By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on June 13, 2018.
Kay Rarick
1926 – 2018
Katherine Phillipina Rarick, beloved wife of the late Tony Rarick, passed away in Medicine Hat on Friday, June 8, 2018 at the age of 91 years.
A private burial service will be held at the Foremost Cemetery on Saturday, June 16, 2018. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Kay will be lovingly remembered by her children Edward Rarick of Foremost, Isabel (Alvin) Bechthold of Lacombe, George (Donna) Rarick of Medicine Hat, Charlotte (Robert) Herbst of Medicine Hat, Rod (Iris) Rarick of Red Deer, Roger (Lori) Rarick of Foremost; daughter-in-law Marlin Rarick of Foremost and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brothers Paul (Gladys) Marthaller, Ivan (Marie) Marthaller and LeRoy (Margaret) Marthaller; her sisters-in-law Helen (John) Schatz, Delores (Joe) Harty, Sylvia Robinson, Elaine Hauff and by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Tony Rarick who passed away the same day ten years earlier, on June 8, 2008 at the age of ninety one; her son Barry Rarick; daughters-in-law Judy Rarick and Edna Rarick; her parents Mike and Margaret Marthaller; sisters Connie (Roy) and Alice (Leo) and brothers Simon, Steve (Marg) and John.
Kay was born in Foremost on July 3, 1926 and later met the love of her life and married Tony Rarick on September 21, 1942. They lived in Nemiscam until 1962 when they moved into Foremost and Kay remained living in her own home until her passing. Some of her favourite pastimes were listening to music and enjoying a good conversation over coffee, which was frequent as her door was always open.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
Frances Simek
1930 – 2018
On Saturday, June 9, 2018 in the early morning hours (her favorite time of the day) with her daughter Lorraine holding her hand, Frances Simek (affectionately known as Granny Fanny) quietly passed away at the Taber Hospital at the age of 88 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Frances’ life at the Parkside Manor, 4830 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Frances leaves behind her seven children Cathy (Cam) Hodgen of Lethbridge, Gerry (Sandra) Simek of Lethbridge, Val (Leroy) Holthe of Taber, Roy (Carrie) Simek of Taber, Ken (Corinne) Simek of Taber, Tom (Kristen) Simek of Cranbrook and Lorraine (Darrell) Visser of Lethbridge. She was loved and adored by nineteen grandchildren and six great grandchildren. She will also be lovingly remembered by her two sisters Lydia McDermott of Billings, Montana and Jeri Albro of Cheyney, Washington and their families.
Frances was born to Joe and Maria Vajdik on February 16, 1930. Growing up on the family farm in Cranford, the eldest of three girls, she acquired a hard work ethic, superb baking skills, perseverance and a quiet dignity.
Frances was a talented and skilled seamstress. Her green thumb made way for her lush english gardens, colorful flower beds and very large vegetable gardens. In her later years, she learned to paint with acrylics, discovering her hidden talent as an artist. She was an accomplished cook and baker and growing up we enjoyed her huge butter horns, cream puffs, cinnamon buns and her “gummy buns” were the grandchildren’s favorite! We feasted on many Czech dishes growing up and hopefully we remember how to make them!
Over the years she demonstrated great courage despite a stroke, four pacemakers and declining vision due to macular degeneration. But through it all she kept her “witty sense of humor” and graciously accepted what she could not change. She took life’s ups and downs in stride.
The family would like to thank Dr. Leishman and Dr. Hughes, the nursing staff and Taber EMS for their expert care. Thank you to the Clearview Lodge staff for making the last five years safe and dignified for her. To the PCA staff, her “Guardian Angels,” thank you for brightening her days, bringing her coffee and for your loving care towards mom.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
Anne Chiswick
1923 – 2018
Mrs. Anne Chiswick of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Les Chiswick, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre, on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 at the age of 95 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
BOYCHUK
Pauline Boychuk, beloved wife of the late William (Bill) Boychuk, passed away in Lethbridge on Saturday, June 9, 2018 at the age of 91 years.
She is survived by her brother Elmer (Verna) Wolochaty, her sons Garry, Dennis (Dorthe), Greg (Charlotte), Larry (Cathie), nine grandchildren, and 3 Great grandchildren, some nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by husband Bill of 63 years. Parents George and Dora Wolochaty and sister Waselinka.
Pauline was born in the old Ukraine. She immigrated to Canada with her parents in 1929. Her family provided labour in exchange for food and shelter working for farmers in the six mile, Coaldale and Hardieville areas.
She attended Hissop and Hardieville schools. As there was no opportunity for training in business courses. She attended L.C.I.. She eventually succeeded in getting a business related job until her marriage to William in October 21, 1950.
Throughout her life she enjoyed dancing. Also had a fascination with accordion music and even played her own.
