SATURDAY, July 27, 2019

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 27, 2019.

DRAY

DENNIS PATRICK DRAY passed away on July 22 at the age of 86 years old. He will join his beloved wife Dorothy Viola Dray. Dennis leaves behind his children, brothers, sisters and grandkids.

Dennis served 25 years in the Canadian Military in the Engineer Regiment which included oversees appointments in Germany and the Korean War. After his retirement from the military he formed the Hobby Wine and Brew Store and Chez Dray. Thereafter, in the early 1980s he became the Executive Director of the Lethbridge Senior Citizens Organization (LSCO) where his passion along with his fellow workers and numerous volunteers created one of the largest membership senior recreation centres of its type in the world. Under his direction Dennis worked hard to make the LSCO affordable such as its $5-$10 membership fee.

Dennis also was a community volunteer over the years as he was President of Lethbridge Minor Hockey, Football, Track and Field Organization and organizer of the Terry Fox Charity Fun Run, the Senior Games and Alberta Summer Games (Track & Field).

God Bless!

Bob Dykstra
1931 – 2019
Robert Dykstra Sr., beloved husband of Yvonne Dykstra, passed away in Taber on Friday, July 26, 2019 at the age of 87 years.
Further information including service details will follow once arrangements have been finalized.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Darel Ellert
1954 – 2019
It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to Darel John Ellert, who leaves a legacy of goodwill that will live on forever in those whose lives he touched. Though unexpected, Darel passed away peacefully surrounded by so much love on Sunday, July 14, 2019 in Nanaimo, British Columbia at the age of 64 years.
Darel is survived by his wife of seventeen years, Sharon; daughter Kim (Kyle) McIntyre; son Bryce (Candace) Ellert; step daughter Whitney; mother-in-law Rose Winters (grandmother to Kim and Bryce); grandchildren Alexys, Zenobia, Xandreya, Davien, Aeon, Liam and Gavin. He is also survived by his sisters Joan Oswald, Doreen (John) McEneaney, Arlene (John) Thorsten and Val (Riley) Larson; brother Phil Ellert and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Raymond and Ione Ellert; first wife Lavon and stepdaughter Kelsey Hemstock.
Darel excelled in his banking career of twenty seven years and continued sharing his wisdom of business and life acumen as a consultant. His generous heart shone through all boundaries and anyone who encountered him felt special. He was a very devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend.
Details regarding a service in celebration of Darel’s life will be announced once finalized. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting http://www.yatesmemorial.ca.
Our family is deeply grateful for the kindness and support Darel and the family received from the Palliative Care Unit at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital.
Arrangements in care of Yates Memorial Services, Nanaimo, British Columbia. Telephone: 1-877-264-3848.

ENGLAND

DEBORAH MARIE ENGLAND (nee Farkas) passed away in California on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at the age of 58 years.

Further arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

HANEY

Born August 16, 1929 in Coalhurst, Alberta, Howard Benton Haney died July 24, three weeks shy of his 90th birthday. He was ‘Buddy’ to his four big sisters — Francis, Kay, Alice and Ruth — and brother Leonard. The Haneys loved Bud and made it clear from early on what was important — family, friends, farming, socializing, and, of course, food. Howard carried on these traditions the moment he spotted Ann (née Maier), a Barhill teenager whose brown eyes stopped him in his tracks at a local dance. They married in ’53 and had five children. All enjoyed Sunday dinners which often featured his massive BBQ’d T-bones, his after-dinner piano playing, several games of cribbage, and his unique conversation style which included many a blunt question, humorous story, or matter-of-fact observation about human nature.

His generous spirit spilled into many pursuits – the UFA where he was a delegate and board member for many profitable years, 17 of which he was president, Picture Butte Lion’s Club, Cheemo Investment Club, Trinity United Church, and the Cooperators. He also nurtured lifelong friendships and loved to travel with his wife, Ann. He always said ‘she got robbed’ when he lost her to cancer in 1996. She didn’t get to witness her hard-working husband receive the Order of Canada or take his place in Alberta’s Agriculture Hall of Fame, achievements that reflected their combined efforts.

Howard married another gem in 1998, Georgia Morris. He deeply respected Georgia for how warmly she treated his kids and grandkids alongside hers who called him Papa. Howard was never happier than when his brood enjoyed a massive meal together, then went home safely in vehicles that ran well, with families they loved, and to jobs that put bread on the table.

Predeceased by his wife, Ann, all of his siblings and many of his friends, Howard will be deeply missed by his wife, Georgia, his children Chris (Cindy Gaetz), Susan (Loren Mitchell), Ted (Lori Roadhouse Haney), Sally (Bruce Olecko), Ed (Melissa McLean), his stepsons Kevin (Sheri), Brent (Francesca), his 15 grandkids, Anne Puurveen Haney, his many nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends in the community. He will be sorely missed and never forgotten.

