TUESDAY, June 7, 2016

ACROSS THE MOUNTAIN

LEON VINCENT ACROSS THE MOUNTAIN passed away in Lethbridge on May 30, 2016 at the age of 43 years.

A Wake Service will be at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Friday, June 10th from 7:00 p.m. continuing all night. The Funeral Service will be at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Saturday, June 11th at 11:00 am. Interment in the Pioneer Cemetery.

Email condolences to: legacycardston@gmail.com

ALEX OREST BROWN, of Lethbridge, passed away at the Good Samaritan Society Park Meadows Village, on Saturday, June 5, 2016 at the age of 57 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

SARAH LUCILLE CLOSSON-SHIPP passed away at the Fairmont Extendicare on Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the age of 90 years. She was predeceased by her first husband Harold Earl Closson, her second husband Robert Shipp, a son Lyle Burgess Closson (age 3 1/2 months). She is survived by her sister Norma Duncan and her four boys: Garry (Nancy) Closson, Doral (Norma) Closson, Gilbert (Nakkole) Closson and Curtis (Valerie) Closson. She is also survived by 17 grandchildren and 26 great grandchildren. On March 2, 1926 Lucille was born to Joseph and Sarah (Perrett) Hartley at Stirling Alberta. She married Harold (Harry) Earl Closson on December 19, 1945 at Lethbridge, Alberta. Her husband Harry was in the Royal Canadian Air Force and as a result lived in a number of places throughout Canada as well as spending 3 years in France. Harry passed away in 1995 and 2 years later she married Robert Shipp of Lethbridge. Lucille loved to cook, was a great home keeper, and had a passion for dancing. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. A Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LETHBRIDGE EAST STAKE CENTRE, 4105 Forestry Avenue South, on Friday, June 10, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Mike Evans officiating. Friends may meet the family prior to the service at the church from 10:00 am to 10:45 am. Interment in Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond.

JO FREY, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at the age of 60 years.

At Jo’s request, no formal funeral service will be held.

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

CAROLE ANN GEMER (nee Hadford), beloved wife of George Gemer, passed away at the Foothills Health Centre, on Thursday, June 2nd, 2016, surrounded by her loving family at the age of 71 years.

Carole was an amazing lady who touched the lives of so many. Affectionately known as “Mother Goose”, she was a mom to many, always eager to help out, take care of others and “get the job done”.

She was a track and field athlete in her youth, winning a silver medal at the National Championships. She was named the Kinsmen Athlete of the Year in 1964. Her coach, George, became her husband and she embarked on a lengthy career as a team manager for the University of Lethbridge team and the National track and field team. She guided multiple teams to the Pan-American Games, the Commonwealth Games, the World Student Games and the World Championships. She was selected to escort the teams to two Olympic Games – Barcelona in 1992 and Sydney in 2000.

She was a pioneer for sport in Lethbridge, serving on countless organizing committees for local and international games, including the 1976 Montreal Olympics and the 1978 Commonwealth Games in Edmonton. She was also a founding member of the West Wind Gymnastics Club. In 1988, she was inducted into the Lethbridge Sport Hall of Fame. She was also a Pronghorn Sports of Hall of Fame inductee in 2000 and a Golden Jubilee Medal recipient in 2002.

Even though she was born in Lethbridge and has Swedish and English ancestry, she became a valued member of the local Hungarian Cultural Society, serving as President for over a decade. She was more recently a Board Member for the Southern Alberta Ethnic Association and was eagerly anticipating the opening of their new building.

Carole had numerous accomplishments but more importantly was a woman who so generously gave her time and energy wherever she could. Her family would often say she worked full time but never got paid. She loved to be busy and she was always there when you needed her. She wore a warm, welcoming smile and had a sunny way about her. She was loved and respected by so many and has her place in all our hearts.

Carole is survived by her husband, George, daughters Robin Gemer (Allen LeBlanc) and Tara Gemer-Lowe (Mark Lowe), brother, Eugene (Marilyn) Hadford, granddaughter, Sydney Gardner, and grandsons, Jackson and Jasper Lowe. Carole was predeceased by her parents, Cecil and Louella Hadford.

At Carole’s request, no funeral service is planned. A private family Interment will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery.

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

1938 – 2016

WILLIAM “BILL” HRICISE, a Cattleman and Trucker, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 3, 2016 surrounded by family on his 78th Birthday after a lengthy battle with cancer.

He leaves behind his wife, Georgette; son Michael (Tara) and their children Ally and Austin and daughter Monica (David) and her son Tristan. Bill is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Bill and Helen Hricise; his sisters Mary Malec (John) and Anne (Alec) Stanko.

