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SATURDAY, February 4, 2017
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 6, 2017.
Randall Kent Baldrey
1961 ~ Â 2017
It is with profound sadness that the family of Randall Kent Baldrey, beloved father of Melissa Baldrey, announce his passing in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, January 31, 2017, at the age of 55 years.  Along with his treasured daughter, Melissa and her fiancee, Tony Gaudet, Randy is survived by his brother, Barry (Ivy) Baldrey and family; sister, Teresa (Alan) Stalker and family;  brother, Brent (Bernie) Baldrey and family.  Randy was born in Lethbridge on September 1, 1961, the third child of Tom and Arlene Baldrey and moved to Medicine Hat as an adult.  He was the proud owner of Hat Metal Mart until shortly before his passing.  Randy had a special group of friends that meant the world to him.  Above all else, Melissa was his pride and joy in life.  Randy enjoyed life to the fullest, especially through travelling and camping.  Many weekends during the summer he could be found at Rattlesnake Campground.  Family express their heartfelt appreciation to his special friends:  Art (Jeanette) Helfrich, Rob (Marla) Thiese and Debbie Sawyer.  Randy’s life will be honoured and his memory cherished without the proceedings of a formal funeral service.  (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at  http://www.cooksouthland.com)  If friends so desire, donations in memory of Randy may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd. N.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2E 2P5.  Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland
BISSETT
VIVIAN RUSSELL BISSETT, beloved wife of George Bissett, passed away peacefully on February 1, 2017, just short of her 91st birthday. Vivian was a light and a joy to many people throughout her life, and will be remembered especially for her endless compassionate service to others, her beautiful gift of music, and her great faith. Vivian was born to Alphonzo and Emmaline Anderson Russell, the seventh of nine children. She had a happy childhood near Taber. She later moved to Rosemary as a youth and then to Lethbridge where she met her eternal companion, George Frederick Bissett. She learned at an early age to play the piano after only 6 lessons. She blessed many people through her beautiful music and played piano and organ for church, family, and community events all her life, including thirteen years playing the piano at the Lethbridge Lodge dining room. Vivian loved to serve others, and often said that helping others was what kept her going. She constantly served others by sharing baked goods, visiting anyone she felt had a need, and ministering to everyone she could with words and music right until the end of her life. Most of all, she loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and made a special effort to be there for family events. Vivian loved people, and made friends wherever she went. She had a strong faith in her Savior and in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and she served in many capacities in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including with music, in the primary, and serving at the Cardston Alberta Temple. Vivian will be deeply missed by her husband, George, and her two children Robert (Mary) Bissett of Raymond and Cathy (John) Stansfield of Casa Grande, Arizona, as well as her 15 grandchildren and 47 great grandchildren. The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 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 at the church from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. Interment to follow in the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond.
BLACK PLUME
REGINALD (REGIS) JOHN BLACK PLUME – Kayippohpaataki, father, grandfather, brother, Uncle, brother In-law, and friend took his angel wings peacefully and walked through the gates of heaven on January 28, 2017 at the Foothills Hospital surrounded by family. He was 84. He was born on December 23, 1932 at the Blood Indian Hospital, Blood Reserve.
Regis is predeceased by his wife; Bella Wolf Child, and survived by his four daughters; Ramona White Man, Rena (Roland) Heavy Runner, Donna (Homer) Rabbit, and Hope Ann (Virgil) Reevis. He also leaves behind 10 grandchildren; Deanna (Randall), Kesley, Billy, William, Nathan, Yolanda, Natasha, Lawrence, Celine, and Robert Jr. 11 great-grandchildren; Ace, Daynon, Leona, Keenan, Autumn, Billy Jay, Destiny, Quaiden, Lane, Latesha, and Sheldon. One great-great-grandson; Kendrick. His two sisters; Maryann (Les) and Margaret (Ron). One brother In-law: Martin Hairy Bull. Adopted children; Agnes, Pearline, Marlene, Norine, Tonya, Colleen, Leslie and Wesley Heavy Runner. Numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
In 1939 Regis began his education at the St. Paul’s Residential School and then later years at St. Mary’s Residential School. At the age of 18 Regis entered the Army and fought in the Korean War from 1950 to 1951, and was a Peace Keeper in the Suez Crisis from 1956 to 1958. He was A. Coy – 3 Pl. 1st Canadian Division, 27 Brigade, 1st BN. Queens, Own Rifles of Canada. He was called upon at special traditional ceremonies and was honoured to capture many prominent people who were receiving their name or headdresses. He was also involved in organizing and partaking in the Armistice Day Veteran’s Pow Wow. Regis was raised by his grandparents and many spiritual leaders that he had the utmost respect for the native spirituality as he took a leadership role in the Sundance and was a participant for four years. He was also a devout Catholic attending church every Sunday. Regis was a well known Old Style Chicken Dancer until he was 76 years old and traveled to many pow wows throughout Canada and the USA with his sister Theresa and brother in-law Martin and Woodrow Good Striker Sr., whom he was very close with. With his traditional knowledge he was called upon as an Elder for the Standoff Elementary School where he told his stories and taught the boys chicken dancing. He was employed with various organizations; CJOC Radio Station, Lethbridge Herald, Kainai News, and various construction companies constructing buildings in Lethbridge and Calgary. He also served as a member/co-founder of the Magpie Society and a member of the Ninastako Cultural Society from 1980-1984. Regis was a player of the Lavern Broncos Hockey Team, and one of his proudest endeavours was writing a book called “Aapaiitsitapi”. In Regis retirement years he spent lots of time at speaking engagements for radio broadcasts and telling stories at the local schools. He enjoyed travelling and visiting with his friends at Park Place Mall, McDonalds & Humpty’s on Scenic Drive, at Bully’s Race Track, Dairy Queen in Cardston, and he loved visiting his sister Theresa as he knew he would get his favourite treat; boiled meat and fry bread. We will miss Regis’ great knowledge of the Blackfoot traditions and culture, his story telling, his presence at pow wows and family gatherings, his humble and quiet ways.
