SATURDAY, February 22, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 24, 2020.

BLAINE THACKER

1941 – 2020

Blaine Allen Thacker passed away at home on Friday, February 17, 2020. He was 79.

Blaine was born to Madeleine and Herbert Thacker on January 11, 1941. He was raised in Burdett. He went to high school in Bow Island then to Olds School of Agriculture. From Olds he went to the University of Calgary and the University of Alberta. He graduated from Agriculture in 1964. Blaine entered the Faculty of Law in 1964 and graduated in 1968. After he graduated, Blaine joined Virtue and Company in Lethbridge and became a member of the Law Society of Alberta. In 1974 he became a partner at Virtue and Company.

In 1967 Blaine married Donna Cameron. They had two children, Todd Cameron in 1970 and Tynan Leigh in 1971. Blaine and Donna divorced in 1988. In 1991 Blaine married Sue Evans.

In 1979 Blaine decided to run as a Member of Parliament and on May 22, 1979 he was elected to the House of Commons. Blaine always credited Peter Lougheed for getting him interested in politics when he was a student at U of A. He was proud to be a member of the Progressive Conservative Party. As a member of the House of Commons Blaine was active on multiple committees. He chaired many of those committees, always working to build consensus among committee members. Blaine served as Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport (1987-1989), Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Consumer and Corporate Affairs (1989-1991), and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of State (1991). While a Member of Parliament, Blaine enjoyed opportunities working for the United Nations. In 1993 he retired from politics and was appointed Queen’s Counsel.

After leaving politics, Blaine returned to practice law with Torry Lewis Abells and taught Canadian Government at Lethbridge Community College. In 1995 he was appointed Sitting Justice of the Peace. In 1997 he and Sue joined World University Services to teach at CanTho University in Vietnam. They lived in Vietnam for two years; Blaine taught in the School of Economics and then the new Faculty of Law. Although Blaine moved back to Lethbridge in 1999 he returned to Vietnam to teach law during the winter semester for three years.

Blaine was always interested in public service. He was especially fond of his service with the University of Lethbridge; he served as Chair of the University Board of Governors from 1974 to 1978. In 2006 the university presented Blaine with an honorary Doctor of Laws.

Blaine was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Gail McNeely. He is survived by his wife Sue, his brother Herb (Marilyn) Thacker, his brother-in-law Blair McNeely, his children Todd (Erin) Thacker and Tynan (Mike) Thacker-Dwyer; his step-children David and Michelle Hampson (Karl Mini), his grandchildren Amanda, Amara, Addison, Mason, Charles, Cayman, Rowan, Rosie, and Meredith and his great-granddaughter Everly.

Blaine was honoured to serve the people of Lethbridge. He believed in good people working together to find solutions for difficult challenges and was always willing to listen respectfully to those who saw things differently. He was grateful for his large extended family and his wonderful friends. He loved to spend time outdoors and enjoyed fly fishing. He was a proud Albertan and a proud Canadian.

Information on a Celebration of Blaine’s Life will be given later.

William Clark Colwell

1934 – 2020

Mr. William “Bill” Clark Colwell of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Betty-Lou Colwell, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at the age of 85 years. Besides his loving wife Betty-Lou Colwell, Bill is survived by his daughter Janelle Colwell Schmitt; sons Ivan Colwell and Michael Colwell; grandchildren Kyle Colwell, Max Colwell, Clayton Schmitt, Rylan Schmitt, and Catherine Heilman. Bill will be privately remembered by his friends and family. Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

COOPER

Nov. 28, 1935 – Feb. 16, 2020

MARILYN ROSE COOPER, beloved wife of Warren John Cooper, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Sunday, February 16, 2020 at the age of 84 years.

A private family celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Agostino (Gus) Credico

August 20, 1928 – February 19, 2020

Mr. Agostino (Gus) Credico of Lethbridge, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at the age of 91 years. A private family prayer service will be held at Agostino’s request.

