By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 7, 2016.
ANDRUS
Kevin Harold Andrus
March 8, 1966 – January 2, 2016
Kevin Harold Andrus, beloved father of Matthew, Bradley Zachary and Alex, son of Lavonne Andrus & Harold Andrus and companion to Diana Spaan and brother of Randy Andrus, passed away suddenly at the age of 49 at Leduc, Alberta.
A celebration of Kevin’s life will be held at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge on Friday January 8, 2016 at 2:00. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to S.T.A.R.S. 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 8M7 or the Jack Ady Cancer Center C/O Chinook Regional Hospital 960 19 St S, Lethbridge, T1J 1W5.
BEK
BASIL BEK of Barons, AB. and beloved husband of Tracey Szpuniarski, passed away peacefully at the St. Michael’s Health Centre, on Monday, January 4, 2016, at the age of 64 years.
Along with his wife Tracey, he is lovingly remembered by his stepchildren: William Leishman from Lethbridge, Shane (Brianne) Leishman from Lethbridge and Blair (Brandy) Leishman from Coaldale, grandchildren: Brady Hoffman, Tyson, Kyle, Alexander and Elizabeth Leishman, sisters Helen (George) Acheson and Irene Bek both of Sherwood Park, as well as his nieces: Keri (Bryan) Facchin, Zoe and Jasmin, Sherry Acheson and Cole Clark.
Basil lived a very full and active life up until his cancer diagnosis on October 17th of 2015. His passion was photography and he enjoyed keeping busy with his grandchildren.
A Private Family Graveside Service will take place at a later date.
Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects to the family at the BARONS COMMUNITY HALL on Friday, January 8th, 2016 starting at 2:00 P.M.
Donations can be made in Basil’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 2M7.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BUTRENCHUK
DEBRA ELAINE BUTRENCHUK,
1953-2016
The family wishes to announce the passing of Deb on January 3, 2016 at the Palliative Care Unit, St. Michael’s hospital. Deb died peacefully at the age of 62 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband of 39 years, Stephen, and her daughters Elaine Fischer (husband Kris) and Jenna Greene (husband Scott). She was predeceased by her parents Marion and William (Bill) Reith. Deb devoted most of her life to raising her two daughters. Her greatest joy was watching them dragon boat together.
The family deeply appreciates the care and love from the nurses and staff at the Palliative Care Unit.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, (317 10 St. S Lethbridge AB T1J 2M7) Canadian Red Cross, (335 Columbia Blvd. W Lethbridge, AB T1K 5Y8) or the St. Michael’s Hospital Palliative Care Unit, (1400 9 Ave. S Lethbridge, AB. T1J 1W5)
Deb’s wishes were to be cremated.
Family and friends are welcome to pay their respects at 34 Temple Cr. West Lethbridge AB on Friday January 8, 2016 from 1:00-5:00
“GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN”
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
CAHOON
EDWIN THOMAS CAHOON, passed away on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 at the age of 87 years, beloved husband of the late Beth Cahoon.
Friends may meet the family at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, January 8th, 2016 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 Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Leavitt, Alberta on Saturday, January 9th, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Interment in the Leavitt Cemetery.
Due to ALLERGY & ASTHMATIC CONCERNS – Please send no real flowers or wear strong scents.
Send condolences to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
Eunice Clara Dravland
1927 – 2016
Eunice Clara Vinge Dravland, devoted wife of the late Vernon Dravland passed away peacefully at Fairmont Extendicare in Lethbridge on January 3, 2016 at the age of 88 years.
She is survived by her daughter Elsa (Stephen) Mickelsen of Encinitas, California, and Eric (Susan) Dravland of Lenoir, North Carolina, as well as ten grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She is also survived by her brother Donald Vinge of Edmonton and Doreen Nostbakken of Saskatoon.
She is predeceased by two brothers and three sisters. She treasured her family. She, Don, and Doreen were the three “little kids†of the family and had an especially close relationship.
She was born in Torquay, Saskatchewan, to Peder and Dorma Vinge, and came of age in the Depression and War Years. These instilled in her a practical nature and courage to work hard, speak her mind, and face every challenge. She went on to study at the Lutheran Collegiate Bible Institute in Outlook, Saskatchewan, and Concordia College in Moorhead, Minnesota. After teaching in North Dakota and Minnesota, she and Vernon moved to Lethbridge in 1969. She joined the faculty at Catholic Central High School where she taught home economics for over twenty years. She always took a special interest in the lives of her students. After retirement, she and Vernon bought the original Dravland farm in North Dakota, where they spent many summers.
