THURSDAY, December 5, 2019

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 5, 2019.

Bob Bassett
1939 – 2019
Robert Clarence Bassett, beloved husband of Sharon Bassett, passed away peacefully with his family by his side in Taber on Tuesday, December 3, 2019 at the age of 80 years.
A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden on Friday, December 6, 2019. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Bob is survived by Sharon his loving wife of over fifty years; children Greg (Tracy) Bassett of Courtney, British Columbia; Rick (Kerry) Bassett of Welling and their child Mason; Doug Bassett (deceased) and his daughter Sara (Chris) Szentes of Lethbridge (their children Gavyn and Maden); Rob (Shelly) Bassett of Taber and their children Tannis and Shondi; Tracey (Brad) Matlock of Coaldale and their children Brandi (Jorin) and Brett; Bonnie (Brad) Fallon of Taber and their children Darcie (Stuart) Tams (their children Sawyer, Fallon and Sutton) and Megan; Dennis Bassett of Mara Lake, British Columbia and his son Boston; daughter-in-law Wanda Bassett; Shirley Bassett (mother of Greg, Doug and Rick). He is also survived by his sister Connie (Ronald) Valgardson; mother-in-law Arlene “Sis” Wills; brother-in-law Richard (Sandy) Brown; sisters-in-law Lorraine (Al) Byrne, Charlene (Gerry) Olsen and Nan Brown (Marty Matthews) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his son Doug Bassett; father Clarence Bassett; mother Mildred Bassett Roach; step-father Jack Roach; father-in-law Vern Brown and step father-in-law Stan Wills.
Bob was born March 19, 1939 in Taber to Clarence and Mildred Bassett. After high school he went into the police force for ten years. At the age of twenty three he was appointed the Police Chief of Raymond, making him the youngest Chief in Alberta. After retiring from the police service he pursued many careers, primarily in sales. He was with TRC for twenty five years. He often said “my customers rapidly became my friends.” Wherever Bob ventured he was blessed with a wide circle of friends. He was a great listener with a great sense of humour and the ability to always brighten your day. Bob was a major advocate for getting the Raymond ice arena built. He enjoyed many years of travelling with his wife, early morning coffee with friends as well playing and coaching hockey and baseball. He was honored by receiving the “Coach of the Year” award. Bob also enjoyed watching the Lethbridge Hurricanes and live horse racing. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa, papa and papa-great.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bob’s name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 – 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 (www.tdhf.ca).
The family would like to thank the staff at the Taber Hospital and Linden View for their kind care.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

RODNEY DEAN BIG BULL

Rodney “Rods” Dean Big Bull aged 62, passed away peacefully on November 29, 2019 at Lethbridge Regional Hospital.

A Prayer Service will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home in Pincher Creek at 10:00 AM on Thursday December 5th, 2019. A wake service will immediately follow at the Snodgrass Chapel and shall continue until 11:00 PM that evening.

There will be a procession on Friday December 6th, 2019 at 10:30 AM from the Snodgrass Funeral Home to the Piikani Hall. The service will commence at the Piikani Hall at 11:00 AM immediately followed by burial at the Brocket Cemetery in Piikani Nation. Family and friends invite you to join them in a meal after the burial which will take place at the Piikani Hall.

Snodgrass Funeral Home is assisting the Big Bull family with funeral arrangements, (403) 627-4864.

Colleen Doubinin

1956 – 2019

Ms. Colleen Doubinin of Lethbridge passed away suddenly on, Tuesday, November 19, 2019, at the age of 63 years. A private family service will be held.

