TUESDAY, March 29, 2022

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 29, 2022.

AMUNDSEN

It is with great sadness that the family of Blair Amundsen, born September 3, 1943 in Edmonton, Alberta, announce his passing on March 18, 2022. Blair is survived and will be fondly remembered by his wife and best friend of 54 years, Nancy, children, Ian (Zena), Julie, and Eric (Carolyn), and 4 grandchildren Mikayla, Isabelle, Owen, and Dylan, as well as his brother, Peter (Fran), many nieces and nephews, and his loyal companion, Rondo.

Blair grew up in Michel, BC and then attended the University of Alberta where he completed his fellowship in Urology in 1974. He then moved to Lethbridge where he practiced until his retirement in 2009. Caring for his patients and interacting with the local medical community was a true passion for Blair. When he spoke of his time as a Doctor, it was with a smile on his face.

At the young age of 12, Blair obtained his ham radio license – a hobby he enjoyed his entire life. He also enjoyed photography, flying, welding, model trains, computer science, and his most recent interest, 3D printing. He played the cello in the Lethbridge Symphony Orchestra for over 2 decades and then in the Crowsnest Pass Symphony when he moved to the area in 2008.

In spite of his many hobbies and accomplishments, Blair was a man of humility. His favorite pastime was hiking on his property with his dog and family. He passed away quietly after a brief battle with cancer with his family by his side facing the view that he loved from his home near Cowley.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Crowsnest Pass Symphony Orchestra PO Box 567 Blairmore AB T0K 0E0, or a charity of your choosing. A gathering to celebrate Blair Amundsen’s life may be held at a later date.

ANDERSON

Carol Anne Anderson (Peck), age 74, passed away on March 24, 2022

in Calgary, AB, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Her family was by her side. Carol’s spirit was strong, her laugh was extraordinary, and her heart always full of love.

Carol was born to George and Mary Peck in Edmonton, AB, on May 1, 1947; the eldest of four children. Raised in Wetaskiwin, AB, she moved to Red Deer, AB, after completing high school. She married Bruce Anderson in Red Deer on January 8, 1972. Together they lovingly raised two daughters – Jennifer and Jane – in Lethbridge, AB.

Carol lived her life with intelligence, kindness, and humour. She was proud to have worked at the Lethbridge College for more than 25 years in various roles until her retirement in 2009.

Carol adored her many friends and cherished the fun adventures they had together. She loved the outdoors: walking, biking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Art and music fed her soul; She could dance the night away to any of her favourite songs. Her family and friends knew her as Christmas Carol and her spirit will always shine through at this wondrous time of year.

Carol was preceded in death by her father George, brothers George and Clifton, and her mother Mary. She is survived by her husband Bruce, her two children Jennifer (partner Mark) and Jane (husband Ryan), her two grandchildren Lucy and Eve, and her sister Catherine.

Carol’s family will host a private celebration of life at a later date.

For those who so choose, donations to commemorate Carol’s life may be directed to the Mindful Munchies school lunch program at the Lethbridge Food Bank, or the Alzheimer Society of Alberta.

The world is a better place because of you Carol. We love and miss

you.

Donald Anderson

1943 – 2022

Mr. Donald Anderson of Picture Butte and loving spouse of Ms. Geri Mott, passed away at home in Picture Butte on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at the age of 79 years.

Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

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

Joe Badura

1944 – 2022

 Joseph Florian Charles Badura, passed away in Taber on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the age of 77 years.

 Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 3:00 P.M.

 The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Thursday, March 31, 2022 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.

 Those who wish to view the service may do so by visiting Joe’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Thursday, March 31, 2022. The livestream will start at 11:00 A.M.

 Joe is survived by his two children Andrew Badura and Michele (Steve) Straga both of Taber, his grandchildren Tiana (Greg) Schneider and Taylor Straga (Everett Blakley). He will also be remembered by his special friend Judy Workman; his brother Frank (Virginia) Badura; his sisters Mary Kusalik, Lydia (Henry) Brecka, Ann Cudrak, Mildred (Peter) Braat, Helen Zadnik and Rose Badura; sisters-in-law Mary Badura and Nina Skretting; brother-in-law Jake Braat and by numerous nieces and nephews.

 He was predeceased by his parents Florian and Frances Badura; his brothers Charlie Badura and Johnny Badura; his sisters Beth Braat and Francis (John) Pavka; brothers-in-law Joe Kusalik, Frank Cudrak, Steve Zadnik and by his first wife Patricia Ann Powell.

 Joe was born on April 16, 1944 to Florian and Frances Badura. He was raised on a farm Southeast of Taber. He grew up in a large family with twelve children. Joe valued family and enjoyed Sunday drives to visit his brothers and sisters and their families.

