January 10th, 2025

Wednesday, November 16, 2022


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on November 16, 2022.

WILLIS, Kenneth WILLIS Kenneth Willis passed away peacefully on November 13, 2022 at St Therese Villa in Lethbridge. He is survived by his son Adrian Dawson, daughter Karen Hagen, twin sister Vivienne Powell Thomas, his nephew Paul John Crane and nieces Janet Nutting and Vivienne Scott.
Born in Liverpool, England in 1945, Kenneth grew up in challenging circumstances which unfortunately affected much of the remainder of his life. Ken did not grow up with much in the way of material possessions. As chance would have it, Ken and his sister Vivienne did end up fighting a boy named Richard Starkey (who later changed his name to Ringo Starr) over some logs in a scrap yard, according to family legend, which is a tale that gets better with each telling. Ken lived in London in the 1960s (in the heyday of Mod culture – but we will never know for certain if he was a Mod or a Rocker) and came to Canada in 1963. He met and married his first wife Eleanor Kane (“Ellie”, mother of Adrian). Ken and Ellie parted and Ken later married Judith Barbara Fredericks (mother of Karen). Ken and Barb divorced in 1994. Ken had a long relationship with Carrie Schow for many years, however they parted ways in the 2000s.
Although Ken loved England and missed it very much, he was also very proud to be a Canadian citizen and never hesitated to mention that he lived in “the best country in the world”. On a trip to England, Ken intentionally went by the small village of “Canada” to get his picture taken at the city sign.
Ken’s favourite hobbies and activities were travelling, his model train set (majority British models with a few CP engines for variety), online shopping and playing games on his phone. Ken dearly cared for his grandchildren, Evelyn and Oscar and loved giving them Christmas gifts. Ken visited England and his family many times throughout his life and was able to achieve his dream to visit Venice in the 2000s. Ken also visited France a number of times and was particularly fond of his visit to a French village called Wissant.
Ken had many struggles throughout his life with mental health and had a hard time with relationships, and as such did not have many friends. His closest friend Martin Russel has remained in touch with him throughout the years and his nephew Paul Crane and twin sister Vivienne were his closest confidants in the last years of his life.
Ken’s passing is bittersweet, as it brings to a close a 2 year journey with dementia and many unexpected challenges, but it is with relief that we know he is finally at rest and is suffering from this cruel disease and his past traumas no longer.
The family would like to express their gratitude to everyone involved in Ken’s care in these last few years including the staff at Wetaskiwin and Taber hospitals and St Therese Villa, his homecare nurse Melissa, his physician Dr M. Steed, the many health professionals who contributed to his assessment and care during the last 2 years.
In Lieu of flowers, the family asks for a donation to the Canadian Mental Health Association or the Canadian Alzheimer’s Society.
To share condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
WIERSMA, Dwight WIERSMA It is with great sadness we announce that on Saturday, November 5, 2022, DWIGHT WIERSMA, loving husband and father of three children, unexpectedly passed away at the age of 49 years.
Dwight is survived by his wife, Kelsey Wiersma, and his three children, Elisabeth, Lee and Lucas. He is also survived by his siblings, Lorry (Murray) Dorren, James (Deb) Wiersma and Cindy (Mark) Matheson along with numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Dwight was predeceased by his mother Elisabeth, his father William, his grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was born May 6, 1973 in Lethbridge, AB to parents William and Elisabeth Wiersma. He grew up in Lethbridge with his three siblings. In 2008, Dwight met his wife, Kelsey. They moved to Coalhurst, AB later that year where they raised their family.
Those who knew Dwight knew he was passionate about the outdoors and spent much of his time hunting, fishing and camping. He loved his children and wife and enjoyed sharing his love of the outdoors with them. His passing has left a void in their lives that will be impossible to fill.
