SATURDAY, March 16, 2019

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 16, 2019.

AKROYD

We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden passing of DEE ANNA LEE AKROYD, on Friday, March 8, 2019 at the age of 60 years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at 1:00 P.M.

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

CASHMORE

EILEEN BRENDA CASHMORE, passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Tuesday, March 5, 2019, with her children by her side.

She is survived by her children Sarah (Jeff Goldie) Cashmore of Edmonton and Simon (Germaine) Cashmore of Calgary. She has six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Eileen was predeceased by her husband, Philip.

Eileen was born in Burton upon Trent, England on October 16, 1932. After a bout of tuberculosis which saw her hospitalized for 18 months, she became a nurse. It was while nursing she met her future husband Philip, an orthopaedic surgeon.

They emigrated to Canada in 1965 and spent four years in Hamiota, Manitoba. In 1969 they moved to Lethbridge where they lived the rest of their lives.

Eileen was very active in Lethbridge community theatre and worked on a great number of shows with Lethbridge Playgoers, Lethbridge Musical Theatre, Centre Stage, and the Lethbridge Symphony.

In addition to theatre, Eileen enjoyed fencing, and worked on several political campaigns at the federal, provincial, & municipal levels.

A Celebration of Eileen’s Life will be held at the GALT MUSEUM & ARCHIVES, 502 – 1 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, March 23, 2019 from 5:30 P.M. to 9:30 PM.

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Alberta Birds of Prey Foundation in Coaldale. Eileen loved to visit and see the birds and was a long-time supporter of the centre. Donations can be made to 2124 – 16 Avenue, Coaldale, AB, T1M 1J8 or online at http://www.burrowingowl.com/support/donate.php and a donation basket will be available at the celebration of life.

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

George Crombez

1936- 2019

Mr. George Crombez, beloved husband of Mrs. Helen Crombez, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2019 at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital at the age of 82 years. George’s parents, Odiel and Gabrielle had four children with George being the second youngest. Odiel Crombez came to Canada from Belgium in 1927 and one year later his wife Gabrielle arrived. His first job was in Grassy Lake and they later moved to Raymond on a quarter of land they rented. In 1930 they bought the present family farm and moved on the house that Odiel had built. George left home after school and worked up north pipelining and often spoke of the kind people he had met and how they would welcome him into their home. He later returned to farm with his brother Walter. In 1965 he married Helen and had three children. George passed on his passion for farming and working with animals to all his kids. George loved curling, hunting and was part of the Stock Car Club for many years. As soon as the snow was gone you could find George sitting in the carport watching the men working on equipment and getting ready for the coming season. George’s weekly retirement routine involved visiting with friends at the local auction marts on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays followed by a pit stop at Bully’s to keep in the loop of horse racing. His door was always open and there was always room at the table for another person. The coffee pot was always on and it was very common to find a neighbour sitting at the table or in the carport B.S.ing about politics, farming, cattle and any other topic that had to do with farming. George was someone that would always help someone out and it didn’t matter if he had known them for years or just met them. George loved being a farmer and lived his life to the fullest right up to his death. He will be dearly missed. George is survived by his wife Helen Crombez; daughter Sherry (David); sons Dan Crombez and Mitch Crombez; older sister Georgegette Swenson of Brooks; 4 grandchildren Chantal, Justise, Cheyenne and Brayden, as well as many nieces and nephews. George was predeceased by siblings Maria and Walter. A Celebration of Georges Life will be held from 2:00pm to 5:00pm on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at THE MCNALLY COMMUNITY CENTRE (MCNALLY SCHOOL), 210075 Township Road 8-2, Lethbridge County, with Deacon Frank Peta officiating.

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

EAGLE BEAR

It is with great sadness that we, the family of Karen Eagle Bear, announce her passing on March 10, 2019 The Wake Service will be held at Old Agency Hall on Sunday, March 17, 2019 at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will take place on Monday, March 18, 2019 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m.

