McPherson Funeral Services, 2200 2nd Street south, Cranbrook, BC (2026)

01/19/2026

In Loving Memory
Leah Daisy Start (née Clark)
August 19, 1932 – January 13, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to Leah Start who passed away peacefully on January 13, 2026, in Fernie, British Columbia at the age of ninety-three.

Leah was the youngest of eight children. She was born on August 19, 1932, to John and Daisy Clark on a small farm in Bruce, Alberta. She told us stories of how as a young girl, she and two of her siblings would ride on the family horse to the local schoolhouse. In her early teens the family moved to Trail, B.C., where she attended junior high school. She left school in grade 10, when her father grew ill, and went to work as a telephone operator, to help support her family—an early reflection of the strength, responsibility, and generosity that defined her life.

In 1950, at the age of seventeen, Leah married her handsome soldier husband, Perry Ward, and together they made their home in Montrose, B.C., where they raised their two children, Lynne and Kim. In 1969, the family moved to Kelowna, where Leah worked at Okanagan College. In 1976, when Perry developed cancer, Leah took a year-long leave from her job to care for him, again putting family first. After losing the love of her life she continued to work and spend time travelling to visit her children and grandchildren, who loved it when Gramma “Kelowna” came to see them. She also enjoyed many wonderful cruises and trips across Canada visiting extended family in her motorhome.

Leah married Stanley Start in 1987. They enjoyed curling and travelling together for many years. In 1995 they moved from Kelowna to Cranbrook, to be closer to her family.

Leah is survived by her children, Lynne Crabbe and Kim (Debbie) Ward; her five grandchildren, Eden (Ray) Wong, Travis (Heather) Crabbe, Simon (Kecia) Ward, Stephanie (Chris) Sundquist, and Perry (Crystal) Ward; her eleven great-grandchildren; Rayden and Tyee Wong, Alexander and Cameron Ward, Sebastian, Poppy and Ophelia Sundquist, Osten Ward, Pearl, Avalon and Walker Crabbe and her many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husbands, Perry Ward (1977), and Stanley Start (2006), and son-in-law, Dan Crabbe (2025).

Leah had a lifelong love of curling and continued to watch the sport even after she could no longer play. She was a devoted member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Royal Canadian Legion in Fruitvale, Kelowna, and Cranbrook. She served on the executive for many years and was proud to be made an honorary founding member of the Cranbrook Branch of the Ladies Auxiliary. Leah was an active volunteer; she ran weekly cribbage tournaments, proudly participated in the Poppy Campaign every Remembrance Day, marching in the parade and was a part of Legion honour guard at the Jaffray School’s Remembrance Day Services for several years. Leah was also a volunteer for many activities with the Cranbrook Senior Citizens. She loved playing cards and participated in the B.C Seniors’ Games several times, playing whist and cribbage.
A talented baker and cake decorator, Leah took great pride in making both of her children’s wedding cakes, all five of her grandchildren’s wedding cakes, and many more for friends and family. They were beautiful, multi-tiered creations that she worked on for weeks. In the early years she won many awards for her baking, but her grandchildren would say her butter tarts were their favourite.

Independent and strong-willed, she lived on her own with her beloved little dog, Jimmy, until the age of ninety. As her needs changed, she moved into an independent living facility in Cranbrook in 2023 and in 2025 into long-term care in Fernie, where she was cared for and comfortable until she passed away.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff at Rocky Mountain Village and to Dr. Gadsden for their compassionate care, patience, and kindness.

There will be a small family gathering at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion.

Condolences may be shared on the Cherished Memories website.

A mother’s love never dies,
She’s always there right by my side.
Rest in peace, Mom.

01/19/2026

In Loving Memory of
Robert Scott Hughes
July 31, 1960 – Jan 2, 2026

Robert Scott Hughes, known to all as Scott, passed away peacefully at home in Windermere, BC, on January 2, 2026, aged 65, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Calgary, Alberta, to Robert (Bob) Finlay Hughes and Marjorie (Marj) Helen Hughes, Scott grew up alongside his older brothers, Doug and Fred, with countless tales of mischief. From an early age, he was curious about the world—eager to learn, industrious, persistent, and drawn to exploration—qualities that would shape every chapter of his life.

