Saturday, August 16, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 18, 2025.

TERESITA LARSON
1936 ~ 2025

Teresita Larson of Lethbridge passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on August 11th, 2025, at the age of 88 years.

Teresita is survived by her daughter Jessica Wilson, Son-in-Law Jeremy Wilson and her grandchildren Shinnea and Rylen.

Besides her loving husband Clifford Larson, Teresita was also predeceased by her parents Pedro and Agueda Villacos, her brother and 12 sisters.

Special Heartfelt thankyou to Dr. Wong and the dialysis unit for the many years of excellent care. We will be forever grateful for the immense compassion and dedication that each of you showed Mom throughout her dialysis journey.

A Private Funeral Mass will be held at St. Basil’s Catholic Church, 604 13 St N, Lethbridge, AB T1H 2S7, with Father Kevin Tumback officiating, Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Dialysis Unit or the Kidney Foundation of Canada.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

RICHARD KORNELSEN
1966 ~ 2025

Richard “Rick” Kornelsen passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 58. Born in Lethbridge to Arnold and Ann Kornelsen, Rick earned degrees from the University of Lethbridge (BCs. Psychology), Briercrest Bible College, and Western University (MSc. Neuroscience).
From 1997–2025, he lived in Vancouver, BC, working as a senior technician and lab manager at the Pacific Parkinson Research Centre and UBC/TRIUMF PET program. Rick was known for his sharp mind, love of reading, and passion for sports and trivia.
Predeceased by his mother Ann, he is survived by his father Arnold, sister Tamara (Gary), and extended family.
Special thanks to the staff of Chinook Regional Hospital and first responders. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pacific Parkinson Research Centre (www.pacificparkinsons.org/donate).

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

REURINK

VICKI REURINK, of Picture Butte, AB, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends at St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit, on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at the age of 55 years.

Beloved wife of Mike Reurink and cherished mother to Brooklyn (Noah) and Nathan (Kaydance).

Vicki faced her battle with cancer with unwavering courage and selflessness, meeting each challenge head-on with remarkable strength. Through it all, she never lost her feisty, sparkling personality; bringing light, laughter, and warmth to those around her even in the most difficult moments. Her bravery was an inspiration, and her spirit remained unshakable until the very end.

A Celebration of Vicki’s Life will be held at the ITALIAN CANADIAN CLUB – 1511 St. Edward Blvd North, Lethbridge, AB, on August 23, 2025 from 1:00 P.M. until 4:00 P.M. with a short program starting at 1:15 P.M. Please dress in bright casual clothing.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Vicki’s memory to the High River Community Cancer Centre.

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

FRITZ “FRED” HERRMANN

1930 ~ 2025 

Fritz Herrmann of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, August 14, 2025 at the age of 95 years.

Fritz Bruno Alfred Herrmann was born on July 16, 1930 in Vorhaus, Kr. Goldberg, Schlesien, Germany to Gustav and Frieda Herrmann. He arrived on the ship Bremerhaven and landed in Quebec on September 24, 1953. He then came to Leduc, Alberta to work on a farm. He had several jobs after that. Fritz ended up in the Woolford area and worked for Fritz Kohm. He worked for City Packers Ltd. For many years helping with all types of jobs. In 1981 we had a restaurant in Sicamous, BC called Cooks Quarter Deck where he was owner/Cook. In 1980 we moved back to Lethbridge, and he opened Industrial Supply Discount Centre, selling used electrical, plumbing and machinery.

Over the years he had good friendships with Pino and Irene Zucchelli, Henry and Tina Leinstra, Mike Kado, Darren Matugi, Lorne Miller, Bob and Kathy Bender and many others…you know who you are.

He is survived by his wife Pat; daughter Krista Ayearst; son David Herrmann; stepsons Richard and Rodney Morgan; 8 grandchildren Brent, Keith, Alexander (Jenny) Morgan, Devon and Dezaree Herrmann, Mya, Noah and Lily Ayearst; brother Sigfried Herrmann as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Paul, Helmet, Heinz; sisters Gertrude, Christa and Waltraut.

Flowers gratefully declined, for those who wish, memorial donations in Fred’s name may be made to a charity of your choice.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

WHITNACK

BRIAN CURTIS WHITNACK, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Tammy Whitnack, passed away peacefully, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, August 14, 2025 at the age of 65 years.

As per Brian’s wishes, a private family graveside service will be held. 

