THURSDAY, December 20, 2018

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 20, 2018.

AKSNOWICZ

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of ALFONS AKSNOWICZ at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the age of 98 years.

Alfons will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Czesia and their children: Gina (Larry) Wojtowicz and Alice (Dan) Renning; grandchildren Jen Buit (Gordon Bello); Justin (Jocelyn) Buit and Kevin (April) Renning; as well as great-grandchildren Tristan, Jaelynn, Vincent, Violet and Xavier.

He was predeceased by his son Robert, son-in-law Jack, parents Malvina and Adam, four brothers Piotr, Lucian, Jozef, and Janek, his in-laws, Amelia and Anthony Kuziomko and his best friend since World War II, Jan (Helena) Pietkiewicz.

Alfons was born in Zajezezieze, Poland on Jan 21, 1920 and was the third oldest of five boys. As a young man, he enjoyed learning about the history of Poland and helping his father on the farm. While his brothers all had a passion to play musical instruments, Alfon’s passion was for the outdoors, specifically hunting with his dog.

When World War II broke out, Alfon’s family was exiled to Siberia by the Russian army. While in Siberia, a Polish army was organized, The Polish II Corps, which he joined and there met, his best friend, Jan Pietkiewicz. Alfons was trained as a Radio operator and driver in a Sherman Tank. He travelled with the Polish Army through Russia, Iran, Iraq, Palestine and to Egypt where they went under the command of the British 8th Army. Alfons then travelled by ship to Italy where they fought with distinction in the battle of Monte Casino to help defeat the Germans. The Polish II Corps had a consistently high fighting reputation and was well regarded by the American and Commonwealth troops with whom they fought alongside.

After the war, Alfons went to England and in 1947 immigrated to Canada. He first worked sugar beets in the Picture Butte area, then for a short period of time on a farm near Pincher Creek. Alfons also worked at the Lethbridge #8 Mine, Shaughnessy mine and the Lethbridge Research Station. In 1949, he met the love of his life, Czesia Kuziomko and they married on May 13, 1950. They raised three children and celebrated 68 blessed years together.

Alfons and Jan started their farming careers by renting farmland together. They eventually were able to pool their monies and purchase a farm of their own. After 13 years of farming together, they were each able to purchase their own farms and continued to help each other, while remaining best of friends throughout their lives. Alfons farmed in the Picture Butte area until 1997 when he and Czesia retired and moved to Lethbridge. After retirement, they made frequent road trips “North” to visit and inspect the family farm throughout the years.

Alfons loved being with his family. He especially cherished time with his great grandchildren; Tristan, whom he called “My Little Helper” and had many living room cane sword fights and backyard hunting adventures with; and Jaelynn, who he called his “Little Sweetie-Pie”. Anyone who met Alfons immediately recognized his light-hearted disposition, sense of humor, generous hospitality, as well as enjoyed stories of his war time experiences. Alfons looked forward to Sunday dinners with his family, hunting, fishing, camping for over 25 years in Radium Hot Springs and his love for animals; especially dogs.

Alfons was a member of The Royal Canadian Legion and the Polish Combatants Association. He will be missed by numerous family and friends across Canada, Poland and the United States. Alfons was a man of great faith and our family comforted knowing he is now with his savior.

Relatives and friends are invited to pay their respects during a Visitation at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 6:00 P.M., with a Prayer Service to follow at 7:00 P.M.

The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.

Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Alfons will be gratefully accepted at the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960-19th Street South, Lethbridge AB T1J 1W5

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

BRECKA

JOHANNA GERDINA BRECKA, (née Hillebrand), beloved wife of Stan Brecka, of Picture Butte, AB, passed away peacefully with loved ones by her side, on Friday, December 14, 2018 at the age of 72 years, following a courageous battle with breast cancer.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Visitation at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE COMMUNITY EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH, 440 Crescent Avenue, Picture Butte, AB, on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Peter Coyne officiating, with a reception to follow at the Picture Butte Community Centre, 607 Highway Avenue North, Picture Butte.

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

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Garth Henderson

1947 – 2018

Mr. Garth Douglas Henderson of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Linda Perdue, passed away on Monday, December 17, 2018 at the age of 71 years. Garth was born in Forestburg, Alberta on October 31, 1947. He auctioneered for Edmonton Stock Yards for 21 years then travelled and sold cattle thoughout Alberta and Saskatchewan. In 1997, he moved to Southern Alberta, and with his knowledge of the cattle industry, he worked for feed lots in this area. He will be missed by many for his knowledge and expertise. Besides his loving wife Linda, Garth is survived by his 5 children; 10 grandchildren; 2 step children, and his buddy “Benson”. Flowers gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Blue Fox Association, that specializes in complex needs for adults, 232 – 22 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 3R7.

