Monday, December 29, 2014

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 29, 2014.

BARTKE
HERBERT BARTKE passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit, on Saturday, December 27, 2014 at the age of 87 years. A Private Family Interment will be held at a later date.
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

GALLANT
The family of JAMES EUGENE “JIM” GALLANT is sad to announce that Jim passed away on Christmas Day at the Chinook Regional Hospital from complications due to cancer. Dad was born in Bluesky, Alberta in 1936. His youth was spent in Bluesky, in Hines Creek, AB, and Frankford, ON. As a 16-year-old, he left home to work in the construction and forestry industries around Nanaimo for two years and in 1954 he joined the RCAF to train as an aero engine mechanic. While in the Air Force, he was posted to St. Jean PQ; Borden ON; Rivers MB; #2 Wing in France; Penhold AB; Calgary AB; Winnipeg MB; Trenton ON; Senneterre PQ; and CFSME in Chilliwack, BC. Dad retired in 1974 as a mechanical systems tech, Master Warrant Officer. He married our mother, Dorothy May Kerr, in 1956 at Rivers, MB and they raised a family of seven children. In 1959, he changed streams to refrigeration and air conditioning. After retiring from the Air Force in 1974 the family moved to Calgary where Dad worked in different levels of the refrigeration industry, starting on a service truck and becoming service manager for Carrier Western, covering Western Canada. In 1981, he headed up the Refrigeration Workers Union for Alberta, which was part of Local Union 488 of Edmonton until 1991, then returned to the field until 1996. That year, he joined the Corps of Commissionaires in Olds AB, and served as a Commissionaire for 14 years in Olds, Edmonton (at the Legislative Assembly, which he enjoyed immensely) and then in Lethbridge, where they moved in 2007. He fully retired in late 2010. Dad loved to be busy and help others, he spent time as a volunteer at the Lethbridge Food Bank and various service clubs, as well as at St. Martha¹s Parish. He enjoyed being a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, General Stewart #4 and 702 Wing of the RCAF Assn. of Canada and on the executive, including a term as its president. Jim is survived by his wife Dorothy and children Viola (Bruce), of Powell River, BC; Arlene (Bob), of Gibsons, BC; George (Sherri), of Lethbridge; Jim, of Jefferson, TX.; Juanita (Gene) of Okotoks, AB; Brian (Ricky) of Manhattan, NY; Valerie (Kim), of Comox, B.C.; 19 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. Dad was pre-deceased by daughters Brenda and Marie, son-in-law Charles Hawes and grandson Ryan. A Memorial Mass will be Celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge on Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2014 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Roque Perreira Celebrant. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the The Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960-19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB., T1J 1W5.
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

GEORGE “BLONDIE” MIHALIK
1921 ~ 2014
George “Blondie” Mihalik, beloved husband of Mary Mihalik, passed away peacefully at the age of 93 on Friday, December 26, 2014 surrounded by his family, in Lethbridge, Alberta. Blondie was born, raised, and educated in Lethbridge where he worked diligently in the family grocery business, Mihalik¹s Food and Dry Goods, for over 60 years. Blondie is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Mary; two daughters, Linda (Jim) Zook and Debbie (Walter) Coyle; and four grandchildren, Alison (Pete), Alana (Brian), Megan, and James. He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Katie, two brothers, Joey and Eddie, and two sisters, Mary Nicolson and Katie Campbell. Blondie began his career at the age of five, when he could be found directing customers to the products they were looking for. He enjoyed delivering groceries to Mihalik¹s long-time customers with his horse and buggy, even when it was 40 below. Blondie, with Mary working alongside him, devoted his life to the grocery business, building up a solid clientele with his friendly attitude, and charming manner. The Mihalik name was synonymous with dedicated service and honest business practice. Blondie extended a helping hand to the miners and other workers during the hard times of the 1930s. He let them charge their groceries until they earned the money to start paying their bills. Blondie was a kind and generous man who made many friends in his lifetime. He was well liked and respected in his community and was active in the church, as well as in many service clubs and organizations. He will be remembered for his sense of humor and witty comments. He sincerely loved his family and was very proud of them. He will be very sadly missed.
A Funeral “Parastasis” will be held at 4:00 PM on Sunday, December 28, 2014 at SS. PETER & PAUL UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 643 ­ 12 “B” Street North, Lethbridge, led by Father Gary Sedgwick. A Funeral “Divine Liturgy” will be held at 1:00 PM on Monday, December 29, 2014 at SS. PETER & PAUL UKRAINIAN GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH, with Father Gary Sedgwick celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made to Ss. Peter and Paul Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church, 643 ­ 12 “B” Street North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 2N5.
Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.