Scott met Susan while working at Lake Louise in early 1982, beginning a partnership grounded in friendship, respect, and shared values. They married in 1988 and were intentional in how they shaped their life together, prioritizing family, curiosity, and learning through experience. Their early years were rich with discovery: cycling across Europe and down the west coast of the US, trekking through mountain ranges, teaching skiing in Switzerland, and travelling through Asia, Southeast Asia, and Australia in 1987–88.

One of Scott’s greatest joys was inviting others into these experiences. True to his free-spirited nature, he bought an old VW “hippy” van and set off with Susan and their three young children—Jenni, Michaela, and Connor—exploring backroads and forestry campsites. He was especially proud of coordinating a six-month family journey abroad that allowed their teenage children to continue their studies remotely while learning directly from the world around them.

Scott brought this same spirit of curiosity into everyday life. He had a gift for turning ordinary projects—building a treehouse, constructing a deck, or transforming a carport into a bedroom—into opportunities for connection and confidence-building. He generously passed on his love of skiing, water sports, cycling, and hiking, instilling in his children not only a passion for the outdoors, but also courage, curiosity, and openness to learning. Even after his stroke in 2022, Scott relearned how to ski and found joy riding his recumbent bike along the Legacy Trail by Lake Windermere.

Education and learning were lifelong passions. Scott attended William Aberhart High School and graduated with distinction from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Commerce. Alongside his professional life, he earned his CSIA Level 3 Instructor, CSCF Level 2 Coach, and CADS Level 2 Instructor certifications, teaching skiing in Canada, Switzerland, and Australia.

Scott’s career reflected his values. After co-directing the Cypress Mountain Ski School, he spent more than two decades in banking and social finance with CIBC and Vancity before founding Capacity Build Consulting, which he led for 15 years. Through this work, he partnered with charities, cooperatives, social enterprises, and community organizations to help them build resilience and bring ambitious ideas to life. His commitment to social impact extended beyond Canada through microfinance and capacity-building work in rural Cambodia, Malawi, and Mongolia. Generous with his time and expertise, Scott volunteered with Scouts Canada, BC Adaptive Snowsports, Vancouver Adaptive Snowsports, Fresh Roots, South False Creek Community Association, Mulgrave School, and Highlands United Church.

In 2018, Scott and Susan made Windermere their home, continuing a life shaped by community and outdoor pursuits. It became a gathering place for family and friends—a home Scott envisioned as a lasting legacy, formed by time on the lake, ski hills, trails, and bikes. Adventures continued with his adult children, including cycling through Germany and the Czech Republic, celebrating milestone birthdays in France and Italy, and sharing meaningful family journeys together. Above all, Scott’s greatest achievement was his family, showing his children how to live with integrity, intention, and joy.

Generous, compassionate, and full of life, Scott’s smile could light up a room and lift everyone around him. He will be reunited in peace with his parents, Bob and Marj Hughes, and with dear friends Floyd and Kelly. Scott will be deeply missed by Susan; by Jenni and Steven and granddaughter, Avery; by Michaela and Justin; and by Connor and Emma.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Highlands United Church in North Vancouver on Friday, January 30, 2026, at 2:00 pm. Guests are invited to wear what makes them happy. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fresh Roots (freshroots.ca), an organization close to Scott’s heart.

01/16/2026

In Loving Memory
Roger Brunelle
Oct 2, 1939 - Jan 13, 2026

It is with heavy heart we announce the peaceful passing of Roger Brunelle on January 13th, 2026, aged 86 in Cranbrook B.C.

Roger was a gentle-spoken man with a deep love for the outdoors and a lifelong commitment to his community. He was widely known and deeply respected for his generosity, kindness, and willingness to give his time to others. Through countless hours of volunteering and community involvement, Roger quietly made a lasting difference in the lives of many.

