Friday, July 19, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 19, 2024.

SELK, Melvin “Gringo” Melvin Glenn “Gringo” Selk July 6, 1958 – June 23, 2024 We sadly announce the passing of Glenn Selk after a lengthy struggle with illness. He was predeceased by his father Melvin, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and many family members. He is survived by his mom Beverley (Richard) Dunn, Brother Kim (Marian) Selk, Sisters Kelly Stubbert, Lori Glass, nephew Justin Selk and nieces Brooke Stubbert, Jessica (John) Moutray, aunts, cousins, and friends.
Glenn’s passions turned into careers of farming and carpentry, both of which he excelled at and loved to do. He had a great enthusiasm for golf, hockey, music and drumming.
He took pleasure in playing and watching all sports. He was the life of any gathering with his family and friends. He enjoyed laughing and having fun with anyone he met.
He was a kid at heart and devoted to playing with his nieces, nephew, young cousins and any children that he knew.
Family and friends would like to thank his sister Lori and cousin Trent for their kindness and compassion in helping Glenn in his times of need. Words cannot express our gratitude.
Gathering of friends and family: join us anytime between 1pm and 4pm, July 27, 2024 @ Enmax Center 2nd floor Canadian Western Bank Lounge, East doors. Please Park in East parking lot (Free) Dress: casual.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Cancer Society.

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LONGMIRE, Alvina Alvina Roberta May Longmire May 11, 1935 – April 19, 2024 It is with great sadness that the family of Alvina Longmire announces her passing on April 19, 2024, at the age of 88. Born in Lethbridge AB, to Edna and Theodore Anderson. Raised in Iron Springs along with her 7 brothers and sisters. Alvina was the last living member of her family. Predeceased by sisters; Margret, Eileen, Lorraine, Loreen, Carolyn, and brothers; Gordon & Lloyd. Alvina was the beloved wife of Robert Longmire (predeceased), and the loving mother of Alvin Darragh (predeceased), Greg Darragh (Shannon) and Terry Darragh (Sunnie); doting grandmother to Zack (Carrie) and Theo; and proud great grandma – Gigi, to Hallie and Lane. Alvina adored her family and her close relationships with her nieces; Janet and Penny.
Alvina was a remarkably well-rounded individual, with a multitude of diverse interests that enriched her life and those around her. Alvina was known for her loving, kind and positive spirit. She cared deeply for those close to her. Alvina was a social person who loved to connect with people over a cup of coffee, a meal or a game; her laugh and wit would keep you entertained, especially during card or board games. Her great sense of humor always brightened a room. Alvina thoroughly enjoyed her volunteerism and lifelong friendships with people from the Coalhurst Legion and the Daughters of the Nile. Alvina had an innate ability to lend a listening ear or offer a kind word to anyone.
The family would like to thank the staff and residents at West Highlands for their kindness and care; and Alison and Dotty for their love, friendship and endless support. Alvina will be deeply missed by many.
There was no service per Alvina’s request.

