FRIDAY, March 10, 2017

Wes Greer

1936 – 2017

With great sadness we announce the passing of Wes Greer on March 7, 2017.

Wes is survived by his wife of 54 years Catherine “Kay” Greer; daughters Kelly Switzer (Mark Hranac), Susan Greer, and Jean McCarthy (Ross McCarthy); grandchildren Scott Switzer (Sherry), Ryan Switzer (Chandler), Taryn Guzzi (Anthony), Gerry Campbell-Greer, Craig McCarthy (Taralyn), Campbell McCarthy (Mallory), Brad McCarthy (Halle); great-grandchildren Elisabeth, Tim, Bennett, Calvin and Sam; and his sisters Eileen Barber and Sharon Greer. He will be deeply missed by his many friends and relatives.

His 80 years of life were full. Wes was born in Weyburn, Sask and attended a one-room schoolhouse. He had many escapades with his brothers and sisters on the farm, and after highschool worked construction in Regina. One cold January day in 1956, Wes climbed down from the roof he was shingling and went straight to the local recruiting office. Thus began a nine-year adventure as a flight navigator for the RCAF that took him around the world.

In the 60s and 70s, Wes and Kay farmed near Carmangay. Both hard workers, they thoroughly enjoyed farm life as they raised their young family. In 1975, they relocated to Lethbridge where Wes spent the next 40 years as a successful homebuilder and businessman.

Wes was an avid golfer and long-time member of The Lethbridge Country Club. Sincere thanks to his good friends who ensured he kept getting out to golf as his illness progressed. He fondly remembered his travels to legendary courses like St. Andrews and Pebble Beach, but the Country Club was his second home. We will always feel close to him there.

He will also be missed at Penny Coffee House, where he’d met friends daily for decades.

Wes will be remembered as a straight-shooter who enjoyed hard work and loved his family. In his words, “If you like what you do and you’re happy with what you have, you’ve got the life that everyone wants.”

Though he was successful by every measure, it was family that mattered to him most. In his final days, visits from the little ones kept Grandpa Wes smiling.

He was predeceased by his parents Ted and Irma Greer; brothers Bud, Ken and Gerry; and his grandson Kevin.

The family extends thanks to the staff on 4B at CRH, whose kindness and compassion will never be forgotten. We are grateful for your hard work.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, March 11, 2017 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, AB., with Deacon Isaac Driedger, officiating.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choice.

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

Merle Nelson
1930 ~  2017

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Merle Nelson, beloved husband of Ella Nelson, announce his passing in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, March 7, 2017, at the age of 86 years.  Merle and his twin brother, Vern were born September 1, 1930, in Bow Island, the last of nine children.  He attended Brownsdale School grades 1-4, Burdett School 5-9 then high school in Bow Island.  Merle was a born farmer, working hard to establish a farm he could pass on to his sons, whom he was very proud to work alongside. Farming was his passion and it truly showed as he was named Farmer of the Year in 2012 and never retired!  Away from the farm he always had a keen interest in sports, Merle and Vern played baseball, hockey and won many trophies curling.  Merle won the Elk’s Curling Provincial Competitions which secured him a spot to represent Alberta for Nationals.  Merle enjoyed good health throughout his life and lived it to the fullest.  He enjoyed the company of family, travelling, playing piano, whistling and playing pool. His greatest joy, besides curling, was watching his sons and grandchildren play hockey and everyone knew the youngest grandchild was always the favourite!  He was a character with a humourous side and quite the story teller.  He intrigued many with his tales which often ended in bursts of laughter.  Merle was well liked and respected by all who knew him and he will be deeply missed.  His memory will be cherished by his wife of 60 years, Ella (nee Jahraus);  children: Lori Hrushka (Mike) and their children, Whitney and Logan; Lindsay (Nancy) Nelson and their children, Travis (Kelli) Nelson, Terryn (Logan) Gutfriend and Karli Nelson;  Shelley (Darren) Roth and their children, Brendan (Jessi) Roth, Amanda (Frank) Thompson and Kaylene Roth;  Stacey Nelson and her son, Bobby McLeod;  Cory (Jocelyn) Nelson and their children, Jessa, Mattias and Skylar Nelson;  great-grandchildren, Caden Nelson, Isabella Kerr, Caleb Nelson, Remi Nelson and Connor Nelson.  He is also survived by a brother, Norman Nelson as well as numerous nieces and nephews.   Merle was predeceased by an infant son, Kimberley;  three brothers, Walter, Morris and twin brother, Vern;  four sisters, Myrtle, Evelyn, Violet and Vivian and his parents, Ole and Ellen Nelson.  The Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 135 – 2nd Ave. West Bow Island, Alberta on Monday, March 13, 2017 at 2:00 p.m.  Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the church beginning one hour prior to the service.  Interment will take place in the Burdett Cemetery.  (Condolences may be expressed by visiting  http://www.cooksouthland.com)  Memorial donations in Merle’s name may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 124, 430 – 6 Ave. SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2S8 or to the Golden Age Club, 206 – 5th Ave. East Bow Island, Alberta, T0K 0G0.   Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Home

