Saturday, January 27, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 27, 2024.

LINKLATER, Larry LARRY WARREN LINKLATER April 10, 1935 – January 16, 2024 It’s not the dates that are important, but rather the space between them. Larry filled his space with laughter, love, kindness, hard work and service to his country.
Larry was born in Selkirk, Manitoba, to James and Margaret Linklater. He was one of many in a large and blended family.
After his parents divorced, Larry went to live with his father and stepmother, Alice, in Prince Rupert. He went to high school there and worked in the fish cannery.
In 1952, when James and Alice separated, he moved to Winnipeg to live with his Aunt Ruby.
In 1953, at 18, he joined the army and served in the 2nd Regiment of Her Majesty’s Royal Canadian Horse Artillery. After serving for 22 years, he left in 1975 and settled in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
He worked at various jobs but most enjoyed helping others with their carpentry projects. Larry wasn’t one to sit still. He had to be busy.
Larry moved to Bellevue, Alberta, and loved his time in “the pass.” He first went into care there in March 2016, and was later diagnosed with dementia.
Larry had a wonderful sense of humour and playfulness. He was a kid at heart who loved to make people laugh, and he was good at it.
Larry left behind many loved ones including his sisters, Trudy Carol and Teresa, his son, Kevin (Kim), his daughter, Maggie (Keith), four grandchildren, three great-granddaughters, many nieces and nephews and many friends.
At Larry’s request, no service will be held.
In Larry’s honour, consider an act of kindness. Buy someone a coffee, smile at a stranger, or offer a helping hand. He’d like that.

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

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WITT, Berthold “Bert” WITT BERTHOLD “BERT” WITT, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Friday, January 19, 2024 at the age of 92 years.
Bert was born on August 15, 1931 in Romania. Bert immigrated to Canada when he was 21 years old, where he worked in the beet fields of Coaldale and then at the aluminum smelter in Kitimat, BC. He saved all his earnings and bought a farm with his parents in Raineer. It was there that he met and married Anna on January 22, 1966. He adopted Anna’s son Michael and Heidi was born soon after. Bert loved woodworking, and made many beautiful pieces of furniture, which adorn the homes of his children and grandchildren.
Bert was a faithful member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and also handcrafted many furnishings for the church.
After Anna passed away, Bert moved into Good Samaritans West Highlands Estates. He loved working in the wood shop on little projects that he shared with many. It was also in West Highlands, where he met his good friend and companion Erica Gerstenbuhler. They had wonderful days together, going for coffee and enjoying sitting in a park or the river bottom visiting.
Bert’s quiet presence, strong work ethic, unmatched resilience, unwavering faith and unique sense of humour will be forever remembered by his family and friends.
Bert is survived by his special friend, Erica Gerstenbuhler; his son Mike (Karolyn) Witt and daughter Heidi (Darrell) Lawton; grandchildren Kevin (Tamara) Witt, Lindsay Witt and Jeremy (Emily) Lawton; and his great-grandchildren: Madison, Natalie and Sadie Witt, and Hudson, Briella and Harlow Lawton. He is also survived by his brothers: Erich and Irwin and their families.
Bert was predeceased by his loving wife Anna in 2014; his parents Johannes and Leontine; infant sister Frieda; and his brother Alvin.
As per Bert’s wishes, a private Family Service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bert’s memory to the St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, 1400 – 9 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4V5.

