SATURDAY, April 25, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 25, 2020.

Lillian Esther Collins-Amlin

(nee Friedenberg)

May 17, 1926 – April 19, 2020

On April 19, 2020 at the age of 93, Lillian Esther Collins-Amlin went peacefully to be with her Lord and Savior after a recent diagnosis of cancer. Lillian cherished life and lived it fully. She was the beloved wife of the late Allan Collins for 46 years and later husband Johnny Amlin for 14 years.

She was born at Medicine Hat, Alberta on May 17, 1926. Lillian grew up on the family farm. She loved the outdoors and spent a great deal of time helping her dad on the farm, collecting the cows, working in the garden, and helping take care of the family home. She married Allan Collins in 1949 and farmed in Skiff, Alberta area, later moving to Lethbridge. She was a woman of many talents, a fantastic homemaker, skilled seamstress, expert gardener, and was known for her great cooking. Her personal motto was “Learn To Do Well” and each activity she was involved with, she did to the best of her ability. She loved working with numbers and accounting. She particularly enjoyed helping the startup of Double A Fertilizer with her husband Allan, and later enjoyed the start-up of Carefree Express with her son and daughter in law. She enjoyed doing the books, banking, and running numerous errands around the city. She took time to write an autobiography entitled “Memoirs of a Prairie Gal.”

Lillian loved her church and faithfully served in various capacities. She helped in the kitchen at church, she was church secretary treasurer for years, helped with Women’s Missionary Society, and was part of the lady’s groups called Priscillas and Silver Threads. She was very involved with the planning and beginning of Prime Timers. She also enjoyed being involved with Southern Alberta Bible Camp.

Her greatest legacy is a loving family who will miss her deeply and hold her forever in their hearts. Lillian is survived by her two children, Leslie (Shelley) Collins, Norma (Bob) Barsness. In addition she was so proud of her grandchildren Amber (Ken) Taves, Shaun (Marla) Collins, Jasmin (Kevin) Wragg, Brittany (Chad) Thomas, Brent (Amy) Barsness, Andrew (Samantha) Collins and Michelle Collins and great grandchildren, Kayla, Declan, Evan, Luther, Lola, Ava, Benjamin, Eden, Fraser, Conrad and Kennedy. Her husband Johnny’s extended family was also taken into her heart, Marvin (Lorna), Diane (Ian) and Eleanor.

She is also survived by her brothers Reuben (Ann) Friedenberg, Len (Lorraine) Friedenberg, sisters Theo (Joe) Niessen, and Karen (Don) Fulgham. Her extended family of nieces and nephews will also miss her.

Lillian was predeceased by her husband Allan Collins, and husband Johnny Amlin, and son Howard Collins.

Lillian has asked that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Southern Alberta Bible Camp, 100 – 151002 RR213 Vulcan County, Lomond, AB T0L 1G0, or The Gideons International, 501 Imperial Rd N, Guelph, ON N1H 6T9.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

A private family Graveside Service has taken place in Archmount Cemetery.

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

DOW

BLAINE H DOW passed away in Lethbridge on April 24, 2020 at the age of 89 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

To send a condolence, please

visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

JARVIS, Kevin Roy

May 31, 1959 – April 8, 2020

Kevin Jarvis passed away unexpectedly at his home in Lethbridge, AB on April 8, 2020 at the age of 60 years.

Kevin is survived by his son Dawson of Calgary, daughter Daylynn, and granddaughter Atlanta of Lethbridge.

He is also survived by his sisters Carolyn and Verna of Calgary, and brother Wade of Kimberley, /Canmore, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Kevin was predeceased by his parents, Heather and Cecil Jarvis of Sundre and later Calgary. He was also predeceased by the mother of his children, Christina Hammer.

Kevin grew up in Sundre and spent most of his adult life in Calgary and Lethbridge. For the past 14 years, Kevin was a loyal and respected employee at Canadian Tire in Lethbridge. He loved to spend time with his family, enjoyed weightlifting, going for walks, having picnics, relaxing in nature, fishing, socializing and playing his guitar.

Kevin was loved by his family and will be sadly missed. Due to the current COVID situation, a private family service will be held. Cremation has taken place and Kevin will be laid to rest at a later date in the Red Deer Cemetery.

Family would appreciate condolences, memories and photos be shared on Kevin’s Obituary at csgfh.ca

If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, Diabetes Canada or charity of choice.

To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

JURCAK

Klara Maria Cecelia Jurcak, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2020 at the Coaldale Health Centre. She passed away peacefully at the age of 93 years.

