THURSDAY, February 21, 2019

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 21, 2019.

BOHNET

EVAN DOUGLAS BOHNET, beloved husband of Cheryl Holmes, of Raymond, passed away at the Raymond Health Centre, on Monday February 11, 2019 at the age of 70 years.

A Small Memorial Service will be held at EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE, 4717 – 24 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. with Pastor Wayne McNeilly officiating.

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

Guntars Grintals

1934 – 2019

Guntars Jekabs Grintals of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Betty Grintals, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, February 15th, at the age of 84 years, after living a life of compassion, courage, strength, dignity and determination. Thoughtful and kind as always, Guntars ensured he was around to spend one last Valentine’s Day with his lifelong sweetie, Betty. The child of Jekabs and Alise Grintals, Guntars was born in Tukums, Latvia on September 14, 1934, spending the first 10 years of his life at the family farm. In 1944, Guntars and his parents were forced to flee the farm as the Russians were invading Latvia. He and his parents spent 4 years in a German displaced persons camp, where Guntars learned English from an English professor also interned there. In 1948, the family boarded the ship Aquitania, bound for Canada. At the age of 14, Guntars served as the translator on the ship, between crew and passengers. His parents and he arrived at Pier 21 in Halifax, Nova Scotia on February 13th. They settled in Lachine, Quebec. His parents eventually purchased two pieces of land along the River Rouge, in an area called Tervette, where Guntars and his father built a summer cottage and art studio. It was here, and through his parents, that Guntars developed his love of gardening. Tervette was a place that Guntars loved always, and later in life his wife and children came to love the area as well. In his teens and early adulthood, Guntars was active in sports, the arts, outdoor pursuits, Boy Scouts, Rover Scouts, Sea Scouts and acting. He also looked smashingly cool and suave in a Zoot suit and was a bit of a chick magnet. He attended Concordia University where he majored in English Literature, receiving a Bachelor of Arts Degree. He began working at the Girls Cottage School outside of St-Bruno, Quebec in 1960, as a teacher for at risk adolescent girls, and it was there that his heart was captured by Nurse Betty. He was besotted by her beauty, intelligence, and sass and there was no way she could resist his handsome stylishness and gentle, charming ways. This match made in heaven were married on August 12, 1961 and headed out west with the goals of starting a family and working to make the world a better place. After several moves around the province of Alberta, and one brief relocation back to Quebec in between, Guntars and Betty landed in Lethbridge. Having acquired 3 noisy children, a few dogs, and his Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary. Guntars’ career in Social Services spanned 32 years in different positions including Unit Supervisor in Lethbridge and Regional Manager in Coaldale. He was highly respected by his colleagues for his compassion, sense of fairness, intelligence and weird sense of humor. He was wholly respected by his children for just generally putting up with our hair-raising antics. An unbelievable mutlti-tasker, he also instilled within us the values of compassion, caring, community service, hard work, open-mindedness, love of animals and nature, higher education and equality for all. And of course the genetic predisposition to weird humor. Guntars was passionate about gardening, reading, astronomy and the outdoors. He and Betty also purchased a cabin at Grave Lake, BC where they spent much of their free time canoeing, fishing, exploring and ditching their two eldest children. In retirement, Guntars swung the occasional golf club and grandchild as well as spent time watering the grass and tending to the flower gardens Betty and he loved. He was also an avid stamp collector. Very avid….as in boxes, and boxes, and boxes of stamps. Probably even more boxes. Heavy boxes. Lots of boxes. On December 19th, 1997, Guntars and Betty were pre-deceased by their son, Curtis Grintals, a loss that forever added sadness to their lives. On November 25th, 1998, Guntars had a partial amputation of his left leg. With his usual dignity, determination and strength, he carried on steadfastly, refusing to let it slow him down. This led to more travel for Nurse Betty and him, including a cross country road trip, a European river cruise with a return to Latvia, and a 50th Anniversary love stop in Cuba. Occasionally, the two love birds would also venture to the West Coast, trying to convince their wayward middle kid to get her butt back home. In December of 2016, Guntars was diagnosed with an incurable rare form of cancerous soft tissue sarcoma. Again, he carried forward and pushed on, ensuring that those he loved would be taken care of as best as possible. On February 15th, 2019, Guntars passed quickly. The gentle giant, the wise old oak of the forest, was downed from all the forces he had stood so strong and tall against, for so long. He is survived by his beloved wife Betty Grintals, his two daughters Lisa McLellan and Erika Grintals, and his three grandchildren, Keegan McCartney, Braden Allred and Gage Dodds. We weep for your loss dad, and our hearts are heavy. Generous in nature, kind and fair, you have always been the model of what it means to be a good person. A genuinely nice person. Thank you for all you have taught us, all you have given to us, and the planet, during your time spent here. The world will not be a better place without you. Say hello to Curtis and send him our love. A Celebration of Guntars’ Life will be held at 10:00am on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to The War Amps https://waramps.ca/home/.

