March 28th, 2024

Friday, December 12, 2014


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 12, 2014.

CHRISTIE
LOUISE CHRISTIE, beloved wife of the late Stewart Christie, of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre, on Saturday, December 6th, 2014 at the age of 78 years. Louise Christie has transitioned to her next creative adventure. It is her fervent wish that we share a smile, a light heart and the heart-warming joy of laughter, as Louise always felt that a healthy sense of humor was essential to weathering life¹s inevitable ups and downs. Although our hearts are heavy with sorrow, we are inspired by the courage and grace with which Louise faced her health challenges, and we are comforted in the knowledge that she is now at peace. Born November 11, 1936 in Unity, SK, she graduated in 1957 from the Metropolitan General Hospital School of Nursing in Windsor, ON. Louise and Stewart married in 1958 and settled in Red Deer, where Heather and Ian were born. The family moved to Claresholm in 1967, Coaldale in 1973, and Lethbridge in 1985. Louise¹s nursing career spanned thirty years at the Claresholm Care Center, AADAC and the Taber Medical Clinic, where she earned the admiration and affection of colleagues and patients alike. Louise¹s active memberships and dedicated volunteerism included the Lethbridge Seniors Center (tai chi, computer club, librarian), McKillop United Church (book sales, quilters, healing touch) and the Lethbridge Sewing Guild to name a few. She served as Worthy Matron in the Eastern Star, volunteered as camp nurse at Canyon Church Camp and generously shared her incredibly gifted cooking, sewing, quilting, knitting, needlework and artwork creations with many friends and family. She was an avid reader and enjoyed her travels which included Australia, China, the UK, Europe, Bermuda and Hawaii. Pre-deceased by Stewart in January 2010, Louise is survived by her brother Jim Wood (Lina), sisters Helen Allan (Don) and Margaret Birtwistle (Greg), son Ian Christie (Tracey), daughter Heather Gore-Hickman (Tim), granddaughters Shaylene, Richelle, Erin, Emily and Christy, and many extended family members who will also miss her. In 2007, Louise was happily reunited with a son, Shaun Martin, whom she had given up for adoption in 1957. Shaun and his wife Elisa are welcome additions to the family along with their children Rebecca, Bennett and Flynn.
The family wishes to express gratitude for Louise¹s exceptional care by Dr. Smuts, Manoj Dhakal, the staff at St. Mikes CSB Unit, Greystokes homecare and David Holland Cancer Center. In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, donations may be made to either cbcf.org or St Michael¹s Hospital Foundation. Condolences may be forwarded through Cornerstone Funeral Home. A Memorial Service will be held at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329-15th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating. In memory of Louise, memorial donations may be made to Breast Cancer Research and Education Fund, 366 St. Paul St., St. Catherines, ON L2R 3N2 or to St. Michael’s Foundation, Palliative Care Unit, 1400 – 9th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V5.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

DAVID JOHN WATT
Beloved son of Ron & Wendy and brother to Kevin passed away in Fredericton, NB. He will be sadly missed by family & friends there will be no funeral service. A get together will be held at a later date.

DAVID REINHOLD SIEWERT
1920 – 2014
MR. DAVID SIEWERT of Lethbridge, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit, in Lethbridge on Thursday, December 11th, 2014 at the age of 94 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

ELDER
DOROTHY & LIONEL ELDER
Len Elder, grieving his loving, devoted wife Dorothy (Dot) Lilian (Nov. 21, 1917- November 16, 2014), died peacefully in hospital in Lethbridge. The second of four sons of Edward James and Teresa Elder, Len is predeceased by his older brother James Edward, wife Nora and nephew Ted Elder and leaves to mourn, Dot¹s sister Patricia (Ralph) Barnes, his brothers Alexander (Marion) of Lethbridge and William (Marie) of Calgary along with several nieces and nephews. At age 17 Len joined the RCAF and after the war in 1947, married Dorothy (nee Hatson). Len dedicated himself to his wife¹s care in his last years. Together they were passionate volunteers for the CNIB, Len creating ³talking² dogs for blind children, Dot audio recording textbooks for blind students. They were avid collectors, and had a career with AGT including memberships with the Telephone Pioneers of America. Although resident in Alberta their whole lives, they annually travelled for many years to Mesa, AZ before retiring their motorhome.
Thank-you to faithful friend Maxine and all workers at West Highlands and the Lethbridge Regional Hospital. Your caring attention and dedicated service for both Len and Dot in these last (rather challenging) years are greatly appreciated. Dot and Len will be scattered together at Mountain View Cemetery, no formal funeral service will be held. Donations can be made to the CNIB, 410 Stafford Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2L2
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

