March 29th, 2024

SATURDAY, October 20, 2018


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on October 20, 2018.

ANDERSON

MERLE ALICE ANDERSON, beloved wife, sister, mother, grandma/nana, great-grandma and friend, passed away peacefully at home in Monarch on Tuesday, October 16, 2018 at the age of 80 years.

Merle was a devoted wife to William (Bill) Anderson for 65 years. She was a loving mother/mother-in-law to her seven children: Lynda (Ken) Hann, Candice Hillmer (deceased July 12, 2005), Maureen Anderson, Shelley-Anne (Val) Dennis, Karen (Rick) Potvin, Steve (Carolyn) Anderson, Laurel (Steve) Anderson and of course Billy Merritt.

She was a caring grandmother to her 18 grandchildren: Stuwart (Theresa) Hann, Craig (Colleen) Hann, Christopher Hann (deceased October 13, 1977), Tammy (John) Wilgus, Lonny (Darla) Beglaw, Kyrie (Chris) Cragg, Crystal Valeen, Mike (Jen) Schaaf, Mandi (Mike) Bodnar, Bonnie (David) Postman, Cindie (Spencer) Rowan, Colin Dennis, April (Troy) Willerton, Shannon (Brian) Pointer, Randi-Jo (Robert) Anderson, Robyn (Sawyer) Anderson, Jordis (Coleman) Odney and Ty Odney.

Merle was a very proud great-grandma to 29 great-grandchildren: Danielle & Zakery Hann, Jagear, Kaylee & Bowen Hann, Dallas & Kale Gardner, Triston, Jayden & Kayden Beglaw, Liam, Jaylen & Taina Cragg, Jayla, Brynnique & Grayson Valeen, Corbin Schaaf, Carlin, Allan & Mackaden Bodnar, Amy & Bella Postman, Grady, Jase, Sawyer & Lainey Rowan, Jackson Beauchamp and Skylar & Quinn Pointer.

Merle was predeceased by her only sister Marilyn Mayme Gosselin of Edmonton AB, parents Smith & Iva Stephans of Turtleford SK and her in-laws Egmond & Evelyn Anderson of Swift Current SK.

Merle was born in Turtleford, SK on August 10th, 1938. She met the love of her life in 1950 and was married shortly after on August 26th, 1953. Merle was a hard working farm wife with many jobs throughout her time. Her favorite and most proud job was being a Federal Government Meat Inspector beginning in 1976. They raised six daughters and one son on the farm outside of Monarch AB, instilling a hard work ethic and kindness into each one. Merle was often the person who was turned to in tough times; a person or animal was always welcome when in a time of need and never left hungry. Bill & Merle moved into the town of Monarch, where they enjoyed retirement but didn’t slow down in the slightest. She was your number one fan, from rodeo arenas, hockey games, baseball innings, school events, figure skating, dance recitals and everything in between, she did not miss anything. In fact, she was probably cheering the loudest. Merle’s support didn’t end at the family. She was loved and cherished by many friends and club members in her favorite event of the week at the Coalhurst 55+ club.

Merle was always loving and kind; she will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, on Wednesday, October 24, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Daniel Zopoula officiating.

Merle will be laid to rest in the Fort Macleod Cemetery, on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at 1:00 P.M.

