Lori Pelton (Neid) age 49 passed away suddenly at her home in the Upper Clearwater Valley. Lori leaves behind her husband Butch (Richard) Pelton, step children Sharon McKay (Daniel; grandchildren Steven, Kenneth, Bradley and Daphne), Terry Pelton (Lindsay; grandchildren Justin and Corey), her father Larry Neid, brothers Michael and Allan Neid and their families, plus many friends.
Lori was predeceased by step-son Marvin Pelton, and in December 2006 by her mother Delsa (DeeDee) Neid. Dee Dee’s passing left a painful empty spot in Lori’s life.
Lori was born in Kelowna, where she spent her elementary and high school years.
Lori spent her summers working in her family’s orchard and in winter enjoyed downhill skiing. She left Kelowna to go to UBC where she received an education degree.
After graduation Lori moved to Clearwater and began her twenty–five year teaching career at Raft River Elementary School. Lori was a much loved and admired school teacher. She made a real difference in children’s lives and she loved the children she taught. Lori’s wonderful sense of humour often kept her class in stitches; her dedication to her job left a number of young people in our community with great memories. Those memories are of camping trips to the Upper Clearwater area, downhill skiing trips, Christmas concerts, the very special kindergarten graduation, and trips to science and heritage fairs. Lori excelled at her teaching of kindergarten and grade 4.
It was in the early years of her career that she met her life partner, Butch. Butch and Lori were married on July 6th, 1985 on the top of Raft Peak surrounded by family and friends. Lori and Butch built their home in the Upper Clearwater, and later bought the Dunn Lake Resort. Lori enjoyed the people and fishing while at Dunn Lake where she would spend her summers. While at Dunn Lake, Butch and Lori would ride into the surrounding high country exploring and enjoying the outdoors. Lori loved her autumn hunting trips with her best friend Butch, and would always have a good story of the adventures.
While at home in the Upper Clearwater, Lori enjoyed learning about the history of the area and this was reflected in class projects for the heritage fair. Lori loved hiking and cross county skiing Wells Gray Park. She loved the area around the Murtle River and often commented on the natural beauty of the area.
Lori loved animals, her horses and her dogs. Her dogs were always well trained and this was due a great deal to her gentle loving manner. A drive by the horse’s pen with Lori meant honking the horn and waving; Lori was always overjoyed when a foal would arrive in the spring. Lori, we will all miss your wonderful smile, your kindness and generosity.
A Memorial Service for Lori was held at Dunn Lake Resort on Sunday, May 27, 2007 with Lloyd Strickland and Ken Ferguson, Ministers, officiating. There will also be a Memorial Service for Mrs. Pelton at Raft River Elementary School on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. Memorial Contributions to the SPCA would be appreciated.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to North Thompson Funeral Services, Box 2404, RR2, Clearwater, BC, V0E 1N0, Ph. 250-674-3030.