GLADYS M. FRENCH
April 29,1927 ­ November 24, 2014
The family of Gladys M. French are sad to announce her passing on November 24, 2014 at St. Michael¹s Palliative Care Centre. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her daughters, Gloria [Jim], Bonnie [Dean], Betty, Deb [Tom] and son, Dave [Virene] and by her grandchildren, great grandchildren and Dale¹s family. Mom was predeceased by her loving companion and partner Dale Barrows, sister Doris Laybourne [Roger] and parents Samuel and Rosa Hanna. Gladys grew up on a farm in Ponteix, Sask. during the dirty thirties. Times were hard but being on a farm, mom felt they were more fortunate than town folk. They had chickens for eggs and a cow for milk. Her life growing up taught her to work hard, share and live your life by the Golden Rules, which she has passed onto her children. As a farm girl she was proud of the fact that Doris (her sister) and herself had doubled up on their horse ³Old Mac² for a total of 16,000 miles to attend school. Her early life gave her an appreciation for all the comforts that modern day living provides. In 1948 mom¹s parents decided to go west for the winter and Gladys came along for the adventure. During their travels they chose Lethbridge. Gramma and grandpa returned to Saskatchewan in the spring. Mom met her husband in Lethbridge, married, raised her children and worked full-time in the banking industry, retiring from CIBC in 1987. In the fall of 1978 mom started dating Dale. They spent many happy years¹ square dancing, daily crib games, camping, fishing and travelling across North America. They especially enjoyed family visits, celebrations, picnics and just loved life together. After Dale¹s passing on Sept. 3, 2004, mom formed friendships with a tightknit group of ladies in Lethbridge. She enjoyed their company and attended events at the Senior Center. She was a loving, caring person and her door was always open with a friendly smile and witty conversation. She always made room for another plate at her table. We will miss our dear mom and treasure the beautiful memories she left us. Our family would like to express thanks to the nurses and doctors at St. Michael¹s and the Regional Hospital for their compassionate care. Special thank you to Gail Lewicki, Hazel Hamilton, Kelly and Ruth McMahon for their friendship and many visits to mom, along with all the other visitors she enjoyed. We welcome you to a celebration of mom¹s life at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 1:00pm, with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating. Interment at Mountain View Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gladys¹ memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2M7.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

HAZEL MCKENZIE
1912 ~ 2014
Mrs. Hazel McKenzie was born in Red Deer Alberta, September 23, 1912 and passed away in Lethbridge Alberta December 10, 2014 at the age of 102 years. Hazel spent the majority of her life in Lethbridge. She attended school in Lethbridge and upon graduation attended normal school in Calgary. As a practicing teacher, she also took courses at the University of Alberta. She taught for 19 years. Before her marriage in 1941 she taught in the area around Lethbridge, beginning her career at Sundial school. During the 2nd World War she was active in CATS (Women¹s Volunteer Corps). She kept up her interest in education substitute teaching while married. Following the death of her husband Ralph in 1963, she taught full-time until the mid 1970¹s. Hazel was an active learner throughout her life, belonging to the Lethbridge Mathesis Club in which members researched and presented papers on areas such as the Arts, History, Literature and foreign travel. When asked, Hazel said her interests were “reading, sewing, gardening, travelling and raising her family.” She shared her love of gardening with her son Alex and together they invited people throughout Lethbridge to view their beautiful garden. Hazel was lifelong member of Southminster United church. Hazel is survived by her son Ross (Kathy) and her daughter Heather (Craig) Montgomerie; Her grandsons Brad McKenzie and Brian McKenzie and granddaughter Lindsay (Andrew) Montgomerie-Whalen. Her great grandchildren Cody, Emma Catherine and Christopher McKenzie, Ronan Montgomerie-Whalen and Brianne and Elyssia McKenzie. Hazel was predeceased by her husband, Ralph Baynton McKenzie, her parents John Tait and Mary Agnes (Smith) Watson, her sisters, Leola Watson, Mona Donaldson and Phyllis White, and her son Alex. The family wishes to extend thanks to the staff at Fairmont Park Extendicare for the wonderful and loving care and “home” environment offered during Hazel¹s final years. A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00am on Monday, December 15, 2014 at BUCHANAN CHAPEL OF SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011-4 Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB T1J 0P7, with Reverend Ruth Preston ­ Schilk, officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution to a Lethbridge charity of choice in Hazel¹s name. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

