Vickie was diagnosed with an aggressive form of cancer in March of this year and she fought a truly courageous battle, showing grace and dignity to the end.
Lynn Victoria was born in Kamloops on July 24, 1955 to Howard and Agnes Baker (nee Hartman). Even though her given name was Lynn she went by “Vickie” and was always surprised when someone called her by her real name. Vickie was the second child of four, joining older sister Louise and followed by sister Brenda and brother Bruce. The family lived on Harper Road in the very tight knit community of Dallas where Vickie made many lifelong friendships.
After attending Dallas Elementary, Valleyview, and Kam High Secondary Schools, and after working at the Credit Union for a while, Vickie moved to Calgary in the spring of 1975 where she met her future husband Jeff. Vickie and Jeff married in 1976 and settled into a happy life in Calgary.
On New Year’s eve of 1976 the family was blessed with the birth of twin daughters Amanda and Tara. Raising twin daughters in a city far away from family turned into quite a task, so in March of 1977 the family moved to Kamloops. On January 8, 1979 the family was completed with the birth of their son Benjamin.
Vickie loved to travel, whether it be a winter holiday in Mexico, an RV trip to the USA, one of her beloved girl’s trips or the annual trek to Saskatchewan to visit Jeff’s family, she was always eager to see new things but she always looked forward to returning home and being surrounded by family. Vickie was a wonderful homemaker, gardener and an inspirational cook, able to organize a reunion dinner for 80 or a simple Sunday night dinner for 20, making all of the dishes from scratch. She loved walking, whether it be a sandy beach in Mexico, Riverside Park, the Mac Island loop or just around the neighborhood, she was ready to go. The Toronto Blue Jays were her team, she could name every player and never missed a game. She also loved to watch the grandchildren play their sports, from basketball to volleyball, to baseball and track and field, she was there to cheer them on.
Vickie was a kind and generous person who always tried to see the good in people and was concerned with others health and happiness. Her family adored her as she was truly interested in their lives and was a great mentor to them all. Her children and her grandchildren were cherished – they were so very special to her!
Vickie was predeceased by her parents, Agnes and Howard, by Jeff’s parents, Helen and Peter, and brother-in-laws Terry and Peter.
Vickie is survived by her loving husband and partner of 48 years, Jeff, her children, Amanda (Grant), Tara (Brent), Ben (Penni): grandchildren, Cole, Emily, Noah, Travis, Linden, Lucas and Grace: her sisters Louise (Mark), Brenda (Ron): brother Bruce (Nancy): many nieces and nephews, brothers and sisters-in-laws, cousins, aunts and uncles, and many friends, all who knew her loved her – that’s just the special kind of person she was. She truly left this world a better place.
Doug Baleshta
Steven Balison
1955-2004
Steven David Balison passed away early in 2004 after a lengthy illness.
He is survived by his wife, Susan, and his parents Dave and Cherie Balison. Brother, Mark (Debbie) and sister, Jan. Two sons, Dustin of Kamloops and Dameon of Kelowna. One daughter, Lea-el, of Courtney, and her three children. Also survived by nieces and nephews, Christopher (Deanna), Kelly, Brandy (Shane) and Trista. Steve is also survived by his four step-children; Jeff Parker of Calgary, Jeremie Parker of Calgary, Tina Warren (Vaughn) of Kamloops, and Doug Yzereef of Kamloops.
Steve lived most of his 48 years in the Kamloops area and attended Heffley Creek Elementary School and proceeded to Valleyview and Kamloops High schools.
His earlier main interests included figure skating and several years as keyboard player with the Karroll Brothers Band. Later, he turned to Computer College earning an Honors Graduation which in turn landed him a position in Calgary as a Purchasing Agent for a large company. Later he returned to Kamloops with his family of four and has stayed in the local area, including McLure, to the present.
