March 28th, 2024

Wednesday, June 3, 2015


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on June 4, 2015.

JAMES ROBERT DUNSMORE
September 23rd, 1939 –
May 27th, 2015
Jim was born in Brooks on September 23rd, 1939. He was the oldest of seven children born to Jessie and Sandy Dunsmore. Jim lived and was educated in Scandia, moving to Vauxhall in 1958. He loved spending time with family. He was known for the twinkle in his eye and the stories he shared. Jim enjoyed Vauxhall Jets Baseball and curling. Excavating was not only his work, but his passion. Jim has contributed to Southern Alberta Irrigation from E.I.D. to the Montana border, The Old Man River Dam to southern Saskatchewan. He attacked his work with precision and flawlessness. Jim also owned and operated the Southern Ranchmans Inn at Manyberries. He met Joanne Munsch in 2000 and they were married in 2003. Jim enjoyed learning the ranching life at Maple Creek with his new extended family, where he started to enjoy the retirement life in between working with Southern Dragline, meeting new friends with every dugout he made. Jim is survived by his immediate family: daughter, Shari (Wes) Manchester; and grandchildren, Kara and Drew. He leaves his amazing mother, Jessie; brothers, Jack (Marie) and Daryl (Karen); sisters, Sharon, Darlene (Glen), and Lynda; numerous nieces, nephews, family members and many friends. Jim was predeceased by an infant daughter; sister, Sandra Cook; father, Sandy Dunsmore; daughter, Kerrie Dunsmore; and numerous special family members. Jim is also survived by his second immediate family: wife, Joanne Munsch; stepsons, Dusty (Krysten) and grandson, Benjamin, Clint (Sheila) and granddaughter, Halley (Ana Luca), Shane (Lynanne) and family; stepdaughters, Cindy (Danny) Meier and family, Angela (Wayne) Reesor and family, and Dixie (Steve) Komistek and family. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, on Friday, June 5th, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Jim’s memory may be made to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Jim Dunsmore. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.


ANDRIASHYK
OLIVE ANDRIASHYK, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the age of 100 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced once 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


 BYAM
RONNA LEE BYAM passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the age of 64 years.
She is survived by her siblings: Monta (David) Salmon, Flayne (ReDonna) Byam, Barry (Judy) Byam, Wade (aka Randy) (Cindy) Byam, Tari (Darrin) McLean, and Kenneth (Lesa) Byam; 24 nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her parents Calvin and Lorna.
Ronna had a great love of family and appreciated her association with wonderful friends. She has gone on to a family reunion.
The Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LETHBRIDGE EAST STAKE CENTRE, 4105 Forestry Avenue South, Lethbridge. Friends may meet the family prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.
Interment will follow in the Archmount Cemetery, Lethbridge.


CARLSON
ELDON (ELDY) GORDON CARLSON passed away peacefully on Friday, May 29, 2015 in Claresholm, AB at the age of 53 years.
Eldy is survived by the love of his life Marian, his daughters Kari (Kendyn) Mackenzie and Mandy (Matt) MacLellan, his son Brett Carlson, and his five grandchildren Jaydyn, Dominik, Kady, Coadee, and Kinsley who he absolutely adored. He is also survived by his siblings Doug (Tracey) Carlson, Lorie (Mac) Sloan, Craig (Nancy) Carlson, and Michelle (Bob) Rice, and numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Eldy was predeceased by his parents Marvyn Carlson and Dorinne Ruston and his in-laws Vinall and Phyllis Hatch. Eldy will be greatly missed by all those who know and love him.
The Funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, TEMPLE STREET CHAPEL on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. Friends may meet the family from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Cardston Cemetery.
Email your condolences to: legacycardston@gmail.com


D’ANDREA
VICTOR D’ANDREA, beloved husband of Maxine D’Andrea, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, June 1, 2015 at the age of 79 years. Besides his loving wife Maxine, Vic is remembered by one son Cameron (Koreen) D’Andrea of High River and one daughter Terry D’Andrea (Darryl Robertson) of Lethbridge, two grandchildren Kaylee D’Andrea of High River and Tanner D’Andrea of Calgary, one great grandchild Tatum D’Andrea of High River. He is also survived by one brother Fiori (Joyce) D’Andrea of Lethbridge, one sister Marie (Roy) Delger of Spokane, Washington and one sister-in-law Mary D’Andrea of Lethbridge, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Vic was predeceased by one brother Mike, a sister Madeline (Doug) Jorgenson and by a special companion, his dog Buddy. Victor (Abramo Italo Vittorio) was born to Nicola and Carmina D’Andrea, on May 25, 1936, in Lethbridge, AB. He was raised and educated in the Readymade area. Vic farmed the family homestead where he loved to tinker, hunt, make sausage, and curl. Family and friends were always welcome! Siblings, nieces, and nephews often share happy memories of their times on the farm. Vic was one of the original members of the Indian Hills Golf Club and a life member of the Italian Canadian Club, as well as a member of the Knights of Columbus #1490. Vic retired to Lethbridge in 1998 where he resided until his passing. He truly loved his family and took every opportunity to spend time with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchild. Vic will be sadly missed by the family and many friends. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayer Services at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive, South, Lethbridge on Thursday, June 4, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Cliff Bogdan officiating. A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12th Ave South, Lethbridge on Friday, June 5, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback, Celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. In memory of Vic, memorial donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB., T1J 4K7or to STARS, 1441 – Aviation Park N.E., (Box 570) Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7.
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


