Wednesday, October 22, 2014

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on October 22, 2014.

GORZITZA
Gorzitza, Ronald ³Ron² John, of Vulcan, passed away at the Vulcan Community Health Centre, surrounded by his family, on October 17, 2014 at the age of 84years. Ron was born on August 21, 1930. Loving father of 5 children, Ron is survived by Wendy (Laurie) Gartley, Brenda (Clive) Joseph, Greg (Diane) Gorzitza, Rob (Ann) Gorzitza and Darren (Shannon) Gorzitza, son-in-law Jay Westman, twelve grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Service Friday, October 24, 2014 at 1:30 pm at Vulcan United Church (210 – 2 Ave. South), Sue MacDonald, D.M. officiating. Interment Vulcan Cemetery. Tributes in Ron¹s memory can be made to the Vulcan Health Care Long Term Care Unit, Box 299, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0. Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through http://www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.

JEAN D. SCHMITT
1933 ~ 2014
Mrs. Jean Delilah Schmitt, beloved wife of Gordon Schmitt, of Milk River, passed away peacefully on October 19, 2014, at the age of 80 years. She will always be much loved and greatly missed by those who knew her. Jean was born on November 17, 1933 in Calgary, to Carl & Jane Johnson. She was the youngest of 12 children, and was predeceased by her parents, 5 sisters, and 3 brothers. She is survived by her husband Gordon, daughter Winona (Lance) Doram of Longview, AB, three grandsons, Jaxon, Jagger, and Jace Doram, son Richard Schmitt of Vancouver, B.C., sisters Hazel Coleman of Magrath, Ida (Archie) Campbell of Lloydminster, AB, brother Jay (Joyce) Johnson of Raymond, AB, and numerous nieces and nephews. Trained in 1955 in Edmonton, as a lab and x-ray technician, she worked in Magrath, Hanna, and High River, eventually settling in Milk River. It was in Milk River that she met Gordon, and they married in September of 1964. In 1966 they welcomed their daughter, and in 1968 their son. They enjoyed many activities together, especially curling and golf. Jean very much enjoyed other sports, as well, including skiing in her younger years, fishing, and softball, of which she played, and also coached, for a number of years. She also loved to watch Major League baseball, curling, and The Olympics. Jean was very involved in her community throughout her life in Milk River, and she served, in her middle years, as Hospital Board Chairman. In later years, she and Gordon enjoyed their time as Snowbirds, wintering for 19 years in Yuma, Arizona, where they golfed, and had an active social life. Jean especially enjoyed golfing, and loved her annual golf trip with close friends. Family was also very important to her, and the lights of her life were her three grandsons, the first coming along in 2001. She doted on them, was very proud of them, and loved them deeply. She also had many amazing and dedicated friends, whose company she greatly enjoyed, and whom she also loved dearly as family. Thanks to the staff of Chinook Regional Hospital, and especially the staff at Milk River Hospital, many of whom Jean worked with many years ago, for their kind and compassionate care in her final months and weeks. A Graveside Service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, October 24, 2014 at the MILK RIVER CEMETERY, Milk River, AB. Luncheon to follow at the Agora Room, in the Milk River Civic Centre. In lieu of flowers, those who wish, may make memorial donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 204-2323-32 Ave. NE, Calgary, AB., T2E 6Z3. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.

LAURIAN BEAUCHESNE
1941 ~ 2014
Mrs. Laurian Beauchesne of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Henry Beauchesne, passed away on October 21, 2014 at the age of 73 years. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, October 24, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.

Lena Evelyn MacAulay
April 8, 1928 – October 16th, 2014
Peacefully, in her own home, surrounded by loving family on October 16th, Evelyn passed to her great graduation and homecoming where she now dwells with her soul mate Rod in the House of the Lord forever. Lena was raised on a farm at nearby Fishburn by her parents Gladys (nee McRae) and James Taylor. She is predeceased by her parents, brother Jim (Sophie) and husband Rev. Rod MacAulay. Lena is survived by sister Donna Watson of Edmonton; lovingly remembered by her eldest daughter Lynda Stephenson (Keith) of Calgary and triplets Gail MacAulay (Kevin Rollason) of Winnipeg, Phyllis Thordarson (Philip) of Langruth, MB and Janice Jones (Mark) of Jourdanton, Texas, 10 grandchildren and 4 great- grandchildren. Memorial donations may be made to Pincher Creek United Church, the Canadian Cancer Society, or to a charity of your choice. Her Internment Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, October 23 at the Fairview Cemetery- Pincher Creek, followed by a Celebration of her Life at 2 p.m. at the Pincher Creek United Church, 972 Police Ave., Pincher Creek, AB, with Reverend Brent Woodard, Officiating.