He will be remembered for his calm nature, strong values, and the warmth he showed to everyone he met. Roger’s legacy lives on through the community he served, the friendships he cherished, and the family who loved him dearly.

Roger is survived by his loving wife, Gisele; his children, Mona and Robert; his grandchildren; and his great-grandchildren.

He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered.

A Memorial Mass will take place on Thursday January 22nd, 2026 at Christ The Servant Catholic Church in Cranbrook B.C at 11am. The Mass will be livestreamed for those who wish to join virtually, please click the following link to view:
https://www.hdezwebcast.com/show/roger-brunelle-service

01/15/2026

In Loving Memory
James Stephen Gauthier
February 10, 1939 — January 6, 2026

James Stephen Gauthier passed away peacefully on January 6, 2026, in Invermere, British Columbia, at the age of 86. Born on February 10, 1939, in Cranbrook, BC, Jim lived a life deeply rooted in family, hard work, and the outdoors he loved so much.

In 1959, Jim came to Canal Flats for what was meant to be a two-week work stint. As fate would have it, Canal Flats became his lifelong home. In 1961, he married the love of his life, Norma Bayley, and together they built a life full of devotion, laughter, and shared adventures. Jim spent many years working for Crestbrook Forest Industries, where his strong work ethic and steady presence were well known. He later retired in July of 2000.

Jim had a passion for the simple pleasures of life; number one being food – he always said that he didn’t eat to live, he lived to eat! He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, quadding, and some beer and could often be found tinkering with small engines—especially lawn mowers, which he seemed to have a special talent for bringing back to life. If it couldn’t be revived, he’d turn it into a firepit instead. He was happiest working on his projects – with his hands busy, his dog by his side and a cold beer close by.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Norma, of 64 years; his children, Lynda and Allan (Lori); and his grandchildren; Jamie (Kim), Savannah, Jocelyn, Jesse (Courtney), Bayley, Cola, West, Aidin and Conner; and his great-grandchildren, Carter, Raina, Brayden, Tayton and Rosalie; and many nieces and nephews.

Jim was predeceased by his three younger siblings, Jean, Ken and Michael as well as his son-in-law Steven.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

A special thank you to Dr. Page and the nursing staff at the Invermere Hospital.

01/15/2026

In Loving Memory
William McKenzie Raymont
April 25, 1955 — January 3, 2026

William (Bill to his family) passed away January 3rd due to injuries from a fall at his home. Born in Cranbrook to parents William and Edna (deceased), he is survived by sisters Sherry Dreksler, Wendy Jerome, brothers Randy and James, special cousin Shirley “Gina” Boutilier and best friend, Louise Abbott. He also leaves behind his cats and constant companions Maxx and Boots.

William was a quiet man who cherished learning. After an early retirement, due to ill health, he spent many happy years at the College of the Rockies completing studies in Criminal Justice, History, Philosophy and Human Services, just to mention a few. He read voraciously and could (did) talk for hours about the remarkable things he had learned.

The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at Cranbrook Regional and Trail Regional Hospitals for their compassionate care during his final month. At his request, there will be no memorial service.

01/14/2026

In Loving Memory of
Caroline (Leuenberger) Kelly
July 25, 1958 - January 12, 2026

Caroline (Leuenberger) Kelly, 67, of Wasa, BC, passed away on January 12, 2026.

Born in Fernie, BC, and raised in Bull River, BC, Caroline was the daughter of Heinz and Carol Leuenberger. She grew into a woman whose life was defined by creativity, generosity, and deep devotion to the people she loved. Her family and friends were at the heart of everything she did, and those who knew her felt her kindness in every conversation, every shared meal, and every thoughtful gesture.

A passionate artist, Caroline expressed herself through painting and pottery, creating pieces that reflected her vibrant spirit and her appreciation for beauty in everyday life. Her artwork touched many, and her creative energy was a gift she shared freely with her community.

Caroline was also deeply involved in the communities she called home. Whether she was volunteering, supporting local events, or offering a helping hand, she made a lasting impact through her warmth, her enthusiasm, and her unwavering willingness to show up for others. She formed especially close bonds with her neighbors, whom she lovingly considered part of her extended family.

