FRIDAY, April 17, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 17, 2020.

Rita (Hendrikjen) Biesbroek

1931 – 2020

On April 12, 2020, our loving Mother, Oma, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Great Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt and Friend was taken to be with her heavenly Father.

Rita was born February 17th, 1931 in Marienberg, OV, The Netherlands, to Jan and Willemina Wevers. Rita grew up in the Netherlands and was the oldest of 14 children. She played a pivotal part in family life even helping with the delivery of baked goods from the family bakery. Rita sang in the youth choir there as well. Singing was something she loved to do.

In 1951 Rita immigrated to Canada with her family. In 1955 she married the love of her life Corny Biesbroek. They started their married life on the Ellison Farm outside of Coaldale, later moving into Lethbridge. In the early years in Lethbridge, Rita sang with the Lethbridge Symphony Choir and was well known as manager of Little Oly’s Malt Bar and of course, selling Tupperware. All this changed in 1985 when Corny had a bad fall and Rita became his caregiver. They celebrated 64 years of marriage before Corny’s passing in August 2019.

Over the years Rita cherished time spent with family, and friends, especially the little ones.

Rita is survived by her children Jeanette (Sid) Sandstra, Gordon (Jo-Anne) Biesbroek, Debbie Biesbroek, Pamela (Gerald) Flim, Grandchildren, Great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, Richard & Kathryn Sandstra (Teagan, Erica, Benjamin) Jennifer & Paul Houle (Selena, Xander, Aliyah, Evangeline) Cory & Kelsey Sandstra (Connor, Kearsten) Tara & Cody Lowry (Hannah & Matt Kaup, Annaliese, Abigail, Adeline & Thaddeus Kaup, Sylvia Calver, Ryanne Calver), Matthew & Deneen Biesbroek, Stuart & Krystal Biesbroek (Lochlann, Kahleia), Tennille Biesbroek & Bryan McCallum, Reuben Flim, Joshua Flim, Lucas Flim.

Rita was predeceased by her husband Corny, an infant son Maurice, grandson Timothy Sandstra, great grandson Waylon Lowry, parents Jan & Willemina Wevers as well as numerous siblings, their spouses, and her nephew. Rita will be remembered and dearly missed by a huge extended family and friends.

Rita has been cremated and a memorial for Rita will be held at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. As a family we request memorial donations be made to support your local food bank to assist those less fortunate during this COVID-19 Pandemic.

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

Raymond Culler

1929 – 2020

On Tuesday, April 14th, 2020 Raymond Culler beloved husband of the late Pauline Culler, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, Alberta at the age of 90 years.

Raymond was born on June 14th, 1929 near Warner and was raised on the family farm. He married Pauline on August 11, 1951. They lived on the family farm near Wrentham, Alberta and it was there that they raised their three children: Donna, Dianne and Dale. Later as the family grew up, Raymond and Pauline moved to Lethbridge to begin retirement. Raymond, however, continued to make regular trips to the farm to help out when needed. He loved coming to the farm, often choosing to stay in his fifth wheel trailer, where he would have quick naps and eat special snacks.

He loved watching the grand (and great-grand) kids, and attended numerous dance, music, hockey, soccer and rugby events. He also loved his many outings while driving the countryside sharing past history information and crop reports with those that would listen. Raymond loved talking, and was known to have many conversations, always with a smile and a twinkle in his eye, with those he knew and also those he did not. He cherished family gatherings and loved having special occasions with this extended group. It is his storytelling, generousity and kind- heart that he constantly demonstrated that will be missed by his family and friends.

Raymond is survived by his children Donna Larocque, Dianne Mandel, Dale (Kim) 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 (Carlene) Culler, brother-in law Ken (Marg) Hirsche and sister-in-laws Shirley Hirsche and Karen Liebelt, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

In lieu of flowers, if you are so inclined, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada.

Due to the recent COVID-19 restrictions, a private family gathering will be held on Friday, April 17th.

