SATURDAY, September 19, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on September 19, 2020.

BIG HEAD

We, the family, are deeply saddened to announce the passing of BONNIE LISA BIG HEAD, the mother to Samantha Big Head and Megan Heavy Shields, on Sunday September 13th, 2020 in Calgary Alberta. The Wake Service will be held on Monday, September 21st at Floyd and Maxine Big Head’s residence from 3:00 – 10:00 pm. The Funeral Service will take place on Tuesday, September 22nd at Legacy Funeral Home Cardston at 11:00 am with a viewing beginning at 9:30 am prior to the service.

To WATCH the Service online or send condolences, please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

ELLA ERNA FROESE

October 12, 1927

– September 8, 2020

With a Peace that Passeth Understanding we would like to share with you that Ella Froese passed away the morning of Tuesday, September 8th in the Pincher Creek Health Centre.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2020 – 2:00 pm at the Springridge Mennonite Church under the joint pastoral leadership of Tany Warkentin, Harold Schilk and Jerry Buhler. The inurnment will follow at the Springridge cemetery. Our everlasting love to you, Ella.

If you wish to attend this service, please RSVP Tany Warkentin at 403-627-7329 due to limited capacity.

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

Elizabeth “Betty” Grintals

1936 – 2020

Elizabeth (Betty) Mina Grintals of Lethbridge, Alberta – beloved wife of the late (although usually on time) Guntars Grintals, passed away at Edith Cavell Care Centre in the early hours on Monday, September 14th, 2020. With her daughters Lisa McLellan and Erika Grintals by her side, she decided to skip out on their party and instead, join her husband on this 86th Birthday. She chose to make the final chapter in her life an epic tribute to the man she so dearly loved. A statement so simple, yet powerfully beautiful.

Born in Quebec on December 30th, 1936, Betty was raised by her father Ernest Pearce who immigrated to Canada from England, and her mother Ella Fritz-Pearce, whose roots stemmed from Romania. Spending her upbringing in McMasterville, QB, she learned to play the piano and sang in the local girls’ choir. This is where her love for animals and nature arose. From her first pet Queenie, a horse whose bond she cherished, to spare time jaunts along the Richelieu River exploring its beauty, her passion for the natural world blossomed.

It was at the Montreal General Hospital that Betty graduated from nursing and began a lifelong career in the healthcare field. A young adventurer at heart, she spent time in San Francisco and Europe, later returning to Quebec where she took a job as the nurse at the Montreal Girls Cottage School. Thanks to stars aligning during her time there, her eyes fell on Guntars, the school’s English teacher. A short time later the two were married and ventured out west together.

After 3 kids and 6 years spent working in various towns across northern Alberta, Nurse Betty’s family decided to settle down in Lethbridge, AB. Achieving her master’s degree in nursing she joined the team at Alberta Mental Health for the remainder of her career and was one of the proud founders of the Lethbridge AIDS Connection.

As a lifelong explorer she always loved the mountains and enjoyed backcountry drives to places unknown. Summer holidays were spent at the cabin in BC in either a boat, canoe, or kayak. She was an avid fisherwoman and bird watcher, and led daytrips involving mushroom hunting, berry picking, and searching for escaped cats and dogs. At home, her passions included cooking, gardening, photography, painting, knitting, and pressing the flowers she found on her outdoor adventures.

Feisty and stubborn, strong willed and opinionated, yet at times incredibly shy, Betty was a feminist and humanist before her time. She was also a loving mother, occasionally overwhelmed by the strong-willed, independent, free-spirited kids that emerged from her womb. And really, who could blame her for that?! We were more than a handful.

Rest in Peace Betty. Mom. Ma. Sweet Pea. You fought long and hard, and now it’s your time to chill with dad and Curtis. Although your girls are grieving down here, we hope the boys shenanigans and love give you the comfort and peace you so deserve.

If you would like to contribute to a cause in the memory of Betty, you can donate to the Canadian Cancer Society. Or an AIDS charity. Or any cause that helps humans, or animals, or nature.

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

Wayne Reid Hollander

September 11, 1942

– September 12, 2020

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our Husband, Father and Best Friend. Wayne is survived by his wife Irene, and children Reid (Joaquin) and Reid’s son Devon; Jody (Mike) and her children Alexis, Amy, Shelby and Joey. He is also survived by his two sisters Carole of Thunder Bay Ontario and Devra of Parkland County Alberta, as well as numerous nieces and nephews he loved dearly.

Wayne was born in Toronto, Ontario and lived in many provinces for the first 18 years of his life. He moved to Fort Macleod in the Fall of 1961 where he met “the most beautiful woman he had ever seen at the Post Office”. He was working for Wanderly Construction at the Shell Waterton Complex at that time. Irene and Wayne were married in June 1963, and they moved to Pincher Creek in Aug 1964 to the house that he lived in until he passed away. Wayne became a Full-time employee for Shell Canada in 1966. Reid was born later that year in October and Jody came 2 years after in 1968. Wayne worked for Shell at the Waterton Complex for the next 28 years and retired in 1993. After that he spent 17 years working and managing the Waterton Lakes Golf Course. He permanently retired in 2010 to spend more time with Irene, but still volunteered as a driver with Care Bears in Pincher Creek until 2018.

