Tuesday April 29, 2014

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 29, 2014.

1919 ~ NISHIMOTO ~ 2014
On April 24, 2014, Matsumi Nishimoto, at the age of 94 years, passed away peacefully in the arms of her
daughter and surrounded by the love of her family – a reciprocation of a lifetime of love that she
generously showered on them.
Matsumi was predeceased by her husband, Ted Chikao Nishimoto, and by her son, Satoru. She leaves to
cherish her memory her 3 daughters and their families: Linda & John Hashem (Jim Witts, Kenji & Amanda
Witts, Rayko & Rob Blyth, Celina & Rob Symmonds, Laurie Ling & Kyle Kuntz); Wendy & Bob MacPhail
(Stephen, Jamie MacPhail & Matt McDonald); Amy & Scott Warren (Brendon, Emiko). She is also survived by 2
sisters (Kaoru, Kimiko) and 1 brother (Tsukasa). She was predeceased by a brother (Sadanobu), a sister
(Sadae), sisters-in-law (Kimiko, Hatsumi) and a brother-in-law (Tatsuki).
Matsumi was born on August 1, 1919 in Kamijinnai, Ozumachi, Kumamoto-ken, Japan. She attended a
vocational school and specialized in cooking, sewing, clothing design, and flower arrangement (ikebana).
She married Chikao in 1937. In 1941, they had a son, Satoru, who passed away at 4 years of age. Chikao
had been traveling back and forth from Japan to Canada in order to establish a life in Canada.
Unfortunately, the war then kept the couple apart for 14 years.
In 1954, and after a 14 day ship’s journey, she was finally able to be reunited with Chikao. Together
they lived in Seven Persons, Ralston, and in Medicine Hat where she resided until her passing. She worked
at Burk’s Draperies, BATUS, and along with her husband at his Sunrise Market Garden. She was passionate
about cooking, gardening, and sewing, but her greatest enjoyment was having her family around her. Many
remember the fabulous meals, especially the New Year’s dinners, she prepared for family and friends. For
11 years, she was a dedicated caregiver to her husband during his battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Matsumi was fortunately able to visit her family in Japan several times. On one trip, she fulfilled her
dream when all three daughters accompanied her in order to “build a bridge” between the families.
She was always filled with love and pride for her family. Her gentle and generous spirit is the legacy
she has left them.
The Funeral Service will be held in SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, on
Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. In lieu of Koden or flowers, memorial
gifts in Matsumi’s memory may be made to the Riverview Care Centre Resident’s Fund, 603 Prospect Drive
SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4C2 or to the Alzheimer Society (Palliser Region), 401D – 3rd Street SE,
Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0G8. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to
condolences@saamis.com subject heading Matsumi Nishimoto. 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.

BERES
MR. LESLIE BERES, beloved husband of SHIRLEY BERES, of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional
Hospital on Friday, April 25, 2014 at the age of 75 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1
Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403) 381-3128
Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778
care@cornerstonefh.ca

DOROTHY ROSE EVANS
1932 ~ 2014
Mrs. Dorothy Rose Evans, passed away on Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the age of 82 years.
A Graveside Service will be held Saturday, May 3, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the NANTON CEMETERY, with a
Funeral Service to follow at 2:00 p.m. at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPELS, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB,
with Reverend Bob Wallace, Officiating.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Society, 402, 740 – 4
Ave, Lethbridge, T1J 0N9
Send condolences at
http://www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 – 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
http://www.mbfunerals.com

Gordon McPherson
September 16th, 1952 –
April 19th, 2014
We loved a great man. A husband, father, papa, brother, son, cousin, uncle and a deeply cherished friend.
He loved us all, and we loved him.
He was raised in Medicine Hat, started his family with Yvonne in Lethbridge, and moved to Salmon Arm with
Yvonne, Michelle and Michael in 1987. His grandchildren, Seth, Ethan and Evan (Michael and Valene) and
Keira and Ryder (Michelle and Corey Spence) put a sparkle in his eye and kept him young and vibrant!
We have comfort in knowing that he lived his life with joy and had many wonderful memories with family
and friends. A friendly and social man, he made friends wherever he went and impacted them all. His
welcoming smile, strong yet so gentle hands, and warm embrace meant so much.
He passed doing one of his most favourite things, snowmobiling, which he enjoyed with many friends and
family in Salmon Arm. He had a great day on the mountain! Who would have known that in a split second he
would be gone.
We will think fondly back on our memories and celebrate his life on Saturday, May 3rd at 2PM at Bower’s
Funeral Home. A gathering will follow.
Online memories may be shared through Gordon’s obituary at http://www.bowersfuneralservice.com
Arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium, Salmon Arm, BC

IKUTA
MR. SUSUMU IKUTA, beloved husband of Teruko Ikuta, passed away in Lethbridge on Thursday, April 24, 2014
at the age of 87 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home Ltd.
703-13 Street North
Lethbridge, AB   T1H 2T2
Phone: (403) 382-3601
Fax: (403) 320-1492
Email:  condolences@generationsfh.ca
Sign guest book:  http://www.generationsfh.ca

JOHN LIPTAK
1955 ~ 2014
Mr. John Paul Liptak, beloved husband of Mrs. Brigitte Liptak, passed away on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at
the age of 58 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW
CHAPEL, 610 4 Street South, Lethbridge.
Send condolences at
http://www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 – 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
http://www.mbfunerals.com

JUDY WOOD
1954 ~ 2014
Mrs. Judy Wood, beloved wife the late Mr. Kent Wood, passed away suddenly on Sunday, April 27, 2014 at
the age of 59 years.
Judy is survived by her two children: Neil Wood (Nadine) and their child Joffrey of Stettler, AB; Carolyn
Wood-Pearson (Keith) and their children Jared & Raelyn of Lethbridge, AB.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Send condolences at
http://www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 – 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
http://www.mbfunerals.com

LAWRENCE “LAURIE” BELSHER,
1928 ~ 2014
Mr. Lawrence “Laurie” Belsher, beloved husband of Mrs. Ruth Belsher (nee Mueller), passed away on
Saturday, April 26, 2014 at the age of 85 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Send condolences at
http://www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 – 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
http://www.mbfunerals.com

MINAMIDE
SUMIYE MINAMIDE, beloved wife of the late John Minamide, peacefully passed away at Chinook Regional
Hospital on April 24, 2014, at the age of 88 years.
She is the loving mother of Suni Chikako (Edward) and Diane (John). She is also survived by her two
grandchildren, Timothy and Angelle.
Sumiye was a member of the Japanese Christian Fellowship and the Bridges Program, where she enjoyed
socializing with people. She loved gardening, but more importantly, she delighted in sharing the results
of her garden to her friends.
A celebration of Sumiye’s life will be held at the First Baptist Church, 1614 – 5 Avenue South,
Lethbridge, Alberta on April 30 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Akiyama officiating. Refreshments to follow.
Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home Ltd.
703-13 Street North
Lethbridge, AB   T1H 2T2
Phone: (403) 382-3601
Fax: (403) 320-1492
Email:  condolences@generationsfh.ca
Sign guest book:  http://www.generationsfh.ca

MRS. ELAINE ADAIR-SMITH
1947 ~ 2014
Mrs. Elaine Adair-Smith, beloved wife of Mr. Michael Smith, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2014 at
the age of 67 years.
Elaine will be dearly remembered by her husband Michael, son Paul (Jennifer Hauge), daughter Kristina
(Mark Orenstein) and grandchildren Kate and Eli.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 6:30pm to 8:00pm on Monday, April 28, 2014 at
MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4th Street South.
A Celebration of Life will be at 1:00pm on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at the FIRST UNITED CHURCH, 502 – 13th
Street North with Reverend Doctor Daniel Zopoula and Pastor Frank Allen, officiating.
Send condolences at
http://www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 – 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
http://www.mbfunerals.com

