Tuesday, February 25, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 25, 2025.

CARPENTER, Darrel Carpenter, Darrel Lane Mr. Darrel “Lane” Carpenter of Courtenay, British Columbia passed away peacefully at the Palliative Care Unit in Nanaimo on Friday January 31, 2025.
He will be dearly missed by his wife Heather; his sisters Jeanne and Tamara, and family and friends.
Lane was born on January 29, 1959 to Darrel and Barbara Carpenter in St. Louis, Missouri. Lane grew up surrounded by nature and animals. He was very imaginative and adventuresome and started hunting and fishing at a young age which continued throughout his life.
He completed a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge. Following this he spent many years teaching guitar privately, playing in bands as well as performing solo. After a number of years in the music business he changed his career focus and trained as a Financial Planner. He worked for Sunlife before retiring to Vancouver Island. There he spent many days, often with his good friend Cam, doing what he loved best, fishing in the ocean.
Throughout his life he enjoyed sports including basketball, volleyball, wrestling, judo and karate. He trained for a number of years with Sensai Taka Kinjo and obtained his black belt in karate. His other love was meeting his friends for coffee, especially his friend Al.
Whatever Lane did, he did with great focus and passion – always striving for excellence. He will be remembered for his integrity, inquisitive mind and quick wit.
Most important though was his love for his family and friends. He cared deeply about people and will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature.
He is survived by his wife Heather of 42 years. He is also survived by his sister- Jeanne (Gordon) Wilson of Clinton, Washington and their family: Tim (Amy) – Ada and Oscar; Peter – Davina, Miles, James, Alice and Jack; Antoinette – Mila; and Amanda (Colin) Guy. He is also survived by his sister Tamara (Brent) Mottershead of Spruce Grove, Alberta and their family: Chad (Taylor); Travis (Victoria) -Theodore and Colette; and Megan (Troy) Rush.
He is survived by his brother-in-law Mark (Diane) Lencucha and their family: James Livingston – Emiko and Reiko; Amanda (Jeff) King – Liam, Joel and Etta; and Morgan Lencucha (Bret Beddome). Also survived by his brother-in-law Craig (Lesley) Lencucha and family: Jenna (Dave ) Low – Lennon and Boston; Cole (Sarah) – Coen and Remington; Meghan Phillips and children Maya Phillips and Sawyer and Bowie Lencucha. He is survived by his sister-in-law Deborah (Maurice) Hollingsworth and their son Chris (Kanu).
He was predeceased by his parents Darrel and Barbara Carpenter, his sister Dawn Carpenter, his in-laws Wilfred and Theresa Lencucha and his nephew Cody Lencucha.
A special thank you to all his family and friends who supported Lane over the past year and a half. Thank you to Dr. Ingrey; the Palliative Care Team – Dr. Fehlau, Dr. Gilbert, Holly and Blair; the Comox Valley Home Care nurses of the South Team, and to the physicians, nurses and support staff of the Nanaimo Palliative Care Unit.
As Lane requested, there will not be a funeral. Celebrations of his life will be held in Courtenay and Lethbridge in the spring. Details will be announced closer to the dates.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing can make a donation in remembrance of Lane to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of their choice.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca

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BURT, Arnold “Murray” ARNOLD “MURRAY” BURT 1935 – 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Arnold Burt (Murray) on February 14, 2025, at the age of 89 years.
Murray, loving husband of the late Jean Burt, will be greatly missed by his partner Tina Simons and daughters Linda (Jimmy) Pote, June (Ewan) MacFarlane, Debbie (Mike) Hofer; 7 loving grandchildren: Scott MacFarlane, Jennifer (Todd) Purslow, Richard (Heather) Handsaeme, Kriss (Phil) Guenter, Rose Anne Payne, Kathryn (Dave) Glavin and James (Tayler) Pote; 11 great- grandchildren: Paris, Bree, Gavin, Myla, Sheridan, Saydee, Calum, Merida, Ava, Sophia & Samuel.
Murray was predeceased by his parents Arnold & Margaret Burt, Sister Betty & Bob Brown and nephew Burt Harris. Murray was a loving father, husband, grandfather and great-grandfather that was admired and respected by everyone that met him.
Born in Vancouver BC, a year later the Burt family chose to move to Drumheller.
Murray’s competitiveness started emerging around the age of 7 while boxing. By age of 10, Murray helped his father build their 2 story home in Drumheller by pulling and straightening nails from boards of an old barn. Brought up on tough love, Murray learned to fight his own battles. Although he was the smallest player on his team, he loved to play hockey. He was later scouted to play hockey in Calgary but turned it down to be home with his new family.
Murray served 9 years advancing to Corporal in the Calgary Highlanders Reserve, during which he married Jean and started raising his family working in the auto body industry. He restored a car and built a small motorbike for all the kids to have rides on.
Moving to Red Deer for 8 years, Murray began working in the Rental Equipment industry. Eventually moving to Lethbridge to build his own successful business “Murray’s Equipment Rentals”. Later retiring to allow him and Jean to do what they loved to do, “Snow Birding” in Mazatlán and USA (Arizona) meeting people from around the world.
Over the years, Murray enjoyed spending time with his younger sisters; Helen (Ken), Betty (Bob) & Joyce (Cliff), playing mixed baseball, bowling, horseback riding on mountain trails, curling (Board member), fishing with his buddies, playing darts and cards. His true passion was golf, serving as Director of the Henderson Lake Golf Club, and the BPOE Elks Club, advancing to District Deputy and Chairman of the Board, helping to create the Elks River bottom Community Centre.
Murray was a gentleman and master at pretty well anything he put his mind too. If anyone needed something fixed, he fixed it using his box of odds & ends. He called it “good stuff”.
A special thank you to Dr. Plotnyk and nurses at the Chinook Hospital for their loving care and support during his final days, as well as Dr. Aiden Smith to which he admired. The family would like to extend their sincerest thanks to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel to which Cremation has been entrusted.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.
Flowers are gratefully declined.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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GRAY, Dwight DWIGHT GRAY 1958 – 2025 It is with great sadness that the family of Dwight Gray announce his unexpected passing on Wednesday, February 19, 2025 at the age of 67 years.
Dwight is survived by his siblings Denise (Wayne) Cronkhite, Darrell Gray, Deb (Wayne) Mathieu and their families, as well as in-laws Don and Linda Going.
Besides his loving wife Sheila Going, Dwight was pre-deceased by his mother Helen and father Jim.
A Celebration of Dwight’s Life will be held at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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NORDSTROM, Robert “Rob” ROBERT JASON NORDSTROM 1969 – 2025 Mr. Robert “Rob” Nordstrom of Lethbridge, passed away on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Edith Cavell Care Centre at the age of 55 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025, at the LETHBRIDGE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 5 AVENUE SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Mark Archibald, officiating and a reception service to follow.
In Lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to Rehoboth Christian Ministries in Coaldale, Edith Cavell in Lethbridge, or the Alzheimer’s Society.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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MURRAY, Michael “Mike” MICHAEL “MIKE” MURRAY 1963 – 2025 Mr. Michael “Mike” Murray of Warner, beloved husband of Mrs. Maureen White, passed away in Raymond, on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 61 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Dr. Bruce Martin, officiating. To watch Mike’s service online, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Michael-Murray
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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TREFAN, Nick NICK TREFAN 1955 – 2025 Nick Trefan, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the age of 69.
Nick will be forever missed and fondly remembered by his beloved Patricia, his mother Mary, his brothers, Randy (Shirley), Pete, Terry, and Jack (Natalie), his daughters Tanya, Angela (David), his grandchildren Kim, Kristin (Kyle), Arianna, Jayde, Abe, his great grandchildren, James, Kaiya, Krysta, Jaxston, and by his family, friends and colleagues. Nick will be lovingly remembered for his kind and caring nature. He was an epitome of strength for all who knew him. Nick was a valued and helpful team member of Hagen Electric for many years. Thank you, Nick, for all the love you have given us.
Under Nick’s wishes, there will be a Celebration of Life held on his birthday Sunday, June 1, 2025, at Pavan Park Gardens. Details will be announced once completed.
Thank you, Nick, for all the love you have given us.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to https://kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/provincial-fund/
