By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on September 16, 2023.
MURKIN, James “Ryan”
MURKIN JAMES “RYAN” MURKIN, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday, September 9, 2023, just short of his 56th birthday, having bravely fought a four-year battle with pancreatic cancer.
Ryan leaves to mourn, his loving partner Val Fellger; mother Gloria (Brian) Gouthreau; fathers: Brian (Helen – deceased) Murkin and Dave (Alice) Hatfield; sons: Michael Justin Aiden Murkin, James Trevor Brian Murkin and George Stephan Douglas Murkin; five much-loved grandchildren: Daisy, Maverick, Curtis, Aleaha and Vayda; sisters: Colleen Murkin, Stacey Murkin, Stacey Sherry and Sandy Gouthreau; brothers: Sean Gouthreau and Jeff Hatfield; as well as Val’s family (which he loved as his own): Jane (Steve-deceased) Petrovich, Natasha (Jonathan) Fellger, Kaitlyn (Dilon) Fellger, Joanne Petrovich and Brian Petrovich.
Ryan was predeceased by his wife Stephanie Dawn Murkin and grandparents Ed and Flo McDonald.
Our Ryan had a unique sense of dry, sarcastic humour and he wanted people to know he loved his Harley more than most people he met. He will be missed beyond measure.
At Ryan’s request, no service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in Ryan’s name to Pancreatic Cancer Canada (pancreaticcancercanada.ca), One Broken Biker – Southern Alberta (onebrokenbiker.ca), or a charity of your choice.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
WHITE, Kenneth “Ken”
White, Kenneth “Ken” 1949 – 2023 With deep sadness and sorrow, our family announces the passing of Kenneth James White on September 9, 2023 at the age of 74 years.
Ken is survived by his father, Melvin White; brothers, Doug White of Regina, SK and Gary White of Edmonton; niece, Sheri and her family; Elfriede’s Children: Rick (Gerry) Van Luyk and Ramona (Roy) Oliver; grandchildren Dixon Van Luyk, Amy Oliver (Corey) and Ross Oliver; Cousins and close friends, Miles and Doug.
He was predeceased by his wife, Elfriede (2003); mother, Ethel (2009), and his uncle Lorne (2023).
A Memorial Service will take place at 1:00 p.m., on Monday September 18, 2023, at Southminster Steinhauer United Church 10740 19 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB. The service will be livestreamed via https://ssucedmonton.com/
LAING, Doreen
DOREEN LAING 1935 – 2023 Doreen Laing, born January 10, 1935 in Medicine Hat, Alberta, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2023. Doreen developed a love for piano at an early age while listening to her grandmother play hymns. She pursued her passion for piano which led to teaching at Mount Royal University and Medicine Hat College, in addition to teaching privately in Canada and the US throughout a career that spanned nearly 68 years. Doreen achieved The Associate Diploma (ARTC) from the Royal Conservatory of Music, and Permanent Professional Certification in the American Music Teachers Association. Doreen was also a Certified Senior Examiner for the College of Examiners – Royal Conservatory of Music as well as a Certified Teacher and representative of the Kelly Kirby Kindergarten Piano Method. Doreen shared her love of music with family, friends, and generations of inspired students.
Doreen’s generosity and kindness will be forever cherished in the hearts of her family; sons Kelly (Carol) Weiss, Shane (Samantha) Laing, stepson Robin (Terrina) Laing; grandsons Paul (Lisa) Weiss, Mark (Lisa) Weiss; and great grandchildren Bryant, Ben, and Mckayla Weiss.
Besides her loving husband Bill (William) Laing, Doreen was predeceased by her parents Hilda and Harold Ronnenberg.
A Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, September 22, 2023, at 11:00am at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, AB. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Lethbridge Branch of the Alberta Registered Music Teachers Association or to Alzheimer’s Society of Canada.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
HILGERSOM, Gerardus “Gerry”
HILGERSOM GERARDUS “GERRY” HILGERSOM passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital surrounded by family, on Monday, September 11, 2023 at the age of 79 years.