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

Herbert Klassen

1933 – 2018

Herb Klassen of Coaldale, beloved husband of Elsie Klassen, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the age of 85 years. Herb was born in Bassano to Cornelius & Tina Klassen on August 10, 1933. When Herbs parents were hailed out, they packed their meager belongings and moved to Coaldale. Herb attended school in Coaldale where he excelled at many sports. In High School, he met the love of his life, Elsie. In 1956, they were married. Herb worked as a lab technician at the Research Center for 18 years, first at the wool labs and later diagnosing rabies for all of Western Canada. During that time, an opportunity came along for him to purchase an Insurance Business. After three years of working both jobs, he was able to purchase another Insurance agency allowing him to work full time in Insurance. In 1984, Herb went into Real Estate & Development and his son continued the Insurance business. Being a community minded person, he served terms on a School Board, Police Commissions & the Real Estate Board. He was also involved with Church, Boys Brigade and Camp Evergreen. Herb will be lovingly remembered by his wife Elsie, son Howard (Susan), daughters Barb & Joan (Dale) Graff, Jim Betts and his grandchildren Trevor & Tari Klassen & Derek & Christie Graff. In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made to MCC at the Thrift store at 1117 2A Avenue North Lethbridge. A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00AM on Friday, December 21, 2018 at the EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH, in Lethbridge, Alberta, located at 4717 24 Avenue South.

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

LACEY

FRED C. LACEY passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family in Kimball, AB at the age of 67 on December 17, 2018. He leaves to mourn his wife of 44 years, Peggy C. Lacey, his children, Kimball (Heidi) Lacey, Jolene (Monte) Aneca, Trent (Tracy) Lacey, Pam (Derick) Heggie and Leah Lacey as well as 20 of his grandchildren. He was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, Arthur and Ruby Lacey; sister, Lorna Lacey; son, Boyd Lacey; and grandsons, Shepard and Deacon Heggie.

Fred grew up in Red Deer, Alberta where hockey became his first love. Once he obtained his license, it was a love of motorbikes and classic cars. He was always thoughtful of how he could help others as he truly loved to serve. He married Peggy Bennett from Kimball, AB in 1974 and after living briefly in Strathmore running the U-Haul shop there, he and his family moved to Cardston, AB where he began working for C+D Construction for seven years. He then decided to open Kimball Construction Ltd. and go into business for himself. This began a remarkable career in construction where he built many beautiful homes and commercial buildings in and around the community of Cardston. He was a stalwart member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints serving in many capacities. He spent 33 years in scouting and was renowned for his delicious meals and great activities. After retiring from his construction career in 2010, he began serving as a councillor for the Cardston County, a job he truly loved as he got to serve the community in a greater capacity.

Friends may meet the family on Friday, December 21st, 2018 at Legacy Funeral Home in Cardston from 7 to 8 pm or at the church on Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 am prior to the service. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston Alberta Stake Center (338-5 Ave E) on Saturday, December 22nd, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. Interment to follow in the Kimball Cemetery. Condolences may be sent at: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca In lieu of flowers, the family as asked those to donate to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre.

Ronald Joseph Luco

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Ron Luco. Ron was born in Pincher Creek on March 14, 1961 and passed on December 16, 2018. He is survived by his mother Ethel Luco, his brother Doug (Lorri) Luco and sister Susan McKenzie (Tim). Ron was predeceased by his father John Luco; his grandparents: Jim and Hazel Stapleton, and John and Irene Luco. Ron never had children of his own, but left a beautiful legacy behind in his nieces and nephews: Caitlin, Riley, Raunie and Jesson, and especially his great niece Averie. Ron will be remembered as an honest man with a heart of gold. He touched many lives and brightened many days. He will be dearly missed, but in our hearts forever. There will be a memorial service held on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Church, 958 Christie Avenue, Pincher Creek, Alberta In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pincher Creek Humane Society, P.O. Box 2647, Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0.

NAUMCZYK

ALEXANDER NAUMCZYK, the beloved husband of Mary Naumczyk, of Lethbridge, passed away in Lethbridge on Tuesday, December 18th, 2018, at the age of 68 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

PETERSON

MARILYN JEAN PETERSON, beloved wife of Rod Peterson, passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta on December 15, 2018.

The Funeral Service will be held on Friday December 21, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints FORESTRY AVE CHAPEL, 4105 Forestry Ave South, Lethbridge.

