THURSDAY, October 15, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on October 15, 2020.

CURLY RIDER

I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.

2 Tim 4:7

Curly Rider: MARTIN SR. CURLY RIDER went to be with his Lord and Savior Tuesday night, October 6th, 2020 at the Chinook Regional Hospital Lethbridge, Alberta surrounded by his loving family and friends. Born on April 5th, 1941 died October 6th 2020.

Martin Sr. died in faith and we know that when he saw heaven and met Jesus face to face it was just not an option to return to this earth. Martin Sr. was a wonderful husband, a great father, a grandpa, a great grandpa, a minister of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and faithful servant of the Lord. Martin Sr. is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Judy Mills Curly Rider and his children Marion (Casey) Three Suns, Martin Jr. (Crystal) Curly Rider, Wilton Curly Rider, Reynold Curly Rider, Joshua (Stephanie) Curly Rider, Amelia (Johnathon) Crying Head and step children Colin and Crystal Mills. He also raised Matana as his own. Matana was his and Judy’s little sidekick, she was raised like a little old lady- eating porridge at 6am and watching APTN on their non traveling days- their very own Kiipitaipoka. Grandchildren, Tracy, Tannis (Dominique), Caleb (Marcy), Sheridan, Winslow (Brooklynn), Waylon, Matthew (Kayla), Vishura, Madison, Matana, Silas, Branden (Harlee), Angel, Emily, Amaziah, Kirby Mills, Junior Mills, Cathy Mills, and Rochelle Mills. Great-Grandchildren- First Great Grandson John Jr, Kenyon, Luke, Nova, Lake, Late DeRozen, Chevy, Roziz, Taliyah, Paisley, Kylen, Kingston, Tiarah, Hannah, Little John, Chloe, Justice and Ryan in addition to all of Martin’s other Great Grandchildren . Traditional adopted Children Franklin (Annette) White Quills, Curt (Gayle) McDougall, Frank (Vivian) Keshane, Wesley Three Suns, Ricky Taylor, Stan (Rose) Hairy Bull, Doug (Laura) Iron Shirt, Ken Datema, Melvin Zephaniah Tsosie, Wayne (Valerie) Johnson, Sundance and Sunshine Brass; Siblings, Beatrice Hirsch, Jack Jr. Curly Rider, Steven Curly Rider, Bernadette Wolf Child, Lillian Curly Rider; aunties Francis Gros Ventre Boy and Rose Mary Gros Ventre Boy. Adopted Brother In Christ: The Nargo Brothers from the Navajo Nation (Alfred Nargo, Robert Nargo, Roger Nargo, Gene Nargo, Boots Wagner) Clarke Stevenson, Joe Bourque, Larry Weasel Head, Vincent Yellow Old Woman, Ray Black Plume, William Messenger and his best friend Stuart (Marion) Weasel Moccasin. Special Christian Families the Late Leland and Ella DeWater and family from Spokane, Washington, Bernard Hoss (Joanne) Jack from Saskatchewan, Jim Felix Saskatchewan, Papa John Vaughn from Spokane, Washington; Eugene Satterwhite from Tacoma, Washington; American Horse Family from North Dakota; the Baca family from Alamo, New Mexico; In-laws Judy’s brothers William, David and Alex Mills, Sister Faye Mills.

At the time of his passing, Martin Sr. ministered the Word of God among the First Nation people in Canada and United States and fulfilling the role of a Spiritual father to many.

Dad also owned a Gospel Tent where he brought his tent with his family to Crow Agency, Lapwai Idaho, Carrier (Tachet) First Nation in BC and surrounding area.

One of his ministries as he went out to the gospel, he brought his young son to sing and preach Josh in the gospel field also earlier life dad attended St Mary’s Residential School and survived the atrocities that our people experienced as survivor. He went home from school and never returned back as his Father Jack Sr. kept him home. In his younger day’s dad was a hockey player and his position was a center and forward. He played with the Big Corners and also played in the B Side All Native Tournament and his son Martin Jr had a privileged to play also on Ice with the team the Lavern Red Wings in 1993-1996.