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

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TAJIRI, Tsuyako (Chuck) Tsuyako (Chuck) Tajiri October 20, 1924 – January 23, 2024 Tsuyako (Chuck) Tajiri passed away peacefully at the age of 99 years on January 23, 2024.
A private funeral service will be held.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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BATES, Kenneth KENNETH GEORGE BATES JANUARY 12, 1948 – DECEMBER 26, 2023 It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Ken Bates. Beloved dad, husband, brother, uncle, grandfather and, friend, passed away peacefully at home in Victoria, B.C. He was born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta. Raised his family in DeWinton, Alberta and was able to fulfill his retirement dream of living his life out on the coast in Victoria, B.C.
Ken is survived by his wife Annelies (Lisa) Bates, and his two children Melissa (Jon) and Jason who will miss him dearly along with his great sense of humor. Grampz will be especially missed by his two granddaughters Maddie and Izzy Crack, who have lost one of their favourite playmates.
Ken held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews. Too many to list, but you know who you are and how much your meant.
Ken was the baby of his family of four siblings. He is survived by his sister Betty (Harry) Huisman. His older siblings Ella (Glenn), Wayne and his parents Doug and Trudy all pre-deceased him.
Some went before you, some you left behind, but you were loved and will be missed by all. As per Dad’s wishes there will be no funeral service.
Exert from “The Dash” by Linda Ellis I read of a man who stood to speak at a funeral of a friend. He referred to the dates on the tombstone from the beginning…to the end. He noted that first came the date of birth and spoke of the following date with tears, but said what mattered most of all was the dash between those years. For that dash represents all the time they spent alive on earth and now only those who loved them know what that little line is worth.

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BOOGAART, Gwyn GWYN AGNES BOOGAART (nee Klimack) Gwyn Boogaart, beloved wife of Marinus (Marty) Boogaart, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at the age of 66 years, following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s.
Gwyn was born on July 27, 1957, in Inglis, Manitoba, to Berthold and Agnes Klimack. She was the youngest of six children and spent her formative years on the family farm in Inglis. Gwyn graduated from Major Pratt High School in 1975 and subsequently moved to Calgary, AB, where she embarked on a career as an administrative assistant to the Human Resources Director at ATCO gas.
It was through her sister and brother-in-law that Gwyn met the love of her life, Marty, whom she married on August 26, 1977. In 1981, she made the decision to leave the workforce to dedicate herself to raising a family.
In 1998, Gwyn returned to work at Lethbridge College as the Administrative Assistant for the Culinary Foods program, where she remained until her early retirement in 2008 to assist in caring for her grandsons.
Gwyn was an artist in every sense of the word. She possessed an innate appreciation for beauty and expressed it through her paintings, gardening, sewing, costume designs, and music playlists, which she lovingly shared with her family. Additionally, Gwyn was a devoted hockey fan, never missing a Flames game.
Gwyn will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, Marty Boogaart; daughter, Kerry Boogaart; sons, Cole and Chase Boogaart; grandsons, Aiden and Evan Phillips; sisters, Wendy (Mel) Norleen, Patricia (Howie) Klimack, and Barbara (Bob) Kieper; brother, Wally (Agnes) Klimack; sister-in-law, Gloria Pertson; as well as her nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her mother, Agnes Klimack; father, Berthold Klimack; brother, Earl Klimack; and daughter-in-law, Melissa Reed Boogaart.
Gwyn’s warmth, creativity, and love will be cherished and remembered fondly by all who knew her.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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SEEMAN, Joseph JOSEPH BERNARD GERARD SEEMAN October 16, 1920 – January 23, 2024 Best known to his friends as “Uncle Joe”, Dad lived a good life. He worked hard, he played hard, and he created a lot of memories along the way. At the age of 103, he is starting his final journey to reunite with his beloved wife, Martha “Marty”.
Left to cherish those memories are his children: Rodger (Shiela and their children Stephanie, Michelle, Ryan and Aaron), Sharon Stuckert (Tim and their children Clayton, Tyson and Jennifer), Dale (Marie and their children Jarritt, Brady and Breanna), David (Nancy), Joey (Arlene and Sheldon) and daughter-in-law Hilda Seeman (and her children Wade and Brad); 26 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Joe also had a special relationship with Audrey Jenkin of Calgary and her family and will be fondly remembered by them.
Joe was predeceased by his wife Martha (Marty), son Glen, parents Herman and Marie, sisters Carmel, Theresa, Catherine, Mary and Margaret and brothers Gerald, Basil, Albert, Edward, Paul and Leo.
Joe was born in Mazenod, SK, and was educated in Mazenod and Gravelbourg, SK. He enlisted in the Canadian Army from September 1941 until September 1946. He proudly served his country until he was honorably discharged in Calgary, where he took advantage of the Armies retraining program to train as a watchmaker and gemologist. After completion of the three-year program, he was awarded membership in the Canadian Jewellers Institute as a certified Watchmaker, one of the few in Western Canada at that time.
Joe then moved his family to Lethbridge to start his new career. After seven years of working for other jewellery stores, he started his own business, Seeman’s Jewellery, in July 1956, where he remained until his retirement. After retiring, Joe spent many warm winter months with his friends in Mesa, AZ.
Uncle Joe was beloved by all who knew him, young and old. He had as many young friends as old, hence the name “Uncle Joe”. He will be sadly missed by them all.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, January 30, 2024 at 12:00 Noon with Father Santiago Torres celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Joe’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Joe’s memory to Chalice (chalice.ca), The Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca), Covenant Health Foundation (covenantfoundation.ca), The Last Post Fund (lastpostfund.ca) or a charity of one’s choice.

