SATURDAY, November 2, 2019

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on November 2, 2019.

BERRY

GLEN H. BERRY, of Lethbridge, sadly passed away at the Foothills Medical Centre on Saturday, October 12, 2019 at the age of 80 years.

A Memorial Service will be held at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 – 15 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, November 4, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Aaron Moore officiating.

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

Margaret (Marg) Emmott

1927-2019

Marg was born in Netherhill, Saskatchewan to Walter and Dorothy Anderson on September 18, 1927. She passed away at Fort Macleod Extendicare on October 10, 2019.

Marg was raised on the family farm until leaving home at sixteen to complete school in a larger centre. After high school, Marg headed west to Alberta and British Columbia, working at various jobs including the famed O’Keefe Ranch where she became good friends with Betty O’Keefe. She met Herb in Calgary and they were married on June 29, 1953. Soon after, Herb and Marg settled in Fort Macleod.

Marg was predeceased by her parents Walter and Dorothy, infant sister Dorothy and brother Clarence, as well as several in-laws. She is survived by her husband Herb of 66 years, son Rex, two grandchildren and their spouses, and five great grandchildren. Son Warren and daughter Sherrill (Kevin) Conner, grandchildren Leanne (Zane), Elyse (Jesse) and Chad (Henriette), and great grandchildren Alex, Kaylin and Carter.

Marg will be fondly remembered for her generosity, fabulous cooking and baking, and working as an LPN at the hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. On November 4, 2019 at the Fort Macleod Alliance Church 1717 7a Ave, Fort Macleod, AB, with Pastor Kevin Roberts Officiating.

In memory of Marg, those who wish may donate to the Alzheimer’s Society, #40, 1202 2nd Ave, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0E3

Condolences may be sent through: http://www.edensfuneralhome.com

FORESTELL

MICHAEL EDWARD FORESTELL, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, October 25, 2019 at the age of 93 years.

Dad leaves behind seven children: Paul of Vulcan, Clair (Elaine) of Lethbridge, Brian of Didsbury, Patricia Siray (Brian) of Millarville, Mary Jane (Katryn) of Halfmoon Bay, Michele Coddington (Matt) of Sonoma and Sean (Isabelle) of Newburyport. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren and 14 great- grandchildren who all fondly remember their Opa.

Dad was predeceased by his beloved Gunda, his wife of 63 years who passed away on January 26, 2014. Dad was also predeceased by his grandson Daniel who passed away on September 11, 2016 and his daughter-in-law Karen who passed away on July 7, 2007.

Growing up in Coniston during the Depression and World War II definitely had its challenges. Dad worked part time in the INCO mines as did nearly all the men in the community. During the war, he lost three older brothers who served in the military and a younger brother due to illness. When he was old enough to serve, Dad took a different path and went to study in the seminary at the University of Western Ontario in London.

After departing from the seminary, Michael’s friend Roman Mann invited him out to the farm in Saskatchewan to work for the summer. At the farm, Dad met the love of his life, Gunda. They were married in 1950 in Saskatoon where Paul was born, and later moved to southern Ontario where Clair, Brian and Patricia were born and Dad worked for Firestone and RCA Records. In 1958, the growing family moved to Lethbridge where Mary Jane, Michele and Sean were born, and Dad started working for the Sisters of St. Martha at St. Michael’s Hospital.

In 1986, after 28 years at St. Michael’s as the Director of Finance, Dad retired. In his retirement, he continued to give back, to the community and could be found volunteering at the soup kitchen or using his finance background to take care of the books for the church. It was also a chance for Dad to satisfy his sense of adventure and interest in the world as he travelled across the country in a VW camper, and made his way to Scotland, France, Italy, Austria, Germany and Alaska to name a few.

Dad was well loved and will be missed by all who crossed his earthly journey. We will all remember him as a loving husband and father, his humble nature, his sense of humour, his love of travel, his love for books, his delight in playing crib with his grandchildren and his love for sharing good food and martinis with family and friends. We miss you Dad, but we’re grateful to have had such a wonderful and loving father and will always hold you in our hearts.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Thursday, November 21, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. with Father Nathan Siray officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, November 22, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Nathan Siray and Father William Monis concelebrating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Michael to the Covenant House Vancouver, 1302 Seymour Street, Vancouver, BC V6B 3P3 or online at covenanthousebc.org.

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

GAL

VERONICA “VALERIE” JOSEPHINE GAL, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, October 26, 2019 at the age of 81 years.

