SATURDAY, October 5, 2019

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on October 5, 2019.

COLLINS

Lorne Burritt Collins, age 101, passed away on September 27, 2019 in Lethbridge, Alberta. Lorne was born in Strathclair, Manitoba on January 21, 1918, the son of a country doctor. Lorne had a happy childhood, with daily horse riding (to school and for pleasure), working on farms, and many travel adventures in the family’s Model T with his parents, brother and sisters. Lorne left home at age 16 to go to Wesley College in Winnipeg, graduating from the University of Manitoba in 1941 as a Medical Doctor. He paid his way through medical school by working in an axe gang for a logging company, and for one summer as a medical officer for the Department of Indian Affairs, traveling by canoe to Indian settlements in northern Manitoba along with a Mountie, to make treaty payments and provide basic medical service. After completing his medical internship and an additional residency in surgery, Lorne joined the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps in 1942 and was posted first to Winnipeg then to Camp Shilo before going overseas in 1944. Lorne was stationed in England, and then in Utrecht, Holland and eventually the Ruhr valley in Germany, performing surgery in field dressing stations and base hospitals for the Royal Canadian Army. He returned to Canada in 1946. Lorne met Rhonda, the love of his life, while they were together in medical school. They married before Lorne went overseas and, after Lorne’s return from the war, they moved to Pincher Creek, Alberta in 1946, where Lorne started a general medical and surgical practice. The practice grew substantially over the years, as Lorne quickly developed a regional reputation as a surgeon. In 1949, the local hospital built a 50-bed addition to deal with the growth. Several doctors joined Lorne’s practice over the years, and Rhonda joined him in practice once their youngest child had entered primary school. Lorne was instrumental in starting a rural country practice rotation for medical students, in conjunction with the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary. From 1974 to 1978 Lorne was also a part-time assistant professor in surgery at the University of Calgary, and was appointed to the Hospital Privileges Appeal Board for Alberta. Lorne was also active in the Alberta Medical Association, which awarded him with a Senior Life Membership for his contributions to the medical profession in Alberta as did the Canadian Medical Association. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta also recognized his contributions, with a Certificate for Meritorious Service, and an Honourary Life Membership. Lorne was also a medical officer for Indian health services for the Peigan Indian Band, from 1947 until Medicare became available to the Band. Lorne practiced medicine until age 61, when he and Rhonda both retired. Lorne joined with a good friend and worked as a realtor for several years. The early retirement years were full of frequent foreign travel, and motorhome trips to Alaska, across Canada and to various parts of the United States. Lorne and Rhonda eventually purchased a unit in a retirement park in Mesa, Arizona and spent many happy winters there, hiking, golfing and socializing with their many friends. Lorne had a busy family life, encouraging his children in their academic and musical studies, and sharing with them his great love for the outdoors. Lorne spent much of his free time in outdoor activities, including hunting, fishing, hiking, skiing, golfing, gardening and – every summer for many years – a week-long horse pack trip into the mountains. Lorne fished for salmon off Vancouver Island, hiked the Chilcoot Trail, rafted down the Yukon River, and took a mule ride into the Grand Canyon. Lorne and Rhonda had a very social life – golf league, curling, the Pincher Creek Community Band (where they both played clarinet), frequent dinner parties and community events. Lorne was also active in community affairs: serving a term on the Town Council; serving on the Board of the Pincher Creek Co-op; and active in the Royal Canadian Legion, the United Church and various local organizations. Lorne is survived by his wife of 76 years, Rhonda Maynard (Boughton) Collins; his four children, Shelagh (George Torbiak) Stefan, Ruth (Someshwar) Collins-Nakai, Elinor (Paul) Hobbs and Peter (Elizabeth) Collins; his seven grandchildren, Sean, Natasha, Rachel, Joshua, Sunil, Erin and Monica; his two great grand-children, Wesley and Sam; and many nieces and nephews. Lorne was an elegant gentleman who led a rich life for many years. He was a loving husband and a much-loved wonderful father, who will be greatly missed by his family. There will be no public memorial service for Lorne; the family will have a private remembrance for him, when his ashes are interred at the Pincher Creek Cemetery. The family thanks the staff at Adaptacare Personal Care Homes – Cedar Creek for their care of Lorne. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Canadian National Institute for the Blind, whose audiobooks brought Lorne much pleasure in his last years as his eyesight failed. Condolences can be sent to http://www.evergreenfh.ca