She is remembered as a woman of energy, integrity, and faith. She was always busy, whether with teaching, knitting, or preparing lutefisk or cracked glass candy for entertaining her many friends. She could be counted on to speak her mind openly and honestly. She was a member of the congregation of the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. While watching her and supporting her in the struggle of the last few years of her life, we remember her hard work, energy and enthusiasm for life, faith, and family.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, 2406 – 11 Ave. South, Lethbridge. A service of internment will be held at Turtle Mountain Lutheran Church, Carbury, North Dakota, in the summer.
The family is thankful for the skilled and loving care provided by Fairmont Extendicare.
“You do the best you can with the light you have today.â€
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
EAGLE SPEAKER
BYRDE EAGLE SPEAKER, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at the Cardston Health Centre, on Saturday, January 2nd, 2016 at the age of 79 years.
A Wake will be held at SENATOR GLADSTONE HALL, Blood Reserve, Alberta, on Friday, January 8, 2016 from 6:00 to 11:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at SENATOR GLADSTONE HALL, on Saturday, Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Michael Tipper officiating.
Interment to follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
FLORENCE HELEN GILLETT, beloved wife of the late Roger Gillett (2014) passed away peacefully on December 31, 2015 surrounded by her family.
Florrie is survived by her children, Michael (Andree) Gillett, Bruce (Sharon) Gillett, Donna (Don) Gillett, Pam (Brian) Gillett, Susan (Tim) Mangan; Grandchildren, Jennifer (Don) Gillett, Sarah Gillett, Dominique (Ryan) Chaba, Julien Renauld, Kadi (Joey) Lavorato, Allison (Chris) Gillett, Quinn (Mike) Hagel, Jodi (Dario) Garvin, Jessica (Ross) Garvin, Jacob Sarkadi, Eve Sarkadi, Patti-Jean Mangan; Great-Grandchildren Robert, Olivia, Cole, Dylan and Reid.
Florrie was born in Coaldale, Alberta. With her Dad working for the CPR, she travelled around Alberta with her family to Coalhurst, Manyberries, Coaldale with her Grandparents and then Wilson Siding to finish grade school at White and McNally Schools. Florrie enjoyed riding around the countryside on her bike with her best friend Iris.
Florrie attended Mt. Royal College in Calgary to learn to be a stenographer and after working in Calgary moved back to Lethbridge where she met Roger at the Trianon Dance Hall. They were married at St. Augustine’s Church in 1954 and together they lived in Calgary, Medicine Hat, Prince George and back to Lethbridge in 1967 where they settled to finish raising their family.
Florrie was a very loving, kind and gentle person. She was a voracious reader, a fabulous cook and a mostly unbeatable Scrabble player. Florrie embraced technology and was an active Facebook member which allowed her to play online scrabble games with her family and keep up on everyone’s active lives. She was very organized and had a list for everything, which kept regular gatherings at the house running smooth as her family grew. Florrie loved birds and had a great knowledge of them, she enjoyed her quiet time at the family cabin in Whitefish reading and watching the hummingbirds.
Florrie took much joy spending time with family and friends, golfing at Henderson Lake Golf Club, and supporting the Lethbridge Hurricanes. She was heavily involved in the Girl Guides of Canada working in their Lethbridge office for 28 years and later volunteering at camps and helping out with their bookkeeping. She received a Government of Canada commemorative medal along with countless accolades for her contributions in the Guiding community.
Florrie was predeceased by her parents Michael and Jenny, her sister Margie, and her loving husband Roger.
Florrie’s smiling face and unbreakable spirit will be missed by all who knew her.
The family would especially like to thank Dr. Strank, Dr. Jantzen and Dr. Cantel along with Melissa from Home Care and the many great health care workers in Lethbridge and Calgary that helped our Mom.
A Celebration of Florrie’s life will be held ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 411-11th Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, January 8th at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Andrew Horne officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960-19th Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
HUBERT
MARY HUBERT, of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late David F. Hubert, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Lord and Saviour at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, January 6, 2016 at the age of 88 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
KALETA
JOYCE DOREEN (FORBES) KALETA passed away on Tuesday, December 22, 2015 at the age of 86 years, surrounded by her dearest friends and family.
Joyce was the eldest of Wilmot and Alma Forbes’ three daughters. She was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on July 21, 1929. In 1948 she moved to Lethbridge with her father and youngest sister Lois after the death of their mother.
Once settled in Lethbridge, Joyce worked a short time in the egg and poultry industry where she was introduced to her future husband, Michael Kaleta. They married on January 20, 1951. Soon after she started working for Woolworths which turned in to a career lasting over 40 years. For Joyce the best part of working for Woolworths was travelling across Canada to open new stores.
