SATURDAY, August 29, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 29, 2020.

BARR

December 27, 1932 – August 22, 2020

John Willis Barr, of Nobleford Alberta, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge Alberta on August 22, 2020, at the age of 87 years.

John was beloved husband of Trudy, and will also be fondly remembered as beloved father, stepfather, brother, grandfather, and great grandfather.

A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

Condolences can be send to http://www.evergreenfh.ca

BONERTZ, Gael Andre

February 22, 1942

– Pincher Creek, Alberta

August 24, 2020 – Aldersyde, Alberta

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gael Bonertz, of Aldersyde, AB, on Monday, August 24, 2020 at the age of 78 years.

He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. His family was a great source of pride and joy to him.

Besides his loving wife, Maureen, of fifty-five years, Gael is survived by his daughters and sons-in-law, Tracy and Brian of Edmonton, AB, Carrie and Rod Bust of Cardston, AB; son Shane Bonertz of Lloydminster, AB, grandchildren, Ashley Bust, Tyler (Jamie) Bust, and Shinaya Gamache; great-grandchildren, Bryce Bust, Jaylynn Bust, and Oakley Marshall. He is also survived by his sister and brother-in-law, Anita and Dennis Hawthorne of McLellan, AB; sister-in-law Vernelle Bonertz of Valleyview, AB, brother-in-law Ryan Peterson of Fairview, AB, and numerous nieces and nephews. Gael was predeceased by his parents Lawrence and Islay, brother Larry Bonertz, sister Nola Peterson

A Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church (958 Christie Avenue, Pincher Creek, AB) on Friday, September 4, 2020. A Public Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 4, 2020 at 12:30 p.m. at St. Henry’s Catholic Cemetery (Township Rd 44, Pincher Creek No. 9, AB). Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Gael’s obituary at http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Historical Society of St. Henry’s Church, PO Box 171, Hillspring, AB T0E 1E0.

In living memory of Gael Bonertz, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Brenda Cartwright

1963 – 2020

Brenda Louise Cartwright of Lethbridge, passed away on Saturday, August 26, 2020 after surgery complications.

Brenda was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on July 13, 1963.

She is survived by her loving daughter Kayla (Brennan) Campbell (nee: Myra); father Garry (Jeanette) St. Jean; beloved grand-dog Maya and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Brenda was pre-deceased by her son Bradley Myra; brother Dale St. Jean and her mother Sandy St. Jean.

A Private memorial service will be held at a later date.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Brenda’s name may be made to the Heaven can wait animal rescue foundation, 56249 – 562 Avenue E. Cayley, Alberta T0L 0P0.

“I’ll love you forever,

I’ll like you for always,

as long as I’m living,

my mommy you’ll be.”

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

Violet Charlton

1927 – 2020 

Our beloved mother, Violet Charlton (nee Makinson) passed away peacefully in Taber on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at the age of 93 years. As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19, and the government’s recommendations, a private funeral service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber on Saturday, August 29, 2020. Burial to follow at the Barnwell Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.  Violet is survived by her children Susanne Martin of Lethbridge and her children Kerry (Roger) Rusnell, Lisa Martin (Trent Perry) and Crystle Martin; Bryce (Laura) Martin of Taber and their children Brad (Deanna) Martin and Jennifer (Jody) Archer; Larry (Marion) Valgardson of Taber and their children Scott Valgardson, LeeAnn (Doug) Virovec, Jamie (Nathan) Johnson, Joe (Jamie) Valgardson and Erin (Scott) Bissett; Brenda Pyrch of Taber and her children Nick Pyrch, Kristan (Dave) Atkins, Jessica Pyrch and Melissa Pyrch. She was predeceased by her husbands Allen Martin and Harry Charlton; sons Alvin Martin, James Martin and Ray Martin; grandson Tyler Valgardson; parents Joseph and Mary Makinson; siblings and their spouses Thelma (Norton) Winchester, Helen (John) Archer, Josie (Wesley) Dunz and Bill Makinson. Violet was born in Taber on April 27, 1927, the third child of Joseph and Mary Makinson. She lived on the family farm and helped her dad with farming, chores and checking cattle on horseback. She married Allen Martin and together they had six children Alvin, James, Bryce, Marion, Brenda and Ray. Violet lived on the Martin family farm in Barnwell until moving to Taber where she has resided until the time of her passing. Mom was a very capable, independent and determined person, which brought her through a lot of trials and challenges. Losing three sons before her passing was hard on her. Violet worked very hard on the farm and raising six children mainly on her own until Harry came into her life. She went through a lot of difficult operations as well she lived with mobility issues. Violet never let these situations hold her back or feel sorry for herself. She always moved on with a happy disposition. Violet loved being around people and was a social butterfly. She loved her family very much, spending a lot of time with us all. Violet enjoyed playing cards, especially winning. She was a fantastic cook and also enjoyed gardening, canning, travelling, knitting, crocheting and making her own clothes. She was still making beautiful afghans at the age of ninety two. Mom set a very good example for us of making the best of any situation that we are given. She worked hard and encouraged us to do the same. She has left us with a wonderful legacy to follow. We are so thankful that you are finally at peace and able to move around as you please. We are thankful for our mom and her full wonderful life she was able to love. We love you very much mom, till we meet again. Thank you to the staff and residents in Clearview Lodge and Linden View for taking such good care of our mother. They truly were her homes. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

