Friday, December 12, 2025
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 12, 2025.
LARSON, Marjorie
Marjorie Arlene Larson (Huber) It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Marjorie Arlene Larson (nee Huber), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, formerly of Lethbridge, AB. She passed away peacefully at the Barrhead Continuing Care Centre (Dr. W. R. Keir Centre) with family by her side at the age of 82 on December 2, 2025.
Marjorie was born on August 13, 1943 in Victoria, BC to Jack and Ann Huber and along with her older sister Loreen and younger brother Ken would eventually end up in Regina, Saskatchewan, where she would meet and marry Donald Herbert Larson on September 21, 1963. They were blessed with two children Gregory June 11, 1964, and Janice May 4, 1966, and then moved to Calgary in December of 1966. They would live there for 12 years before packing up the family and moving to Lethbridge, AB. in 1978 where they would reside together for the next 44 years until Don’s death on December 14,2022. Her health issues made it so that she moved to Barrhead to be with her son and his family. In February, 2023 her health was such that she was moved into the Barrhead Continuing Care Centre where she kept the residents and staff smiling and laughing.
Marjorie had a fulfilling and long career (20+ years) in sales and retail, as well she volunteered for many years, along with Don, for the Alberta chapter of Telephone Pioneers. She loved gardening, cooking, decorating, camping, getting her hair and nails done, visiting her family and friends, and playing cards. Her sense of humor and laugh will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by her two children, son Gregory (Claire) Larson, daughter Janice (Scott) Jensen, her eight grand children, ten great-grand children and her many relatives and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Don in 2022, her father, Jack in 2000, her mother, Ann in 2005, her father-in-law, Olaf in 1964, her mother-in-law, Dorothy in 2004, her brother-in-law, Bob Cross in 2024, and son-in-law Scott in 2023.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Barrhead Continuing Care Centre and Dr. Tawfik for all their care, compassion and support for Marjorie.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on December 20, 2025 in the multi-purpose room in the Agrena for family and friends, Live streaming will be available.
VAN BUSKIRK, Lee
Lee VanBuskirk October 7, 1954 ~ December 6, 2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Claude Lee Van Buskirk on December 6th, 2025, at the age of 71 years, at one of his most cherished places, the Black Ranch. Lee was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend to so many.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 36 years, Susan Elizabeth Van Buskirk; daughters, Jessica Van Buskirk (Daniel McNeil) and Shannon (Justin) Kurtz; grandchildren, Rowdy Lee, Ethan, Brayden as well as another grandchild expected in February. He is also survived by his mother, Donna Lee Erdmann; brothers, William (Venyce) Van Buskirk, Richard (Debbie) Van Buskirk and Patrick (Shelley) Van Buskirk as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Lee was predeceased by his father, William Lee Van Buskirk; stepfather, Keith Middleton Erdmann; cousin, James Robert Black and his niece, Emalee Jane Van Buskirk.
Lee, the eldest son of William Van Buskirk and Donna Lee Erdmann, was born on October 7th, 1954, in Lethbridge, AB, where he spent his early years. He attended Patterson Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Allan Watson and Hamilton for junior high and LCI High School. After grade 10, he left school to move to his cousin Bob Black’s ranch in Consul, SK. He spent much of his teenage and young adult years there, learning from his cousin and many others. Lee loved ranch life and had countless stories from his time there. He continued returning to the ranch to help with weaning, brandings and winter work whenever he could, right up until his passing.
When Lee met Susan, he was working for Art’s Excavating. He then began his career in the oil field in Manyberries, AB, where he and Susan raised their family. Lee worked in the oil and gas industry for many years as an operator and eventually a production consultant throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. He was known across the industry for his work ethic, integrity and wealth of knowledge. He also spent years long-haul trucking with some of his best and lifelong friends and later co-founded L & S Trucking. Lee and Susan spent their last few years together in Claresholm, AB, where they could be close to their daughters.
Anyone who knew Lee knew he rarely sat still. When he wasn’t working, he could be found tinkering in his shop, cheering on his daughters at their sports, rodeos and 4-H events, or travelling on his Harley. He was always ready for a road trip and a good long visit.
Lee will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity and the friendships he built everywhere he went. He will be dearly missed by so many, but the life he lived, though far too short, was lived fully, wholeheartedly and without reservation.