Klara was born in Hindenburg, Germany on December 20, 1926. She grew up with fond childhood memories with her mother and siblings. When the effects of war became too great, Klara and her sister were prompted to make a long trek from East Germany to West Germany, ending up near Stuttgart. After a few years of recovery she met the love of her life, Eugene Jurcak, whom she married in 1951. With Eugene, Klara and her son Klaus immigrated to Canada settling in Iron Springs, Shaughnessy, then Coaldale and eventually Lethbridge. Klara and Eugene remained happily married until Eugene was suddenly taken after 19 years of marriage.

Klara lived a good life centered on family fun. She enjoyed camping, hiking, fishing, and barbecues with her children and grandchildren. She also loved to sing and dance and take pictures of her family to hang on her walls. During her later years she loved going for coffee with Rose and Joanne and looked forward to Caroline’s visits from Edmonton. Throughout her life she always had a canine companion by her side. Klara was known for going for a car ride to visit the local sites of Southern Alberta. Her favorite social activity was to ‘go for a coffee and a plain bagel’ at Tim Hortons. She also loved to go shopping with family ‘just to look’. She spent much of her time at her beloved townhome in Lethbridge, where she hosted many holidays and made wonderful family memories.

Klara was predeceased by her father Friederich Lemke, mother Florentine Lemke, beloved husband Eugene Jurcak, brother Johannes Lemke, sisters Hedwig, Marta, and Gertrude, son Claus Jurcak, and daughters Rose Jurcak and Ruby Jurcak.

Klara is survived by her daughters Caroline Jurcak and Joanne McLeod; grandchildren Jean (Travis) Iwaasa, Clifford Iwaasa, Gregory (Brittany) Iwaasa, and John Jurcak; great grandchildren Kallie, Kojun, Jiro, Yua, Everett, Hiroshi, and Raia; nephew Norbert Altvater; ‘other daughter’ Kelly Gorrill.

Klara has been cremated and a memorial will be held in her honor at a later date.

In lieu of flowers or donations, friends and family who wish to make a donation in Klara’s honor are encouraged to do so to the Coaldale Health Centre or to the local food bank.

To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

KAWADE

ISAMU (SAM) KAWADE passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on April 23, 2020 at the age of 81 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

To send a condolence, please

visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

LYBBERT

On Wednesday, April 22nd, 2020, MYRON ROBERT LYBBERT, beloved Husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle passed away peacefully in his home, with his family, at the age of 45 years.

Myron will be forever remembered by his wife and best friend Tina; their two daughters, Jaylee (Zachery) Ricks, and Raeghan; and his granddaughter Amylia Ricks. He will be missed by his parents Larry and Carol Lybbert; his siblings, Steve (Melissa), Tiare (Warren) Dewart, Bryce (Jennifer), Lorin (Melanie) and Robert (Sarah); as well as his in-laws Montey and Melodie Rasmussen, their family; and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Myron was a loving husband, devoted father, loyal son and brother. He was humble, hard-working, and kind, with a fun sense of humour and big smile. He was steadfast in his faith and was an example of hard work and gave his life in selfless service to his family and community. He will be greatly missed. A viewing will be held at Legacy Funeral Home on Saturday, April 25th from 11:30 am – 12:45 pm. A Private Family Service will follow at 1:00 pm.

To send a condolence or Watch the funeral streamed online visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

Interment to follow at the Glenwood Cemetery.

MABIN

KATHLEEN FRANCIS MABIN, beloved partner of Randy Winn, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit on Sunday, April 19, 2020 at the age of 58 years.

Besides her beloved partner, Kathleen is survived by her cherished daughter, Alex Mabin and son-in-law, Jiles Edsall, as well as her grandson, Dexter, along with a multitude of other beloved friends and family members.

A Celebration of Kathleen’s Life will be held at Cornerstone Funeral Home.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

MACDIARMID

DONALD MACDIARMID, beloved spouse and father, passed away peacefully at home in Lethbridge on Saturday, April 18, 2020 at the age of 69 years.

Unfortunately, at this time, we will not be able to hold a service that would do his life justice. Flowers are greatly declined. Be kind to one another.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

MELVIN ELWOOD LAHTI

October 12, 1946 – April 18, 2020

Melvin Elwood Lahti, age 73, of Vancouver, BC, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his children on April 18, 2020, after a good hard battle with pancreatic cancer. They gave him 6 months. He took 14. Mel was predeceased by his father, Jack, mother, Margaret (Zbitnoff), and brother Lloyd. He is survived by his three children and six grandchildren: son Greg Lahti of Asquith SK, daughter Dawn Brown (husband Rob, children: Miles, Maya, Faye) of St. Albert AB, daughter Kimberly Scranton (husband Andrew, children: Anna, Jane, Holly) of Salmon Arm BC, nieces and nephews, and former spouse and stalwart friend, Lynne Ross.

