Marty was born in Haney, Maple Ridge in 1963. He grew up in Port Coquitlam, graduating from Port Coquitlam High in 1980.

Marty’s family spent many summers boating and camping on Pitt Lake and spending winters snowmobiling at their cabin on Burke Mountain.  The exposure to these activities gave him the love of the outdoors and adventure.  He loved snow skiing, becoming an expert skier and eventually a member of the Grouse Mountain ski patrol for many years.  His love of boating, snowmobiling, camping, and spending time with friends were joys he loved and cherished over the years.

Marty was a dedicated young worker and was very proud of the jobs he had growing up.  Starting at a young age with a paper route he moved to a role at McDonald’s at 15, soon becoming a crew chief.  As he loved cooking, he moved into various restaurant roles until graduating from high school. After graduating, he moved into a job at Mitchell Press working in the bindery department.  Shortly after, at the age of 19, he bought his first house on Glen Drive in Port Coquitlam.  His school friend Kevin was his first roommate and was soon joined by his brother Daren.  Many fun memories were made with Kevin, Daren, and his close friend Daryl along with others over the years.

While working at Mitchell Press, Marty went to night school and in 1985 completed a 4-year apprenticeship in bookbinding.  Moving to Hemlock Printers in 1986 as a folder operator, he soon become the Bindery Supervisor for many years. In 2008, he was proud to take on the opportunity to teach the bindery curriculum of the Graphic Communications Technology Management course at BCIT.  Marty worked for Hemlock Printer’s for 30 years and was fortunate to work with his brother Daren, his brother-in-law Chris, his father-in-law Bill and his cousin Jeff.   Marty was passionate about his job and his co-workers and was loved and respected as the Bindery Supervisor at Hemlock and throughout the local printing industry.

Marty married his wife Kathy in 1991 and they were married for almost 30 years.   They had two boys, Brandon and Connor, and Marty was very involved in the boy’s activities from an early age.  Attending hockey games was a given, along with many years of coaching soccer and baseball games. He was the coach that loved to bring the team double bubbles and candy bags and if he was on the sidelines, he was always Brandon’s and Connor’s #1 fan cheering them on.

The dream of buying a cabin with his brother Daren became a reality in 1993.  Many happy memories were made at the cabin in Tulameen with family and friends.  Building the largest campfires in the back yard was a normal occurrence, scary at times but fun!!  From the ultimate sandcastles at the beach to boat rides with the most tubes and boogie boards he could pull, there was never a dull moment.  So many memorable snowmobile and ATV rides, he was a speed demon at heart, whether leaving you in a spray full of water, snow, or dust.

Marty was louder than life, quick-witted with a sense of humor.  He made his mark on the world with his family and friends, the printing industry, and with anyone who had the pleasure to meet him.  He will be missed by us all and will always be remembered.

Marty is predeceased by his mother Jean McKewan and his son Brandon McKewan.

Survived by loving wife Kathy, son Connor, father Clifford (passed away January 1, 2022), brother Daren (Tracy Clark), sister Tracy Hobkirk (Brett), brother-in-law Chris Squires (Jennifer), mother-in-law and father-in-law Patricia and Willliam Squires, niece and nephews:  Courtney McKewan, Scott McKewan, Blair Hobkirk, Deric Hobkirk, Cody Squires, and Jason Squires.

March 5, 2022, Joey D’Alfonso of Richmond and Osoyoos, B.C., passed away unexpectedly in Thailand at the age of 47. He was gentle, kind, outgoing, fun loving, and loyal. His decades long friendships speak for themselves. Joey enjoyed travelling that included Thailand, Europe, Mexico, and Brazil. However, he would have given up any trip to stay home and see the Canucks win the Cup. Fishing, golfing, skiing, camping, and the finer things in life with all his friends and family brought him great joy. Joey worked for B.C. Ferries for sixteen years as a deckhand and was a proud member of the B.C. Ferries Mustang Club. Predeceased by grandfathers, Duncan Stirling and Leonardo D’Alfonso; grandmother, Maria D’Alfonso; uncles, John D’Alfonso, James Roderick (Rod) Stirling, and Tony D’Alfonso and godfather, Bob Wasko.

