April 17, 2020
Joan entered into GLORY on April 17 at the age of 84.
Joan is survived by Dale, her husband of 66 years and her six children: Cal (Sonja), Craig (Michele), Catherine, Candace (Francois), Christina (Chris), Cameron plus numerous grand children, great-grandchildren and a large extended family.
Joan, the firstborn child of George and Eunice Kanning, was born in Plentywood, Montana. At the tender age of 15, Joan's mother died of complications in childbirth, and she found herself in charge of the household, caring for 3 younger siblings and her new baby sister.
On July 26, 1953 she married the farm boy next door. They lived in California and Virginia during Dale's Army days. Then moved back to Montana to farm.
They immigrated to British Columbia, Canada in 1965, becoming Canadian Citizens in 1970, living in the Kispiox Valley, Hazelton, Terrace, Prince George, Tumbler Ridge and the 108 Mile Ranch.
At the age of 41 Joan was in a car accident that landed her in the hospital for 2 months. She never fully recovered from her injuries. At the age of 49 she was diagnosed with MS and told to get her affairs in order. At the age of 63 she had a massive heart attack, and yet STILL survived to run the Log House Bed & Breakfast, on the 108 Ranch for another 12 years.
Besides caring for her family, Joan was active in the Lutheran Church, Pioneer Girls Clubs and the Lutheran World Relief, making Quilts for overseas missions. She was also one of the founders of the Hospice Society in 100 Mile House. Despite health problems or maybe partly because of them, Joan possessed excellent social skills, loving and being loved by many, she will be missed dearly until we see her again.
Condolences can be sent to: Dale Bummer, Box 61 Forest Grove, BC, V0K 1M0