To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

Gerrit “Garry” Houthuys

1940 – 2019

Gerrit “Garry” Houthuys of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Jo-Ann Houthuys passed away after a short illness on Tuesday, March 12, 2019, at the age of 78. Garry was born in Amsterdam, Holland. In April of 1953 he immigrated to Canada with his parents and 6 siblings, landing in Halifax after 10 days at sea. They stayed with an aunt & uncle in Cornwall, ON before moving to Toronto. In 1958 he started working for Kawneer. It was Garry’s goal for Canada’s centennial in 1967 to become a Canadian citizen, which he did with pride. Garry met and married Jo-Ann in 1974 and welcomed his son Andrew into his life in 1979. 1983 brought a transfer for Garry so he & his family moved to Lethbridge. Garry retired from Kawneer in 1993 and filled his time using his woodworking skills and playing some golf. He has volunteered with the Hockey Hounds for many years as well as delivering Meals on Wheels. Garry was a hardworking man, who loved working in his garage building cabinets, shelving etc.. He liked to travel and enjoyed the beauties of nature and classical music GONE BUT FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS. Garry is survived by his son Andrew (Laura); sister Nellie (Bob) Austin; brother Willy and brother Henry (Mary) Garry was predeceased by his parents Peter and Katharina; brothers Rudolph and Corrie and sister Rita. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00PM, on Wednesday, March 20, 2019, at the PARK MEADOWS BAPTIST CHURCH, 2011 15 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 5J4. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Chinook Regional Hospital 960 19 Street South Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5 or St. Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care, 1400 9 Avenue South, Lethbridge AB T1J 1V5.

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

HUIZING

1931 – 2019

“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.” Psalm 91:1,2

It is with sadness and joy we announce the passing of our Mother, Oma, great-Oma and friend, ELIZABETH HUIZING, who went to be with her Lord and Saviour, on Sunday, March 10, 2019 from acute leukemia at the age of 87 years.

A Viewing will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, March 18, 2019 from 7:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M.

A Celebration of Elizabeth’s Life will be held at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 McGill Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Paul VanStralen officiating.

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

Lilly Jorgenson

1951 – 2019

Lilly Jorgenson (Hemmaway) entered the world to her parents Jane and Richard Hemmaway on October 25, 1921 and left peacefully on March 11, 2019, in the arms of God. Lilly was born and raised on a family homestead in Barons Alberta where she lived until she faithfully married her late husband, Lawrence Jorgenson in July 1942. Family and friends are welcomed to pay their respects with a viewing arranged from 11:00am – 12:00pm on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm, on Saturday, March 16, 2019, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, where Pastor Kathy Calkin of The Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd will be officiating. A private family Interment will be held at the Mountain View Cemetery. For those who wish to remember Lilly through a memorial donation, please donate to a charity of your choice.

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

MANY BEARS

On March 11, 2019, Creator called home our beloved JONATHAN ANTHONY MANY BEARS “Naamskiisaoksinii”. He is survived by his loving daughter, Nola Korine Mae and granddaughters Myla Frances Kee and Alanna Sunny Rose; parents, Floyd and Korine Many Bears; sister Kendra (Phil); brothers, Nathan (Chelsea) and Drayton (Kassandra); adopted sisters, Gabrielle WH and Candace S (MB); cousin/best friend Andre Crop Eared Wolf; aunts and uncles from Jack and Margaret Many Bears, and Thomas and Nellie Yellow Horn; many relatives in Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Tsuu T’ina, Amskapii Piikani, Saskatchewan and Arizona.

A Wake Service will be held at the White Calf Hall, Stand Off, AB on Monday, March 18th from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be held at the Holy Cross Catholic Church, Fort Macleod on Tuesday, March 19th at 1:00 p.m. Interment at the Many Bears Homestead.

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

NALDER

RUTH NALDER, beloved wife of William Wilcox Nalder, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 11, 2019 at the age of 93 years.

A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2019 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints RAYMOND STAKE CENTRE, 2 North 200 West, Raymond AB at 2:00 pm. Friends are welcome to meet with the family from 1:00 to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service.

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

NORTH PEIGAN

JULIANNA NORTH PEIGAN, of the Peigan Nation, beloved wife of the late Fred North Peigan, passed away peacefully at the Good Samaritans Park Meadows Village, on Monday, March 11, 2019 at the age of 82 years.

Born on the Peigan Reserve to parents John Rabbit and Annie Cross Chief (Mouse), went to Sacred Heart Catholic Residential School in Peigan Nation Brocket from 1941 to 1949. Julianna worked side by side with her late husband Fred on fruit farms throughout Washington, U.S.A. and B.C., Canada.

In 1969, Julianna trained to be a teacher’s aide and was employed at W.A. Day Elementary School in Fort Macleod, AB, till retiring in 1982. Julianna was also a member of Peigan Chief and Council from 1986 to 1989. Julianna was very involved with her church and Elders Centre. She was a skilled quilt maker and everyone loved to get one as a gift, especially grandchildren.

Her greatest gift was her love and compassion for all those she met, fellowshipped and visited with.

Wake Services will be held at PIIKANI LIGHTHOUSE FELLOWSHIP, Brocket, AB, on Sunday, March 17, 2019 from 4:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. and Monday, March 18, 2019 from 4:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

The Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Mel Boerema officiating.

Following the Funeral Service, Julianna will be laid to rest in the Brocket Cemetery.

