MONDAY, MARCH 21, 2016

Alex Bernath

1929 – 2016

Mr. Alex Bernath of Lethbridge, loving husband of the late Mrs.Vivian Bernath, passed away at Good Samaritans Society – Park Meadows on Friday, March 18, 2016 at the age of 86 years.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00PM on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4th St. S., Lethbridge, AB.

Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.

1934 – 2016

Sara passed away peacefully March 17, 2016, at her home in St. Therese Villa. Mom was born to Henry and Mary (Krahn) Martens on May 3, 1934, on the family farm near Hague, Saskatchewan, the eighth of eleven children.

As a young child she moved with her family to Southern Alberta. Her first job after completing school was in Lethbridge at the Moon River Café. This is where she met her future husband, Jack Gove. They married in 1955 and together had three children; Bonnie Rae, Sandra Lee and Monte Bruce. Mom continued working in the service industry at some of Lethbridge’s most iconic restaurants, including the dining counter at Kresges, and in the banquet rooms at the El Rancho. She later worked as a server at the Army, Navy & Air Force Veterans club, followed by the Heidelberg Inn Lounge and the Miners’ Library. Mom met Glen Gaskell while working at the ANAF. They married in 1982 and instantly Moms’ family grew to include Glens’ six children and their families. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, knitting, doing crafts, volunteering and participating in curling, darts, cribbage and shuffleboard. She was a member of the Miners Library and the ANAF, where she spent many years serving on the Ladies Auxiliary.

Mom was predeceased by her husband Glen in 2013, son Monte in Oct., 2015, her parents, and siblings Tena, Hank, Ben, Helen and Jake. She is survived by her children; Bonnie (Ron) Kaupp, Sandie (Dennis) Kaupp, and daughter-in-law Diane Gove; grandchildren; LaDell (Angeline) Kaupp, Cameron (Kea VanderSlyk) Kaupp, Braeden Kaupp, Cody (Lindsey) Kaupp, Adam Kaupp, Jenni (Blake Mitchell) Gove, Joshua (Zoie Clark) Gove, Nathan Gove, Wes (Jen) McKearney; 11 great-grandchildren; brothers; George, Dave and Bill; sisters; Mary and Susie, and by Glens’ children; Marilyn (Ken) Butler, Dave (Fran) Gaskell, Rob (Gloria) Gaskell, Sue (Brad) Bengry, Brian (Barb) Gaskell, and Shelley (Terry) Orr; their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Sara will always be remembered for her sweet nature, warm heart and her willingness to lend a helping hand.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the charity closest to your heart.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00PM on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, with Pastor Al Litchfield officiating,

Internment will be held at a later date.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.

HIGGINS

It is with great sorrow that the family of RONALD DEAN HIGGINS announces his passing on March 14th, 2016 in his home in Cardston, Alberta at the age of 54.

The Funeral service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston Alberta Stake Center (338 -5th Ave. East) on Monday, March 21st, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Friends may meet the family at the church from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service.

Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

1918 – 2016

It is with the deepest regret that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and grandmother, Dorothy “Sylvia” King-Brown (nee Dunn) on Saturday, March 19, 2016. She was without a doubt the wisest and most compassionate woman we have ever known.

Sylvia is survived by her devoted husband, Richard, three children Michael (Brenda), Robert (Jenny) and Elaine (Clair) Forestell, six grandchildren (Shannon, Erin, Tara, Megan, Lindsay, John) and three great-grandchildren (Aiden, Ryker, Emily). She was predeceased by one grandson, Stephen, and a step-grandson, Michael.

Sylvia came into the world with quite a bang, having been born during a Zeppelin raid in Hull, Yorkshire on March 12, 1918. She enjoyed a loving childhood with her parents in Yorkshire with her best memories being from the days at Totleys, a small farm and gravel pit her mother owned. She had one younger brother, John, who predeceased her in 1985. Sylvia, as a young woman, studied French for a year in Lausanne, Switzerland. She then trained in elocution and the speech arts at the Royal Academy in London, thinking of a career in radio. Those plans were shelved with the start of the Second World War as her father insisted she return to Yorkshire.

It was the War that brought Sylvia and Dick together. They met through mutual friends while Dick was stationed with the RAMC in Halifax (near Hull). It was truly love at first sight and four weeks later they were engaged! They were married on February 2, 1944, after Dick returned from a year’s tour of duty in the Middle East and Italy. When Michael was born in April, 1945, Dick was away again with the Army in India and the Far East – like so many mothers of that time she could not be sure she would ever see him again!

