SATURDAY, June 27, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on June 27, 2020.

Jodi Natasha “Tasha”

Bennett (Wolf Child)

1977 – 2020

Mrs. Tasha Bennett of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Rae Bennett and loving mom to Connor Bennett, passed away at South Health Campus in Calgary on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at the age of 43 years.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

TANESHA GRACE DIETRICH

Tanesha passed away on 18 June 2020, aged 28.

Tanesha was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, on 9 June 1992, a Tuesday, and was (for the most part) truly Tuesday’s child, exhibiting grace both in her name and her many passions (though not so much in her eating habits).

Tanesha was a lover of art, music, dancing, and people, and brought laughter, joy, and compassion to her many friends and family, and never used her black belt in Taekwondo in anger (or never admitted having done so).

Tanesha lived in Canada, the US, and Australia and leaves behind family and friends in each country who are as devastated by her loss as they are grateful for the 28 years she graced our lives.

We love you T. xx

A Celebration of Tanesha’s Life will take place at 1:30 PM, Saturday, June 27, 2020 at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 St. S, Lethbridge, Alberta.

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

Lois Lastuka

1929 – 2020

Mrs. Lois Lastuka of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. George Lastuka, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, June 19, 2020, at the age of 90 years.

Lois was born June 27, 1929, to Tom and Fern Adams, and raised on the family farm near New Dayton. Lois attended Independent and Wrentham schools where she made lifelong friends.

Lois married George Lastuka on December 1, 1948. They lived and raised their four children on the family farm in Wrentham area until 1967, at which time they moved to Lethbridge.

Mom was a very warm and generous person with a great sense of humour. She had many talents such as cooking, baking, gardening, and curling. Mom was a member of the Order of the Royal Purple serving as Honoured Royal Lady where she spent many hours volunteering. Most of all she was a wonderful mom who loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren.

Lois is survived by, and will be sadly missed by her husband George; son Derral (Carolyn) Lastuka; daughters Donna (Trevor) Kesler, and Denise Lastuka (Tim Sully); 6 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Lois was predeceased by 2 brothers; 5 sisters; and her son Dexter Lastuka in January 2020.

The family would like to thank the staff of Good Samaritans Park Meadows for their support and care during her four-year stay.

A private family gathering will be held to celebrate Lois’ life.

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

MARION LAUGHLIN

1931 – 2020

Marion Arlene Laughlin, beloved wife of the late Harold Reece Laughlin and cherished mother, grandmother, and great grandmother passed away on Sunday, June 21, 2020 with her family by her side.

Marion is survived by her devoted daughter and son in law Cheri and Larry Langhofer, much loved grandchildren, Tracey and Troy Thompson and Shane (Telsa Riley) Langhofer and her pride and joy, great grand children, Taylor (Jared Garrick) Thompson and Tanner Thompson and Nash and Cole Langhofer. Marion is also survived by her two sons, Gary of Vancouver and Hal of Lethbridge and her four sisters, affectionately known as “the Aunties” Karen, Jackie (Jim), Linda (Barry) and Barb (Kelly) and her sister in law Joan Laughlin as well as many nieces and nephews.

Marion was born in Swift Current, Saskatchewan on October 1, 1931, the oldest of 7 children born to Ted and Edna Kruse. She met dad in high school, and they married in 1950 and moved to Lethbridge to raise their 3 children. They bought their forever home on the northside and lived there for over 50 years. They both loved their home and took great pride in keeping the house and yard immaculate. After us kids left home, mom and dad enjoyed traveling and were able to make several trips to the UK, Europe, and Hawaii. Their favorite places were always big cities like London, San Francisco, and Vancouver.

Mom was an excellent homemaker and cook, and the family fondly remembers her amazing gourmet meals. Marion was always a life long learner and her interests varied from politics to economics to history and she finally fulfilled her dream of going back to school and proudly earned her BA of Arts and Science from the U of L in 1985. Education was extremely important to mom, and she and dad generously provided RESP’s for the “great ones” and she was so proud when her great granddaughter Taylor also graduated from the U of L. She was very much looking forward to seeing her great grandson Tanner become a paramedic. Mom was a voracious reader and we had a hard time keeping her in books these last few years.

In 2019 mom moved from her beloved home to Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale and she loved everything about the lodge. It was her new home and the family appreciates the kindness and care she received from the staff while she was there.

In keeping with Marion’s wishes, cremation has taken place and a family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Should anyone wish, donations in her memory may be made to a local food bank or a charity of one’s choice.

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

Ruth Lee

July 9, 1924 – June 18, 2020

Ruth passed away peacefully at the age of 95.

Ruth was predeceased by her husband Harvey; siblings William, Gordon, Norman, Alice, Irene, and Margaret.

She is survived by her children Carol (Don) Haavardsrud, grandson Craig (Cheryne), great grandson Harley, grandson Paul (Allison), great granddaughters Zadie & Grace, Ron Lee, granddaughter Gabrielle, Candace (Randy) Dueck, grandson Elijah, brothers Herbert and Robert How, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

As a young woman, Ruth was a cashier and waitress at the “Cameo” in Taber. Through family connections, she was introduced to my dad. They married on September 2, 1945.

Ruth was a formidable Scrabble player. Ruth’s forte was baking Swedish apple pie, butter horns, chiffon cake with strawberries & whipped cream and various decadent cookies. Numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and our family all enjoyed her delicious confections. Mom was a wonderful grandmother. She was so creative with her grandchildren from constructing cardboard garages for their miniature cars to forts made from pillows & blankets that were strung up in various locations throughout the house. Ruth was extremely kind & loving. She always saw the world through rose coloured glasses.