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

Gerald “Jerry” Randa

1944 – 2019

Gerald (Jerry) Randa of Lethbridge passed away peacefully at the age of 74 years at Legacy Lodge on Saturday February 16, 2019, at 12:15pm. Jerry was born in Lethbridge on August 23, 1944. Jerry attended school in Nobleford and Coalhurst. After graduating he then moved to Calgary where he worked for Canada Post for many years. Jerry loved watching sports including the Flames, Stampeders and his favourite was Wrestling. Jerry is survived by his 8 brothers William (Angela), Albert (Nettie), John (Nancy), Jim, Mike, Eddie, Richard and Robert; 4 sisters Albina, Ann, Irene, Aty (Randy) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. He was also predeceased by his parents Annie and Izidor Randa. A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00PM on Friday, February 22, 2019 at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH- 604 13 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, AB., Father Albert Sayson, celebrant. Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to either the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 8E1, or the Canadian Diabetes Association, 204, 2323 – 32 Avenue NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 6Z3.

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

Emma Rourke

1934 – 2019

Mrs. Emma Rourke of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Douglas Rourke, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Edith Cavell Care Centre on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at the age of 84 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

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

Helen Trockstad

1923 – 2019

It is with great sadness that the family of Helen Trockstad, beloved wife of the late Leif Trockstad, announce her passing on Friday, February 15, 2019, in Taber, Alberta after a brief illness at the age of 95 years. Helen was born in Eureka, Montana on April 26, 1923 to parents Carl and Vilo (Adams) Paulsen. Left to cherish her memory are daughter Brenda (Roy) Kowalchuk of Calgary, AB; son Doug (Shawna) Trockstad of New Dayton, AB; and daughter Kerry (Greg) Watson of Medicine Hat, AB. Grandma T will be sadly missed by Bradley Kowalchuk, Kevin (Toiy) Kowalchuk and their children, Kimberly and Donald. Steven (Hilde) Trockstad, Brett Trockstad (Kiera), Jesse (Antonio) Watson, Jocelyne (Jay) Abad and their children Rainn, Adonis and Apollo, Cole Watson (Alyssa and her son, Daemian), Myles Watson (Jessica and her children Jaden and Walker). Auntie Helen also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Besides her loving husband, Helen was predeceased by her parents Carl and Vilo Paulsen; infant sister Hazel; brother Norman Paulsen; sister-in-law Hazel Paulsen; sister Thea Chapman; brother-in-law Frank Chapman; brother-in-laws and their spouses, Harold (Myrtle) Trockstad, Roald Trockstad, and Alf (Janet) Trockstad. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Aldeen McKay officiating. A Private Family interment will be held prior in the Mountain View Cemetery. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #4, 324 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 3L7.

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Dr Annette Van Zyl

1940 – 2019

Dr. Annette Van Zyl, former psychiatrist in Lethbridge, and beloved wife of Jacob Van Zyl, passed away on February 18, 2019 at the age of 78 years. She grew up in a small rural town in South Africa. Her parents had a general-dealer shop. She completed her medical studies at the University of Stellenbosch near Cape Town. She decided to specialize in psychiatry and was head of Child Psychiatry at Tygerberg Hospital for 10 years. Her research on depression in children and adolescents earned her a doctoral degree. She and her family emigrated to Canada in 1992. She worked in Edmonton and Calgary before she settled in Lethbridge in 1994. She is survived by her husband Jacob; son Karel; and grandchildren Meaghan and Riley. Family and Friends are invited to pay their respects between 6:00pm and 8:00pm, on Friday, February 22, 2019 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 St. South, Lethbridge, Alberta A Celebration of Annette’s Life will be held at 3:00pm on Saturday, February 23, 2019 at the MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 McGill Blvd. West, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Paul Van Stralen, officiating. A Private Family Graveside Service will be held prior in the Mountain View Cemetery.