Caroline is survived by her loving husband, Larry Kelly; her children Troy Skene (Amanda) and Kari Skene (Rob Dunker); and her five grandchildren—Jaina, Kharys, Tyce, Myla, and Sawyer—who brought her immense joy. She is also survived by her six brothers and sisters, who shared a lifetime of memories and family bonds with her.

She is further survived by her three stepsons—Randy Kelly, Terry Kelly, and Cary Kelly—and their families, all of whom held a special place in her heart. Caroline also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, and cousins who loved her deeply and will continue to honour her memory.

A celebration of Caroline’s life will be held in the spring or early summer, when family and friends can gather to remember her in the warmth and beauty of the season she loved.
She will be remembered for her creativity, her compassion, and the way she made people feel seen, valued, and loved. Her presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

01/13/2026

In Loving Memory
Michael Salanski
November 13, 1930 — January 6, 2026

It is with great sadness that the family of Michael Salanski announces his passing on January 6, 2026 at EK Regional Hospital at the age of 95. Mike was born in Fernie B.C. to Joseph and Veronica Salanski on November 13, 1930. Mike grew up in Waldo B.C. and was the youngest of 10 siblings and the last sibling to pass. Mike was an extremely hard worker and started working at a very young age in the logging industry, then as a machine operator in the construction industry and finally a delivery driver, from which he retired in 1994. Mike met Ellen Whalley when he offered her a ride in his car to uptown Fernie on a rainy day in 1956. They married June 15, 1957 and had 2 children Eileen and Arthur. Dad was a man of few words, he never complained and showed his love to his family. Always supporting us in our endeavors and selflessly assisting with whatever task we needed no matter how large or small.

Dad enjoyed working around his home. He spent many hours on his wood working projects; refinishing damaged antiques, building small furniture, games, bird houses etc. This crafted woodwork, we all have around our homes, has created memories for us all. Dad also loved to go fishing with his friends and family and we have many memories to reminisce about of his fishing adventures around the area. Mom and dad resided on 10th Street in Cranbrook for over 60 years. They both had many great friends with the gang on 10th. Most evenings they could be found playing cards at one another’s house on the street. Thank you to both of you for the wonderful life you gave us, you will never be gone from our hearts.

Mike was predeceased by Ellen in 2024 and is survived by Eileen (Bruce), Art (Tracy). Grandchildren Aaron (Alecia), Brenna (Renee) and Kendall. Great grandchild Chase.

We would sincerely like to thank Dr. Mah and the staff of the EK Regional Hospital palliative care unit for your compassion and care given to dad.
A funeral service will not be held at this time and internment will be held at Fernie Cemetery at a later date.
In memory of dad please consider donating to the Hospice House Campaign at East Foundation for Health (EKFH).

01/12/2026

In Loving Memory
Barbara “Barb” Hirsch (nee Lane)
February 9th, 1932 — January 7th, 2026

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that our family announces the passing of our beautiful Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother, Barb on January 7th, 2026 at the age of 93. Just over a month shy of her 94th Birthday. Finally with the love of her life Joe, again after 24 years of being apart.

Barb was born to her loving parents John and Margaret Lane on February 9th, 1932 in Kisbey, Saskatchewan. Barb was one of 10 children. As adults her and her siblings moved all over Canada but Barb kept in touch with them all throughout the years with phone calls or visits.

Barb and her husband Joe grew up in Kisbey and knew each other when they were young. In their teens they started courting and decided they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together and got married in 1951. They later moved to Dawson Creek where Barb worked at Walt’s Jewelry for 10 years. Barb and Joe were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Brenda who was born in 1961 and Linda, born in 1963. They moved to Cranbrook shortly after they completed their family so Joe could become the manager for Sears and Barb became a stay at home Mom to raise their girls.

Barb was very involved with the Anglican Church up until a few years ago when her mobility started to decline. She was an incredible baker and pie maker in her day and enjoyed cooking delicious meals for her family throughout the years. She loved spending time with her family and hosted countless gatherings so everyone could be together.