 Joe was initiated into the Knights of Columbus on Feb 9, 1964 and was a proud Knight for the rest of his life. Although he wasn’t as active in the Knights of Columbus in his later years, it was something he always held dear to him.

 The 1980s proved to be challenging to farming, so he took a job with Hostess Frito-Lay to supplement his income. He retired at the age of sixty five and cherished the friendships he made while he worked there. During that time, he rented his farmland out but continued living on the farm until 1990 when he settled in town, but always longed for the country life.

 Joe was also passionate about being a bus driver. He started driving in 1978 and was known for spoiling the children on his route with 7-11 slurpees and chips, from his job at Hostess Frito-Lay.

 Joe was very outgoing and sociable. He could sit and visit with anyone and made many special friendships this way. He had a knack for memorizing phone numbers and birthdays. He always made sure that he called his family and friends to wish them a happy birthday. He was an active participant of the Lethbridge Singles Club where his friendship was enjoyed by everyone.

 Shortly into retirement, Joe was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He became involved in fundraising with the Parkinson’s SuperWalk and was proud to be the top Lethbridge and District fundraising team of 2013, 2014 and 2015.

 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Joe’s name may be made directly to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120, 6835 Railway Street SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 2V6 (http://www.parkinsonassociation.ca).

The past couple years have been difficult for Joe. His family would like to thank the compassionate staff of Linden View and the Taber Health Centre for all the care he has received through this time.

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

Sharon Ann Bray

1949 – 2022

Mrs. Sharon Ann Bray of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Douglas Frank Bray passed away unexpectedly in her home on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at the age of 72 years.

Sharon was born in Fernie, BC where her father worked in the coal mining industry. Her parents moved to Calgary when she was six years old. There she met her life partner Doug, who lived just a few blocks away. After dating for a few years, they were married in the same city on August 4, 1968. They moved to Vancouver the next year where Sharon worked at a Credit Union branch while Doug was employed at the University of British Columbia. A year later they moved to Lethbridge where Doug began employment at the UofL and Sharon found work at the local Savings and Credit Union. They loved Lethbridge and quickly became part of the community. Three years later they moved to New Zealand for a year and then back to Lethbridge in the fall of 1974. Doug resumed his job at the UofL while Sharon obtained a position at the Alberta Motor Association as a travel accountant where she worked until her retirement.

Sharon never had a problem obtaining employment anywhere she went. She was a whiz with numbers. In New Zealand they hired her on the spot after she passed the account balancing exam with flying colors. Her memory was legendary. She routinely tabulated the cost of grocery items in her head while shopping and her totals were rarely off, even for a full cart. She believed in recognizing special occasions, sending cards almost daily to family and friends, and always with a personal note.

Travelling was a passion for Sharon. Her and Doug travelled extensively, visiting Asia, Mexico, Fiji, Hawaii, the western US, and all of Canada and New Zealand. She was very proud of the fact that they were “travellers” until age forced them to become tourists. Prior to Covid-19, they explored the Mayan Riviera where they had numerous adventures, including being shaken down by the local constabulary – not something most people look forward to in their late 60’s. Puerto Aventuras was their favorite destination in Mexico.

Few people knew that Sharon was an accomplished piano player as she was too timid to play in public. She particularly excelled at music theory and achieved the top level while still a teenager. Unfortunately, arthritis restricted her ability to play over the past few years.

She believed in community service and sat on many committees throughout her children’s school years. While working at the AMA she served as the manager of a senior’s apartment complex for the London Road Neighborhood Association. She regularly volunteered her time for charities and was a big advocate of microfinancing, supporting over a hundred small businesses through Kiva over the past several years.

She loved flowers, sunrises and sunsets. She believed in making every day worthwhile.

She was truly an inspiration to her family and close friends. She was a good woman who will be missed but never forgotten.

Besides her loving husband Douglas, Sharon is survived by her daughter Marissa (Ghislain) Bolduc; son Jordan Bray; grandchildren Brandon (10) and Brittany (7); and sister Susan Thomas of Calgary, AB.

She was predeceased by her parents Fildy and Kathryn Dukart.

A private Celebration of Sharon’s Life will be held at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Lethbridge Food Bank 1016 2 Ave South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0C9, or the Interfaith Food Bank, 1103 3rd Ave North, Lethbridge AB TIH 0H7

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

Elaine Harrison

1931 – 2022

Mrs. Elaine Harrison of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. William Harrison, passed away at Good Samaritans Park Meadows on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at the age of 91 years.

Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

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

HYDER

MARTIN HYDER, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mary Hyder, passed away at home on Monday, March 21, 2022 at the age of 80 years.