She will be lovingly remembered by her three children: Lori Finch, Rick (Deb) Gal and Margie Gal as well as by her five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Valerie is also survived by her three sisters: Ethel Perdue, Betty Jackson and Monica Rodzinyak; one brother John (Marion) Rodzinyak and one sister-in-law Marjorie Gal. Valerie was predeceased by her parents and four of her siblings.

Valerie was born and raised in Lethbridge. She earned her teaching certificate and started teaching high school at the young age of 19. After taking time off to raise her family, she went to work in the banking industry and spent many happy years in customer service. Family was always important to Valerie; her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought her the most joy. She was a fun-loving and happy person who loved to play games—win or lose. She was thoughtful, strong, kind and beautiful in life and in death.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, November 4, 2019 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Bill Young officiating.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, November 5, 2019 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Albert Sayson celebrating.

A Private Family Interment will be held at a later date where Valerie will be laid to rest with her parents, George and Margaret Rodzinyak.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Valerie, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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

GRAHAM, Marlys June

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Marlys June Graham (Coates) – a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, wife and friend to all those she touched. She died on Oct 28, 2019 at the Berwick Royal Oak in Victoria, BC.

Mom was born on June 7, 1929 in Nashua, Iowa to Myrtle (Bennett) and Dale Coates. Marlys, and her twin sister Marilyn, were the youngest of seven children, originally living on the family farm and then moving into the town of Nashua. She remembers much from these years and would recount wonderful experiences from her early life.

She married James (Jim) R. Graham on January 9, 1949 and then moved to southern Alberta as the wife of a dry-land farmer. In 1962, they left the farm and moved the family to Lethbridge, then retired to Surrey BC in 1985. Jim died on Sep 13, 1999 and she lived independently since.

She is survived by her twin sister, Marilyn Myall; her three children, Jamie Torry, Sheila (Don) Strauch, and Derek Graham (Terri); grandchildren Alicia (Jon) Mossing, Tracy (Riley) Strauch, Angela (Dan) Heinrich Torry, Andrew (Lisa) Torry, Megan (Mike) Torry, Emma Graham, Sally Graham; and great-granddaughters Arianna and Isabelle Mossing and great-grandson Dante S. Torry. She has many Canadian and American relatives as well and always enjoyed hearing from them.

Mom made many friends in Warner, Lethbridge, Whitefish Montana, and then Surrey BC. Too many to name here but she cherished and had memories of everyone and loved to stay in touch. Mom and Dad enjoyed traveling and often loaded all the family into the car and drove to Nashua to enjoy memorable holidays. She loved gardening and took pride growing wonderful flowers and vegetables. She made delicious home-made buns, breads and pies. Her American English influenced her pronunciation and the family would laugh when she had to “warsh” the clothes or take a trip south to “Missoura”. She always kept a spotless home and is remembered for her abundant use of the vacuum cleaner to collect every particle of dirt. Mom enjoyed playing bridge with friends and would relish those times when she got the top score. Golf was also her passion continuing to play to 2018 when she got a hole in one at age 89. She was like the Energizer Bunny – she just kept going and going until she just couldn’t anymore.

Her last few months of life were spent with visits from all of her immediate family and many of her close friends. Many coming far distances that expressed how much she meant to them and for this we know she is so thankful. A wonderful friendship was made with Phyllis Hoffman at the Berwick Royal Oak and they had many good times together. She left this life knowing she was greatly loved and admired. Now she can rest in the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. The children will be planning a trip to Nashua in 2020 to inter her remains at the family plot.

Many thanks to Dr. Rosenberg and his staff, and the Royal Oak Berwick staff for being so helpful these past months.

We request those who wish to make a donation in Mom’s name to the Cancer Research Foundation, or any other organization doing research on brain tumors and cancer.

Condolences may be offered to the family at http://www.mccallgardens.com

GROENENBOOM

JACOBUS “JAKE” GROENENBOOM, beloved husband of Elizabeth “Betsie” Groenenboom, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at the age of 88 years.

A Funeral Service will be held at ST. ANDREW’S PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 1818 – 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 12:00 Noon with Reverend Hugh Jack officiating.

A Private Family Burial will take place at Mountain View Cemetery.

