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Dora and Alexander KushnirValemount, British Columbia, Canada
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Alexander Kushnir was born in Austria and came to Canada in 1913.He landed in Montreal and moved westward with better jobs. In 1923, he moved to Canoe River to be the section foreman. He married Dora soon after and the couple came to Swift Creek in 1925 to move the station to Valemount. Alex left Valmount twice on other C.N. jobs but finally returned to Valemount to stay in 1941.
They acquired the Valemount Hotel in 1939. They sold the hotel in 1965 and retired in Burnaby, B.C. Their daughter, Mary, was married to Ralph Lebans.
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Ralph Lebans arrived in Valemount in the late 40s with young children. From 1962-1956, Ralph and Bob Beeson formed a partnership on a mill on the south bank of the Canoe River.Ralph's wife, Mary (Kushnir) opened the Ramakada in 1965.
Ralph remained in the lumber industry until 1978. He was active in many community affairs and was Alderman in 1967-1969, and Mayor from 1970-1973. During the time he was mayor, the regional district was just being formed. Ralph and Bob Beeson went to represent the community. Ralph demanded that the community have ambulance service (which was provided the next week). He was active in the Legion.
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Sketch of Beeson and Lebans sawmill by James Vanslyk5 April 1955
Canoe River, Valemount, British Columbia, Canada
Credits:James Vanslyk
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Valemount's first ball team1947
Valemount, British Columbia, Canada
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Valemount's first Official ball team: Standing left to right: Harvey Beeson, Bill Kushnir, Bill Froescul, Art Neuman, Harvey Osadchuk, Wm Semeluk (Sambo); Kneeling left to right: Alex Osadchuk, "Sonnie" Dobie, Bill Osadchuk, John Osadchuk |
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