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

Brian Donald Fraser

1950 – 2020

Mr. Brian Fraser of Lethbridge, formerly of Raymond, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at the age of 69 years. Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

John Gergel

1925 – 2020

John Gergel, beloved husband of the late Jean Gergel, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge, Alberta on February 18, 2020 at the age of 94 years. John was born in Kostice, Czechoslovakia on September 9, 1925, the eldest child of John and Theresa Gergel. John is survived by his four sons, Rodney (Maureen), Leslie, Darren (Rosemary), Allan, ten grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Theresa Papworth and Lillian (John) Davies. John was predeceased by his parents, John and Theresa, brother Jack and grandson Jason Gergel. John was just over two years old when his family immigrated to Canada in 1928, settling near Raymond where his extended family worked on local sugar beet farms. In 1932, John’s family bought an eighty-acre farm near Turin and moved into a small one-room house. The family grew and their farming operation expanded with the purchase of more land. John loved old-time dancing and met his future wife, Jean Arthur, at a dance held in Iron Springs. They married on November 18, 1952 in Lethbridge and honeymooned on a car trip through the United States. Their family grew with the arrival of four sons, and the farm grew as well. John and Jean worked very hard on their farm until they semi-retired to the Uplands neighborhood in Lethbridge in 2001. They continued to enjoy dancing, dining and spending time with their many grand and great-grandchildren. John fully retired from farming several years later. John will forever be cherished in our hearts as a loving father, grandfather and brother. We would like to express our sincere gratitude and thanks to Sharon and the entire Cedar Creek Adaptacare staff for the tireless care and attention they provided to John over the past four years. A Celebration of John’s life will be held at 11:00am on Monday, February 24, 2020 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. Friends may visit with the family at 10:00 am prior to the service. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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

Wilhelm “Willi” Granson

1928 – 2020

Mr. Wilhelm “Willi” Granson of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Helene Granson, passed away at the Coaldale Health Centre, on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at the age of 91 years. Left to cherish his memory is his wife Helene, to whom he was married for 68 years; his children, Rudy (Wendy) Granson, William (Denise) Granson and Anneliese (John) Klassen; grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Gregory (Jody) Klassen, and their sons Cache and Colton; Stephen (Christie) Klassen, and their daughters Amara and Taylor; Chris (Lindsey) Barron, and daughters Chloe and Paige; Ryan (Mary) Granson, and their son Mitchell and daughter Hailey; Eric (Jasmine) Granson and their sons Alexander and Jamie. Wilhelm was of German descent born March 14, 1928 in the German settlement Josefstal, Ukraine. In 1943, Wilhelm’s parents with the family fled to the Westfalen area of Germany. While there, he found Helene Heimann, also from Josefstal, Ukraine. They were married May 13, 1951 in Herbern, Germany. They immigrated to Canada in June 1951 and settled in Southern Alberta. Dad was very happy and appreciative of his life in Canada. One of his proudest moments was when dad and mom became Canadian citizens in 1962.

Dad worked hard to support his family, working out of town whenever it was required. He was a highly recognized finish carpenter, working on a number of homes along Henderson Lake. Dad retired at age 60. For his children, he built homes, decks, cabins, fences, corrals, outdoor and indoor furniture, and even a cedar deck for a canoe, which we are proud to own. Dad’s passion was his family and his greatest joy was spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Coming a close second was fishing. The family enjoyed many camping and fishing trips together. Dad and mom did everything together from butchering, canning, baking keeping the driveway clean, and especially gardening. They were well known for the best tomatoes in Coaldale, and were thrilled to receive the Community in Blooms award the summer of 2008. The family would like to thank the staff of the Coaldale Health Centre for the compassionate care given to our father over the last 2 years. A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm, on Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. A private family Interment will take place in the Coaldale Cemetery.

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

MARILYN GURNEY

1953 – 2020

MARILYN EHLERT GURNEY, beloved wife of the late Wayne Holladay Gurney of Magrath, passed away on February 20, 2020 at the age of 66 years.

The Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Garden Place Chapel, Magrath, Alberta on Tuesday, February 25th, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. Friends may meet the family ONLY at the Church on Monday, February 24th from 7:00 to 8 p.m. Interment in the Magrath Cemetery.