Gerry was born on November 15, 1943 in Stompwijk, Netherlands where he would grow up as his family had for hundreds of years. At 19, his sense of adventure inspired him to leave Holland from the port of Rotterdam on April 1, 1963, aboard the SS Rijndam, arriving in Montreal on April 10 and making his way west to southern Alberta as a young Dutch farm hand in Vauxhall. Returning to Holland for a winter visit, he found his girl, Joanne, and they married. She joined him in Canada in 1969, settling on a farm near Coaldale where they raised four boys, and numerous cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens. They subdivided the land and sold the farm in the 1980s, building a house on the remaining 10 acres, and founding Hilgersom Paving Stone and Landscaping Inc. in 1988. They moved to Lethbridge in 2015 to enjoy “retirement” closer to family.
He is survived by his amazing, caring wife of 54 years, Joanne; his three sons: Cornie (Rui), Marko (Maya), and Jerry (Lindsay); his grandchildren: Ty, Haylee, Sam, Lily, Seiji, Lennox, Ari, Millie, and Sloan; sister, Jeanne (Piet); brothers, Ad (Bep) and Frank (Toos); sisters-in-law, Ineke and Lien; and many nieces and nephews in the “old country.”
He was predeceased by his son, Ron (Trisha); his brothers: Jan, Kees, Cok, and Wil; and his sisters, Annie and Marianne.
He left an indelible mark across Lethbridge and southern Alberta via his landscape designs, construction projects, and furniture creations. All he needed was the seed of an idea, a simple sketch, and some measurements and a week later his creation was ready for pick up.
Never one to be shy or lacking the confidence to share his opinion, he will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind.
He was a friend, a teacher, a farmer, an entrepreneur, a problem solver, a tough guy, a loving husband, a know-it-all, a hard worker, a craftsman, and a jack of all trades and master of some. More than anything else he was a great dad and Opa. The first person to call if you had water in the basement, raccoons in your attic, or your car broke down in the parking lot.
You did good, Ger. Thank you for everything.
Thank you to the hard working, caring, and supportive medical staffs at Chinook Regional Hospital and the Peter Lougheed Centre. You are all, amazing providing compassionate care through difficult circumstances.
As per his wishes, there will be no funeral or memorial service.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation (crhfoundation.ca).
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
TROTTER, Daryl
DARYL JOAN TROTTER March 13, 1952-August 30, 2023 Daryl Joan Trotter passed away peacefully on August 30th, 2023 at St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge, AB. The family held a small private service on September 7th, 2023. Thank you to Alberta Health, the staff at Fairmont Extendicare and St. Michael’s Health Centre, and Homecare. Daryl is lovingly remembered by her husband, David Van Hees; and son, Jeremy Christensen.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BROWN, Richard
BROWN RICHARD VERNON August 23, 1943 – September 12, 2023 Passed away in Lethbridge on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 with his family by his side. He had just celebrated his 80th birthday.
Richard was born in Lethbridge, AB. on August 23, 1943 to Vern and Arlene (Sis Wiggill) Brown. He was the oldest of five children and the only boy.
Richard is survived by his four sisters, Lorraine Byrne, Sharon Bassett, Charlene (Gerry) Olson, Nan (Marty) Matthews, his Uncle Nick Wiggill, a special friend Judy Workman and numerous nieces and nephews.
Richard was predeceased by his loving wife Sandra, parents Vern and Sis Brown, brothers-law Bob Bassett and Allen Byrne.
Richard will be fondly remembered by his quirky smile and his witty ways. He loved to visit and enjoyed coffee with his buddies and his many get togethers with his sisters.
After Richard and Sandy retired they had many great trips in Canada, Mexico, U.S.A, and enjoyed many cruises.
His passing leaves a void in our hearts, but his memory will live on and be a comfort to all those that knew him.
At Richards request there will be no funeral. A Family Graveside Service will be held at a later date.
We wish to thank all the great medical staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital ICU unit for their super care, kindness and consideration.
If you wish donations maybe made to: Jack Addy Cancer Centre 960 – 19th Street South Lethbridge, AB. T1G 1W5
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
CHRISTIE, Shirley
Christie 1929 – 2023 Shirley Elva Christie passed away Wednesday, September 13, 2023, at the age of 94.
Shirley is lovingly survived by 5 children, Marilyn Larter, Bob (Peggy) Christie, Bill (Frances) Christie, Carol (Rod) Dand and Jo Anne Duncan, 13 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren. Shirley was predeceased by her husband Herb, 2 sons in law, Marland Larter and Bob Duncan, daughter in law Joan Christie
A 12 o’clock lunch reception and a Celebration of Life will be held at the Italian Canadian Club, 1511 St Edward Blvd N in Lethbridge on Friday October 6, 2023.