A Celebration of Martin’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. with Patrick Siedlecki officiating. The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Martin’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Dr. Peter Maclean

1953 – 2022

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing on March 22,2022 of our father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend Peter MacLean.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at a Viewing from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Celebration Reception will be held at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity of your choice in memory of Peter.

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

Lilian Pohjakas

1928 – 2022

Mrs. Lilian Pohjakas of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Kaljo Pohjakas, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Friday, March 18, 2022, at the age of 93 years.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at FREE GRACE FELLOWSHIP, 1807 AB-2A, Lethbridge, AB T1H 0G4.

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

ROWLAND

Darwin (Dag) Allen Rowland passed away on March 27th at the age of 60, in Milk River, AB.

He is survived by his best friend and companion Wendy Torscher, his mother Bonnie (Boomer) Rowland of Milk River, son Cory Rowland of Milk River, sister Darcell (Don LeCain) Rowland of Milk River, brother Dewey (Jill) Rowland and children, Shelby and Tyler of Red Deer, as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

He was predeceased by his father Gilbert Rowland.

Dag was the first child born to Bonnie and Gilbert Rowland on November 19, 1961 in Raymond AB. He lived in Milk River where he worked for Vornbrock construction for over 25 years before going out on his own. He took great pride in his work.

Dag enjoyed his golf and bowling in which he won many trophies. He had a huge heart and loved to make everyone laugh. He will be greatly missed by his family and those that knew him.

A private family service will be held at a later date.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Barbara Terajewicz

1935 – 2022

Mrs. Barbara Terajewicz of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Kazimierz Terajewicz, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the age of 86 years.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Friday, April 1, 2022 at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.

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

VACZY

JOZSEF “JOE” VACZY, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Gizella Vaczy, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital with family at his side, on Thursday, March 24, 2022, at the age of 90 years.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.

Joe will be laid to rest privately in Mountain View Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

WICHERS

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith –

and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God –

not by works so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9

CYRIL MYNARD WICHERS, on March 25, 2022 at the age of 76, went home to his faithful Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Cyril was born in Lethbridge, Alberta on September 21, 1945 at the Galt Hospital, the 4th child to Dirk and Johanna Wichers. Cyril lived and worked on the family farm in Nobleford, Alberta. He attended Noble Central School. After graduation he worked at Canadian Freightways and Noble Blade. He married the love of his life, Anna Van Roon on November 9, 1968. Together they took over the family farm and built a dairy farm from 1974 till 1996. They were blessed with one son and three daughters; Calvin, Tanya, Deanna and Paula. After retiring from the farm, he continued to work at agricultural interests, including Evcon Farm Supplies and L.A.Grain.

Cyril had a unique bass voice. He loved to sing. Cyril sang with the Barbershop chorus, Noble Four Quartet and Lethbridge Christian Men’s Choir. The last 4 months were difficult for Cyril as his shortness of breath prevented him from singing. He would listen to music any chance he got and would comment that he was singing in his head. This brought us all great comfort and joy. Family was very important to Cyril and over the years there were many celebrations and family trips together including yearly picnics in Waterton.

Cyril is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Anna Wichers, and their children, Tanya Wichers (Brian), Deanna (Edward) Duffhues, Paula (Trevor) Haugen. He was Poppy to nine grandchildren whom he loved and cherished: Jonathan, Jason, Curtis, Zachary, Cyra, Spencer, Dylan, Kirsten and Mikaela. He is also survived by his brother Dennis (Barb) Wichers and sister Bev (Arie) Korver and sister-in-law Leida (Herman) Salomons, Siblings-in-law: Reit Scheffer, Audrey Kolk, Casey (Heidi) Van Roon, John (Elvina) Van Roon and Peter (Wilma) Van Roon and numerous nephews and nieces. Cyril was predeceased by his son Calvin Cyril (1971), parents Dirk and Johanna Wichers and brothers Herman Wichers and John (Doris) Wichers.

As a family, we would like to thank all the amazing medical staff both in Calgary and in Lethbridge for taking care of Cyril over the last 7 years during his cancer fight. Their compassionate care touched Cyril deeply.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Cyril’s memory to the Canada Food Grains Bank – Box 767, Winnipeg Manitoba R3C 2L4.

Family, friends and neighbours are invited to a Celebration of Cyril’s Life at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH – 260 McGill Blvd. West, Lethbridge AB on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 1:00 P.M. with beloved friend, Pastor Jim Zondervan officiating. The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Cyril’s obituary on the Cornerstone website and also on the Maranatha Church Website at http://tinyurl.com/MaranathaCRC

Cyril will be laid to rest during a Private Family Graveside Ceremony that will be held at a later date.

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

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