Couple killed in Penticton apartment fire identified

The people who were killed in the apartment fire last week in Penticton have been identified.

Kettle Valley Memorial Funeral Services obituary identifies William Taylor and his wife Margaret Taylor who died on Tuesday, Oct. 27, the day of the devastating fire at the Clarence House apartment building at 217 Elm Street. Phone records indicate the Taylor's lived at that address.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the displaced fire victims at www.redcross.ca/donate and also to the B.C. SPCA at 2200 Dartmouth Dr. in Penticton. The Taylor’s family extends their thanks in the obituary notice to everyone for their caring thoughts and prayers during this time.

Dozens of residents were left homeless by the blaze. The fire spread so quickly, occupants were forced to flee with little more than the clothes on their backs. An investigation into the fire continues, but the cause is believed to have been accidental.

The Salvation Army and local Red Cross are currently collecting donations on behalf of the victims.

The Penticton Online Thrift Store is also offering support, opening its warehouse to fire victims in need. If you have donations, the thrift store can be contacted at 250-462-0904.

Couple killed in Penticton apartment fire identified | iNFOnews.ca
A fire broke out in the Clarence House apartment complex at 217 Elm Avenue in Penticton last Tuesday, Oct. 27, claiming the lives of William and Margaret Taylor. | Photographer: Steve Arstad


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Steve Arstad


I have been looking for news in the South Okanagan - SImilkameen for 20 years, having turned a part time lifelong interest into a full time profession. After five years publishing a local newsletter, several years working as a correspondent / stringer for several local newspapers and seven years as editor of a Similkameen weekly newspaper, I joined iNFOnews.ca in 2014. My goal in the news industry has always been to deliver accurate and interesting articles about local people and places. My interest in the profession is life long - from my earliest memories of grade school, I have enjoyed writing.
As an airborne geophysical surveyor I travelled extensively around the globe, conducting helicopter borne mineral surveys.
I also spent several years at an Okanagan Falls based lumber mill, producing glued-wood laminated products.
As a member of the Kaleden community, I have been involved in the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department for 22 years, and also serve as a trustee on the Kaleden Irrigation District board.
I am currently married to my wife Judy, of 26 years. We are empty-nesters who enjoy living in Kaleden with our Welsh Terrier, Angus, and cat, Tibbs.
Our two daughters, Meagan and Hayley, reside in Richmond and Victoria, respectively.

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