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

HEALY
Leslie Leonard Healy
February 10, 1945 – August 10, 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear loving father, Leslie Leonard Healy. He joined his wife, Evelyn, surrounded by his children and grandchildren peacefully in the early morning of August 10, 2025, at the age of 80
Years.
Leslie was survived by his children Ann, Brenda, Holly, Joe and Amber (Joao). His grandchildren Mandy, Davie, William “Cody”, Raquel, Valentina and Marley. His great-grandchildren, Isaac, Kashtin, Jaylene, Katerina, Halo, Stormy, Hunter, Lincoln, Zaiden and baby Evelyn. His sisters Nora Eagle Bear and Carmen Black Water. His sister-in-Laws Barbara Heavyshields, Sharon Heavyshields, Faye Heavyshields and Nora Healy. Brothers-in-Law Jordan Heavyshields and Stephen Heavyshields. Leslie is also survived by his special adopted children, Maria Russell, Susan and Tim Heavyshields, Al and Cher Collar, JR Fox, Merlin and Gina Calling Last, Tracy Big Head, Terrance Bottle, Delray First Rider, Albert Tagoe and Marlene Sweetgrass. And numerous nieces and nephews whom he loved and adored within Healy and Heavyshields families.
Leslie was predeceased by his wife Evelyn Healy, grandson Justin Healy, parents, the late David Sr. and Gwen Healy, his father and mother-in-law the late Eddie and Adelaide Heavyshields. His siblings Richard Healy, Merle Healy, Fred Healy, David Healy, Wilfred Soop and Dorothy Ward. Brother in-laws Alphonse Eagle Bear, Oliver Ward, Sister-in-laws Shirley Healy, Geraldine Soop. His wife’s siblings the late Lena Russell, Herman “Mousie” Heavyshields, Ed Jr. Heavyshields, Gordon Heavyshields, John Heavyshields, Mary “Lulu” Heavyshields, Baby Teresa and baby boy who passed in infancy. Also, many family members who have passed on before him.
In his early years growing up on the Healy farm, his work ethic, drive and determination was instilled growing up with his brothers and father David Sr. during hay season, attending St. Paul’s residential school for a brief time and attending school in Cardston where he also drove the school bus. He also engaged in sports in his younger years playing hockey, baseball and golf with his peers.
During his teen years, he then met the love of his life attending a rodeo at St. Mary’s residential school. As Evelyn (Babsie) sat on the fence watching with her sister wearing bib overalls and braids, he watched her in awe, fell head over heels in love. They
married on May 16, 1964 and began their life and started their family.
Leslie’s formal education started in his twenties attending the Alberta Junior Business College in Calgary. After convocation, Leslie began his 50+ year political career advocating for Indigenous people locally, provincially, and national platform that included serving as the Executive Director for Indian News media for Blood Tribe, Co-Founder of Blackfoot Media, Appointed Assistant to the Minister of Indian Affairs in Ottawa, Ont., Regional Director for Health Alberta, Serving as board member for Indian Association of Alberta, Native Counselling Services of Alberta, worked closely with the National Indian Brotherhood as the Alberta alternate delegate on the national council. Played a key part in Blood Tribe events such as the arrival of Prince Charles and Master of Ceremonies for the opening of the Shot Both Sides Building and served on the committee for the opening of the Kainai Industries Building. But his true calling was honoring, serving and leading his people of the Blood Tribe as one of 12 members of council in which he served multiple terms from the 1960’s – 2000’s for a total of 22 years.
During the 57 loving years of marriage, Leslie and Evelyn (Babsie) would welcome 5 children. 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. And along the way adopted special individuals that also became a special part of the family. Family was always so precious to Leslie as he and Evelyn always made trips to see his daughters in Calgary where they lived. There was always something to be celebrated from birthday parties, the birth of a grandchild and attending special events such as their grandchildren’s hockey games. And so very proud of his only son Joe, who followed in his footsteps with an education in business. Supporting his children through life paths and teaching them that no matter what, love of family is what is most important. And when it came to his grandchildren, did he ever love being a grandpa. Traveling was also very much a part of
Leslie’s family life. With their children young, they would take their children camping with some of their nieces and nephews and adventure anywhere the truck and camper would go. Road trips to Las Vegas, Mexico, Graceland, California with Evelyn side by his side they created many beautiful memories together.
Leslie also found his place in the Sundance circle with Evelyn and his two daughters, Holly and Amber. During his commitment to the Sundance, his connection with creator grew developing a sense of purpose, brotherhood and healing through sacrifices made in each passing year. Dancing for his family, his people and anyone who requested prayer and healing.
On behalf of Leslie Healy, his children thank those of you who made his life so fulfilling through family and friendship. We also want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Cole Leavitt and the Long-Term Care staff in Cardston who took such good care of our father.
A wake service will be held at St. Paul’s Anglican Church, Blood Reserve, Alberta on Sunday, August 17, 2025 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. A funeral service will also be at St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Monday, August 18 at 1:30 pm. Interment to follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery, Blood Reserve. To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca.