Joey will be fondly remembered by his loving family including his mother, Jerralynn;

father Joe (Jorie); sister, Jennifer (David) Boyes; nieces, Claire and Emma

Boyes; grandmother and grandfather, Betty and Hans Baier as well as extended family and many friends. There will be two Events to honour Joey. April 8, 2022, at 2:00 pm at Richmond Country Club, 9100 Steveston Hwy, Richmond, B.C. April 24 at 2:00 pm at Spirit Ridge Conference Centre, Rancher Creek Rd, Osoyoos, B.C. Donations are gratefully accepted in Joey’s memory to the B.C. Heart and Stroke Foundation. HeartAndStroke.ca.

It is with immense heartbreak and sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beautiful Ruben on February 8th, 2022, at age 50.

Ruben’s arrival to the world was a joyous surprise and a gift from God to his parents and sister. While growing up in Venezuela, he always had a creative, independent spirit and was motivated to create the life he dreamed of for himself.

His love of travel began early on when he joined the AFS Intercultural Program, which brought him to Canada as an exchange student to study and live with his “Canadian Family”. He then returned to Venezuela to complete a degree at UCV and met many lifelong friends. After some time, Ruben moved to Spain where he became a citizen and lived happily there for many years.

He always had a clear vision of what he wanted his life to look like and eventually decided to return to Canada, where he felt deeply connected to. He was a dedicated, hard worker and built a beautiful life in Vancouver alongside his loving partner of five years, Zdravko. They meticulously designed and created a home for themselves and his adored Mama Giglia to live.

Ruben was extremely passionate about travel and explored all corners of the world throughout his life. He was always planning each and every detail of the next big adventure.

He will be remembered for his amazing smile, humour, and above all, his devotion and love for his family and friends.

He will be deeply missed by his partner Zdravko, Mother Giglia, Sister Moraima and her husband Andres, Nephew Carlos and his wife and Grand Nephew as well as other extended family and dear friends worldwide. Ruben will join his father Domingo in heaven, who passed away many years ago.

Ruben was an incredible human being, loving son, partner, and loyal friend. Our memories of him will remain in our hearts to cherish always as he moves on to his next journey.

A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday, February 18 at 10:00 am PDT at Our Lady of Sorrows Parish, 555 Slocan St, Vancouver, B.C. For access to the Virtual Memorial Mass link and passcode, please email RubenMemorialRSVP@gmail.com. There will be a Celebration of Life to honour Ruben, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the AFS Intercultural Program, which he felt so connected to throughout his life.

En Español:

Con una tristeza enorme y una terrible pena en nuestro corazón comunicamos el inesperado fallecimiento de nuestro querido Rubén. Nos dejó el día 8 de febrero de 2022, a la edad de 50 años.

La llegada de Rubén al mundo fue una grata sorpresa y un regalo de Dios para sus padres y hermana.

Un niño bendecido por Dios a quien la vida siempre le sonrió.

Rubén se crio y creció en Venezuela y, desde muy joven, siempre tuvo un espíritu creativo e independiente, y estaba motivado a hacer realidad la vida que soñaba.

Su amor por viajar comenzó muy temprano cuando se unió al Programa Intercultural AFS, que lo llevó a Canadá como estudiante de intercambio para estudiar y vivir con la que llegó a ser su “familia canadiense”.

Después de su etapa en Canadá regresó a Venezuela y se graduó en la UCV donde conoció a muchos de sus grandes amigos.

Unos años después, Rubén se trasladó a España, donde se convirtió en ciudadano y vivió feliz durante muchos años, trabajando y construyendo amistades para toda la vida.

Él siempre tuvo una visión muy clara de lo que quería hacer en su vida y un tiempo después decidió regresar a Canadá, un lugar con el que se sentía muy conectado.

Él fue una persona muy entregada, trabajó muy duro y llegó a construir una vida muy hermosa en Vancouver junto con pareja y amor durante 5 años, Zdravko. Juntos diseñaron y crearon con mucho cariño un hogar donde vivir junto con su adorada madre, Giglia.

A lo largo de su vida, la gran pasión de Rubén siempre fue viajar y explorar todos los rincones del mundo.

Siempre estaba planeando todos y cada uno de los detalles de su siguiente gran aventura.

Todos los que le conocíamos le recordaremos por su sonrisa maravillosa, su sentido del humor y, sobre todo, su dedicación y amor por su familia y amigos.

Su pareja Zdravko, su madre Giglia, su hermana Moraima y su cuñado Andrés, su sobrino Carlos con su esposa y junto con su sobrino-nieto, demás familiares y sus queridos amigos en todo el mundo lo extrañarán profundamente. Rubén se reunirá en el Cielo con su padre Domingo, quien falleció hace muchos años.

