In Loving memory of Gilles Robert Joseph Parent, a devoted husband, and accomplished builder/manager, peacefully passed away on December 16, 2023, at Surrey Memorial Hospital. He was born in Altona, Manitoba, to Michel and Dorothee Parent.

Gilles was the beloved husband of Sharon Mary Parent (nee Holovaci), and together they shared a life filled with love and companionship. He is survived by his wife and Daniel and leaves a legacy of love and dedication to his family.

Gilles dedicated 45 years to the field of construction and restoration, leaving an indelible mark through his skills as a builder and manager. His commitment to his work enriched the communities he served.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during an evening prayer service held on Friday December 22 at 7:00pm. The following morning the Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am. Both will  take place at Holy Nativity Orthodox Church, 4828 216a Street, Langley.  Gilles will then be laid to rest at Heritage Gardens Cemetery, 19082 16 Avenue, Surrey.
​
Father Michael Gillis will officiate the services.

*** Please note, following the funeral the family will proceed directly to the cemetery for the burial, but they specifically request that all guests partake in the reception immediately following the funeral in the adjacent Murrayville Hall. You are requested to stay as long as you are able to enjoy each others company and share in the memory of Gilles upon their return from the cemetery.

Gilles will be remembered for his dedication to family, his craftsmanship, and the positive impact he made on the lives of those around him. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

May he rest in peace.

In Loving Memory of Mile Kljajic
Mile Kljajic, born on May 22, 1946, peacefully passed away on December 13, 2023, in Vancouver, BC. He was 77 years old.
A Funeral Service to pray for Mile will be held on Monday, December 18, 2023, at 10:00 am at St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, located at 505 E 63rd Avenue, Vancouver, BC. Father Marko Radmanovic will officiate the service.
Following the service, Mile will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery, 5455 Fraser Street, Vancouver, BC.
Mile is survived by his loving wife, Zivka, and their sons Miodrag and Milan. He is also remembered fondly by his daughter-in-law, Rina, and his cherished grandchildren, Sara and Hugo.
Mile will be remembered for his warmth, generosity, and the love he shared with his family and friends. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
​
​May His Memory Be Eternal !

October 17 1935 - November 27 2023
​Michael (Mike) Kollias of Vancouver, BC passed away peacefully on November 27, 2023 at Langley Memorial Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Kato Petralona, on Philopappos Hill in Athens, Greece.  Mike was predeceased by his father Ioannis Kollias (at the young age of 9), mother Athena Nicolaou, sister Angeliki Nicolaou-Makris, brother Christos (Chris) Kollias and cousin Panteleimon (Peter) Pantelidis.  Mike came to Canada at the age of 20, in 1956, with his older brother Chris, younger brother Nikolaos (Niko) and their cousin Peter. They started their Canadian journey in Winnipeg which was short lived and settled in Vancouver shortly thereafter.  Mike worked in the hospitality industry until he retired in 1999.  To many he was “Chico”, everyone’s favourite server/bartender, but to us he was dad who always made sure the women in the house were “panta kala”. After retirement, Mike spent most of his time playing with his grandchildren, poker with his kids and enjoying great conversation with his friends at the church kafenio and at the mall. He was a well known and loved member of the Greek Orthodox community and will be missed by many. 

Mike is survived by his brother Niko, wife Anna, daughters Kimberlee, Athena (Chris), Maria (Raff), grandchildren Michael (Dalas), Kayleen (Jamie), Dean, Isabella, Luca, Enzo, Ayva, great-grandchildren Sophia and Dominic and many beloved nieces and nephews in Canada and Greece that he adored with all his heart. 

The Trisagion Service will be held on December 7th, 2023 at 7:00pm at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church located at 13181 96th Avenue, Surrey.  

The Funeral Service will be held on December 8th, 2023 at 10:00am at Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church. The interment to follow at Heritage Garden Cemetery 19082 16th Avenue, Surrey

In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to the Greek Orthodox Community of Surrey and Fraser Valley.

