Friday June 20, 2014

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on June 20, 2014.

FORSTER
ELLEN GILLON “ADARE” FORSTER, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Care Centre, Lethbridge, Alberta on June 15, 2014 in her eighty-ninth year, born in Montreal, Quebec, 1925.
Survived by her four children and former spouse: Richard (Pat), of Dayton, Ohio, Robert (Tracey), of Lethbridge, Alberta, Thomas (Brenda), of Topeka, Kansas, Virginia of Celebration, Florida, and Gordon Forster, of Montreal, Quebec.
Grandmother to Katie, Erin, Jill and Jenny, Matthew, Jeremy and Andrew, Timothy and Ryan and Ashley, and great-grandmother to William. Brothers Colin Hughes, and Kelvin Hughes. Predeceased by her sister Dorothea and brother Frank.
Our thanks to all the kind and caring people at St. Michael’s Health Care Centre who accepted, loved and helped make Adare’s final years happy and comfortable. Adare had a gift for music and singing, sharing this brought much pleasure to her and the other residents. A family memorial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family request donations to the St. Michael’s Foundation or the Alzheimer Society of Canada Research Program.

NO RUNNER
Mah’t tsu wah pina – “Man of Honour” – DONALD NO RUNNER returned home to the Creator after 78 years of an exemplary life. He passed peacefully surrounded by family on June 14, 2014, after a long battle with illness.
Affectionately known as “Uncle”, Don was born July 13, 1935, to Bob and Helen (Oka) No Runner and was the second eldest in a family of seven. Don often reflected on his traditional upbringing and how the harsh reality of Residential school influenced his life. Known to face challenges head on, direct and honest in all his dealings, Don was a man of his word. He led a purpose driven life and lived each day to the fullest. He often theorized “You need to be aggressive and fierce to get ahead in life” yet Don was the most kind and considerate person one could meet.
As patriarch of the No Runner family he fulfilled the mantle with his natural ability to lead. He took the role as “the boss” seriously. Although a bachelor, he was father to all his nephews and nieces and the generations thereafter. Be it a rodeo, hockey game, powwow or graduation, for sure Uncle would be there proudly giving his support. He mentored his ‘children’ with patience, not one to mince words he was straight forward and exact. His lessons were simple; respect for self and others, work, pride in possessions, accountability for actions, and above all be generous and kind.
Don was more commonly known by his childhood name “Nah tsoh Kiaa yu – Last Bear” a name given by his grandmother Sarah Big Wolf, who was instrumental in his formative years. Raised in a tight knit family, he learned strong work ethic at an early age. Work was a family venture, summers were spent at their home near the Big Lease farming their land and cutting the prairie hay, winters were spent at their Old Agency home tending to their livestock. Despite the busy household, laughter and love was foremost.
Don attended St. Paul’s Anglican Residential School and excelled in studies and sports. He was an
accomplished Boxer winning titles throughout the region. After completing school, Don worked side by side with his father running a large cattle ranch. He would remark on certain mentors who influenced his life; his boxing coaches Ken Tailfeathers and Emil Smallface Sr., fellow community member Fred Stabs Down and most especially his father Robert Lou No Runner.
To the time of his passing, Don was involved in the school bussing business. He started as a school bus driver for Lethbridge Enerson Company and later became one of the founding members of the Blood Reserve School Bus Co-op and served on its Board for 49 years. Owning and operating school buses has become a three generation profit for family. Come rain or snow, Don’s bus was sure to run. He cared for the children who rode his bus and through the years they still referred to him as ‘Uncle’.
Don’s passion was racing Quarter Horses. His top rate horses gained many wins for NR Racing Stables winning stake races from Trout Springs, Montana, California, Idaho and Grand Prairie. He oversaw his nephews as they trained and raced his horses. Of his many outstanding horses, he was most fond of Triple H Lucky Tarzan. Up to his passing, he ran a Quarter Horse operation, purchasing, breeding and selling
high caliber rodeo and race horses. His impressive facilities housing his horses bespoke of his lifelong love of horses.
Don instilled community mindedness and was proud of his clan ‘Aah kah ksomm aaks’ and his community of Old Agency. He was resident Elder on the Old Agency committee and encouraged community togetherness. As well, he worked for the Blood Tribe as a whole, having been elected several terms on Council. He was firm in his belief to give back. Don lived his life in accordance to his strong moral values. His motto was “Leave people with a hand shake and a good word”.
Throughout his illness, he never complained, with his usual strength of spirit he carried on. His key caregivers Clayton and Cindy lovingly tended to his needs for the last year of his life. To the end, Don’s love for family stood testimony as he was surrounded by family who kept vigil until his last breath. Uncle meant the world to his family and the loss is immense. He will be forever missed.
Don is survived by his sisters, Philomena Little Bear, Frances and Della No Runner and the ‘kippi tah pok aaks’ Jennifer, Tom and Cheryl (who were raised by the old folks), sister and brother-in-law Marina No Runner and Dominic Cross Child, adopted brother Bryan Wadsworth and aunt Betty Healy.
He was predeceased by his parents Bob and Helen, brother Lawrence, sisters Nancy No Runner and Dorothy Cross Child, nephews and nieces Darrell, Robert, Roddy, Dugan, Tawny-Jo, Morning Star, Harley Nova, brother-in-law’s, Horace Red Crow and Gilbert Little Bear, aunts Annie Day Chief, Beatrice Weaselfat, Edith Mills, uncles Steve and Tom Oka, best friend/cousin Art Healy Jr. and older brother/cousin Mike Oka/WW II Veteran.
A Family Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, June 20th, 2014 at 4:00 P.M.
A Wake will be held at OLD AGENCY HALL, Blood Reserve, AB on Friday June 20, 2014 at 6:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at OLD AGENCY HALL, Blood Reserve, AB on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with Archdeacon Sidney Black Officiating. Interment to follow at One Spot/Old Agency Cemetery.
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