Fortunately, he did return and entered Internal Medicine training in London. Robert was born in February, 1949. In 1952, they made the huge decision to immigrate to Canada as job opportunities for specialists in Britain were very limited. They settled initially in Picture Butte – a major shock to their system coming from the teeming city of London to a tiny prairie town of 1500 people! With no paved roads and a leaky trailer for a house in a very rainy August, Sylvia always said she was glad there wasn’t any money to return to England because she just might have entertained the idea! The kindness of neighbours and finding a nice house to rent made the difference, and they embraced the Canadian life and never looked back.

They moved to Lethbridge in 1954 and have lived here ever since. Elaine was born in September, 1956, and their family was complete. Sylvia was very busy during the early days of Dick’s career as she was wife, mother, and telephone answering service all at the same time! They entered gratefully into the faith community of St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, and she was the driving force of the Altar Guild there for many years. She was also a founding member of the Lethbridge Symphony Chorus when it began in 1965 and sang with them for many years.

Mum remembered well her literary arts training and could always be counted upon to have an appropriate quote (usually a poem) for any occasion! Years later she could still recite so many poems she had studied when she was younger. Her love of literature has been passed on to all her children and grandchildren. She was also a prodigious knitter and we especially loved the Aran sweaters she would produce for us.

Mum’s greatest gift though was that of welcoming all comers into her world. She treated everybody with the dignity, respect and kindness that all humans deserve – no matter what their standing in life. Her ability to always see the best in a person enabled her to be such a good friend and confidante for so many who came her way. She truly exemplified how to live the “Golden Rule”.

Sylvia will be greatly missed by so many but we know her spirit and love will live on in all of us who knew her. She lived her 98 years to the fullest and is now at rest.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00AM on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 411 – 11 Street South, Lethbridge AB., with Canon James Robinson officiating.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.

It is with deep sorrow that the Lidstone family announces that BERTRAM GERALD “GERRY” LIDSTONE, beloved husband of Doris (nee Purchase) Lidstone, of Lethbridge, AB passed away peacefully after a sudden illness on March 18, 2016 at the age of 70 years.

Besides his loving wife of 49 years, Doris, Gerry is survived by four wonderful sons: Nils “David”, his wife Anne, and their sons Tristan, Alec, and Cayd; Fox “Todd”, his wife Whitney and their son Griffin; Derek, his wife Karin, and their sons Merek, Bergen and Evret; and Greg, his wife Jill, and their daughters Ella and Abby. He is also survived by his siblings Gloria, Betty, Deanne, Dennis, Kathy, Glen and Gail. He was predeceased by his parents, Bert and Mildred Lidstone, and his sister Vera.

Gerry was born in Botwood, NFLD, and spent his early years there, graduating from Botwood High School. Gerry started working at the Bank of Montreal in Botwood, NFLD when he was 18 years old, spending fifty years working for BMO branches across the Maritimes before transferring to Lethbridge in 1992 to take the position of regional manager for Lethbridge and area. He eventually retired from banking and became a financial advisor for Nesbitt Burns. Gerry was active in the Rotary, the University of Lethbridge Senate and as a member of Southminster United Church. Gerry was known and loved by many people in the community, and his loss will be felt deeply by all whose lives he touched.

A viewing will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB. on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Gerry’s Life will be held at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH – 1011 4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB. on Thursday, March 24th, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor James Grunden officiating. A lunch social will follow in the church hall. All who would like to celebrate Gerry’s life are welcome to attend.

Gerry will take his final trip home to Botwood this coming summer, with the internment of his ashes at the Botwood Cemetery.

In memory of Gerry, and in lieu of flowers, please make a donation in his honor to the Heart and Stroke Foundation – PO Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4K7.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

LITTLE BEAR

It is with heavy hearts and deep sadness that we announce the passing of BEVERLY JUDITH LITTLE BEAR, wife of the late Leonard Little Bear and our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and friend, on Monday, March 14th, 2016 at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge at the age of 70 years.

Left to mourn are Beverley’s children: Lenny (Linda), Tibbs (Trish), Bill (Miracle) and Ashley; grandchildren: Mackenzie, Natalie (Scott), Tiara, Riley, Nicholas, and Logan; great grandchildren: Julian, Novalie and Bill Jr.; siblings: Lydia (Casey) Scott and Marcella (Dan) Grier.