Keith Francis
1929 – 2019
Keith Evan Francis, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully in Taber on Tuesday, October 1, 2019 at the age of 90 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, October 11, 2019 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. and at the church prior to the funeral service on Saturday, October 12, 2019 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:40 A.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Besides Joan Francis (nee Bennion), his loving wife of sixty five years, Keith is survived by their six children Sandra (Bill) Valgardson of Taber, Bruce (Sandy) Francis of Taber, Connie (Granger) Low of Calgary, Allyson (Darryl) Christensen of Magrath, Mark (Melanie) Francis of Taber and Cameron (Nikki) Francis of Glenwood. He is also survived by twenty four grandchildren and thirty seven great grandchildren; two sisters Delores (Theron) Sommerfeldt and Kae Jolley; one brother Jack Francis; two sisters-in-law Dorothy Francis and Carol Francis; one brother-in-law Douglas (Kay) Bennion and numerous nieces and nephews.
He loved and faithfully served in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Keith was a proud farmer and rancher. He also loved the land and irrigation and served for forty six years on the Taber Irrigation Board.
His wife and family were the joy of his life and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

GODLONTON

1953-2019

It is with great sadness the family of CRAIG ERNEST GODLONTON, beloved husband of Sherry Godlonton, announce that he passed away in Calgary, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, September 29th at the age of 66.

Craig is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Sherry, 5 children and 15 grandchildren: Jamie (Jody) Godlonton and children: Wyatt, Cole, Levi Fonstad, Meaghan Kjersem; Kelsey (Steve) Blasco and children: Rylen, Ryder, Gage, Gaven, Harper; Dustin (Jessica) Godlonton and children: Gracie, Brody, Cooper; Tanner (Lindsay) Godlonton and children: Sloane, Drake; Leanne (Sean) Ramsey and daughter Sophie.

He is also survived by his siblings; Kirk (Judy-deceased) Godlonton, Cindee (Peter-deceased) Pauls, Darcy Godlonton, Wendy (Rick) Parkins, Stacey (Warren) Adamson, Jim (Sue) Godlonton; his Uncles, Robert (Sylvia) Pankhurst, and Mel (Frankie-deceased) Godlonton. Craig is also survived by his Mother-in-Law, Iris Chalmers, brother-in-law Rick (Raine) Chalmers and sister-in-law, Penny (Wendell) Webster, and a large extended family.

Craig was pre-deceased by his parents, Arnold and Shirley Godlonton, his niece Crystal Godlonton and her son Michael. He was also pre-deceased by his father-in-law, Bob Chalmers, brother-in-law Randy Chalmers and sister-in-law Patty Chalmers.

Craig was born in Lethbridge on January 21, 1953, the second son and second child of Arnold and Shirley Godlonton. He grew up on the family farm in Del Bonita. Craig attended Del Bonita school through grade 9 and then finished his grade 12 at the Cardston High School. He graduated from LCC in 1974. Craig married his High School Sweetheart in the Cardston Alberta Temple in June 1973.

Craig made friends easily and enjoyed serving others. He took that love of serving into his choice of careers. At the time of his passing, Craig was the Maintenance Supervisor at the Good Samaritans Society in Magrath. He could fix or figure out how to fix most anything which always came in handy. He loved the people he worked with and enjoyed visiting daily with the residents at the GSS. Craig loved the Town of Magrath and had served on Town Council for the past 11 years.

Craig was an avid lover of the outdoors and took every opportunity possible to pass along that love to his children and grandchildren. He spent many years guiding in the NWT and BC.

Craig left behind his greatest loves, his family. Most of the time when Craig walked out the back door, he was accompanied by at least one of his grandkids, whether it was to: take care of the horses, move the irrigation pipes, haul bales, repairing something, gopher hunting, riding quads on the five acres, playing the car game on the deck swing, sharpening skates, or one of this favourites, going to the “dump store” with his granddaughter.

Craig was a rock and a compass for his family, and his passing has left a huge void in the lives of his loved ones and those who knew him. This world is a better place because of him, and a much sadder place without him.

The Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Magrath Alberta Stake Center, 21 East 1 Avenue South, Magrath on Tuesday, October 8th at 2:00 pm. Friends can meet the family at the church from 7-8 on Monday, October 7th or from 1-1:45 pm prior to the service. Interment to follow in the Magrath Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Heart and Stroke Foundation in Craig’s name.

Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

HEYNEN, Evangeline Margaret (nee Peters)

October 18, 1944 – Coaldale, Alberta – September 26, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

Evangeline (Vangie) Heynen of Calgary, beloved wife of Jack, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 26, 2019 at the age of 74 years.