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

Julie Cuthbertson

1953 – 2020

Julie Elizabeth Cuthbertson passed away at home surrounded by family on Friday, April 10, 2020; at 66 years of age. Julie was born in Hamilton Scotland to Jim and Betty Park and was raised in Wishaw with her sister Alison, where she gained a love of gardening and travel. In 1975 Julie earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from the University of Strathclyde before emigrating to Canada in 1979.

Julie brought joy, colour, and humor to all aspects of life including her work as a clinical pharmacist at Chinook Regional Hospital (1987 – 2019), and to her numerous hobbies such as painting, soap making, traveling, hiking, curling, and gardening. She was active and curious; always taking pleasure in daily activities and novel experiences alike. Julie continued to make friends throughout her life, owing to her warm and charming nature and to her gift for animated storytelling. Her kindly smile and positive outlook could always be counted upon and will be missed by all who benefited from her generous and uplifting spirit.

Most of all, Julie was a loving, patient, and enthusiastic mother, wife, sister, and granny.

She is survived by her husband, Richard Cuthbertson; by her four daughters, Rachael Knelsen (Tim), Lesley Wihnan (Nathan), Christina Cuthbertson, and Stephenie Willis (Al), and; by her Scottish family Alison (Ian), Laura (David) and Eilidh (Adrian and Alba) Shankland, and Anthony Pfaff; by her in-laws Stephen and Imelda Cuthbertson; and by her grandchildren Olivia Willis, Max Willis, Juliette Knelsen, James Knelsen, Jenna Knelsen Baker, and Claire Julie Elizabeth Wihnan born Wednesday, April 8, 2020.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in the summer or fall.

Donations: Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation: http://www.crhfoundation.ca, or the Alberta Cancer Foundation: http://www.albertacancer.ca

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

Jewel Klok

1933 – 2020 

Jewel Esther Klok, beloved wife of the late John Klok, left peacefully to be with her Lord and Saviour on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at the age of 86 years. As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19, and the government’s recommendations, a private gathering for family was held at Southland Funeral Chapel and a private burial service was held at the Taber Memorial Garden on Thursday, April 16, 2020. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.  Jewel is survived by her children Rod (Lisa), Ivan (Janelle), Wayne (Sylvia), Dennis (Noreen), Wendy (Ken) and of course, Sandra! Her grandchildren Janine (Marty), Andrea (Jarred), Connor, Kassidy and Kaitlyn, Cindy, Colin, Anders, Erik, Justine (Riley), Christine (Tylan), Jordyn, Jenna, Aaron, Connor, Alyssa (Dan), Cara  and her great grandchildren Noah, Kabrina, Skylar, Taiya, Cole, Kash, Jack, Lucas and Jack. She was predeceased by her husband John, son Terrance, parents Menzo and Cynthia, brother Robert and sister Evelyn.  Jewel was born May 25, 1933 in Atwood, Michigan. She was the third of nine children. Atwood was where she spent the first ten years of her life. The Depression meant things were hard, but being so young it wasn’t noticed. Milking their three cows, Blackie, Brownie and Buttercup with her father, the pastor of the local Christian Reformed Church, was as normal and even exciting to her as anything. Her parents positive attitude made it seem like life was great, even with so many difficulties around them. In 1943 they moved to Volga, South Dakota and then seven years later, another move to Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. She followed her parents as they both worked at growing the church. She spent countless days traveling by car with her dad from Winnipeg, Manitoba to Regina, Saskatoon and many smaller communities between as he worked in the Christian Reformed Church ministry. Finally, in 1955, they moved to Taber. Jewel eventually met John Klok one day while she was out picking beans at the Klok family farm. They married April 16, 1957. The early years together were tough. John worked long hours in construction and Jewel became custodian of the church, scrubbing the oiled floors and pews, week after week. Jewel loved music. She learned to play piano when she was young. She had the pleasure of playing for her church congregation and at weddings and funerals for over fifty years, as well as playing for the residents of Clearview Lodge and Linden View. Jewel worked hard and rarely had a slow day. How could you really, when you have seven children? But still, she found time to enjoy her gardening, lawn mowing and of course speed walking for miles with her friends. Few kept up! She could also slow down enough to enjoy her Monday morning get togethers with her friends for games.  Jewel’s faith and relationship with God were immensely important to her and she kept herself busy as well with Christian Women’s Ministry and other ministries at her church. The family wants to send a huge thank you to all the staff at both the Clearview Lodge and Linden View for all they did for mom over the last few years of her life. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Cuc Trang Luu

