By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 30, 2019.
BRANDSMA
Psalm 56:9B “By this I will know that God is for me”.
PETER BRANDSMA, beloved husband of Elly Brandsma (née VanderWal) was taken to be with his Saviour at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at the age of 85 years.
Peter will be deeply missed by his wife of 63 years, Elly Brandsma; daughter Elaine (Ken), son Louis (Cindy) and daughter Karen as well as 16 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Jake Brandsma, sister Pauline Withage and sisters-in-law Akkie VanderWal and Mennie Buitenwerf (Jack) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. He is predeceased by his granddaughter Lindsay and son-in-law Brian. Peter will be fondly remembered for his patience, kindness and generosity.
Peter was born in Uithuizermeeden, Groningen, Netherlands on June 5, 1934 and immigrated to Canada in 1951. In December of 1955, he married Elly, the love of his life and the two experienced the challenges of settling in a new land with strength, courage and faith. He was an ardent farmer and appreciated every aspect of farming. He enjoyed hard work and he loved the land. Peter enjoyed being active in his church and was a gentle, humble man dedicated to his Lord and adored by his family. He was a man of integrity, whose warmth and unwavering positive attitude will be missed by all who knew him.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery.
A Celebration of Peter’s Life will be held at TRINITY REFORMED CHURCH, 1100 – 40 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Wybren Oord officiating.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BRINA MARIE BERGEN
January 20, 1988 – July 24, 2019
It is with complete heartache that we announce the passing of our treasured Brina on the evening of Wednesday, July 24, 2019 at the young age of 31 years. Along with the many memories of her admiration of the mountains, hiking, skiing, camping, photography and her cats, Brina’s incredible energy, bright smile, passion and love will forever be remembered by her husband, Erik Bergen; parents, Brian and Joyce Harmatiuk; sister, Carley (Nick) Thompson; brother, Jordon Harmatiuk (Taylor Gouw); parents-in-law, Andrew Glasel and Terri Bergen; brothers-in-law, Dean Bergen (Tristen Emberly) and Scott Bergen (Bobbie-Jo Schmidt) as well as many extended family and friends. Brina is predeceased by grandmothers, Aliceanne Pearson and Helen Harmatiuk.
“Love you BIG much”
Encompassed by family and friends, Brina’s life has been celebrated. In lieu of flowers, Brina’s family would appreciate memorial donations please be made directly to: Rethink Breast Cancer, specifically “Research” by visiting http://www.donate.rethink breastcancer.com or to the Drayton Valley Hospital Foundation’s Palliative Care Campaign by visiting http://www.dvhealthfound.ca
Condolences may be sent by
visiting:
http://www.affinityfuneralservice.ca Arrangements in care of Dwayne Henley and Joelle Valliere at:
Affinity Funeral Service5137 50 Avenue, Drayton Valley, Alberta 780.542.3338
Wayne Cullinan
1946 – 2019
Mr. Wayne Cullinan of Lethbridge passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, July 26, 2019 at the age of 73 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
DOBRA
CHARLES DOBRA, beloved husband of Norma, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at the age of 88 years. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, August 2, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FORESTRY AVENUE CHAPEL. Friends may meet with the family from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
Bob Dykstra
1931 – 2019
Bouke “Robert” Dykstra Sr. of Taber, was able to go to be with his Lord on Friday, July 26, 2019 at the age of 87 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Burial Service will be held at the Highfield Cemetery, located south of Burdett (from Highway 3, travel south on Range Road 121 for 20.5 kilometres, west on Township Road 82 for 1.5 kilometres, south on Range Road 122 for 3 kilometres then east on Township Road 80 for 0.5 kilometres) on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 11:00 A.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Bouke was born on August 14, 1931, in Tirns Fryslan, in north Holland, the seventh of eight children. He was small for his age, but could run fast. This served him well as a youngster, and later in life won him first prize at Sunday school picnics, or when sprinting across the yard with his kids.
In 1948, he immigrated with most of his family to southern Alberta. It was here at the Iron Springs Christian Reformed Church that he met his wife and lifetime partner, Ybeltje “Yvonne” Veenstra. They married in 1954, and together raised six children Andrew (Bev), Bob Jr. (Lorraine), Rick (Lori), Wendy (Ivan) Karsten, Ted (Luci) and Janice (Paul) Lassen. Later they welcomed nineteen grandchildren and then eleven great grandchildren into their hearts.
Bob worked as a farm hand, truck driver and ditch rider before he and Yvonne joined his father and brother in business on a dairy farm in Picture Butte in 1962. This was followed by a move to their own irrigation farm south of Burdett in 1973, and an eventual return to his original passion, driving truck. Dykstra Trucking was established in 1978 and continues to operate in the Burdett area.