Vangie grew up in Lethbridge and attended the Galt School of Nursing, where she graduated as the class valedictorian in 1964. Daughter of Leander (Leo) and Margaret Peters (nee Odegard), she married Jack in 1967 which led them to Hamilton and Clinton, Ontario before settling in Calgary to raise a family. Vangie worked for over 30 years as a RN at the Bethany Care Centre, beloved by so many of her patients and their families. After retiring, she enjoyed her friends at TOPS, the Glenmore pool, a book club and, after suffering from several strokes, an Aphasia support group. An admirer of art and literature, she loved attending the Calgary Opera and Philharmonic, and various theatre productions. Her home was her castle, and reflected her love of beauty and warmth. Nothing brought Vangie greater pleasure than spending time with her children and grandchildren, celebrating holidays, rejoicing milestones, attending music recitals and picnicking. She cherished her friends and was always generous in her kindness and attention to others’ needs.

Her spirit having taken flight to meet the great Mystery Beyond, she leaves behind her loving husband of 52 years, her son Jeff (Parisa Rezaiefar) of Ottawa, daughter Sarah (Warren Brown) of Toronto, and sisters, Ruth Elzinga of Lethbridge and Faye Lothian of Chilliwack. She took comfort at the thought of re-uniting with her beloved cousin Linda Cohen and family and friends pre-deceased. She will be greatly missed by her grandchildren, Darya, Leila, Leo and Eva, who were richly blessed by Grandma’s boundless love. Grandma showered them with delights, sending care packages and baking jam-jams for them as her grandma (Esther Odegard) had for her.

In accordance with her wishes, there will be no funeral. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly Vangie’s favourite charity, Operation Smile Canada, https://operationsmile.ca/ Condolences may be forwarded through http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

“What we do for ourselves dies with us.

What we do for others and the world remains and is immortal.”

A tree will be planted in living memory of Evangeline Heynen. McInnis and Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

NELSON

Marvin Dale Nelson, beloved husband of Cheryl Nelson, passed away on Friday, September 27, 2019 in Lethbridge at the age of 74 years. Marv is survived by his wife, Cheryl, and her daughter Kelcie (Corby) Urban; grandchildren, Ariah and Rome. Born March 1, 1945, he was raised on the family farm at Del Bonita, AB and moved to Lethbridge where he worked as a sales/partsman. A kind, loving and gentle man, he will be remembered for his good nature and friendly smile by all who knew him. A Memorial Service will be held at on Thursday, October 10, 2019 at 1:00 pm. at Generations Funeral Home, 703 – 13 St N, Lethbridge, AB with Rev. Glenda Wert officiating.

SCHOOLER

ROBERT “BOB” GLEN SCHOOLER, beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, passed away after a lengthy and courageous fight on Sunday, September 22, 2019 at the age of 77 years.

A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, October 5, 2019 from 1:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.with Patrick Siedlecki officiating.

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

SEWERS

Sept. 12, 1926 – Sept. 30, 2019

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our Mom, KATHELLA (KATHY) MARY SEWERS—a loving and devoted mother and friend to all those lives she touched.

A life so beautifully lived deserves to be celebrated and remembered. Family and friends are invited to join us as we celebrate the life of our Mom at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 – 15 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 12:00 Noon with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating.

Mom will be laid to rest during a private service at Mountain View Cemetery.

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

THIELEN

RAYMOND THIELEN, beloved husband of Ann Thielen, passed away at the Milk River Health Centre on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the age of 90 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

TOMS, George Douglas (Doug)

March 12, 1954 – Vancouver, British Columbia

October 2, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

Doug Toms passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at the Foothills Medical Centre with his loving family by his side at the age of 65 years, after a three year struggle with Frontal Lobe Dementia. Doug was born and raised in Vancouver, BC and was always very athletic and excelled in many sports. He loved being outdoors and was an excellent Skier and loved a round of golf. Doug was very involved in his sons various sports, especially hockey and lacrosse. You could always find him encouraging from the sidelines or behind the bench coaching. Doug loved living in the community of Lake Sundance and fishing at the lake or enjoying long walks in Fish Creek with his faithful dogs Bandit and Rusty. Doug spent his entire career in the construction industry and retired in 2012 after spending twenty-eight years with Stuart Olson. He and Jolaine were able to enjoy several years golfing, travelling and spending time with their granddaughter. Besides his loving wife Jolaine (nee Eves), Doug is survived by his sons, Craig Douglas Toms and Tyler Jay (Karina) Toms; his precious granddaughter Karianna Jaylene Toms; his sisters, Marcia (Peter) Toms, Valerie (Ron) Smart and their children Brad, Bryan and Kathleen. Doug is also survived by his loving in-laws, Sharon Erickson, Beth (Dale) Leffingwell, Debbie (Bret) Hierath, Doug Eves and Lanai (Ron) Schamber; as well as numerous nieces and nephews and their family. Doug was predeceased by his parents, George and Doris; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law Ross and Bunny Eves; and brother-in-law Russ Erickson. A Celebration of Doug’s Life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be forwarded through http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to The Alzheimer Society of Alberta and the Northwest Territories, Administrative Office, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton AB T5H 4K1. Tel: (1-866) 950-5465, http://www.alzheimer.ab.ca. A tree will be planted in living memory of Douglas Toms. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB, T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Ryszard Urbaniec