1933 – 2020

It is with deep sorrow that the family announces the passing of Cuc Trang Luu at her care home in Lethbridge, Alberta on Wednesday April 15, 2020. She died peacefully in her sleep at age 87.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

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

MANDEVILLE

Frederick Thomas Mandeville, of Brooks, Alberta, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2020 in Bow Island, Alberta at the age of 97 years. He was born to Lucy and Tom Mandeville on May 3, 1922 in Lethbridge, Alberta. He moved to the close-knit farming community in Rainier, Alberta and married Jeanine Singer in 1948. His love for serving and helping people led him into politics where he acted as County Councilor for nine years, and sat in the Alberta Legislature for sixteen years: hailed as the ‘hardest working MLA on either side of the house’. His long career as a businessman was only outshone by his love of the land. He irrigated and ran cattle on his farm for 70+ years. His playful spirit, kind-hearted inclusiveness and dedication to helping others made him stand out as a human being. He is survived by his children, Ken (Leanne) Brooks; Kathy (Ben) Medicine Hat, Alberta; Brenda (Blake) Calgary; Wane, Brisbane, Australia; and Fred Jr. (Cyndee) Lethbridge; 11 grandchildren who were dear to his heart in every way: Keith, Mike, Tracy (Ken & Leanne’s), Amanda Kerri, Cody, (Blake & Brenda’s) Robbie & Laura, (Wane’s) Brad, Brett, and Amber, (Fred Jr. & Cyndee’s); 11 great-grandchildren, Lucy, Jess, Ivy, Ruby, Lily, Macy, Sebastian, Oliver, Elena, Tucker & Nash (whom he loved to play with), and his sister, Dixie Lockhart of Pincher Creek and numerous nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife, Jeanine; his mother Lucy and father Tom; brothers, Bill and Harold and sister Maryann. A Family Graveside will take place at Rainier Cemetery. A memorial (a celebration of life for a man who celebrated life) will be held when the world returns to normal.

In his name, here’s to kindness.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM,

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through http://www.sfh.ca

Telephone (403) 362-4636

Toll Free (866) 362-4652

“Our Families Serving

Your Family Since 1951”

Charles Douglas McIntyre

2009 – 2020

Charles Douglas McIntyre of Lethbridge, beloved son of Lee and Heather McIntyre, passed away suddenly on Monday, April 13, 2020 at the age of 10 years.

Charles was born on July 15, 2009 in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He lived in Yorkton, Medicine Hat and Lethbridge. Charles went to school at Coalbanks Elementary School for the past 3 years. He loved spending time with family, friends and his pets, biking, camping, boating, playing video games and watching his favorite shows and movies.

Charles is survived by his parents Lee and Heather; brother Simon; grandparents Doug and Irene McIntyre, Charles and Sandra Weinhandl; great- grandparents Mildred and Lawrence Weinhandl, Gladys Zimmer (Krepakevich); Aunts and Uncles Dawn and Steven Iwaasa, Kara and Shane Dyer, Carl and Darcy Weinhandl, Amanda and Jon Carr; cousins Hailey, Andrew, Madison, Gaven, Theodore and Rayne.