Wayne loved life. He loved his community, he loved to golf, he loved sports and he loved spending time in Waterton and Whitefish, Montana. More than anything he loved Irene and his children and grandchildren. His second love was Coaching. For over 54 years he coached numerous sports and impacted so many children. His first coaching gig was a Little League baseball team in the summer of 1966. We heard numerous stories about the games and travelling he did with those boys. From that moment he went on to coach hockey, baseball, bowling, fastball, slowpitch and basketball. His last day coaching was this past year in March just prior to COVID-the Grade 4, 5 and 6 team from Canyon Elementary School.

At this time, there is no planned service. We encourage anyone to share their memories with our family in writing and we will compile a book of memories that will be passed down for many generations. In lieu of flowers, Donations can be made to Canyon School Basketball Program (Box 1120 Pincher Creek AB, T0K 1W0 Attn Jessica Ames) OR to Friends of the Pincher Creek Library for Children’s Books.

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

LEVENNE

ROBERT DEWAYNE “WAYNE” LEVENNE beloved husband of Norma Levenne, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, September 9, 2020 at the age of 83 years.

Wayne will be missed by his wife Norma of 65 years, sons Scott (Dawn) and Ken (Linda); and daughter Perry-Lynn Sturtevant (Darris); nine grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his son Terry and his parents.

One of Wayne’s enjoyments in life was raising and riding horses, and the Stirling Ridge Riders Gymhkana Club.

A Family Memorial will be held at a later date.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

MATTHEW COLIN LOVE

Dec 22, 1972 – Aug 11, 2020

Matthew passed away suddenly in Germany. He will be lovingly remembered and missed by his mom, Carolyn Love- Leslie, and his brother and sister-in-law, Taylor and Rebecca Love. He was predeceased by his father, Harold Love (1980).

Matthew spent the last 25+ years living Germany, with the past 13 years spent in Trier, Germany. In addition to his friends and family in Canada, Matthew will be deeply missed by his dear friends at home in Trier (his German family):

• Akne & Ingo • Vero & Raimund

• Alex & Enrico • Olga & Malte

• Sabine & Roland • Alex & Wolli

• Maria & Jurgen • Viola & Hotti

• Monika & Jupp • Elvira

• Thomas

In lieu of flowers donations to the Heart and Stroke Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Donald “Don” Gilmore Mehlen

1933 – 2020

Mr. Don Mehlen passed away at Edith Cavell Care Centre on Wednesday, September 16, 2020, born on April 24, 1933 to Gilmore and Helen Mehlen.

Don lived and was educated in Nemiscan and Foremost, Alberta. Graduating from the Foremost High School in 1952. He then directed his ambitions to banking and later to excavating for many years. He met and married Mary in 1964 and together they raised their three sons on a farm south of Foremost.

Don will be remembered by his sons Dan (Drianne) Mehlen, Dale (Susan) Mehlen, Billy (Audie) Mehlen; grandchildren Brylee, Ashaya, Josh, Spencer, Easton, Britney (Levi), Bret (Sharlyn); great-grandchildren Adley and Gabriel; sister Vivian and family; as well as many cousins and friends who will keep his story alive.

Don was predeceased by his mother in 1983 and his father in 1989, as well as his brother Gary in 1995.

To the staff, doctors and nurses at Edith Cavell who serve the senior residents with love and dignity, especially in difficult circumstances; you are angels. Our most grateful appreciation and respect to all. Thank you to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels and their staff.

A Private Family Service for Don will be held at a later date, with burial in Foremost.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

PICKETT

DOROTHY ANN PICKETT, beloved wife of Don Pickett, passed away in her home, surrounded by family, on September 16, 2020 at the age of 88 years. She will be lovingly remembered and forever in our hearts.

We express our heartfelt appreciation for the services provided by our health-care system, and to the dedicated workers who supported the family.

A Private Service will be held for friends and family.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.salmonandsons.ca

George Piper

1931 – 2020

It is with sadness that the family of George Piper announce his passing on September 15, 2020 at the age of 89 years, at the Medicine Hat Hospital.

George was born on March 18, 1931 at the Galt Hospital in Lethbridge. He grew up on the family farm with his brother and sister, was home schooled one year, then attended Coulee Bank and Sunalta schools until the school districts were consolidated and then spent the rest of his schooling, where he excelled in mathematics and the sciences at Foremost School and graduated in 1951 with a High School Diploma.

He learned to play the violin with George Muza and also the accordion. He started farming in 1950 and retired in 1995. A special friendship developed with Doug Mueller and the Mueller family when together they purchased the Dr. Brit Hunt land and farmed together for many years.

He helped build many homes in Foremost (many with Ray Geldriech) and finally his own. A community minded man, he served on Village Council for 39 years, 15 years as Mayor and 12 years as Deputy Mayor. With his aptitude for mathematics the organizations became like a hobby for him and he faithfully and honestly kept financial records for many organizations for many years.