CHRISTENSEN

PETER JAMES CHRISTENSEN, “PETE”, beloved husband of Elizabeth and father to Erica, Sariah, Brosie, Mara, and Archie, passed away on Thursday, August 27, 2020 at the age of 46 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

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

Jordan Cox

1990 – 2020

Mr. Jordan Cox of Lethbridge, passed away in Lethbridge on Sunday, August 23, 2020, at the age of 30 years.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

DECOSTE

SKIP DECOSTE passed away in Creston, BC, surrounded by his loving family, on August 18, 2020 at the age of 73 years.

He is survived by his wife Willie, his beloved daughter Stephanie (Kurt) Smailes and grand-dog Jax: sisters, Sherryl and Paulette (Stan) DeCoste; brothers, Frank (Shari), Ron (Lou) and Jerry (Brenda) DeCoste as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Skip was predeceased by his parents, Frenchy and Bunny DeCoste.

Skip loved to Captain his party boat, dressed to the nines, in a ball cap, t-shirt, shorts and Birkenstocks with a beer in hand; it was “always five-o’clock somewhere”. He entertained family and friends on the Kootenay River and Kootenay Lake with the music of Jimmy Buffett playing in the background and his famous lychee-nut drink served on the cruise.

Skip could also be found in the Coffee Shack roasting up a storm, developing his own coffee blends for their locally owned business called Dewy Roast’em and Howe.

He loved to travel all over the world with family and friends by air, land or sea. Skip was an avid scuba diver and had some great adventures diving in the ocean.

His love of pink flamingos, Jimmy Buffett and Margaritaville was evident throughout their house. Skip was a creative thinker, a collector of many items and could be counted on to find a good deal!

His wit, laughter and of course the many humorous emails will be missed by family and friends.

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses in Cranbrook, Kelowna and Creston for their caring and support.

At his request, no funeral service will be held.

Donations may be made in Skip’s memory to Angel Flight East Kootenay, 4360 Cokato Road, Fernie, BC V0B 1M4.

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

FEKETE

JOSEPH MICHAEL FEKETE, beloved husband of Carol Fekete, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, August 28, 2020 at the age of 85 years old.

Besides Carol, his beloved wife of 57 years, Joe is survived by his son Grant Fekete, his brother Louis (Barbara) Fekete, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Joe was predeceased by his daughter Lori Fekete.

At Joe’s request, there will be no formal Funeral Service. Joe asked to be remembered privately by family and friends.

Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Jean Hammon

1921 – 2020

Mrs. Jeanette “Jean” Hammon of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Jerry Hammon, passed away at Adaptacare, on Thursday, August 27, 2020, at the age of 98 years.

Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

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

LUMLEY

MURRAY DENNIS LUMLEY, beloved husband of the late Lenora Lumley, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at the age of 91 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Brien McCandless

1946 – 2020 

With saddened hearts we announce the unexpected passing of Brien Henry McCandless, beloved husband, father and grampy in Taber on Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at the age of 74 years. As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19, and the government’s recommendations, a private funeral service was held at Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber on Friday, August 28, 2020. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.  Brien is survived by his loving wife Jane; daughter Kyla (Curtis) Ross of Taber and their children Trey (Jaela), Walker and Cooper; daughter Brianna (John) Pulkinen of Livelong, Saskatchewan and their children Kovan, Seija and RJ. He is also survived by his brother Michael (Barbara) McCandless and their children Matthew (Nisha) and children, Kathleen (Jim) and  children and Elizabeth Robin (Mike) and children; brother Chuck (Nancy) McCandless and their children Ethan (Dione) and children, Cara (Bruce) and Annaliese (Dennis) and children; brother-in-law Derrich (Trish) Wright and their children and grandchildren. He has numerous family members still living in Ireland and Northern Ireland.  He was predeceased by his parents Warren and Lou McCandless and by Jane’s parents Ivan and Willa Wright.  Brien was born in Londonderry, Northern Ireland on June 30, 1946. He immigrated to Canada, settling in Winnipeg, Manitoba in November 1956 with his two younger brothers, mum and grandmother. They joined his father who had already come to Canada six months earlier to find work. The McCandless family were known to open their hearts and home to others as they made their way to Winnipeg from their native Ireland. Brien was raised in a musical family and sang tenor with the Hymn Sing Choir that aired on CBC.  He sang with numerous church choirs, choral groups, with dear friends and family and when asked, he would sing for a funeral or a wedding or other special occasions.   Brien came to Lethbridge on a holiday in 1975 and decided to stay. It was in Lethbridge that he met Jane and they married May 6, 1977. Brien worked in numerous sales positions including Woodwards, Penner’s Mens Wear and Wright Home Furnishers until he started with Frito Lay in 1985. He remained with Frito Lay until he retired nine years ago. While visiting his friends at Southland Funeral Chapel, he was offered a job as a funeral assistant that he couldn’t refuse. He had a way with putting people at ease.  He will be remembered as a caring, fun-loving, joke-telling gentleman who made long lasting friendships throughout his life. There wasn’t a person he could walk by without starting a conversation. He was very proud of his family and enjoyed telling everyone about his grandchildren.  This past year, he enjoyed his time in Coleman with Jane. They recently bought a side-by-side and ventured through the trails and up the mountains making great memories with their Green Mountain RV Park friends. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.  Our family wishes to sincerely thank everyone who has stopped by, brought food, flowers, cards, hugs, stories and shared memories over the last several days. Brien was well loved and the outpouring of support has still been overwhelming.  We can’t forget to thank all of the first responders who did everything they could to save him. And lastly, to Scott, Darryl and staff at Southland Funeral Chapel for their support and friendship during this difficult time.  Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

McCULLOCH

BLAIR ROLAND McCULLOCH, beloved husband of Kacie Byck, passed away peacefully at the Foothills Hospital with family and his best friend at his side on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at the age of 51 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Kiyoko Shimozawa

1941 – 2020

Mrs. Kiyoko Shimozawa of Taber, beloved wife of Mr. Hisashi “Slim” Shimozawa, passed away at Taber Continuing Care on Monday, August 24, 2020 at the age of 78 years. Mom had medical struggles the last several years, and we take solace in knowing she passed away comfortably and peacefully.

Besides her husband Slim, Mom is survived by her son Trent (Merina), daughter Lisa, granddaughter Chrystal (Rick) and great grands Loki and Clio. Also left with loving memories are her brothers and sisters and family in Japan, Shimozawa in-laws, and many cousins, nephews and nieces.

Mom was born in Yonago, Tottori in Japan on November 16, 1941, she met and married dad and moved to Canada in 1967. They lived in Rainier, Barnwell, and then to Taber, where she resided until her passing. During her time in Taber, she worked in housekeeping at the Heritage Inn for many years.

She enjoyed looking after her home, and spent a great deal of time gardening – Mom in charge of the flower section, and Dad the vegetable side. In her youth in Japan, she was an avid tennis player, and some of her other interests included crocheting, puzzles, and origami. She also enjoyed being surrounded by her furry grandkids – dogs and cats, past and present.

