By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 15, 2020.
Rita Biesbroek
1931 – 2020
Mrs. Rita Biesbroek of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Corny Biesbroek, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, April 12, 2020 at the age of 89 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MOFFATT
WILLIAM JAMES MOFFATT passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2020 in Lethbridge, AB due to natural causes. William, known as ‘Bill’ to his friends, maintained a lifestyle of active living until his passing at 94 years of age.
He was predeceased by his wife, Sophie Moffatt, and son, Mark Masterson.
He is survived by his son, Tom Moffatt, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren. His family will miss his thoughtful guidance, his positive outlook on life, and his sense of humour.
Bill was a WWII veteran and graduated from the University of Toronto as a Professional Engineer. He worked as a Mine Superintendent at various nickel mines near Sudbury, ON and was proud of introducing new mining methods during his career. He and Sophie traveled widely to play bridge—both attaining the rank of Life Master. In retirement, he enjoyed reading, painting, and drawing.
Because Bill left us during the coronavirus pandemic, there is no formal funeral service. In lieu of flowers, any donations to charities or organizations helping to fight the coronavirus or aiding front-line health care workers would be appreciated.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Garry Pound
1954 – 2020
Mr. Garry Pound of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Margaret Cook Pound passed away suddenly at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, April 13, 2020 at the age of 65 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
Darlene Romanchuk
1948 – 2020
Darlene Romanchuk of Lethbridge, beloved sister, aunt, great aunt, cousin and friend, passed away suddenly on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at the age of 71 years.
Darlene grew up in Burdett and after high school went to Edmonton to train as an x-ray technician and became the first ultrasound technician in Lethbridge.
Darlene had a love of family which was evident to anyone that knew her. She also had many friends close to her heart. She loved to help celebrate people’s joys, triumphs and beautiful life events but she was equally available to lend a compassionate ear or shoulder for their sorrows.
Darlene loved the prairies but found great joy in traveling as well. Favorite places were Waterton, Banff and National Park, Glacier National Parks and, just for a change of pace, Hawaii. She also enjoyed her trip to England. Mountains, oceans and lakes, called to her and she would answer that call as often as possible. Reading, puzzles and getting together with friends would help pass the cold winter months.
Darlene was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Myrtle Romanchuk and many aunts and uncles.
She is survived by her brothers Ron (Diane) Romanchuk, Larry (Lillian) Romanchuk of Calgary, James (Maureen) Romanchuk of Cochrane; sisters, Karolyn (Daryl) Calder of Blackfalds and Wendy Romanchuk (Dave Garner) of Lethbridge. She is also survived by 9 nieces and nephews, Darren (Marliese), Karen (J.P), Brenda (Shad), Pamela, Tanya, Rhonda, Trevor (Charlene), Cory (Amie) and Terri (Justin), and 16 great nieces and nephews. Also left to mourn her passing are special cousins, Pat, Wayne (Alice) and Bob, close friend Sue (Rod) and godson Doug (Sasha).
Her passing will leave a hole in many hearts and lives but all who knew her will have many cherished memories to hold dear. Darlene often said that she wanted to people to think of the good times and laughter not the sadness.
There will be no service by request but a private family gathering to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.
For those who wish, donations may be made in Darlene’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 119 14 St NW #100, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6, Canadian Cancer Society 25 Manning Rd NE #200, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5 or a charity of your choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
Andrew “Andy” Valer
1929 – 2020
Mr. Andrew “Andy” Valer of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Wilma Valer passed away at Good Samaritans West Highlands on Monday, April 13, 2020 at the age of 91 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
VAN DER HULST
KLAAS (CLAAS) VAN DER HULST, of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly on Friday, April 10, 2020 at the age of 73 years.
Klaas is survived by his children: Jody (Jason), Jennifer (Will) and Jeffrey (Karly); 12 grandchildren; three great-grandchildren with a fourth on the way; and siblings Trudy, Mary (Ron) and John.
He was predeceased by his parents Roelof and Jentji, brother’s Jake and Harry and sister Jean Mazacs.