Bill was born in Lethbridge on June 3, 1938 where he was raised and educated. He married Georgette on April 27,1968 and together they welcomed twins three years later. He spent several years working in millwork where he found an appreciation for woodworking. Bill moved on to become a licensed Veterinary Technician in the early 1970’s followed by a long career as the Owner / Operator of Bills Livestock Trucking. He prided himself on being punctual and developed relationships with his customers. This is where he made many lifelong friends in the cattle business of Southern Alberta. Throughout his life, he ran a commercial cow calf herd on the family farm. His love of horses developed his hobby of showing and driving his teams of Belgian draft horses. Bill valued his numerous auction friends and could carry on a conversation with anyone.

Bill’s later years were focused on spending time with his grandkids. Their memories included guiding them in horsemanship, building a bunny condo, grape eating contests and reading farm magazines to teach them the basics of agriculture. Their antics were always the highlight of his days and he received the greatest pleasure by being present with any one of them.

Funeral Parastas (Prayer Service) will be held at SS. PETER & PAUL GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 643 – 12B Street North, Lethbridge, AB., on Thursday, June 9, 2016 at 7:00 P.M. with Father Gary Sedgwick officiating.

The Funeral Divine Liturgy (Mass) will be held at SS. PETER & PAUL GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH, Lethbridge, AB., on Friday, June 10, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Mark Bayrock, Celebrant.

Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

In memory of, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit, 1400 – 9th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB., T1J 4V5.

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

1953 – 2016

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mark Arnold Schandor on June 4, 2016 at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary due to cancer related complications. Mark was 63 years young. He is survived by his Father, Joe (Mary) Schandor, his brother Dave (Barb) and his nieces Hayley of Lethbridge and Jennifer of Edmonton. He was predeceased by his mother Irene Schandor, his brother Miles, and his sister Patricia Weir. Mark was born, raised, and lived his entire life in Lethbridge. As a teenager, he started his working life as a “gas jockey” at Northside Shell, then moved on to busboy duties at the Marquis Restaurant before finding his life long career at the Lethbridge Herald. Mark was a truly dedicated employee; he took enormous pride in his work in the composing room: he worked countless overtime hours to meet deadlines, he would go into work on his days off to help out, and never turned down a request to cover off his colleagues when they needed to take time off. After 41 years of service, Mark retired in 2014 to “Go Fishing”, as this was his greatest passion along with cruising in his 1965 Mustang. Mark will always be remembered as an extremely kind and generous man who did not have the word “no” in his vocabulary. He was always stepping forward to help his friends and neighbours and he will be dearly missed by all who knew him. We will especially miss Mark’s quiet presence at our family gatherings on holidays, and his regular Sunday afternoon visits when he would stop by for a visit and a beer with his brother. In keeping with Mark’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. A Celebration of Mark’s Life will take place at a later date.

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

1954 -2016

Mr. John Slingerland, loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother, passed away Sunday, June 5, 2016, in the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre at the age of 61 years after a courageous battle with cancer. Besides his beloved wife, Diane, he is survived by his daughters, Monique and Arianne, and his sons and daughters-in-law: Marcel and Wilma (Laura, Amy, Carleen, Alana, Curtis, Emily, Kaitlyn), Tim and Glenda (Kendra, Mackenzie, Madison, Kiera), Byron and Elena (Parker, Hudson), Matt and Jenn (Natalie, Logan, Lucas, Zachary, Braylei), Dan and Jess (Joelle, Malachi, Lawson, Kassidy), Darren, and David Slingerland. Born on July 6, 1954 in Ermelo, the Netherlands, John immigrated with his family to Canada in 1956 to the Lethbridge area. After he received his education in Coaldale, he farmed in the area with a special love for cattle until his illness no longer allowed him to do so. He is also survived by his sisters, Gerrie (Bas) de Peuter, Jannie (Jacob) Stouten, Gonnie (Kor) Vandenhoek, Judy (Chris) den Hertog; and brothers, Jake (Nel), Aris, Martin (Janette), Case (Rose), Adam (Annie), Hank (Arlene), Tony (Lisa), Marinus (Wilma), and Wim (Ellie) Slingerland; mother-in-law, Mrs. Maaike Oudshoorn; and in-laws, Caroline (Dave) Vanden Brink, Martin (Kathleen), John (Deborah), Bill (Jackie), Ben (Anita), Henry (Anita), Albert (Jacqueline), Marvin (Tammy), and Alan (Elaine) Oudshoorn; and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, Martin and Hillegonda Slingerland, and a sister, Judith; his father-in-law Martin Oudshoorn; and a sister-in-law, Margaret Slingerland. An opportunity to express condolences will be held Tuesday, June 7, from 7:00 – 8:30 in the meeting hall of the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION, Howe Rd., Lethbridge, Alberta. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday, June 8, at 1:30 p.m. at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION, Howe Rd., Lethbridge, Alberta, with Rev. A.A. Brugge officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to do so may donate to St. Michael’s Health Centre, 1400 – 9th Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V5.