Regis was predeceased by his parents; Frank Black Plume Soyisttsiiksiina and Lizzie Standing Alone Sipiainihkiaakii (Joe Across The Mountain) by his paternal grandparents: Piitaikiihtsipimi and Sikotskinayi. His Maternal grandparents; Dick Standing Alone Pokomaaai and Sophie Standing Alone Iihkitipii. Brothers; Lawrence, Clarence, Arthur, Morris, Dominic, Alfred, William, Joseph and Micheal. Sisters; Theresa and Mary Rose. Grandchildren; Darcy, Tama, Richard Jr., Leslie Ann, Kesley and Myron. Nephews; Francis, Terrance and Martin Jr. Nieces; Lena, Lisa and Nicole.
The Family Service will be at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Sunday, Feb. 5th at 5:00 p.m. The Wake Service will be at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Sunday, Feb. 5th from 7:00 p.m. all night. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Monday, Feb. 6th at 11:00 a.m. Interment in the Pioneer Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
DIEBEL
NORMAN RODGER DIEBEL, passed away peacefully at the St. Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit, on Friday, February 3, 2017 at the age of 74 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
Frances Leahy
1916 – 2017
Frances Gabrielle Carmen Leahy, beloved wife of the late George Leahy, passed away in Taber on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at the age of 100 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 5:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Frances is survived by her children John (Inge) Leahy of Taber, Denis (Elspeth) Leahy of Calgary, Brenda (Reyn) Leahy Johnson of Calgary and Belinda (Fred) Williams of Taber; grandchildren Jordan (Nicki) Williams, Lucas Johnson, Tabatha Williams (Brendan Wiens), Cameron Williams, Maryse (Peter) Doner, Kavan (Benita) Williams, Janet Leahy, Cameron Leahy and Taryn Leahy; great grandchildren Isaac, Abigail, Colby and Knoxlyn. She is also survived by her brother-in-law Donald (Marie) Leahy as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband George D. Leahy and by her siblings and their spouses.
Born into a pioneer family, Frances grew up the youngest of five children, on the Morton ranches around Rosebud and Gleichen and also in Calgary. She attended school in Calgary and studied art in Los Angeles, returning to Alberta to teach at the Banff School of Fine Arts. Frances met George pre World War II and they married in 1948. They moved to Edmonton so George could complete his university degree while Frances worked at the Energy Conversation Board. They moved to the Taber area to farm in 1949 until 1982 Frances raised four children, ran a successful farm, yet she still managed to find time to paint and mentor others in the visual arts. Frances was an active member of the Women’s Institute, St. Augustine’s Catholic Women’s League and was a founding member of the Taber Arts and Crafts. Family was very important to Frances and George and summers on the farm were filled with visits from aunts, uncles, cousins and other relatives. She was a devoted grandmother to her nine grandchildren and was privileged to live long enough to welcome four great grandchildren.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Frances’ name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 – 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
Helen Driedger
1926 – 2017
It is with sad and heavy hearts that the family of Helen Driedger announce her passing in Taber on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the age of 90 years.