BILL VRECKO

1942 ~ 2025

William “Bill” Vrecko, of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, at the age of 83 years.

William is lovingly remembered by his wife Christine Vrecko; his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

WHITE QUILLS

CORY VINCE WHITE QUILLS of Fort Macleod, AB, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, August 11, 2025 at the age of 51 years.

A Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, August 18, 2025 from 5:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH – 355 Columbia Blvd West, Lethbridge, AB on Tuesday, August 19, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. with Father Valentine Suum celebrating.

Following the Funeral Mass, Cory will be laid to rest in the White Quills Family Plot.

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

In Loving Memory of 

Barry Lancelot Snowden 

(1944-2025) and

 Marion Alice Snowden

 (Graham) (1947-2025)

Barry Lancelot Snowden passed away peacefully in Edmonton on May 6, 2025, at the age of 80. His wife, Marion Alice Snowden (Graham), passed away shortly after, on June 24, 2025, at the age of 78. Married for 57 years, Barry and Marion shared a full and generous life together devoted to family, community, and service.

Barry, son of Goldie and Ernie Snowden, was raised on a dairy farm just south of Lethbridge. He was a hard-working student and 4-H member. He left the farm for the University of Alberta, earning a degree in science and an MBA, and spent much of his career in post-secondary leadership in Edmonton, serving as a vice-president with Athabasca University and Grant MacEwan University.

Marion, daughter of Willa and Harry Graham, was raised on farms near Balzac and Lacombe before the family settled in Red Deer. Marion trained as a nurse at the University of Alberta for a lifelong career of care, nursing in Edmonton, Lethbridge and across Southern Alberta. She was known for her exceptional care and compassion.

In 1996, the couple returned to an acreage just south of Lethbridge. Marion continued nursing until her retirement in 2012. The couple enjoyed gardening, raising horses, travelling, and volunteering in the community including the Lethbridge Historical Society, and the Lethbridge & District Exhibition Board.

They are survived by their children, Graham Snowden and Laura MacLean (Rod); grandsons Donald and Ben MacLean; Barry’s sisters, Sandra Valgardson (Brad) and Suzanne Gillman (Miles); Marion’s siblings, Janet Morton (Stu), Sheila Raboud (Frank), and Peter Graham (Debbie); and lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, and close friends.

A reception for family and friends will be held on Saturday, August 23, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Coaldale Civic Centre,1801 20th Avenue, Coaldale, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories at http://www.alzheimer.ca/ab/en.

FIRTH, DONALD (DON)

1942 ~ 2025

    It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Don Firth, Monday, August 4. He is deeply missed by his wife, Carol, his children Robin (Dan) Burbank, Gary Firth, Karen (Eric) Schmidt, and Craig, and his 8 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

    Born in Kitchener, Ontario January 31, 1942, Don lived most of his life in Lethbridge. He attended LCI whre he played for the Rams basketball team and formed friendships that have remained constant throughout the years. After beginning a family, Don became a firefighter in Lethbridge and then went on to the  U of L to complete his B Ed and BA and began his teaching career in Blairmore before moving back to Lethbridge to teach at WCHS and LCI where he finished his career in administration. After retiring, Don taught Engish for a year in Sapporo, Japan. Don and Carol’s love of travel took them to countries around the world and back.

    He was predeceased by his parents, brothers: Ted, Bob, Kelly, Ken, sisters: Lorraine, Maxine, Penny, and grandson Bradley.

    A Celebration of Life will be held August 28 at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge beginning 1:00 p.m.

Marlyne Houston

1946 – 2025

 It is with the deepest sorrow that the family of Marlyne Houston announce her passing in Taber on Thursday, July 17, 2025 at the age of 79 years.

 A Celebration of Marlyne’s  Life will be held at the Taber Community Centre Auditorium, 4720 B – 50 Street, Taber  on Saturday, September 6, 2025 between 12:00 P.M. and 2:30 P.M. A private burial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.

  Marlyne is survived by her children Robert Mogck (Daman), Bonnie Baceda (Tim) and grandson Kody Baceda (Ashley) and their daughter Remi; sisters Bea Virostek (John), Marion Freimuth and Edna McFall; her husband of five years, David Houston and his children Cayleigh, Carsyn and Dustyn Houston (Taylor) and their children Lamya and Charlotte as well as number of estranged step children. Marlyne is also survived by aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

  She was predeceased by her parents Norman and Martha Kurpjuweit; sister Alethea Wutch; brothers-in-law Mel Wutch, Albert Freimuth and Don Houston; niece Andrea Freimuth; great nephew Devin Saunders as well as many other friends and family including stepdaughter Stephanie Houston who Marlyne unfortunately never had the opportunity to meet.