A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BEVERS, Deena BEVERS DEENA LAREE BEVERS, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Maurice Bevers, passed away peacefully at the St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit on Friday November 11, 2022 at the age of 65 years.
Besides her beloved husband of 33 years, Maurice, Deena is survived by her children: Jennifer (Pat) Rasmussen and their children Shelbie, Logan, Morgan and Dylan; Amy (Jeff) Sodtke and their children Kaden, Chase and Parker; Mitch Bevers and Trevor (Chalsey) Bevers. She also leaves behind her beloved dog “Chewy”, as well as two sisters, Valerie (Dennis) Beasley and Donna Casson (Garry Thate).
Deena was predeceased by her parents, Bruce and Dorothy Balderson and her brother Brent Balderson.
Deena loved being on the farm; she enjoyed the openness and walking with her puppies. Everywhere she went on the farm, the dogs and cats were sure to be following her. She fiercely loved her family, and especially loved gathering for dinners and spending time with her husband, children and grandchildren. She was an active volunteer for many organizations in and around the city and was very passionate about helping those in need.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Deena, donations may be made to the Friends of the Chinook Regional Hospital (FCRH): 403-388-6289
At Deena’s request, no formal Funeral Service will take place.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SCHALLHORN, Alan ALAN SCHALLHORN 1937 – 2022 Mr. Alan Schallhorn of Lethbridge, beloved companion of Pam Salisbury, passed away at Raymond Health Centre on Friday, November 11, 2022 at the age of 85 years.
Alan is survived by his sister Beryl (Don) Fisher. He is predeceased by his mother and father Hilda and Roy Schallhorn.
A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 AM, on Friday, November 18, 2022, at Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MISTAKEN CHIEF, Kira MISTAKEN CHIEF KIRA HELANA ANN MISTAKEN CHIEF, beloved infant daughter of Allen Jr. (AJ) Mistaken Chief and Sequoia Simon, passed away on November 6, 2022 in Lethbridge, AB.
A Funeral Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Saturday, November 19 at 11:00 am.
To send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
MERCER, Kinley KINLEY RACHEL MERCER Apr. 10, 2022 – Nov. 12, 2022 With profound sadness and heavy hearts, the family of Kinley Rachel Mercer share of her passing on Saturday November 12, 2022, at the age of seven months. Kinley passed away peacefully in her parents’ arms, comforted by the love of her family.
Born on April 10, 2022, Kinley is loved by all who had the pleasure of meeting her. She spent her short life surrounded by family; camping, giggling, and playing super girl with her big sister Oaklynn. Kinley was happy, curious, and sweet-tempered. At 4 months old Kinley was diagnosed with a rare form of kidney cancer and began treatment right away. She was brave, strong, and courageous and continually surprised all with her ability to fight.
We would like to thank the phenomenal team of medical professionals at the Alberta Children’s Hospital and Rotary Flames House.
Kinley will be lovingly remembered by her parents Peter and Tristin Mercer, sister Oaklynn, dog Dex; grandparents, Rod and Lori Adamson, Iain and Janet Mercer; great-grandfather Larry Adamson; great-grandmother Elsa Wever as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Welcomed into heaven by great grandparents Alex and Joan Rachel Mercer; Rients Wever; Arlene Adamson and Doug and Shirra Main.
Kinley will always be a reminder to smile, love fiercely and be present. Her legacy will live on through acts of kindness and love.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday November 19th, 2022, at 2:30pm at the MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH 260 McGill Blvd W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 4C6.
In lieu of flowers, donations would be gratefully accepted in Kinley’s memory to:
Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation – Kinley’s Quest to Cure the Kids https://my.childrenshospital.ab.ca/fundraiser/4140180 OR Kid’s Cancer Care Foundation – Kinley’s Quest to Cure the Kids
https://www.zeffy.com/en-CA/team/ff7fe15f-165f-48fb-bc12-9f498f4f2c3e?fbclid=IwAR2fBC8bdh7TakfWlGnlU5Vkvf-W4v2S-Xa7pHW_8MNOhSWHy6A5_wzxjms

