March 28th, 2024

SATURDAY, December 16, 2017


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 16, 2017.

Lottie Austin

It is with deep sadness but with gratitude for a life well lived that the family of Lottie Austin of Lethbridge, AB, announces her death on Monday, December 11th, 2017. Lottie passed peacefully at the age of 60 at the Chinook Regional Hospital after a long battle with primary systemic amyloidosis. Born in Baddeck, NS, and raised in Amherst, NS, Lottie was the daughter of the late Henry and Katherine Austin (MacVicar) of Amherst, NS. Lottie was first and foremost a loving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend. She was a devoted mother; her children were always her top priority. Lottie’s light, energy, determination and positivity were her defining features. She was an inspiration to many and maintained a positive outlook despite many health challenges. Lottie loved music and this passion featured prominently in all aspects of her life. Lottie held a Bachelor of Music degree from Mount Allison University, a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Lethbridge and a Master of Music degree from the University of Maine at Orono, and was a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in London, UK. She was an accomplished pianist and musician. Lottie performed in solo piano concerts and accompanied vocalists and choirs for over four decades. In 2014, Lottie was a competitor in the prestigious Honen’s ProAm piano competition. Lottie was a force of nature and a woman of many career paths. First, a professional musician and then a teacher and administrator with Lethbridge School District 51, and finally thriving in the insurance and planning industry as an Estate Planning Specialist at CIBC Wood Gundy and BMO Nesbitt Burns in Calgary, Alberta. She was the Southern Alberta nominee for the Edwin Parr award for outstanding first-year educator. She held various financial services designations including CFP, TEP and CLU. She was consistently recognized as a top performer throughout her tenure at CIBC Wood Gundy and BMO Nesbitt Burns. Lottie was deeply committed to her community and was an active contributor to the Lethbridge arts community for 35 years. She served through Rotary, the Community Foundation of Lethbridge, the University of Lethbridge Singers, the Lethbridge Symphony, the Lethbridge YWCA Harbour House, and as the co-chair of the Music in the Making campaign in support of the University of Lethbridge Conservatory of music housed in CASA. In 2001, she was honoured with the Lethbridge YWCA Woman of Distinction award. Alongside her beloved husband, George, she also received the 2012 University of Lethbridge Senate Volunteer award. Lottie and George were recognized jointly again with the Joan Waterfield Memorial Award in 2016 given by the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge. Lottie was a true Maritimer by birth and at heart but she also loved Alberta’s Rocky Mountains and big Prairie skies. Lottie cherished East Coast folk music, oatcakes, Maritime brown bread, and biscuits with molasses; anything Cape Breton and the Atlantic ocean. Many summers were spent on the Cabot Trail and at the Pictou Lodge Beach Resort surrounded by family and friends. An avid lover of the finer things in life, Lottie celebrated everyone’s accomplishments large or small, with champagne served in NovaScotian Crystal. An incredible host, she often brought together many in the community to enjoy afternoon tea, dinners, and parties at her home in Lethbridge. She will be sadly missed by her husband of 37 years, Dr. George Evelyn, and her two children, Katherine Austin-Evelyn (Sivu Mzamo) and Jeremy Austin-Evelyn; two step-children, Jeff Evelyn and Jason Evelyn (Carrie Evelyn); and four grandchildren, Charlotte Evelyn, Margot Evelyn, Ethan Evelyn, and Gracen Evelyn. Lottie is survived by her devoted family of five siblings, Charles Austin (Linda), Elizabeth Austin (Dave), James Austin (Sally), Edith Austin-Anderson (Bill Anderson), and Eleanor Austin (John Dever). Lottie leaves behind nephews (Athen and Andrew), nieces (Alexandrea and Jennifer) plus a large and loving extended family in the Maritimes. A celebration of her incredible life will be held at the Southminster United Church, in Lethbridge, AB, Wednesday, December 20th at 2:00 pm on what would have been Lottie’s 61st birthday. The service will be followed by a reception in Southminster Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations in Lottie’s memory may be made to the Lethbridge YWCA Harbour House, a project dear to Lottie’s heart. The family expresses sincere gratitude to Lottie’s large team of doctors, specifically Dr. Morley Wong and Dr. Ernest Janzen (Lethbridge) and Dr. Victor Jimenez-Zepeda (Calgary). A sincere thank you also to the ICU staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital (Lethbridge) and the nursing teams at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and Sheldon Chumir Renal Clinic in Calgary, and also the Jack Ady Cancer Centre and the Southern Alberta Renal Clinic in Lethbridge, AB.