Joyce was very active in the First United Church of Lethbridge and spent many years teaching Sunday school and preparing food for various church functions. She was well known for her meat pies. She also volunteered as a Girl Guide leader for more than 25 years. Joyce kept in contact with many of her Woolworths co-workers over the years and had annual lunches with the ladies. She was never blessed with children of her own, but always referred to the Girl Guides as her kids. Following her retirement, Joyce and Mike travelled across Canada, the Caribbean and made annual treks to Mexico with family and friends.
Joyce was predeceased by her mother Alma, father Wilmot, sisters Lois and Betty and husband Michael.
Joyce is survived by her father’s second family, Arlene Harrold from Ottawa, ON, Jean Andrew from Prince George, BC, Rowena Webb from Grande Prairie, AB, Kathleen Taylor from Edmonton, AB, Jim Forbes from Granisle, BC and Craig Forbes from Edmonton, AB and their respective families; her niece Wilma (Mo) Hrabluik from Calgary, AB, nephew Doug (Margitta) Greeno from Taber, AB, and her sister-in-law Ella Wilk from Calgary, AB and their respective families.
Joyce will be fondly remembered by her special Lethbridge “family†of Roy Swidinsky, Kevin (Patti) and family, Bryan and family and dear friends Paulette (Stan) DeCoste, and Sherryl DeCoste.
Joyce had such a kind heart and will be dearly missed by all. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you.
A Memorial Service will be held at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703-13 Street North, Lethbridge on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverends Eva Stanley and Glenda Wert co-officiating.
Inurnment to take place in Archmount Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First United Church, or the Birds of Prey Centre in remembrance of Joyce.
Gary Kenna
December 21, 1955 – January 1, 2016
Gary Kenna, beloved husband of Token Kenna and loving father of Karli and Kimberli Kenna, passed away suddenly on Friday, January 1, 2016 at the age of 60 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 1:00pm – 4:00pm on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at the COAST HOTEL, 526 Mayor Magrath Drive, Lethbridge, with family words at 2:00pm.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Douglas Mueller
1949 – 2015
Doug Mueller, beloved husband of Rosemary (Rosey) of Warner, Father to Kurtis (Heather) of Lethbridge, and Blaine (Alanna) of Warner passed away January 3rd, 2016 at the age of 66.
Doug is also remembered by his mother, Violette; his brothers, Michael (Ardell), Leonard, Thomas (Karen). Doug was predeceased by his father, Oscar.
Doug grew up on the family farm in Warner where he and his brothers were involved in many shenanigans throughout their childhood. He attended school in Wrentham and then Warner High School. Doug left the farm to attend Lethbridge College and then the University of Calgary to obtain a Bachelor of Arts Degree. After he graduated, Doug backpacked across Europe with his lifelong friend Herb Culler; they had great adventures and made memories to last a lifetime.
Doug returned to the family farm and then met the love of his life, Rosey Kirkham. Doug and Rosey were married for 41 years; raising their two sons and enjoying many wonderful adventures together. Winters and summers were spent at the family cabin in Whitefish. Doug and his family enjoyed water-skiing and snow-skiing while in Whitefish and summer camping trips with family and friends while the boys were growing up.
Summer family vacations in Kelowna with the Kirkham clan were definitely a highlight for Doug, which included the infamous “Brothers-In-Law†golf match. Doug enjoyed the many times spent with his brother and sister-in-law’s, Barry and Irene Kirkham, Sue (deceased) and Ed Neimann, Louise and Ron Hutchinson, as well as, his many nieces and nephews. Doug and his mother-in-law Rose Kirkham shared a special bond and loved each other dearly.
Growing up, Doug was a natural athlete excelling in curling and baseball. He was always proud of the summer he attended baseball camp in Breckinridge, Colorado. He thoroughly enjoyed watching any sports and activities his sons participated in and coaching them in baseball and hockey. Sports continued to play an important role for the rest of Doug’s life. Being self-taught in early adulthood, the game of golf became his passion. Doug and his family partook in many humorous golf games throughout the years. Doug always played for the love of the game, be it a competitive round of golf with “The Boysâ€, or a fun round with Rosey and friends. He has been a member of the Lethbridge Country Club since 1983.
Doug’s passion in life was farming and ranching. He inherited his hard work ethic from his father, Oscar, and would never stop until the job was done. Doug was also an investing enthusiast, and learned all he could about investing in the stock markets from his uncle Lloyd. Doug and Rosey had planned to spend their retirement in La Quinta, California. They have spent the last 4 winters there golfing and making many new friends.