Born in Sudbury but raised in Saskatchewan, Mel learned from his humble, hard-working parents. His father’s long hours and his mother’s garden-growing discipline garnered a most improbable and hard-earned generous gift of a piano in grade 3. Witnessing the toil that took the family from the muddy dirt roads of Blaine Lake to the burgeoning opportunity of Saskatoon was a lesson not lost on Mel and he gratefully gravitated to the fine arts of music and literature, singing in the Saskatoon Boys Choir, acting in school plays, and earning a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education at the University of Saskatchewan in 1968 and 1969. It was through choir that Mel met his wife, Lynne, and the two embarked on the dual careers of teaching and child-rearing.

Mel’s teaching adventure began in Thompson, Manitoba, in 1969, before moving to Lethbridge, AB, in 1970. His career flourished as he moved from teaching high school at Winston Churchill to a vice principalship at Hamilton Junior High followed by a vice principalship at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute. In 1982, Mel was granted a sabbatical and the family moved to Mesa, Arizona while he earned his Master of Education from Arizona State University. Go Sun Devils! The family returned to Lethbridge in 1983 where Mel continued to enjoy his career, a wonderful group of close friends, and the sport of curling. In 1986, Mel was hired by the St. Albert Protestant School Board to work with architects and engineers in the planning of what would be his crowning achievement, Bellerose Composite High School. He was principal of Bellerose from its opening in 1988 until 1993, after which he moved to the principalship at Lorne Akins Junior High. He bookended his remarkable career with what turned out to be his favourite job, teaching English as a second language to small class-sizes of immigrating students.

After retiring in 2001, Mel enjoyed pursuing his passion for travel. He visited Hawaii, Peru, Costa Rica, Portugal, Bermuda, Brazil, and Mexico (8 times). Looking for a fresh start, Mel moved to Vancouver in 2004. There, he met a fantastic group of close friends and the get-togethers, restaurants and parties were frequent and fun. Hosting parties from his balcony overlooking the fireworks on English Bay, Mel found himself happy and in his element.

Mel was a thoughtful, gentle, and generous man with a sharp sense of humour. He loved his family, friends, and good times. There was never a family gathering that didn’t include his top-notch barbeque steak supper. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him. Respecting his wishes, we will celebrate Mel’s life in a private family service. In lieu of flowers, Mel asks for donations made to your nearest children’s hospital or Ronald McDonald House.

Condolences can be sent to: https://www.amherstcremation.com/memorials/lahti.html

WILLIAM POELMAN

William (Bill) was born on April 22, 1933 near Granum, Alberta, where he was raised and lived most of his life. He married his sweetheart Hetty (nee Riepma) on March 29, 1955. They were blessed with a devoted marriage of over 65 years. Besides his loving wife Hetty, Bill is survived by loving children Ethel Tomiyama (Ken), Glen Poelman (Joyce), June Mann (Randy), Lois May (Bill), 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

Bill and Hetty owned and operated a successful grain farm until spring 1995, when they retired into Fort Macleod. Bill was widely known for his expertise in automotive and farm equipment mechanics. He usually had a backlog of customers waiting for the services he performed out of his well-equipped garage. He was in demand as well for his ability to expertly build or fix nearly anything.

The centre of Bill’s life was the Granum Christian Reformed Church community, where he served many terms as elder and could often be found visiting those in need of consolation or encouragement. He was humble and compassionate but never afraid to say what needed to be said. His faith assured him that he was going home to be with his Lord. He went there when he peacefully passed away on April 21, 2020.

A private funeral service and burial ceremony (because of Covid-19 restrictions) will be held on Monday, April 27, 2020, at Granum.

Condolences may be sent through: http://www.edensfuneralhome.com

Charles David Hunt Salmon

June 14, 1964 – April 13, 2020

Charles was born in Maple Ridge B.C. and moved to Alberta with his family as a young adult. He was a long-term employee of the Real Canadian Superstore and after his retirement resided at Golden Acres Lodge.

He will be fondly remembered for his quick wit and dry sense of humour and as a diehard Edmonton Oilers and Eskimos fan

Lunches and birthday celebrations with friends – the “Gentlemen’s Club” as they referred to themselves were important to Charles.

Many thanks to the great staff at Southern Alberta Community Living Association (SACLA) who were the constants in his life and provided excellent support to him over the last 10 years.

A celebration of life gathering will be held at a later date.

Christine Saunders

1921 – 2020

Christine Saunders of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Victor Saunders, passed away gently and peacefully on April 19, 2020, at the age of 98.