A Celebration of Lee’s life will be held at Hillcrest Church, 3785 – 13 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor George Mills officiating. The service will be live-streamed. Those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so by visiting https://www.hillcrestchurch.net/funerals (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com). In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Lee’s name may be made to Halo, 28 Les Little Way S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5G4. Honoured to serve the family is
COOK SOUTHLAND FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION FACILITY901 – 13TH ST. S.W., MEDICINE HAT T1A 4V4
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GERGELY, Tibor “Ted”
TIBOR “TED” GERGELY 1944 ~ 2025 MR. TED GERGELY of Coaldale, Alberta, beloved husband of Joyce Gergely, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Lethbridge, Alberta, on December 6, 2025, just days shy of his 81st birthday.
Ted is survived by Joyce, his wife of 58 years, his daughter Carri (Andy), his son Kevin (Suzanne), and his grandchildren Allyson (Tyler), Chelsea, and Ethan. Sadly, he lost his daughter Terri Anne in 2017, who shared his December 29th birthday.
He is also survived by brothers John (Pat) and Zoltan, as well as Joyce’s family: Barb (George), Donna (Larry), Elaine and Terry (Judy). Also surviving him are numerous nieces, nephews, and their children on both sides of the family.
Ted was born December 29, 1944, in Magrath, Alberta, the second child of John and Mary Gergely, who were of Hungarian descent. When he was 3 years old, the family moved to the Jail Road area near Coaldale, where he remained for the rest of his life. He attended school in Coaldale, and as a child, he and his brothers helped tend sugar beets; they were a rowdy bunch and often in trouble. In his teenage years, he was active in the Lethbridge-Coaldale 4-H Club, modified and raced stock cars with his brothers, participated in local tractor pulls, and often walked home from local dances or parties.
Ted graduated from Olds Agricultural College in the spring of 1967 and then began working with the City of Lethbridge as a weed inspector. In November of that same year, he married Louisa Joyce Lacey; they established a small farm only a mile from the house he was raised in. He built the house from scratch and farmed sugar beets, wheat, and canola over the years while also running a cattle operation. He resided on the farm until his passing.
Ted and Joyce raised three kids together on the farm. They were always running to 4H meetings, kids’ sports, and horse lessons; yet, he still found time to curl in Coaldale Men’s League and attend Sugar Beet Growers meetings. Family time, while scarce in the summers, still meant fishing trips, camping, and skiing in the winter. He continued camping right up until this past fall. Ted was always willing to stop by to help out his brothers, who all lived just down the road. He was surrounded by family, and some of his most precious moments were spent watching his grandchildren grow up next door. Due to failing health over the last few years, he passed the tractor keys over to his son Kevin, who continues to farm on the same land.
Ted was predeceased by his parents John and Mary Gergely, brothers Steven Riethman and Bill Gergely, as well as in-laws Roy and Kate Lacey.
The family would like to express our gratitude to local healthcare workers who took such good care of Dad: Bernice at Jack Ady, Christina at Home Care, Dr. Roth and her Palliative team and the staff at St. Michael’s Palliative. The family also owes a huge debt of gratitude to Suzanne for her time and care of Dad these last few years.
A private family graveside service will be held.
Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 20th, 2025, between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm at the Coaldale Community Centre. There will not be a formal program; please drop in as you are able.
Flowers gratefully declined. Please consider donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
JOSEPH, Ezekiel
EZEKIEL JOEL DAVID JOSEPH November 17, 2025 – December 5, 2025 It is with deep sadness Tyrone and Lyndsey; the parents of Ezekiel announce his passing.
He was able to touch so many lives in his short life and was surrounded by immense love. He showed so much strength and fought hard until his passing. We are blessed with the time we were given with him and may he now rest in peace, our little angel in the sky. We are grateful for the generosity and hard work shown by the Alberta Children’s Hospital NICU staff who were involved in Ezekiel’s care and the support provided to our family from the Ronald McDonald House staff.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital (childrenshospital.ab.ca) in Ezekiel’s name.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
PIONTEK, Doreen
PIONTEK, Doreen 1933-2025 DOREEN CHRISTINA PIONTEK (Harrold), née Clarke, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Marion “Curly” Piontek, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital with family by her side on Saturday, December 6, 2025 at the age of 92 years.
Doreen was the loving mother of five sons (Harrold): Alan & Lynne (Jeff, Amy Johnny , Sarah and Mark Perline ); Doug & Nina (Scott); Glen & Karen (Jason Sam and Tyler Amanda ); Keith & Barb (Jessica and Cody Alena ); and Dale & Shelley (children from a previous marriage: James Linzy , Tina Marc , Justin and Steven); and 10 great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her brother Gordon Clarke and sister Thelma Friesen.