Klaas was born August 31,1946 in Dedemsvaart, Holland to his parents Roelof and Jentje. In 1956, Klaas moved to Canada with his family where he completed his schooling. After graduating he later went on to obtain his journeyman’s ticket for Sheet Metal. He worked well with his hands some might even say dexterous.
Klaas was an affable friend who could often be found enjoying a game of darts and cards at the Legion or Miners Library. He was also an excellent billiards player. Throughout his life Klaas found enjoyment in all things outdoors such as camping and fishing but mostly getting lost stargazing in the night sky. He found comfort in sharing his knowledge and passion to those around him about the stars and constellations. He was a man of many stories and was always eager to socialize with old and new friends. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends and all that knew him.
Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
VAN PELT
LENA VAN PELT, beloved wife of the late Cornelius “Cor” Van Pelt of 57 years in January 2020, was called home on Monday, April 13th, 2020 at the age of 78 years.
Mom is survived by her four children, 14 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren: Debbie Van Pelt of Denver, CO, and her children, Hannah and Noah; David (Christina) Van Pelt of Coaldale, and their children, Martina, Liana, Erica and Isaac; Corlene (Joe) Groenenboom of Kipp, and their children, Tim (Carmen), Becca (Cole) and their daughter, Ava, Joel (Rieneke) and their children, Sadie and Dean, Rachel, and Aaron (Kaitlyn) and their son, Colton; and Tanya (Ian) Russell and their children, Kennidy, Kourt, and Ty. She is also survived by her sister, Koos (Dick) Van Ree, her brother, John (Kathy) Van Westenbrugge and brother-in-law Gerard Toeters as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Floris and Martina Van Westenbrugge, her sister, Nellie Toeters and her brother, Adrian Van Westenbrugge.
Mom was born on June 15, 1941 in Zierikzee, The Netherlands. She moved to Canada with her parents and siblings in 1953, following the North Sea flood, and they settled in the Lethbridge area. As children, we never tired of hearing the story of the great flood – how Mom’s entire family had been stranded on the roof of their home, with the only possession they managed to save being Opa’s tool box. After 2 days on the roof, they were eventually rescued by boat . Opa Van Westenbrugge had always wanted to move to Canada, and so with only the tool box to their name, their adventure to Canada began.
In 1956, Mom met the love of her life – Cor Van Pelt. Dad told Mom he wanted her to be the mother of his children on their first date and the couple was married on June 2, 1962. Together, they had four children: Debbie, David, Corlene and Tanya. Mom and Dad were faithful members of St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, where the whole family attended and actively participated in talent shows, dime-a-dip suppers and Vacation Bible School. Mom enjoyed the company of many of the church ladies, many of whom she had known since a teenager, through the youth group at Hope Reformed Church.
Mom was an avid and talented seamstress and used her skills for both enjoyment and in helping others. She would spend hours in her sewing room, listening to her favorite music and hymns, while she enjoyed sewing the most detailed Barbie and doll clothes, making clothes for herself and performing her invisible alterations and mending for both family and friends. Mom had a knack for thriftiness- if anyone could stretch a penny into a roll of copper wire, it was Mom. Her thriftiness did not limit her generosity though. There was always room at the table for whoever stopped by. After school, you could find the whole neighbourhood around the kitchen table, sharing tea, biscuits and a laugh. Friends who came by at mealtime were always invited to join us – it might mean adding a slice of bread to the meal but everyone was welcome to stay for supper. Those that shared our table often started out as acquaintances or friends but invariably grew to be family.
Most of all, Mom loved spending time with her family – visiting with her sisters, making up silly songs and games for her grandkids when they were young and just enjoying the company of family as they grew older. Every visit or phone call with Mom always ended with her saying “I love you”. We love you too Mom. Alles is goed!
Thank you to the staff of St. Therese Villa and Unit 4C at the Chinook Regional Hospital.
A Private Family Graveside Service will be held at Archmount Cemetery with Reverend Hugh Jack officiating.
In memory of Lena, donations may be made to Parkinson Canada at http://www.parkinson.ca/donate or to Compassion Canada at http://www.compassion.ca/make-a-donation
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
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