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BOURASSA, Harvey HARVEY BOURASSA Harvey Antoine Bourassa of Fort Macleod, passed away peacefully at the Community Support Beds in Fort Macleod on Sunday, July 14, 2024, at the age of 94 years. He is survived by his children Kathy (Ted Kerber), Ken, and Terry; grandchildren Kory (Sandy), Derian (Sofia), Austin (Saya), Morgan, Angelica, Juliette; great grandchildren Tyler, Tanner and Aiden. He is also survived by brother George Bourassa (Margaret), sister Annette Seymour (Harold), and sisters-in-law Gloria, Irene, and Rita Bourassa, and Valena Thibert.
He was predeceased by his wife Kaye, daughter Jeannie, grandson Cole, his parents Leo and Jeannette Bourassa, brothers Leo, Lawrence, Albert and Edgar Bourassa, sisters Beatrice McMurren, Evelyn Jensen, and brothers-in-law Robert McMurren, Al Jensen, and Jon Thibert.
In 1957, he and Kaye (Chester) married and took over the farm when his Mom and Dad retired. He continued with the farming while also working at the Auction Market, but eventually decided farming wasn’t for him. In 1974 they sold the farm and moved to town, while he continued to work at the Auction Market.
Harvey started in the livestock business at the age of 14 for Gene Chivalo, a livestock order buyer, sorting and shipping cattle and hogs. After 7 years, he then went farming with his dad, taking turns with his brother Lawrence, for the next 3-4 years. He then went to work at PFRA for a year, followed by Ellison Mills in Lethbridge. Harvey’s work ethic got in the way of Union regulations, as he’s always been known to be a hard worker. He just could not wrap his head around taking a break when you’re busy doing something, and only lasted a year before he quit and went back to the livestock industry. He started his long career with Fort Macleod Auction in 1960 in the yards as an ‘alley rat’, penning cattle on sale days, becoming the Yard Foreman in the fall of 1960 until 1972. In 1972 he took over the Order Buying Division, becoming a partner in Fort Macleod Auction after the market burned down in 1974. He remained as the Order Buyer until 1998 and semi-retired in 2001, fully retiring in 2003. He continued to go watch the sales long into his retirement. He and a couple partners in the 1990’s also showed cattle in the Calgary Stampede International Stock Show Alberta Fed Beef Expo, winning either Grand or Reserve Champion 10 years straight with both steers and heifers. Dad loved the cattle industry and spent his lifetime enjoying his choice of work. He met people from all over North America and made many long-lasting friendships. His words were “if you love your job, it’s not work”.
His other passion was rodeo, and in his younger years, he was a calf roper, and he built an arena in a shelter belt behind the farmhouse. Many cowboys from the surrounding area came out once or twice a week to rope, and great times were had by everyone. In his later years after retirement, he built a program to track the pro rodeo stock scores, buckoffs, etc. and did that for a couple years, enjoying still being involved in rodeo.
As a retirement project to keep him busy, he started a town-wide Lottery Group of over 150 people who paid their $50 into the pot with the hopes of winning the ‘big one’. They won enough to keep it going for over a year and a half, but never got the Big One. Everyone involved had a blast though.
He enjoyed many sports, and was involved in hockey, baseball, curling and golf. He was the draw master for the Curling Club Bonspiels for many years. He curled right up to the age of 88, but after seeing another old timer fall on the ice, he decided he’d better retire from it before he was next. You didn’t dare interrupt him if he was watching curling or hockey on TV, he was pretty serious about his favorite sports.
Dad was always so supportive of each of his children and grandchildren’s activities, whether it be sports, school, or something they were involved in. He was always their biggest fan. He was heavily involved in the community he lived in, organizing and supporting many different activities. He was a Life Member in the following organizations – Fort Macleod Curling Club, Canadian Livestock Curling Assn (President 10 yr.), BPOE Elks, Knights of Columbus, Southern Alberta Curling Assn. (District Convenor 10 yr.), and Fort Macleod Golf Club. He was also a member of the Fort Macleod Senior Citizens Welcome Mat, Royal Canadian Legion and the 4H Beef Club (Leader & Judge). He was awarded the Citizen of the Year by the Fort Macleod Chamber of Commerce in 2011.
Mom passed away in 2014 and Dad continued to live in the little house they’d bought on 21st street until 2000 when he turned 90. He decided he was now old enough to move into the Pioneer Lodge. He thoroughly enjoyed it there and was treated like the elder statesman who everyone loved. There are no words for the appreciation we have of the kindness of all the staff and residents at the Lodge. It was definitely ‘home’ for Dad and he enjoyed every minute there. He always had his humor on full display and joked with everyone. There was always lots of laughter and great times, great food, and superior staff who endeared him with the title of Grandpa. “Grandpa” was always fun to be around, and his traits were kindness, generosity, humor, always a gentleman, storyteller, mentor, hard work, family man, teacher, and acceptance of everyone. We will miss you Dad, but you left a legacy for everyone you’ve touched in your lifetime.
Eden’s Funeral Home has been entrusted with his arrangements.
Prayer Service, Tuesday July 23 at 7 p.m. Holy Cross Catholic Church, 2604 3rd Ave. Fort Macleod.
Funeral Service, Wednesday July 24 at 11 a.m. Holy Cross Catholic Church. The Funeral will also be live streamed in the Fort Macleod Community Hall during the service for overflow from the church.
Reception, Lunch and Program to follow Graveside Service at Fort Macleod Community Hall.
If you wish, in lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either:
Willow Creek Foundation (Pioneer Lodge) Box 790, Fort Macleod, AB. T0L 0Z0
Fort Macleod Community Support Beds Box 520, Fort Macleod, AB. T0L 0Z0
To send a condolence, visit http://www.edensfuneralhome.com