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

Helena “Norah” Hawn

1919 – 2019

It is with sadness that we say goodbye to Mrs. (Helena) Norah Hawn, beloved wife of the late Dr. E. J. (Bob) Hawn. Norah passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa, on December 2, 2019 at the age of 100 years. Norah came to Canada in 1945 as a war bride. The family moved to Lethbridge in 1950. She served in many volunteer capacities in her community of Lethbridge including: a founding member of Meals on Wheels, Lethbridge Kiwanis and Kinettes, the Lethbridge Symphony Association, Multiple Sclerosis Society and the Lethbridge Symphony Women’s League. She was President of the Regional Hospital Auxiliary Association. She served as Chairwoman and Board Member of the Chinook Regional Hospital Board from 1977 to 1992, overseeing the construction of the Chinook Regional Hospital. She was named a Woman of Distinction in 1988 by the YWCA. Mum’s faith sustained her always. She was a long-time member of St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, where she served in numerous capacities. She is survived by her daughters Sheila (Alan), and Catherine (Dave Robertson); grandchildren Dan Poxon, Darial Poxon, Karen (Darren) Smith, Matt Pisko (Erin), Lindsay Ganske (Lance), Alanna Johnson (Kelly), Trent Matson (Robyn); great-grandchildren Caleb and Abi Poxon, Scott and Ethan Smith, Spence, Mackay and Madeline Matson, Hudson and Alex Pisko, and Mason Ganske. Also she leaves the following extended family: Peter (Valerie) Clarke, their children James (Samantha) Clarke , Richard (Jennie) Clarke , Poppy and Emme, Henry, Bobby and Tom Clarke, Roger Pike, Sarah Pike (Sebastien Stewart), their children Julien and Sadie, Emma Staples (Robin), Peter Staples-and her nephew James Hawn. You were all cherished by Mum. She was predeceased by her daughter Jennifer Orritt; niece Christine Pike and Norah’s beloved twin sister Sheila. The twins are together again. A Celebration of Mum’s Life will be held in the spring of 2020. A service will be held at St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, with a private interment for family and invited guests. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, the family requests any donations be directed to the MS Society, 724 13 St N, Lethbridge, AB T1H 2T1, or CNIB, 10 11a St NE, Calgary, AB T2E 4Z3, or a charity of your choice.

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

HEALY

GILBERT HEALY, 82, passed away in Fort Macleod on November 30th, 2019.

A Family Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, Dec.. 6th at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Wake Service at the Old Agency Hall, Blood Reserve from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be at the Old Agency Hall on Saturday, Dec. 7th at 11:00 a.m.

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

Ross Allan McCune

1934 – 2019

Mr. Ross Allan McCune of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Adeline McCune, passed away at the Good Samaritans Park Meadows, on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, at the age of 85 years. Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

MOSER, ANNA

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of ANNA MOSER, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend; passed away on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at the age of 93 at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary.

She will be remembered and sadly missed by her two daughters: Linda (Steve) Egilsson, Helena (Ron) Clysdale and her two sons: John Moser and Bill (Sue) Moser; four grandchildren Scott Clysdale, Brandon Moser, Serena Moser and Alexandra Moser, numerous nieces and nephews, their families and friends.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband (John) of 50 years, her parents, a sister and four brothers.

Anna was well known for her happy outlook, generosity and the warm welcome given to all her family and friends.

A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, on Saturday, December 7th at 11:00 A.M., with The Reverend Canon Erin Phillips officiating. Private interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Following the interment, a reception will be held at Cornerstone Funeral Home.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Rockyview Hospital, General Health Trust (7007 – 14 Street S.W., Calgary, AB, T2V 1P9).

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

NOBLE

BRYAN ANDREW NOBLE, beloved husband of Carol Noble, of Nobleford, passed away at home, on Sunday, December 1, 2019 at the age of 68 years.

A Celebration of Bryan’s life will be held at the NOBLEFORD COMMUNITY COMPLEX (The Blue Whale), 122 Kipp Street, Nobleford, AB, on Saturday, December 7, 2019 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hockey 4 Youth (https://hockey4youth.org/donate)

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

DELORES FRANCIS SOMMERFELDT

1924 – 2019

Delores Francis Sommerfeldt passed away serenely on November 29, 2019, at the age of 95, and at the peaceful end of a full and rewarding life, focused on her family. A beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she will be dearly missed by her devoted husband of 71 years, Theron, her five loving children, Don (Susan), Drew (Valerie), Craig (Sharon), Scott (Lisa) and Tana (Jerry Buss), her foster daughter, Diana Baptiste, her 19 grandchildren, her 46 great- grandchildren, her sister Kae Jolley, her brother Jack, her sisters-in-law Dorothy Francis, Carol Francis, Joan Francis, Venice Harris, Elna Hall and Joy Chatterton, and many other extended-family members. Born (in 1924) and raised in Taber, Alberta, Delores was the oldest daughter of Edwin and Evaline Francis, with whom she is now reunited. She has also rejoined her sister Jean, her brothers Howard, Doug, Rell, Dean, Ron, Albert and Keith, and her daughter-in-law Marci. World War II interrupted her dream to attend Brigham Young University, so she went to normal school in Calgary to become a teacher. She taught school at Fawcett, Vauxhall and Cranford (where she was also the principal). She continued to teach throughout her life as a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. After the War, realizing her dream, Delores attended BYU, where she studied voice and piano, graduating with a B.A. in music. At her graduation, she received the Gold Music Award, as outstanding female vocalist. A gifted soprano, she delighted audiences, and continued in her love of singing and music, with her vocal performances at BYU, Lethbridge Musical Theatre, other choirs and ensembles, and numerous solo performances. A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Delores loved to serve in the Relief Society and other Church organizations, where she held a variety of callings over the years. Highlights of her church service were the 18-month mission that she and Theron fulfilled in Austria in 1990-92, and their service for many years as ordinance workers in the Cardston Alberta Temple. At BYU she was a member of the Lambda Delta Sigma sorority. Delores honoured her pioneer heritage and was a member of the Daughters of Utah Pioneers. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge on Thursday, December 5, 2019, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and at the church the next day, Friday, December 6, 2019, between 10:00 a.m. and 10:40 a.m., before the funeral service. The funeral service will be held at the Lethbridge Stake Centre of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2410 – 28 Street South, Lethbridge, on Friday, December 6, 2019, commencing at 11:00 a.m. The interment will follow at the Archmount Cemetery, 2710 Westside Drive West, Lethbridge.

