By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 10, 2020.
Ivan Boras
1922 – 2020
Ivan Boras of Coaldale passed away peacefully on January 6, 2020 surrounded by loving family at Lindenview Lodge in Taber. Ivan, beloved husband of the late Doris Boras, was born on August 18, 1922 in the village of Vitina, Hercegovina, Croatia to Peter and Katherine Boras. His father left to start a new life in Canada in 1928 and the family stayed behind until he could send for them. In the meantime, Ivan learned how to care for their orchards, fields, and animals. It would be 5 years before Peter was able to purchase the tickets for them to leave for Canada. Ivan, his mother, and 2 younger brothers (Walter and Michael) arrived in Stirling in 1933, during the Great Depression, in time to work the sugar beet fields. His father rented land and by 1938 had expanded their cattle herd, enabling him to purchase a farm in Iron Springs. A sister, Anne, was born to the family. The farm grew with the addition of another quarter section. In time, Ivan met the love of his life, Doris Ann Stupar Marosevich and they were married in Taber on February 15, 1944. In 1947 Philip was born and Linda followed in 1950. In 1952, Ivan and Doris made the decision to purchase a farm south of Coaldale. Ivan would call that farm home for the rest of his life. In 1953 Deanna was born, in 1956 Richard and in 1958 Leonard. Ivan became involved in the formation of RCSSD #73 and the building of St. Joseph’s School in Coaldale. He subsequently served 12 years as a school trustee. He also spent time landscaping the grounds of the new St. Ambrose Church with his tractor and land leveler. In 1966, Ivan purchased another quarter section; and in 1977 a third quarter was purchased with his sons and they started to diversify the farming operation by adding a feedlot operation. Ivan remained active in the farm’s operation until his late ‘80s. His last 4 years were spent in GSS Lindenview in Taber. Ivan was a “good man”, a kind and gentle husband and father with a wonderful sense of humour and a strong sense of integrity and honesty. He was always willing to help others. Ivan was a grateful man who cherished his family, his farm, and his way of life. He had a special bond with animals and had many a faithful dog and cat to keep him company as he made his rounds through the farmstead. When his grandchildren arrived, he spent many hours with them and loved them dearly.
Dad, we will miss you and your incredible, twinkling blue eyes. You will be forever loved and remembered. Ivan is survived by his children: PHILIP (Lois), LINDA, DEANNA (Quenton), RICHARD (Valerie), LEONARD (Suzanne); his grandchildren: ERIN, CHERYL (Matthew), JESSICA (Trevor), ERIC, TYLER (Kelsey), TIM (Natalie), TIANNA (Jordan), ETHAN and DARA-LYNN; and his great-grandchildren: Conner, Brandon, Austin, and Kaiya. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law Helen Boras and Anne Boras and many nieces and nephews. Ivan was predeceased by his wife Doris in 1996; parents Peter and Katherine; brothers Walter V. Boras, Michael M. Boras, George Boras (in infancy), and his sister Anne (Earl) Gibbons. The family will be holding a private service. Ivan will be laid to rest with Doris at Mountain View Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made in Ivan’s memory, to a charity of your choice.
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Courtney Gruninger
2001 – 2020
On January 6, 2020 the Lord took to Himself, Courtney Engelina Gruninger, in a tragic car accident at the age of 18 years. It is with deep sadness that we grieve the sudden passing of our precious daughter and sister. Courtney was born in Lethbridge on December 9, 2001 and attended Providence Christian School, where she graduated last June at the top of her class. Courtney was attending the University of Lethbridge. It was her dream to become a nurse and travel to places where she could care for those where health care is limited. Courtney will be forever missed by her parents Cam and Conny; brother Brayden; sister Kelly and boyfriend Josh Pastink. She is also survived by her loving grandparents Pel and Engelina Van Weverwyk; grandma Audrey Gruninger; aunts and uncles Danny & Lori Degenstein, Shelley & Dan McFadden, Andre & Joyce Van Weverwyk, Sya & Chris Vossebelt, Elly & Raymond Grisnich and Irma & Martin Fieret as well as numerous cousins. She was predeceased by her grandpa Reid Gruninger and her uncle Terry Gruninger. Family and Friends are welcome to offer their condolences between 6:30pm and 8:30pm on Friday, January 10, 2020 at BETHEL FREE REFORMED CHURCH OF MONARCH, 6 Eastman Road, Monarch, Alberta. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, January 11, 2020 at BETHEL FREE REFORMED CHURCH OF MONARCH, 6 Eastman Road, Monarch, Alberta, with Pastor Eric Moerdyk, officiating. A graveside service will follow in the Royal View Cemetery, 5920 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta. Flowers are gratefully declined, rather in memory of Courtney, please make a donation to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, which was very near and dear to Courtney’s heart, 28 Oki Dr NW, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8,
