Today in BC

September 21, 1930 – April 15, 2026 With great love, gratitude, and deep appreciation for a life well lived, we say goodbye to our dear mother and grandmother Gwen, who passed away at White Rock, BC, at age 95. Gwen was born in Surrey, England, eldest of two daughters born to Arthur and Emily Merton.

Daily FIFA World Cup soccer match updates and news for Black Press Media publications. France and England face off at 2 p.m. PT today in Miami in the 2026 bronze World Cup final. The match will be refereed by Jesus Valenzuela. England has won two of three World Cup matches against France: 3-1 in June 1982 during the group stage and 2-0 in July 1966 in London. France defeated England 2-1 in the 2022 quarter-final in Qatar.

April 8, 1943 – April 30, 2026 In Loving Memory ~ Terry passed away at his home in Chilliwack on April 30 at the age of 83. Born in Nelson hospital, Terry spent more than half his life in and around Nelson. He loved boating on Kootenay Lake in the summer and curling in the winter. Terry was later part of the Baker St business crowd in the 80’s and early 90’s while being the preeminent real estate appraiser in the Kootenay’s.

October 24, 1946 – July 8, 2026 It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Michael James Wheaton on July 8, 2026, at the age of 79. Michael was an avid baseball and hockey player who carried his love of sports throughout his life. He devoted more than 30 years to teaching and was a much-loved and respected educator in Australia, Fernie, and Cranbrook. His kindness, patience, and dedication left a lasting impression on countless students, colleagues, and friends.

Bryan Daniel Jackson “Bear Hunter” has “Gone Fishing” It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Bryan Daniel Jackson, who passed away on July 4, 2026, at Queen Victoria Hospital, at the age of 82, with his loving wife and family by his side. Bryan will be forever loved and deeply missed by his devoted wife of almost 60 years, Jeanette Jackson. He leaves behind his cherished children: Rob (Julie) of Woss, BC; Mike (Buddy) of Revelstoke, BC; and Karen (Gary) of Chase, BC.

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Roy Richard Henry of Cowichan Valley, BC, on July 7, 2026, at the age of 54. Roy was the beloved son of Shelley and Martin Henry of Shawnigan Lake, BC; the devoted partner of Linda Spencer of Duncan, BC; and the dear cousin of Lisa Carlson of Courtenay, BC. He also leaves behind numerous family & friends, including his very special friends, Claire and Keith. To my dear son: You will be missed every second of every day.

May 18, 1950 – June 10, 2026 Jennie was a force- made up of radical generosity, strength and fierce independence, a steady flow of kindness, a strong knowing of who she was, and a twinkle in her eyes. Jennie had a dynamic and adventurous life, born in Calgary, moving to Kelowna, and then settling on Vancouver Island. She raised two daughters with a childhood full of love and creativity.

On July 9, 2026, Ian Craig Smith passed away peacefully at home after a courageous, years-long battle with liver cancer. In keeping with his wishes, Ian chose Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), allowing him to choose the timing and circumstances of his passing. Ian’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the many healthcare professionals who supported him throughout his journey.

October 20, 1926 – March 21, 2026 A life, nearly a century, filled with happiness, tragedy, survival, determination, dedication and love. Born October 20th, 1926, in the village of Priekule, Latvia, Vaida’s first years of life were happy. Her parents owned a small shoe store where she helped as a child, quickly learning math and tracking sales. Unfortunately, at around eight she contracted scarlet fever. She recovered, but the infection had caused permanent hearing loss in one ear.

1938 ~ 2026 In Loving Memory ~ Mary Electa Bittroff (née Thompson), born December 24, 1938 in Saskatoon, to Fred and Marion Thompson (née Wheaton), passed away on Saturday, June 19, 2026. Mary was predeceased by her brother Al Thompson in 2020. Mary is survived by her daughter, Joan Johnson (Brian), and her two granddaughters, Jessica Termuende (Clayton) and Shelley Presseau (Daniel). She is also survived by her sisters, Edy Thornton (John) and Susan Stinson (Mike).