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

Diana “Diny” Hummel

1930 – 2019

“But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40:31

DIANA (DINY) HUMMEL (nee MOES), beloved wife, mother, grandma and great grandma, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, October 30, 2019 at the age of 89 years. Diny was born April 9, 1930 at home in Zuidwolde, Drenthe, the Netherlands. As a young girl and teenager, she worked on the family farm milking cows and helping with chores during the Second World War. In 1950, she sailed across the Atlantic Ocean with the Guichelaar family and worked as their nanny. When this family returned to Holland a year later, Diny stayed in Canada and worked as a housekeeper for the Lyons family in Barons. She was an avid seamstress and enjoyed knitting and crocheting; donating many of her hand-made items to various charities including Blankets for Canada and Immanuel Christian Schools. Diny married Willem (Bill) Hummel, her childhood sweetheart on May 17, 1951. Together they raised seven children on the family farm near Nobleford and worked side by side for many years. Diny is survived by her loving husband Bill of 68 years, children Lucas (Lamkje) and their children Jeremy (Kristi), Daniel (Moira), Joel (Rachel), Karla, Elizabeth (Justin) Den Toom and Emily (Kelsey) Bolink; Albert (Ellen) and their children Christopher (Lindsay), Edward (Mandy), Jodi (James Ebrey) and Andrew (Jessica); son-in-law Martin Meindertsma and children David (Vala) Meindertsma and Jolene (Robert) Lawrence; William; Bryan (Wendy) and their children Rachel and Mikaela; Jim (Carol) and their children Ainsley and Kaitlyn; and Tim (Benita) and their children Dayna (Nick) Hawkeye, Jaime (Taylen) Oancia, Michael (Sianna) and Matthew. As well as, 26 great grandchildren in whom she found great joy and pleasure. She is also survived by in-laws Roeli Moes of Edmonton, Joyce Moes of Westlock, Alice Moes of Calgary, Case and Tita Hummel of Diamond City, Lucas and Susan Hummel of Nobleford, Roelof Hummel of the Netherlands and many nieces and nephews in Canada, The United States and Holland. She was pre-deceased by her son Quincy, daughter Wilma Meindertsma, great-granddaughter Makenna Meindertsma, her parents and many brothers, sisters and in-laws. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at the Nobleford Christian Reformed Church, 522 Highway Avenue – Nobleford, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Immanuel Christian Schools – Society for Christian Education in Southern Alberta, 802 – 6 Avenue, North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 0S1 – http://www.societyforchristianeducation.org, the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1011 – 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge AB T1J 0C8 – http://www.heartandstroke.ca or the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 – 10 Street, South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2M7 – http://www.cancer.ca

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

HUTCHINGS, Thomas Darryl

December 30, 1938 – Deloraine, Manitoba

October 22, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta

A note from Darryl:

‘Most obits are written by funeral home pros on advice of relatives to make the dearly departed appear as a saint. As a consultant, I can do better.

Laurette: Stay in Peace, hope to see you soon. To the children: John and Craig Hutchings, Guy Simon and Dana Saby, their families and other relations, you will all have a worthwhile life.

Grieve for me now, for in a year I will be long forgotten. Just a few comments. First, I am not a saint. Some people like me. Others didn’t and they made the list of people that didn’t exist. But now, all is forgiven.

As a small-town boy from Manitoba, I did pretty well. In as an office boy and out as president. Also, a couple of partnerships in international accounting and consulting firms. Did lots of other things. Could never hold a job. Too much of a rebel. Either quit or got fired. Hated to admit it in public, but I was an accountant (FCPA) and other university junk (MBA, etc.).

Always overeducated and underemployed. So much for that stuff.

Loved the outdoors: fishing; hunting; and taking a shotgun for a walk. Played billiards, bridge and golf. Did OK at these pursuits. Actually, ‘better than the average bear’. That’s enough about fun and games.

Just to add. I had a darned good life and did everything I wanted to do and have no regrets.

Now, we in the fellowship have a saying: ‘Yesterday is gone forever’. And for me, tomorrow will never come.’

Bye, Darryl.

As a family, there is of course much more that could be said but, we will reserve that for quiet conversations of fond memories.

A family ceremony will take place in Milk River, AB in the Spring. In lieu of flowers, we would much appreciate donations to the Alzheimer Society of Canada (https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home), or Ducks Unlimited (https://www.ducks.ca). Condolences may be forwarded through http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

KNELSEN

SHARON KNELSEN, beloved wife of the late Peter Knelsen, passed away peacefully with her loving family at her side at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, October 31, 2019.