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

KENNETH WESTREN HEDLEY

Ken, beloved husband of Bernice Hedley passed away peacefully on February 18, 2020 at the age of 77 years. He is survived by his two sons Darin (Michelle) Hedley, and Rob Hedley; two sisters Marilyn (Pat) Nicholson of Courtenay, B.C., and Dixie Charlebois of Lethbridge, AB. He will also be greatly missed by his four granddaughters Kristin Hedley, Kaylee (Mitch) Price, Taylor Hedley, and Danielle Hedley. Ken grew up in the Porcupine Hills located west of Fort Macleod where he ranched with his father Wes. He moved his family to Fort Macleod in the late 1970’s where he began Real Estate with Chief Mountain Realty then on to Royal LePage. He had a long and prosperous career spanning over 30 years and received many awards of excellence. Ken was very active with the Fort Macleod Fish & Game Association for many years. He was an avid fisherman, hunter and loved spending time outdoors. He loved nothing better than spending time with his family. A Celebration of Life for Ken will be held at a later date open to all family & friends.

KILMER

SHIRLEY “JOAN” KILMER (née Silverthorn), beloved wife of Ken Kilmer, passed gently from this life to the next at St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit, on Wednesday, February 19,2020.

Besides her loving husband, Ken, Joan is survived by three sons: Dean, Alan (Fiona), Larry (Veronica); two granddaughters, Leanne and Erin; sisters, Gail Carlson, Lois (Don) Geiger and Alma (Barry) Friesen; as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, Cliff and Vera Silverthorn, her parents-in-law, Melvin and Jean Kilmer, and her brothers-in-law, Howard Carlson and Charlie Kilmer.

Joan was born and raised on a farm near Ardath, SK, where she began her schooling. She then attended L.C.B.I. in Outlook, SK, followed by teachers college in Saskatoon. She taught in Broderick, where she met Ken whom she married in 1962. She continued to teach until retirement. Joan was passionate about her art, and was a member of the artist and calligraphy guild. Her heart was with her family, friends and church.

Special thanks to close friend Ruth, and a shout out to home care and the Palliative Care staff at St. Michael’s for the excellent and compassionate care.

A Funeral Service will be held at ONE LIFE CHURCH, 501 – 40 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Wayne Boersma officiating. Interment and lunch to follow.

“Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning”

Psalm 30: 5

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Ernest Longair

1927 – 2020

Ernest Lindsay Longair, after a lengthy illness, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 92 years. Ernie was born on March 20, 1927 in Grande Prairie, Alberta to James and Agnes Longair. He is survived by his wife, Delvoir, one son, Terry (Myrna), two daughters, Janice (Joe) and Barbara (Lynn), daughter-in-law, Ann, eight grandchildren, and three great -grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, son, Randy, and brother, Art. Ernie received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He was then employed in the chemistry department at the Lethbridge Research Station. Several years later with the help of a DuPont scholarship, he obtained his Bachelor of Education. In 1960, he started teaching high school at the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. He began teaching in the math department. He also taught science, graphic arts, and biology. Ernie loved teaching and telling stories with his trademark sense of humour. He was beloved by many students. Ernie had many hobbies, including photography and bicycle repair. He enjoyed teaching darkroom and photography evening classes for several years at the Lethbridge Community College. He will be fondly remembered by many for his humour, compassion, and love of animals. The family wishes to thank the staff at Good Samaritan Park Meadows Village for their care and kindness to Ernie, with special thanks to the staff at Cottage 3. There will be no funeral by request. Memorial tributes in Ernie’s name may be made to Good Samaritan Society Park Meadows or the Humane Society. Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

Norman Lloyd Metz

1928 – 2020

Norman Lloyd Metz passed away peacefully and completely lucid at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, January 20, 2020, after a short period of health challenges. A Memorial Service will take place at 11:00am on Saturday, March 14, 2020 at McKillop United Church, with Reverend Trevor Potter, officiating.

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

NELSON

CRAIG NELSON, beloved husband of Sharla Nelson of Warner, AB, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, January 20, 2020 at the age of 67 years.

Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his daughter, Amanda (Kyle) Pascuzzi and their son, Riley of Lethbridge and Sandy (Kyle) Mesic and their sons, Hunter and Jaxon of Lethbridge. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Rose Winters of Milk River; his sister, Glenda Pytlarz of Lethbridge and his aunt, Helen Mackenzie of Lethbridge along with numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Luella Nelson; brother, Morris Nelson; father-in-law, Harold Winters and sister-in-law, Lavon Ellert.

Craig was born in Lethbridge, AB on October 6, 1952. He lived in a number of places including Conrad, AB, Fort St. John and Penticton, BC, Lethbridge and Fort Macleod, AB. In the mid 70’s he met and married Sharla and they moved to Brooks to work for Mortensen Farms. In 1977 they moved to Warner where Craig started with the Department of Highways (eventually privatized to Volker Stevin Contracting) and put in 36 years before retiring in 2013. Over the years he served on the Warner Volunteer Fire Department (25 years); as Director for Devil’s Coulee Cooperating Society; and Councillor for the Village of Warner. He loved hunting, camping and woodworking but motorcycling AND spoiling his grandsons were the passions in his life.

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Chinook Regional Hospital for taking such good care of Craig and our family over the past few months.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the WARNER ELK’S HALL, 210-4th Ave., Warner, AB, on Saturday, February 29, 2020 at 1:00 P.M.

In memory of Craig, donations may be made to the Warner Volunteer Fire Department, Box 88, Warner, AB T0K 2L0

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

NEMECEK

On Saturday, February 15, 2020, Teresa passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 98 years.

A celebration of Teresa’s life will be held on Saturday, February 22, 2020, at Trinity United Church in Picture Butte at 2:00pm with Pastor Glenda Wert officiating. A private family interment will precede the celebration of Teresa’s life.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Theresa Papworth

1927 – 2020

Mrs. Theresa Papworth of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Richard “Dick” Papworth, passed away at Good Samaritans West Highlands on Thursday, February 20, 2020 at the age of 92 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

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

SCHMOLD

Apr. 25, 1928 – Feb. 18, 2020

BENJAMIN SCHMOLD of Coaldale, beloved husband of Maria “Mary” Schmold, born in Josefstal, Ukraine, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, February 18, 2020 at the ripe old age of 91 years.

A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 3:00 P.M. Interment to follow in Coaldale Mennonite Cemetery on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 10:00am.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Bruce Van Raalte

1949 – 2020

Mr. Bruce Van Raalte of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Gwen Van Raalte, passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit, on Thursday, February 20, 2020, at the age of 70 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

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

Eileen Watt (Osmond)

1920 – 2020

Mrs. Eileen Watt (Osmond) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. James “Jim” Watt, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the age of 99 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

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

WHITEHEAD

MERRILL THOMAS WHITEHEAD passed away on February 20, 2020. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Kathleen Lola and their children; LISA (Lloyd Sproule) Whitehead, children Dallin (Becca), Jesse, Javen Fromm; Brandon (Casidy) Fromm, Taylor (Skye) Cash, Crew Fromm; Carter (Sheva Boire) Whitehead; CLARK (Maria) Whitehead and their children; Harrison, Katelyn (Tyler) McKinnon, Lauryn Whitehead, Isabelle, Tyler; WADE (Tera) Whitehead and their children Bailey (Paxton) McCamon, Hendrix, Astynn (Chambers) Brown, Macie, Brinley; JULIE (Matt Heggie) Whitehead and their children; Max, Jensyn, Hunter and Trey. Merrill was predeceased by his daughter Carmen Diane and by his parents George and Melba. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 25, 2020 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, RAYMOND STAKE CENTRE (2 North 200 West, Raymond AB). Friends are welcome to meet with the family on Monday, February 24, 2020 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. at SALMON AND SONS FUNERAL HOME (433 Stubb Ross Road South, Lethbridge AB) or prior to the Service at the church from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. A private interment will take place on Monday, at the Claresholm Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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