Besides her husband “Curly”, she was predeceased by her mother Vergie, father Alexander, stepmother Helen, and sister Faye.
Doreen was born in Macleod, and raised in Lethbridge, where she resided until her passing. Our beloved mother was left on her own to raise her sons from ages 4 – 14, and she sacrificed everything for us. Although she had been a stay-at-home mother, she then had to become employed to provide for her family. Doreen was employed for nearly 25 years in a health care facility, where she enjoyed helping to care for the elderly.
Her greatest love was spending time with her sons and their families. She loved camping & hiking, gardening, and just spending time outdoors, sewing, golfing and playing cards with the family. She loved travelling and taking pictures of her travels. She enjoyed attending her grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s activities.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, December 20, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Tim Klein officiating.
The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation (crhfoundation.ca) or a charity of one’s choice.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BULVA, Thomas “Tom”
BULVA THOMAS “TOM” ANTHONY BULVA, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Elsie Bulva, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit on Wednesday, December 10, 2025 at the age of 82 years.
A Prayer Service will be held at ST. CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 762 Crescent Avenue, Picture Butte, AB, on Monday, December 15, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. with Father Iqbal Khurshid officiating.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at ST. CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Iqbal Khurshid celebrating.
Following the Memorial Mass, Tom will be laid to rest in Huntsville Cemetery, Iron Springs, AB.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
ANDERSEN, Gabriella “Gabi”
ANDERSEN Gabriella Maria Andersen, beloved wife of Jeff Andersen, passed away unexpectedly on December 8th, 2025, at the age of 42 in Magrath, Alberta.
Gabi was born on May 24, 1983 in Hong Kong, the first of 6 children born to Wade and Gloria Alston. She is predeceased by her grandparents Cal & Doreen Alston and grandfather Joseph James Varagona. She is survived by her husband, 3 children, her parents, 5 siblings, many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Gabi was a great lover of all people and would reach out especially to those who were often alone and would appreciate a friend. She graduated from Magrath High School and played sports throughout high school. Her desire for learning took her to the University of Alberta in Edmonton where she completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology. It was in Edmonton while in school, that she met her husband, Jeff Andersen. They married on January 10th in 2004 in the Cardston Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. She loved her family and was blessed with 2 girls and 1 boy, Haylee, Sophia and Jacen. Family was so important to her. She was an organizer and planner. She loved life and the outdoors. She was passionate about serving in her church and community.
A Funeral Service will take place at 11:00am on Saturday December 13, 2025 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, GARDEN PLACE CHAPEL, 170 Centre St N, Magrath, AB.
Friends are welcome to meet with the family on Friday December 12, 2025 from 7:00 to 8:00pm at the Church or on Saturday from 10:00am to 10:45am prior to the Service at the Church.
A link for the livestream will be available on the Salmon and Sons website.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Magrath Public Library.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
SNOWDON, Marion
SNOWDON Our dear Marion passed away with family at her side on November 26, 2025. She was 95. Marion was predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, Thomas William “Bill” Snowdon. Marion, born November 14, 1930, in Nobleford Alberta, was the youngest of two children born to William and May Henry. Soon after, they moved to Lethbridge Alberta where Marion grew up and met the love of her life, Bill Snowdon. After they graduated from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, they went to the University of Alberta where Marion got her Nursing Degree. In 1953, Marion and Bill married and moved to Calgary where they raised 3 children: Barbara, Susan and Bob. Marion gave tirelessly over the years to her family, friends and church community. She volunteered with Meals on Wheels for 36 years. Marion is lovingly remembered by her 2 surviving children Bob Snowdon and Susan Gilchrist, sons-in-law Colin Gilchrist, Bob Coyle and Dale Ellert and her precious granddaughter Myah Gilchrist. She is also remembered by her sisters-in-law Marianne Fairbanks (Lee) and Marg O’Brien, as well as extended family and friends. Marion was predeceased by her husband Bill Snowdon, brother Robert Henry (Audrey), daughter Barbara Snowdon (Bob), brothers-in-law Don Snowdon, Dale O’Brien (Marg), Terry Williams (Marianne) and niece Laurie O’Brien. There will be a celebration of life January 11, 2026 at Sandalwood Retirement Resort, 580 Yates Road in Kelowna BC from 1-3pm. We hope you can join us to celebrate Marion’s 95 years and the gracious kind spirit that she was to all of us. We will miss her dearly.
AUCOIN, Andre “Andy”
ANDRE “ANDY” AUCOIN May 24, 1945 – December 9, 2025 André (Andy) Joseph Aucoin died on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025, in Lethbridge at the Palliative Care Unit in St. Michael’s surrounded by his loving daughters.