Sharon will be forever cherished and deeply missed by her daughters, Karen Alexander of Lethbridge, Antonia (Darin) Lofgren of Lethbridge and Miriam (Jim) Wiebe of Guelph, ON; her grandchildren, Derek (Cassie) Alexander, Devon (Jessica) Alexander, Brittany (Daniel) Newton, Alicia (Kevin) Vanderwal, Ryan Lofgren, Brittany Klein, Stephanie Lofgren, Jordan Wiebe, Julia Marinescu, Megan Wiebe and Nate Pringle; and her precious great- grandbabies, Kessiah, Mckayla, Emily, Bennett, Levi, Brynlee and Amelia. Sharon was blessed to have a large family and is survived by numerous extended relatives, too numerous to mention.

Sharon was predeceased by her sister, Suzanne Larson, and her parents, Lowell & Hazel Otten.

Sharon loved the Lord with all her heart and her highest priority was being a Godly example of love to everyone. Sharon had an unconditional love for all and her spirit brightened anyone’s day. Every single person that came into her life felt her love—and were most likely given many dishcloths and scrubbies. She always said there was healing stitched into everything she made.

Sharon was so proud of her family and made sure to let everyone know. She was joyful, compassionate, kind and beautiful in life and in death. We will love you forever Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Sister and Friend.

A Funeral Service will be held at PARK MEADOWS BAPTIST CHURCH, 2011 – 15 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, November 6, 2019 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Graham Bretherick officiating.

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

SEGBOER

Florence Leah Segboer of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Jacob Segboer, passed away after a lengthy illness on October 31, 2019 at the age of 96 years.

Leah is survived by her daughter Marie (Jim) Butler, sons Gary (Myrna) Segboer and Rick (Tracy) Segboer, 17 grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Besides her loving husband, Leah was predeceased by her brother Dave and Charlie, sisters Trudy and Marion and sons Clarence and Bruce.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday November 5, 2019 at The Trinity United Church, 220 20th St, Fort Macleod, AB with Reverend Aldeen McKay Officiating. Interment to follow in Union Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 1302 – 4th Ave S, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2C9 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Rd N.E., Calgary, AB T2E 9Z9

The Family would to thank Fairmont Extendicare for their care and love for Leah.

Condolences may be sent through: http://www.edensfuneralhome.com

SPITZER

SUSAN L. SPITZER, beloved wife of the late Walter Spitzer, passed away in Lethbridge on Thursday, October 31, 2019, at the age of 92 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

SWEN

1953 – 2019

PJAM SWEN, beloved wife of Franz Swen, was born in The Hague, The Netherlands and passed away peacefully on Monday, October 28, 2019 in Coaldale.

Besides her husband Franz, she is survived by seven children and their spouses as well as ten grandchildren.

Always busy with her passion for quilting and needlework, Pjam’s time was spent making gifts of love and donating to those in need. She was a generous, passionate, caring and altruistic person. Pjam will be remembered as an extraordinary loving wife, mother (in-law) and Oma.

Pjam’s final wishes were for a private service, to be surrounded by her loved ones.

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

WILLIAMS

On the afternoon of October 25, 2019, Robert (Bob) Kerry Williams of Sherwood Park, AB passed away at the age of 67. Bob was born to Walter and Winnie Williams in Edmonton in 1951. He graduated from Bonnie Doon Composite in 1969. In May 1976 he married Sharlette Plato and together they raised 3 children Jana, Brandon and Taylor. Bob worked in the steel manufacturing industry for 40 years. He started in sales in Calgary at TruForm Building Products and continued on to a management career at Canadian Steel Manufacturing in Calgary, then Burnaby. Bob was transferred to the Edmonton office in 2001. He worked as the branch manager of Bailey Metal Products (formerly CSM and Corus Metal Products) until his retirement in 2012. Bob was an avid curler and loving father and Papa. He was known for his great sense of humour and kindness among his friends. Bob is preceded in death by his father Walter, mother Winnie, brothers Kenneth and Baby Williams. He is survived by his wife Sharlette, his children Jana (Adam), Brandon-Adelaide,AU, Taylor (Phil), grandson Kayden, siblings Gary (Lee), Gail, Dale (Elaine), and several cousins, nieces, and nephews. Bob also leaves behind his beloved dog Polly. A celebration of life will be held at 2 p.m. on November 2nd 2019, at Muir Lake Community Hall (53424 HWY 779, Stony Plain, AB). In lieu of flowers donations can be made to:

Ottewell TNT Seniors Curling Club c/o Lyle Dahl 780-218-8990 ledahl@telus.net or a charity of your choice.

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