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

PALMER

JENNIFER LEAH PALMER, beloved daughter of Don and Anita Palmer and mother to Jackson and James, passed away at home, on Sunday, January 6, 2019 at the age of 40 years. Jennifer is also survived by her sister Lisa Scott (Jayden, Jessica) as well as numerous extended family.

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

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

Randy Edward Selnes March 18, 1956 – March 2, 2019

It is with sadness we announce the sudden passing of Randy Edward Selnes in his Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia home March 2, 2019, at the age of 62. Randy was the eldest of four born to Thomas and Ruth (McNab) Selnes. He is survived by his mother; children, Rebecca (Dale) Fyfe, Ember Selnes, Melody “Rose” Selnes and Jubal Selnes; grandchildren Jenessa and Makaela Fyfe; sister Teresa and brother Greg (Linda) Selnes; as well as extended family. Randy was predeceased by his father and sister Cheryl (Gerry) Gardin. Born and raised in southern Alberta, Randy primarily made his home in Lethbridge, although for the last five years he has made his home in Nova Scotia with his love Heather Clarke. Randy was a fantastic cook, a talented artist and enjoyed gardening and spending time outdoors. His greatest passion was music and he had incredible talent. He graduated from the U of L with a degree in music and music remained a constant in his life. He could play any instrument, but usually favored his guitar. Randy was blessed with an impeccable ear and rhythm, he was in multiple bands throughout his life and often wrote his own music. He was a Born Again Christian and enjoyed sharing his musical talents with praise and worship in the local churches wherever he lived. A service was previously held in Nova Scotia. Randy will once again be returning home to Lethbridge.

Joe Sokac

1926- 2019

Joe Sokac passed away March 12, 2019 at 93 years of age. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 70 years Eva; his daughter Anna, son-in-law Ken, grandkids Shane, Andy and Dallas, great grandkids Tanisha, Andrew and Matthew. Joe, a man who was always proud of his Croatian heritage, was born on February 8th, 1926 in Sonta, Backa in the former Yugoslavia. He was a quiet serious young man who became a tailor by trade. In 1948 he married the love of his life Eva. Wanting a better future for his family, he immigrated to Canada in 1957. They settled in the Readymade area where he worked the sugar beet fields. A few years of hard work earned him his own little farm in Enchant where he raised cattle and had his own sugar beet field. He loved his cattle and was often seen petting them as he walked around the coral. He cultivated roses and grapes and loved his fruit trees. He would graft 5 different apples on one tree and they would all ripen at different times and be different colors and sizes! He could be seen puttering around always working on something or peeled to the TV watching soccer games from around the world. He loved his music – the louder the better and had a wicked sense of humour. He believed in helping his friends and neighbors, building or renovating their homes, farming or fixing farm equipment. All he accepted as payment was a handshake. He loved his grandkids, but he was never a talker and yet both grandkids will never forget their grandpa. First and foremost, he’d reach into his pocket and hand over a fistful of change to each child who was ecstatic! That tradition has now been handed down to his son-in-law Ken who does the same thing for his grandkids. By 1975 they could no longer physically work the farm and ended up buying 10 acres on the outskirts of Taber where they lived and worked at the sugar factory and later at the Dr Hamman School as caretakers. They had many friends in Taber but once again came a time when they could not keep up with the work to maintain their little acreage and they moved to Lethbridge in 2003. They lived in the friendly Tudor Estates area where neighbors became great friends. They enjoyed their time there until dad ended up in a wheelchair and had to go into Edith Cavell Nursing Home where he resided until his passing. He received excellent care there and we heard many times how loved he was by his nurses, caregivers and staff. He never complained and they all called him “Smiling Joe.” We are forever grateful for all who looked after him at Edith Cavell. They treated him and us with great care, kindness and concern. We will dearly miss Joe the husband, the father, the grandfather, the great grandfather, the friend. No one will ever forget his smile…it was always the first thing you saw. We love you and you have a forever home in our hearts. A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00pm, on Monday, March 18, 2019 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 Street South, Lethbridge, AB. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00am, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019 at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405, 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB., with Father Albert Sayson, as celebrant. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish may make a memorial donation to the Alzheimer Society of Lethbridge, #40, 1202 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB.

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

David Sparkes

1943 – 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of David Sparkes (The Duke) of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. P.J. Cass (Sparkes), passed away after a lengthy illness of Myelodysplastic Syndrome on Wednesday, March 13, 2019, at the age of 75. David was born in Danville, Quebec and later moved to Lennoxville. He has spent the last 30 years in Lethbridge where he worked for Dresser Rand for 5 years and then became one of the owners of the Pub “The Duke of Wellington” in Alberta, he enjoyed his work at The Duke but also enjoyed horse back riding, dancing and going to the mountains in his motorhomes. David lived life to the fullest, even when his health slowed him down. We will always treasure David’s love for adventure, for a job well done and especially for a life well lived. David is survived by his wife P.J. Cass; sisters Betty and Linda (Raymond St. Laurent); nephew Scott (Richiere) and two great nieces Ashley and Chelsea. David will also be remembered by his aunt Essie, uncle David; sister and brothers-in-laws as well as nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. David is predeceased by his parents Archie and Lee Sparkes. We would like to thank Dr. Benke; his staff, and all the many Doctors and nurses who helped comfort him, as well as Terry and the team at Westside Pharmacy. At Dave’s request, there will be no visitation or funeral. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in his name to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960-19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 1W5.