Doug had a gentle and kind spirit. He was a man of integrity, with an incredible sense of humour. All those who knew him well loved him.
At Doug’s request, there will be no funeral service.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Anne Wai Kuen Quon
1933 – 2015
Anne Wai Kuen Quon of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Victor Fee Quon, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday December 24th, 2015 at the age of 82 years.
Anne was born in 1933 and went to school in Canton China. In 1950, she met Victor Quon, the love of her life, through one of his cousins. It was love at first sight and they were married soon after within a couple of months of meeting. Several years later, they started a family together. Victor had went ahead to Canada to find work. She, with her first born son John, fled to Hong Kong in 1955 when the Communist government took all their land and they then immigrated to Canada a few years later.
Anne worked in the food service industry after she came to Canada. She started out as a kitchen helper in the restaurant/coffee shop at the York Hotel. She was later hired as a cook at the House of Wong restaurant and worked there until she retired in 1983.
Upon their retirement, Anne and Victor travelled back to China several times. She had the good fortune of reconnecting with her relatives and extended family on one of these trips to China. In her spare time, she enjoyed sewing, gardening and also loved cooking and creating new dishes. She was also an active member of the Lethbridge Chinese Cultural Club until her passing.
Besides her loving husband Victor Fee Quon, Anne Wai Kuen Quon is survived by her 3 sons John (late Jean), David (late Yvonne, Gina), and Tony (Cindy), grandchildren Nicholas, Alexander and 2 others, four sisters living in China, and six brothers, Jim Wong (Sandy), Bill Wong (Sharon) living in Canada as well as three other brothers still living in China.
Anne was predeceased by both her parents and 1 brother.
Family and friends are invited to pay their last respects between 6:00pm and 8:00pm, on Friday, January 8, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm, on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHER RIVERVIEW CHAPEL. Interment is to follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 4:00pm, on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at New Dynasty Restaurant, 103 7th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
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SERNIAK
Al Serniak, beloved husband of Kathy Serniak, passed away after a courageous battle with cancer on January 4, 2016 at the age of 66.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, January 11, 2016 at the Army, Navy & Air Force Club, Dieppe Hall, 517- 5 Ave. S., Lethbridge from 1-4:00pm.
Relatives and friends are welcome to come and share their memories with the family.
Cory Stock
1969 – 2015
Cory Richard Stock of Lethbridge passed away suddenly on January 3rd, 2016 at the age of 46.
He is survived by his loving wife of 22 years and best friend Robin, his son Kallen, his loving daughter Kaleigh, and predeceased by his infant daughter Keaira in July, 1999. He is survived by his parents Harvey and Delores, his sisters Gail, Jason, and Charlee Ukalchuk and Jackie, Robin, Jensen, and Jayden Wilk, all of Medicine Hat.
He is also survived by Robin’s family Russ and Lynne Paulson, Jim and Jennifer Boylan, Jeff and Andrea Coswan, Suzanne and Dimitri Zanikos, Jeff Paulson and Nicole Keeler, John and Joey Boylan, and his nieces Kate, Lauren, Markella, Nena and Svea.
Cory was born January 20, 1969 in Weyburn, Saskatchewan and moved to Medicine Hat at the age of 6 with his family. Sports took a large role in his upbringing, participating in most until his true passion for soccer was found. Upon graduation from Medicine Hat High School in 1987, he met his true love and best friend Robin, starting a relationship that grew into marriage on May 22, 1993. Their marriage took them to Lethbridge where he started working with Triple M Housing in December of 1994 in their drafting department. His drive moved him through many roles at Triple M, culminating with his appointment as VP of Operations in September of 2014. Those he worked with knew how much he cared and how much the company meant to him. As they became involved in Lethbridge, so did Cory in the local soccer community. He was a long standing member of the Lethbridge Soccer Association Board of Directors, Chair of the LSA Technical Committee, and a dedicated coach, mentor, and friend. Cory’s passion, energy, and his love for soccer helped shape the sport in our community. His smile, his ability to connect and relate to people, and his tireless efforts to promote the game will have a long lasting impact.
His smile, patience, and loving nature will truly be missed by all that he touched, which was many. He may be gone, but his true acts of kindness will never be forgotten – we are all left with many memories of a life well lived by a man truly loved.
A Celebration of Cory’s Life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH (20 Rocky Mountain Blvd. W) with Pastor Richard Brown, officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to KidSport Lethbridge & Taber (1001 3rd Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB T1J 0J3) to continue supporting local sports that meant so much to him.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.