March 28th, 2024

FRIDAY, December 7, 2018


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 7, 2018.

HOLESWORTH

JOHN “JACK” HOLESWORTH, of Lethbridge, Alberta and formerly of Nova Scotia and the Yukon, passed away on December 2, 2018, at the age of 78 years, after a long and valiant battle with C.O.P.D.

Jack is survived by Christine (nee Dares) Holesworth, his wife of 42 years, and their daughter, Jana Holesworth, of Cardiff, Wales; his former wife, Barbara (nee Davidson) Holesworth, of Lower Sackville, NS, and their three children, Patricia (Joseph) Chaney of Victoria, BC, Ronald (Sarah) Holesworth, of Halifax, NS, and Barbie (Scott) Moore, of Lower Sackville, NS. He is also survived by a brother, Douglas (Dorina) Holesworth, of Wetaskiwin, Alberta; three grandsons, Kristian Chaney, Jacob Moore and Zackery Moore; two granddaughters, Alex Chaney and Eryn Chaney; and his aunt, Cora (nee Fisher) McKay of Valley, NS, as well as numerous brothers & sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces and nephews. Jack’s enthusiasm, love of life and his ability to tell a good story will be sadly missed by all his family and friends in Alberta, Yukon and Nova Scotia.

He was predeceased by his parents, his sister, Evelyn and brother, Harold.

Jack was born in Stewiacke, NS, on May 5, 1940, to Fenton and Edith (nee Fisher) Holesworth. Jack was a dedicated member of the fire service for over 45 years, beginning his career in 1960 as a volunteer firefighter with the Bedford Fire Department. Here, Jack served as Deputy Chief for seven years and later became the composite department’s first career captain. He spent twelve years with the NS Fire Marshal’s Office before moving to the Yukon as Fire Marshal, where he retired in 2006. During this time, he was an active member of numerous committees and organizations, working tirelessly to advance the services provided by career and volunteer firefighters in Canada. Jack instructed at the Nova Scotia Firefighters’ School for 16 years, was NS principal of the Canadian Fire Investigation School for nine years, and proudly served as past President of the Canadian Council of Fire Marshals and Fire Commissioners, past President of the Canadian Association of Fire Investigators and past first Vice President of the NS Chapter of the International Society of Fire Service Instructors. He was the recipient of the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal and Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. He was also a 39-year member of the Royal Canadian Legion, where he enjoyed the company of many good friends.

The family would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and other medical staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital, Lethbridge, for their expert and compassionate care, especially in his final moments.

Cremation has been entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home with a Memorial Service for family and friends to occur in Nova Scotia at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jack’s memory to The Lung Association – Alberta & NWT, P.O. Box 4500, Station South, Edmonton, AB, T6E 6K2 or a charity of choice.

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


Gerrit Klok

1958 – 2018

“Set thine house in order; for thou shalt die, and not live”.

2 Kings 20:1b.

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of my dear husband, our loving father and grandfather, Gerrit Klok. Gerrit was born November 7, 1958 in Ede, the Netherlands and passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta on December 2, 2018 at the age of 60 years after a short battle with cancer.

He leaves to mourn, his loving wife Helen and his 6 children and 20 grandchildren. Jacky and Brian de Kok (Nicholas, Joshua, Fionna, Tanner, Olivia) Cora and Harry Van Maanen (Josephine, Sarah, Matteo, Emma, Dominic) Henk and Deanna (Noah, Luke, Levi) William and Rachel (Gerrit, Wade, Miles, Charles) Elina and Dwayne Van Maanen (Nate, Owen) Jerry and Marissa (Aaron). His brothers and sisters: Peter (Jane), Corrie (John) Liefting, Jannie Vander Veen, Henk (Agatha), Janet (Chris) de Leeuw and Gerard (Hennie). His inlaws: Jacky Grisnich (deceased) Ray (Lisa) Grisnich, Peter (Ellen) Grisnich, William (Angela) Grisnich, Gerda (Wayne) Van Giessen.

Gerrit was predeceased by his parents Henk and Cornelia Klok, his parents in law Gerrit Grisnich and Cobi Grisnich-Vanderknijff and his brother in law Henk Vander Veen.

Condolences will be held on December 6, 2018 from 7:30-8:30pm at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION 603-3a Street South, Picture Butte.

The Funeral Service will be held on December 7, 2018 at 11:00am at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION 603-3a Street South, Picture Butte with Reverend H.D. den Hollander officiating.

Interment will follow at the Picture Butte Memorial Cemetery.