WALKER, David WALKER DAVID JOHN WALKER, passed away peacefully November 13 , 2022 at Lee Crest in Cardston, Alberta surrounded by loved ones at the age of 83 .
Dave was predeceased by his wife Opal Walker.
Left behind to mourn him are his wife Carol, his children Deb Roberts (George Erickson) Ian Walker, Karen Merrill (Mitch), Lori Thomson (Roger), Tracy Millward (Kelly) and Judy Ratke (Mark). He is also survived by his 19 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.
Dave was an avid hunter, a cowboy and a family man.
A celebration of his amazing life will be held at the Hill Spring Community Centre, on Sunday, November 20, 2022. Family and close friends are invited to come and enjoy great food and great company, two of his favourite things. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the charity of your choice in his honour.
To send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
TYMENSEN, June June Lois Tymensen Jun. 2, 1943 ~ Nov. 11, 2022 June Lois Tymensen passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family at the age of 79 years.
June was born in Ottawa, Ontario on June 2, 1943. She met her husband John in 1959 at the “Little Buckaroo Ranch”. They were married on July 6, 1963. Their first son Ralph, and their daughter Sharon were born while they operated a dairy farm in Ontario. In 1969 the family moved to Alberta, where they settled in Coaldale. Their youngest son John was born shortly after. In 1975 they bought a farm north of Coaldale where they lived and raised hogs for 10 years. In 1985 they moved back into Coaldale where they lived for the next two decades, before moving back out to enjoy more farm life in 2007. Aside from farm life, June also spent several years as a teacher, and started the kindergarten program that ran out of the St. Ambrose Church basement, she found a love for nursing after doing some community service work for the Coaldale Hospital, becoming a Registered Nurse in 1989. June worked in long term care at the Coaldale Hospital for over 25 years. Her off days were often spent doing foot care for seniors during this time. She loved camping at “The Dam”, travelling, playing and listening to worship music, being with family and friends, and most especially praying with and for them.
June’s life will be celebrated and lovingly remembered by Ralph and Kellie Tymensen and children; Kera (Brandon) and Taylor, Sharon and Andrew Koot and children; Jennifer and Jeremy Schultz, Lisa and Wes Simmonds, Michelle and Dryden Bakko, as well as John and Tina Tymensen and children James and Trey. June is also lovingly remembered by her “sister at heart” Karen Fitzsimmons and very special friends; Sherry, Linda, Joanne, and Helen. among others, all of whom supported her throughout her journey.
June is also survived by Art and Margaret Crook, Rhonda and Don Gale, Rick and Joanne Crook, Bill and Myrna Tymensen (Lethbridge), a special sister in-law Anny Tymensen, Jans v. Bennekom, Bep Ossendrijver, Wout v.d. Vlasakker, Bertus and Joke Tymensen, Greet Tymensen, Gerda and Henk Van Dijk, Ans Tymensen (Netherlands), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
June is predeceased by her husband John, her parents Arthur Hine and Isabelle Wooff, her step-father Joseph Woof, brothers-in-law Job, Toon, Gerrit, Wilf, Roel Tymensen, Jan V. Bennekom, Han Ossendrijber, and Henk v.d. Heiden, Riek v.d. Vlasakker, and Frieda Tymensen.
Prayers will be held at 7:00 PM on Friday, November 18, 2022 at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, 1513-23rd Ave, Coaldale AB. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Ambrose Catholic Church (Coaldale) at 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 19, 2022, with Father Ian Gagne officiating. Interment to follow at the Coaldale Community Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, and in memory of June, donations may be made to:
Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960-19th St. South, Lethbridge, AB. T1J 1W5
Condolences may be sent through http://www.edensfuneralhome.com
ARIAS, Regina ARIAS REGINA ARIAS, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Salvador Arias, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Sunday, November 13, 2022 at the age of 89 years.
Regina is survived by her sons Frank and Joe.
Besides her loving husband Salvador, she was predeceased by her son Larry.
Regina Ayarra was born on March 10, 1933 in a small town in Spain called Jaurrieta, where she met her future husband, Salvador. Regina came to Canada in 1956, and she and Salvador got married the same year in St. Basil’s Catholic Church. They were married for 60 years before Salvador passed away in 2017.
At Regina’s request, no funeral service will be held.

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