FRIDAY, May 11, 2018

McKENZIE

It is with great sadness that the family of MRS. JOAN McKENZIE, beloved wife of the late Dr. Hugh McKenzie, announce her peaceful passing on Tuesday, May 8, 2018 at the age of 96 years.

Joan is survived by her son, Ross (Deborah) McKenzie of Lethbridge, her daughters, Carol (Iain) Wilson of Edmonton and Carmen (George) Graham of Rainier and her eight grandchildren, Kyle McKenzie (Tara, and their children, Xander, Mannix and Milana), Colin McKenzie, Christina McKenzie, Andrew Wilson, Scott Wilson, Catherine Davies (Braidy, and their children, Sage and Wynn), Rob Graham and Erin Graham.

She was predeceased by her parents and by her loving husband, Hugh.

Joan was born on November 2, 1921 in Yorkshire, England and was raised in Pocklington. Joan trained and worked as an accountant in York during World War II. She met a Saskatchewan farm boy, Hugh McKenzie, a Flying Officer with the RCAF stationed nearby. They were married on December 11, 1943. After they were married, Hugh completed his tour of duty with Bomber Command. On each bombing mission, Joan counted the number of planes that left and returned. Hugh survived three plane crashes. On one mission, Hugh’s plane did not return and had to crash land on the coast of England. This was a very stressful time in Joan and Hugh’s lives, but resulted in a very close and loving relationship between them, which lasted throughout their marriage.

Hugh returned to Saskatchewan in September of 1945. Eight months later, Joan was able to join Hugh at the family farm near Sintaluta, Saskatchewan. They lived in Saskatoon while Hugh attended the University of Saskatchewan. Once he completed university, the couple moved to Indian Head to work at the Agriculture Canada Experimental Farm. In 1951, they transferred to Lethbridge where Hugh began his lifetime career working at the Lethbridge Research Station.

Together, they had three children, Ross, Carol and Carmen. Each were very welcomed and loved additions to their family. Joan and Hugh had a very happy relationship and enjoyed raising their family in Lethbridge. Sadly, Hugh died in an automobile accident in 1979. Joan remained living in Lethbridge and cherished her close relationship with her children, eight grandchildren and, over the past six years, her five great-grandchildren. Joan’s family was her inspiration and she was so proud of each and every one. Joan was a long-time member of Southminster United Church.

At Joan’s request, a Private Graveside Service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5, the Brooks & District Health Foundation, 440 – 3 Street East, Brooks, AB T1R 0G5, or to a charity of your choice.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Jon Popel
1956 – 2018
Jonnie Bernell Popel, beloved husband, father, grandfather and Winnifred historian, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at the age of 62 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Royal Canadian Legion, 202 – 5 Avenue East, Bow Island on Saturday, May 12, 2018 between 1:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Jon was born in Medicine Hat on March 4, 1956, to Agnes and John Popel. He lived most of his life in Winnifred where he farmed with his father. Jon attended the University of Calgary and obtained a degree in Geology where he met his future wife, Janet Ferguson. They were married on February 27, 1982 and together Jon and Janet farmed and raised three amazing children, Jonathan (Peggy), James (Stephanie) and Julianne (Dan Baran). He so loved his two grandchildren John and Anne and greatly enjoyed his visits with them.
After the farm and just like in everything he has done, he took pride in a career at the St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID), “chasing water” as he put it, for almost twenty years.  He will be remembered by his brothers at The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) and past members of the Bow Island Ducks Unlimited Committee.
In addition to his own family, Jon leaves behind three sisters Joanne (Morris) Sosick of Lethbridge, Shirley Johnston of Milk River and Betty (Mike) Owens of Redmond, Washington and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents and his brother-in-law Charles Johnston.
In lieu of flowers and donations, Jon’s family ask that you spend time with your children, grandchildren and families and like Jon would want, hug them and hold them close as he would say that is most important.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

TWIGG

JOSHUA TWIGG, beloved husband of Crystal Twigg, of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Friday, May 4, 2018 at the age of 45 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com