TUESDAY, March 5, 2019

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 5, 2019.

ALSTON, JOSHUA LLOYD

October 17, 1980 – March 1, 2019

“I carry your heart… I carry it in my heart”. This is the story of a man who jumped from high places. A man who was the master of his own design. A man who was strong, kind and soft. Josh’s talents were unlimited. He was a creator, a magician, and an inventor. He was a carpenter, a mechanic, a plumber and as a little boy a gymnast. He loved and lived life to the beat of his own drum. Josh would carry you home on his back or out of a snow storm in the night. He fought and loved for others and befriended the troubled and lonely. You could find Josh sitting on the porch with Razor, camping with uncles or helping a friend. He found joy in the simple things in life.

Josh’s greatest joy were his children; Greyson, Jordyn and Tucker. Their mutual devotion was a joy to watch. Razor was his loyal companion for the last 10 years. They are left in the care of their mother Pat and big sister Maddie.

He leaves his family, parents; Bill and Susan, brother; Tom (Laurie), sisters; Chelsea and Kezia (Josh). Uncle Joshy was adored by his nieces and nephews; Magnus, Layla, Isabae, Izaak, Zandyn, Stella, Violet, Annie, Ren and Fisher. He will be missed by his grandparents Tyler and Gloria Alston and was predeceased by Lloyd and Muriel Bettger. The Alston and Bettger extended families were loved by Josh. His family will miss his dimpled smile and big heart. No one was more loved.

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday March 6, 2019 at 11:00 AM at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, GARDEN PLACE CHAPEL, 170 North Centre Street, Magrath Alberta. Friends may greet the family on Tuesday evening only, at the Garden Place Chapel from 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Interment in the Magrath Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 426 6 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2C9.

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

ERIC REGINALD BUCKSKIN

“Iikaistapohtaaokomi” – Echoing one after another

1943 – 2019

With profound sadness, the family announces the passing of Eric (Bun) Reginald Buckskin, age 75 years, on Tuesday, February 26, 2019 at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital surrounded by his loved ones.

Eric was born November 24, 1943 to Reggie and Gladys Buckskin. He was a devoted husband to his wife Nina Buckskin nee Wells for 53 years marrying her on April 24, 1965. He was a loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Throughout the years, they supported each other in whatever activity they were involved in, sports, powwow or just travelling.

Eric enjoyed the countless birthdays, barbeques and just being with his family throughout the years. Highlights in his life were the births of his grandchildren and was lovingly known as Papa.

He excelled in numerous sports which included being a fast ball pitcher, hockey goalie, ice curler, golfer, volley ball player and ace pool player. Eric’s pool team was the “Sugar Daddies” consisting of Julius Spear Chief, Mark Strikes with a Gun, Oliver Russell, Charlie Small Face, Randy Crazy Boy and the late Floyd Smith. He was someone you’d reckon with in these sports as he had a powerful arm. Eric travelled extensively to compete in these sports making lifelong friends along the way. He brought home trophies, medals and bragging rights. He did a lot of hunting in his days with his dad, Reggie, uncles and friends.

Eric supported his wife Nina on her powwow excursions. He thoroughly enjoyed the dancing and singing for many hours being a spectator and oftentimes being a judge for some competitions. As he recorded the drumming at powwows, he distinguished the songs and who the drum group was. Whenever we erroneously identified the drum group, he proudly provided the correct singers. Days before the powwow got underway; Eric would be seen pulling his RV to head to the next powwow. He had his favorite spots at each powwow. He and Nina had a whole gathering of friends they made along the powwow trail.

Eric was a hardworking husband and father to ensure his family was provided with their needs. He worked for Blood Tribe as Grader and Gravel truck operator, before becoming a Construction Foreman. He made numerous friends with clients as a Medical Transportation Driver for the Blood Tribe Department of Health, Inc. Nothing made him more proud that to hear of accomplishments his children and grandchildren committed themselves to. When his son, Grant sought to achieve his goal to become a police officer, he fully supported him. Eric kept in close touch with him wherever he was throughout the years. He was especially proud of daughter Tammy’s achievements working with the youth at the schools. Later on he focused on his grandchildren encouraging them to do the best in whatever challenges they committed themselves to. Eric was enthralled with their anecdotes of accomplishments in sports, travel and other activities they embarked on. He’d often reminisce of hilarious predicaments they’d get themselves into.

