Tuesday, February 4, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 4, 2025.

LANIER, Ike Dr. Ike Addison Lanier January 18, 1930 – January 30, 2025 “Out standing in his field” Days after celebrating his 95th at home, Ike mounted his horse at noon and rode off across cherished farmland to meet Diana, his treasured wife of 69 years (pre-deceased, August 2022).
To know Ike was to be enveloped in his charismatic presence. You would always be greeted with a genuine smile that made you feel welcome and put you at ease. His farmer-hands offered vigorous handshakes that introduced his self-assurance and strength. Ike was a hugger and to be greeted with one of his hugs filled you with his warmth.
Ike had class. Designer shirts hugged his solid frame as he strode with the grace of strength built from years of hard work. His only extended time off-farm was to attend and graduate from Pickering College (’49) and Queen’s University (’53). In those days, in addition to academics, students were taught gentlemanly skills such as etiquette and poise. Ike embodied those lessons and modeled chivalry, especially to his four sons; William, Addison, Roderick and David (perished ’91).
Ike loved celebrations, especially ones that included singing and dancing. Favorite family memories include being sung Happy Birthday by Ike’s harmonic voice. Ike sang in the Southminster United Church choir and performed in various productions held at the Yates Memorial Theatre and later, shared a passion with Diana and friends for supporting the arts. In the last 2 years, the walls would regularly be vibrating with music as he danced with his attentive caregiver, Gloria, citing the excuse that it was exercise.
The farm hosted & befriended numerous IAEA international trainees to provide ag experience. Ike was a respected leader throughout the agricultural community and spearheaded numerous initiatives throughout his lifetime. He was an early adopter of conservation farming and while kneeling to check germination or soil moisture, was mocked that “zero tillage had brought Ike to his knees”. Many farming practices that Ike tried were criticized as unorthodox but have evolved to become common practice. In 2010, he was acknowledged for his leadership and contributions to agriculture and community with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws by the University of Lethbridge.
Ike was proactive and outspoken about agricultural policies and chose to participate in a number of organizations to elicit change. Of the many, two stand out as his legacy:
Ike was a huge advocate of winter wheat and one of the founders of the Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Commission. Having grown up in the dirty 30’s and living in windy southern Alberta, fall seeding of winter wheat created ground cover to protect the healthy soil that he coveted. Second, he yearned for freedom in selling his grain outside the monopolistic Canadian Wheat Board (CWB). In ’96, he was one of the 13 farmers known as Farmers for Justice, who crossed the US border with grain-filled trucks to create awareness of the plight of prairie farmers forced to sell wheat to the CWB. This initiative landed him in jail, but was deemed a success as the wheat board was dissolved in 2012, allowing wheat to be sold in an open market and he was pardoned for his act by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.
Ike had a strong-willed personality; a trait passed along to his family. This attribute, although challenging at times, can be found in the four grandchildren that he adored: Zoey, Mark, Paul and Quinn. Other similarities they share are resilience, tenacity, moral code and fashion sense. Ike was a family man and although not much of a cook, would welcome you to join Sunday morning brunch where he lovingly prepared his signature dish – light, perfectly golden pancakes topped with butter, maple syrup and Diana’s legendary fried eggs.
Ike had a life well-lived that included many interests and passions. During school he was QB on the football team, a fastball pitcher and competed in wrestling and later on coached locally. He was an avid bird hunter in October, with a well-trained dog as his constant companion. Horsemanship came to him naturally and this quality sealed the deal for his love life, as it attracted Diana his way. Finally, farming was in his blood. His parents immigrated from Kentucky to establish what is now known as NeverIdle Farms and he maintained his Kentucky heritage with his adoration for the Derby horse races, bourbon & cornbread.
Ike and Diana were an adventuresome pair and explored the world together inspired by theatre, art, people, the outdoors, cuisine, and of course, libations. Connoisseurs of wine, they collected, and more importantly, shared wine almost daily in celebration of a day together. Whether it was on the horse trail, beside the creek behind their cabin at Castle, in their farmhouse or sitting beside the roaring and crackling fire, a glass of red marked another successful day. Food and drink were regularly shared with friends, such as a cold glass of beer after skiing at the Bierstube in Whitefish or a sip of port after a satisfying meal at Miro’s.
As Ike moves on with his journey, he leaves us with lyrics from the anthem of his Queen’s alma mater:
“Soiled as they are by the battle and the rain, yet another victory to wipe away the stain!”
A Celebration of Life for Ike and Diana will be held in the spring, after seeding (May-June). Date to be announced. In lieu of cards or flowers, a memory can be shared via the online obituary guestbook or a memorial donation made to any scholarship or organization supporting youth in agriculture.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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NELSON, Curtis CURTIS NELSON 1957 – 2025 Mr. Curtis Nelson of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Sharon Nelson, passed away unexpectedly in Calgary at the South Health Campus on Sunday, January 26, 2025, at the age of 67 years.
Curtis was born and raised in Foremost Alberta where he worked on the family farm while also working locally at a tire shop. He later moved to Lethbridge where he also worked at a tire and automotive shop. For many years, he shopped at the downtown Safeway and that is where he met the love of his life Sharon. They were married for 40 years and raised their girls together. He loved his family and cherished the time they spent together. Sharon and Curtis raised their daughters, built homes and a business together, and traveled both as a family and alongside his only sister and Gerry. Curtis also had the opportunity to travel to India with the president and associates of OK Tire. He truly had a passion for travel!
Curtis was a business owner of Tower Tire/ Ok Tire for over 30 years. He was a honest, hardworking true friend to all his customers and they were loyal to him. He donated to 4H and many other organizations throughout the years. Whatever he could do he’d go that extra mile to get them what they needed.
Curtis loved his daughters and held a very special place in his heart for his only granddaughter Laurel. They had lots of fun together! She will miss him terribly. He enjoyed visits in Foremost and Lethbridge with his aunts and uncles and their families. Uncle Art and Gladys were very special people, Kermy and Eileen were always there when you needed them! Marion and Lou also.
We have had many pets over the years, Layla, who passed away in December of 2023 and our dog, Marvin, who enjoyed his nightly walk with Curtis, who took him religiously, Marv misses you already!
Curtis had three other great loves: muscle cars, golf, and hockey! In his youth, he played for the Foremost hockey team and enjoyed many street hockey games with friends in Foremost. He even played some recreational hockey in Lethbridge, but after getting his teeth knocked out for the second time, he decided it was time to quit! Despite stepping off the ice, he remained a devoted fan, following the Calgary Flames, Edmonton Oilers, Chicago Blackhawks, and the Lethbridge Hurricanes over the years.
He had his own O.K Tire league at Henderson Lake Golf Course and had lots of fun with the boys!
He played interleague on Wednesday with the group, and played virtual with Stan, Jim, Dave D. and others. He was part of a local car club that did runs to Waterton and other places and most recently travelled as a group to the U.S with the boys. We loved Street Wheelers, and it was the highlight of our summer! We loved cruising together!
Curtis leaves behind his beloved wife Sharon; daughters Lynsey and Kristyn Nelson; granddaughter Laurel Nelson Marshall; sister Debbie Nelson and brother in law (Gerry Bate ) of Penticton B.C; nephew Shayne Bell of Penticton B.C; niece Cher Bell-Smith (Ray) their son Tristan of Winnipeg; mother in law Nellie Nelson of Kelowna B.C; brother in law Daryl Nelson of Kelowna; sister in law Carol Williams of Kelowna; niece Renee Crawford (Jzero) of Victoria B.C; nephews Ryan Crawford of Kelowna and Brayden Williams of Kelowna; sister in law Patti Nelson (Brad Piontek) of Kelowna; nieces Kaylie Nelson and Neice Kelsi Nelson of Kelowna.
He was predeceased by his mother Ruth Nelson; father Floyd Nelson; brother Mark Nelson and his father-in-law Eric Nelson.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Humane Society of Lethbridge.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am, Saturday, February 8, 2025, at EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE, 4717 24 AVENUE SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
A private family Graveside will be held.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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MUSIAL, Stanislaw “Stan” STANISLAW “STAN” MUSIAL 1946 ~ 2025 Mr. Stanislaw “Stan” Musial of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Sherry Musial, passed away at home on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the age of 78 years.
Stan is survived by his 3 children and 7 grandchildren, Derek (Lori), Ian, Isabelle, Brennah, Emma; Kevin (Lisa), Amy, Noah; Michelle (John) and Alyssa. He is also survived by his sister Chris (Jim), as well as his nieces and nephews.
A private family service will take place at a later date.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish may make memorial donations in Stan’s name to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada, 1200-2300 Yonge St, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4, or at http://www.heartandstroke.ca.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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SIMANTON, Raymond “Ray” RAYMOND “RAY” SIMANTON 1943 – 2025 Mr. Raymond “Ray” Simanton of Lethbridge, formerly of Foremost and beloved husband to Mrs. Ann Simanton, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the age of 81 years.
A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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HOIBAK, Ken Celebration of Life for Ken Hoibak
Please join us as we celebrate the life of Ken Hoibak.
Thursday February 6th 4pm to 9pm
at the Vimy Ridge Armoury 337 Stubb Ross Rd, Lethbridge AB
Doors open at 4pm, Emergency Services processional at 4:30pm and bar opens @ 5pm.
Stop by and join us in sharing memories with love ones and friends.
For our out of town guests, we have rooms blocked off at the Sandman Signature Inn.
Please contact Jodi at 403-688-4436 for more info.