Barb is survived with so much love by her daughters and son in laws Brenda (Al) Thompson and Linda (Ed) Swanson, grandchildren Jen (Justin) Neil, Cody (Kalee) Swanson, and Kendall (Rob) Brehm as well as her “great grands” Brodie and Colton, Brooklynn and Bo, and Ryker and Makena. She also had many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends whom she loved dearly.

Barb is predeceased by her parents and Joe, the love of her life of 50 years in 2002. She was the last of her siblings to pass.

Thank you to Dr. Sarah Chesney for her kindness and patience over the years and to the care aids and health care nurses who provided their care to Barb.

Barb will be missed so much but her love for us all and our memories with her will bring us peace as we carry her in our hearts forever.

There will be an intimate grave side gathering for the immediate family as per Barb’s request.

01/12/2026

In Loving Memory
Jack Albert Loeppky
January 14, 1944 – January 8, 2026

I grew up on a small farm in Saskatchewan near the town of Osler, just north of Saskatoon, after my origin there in 1944. My parents are George & Sarah Loeppky (Martens). I believe I was fortunate to be an only child, finding roots in the Mennonite community where life was stable, but lacked excitement. As my parents were from large families, I have 108 first cousins, having known less than half of them.

I fondly remember quiet winter evenings with an abundance of stars, northern lights and sparkling snow. I recall the transition from going to school by horse and buggy and sleigh the first year of school, to our first car (Model A Ford) from 1947 to 1954. Highlights were my relationship with King and Beauty, our two horses for riding in my early teens, and my companion dogs, Brown and Lad, until I attended the University of Saskatchewan (1962 – 66) for a B.Sc.

Then, having been inspired by a book The Saga of Billy the Kid in my early teens, I rode a motorcycle to Albuquerque, NM to see real cowboys and indians and attend graduate school at the University of New Mexico. I remained in Albuquerque for 40 years until 2007, when the call of winter, mountains and rivers pulled me to Canada and Cranbrook. While in NM, I obtained M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees and then worked in research related to cardiopulmonary physiology and exercise at the Lovelace Foundation and later the VA hospital. During this time, I was employed for eight months in Wellington Hospital, New Zealand and took a research fellowship at the Max Planck Institute in Gottingen, Germany. As a research scientist I visited other countries including Austria, Slovenia and India; in addition to adventure trips to Peru, Chile and Argentina.

I married Janet By in 1974, and we had and raised two children, Kris and Ninya. We parted in 1995 and in 2001 I married Robyn Rader, who has two children, Sam and Delaney. Robyn, Delaney and I moved to Cranbrook in 2007, with Sam requesting to remain in the USA.

My greatest joys were: 1) being present at the birth of my two children and then following their adventures, 2) close associations with scientific coworkers in research projects, notably my boss and inspirational mentor, Ulrich Luft, for 15 years at Lovelace in NM, 3) having good health to keep physically active and enjoy running, jogging and plodding as my health faded and age progressed, 4) the joys and adventures I shared with two dogs, Redford and Ranger, and 5) the loving relationship and support from my wife, Robyn.

My greatest sadness was being present at the passing of my parents to the great beyond and the termination of close relationships with many friends who also passed on.

Now that I am coasting in for the landing, I am avoiding social media, the bane of mankind, so that I can enjoy my past life’s experiences independently without interruption by outside noise. I await my transition; with the hopes it will not result in undue sadness for my friends and family, but with the sincere desire to outlive Donald Trump. If I’m not here, let me know if the latter has been achieved.

Cheers to everyone!

Note that Jack’s family would like to invite you to a celebration of his life in Summer 2026 in Cranbrook. If you would like to be included in the details, please email his daughter Ninya at ninya.loeppky@gmail.com

01/12/2026

In Loving Memory
Ivan Mackey (1950–2026)
August 23, 1950 — January 6, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Ivan Mackey, a lifelong resident of the Valley, on January 6, 2026. Born in Invermere on August 23, 1950, Ivan was a man of immense skill, quick wit, large heart, and a legendary work ethic.

