WEDNESDAY, March 8, 2017

BRAVE ROCK

MERVIN BRAVE ROCK passed away in Cardston, AB on March 3rd, 2017 at the age of 88 years.

He was born in Cardston, AB to Ernest Brave Rock (Moon Calf) and Maggie (Little Skunk) Brave Rock of Browning, MT on Sept. 19, 1928

Mervin is survived by his wife Louise Brave Rock; his loving daughters Filma (Darrell) DeRoche of Browning, MT; Melvina Brave Rock and Kathy Jackson of the Blood Reserve, Betty Ann (Ettore) Whitford of Browning, MT; his son Virgil Brave Rock (Kelly) of Portland, OR; 16 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many cousins and friends in Canada and the U.S., all of who’s company he appreciated and loved.

He was predeceased by sons, Marvin and Vernon Brave Rock; grandchildren Kenny and Mackenzie Brave Rock, Brian Deroche and son-in-law John Webber.

Mervin had many occupations in his lifetime, he would always say he was a “jack of all trades.” He was a former Blood Band Councillor for two terms. In his earlier years he was a cowboy riding in many of the southern Alberta rodeos, as well as many in the Washington state, in addition he received a plaque for riding in the Calgary Stampede. He was also a rancher and farmer on his ranch, where he loved being. He was employed at St. Paul’s Residential School, Blood Indian Hospital and the Blood Tribe Health Department as a boiler technician. In the U.S. he was employed as a logger working in both Tiber and Hungry Horse Dams. He was wild land fire fighter, railroad worker, employed in the copper mines for 25 years in Butte, MT. He worked throughout Washington state in the orchards. He was a boxer and avid hunter and fisherman. Mervin loved his dogs, most of whom were named “Tom,” and a horse also named “Tom” and his beloved dog, Odie, a favourite travelling companion.

Mervin was an active member of the Magpie Society as well as a member of the Dove Clan. He always encouraged his family to work hard, continue with their education and remain together with their families. His love for his family was very important to him. He loved large family gatherings and cookouts, he especially loved his sweets and bannock bread. He last resided at the Auxiliary Ward of the Cardston Hospital and made many friends of the staff there. We are grateful for the wonderful care given to him there.

He was predeceased by his siblings: Ted and Wilfred Brave Rock; Sisters, Adeline Singer, Gladys Buckskin, Alvina Crop Eared Wolf, Ruth Lafrance, Kay Brooks, Pearl Brave Rock, Gloria Eagle Tail Feathers and Lloyd Flammond of Babb, MT.

A Family Service will be at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Wed., March 8th at 5:00 p.m. followed by the Wake Service at the Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve from 7:00 p.m. all night. The Funeral Service will be at the Senator Gladstone Hall on Thurs., March 9th at 11:00 a.m. Interment in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

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

Elton Sorgard
1933 – 2017
Elton Sorgard, beloved husband of the late Mary Sorgard, passed away in Taber with his family by his side, on Friday, March 3, 2017 at the age of 83 years.
A private burial service was held at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Elton is survived by his three children Linda (Bob) West of Taber and their son Jeremy (Christine) West (their children Emma and Megan); Roy (Klara) Sorgard of Taber; Monte (Ingrid) Sorgard of Taber and their children Jessica (Daniel) Gellatly and Hunter Sorgard. He is also survived by his sister Joyce (Richard) Blasco as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Mary Sorgard.
Elton was raised on the Sorgard family homestead in Iron Springs. He moved to Taber in his late teens where he met Mary Brezovski at a dance at the Hungarian hall. They were married August 1, 1953. Elton took on numerous jobs and settled back in Taber in 1965 where he and Mary continued to work and raise their family. His happiest times were spent in the outdoors hunting and fishing.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Elton’s name may be made directly to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 – 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Kelly Clemis
1953 – 2017
We are deeply saddened to announce that Richard “Kelly” Clemis, an amazing father, grandpa, brother and friend, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, March 3, 2017 at the age of 63 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at 11:00 A.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Kelly is survived by his children Blair (Robin) Clemis of Calgary, Carli (Ross) Bekkering of Lethbridge, Bonnie (Clay) Turcato of Taber (their daughter Harper) and Marty Virostek (Jodie Frank) of Vibank, Saskatchewan and his children Emerson, Kitson and Charlotte. He is also survived by his brother Gerald (Gwen) Clemis, sister Pat Debona, sister-in-law Sam (John) Clemis as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents Helen and Dick Clemis, brother Michael Clemis and brother-in-law John DeBona.
Kelly was born December 29, 1953 in Lethbridge to Helen and Dick Clemis. He grew up on the farm in Purple Springs and carried on the family legacy, working the land until his retirement in 2007. Kelly loved the farm, raised cattle, operated a custom baling business and even brought his talents to Saudi Arabia and Libya in 1981-1985, to implement modernized farming and irrigation practices.
He was an avid traveler and athlete in his younger years, excelling in hockey, basketball and later coaching. Kelly held a lifelong torch for music, rooted in trumpet with the jazz band during school and later enjoying the likes of Bon Jovi, Tom Cochrane, Pavarati and Roy Orbison.
Kelly was a well known model patient after his successful lung transplant in 2014 and befriended many of the nurses, doctors and patients at Peter Lougheed Hospital, with his characteristic stubbornness and wit. He was passionate about organ donation, becoming a mentor to many transplant candidates and recipients, advocating for smoking cessation, The Lung Association and the Kidney Foundation with his former wife and friend Jan Clemis.
However, more than anything, Dad was incredibly proud of his four kids and was eager to tell anyone within earshot about their new adventures and accomplishments. Among all of his successes, he was first and foremost a wonderful and supportive father, which only grew to include his grandchildren in recent years.
Kelly loved to laugh, tell great stories and mediocre jokes (often more than once), and very naturally passed on his love of life to those around him.
He was honest, caring, proud of his small town roots, and always did the job right, whether it was an oil change, the autumn harvest or raising a family. We miss you Dad, and love you always.
In lieu of flowers, Kelly would have been honored to have people register as organ donors in their respective provinces and states and if you so wish, to donate to the 2nd Chance Trail Ride at http://www.facebook.com/2ndChanceTrailRide, a charity that provides financial aid and accommodation to Alberta transplant patients.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

MACKENZIE

It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of DONALD MACKENZIE, who passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on February 26, 2017 at the age of 69 years.

Don is lovingly remembered and will be dearly missed by his wife Judy, daughter Christie (Mike) Archibald, son David, six grandchildren; Raygen, Rylee, Nathan, Connor, Alexis and Jesse, mother Helen, sister Susan (Lon) Redpath and niece Megan (Jay) McMillan.

Don was predeceased by his father Gordon and his brother Brian.

Don was an investment advisor for 40 years. He loved his job and became close friends with many of his clients. Don was the co-founder of the Lethbridge Food Bank and served as President of the Board for more than 20 years. He found great joy in helping others.

Don had a passion for the sport of shooting and was a member of the Fort Whoop-Up Black Powder Club. He really enjoyed competing, serving on the board, taking care of the range and being with all the great people in that organization.

Don loved visiting with and talking to people. He could strike up a conversation with anyone. We will miss all of his interesting stories and good advice. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather.

A Celebration of Don’s Life will be held at the SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH – 1011 – 4th Avenue South Lethbridge, AB on Friday, March 10th, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend James Grunden officiating.

In lieu of flowers there will be a donation box for the Lethbridge Food Bank at the church.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com