Friday, February 14, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 14, 2025.

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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TOKER, John TOKER To know him is to love him, and he was loved by all! Everyone’s favourite old guy, JOHN VERNON TOKER, our Pa, passed away surrounded by those who loved him most, on Sunday, February 9th, 2025 at the young age of 78 years. Those who didn’t have the pleasure of knowing our Pa, can’t understand the hole in our hearts and the empty spot in the stands that he is leaving behind.
Pa is survived by his children: Shawn (Deanna), Shane (Christine), Shandi (Kristin), and Shyann (Darren); grandchildren: Brayden (Justin), Natasha (Trevor), Mariah (Sheldon), Mylanda (Jared), Jordan (Nash), Maitlynn (James), Hannah (Cayden), Maguire (Zoey), JT, Midnite, Mishynn, and his little Flames co-fan, Magaven. Pa sure got a kick out of watching his great-grandchildren, William and Elowyn, motor around under foot and playing with his cane. He is also survived by his half sister, Verna Taylor and family. John was predeceased by his wife, Mary Elaine and his mother, Minnie Deibert.
Johnny came into this world on October 6th, 1946. His childhood was not easy, but he went on and built a beautiful, full life. At this time, Pa’s legs were not serving him well; they were a source of pain and frustration as in his younger years, he was one hell of an athlete! His athleticism in both basketball and baseball still shone through in his grandchildren!
Dad met and married our Mom/Grum in 1968, returning to her in heaven, one day before their 57th wedding anniversary; the jury is out on how that reunion went. Pa worked tirelessly for our family; he never complained or asked for anything in return. Pa loved the simple things: fishing on a river bank, time at the cabin, long summer days at the ball diamond, exciting games in school gyms, a cold beer, good scotch, stinky cigars, a well fit ball cap, and a good slice of homemade apple pie!
We will miss Pa’s unwavering support, his honest advice and his witty smart-ass comments. We will strive to work and play hard to continue to make him proud. How blessed we are to have had him! Funny and strong, hardworking and selfless, and downright adorable in his old age!
His life was one to be celebrated so this Sunday, February 16th let’s do just that! PUB night for PA! The Celebration of John’s life will begin at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, at 5:00 P.M., then continue at Canadian Brewhouse to celebrate our sweet Pa!

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

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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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SCHROEDER, Dr. Harold “Hal” HAROLD SCHROEDER 1936 – 2025 Dr. Harold (Hal) John Schroeder, aged 88, of Lethbridge died peacefully at home on February 2, 2025.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 15 AVE S, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating.
To watch the Service via livestream, please visit http://www.mckillopunited.ca/funerals.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, a donation in Harolds memory may be made to a food bank of your choosing.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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BELANGER, Caroline “Carol” BELANGER It is with great sadness that the family of CAROLINE “CAROL” GRACE FUNK BELANGER announce her peaceful passing at the Good Samaritans West Highlands, on Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, at the age of 86 years, with her loving husband by her side.
Carol will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 65 years, Len Belanger; children: Michelle Ross, Leo (Colette) Belanger, and Shari Belanger; as well as numerous relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her grandson, Terry Belanger; son-in-law, Angus Ross; her parents, Jake & Annie Funk; and siblings, Willard, Jim, Lillian, Florence and Gerry.
We will miss her beautiful smile, her cheeky sense of humour and hearing her say, “I love you very much!”
At Carol’s request, no service will be held.
The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Good Samaritan West Highlands, for their care and compassion.

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

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HALPEN, Clifford “Cliff” HALPEN With profound sadness, we announce the passing of CLIFFORD “CLIFF” WILLIAM HALPEN of Raymond, AB, who passed away at the Raymond Hospital on February 10, 2025, at the age of 86.
Cliff was predeceased by his beloved wife of nearly 50 years, Stella Halpen, who passed away last year.
He is lovingly remembered by his younger brother, Ron Halpen, and his children: Marcia Stewart (David) of Saskatoon, SK; Tracy Halpen of Burnaby, BC; Michael Halpen of Fish Creek, SK; Patrick Halpen; Shane Halpen (Lisa); and Shannon Bilick, all of Raymond, AB. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Born in Victoria, BC, in 1939, Cliff joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1957, embarking on a rewarding career and retired as a Captain in 1990. As he was stationed all over Canada, he was able to see a good portion of Canada from sea to sea to sea.
After retirement, Cliff and Stella continued their travels, exploring even more of Canada and Europe while cruising with friends. In 2013, they moved to Raymond to be closer to their great-grandchildren, where they found joy in simple pleasures – spending time on the back deck, watching and feeding the Blue Jays. A dedicated Toronto Blue Jays fan, Cliff rarely missed a game in the summer. During the winter months, he pursued his passion for crafting model ships and airplanes.
Cliff will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Raymond Hospital, they were amazing with Dad and us.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Cliff’s memory to the Alzheimer Society (www.alzheimer.ca) and the Heart & Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca).

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

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CROW CHIEF, Charles CROW CHIEF “Mai’ stoina” Charles Crow Chief, beloved spouse to Betty, passed away on February 12, 2025 in Stand Off, Alberta at the age of 92 years, is survived by a large extended family.
A family service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Saturday February 15 from 3:00 – 4:00 pm, followed by a graveside service at the Blood Band Cemetery, Blood Reserve. A feast will be held at Tanner Senior Centre, (260 1 St. W) Cardston on Sunday, February 16 from 2:30 – 5:30 pm.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

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