Thursday, February 13, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 13, 2025.

VAN EDEN, John JOHN VAN EDEN 1945 – 2025 John Van Eden, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, 79, of Edmonton, Alberta, passed away on February 9, 2025.
He was born in Veenendaal, Netherlands in 1945 to Evert and Evelyn Van Eden. John immigrated to Canada in 1951 along with his sisters Riet and Chris, settling in Lethbridge, Alberta. The family was then rounded out with the birth of his brother Jack.
John became a teacher and met the love of his life, Janice, at a family wedding. They were married in Lethbridge in 1968. John and Janice settled first in Pincher Creek, Alberta, and started a family with their daughter Carey and son Paul.
His career shifted to counselling, first as a school guidance counsellor, then a career counsellor. John did post-graduate studies at the University of Alberta, then his career took him back to Lethbridge in 1978. Several moves and promotions in the Alberta Government led the family to Calgary, Alberta in 1982, then Peace River, Alberta in 1985. John and Janice settled in Edmonton in 1990, where they lived together for 35 years.
John was an active member of Emmanuel Community Church, where he devoted much time and energy in retirement.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years Janice; their children Carey (James) and Paul; and his grandchildren Willem, Audrey, Alexandra, and Gwen. Sisters Riet (Dan) Groenenboom; Chris (Jake deceased) and brother Jack (Marlene Van Eden) along with several nephews, nieces and extended family.
A service for John will be held at Emmanuel Community Church – 6505 140 Ave NW, Edmonton, Alberta at 2:00 pm on Friday, February 14, 2025. To watch the service via livestream, please visit https://youtube.com/live/I0yw6dTowME?feature=share
Donations may be made in his name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation https://www.heartandstroke.ca.

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TAJIRI, Lily LILY TAJIRI Born Lily Yuriko Yamamoto on April 5th, 1932 in Port Hammond British Columbia.
Lil passed quietly in Lethbridge on February 2nd, 2025 at the age of 92.
Having married and raising her family in Lethbridge, she was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother.
She is predeceased by her husband Nobby.
She leaves behind sons Alan (Ivania), Michael (Deborah) and daughters Joanne (Leon) and Michele (Kevin).
Lil was a proud grandma to Naomi (Brent), Evan (Dani), Erin (Dallas), Brien (Shelby), Blake (Allie), Erik and Caoilin. She was an even prouder great grandma to Lyla, Jake and Benson.
Lil is survived by her sister May Matsumiya, brother Ken Yamamoto, sister in law June Tajiri and many nieces and nephews.
Lil was the “True North” for her kids and will be dearly missed.
As per Lily’s wishes, a private family Memorial Service will be held.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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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.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday, February 22, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Private family Interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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MILLS, Kenneth “Ken” KENNETH “KEN” MILLS 1929 – 2025 Kenneth Mills of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved husband of the late Evelyn (Ev) Mills, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan West on February 1, 2025, thirty-eight days short of his 96th birthday.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21, 2025, AT MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 15TH AVENUE SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with A reception will follow.
To attend the Memorial Service via livestream, please visit https://www.mckillopunited.ca/funerals.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to, may donate to The Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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