The family gratefully declines flowers. Memorial donations may be made to the Bethesda Care Home PO Box 1096 Picture Butte, AB T0K 1V0.

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


MEDORUMA

Sumie Medoruma passed away on December 3, 2018, at the age of 92.

Born in Vancouver, the youngest child of Yae and Seitora Sugamori, she moved to Southern Alberta in 1942 where she met and then later married Tommy Medoruma. They shared 69 years together, most recently at AgeCare Seton in Calgary, where Tommy still resides. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers Mas and Ken, sisters Tosh and Kim, and daughter Donna.

In Hardieville, then in Lethbridge, they raised four children who survive her. [Aileen] Midori (Barry), Darryl (Lisa), Mark (Cecile) and Carol (Jacques).

Her grandchildren Aaron, Reiko (Ted), Janelle, Matt (Sam), Justin, Kiyomi (Mikael), Miyeko and her great-grandson Toshiro will forever cherish memories of the love and laughter they shared with her.

Sumie’s tiny frame belied her strength of character and the fierce determination that carried her through some difficult times, especially the loss of a young daughter and her family’s forced move from Vancouver when she was just a teenager. Never exhibiting bitterness, it was her respectful and generous spirit, her smile and charming disposition, that many will remember when they think of her. Her lifelong devotion to her family was lovingly reciprocated in her final days as all her children and grandchildren gathered around her.

Friends are invited to share their memories with Sumie’s family on Sunday, December 9, 2018 between 1:00 and 3:00 pm at the Coast Hotel, 526 Mayor Magrath Dr. S, Lethbridge. Many thanks to the staff at AgeCare Seton for their compassionate care. Messages of condolences, photos and memories may be left at http://www.choicememorial.com. Please no flowers or Koden, but if desired, memorial donations may be made to the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre at http://www.jccc.on.ca/en/donate /museum.php