HIRONAKA, TUCKER
June 27, 1921 Raymond, AB
December 8, 2014 Lethbridge, AB
TUCKER HIRONAKA, beloved husband of Sachiko Kishimoto, passed away in his sleep on Monday, December 8, 2014. He is survived by his wife Sachiko, daughter Gaye, step children: Louise (Cory) Maurik and Bob Kishimoto; brothers: Jim, Marshall (Sally) and Art (Pat) Hironaka; sisters Flo Senda and Misae (Aki) Masuda; sister-in-law Ayako Otsuka; step grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Kinko; son Bruce; brothers Ikey (Yasko), Robert (Susie); sisters-in-law: Aya Hironaka, Tomiko (Fred) Imakire, Aki (Gus) Moriyama, Chieko (Jack) Nishiyama; brothers-in-law Mitsuo Amemori, Yosh Senda and several nieces and nephews. Tucker was a native son of Raymond, attended Calgary Tech and farmed in the area until 1956, where he overhauled his own trucks and tractors. He established Tucker¹s Auto Service in 1956 which he operated until he retired in 1987. Tucker was an active member of the Raymond Rotary Club, and in 1999 was inducted into the Raymond Sports Hall of Fame as a builder for his 30 years of dedicated service to the Raymond Golf Club. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA, 470 – 40 St South, Lethbridge, with Rev. Y. Izumi officiating. Interment to follow in the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond. In lieu of koden, you may wish to make a donation to a charity of your choice.

IRENE NORMAN
1921 ~ 2014
Irene Norman of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late George Norman, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2014 at the age of 93 years. Born in 1921 in Bournemouth, England, Irene moved to Canada and lived in Nova Scotia & Ottawa before settling in Lethbridge. She had a rewarding career at the University of Lethbridge before retiring. Irene was an active volunteer in the Anglican Church and Lethbridge community, who will be remembered for her warm smile and kind heart. Irene is survived by her loving son Guy of Calgary and his wife Angela. She is also survived by various relatives in England. Irene was a loving mother, wife and friend to all. She will be missed by all. A private family ceremony will be held at a future date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to ST. AUGSTINE¹S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 411 – 11 St. S., Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2N9. Send condolences at
http://www.mbfunerals.com

IRMA S. HOFER
1933 ~ 2014
Irma Susanna Hofer of Milk River, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on Monday, December 8, 2014 at the Coaldale Health Centre, with family by her side. Family and friends may pay their respects between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 12, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL. Interment to follow at the Mountain View Cemetery. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

JENNY NAJDA
1923 ~ 2014
Mrs. Jenny Najda of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Marian Najda, passed away on December 5, 2014 at the age of 91 years. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, December 12, 2014 at ST. BASIL¹S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604-13 St. N., Lethbridge, AB, with Father Nathan Siray, officiating.
Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.

JOHN JAMES HARVIE
1932 ~ 2014
Mr. John James Harvie, beloved companion of Sandy Heldt, passed away on Tuesday, November 25, 2014 at the age of 82 years. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at the COUTTS COMMUNITY CENTRE, with Pastor Keith Dangerfield, officiating. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

MARTENS
1947-2014
Irvin Gene Martens of Lethbridge passed away on December 8, 2014 at the Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 67 years. Irvin is survived by his beloved wife, Gloria (nee) Jensen; two daughters, Yvonne (James) Halfacre and Tara (Shawn Boisson) Fredrick and five grandchildren. A Memorial Gathering will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, December 15th at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703-13 St N Lethbridge.

MCLELLAN
1938-2014
Mr. Willard Allen “Al” McLellan of Milk River passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on December 8, 2014 at the age of 76 years. Al will be remembered by family, neighbors and friends. He will be especially missed by his canine companion, Spike. A memorial gathering will be held at a later date.

PETER SCHAFER
1930 ~ 2014
Mr. Peter Schafer of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Katharina Schafer, passed away on December 9, 2014 at the age of 84 years. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB.
Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

SCHEURKOGEL
JOSEPHUS CORNELIS “CASEY” SCHEURKOGEL, beloved husband of Adriana J. “Jane” Scheurkogel of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully with family by his side at the St. Michael’s Health Centre, on Wednesday, December 10th, 2014 at the age of 87 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1 Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403)381-3128 Toll Free ~ 1(888)381-7778 care@cornerstonefh.ca

