Thursday, December 11, 2014

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 11, 2014.

BARBARA JEAN (KNOCH) HACKETT
July 22, 1939 – December 7, 2014
Barbara Jean Hackett was born July 22nd, 1939 in Lethbridge, Alberta to her proud first time parents John and Elizabeth Knoch. Her early years were spent on a farm at Whitney Siding near Lethbridge, Alberta where she welcomed her brother Marvin in 1941. In March 1944 Barbara Jean moved with her family to Nanton and the family grew by two more sisters. Barbara Jean is survived by her six children: John (Colleen) Hackett, Pam Hackett (Al Peterson), Valerie (Dale) Borggard, Doug (Tammy) Hackett, Nancy (Brian) Ellestad and Lorraine (Howie) Vanjoff. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren; six great grandsons and three great granddaughters. In addition Barbara Jean is survived by her brother Marvin (Darlene) Knoch, sisters Elizabeth (Art) Moore and Marilynn Knoch. Barbara Jean was predeceased by her husband, Tom in August 1991 and her parents John and Elizabeth Knoch in January 2001 and December 2011 respectively and her sister-in-law Shirley Vine in December 2009. A Celebration of Barbara Jean Hackett¹s life will be held on Friday, December 12th at 1:00 p.m. at the Snodgrass Funeral Chapel in High River, AB with cremation to follow and internment in the Devon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, #200 – 325 Manning Rd NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5.To email condolences please visit
http://www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes Ltd., High River. (403-652-2222)

Bishop James NORTH PEIGAN
Ootkwi-kysi (Yellow Squirrel)
Bishop James NORTH PEIGAN passed from this present life on December 4, 2014 at 1:15 PM at the Pincher Creek Health Centre, surrounded by his family. He was at peace because of his great faith in salvation in Christ Jesus. He reminded all who visited that he was ready whatever happened. A dream from his youth about the coming of King Jesus gave him much comfort. He shared this with all. He now realizes “prefer rather to be absent from the body and to be at home with the Lord” (from the words of Paul to the Corinthians). James was born on the Peigan Reserve on October 22, 1937. He loved his community and the people. He worked for much of his life to support his family. He served on council for a number of years. He gave of himself in that position with generosity, advice and kindness. He served with his nephews and a niece in political leadership. He was a respected leader to Piikani Nation. He served in the church of Piikani Nation and visited churches throughout the region. He lived his life unto the Lord in private and in public. When he met the love of his life Rosaline Good Rider, they started their family. He is survived by his children: Franklin, Debbie, Gary (Gloria), Judy (Randy), and Terry (Delia) as well as adopted children: Wallace Good Rider, Crystal Good Rider and Corey Knowlton (Shannon) and 29 grandchildren, 50 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson. His wife Rosaline, his children Almo Good Rider, Vivian Good Rider and Audrey Good Rider and grandchildren BJ Good Rider, Kimberly Good Rider and Kim Iron Shirt predeceased him. He was born to Victor and Nora (nee One Owl) North Peigan. His brothers and sisters were May English (Julius), Agnes Wolf Tail (Emil), Mary Jane Meat Face (Edward), Fred (Julianna), Daniel (Bessie Big Swan), Mark (Margaret Good Rider), Ruth Good Rider (Sam), Dorothy Yellowhorn (Edward), John (Catherine Crow Eagle), Edith Van Loon (Bud), Ernest (Bridget Crow Eagle), Nancy Big Swan (Archie), Robert (Hazel Stripped Squirrel), and Rose Knowlton (Hugh). His parents and siblings predeceased him. His adopted brother Merle Good Eye (who was raised by his parents) survives him and numerous nephews and nieces. His uncle Hartwell North Peigan (Mona) predeceased him. He would want to acknowledge his extended family from Piikani Nation including One Owl (a dear “sister” Colette Warrior) and Small Legs (dear “sisters” Marie and Margaret Yellow Face).
The family acknowledges kin from Hobbema, Siksika Nation, Kainai Nation, and Blackfeet Tribe (Montana). He will lie in state at wake on Friday, December 12, 2014 starting at 4:00 PM at Church On The Rock building, 1720 ­ 15 Avenue South, Brocket, Alberta. A funeral service will celebrate his life on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 11:00 AM at Piikani Community Hall, Brocket, Alberta.