She attended Saints Peter and Paul Church and was a member of the churches, Ladie’s Aid. She visited the infirm at homes and hospitals.
Raising a family was a great priority to “Mom” as well as assisting in the small farming business. She loved gardening, canning, baking and growing her own roses, enjoyed birthdays with a few neighbor “girls”. Her culinary skills were second to none with her craftsmanship in making homemade Borsch, cabbage rolls, cinnamon buns, poppy seed rolls and of course “Moms” famous chocolate cake. When you came to her door there was always an invite “in” for coffee and something from the stove.
Prayers will be said on Thursday evening, June 14, at 7:00 P.M. at the Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Parish 643 – 12 St. “B” North, Lethbridge.
The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. at Saints Peter and Paul Ukrainian Catholic Parish. Reverend Gary Sedgwick, Celebrant. Internment at the Archmount Cemetery, Lethbridge. Announcement at church service of a location for a luncheon to follow.
Delia Plantinos
1945 – 2018
Mrs. Delia Plantinos of the Phillipines passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at the age of 73 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
GARNER
MARGUERITE “MARGE” ROSE GARNER, (formerly Derksen, née Turski), beloved wife of Royston Garner of Lethbridge, fought but lost her brave battle against cancer and passed away peacefully at the St. Michael’s Health Centre on Thursday, June 7, 2018 at the age of 78 years.
Besides her husband, she is survived by her children, Kim Cote (Lorne) of British Columbia, Russell Derksen (Patti), Bruce (Kim) Derksen and Gregory (Tammy) Derksen, all of Lethbridge, her stepchildren, Wendy (Bill) Blumer and Wayde Garner, both of New Brunswick and Wesley Garner of Calgary, as well as her eight grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Vicki (Dirk) Blokland, Melyssa (Larry) Lockhart, Paul Turski, Vic (deceased) Turski (Diane) and many other loved ones, too numerous to list.
She was predeceased by her loving husband, Abe Derksen, as well as twin newborns, her brothers Vic, Arthur and Ronny Turski, her sister Verna Mochamp and many other loved ones.
Marge was born in Manitoba and grew up along the La Salle River to market gardener parents. She grew up knowing how to put in long hours of work and enjoyed the simple things in life, especially her family and friends. Marge was a true entrepreneur. Many thought she was crazy for it but she started and ran the very first truck driving school in Lethbridge, even though she never got her Class 1 licence. ‘Class 1 Driving School’ started off with one old Kenworth truck and trailer and ran out of an office at Abe’s business, ‘Towne Messenger & Transfer’, and from there it grew to three branches situated in Lethbridge, Brooks and Medicine Hat. The company was sold in 2009. After her retirement, she threw herself into her already well-known garage sales. Mom will be missed for her tea biscuits, laughter and many stories. You were always welcome in her home for a coffee, a meal or a visit on any holiday.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 7:00 P.M. with Cybele & Francis Noronha officiating.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback, Celebrant.
A Reception will follow at the German Canadian Club, 902 – 6 Street North, Lethbridge, AB.
In lieu of flowers, and in memory of Marge, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Health Centre, 1400 – 9 Avenue South, T1J 4V5.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
John Edward Akaikiihtsipimioota’si Heavy Shields (Many Spotted Horses)
October 21, 1959 – June 7, 2018
John, the youngest son of Eddie & Adelaide Heavy Shields, passed away peacefully at his home in the Buttes on June 7, 2018.
John is survived by his children, Bradley (Inez), Ayisha (Kirby), Shilow (Jesse), Megan (Tyson), Alex and by his grandchildren Pressly, Brekken, Kemper, Layton, Decker, Rannon, Madelynn, and the *twins.
John, born into the Aakaipokaiksi and Ni’taitsskaiks clans, was cherished by his parents. He spent his early childhood in the idyllic setting of the Blood Band Ranch at the northend of the reserve. It was in this home that John learned the language and the ways of his parents and grandparents. John was fluent in Blackfoot and rich in Kainai culture.
It was also as a young boy that John got the taste for hockey and rodeo. His Dad would bring him to Kainai Chiefs’ practice and John would be allowed to lace up and skate with the big guys.
Having lost his dad at an early age, he was doted upon by his mom and his siblings.
John knew the importance of family values and education, inspiring others in the family to become educators. He attended St. Mary’s Residential School, graduated from Cardston High School and then went on to achieve a degree in Education. John was an educator in the community from then on teaching at Lethbridge College, Red Crow College, Cardston High School and Kainai High School.