PASSEY
GARTH WILLIAM PASSEY, beloved husband of the late Jean Passey, of Lethbridge, passed away in his home on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at the age of 95 years.
Garth was born in Magrath in 1919. Garth served in the Navy during the Second World War, after which he attended the Guelph Veterinary College. He worked as a large animal veterinarian in Lethbridge until his retirement when he spent his time golfing and gardening.
Garth is survived by his children: Carolyn, Thomas, and Beverly; his grandchildren: Joshua, Allison, and Mathew; and his brothers Ron and Mark.
A family memorial will be held at a later date.
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

SHIRT
Vivian Kathleen Shirt, beloved wife of the late Peter Yellow Horn, died June 18, 2014 at Pincher Creek. She will be home one last time on Thursday, June 19, 2014, and be placed beside her life partner on the hill overlooking their home on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at 12:30 P.M. with feast to follow at the Brocket Community Hall. Everyone Welcome.
Eden’s Funeral Home and Crematorium
966 Elm Street
Pincher Creek, AB
Phone: 403-627-3131
Email: condolences@edensfuneralhome.com
http://www.edensfuneralhom

STITT
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful but unexpected passing of Dr. William David Stitt on June 8, 2014. Born June 27, 1926 in Brandon, MB. He enjoyed a long and enjoyable medical career specializing in obstetrics and gynecology in Saskatoon and Lethbridge, AB until 1980. He retired in 1986 to Richmond BC. Married to the love of his life Genevieve in 1950 they enjoyed retirement in Richmond and moved to Victoria in 1994 to be near family. Bill enjoyed swimming, skiing and skating until his early 80’s and enjoyed playing cards to the end. He was a Life Master in Bridge and had two 29 hands at cribbage. Predeceased by Gene in 1998 and siblings Jim, Joe, Muriel and Qwen. He was also the last of 17 cousins. He is lovingly remembered by Mark (Deborah) Ted and Barbara (Mel) and grandson Clayton as well as by many relatives, nephews, nieces and friends from all walks of life. Remember Bill with fondness and love and great memories. A celebration of life to take place Jun 21, 2014 in Victoria, BC.
Donations in lieu of attendance to Salvation Army or your favorite charity. Bill loved you all as you loved him.

THOMSON
We are sad to announce the sudden passing of MERVIN LEROY “ROY” THOMSON, of Magrath, AB on Monday, June 16th, 2014, in the Raymond Hospital at the age of 71 years.
He is survived by his loving wife Beverly, and sons Ken (Lisa) and Mark.
Friends may meet the family at the Magrath Stake Center, Magrath, AB on Saturday, June 21st, 2014 from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the Service.
The Funeral Service will be held in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Magrath Stake Center, Magrath, AB on Saturday, June 21st, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in the Magrath Cemetery, Magrath, Alberta.
E-mail your condolences to: legacyfh@telus.net. Arrangements entrusted to Berry Gorham.
Legacy Funeral Homes Ltd.
P.O. Box 208
Cardston, Alberta T0K 0K0
Phone (403) 653-3222
Fax (403) 653-3677
legacyfh@telus.net

John Brooks
1926 – 2014
John Vincent Brooks, beloved husband of the late Joan Brooks, passed away in Lethbridge on Monday, June 16, 2014 at the age of 88 years.
A private burial service was held at the Praireview Cemetery, Grassy Lake on Wednesday, June 19, 2014. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com <http://www.southlandfuneral.com&gt; .
John is survived by his children Dale (Sherry) Brooks of Lethbridge, Janet McDonnell of Lethbridge and Brett Brooks of Lethbridge; son-in-law Harvey Labuhn of Lethbridge; grandchildren Dawneen (Colin) Cartwright, Shawna (Shawn) Deptuck, Darcy Reider, Billy (Jody) McDonnell, John Brooks and Tracey (Tom) Baxter; great grandchildren Blake, Chloe Jo, Daelynn, Jared, Jaxson, Kennedy, Jordan, Dakota and Dylon; his sister Joyce Thomas as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Joan; his daughter Susan Labuhn; grandson Mark Brooks; brothers Sam Brooks and Bill Brooks; sisters Mary Easthope, Nellie Kinniburgh and Ann McMillan.
John grew up in Grassy Lake, where as a young boy he trapped to make extra money for the family. He volunteered during World War II and served with RCAF Squadron 432 in England and flew missions in a Halifax bomber as a mid upper gunner. After the war, John worked for Enerson Motors as a parts traveller. He later owned and operated Short Stop Service (Texaco) on 4 Avenue South and farmed east of Warner. Upon selling the farm he worked as a salesman for Enerson Motors where he was awarded Grand Salesmaster status with General Motors. He told us he never had a job he did not like (even herding sheep was good). His real passion was the outdoors. John loved hunting and fishing. He never stayed at home, he was always on a road trip with wife Joan. Grassy Lake drew him like a magnet and he especially liked going to The Forks. John may well have invented the tailgate lunch. He will be sadly, sadly missed.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in John¹s name may be made directly to the Susan Labuhn Reading Memorial Fund, Westminster Elementary School, 402 – 18 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 3G4 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Franz Loewen
1944 – 2014
 Franz Loewen, beloved husband of Maria Loewen, passed away in Vulcan on Wednesday, June 18, 2014 at the age of 70 years.
 Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, June 20, 2014 between 4:00 P.M. and 5:00 P.M.
 The Funeral Service will be held at the Old Colony Mennonite Church, Vauxhall (travel north of Vauxhall on Highway 36 ten kilometres, then nine kilometres west and finally one kilometre south of the Circle Hill Community Hall) on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. Burial to follow at the Old Colony Mennonite Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.  

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