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Heyland, Gordon Douglas
July 4, 1929 – January 3,2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon, age of 90, on Friday, January 3, 2020 at the Claresholm General Hospital, after a bad fall. Gordon Douglas Heyland was born on July 4, 1929 in Lethbridge, Alberta. He lived in the Sundial (Turin), Alberta area with his parents and younger brother. When Gordon was twelve the family moved to Claresholm to farm near the Green Bank District. Gordon is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Marilyn; his three daughters; Debbie Bannick, Jude Heyland and Tammy (Neil) White; step-children, Roger (Judy) Skoye, Laura (Rob) Gerhardt, Robert (Denise Kokaram) Skoye; and by his brother, Dale (Renee) Heyland. He is also survived by his Grandchildren, Jason (Mariann), Jody, Kelly (Paul), Serena (Matt), Kienan (Beth), Jaclyn (Jeff), Jennifer (David), Eric (Lindsay), Braedan, Megan (Nils), Chelsey (Steven); Great -Grandchildren, Ryan, Matt, Logan, Sebastian, Clara, Theo, Nehemiah, Hailey, Eliyanah, Cedar, Mikayla and Emma. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Douglas and Dora Heyland; and his only son, Dan Heyland. Gordon was a Bulk Fuel Agent, along with his late father Douglas, for Imperial Oil, later becoming a long- time Distributor for Texaco Fuels. He was also very active in the community, serving with the Claresholm Food Bank for 22 years. In his younger years Gordon was a Volunteer Fireman with the Claresholm Fire Department. Gordon will be dearly missed by all of his family, friends and special girl Caleigh, his beloved kitty. At Gordon’s request, no formal funeral service will be held. In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to CAReS, (Claresholm Animal Rescue Society) – Box 2579, Claresholm AB T0L 0T0. Messages of condolence may be left for the family at http://www.myalternatives.ca
Serving Claresholm and Surrounding Areas Since 1997 (403) 625-5111 & (888) 216-5111
HOFMAN
ELEANOR JOYCE HOFMAN, beloved wife of Dick Hofman, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at the age of 87 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
William “Jim” Jamieson
1936 – 2020
Mr. William “Jim” Jamieson of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Sharon Jamieson, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at the age of 83 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
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KIEMELE
C.M. Laureen (Vance) Kiemele, loving wife of the late Delbert M. Kiemele, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on January 6, 2020 at the age of 88 years.
Laureen will be greatly missed by her children: Darlene (Ford) Nelson, Don (Colleen) Kiemele, Dean (Wendy) Kiemele, Brian (Peggy) Kiemele, son-in-law, Henry Lepko, nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren, and brother, Lyle (Eva) Vance.
She was predeceased by her husband, Delbert, daughter, Lois, parents, Alvin & Violet (Vare) Vance, stepfather, Charles Vare, and two brothers, Leland (Thora) Vance and Lawrence (Janet) Vance.
Laureen’s greatest legacy is the devotion, courage, and strength she had caring for Del. She worked alongside him on their ranch near Police Lake, and was active in Women’s Institute, the United Church, and Cattle Commission. After moving to Lethbridge, Laureen volunteered for Lifeline at the hospital. She enjoyed dancing, bowling, and playing cards with Del and their many friends. She enjoyed sewing, quilting, and scrapbooking in family history albums. Laureen’s memory was amazing! Family always came first.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Cahill, the nursing staff on the fourth and fifth floors of the Chinook Regional Hospital, as well as her home care workers.
Cremation was entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
Per Laureen’s wishes, there will not be a formal funeral service.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
OMOTANI
ALAN TSUTOMU OMATANI
Alan Tsutomu Omotani passed away peacefully at the Southwood Hospice in Calgary, AB on January 5, 2020 at the age of 69 years.
Alan is survived by his wife Kathleen; sons Mark Montgoery (Daphne) and Todd Omotani (Irena); grandchildren Abigail, Kaden, Bosiljka and Kumajiro; brothers Albert, Bobby (Hilda) and Leslie (Barbara). He was predeceased by his parents Kumajiro and Fumie Omotani and sister Marion Wakelen.
Alan was born in Taber, AB on September 22, 1950. He grew up in the surrounding area and then went to the University of Alberta in 1969. Afterward, he settled in Calgary.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, January 18th from 2:00 pm- 6:00 pm at Fraternal Order of the Eagles Aerie 2098, 9303 5 Street SE, Calgary, Alberta.
ORCUTT
Nov. 26, 1921 – Jan. 8, 2020
LLOYD ORCUTT, of Lethbridge, passed away at Good Samaritan’s West Highland Centre, on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at the age of 98 years.