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BOURNE, Leonard LEONARD REX BOURNE Leonard Rex Bourne, of Magrath, passed away on February 1, 2025 at the age of 70 years.
A Private Graveside Service will be held at the Magrath Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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HELD, Margaret HELD May 16, 1924 – January 29, 2025 MARGARET ALICE HELD passed away peacefully in her sleep at her nursing home in Lethbridge, Alberta. This was as she had wished and hoped.
She had enjoyed a recent Christmas celebration with her son, Tim and daughter-in-law, Gerry; her granddaughter Lindsey (Kaesy); and her great-granddaughter, Olivia; as well as her close friend, Colly Arsene (Chuck). Margaret is also survived by her son, Robert and his partner, Carol in Calgary as well as Margaret’s sister, Patricia Bale who resides in Edmonton.
Margaret expressed recently that she had lived a blessed life, accompanied by her husband of 53 years, Ross Held (Dec. 1998) as well as a plethora of close friends and neighbours in Lethbridge.
Our family wishes to express our gratitude to the staff at Cedar Creek Adaptacare, who have supported Margaret with exemplary care for a critical period throughout the last three months.
We also wish to express our warmest regards to the staff and residents at Martha’s House, who cared and supported Margaret throughout her residency there for 12 years. Special thanks also are extended to the care aides and RNs of Alberta Health Services with special mention to Jordan Sebok and Regina.
A celebration of a very long life well lived will be held by the family in the spring.