PALATE
BETTY D. PALATE, beloved wife of the late John Palate of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, October 17, 2014 at the age of 87 years. Betty lived with her son Joseph and wife Charlene who loved her dearly. She lived a very active full life and enjoyed reading her bible daily, gardening, cooking and baking for family and friends. Betty had a tremendous love for everyone she met and prayed for them if they had a need. Betty will be sadly missed by her family and many friends, but has now gone to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. A Celebration of Life will be held at VICTORY CHURCH – 1 mile east of Lethbridge on Highway 3, on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Ralph Molyneux officiating
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

ROY STERENBERG
1934 ~ 2014
Mr. Roy Sterenberg of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Ann Sterenberg, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Friday, October 17, 2014 at the age of 80 years. A Celebration of Roy¹s Life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at THE MIZ CITY CHURCH, 501 ­ 13 Street North, Lethbridge. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.

SCHRIJEN
MR. JACOBUS “JAC” SCHRIJEN, beloved husband of Mrs. Astrid Maassen, of Nobleford, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, October 19th, 2014 at the age of 56 years. A visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB. on Friday, October 24th, 2014 from 10:30 to 11:30 A.M.
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

Sister Vera Aucoin
Aucoin: Sister Vera, 84, a Sister of St. Martha of Antigonish, died at Bethany, Motherhouse on October 11, 2014 in the 62nd year of her religious life. Born in, South Branch, NL, she was one of nine children of the late William and Olive (Garnier) Aucoin. Sister entered the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Martha on August 15, 1950, pronounced her first vows on August 15, 1952 and her perpetual profession of vows on August 15, 1955. After her profession of vows, Sister Vera served in several institutions operated by the Congregation, chiefly in laundry and housekeeping management. For twelve years she ministered in pastoral care of the sick.
In Nova Scotia, Sister served at Bethany, St. Martha¹s Hospital, R. K. MacDonald Nursing Home, all in Antigonish and at St. Andrew¹s Convent, St. Andrew¹s. She served also in Ontario at St. Augustine¹s Seminary, Scarborough and Galilee Community, Arnprior, in Saskatchewan at St. Peter¹s Hospital, Melville & in Alberta at St. Michael¹s General Hospital in Lethbridge. In 1970 Sister completed training as a Personal Care Worker and in 1986 completed two years of CPE training in Pastoral Care of the Sick. Sister Vera was well known as an avid ambassador for her native Newfoundland. Blessed with a cheerful spirit, the hallmark of her life was good humor and joyful fun. Sister Vera is survived by a sister, Eunice Fitzpatrick and brothers Alfred, Richard, Terance and William. Besides her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Beatrice Cooke and brothers Albert and Gerard. The remains will be resting at Bethany, beginning Tuesday, Oct. 14 at 1:15 p.m., where a Celebration of Vigil will be held on the same evening at 7:30. Liturgy of Christian Burial will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 15 at 2:00 p.m. in the Bethany Chapel. Arrangements are under the direction of MacIsaac Funeral Home of Antigonish. Sister Vera, baptized Margaret Olivera, was born November 8, 1929 in South Branch, NL. Her father, William Aucoin, was born in South Branch, NL and her mother, Olive (Garnier) Aucoin was born in St. Georges, NL.