Dad was very supportive and proud of all his children and grandchildren in sports such as Hockey, Fastball, Basketball but the greatest was seeing them serving our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as he raised them in the Christian Value and instilling them and rooting them in the Gospel.

Dad was also a Farmer in his younger days he loved seeding and cropping with his brothers and uncles and in the Gospel, he was also a sower preaching the Salvation of Jesus Christ.

Dad also worked for local farmers such as Wallace Archibald, Henninger, Forest Bevans where he also had the privilege to work with his Son-In-Law Casey in the Field.

He was employed with the Blood Tribe Public Works for many years and we as the family would like to thank you for your support. Dad was also a carpenter and he worked for housing contract and with his skills he helped in the Navajo Nation build two churches on his gospel trip one in Sweetwater Arizona and Alamo New Mexico. Dad was a jack of all trades one of his hobbies he enjoyed doing leather work and he enjoyed reading his favourite was his Bible that gave dad comfort and brought him through his journey of his trials.

Dad enjoyed family gathering and events, he supported his nieces and nephews in every way he could help out. Dad loved his siblings and he tried to be with them also.

This world has lost a great man, but heaven is rejoicing with dad as he dances on the streets of glory with the lover of his soul Jesus Christ.

Dad loved all his children and grandchildren he spoiled them and always made sure they had everything that they needed. Dad was very heart broken when he lost his baby girl Joanne Curly Rider in 2016 and his great grandson DeRozen in 2018.

Dad we love you and we thank you for planting the seed of the Gospel as you trained us and also instilling us to work hard and to go for our education but to always put God first and pray and have faith.

Martin was predeceased by his first wife Emily (Morning Owl) Curly Rider in 1989, Dad Jack Sr. Curly Rider 1994, Mother Maggie (Chief Moon) Curly Rider 2007. His siblings Andrew Curly Rider, Theresa Eagle Plume, Pauline Curly Rider, Molly Curly Rider. His Brother- in-laws, Patrick Eagle Plume, Leo Wolf Child, Winston Bird, Dan Hirsch, Roderick Shot Both Sides and Sister-in-laws Josephine Curly Rider and Clara Day Rider. Uncles Dan Chief Moon, Victor Chief Moon, Harold Chief Moon, Horace Chief Moon, Alec Crying Head, Donald Gros Ventre Boy and Aunties Minnie Chief Moon and Ruth Many Grey Horses; Leslie Mills, BJ Mills, Kurtsey Mills; great Uncle Pete Many Fingers; Pete Beattie Gros Ventre Boy; Cecilia Gros Ventre Boy, and Dora First Charger.

Well done my faithful servant Matthew 25:21

The family apologies if we have missed anybody as Martin Sr, had a lot of Family and Friends.

A Wake Service will be held at New Life Fellowship Church in Little Chicago, Blood Reserve, AB on Friday, October 16th, from 6:00 pm. continuing all night.

The Funeral Service will be held at New Life Fellowship Church in Little Chicago, Blood Reserve, AB on Saturday, October 17th, 2020 at 11:00 am. Interment in the Pioneer Cemetery.

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

DE RAAF

Nov. 27, 1932 – Oct. 13, 2020

Psalm 118:24 – “This is the day that the Lord has made”

MARTIN DE RAAF, beloved husband of Hennie De Raaf (née Tessemaker), passed away at Fairmont Extendicare on Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at the age of 87 years.

Besides his loving wife of 57 years, he is survived by his four children: Mike (Jenny), Jodi (Mike), Kari and Sharon; seven grandchildren: Marnie (Jeff), Deric (Whitney) and Jesse (Emma) Koop, Riley and Joshua De Raaf and Ashlynn and Kale Gitzel. as well as three sisters in the Netherlands.