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

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ELEMANS, Ada ELEMANS ADA ELEMANS, of Lethbridge, passed away under the compassionate care of the staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the age of 93 years young.
A Prayer Vigil will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, February 11, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. A recording of the Prayer Vigil will be available to view on Ada’s obituary on the Cornerstone website at a later date.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, February 12, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.

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

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PASKUSKI, Albert ALBERT PASKUSKI 1936 – 2025 Mr. Albert Paskuski of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Jeanne Paskuski, passed away in his home on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the age of 88 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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KRAUSHER, Robert “Bob” KRAUSHER ROBERT “BOB” KRAUSHER passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care on Thursday, January 30, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Betty; and their children, Chris Howes and Kari (Dan) Van Ee; and grandchildren, Danica and Mason. He is also survived by his siblings: Terry (Deb) Krausher, Ronald Krausher, Beverly Krausher, Linda (Steve) Crittenden and Melinda (Marlon) Hellwig.
Bob’s love, care and dedication to his loving wife Betty was undeniable. Over the years, Bob and Betty cherished their time with family and friends, making so many special memories in their favourite places, including Palm Springs and Scotland. They also enjoyed countless weekends at their family home away from home at the CWR Boat Club. Bob was known for his bbqing, his delicious camping breakfasts and dropping everything to take his grandchildren out on his boat. Bob always had time to help anyone out who needed it. Bob’s second family were the people at McNally Contractors, where he worked as the head mechanic. He retired in 2017. The respect and dedication he gave to his industry will be forever missed. There are countless people he left a lifelong impression on.
Bob’s love, care and compassion will forever be in the hearts of us all.
A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating. A recording of the service will be available to view on Bob’s obituary at a later date.

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

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DREILICH, Eva EVA DREILICH 1951 – 2025 Mrs. Eva Dreilich of Lethbridge, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the age of 73 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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HARKER, William “Brent” WILLIAM “BRENT” HARKER 1951 – 2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend on Friday, January 31st, 2025, at the age of 73 years.
William “Brent” Harker was born May 21, 1951, to Warren and Francis Harker. Brent spent most of his younger years in the Cardston Alberta area. After graduating from Cardston High school, Brent began his 30+ year career as a grain buyer, which took him all over Alberta. He was still living in Cardston when he met and married Karen Dawley on May 1, 1976. They went on to have 3 beautiful children, Lori, Brandon, and Ryan. Brent was an active father helping with his kid’s hockey and baseball teams. He loved camping and family trips!
As the years went by, he settled in Taber, working at Amlog for over 10 years. When he retired, he was able to spend more time doing some of the things he loved, fishing, reading–especially Western novels–painting and playing poker. He especially loved the Sunday morning phone calls from grandkids to join him for A&W breakfast! He spent the last couple of years taking care of his younger brother, but we know they really took care of each other!
Brent was not a man of many words, he didn’t show his true emotions very often, but he was kind, caring, he loved his family and was so proud of his children and grandchildren! He lived a full life.
He was predeceased by his parents Warren, and Francis as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
He is survived by his children Lori and her children Kaden and Jaxen; Brandon (Teneal) and their children Alysha and Tyson; Ryan (Brigitta); brother’s Ron (Marthe) and Randy; sister Cheryl (Paul); and many nieces and nephews.
In true Brent fashion, not being flashy or wanting attention we will follow his wishes, and there will not be a service.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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WIRZBA, Bernard BERNARD WIRZBA 1959 – 2025 Bernard (Bernie) Wirzba, beloved husband of Cecilia Nicolas passed away unexpectedly at home in Lethbridge Alberta on Friday January 31, 2025, at the age of 65.
Plans for a memorial service will be announced once completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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