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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KORSCH, Melissa MELISSA KORSCH 1969 – 2025 Ms. Melissa Rae Korsch of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at the age of 55 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta with Deacon Jim Manzara, officiating.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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VANDERVALK, Marvin MARVIN VANDERVALK 1949 – 2025 It is with sadness in our hearts, but joy that he is finally out of pain and with the Lord that we share, Marvin Vandervalk passed away after losing his battle with esophageal cancer on February 21, 2025, at the age of 75.
He was a strong man who gave everything he had to living a life to be proud of, and he touched so many people in this world. His generous spirit and unwavering faith were an example for many.
Marvin was born in Lethbridge, Alberta on March 3, 1949, and grew up in the Fort Macleod/Granum area. It was there he met and married (at the Granum Christian Reformed Church) his wife Lorraine (DeBoer) of 56 years.
He farmed in the Claresholm area for 20 years from which he retired in 2004. Then he spent time traveling and became involved with World Renew in International Disaster Relief. After moving to Lethbridge, he began serving on both the local and national boards for the Mission Thrift Store, while being an integral part in setting up and assisting various new and existing stores around Alberta. He was well known for his broad reach of contacts, business acumen and knowing a good deal.
Marvin is survived by his wife Lorraine; his children: Amber, Tara, and Chad (Sherilyn); his grandchildren: Spencer, Paige, Owen, Asher, and Chancery; his siblings: James (MaryAnne) and Hermina.
Marvin was predeceased by his parents Bram and Fanny (Konynenbelt).
A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the GRANUM CHRISTIAN REFORMED CEMETERY, Range Rd 254 South of Hwy 519 Granum, Alberta,
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 MCGILL BLVD. W, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Dan Meinema. officiating.
The service will be livestreamed. Please got to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Marvin-Vandervalk to find the link.
In lieu of flowers, gifts or memorial donations may be made in Marvin’s memory to Mission Thrift Store https://missionthriftstore.com/financial-donate/
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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YAMASHITA, Hoshiko “Rose” HOSHIKO “ROSE” YAMASHITA 1932 – 2025 Mrs. Hoshiko “Rose” Yamashita of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Nobuo “Nobby” Yamashita, passed away peacefully with family at her side at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 92 years.
Rose was born in Pitt Meadows, BC on May 1, 1932, to Matsuyo and Hachiro Hamatani. After the war, the family relocated to Southern Alberta where she met Nobby, and they were married on April 21, 1958. They spent many years on the farm in Vauxhall, where Nobby farmed with his brother Yas, and their father Tatsuzo. In the early nineties, Nobby and Rose moved to Lethbridge, where they continued to spend many years with family and friends close by.
She was a hard-working farm wife and kept a neat and tidy home. When she wasn’t working, Rose loved crafting, making greeting cards, and tatting (making flowers out of lace). There were also many days spent enjoying the outdoors, fishing, and camping with Nobby, Greg, and family and friends. Nobby was always the more outgoing of the two, yet Rose was always gracious and kind to everyone she met, they were a good pair who complemented each other.
She is survived by her loving son Greg; also left to mourn are her sisters Nancy Griffin and Betty Kadonaga. Rose was also adored by many other extended family members and friends, who will miss her dearly. Besides her husband Nobby, she is predeceased by her sister Meiko Kuramoto, and brother Aki Hamatani as well as her parents.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Thursday, February 27, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, February 28, 2025, AT MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Reverend Lois Punton, officiating. Cremation has been entrusted to the Martin Brothers Funeral Chapel.
Interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery following the Service.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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MCKEOWN, James JAMES GERARD MCKEOWN 1953 – 2025 We regret to announce the passing of James “Jim” Gerard McKeown at St. Michael’s Palliative Care, after a short battle with cancer, at the age of 72 years.
Jim is survived by his wife Rita nee Kiss; sons Ryan McKeown, Rory McKeown; brother Johnny (Siobhan) McKeown; loving sister Patricia McKeown; nieces Catherine McKeown and Michelle Millar as well as several grandchildren.
Jim is predeceased by his parents James and Claire McKeown; sister Mary McKeown; nephew Ian “Jack” McKeown; brother-in-law Des Halpenny as well as many close friends.
Jim was born February 19, 1953 in Middletown, Northern Ireland to James and Claire McKeown. He moved to Newry at the age of 10 and enjoyed hurling, rugby and gaelic football. In 1974 he immigrated to Toronto, Canada and later to Lethbridge, where he met his future wife Rita Kiss. Jim began working for Alberta Environment as a draftsman and later worked on several projects in Southern Alberta as a project manager. He enjoyed working and also the friendships he made with many. He loved golf and fishing but his true passion was rugby, which he played for many years at several clubs both in Ireland and Canada. Some of these clubs included, Lethbridge Rugby Club, Queens University, Newry Highschool, Newry Rugby Club, Toronto Irish, Calgary Hornets as well as the Vancouver Rowing Club and UBC.
Jim liked to travel various destinations including Europe, Hawaii, Vancouver and California. A highlight was a recent trip in 2023, with his wife Rita to New Jersey and New York City.
Jim loved Canada but he never forgot his Irish roots.
At Jim’s request there will be no formal service, but instead the family would like to invite everyone to a visitation service from 6:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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ZALESAK, Dianne ZALESAK It is with profound sadness the family of DIANNE ZALESAK announce her passing following a brief illness at the Foothills Medical Centre, on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the youthful age of 81.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

