We would like to formally announce the December 17, 2022 passing of Lois Jacqueline Cutler (nee Gill), formerly of North Vancouver, BC and latterly of Kamloops, BC, at the age of 87 years.
Lois leaves behind two daughters: Leslie Thomas (North Vancouver, BC), son-in-law Graham, grandchildren Jennifer (Michael), Tara and Jordan, great-grandchildren Samuel, Charlotte and Paige; and Laura Cutler (Calgary, AB). Lois is also survived by her devoted friend, Dale Merrett.
Lois’s career and community accomplishments are innumerable and multifarious. She parlayed humble beginnings from participating in North Vancouver musical reviews and teaching hat-making into commentating fashion shows and voice-overs for CFJC radio in Kamloops. This ability to engage an audience morphed into securing a host position for the long-running CFJC-TV talk show “Let’s Visit A While,” the ever-popular “Carefree Cooking” and the seniors’-focused “Plus Generation.” Simultaneously, Lois was a keen volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Research Society and rose to the title of Interior Regional President. Furthermore, she recruited, coached, and chaperoned Miss Kamloops pageant contestants for 10 years and served on the Kamloops Bid Committee to host the inaugural BC Winter Games (1979), subsequently leading the hostess team of volunteers to execute the event. Her civic involvement also included becoming the first woman president of the Kamloops Chamber of Commerce (1979-80). This position aligned with years of work for the Status of Women at local and national government forums. Also, her culinary experience resulted in Lois becoming a member of the exclusive La Chaine des Rostisseurs gastronomy association, positions on the BC Food and Restaurant Association and documenting Culinary Olympics in her favourite country, Germany.
Following the above broadcasting and public persona roles, Lois took her penchant for commentating and travel to Wells Gray Tours, eventually helping it branch into international destinations. One of her final organizational feats was bringing a chapter of the Professional and Business (PROBUS) Society to Kamloops and instigating sub-arms like its Page Turners Book Club and Tea Connoisseurs, all of which continue to flourish today.
From her youth, Lois was very active in the United Church of Canada. She consistently served on United Church Women committees including starting the Prayer Shawl (knitting) Club in her home church of Kamloops United. She loved gardening, sewing, home decorating and sharing her cooking and entertainment talents (evenings always had a delightful theme!) with friends and family. Lois was grateful to vacation for 46 years at the beloved family cabin on Denman Island, BC and satisfying an insatiable “wanderlust.” Most importantly, Lois was happiest building family traditions that are practiced to this day.
Leslie and Laura wish to thank Lois’s plethora of career, volunteer, peer and treasured-friend contacts, as well as the staff of her final home, Kamloops Seniors Village and the Royal Inland Hospital 5 South Ward.
Lois’s Celebration of Life will take place April 8, 2023 at 2:00pm
Kamloops United Church, 421 St. Paul Street, Kamloops.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian Cancer Research Society or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
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Barb Rohana
What an incredible woman your mom was Leslie.
My sincere condolences to you and the family.
MHDSRIP.
Cathy Pearce
Although I only met Lois on a few occasions, I feel I know her so very well through the many conversations shared with her loving daughter Leslie. What a life!! A life full of giving, sharing and loving. A life of friendship, service, entertainment and travel. And most significantly, a life of devotion and love of family. Although there is sadness now there is so very much for those who knew her to remember, share and cherish.
With love, Cathy Pearce❤️
Carol and Bernie Roitberg
Wishing we had known your Mother through her illustrious career and volunteer positions. We only met her once in your backyard, Leslie & Graham but could easily see the vibrant ‘people person’ she was. Sending our condolences to your whole family. We are so glad for her grandchildren that she & they got to spend time getting to know such an amazing Grandmother and role model.
Stephanie Dilling
I loved working with your mom at Wells Gray Tours, she often spoke of her family and her time at Denman Island. She was always so thoughtful and kind. We travelled to Churchill together and I was awestruck how easy she made tour directing look. Lois will always have a special place in my heart.
Elaine N
Leslie from reading about your mom I can see she definitely had a special light within her. I can also agree with her setting the bar high. No doubt at all she will be missed. I know though she will be shedding and sharing her light wherever she now is. Big hugs.
John Gill
My name is John Gill and our family line in the UK ties us to Lois’ father, Cecil. We are proud to have had her as a family relative, albeit somewhat distant. My family is so fortunate to have visited with Lois at her wonderful Kamloops home. She was the most generous and welcoming host. Equally, we have welcomed Lois to the UK, although not recently. Lois was proud of her roots and we are proud of her. What a remarkable woman! She will be sadly missed but all who knew her can reflect upon a life well lived and full of love. We are proud of our Canadian connections and our thoughts are with all members of the family.
John Roseveare
Leslie, Graham, Laura, Jennifer, Tara, Jorden- What wonderful love through our faith your mother, grandmother, mother-in-law and I had. Meeting in our church was so special. I am a richer person in life because of how Lois and I were so close. I reached out by phone and letters with Lois in the past two years, and the reconnection brought back such fond memories. The world is enriched for and by Lois. My love and thoughts are with you.
John Roseveare
Lesley Edwards
Although I never met your Mum, Leslie, I always felt her warm and generous spirit reflected in you and your family. Her passing will doubtless leave a hole but you will all keep her in your hearts and continue spreading her joy for life. Sending many hugs.
Mary Scerbo
Leslie, Laura and families, my sincere condolences, your mother was a good friend, I did her hair for many years, she was a beautiful woman inside and out.
Tanda Wynn
To Lois’s family and admirers.
I don’t have to tell you what a warm, fun loving and charming person Lois was.
I was privileged to be Miss Kamloops in the 70’s and have Lois as my chaperone although sometimes we forgot that as she always treated me as an equal. We had many a great trips, adventures, and engagements together. These were always filled with much fun, laughter and yes sometimes tears. She took me under her wing as one of her own and never failed to attempt to pass on her grace and calm demeanour during times of nerves and need. Sometimes it worked 😉 . The last time I saw her was in a grocery store checkout all these years later at which time I don’t believe anyone within hearing distance wasn’t told who I was and my history :D. She was always so proud of others but none more than her daughters. She never missed an opportunity to share their accomplishments.
We had hoped to bond again at a Miss Kamloops reunion that unfortunately was cancelled due to Covid. I do believe you will find her beautiful camel coat she purchased after I modelled it at a bridal fashion show. She loved it so….. as we did her.
My deepest condolences and thankfulness for my life’s enrichments with Lois.
Tanda Terry (Wynn)