Heartfelt thanks to Lethbridge Family Services and AHS who assisted Gabrielle in the care of our mother, the paramedics, Drs Garden, Wilde, Akinsipe, Thibodeau & Sailendra, rehab therapists, orthotists, numerous nurses and LPNs on 4C, 5C and her final resting place with Chris Dore’s 5B team who treated Ruth with utmost dignity. A special thank you to Randy Stepple who was present in the room when mom passed away peacefully with family at her side.

To quote our ancestor and ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu:

As shown to the left is the calligraphic circle of the Wuji surrounding our Lee name. Wuji is an emptiness with a past that is so unknowable that we cannot name it, a power so great that the future springs from it. We call this Wuji a void with neither light nor shade. Wuji means no limits.

Today another Lee has entered the void. Emptiness is silence but not the silence of the grave. It is midnight silence when the wind rests, birds sleep and the sun is hours from rising. Wuji is essential stillness. Only when stillness breaks into sound, does emptiness become all things.

A private family service will be held in the future.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

McCARTHY

DOUGLAS EARL McCARTHY passed away peacefully at Legacy Lodge in Lethbridge, with his loving wife, Sadie, by his side on Wednesday, June 24, 2020 at the age of 91 years.

Born in Moose Jaw, SK on September 8, 1928, Doug attended Enterprise School until the eighth grade, at which point he left to help on the family farm. At an early age, he learned what it meant to work hard, and he continued to do so throughout his life. He earned the respect of his fellow tradesmen and could never say ‘no’ if he was asked to help.

Doug loved the outdoors, fishing, gardening, music and dancing. To keep his mind busy, he’d happily putter away in the garage by building bird houses or fishing gear. Above all, he was never too busy to stop what he was doing and play with his grandchildren.

He and Sadie spent many happy hours traveling and touring in their motorhome, and were always excited when visiting his children in BC. One of his vacation highlights was visiting Scotland and meeting many of his warm and welcoming in-laws. He loved their accent and how they affectionately called him “Doogie.”

Doug is survived by his sisters, Dorothy of Moose Jaw, SK and Nancy of Cooks Cove, NS; his children, Don, Dave, Gordon, Judy Ann and Laura, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his folks, Vincent and Mary, and his brothers, Jerry and George.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff at Legacy Lodge for the kindness, care, love and friendship given to Dad. If only the world was so caring. So long, Harmonica Man—you’ve touched the lives of many.

At Doug’s request, there will be no formal funeral service. A private gathering will be held at a later date.

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

Dr. Michael Pratt

1937 – 2020

The family of Dr. Michael Pratt sadly announce the passing of their beloved husband, father, and grandfather on June 17, 2020, at the age of 82 years.

Michael was born in Foochow, China to missionary parents, James and Kathleen Pratt. As a toddler, he fled China with his mother during the Chinese / Japanese war back to England where he grew up with his two younger brothers, David and Tim.

He attended the University of Manchester Medical School where he met his future spouse, Edna, also a physician. They were married for 60 years.

After working in the UK for five years, they emigrated to Rivers, Manitoba in 1967 before moving to Lethbridge in 1969 where they raised their three children: Rob, Andrew, and Catherine.

Michael worked at the Campbell Clinic as a GP Anesthetist and GP before moving to the Bigelow Fowler Clinic.

He was an award-winning gardener and served on the executive of the Lethbridge Horticultural Society. He was also passionate about building and flying model airplanes with the Windy West Society. Travelling was another joy for him, and he visited many exciting locations. He also participated in many local fun runs and loved spending time with his two grandchildren: Christopher and Laura.

Michael will be privately remembered by friends and family.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

JAMES (JIM) ALEXANDER TREBBLE

March 22, 1934 – June 22, 2020

James (Jim) Alexander Trebble passed away peacefully on June 22, 2020, after a short illness. He is survived by his wife, Una Ridley, of Lethbridge; his sister Marlene Best; his children Scott (Laura); Mark (Shawna); Lesley; and Sandy (Vanda); and numerous grand and great-grandchildren. Jim was predeceased by his parents Bertha and Alexander.

Jim’s parents were long-time immigrant residents of Saskatoon and Kindersley, SK. His father Alex was known as the “one-armed” Sheriff and his mother Bertha worked at a local dress shop.

Jim began his adult professional life in Lethbridge in 1959, where he worked as a salesman at Dunlop Tires, earning $63/week. During later years Jim achieved his B. of Arts in Education (University of Calgary) in 1967; and a Masters of Education degree (University of Montana) in 1973.

Jim began his teaching career in the 1960s at Central School in Lethbridge as assistant principle until it closed. He then taught at Senator Buchanan Elementary until he retired in 1989, where he was affectionately known as “Mr. Trouble”. Jim was a strong and active member of the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA) over these years.

Jim enjoyed over 30 years traveling the world with friends and family, and reporting to ‘his office’ at the Lethbridge Country Club where his signature plate ”VANGOLF” was a familiar sight, especially each and every Tuesday. He was a loving and cheerful soul and will be missed

As per Jim’s wishes, there will not be a service. A private family ceremony will be held at a later date.

A Tribute page can be accessed through Evergreen Cremation Services at https://www.evergreenfh.ca/listings . Jim has directed us to “have a drink and tell a few stories” to celebrate his life. Condolences can be forwarded to the Evergreen Cremation Services website .

The family would like to thank the staff at Martha’s House for their friendly loving support for Jim and Una, particularly during Jim’s illness; home care and medical staff for their skill and sensitivity, and most particularly Darlene Sutherland for her friendship and devoted care of Una.

To send condolences please visit http://www.evergreenfh.ca

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