A true "Jack of all trades," Ivan was a fixture in the local business community for decades. From his early days as a Dog Catcher and volunteer firefighter to owning Kool Country Auto Parts and Towing and OK Tire, Ivan was the person you called when you needed help—day or night. In his later years, he found joy in playing poker, woodworking with The Chips Are Flyin’ and managing Green Acres Mobile Home Park.

Ivan was a master storyteller who lived life "large," often found whistling a tune or sharing a joke. Turning strangers into friends. He was a man who kept his good deed’s quiet, helping many along the way asking for nothing in return. Above all, he was a devoted family man. He shared over 43 years of partnership with his wife, Dawn, and remained a dedicated son, father, and brother throughout his life.

He is survived by his loving wife, Dawn; daughters Alaina (Darryl) and Crystal(Robyn); grandchildren Randy and Carter; and siblings Roy, Marlene (Mark, Jessica, Mitchell), and Missy (Steven, Katherine, Jessica). As well as many great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Charlie, and is survived by his mother, Shirley.

A man who truly loved the Valley he called home, Ivan’s presence, humour and whistling will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

01/09/2026

In Loving Memory
Loretta Cecile Savarie
October 23, 1928 — December 25, 2025

Mom was born on October 23, 1928 in Avonlea Saskatchewan, the eldest of the six children of Peter and Veronica Schikowsky. She died on December 25, 2025 at the age of 97.

During the summer of 1952 Mom traveled to Cranbrook to visit her maternal grandparents. It was during this visit she met Dad (Lawrence) whom she married on April 14, 1953.

Mom was a strong, determined and independent woman. She was still living on her own on 15 acres. At the age of 96, she was still going outside to stoke the wood stove. Mom is remembered fondly by her grandchildren for her large garden of both vegetables and flowers, her baking, yearly birthday cards with loonies and twonies taped inside, and years later, dancing the polka at their weddings. Mom also enjoyed discussing politics-particularly at the provincial, national and international level.

Mom is survived by 6 children, 11 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, 2 brothers, 2 sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by Dad (Lawrence), he parents, two brothers and her sister.

Thank you to the health care team at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital who cared for Mom during her last days.

A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

01/08/2026

In Loving Memory
James Curry Purdy
February 12, 1940 — January 4, 2026

With heavy hearts, the family of James Curry Purdy announce his sudden passing at the age of 85 at the East Kootenay Regional Hospital.

Curry, as he was known by most of his family and friends, was the second child of 11 born to Harold and Ethel (Campbell) Purdy in Springhill, Nova Scotia. At the tender age of 17, Curry joined the Navy in 1957 and served as an Able Seaman until 1962. The following year he married Agnes Stewart. Curry moved his family to Kimberley BC in 1966 and joined Cominco, where he worked as a Timberman and other various roles until he retired in 2001 at the closing of the mine. An avid outdoorsman, Curry could often be found out in the bush camping, hunting or fishing. Never one to stay idle, Curry also enjoyed tinkering in his yard or garage, but never missed an opportunity to take a well earned break to “rest his eyes”.

Curry was predeceased by his father and mother; brothers Allan, Phillip, Ralston and infant brother; sister Linda and granddaughter Samara.

He is survived by Agnes, his wife of 62 years; son Derek (Marge) Purdy; daughters Angela (Tom) Newton; Crystal (Ray) Jakubow; Tanya (Mark) Fischer and Leanne (Maurice) DuMontier, 13 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, 4 brothers and 1 sister, as well as many nieces and nephews.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the doctors and nurses who provided such good care to Curry.

No funeral service will be planned by request. A private celebration of life may occur at a later time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Heart and Stroke Foundation in Curry’s name.

McPherson Funeral Services

01/19/2026

01/19/2026

01/16/2026

01/15/2026

01/15/2026

01/14/2026

01/13/2026

01/12/2026

01/12/2026

01/12/2026

01/09/2026

01/08/2026

Address

Telephone

Website

Alerts

Shortcuts

Share

Category