Dr. Pete Standing Alone Nii’ta’Kaiksamaikoan 1928- 2018

With great sadness, we announce the passing of Nii’ta’Kaiksamaikoan (Pete) on November 27, 2018. Pete is mourned by his family and community for the loss of one of Siksikaitsitapi’s (Blackfoot) legends. He was a visionary and complex man, who possessed a quality of mystery, and surpassed all expectations. He was foremost a Kaaahsinnoon (grandfather) for the Horn Society, his devotion and connection to the land was expressed through his ceremonies and through his ranching and horse breeding. He can also be described as; an educator, stock contractor, leader, rough neck, activist, pioneer, artist, story teller, bronc rider, cowboy and advisor to community, organizations and governments. He was known among family and friends, as extremely independent, meticulous, humble, and graciously supportive. These traits were the core of his friendships and work ethic. Pete devoted his life to being a role model for his children, grandchildren and the Blood Tribe community. His children can be celebrated for on taking on this trait of their father. He took pride in their independence and tenacity. He was well known for one of the teachings of the Blackfoot way of life, which is to “be of service” and provide support. As his children and grandchildren could always count on him, he often supported their activities and interests without being asked. Pete had a profound interest in the youth, whom he had great faith for a better future, especially those who were interested in rodeo and cultural teachings. Pete gave himself to his family, he gave them the necessary support to satisfy their pursuits; moreover, to the larger community he gave to anyone who asked for support such as, ceremony, transferring teachings, headdresses, and advice. He possessed this exemplary trait of being a Blackfoot Indian. He often stated how proud he was of being an Indian, something he did not have until he joined the Horn Society. Pete was born on the Blood Reserve, where he attended the St Paul’s Residential School. At a very young age, he pioneered for work in the United States. He worked among the Oil Servicing Industry and Ranching. Pete with his humility and meticulousness work ethic was guaranteed work on the Reed Family Ranch, currently a multi-million dollar operation. His grandson Odessa is the namesake of his experiences in Texas. After ten years in the United States, he returned and applied his experiences and started his own cow ranch and horse breeding operation. Pete was proud of his accomplishment as one of the last free-range ranchers and was vigilant in his horse breeding. His success in breeding bucking horse earned his horses awards as champions in the arena, such as Indian National Rodeo Finals (INFR), Nebraska and Wyoming. Pete was devoted to the Blackfoot way of life after he began participating in ceremony. He actively participated in repatriation of the Horn Society bundles from the Alberta Provincial Museum, the revitalization and resurgence of ceremonial gatherings, supporting the Blackfoot Confederacy ceremonials through transfers and the initiations of the Horn Society to the Blackfeet in the United States. He more recently was transferred a Thunder Pipe Bundle. Pete was extremely pleased when his sons Travis and Pat joined the Horn Society, and when his grand daughter, Miracle became the Okan. Delores, his predeceased daughter and her partner Peter Weasel Moccasin, his sister Sophie, Francis First Charger, Leonard Bastien, Martin Heavy Head and Roger Prairie Chicken were few of the elders who had an unwavering commitment in supporting his initiatives. As he understood the spirituality of the Blackfoot was the source of our strength and health and its’ continuity dependent upon the survival of the language and culture. He will be missed by those who he provided support and as a resource for culture, history, language and ceremonial activities. Two notable contributions are, first, the Blood Tribe Agricultural Project, which is the second largest irrigation project in the world. Pete referred to it as the flagship of the Blood Tribe; it produced and processed the highest calibre of hay to meet Japan’s standards. Secondly, recently he gave a name to Niitsitapi Learning Centre (Niitsitapi li tass ksii nii mat tsoo kop) a school in Calgary, an experiential learning environment which has had great student success. He was a cultural adviser to the Red Crow Community College and the University of Lethbridge, Galt Museum and Archives, Calgary’s Glenbow Museum to name a few. Other contributions include; the giving of Blackfoot names such as to the Mayor of Calgary and ceremonial rooms, transferring headdresses to significant government officials and dignitaries which included Prince Charles, former Prime Minister Stephen Harper and former premier Ed Stelmach and many of the Kainai Chieftains. Pete’s passion was rodeo, as consequence, he raised a large herd of cattle which he used for his rodeos and the herd of horses from which he trained his bucking horses; and derived a lot of pleasure in seeing his bucking horses in action. Pete was able to host rodeos and supplied the stock for it. It was his way of supporting the rodeo industry and the local cowboys especially the bronc riders, as in his youth bronc riding was his passion. He was very proud of his son Pat, a bronc rider, whom he personally drove to many rodeos. During the filming of Circle of the Sun, he was in Montreal Quebec, where with the support of the National Film Board staff, he registered to ride at the Calgary Stampede. To his surprise, he was announced at the Stampede as Pete Alone from Montreal Quebec. Pete was known for his knowledge of horses and the stamina for riding, often times he could ride more than forty miles a day, and had the experience of a time when the Blood reserve was mostly prairie with few fences. At the age of 68, he joined the Great Centennial Cattle Drive, where he and his loyal horse Bucky spent six days and crossed the open prairie making history for western Canada. In the later years, from the fruits of his labor, with his son, Fagan, made many arduous trips to the Indian National Rodeo Finals (and other rodeos), full horse trailer carrying up six horses. These trips were his holidays; he enjoyed the long drive with his son, where they spent time reminiscing and planning for the next season. Pete was brought to the world stage with his 15 films, NFB trilogy: Circle of the Sun, Standing Alone and Round-up; these films created an awareness of the Kainai World while connecting the past to the present and simultaneously creating a future for generations. A Pinto for a Prince brought fame for his originality in saddle making. On his Birthday, the Late Colin Low wrote; “I am always surprised at his concerns for authenticity, truth and community. He explores the world in a way that most people cannot imagine. I don’t think that Pete realized how much he influenced me”. Pete’s family life was situated in the Old Agency area, where he was instrumental in building the Old Agency Hall while on council. He had made a pledge to have a community-gathering place, where activities would strengthen family and community interests. While in North Dakota, he married the late Serena Bad Brave and they had a daughter. Upon his return from the United States, he and the late Shirley Mountain Horse also had one daughter. He later shared his life with the late Mattie Plaited Hair, and their union was blessed with four children. Pete’s family continued to grow amidst the Belly Buttes overlooking his place, where he made his home with Hilda Smith (nee Day Chief) and they welcomed three boys. Later in life, he met Betty Bastien whom he shared his life with until his passing. Pete is survived by his confidante Betty; his second mother May Weasel Fat, his surviving children; Rowena, Travis (Veronica), Pat (Dawn), Bruce, Sally, Blake (Wendy), Lyle, Fagan (Jolie). Adopted children, Byron Bruised Head, Mike Steele, Alphonse and Marilyn Standing Alone, and his 31 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren and 3 great great grand children Pete is also survived by his siblings; May Weasel Fat, Ruth Quesnelle (Carmen McLenaghan) Sophie Tailfeathers, Alfred Standing Alone, Nita Wells. Extended Families; Many Fingers, Day Rider, Shot on Both Sides, Cross Child, Buckskin, Chief Calf, Twigg, Russell, English, Crop Eared Wolf, and many others too numerous to mention, constituting a large extended family. Predeceased by his Parents: Henry and Louise Standing Alone; Sisters: Ada Fox, Margaret Goodrider; Brothers: Andrew Standing Alone, Allen Standing Alone; Daughters: Delores Weasel Moccasin, Lori Shade; Grandchildren: James Little Whiteman, Chance Shade
Brothers-in-law: Dan Weasel Fat, Fred Tailfeathers, Wayne Wells; Ruth’s late husband Horace Quesnelle; Sister-in-law: Lily Standing Alone. The family would like to extend their deep gratitude to Dr. Eagle Bear and the staff at the Kainai Continuing Care center for their compassionate and stellar care. A Wake Service will be held at Kainai High School, Blood Reserve, AB on Friday, December 7th, from 7:00-11:00 p.m.¨The Funeral Service will be held at the Kainai High School on Saturday, December 8th, at 11:00 a.m¨Interment will follow at One Spot Cemetery (Old Agency), Blood Reserve, AB.