May His Memory Be Eternal

Diane Irene Glebe (Dirks/Dunn)
Born on December 18, 1944 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. On November 2, 2023 she passed peacefully in Mission, B.C. surrounded by so much love. She fought a hard fight and smiled until the very end. She leaves behind her husband Tom Glebe, Daughters Brenda Dunn and Christine (Martin) Alaric Grandchildren Kori-Lea (Michael) Battaglia, Kara-Lyn (Michael) Blair Kyla-Mae (Don) Keserich, Shawna-Rae (Pierre) Menard, James Dunn, Kimberly Alaric, Joshua Alaric, Hayden Alaric and Brendan Dunn. Also 11 Great Grandchildren . Brother Daniel (Patricia) Dirks and many nieces and nephews. Not to forget all her extended family and friends. She was pre-deceased by her father, grandparents, mother, daughter Debra, brother, nephew, niece and great great granddaughter.

Celebration of Life
December 18, 2023 at 4:00pm 
Hatzic Prairie Hall
10845 Farms Road
Hatzic, BC
(Pot luck - please bring a dish)

Dale Eldon MacAulay, 67,  passed peacefully in his home in Abbotsford. Predeceased by his mother, Jacqueline (2005), father, Jack (2006) and sister, Shelley (2014). Survived by his brother, Leslie, daughter, Nicole, grandsons Maverick & Bentley, his nephew Steven and nieces Shauna, Chelene, Shayla, Ally and Quinn. Dale loved his family dearly and will be deeply missed by all.

Sunrise April 10, 1957  ~  Sunset September 17, 2023
With deep despair and anguished hearts, we announce the passing of Carolyn "Vail" Thomas. 

Vail left us much too soon, at the age of 66 in White Rock, after a brief but fierce battle with cancer. Her strong tenacious spirit and giving heart prevailed through her cancer journey touching the lives of so many right until her final goodbye. 

Left to miss Vail is her mother Barbara, daughter Alaina, son Marek, brother Roy (MaryLyn), sister Lori (Tony), grandchildren Ava, Thayne, Tayla, as well as her friend and ex-partner Ken, her large extended family, many dear friends and colleagues. Predeceased by brother Mike, father Jack and step-dad Al, as well as ancestors from the Tzeachten First Nations.

Vail lived her life always thinking of others giving her empathy, time and dedication. Her selfless huge heart was at it fullest when she could positively lift others around her up. She was stubborn and opinionated towards what she believed in and protected the ones she loved with virtue. From her time as a ballroom dancing teacher into her extended years with the White Rock Players Club, her love for the arts was a passion she always kept with her. She advocated for the hearing impaired and vulnerable groups, volunteered with the Tour De White Rock and Delta and spent the last 20 years with the Vancouver School Board shaping so many lives.

To commemorate her life and enthusiastic adventuring nature, we will be celebrating Vail's life on October 21, 2023 at Sea Ridge Bays Clubhouse, 15875 20th Ave, South Surrey, from 2-8pm with "memory moments" beginning at 3Pm, where people can share their thoughts and stories with others. 

As per Vail's wishes, please dress with bright colours for a party! Bring a favourite appetizer and your own refreshments. Coffee and tea will be provided. Please bring photos and your memories to Star. 

Also feel welcome to add your thoughts, stories, pictures, well wishes and memories here online. This will be a going away to remember and celebrate the remarkable woman that Vail was to so many. Photos submitted to [email protected] will then be added to an online slideshow.

Please direct any questions to her sister Lori at 604-839-7116 or her daughter Alaina at 604-441-1904.

To quote Vail, "the show with must go on" so please have her in your daily thoughts, with strength and a smile.