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


Linda Aspeslet

1946 – 2018

It is with great sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of Linda Doreen Aspeslet at the age of 72 years. Linda was born on April 23, 1946 in Lethbridge, Alberta. She spent her early years on the family farm, attending a one-room schoolhouse before moving to the city. It was during her high school years at LCI when she met her sweetheart, Doug. After graduating from high school, Linda went to work for AGT. In 1965, she and Doug got married and Linda left her job to raise their four daughters. After all the girls had begun school, Linda returned to the workforce. For thirty-seven years she thoroughly enjoyed working with the dentists of Family Dental and later their sons at Southridge Dental. As a busy wife, mother of four rambunctious girls and an office manager, Linda still found time to be active in the community. She volunteered for various school activities, coached youth bowling and participated in fundraising events such as the Relay for Life for the Canadian Cancer Society. She and Doug were also active members of the Gyro Club where they developed many lasting friendships and created wonderful memories. Linda was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015 but it would not deter her from doing the things she loved, one of which was traveling. From the time she had a young family, vacations had always been a big part of their lives and after retiring in 2016, she and Doug began to travel more. They spent even more time at daughter Launa’s cabin on Kootenay Lake, an area where they had vacationed since the girls were children and took trips abroad with friends and family alike. Linda’s motto was always, “Do what you can while you can.” Linda was also interested in expressing her creative side, whether it be through macramé, crochet, quilting, porcelain doll making, never-ending house redecorating projects – and of course her Christmas goodies, which she lovingly shared with anyone and everyone. Family and friends were of the utmost importance to Linda and she made sure to pass that on to her children and grandchildren. As a family, they would walk together in support of the Step N Stride for the Parkinson Association of Alberta. Friday and Saturday night family suppers were a mainstay at Doug and Linda’s house – a time to reconnect and talk of past and future adventures. She made sure each of her children and grandchildren felt special and loved, even keeping up with the latest technology so that she could follow her girls on Facebook or Facetime/iMessage/text with her grandchildren. Linda is survived by her husband of 53 years, Doug; daughters Launa Aspeslet, Tara Aspeslet, Nicole Simms (Billy), Dionne (Trevor) Kenney and the joy of her life; grandchildren Nicholas, Ethan, Ainsley, Carson, Alicia, Isabelle, Shayla and Emma. She is also remembered by her sister, Sheran Stuckey (George); brothers Jim (Melody) Ewing and Barry Ewing, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Tom and Dorothy Ewing and son-in-law Lorry Simms. A Celebration of Linda’s Life will be held at 1:00pm, on Saturday, October 27, 2018, at the LETHBRIDGE COUNTRY CLUB, 101 Country Club Road South, Lethbridge. For those who wish, memorial donations in Linda’s name may be made to a charity of your choosing.