Besides her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, Ernie & Bernadette Grier.

A Wake Service will be at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Monday, March 21st from 7:00 to 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, March 22nd at 11:00 am. Interment in the Blood Band Cemetery.

Email condolences to: legacycardston@gmail.com

PETRUS “PIERRE” MAASAKKERS, beloved husband of Gayle Maasakkers, of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Card Unit, on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at the age of 71 years.

A Celebration of Pierre’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta, on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2016 at 11:00 A.M.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

1991 – 2016

Mr. Brendon McQuaid of Lethbridge, beloved son of Valerie and Louis McQuaid, passed away on Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at the Chinook Regional hospital at the age of 25 years.

He is survived by his loving daughter Rosalind.

He was predeceased by his sister Jana Marie McQuaid.

Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at 7:00pm on Monday, March 21, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge, led by Francis and Cybele Noronha.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13th Street North, Lethbridge, with Father Kevin Tumback celebrant.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.

DARCY GLEN MILLER, beloved father of Gatlin Miller, of Lethbridge, passed away unexpectedly in Calgary on March 16, 2016 at the age of 29 years.

A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB., on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 2:00 P.M with Deacon Cliff Bogdan officiating. Cremation to follow.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

GERHARD “GERTY” NEUFELD, passed away peacefully of heart disease at his residence in Coaldale, AB., on Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the age of 60 years.

A Funeral Service will be held at the COALDALE MENNONITE CONFERENCE CHURCH, 2316 – 17th Street, Coaldale, Alberta on Monday, March 21, 2016 at 11:00 A.M.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

REX DENNIS OLSON, beloved husband of Elizabeth Olson of Stirling, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, March 17, 2016 at the age of 67 years.

He is the loving father of: Cheryl (Raymond) Kitt, Rowena (Gordon) Harrison, Christine (Cor) Overeem, Matthew (Mellissa) Olson; and step-father of Sherrylee (Guy McEvoy.) He also leaves behind 14 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, 3 step- grandchildren, and one step-great granddaughter. He is also survived by numerous other relatives and friends.

Rex was born in Cardston, AB and is predeceased by parents Albert and Nancy Olson; two brothers Johnny and David Olson, and one granddaughter Kassandra Harrison.

The Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, STIRLING CHAPEL, Stirling, Alberta.

Friends may meet the family on Tuesday, March 22 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the LDS – Stirling Chapel, or prior to the funeral service on Wednesday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.

Interment to follow in the Stirling Cemetery.

ERIC WILLIAM OXLEY, beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away due to complications from surgery on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the age of 85 years.

Eric was born on June 4, 1930 in Wallace, Nova Scotia to Murdock and Althea Oxley.

Eric will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jane, his children: Patty (John) Schooten of Diamond City, Terry (Greg) Czech of Nisku, Randy (Debbie) Oxley of Lethbridge, David Oxley of Stirling, Shelley (Rick) Adamson of Stirling, and Greg (Jessica) Oxley of Raymond; 17 grandchildren: Shane (Kristin) Schooten, Michael (Tiffany) Schooten, Cody (Kristi) Schooten, Justin (Kayla) Schooten, Pamela (Mark) Kupecz-Cook, Kyle Kupecz (Sariah Nilsson), Mickenzie Czech, Tyler Czech, Lacey (Chris) Slomp, Logan Oxley (Marie Schussler), Bailey Oxley, Reese Oxley, Brittney Adamson, Brady Adamson, Connor Wedel-Oxley, Rylyn Wedel-Oxley, and Brenan Wedel-Oxley; and great grandchildren: Gracen, Berkley, Georgia, Walker, Paisley and Rhett Schooten; Salem, Connor and Liam Cook.

Eric will also be remembered by brothers: Gary (Muriel) Oxley of Ontario, Phillip (Carolyn) Oxley of Ontario, Gerald Oxley of Wallace, Nova Scotia, and Wayne Oxley of Taber, Alberta; sister Kelly (Carl) Morrison of Wallace, Nova Scotia; brothers-in-law: William (Bev) Firth, Gary (Dianne) Firth, Henry Lewicki, and Jack Grattan; sister-in-law Huguette Firth, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He is predeceased by his parents; brothers Arnold (Irene) Oxley, and Aubrey (Gertha) Oxley; sisters Helen (Doug) Langille, Shirley Oxley and Lorraine Grattan; in-laws Frank (Gwen) Wilk, Ed Firth, Phyllis Lewicki; Jane’s parents Chris and Kit Firth; and son-in-law Robert Kupecz.