1932 – 2019

Mr. Ryszard Urbaniec of Lethbridge passed away at St. Therese Villa on Thursday, October 3, 2019 at the age of 87 years. Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

NIVEN CHARLES WELLS

September 22, 1968

• September 30, 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved NIVEN CHARLES WELLS aka Noddles on September 30, 2019 at the age of 51.

Left to mourn his passing is his wife Stacey (Creighton) Wells, his children: Nona, Nolan & Kevy Wells, Karma Day Rider, Keanu & Shale Creighton, Kenzie Wells. His siblings: Bernis (Carly) Wells; Chester (Husky) Wells; April Davis; Albert Jr. Day Rider (Theo). His nieces and nephews: Cameron, Simone, Ashley Big Throat; Tyler Wells; Tristan & Braxton Wells; BJ (Bernis Jr) Rusk, Andee, Shelby & Kyra Wells; Dustin Many Fingers, Chassy Smith, Chico Smith, Buddy & Brooklyn Wells; Bailey; Kiaayo Wells; Alyssa & Michael Rabbit, Tia & Janaya Davis; Manny Day Rider – Singer and his only grandchild by Nona Wells – AJ (Adrian) Young Pine and adopted child Ryker Creighton. Father-in-law Sonny Many Fingers.

Niven was predeceased by his mother Jeanette Wells and father Chester Davis and older brother Rusty (Duane) Wells, his maternal grandparents Dick & Katie (Bull Shields) Wells; his paternal grandparents Edward Sr. & Jane Davis; Uncle Luke Wells and Aunt Patricia Bull Shields. Aunts: Olive Davis, Vivian Allen, Juanita Melting Tallow (Davis); Uncle Wilbert Davis. Cousins Kenny Wells, Marvin Wells, Jason Weasel Fat, Dick Wells, Myles Wells, Barbara Wells – Eagle Tail Feathers, Anita Melting Tallow, Brendan Brothen, Lloyd Davis. Mother-in-law Tammy Creighton and Aunt Sharon Creighton.

Niven was born September 22, 1968 at the Blood Indian Hospital to the late Chester Davis and the late Jeanette Wells. He was raised and lived on the Blood Reserve. Niven was currently employed with Red Crow Community College in the Maintenance department and was also a student the Agriculture program.

Niven will be sadly missed his Uncle Richard (Geraldine) Wells, Auntie Bertha Weasel Fat, Uncle Daniel Weasel Fat; Auntie Dolly (Sarah) Wells; Wesley (Jeanie) Davis, Karen Smith, Thelma Davis and all his cousins from his Davis and Wells families; Day Rider and Creighton families.

Niven’s memory will live on in our hearts. The family apologizes if we have missed anyone.

A Candle Light Service will be at the Site on Saturday, October 5th at 6:00 p.m. The Family Service will be at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Sunday, October 6th at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Wake Service at White Calf Hall, Stand Off from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. . The Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Monday, October 7th at 11:00 a.m.

Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

WEST

It is with tremendous sadness that the family of Robert Dale West mourn his passing in Edmonton on October 2, 2019 at the age of 86 years. He was a beloved son, brother, uncle, father, grandfather, and teacher; his loss is felt by family, friends and most of all by his children and grandchildren.

At his request there will be no service. However, to share a memory or message of condolence please email robertdalewest@gmail.com

Master Ian Zamudio

2015 – 2019

Ian Zamudio, beloved son of Salvador Zamudio and Diana Flores, and little brother of Sara and David Zamudio, passed away in the embrace of family on September 27th, 2019 at the age of 4, following a 3-year battle with cancer. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm, on Saturday, October 5, 2019, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Eva Stanley, officiating.

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

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