Andy was born to John and Bernadette Aucoin May 25, 1945, in Rogersville, New Brunswick. He was the eldest of 9 children. He was raised in a lively home full of siblings, cousins, neighbours and family. His Acadian roots and upbringing in rural New Brunswick imparted the importance of helping his family and self-reliance but also increased his resilience and ability to overcome challenges he faced in his life.
Andy learned a great deal from his father, who was a lumberjack. As a young man, and after the sudden death of his father, he moved with his family to Oshawa, Ontario. He returned to New Brunswick to train as an electrician in Moncton, and subsequently went back to Ontario to work. He decided to head west to Prince Rupert, BC with his cousin for more work opportunities. At a stopover in Vancouver, he met his sister’s new roommate, Veronica, who was in Vancouver to renew her US work permit. That encounter ultimately led to a marriage which lasted 30 years until her death in 2000. Andy and Veronica were married and settled in Oshawa, Ontario but then they decided to move to Alberta, first Calgary, then Lethbridge where Veronica’s family lived.
In Lethbridge, Andy worked primarily as a commercial electrician for multiple companies and on a variety of projects in Western Canada. He upgraded his qualifications to become a Red Seal Master Electrician. Throughout his life, he usually had a project (or five) in the garage that he was tinkering on. He could build or repair anything. And he was also generous with his time helping others as well.
After being widowed at the age of 55, Andy was more social and active with the Knights of Columbus Council 5726 attaining status as a Third Degree Knight. He volunteered at fundraising events, getting Camp Columbus in Waterton ready for campers and attended KoC social events. He also eventually remarried. After he retired, he traveled extensively across Canada and the US with his RV and was a member of the Good Sam Club attending ‘Sam’borees and other events. He was also a member of the St Mary’s Boat Club where he camped and made new friends. He went on a few cruises but preferred camping and reminiscing around the campfire. In 2018, he was diagnosed with cancer and he lost the ability to walk. Unfortunately for him, during cancer treatment his marriage came to an end. He subsequently moved to a Supported Living facility.
Once again, he was on his own but faced the situation with strength and dignity.
After he moved to Good Sam Park Meadows he really flourished. He developed friendships with residents and staff. He’d have visitors come share a bottle of wine, or a rum with him. He had a girlfriend at one point. He had ongoing regular card games with some of the other residents. He enthusiastically participated in all of the recreation programming that was available. He was also able to go out into the community with his power chair – either to Denise’s house or on outings via the Access-A-Ride bus. Being at Park Meadows during the pandemic spared him of the isolation that he would have faced if he was living in the community as he had the other residents and staff to socialize with.
The final chapter of his life began with another cancer diagnosis. Knowing his time was limited, his family arranged two final trips this year ‘Down East’ to Ontario and New Brunswick to see loved ones and to say goodbye. As he wished, and thanks to his family, he also enjoyed feasts of fresh seafood while there.
The most important thing to Andy was his three daughters and spending time with them and their families. Andy was especially close to his son-in-law Mike. Andy and his three daughters had an unbreakable bond and he was a constant source of stability, reliability, support, love and care for them.
Andy was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife Veronica, younger sister Yvonne, brother-in-law Danny Gaudet, sisters-in-law Gloria Smith and Charlene Boumberger, as well as numerous cousins, aunts and uncles and friends.
Andy is survived by his daughters Lisa Aucoin (Duane Ens), Denise (Mike) Rollag, and Janet Aucoin (Sheldon Chow); his grandchildren Clarissa (Parker) Maelu, Lily Rollag, and Thomas Ens; his great-grandson Baron Maelu; and his siblings Anna (Raymond) Morissette, Alma Aucoin, Diane (Jack) Richard, Jeanne (Raymond) Hébert, Gloria (Charlie) Léger, Gerald (Theresa) Aucoin, and Doris Gaudet. He is also lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Andy’s family is incredibly grateful to the staff at Good Sam Park Meadows for treating him like family over these last six years, to the staff at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, to the Palliative Care Team.
A Prayer Service will be held at 5:00pm on Friday, December 19, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 ST. S, LETHBRIDGE, AB, with Deacon Jim Manzara presiding.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13 ST. N, LETHBRIDGE, AB, with Father Santiago Torres presiding.
Andy and Veronica will be interred together at a private family event.
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations of gift cards to Good Samaritan’s Society – Park Meadows for their recreation programs in the care of Leslie Jastrau and Rita Fruson.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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