A celebration of life service will be held on Howard’s birthday, August 16 at 2 pm at Southminster United Church in Lethbridge.

For those who wish, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the rebuilding of Canyon Church Camp in Waterton Lakes National Park where 50 per cent of the camp was destroyed in the 2017 Kenow Fire. http://www.canyonchurchcamp.com.

HOUGEN

1925-2019

CHARLES “CHARLIE” HOUGEN, beloved husband of Dolores Hougen, of Foremost, AB passed away on July 24, 2019 at the age of 94 years. Besides his loving wife of 63 years, he is survived by his five children: David (Lisa) Hougen, JoAnne Hougen, Renae (David Yamabe) Hougen, James (Carol) Hougen, Gordon (Carrie) Hougen and 13 grandchildren: CariAnn Olson, Kyle (Stephanie) Hougen, Joel (Lindsey) Hougen, Darren (Lenae Brunn) Ross, Ryan Ross, Matthew Carriere, Mackenzie (James) Penner, Taylor (Marienel) Carriere, Steven (Erin) Hougen, Andrew (Amanda) Hougen, Michelle (Jess) Cowie, Julia (Kent) Bodin, and Travis (Jamie) Hougen. Charlie was a great-grandfather to 19 great-grandchildren.

He is survived by two brothers Arne and Marvin and one sister Myrtle Allison. He was predeceased by brothers Trygve, Palmer, Engwald and Magnus.

Charlie was born four miles north of Foremost on his mother’s birthday, March 13, 1925. He attended the Sunalta School and later Foremost School. He grew up working hard and playing sports with his siblings. His love of farming began when he was seventeen years old; he discovered that hard work led to many opportunities – one such opportunity was to buy land from Paul Medhurst. With this land purchase and many others Charlie and Dolores formed Chin Valley Ranch.

As a young man, Charlie played many sports – hockey for the Foremost Flyers, baseball for the Foremost Braves, curling and golf. He loved the competition and gave it his all. Many times he came home victorious.

He was instrumental in the planning and construction of the Foremost Civic Centre (hockey rink and curling rink) and the improvements to the Foremost Golf Course. His children, grandchildren and citizens of Foremost continue to enjoy using these facilities to this day. Once his boys started playing hockey, he took on the role of coach for many years. He taught not only the sport but many life skills to his players.

Charlie and Dolores enjoyed spending many winters in Arizona with his siblings. He enjoyed attending and hearing about his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s events and always had time to watch their videos and hear their stories.

Every spring and fall Charlie and Dolores would drive around the country keeping tabs on the progress the boys were making during seeding and harvest. Farming and ranching was in his blood and was not only a job but a way of life. He has left a wonderful legacy and will be greatly missed.

A Private Family Funeral will be held. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Charlie’s name to the Foremost Golf Club (Box 382, Foremost, AB T0K 0X0) or the future Riding Arena (Foremost and District Agricultural Society, Box 338, Foremost, AB, T0K 0X0).

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

MAHON

Beloved Sis, Hun, Mama, Nona, Great Noni and Ninia, Giannina Zella Mahon passed away on Sunday July 14, 2019, at the age of 90 years, beloved wife of the late Doug Mahon. She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Jo (Neil) Horlacher; her daughter, Jo Brotherton; grandchildren Geoffrey, Josh (Becca Cooper) and their daughter Abby Brotherton, Tanner and Kellsey Mahon and their mother Sandy as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Bertha and Abramo “Cunio” Pozzebon; her husband Doug; her son Robert and one son-in-law Leslie; one sister, Mary (Hans) Ellingson and her brother Bob Pozzebon. As per her wishes, a private family service has taken place. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to S.P.C.A. or to APARC – Alberta Pound and Rescue Centre. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Giannina Mahon, or you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneral home.com and leave a message of condolence. Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 2V6. Please call 1-866-526-2214 for further information.

Vernon Meek

1933 – 2019

Mr. Vernon Meek of Lethbridge, beloved husband of 63 years to Mrs. Dora Meek, passed away with his loving family by his side at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Monday, July 22, 2019, at the age of 86 years.

Funeral arrangements to be announced once completed.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com

to send a condolence.

Angela Vavrik

1950 – 2019

Mrs. Angela Vavrik of Coalhurst, beloved wife of Mr. Les Vavrik, passed away at home on Sunday, July 21, 2019, at the age of 69 years.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610- 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Rodger Halvorsen officiating.

Interment will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com

to send a condolence.

