SATURDAY, May 5, 2018

PIERZCHALA

1955 – 2018

BRYAN PIERZCHALA of Lethbridge, the love of Barb Pierzchala’s life, succumbed to leukemia at Chinook Regional Hospital after a hard fought battle on Thursday, May 3, 2018.

He is survived by his wife, Barb; his daughter, April Bliesner and her children Zoe, Courtney, and Ruby; his son, Douglas (Cayley) and their children Kristina, and Tamara; his brother Ron (Lynda), his sisters Gail (Brad) and Sandy, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Joan, his father, Ted, as well as by his brothers Michael (Kathy) and Donald.

Forty-four years of dedication and commitment to one company and forty-one years of devotion to his marriage are but two examples of the ethics by which Bryan lived his life. When he found something he liked, he stuck with it and gave it his all. When he wasn’t providing for his family, Bryan could be found on his deck tending to his flowers and beloved tumbler tomatoes. Throughout the growing season, he derived great pleasure sharing his bounty with family, friends, neighbors and co-workers.

Bryan was bitten by the fishing bug at an early age and shared his thrill of the catch with his son and buddies throughout his life. His favorite fishing spot was the Crowsnest River. He was a clever man, possessing a droll wit and wicked sense of humor. He avoided confrontation, preferring to remain the voice of reason. Always respectful and conscientious, Bryan was a people person. He was never at a loss for lasting friendships. Bryan loved cooking for family gatherings. Christmas and Thanksgiving weren’t complete without a batch of his cabbage rolls. Many a hot summer’s day was spent on the deck soaking up the sun and enjoying a few “cold ones” while BBQing a roast on the spit.

Bryan was kindhearted, generous, understanding, and compassionate. His positive outlook on life never waned. Even being diagnosed with leukemia didn’t keep him from smiling. Over an 11-month period of time, Bryan waged a courageous battle, and with a stem cell transplant, his goal of becoming cancer-free was almost achieved. Sadly, the disease was too aggressive, but in true Bryan fashion, he took the news in stride and went about his life at a slower pace. His concern was never for himself but for those he would leave behind, especially for his wife, Barb, who was his caregiver throughout his arduous journey. She remained by his side to his last moment.

Bryan wanted to thank every staff member of the Tom Baker Cancer Center Unit #57 and the Tom Baker Blood & Marrow Transplant Clinic. They became like family to him and he treated them that way.

Bryan leaves behind a legacy of love, devotion, courage and dignity. At his request, no formal funeral service will be held.

In his memory, a random act of kindness would be appreciated, and in lieu of flowers, donations to any of the following would be gratefully accepted: Moses Mueller Compassionate Patient Support Foundation, Tom Baker Cancer Center Unit #57, Tom Baker Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic, The Alberta Cancer Foundation or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada. Web links for donations can be found in Bryan’s obituary online at http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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

QUIROGA

RYAN MERTON QUIROGA passed away suddenly on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at the age of 28 years.

Funeral arrangements to be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Gerald Row

1944 – 2018

Gerald Eugene Row of Elkford, BC and Barons, AB., passed away peacefully with family at his side on Sunday, April 29, 2018 at the age of 73 years.

Gerald Row was born December 15, 1944 in Calgary, Alberta to Victor and Mabel Row. Gerald was a graduate of the Agriculture Program at Olds College. Gerald recently retired from Fording River mine, where he worked for 43 years and was proud to say that he was one of the top 5 employees for longevity. He was also actively involved in his family farm since 1980. Gerald enjoyed hunting, fishing, and watching his grandchildren do what they love. He was an avid Hurricanes fan. Gerald was a proud member of the Barons Elks Club for over 50 years.

Gerald was predeceased by his parents, Victor and Mabel Row; and his son, Steven Row. Gerald is survived by his two sons, Mike (Janet) Row of Welling and Dennis (Michelle) Row of Lethbridge; his seven grandchildren, Grant Row, Kyle Row, Austin Row, Jordan Row, Evan Row, Ashley Row, Ian Row; his sisters, Vivian (Bob) Christopher of Yorkton, SK., Beverly (Tom) Randall of Calgary; his brother, Allan (Deborah) Row of Barons; as well as numerous nephews and their families.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Monday, May 7, 2018 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Donna Alm, officiating.

The family would like to thank the staff on 4A at Chinook Regional Hospital as well as the staff at St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit for the wonderful care Gerald received.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit, 1400 9 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V5 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5.

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

Ted Vayro (1936-2018)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ted (nee George Edwin) Vayro on Thursday April 26, 2018. Ted was well known as a man with a gruff exterior who rarely smiled, but his smile always appeared at the first opportunity to hold a baby or behind the bucking chutes at a rodeo. He was quick-witted with a dry sense of humour and often had those around him in stitches at his wry comments. He was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed by so many.

Born April 30, 1936, in Taber, Alberta, Ted was a rodeo cowboy who competed in bareback riding and steer wrestling. He went on to form Grasslands Rodeo Company with good friends, Malcolm Jones and C.N. Woodward, and supplied stock to professional, amateur, and high school rodeos for many years. In addition to his 16 years on the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association’s Board of Directors, Ted was the livestock superintendent at the Canadian Finals Rodeo for over 20 years. In 1990, Ted was honoured with the Canadian Professional Rodeo Association’s Cowboy of the Year Award. Ted donated countless hours to B.C. High School Rodeo and is fondly remembered for helping out many young competitors. In 2011, Ted was inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame.

In addition to his contributions to the sport of rodeo, Ted had a keen interest in exotic birds from a young age. He raised a number of exotic poultry, pigeons, and water fowl, and showed his award-winning birds at fairs across BC. He was a proud member of the Vernon Pigeon and Poultry Club.

Ted leaves behind his partner of 25 years, Mary MacGregor; his children Sophie Vayro (Denis Hancock), Josie Vayro, and Rod Vayro, and their mother, Celia Haig-Brown; his grandchildren Desa Hancock, Leola Vayro, Cala Hancock, Brooke Vayro, Alexis Vayro, and Levi Vayro. He is survived by his sister Ethel (Del Borggard) Fritz of Calgary, brother Larry (Judy) Vayro of Magrath, brother Gordon (Gwen) Vayro of Taber, and brother Clare (Glenda) Vayro of Salmo, B.C., as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was pre-deceased by his parents, John George Albert Vayro and Vaneta Leola Vayro (nee Cannaday).

No service by request. A social gathering for family and friends will be held on Thursday May 17 from 3:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Grandview Acres in Knutsford, B.C. Memorial donations may be made to The Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund (justincowboycrisisfund.org) or through The Sullivan Urology Foundation, designated to the Vancouver Prostate Centre (urologyfounda tion.ca/donations.html). Condolences may be sent to the family at DrakeCremation.com (250)377-8225

WELLS

It is with tremendous sadness that we, the families of KYLE NATHAN WELLS (SCOUT) “Po’kaanikapi” announce his passing on April 30th, 2018. Kyle was born on April 13th, 1988 at Foothills Hospital in Calgary. Kyle had just celebrated his 30th birthday with family and friends.

Kyle is survived by his loving wife, Angie Day Chief and his precious princess Kylie and son Anthony; parents, Vince and Kelli (Scout) Wells; sister Shauna (Cody) Scout; brother Dwight (Lloyda) Scout; nieces and nephew, Peyton and Sara Wells, Brooke Brewer and Heyden Scout; adopted brothers, Clay Creighton and Chase Tail Feathers.

A Wake Service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall on Sunday, May 6th, from 6:00 to 11:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Monday, May 7th, at 11:00 am. Interment in the Blood Band Cemetery.

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