Chris lived a full life, rich in love. She and Vic were married in 1945 and celebrated 70 wonderful years together. She put her whole heart into caring for her family and was happiest when the family was together.

She also cultivated deep and lasting friendships. She and Vic enjoyed a rich social life, and especially loved entertaining in their home, playing cards with friends, golfing, and travelling.

As an active member of Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd, she was a warm and gracious presence, and she enjoyed many years with the women’s group and Creative Fingers.

A woman of natural poise and dignity, Chris accepted with quiet strength her husband’s illness and death in 2016, as well as the challenges of her vision loss and dementia. Throughout her life, people were touched by her genuine kindness and appreciative spirit.

We are deeply grateful for the compassionate care over the past two years by the staff of Good Samaritan Society West Highlands Centre and then, briefly, at St Therese Villa; she was also blessed by the friendship of Terry Nowlin.

Chris will be lovingly remembered by her children Doug (Barb), Jim (Katie), and Carolyn (Dan) Ethier; her grandchildren Curt (Tammy), Jill (Greg) Walkey, Chad (Kristy) Billyard, Tom Speakman, Sarah (Darryl) Kooiker, Arlen Speakman, Ben (Laura) Ethier, Sarah Ethier; her nine great-grandchildren; plus many nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was predeceased by her parents Konrad and Anna Adolph; sisters Mary, Emma, and Martha, all of Winnipeg, and brother Edward of Mississauga.

A private Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery with Reverend Kathy Calkins officiating.

As expressions of remembrance, donations may be made to Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Memorial Fund, 2406 11 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1K 0K8; or to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 1202 2 Ave S #40, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0E3.

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

Ann Shilka

1948 ~ 2020

Ann Shilka passed away unexpectedly at her home in Redcliff, Alberta on Friday, April 17, 2020, at the age of 71.  Ann was born on May 19, 1948, in Fairview Alberta.  She was married on June 28, 1969, to Les Shilka.  Her life as a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend was always her first priority.  She enjoyed her hobbies of horse riding, reading, puzzle books and of course the activities of her children and grandchildren.  She always enjoyed her menagerie of pets, horses, dogs, cats, goats, and donkeys.  Ann leaves to cherish her memory:  husband, Les Shilka;  son, Kenton Shilka and her daughter, Gloria Shilka;  granddaughters, Trinity Shilka and Shay-Ann and Tristen Rangen;  brother, Dennis McLeod;  sisters, Nancy McLeod and Joan Retzler along with her numerous and loving relatives and friends.  Ann was predeceased by her parents, Rod and Margaret McLeod;  father-in-law, Barry and mother-in-law Ellen Shilka.  A celebration of life will occur at a later date.  (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com)  In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ann may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 119 – 14 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1Z6.  Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4.  Telephone toll free:  1-877-528-6455.

STEWART

Shirley Pauline Stewart, wife of late C.D. Stewart, passed away peacefully at the Extendicare Fort Macleod at the age of 99.

Shirley was born in Central Butte, Saskatchewan on March 23, 1921. She married Chuck and together had five children; Don Stewart, Sharon (Dennis) Botterill, Merline (John) Heal, Lorne (Betty) Stewart and Dale Stewart. Shirley was predeceased by her husband, daughter Sharon Botterill, grandsons Chad Hornberger and Stephen Hornberger, sister Phyllis Mann, and brothers Reuben and Ken Melander.

Mom was an avid artist, wrote books and she enjoyed over 40 years of being a snowbird at their place in Mesa, Arizona.

No funeral will be held at family’s request. A private family interment will take place later this year in Central Butte, Saskatchewan.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Fort Macleod Extendicare in memory of Shirley.

Condolences may be sent through: http://www.edensfuneralhome.com

STILL

KENNETH LEE STILL of Stirling, beloved husband of Melanie (Johnson), passed away in Raymond on Monday, April 21, 2020, after his bravely fought battle with cancer, to be reunited with his mother Marie Hately Still.

A Drive Through Graveside service will be held on Monday, April 27, 2020 for friends and family to pay their respects at the Stirling Cemetery at 1:00 p.m. For more information regarding the graveside please email kenstillfuneral@gmail.com. For any information regarding Sunday evening’s viewing, please email ryanstill79@gmail.com.

To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

Willem Van Waardhuizen

1934 – 2020

Mr. Willem Van Waardhuizen of Picture Butte, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Cataraina Van Waardhuizen, passed away at Bethesda Care Home in Picture Butte, on Thursday, April 23, 2020, at the age of 85 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

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

WIGTON

WALLACE WIGTON passed away suddenly at Legacy Lodge, on Thursday, April 23, 2020 at the age of 67 years.

At Wallace’s request, no funeral will be held. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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