Obituaries

It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. Antonio Silvio Porco (Tony) passed peacefully at the Elk Valley Hospital on May 1, 2024, surrounded by his loved ones. Tony fought a long hard battle against kidney disease and other medical issues. Tony was born a true Elk Valley boy, March 10, 1960, in Natal, BC. He was the youngest child of Assunta and Pietro Porco. Tony was predeceased by his parents, brothers John, Silvio,...

With his beloved wife Mary by his side, Carlos Martin passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, May 1, 2024 at the age of eighty-one years. He was born in Madrid, Spain on December 15, 1942. As well as his wife Mary, Carlos is also survived by his sister, Carmen Martin-Zafra in Spain. No services will be held.

It is with deep sorrow that I have to announce the sudden passing of my son, Steven Gildea, in Australia on the 29th of April, 2024. It is something that no parent should have to face, and it is so difficult to put down on paper just what Steven accomplished in his short life of 52 years. He was a boy and a man of many talents; musician, guitar, cello, piano, and he was also quite a talented magician. Steven was one of the founders and partook in "The Gathering" at Island...

Joseph (Joe) William Lindley passed away suddenly on April 28, 2024, in Sparwood, BC, leaving behind a trail of laughter and memories. Joe was born on August 18, 1955, in Rossland, BC. He was a loving father, cherished grandfather, and nature enthusiast. Joe leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter and mischief that will be forever cherished by those who knew him. Joe's love for his family was immense. He was the proud father of four children: David, Tamarra, Natasha, and Nicholas. His...

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our mother Janine Fontaine on April 17, 2024 at the age of ninety.  Janine was born in Girardville, Quebec on January 27, 1934.  Janine married her childhood sweetheart Jacques in 1961 and they moved their family to the West Kootenays in 1969 before settling in Sparwood in 1971. Her greatest pleasure in life was her family, she loved nothing more than to spend time with her children and her grandchildren whom she...

Cleo passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family and friends. Cleo was a glamour queen in jeans who wasn't afraid to pack a little lipstick beside her pistol. She was a blue-eyed beauty with long flowing dark hair who had an infectious smile and a laugh that brought joy and opened hearts. Her hugs were warm and authentic. From early on she had clear lines drawn between what she saw as right or wrong. She lived by a deep moral code and naturally defended the underdog. She...

The family of Norma Ann Ferguson (nee Durham) are saddened to announce that Norma passed peacefully in her home on April 1st, 2024. Norma was born November 12th, 1936, in Raymond Alberta to Jean and Robert Durham.  Norma is predeceased by her parents, sisters Marion and Isabel, brothers Rob and Jim, husband Bob, and daughter Tara. She is survived by daughters Missy (Trevor), Tracy (Al), son-in-law Dana; grandchildren Alicia, Caiti (Ross), Allie, Brayden, Rachel (Brad), Michaela, Dalton...

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Nancy Gawryluk, on Sunday, March 31, 2024, at Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. Nancy Wilma Gawryluk was born on December 3, 1942 in Michel, B.C.  She grew up in Hosmer and went to Fernie Elementary and Secondary School, where she graduated in 1961. After graduation she pursued a secretarial career. Nancy’s dream was to go to the Seattle World’s Fair in 1962 … and she accomplished that dream! She...

Stephanie Diane Krawchuk (Lavers) was called home to her Heavenly Father on March 30, 2024. She is reunited with her father and nephew Steven, whom she loved dearly. She leaves behind her loving husband Bryan, son Brody, daughters Bria and Melissa, and granddaughter Nevaeh-Lynn, whom she loved deeply. Stephanie was an amazingly strong woman who touched so many lives. She will be terribly missed by all her family and friends. Stephanie will be laid to rest at Port Saunders, Newfoundland..

With profound shock and sadness, we announce the sudden death of Gail Karen Rhinas. Gail passed away in the early morning hours of March 25, 2024, just two months shy of her 64th birthday.  Gail was born in Yorkton, SK on May 25, 1960, to Herman and Dorothy Rhinas. She was a mother to three boys: Rob, Wesley, and Tyler. She left the prairies in 2005 and settled in Fernie, BC where she enjoyed puzzles, family get-togethers, time with her grandchildren, pampering herself with a...