WESSELMAN

CHARLES “CHUCK” F. WESSELMAN, passed away peacefully at Edith Cavell Care Centre on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at the age of 95 years and nine days.

He was the dearly loved husband of 65 years to Anne (nee Brunner) Wesselman. He is also survived by his three daughters: Sherry (Patrick) Rohovie, Joanne (Ron) Poulsen, and Karen (Ronny) Baczuk; his grandchildren: Brianne (Tylor Volk) Rohovie, Spencer Rohovie, Jared (Larissa) Poulsen, Taylor Poulsen and Carly Poulsen; his great-grandchildren: Tate and Maelle Volk; his sisters: Ruth (Don) Henry and Dorothy VanBuuren (Frank) and as well as his extended family including many nieces and nephews who will miss him. Chuck was a respected and appreciated member of his church family.

Charles was born in Calgary, AB. on July 14, 1924. He moved to Coalhurst with his parents, Charlie and Lillian, at the age of one. His early life was challenging especially when his dad lost his job and the family fell on hard times. He left school early to help support his family. As a young man, he worked in the mines in the Crowsnest Pass and then in Shaughnessy when he wasn’t helping his dad on the farm.

He met Anne Brunner through a friend and the rest is history. They married in 1954 and lived on the family farm in a renovated chicken coop. They saved their money, welcomed the birth of their first daughter Sherry and built a house on the farm. By this point, his father had passed and he also took care of his mother and brother who also lived on the property. Dad worked very hard to build a healthy market garden business and grow acres of gladiolas which he sold locally and shipped all over Alberta and Saskatchewan. The highlight of his week for over 50 years was taking his flowers and produce to the Farmer’s Market. By the mid 1960’s, Chuck and Anne had welcomed two new additions to their family, Joanne and Karen. Dad loved all four of his girls (including mum). He was a firm but kind father who taught by example.

When dad wasn’t working on the farm, he loved to hunt birds with his favourite dog, Bonnie; to fish year round; to hunt big game (deer, elk and moose) with his buddies; and to visit friends and family. Dad loved to spend time with his extended family and host reunions.

After having a heart attack at age 66, dad renewed his commitment to Jesus Christ. He was passionate in his faith and shared his belief in Jesus with all, encouraging each person to ask Jesus into their heart and be born again. Dad loved to share the good things in life which started with a love for God and extended to generously blessing people with the bounty of his garden. When asked what he was going to do in heaven, he said he was “going to be a gardener with his dad.”

A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, July 29, 2019 at 11:00 AM with Pastor Bill Zwartbol officiating. Chuck will be laid to rest at a graveside service at 1:30 P.M. at Archmount Cemetery.

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

Wiebren “Wiebe” Zuidema

1958 – 2019

Mr. Wiebren “Wiebe” Zuidema of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Verginia Zuidema, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, July 24, 2019, at the age of 60 years.

Wiebe was born on July 25, 1958 in Rotterdam the Netherlands and lived most of his youth in The Hague. He met the love of his life, Verginia, in 1974 in Leiderdorp.

He went to work for Shell tankers and loved it but left because Verginia missed him too much.

They got married in 1974 and moved to Soesterberg where he joined the army. Their first child, Kirsten, was born in December of 1981, and he was so excited that he opened the window and shouted, “I have a daughter!!” from their 3rd floor apartment. They moved around quite a bit and settled in Hellevoetsluis. In December 1986 their son Jordy was born.

Wiebe was an adventurous spirit, who loved to travel. Far wasn’t far enough. He got the opportunity to follow one of his lifelong dreams of driving long haul in North America and moved to Lethbridge in March of 2006. He was a hard and loyal worker and stayed committed to the very end. He was dedicated to his family and went above and beyond to make their lives as easy as possible, often times at his own expense. He loved his grandchildren and taught them to work hard, but most of all to make sure they are happy.

Streets alive had a special place in his heart, and when he was able, he loved donating his time and resources.

Wiebe was addicted to shoes and sunglasses. He couldn’t pass a store without spending at least 30 minutes there. He loved camping and playing golf, and a good discussion where he would encourage people to think outside of the box.

He was the first one to admit he wasn’t perfect, but he tried to live a godly life by looking at Romans 5:8 But God demonstrated his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners Christ died for us.

Besides his loving wife, Verginia, Wiebe is survived by his daughter Kirsten; son Jordy; grandchildren Dorian, Didi, Danica, Jessy and Jordan; brother Willem; and sisters Imke and Nienke

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am, on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at Evangelical Free Church Lethbridge, 4717 24 Ave S, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Jeremy Light, officiating.

For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Weibe’s name to Streets Alive Mission Lethbridge, 323 4 St S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1Z9.

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

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