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(Enid) Jean Layden passed away peacefully in Hillside Village, Salmon Arm, on Wednesday, July 19, 2017 at the age of 93 years.

Mom was delivered at home on the farm in Condor, Alberta on January 7, 1924. She was the third child born to Harry Veale Bice and Annie May Rutherford. Even though the family knew extreme hardship during the 1930’s, she only shared very fond memories of her childhood on the farm, especially the Spring when new life abounded. After completing Grade 13, she started her career as a very proficient bookkeeper at the Creamery in Olds, Alberta. Mom was the girl of Dad’s dreams and they were wed on December 27, 1948. In the fall of 1955, they followed family to B.C. It was not long before their entrepreneurial spirit surfaced and in partnership with sister and brother in law, Joe and June Buresh they started up a very successful building moving business in Kelowna. This partnership continued with the opening of J Lanes Bowling Alley in Salmon Arm in September of 1963. On June 21, 1969 Gerry and Jean moved with their four teenagers to Salmon Arm as owner operators of Sandy Point Resort. In June 1979, they started construction of the Racquet Ball Centre in Salmon Arm with a grand opening on December 27, 1979. Mom was a very sharp business woman but in all her professional ventures she is best remembered and loved for her compassionate and caring treatment of people. This was never more evident than at the Racquetball Centre where she made everyone feel like family and became fondly known as ‘Gramma Jean.’

Jean was predeceased by her beloved husband and business partner of 51 years, Gerry, brothers Victor and Toby, sister and brother in law, June and Joe, her father Harry Bice and mother, Annie ‘Gramma’ Bice and grandson, Ryley Irwin.

She leaves her loving and dedicated children, Garnie of Penhold, Alberta, Larry of Rutland, Donna (Jack) Irwin and Dianne (Jeff Zupancic) both of Salmon Arm; 9 Grandchildren; Brad, Jenny, Micheal, Marty, Kelly, Gavin, Jeremy, Brianne, Cody and 8 Great Grandchildren; Maddox, Cohen, Zoe, Astrea, Ryley, Jake, Ava and Cali.

The family would like to offer heartfelt thanks to the staff of Hillside Village. The care she received was kind, considerate and loving always. They will also be forever grateful to Dr. Heunis, whose care could not have been more compassionate or devoted.

A family graveside service, next to Gerry, was held on July 31st in Mt. Ida Cemetery.

A Celebration of life service will be held from the chapel of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm, on Sunday morning, August 13th at 11 a.m. with Jack Bowers the funeral Celebrant. Tributes will be shared by family and friends.

On line condolences may be sent to Jean’s obituary at www.bowersfuneralservice.com

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home, Salmon Arm.



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