October 1, 1949 - May 9, 2025
Passed away peacefully at home in Williams Lake. She was born to ranching pioneers and grew up at the Lochness Ranch in Big Creek, BC. Eleanor loved riding her horse to and from the Big Creek country school. In Grade 9, she and her twin, Elaine, moved to the school dorm to attend school in Williams Lake. After graduation, Eleanor began working at the Bank of Commerce and she spotted a cute guy driving a red 1966 Mustang Fastback around town. A mutual friend introduced her to Roy Kozuki and they began dating. She loved that car so much that she married him on December 21, 1968! Together, they raised 4 children: Vince, Tawnya, Sachia and Troy. Eleanor was a devoted mom volunteering many hours with hockey, figure skating, soccer, baseball and school activities. She enjoyed gardening, curling, dancing, baseball and camping trips. Eleanor helped Roy with his Snap-On Tools business and worked part-time at the Credit Union. Later, she began working as a Teacher Aide with School District 27.
Eleanor was diagnosed with MS (Multiple Sclerosis) in 1987 but experienced several symptoms years before. As her mobility declined, she used a scooter to navigate the school hallways at Williams Lake Junior Secondary. When Eleanor's MS progressed, she retired and Roy would remind her that, "This is part of life and we have to live with it." She continued to enjoy many adventures such as motorbike riding with Roy and travelling to Oahu, Las Vegas, Maui, Disneyland, Japan and a Caribbean cruise. Roy knew how much Eleanor loved that Mustang and bought another one for her so he could take her out for drives together! Eleanor loved living on the lake with their dog, Koko, and they created a beautiful family home filled with love and laughter. Roy and Eleanor celebrated 56 years of marriage in December.
Eleanor is predeceased by her parents: Walter and Beulah Bambrick; her siblings: Phylis, Charlie, Joyce, Collin, and twin, Elaine; Roy's parents: Fred and Lily Kozuki; Uncle Harry; Roy's siblings: Betty, Frank, Dick (Diny), and Freda. Eleanor is survived by her husband: Roy; her children: Vince (Jessica), Tawnya (Donny), Sachia (Patrick) and Troy (Tatiana); her grandchildren: Cass, Cameron, Jordan, Wyatt, Connor, Maya, Keaton, Alex, Tasha, Calen, Tristan and Tayden; her niece: Roxanne (Lloyd), who grew up on the ranch and was like her younger sister; her brothers-in-law: Wes, Bill and Ed (Midori); and many nieces and nephews, whom she cherished very much.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to Eleanor's medical homecare team and to great friends who supported her with care, love and friendship throughout her life. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Donations can be made to the MS Society of Canada in Eleanor's memory.