Eric was survived by his wife, Nina Buckskin, son Grant Buckskin (Jody Buckskin), Tammy Buckskin (Delray) and Carolyn Wells, grandchildren: Saige, Charmaine, Ellie, Chayse, Dawn, Olivia, Roger Craig, Wyatt, Karma and Marley. He had ten great grandchildren, Tayli, Mylee, Makale, Colten, Camden Reggie, Papakii, Kaleb, Jenna, Jonah and Urijah as well as numerous family members that Eric welcomed into his household. Sisters Marina No Runner (late Lawrence No Runner) Geraldine Eagle Speaker (Ike Eagle Speaker), Maryann Buckskin. Nieces Sandra Shade (Chris Shade),Vanessa Buckskin (Mitch Doore), Annette Soup (late Renny Soup). Brother Jasper Buckskin (Gabrielle). Nephews Kelvin Black Horse (Violet), Fabian Medicine Crane. Sister-in-law Theresa Mistaken Chief.

He was predeceased by his parents Reggie and Gladys Buckskin, son Ben Calf Robe, grand-daughter Ricki Buckskin. Sisters Mildred and Freda Buckskin, brothers Harvey and Leslie Buckskin. Grandmother: Minnie Long Time Squirrel. Grandfather: Ernest Brave Rock. Uncle and aunt Ted and Annie Brave Rock. Father-in law Jimmy Wells, mother-in law: Molly Wells, brother-in laws Jimmy Wells, Edwin Wells, Jordan Wells, Wilfred Brave Rock. Sisters-in-law Shirley Calf Robe, Florence Brave Rock, Joan Wells, Anna Wells Brothers.

Family would like to thank Dr. Cunningham, Dr. Wong for the medical treatment they provided for Eric. Special thanks for the superlative care given to him at his home by the BTDH Home Care team.

Family Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Wednesday, March 6, 2019 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. followed by the Wake Service at the Moses Lake Gym 7 p.m. – 11 p.m. An all-night Wake will be held at the Buckskin residence in upper Moses Lake. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve Thursday, March 7, 2019 at 11 a.m. officiated by Father Pawel Andrasz OMI. Interment will be at the Family Cemetery near Tammy Buckskin’s residence along Highway 509. Family Feast will be at the White Calf Hall in Standoff, AB.

Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

CHIEF CALF

SHARON CHIEF CALF, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 25, 2019 at the age of 50 years. She was surrounded by her children and family.

A Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, March 5, 2019 from 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, on Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with the Right Reverend Sidney Black officiating.

Sharon will be laid to rest in St. Paul’s Cemetery.

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

Annie Shimek

February 19, 1925 – February 26, 2019

Annie Shimek passed away just days after a quiet celebration of her 94th birthday. She had travelled with friends from her home in Lethbridge to Sherwood Park in the hopes of spending Christmas 2018 with family. Regrettably her health took a turn for the worse shortly after her arrival and she was admitted to the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton.

Annie was born Anna Dora in Lada, Slovakia and immigrated with her parents and two brothers to Tilley, AB at the age of 9. She married Carl (Charlie) Shimek in 1943 and moved to the Picture Butte area. There she farmed with Charlie and together, they raised three children. In February 1993, they suffered the loss of their eldest daughter, Shirley. Charlie passed away in 1998.

Annie will be greatly missed by her son Jerry Shimek (Coleen); daughter Carol Bentley (Bruce); grandchildren Shelley Wilson, Robert Wilson, Kristine Strilchuk, Amy Spink, Cale Bentley and Jase Bentley. She is also survived by ten great grandchildren.

Jerry and Carol invite family and friends to a Memorial Service honouring their mother at 1:00PM on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 20 Rocky Mountain Blvd West, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Should you wish to remember Annie through a donation please contact the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 – 19 Street South Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 1W5.

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

VAN LUYK

DAVID WAYNE VAN LUYK, of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly in a tragic accident on Friday, March 1, 2019 at the age of 51 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

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