THURSDAY, April 16, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 16, 2020.

Raymond Culler

1929 – 2020

Mr. Raymond Culler of Wrentham, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Pauline Culler, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at the age of 90 years.

Raymond is survived by his children Donna Larocque, Dianne Mandel, Dale (Kimberley) Culler; grandchildren Marcus (Marsha) Larocque, Jennifer (Francis) Larocque, Jessica (David) Roscoe, Taylor (Vince) Castanon-Rumebe, Austin Culler, Justin Mandel; great- grandchildren Cole, Lexi, Evah and Isaiah Larocque; brother Ken as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Due to the recent COVID-19 restrictions, a private family gathering will be held.

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

MEDORUMA

Tommy (Mutsutomi) Medoruma passed away peacefully on April 9, 2020, just days before his 96th birthday. A virtual gathering was held recently via Zoom, where all his extended family were able to be with him for one last visit.

Tommy was born in Hardieville on April 17, 1924, the third child of Kana Sakiyama and Bokujin Kanashiro. When he was 2 months old, his mother passed away and he was adopted by Isamu and Nobuko Medoruma. Nobuko took Tommy to Okinawa for three years when he was a young child. They returned to Canada to live on the Johnson farm between Picture Butte and Iron Springs, where he attended Huntsville School.

In 1949, he married his high school sweetheart, Sumi Sugamori. During their 69 years together, they lived for many years in Hardieville before moving to Lethbridge in 1966. After he retired, they lived at River Ridge Condominiums until moving to Calgary in 2014, to live at McKenzie Towne Retirement Residence, then most recently at AgeCare Seton LTC.

Tommy worked for 38 years at Macdonalds Consolidated food wholesaler as a salesman and grocery buyer. He was a longtime member of the Lethbridge Bowling Club, Lethbridge Curling Club, the Henderson Lake Golf Club, and was an active member of the JCCA and ACT, as well as an honoured senior member of the Lethbridge Okinawa Cultural Society.

He was an avid Blue Jays fan, and liked to go to the casino and horse races, but most of all, he loved family parties, where he knew there would always be Japanese food, Coke and ice cream. His grandkids held a special place in his heart, and he captured theirs with his magic and card tricks and witty sense of humour. He was their biggest supporter and fan, going to baseball and soccer games, recitals and school functions. They were also his biggest fans, calling him the coolest Grandpa around. Even at 95, he could still rock a ball cap, hoodie and shades.

Tommy was easy-going, loved for his happy and friendly nature and was known for being a “genuine nice guy”. You could always count on his acknowledging wave and big smile as soon as he caught sight of you or heard his name called.

Tommy was predeceased by his wife Sumi in 2018, brother Hiro, sister Sumiko. and daughter Donna. He will be remembered by his children Midori Medoruma (Barry Waisglass), Darryl (Lisa), Mark (Cecile) and Carol McInnes (Jacques); his loving grandchildren Aaron Waisglass, Reiko Waisglass (Ted Panov), Janelle, Matt (Samantha), Justin, Kiyomi McInnes, Miyeko McInnes and great grandchild Toshiro Panov; and his siblings Nori Kanashiro (Blanche), Kim Bruce, Tosh Kanashiro (Kaz), Mihoko Kanashiro, Dan Kanashiro (Diane) and Flo McCallum.

Our family is grateful to the staff at AgeCare Seton for their exemplary care and kindness shown to our parents and we thank Granddaughters Personal Care, especially Huy, for their support. A special thank you to all the healthcare workers and others providing essential services to our communities during this difficult time.

A gathering to “Celebrate Tommy” will be arranged at a later date. To view and share photos, memories and condolences, visit choicememorial.com If you wish, donations may be made in Tommy’s memory to the Lethbridge Okinawa Cultural Society, c/o Ken Nakama, 31 Heritage Circle West, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 7M8, or to the Lethbridge Food Bank, Crisis Response Fund. (recipient email:2020TommyM@gmail.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.

Byron Sturtevant

1949 – 2020

Mr. Byron Sturtevant of Lethbridge passed away peacefully on Tuesday April 7 2020 at the age of 71 years.

Byron was raised on the family farm, but he began his passion for cattle working at Balog Auction in 1981. He worked there for a number of years, and he formed many close friendships which he always cherished sitting down and having a conversation over coffee and pie.

Byron loved the sport of curling, bowling and snowmobiling and had a passion for Rodeos. Family was always important to him and he enjoyed family gatherings as well as being able to go down to the farm come harvest and branding time.

Byron is survived by his Sister Marlene, Brother Darris (Perry-Lynn), Sister Lori(Bruno), Nieces Courtney(Jordan), Nicole (Tanner), and Nephews Kurtis(Laura), Cord(Nicole), Wade (Kasey) and Ryan, as well as being a Great Uncle to Logan, Dylan and Quinn Sturtevant and other extended family.

He was predeceased by his parents Allan and Bea Sturtevant.

Even though a funeral service will not be held, the family will announce a Celebration of Life with close friends and family at a later date.

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 John, Trudy and Mary (Ron).

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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