HIRSCHE
GARY KEITH HIRSCHE, passed away in Taber, Alberta on Sunday, December 21st, 2014 at the age of 78 years, beloved husband of Shirley Gorham Hirsche. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 54th Street Chapel, Taber, Alberta on Tuesday, December 30th at 1:00 p.m.. Friends may meet the family at the Church from 11:45 to 12:45 prior to the Service.
Email your condolences to: legacycardston@gmail.com

JOHNSON
EDWARD JOHNSON, passed away at Legacy Lodge on Friday, December 26, 2014 at the age of 94 years.
A private family service will be held at a later date.

KELLINGTON
JOSEPHINE KELLINGTON, of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Therese Villa, on Friday, December 26th, 2014 at the age of 100 years. Cremation, with a private interment at a later date in Naicam, Saskatchewan.

MARY KLASSEN
1928 ~ 2014
Mrs. Mary Klassen of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Jake Klassen, passed away on December 21, 2014 at the age of 86 years. A Visitation will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, December 29, 2014 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S., Lethbridge, AB. A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at COALDALE CEMETERY, Mennonite Section. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316-17 St., Coaldale, AB, with Pastor Lillian Thompson, officiating. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.

MELVIN (MEL) HEGGIE beloved husband of Terra (Lee) Heggie passed away in Raymond, Alberta on Thursday, December 25th, 2014 at the age of 66 years. Besides his wife Terra, Mel is survived by his daughters Brandy (Dennis) Cardinal, Jennifer (Mike) Court, and his three Grandchildren Kolbi Creek Heggie, Walker Court and Austin Court. Mel will be remembered by his brothers Calvin Heggie (twin) and Marc Heggie. Mel was predeceased by his parents Johnny and Glenna Heggie. Mel was born June 30th, 1948 in Lethbridge, Alberta. Mel graduated high school in 1966 from Magrath Alberta and soon met Terra Lee and married on March 27th, 1971. Mel spent the next 38 years in the fertilizer/farming industry in southern Alberta. Firstly working at Garden City fertilizer in Magrath and in mid 80¹s Mel purchased Heggie Agro Bulk Fuel & Fertilizer and moved to Raymond Alberta. Mel fostered overwhelming respect and loyalty from the farming community around southern Alberta. Mel sold the business in 1998 and worked for Agpro and subsequently CPS Agrium out of Warner. Mel loved spending time with his family and friends camping in the mountains and enjoyed wood working. Mel¹s most valuable treasures were his three Grandchildren and they in turn loved and respected their grandfather. Mel was able to mentor his grandchildren to have the drive, work ethic, trust and loyalty that made him admired by all. Mel was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints spending the past 5 plus years as stake clerk. Flowers gratefully decilined. Donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 1825 Park Road SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 3Y6 or Canadian Diabetes Association, 114 – 1212 – 1st Street SE, Calgary, Alberta T2G 0G8. Friends may meet with the family at the Raymond Stake Center on Monday, December 29th, 2014 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. or at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service. The Funeral will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Raymond Stake Center on Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Interment at the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond. Email your condolences to: legacycardston@gmail.com

