It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jarvis Arthur Turner on January 27, 2012. Jarvis was born in Kamloops on October 30, 1942, and was the oldest of three siblings (Andrew, William, and Sheila).
He was predeceased by his wife Gabrielle (Garby), brother Andrew, and father Harold and leaves behind his sons Dan (Connie), Tim (Nonie), grandchildren, sister Sheila, brother William and mother Kathleen.
Jarvis did not have extensive schooling yet he was an amazing teacher, role model and father figure. He worked for many years in the logging industry as a faller and later as a logging truck driver. He also drove school bus for Barriere Elementary and Secondary students, with his primary route being kids from Chu Chua. He loved his profession and could often be found recanting many wonderful, even legendary, stories of his work in the North Thompson forestry industry and bus driving.
Jarvis had a physical presence about him, in yet the most gentle and kindest demeanor you could imagine in a man. He had a particular interest and affinity for wood working, spending many hours in his workshop and working on his home and property.
Jarvis met Garby in Spences Bridge, B.C., in 1963 and by all accounts fell instantly in love, forming a lifelong bond and devotion that he spoke of right up to the day of his passing.
They were married in Kamloops on October 11, 1965, and settled in Barriere, B.C., to begin raising their family. They built a home together in 1972, and loved camping, enjoying the outdoors, playing cards, music and all things family. Regardless of timing, friends were never turned away - the coffee pot was always on. They were deeply spiritual people and their faith in God was unwavering and a true inspiration.
With the unfortunate and unusual diagnosis of both Jarvis and Garby having Multiple Sclerosis (MS) their lives were changed forever, both having to spend their final years living at Overlander Extended Care Facility in Kamloops, B.C.
Jarvis was an amazing man, husband and father – we miss you and love you so much dad, but know you are ecstatic about being re-united with the love of your life – Garby, who left us on May 14, 1997.
Many thanks to staff of Overlander Extended Care Facility for the outstanding care Jarvis and Garby received – we are truly blessed to have professional staff and facilities like this in our communities in British Columbia.
Family and friends are invited to attend a gathering to celebrate and remember Jarvis on Saturday, March 3, 2012, from 1pm in the “Gathering room” at Overlander Extended Care facility, 953 Southill St., Kamloops, B.C.
Should friends desire, donations to the MS Society of BC (http://mssociety.ca/en/give/ – 180-546 St Paul St, Kamloops, B.C., V2C 5T1, 250-314-0773) or Kamloops Overlander Extended Care Hospital (953 Southill St., Kamloops, B.C., V2B 7Z9, 250-554-2323) would be greatly appreciated.