Bob’s Christian faith was important to him and led him to be involved with his local church, the establishment of a Christian school in Lethbridge and volunteering with numerous causes that he and Yvonne supported. His gift for hospitality meant there was always an invitation for a meal if you were new to the church, or a place to rest your head if you found yourself with no place to go in Burdett. He was a “doer”, stepping forward if he saw something that needed to be done. As a result, he also served as mayor in the village of Burdett for years.
He will be greatly missed by his loving wife Yvonne, his children and their families, sister Hilda Westerhoud, sister-in-law Sylvia Dykstra as well as numerous extended family and friends.
He was predeceased by his grandson Darren Epp; older siblings Griet Solomans, Rients Dykstra, Frank Dykstra, Jenny Horneman, Pete Dykstra and Clara Westerhoud; brothers-in-law Bill Solomans, Dick Horneman, Tim Westerhoud and Carl Westerhoud; sisters-in-law Shirley Dykstra and Anneke Dykstra.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bob’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, Box 767, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 2L4 (http://www.foodgrainsbank.ca).
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
GROENENBOOM
HUIBRECHT “HUIB” GROENENBOOM, beloved husband of Leny Groenenboom of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at the age of 79 years, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Huib was born on June 6, 1940 in Barendrecht, Netherlands and immigrated with his family to Barhill, AB in March of 1952, to work the sugar beet fields. In 1955, his family was able to purchase their first farm from Jack Green (six miles north of Kipp) and they began farming together. In 1972, he met his wife, Leny, they married in 1973. Together they raised their three boys on the farm north of Kipp. They continued farming together with Huib’s brothers, until Huib & Leny started on their own in 1981, with the boys later joining them in the operation. In 2006, he retired to Park Lake, where he spent time tending to his beautiful acreage yard, but was still always there to lend a hand to the boys on the farm.
Huib will also be lovingly remembered by his wife Leny, and their children, Mark (Jane) Groenenboom and their kids, Kaden & Emma; Dennis (Carlene) Groenenboom and their kids, Jessa, Kally & Devin; and Erik (Abby) Groenenboom and their kids, Jack, Arie & Luke.
He is also survived by his brothers, Jake (Betsy) Groenenboom and Dan (Riet) Groenenboom, his sisters, Jean Dekreek, Henny Wiskerke, Ria (Joe) Fedyniak, Janny (Keith) Nugent, Truus Bolokoski, Cobie (Andrew) Oosterbroek and Mieke (Bob) Rice and his sister-in-law, Riet Bezemer in the Netherlands, as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Canada and in Holland.
He was predeceased by his parents, Huib & Marie Groenenboom, his parents-in-law, Arie & Lena Bezemer, his infant twin sons, Dennis and Timothy, his brothers, Bas Groenenboom and Joe Groenenboom, his brothers-in-law, Marvin Bolokoski, Ad Dekreek and Huib Wiskerke. Also included are his in-laws Rijk, Arie, and Nellie Bezemer; Jannie and Teun Bos.
Huib’s wife, children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and he loved them dearly. Farming was his life but he also enjoyed camping, fishing, playing crib with friends and sitting on his deck over-looking the field.
Dad received so much support from family, friends, doctors, nurses, and other care givers. We are all very thankful to you all! In lieu of flowers, those who wish can make a donation to the Jack Addy Cancer Clinic, the Lethbridge Food Bank or another charity of your choosing.
A Funeral Service will be held at ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1818 – 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at 11:00 A.M.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
HALL
SHERRY DARLENE HALL, beloved wife of Sydney Hall, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, July 26, 2019 at the age of 62 years, after a lengthy yet courageous battle with cancer.
Sherry is survived by her husband Syd, her daughter, Destiny Svennes (Tomas Nilsson) and her grandchildren, Colten (Trista) Svennes and Isabelle Nilsson.
She is also survived by her sister, Peggy (Ed) Zalesak; her aunt, Roberta Svennes; her nieces, Dawn (Craig) Trapp, Jacqueline (her daughter, Demi) Zalesak, Jennifer (Ken) Merkl; Syd’s children, Joan (Gary), Don (Judi), Mitch, David and Jim (Lily), as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents, John & Dorothy Svennes and her brother, Daniel Svennes.
Sherry was born in Eastend, SK on October 10, 1956. At the age of two, she moved with her family to Lethbridge where she resided until her passing. Sherry received her education with the Lethbridge School System, Lethbridge College and her optician college. She was an incredible optician, working for several businesses and ending her professional career with Walmart Vision Centre.
Sherry’s love of life showed in her work life, church life, and—most importantly—her family life. Her greatest love of all was her family.