VALERIO “VAL” MATTEOTTI
1913 ~ 2014
It is with sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of Dr. Valerio “Val” Matteotti, beloved husband of Mrs. Flora Matteotti on October 17, 2014 at the Chinook Regional Hospital, at the age of 101 years. Born in Italy on February 12, 1913, Val immigrated to Canada at the age of 10 years to join his mother and father who came to Canada earlier to establish a home. Val was raised in the Cardston area where he worked on the family farm and acquired his strong work ethics. Val left the farm and hitchhiked to the United States and worked as a bellhop and kitchen helper in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York, saved his money, and returned to Canada to start his own farming business. In 1930, he had saved enough money to lease with the option to purchase his first farm. Val formed a partnership with his two brothers, and together were successful farmers. The partnership was later disbanded and Val formed the company Val Matteotti Ranches Ltd. Val and Flora were married in Italy in 1948, and when they returned to Canada, they worked side-by-side to make Matteotti Ranches one of the most successful farm and ranch operations in Southern Alberta. At one time, they owned and operated four large farms located across Southern Alberta, and Val spent his days going from farm to farm managing the work crews. In 1988, they sold their last farm, settled in Lethbridge, and began to successfully invest in Calgary real estate, but his love for farming and the land never left him. He became a legend in Southern Alberta for his strong work ethics, integrity, generosity and sense of humour as well as having an astute business acumen. There is not a single aspect of the Southern Alberta community that was not happily touched by the life of Val Matteotti. Education, Health Care, Youth Sports, Culture, Arts, Nature etc. ­ All elements vital to a vibrant and socially responsible community have benefitted from the generosity of Val¹s philanthropy. His special interest were in the areas of Youth Sports, Education, and Health Care, although he generously supported the Lethbridge Symphony, Allied Arts Council, Lethbridge United Way, Lethbridge Athletic Association, Southern Alberta Art Gallery, Lethbridge Minor Soccer, Lethbridge Minor Baseball, Lethbridge Slow Pitch, Food Bank, and many others too numerous to list. He supported both the Lethbridge College and University of Lethbridge. Val was acknowledged for his major contribution to the college. In 1988 the college named their new gym the “Val Matteotti Gymnasium” and further honoured him by inducting him into the LCC Hall of Fame. In 1990, in recognition of his extraordinary contribution to the college, Val was named the Honorary Chairperson for the TEC 2000 Capital Campaign, and gave a generous leading gift to the campaign. He was also a huge supporter of the College Athletic Programs. The University of Lethbridge honoured Val with a special Faculty of Management Scholarship Dinner in the year 2000 and as a result, a series of scholarships were set up in his name. Val became Dr. Val Matteotti when he received an honourary Doctor of Laws degree from the U of L in 2004, an honour reserved for only a few very deserving recipients. Val was a generous financial contributor to many other university events, including the University Singers, Festival of Art & Song, Abbondaza, LINC Library Project etc. Val received honours from all levels of the government. He was awarded the Commemorative Medal 125 from the Governor General of Canada, marking the 125th Anniversary of Canadian Confederation. In 1988, Val received a special certificate of merit from the Prime Minister Brian Mulroney for his outstanding support of his community. In 2005, the Provincial Centennial Medal marking the Province of Alberta¹s 100th Anniversary was presented to him. He also received a certificate of merit from Premier Ralph Klein and his cabinet for his support of Health Care in Alberta. Val was given the prestigious and very rare Premiers Silver Medallion for his support of the Lethbridge community in 2005. In Calgary, Val and Flora were honoured with the Philanthropic Award in 2001, presented by the Alberta Association of Fundraising Professionals. The award was presented in Calgary by Mayor Dave Bronconnier. He also received awards from the Kinsmen Club of Calgary and the Kinsmen Pediatric Centre. The Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame inducted Val into the honoured hall on three separate occasions. 1995 a group of local business people started the Italian Open Golf Tournament with Val as a patron. Later, the tournament was renamed the Val Matteotti Italian Open Golf Tournament. The event sold out every year, it has raised over $1,200,000 for much needed health care equipment at the Chinook Regional Hospital. For over 27 years, Val donated trees to be planted in Henderson Lake Park to replace old or diseased trees. He was proud to involve students from the General Stewart Elementary School to help plant the trees and learn the importance of nature. One of Val¹s proudest and most cherished sponsorships was the Val Matteotti Golden Hawks AAA Bantam Hockey Team. They were the first sports team he sponsored and were always his favourite. He followed their progress every year, and was proud when he was told they refer to themselves as the “Matteotti¹s kids”. On April 27, 2006 Val was named as the inaugural Lethbridge Citizen of the Year, sponsored by the Lethbridge Herald and the Rotary Club of Lethbridge. He was extremely proud of this award, not only because he was the first person named as Citizen of the Year, but because the submission to the selection committee included submissions from the community, including many of the clubs and organizations he had supported over the years. That evening at the awards banquet, Val was inducted as a Paul Harris Fellow. The Paul Harris Fellowship is a Rotary Club Honour, reserved for people of distinction. The same evening, Mayor Bob Tarleck presented him with the Keys to the City in honour of his exemplary contributions to the Lethbridge Community. We will miss Val and his generosity, but most of all we¹ll miss his presence in the community, his wisdom, sense of humour and storytelling. Besides his loving wife Flora of 66 years, Val is survived by his sisters-in-law Anne Matteotti & family, Alice¹s children, Henry¹s children, sister-in-law Wanda Lutterotti, nephew George (Adella) Lutterotti & family, nieces Alberta (late Frank) St. Amand, Nevis (Douglas) Goruk & family, as well as many relatives in Europe. Val is predeceased by his mother Teresa, father Angelo, siblings Henry, Alice and Guido. Vigil Rites (Prayers), Eulogy and Tributes will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, October 22, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 ­ 4 Street South, Lethbridge, led by Deacon Cliff Bogdan. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1101 ­ 4 Ave South, Lethbridge, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. Flowers are gratefully declined; those who wish may donate to the Val Matteotti Open, c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960-19 St. S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 1W5. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.

VISSER, HEIN (HENRY) GERMEN
MR. HENRY VISSER, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2014 at the age of 73 years, Henry is survived by his children Rochelle and Tania, seven grandchildren and three brothers. He was predeceased by his son Ron Visser. Born April 21, 1941 in Wolvega, Netherlands and coming to Canada in the early 1950¹s He worked as an autobody mechanic, truck driver and locksmith. Henry enjoyed his motorbike, model trains and his two pups. A memorial will be held at the Salvation Army Church 1302 – 4 Ave South, Lethbridge Alberta Friday, October 24, 2014 at 2pm

WIEBE
JAN CARIN WIEBE, beloved wife of Barry Gamow of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Friday, October 17, 2014 at the age of 51 years. A Celebration of Jan’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNRAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, October 26th, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. Following the service a reception & light lunch will be served.
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

WILLIAM MALCOMSON
1927 ~ 2014
Mr. William Malcomson, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Margaret Malcolmson, passed away on October 18, 2014 at the age of 87 years. A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 23, 2014 at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, Lethbridge, AB.
Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.

WILLIAMS
RYAN WILLIAMS passed away on the Blood Reserve on October 20th, 2014 at the age of 25 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed

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