We would like to express our gratitude and thanks to all the medical staff we have met over the years to help Mom with her care. Her last year and a bit was spent at Taber Continuing Care, at which we know she received the best care we could have possibly hoped for – you will always hold a special place in our hearts.

You can rest easy now Mom, you are no longer in pain

– it’s okay, we will look after Dad.

– Trent and Lisa

Mom will be honoured at a private service on Thursday, September 3, 2020. For those who wish, donations in her name may be made to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 – 50 Avenue, Taber, AB T1G 1N9, or tdhf.ca.

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

Anderson Sturm

2011 – 2020 

Anderson Edward Peter Sturm, beloved son of Tate and Angela Sturm, and beloved brother of Georgia, passed away in Lethbridge on Saturday, August 22, 2020 at the age of 9 years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, August 30, 2020 from 3:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. Face masks will be required and available.  The private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, Coaldale on Monday, August 31, 2020. A reception in celebration of Anderson’s life will be held at the Sturm family residence, 202041 Township Road 92 (18 Avenue), Coaldale on Monday, August 31, 2020 beginning at 2:00 P.M. Please join us to share in some of Anderson’s favorite foods. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.  Anderson will be dearly missed by his parents Tate and Angela Sturm and little sister Georgia Sturm; grandparents Bonnie and Dwayne Sturm; aunts Jolie (Gareth) McCleave, Janay (Kevin) Gregory, Stephanie Sturm, Natalia (Larry) Laughlin, Ashley (Cody) Hofman and Brittany Vogel; uncles Cade Sturm, Todd Larson Kris (Elaine) Fischer.  He will also be lovingly remembered by his cousins Hayden, Graeme, Kelly, Rodney, Lane and Brooklyn who were his best friends and they will miss his imagination, laughter and excitement for what was around the next corner.  Anderson was lucky and blessed to have extended family within his friends and coaches at Progressive Fighting Academy where he loved to wrestle and practice Jiu Jitsu. He also considered his friends and teachers at St. Joseph’s School in Coaldale his family as well.   Anderson inspired those around him to laugh, smile, sing, dance and be silly. He always strived to be inclusive and made it is his goal to have everyone smiling or belly laughing at some point in the day. Anderson loved laughter and jokes, as well his favorite books were the adventures of Captain Underpants and the Fairly Odd Parents Fairly Odd Jokes. He was a beautiful and compassionate boy with a zest for life, he would be the first one to hug you and tell you he loved you. If he missed hugging someone goodbye he would always run out of the house after them in hopes of ensuring a hug before they left. He loved to build, create and fish particularly with Grampie. Anderson’s beautiful, gentle and loving soul will be missed but not forgotten by all who knew him.  The Sturm Family are devastated by this tragic, sudden loss and wish to humbly  express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who have stopped by, called and connected with us to express their love and memories for Anderson. We cherish all these memories and are thankful for everyone of our friends and family during this unimagineable time.  We would also like to express our sincerest thanks to all first responders that came to our home and worked tirelessly to save Andersons life. We would also like to profusely thank all of the staff at the Chinook Regional Hospital Emergency Department for their drive to fight through the impossible odds, they left nothing out and did everything within their power to save our boy. From the bottom of our broken hearts we thank you.  We ask that in his memory you tell the people around you that you love them. Please laugh, love and enjoy every day and every moment in this journey on earth. Read a joke book or watch a funny show in his memory. Smile and laugh because that is what Anderson would want. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

WEISTRA

HARRY WEISTRA, beloved partner of Linda Couchman, of Barons, passed away at the Claresholm Health Centre, on August 27, 2020 at the age of 66 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

CHARLES THOMAS WILCOX

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved CHUCK WILCOX, on Tuesday, August 25, 2020.

He is the much loved son of Carol E. McCutcheon of Ontario, dear brother of Brian Wilcox and his wife Debby, David Wilcox of Ontario. He will also be missed by his nieces and nephew: Daniel Wilcox and his wife Cathryn of British Columbia and Amanda Wilcox of Ontario. He was predeceased by his father, Charles F. Wilcox.

Chuck was an accomplished author and part-time actor.

A private family service has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation (960 – 19 Street S, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 1W5) would be greatly appreciated by the family.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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