​Adam Scriver, 41, of Aldergrove, passed away on September 14, 2023 after a short battle with lung cancer.
Adam was born on September 16, 1981 to Katherine and David Scriver (both predeceased) in Calgary, Alberta. The family including his brother Shawn moved to BC in 1996 where Adam became a proud professional in his trade for over twenty years.
Adam became the proud father of Sarah and Jacob while living in New Westminster before meeting Heather in 2008. They wed in 2012, going on to have two children, Isabella and Emily.
Family has always been an important part of Adams life that led to special bonds like the ones he had with his Aunty Shelly and his nephew Wyatt who he saw as a son.
​Adam lived a full life of fun extreme activities like skydiving, skiing, dirt biking, camping, boating and spending time with his loving family.  His love of the finer things made him a regular at Cardero’s and Fifth Ave in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.

Rex Pay passed away at the age of 68 on July 27, 2023 at his home in Ladner. He was born August 29, 1954 at Royal Columbian Hospital. Predeceased by his mother Bernice, father Ralph and sister Lonnie. Survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Tara, son in law Greg Wilkins and grandchildren Nolan and Blake. 
Rex attended school at Sunshine Hills Elementary School and eventually bused to Delta Secondary School where he met and then married his high school sweetheart. He enjoyed water and snow skiing, playing football, sitting on a sandy beach and always excelled at anything he put his mind to. He loved riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle any chance he could but his grandkids gave him the most joy. He will be remembered best for his sense of humor and quick wit. 
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 2:00pm-4:00pm at The Rose and Crown Pub, 1203 56th Street, Tsawwassen, BC.
In lieu of flowers, donation to the Concussion Legacy Foundation Canada https://www.classy.org/give/469440/#!/donation/checkout would be greatly appreciated. 

It is with heavy hearts that we are announcing the untimely death of Aaron Ramlakhan, on August 23, 2023. Aaron’s legacy is carried on by his wife, Tanya, and three children. Aaron will also be missed by; his parents Steve and Roberta; and sister Shannon (Daniel); parent in-laws Chantha and Thorn, and sisters Sarina and Christina (Paul) and their daughter.

An evening panikhida prayer service will be held on Monday September 4, 2023 at 6:30pm at St. Herman of Alaska Orthodox Church, 7221 198b Street, Langley, BC with a funeral the following day on Tuesday September 5 at 10:30am.  He will be laid to rest at Fort Langley Cemetery, 23105 St Andrews Ave, Fort Langley.  Potluck reception will be held following the burial across the street at the St. Andrew United Church hall. 

Those who knew Aaron would remember how he told stories so animatedly, ending it with an infectious laughter. He was a hard working and devoted husband and father and a dear friend to so many. 

Donations to assist the family can be contributed via https://www.gofundme.com/f/in-memory-of-aaron-ramlakhan

May His Memory Be Eternal ...

Lyle Terrance Watson passed away on July 18, 2023 at Vancouver, BC. A private burial will be held. He will be missed by all who knew him.

May 29, 2000 - July 3, 2023, It is with saddened hearts that we are sharing this, our son Liam Douglas Girard passed away on July 3rd, 2023. Liam was funny and had a very loving heart and was kind to anyone he encountered. Liam loved Anime, video games and movies, and most of all he loved his little brother Mike.
​Liam is survived by his parents Grace O’Reilly and Steve Girard, his stepmother Maddy Ghoneim, brother Mike and stepbrothers Adam and Nicholas. His Grandmothers, Marie Girard (d. Douglas Girard) and Joy Linder (d. Jack O’Reilly). Graces brothers and sisters and spouses, Allen and Irenea, Shelly and Gary and Deborah (Predeceased by Graces brother and sister Leo and Theresa). Steve’s brothers and sister and spouses, Greg and Cristina, Dave and Kathy and Kim and John. As well as many cousins who loved him very much.
Sometimes in life there are losses. Losses that can never really be replaced. Losing you has been the hardest thing we have ever had to live with. We were not ready to say goodbye. We were not ready to let you leave. We would give anything for just one more day, just one more hour, just one more minute. But we have learned to trust in unconditional love. Because the one profound thing about death is that love never dies. Some bonds cannot be broken. Because even though you’re not physically here, your heart is. It lives on within us. We will carry your heart inside ours. We will carry it on the days when we find courage to heal and to grow. We will carry it with us always. Someday we will meet again. And we will no longer be separated by time and space. But until that day, we will find comfort in knowing that you are still with us. Your heart safely tucked inside ours. Some hearts just belong together, and nothing will ever change that. We loved you then, we love you now. We will always love you forever. Forever in our minds, forever in our hearts. We will carry you forever.
A Memorial Service in Liam's honour will be held on Sunday, July 16, 2023 at 11:00 am at the Musqueam Community Centre, 6777 Salish Drive, Vancouver, BC, where flowers may be delivered the day of at 10:30am.
Donations kindly appreciated to CAMH Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Foundation​