PARSONS
DAVID JOHN PARSONS, of Coalhurst, Alberta, passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side at the
Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, April 27th, 2014 at the age of 71 years.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1
Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403) 381-3128
Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778
care@cornerstonefh.ca

PATRICIA “PAT” BANBUR
1941 ~ 2014
On Friday, April 25, 2014 Mrs. Patricia “Pat” Banbur passed away peacefully at the age of 73 years.
Pat will be lovingly remembered by her four children Susan, Peggy (Rob), Vic (Agi) and Shelly (Larry);
ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; brother Richard Stoperski, as well as numerous nieces,
nephews, relatives, and many dear friends.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Stan in 2008 and sister Marion in 2013.
Pat’s family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to all the doctor’s and nursing staff who cared
for Pat; they especially would like to thank Pat’s dear friend Jan Tichler for all her love, care and
compassion given during Pat’s difficult time.
A Memorial Service celebrating Pat’s life will be held at 11:00am on Friday, May 2, 2014 at MARTIN
BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4th Street South, Lethbridge.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 – 10th Street
South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 9Z9.
Send condolences at
http://www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 – 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
http://www.mbfunerals.com

PINNEGAR
JANUARY 13, 1931 ~ APRIL 27, 2014
The family of Elizabeth Barbara Pinnegar (nee Pheysey) are sad to announce her passing at the Palliative
Care Unit of St. Michael’s Health Centre in Lethbridge, AB on the 27th day of April, 2014.
Elizabeth was born in Stourport-on -Severn to Donald and Maud (nee Ellis) Pheysey and raised in the
village of Ombersley, Worcestershire, England. At the age of 17 she immigrated to Ontario, Canada aboard
the RMS Aquitania. She met Armand Frederick Pinnegar, in Windsor, Ontario. Armand was her only partner in
life and together they raised nine children until his sudden death on October 13, 1964. Elizabeth carried
on raising the last seven children at home on her own.
Elizabeth moved to Lethbridge in 1978 and resided there until her passing. Elizabeth worked for
Lethbridge Family Service for many years where she was recognized for her dedicated service.
She leaves to mourn her older sisters Patricia Lavigne of Kitchener, Ontario; Rev. Margaret Wheeler of
London, Ontario; and Pauline Pichette of Providence, Rhode Island. Also left to mourn are her nine
children and their families Mary (Robert) Nelder, John (Betty) Pinnegar, Christine (James) Gagnon, Gene
(Constance) Pinnegar, Michael (Zora) Pinnegar, Raymond (Donna) Pinnegar, Joanne (Gary) Arsenault, Susie
(Dave) Kennedy and Dr. Ruth Pinnegar. She is also survived by her grandchildren, great -grandchildren,
great-great-grandchildren and a large extended family of nieces and nephews.
At the request of the family a private service will be held. Elizabeth will rest with her beloved
husband, Armand, in Maple Leaf Cemetery, Echo Bay, Onatrio.
The family would like to give a sincere thank you to Dr. Strank and the caring and professional staff at
St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit.
Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 – 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
http://www.mbfunerals.com

SAKAMOTO
ASAYE SAKAMOTO passed away in Lethbridge on Friday April 25, 2014 at the age of 96 years.
She is the loving mother of Lillan (Allan) Leavens of Picture Butte, Irene Sakamoto, Norman Sakamoto,
both of Lethbridge, Evelyn (Jim) Cozac of Lethbridge, Janice (Robert) Foster of Sidney, BC, and Carolyn
Sakamoto of Lethbridge.
Asaye is also survived by 8 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren; sister Hideko Kinoshita of Japan,
daughters- in-law Tobie, and Louise, both of Calgary; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is predeceased by her husband Masahiro (Mas) Sakamoto, and three sons: George, Larry, and Darren.
Her hobbies included Ikebana, Origami Doll Art, and crocheting. She enjoyed gardening and loved her
flowers. Asaye’s greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Special thank-you to Dr. Meller, Reiko and Teresa.
Friends may meet the family at 9:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, 2014 at the BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN
ALBERTA, 470 – 40 St. South, Lethbridge. The Funeral Service will follow at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Y. Izumi
officiating.
Interment in the Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge.
Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home Ltd.
703-13 Street North
Lethbridge, AB   T1H 2T2
Phone: (403) 382-3601
Fax: (403) 320-1492
Email:  condolences@generationsfh.ca
Sign guest book:  http://www.generationsfh.ca