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

OSAMU “Sam” TANIGUCHI, beloved husband of Betty Taniguchi, passed away in Lethbridge on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at the age of 81 years. Friends may meet the family prior to the service from 9:00 to 9:45 a.m. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 10, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at the BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA, 470-40 St. South, Lethbridge, with Rev. Y. Izumi officiating. Flowers and koden are gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation or to the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta.

JACK TOLLESTRUP passed away on Saturday, June 4, 2016 at the age of 80 years. Jack was born at the Galt Hospital on April 8, 1936 to Tolley (John) and LaVita Tollestrup. Jack enlisted into the army at the age of 18, served 3 years, following his service he drove semi and gas tankers until he retired in 1988. He is survived by his loving wife Marybelle, daughter Tamara (Mark) Meir of Taber, two grandchildren Matthew and Kaylee, two great grandsons Mason and Miles, brother Barry (Mary) Tollestrup, Scott and Troy of Lethbridge and sister Joan McKenna (Bob) and family of Medicine Hat. Jack was predeceased by his parents John and LaVita as well as his son Wade. Jack belonged to the Antique Car Club. He loved cars, especially the 1954 Cadillac. He loved the open road. In our truck and trailer and our little doggy Tia, we crossed Canada and the US twice, and spent 22 years in Yuma and area Arizona. He will be missed by our families and many friends in US and home. A family graveside service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery on Thursday, June 9, 2016 and a Celebration of Jack’s life to be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, 324 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael’s Palliative Care unit, or to the charity of one’s choice.

June 16, 1929 Norwich, England – June 4, 2016 Lethbridge, Alberta.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Bert was born to John and Ethel White in Norwich, England, where he lived until joining the British army at the age of 19. Upon leaving the army 2 years later, he moved to the Parkland area to work for his uncle, George Bayes, on his farm. It was there that he met the love of his life, Dorothy Moyer, whom he married in August 1952. They would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this year. Bert farmed in the Parkland area for 50 years. He was a member of the Legion for over 50 years, serving 1 term as president, and 16 years as secretary-treasurer of the Nanton branch. Bert was active in the Parkland community, having served on the boards of the Parkland school, community hall, and the Mutual Telephone Company. He also volunteered at the Nanton Lancaster museum for several years, where he enjoyed meeting and talking with the museum visitors. Bert leaves to mourn his wife, Dorothy, his daughters Marj (Tom) Engelman, Ruth White (Paul Leighton), and his granddaughter Alyssa Engelman. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Ethel White, and his sister Marjorie Clarke. Bert’s family would like to thank all the wonderful people who helped him over the last difficult times – Dr. Benke, Dr. Steeves, Dr. Smuts, Renae, and the doctors and amazing nursing staff at St Michaels Palliative Centre in Lethbridge. He could not have had a better team of caring and compassionate people helping him throughout his journey. The family would like to invite all who knew and loved Bert to a social come and go tea in his honour, on Thursday, June 9 from 1:00 – 4:00 pm at the Nanton Kozy Korner. If friends so desire, donations may be made in Bert’s name to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre 960 – 19 St S. Lethbridge, AB. T1J 1W5

To email condolences please visit http://www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com. Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Homes, High River. (403-652-2222)

1950 – 2016

John Wick of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2016 at the age of 66 years. John was born March 19, 1950 and grew up in Wadena, Saskatchewan. He was the youngest of 7 children of Nellie and Hannes Wick. John spent some of his younger years on the farm with his dad, where he developed his character and was taught hard work by example. He lived his life believing that his greatest asset was his word in business as well as personal. A handshake for John was a binding contract, he never made a promise he could not keep. John spent 33 years running his paving company the way he lived his life; with integrity and hard work. John married Donna in December of 2000. The joys of his life were his 2 granddaughters, and recently, his two grandsons, giving him the perfect family. For John, the highway to Heaven is paved… job well done. Besides his loving wife Donna, John is leaves behind to mourn his mother Nellie Olson, his daughter Carrie (Junior) Schmid, his step-daughter Tammy (Jason) Jack, his granddaughters Senaya & Samara Kaip, his grandsons Kasen Schmid & Skylar Jack, 4 sisters, one brother, 3 brothers -in-law, 1 sister-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, June 8, 2016 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 St. S. with Pastor Al Litchfield, officiating. Cremation will follow.

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

1924 – 2016

Mr. William “Bill” Hamilton of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Caroline Hamilton, passed away on Sunday, June 5, 2016 at the age of 92 years. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at MC KILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 15 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB.

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