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


BECKEL,

Beckel, William Edwin, B.A., M.S., Ph.D. – Died peacefully, at home at Maison Senior Living in West Vancouver, BC., October 15, 2018 at the age of 92. William lived a long, adventure-filled life. His journey as life-long learner, scientist, educator, leader, husband, father and grandfather influenced those who came to know him for his loving, generous nature, his profound curiosity and his wit. Pre-deceased by his brothers John and Robert, he is survived by his wife of 65 years, Dorothy, his son John (and his daughter-in-law Carol and grand daughter Molly) and three daughters: Margaret (son-in-law Stan), Julia and Millie. William, a.k.a., Bill, was born April 11, 1926 in Kingston, Ontario. He was the son of Elmer Ernest Beckel of Oshawa, Ontario and Beatrice Mary (Driver) Beckel of Kingston, Ontario. His early years were spent in Branford, Ontario, where his father owned a Chevrolet Oldsmobile dealership. With the Great Depression of the 1930s, people stopped buying cars. William’s father paid all his debts and the family moved back to Kingston, his father finding work as Quartermaster at Collins Bay Institution “Preferred Class Penitentiary”. His mother, Beatrice, earned extra money in the summers for the family by operating a tea room from their home in Collins Bay with Bill and his brother Rob acting as servers. William’s education was extensive. He began his education at Kingston Collegiate and Vocational Institute. From there, he attended Queen’s University, graduating in 1949 with a B.A. He gained his master’s degree at the State University of Iowa in 1953. Two years later, he received his PH.D from Cornell University. William was a Research Scientist for the Defence Research Board, Ottawa and Department National Defence in Fort Churchill, Manitoba, from 1948-1955. It was here that he met his life partner and scientist, Dorothy. He then worked at the Canadian Department of Agriculture before becoming Assistant, then Associate, Professor at the University of Toronto from 1956-64. He was Full Professor and Dean at Scarborough College at the U of T from 1964-68, then Vice-President, University of Lethbridge, in Alberta, from 1968-72 and President, University of Lethbridge from 1972-79. William finished his career as President of Carleton University in Ottawa, Ontario from 1979-89. From there, he and his wife, Dorothy, retired in Vancouver B.C. Along the way Bill was a member of numerous scientific, professional and education societies and the author of over forty scientific and educational publications in juried national and international journals. Dr. Beckel was a zoologist and an early proponent of the use of television as a teaching medium. In 1964 he became the first dean of the University of Toronto-affiliated Scarborough College, which led an experiment in teaching half the courses using TV-only lectures. At the University of Lethbridge as an approachable and interested President, he was often seen chatting with students in the concourse. There he oversaw the construction of the new campus and the implementation of Management Arts, Native American Studies, and the expanded Cooperative Education program. Under Dean Russell Leskiw, the Education program became one of the best in Canada. A highlight during Dr. Beckel’s presidency was the provincial government’s approval of the Centre for the Arts, a building that allowed for the creation of the U of L’s art collection. Like many Ontario universities at the time, Carleton was in financial trouble when Dr. Beckel took the helm in 1979. That year it was running a $1.5-million deficit. He oversaw several controversial faculty buyouts, and in 1980, the school had to dip into academic scholarship funds to help cover its debts. Dr. Beckel’s efforts during the 1980’s eventually pulled Carleton out of the red and into a building period that resulted in a new student residence, a new library, a Life Sciences Research Building, an Art Gallery, a Social Sciences Research Building, a Day Care Centre and the beginning of a new engineering complex. Unlike Carleton’s rival universities, most of whom were raising admissions standards to compete for better students, Dr. Beckel decided to keep Carleton open to high-school graduates with averages as low as 60 per cent on the premise that “every student should have the right to fail”. The benefit of this philosophy was that first year enrolment increased bringing with it increased tuition revenue that more than offset the impact of a lower retention rate. This egalitarian philosophy combined with tough financial controls resulted in a strong financial position for the university and made it a “rare chance” university. For many students, Carleton offered a rare chance at a university education. On July 1, 1989, the same year he received an honorary degree of Legum Doctoris from Carleton, Dr. Beckel was succeeded as president by Robin Hugh Farquhar. Previously that same year Dr. Beckel received an Honorary Degree from Ottawa University. In 1995 Dr. Beckel was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Lethbridge. William enthusiastically enjoyed his family, his friends, cooking, wine, cheese, music, hunting, and skiing. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Whistler Search and Rescue. Just go to https://whistlersar.com/donate/ and you will have the option to dedicate the donation to William Beckel if you want. Celebration of life will be held in North Vancouver on November 24th, 2018. Time and Location to be announced. For up to date details and sending condolences please go to: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/north-vancouver-bc/william-beckel-8027813


GRBAVAC

1924 – 2018

CATHERINE (née MLACAK) GRBAVAC, beloved wife of the late Andrew Grbavac, passed away peacefully on October 17, 2018 at Legacy Lodge in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 94 years.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH – 2405 12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, October 20th, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Albert Sayson celebrating.

A Private Family Interment will take place at Temple Hill Cemetery in Raymond, AB where Catherine will be laid to rest next to her beloved husband Andrew.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


REGINALD EARL HOOF

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Reginald Earl Hoof on Friday, October 12, 2018, in Brocket, AB at the age of 39 years. He is survived by his mother Bernadette Wolf Tail; his five children: Demitri Crow Eagle (Thomas); Reginald Hoof, Jr. (Alyssa); Regeena Hoof (Teegan McMinn); Latoya Crow Eagle; and Taisa Crow Eagle; his three grandchildren: Calyse Crow Eagle, Caius Hoof and Zinniah Crow Eagle and his wife of 20 years Trish Hoof Crow Eagle. A Prayer Service will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home (Pincher Creek) 5:00 pm until 10:00 pm on Monday, October 22, 2018. On Tuesday, a Funeral Mass will be held at St. Paul’s Catholic Church at 2:00 pm, followed by Wake at Piikani Community Hall in Brocket from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the Piikani Community Hall at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, October 24, 2018, with Fr. Roy Jayamaha, Celebrant, followed by the burial at Piikani Nation Brocket Cemetery. Snodgrass Funeral Home assisting the Hoof/Crow Eagle families with funeral arrangements, (403) 627-4864.