Vicky Ziebert
1934 – 2017
Victoria Ziebert, beloved wife of the late Emil Ziebert, passed away in Taber on Thursday, March 9, 2017 at the age of 83 years.
Further information including service details will follow once arrangements have been finalized.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

John Mezei
October 8, 1927 ~ March 6, 2017
It is with profound sadness that the family of John Mezei, beloved husband of the late Joan Mezei (nee Simon), announce his passing in Medicine Hat on Monday, March 6, 2017, at the age of 89 years.  John leaves to cherish his memory:  5 children, Debbie (Darwin) Evans, Leonard (Loreen) Mezei, Gregory (Heather) Mezei, Bruce (Jackie) Mezei and Carlene (Blake) Gutfriend;  11 grandchildren and 12 1/2 great-grandchildren.  John is also survived by one sister, Margaret (Jim) Gulyas as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.  He is also survived by a very special friend, Irene Mertin.  Along with Joan, he was predeceased by his parents, Andrew Sr. (Elizabeth) Mezei;  one brother, Andrew Jr. (Del) Mezei as well as Joan’s parents, Louis Sr. (Emilia) Simon.  John was born in Turlung, Romania on October 8, 1927.  He immigrated to Canada at the age of 11 in 1938.  John was raised in the Empress and Estuary areas.  This is also where he worked a short while with C.P. Rail.  In his early years, he apprenticed as an upholsterer in Medicine Hat and was a co-owner of Central Upholstery for approximately 6 years.  In 1959, he took up farming South of Bow Island and farmed there until he was 85 years old.  He continued to reside on the farm until the time of his passing.  When times were tough, he took on a variety of jobs including driving school bus and work with the Taber Sugar Factory to name a few.  John’s upholstery skills came in handy whether doing side jobs or teaching the trade.  He taught courses through the continuing education program at the Medicine Hat College.  John mastered the art of sign language which was a must as his business partner with the upholstery shop was deaf.  He won numerous awards growing malt barley for the Canadian Wheat Board, winning trips across Canada.  John belonged to the Lions Club, Elks Club and the Knights of Columbus.  He was a Director with UGG, an active member of St. Michael’s Parish and was also an active square dancer.  John enjoyed fishing, but more than anything he really just loved being a farmer!  Those wishing to pay their respects may do so starting one hour prior to Vigil Prayers which will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, March 10, 2017, at 7:00 p.m.  Visitation will also be offered at the Church starting one hour prior to the Funeral Mass which will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1 Street East, Bow Island on Saturday, March 11, 2017, at 12:00 p.m. with Father Marino Infante celebrant.  Private interment will follow later in the day at Hillside Cemetery in Medicine Hat.  (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at  http://www.cooksouthland.com)    Honoured to serve the family is  Cook Southland Funeral Home