By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 22, 2015.
ABEN January 18th, 1929 – April 13th, 2015
MR. HENRY CONRAD ABEN, beloved husband of Mrs. Agatha Aben of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, April 13, 2015 at the age of 86 years. Besides his loving wife Agatha, Henry is remembered by his children; Dorothy (Richard) Shelson of Lethbridge, Arnold (Becky) Aben of Lethbridge, Alan (Yvonne) Aben of Edmonton and Bobby (Angie) Aben of Airdrie; 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother Conrad Aben of Calgary and numerous nieces and nephews. Henry was predeceased by his parents John and Dora and one infant granddaughter Olivia. He was born and raised in Coalhurst, Alberta and worked on the family farm for 42 years. After moving from the farm to Lethbridge in 1972 he started working for Canadian Western Natural Gas (ATCO), until his retirement in 1994. In 1952 Henry met Agatha and they were married in 1957. They had four children together. Henry was always willing to help if he could, whether it be with the Knights of Columbus, building a deck or erecting a garage. Henry enjoyed going camping as well as going fishing with his brother-in-law Hubert. Henry will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH – 2405 12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, on Friday, April 24th, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. A private Family Graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery. In memory of Henry, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #204, 2323 – 32 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 6Z3 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB., T1J 4K7
 CHRISTIANSON
JEAN CHRISTIANSON, passed away peacefully at the Edith Cavell Care Centre on Friday, April 17, 2015 at the age of 85 years. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Valerie (Shane) Pinnock of Lethbridge, grandson Spence (Kim), great-grandchildren Aimee and Cooper of Peace River, AB, granddaughter Allison (Travis) of Calgary, son Lawrie Gangur (Nicole) of Ottawa, ON, grandson Martin (Annie) and grandchildren Meika and Loic of Gatineau, Quebec. Her grandchildren were all very special to her. Mom was predeceased by her parents, Wilma Walton and Jack Puddicombe. She was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and was an only child. She was raised on the farm where she developed her love of dogs and had her own dog team. She moved with her family to Lethbridge as a young girl so that her dad could work as a guard at the POW camp here in Lethbridge. Mom worked at Sheffield’s and Sons for a few years and she owned Lorval’s Clothing in Lethbridge for a number of years. She enjoyed camping at Waterton, watching Blue Jays baseball games and just relaxing with her dog, Sassy, by her side. We are honouring mom’s wishes and no formal funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta – 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T5H 4K1
COTE
RICHARD COTE, beloved husband of Bonnie Cote, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at the age of 63 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced once completed.
Estella Coulter
1917 – 2015
Mrs. Estella Coulter of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Harry Coulter, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at the age of 97 years.
Estella is survived by her brother Douglas Rathwell; children Lorraine (Bill) Johnson, Norma-Jean Vrabel, and Kenneth Schlaht; as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Estella was born in Tompkins, SK on July 22, 1917. She enjoyed riding horses, baking, square dancing and playing the guitar and violin in the local socials. She loved her years on the ranch in Saskatchewan and raising her family in Waterton Park and Lethbridge. The highlights in her life were events dedicated to family and friends. She got great pleasure from gardening, even at the age of 97 you could see her on her knees weeding the flower beds. Estella was quick witted and alert throughout her life and she looked forward to the daily crossword.
Estella was the family’s beautiful and elegant matriarch. Loved by all and will be greatly missed.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
HANKEL
KATHARINA “KAY” HANKEL, beloved wife of Ray Hankel of Lethbridge passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre on Monday, April 20, 2015 at the age of 88 years. A Celebration of Kay’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta on Thursday, April 23, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Wayne Boersma officiating.