John’s education led him to employment in places such as Bowden, Calgary, and Vancouver in various capacities such as teaching Blackfoot at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute and as Recreation Director at Drumheller Correctional Centre. He also served as Program Development Officer at the Calgary and Vancouver Friendship Centres. John earned his Level III Coaching Certificate and being only one of three in Canada with this training allowed him to coach anywhere in the country. John was Minor Hockey Coordinator and Alberta Native Provincial Chairperson; he was instrumental in bringing the Alberta Native Provincials to southern Alberta for the very first time. In later years, John received bobcat and landscape training which led to his owning and operating his TBR Landscaping Business.
John travelled extensively throughout Canada and the U.S. where he met and made many friends. This included the late Prime Minister John Diefenbaker and his lifelong Boston Bruin hero, Bobby Orr. John also took Brad far and wide for hockey to places such as Atlanta, GA. He dreamed of one day visiting Red Square in Moscow. John shared a passion for golf with special friends Brent, Winston, Pierre and Rick. John memorialized his dear granddaughter Taaliyah in a special golf tournament each summer.
John used his experience in hockey, rodeo and golf to advocate for the advancement of youth through recreation and sport. His son Brad adds that his dad’s sports career extended to track and field (long distance runner), fastball (catcher) and football. John, the all-round athlete, ensured that this drive encompassed and influenced his son and grandsons. He was a mentor to many.
He was predeceased by his parents, his sisters: baby Teresa and Lulu; brothers: Herman and Okan, brothers-in-law: Ed and James; nieces: Ramona and Gina Heavy Shields, Jolaine Shade; nephews: Murray and Hayden Heavy Shields, Robbie Russell, Lynel Tailfeathers, Roddy Kent No Runner and granddaughter Taaliyah.
Left to mourn are sisters: Lena Russell, Evelyn (Les) Healy, Barb (Lyman) Tailfeathers, Faye, Sharon; Brothers: Jordan, Ed (Deanna), Steven (Wanda). Special Friends: Brent & Sherri Chief Body, Winston & Renee Day Chief, Darlene Davis, Francis First Charger, Cindy Little Bear, Pierre Many Chief, Larriet Cross Child; adopted children: Ian Scout, Stevie Heavy Shields, Amber Creighton, Cory Spear Chief; relatives – Rabbit, Young Pine, Bruised Head, Fox, Many Fingers, Blood, English families and many others.
His parents’ legacy – a strong work ethic – was passed on through his own teaching and example to his children. John was known for his hospitality and kindness and his loyalty as a friend will be remembered by many. John, your legendary home-cooked meals (chowders, chili’s and holiday dinners), spotless home and expressive laughter will be forever missed by us all. This is especially true of your Saturday morning breakfasts for the Martindale gang. We were so blessed to have known your love and we promise to keep it alive!
A Wake Service will be at John’s residence, Hwy 509, Blood Reserve on Thursday, June 14, 2018 from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Friday, June 15th at 11:00 a.m. Interment in the Heavy Shields’ Family plot.
Condolences may be sent at: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
Kathleen Cook
1926 – 2018
Mrs. Kathleen Cook of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Charles Cook, passed away at Extendicare Fairmont on Tuesday, June 5, 2018 at the age of 92 years. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at 1:00pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at MARTIN BROTEHRS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4th Street South, Lethbridge, AB. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, with Reverend Glenda Wert, officiating. Interment to follow at Archmount Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society at #40, 1202 – 2nd Ave S., Lethbridge, T1J 0E3 or any other charity of your choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
Leo Palencia
1978 – 2018
Mr. Leo Palencia, beloved husband of Mrs. Ellen Palencia, passed away suddenly on Sunday, June 10, 2018 at the age of 39 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a private condolence.
OATES
DONALD OATES, of Lethbridge, AB passed away peacefully on Monday, April 9, 2018 at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton at the age of 92.
Don was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on Nov 9, 1925. He came to Alberta in the winter of 1942 and went to work in Pearce, AB with his father. In 1943, he moved to Lethbridge, to be with the rest of his family. In 1952, Don married Marion (Mollie). They had one son, Harry. Most of Don’s career was spent at Ellison Milling & Elevator Company. Playing the organ, drawing and jigsaw puzzles were a few of the activities he enjoyed in his retirement. Don also enjoyed singing and was a proud member of the Golden Mile singers. Recently, he relocated to Fort Saskatchewan, AB to be closer to his family.
Don will be lovingly remembered by his son, Harry (Pauline) of Lamont; granddaughter, Amanda (Marc) Dzura of Fort Saskatchewan; and great-granddaughters, Emma and Allison Dzura; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Don was predeceased by his wife, Marion (Mollie); parents, Charles and Annie Oates; sisters, Barbara, Dorothy, Elaine, Margaret and Brenda; and brothers Arnold (in infancy) and Gerald.
A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, June 15, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Glenda Wert officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Red Cross, 335 Columbia Blvd. W., Lethbridge, AB, T1K 5Y8 or to a charity of one’s choice.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com