DUNCAN, JAMES
Mr. James Duncan, 63 year member of the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, Local 496, passed away May 29, 2015. The Officers, Members & Staff wish to express their deepest sympathy.


Sherry Handsaeme
1965 – 2015
Mrs. Sherry Handsaeme passed away on Saturday, May 30, 2015 at the age of 49 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com
to send a private condolence.


 HEALY
HAROLD WARNOCK HEALY – (1925 – 2015) Aapihkitopii (White Horse Rider) passed away peacefully in the Cardston Hospital to join his most beloved wife Jean Healy (nee Soop) who passed on May 3rd, 2015. Jean was the love of his life and the two were inseparable in life and now in death.
Harold was born on July 6th, 1925 at home on the Blood Reserve to his parents John and Louise (nee Tallow) Healy. Dad was the last remaining of his 9 siblings and was predeceased by: Arthur (Betty), Mike (Katie), Thomas (Dorothy), Hugh (Fannie), Jennie (Paul) Melting Tallow, Josephine (Arthur) Soop, Stanley (Molly), Edward (Frances), Brothers and Sisters at infancy: Catherine, Joseph, Wilfred, John. He was also predeceased by one grandson Ryan Healy; best friends, who he took like brothers: Gerald (Irene) Tailfeathers and Allan (Rose Marie) Tailfeathers. His relatives included the Healy aunt’s families the Gladstone’s, Eagle Rib’s, Davis’s, Hind Bull’s, Tallow’s and numerous relatives, too many to mention.
At a young age, Harold’s father passed away. He went to live with his aunt, Janie Gladstone (nee Healy) and uncle, Senator James Gladstone. Throughout his life, he always had a close connection to his Gladstone family, He was especially proud of his nephew, Jim Gladstone, World Champion Calf Roper.
At the age of 9, Harold attended St. Paul’s Anglican Residential School. He stayed at the school until the age of 16. He then worked for the residential school in farming, gardening and carpentry. He went on in his career in carpentry and built many homes on the Blood Reserve.
Dad’s true love of sports kept him active and busy throughout his life. Whether it was in track and field, baseball, football, jockeying, horse-back riding and most important hockey, which kept him active to excel in what he loved to do. Harold holds the title in track and field record for the 100 yard dash recorded in the Alberta Hall of Fame in Red Deer.
At the age of 15, he taught himself how to skate, practicing during cold winter days and nights. After much practice and perfecting his glide on the ice, he heard Chris Shade Sr. and Frances Red Crow were scouting for players for a Kainai hockey team, “Native Sons.” To his delight and excitement, he was chosen to play on the first Kainai hockey team.
His love of hockey was so intense that dad and his best friend Gerald Tailfeathers and Gerald’s father Fred Tailfeathers took a hockey vacation to catch all the games of the original six NHL teams in the 60’s. Games they attended were the Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Black Hawks and his all-time favorite team, Toronto Maple Leafs. Unfortunately, before they could go to the remaining three teams, Fred took ill and they returned home. Dad spent numerous hours training and teaching his sons and grandchildren to play the game. Harold and Jean never missed a Saturday Night Hockey game on TV cheering on his favorite team, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
In his early twenties, he moved to Calgary to begin work with Great Western Saddlery company. He developed a craft in leather tooling, another one of Harold’s many trades. While in Calgary, he sought out teams to play hockey with. Through his fast and agile ability on skates, he was picked up by the Calgary A team, an unusual but memorable time for a young First Nation man to play on an all-white team in the 40’s.
After a few years in Calgary, Harold returned to the Blood Reserve and married his beloved Jean in June of 1949. They were married for 64 years and had 6 children, Warnick, Stewart (Karen McDougall), Esther, Carol (Jim Mason), Robert (Lucille Provost), Cordell (Tammy Prairie Chicken), adopted daughter Joyce (Ron) Doore; 19 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren, and numerous traditionally adopted children from many nations.
As time progressed, Harold & Jean raised their family to the best of their ability and always worked towards a better tomorrow. Harold embarked on his love of pow wow’s. He and Jean began their recreational activities in joining the pow wow circuit. He was known far and wide for his dancing abilities and won numerous champion titles in the Men’s Buckskin category.
In 1977, Harold & Jean were asked to join the Calgary Stampede Indian Village. On numerous occasions, Harold and Jean represented the Stampede, Alberta and Canadian tourism to be ambassadors for Treaty 7 and Canada. They travelled to many countries to represent Kainaiwa, which they did, proud of their heritage to share their Blackfoot traditions.