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PARDOE, Terry PARDOE TERRY WILFRED PARDOE, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Gillian Eveleigh, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 24, 2025 at the age of 80 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

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GURUNG, Ruki GURUNG RUKI MAYA GURUNG, beloved wife of Jit Gurung, passed away at home, on Thursday, February 20, 2025 at the age of 50 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 at 11:30 A.M.

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

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UPTON, Vlasta VLASTA UPTON 1940 – 2025 Mrs. Vlasta Upton of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Paul Upton, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 24th, 2025, at the age of 84 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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EVANS, Linda EVANS LINDA EVANS, beloved wife of Stephen Evans, passed away in Taber on Saturday February 22, 2025 at the age of 80 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, March 1st, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, BARNWELL CHAPEL, 14 3 Ave E, Barnwell, AB.
Friends are welcome to meet with the family from 1:00 to 1:45 pm on Saturday, March 1st, 2025 prior to the service at the church.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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HUCHALA, Marlyne HUCHALA It is with deep sadness that the family of MARLYNE HUCHALA, beloved wife of the late Joseph Huchala, announce her passing, on Sunday, February 23, 2025 at the tender age of 84. She fought a hard battle with Alzheimer’s, but always had a large bright smile that could light up a room.
She will be deeply missed by her children: Allan (Lori) Stenbeck, Donna (David) Denboer, and Peggy (Darren) Fraser; Joe’s daughter, Margie (Shannon) Emes; and her sister, Lona Wood. She will also be fondly remembered by her cherished grandchildren: Crystal (Joel), Nicholas, Michael (Courtney), Mathew (Alex), Danielle, Jordan (Ashton), Hollis, Kaden and Cole; and her sweet great-grandbabies: Lindsey, Finn, Asher, and Cade.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

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