Martin was born in Naaldwijk, NL, on November 27, 1932. He immigrated to Canada in 1951 at the age of 18. In 1962, he married Hennie Tessemaker and together were blessed with four children. During their time in Brooks, he and Hennie owned and operated BRK Equipment Rentals. In 1995, they sold the Brooks business and retired to Lethbridge. After retirement, Martin and Hennie were able to volunteer with Disaster Relief work for 11 years. He also volunteered at Interfaith Food Bank and Lethbridge Soup Kitchen. He was a member of the Lethbridge Christian Men’s Choir for many years and he loved to sing! Martin’s faith in his Lord and Saviour was especially important to him, and he was an active member of Maranatha CRC.

The family would like to thank Dr. Garden, Janelle from Lethbridge Home Care and the caring staff at Fairmont Extendicare.

A Viewing will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at 10:00 AM, with a service at 11:00 AM with Pastor Paul Van Stralen officiating. Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, kindly RSVP your attendance to Cornerstone at 403-381-7777 or care@cornerstonefh.ca. Seating will be limited to 90 guests. Facemasks are mandatory and will be available upon entry.

For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Martin’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

In memory of Martin, donations may be made to Interfaith Food Bank (1103 – 3 Avenue N, Lethbridge, AB, T1H 0H7).

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

HANSEN

It is with great sadness, but also with an abundance of love, admiration and celebration that we say goodbye to our husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, VERNON GILBERT HANSEN. Vern passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2020, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. He fought this battle with strength and determination and now he may be at peace.

Vern was born November 12, 1947 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. His true fortune in life was meeting the love of his life, Sharan in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Vern proposed to, and married Sharan in 1968 and the ambitious couple left their families and moved to Calgary, Alberta to open the very first McDonald’s franchise in Alberta. Vernon and Sharan then travelled southward and opened the first McDonald franchise in Lethbridge in 1977 on Mayor Magrath Drive South. Vern loved his life as an entrepreneur and created opportunity for many within our community who will remember their times working for Vern with respect and fondness. Later in life, Vern changed careers and was a true craftsman in selling life, health and investment opportunities as an insurance broker.

Vern and Sharan were blessed with three amazing children: Alan, Trisha and Jason. For everyone that ever encountered the Hansen family, it was a blessing to meet a family that was so welcoming and embracing. To be a part of the Hansen family connection with Vern was an absolute treat and entertaining experience. Vern’s passion was his children and his family. As we all know, sports was also a big part of his life. Not only was he an avid football fan, he also supported the Lethbridge Amateur Wrestling Club for over 35 years as well as the Lethbridge Rugby Club. Vern was a generous and fun loving man. A quick wit and an understanding of all human kind, he exemplified the characteristics of being a truly extraordinary person and someone that everyone could call themselves blessed for having known.

Vern and Sharan are the very proud grandparents to Nathaniel and Isabelle. Grandpa and Grandma are the most rewarding titles that meant the world to Vern.

Vern is survived by his loving wife Sharan, his sisters Marie (Tom) Bjerke of Minnesota and Cheryl Best of Florida, his sisters-in-law Susan (Bill) Nice of Texas and Sandra Knochenmus of Wyoming, as well as his three children: eldest son Alan, daughter Trisha (Tony) Vanden Heuvel, youngest son Jason (Sabrina) and his grandchildren Nathaniel and Isabelle as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins located all over the US.

Vern was pre deceased by his father Vernon, mother Betty, grandson Samuel and his brother-in-law, Earl Best.

The family would like to thank all of the medical healthcare professionals that were instrumental in Vern’s care, especially Dr. Aaron Coma of Family Medical Centre and Jennifer at St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit.

Due to the current COVID-19 situation, the family will be having a private service at this time, as most of the remaining family is in the United States.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests anyone wishing to acknowledge the life of Vernon Hansen can kindly make a donation to the St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit (1400 – 9 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4V5).

Go Vikings, SKOL!

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

Shirley Johnston

1941 – 2020

Mrs. Shirley Diane Johnston of Milk River, beloved wife of the late Mr. Charles Johnston, passed away with her loving family by her side at the Milk River Health Centre, on Friday, October 9, 2020, at the age of 79 years.