A private service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Helen’s name may be made directly to the Mennonite Central Committee, Suite 210, 2946 – 32 Street NE, Calgary, Alberta T1Y 6J7.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
Emil Wirzba
1928 – 2017
It is with great sadness that the family of Emil Wirzba announces his passing on February 1, 2017 in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 88 years. Emil was born on August 28, 1928 in Martinshoehe, East Prussia to August and Olga Wirzba. Emil immigrated to Canada in 1951 with his parents and four brothers. His older sister joined them in 1952. Like many immigrants of the time, the family worked in sugar beet fields east of Coaldale for two years. On August 28, 1954 he married Margaret Strecker. Together they lived their 62 years in Lethbridge. Emil is survived by his loving wife, Margaret, and their 5 children: Dan (Sharon), Bernie, Carl (Helene), Marvin (Tanell), and Lorraine, and 6 grandchildren, Stephen (Jessica), Johannah and Grace, Kevin and Zachary, and Andrew. Emil worked at Horton Steel from 1954 until 1971 when the Lethbridge plant was shut down. Then, together with his brothers Alex and Eric, they formed Wirzba Brothers Construction and built custom-built homes in Lethbridge and the surrounding area for almost 30 years. Church and his faith in God were very important to Emil. He was baptized in 1943. He was a founding member of Bethany Baptist Church in 1952 and was active until the church closed in 2000. He and Margaret then joined First Baptist Church in Lethbridge. In his retirement, Emil enjoyed taking care of the house and yard. Emil cared deeply about his family. He always asked about his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and took an interest in their lives. We all knew he prayed for us each day. Opa passed away peacefully at the Lethbridge Hospital after a short illness on February 1, 2017. A Viewing will be held at 11:00am-11:45am at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th St. S., Lethbridge AB. A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00pm at Mountain View Cemetery. The Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 5 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to the Canadian Baptist Ministries, http://www.cbmin.org
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
ERIN PATRICIA WALSH
March 16, 1983 – January 19, 2017
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Erin Walsh at the age of 33. She leaves behind her husband Quinn Poulsen and three children Emily, Izabell and Kole; her sister Heather, and nieces Shannon and Shayln. She also leaves behind her special friend Danni Walker.
Erin predeceased by her mother, Janet Jaworski and is survived by her father Kelly Walsh (Debby).
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 4 at Chinook Society – 408 13 St. North, Lethbridge from 2-4 p.m.
Gordon Evans
1931 – 2017
Mr. Gordon Evans, formerly of Warner, Alberta, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Ruth Evans passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at the age of 85 years. Gordon is survived by his two daughters Bonnie Evans and Nancy (Mike) Skrynyk; stepdaughter Valerie (Roy) Stotz; step son Randy (Cheryl) Mack; 6 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren; 2 brothers Ralph (Donna) Evans and Jim (Nancy) Evans; sister Linda (Ken) Brooks; as well as Ruth’s extended family. Family and friends are invited to pay their final respects between 7:00pm to 9:00pm on Monday, February 6, 2017 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, AB. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30am on Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, with Reverend Eva Stanley, officiating. A graveside service will follow in the Warner Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Fred Popovitch
1927 – 2017
Mr. Fred Popovitch, beloved husband of Mrs. Anne Popovitch, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, February 3, 2017 at the age of 89 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
GARBER
HERBERT GARBER, of Milk River, beloved husband of the late Clara Garber for 60 years, passed away peacefully at the Milk River Health Centre, on Friday, February 3rd, 2017 at the age of 89 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Helge “Robert” Gloslie
September 20, 1925 –
January 31, 2017
Mr. Helge “Robert†Gloslie of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Irene Gloslie went peacefully to his eternal rest on Tuesday, January 31, 2017 at the age of 91 years. A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at the MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY. Family and Friends are invited to a Celebration of Robert’s Life at 11:00am on Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street S., Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Tom Peterson, officiating.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
HOFER
ANNIE G HOFER, wife of the late Gideon John Hofer, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones on February 2, 2017 at the age of 79 years. She was a resident of East Cardston Colony. A Funeral Service will take place at the Colony, Cardston, AB on Sunday, February 5th, 2017 at 10:00 am.
Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
OVINGE
NELL OVINGE, beloved wife of the late Thomas Ovinge, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre, in Lethbridge on Thursday February 2, 2017 at the age of 92.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SCHAMBER
It is with heartfelt loss that we announce the passing of PETER J. SCHAMBER, of Milk River, AB, beloved husband of Helen Schamber on January 30, 2017 at the age of 100 years in the Milk River Health Centre.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, on Saturday, February 4, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Benedicto Tugano IV, Celebrant. Interment to follow at the Milk River Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Georgia Westergreen
1928 – 2017
Mrs. Georgia Westergreen of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Willis Westergreen, passed away on Thursday, February 2, 2017 at the age of 88 years. Georgia will be greatly missed by her 3 children; 9 great- grandchildren; 3 great- great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Besides her loving husband Willis, Georgia was predeceased by her parents Jimmy and Rose Roan; 4 sisters and 4 brothers. Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
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