To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

TANAKA

TOSHIKO TANAKA died December 2, 2019 after a brief illness. Born November 22, 1918, she had just celebrated her 101st birthday.

She was predeceased by her husband Genye “Gene.” She is survived by her six children: Tomiye “Tammy” Tanaka of New York City, Eichi (Betty) Tanaka of Lethbridge; Masaye Tanaka of Calgary; David (Linda) Tanaka, Dorene Gordon and Terry Tanaka, all of Lethbridge; five grandchildren (Darcee Richardson, Kelly (Jeanne) Tanaka, Nikki Gordon, Dionne Gordon, Tracey (Ron) Parent; six great grandchildren (Anthony Richardson, Kristen Richardson, Victoria (Curtis) Doeve, Kynan Gordon, Kaiden Tanaka, Dylan Tanaka) and two great-great grandchildren (Drea Doeve, Mia Doeve). She was predeceased by siblings Shoji Koyata, Natsuko Sawada, Mae Sasaki, Minoru Koyata and Hikoza Koyata and is survived by three siblings; Takeshi “Ted” Koyata of Lethbridge; Fumiko Sekiya of Edmonton and Isamu “Sam” Koyata of Toronto; and many nieces and nephews.

Toshiko’s parents, Takejiro and Isa Koyata, immigrated to Alberta from Japan in the early 1900s and homesteaded along the Milk River Ridge south of Raymond, Alberta. Toshiko was born there, the oldest of nine Koyata children. She attended public school at Mammoth, at two-room school on the prairies. In later years she completed her high school education.

When Toshiko was 17 she was working as a cook for a threshing crew when one of the young workers caught her eye. That young man, Genye “Gene” Tanaka, would become her husband and partner for life. They were married and raised six children. In the early 1960s the Tanakas moved to Lethbridge and Toshiko joined the urban workforce. She became a diet clerk with the Lethbridge Municipal Hospital, a position she held until her retirement.

Growing up when the western prairies were still new, Toshiko developed an independent and optimistic spirit, traits she held all her life and something she tried to pass on to her children. As a child of Japanese immigrants, she always managed to hold in perfect balance her love of Canadian lifestyle and her respect for Japanese traditions. For many years she demonstrated a little-known Japanese artform called bonseki (sand painting) during Heritage Days and at the Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, she performed traditional Japanese dancing and was a member of the Momiji Dance Group in Lethbridge, and created Japanese flower arrangements (Ikebana) for the Nikka Yuko pavilion for many years.

Toshiko was a member of the Southern Alberta Writers’ Workshop in the 1990s and her stories of life on the prairies appear in the published volume Prairie Patchwork Two. She also wrote a series of articles on the life of Japanese-Canadians in southern Alberta for Toronto-based Japanese Canadian newspapers. She was also on the organizing committee for Nishiki, a book documenting the history of the Japanese-Canadian experience in Southern Alberta.

Funeral Services will be held Friday December 6, 2019 at 11:00 am at the BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA, with family visitation beginning at 10:00 am. Koden is respectfully declined.

Toshiko’s family would like to thank everyone at Garden View Lodge for making her final years rich, comfortable and safe. They would also like to thank the staff in 4C wing at Chinook Regional Hospital and St. Michael’s Health Centre for their kindness during Toshiko’s last few days; and to Salmon and Sons Funeral Home for their help in making final arrangements.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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