He was a faithful member of the Elks Lodge and served as secretary for five years and treasurer from 1970 to 1994 and served one term as District Deputy. When the Foremost Elks discontinued operation, he maintained his membership with the Bow Island Elks Lodge and continued as secretary-treasurer of the Sage Club from 1994 – 2018. He was treasurer of the Foremost Seed Cleaning Plant through its construction and from 1971 -1996. He served as treasurer for the Foremost Ag Society since 1988, the Foremost Civic Center Arena Committee since 1979 and the Cypress Hills P.C Association until recently. George loved his family and friends and enjoyed all the Piper family dinners, reunions and weddings. Many happy times were spent with Tony Kanig, Jim Hearn, Tony Voeller, John Wutzke, Frank Heck and Mel Boschee sometimes playing bridge and sometimes enjoying 83, just laughing and having a good time.

George is survived by his sister, Lyn Dillenbeck; brother, Douglas Piper; nephew, Rod (Simone) Piper; great-nieces, Lisa (Ryan) Kaupp, Johanna (John), Harty, Candace (Cody) Roome; great-nephews Brandon (Kayla) Piper and Austin (Aspen Larson) Piper; as well as great-great niece Sierra (Ted) Varley and great-great nephews Brady (Brittany Lavoie) Harty and Connor and Carson Roome.
 He was predeceased by his parents, John and Ruthea Piper; nephew, Kenneth Reynolds and Ken’s wife, Karen Voeller; brother in law, Bryan Dillenbeck and sister in law, Mildred Piper.

George loved his community and supported all the organizations that made Foremost such a special and unique community In lieu of flowers those who wish may make a donation to the Foremost Community Hall one of George’s favourite projects, or a charity of your choice.

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

RING

HILARY RING (nee Routledge) passed away peacefully at home with her husband, Len, at her side. She was predeceased by her parents, Joe & Marie Routledge and is survived by her sister Glynis Wood of Calgary, Len (her husband of 50 years), their sons Travis (Kayla) of Nanton and Scott (Kim) of Lakeside Montana. She was also the loving and caring grandmother to Mason, Kelsie, Charlise, and Quaid.

Hilary was born in Sunderland, England and home was Seaham Harbour, County of Durham a typical coal-mining town in northern England. Marie and Joe were both veterans of the RAF in WWII and Joe was an electrician in the mine. The stiff upper lip British mentality and the “Keep Calm and Carry On” attitude that Marie & Joe instilled in Hilary would come to serve her well during her life. In 1955 they emigrated to Canada, first Joe and shortly thereafter Marie and the 2 girls. Joe worked at the Palliser Hotel and the Chateau Lake Louise but then became postmaster at Lake Louise, where Hilary spent the majority of her childhood. In 1965 they moved to High River where Hilary met her husband to be. Hilary and Len were married in 1970 and moved to Lethbridge, later Taber. In 1973 they moved to Raymond where they raised their family, moving back to Lethbridge in 1996.

Hilary was an accomplished, seamstress, quilter, and needlepoint artist and many people have wonderful homemade treasures to remember her by. But her greatest gift to the world was being a devoted wife and mother and later grandmother to those in her family. For about 40 years she was a great hockey Mom to her 2 sons and grandson Mason, then transitioned to being a volleyball Mom to Kelsie and Charlise and a multi-sport baseball/soccer/basketball Mom to Quaid.

In 1981 Hilary was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease but her wonderful British heritage never let that limit her. She and Len loved to travel and she was able to return to England and Sicily to visit relatives and see her old original home as well as take a long-anticipated RV road trip to PEI and back. She was able to cross those 2 and “get a Mercedes SL” off her bucket list.

Hilary was a hero to many she knew and will be missed by all. The girls from Raymond supported her all these years and she developed many warm relationships with the staff at the Movement Disorders Clinic in Calgary and more recently, the Wednesday group at the Bridges day program in Lethbridge.

A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, on Tuesday, September 22nd at 11:00 A.M., with Wally & Alison Chinn officiating. Hilary will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, kindly RSVP your attendance to Cornerstone. Seating will be limited to 90 guests. Facemasks are mandatory and will be available upon entry.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Parkinson Association of Alberta, 120, 6835 Railway St SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2V6 or any other charity of your choice.

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

RUSSELL-PAKES

TODD ANTHONY RUSSELL-PAKES, beloved partner of Jacquie Henderson, passed away at South Health Campus in Calgary, on Monday, September 14, 2020 at the age of 51 years.

A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, September 24, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback officiating. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, kindly RSVP your attendance to Cornerstone. Seating will be limited to 90 guests. Facemasks are mandatory and will be available upon entry.

Following the service, Todd will be laid to rest in the Blood Band Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

VERLAECKT

TERESA KIMELA GAY VERLAECKT “KIM”, beloved wife of Jack Verlaeckt, passed away at Raymond Health Centre, on Thursday, September 17, 2020 at the age of 65 years.

Memorial arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com