passed away on April 29, 2023 at New Westminster, BC. A private burial will be held. He will be missed by all who knew him. 

Memorial Service held on Saturday June 17, 2023

With sadness and love, the family of Maria Romana Hockin wish to announce her passing on June 12, 2023 in Abbotsford, BC, Canada.

Maria is predeceased by daughter Susanna Rodela Williamson. She is survived by her children David, Daniel, Carla (James), Lloyd (Marina), and her many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Maria was born in 1937 in the town of Kanal, in western Slovenia on the border with Italy. She had a difficult early life, growing up during the Second World War, her family would often take refuge in nearby caves during bombing and raids. Her father Andrej was a veteran of the first world war and he spoke many languages, including German, which probably helped him protect his family. Even after the war, life in Yugoslavia was difficult, parts of towns had been destroyed and there were food shortages. Maria had 7 siblings and perhaps her parents had trouble keeping all of them fed, as when she was only 7 years old, she was sent away to live with an aunt in Italy, where she helped to work on a farm and attended school. When she came back home a couple years later, she barely recognized her parents and siblings.

She then stayed with her family in Kanal, went to nursing school, and then worked for several years at the seaside hospital of Valdoltra. This was a beautiful location and it seemed like a happy time for her; she would tell stories of hours spent swimming in the Adriatic sea, eating ripe fruits and caring for patients who felt like family. When she was around 26 years old she met Josef Rodela, who would become her first husband. They left Yugoslavia to escape the communist regime, and passed through Italy, Austria, France, and ended up in Germany for a while, where her first daughter Susie was born. In 1965 the family of 3 came via ocean liner to Canada to start a new life. Over the next few years they moved around Canada as Josef sought work in the mines, and she had 2 more children, sons David and Danny. 

In 1970 they were living in east Vancouver when Maria received devastating news that her husband was killed in a mining accident, and she was left a single mother with 3 children under the age of 6. This was a very challenging time for her, without much social support, however with the life insurance money she was able to buy a house on Melbourne St in Vancouver and made a stable home for her family. A couple years later she married Lloyd Hockin and had two more children, Carla and Lloyd. 

She was a headstrong and resourceful woman and worked hard to support her family, trying different ventures over the years - buying and renovating homes, starting a janitorial business, owning small grocery stores, and working as a nurses’ aide. In later years, her favorite work was to spend summer days on a farm picking berries. 

She was an expert knitter and enjoyed creating blankets and sweaters for her loved ones, and also used her talents to make custom orders for a knitwear store in Vancouver. 
Mom also enjoyed cooking for her family - every Christmas and Easter holiday she would bake large batches of Slovenian bread and cakes to give to family and friends.

Through all the hardships she was always a faithful Christian, raising her family in Christ and attending church. Her faith and prayer kept her going through hard times. 