Betty Illingworth

1923 – 2017

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mother, Betty Illingworth of Lethbridge, at St. Michael’s Health Centre on December 10, 2017, at the age of 94 years. She lived a long and full life. Many people will remember her as the face of Spic and Span Dry Cleaners, which she owned and operated with our father, Brian Illingworth, for far too many years. She was 86 when she retired. As Mom exhibited with work as well as life, she was not a quitter. While growing up our house was always full of people. The door was open for many meals with family and friends, and sometimes included strangers who had fallen on hard times. Relatives or friends attending school in Lethbridge were welcome to move in. Payment was never a consideration. Mom is survived by our dad, Brian, her husband of 72 years; son, Phil (Janet) of Victoria; daughter, Terri of Calgary; 8 grand-children and 2 great-grandchildren; as well as her brother, Bobby (Suzy) of Lethbridge; sister, Irene of Fernie and sister, Laura of Claresholm. Mom was predeceased by her sisters, Annie and Margaret, and her brothers, Harvey, Harry and Henry. As the matriarch of an extended family, she will be missed by many. A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring. Our thanks go to our incredible neighbours, Alma and Charlie Berridge and Bryan Walkey. Without their help our parents would not have managed to stay in their own home for so many years. Thanks to Dr. M. Cassis for her longtime care and support. Thanks also to the lovely caring staff at St. Michael’s Community Support Bed unit. Donations may be made in Betty’s memory to the Covenant Foundation, directed to St. Michael’s Health Care Centre, 1400 – 9th Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4V5.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.


BLOOD

CAMERON LEE BLOOD, passed away in Lethbridge, AB on Dec. 14, 2017 at the age of 44 years.

The Wake Service will be at the Moses Lake Gym, Blood Reserve on Thursday, Dec. 21st at 7:00 pm continuing all night. The Funeral Service will be at the Moses Lake Gym on Friday Dec. 22nd at 11:00 a.m. Interment in the Blood Band Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca


Corinne Raiche

1964 – 2017

Ms. Corinne Shirley Raiche of Cardston, beloved Mother, Daughter, Sister, Friend and Co-worker, passed away at home surrounded by her family, on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the age of 53 years. She will be sorely missed. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.


FELLGER

1939-2017

TRUDY MARYANN FELLGER (nee Howe), beloved wife of Alfred Fellger of 60 years, passed away surrounded by her family at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at the age of 78 years.

A Celebration of Trudy’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Erin Phillips officiating. Trudy will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery. After the Interment, a time of fellowship and refreshments will be held at Cornerstone Funeral Home.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


FIELDING

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, father and grandfather, DONALD IMRIE ANDERSON FIELDING, at the Claresholm Health Centre, on Saturday, December 9, 2017 at the age of 70 years.

A Celebration of Donald’s Life will be held at THIRD DAY CHURCH, #90, 550 WT Hill Blvd. South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, December 16, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Dick Deweert officiating. A Private Family Interment at Mountain View Cemetery will precede the service.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


HURLBURT

ReNée Newby was born in Cardston, Alberta in 1928, to Cora and John (Jack) William Newby. ReNée was the sixth of eight children and spent her early years on a farm in Glenwood. The family struggled through the depression like most farm families, so when ReNée was 6, her parents embraced a new plan and her father enrolled in Reppert’s School of Auctioneering in Decatur, Illinois.

Upon his return, the family left the farm and moved to Lethbridge, where Mr. Newby established his new business at the Lethbridge Stockyards and ReNée completed her schooling. ReNée was extremely talented musically, and after graduating from the LCI, she attended the Faculty of Music at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. While ReNée was away at BYU, her father and brother Ted, also an auctioneer, were getting to know a new young cattleman working at the Stockyards. His name was Ken Hurlburt.

On a cold January day in 1949, Jack Newby was killed instantly when his car was hit by a train at a Lethbridge railway crossing and though ReNée was excelling in her studies, there was now not enough money to support her schooling, so she returned home and went to work. In May of that year, Ted arranged a blind date with his sister ReNée and his friend Ken, and on September 5 that same year, Ken and ReNée were married. It was a good match. ReNée, with her steadfast and quiet strength, was the perfect partner for Ken’s larger than life exuberant character. They adored one another.

Foot and mouth disease hit the cattle industry in 1952, so Ken and ReNée bundled up their two babies, borrowed $500 and headed to Billings Montana where Ken enrolled in auction school, after which they returned to Lethbridge, established a new business, and set about raising a family which grew to include six children: Jody (Ted Thaell), Brant (Patty), Darcee (Bruce Robertson), Kim (Kim Tillsley), Thane (Joy) and Heath (Dallas).