Friends are welcome to meet with the family at SALMON AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 433 Stubb Ross Road South, Lethbridge (entrance to the airport) on Thursday December 20, 2018 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. or prior to the Service on Friday from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. at the Church.

To send a condolence please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

PLAXTON

DR. ROBERT “BOB” PLAXTON passed away peacefully on December 10, 2018.

Please join us to remember Bob at a celebration of his life on Thursday December 20, 2018 at the LETHBRIDGE COUNTRY CLUB – 101 Country Club Rd, Lethbridge, AB. There will be a remembrance program at 12:00 P.M. followed by a social gathering and light lunch.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

ROSABELLE SHEILA FIRST RIDER

– Ksiista’kioohkomii (Beaver Calling)

Born on February 12, 1935 on the Blood Reserve, Alberta Canada and passed away on December 11, 2018 in Seattle, WA.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt, great aunt and loving wife ROSABELLE SHEILA FIRST RIDER – Ksiista’kioohkomii at the age of 83 years.

Rosabelle was born to the late Jane (Isstoi’kamosaa’kii) & George (Matoam’moh’kitopi) First Rider, her grandparents Iimitoako’s & Ii’tsiitsowaakii and was part of the Iisiisokaasimmi (Short Robe Clan). Rosabelle is survived by her loving husband Kenneth Wayne Tyson, they shared 60 years together living in Seattle, WA along with their six children: Sheldon, Kellie, Kenneth, Nathan, Robert, and Jennifer, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her adopted daughter Robyn, adopted son Farrell, adopted sister Pearl, and the Dators.

Rosabelle was raised traditionally by her parents and grandparents and then moving on to receive her education at St. Paul’s Residential School on the Blood Reserve. After this time, she continued to live with her parents on the farm and enjoyed riding horses, gardening, cooking and sewing. She would travel from the Blood Reserve to Washington, where she enjoyed fruit picking and spending time with her family.

Rosabelle moved to Yakima, WA in the late 50s and began working various jobs then moving on to Seattle, WA to work in the medical field and retired after 23 years from the University of Washington Hospital. She enjoyed shopping for all of her family and she made sure that everyone who crossed her path received a gift. She loved to fill boxes with presents and ship them back to her loved ones on the Blood Reserve. She had a spicy personality and was very protective of her family. She would travel back home for Sundance (Aakoka’tsin) every summer to support family.

Rosabelle is survived by her siblings Mary, Nora, Ervin and sister in-law Joyce. Nieces Amethyst (Leroy) Little Bear and Margaret Wabby First Rider of Seattle, WA. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews, extended family and relatives from the Blood Reserve, Siksika Nation, Blackfeet Nation; too numerous to include.

Rosabelle was predeceased by a daughter, son in law Randy Tippins, and daughter in law Janet First Rider. Her parents George and Jane First Rider, her siblings Jocelyn, Meridan, Margaret, Herbert, Randolph, Edward, Clive and adopted brother Dan North Peigan, nieces: Esther, Mamie Jane and Janie Rae, nephew Sylvester, aunt Katie Wells and cousin Mary Standing Alone.

Rosabelle will be forever remembered and sadly missed. A wake service will be held Thursday, December 20, 2018 from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm, Funeral service will be Friday, December 21, 2018 at 11:00am at Columbia Funeral Home and Cemetery. Seattle, Washington. The First Rider family in Canada will be having a Memorial Service on the Blood Reserve in January 2019 – date yet to be determined.

Honoured to serve the family – Columbia Funeral Home and Cemetery 4567 Rainier Ave. S. Seattle, WA.

VAILE

It is with deep sorrow that the family of ELSIE VAILE – POKITSOAAKII, announce her passing at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, December 16, 2018 at the age of 88 years.

Elsie is lovingly remembered by her children, Lori (Galen) LaPlante, Roxie (Alvin) Ladd, Toni (Andrew) Madrid, Kelly (Ron) Thunder Chief, Kaleigh (Brandon) Vaile, Cheri (Arnold) McMurdie, and Maxine (Floyd) Big Head, as well as her sisters, Elaine Andrews and Barbara Crow Chief.

A Family Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB., on Friday, December 21, 2018 at 1:00 P.M.

A Wake will be held at BLACKFEET NATION STICK GAME ARBOR, Browning, MT., on Friday, December 21, 2018, starting at 6:00 P.M. and continuing all night.

The Funeral Service will be held at BLACKFEET NATION STICK GAME ARBOR, on Saturday, December 22, 2018 at 11:00 A.M. with Hugh Naldrett and Vincent Yellow Old Woman officiating.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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