FENTON
CHRISTINE ELEANOR CRAWFORD FENTON (nee WHITE), beloved wife of Matthew Robert Fenton “Bob” of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Theresa Villa, on Saturday, December 6th, 2014 at the age of 79 years. A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Terry Shillington 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

GLADYS M. FRENCH
April 29,1927 ­ November 24, 2014
The family of Gladys M. French are sad to announce her passing on November 24, 2014 at St. Michael¹s Palliative Care Centre. She will be lovingly remembered and missed by her daughters, Gloria [Jim], Bonnie [Dean], Betty, Deb [Tom] and son, Dave [Virene] and by her grandchildren, great grandchildren and Dale¹s family. Mom was predeceased by her loving companion and partner Dale Barrows, sister Doris Laybourne [Roger] and parents Samuel and Rosa Hanna. Gladys grew up on a farm in Ponteix, Sask. during the dirty thirties. Times were hard but being on a farm, mom felt they were more fortunate than town folk. They had chickens for eggs and a cow for milk. Her life growing up taught her to work hard, share and live your life by the Golden Rules, which she has passed onto her children. As a farm girl she was proud of the fact that Doris (her sister) and herself had doubled up on their horse ³Old Mac² for a total of 16,000 miles to attend school. Her early life gave her an appreciation for all the comforts that modern day living provides. In 1948 mom¹s parents decided to go west for the winter and Gladys came along for the adventure. During their travels they chose Lethbridge. Gramma and grandpa returned to Saskatchewan in the spring. Mom met her husband in Lethbridge, married, raised her children and worked full-time in the banking industry, retiring from CIBC in 1987. In the fall of 1978 mom started dating Dale. They spent many happy years¹ square dancing, daily crib games, camping, fishing and travelling across North America. They especially enjoyed family visits, celebrations, picnics and just loved life together. After Dale¹s passing on Sept. 3, 2004, mom formed friendships with a tightknit group of ladies in Lethbridge. She enjoyed their company and attended events at the Senior Center.
She was a loving, caring person and her door was always open with a friendly smile and witty conversation. She always made room for another plate at her table. We will miss our dear mom and treasure the beautiful memories she left us. Our family would like to express thanks to the nurses and doctors at St. Michael¹s and the Regional Hospital for their compassionate care. Special thank you to Gail Lewicki, Hazel Hamilton, Kelly and Ruth McMahon for their friendship and many visits to mom, along with all the other visitors she enjoyed. We welcome you to a celebration of mom¹s life at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 1:00pm, with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating. Interment at Mountain View Cemetery to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gladys¹ memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2M7.
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

HAZEL MCKENZIE
1912 ~ 2014
Mrs. Hazel McKenzie of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Ralph McKenzie, passed away on December 10, 2014 at the age of 102 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

HIRONAKA, TUCKER
June 27, 1921 Raymond, AB
December 8, 2014 Lethbridge, AB
TUCKER HIRONAKA, beloved husband of Sachiko Kishimoto, passed away in his sleep on Monday, December 8, 2014. He is survived by his wife Sachiko, daughter Gaye, step children: Louise (Cory) Maurik and Bob Kishimoto; brothers: Jim, Marshall (Sally) and Art (Pat) Hironaka; sisters Flo Senda and Misae (Aki) Masuda; sister-in-law Ayako Otsuka; step grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife Kinko; son Bruce; brothers Ikey (Yasko), Robert (Susie); sisters-in-law: Aya Hironaka, Tomiko (Fred) Imakire, Aki (Gus) Moriyama, Chieko (Jack) Nishiyama; brothers-in-law Mitsuo Amemori, Yosh Senda and several nieces and nephews. Tucker was a native son of Raymond, attended Calgary Tech and farmed in the area until 1956, where he overhauled his own trucks and tractors. He established Tucker¹s Auto Service in 1956 which he operated until he retired in 1987. Tucker was an active member of the Raymond Rotary Club, and in 1999 was inducted into the Raymond Sports Hall of Fame as a builder for his 30 years of dedicated service to the Raymond Golf Club. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at THE BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA, 470 – 40 St South, Lethbridge, with Rev. Y. Izumi officiating. Interment to follow in the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond. In lieu of koden, you may wish to make a donation to a charity of your choice.