It is a rare gift to be in the presence of a person who embraced life with such elegance and grace, such devotion to family and such an open heart as ReNée Hurlburt. She was never judgemental. She was charismatic. People were naturally drawn to her because she really knew how to listen, not because she worked at it, but because she was sincerely interested in what was being said. Her responses were always genuine, considerate and thoughtful.

She had a wonderful sense of humour, an easy smile and never took herself too seriously. She had a mischievous side, she loved to tease, and was a great foil when the joke was on her. She had a lovely way of finding little everyday things funny…an attribute that came in very handy as she stayed connected with 20 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. She enthusiastically embraced new technology – texts, emails and Facebook were efficient ways for her to stay in constant touch with her family of 77. And she did.

ReNée was never without her satchel of needlework projects, and she always had more than one in the works. Every one of her 20 grandchildren has received an Aran knit throw, and 30 great grandchildren have received an intricately embroidered or needlepointed personalized Christmas stocking. She could correct a knitting mistake ten rows back and she was currently mentoring a number of protégés whose current projects will suffer without her.

She followed the sport of figure skating with great interest, and when her daughter was involved with the sport, ReNée undertook training and was an early level figure skating judge.

Many decades ago, and before they could really afford to, Ken and ReNée cobbled together enough money to purchase a cottage in Waterton Park. It was one place of the heart for both of them and they were unfailingly grateful for every moment they spent there. The other place was the family ranch just out side of Fort Macleod. Every spring, Ken would bring the cows and new calves close to the house so that ReNée could watch over them. She had an inquisitive mind and learned quickly, so she developed a good eye for cattle, and if you sat with her at a sale she wouldn’t hesitate to astutely assess a pen of calves.

ReNée was always willing to accept and understand that we all walk our own path and we don’t all think alike. That served her well, as she watched her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren make their way in our rapidly changing world.

Her wisdom gently guided each and every one of them, even if the lives they chose to lead were not what she might have envisioned for them. She found a way to make a meaningful connection, and every one of them benefitted from her caring presence.

ReNée had a remarkable inner strength, and it was as quiet as it was powerful. Her family includes six children, their husbands and wives, twenty grandchildren, their husbands and wives, and thirty great grandchildren. Her legacy will live on through them.

Following are excerpts from a poem ReNée highlighted in one of her favourite books…

Death is nothing at all.

I have only slipped away into the next room.

Whatever we were to each other, that we are still.

Call me by the old familiar name.

Speak of me in the easy way you always used.

Play, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.

All is well.

-Henry Scott Holland

ReNée was predeceased by her beloved husband Ken, her siblings Zylpha Davies, Qu’Appelle Gibbons, Jackie Walker, Et’Oile Newby, Ted Newby and Marlow Newby. She is also survived by her sister Marlene Hathaway of Idaho Falls, Idaho, and her sister-in- law Janet Newby of Barrie, Ontario.

The Hurlburt Family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Eras vanZyl, Trinity United Church of Fort Macleod, for his unwavering support of ReNée and her family, and to Dr. Morley Wong and Dr. Ben Storey, the dialysis staff and the staff of unit 4A, Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge for their kindness and consideration.

Those closest to ReNée will not be surprised to learn that it was her sincere wish not to have a service. Her inimitable style was to softly and quietly guide and encourage, always in the background. Her wishes will be honoured.

Memorials in ReNée’s name shall be gratefully accepted by:

The Fort Macleod HandiBus Society, PO Box 881, Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0

or

The Waterton Foundation, PO Box 112, Waterton Park AB, T0K 2M0. watertonfoundation@gmail.com

Condolences may be forwarded to: http://www.mbfunerals.com

or

renee@hurlburtrock.com


Jones, Cecil Frank May 2, 1953 – December 10, 2017

Cecil Jones passed away Sunday December 10th, 2017 surrounded by friends. Widowed by his wife, Janis, in 2005, Cecil is survived by his wife (of 7 years), Tessa Jones, sister, Cheryl Denis, his six children, their spouses, four step children and 28 grandchildren. Well known for an unceasing work ethic and many entrepreneurial adventures, he always loved to converse with any friendly face. Subsequently, many people called him friend. Cecil loved his family and sacrificed greatly for them or anyone in need. One of his many great skills was looking outside the box for inspiration; his laughter and kindness will be greatly missed. Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, 14540 Parkland Blvd on Monday, Dec 18. Respects can be given to his family beginning at 9:00 AM. Service at 10:00 with a luncheon to follow.


LIND

GERALD LIND, beloved husband of Sheryle Lind, of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, December 14th, 2017 at the age of 81 years.