Please send condolences to: http://www.evergreenfh.ca
BROWN, Bonnie
BROWN BONNIE JEAN CHERYL BROWN, of Lethbridge, passed away at her home on Wednesday, September 13, 2023 at the age of 68 years.
Arrangements will be announced when completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
RODGERS, Melvin
MELVIN RODGERS 1949 – 2023 It is with great sadness that our family announces the unexpected passing of Melvin Rodgers on September 13th, 2023, at the age of 74. He was an adored husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. His peaceful exit, surrounded by family and with grandchildren at his side, was a result of a short and sudden battle with Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
Mel was born in Kirkland Lake, Ontario, in 1949, and was raised on a dairy farm. He enjoyed being a goalie in both hockey and broomball in his youth. Mel had a variety of jobs starting with the Adams Mine. This was followed by farming, Rodgers Gas Bar, school bus driver and the Commercial Tavern before he moved west and retired from Fording River coal mine in Elkford, B.C.
Mel was lovingly known as “Daddio”, “Grampa”, and occasionally “Melvis”. He was one of the most selfless, giving, and caring individuals that had an impact on anyone he met. Mel will forever be remembered for his relentless hospitality; particularly with bartending and an endless array of sweet tooth options.
Mel most enjoyed spending time with his family. Through meals, cards, games, and watching the Blue Jays, he embraced every opportunity to spend time with those he loved. When he wasn’t with his family he occupied his time with shopping, baking, sudoku, solitaire, and most recently e-biking.
A big part of Mel’s life included summer visits to Charlton, Ontario where he spent time with lifelong friends and family. Winter months were spent in Palm Springs, California, where many new friendships and memories were made.
He is survived by his loving wife and best friend Joanne Rodgers (nee Playford) of Lethbridge, Alberta; mother in law Mildred (Micki) Playford; his daughters Pamela (Sean) Racicot, Jolene Rodgers; his son Colin (Lesley) Rodgers; and his four grandchildren Kelsey, Kaitlyn, Kelly, and Kameron.
Mel leaves behind a brother Calvin (Linda) Rodgers as well as many extended family members. He was predeceased by his parents Gerald and Eva Rodgers and his father in law Clayton Playford.
Melvin’s final resting place will be back home in Charlton, Ontario.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
WOLF PLUME, Cassidy
WOLF PLUME CASSIDY WOLF PLUME, of the Blood Reserve, passed away suddenly on August 29, 2023 at the age of 29 years.
A Wake Service will be held at ST. PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 90 – 1 Avenue West, Cardston, AB, on Monday, September 18, 2023 from 5:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at ST. PAUL’S ANGLICAN CHURCH on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with The Venerable Jacqui Durand officiating.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
GARDINER, Barbara
BARBARA GARDINER 1936 – 2023 Mrs. Barbara Jean Gardiner finished the last brushstroke on the painting that was her life at the age of 87. Barb was born in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan daughter of William Sloan and Pauline Sloan – Pidwerbecki. Barbara was described in her high school yearbook as, ” As delightful to look at as she is to be with” a beautiful, graceful, intelligent woman.
Barbara came from a long line of hard-workers and embodied that trait throughout her life. Family and friends cherished her, and she actively gave back to every community she lived in. Her colorful personality showed in her love to paint, garden, and decorate. She was quick witted with a humor that allowed her to fit into and flourish working within mine assay, development management and any other challenges she put her mind to.
Barbara was predeceased by the two men she truly loved; Brian Gardiner and Jim Mawhinney: her sister Margaret Sloan. She will be greatly missed by Shannon Mawhinney who she embraced as her daughters. Barbara had a close relationship with her two nephews Mike Walters, Lance Hill and her niece Wendee Pitt. She was proud of so many, including her cousins Peter Gall, Margaret Anne McKinnon, Murray and Jim Clare.
Barbara was present in so many people’s lives, giving guidance and love. She was a mother to many, and a teacher not a preacher. So many people gave her love back, we would like to thank them all and acknowledge the ones from the facets in her life that we are aware of Rhonda, Lani, Dana, Corey, Kenia, Danis.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.