IRMA S. HOFER
1933 ~ 2014
Irma Susanna Hofer of Milk River, passed away peacefully at the age of 81 on Monday, December 8, 2014 at the Coaldale Health Centre, with family by her side. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Aleta (Walter) Neufeld, Esther (Ken) Yakunin, Maryanne Henke and Steven (Kelley) Hofer and loved Grandma of Denielle (Chris) Moody, Breanne Neufeld (Steven Brown), Winston and Autumn Henke, Makenzie, Lincoln, Jaxon Hofer and great granddaughter Bentley Moody. Irma is also survived by her sister Sara (Hubert) Gray of Grande Prairie as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Irma was predeceased by her husband, Joe; parents Steve and Helen Laslo, sisters Helen Goodkey and Esther Laslo. Irma was born in Valleyview, Alberta on March 20, 1933. Along with her husband Joe, they farmed in Milk River for 55 years. The family would like to offer a special thanks to the staff at the Coaldale Health Centre for their exceptional care and love. Family and friends may pay their respects between 7:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Thursday, December 11, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Friday, December 12, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL. Interment to follow at the Mountain View Cemetery. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

JENNY NAJDA
1923 ~ 2014
Jenny Najda passed away peacefully on Friday, December 5, 2014. Born Genowefa Bozecka in the small village of Mieroniece, Poland on July 12, 1923 to Ignacy and Franceska Bozecki. She resided with her parents, brothers Stephen, Edward, Peter and her sister Mary until the age of sixteen when at the outbreak of the Second World War she was forcibly removed from her home and taken to work as a laborer in Germany. Her time during the war was marked with both overwhelming hardships and extreme happiness. While she suffered the harsh indignities of the war, she was equally blessed to have found lifelong friendships. Mom immigrated to Canada in 1947, which proved to be one of the best decisions in her life. After landing in Halifax, she traveled to Lethbridge with several other Polish women to their new home at St. Michael¹s General Hospital where they worked as uncertified nursing aides. Shortly after her arrival in Lethbridge, mom met the love of her life, Marian Najda, whom after a whirlwind courtship, she married on their third date. Mom and Dad endured many hardships during their early years, working sugar beets together throughout southern Alberta while trying to raise a young family. They settled in Lethbridge in 1951 where they built the house that they resided in until Dad¹s passing in 2006 and where their family was raised. Mom worked throughout her marriage as a nursing aide starting out at St. Michael¹s, then moving to the Galt Hospital and finally finishing out her career at the Auxiliary. She was passionate about all things in her life, and proved to be a fiercely proud and determined lady. She embodied the independent free thinking woman long before it became fashionable, and by example taught the virtues of strength and independence simply by living her life. Her retirement years were spent fishing and camping with Dad, cooking huge and delicious meals for the family, and volunteering for community groups too numerous to mention. And of course, there was always BINGO. It was often thought that her real career was playing BINGO, as she was a well known fixture at “Lucky¹s” Bingo Hall. After some 50 years of trying to win the “Big One”, she finally won the Satellite Bingo, which she never let anyone forget! Jenny especially enjoyed her grandchildren, and was the consummate grandmother, spoiling each and every one of them in her own special way. Her loving and generous nature will always be a cherished memory of her grandchildren. She will be lovingly remembered by her family for her wonderful sense of humor and her laugh that would, and did, light up our lives. Jenny was predeceased by her husband and “sweetheart” of 58 years, Marian; her eldest grandson, Larry Tamaki Jr. She is survived by her children Henry (Debbie) Najda and their son Nathan Najda (Steph), Linda Tamaki and her children Jody (Mike) Pontillo & Travis Tamaki (Allison), and Joanne (Jim) Parkinson and their children, Matthew Parkinson & Nick (Chantal) Parkinson, and their daughters Reese & Taylor. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the administration and staff of Extendicare. We will be forever grateful for the care and compassion they showed Jenny and our family. Their efforts made her last few years comfortable and happy, and she truly enjoyed being part of their community. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Friday, December 12, 2014 at ST. BASIL¹S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604-13 St. N., Lethbridge, AB, with Father Nathan Siray, officiating. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.