SCHULTZ
With heavy hearts, we would like to announce the passing of our father, Kenneth Edward Schultz.
Born in Bashaw, Alberta, Ken (Emma pre-deceased) will be forever remembered by his family Rob (Lana)
Schultz, granddaughters, Devan and Morgan, Paul Schultz, grandsons, Ryan (Lora), Brady (Devvyn) great-
granddaughter Khole, and daughter Debra (Al) Scharff, grandson Jared, granddaughter Jorja, his companion
Marion and his extended family Otto (deceased) and Ardith Tjornelund. Ken is survived by his brother Lynn
(Bernice) Schultz of Bashaw and pre-deceased by his sister Kathleen (Ross) Winzcura of Daysland.
Farming in Cardston, Alberta for 50 years, Ken was an active member of the community through coaching
minor hockey, the Lions club and was an active member of the Legion. He will be deeply missed.
A memorial service in his honour with be held on May 31, 2014 at the Cardston Legion beginning at 1:00
pm. At the family’s request, please no flowers. Donations can be made to the Cardston Legion.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Berry Gorham of Legacy Funeral Homes, Cardston. Condolences can be
emailed to: legacyfh@telus.net
Legacy Funeral Homes Ltd.
P.O. Box 208
Cardston, Alberta T0K 0K0
Phone (403) 653-3222
Fax (403) 653-3677
legacyfh@telus.net

WEVERS
Wemeltje “Willy” Wevers of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Gerry Wevers, passed away on Sunday, April 27,
2014 at the age of 82 years.
Funeral Arrangements to be announced when completed.
Send condolences at
http://www.mbfunerals.com.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 – 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
http://www.mbfunerals.com

Regina Killinger
1923 – 2014
Regina Killinger, beloved wife of the late Frank Killinger, passed away in Taber on Sunday, April 27,
2014 at the age of 90 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on
Wednesday, April 30, 2014 at 5:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine¹s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on
Thursday, May 1, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Vincent TuanHa, Celebrant. Burial to follow at the
Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com
<http://www.southlandfuneral.com&gt; .
Regina is survived by three children Mary (Fern) Girouard of Warner, Regina (Randy) Wiechnik of Oyen and
Frank (Deanna) Killinger of Taber. She is also survived by her grandchildren Luke (Sheila) Girouard of
Taber, Deanna Hirch of Lethbridge, Craig Wiechnik (Sarah Clifford) of Strathmore, Linda Wiechnik of
Strathmore and Dearra Benton (Shawn Risto) of Taber; great grandchildren Stephanie Girouard (Jeff Juhar)
of Turin, Nikki Girouard of Taber, Victoria Girouard of Taber and Amanda Hirch of Lethbridge. She was
affectionately known as ³Gramma K² to Keaton Risto, Abby Risto, Aidan Risto and Urijah Benton. Regina
will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Frank Killinger, her parents Maria (nee Penich) and Frank Merkl, her
brother Frank Merkl and sister Theresa (John) Skorya.
Regina loved her family and was eager to show them off to her friends when they visited. She enjoyed
crocheting, gardening and helping others. She loved to watch the golfers (from her window in the
Clearview Lodge) come around to hole #10 on the Taber Golf Course, always looking for someone she
recognized. Regina will be sadly missed by her family and friends.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Regina¹s name may be made directly to the Taber and District
Health Foundation, 4326 – 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.    

Betty Schmidt
1935 – 2014
Betty Faye Schmidt, passed away in Taber on Friday, April 25, 2014 at the age of 78 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue,
Taber on Thursday, May 1, 2014 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Evangelical Free Church, 5431 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, May
2, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by
visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com <http://www.southlandfuneral.com&gt; .
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.      

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