JENNIE (JANNEKE) SYTSMA

April 12, 1919 – December 2, 2018

“I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith”

– 2 Timothy 4: 7

The Lord took unto Himself our dear mother, grandma (Beppe), great-grandma and great-great-grandma. She passed away peacefully on December 2, 2018 at Extendicare Fairmont Park at the age of 99 years.

Mom & Dad were blessed with ten children, John (Ineke) Sytsma, Gerry (Florence) Sytsma, Richard (Jean) Sytsma, Barbara (Harry) Halma, Weltje (John) Gouw, Wynne (Uilke) Bouwman, Wilma (Andy) Van Biert, Rita (Harry) Brouwer and Jim (Deb) Sytsma, as well as 32 grandchildren and their spouses, 66 great- grandchildren and their spouses, two great-great-grandchildren and many nephews, nieces and their families.

She was predeceased by an infant daughter, Wipkje, in 1948 and her husband, Peter, in 2009. Mom was the last survivor of five siblings and parents Gerrit & Baukje Spijksma.

Mom was born on April 12, 1919 in IJlst, Friesland, The Netherlands. As a young lady, she became a seamstress, married Peter in 1940, had seven children and joined Dad in the bakery business. After the family immigrated to Canada in 1951, Mom & Dad were blessed with three more children. They continued the bakery business in Bow Island and later moved to Lethbridge in 1970. They were members of Maranatha CRC. Mom loved the Lord and served Him faithfully and was a social and hospitable person. She and Dad enjoyed traveling to visit family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to a Visitation at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Sunday, December 9, 2018 from 2:30 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

A Memorial Service will be held at MARANATHA CRC, 260 McGill Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, December 10, 2018 at 1:00 P.M.

A Private Family Interment will be held prior to the Memorial Service.

Thank you to the staff at Extendicare Fairmont Park, Dr. H. Leam and other physicians for all of your compassionate care. She will be greatly missed.

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


THIELEN

MARYETTA THIELEN, of Milk River, passed away in the Milk River Health Centre – Long Term Care, on Thursday, November 29, 2018 at the age of 83 years.

Maryetta is survived by her sons David (Becky), Neil (Yvette) and Milton; and daughter Nadine (Kevin), as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her husband Pudge, grandson Jon, and youngest son William “Billy”; as well as her parents Orville and Edith Anderson, stepmother Ina and sisters Diana and Rosemary.

Maryetta was born September 7, 1935 and grew up in Medicine Hat and Warner. She married Gordon A. “Pudge” Thielen on July 6, 1954.

A Prayer Service will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 321 Main Street, Milk River, AB, on Thursday, December 13, 2018 at 3:00 P.M.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, on Friday, December 14, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Salvador Ahumada celebrating.

Maryetta will be laid to rest in the Milk River Cemetery at a later date.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com


VAN NIEUWENHUIZEN

GERRIT VAN NIEUWENHUIZEN, of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at the age of 88 years.

He is survived by his loving daughters Margaret (Terry) Price, Evelyn (Don) Wilson and Ingrid (Ray) Conway; grandchildren Shelly (Chad) Shaw, Susan (Tom) Roulston, Jessica Lipari (Sam Norgard), Bryant Wilson and Courtnee Conway (Terry Vance); great-grandchildren Kohen & Liam Shaw and McKenna Conway-Vance. Also left to mourn is his brother-in-law Dick (Koshie) van Ree as well as many other friends and relatives.

Gerrit was predeceased by his wife Catherine Van Nieuwenhuizen and his son Edward van Nieuwenhuizen.

At Gerrit’s request, no formal funeral service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gerrit’s honour to the Canadian Cancer Society, #200, 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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