He leaves to mourn his daughters, Colleen (Ernie) Boucher of the Crowsnest Pass, AB, Shelley (George) Goertzen of Crossfield, AB and Patti Wright of Coaldale, Alberta and daughter-in-law Dana Orcutt of Coaldale, Alberta. He was also survived by six grandchildren: Russel (Lisa) Orcutt, Megan (Tony) Curtis, Shanda (Kent) Strandquist, Kara (Dean) Civitarese, Nadawn (Dwayne) Fehr and Darry (Blaga) Goertzen; and 14 great- grandchildren: Brody and Mackenzie Curtis, Colton Talbot, Braydon, Cody and Londyn Strandquist, Chase and Zoe Civitarese, Calvin and Riley Fehr, Coleman, Ariana, Brianna and Tatiana Goertzen.
Lloyd was predeceased by his wife, Maude Orcutt in 2014, son, Darrel Orcutt, parents, Harry and Flo Orcutt, sisters, May (Orville) Webb and Pearl (Les) Cunningham and a baby boy at birth, Gregory Lloyd Orcutt and Gord Danielson 2018. He was a loving father and friend to all. He loved anything chocolate, farming, fishing, playing cards and travelling over the years. Arizona winters were always a highlight socializing with friends and family.
At Lloyd’s request, a private service will be held.
We would like to thank the staff at Good Samaritan’s West Highland Cottage for their loving care that our Dad received during his time there. Any donations can be made to The Good Samaritan Society West Highlands Centre Cottage, 2687 Garry Drive W, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 5A3.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
QUELCH
JEAN QUELCH, beloved wife of the late Ashley Quelch of Lethbridge, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Care Centre on January 4, 2020 at the age of 109 years. She is the loving mother to Anne (Adolf) Stojke and Brenda (Dick) Schuler; grandmother to Edward (Tricia) Stojke, Dale (Rhonda) Stojke, Colleen (Warren – deceased) Bauman, DiAnne (Jon) Speer; and great grandmother to 8 great grandchildren. A Private Family Interment will be held at a later date.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
RONALD WILLARD ZASADNY
Jan. 10, 1962 – Jan. 1, 2020
It is with sad hearts we announce the sudden passing of Ronald Zasadny at 57 years.
The Family would like to invite you to the Gospel Light Baptist Church, 2006 20 Street, Coaldale, AB. on Monday, January 13, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Luncheon to follow at Coaldale Inn.
SPACKMAN
CLARA ACKROYD MATKIN SPACKMAN, beloved wife of the late Grant Matkin and after his passing the late Fred Spackman, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 8, 2020, in Cardston, AB, a few days before her 96th birthday.
Clara is survived by her 6 children, Jim (Cheri) Matkin of Vancouver, B.C., Kathy (Alan) Palmer, of Cardston, Tom (Betty) Matkin of Cardston, Phil (Eileen) Matkin of Calgary, Shelley (Mark) Peterson of Rigby, Idaho, and Lisa (Greg) Maxwell of Magrath and by 28 grandchildren and 72 great grandchildren and was predeceased by her husbands, her 8 siblings and one grandchild.
Clara was born in Magrath and raised on a family farm in Hartley, AB. She attended high school in Cardston where she met and married Grant Matkin. She and Grant had a happy marriage and raised their children to love the Lord and serve others. She loved the outdoors, hiking and fishing and later became an avid golfer and liked to compete with her friends. She had a passion for life and lately stayed active doing quilting, pottery, needlework of all sorts, handicrafts and jig saw puzzles right up to the end. After Grant’s passing in 2001 she served a mission and then married Fred and they enjoyed five years of sweet companionship until his death in 2008.
Throughout her life she was a devoted and faithful member, teacher, leader and missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She set a wonderful example for her posterity and her positive smiling disposition will be happily remembered and deeply missed by her many friends and family. “REMEMBER WHO YOU ARE!”
Friends may meet the family at the Legacy Funeral Home on Sunday, January 12th, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. or at the Church on Monday, January 13th from 12 to 12:45 p.m. prior to the Service. The Funeral Service will be held in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cardston, Alberta Stake Centre (338 5th Ave. E.) in Cardston on Monday, January 13th, at 1:00 p.m. Interment in the Cardston Cemetery.
Condolences may be sent at: http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
TOEWS
EUGENE JAKE TOEWS passed away peacefully at Good Samaritans Park Meadows Village on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at the age of 86 years.
Eugene was predeceased by his parents, Frank & Anna Toews, his wife, Winnona Debolt, and his brothers, Harley, Orville, and Victor. He is survived by his sister, Irene, his brother, John, as well as many children, grandchildren, extended family, and friends.
We would like to thank the staff at Park Meadows Village for all their dedication and compassion in caring for Eugene.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
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