MIFFLIN
ROBERT CLARE MIFFLIN, beloved husband of Priscilla Mifflin of Lethbridge, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Friday, December 19th, 2014 at the age of 83 years. Besides his wife, he is survived by his two sons, Mitch (Jackie) of Lethbridge and Marty of Barons, one sister, Madeline Irvine of Barons, nieces Cathy Prine of Trochu, Karen Martin of Calgary, Rhonda Clark and Barb Erler of Lethbridge and nephews Ron Gygie of Trochu, Larry Gygie of Calgary, Chuck Clark of Claresholm, Terry Irvine, Garry Irvine, Lee Irvine all of Lethbridge, three grandchildren Kayla Mifflin, Kelsey Mifflin and Kelly Mifflin; one great grandchild Keaton Robert Clare Arnestad. Robert was predeceased by his father, Charlie, mother Inga, and sister, Charlotte and Brother-in-law Ken Clark and Brother and Sister in-laws Doug and Tina Gygie and Brother-in-law Dennis Irvine. Robert was born on September 30th, 1931 in Claresholm, Alberta. He loved many things in life, including his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchild. He also loved hunting, fishing, camping and being outside even more than bacon!. He had a great sense of humor even right up to when he passed. He will be sadly missed but his memory will live on. The family thanks the caring staff at C.R.H. and St. Michael’s. A Service of Remembrance will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 – 32nd Street South, on Tuesday, December 30th, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. In memory of Robert, contributions may be made to the Alzheimer Society, #402, 740 ­ 4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0N9
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

PARKER
LLOYD WELLINGTON PARKER, beloved husband of Helen Parker, of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Friday, December 26th, 2014 at the age of 83 years. Besides his loving wife Helen, Lloyd is survived by his children, Ed (Geralyn) Parker (Ashley, Natalie & Riley) of Lethbridge, Doug Parker of Lethbridge, Brenda (Terry) Parker-Lock (Aimee & Ryan) of Vancouver, Rob (Jennifer) Parker (Tyler, Jett & Kru) of Minneapolis, MN., Diane (Leonard) Houghton, (Dillon, Dalton & Dustin) of Lethbridge. He is also survived by 4 great-grandchildren, 2 brother and 5 sisters. Besides his parents, Lloyd was predeceased by 2 brothers and 3 sisters. Lloyd passed away peacefully with his family by his side. He had many loves during his years and none more then his wife, kids, grandkids and great-grandkids. He always looked forward to spending time with them during the many camping trips and family backyard parties. Toledo Scales brought Lloyd & family down to Lethbridge in 1969. He later started his own business, Bridge Appliance Service, where he remained until retirement. All who knew Lloyd certainly knew him for his passion for model railroads and puzzles. His patience, attention to detail and willingness to help others were part of what made him so special.
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

STAPLES
WALT STAPLES, beloved husband of Clara Staples of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, December 27th, 2014 at the age of 83 years. A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, January 2, 2015 at 11:00 A.M..

WILHELM DUDA
1923 ~ 2014
Mr. Wilhelm Duda of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Elsie Duda, passed away on December 24, 2014 at the age of 91 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when complete. Send condolences at http://www.mbfunerals.com.

WRIGHT
WILLIS RICHARD WRIGHT passed away in Cardston on Thursday, December 25th, 2014 at the age of 80 years, beloved husband of Evelyn Wright. Friends may meet the family ONLY on Tuesday, December 30th from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Legacy Funeral Home in Cardston. The Funeral Service will be held in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston Alberta West Stake Center (Waterton Hi-way) on Wednesday, December 31st, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at the Cardston Cemetery.
E-mail your condolences to: legacycardston@gmail.com

Paul Driedger
1979 – 2014
Paul Driedger, beloved husband of Tasha Henry, passed away unexpectedly in Taber on Saturday, December 20, 2014 at the age of 35 years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, December 29, 2014 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 11:00 A.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> . If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Paul¹s name may be made directly to the charity of one¹s personal choice. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Abe Unruh
1929 – 2014
Abram Unruh, beloved husband of Helen Unruh, passed away in Taber on Thursday, December 25, 2014 at the age of 85 years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, December 30, 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 Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 2:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 – 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 3:00 P.M. 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.

Frank Drach
1938 – 2014
Frank Drach, beloved husband of Verna Drach, passed away in Taber on Friday, December 26, 2014 at the age of 76 years. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at St. Augustine¹s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, December 30, 2014 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine¹s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, December 31, 2014 at 10:00 A.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.

Patty Valgardson
1956 – 2014
Patricia Anne Valgardson, beloved wife of Peter Valgardson, passed away in Calgary on Thursday, December 25, 2014 at the age of 58 years. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Friday, January 2, 2015 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine¹s Catholic Church, 5009 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, January 3, 2015 at 11:00 A.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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