ABEN
January 18th, 1929 –
April 13th, 2015
MR. HENRY CONRAD ABEN, beloved husband of Mrs. Agatha Aben of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, April 13, 2015 at the age of 86 years. Besides his loving wife Agatha, Henry is remembered by his children; Dorothy (Richard) Shelson of Lethbridge, Arnold (Becky) Aben of Lethbridge, Alan (Yvonne) Aben of Edmonton and Bobby (Angie) Aben of Airdrie; 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother Conrad Aben of Calgary and numerous nieces and nephews. Henry was predeceased by his parents John and Dora and one infant granddaughter Olivia. He was born and raised in Coalhurst, Alberta and worked on the family farm for 42 years. After moving from the farm to Lethbridge in 1972 he started working for Canadian Western Natural Gas (ATCO), until his retirement in 1994. In 1952 Henry met Agatha and they were married in 1957. They had four children together. Henry was always willing to help if he could, whether it be with the Knights of Columbus, building a deck or erecting a garage. Henry enjoyed going camping as well as going fishing with his brother-in-law Hubert. Henry will be dearly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH – 2405 12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, on Friday, April 24th, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. A private Family Graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.
In memory of Henry, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #204, 2323 Â 32 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 6Z3 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB., T1J 4K7
Annie Lelekach 1919 – 2015
Mrs. Annie Lelekach, beloved wife of the late John Lelekach, passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care on Monday, April 20, 2015 at the age of 95 years.
Funeral Arrangements to be announced when complete.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
MANY BEARS
ANNETTE MANY BEARS, beloved wife of Gus Many Bears, passed away at the Peter Lougheed Hospital on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at the age of 54 years. A Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta on Thursday, April 23, 2015 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at ST. MARY’S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, Blood Reserve, Alberta on Friday, April 24, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Pawel Andrasz O.M.I., Celebrant. Interment to follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Blood Reserve, Alberta.
MYNDIO
STAN MYNDIO of Warner, passed away at the Raymond Health Centre on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at the age of 63 years. Stan was born on July 23, 1951 in Victoria, Venezuela to his parents Anna and Elko (both deceased). He is lovingly remembered by his children Shelly Myndio, Lisa (Shawn) Bates (children Tiegann and Kalisa) and Jayson (Candace) Myndio (children Grayson and Lylah), his brothers Joe (Helen), Bob (Therese), Tom (Heather), Michael (Christina) and his sister Linda (Rod) Dixson. He is also survived by his aunts Sophia McMahon and Katerina Sztym, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family, and his brother-like good friend Don Burla (Diane Hackson). Stan will be deeply missed by his coworkers of the County of Warner shop where he operated a gravel truck for over 15 yrs. Stan lost the fight against prostate cancer too soon. Stan was truly a great friend to those around him. A heartfelt thank you to the nurses and staff at the Raymond Hospital and Dr. Wallace Tollestrup for his compassionate care. A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB. on Saturday, April 25th, 2015 at 11:00 A.M. with Deacon Cliff Bogdan officiating. A Reception and Celebration of Stan’s Life will continue at the OLD MAN RIVER REGIONAL SERVICES building located at 3105-16 Avenue North, Lethbridge AB.
NILSSON
DEAN LEONARD NILSSON, beloved husband of the late Shirley Nilsson, passed away in Lethbridge on Monday, April 20, 2015 at the age of 95 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Morris Fred Rachinski
October 24, 1935 –
April 16, 2015
“Uncle†Morris (Uncle Sam) passed away peacefully at St. Michaels Palliative Care Centre on Thursday, April 16, 2015.
Morris’s life began on the family farm in Clair, Saskatchewan where he was raised, educated and farmed till he was 40. At that time an allergy prevented him from full time farming so he decided to move to Lethbridge to help his sister Olga and Jim with their hotels. An independent spirit soon took Morris on a path through many jobs, from the oil field to welding to still helping his friends in the Burdett/ Bow Island area with harvesting. Uncle Morris purchased his home on 20 Street North in 1981 and there developed the heart of our street. His giving nature, kindness and true friendship will never be forgotten. The degree of a true legacy can be measured by the many friends and family that truly cared and loved this gentle man. From his family to his neighbors here and in Clair, to his hunting and fishing buddies, his co-workers to the farmers he helped with harvesting, and to anyone else who knew him, he will be missed. His true love for his animals over the years was remarkable as they became his most treasured possessions.
Morris is survived by his sisters Olga Pawluk, Jean Balaski; brothers Nick (Dorie) and Metro Rachinski; sister-in-law Mary Lou Rachinsky; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and their families. Morris was predeceased by his parents Anne and Anton Rachinski and siblings Pauline and Alex Yanish, Johnny Rachinsky, Marie and Harry Shupak, Puline Rachinski, and Nick Balaski.