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ZEZULKA, Jerry Jerry Zezulka August 6, 1947 ~ July 15, 2024 On July 15th in Medicine Hat after a sudden illness, Jerry Zezulka passed away at the age of 76. He is survived by his loving wife Paulette Both, daughters Jennifer (Hugh Lehr) and Leanne (Shaun Calderwood) and their families. A Celebration of Life will take place at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, July 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. The service will be live streamed. Please visit the website to find the link at service time (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION FACILITY
901 – 13TH ST. S.W., MEDICINE HAT T1A 4V4
1-877-528-6455
http://WWW.COOKSOUTHLAND.COM
“Locally owned & directed”

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BASAROWICH, Brian BRIAN BASAROWICH 1961 – 2024 Mr. Brian Basarowich of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Lois Basarowich, passed away at the Keho Lake Campground, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024, at the age of 62 years.
A private Celebration of Life to honour Brian will be held on Saturday, August 10, 2024.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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ELLINGSON, Margaret “Joyce” ELLINGSON MARGARET “JOYCE” ELLINGSON, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Wally Ellingson, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Friday, June 28, 2024 at the age of 86 years.
A celebration of Joyce’s life will be held at the NORD-BRIDGE SENIORS CENTRE, 1904 – 13 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at 2:00 P.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Joyce’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

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

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SEIBEL, Cary SEIBEL CARY WAYNE SEIBEL passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital with family by his side in the early morning hours of Monday, July 15, 2024 at the age of 62 years.
A Celebration of Cary’s Life will be held at the AGRI-FOOD HUB & TRADE CENTRE, 101 Exhibition Way South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, July 19, 2024 at 4:00 P.M.

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

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CIESLA, Paul Please note the venue change. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM Saturday July 20, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints FORESTRY AVE CHAPEL, Lethbridge Alberta.
Friends meet family prior to service from 10:00AM – 10:45AM at the Church.
CIESLA PAUL HANS TILL CIESLA, dearly loved husband of Kathy, passed away peacefully prepared to meet his Creator after a lengthy illness at age 82.
Predeceased by his beloved Daughter, Stephanie; Parents, Paul A. Ciesla and Inge Till Ciesla; Sisters, Ruby Hirch and Inge Hoffman; and beloved Niece, Paula Hirch.
Survived by his Wife, (Kathleen) Kathy. Children: (Paul) Russ (Ginger)- son Brandon Norris; son Kurt and his daughter, Lydia, Paul’s adored and favourite granddaughter; along with many loved nieces and nephews.
Paul was born to parents who immigrated to Canada from Germany during the inter-war period. As a youth he liked singing, art, drama, and music, especially jazz. He acted with Lethbridge Playgoers from age 17 until he left Lethbridge at age 20. Also at age 20, through study and prayer, he decided to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became a faithful member the rest of his life.
He spent his 20th year at Alberta College of Art in Calgary 62′ – 63′ where he received high marks and had the best and most intense art education. From 1964-1966 he went to Germany on a mission for his church. He later attended the U of L from 67′ – 70′ and graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Education Degree. He excelled in film production, and camera work.
He spent 31 years teaching at Foremost School, Hamilton Jr. High, Westminster Elementary and Dr. Probe School. Retired in 2001, he subbed for 11 years, till arthritis took it’s toll. He was a favourite teacher of many and the students dubbed him “Mr. C”. He was a respected colleague and teacher’s favourite sub.
At Christmas of 1966, he and Kathy Russell met, were smitten with each other and married in 1968. Stephanie was born in 1969, Paul (Russ) in 1970 and Kurt in 1973.
He was involved in the Alberta Teachers Association, and for some years he drew political cartoons for the Lethbridge Herald.
He loved cooking ethnic dishes. His favourites were Chinese. He created his own recipes and many are family favourites.
At Hamilton he ran the Cosmic Comic Club, and was involved in the school paper. He was an avid photographer.
He was interested in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and created a Hobbit unit for grade five which was purchased by Edmonton Public Schools. He also helped in the development of Arts Alive and Well in the Schools. He was closely involved with Neal Johnson and Art teachers and did shows with student’s work at the Art Gallery for the full month of May for many years.
He loved his family, and spent time with them, making costumes, attending soccer, dance, art shows and music. He was always glad to help with anything and was fully dedicated to them. Our Dad and Husband Forever.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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