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

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WASILENKO, Robert “Bob” ROBERT “BOB” PETER WASILENKO 1943 – 2024 Mr. Robert “Bob” Wasilenko, of Lethbridge passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday January 20, 2024, at the age of 80 years.
Born on November 4, 1943, in Saskatoon, Bob was the beloved son of John and Katie Wasilenko. He grew up on a farm near Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan, and attended Harmonia School, fostering a love for learning that would become his lifelong passion.
After completing his university degree “Mr. W” embarked on a fulfilling career as a dedicated teacher, positively impacting the lives of countless students. His commitment to education extended beyond the classroom, leaving behind an indelible mark on the community he served.
In 1966, Bob married the love of his life, Iris. Together, they shared 50 years of love, laughter, and companionship, building a family that became the centre of Bob’s world.
Bob was not only a devoted educator, but a man of many interests. He enjoyed music, reading, and was an avid sports fan. In retirement, he continued to inspire others with his wisdom and kindness.
Besides his loving wife, Iris Wasilenko, Bob is predeceased by his parents, John and Katie Wasilenko; his brother Roy Wasilenko; and sisters Grace Pachnowski, and Joyce Wasilenko.
He is survived by his children Gregory of Vancouver, and Trevor (Starla) of Lethbridge. His memory will also be cherished by family, former colleagues, friends, and the many students which he taught over the years.
Interment will be held at a later date in Borden, Saskatchewan
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, Ontario M4R 1K8
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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PARSONS, Evelyn EVELYN YVONNE PARSONS (STEWART) 1938 – 2024 It is with great sorrow that the family of EV PARSONS announces the passing of our mother, grandmother and great grandmother, on Saturday, January 20, 2024.
The family will be commemorating Ev’s life privately.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Lethbridge, 426 – 5th St. S, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 2B7.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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FLECKENSTEIN, Leonard “Len” Leonard “Len” Fleckenstein 1951 – 2024 It is with heavy hearts we announce that Leonard (Len) Fleckenstein passed away on January 15, 2024. Len was a loving, caring, and thoughtful son, husband, dad, and grandpa. Len, the son of John and Maggie Fleckenstein and brother to Marlene (Barry) Knodel, was born and raised in Medicine Hat where he met his loving wife, Gaye. They had two sons, Benjamin (Jen) and Kristopher (Briana); three grandchildren, Hailey, Madison, and Ziggy; and two grandpuppies. He was originally employed by the Department of Highways and then went on to work for Volker Stevin until he retired in August 2012. Many may remember him from his interests in sports – fishing at Lake Newell, slow pitch and hockey in Medicine Hat, as well as golfing, often at Redcliff or Picture Butte. Len was predeceased by his parents and numerous aunts and uncles. A Service and Celebration of Len’s life will take place at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Medicine Hat in April 2024. Although the gesture is appreciated, flowers are gratefully declined. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Leonard Fleckenstein. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, Medicine Hat, Alberta. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.

