunity slip by with her leap before you look attitude.

She loved to travel and went with her mother to Russia on several occasions and with her father to Britain. She frequently visited with her Aunt Vera at different U.S. Military posts in Hawaii, California, and Mississippi. She trotted the globe with different girlfriends to places like London, Paris, Cairo, Cabo, Las Vegas and more. She enjoyed travelling for business and made time to enjoy cities like New York, Washington, and Toronto. She was fluent in Russian and could get by in French. Tamara enjoyed getting her boots on the ground as much as she enjoyed the high life and was at home in a B&B or The Savoy. She often spoke of visiting her family in Russia and Ukraine and staying in either their Soviet era apartment or the dacha in Ukraine.

Tamara leaves behind many dear friends. She collected “onlys.” (Only children as friends.) She could pick them out of a crowd and was drawn to them. She loved animals, particularly one named Casper, a 140 lbs. Rottweiler who loved her back even more. In lieu of flowers, donations to BCSPCA are suggested.

https://spca.bc.ca/donations/make-a-donation/?utm_source=header&utm_campaign=donate

Celebration to honour Tamara on Friday, October 14 at 1:00 pm at Celebration Hall at Mountain View Cemetery, 5445 Fraser St., Vancouver.

Funeral professional friends of Tamara are invited to participate on an honourary level at her celebration. Please email RSVP@ANORAlife.com  if you would like to participate.

Interment of Tamara’s cremated remains on November 25, 2022 at Oceanview Burial Park, 4000 Imperial St, Burnaby. Please meet at the office by 2:30pm and we will process together to her grave.