Rubén fue un excelente ser humano, hijo y pareja amoroso y gran amigo. Nuestros recuerdos de él permanecerán siempre en nuestros corazones mientras él comienza su siguiente viaje.

Una misa en su recuerdo tendrá lugar el día 18 de febrero a las 10:00 AM PDT (2:00 PM hora de Venezuela) en la parroquia Our Lady of Sorrows, calle Slocan número 555, en Vancouver, BC.

Para acceder a la Misa Virtual, escriba a la siguiente dirección de e-mail para solicitar el enlace y código de acceso: RubenMemorialRSVP@gmail.com

Más adelante nos reuniremos para recordarlo y celebrar la vida.

En cuanto al envío de flores, por favor, considere en su lugar hacer una donación al Programa Intercultural AFS, programa con el que él se sintió muy conectado a lo largo de su vida

Oskar Komili passed away on January 11th, 2022 at the age of 86 after a brief COVID-19 illness. He is survived by his three children Denis, Suzanne and Onur, as well as two grandchildren.

Oskar was born and raised in Turkey. He emigrated to Canada and settled down in Calgary, where he completed his master’s degree and founded a successful accounting firm. In the 1980’s Oskar relocated to the greater Vancouver area where he pursued many business ventures. In his later years, Oskar developed a talent as an artist and enjoyed spending his time painting.

Oskar met many people throughout his life, and there is no doubt that everyone who met him would agree that he was one of a kind.

Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic there will be no public memorial service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make the personal choice to get vaccinated against COVID-19. Oskar didn’t, and it cost him his life.

Spirit Released November 10, 2021

Ron was born in Nova Scotia to Julia Power and Fleurence Cooney, the youngest of nine children. His early life was challenging, growing up on the streets of Montreal. When he was ten years old, he miraculously lived through a coma after being hit by a car. He attempted to get out of the neighbourhood by volunteering to go to Vietnam, but he was too young. At sixteen he joined the Navy spending time on the training ship HMS Cornwallis. Later worked as a deck hand on freighters on the Great Lakes, going down to the U.S. frequently. After some troubling years where he let his anger get the better of him; the turning point in his life was when he came across a book about yoga. He figured that he could do that, and he followed the instructions and illustrations and began a yoga routine. His relationship with Yoga taught him to calm himself. Running also helped him to calm his mind. Ron had many careers throughout his life. He was an accomplished cook, having graduated from Vancouver Community College. He owned a coffee shop in Kingston, Ontario and a small Restaurant in Salmon Arm, B.C. He really gave back to the community when he was a prison in-reach worker mentoring many inmates in high security prisons in the Lower Mainland. Since yoga inspired such positive change in him, he paid it forward by teaching yoga to inmates. He loved working with his dear friend Liz at the John Howard Society. Ron also spent years serving in Funeral Service. His professionalism and attention to details was exceptional. He endeared himself to the bereaved, as well as his colleagues. He went on to finish Yoga training at an Ashram in Quebec, where he obtained his ‘Advanced Yoga Instructor’s Certificate’.  At the Ashram he was recognized as someone special spiritually and was given the spiritual name ‘Valmiki’. Ron was caring, compassionate, smart and fiercely loyal to those who he loved. He had a mischievous sense of humour. Friends describe him as a cool guy. The encouragement that he showed others made a huge difference in people’s lives. He had a soft spot for children and animals. He spoiled his “boys”, (his cats).

Passing time around the campfire was one of his favourite things. It was here that he could entertain everyone with his storytelling; never letting facts get in the way of a good story. 

The devotion that he showed his wife Jeannette was admirable and steadfast. Together they grew strong in their faith in the Father of us all. He became an avid bible student, embracing the good book, while rejecting organized religion. Ron is survived by his loving wife of over 27 years Jeannette and a number of close friends and chosen family. You know who you are. Private interment at Heritage Gardens Cemetery, 19082 16 Ave, Surrey, B.C.

With broken hearts, we share that on Friday, November 5, 2021, Summer Spaidal passed away from this world. 

Summer was born in North Vancouver to loving parents Kelli Forster and Trevor Spaidal and older sibling, Mataya. As a young girl, she was very creative and enjoyed performing in her imaginary world. She danced like no one was watching, had lively conversations, whether or not others were participating, and looked forward to her future as a dragon. Summer was a sensitive and caring person, with an empathetic heart that sometimes felt too much. She loved deeply and was passionate about social justice and climate change. 