MAHON, FLORENCE S.

(Nee Miller)

1943 – 2018

FLO (FLORENCE) MAHON passed away unexpectedly on Friday, October 12, 2018.

Flo is survived by sons Glenn (Debbie) and Garth, sisters May (Jim), Gloria, Mary, Loreane and brother George (Bonnie), friend Vince, and was predeceased by husband Rick Mahon. Flo was devoted to friends and family and will be dearly missed.

A Celebration of Flo’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at 11:00 A.M., followed by a reception. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 100-119 14 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1Z6.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


SHERMAN

ELWOOD PIERCE SHERMAN, beloved husband of Beth, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, Alberta on October 11, 2018, at the age of 96 years. Elwood was born on December 3, 1921, at Duchess, Alberta. On December 9, 1944, he married the love of his life, Jessie “Beth”, and they farmed in the Duchess area until 1973. They moved to Lethbridge where he worked at Canbra Foods as a field representative. They enjoyed spending their summers at Duck Lake, Montana for many years, and their winters in their motorhome in Arizona. They also enjoyed many years of camping at Gold Springs Park. Elwood is survived by his loving wife Beth; his sister Faye Keevil and his brother Laverne Scheuerman: his children; Beverley (Ed) Seitz, Howard Sherman, Charles Sherman, Eileen Reid, Cheryl (Marv) Nelson, Darcy Sherman; nine grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Elwood was predeceased by his daughter-in-law Ellen Sherman, son-in-law Roger Reid and shortly after his passing, his daughter-in-law Terry Sherman. Elwood’s family would like to express their thanks to the caregivers at Edith Cavell Care Centre and Home Care Lethbridge. A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Glenda Wert officiating.

To send condolences, please visit

http://www.generationsfh.ca


THIELEN

WILLIAM (BADGER BILL) THIELEN age 58, died of a heart attack October 10, in Calgary. He was predeceased by his son Jon and his father Pudge. Survived by his son Chris, his siblings David (Becky), Neil (Yvette), Milton, Nadine (Kevin Bolz) and his mother Maryetta.

After high school Bill joined the army and spent 10 years in 1 PPCLI. After the army he did lawn, yard and cement work. He was proud of his regimental coin and flag and displayed them all the time. He also played Warcraft with his son Chris and looked forward to their battles.

Internment will be held Sunday, November 11 with reception to follow at Milk River Civic Centre.


WARD

JUNE FRANCES WARD (née Kerr) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Robert (Bob) Ward, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday October 17, 2018 at the age of 89 years.

She is the loving mother of son Mark (Pat) and daughters MaryJane Johnson and Dale Ward. She is the grandmother of Curtis (Alyssa), Erik (Chantel), Jessie (Devon), Angel, Garret, Zachery, Gavin and Colin, and great-grandmother of Johnny, Lyla, Lexi and Joy. She is survived by sister Betty Brown (Norman), and was predeceased by husband Bob, sisters Evelyn Phillips and Kay Juskow, brother Jack, and grandson Garret Brewer.

June was born in Halifax to parents George and Jenny Kerr on June 1, 1929. She would often tell people that her mother didn’t have to think hard about what to name her! She trained as a nurse, received her R.N. and worked at the Halifax Children’s Hospital. She married Bob Ward in 1951 and after travelling the U.S. for Bob’s job, they settled in Montreal, living there until moving to Lethbridge in 1974. June and Bob spent many happy summers at their cottage, The Rusty Pump, in Prince Edward Island. June enjoyed swimming, golfing, playing bridge and piano, and her happy place was at the Lethbridge Casino.

A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta on Monday, October 22, 2018 at 2:00 P.M. with Norman Brown officiating.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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