A Celebration of Charles’ Life will be held at a later date.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

PARKER

Perry Parker – It is with saddened hearts that the family of Perry Craig Parker, announce his unexpected passing on Friday, March 13, 2020 at his home in Arizona, at the age of 59 years. As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19, and the government’s recommendations, a private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden on Monday, May 4, 2020. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.  Perry is survived by his two children, Adam Parker (Alicia) and Jessica Parker; granddaughter Avery Parker and by the mother of his children and his friend Sherry Parker. He is also survived by his six siblings Jennifer Valgardson, Brad Parker, Sylvia Jensen, Sheri Parker, Troy Parker and Ryan (Mandi) Parker, as well as nine nieces and nephews and seven great nieces and nephews. Perry also leaves behind his best four legged friends Bijou and Chuck. He was predeceased by his mother Patricia Valgardson, his father Kenneth Parker and brother-in-law Ed Valgardson. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Perry’s name may be made directly to Taber Lost Paws Society, 5715 – 46 Street, Taber, Alberta T1G 1H8.

Garry Pound

1954 – 2020

It is with profound sadness that we advise the sudden passing of Garry on Monday, April 13, 2020 at the age of 65 years.

Garry was born in Roblin, Manitoba and moved to Alberta after High School and found his life work as a proud Union Iron Worker. He worked on structures and bridges from B.C. to Ontario and was quick to point them out when passing by as “his”: including the Calgary Saddledome. After 30 years, a serious work accident ended his iron work career. He is a Life Member of Local 725 of the Iron Workers Union. For the last 15 years Garry has been the used lot manager for Murray Chevrolet Cadillac in Lethbridge.

Left to mourn his passing are his wife, partner and best friend of 36 years Margaret Cook Pound; step-son Patrick (Kelly) Lawlor; beloved granddaughter Audrey Lawlor, and his special Yorkies, Sophie and Bella; in Manitoba he leaves his sister Sherryll (Marty) Jeffery and their children Kris and Shawn and their families; brother Eric (Janice) and their child Robyn and her family; as well as nephews Kevin and Keenan Pound. Garry had a family of friends at Murray’s who will miss him as well.

Garry was pre-deceased by his sister Gail; infant sister Linda; nephew Kelly Pound; parents Gordon and Ada Pound and his in-laws William and Audrey Cook.

A Private Family Graveside Service will be held in the Mountain View Cemetery. Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic, a memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

Andrew Valer

1929 – 2020

It is with profound sadness, love and thankfulness that we announce the passing of a husband, father, grandfather and friend, Andy Valer.

Andy passed away at the Good Samaritan Society West Highlands Facility on Monday, April 13, 2020. Andy just celebrated his 91st birthday on April 6, 2020 with his family outside his window due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a memory that will stay with us forever. We all toasted dad on that night at exactly 7:00 p.m. It was tough not to be by his side on his birthday, but we are confident he felt our presence.

Andy led a good life running a successful business and raising his family. He had a sense of humour that would light up the room in the toughest of times. He loved to hunt, fish and spent many years with his family out at the cabin doing exactly that. We will all miss those good old days. In his words, easy come, easy go; here today and gone tomorrow!

He was kind to his wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren making sure they had everything they needed. He always thought of them, before himself.

Andy is survived by his wife of 70 years, Wilma, his sister Mary, his brother, Paul (Amy), his children, Lori Burns (Donnie) and Cindy Koskewich (Darrel), his grandchildren Brad Burns (Ashley), Tiffany Oriold (Lance), Jennifer Slingerland (Matthew), Jeremy Koskewich, 11 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Andy was predeceased by his father Andrew Valer, his mother Elsie Valer, his brother John Valer, his sister Elsie Schimph, and his granddaughter Kristina Burns.

Although he had not been at home with us for a long time, everything that surrounds us, reminds us of him.

A Celebration of Andy’s Life will be announced at a later date when we can all be together again.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to West Highlands, 2687 Garry Drive West, Lethbridge, AB T1J 5A3.

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

Comments are closed.