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RABBIT, Doreen RABBIT DOREEN MARY RABBIT, of Standoff, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital, on Sunday, January 21, 2024 at the age of 78 years.
A Wake will be held at TANNER CENTRE, Cardston, AB, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, from 6 – 11 P.M. Then will continue at Doreen’s residence all night.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARY’S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, Blood Reserve, AB, on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Doreen will be laid to rest in Standoff.

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

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CAVANAUGH, Stewart “Stu” STEWART “STU” CAVANAUGH 1934 – 2024 Stewart “Stu” Cavanaugh of Lethbridge passed away peacefully on January 23rd, 2024, at the age of 89.
Stu grew up on a farm east of Calgary near the hamlet of Shepard. He loved the farm life but was unable at the time to take over the family farm. One of his early jobs in Calgary was working for John Deere which turned into a lifetime of collecting toy tactors and everything with the John Deere logo. Stu’s true passion was woodworking. There was always a project on the go in his garage, but Stu was a realist – he knew he couldn’t support the family through his woodworking. Now in his 30s, Stu earned his degree in Psychology at the University of Lethbridge. This landed him a 22-yearlong career with the Alberta government in social services wherein he moved the family back to Calgary. After retirement, Stu decided to move back to Lethbridge to be closer to family. The highlight of Stu’s day was going for breakfast as he cherished the visits he had with his servers. Stu was a kind and happy man who was adored by all he came in contact with.
Stu leaves behind his daughter Jane (Keith) Hitchcock; son Dan Cavanaugh; grandchildren Daryl (Amanda) Hitchcock, Scott (Brandy) Hitchcock, Stephanie (Aedan) Wilson, Ryan Noren, Rochelle Bates; great grandchildren Paisley, Hadley, Jack and Charley; dear friend Gladys Larson; brothers Buzz (Barb) Cavanaugh and Allan Cavanaugh.
Stu is predeceased by his daughter Deb Noren and great grandson Carter Hitchcock.
A Celebration of Stu’s Life will be announced at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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HAUGEN, Norman HAUGEN Norman Lynn Haugen, beloved husband of Rachel Haugen, passed away at Edith Cavell Care Centre on January 25, 2024, at the age of 84 years.
He is the loving father of Trevor (Paula) Haugen and grandfather to Zachary, Dylan and Mikaela. He is also survived by his sisters Ruth Wise and Mabel Riddle; brother Paul Haugen and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Ole and Margaret Haugen; sisters Alice Dwyer, Irene Tichler; brothers Ralph, Harold, George, Carl, and Leo Haugen; many brothers and sisters in-law and nieces and nephews.
Norm was born in Aden, Alberta on May 30, 1939, to Ole and Margaret Haugen. He attended school at Aden until grade 6 when the family moved to Raymond where he finished grades 7 through 11. He moved to Lethbridge in 1959 and started working at the cattle stockyards. He became cattle buyer for Canada Packers in 1967 until 1990, moving from Lethbridge to Medicine Hat to Calgary and back to Lethbridge again. After Canada Packers closed operations in Lethbridge, Norm worked at Vanee Livestock until retiring in 2003. He loved bowling, curling and occasionally golfing, but mostly he loved teasing his nieces, nephews, and grandkids. Norm always had a story to share and would tell it to anyone willing to listen.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at the LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, 2406 11 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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DAY CHIEF, Hilda “June” DAY CHIEF HILDA “JUNE” DAY CHIEF, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at the age of 81 years.
A Wake will be held at OLD AGENCY HALL, Standoff, AB, on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from 6 – 10 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, June will be laid to rest in One Spot Cemetery.

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

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