David E. Kampe Legacy Award

Jerome’s journey, first as a client of the Discovery House to becoming its Executive Director, saw him work tirelessly to help those struggling with addiction, and as a result, inspired others to do the same.

Working for the society with whom he credits for saving his own life, Jerome shared both from personal experience and from his work as a now-sober community member helping others leave addiction behind to advocate for change.

Jerome passed away at 49 years of age after several years of living with cancer. He is survived by his partner Kassandra Morrison; sons, Leif Abraham and Peter MacBeth; mother & stepfather, Shirley & Ron Edmonds; father & stepmother, Jerome Abraham & Margaret Felker; sister, Jennifer Abraham; stepsisters, Samantha & Kim Lemky, Stephanie Mercado; brother in-law, Ronnie Mercado and many beloved family.

With a vision and confidence, Harry was been a driving force in the British Columbia and Canadian wine industry for more than 50 years, starting at Casabello Wines in 1968. In 1980, Harry became the founder of British Columbia's first estate winery, Sumac Ridge and followed with See Ya Later Ranch.

He was a pioneer in establishing the Okanagan Wine Festival Society. In 1990, Harry was appointed by the province of British Columbia to chair the newly formed British Columbia Wine Institute. He was the founding Chair of the British Columbia Wine Information Society, founding Chair of Vintners Quality Alliance of Canada spearheading national wine standards, founding Chair of the British Columbia Hospitality Foundation, and a long term Director on the Canadian Vintners Association. 

A family man, Harry is survived by his soul mate and wife Lisa Lalonde; his two children, Christa-Lee and Darrien; his first wife Cathie of 40 years; and grandsons, Brendan and Connor. He is also survived by his siblings, Beth Jackson, Vic Eggins, and Ronine Sharp; nieces and nephews; and a large extended family.

Bruce Schoenne was a dedicated man, business man, athlete and volunteer. Bruce met the love of his life, Lynn Thompson, when he was 16 years old. They married in 1980 and had two children; Lindsey and Chris. As an athlete, Bruce kept himself incredibly fit, participating in the Ultra 520k Endurance Triathlon a couple of times, along with completing multiple Ironman triathlons and other events. He involved himself in community projects, like the Peach City Classic Triathlon and the Penticton Challenge. Bruce also worked for positive change in his community. He put his money where his mouth was, not just for his developments and helping create change, but also volunteering on several city committees. Bruce made such an impact on our community and those that were lucky enough to know him. 

Bruce is survived by his wife Lynn, his son Chris and daughter Lindsey. Two grandchildren; Lola and Jacklyn, as well as his mother Gisela, sister; Gitta and brother; Jim. Bruce is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and other family.

As the founder of Grooveyard Records, she made the funky downtown music store a pivotal part of the Penticton community for over 30 years. She was a role model to many girls and women and a constant supporter of youth and the arts.

Sadly, she died in November 2020 following a courageous battle with cancer.

Leanne had a passion and zeal for life. She enjoyed gardening, walks, her dogs and her business of 30 years… “The Grooveyard”. Many remember her as the cool mom, cool store owner and just a funky fun loving person. She is survived by her son Dustin (Michelle) Nickel and daughter Ronni (Chris) Carlson, grandson Hawksley, mother Marie Scharstrom and Brother Donald (Tracey) Scharstrom as well as numerous cousins, in-laws and their families. We would be remiss to not also mention her dog, Klara, who still sits on the front couch looking out the window waiting for her return.

Bruce Johnson was known as a champion in the Penticton region for education, first working as a principal for two of his 34-year run in the Okanagan Skaha School District, and then going on to win a seat on the school board as a trustee in 2011 and continued to be re-elected until 2018.

Johnson volunteered with the Canadian Cancer Society for 18 years. He was president at the local, Interior and provincial levels, and served for six years as national treasurer. Losing his 13-year-old son Blaine to cancer, Johnson often made presentations to teenagers on “the power of a positive attitude.” He also worked with parents who had lost children to cancer. His accolades include Pen-Hi’s Wall of Fame, a Sport B.C. Award for community involvement and a Queen Elizabeth Golden Jubilee Award in 2002 for volunteerism.

Johnson is survived by his wife of 47 years, Jan, children Kevin (Darcie) and Kelley (April), four grandchildren and sister Susan May. He is predeceased by son Blaine (1991).