Eric grew up during the depression. He was the eldest of 11 children. He left school early to help support the family by fishing, working in the bush camp, and farming till he left for Ontario to work in the tobacco fields along with some of his brothers and cousins. He also worked with teams of horses in the bush and the selkie racing horses. In 1952 he left for Alberta for further adventures working as a lease rider and then in road construction all over Alberta. Eric met his wife Jane Firth while working in Taber and they married the following year on March 29, 1958. They lived in numerous places while working construction till finally they settled in Stirling, Alberta in November 1967 where he lived until his passing. He worked for the county of Warner until his retirement and for a short period of time as a public works foreman for the Village of Stirling.

First and foremost his love was his family, and he spent many hours with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved fishing, hunting, camping and the Blue Jays ballgames.

The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, STIRLING CHAPEL. Friends may meet the family prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.

Interment to follow in the Stirling Cemetery.

BRENDA RED YOUNG MAN, of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly at home, on Saturday March 12, 2016 at the age of 52 years.

A Funeral Service will be held at ST. CYPERIAN’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, Brocket, AB., on Monday, March 21, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Archdeacon Sydney Black officiating.

Interment to follow at the Brocket Cemetery, Brocket, AB.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

MARY REGIER, beloved wife of the late Alfred Regier, of Coaldale, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, March 16, 2016 at the age of 76 years.

A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at the SIGNET CENTRE, 733 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, March 21, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Wayne Boersma officiating.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

1938 – 2016

Our loving mother and wife, JUSTINE SERA, 77, of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away suddenly on March 17, 2016.

She will be dearly missed by her husband, Frank Sera of 17 years, as well as her 10 children: Beverly (Wayne) Johnson, Sandi (Todd) Williamson, Pat (Kerry) Grzech, Brenda (Mike) Bateman, Mike (Lucille) Penner, Polly (Chris) Andrews, Carmen (Wayne) Trockstad, Kevin (Carole) Sera, Randy Sera and Leigh-Ann Sera.

Also left to cherish her memory are her 23 grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, 3 great-great grandchildren and many friends.

Justine was predeceased by her parents Franz and Maria Miller, 9 older siblings and first husband George Penner.

Justine was born on June 24th, 1938 in Winkler, Manitoba. She enjoyed singing, fishing, camping, spending time with family and entertaining. Along with Frank, they loved to spend time with friends and various activities.

In Lieu of flowers, the family has asked that a donation may be made to the charity of your choice in her name.

Upon Justine’s request, cremation will follow. .

A Memorial Service will be announced when details are finalized.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

1935 – 2016

Mrs. Shirley May Smith of Milk River, beloved wife of the late Mr. Robert “Bob” Smith, passed away at Milk River Hospital – Extendicare on Friday, March 18, 2016 at the age of 80 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.

1927 – 2016

It is with great sadness the family of Lydia Toth announces that Lydia went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on Friday, March 18, 2016.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 7:00PM and 9:00PM on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, AB.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:30PM on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at ST. ANDREWS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1818 5th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB.

Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.

CORNELIS “CASEY” VERSCHOOR, passed away at home suddenly, on Friday, March 18, 2016 at the age of 85 years.

Born, raised and educated in Holland, Case immigrated to Canada with his family in 1952. He farmed in Rainier from 1959 to 1989, when he retired to Lethbridge.

Case is survived by one brother, John (Edna) Verschoor and five sisters, Anne Nyenhuis, Janny Kalf, Betty Groenenboom, Cobie (Arie) Den Hollander and Nel (John) Van Es as well as many of his siblings’ children and grandchildren, who all knew him as Uncle Case. He was predeceased by his parents, infant brother and three brothers-in-law.

Case enjoyed volunteering at Bibles For Missions and at the Interfaith Food Bank. He was a proud long time member of the Lethbridge Christian Men’s Choir.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M.

A Memorial Service will be held at TRINITY UNITED REFORMED CHURCH, 1100 – 40th Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, March 23, 2016 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Hank Vander Woerd officiating.

A Private Family Interment will be held prior to the Memorial Service at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish can make a memorial donation to Rehoboth Christian Ministries, 520 – 4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0N5.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com