She loved animals, most of all her white Husky, North, and she loved discussing marvel multiverse theories with her sister.  She experimented with many different activities from dance, gymnastics, different arts and crafts, and public speaking. In the last few years, Summer has played ice hockey and field hockey, took up ukukele and taught herself to crochet (making some impressive clothes, stuffies and bookmarks). She loved listening to music, watching movies, and was especially into musicals; she knew every word of Hamilton. 

Some of Summer’s favorite memories were on her many trips with friends and family. Summer loved her time on the family farm in Ontario, at a family wedding in Jamaica, doing “chopped Hawaii” with friends in Hawaii, experiencing a street food tour in Vietnam, everything at Disneyland, and Harry Potter Land with Mataya, Abby, and Jack.

Predeceased by grandmother Margaret Jane Forster in 2020. Survived by loving parents Kelli Forster and Trevor Spaidal; sister Mataya Spaidal; grandparents Lisa Spaidal, Bruce Forster, and Jim Hutchinson; aunts and uncles Ashley (Kurt) Boynton, Jessica (Jon) Broomfield, Karli Spaidal (Heather Lee), Jeremy (Hilary) Forster, and Jennifer Hutchinson; cousins Ava, Parker, Alex, Kariana, Greyson, Ella, and KJ; chosen family; Chad, Amanda, Jack, and Abby Mallow, as well as extended family members and friends.

Event to honour Summer will be streamed via Zoom.Donations may be made in Summer’s honour to her Go Fund Me page that will have donations go to two causes close to Summer’s heart: https://gofund.me/32b2133a

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of John Harry Stratford in the city of Port Moody at the age of 91.

Jack, as he was known to family and friends was born in Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), to Fred and Hannah Stratford.  He spoke often and fondly of times spent cavorting with his brothers at Boulevard Lake and McVickar’s Creek.

John moved with his family to Winnipeg where he would meet and marry his high school sweetheart, Shirley Christensen. The hard-working couple raised a family of 5, living for a time in southern California and Winnipeg before moving west to Vancouver in 1970, where John worked as Eaton’s Advertising Manager and then Sales Promotion Manager at Pacific Press before retiring in his mid-fifties to pursue his love for painting.

In his youth, John was admired for his athletic abilities in track and field, soccer, hockey, baseball and especially football, where he excelled. He also showed considerable artistic talent and was educated in commercial art as well as fine art, which he pursued throughout his life. John has created a legacy of artwork that he continues to share with his loving family.

John is predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Shirley, brother Erve (Grace) and son Glenn. Survived by brother Tom (Judy), children; John, Nancy, Lori Robertson (Rollie) and Rob, grandchildren; David (Jessica), Cori (Kyle), Naomi, Keith (Christine) and Kevin (Nikki), and great grandson, Dean.

John will be affectionately missed by all who have had the pleasure of knowing him in his life.

Let us remember…

Kavoos was a man that connected with all, for he loved everyone. His love echoed through his laugh, his words, and his eyes.

A caring father, a supportive husband, and a true friend to all, but words fall short of capturing his essence.

His love of life was contagious, and we remember him for that.

We remember and celebrate him through fond memories, not through places or even things.

We remember him for the lessons he taught with a smile.

He believed in staying strong, which meant understanding life goes on, to take nothing too seriously and to always be present.

He valued compassion, patience and understanding people.

He listened with his heart and always spoke the truth.

He remarkably stayed optimistic to the very end.

He never let illness, loss, or sorrow get under his skin, he would simply joke and dance.

He lives on through memory and music. He lives on through us.

While she fought hard to stay with us, our Mother, Annabeth passed away at 80 years of age due to complications of pneumonia.

Born in Peterborough, Ontario to Martha & Albert Batten; Devoted parents, Christians, and lifetime members of the Masonic Lodge.

One of 7 children, she learned the virtues of love, patience, perseverance, empathy, charity, and hard work of which she demonstrated on a daily basis throughout her lifetime.

True to her Irish/English heritage she was a spirited rebel at heart who lived life on her own terms.

As a young, beautiful, strong woman she both intrigued and wowed male suitors.  Unconventional for her time, she pleased audiences and won awards for her angelic singing voice and even raced stock cars.