A Celebration of Sherry’s Life will be held at LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, 2406 – 11 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Thursday, August 1, 2019 at 2:30 P.M. with Pastor Kathy Calkins officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5 or to the Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
William “Bill” Joseph Kaval
1931 – 2019
Bill Kaval of Coaldale, beloved husband of Elsie Kaval, passed away peacefully on July 27, 2019, at the Coaldale Health Centre at the age of 87 years. He is celebrated as a Husband, Father, Father-In-Law, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother-In-Law, and Friend. Bill was born at the Galt Hospital in Lethbridge, on October 26, 1931, to William and Magdalena Kaval. He attended Readymade School, later attending SAIT earning his Licensed Mechanic Certificate working at Fred King Motors until 1962. Bill and Elsie then moved to the family farm and began the lifelong career of farming. After retiring, Bill and Elsie moved to Coaldale and spent many summer days at Lee Lake or at the Boat Club in Cowley. Bill loved golfing, curling, camping, hunting and fishing. He was one of the original founders of the Indian Hill Golf Course in Readymade, working alongside many of the other farmers in the area to create the golf course and club house. Bill is survived by his loving wife Elsie of 63 years; son Joe (Marie) Kaval; daughter Dorothy (Rick) Siemens; grandchildren Trish (Loren) Lybbert, Jason (Katie) Siemens, Crystal (Tony) Gagnon, Brian (Karry Lynn) Kaval; great grandchildren Marin and Rylee Lybbert, Justin, Owen and Emily Siemens, Harper and Hazel Kaval; sisters in-law and brother in-law Dorothy (Clyde) Matheson, Jackie Evans, Eunice David and their families. Bill is predeceased by his parents William and Magdalena Kaval; parents in-law Joseph and Dorothy Evans; brothers in-law Ken David and Percy Evans. Special thanks to Dr. Jeffrey Steed and the staff at the Coaldale Health Centre for the excellent care Bill received. A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm, on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations can be made in Bill’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, 10430 61 Avenue NW #306, Edmonton, Alberta, T6H 2J3, or the Coaldale Health Centre, 2100 11th Street, Coaldale, Alberta, T1M 1L2.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
KLASSEN
ISABEL VIOLET KLASSEN (née Derksen) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Lorent Manuel Klassen, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at the age of 85 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MORNING OWL
MARGARET BITA MORNING OWL, 83, passed away in Lethbridge on July 25, 2019.
A Wake Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, Aug. 2nd from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be at the Cardston Alberta West Stake Centre, (Waterton Hwy), Cardston on Saturday, August 3rd at 11:00 a.m.
Condolences may be sent at http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
Sofia Rauhala
1947 – 2019
Mrs. Sofia Rauhala of Lethbridge passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at the age of 71 years.
A Celebration Of Life will be held at 2:00pm, on Thursday, August 1, 2019, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
SHIELDS
ALLAN (AL) LEROY SHIELDS, beloved husband of Connie Fischer Shields and the late Laurea May Shields, passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta on Wednesday, July 24th, 2019 at the age of 84 years.
Al is survived by his three children: JoEllen (David) Blommaert, Craig (Jill Forester) Shields, Michelle (Kim Zimmerman) Shields, and five grandchildren: Stephanie (David) Tracy, Todd and Brittany Blommaert, and Noah and Danielle Shields.
Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, July 31st, 2019 at 11:00 am at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Cardston Alberta Stake Centre (338 – 5 Ave East) in Cardston, AB.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 2nd, 2019 at 1:00 pm at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Edmonton Gateway Stake Centre (4303 – 20 Ave) in Edmonton, AB.
Interment in the Glenwood Memorial Gardens and Cemetery, Sherwood Park, AB
Condolences may be sent to: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
In memory of Al, donations may be made to the charity of donor’s choice.
TSUKISHIMA
JAMES AKIRA TSUKISHIMA passed away at the age of 54 on July 24, 2019 after a brief and sudden illness. Jim was born June 18, 1965 in Coaldale, Alberta and was raised on the family farm. After completing high school in Coaldale, he attended the University of Saskatchewan and obtained his degree in Agriculture. He then returned to Coaldale to work on the family farm. After his farming days, Jim worked numerous jobs while living in Lethbridge.
When Jim’s eyesight started deteriorating, he focused on his personal passions which included being an instructor at the Judo Club, Dragon Boat Racing, being and active member of the church and travel.
Jim is survived by his mother Sumie, his brother Ken (Angelina) and his two nieces Emma and Grace.
Friends are welcome to meet with the family on Friday, August 2, 2019 between 7-8pm at SALMON AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, 433 Stubb Ross Road South
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday August 3, 2019 starting at 10am at the BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF SOUTHERN ALBERTA, 470-40 Street South.
Koden is gratefully declined.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made the CNIB or the Lethbridge Judo Club.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca