By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 23, 2016.
Garth Balfour
1940 – 2016
Mr. Garth Balfour of Lethbridge, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 22, 2016 at the age of 75 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
FLETCHER
DORIS (OLER) FLETCHER passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, February 19, 2016 at the age of 91 years.
Friends may meet the family on Friday, February 26, 2016 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME, 703-13 Street North, or prior to the funeral service on Saturday at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, NORTHSIDE CHAPEL, 2223-6 A. Avenue North, Lethbridge. Interment to follow in the Stirling Cemetery.
Chloe Galts
1943 – 2016
Chloe Galts, beloved wife of Marvin Galts for 53 years, passed away February 18, 2016 at the age of 73 surrounded by her family at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge.
Born in Lethbridge January 5th, 1943, the second eldest of eight children, Chloe attended her primary school years at Massinisin country school in Milk River County until 1960. In her early teens she met the love of her life Marv Galts. After high school she attended the Garbett Secretarial School in Lethbridge and became the secretary to the President of CIBC Bank. Marrying Marvin September 22, 1962 she joined him on his family farm in Coutts living in a farm house with no bathroom or running water or no phone, but a ‘fabulous out-house’. Brenda was born in 1963, Bruce in 1965. Marvin and Chloe decided to change their destiny and leave the family farm. From 1966-1970 they lived in Montana while Marvin pursued his education and Chloe started her first business – an in home day care – to support the family. By 1971 they had returned to Lethbridge, and the next year would begin the personal and professional journey that is today’s Galko Homes.
She and Marvin where each other’s right hand in every aspect of life. Her dedication to him unwavering, her support unconditional, and her laughter and strength a constant source of inspiration to him. She rode the rollercoaster of their life and business with dedication and celebration. Forever at his side, and he at hers. She truly put him first every day.
Chloe was a leader, a pioneer and an artist. She was a self-taught home designer and interior decorator, developing a large following in Lethbridge of people who came to the annual Parade of Homes every year just to see ‘what Chloe does next’. Under the name of Chloe & Associates, her design company put Galko Homes on the map in Lethbridge winning awards every consecutive year she was at the helm. Chloe is acknowledged for bringing women to the forefront of leadership roles in the construction industry. She changed the face of the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) – Lethbridge by insisting education, board seats and leadership roles were open to women. In true Chloe style she called the wives of builders in Lethbridge and encouraged them to play active roles in construction – to get out from behind the desk and into the field. During the early years of the company she was the Construction Supervisor – in stilettos. The only woman on site. She loved overseeing the projects, negotiating with trades for pricing, ensuring that the quality of a Galko Home was exactly as she thought it should be. She was Marvin’s partner, supporter, challenger and confident in every business they created together. Together they were honoured with the CHBA Legacy Award, and will be honoured by the University of Lethbridge Management Department in April of this year.
Despite her busy trail blazing her children and extended family were her priority every single day. She raised her children, and loved her nieces and nephews, with an open heart, high expectations, unwavering support. She taught them to take care of each other, celebrate anything, laugh every day, and tell a fantastic story. She had a special relationship with her grandson Mike who lived with them while attending university, and her granddaughter Nikki who she encouraged to follow her ‘I’m-possible’ dream. Nikki’s music brought her great comfort in her last hours. She was excited to see what her grandsons Brian and Nathan would accomplish in the years ahead. She expected optimism and resilience no matter what, and was known to say ‘suck it up’ and ‘don’t complain’ when life got tough – as it often did for her. Everyone who knew Chloe knew her stories, and had a story to tell about her – she made sure of it!
Chloe was the epitome was grit, grace and humor– facing prolonged illnesses, personal and business aspirations and trials with determination, optimism, and unwavering faith. When her time came she knew it and she ‘called it’ with as much clarity as she lived her life. When you remember her do it with stories, a smile and smartly dressed (stilettos optional) – she would expect it of us all.
She is survived by her beloved husband Marvin, children Brenda (Scott-deceased) and Bruce (Shanaley), and her four grandchildren: Michael, Nikki, Brian and Nathan; siblings Dennis Hierath, Ronald (Sharon) Hierath, Margie (Gerard) Gravel, Ramona (Randy) Michetti, Bret (Debbie) Hierath, Colleen Hierath; in-laws she considered her siblings Audrey (John) Van Leuken, Donny (Carol) Galts, Mary Koskowich (Don Kuharski), Verna Hierath, Anne (John) Gazankas. She was preceded in death by her parents Ken and Dora Hierath, and sister Dawn Morgan, and her in-laws Delwin & Nadine Galts.
Vigil Rites (prayers) will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4th St. S., Lethbridge, AB.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, February 24th at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12 Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB. A party celebrating Chloe will follow at the Coast Hotel.
Donations in honour of Chloe, and her decades long struggle with Rheumatoid Arthritis, may be made to the National Arthritis Foundation at http://www.curearthritis.org
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Dorothy Gedrasik
1939 – 2016
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our mom, Mrs. Dorothy J. Gedrasik of Stirling, with family at her side on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at the age of 77 years.
Mom was the beloved wife of the late John Gedrasik. Mom is survived by her children John (Shelly), Angel and Joanie; grandchildren Jake and Adalyn, brother Ronnie; sisters Betty and Maryclaire; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Vigil Rites (prayers) will be held at 7:00pm on Thursday, February 25, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4th St. S., Lethbridge, AB, led by Deacon Ray Wagner.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00pm on Friday, February 26, 2016 at ST. AMBROSE PARISH, 1513 23 Ave., Coaldale, AB, with Father Ian Gagne, celebrant. Graveside to take place at Stirling Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Suite 408, 740 4th Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB T1J 0N9 or Raymond Health Centre, 150 N 4 Street E, Raymond, AB T0K 2S0.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
GRAY
AUG. 1937 – FEB. 2016
RITA DARLENE GRAY, beloved wife of Keith and mother of Brent (Terry Millwater) of Lethbridge and Rodney of Kelowna, passed away at the Good Samaritan Society Park Meadows Village, on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the age of 78 years.
In addition to her husband of 56 years, Rita is survived by her sister Norma (Fred Banford) of Calgary and grandchildren Alexa and Ethan of Lethbridge.
At Rita’s request, no formal funeral service will be held.
Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Felix Mathieu
1962 – 2016
Mr. Felix Mathieu of Enchant, beloved husband of Mrs. Sharon Mathieu passed away suddenly on Friday, February 19, 2016 at the age of 53 years.
Prayers will be held at 7:00pm on Friday, February 26, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge, Ab
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, February 27, 2016 at the ENCHANT COMMUNITY HALL, 127 Centre Street, Enchant, Ab
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
OLSEN
JUNE OLSEN beloved wife of the late Ned Olsen passed away in Cardston on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the age of 89 years.
Friends may meet the family at LEGACY FUNERAL HOME on Thursday, February 25th from 7-8 pm or at the church on Friday, February 26th from 10-10:45 am prior to the service.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, South Hill Chapel, Cardston, on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 11am. Interment to follow in the Beazer Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
RED CROW
GLORIA RED CROW, beloved wife of Alex Red Crow, passed away in Lethbridge on February 19, 2016 at the age of 72 years.
A Wake Service will be at the Moses Lake Community Hall, Blood Reserve on Thursday, Feb. 25th from 6:00 to Midnight. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Friday, Feb. 26th at 11:00 a.m. Interment in the Blood Band Cemetery.
John William Tunnah
1945 – 2015
Mr. John William Tunnah of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Carol Tunnah, passed away on Thursday, February 18, 2016 at the age of 71 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm, on Tuesday, February 23, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish memorial donations may be made to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 1A129 – 960 – 19th street south, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
VOS
JOHN WILLIAM VOS, beloved husband of Berna Vos of Lethbridge, passed away on February 18, 2016 at the age of 81 years surrounded by the love of his family.
John was born in Stadskanaal, Netherlands on April 6, 1934 and immigrated to Canada with his family in 1948, residing in the Nobleford area. Those close to John knew of his love for cooking and although he pursued many career paths in his life, John’s heart remained in the kitchen. He graduated from SAIT and later earned his Red Seal while working at the Bayshore Inn in Vancouver. After returning to southern Alberta he worked at the Marquis, El Rancho, and Lodge as well as working as the executive chef at Sven Eriksen’s Family Restaurant.
John and Berna married on September 21, 1968 and began building their life together. With their shared love of entertaining, their home on 15th Street was often the place to be. In 1981 John and Berna moved to High River to open their own restaurant – the Pioneer Dining Lounge – a source of pride and many great stories for the whole family. In addition to his love for his family, John greatly enjoyed travel. He made various trips to Europe with his children and grandchildren as well as numerous cruises to different parts of the world. He cherished these memories through many photographs and videos. John loved cars and spent a lot of time admiring, purchasing, fixing and selling all types of vehicles. These traits will forever be remembered by those who loved him.
John was a loving father to Joanne (Walter) Mohrmann of Coalhurst, Barry (Jodie) Vos of Lethbridge, Barb Vos (Bent Pedersen) of Lethbridge, David Vos (Cyndi Bester) of Lethbridge and Sharon Vos. John is also survived by his grandchildren Shane (Elaina), Shantel (Chris), Carlynn (Levi), Tyler, Scott, Jamie, Robbie, Tara, Dyson, Thoran, and his great-grandchildren Emily, Lucas, and Lainey. John leaves to mourn his brothers and sisters’ in-law Rita and Corny Biesbroek, Gerry Wevers, Anne and John Lubbers, Ben Wevers, Sylvia Wevers, Dick Wevers, Nellie and Elroy Nieboer, Lynne and Chuck Haines, John and Brenda Wevers, Martin Wevers, Mike and Helen Wevers, and Gerrit Dooge, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Anna and Bernard Vos, his daughter Katherine Vos, his sister Irene Dooge, his in-laws Jan and Willemina Wevers, Jackie and Allan Poole, Willy Wevers, Arie and Leida Konynenbelt, Alice Schenk, Joe Schenk, Henny Wevers, Peggy Wevers and his nephew Tom Wevers.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB. on Thursday, February 25, 2016 from 6:30 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
A Graveside Service will be held for family at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY at 10:00 A.M. with a Celebration of Life to follow at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 McGill Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, February 26, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Tony Mann officiating.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com