In 1962, Robert Sioui (Deceased) captured her heart and together they would be blessed with 4 beautiful children.  In search of change and opportunity, in 1970 they moved their young family to B.C.  Most unfortunately, this union would not last.  Finding herself in a position of being a self-supporting, single mother she summoned the strength & smarts to educate herself and became a nurse.  For several years she worked at VGH in Geriatrics followed by Riverview Psychiatric Hospital until her retirement.  She was well respected by her co-workers and loved by her patients.  During her working life, she also fostered 2 children and housed & cared for 1 of her patients.

In the early 70’s, she found love again in Brian Emslie of whom she shared her life with until his sudden passing in June of 2020.  When Annabeth and Brian got together,  Brian’s daughter Holly also joined us, making us a family of 7.  Brian’s passing broke her heart and during the past year she struggled with feelings of irreconcilable loss.

Our mother enjoyed life’s simple pleasures and was an animal lover.  In retirement, she enjoyed her morning coffee and crosswords, spending time with her family, Sunday drives & window shopping, knitting, and bingo/casino with her gal pals in Maple Ridge & face timing childhood friends.

Her proudest accomplishment was her children; Greatest Treasure her Grandchildren; And Biggest Delight her Great Grandchildren.

Of regrets, she had none with the exception of not winning the Lottery!

Annabeth was predeceased by Brian, her life partner as well as her parents (Martha & Albert) and 5 of 6 siblings (Vernon, Jackie, Keith, Bobby, Ruth).

Survived by her children; Robin Sioui, Mark Sioui, Jay Sioui (Faye), Micheline Ciolli (Franco), Holly Emslie. And Grandchildren; Kyle Olar (Daria), Jordan Olar (Jessica), Braden Olar (Nicole), Julian Ciolli (Lynsey), Mia Ciolli (Domenico), Mishayla Sioui (Kyle).  Great Grandchildren; Lydia Olar, Jackson Olar.  Sister: Nadine Howard (Barry) of Kelowna and Nephew Teddy Howard of Ontario & his family & Niece Dena Howard & family of Kelowna & The Yukon.

Mom, may you finally be at peace.  We will love & honour & miss you forever. 

Matthew died suddenly at the age of 25 and our lives will never be the same. Matthew was born in Burnaby to Monica and Paul Archer. He was a kind soul, even from a young age.  Watching basketball, online gaming, and excelling his computer skills were his favourite pastimes. He even panned for gold at the river as a means of relaxation.

Matthew knew the responsibility of being an adult but he never lost his childlike wonder.

He did have a drive to be financially successful, but not for status or even for himself.

He had a desire to take care of the ones who he loved the most and protect them. Survived by mother Monica Archer, step father Russell Taschner, father Paul Archer (Cathy), grandparents; Josefa and Jose Lara, Norman and Mary Archer, siblings; Nicole Archer, Lauren McLeod, Dorion Archer, Kory and Brandy Child, girlfriend Caitlin Imbeau, and many other family members and friends.

Memorial Event to honour Matthew on Friday, October 15 at 4:00 pm at Jubilee United Church, 7591 Gray Ave, Burnaby. Due to Covid limitations, we require an RSVP from those who are planning to attend. Please RSVP with your name, number of guests and your phone number to RSVPMatthewArcher@gmail.com.

Matthew was a thoughtful, caring person, and he took pride in his loyalty to his family and friends.

Matthew had a love for music. He picked music that he could relate to. This one in particular, he mentioned “Even though I’ve been through hell, I go to bed happy knowing I have a good family”

In this life that I’m livin’, I pray I make it through the night

As I ride through my city, I’m thinkin’, lookin’ at the lights

For so long, we was hurtin’, I got the chance to make it right

Plenty times you done hurt me, I done been all alone tonight

They claim that they with me, but shit I know that they ain’t ride

Gotta stay down and get it, I know that it’s gon’ be alright

Can’t get knocked off my pivot, I gotta play my cards right

-YoungBoy

Matthews personal playlist that he created with their meanings to him:

Forever – Tory Lanez (“Best Friends I call family”)

Lemonade – Internet Money (“On top of the world”)

Diamonds – Youngboy (“This makes me think of my momma, and friends”)

Late Nights – Burnabands (“Current best friends”)

Myself –  Houdini (“Don’t need nobody but myself”)

Street Runner – Rod Wave (“Love Life”)

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to www.AnxietyCanada.com in Matthew’s honour.