Chester Payou, age 53, passed away in the comfort of his home at Surrey, BC on May 17, 2023. 
He suffered through a long, hard battle with cancer where he wouldn’t give up on life. He was an kind hearted person who loved life and didn't hesitate to make people smile. He will sorely be missed.
He is survived by wife Carol Hope, step-children: Rosalie Giroux, Duran Giroux, William Garner, and Cameron Garner, sister Charlene Payou, half-sister Tanesha Harvey, aunt Madeleine Dourin, uncle Colby Payou, numerous step-grandchildren and cousins, as well as many aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his mother Julie Payou, father Peter Harvey, grandparents Pierre and Mable Payou and Felix and Agnes Goodswimmer
A Memorial will take place in a Surrey baseball field on Sunday, May 28. His ashes will be spread at his original home in Sturgeon Lake, Alberta. 
Date TBA.

Daughter of Minnie (nee Thomas) and Francis Point, in Musqueam territory, Steveston, BC., Frances fished with her father every summer in Rivers Inlet, BC, where she met her husband Chief Delbert V. Guerin. Together they raised 7 kids and one grandchild. Frances served Musqueam Indian Band Administration from 1960 - 2020. Frances' legacy is her family and the work achieved to make our home a better place. An evening Prayer service will be held on Tuesday, May 23 at 7:00pm followed by a Funeral Mass on Wednesday, May 24 at 10:00 am both held at the Musquem Community Centre, 6777 Salish Dr, Vancouver.

In memory of Robert Jerningham, born April 29, 1953 in Vancouver, BC and Gayle Elizabeth, born January 21, 1994 in North Vancouver, BC, passed away on February 9, 2023. They are lovingly remembered and will be dearly missed by their family and friends. 
​Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 1:00 pm at St. John The Evangelist Church, 220 W Eighth St, North Vancouver BC.

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Gordon Sam on February 14. He died unexpectedly while doing what he loved - playing tennis. He will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Luciana, children Mathew (Youmi), Rebecca (Sam) and Matheus, grandson Jock, brothers Raymond (Susan) and Norman, dog Mila, and dear nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Mow Toy & Young Chu, and sister Mary. While he left us much too early, Gordon lived a life filled with love, devotion and laughter. He will be forever in the hearts of his family and many friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 3:00 pm at the Canadian Memorial United Church & Centre For Peace, 1825 W 16th Avenue, Vancouver, BC. 

Joseph Bencinger passed away on January 10, 2023. He was born on June 17, 1936. Predeceased by his parents, Tony and Anna Bencinger, brother Anton Bencinger, and sister Rose Hanson. He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years Lee Ann, daughter Teresa (Gordon) Heppner, son John, grandchildren Amanda Heppner and Jason Heppner, and great-grandson Jacob Kelly.
Joe lived in Manitoba and moved to Abbotsford when he was 14. He met his wife Lee Ann when he moved to Langley at age 26. They married on September 10, 1965.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 1:00 pm at the O.A.P. Hall, 3015 273 Street, Aldergrove, BC. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a charity of your choice.
​

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our lovely Mary. Mary was a kind, compassionate, selfless and caring person who took great pleasure in her family and extended family. She was an expert knitter and loved creating much appreciated baby blankets for her loved ones. She liked cooking, walking, watching Christmas movies, and many more activities that made her smile. Mary attended the Oakridge Baptist Church regularly and took great comfort in her religion. She was an avid reader and spent many hours reading scriptures, psalms and religious books. Mary is predeceased by her mother, Anna Bonk Bernier and is survived by her brother Ray (Heather), nieces, nephews and her goddaughter Ashlee Montagano. She will be greatly missed by many. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Oakridge Baptist Church
​https://www.oakridgebaptistchurch.ca/give
Mary was laid to rest with her mother at Mountain View Cemetery.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the loss of Joseph Bencinger. After a period of declining health, Joseph met with the Lord on January 10, 2023.

We will gather together on Saturday, February 25, 2023 for a time of memorial, to share stories and mark the life of our dear Husband, Father, Grandfather and Friend. Please come for 1:00pm to the Aldergrove Heritage Hall (O.A.P. Hall), located at 3015 273 St, Aldergrove. 

We would be honoured if you could come with a story to share .