A Service of Remembrance will be held in January. Further announcements will be made.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


Linda Lindsay

1962 – 2017

Ms. Linda Lindsay of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at the age of 55 years. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects betweem 11:00am -1:00pm at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. A Memorial Reception will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, December 22, 2017 at the Eagles Hall, 631- 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta. An inurnment will take place in Archmount Cemetery at a later date.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.


Rigmor Irene Merally

1946 -2017

Mrs. Rigmor Merally of Coaldale, beloved wife of Mr. Eqbal “Ike” Merally, passed away at the Coaldale Health Care Centre on Wednesday, December 13, 2017 at the age of 71. Rigmor arrived from Norway in 1969. She relocated from Vancouver to Coaldale in 1983, and married the love of her life Eqbal Merally in 1989. With her passion of family and gardening, she will be remembered with the love of everyone. Besides her loving husband Eqbal, Rigmor is survived by her daughter Sonia (Steve) Bell; son Ramon Palma; grandchildren Tyler Palma, David Palma, Devin Whyte; sister Berit Sonove Mysen Napier and her children Marianne Vissers and Reider Mysen; brother Erik Zahl and his children Jon Erik Zahl, Rune Petter Zahl and Hege Zahl. Rigmor was predeceased by her parents Reidar and Solvey Zahl. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, December 19, 2017 at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street S., Lethbridge, Alberta with Pastor Rob Mohns, officiating. Cremation will take place following the service. For those who wish, memorial donations in honor of Rigmor’s love of animals, may be made to the Lethbridge and District Humane Society, 2920 16 Avenue N., Lethbridge, Alberta, T1H 5E9.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.


Roland Clarence Peddle

1931 – 2017

Roland Clarence Peddle from St. John’s Newfoundland passed away peacefully at his residence in Lethbridge Alberta on December 7th., 2017, with family by his side. Left to remember and cherish his 86 years of life are his beloved wife of 58 years, Barbara, daughter Janice, son Derek; Janice’s husband Andrew Kurmey and children Aaron (Sara) and Lauren; Derek’s wife Pauline and children Mahaliah and Makizak; sister-in-law Bernice Verbree, and a large circle of relatives and friends. Roland was predeceased by his parents Muriel and Roland Chesley Peddle, and sister-in-law Lilla Barron.

A devoted family man, Roland taught high school Chemistry, Earth Science, and Biology for 27 years in St. John’s, and earned Bachelors (1959, 1973) and Masters (1980) degrees, all from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He was also active in Amateur Radio for over 65 years (VO1BD, VE6RL) and was inducted into the Canadian Amateur Radio Hall of Fame in 2017.

Special thanks to all the dedicated and caring staff at Good Samaritans West Highlands Centre, St. Therese Villa, Chinook Regional Hospital, including EMS, and especially Dr. Morley Wong and the Lethbridge Dialysis Unit. Roland’s next chapter of education and science has begun. At his and the family’s request, Roland’s body has been donated to the University of Calgary School of Medicine for educational purposes, after which his remains will be cremated and returned to the family.

A Memorial Church Service will be held at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, 411-11 St. S., Lethbridge AB on December 21st., 2017 at 2:30p.m., with reception to follow at the Church Hall. The Church Service will be led by the Reverend Canon James Robinson, whose wonderful friendship and compassion over the years are greatly appreciated. A full obituary and Memorial Guest Book are available at http://www.myalternatives.ca /calgary/obituaries. No flowers by request. Donations may be made in Roland’s memory to Diabetes Canada (formerly Canadian Diabetes Association) at: http://www.diabetes.ca/donate; phone 1-800-BANTING (226-8464); or mail: Diabetes Canada, 1400-522 University Ave., Toronto, ON., M5G 2R5.


William “Bill” Todd

1960 – 2017

Mr. William Todd of Lethbridge, beloved partner of Ms. Trina Johnson and loving father to Hayley, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at the age of 57 years.

William Stephen Todd was born in Lethbridge on May 19, 1960 and was a loving partner to Trina Johnson and beloved father of Hayley Todd. He was a wonderful son to Gerald (Norma), Anne Todd, and relative to many extended family members. Bill attended Galbraith, Wilson Middle School and later graduated from Winston Churchill High School.

Bill worked at Applied Industrial Technologies for 40 years. He was an avid bowler, golfer and all-around sports guy. Bill had achieved the ultimate goal in bowling, a perfect game! He is also a Canadian Champion. However; Bill’s proudest moment was when he became a father.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. May you rest in peace Skippy!

A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, December 18, 2017 at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street S., Lethbridge, Alberta. Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Memorial donations in Bill’s name may be made to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, Alberta Cancer Foundation, 1A129, 960 – 19 Street S., Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 1W5.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.

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