PETER SCHAFER
1930 ~ 2014
Mr. Peter Schafer of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Katharina Schafer, passed away on December 9, 2014 at the age of 84 years. Peter is survived by his sons Peter R. (Joyce) Schafer of Lethbridge, Norbert P. (Penny) Schafer of Taber and Ralph B. Schafer of Okotoks; eight grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren; sister Anna Brugger; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Besides his beloved wife Katharina, Peter was predeceased by his daughter Anne Goertzen, grandson Cory Goertzen and sister Katie Scheger. A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 – 10 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2M7. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

STEVE VAN HELL
1925 ~ 2014
Mr. Steve Van Hell, beloved husband of Mrs. Berendina “Diny” Van Hell, passed away on December 10, 2014 at the age of at the age of 89 years. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, December 13, 2014 at IRON SPRINGS CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, Iron Springs, AB, with Pastor Frank de Boer, officiating. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com

VASEK
BETTY JEAN “BJ” VASEK, beloved wife of David Vasek, of Lethbridge passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre, on Monday, December 8th, 2014 at the age of 71 years. She is the loving mother of one son, Steve (Laura) Shipley of Edmonton. She was predeceased by 2 brothers Ken and Allan Halvorsen.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In memory of BJ, donations may be made to the Army Navy & Airforce Veterans Club, 517 ­ 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0T9. St. Michael’s Foundation, Palliative Care Unit, 1400 – 9th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V5.
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

Henry Bekkering
1941 – 2014
Henry Bekkering, beloved husband of Hessina Bekkering, went to his eternal home on Tuesday, December 9, 2014, surrounded by his family on Vancouver Island at the age of 73 years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, December 14, 2014 between 3:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden prior to the funeral service. The Funeral Service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Monday, December 15, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com <http://www.southlandfuneral.com&gt; . If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Henry¹s name may be made directly to the Rehoboth Christian Ministries, 3920 – 49 Avenue, Stony Plain, Alberta T7Z 2J7.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Jake Unruh
1939 – 2014
Surrounded by loved ones, Jacob David Unruh of Vauxhall, peacefully passed away in Lethbridge on Monday, December 8, 2014 at the age of 75 years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, December 11, 2014 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. The Burial Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Cemetery (travel north of Vauxhall on Highway 36 almost seven kilometers, then head east on Township Road 140 just over one kilometer) on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 – 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Friday, December 12, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com <http://www.southlandfuneral.com&gt; . Jake will be deeply missed by Mary, his loving wife of fifty four years; his children Chris (Brian) King of Lethbridge, Brent (Lynda) Unruh of Vauxhall, Sandra (Andy) Lindsell of Claresholm, Shane (Teri) Unruh of Vauxhall and Grant Unruh of Vauxhall, thirteen wonderful grandchildren and one precious great-granddaughter. He is also survived by his sister Jo Herfort; brothers Abe (Helen) Unruh and Henry (Sue) Unruh. He was predeceased by his parents David and Elizabeth Unruh; brothers Dave and Pete Unruh; sister Liz Rempel; sisters-in-law Esther Unruh and Anne Unruh; brothers-in-law Steely Rempel and Henry Herfort. Jake, as he was known, was born January 10, 1939 in Coaldale. He grew up in Vauxhall attending a country school house. Jake was born a farmer, and left school at a young age to help out his dad. He took over his dad¹s farm in 1967 and worked hard at making a living off the farm, and helping his sons on the farm right up until fall of this year. Jake has been a strong contributor to the community for much of his life, and organizations such as the Ag Society, the Vauxhall Grazing Association, the Vauxhall Curling Club and the Vauxhall Legion have been beneficiaries of his speaking talent and organizational skills. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jake¹s name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7. The family would like to express their sincere thanks to those who have served and cared for Jake and our family during this time. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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