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

Christina Patsy Weasel Moccasin (Healy)

“Pokapataamstsinnimaki” – Little China Girl

1947 – 2019

With broken hearts and sadness, we announce the passing of Christina Patsy Weasel Moccasin (Healy) on February 13th, 2019 at the age of 71 in Lethbridge, Alberta. In her early years she attended St. Paul’s Residential School on the Blood Reserve. In 1997 she received her Medical Office Assistant at the Alberta Vocational College in Calgary, Alberta. She worked as a dispatch for the Blood Tribe Emergency Service. She started her educational journey at the Lethbridge Off Campus College where she upgraded and attended the Life Skills program. Upon completion she received her certificate in the Early Childhood Program and dedicated her life to nurturing children. She was employed with Standoff and St. Mary’s Day Care; she also worked as a teacher’s aid at the Gr. Davis in Fort Macleod, Alberta. In her later years she worked with the Kainai Head Start Program at the Saipoyi school, where she retired. Upon retirement she saw the need of her family and stepped up and took in her great nieces and great nephew as a foster parent, where she nurtured them. She had a very kind heart and took in her family, whether they were old or young. She treated everyone with kindness and would help anyone if she could. She was known to be spontaneous and loved to do things with her family and friends. She was on the go constantly which led to adventures with her sisters, Bella and Lila. She enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. Her athletic prowess as a child led her to enjoy track and field, playing pond hockey and also teaching her brothers how to skate. She played sports in her young adult years, such as, badminton, co-ed slow pitch and basketball. She was very sociable and taught people how to dance the two step and attended and hosted many basket social dances. In her later years she would hook up her travel trailer to attend hand games and pow wows. That is where she won the Jackie Crowshoe memorial hand game tournament in Piikani Nation with four of her female team mates. She won tournaments throughout the hand game trail that extended into the state side. Patsy had a sense of humour and loved laughter filled visits with her sisters and friends. She was also very creative, her skills included paintwork, pencil drawings, sculptures, and intricate beadwork i.e. Moccasins and jewelry and loved to dance and sing in her spare time. Patsy will be sadly and greatly missed by all who knew her. The family apologizes if we unintentionally missed anyone. She is survived by her children Wildon (Shauna), Trina (Clayton), Leanne (Charles), Betty-Jo (R.J), John, Corrie (Monte), Kristy (Kendall); brothers Gilbert Healy, Del Healy Sr., Robert (Christine) Healy and Blair Orr; sisters Bella (Bert) Mistaken Chief, Sheila Healy, Fern Healy, Lila Healy-Heavy Head, Jessalyn (Armand) Page, Heather Black Water and Verna Healy; grandchildren Dee-Ajra Ekome, Davy, Agatha, Stevie, Jana, Wildon Jr., Mitch, Dustin, Blake, Danika, Brittany, Lionel, Lara, Nevaeh, Ryan, Whitney and Davey; great grandchildren: Isioma, Ewere, Ngozi, TJ, Jordan, Savanah, Kaden, Kailey, Gracie, Makayla, Meadow, Andrew, Hailow, Willow. Sparrow, jr, Nala, Jr., Kaislyn, Kassius, Grayson, Karter, Iris. Christina was predeceased by her parents Arthur Sr. and Betty Healy; brothers Art Jr. Healy, Winston Healy, Jordan Healy, Burton Healy, and Terry Healy; Sisters Rita Tall Man, Louise Chief Body, Sylvia Eagle Child, Marie Healy, and Mildred Jerry; granddaughter Daffney Weasel Moccasin; maternal grandparents Willie and Alice White Feathers; and paternal grandparents John and Louise Healy; and numerous aunties and uncles. A Family Service will be held at 4:00pm on Thursday, February 21, 2019, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. A Wake Service will be held at 7:00pm on Thursday, February 21, 2019 at the OLD AGENCY HALL, Standoff, Alberta. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, February 22, 2019 at the OLD AGENCY HALL, Standoff, Alberta. Interment to take place at One Spot Cemetery.

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

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