It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Ken Chernenkoff, a devoted Husband, a loving Dad, a proud Grandpa and a true Friend.
Born in Arran, Saskatchewan, on January 10, 1941, Dad passed away suddenly on January 29, 2008 in Laughlin, Nevada while on holidays with Mom.
Dad is survived by the love of his life and his soul mate, Sandra and the sparkles in his eyes, his daughters Tammy (Kelly) Brownlee and Cindy (Shane) Leibel, his granddaughters Rebecca and Jesse and his grandsons, Taylor and Aaron, all of Kamloops. Dad is also survived by Louise Chernenkoff (sister-in-law) of Prince George and Ginny (Norman) Bowen of Manitoba and his many nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his parents Alex and Margaret, his older brother Bill and his nephew Bradley.
Dad was a very special man who many called "Friend". He had a lengthy career in the construction business, was pretty handy with a backhoe and had many friends throughout the province in the industry. The lives he touched will be saddened to hear of his passing. His favourite times were those spent with Mom and the rest of his family, getting together for family dinners, having a few laughs and just catching up on what everyone had been up to. His favourite line lately was "I'm retired so I did whatever I wanted today!" at which time he would laugh out loud and make us all smile. Dad had the heart and soul of a gentle giant and always had time for family and friends.
Diane Clark
Diane Edgell Diane is also in the class of 1960
At the age of 70, Diane died peacefully in her home on Thursday October 25th, 2012.
Diane was born in Kamloops at Royal Inland Hospital and attended UBC where she received her teaching certificate.
Diane's passions were travelling and learning about her ancestry. Her travels took her to much of Europe, in particular Ireland. In recent years she enjoyed living on the east coast of Canada.
She is survived by her two daughters Sheilah Frost (nee Edgell) and Susan Edgell.
Ruth Coates
Ruth Tate
Ruth made the most of her 80 years. She passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2024, at Princess Margaret Hospital in Toronto.
Ruth was born in Kamloops, British Columbia, to Grace and Jack Coates, who raised her and her younger sister, Ann, to value family, education, and music.
Ruth spent summers at Shuswap Lake, where she had great fun on the water with her gang of friends forging lasting friendships. She could not wait to head off to Vancouver and the University of British Columbia, where she studied French language, literature, and teaching.
After a year of teaching in Dawson Creek in Northern B.C., the travel bug took Ruth to Europe. She fell in love with Paris where she studied French at the Sorbonne. Back in Canada she chose to settle in Toronto and began a 40-plus year career as a dedicated French teacher.
Ruth married Howard Tate, also a UBC graduate, in 1971. Ruth was so proud of their two sons, Brad (Lesya Dacko) and Mark (Victoria Ketteringham), and adored her grandchildren Kiara and Alyssa, and the newest additions, Olivia and Owen. She went to most of her sons' hockey games and continued the tradition with Kiara and Alyssa. Ruth would have loved to play hockey herself.
Ruth cherished time with her grandchildren, taking them on outings and entertaining them at home, displaying endless energy, attention, and patience. Following a busy family and work life, Ruth and Howard rekindled their interest in bridge. Ruth, a ruby life master, played at the club level and enjoyed bridge cruises and tournaments. She also indulged her passion for reading, discussing books and travelling the world. Ruth loved and valued music. She continued the family tradition of Christmas carol singing and sang in various choirs over the years.
Ruth was an RCM-certified piano teacher and delighted in sharing her love of piano with her grandchildren. Friendship was important to Ruth, and she tried to stay connected to her many neighbours, good friends from school, university, teaching, and other activities. She made and maintained many deep and lasting friendships because she was kind, unassuming, an excellent listener and a provider of great advice.
As a wife, sister, mother, grandmother, friend, and colleague, Ruth was a stable and reliable support that will leave a hole that can never be filled. She will be missed more than she could ever have imagined.