Morris’s celebration of life memorial will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 25, 2015 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge.
In honour of the compassionate and loving care it is requested in lieu of flowers donations in Morris’s memory can be made to the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre, 1400 – 9 Ave South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V5.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Robert “Bob” Lien
1942 – 2015
The loving Family and staff of Martin Brothers sadly announce the passing of Robert “Bob†Lien of Lethbridge, formerly of Warner, on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the age of 72 years.
Bob is survived by his loving wife Donna; stepson Ryan (Kristin Reeves) Dunford; son Trevor Lien; daughter Donna (Todd) Shaffer; grandchildren Tanis Shaffer, Ty Shaffer, Robert Lien, Bradley Lien, Alexander Reeves Dunford, Callum Reeves Dunford; sister -in-law Linda Lien; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Bob was predeceased by his first wife Kathy, parents Colburn “Ole†and Vera and brother Dean Lien.
Family and Friends are invited to pay their respects from 1:00 pm to 1:45 pm with a Funeral Service to follow at 2:00 pm on Friday, April 24, 2015 at the SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011-4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta with Pastor Brian Magee, officiating. A private family interment will follow in the Archmount Cemetery.
No flowers by request, Memorial Donations may be made in Bob’s memory to S.T.A.R.S. Foundation – Calgary Base, P.O. Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 8M7 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, P.O. Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4K7 or to a charity of your choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Nancy “Ileen” Sumner
1931 -2015
After a brief illness Ileen passed peacefully on April 20. She was born in the old Galt Hospital on February 4, 1931 to Wilfred and Polly (nee Watmough). Her first home was in West Lethbridge where the present University of Lethbridge now stands.
When the family moved to the city they resided in the apartment above the present Greyhound Bus Depot Ileen attended Central, Fleetwod, Westminster and graduated from LCI picking up lifetime friendships along the way.
Her first job was at Union Tractor (Caterpillar Dealer) located on 2nd Ave South. She then to joined the office staff at the Anderson- Speelman Chiropractic Clinic. Ileen greeted and helped thousands of patients over her 25 year tenure leading to a well-deserved retirement.
Ileen married Jack, the man of her dreams, on August 16, 1950. This union celebrated 51 anniversaries until Jack’s passing in 2002. She was a long time member of the Lethbridge Legion Ladies Auxiliary and was a frequent volunteer and supporter of the many activities that Jack was involved in. Ileen was most grateful and proud to be a member of one very unique, enduring and supportive friendship groups. This group of friends have met continuously for a total of 65 years and sadly with Ileen’s passing is now down to three.
Ileen was predeceased by her parents Wilfred and Polly, sister Winnifred, and brother Albert (Jean) Firth. She is survived by nieces and nephews, Rick (Deb) Martin, Tom Martin, Romona (Bruce) Quaale, Virginia (Bob) Smith, Jack (Gaye) Sleightholm, Betty (Doug) Florence, Rita Shaw, Don (Carol) Firth, Maxine, Ted and Kelly Firth, Bob (Connie) Firth, Stuart (Lynn) Firth, Karen Firth Lorraine McIntyre.
As a member of a Pioneer Lethbridge Family Ileen was extremely proud of her 35 great, 32 great-great and 18 great-great-great nieces and nephews.
A Memorial Reception will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, April 24, 2015 at the ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION BRANCH #4, 324 Mayor Magrath Dr. South, Lethbridge (Use the North Entrance). Interment to follow in Mountain View Field of Honour.
In lieu of flowers, Ileen has requested that memorial donations be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Fred Kinniburgh
1949 – 2015
Frederick Kinniburgh, beloved husband of Daisy Kinniburgh, passed away in Lethbridge surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 19, 2015 at the age of 65 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, April 23, 2015 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden.
Please join us for Fred’s “Final Farewell Flightâ€, at the Lethbridge Lodge Hotel and Conference Centre, 320 Scenic Drive, Lethbridge, Alberta on Friday, April 24, 2015 between 4:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. In flight service will consist of a light meal and beverages compliments of the Captain. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Fred’s name may be made directly to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation (Intensive Care Unit), 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1W5.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.