STEVE VAN HELL
1925 ~ 2014
Mr. Steve Van Hell of Picture Butte, beloved husband of Mrs. Berendina “Diny” Van Hell, passed away suddenly in Picture Butte on December 10, 2014 at the age of 89 years. Steve was born in Nykerk, Holland in 1925. He immigrated to Canada in 1949 and settled in Picture Butte, AB. He married his first wife, Jannie Donkersgoed (deceased in 1962) in April of 1952. Together they were blessed with four children. He later found love in Diny, they married in 1963, and together they raised four children. Steve and Diny celebrated 50 years of marriage last December. Steve was involved in the construction industry and woodworking all of his life, and was also actively involved with the Iron Springs Christian Reformed Church, right up until the time of his passing. He loved his family and spending time with them. Besides his loving wife Berendina (Diny), Steve is survived by his daughter Mary-Lynn (Tony), daughter-in-law Annie; his six sons Ken (Elaine), Fred (Sue), Clarence (Vanessa), Dave (Barb), Edward (Kerri), and Gordon (Erica); numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sister Jean Vogelaar; brothers Tony (Gerrie), John (Jenny); and extended family in Canada & Holland. Steve was predeceased by his first loving wife Jannie; eldest son Ralph; his parents Ruth & Alberta; brothers Walter & Roger; and his brother-in-law Art Vogelaar. A Visitation will be held between 7 ­ 8pm on Friday, December 12, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at IRON SPRINGS CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, Iron Springs, AB, with Pastor Frank de Boer, officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined, but those who wish may make memorial donations to Bibles for Missions, 1004 1 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0B1.
Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

Henry Bekkering
1941 – 2014
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
Faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Henry Bekkering, beloved husband of Hessina Bekkering, went to his eternal home on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, surrounded by his family on Vancouver Island at the age of 73 years. Henry is survived by his loving wife Hessina and their four children David (Kim) Bekkering of Taber, Michelle (Bill) Rooker of Edmonton, Mark (Michelle) Bekkering of Washington D.C. and James (Miriam) Bekkering of Taber; eleven grandchildren Andrew, Natasha, Sam, Adriana, Ashton, Andrew, Josh, Tyler, Chris, Maya and Danielle. He is also survived by his twelve siblings Jennie (Fred) Schuld, Grace Devries, Gerda Greidanus, Garth (Wilma), John (Helen), Hank (Wilma), Simon (Joanne), Elzo, Alice (John) Steenhof, Angeline (Andy) Glasbergen, Harry (Denise), Irene (Rod) Aspden; in-laws Nella (Peter) Yzerman, Rick (Yvonne) Grootendorst and Margaret (Art) Verkaik). He was also a beloved uncle to many, many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandson Mark Willcock; parents Hendrik and Alice Bekkering; brothers-in-law Norman Greidanus and Ted DeVries; nephews Rick and Christopher Bekkering. Henry Bekkering was born in Borger, the Netherlands on July 5, 1941. He was the oldest of thirteen children born to Hendrik and Alice Bekkering. One of Henry¹s earliest memories was of the Canadian troops liberating his town in 1945. Henry¹s love of travel began at the age of sixteen when he joined the merchant marines to see the world. In 1959, at age eighteen, he immigrated to Canada along with his parents and twelve siblings. The family settled in Iron Springs before moving to Taber. Job opportunities took him to Vancouver in 1964, and there he met and married the love of his life Hessina Grootendorst in 1967. Henry and Hessina lived in Vancouver until 1974, when they moved back to Taber and Henry began managing Taber Feeds. The next decades were spent in Taber, where Henry and Hessina enjoyed raising their family. These years are filled with many good memories of large extended family gatherings.
In 2000, a vacation home in Fairmont was purchased, and this home was the site of many family gatherings and the source of many good memories. Henry was a leader in the Canadian Feed Industry, and his contributions were recognized in 2003 with a lifetime achievement award from the Animal Nutrition Association of Canada. In 2006, Henry and Hessina moved part-time to Vancouver Island, where the climate was better for his health. He fulfilled a life-long dream of owning his own boat, and enjoyed exploring the islands and fishing with friends and family. Henry travelled extensively throughout his life, and enjoyed visiting different parts of the world with friends and family. He was also
privileged to take several trips with Christian mission organizations around the world and has instilled this sense of service to his children and grandchildren. Family was a huge part of Henry¹s life, he took every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, siblings and nieces and nephews.
His Christian faith was the foundation of Henry¹s life, and was evident in everything he did. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, December 14, 2014 between 3:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden prior to the funeral service. The Funeral Service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 2:00 P.M.
Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes in Henry¹s name may be made directly to the Rehoboth Christian Ministries, 3920 – 49 Avenue, Stony Plain, Alberta T7Z 2J7.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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