The opportunity presented itself for the Healy’s to travel to Europe, Australia, New Zealand the Principality of Monte Carlo, and the USA to name a few. This gave them the opportunity to meet highly visible dignitaries, which included the Queen of England–a few times. Even on one occasion, to their surprise, were housed at the Duke of Kent’s home in England. Harold’s out-going nature and his big smile opened many doors for him and usually, by request, has been asked to be ambassador for First Nations people at various functions.
Harold was also part of the traditional Ninamskaiis, Medicine Pipe Bundle. It was always an honor for him to be included in the ceremonies.
Harold gave numerous and countless hours to help and assist those in need. His greatest work was with people in incarceration and corrections. Elder counselling was a job he loved to do. He served 12 years with the RCMP “K” Division in an advisory board capacity, fighting for the cultural rights of First Nation people, promoting capacity building between the RCMP, Government officials and First Nations. Harold and Jean hosted the top ranking RCMP officials for tea, at their tipi, after the Calgary Stampede parade. His other pet project was being president of the Buffalo Nations Luxton Museum in Banff.
In April of 2003, the Minister of Government Services, David Coutts, along with the sitting Premier, Ralph Klein, requested Harold and Jean’s presence in the House of Commons to be introduced to the legislature for his leadership on youth justice issues.
He was known for his ability to bring credibility to the cause of cultural rights in the Justice system. As a result, Governor Schweitzer, of the state of Montana, with son in-law Jim Mason, along with some of the Kainai Corrections staff, were requested to advise and assist in developing American Indian inmate cultural programs. Harold was given special recognition by the State of Montana for his outstanding contributions.
Through Harold’s bold approach and winning smile, he successfully brought much attention to the causes and needs of the First Nation communities. Harold has lobbied Government officials, foundations and charities to raise awareness for needed funds for various projects.
Our kind and caring father was a great man, who has bid us farewell to enter into the biggest grand entry of life. Our Lord and Saviour God will beat his drum as he enters the golden gate arena just for dad.
The Wake Service will be held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Blood Reserve on Wednesday, June 3rd, 6:00 to 10:00 p.m.
The Funeral Service will also be held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Blood Reserve on Thursday, June 4th at 11:00 a.m. Interment in the Old Agency, One Spot Cemetery, Blood Reserve, family feast to follow at the Old Agency Hall.
Send condolences at legacyfuneralhome.ca.


Margaret M. Markus
1939 – 2015
Margaret Mary Markus of Lethbridge passed away at home on Sunday, May 31, 2015 at the age of 75 years.
Left behind to mourn her passing is her brother Steve and wife Brenda, as well as many extended family members. She was predeceased by her parents Steve & Margaret Markus.
At Margaret’s request a private service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.


Donald Ostby
1933 – 2015
Donald Ostby of Coutts, passed away suddenly at Gold Springs Park on May 29, 2015 at the age of 81 years.
A Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at Coutts Civic Center, 105 Center Ave, Coutts, AB.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Dons name may be made directly to Coutts Fire and Rescue, 201 Center Ave, Coutts, AB, T0K 0N0.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.


 RAINS
With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of an extraordinary man, GARRETT RAINS, beloved son of Lonnie and Kelly and cherished brother of Kyle and Carter, on Friday, May 29, 2015 at the age of 28 years.
Garrett was born on February 18, 1987 to proud parents Lonnie & Kelly. Garrett was a sunny, loving soul who cared for and affected every life he touched. He owned a wicked sense of fun and possessed a spirit of determination to achieve what he wanted to do. He believed in the family of man and spent his life increasing his tribe.
He will be remembered with much love.
A Celebration of Life will be held at COAST LETHBRIDGE HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTRE, 526 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Sunday, June 7, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Glenda Wert officiating.