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

Bonnie Louise walcheske

1951 – 2019

Mrs. Bonnie Walcheske of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Gordon Walcheske, passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the age of 67 years. Bonnie was born in Claresholm, Alberta, on September 27, 1951. She met her husband Gordon in Ponoka and were married in 1969. Shortly after they started their family of three children. Bonnie enjoyed crafts, cooking, camping, and had a very special passion for having fun with family and friends. She always took great pride in hosting special occasions and gave her full commitment to her family and friends. Bonnie and Gordon developed many lifelong friendships through the many places they lived. She worked several years at the Medical Clinic and later was Gordon’s right hand in their own business on their acreage. She gave all of herself to her family. Her generous heart and thoughtfulness brightened the days of everyone she met. She will be dearly missed by everyone she knew. Bonnie is survived by her two daughters Jackie Sokownin (Dennis) and Joleen Semach (Rick); one son Jason Walcheske (Teena); grandchildren Jillian Stephens (Dylan), Amber Sheppard (Mack), Riley Sokownin, Raiden Semach, Talon Semach, Ronin Walcheske, and Colter Walcheske; great grandchild Evie Stephens; sister Barbara Rilling and brother Greg Bell, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 12:00PM and 1:00PM, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at the PARK MEADOWS BAPTIST CHURCH, 2011 15 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 5J4. A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00PM, on Tuesday, March 19, 2019, at the PARK MEADOWS BAPTIST CHURCH, 2011 15 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 5J4, with Pastor Lorne Willms officiating.

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

WHISKEYJACK

CHEVY WHISKEYJACK passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on March 2, 2019 at the age of 66. Chevy was a former resident of Extendicare, Fort Macleod and Edith Cavell Care Centre, Lethbridge. A private family service was held in St. Paul, Alberta.

Russell Wright
1917 – 2019
Russell Leo Wright, beloved husband of Mildred Wright, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, March 12, 2019 at the age of 102 years.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so, prior to the funeral service between 10:00 A.M. and 10:45 A.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street SW, Medicine Hat on Monday, March 18, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with Life Celebrant Shelly Dawn Bassett officiating. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Russell is lovingly remembered by Mildred, his wife of seventy eight years and their thirteen children Russell (Alice) Wright of Hays, Gary Wright of Coaldale, Mable Leeson of Vauxhall, Doug (Lorette) Wright of Taber, Heather (Rodney) Skuban of Vauxhall, Gale (Robert) Connolly of Vulcan, Carmel Lewis of Milo, Richard Wright of Two Hills, Alan Wright of Medicine Hat, Pearl (Ian) Cully of Medicine Hat, Tim Wright of Taber, Barb (Lloyd) Tilleman of Lethbridge, Kelvin (Heather) Wright of Vauxhall and by numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Dixie Alberts of Brooks. He will be fondly remembered by a large extended family.
He was predeceased by his son Wayne Oliver Wright and a great grand daughter Manda Elizabeth May Emes. He has also been reunited with his parents, siblings and numerous other family members.
Russell was born to Roy and Mable Wright on March 12, 1917 in Eckville. At a young age, he and his family of ten siblings moved to Picture Butte and grew up on the family farm and he attended Granite Falls School. He later met Mildred Cyr and they were married on October 19, 1940. They worked on the Cohen Ranch in the Cowley/Lundbreck area until Russell volunteered to serve in World War II. Upon returning from the war, Russell and Mildred continued farming and raised their fourteen children. A few hard years forced them off the farm and an opportunity with the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) moved the Wright family to Vauxhall where he worked as a carpenter, ditch rider and assistant water master in the Hays and Enchant areas until his retirement.
Retirement for Russell and Mildred was filled with many road trips, camping and enjoying museums and Alberta Heritage sights. At home, his greatest joy was spending time gardening in the backyard, tinkering with wood projects and time spent visiting with family and friends. In 2018, Russell and Mildred moved to Meadowlands Retirement Residence in Medicine Hat where he lived in comfort until his passing.
It is with great pride that Russell will be honoured as being the last surviving Veteran of World War II in all of Alberta.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Russell’s name may be made directly to the charity of one’s personal choice.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Comments are closed.