  Marlyne had a fulfilling  life, which included hard work, love of family and friends, and a passion to help wherever she could. She had a “don’t sweat the small stuff”, “call a spade a spade” spunky and humorous type of character. Her kindness and generosity never went unnoticed and will be fondly remembered and she dearly missed by everyone whose lives she touched, so much more than any words can say.

  With her son and daughter by her side, Marlyne peacefully passed away in the Taber Hospital after a short but difficult battle with aggressive cancer. They would like to thank the many family and friends who spent many hours visiting and supporting, while she was in the hospital. Thanks to Dr. Leishman for her regular care and also to the doctors and staff at the Taber, Lethbridge and Calgary hospitals, who kindly and competently cared for Marlyne in her many hospital stays.

 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Marlyne’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 2P5 (www.cancer.ca), Diabetes Canada, Calgary and District Branch, 220, 6223 – 2 Street SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 1J5 (www.diabetes.ca), the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 100, 119 – 14 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6 (www.heartandstroke.com), the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 995 Station Main, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4A4 (www.kidney.ca) or to a charity of ones choice.

 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

JOANN MEISSER

1931 ~ 2025 

After a long and fulfilling life, JoAnn Meisser passed away peacefully on August 12, 2025 at the age of 94 years.

JoAnn was born April 15, 1931 in Payette, Idaho, just across the state border from her family’s home in Ontario, Oregon.  When she was two years old, she moved to Southern Alberta with her parents, Harold and Mabel Hutchinson and her older siblings, Leta Mae and Howard.  The family lived and farmed east of Warner until JoAnn was starting junior high school, at which time they moved into the town of Warner.  She moved to Corvallis, Oregon for her grade twelve year, then enrolled at Oregon State College in Corvallis as a Home Economics major.  JoAnn left college after two years and moved back to Alberta to get married, settling in Lethbridge.  She raised her four children there and considered the city her home for the rest of her life, no matter where else she lived.

JoAnn was the ultimate stay-at-home Mom for most of her kids’ childhood.  She was an excellent cook and baker and was known for a number of specialties, notably her rhubarb and strawberry pie!  She was also an accomplished seamstress, knitter, and quilter.  Each one of her great-grandchildren treasure the personalized baby quilt they were gifted at birth.

When her children were mostly grown, JoAnn rejoined the workforce. She worked for others, both in gift shops and as the manager of the Waterton Natural History Association.  During her time with the WNHA, Mom was the driving force behind having a memorial wall erected in the Waterton Cemetery so people who loved the Park could have plaques with their names added to the wall.  In 1994, she opened Evergreen Gifts in Waterton Park, which she owned and operated for several years.  She had a long history with Waterton, being employed there in the summers from the time she was just fourteen years old.  It was one of her two favourite places in the world. She taught her kids to fish and hike there, and she bought us endless booklets of red and green swim tickets for admission to the swimming pool across the street (although she never did learn to swim!).  Countless precious memories were created at the family cabin.  Mom’s other happy place was Palm Springs, where she enjoyed spending her winters. Everyone who visited her in the desert eventually got introduced to the Sunday afternoon jazz jam at Melvyn’s!  She also loved to travel to other countries; quite a few destinations were crossed off her bucket list in her senior years.

JoAnn is survived by her children Tom (Wendy) Paterson, Jane Paterson (Jay Barsky), Doug (Valerie) Paterson and Allister (Lynn) Paterson, her nine grandchildren, Wes Paterson, Michael Paterson, Shauna Blenkin, Dan Jacob, Katherine Pickering, Molly Pilchar, Wade Paterson, Nikki Paterson and Cory Paterson, eighteen great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

We would like to express our appreciation to The Manor Village Garrison Woods for giving our Mom a wonderful home for almost six years, and to the staff at Intercare Southwood Care Centre, Bonavista West for their compassionate care over the past year and a half.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Waterton Foundation through canadahelps.org or to the charity of your choice.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.  A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring of 2026 in Waterton. 

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

LEROY HOVEY (Hov)

1940 – 2025

Your wings were ready

But my heart was not

Soar high and free my love.

Mar

DEAN SWARTZENBERGER

1957 ~ 2025

It is with sadness that the family announces the passing of Dean Swartzenberger of Turin, Alberta on July 23, 2025 at the age of 67 years.

Dean was predeceased by his parents, Ruby and Joe Swartzenberger, Jr.   He is survived by his 3 siblings, Leonard, Karen and Tim and his many nieces and nephews.

Dean loved to chat and kept in touch with a large extended family and his many friends, keeping us all “in the loop”.   He was a great lover of dogs, cats and all creatures.  He is greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Picture Butte Community Hall in Picture Butte, Alberta  on Saturday, August 23, 2025, at 11 AM.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com 

to send a condolence.