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


 THIESSEN
MR. ERWIN EDWARD “KERV” THIESSEN, beloved husband of Mrs. Mildred Thiessen, of Coutts, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the Milk River Health Centre on Sunday, May 24, 2015 at the age of 87 years.
Kerv will be forever in the hearts of his wife, Mildred and children Randy (Joan), Debra (Don), Bruce, James, Michelle (Steve) and Kelly. He will be dearly remembered by his grandchildren Brock, Clay, Tenille, Matthew, Erin, Jason, Kyle and great-grandchildren Emily, Hayden and Rogue. Kerv is also survived by his sister Loretta Coyne and brother-in-law Leonard.
Kerv was born in Holdfast, Saskatchewan on June 19, 1927. His parents, Abram A. and Sara came to Coaldale, where they resided and made it their home. Kerv married Mildred Vornbrock on February 6, 1951 and spent the last 64 years loving her and raising a family. In their early years together, they lived in Taber, Coaldale and Waterton Lakes where they operated a ‘Snack Shack’ for six summers. They moved to Coutts in 1960, where they reside today.
Kerv worked as a Customs Officer at the Port of Entry at Coutts for 18 years. After Kerv retired, he became an entrepreneur business man managing rentals, Kerv’s Korner Convenience Store, the laundromat and RV Park. Kerv was very involved in local politics and worked tirelessly for the people of Coutts.
At Kerv’s request, there will be a ‘Celebration of Life’ held at the COUTTS CIVIC CENTRE, 105 Centre Avenue, Coutts, AB on Saturday, July 4, 2015 at 1:00 P.M.
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


TIMOTHY DAVID TOLLESTRUP
Passed away suddenly in Edmonton, Alberta on May 22, 2015 at the age of 38. He is predeceased by his mother Carol Tollestrup (July 18, 2012) and brother Matthew Tollestrup (March 23, 1983). He is survived by his father Stephen Tollestrup, his son Matthew Tollestrup, his brothers: Glenn, James, and Richard Tollestrup, and his sisters: Martie Murphy, Jennifer Tollestrup, Amie Yancey, Rachel Atwood, and Joanne Steed. A private family service has been held.
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Sherry Wever
1956 – 2015
It is with Earthly sorrow and Heavenly praise that we announce the passing of Sherry Ann Wever, loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend on Friday, May 29, 2015 in Taber. The Lord now has her in His loving arms. She accepted her Lords will with strength and grace! Veel sterkte famke! (Much strength girl!)
Sherry was born on August 3, 1956, in Lethbridge to Buck and Audrey Geldert. She resided in Lethbridge until she met and married James Wever of Burdett in 1977. Jim and Sherry lived in the Burdett area their entire life together where they raised four beautiful children. During that time, Sherry was an inspiration to all those that knew her. She was a Christian, homemaker, mother, grandmother (to ten beautiful grandchildren), friend, bookkeeper, confidante, cheerleader, as well as a faithful and ever-supportive farm wife. Sherry always had a passion for music. As a teen, she was a member of the Anne Campbell singers in Lethbridge. She had a special gift of music; she could recognize a tune from any time period or genre and sing the entire song. She had the voice of an angel and enjoyed sharing it with all her friends in church, at home, or wherever it was desired. Sherryâ??s love for music and beautiful voice was also shared with her grandchildren. Over the years, Sherry gave her precious time volunteering with the Grassy Lake Performing Arts Society, Calvinettes girls group, member of the Burdett Auxiliary, 4H Club Leader, Sunday school teacher, and member of the Forty Mile Food Bank committee. Sherry was a faithful member of the Burdett Christian Reformed Church, an angel on earth and shared with everyone she was in attendance with. She enjoyed the simple things in life and never asked for more. She found happiness in whatever circumstance she was in. Sherry always went above and beyond to help and support her children in whatever capacity she was needed which often included caring for her grandchildren. She never said no.
Sherry leaves to cherish her memory her loving devoted husband James Wever, her loving children Lisa (Dwayne) Vossebelt and their children Kaleb, Mattea and Logan; Erica Smyth and her children Janae, Ethan and Blake; Jared (Megan) Wever and their children Sophia, Mila and Barent; Mark Wever (Nicole Mulgrew) and their daughter Piper. She leaves behind two sisters Carol (Joe) Dean of Calgary and Gail Bridgewater of Lethbridge as well as many nieces and nephews and a large extended family.
She was predeceased by her father Warren “Buck” Geldert and her mother Margaret “??Audrey” Klassen.
Goodbye Nana, until we meet again.
A private burial service will be held at the Highfield Cemetery.
The Celebration of Sherryâ??s life will be held at the Burdett Community Hall, Burdett on Saturday, June 6, 2015 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor David Swinney officiating. Short tributes will be accepted at the celebration. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in Sherry’??s memory, for Melanoma Research, to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102, 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 1Z8.
We would like to send a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Ryan Torrie, the nurses and staff at the Taber Hospital, as well as Dr. Stewart and his staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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Rachel Entz
1945 – 2015
Rachel Entz, beloved wife of Henry Entz of the Ponderosa Colony, passed away on Monday, June 1, 2015 at the age of 69 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Ponderosa Colony, Grassy Lake on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at 12:00 P.M. Burial to follow at the Ponderosa Colony Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.


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