Shirley is survived by 3 daughters, Agnes (Russell) Dobrocane of Milk River, Irene (Roy) Marceniuk of Bonnyville, Betty (Jason Childs) Graham of Medicine Hat; 1 son, Robert (Linda) Johnston of Milk River; grandchildren, C.J. and Kristin Dobrocane, Kayla and Kurtis Marceniuk, Mathew and Hayley (David) Graham, Dayton Johnston, and Brooke (Brian) Ferguson; sisters, Betty (Mike) Owens and Joanne (Morris) Sosick.

Besides her loving husband Charles, Shirley was predeceased by her parents, John and Agnes Popel and brother Jonnie Popel.

Shirley was the eldest daughter born to John and Agnes Popel. She attended school from grades 1-6 in Winnifred and grades 7-12 at Gershaw High School in Bow Island. She went on to graduate from Nursing Aide School in Calgary, and then worked in Claresholm and Taber before moving to Milk River to work at Border Countries General Hospital. There she met the love of her life, Charles Johnston. After getting married, Shirley dedicated her time to being a full-time mother and housewife.

Some of Shirley’s simple pleasures were working on the farm, gardening, cooking, baking and Scrabble. She enjoyed attending school events for her children and grandchildren, such as school plays, sporting events, theatre and many others. In her spare time, Shirley loved to sew, read, knit, bowl, have coffee with friends and neighbors, and complete any puzzle she could find.

A private family service will be held at 10:00 am, on Friday, October 16, 2020.

Those who wish may watch the livestream at: https://www.fhwebsites .org/ymb/obituary/Shirley-Johnston. Please note: the livestream link will be available on the Martin Brothers website below Shirley’s obituary at 9:45 am.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish may make a donation to the Prairie Rose Lodge 117 3 Ave NW, Milk River, AB T0K 1M0 or the Milk River Tree of Hope, c/o Milk River Health Centre, 517 Centre Ave NE, Milk River, AB T0K 1M0.

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

Carol Knox

1943 – 2020

Mrs. Carol Marie KNOX (Losey/Wilson) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Paul Knox, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2020 at Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 76. In keeping with her lifelong devotion to family and her caring and compassionate nature, Carol was able to stay with us long enough to give her family a chance to say goodbye.

Carol is survived by her mother Bernice Losey; her children Michele Wilson (Mike Rowland), Todd (Janice) Wilson, Dean Wilson; grandchildren Blaine and Courtney; siblings Donna Karl (Lorne Coyle), Gail (Roy) Hummel, Alan (Diane) Losey, Alyce Miller, Keith (Peggy) Losey, and Lyle Losey (Lois), along with a large extended family.

Carol was pre-deceased by her second husband Paul Knox; father Richard Losey; brother-in-law Greg Miller and her nephew Brad Karl. Her family will remember her as a spunky, happy, social, classy lady.

Carol was born in Lethbridge, AB and raised on the family farm in the Lucky Strike area. She attended Masinasin School and graduated from Erle Rivers High School in Milk River. She married her high school sweetheart Gary Wilson and together they raised their 3 children.

After raising her children, Carol went to business school and embarked on a long, successful career as an office manager and grain buyer. She was on a first name basis with almost every farmer in and around the Lethbridge area. She always found the time to stop and chat and was genuinely interested in their lives.

Carol married Paul Knox in 1989 where she also gained a stepson, Ian Knox. Although Carol and Paul only had 7 short years together before Paul passed away, it was a time of pure wedded bliss.

Carol’s devotion to her family was immeasurable. She loved large family gatherings and rarely backed down from an invitation to any social event. Carol opened her door to anybody who needed it. Her spare room was often occupied by a niece, nephew or grandchild who were more than willing to accept her generosity, home cooking and cheap rent.

When she became a grandma, she immersed herself in the lives of Blaine and Courtney by attending every Christmas concert, awards ceremony, volleyball, hockey and baseball game she could. Grandma may have thought she was the lucky one who was blessed with living so close to her grandkids when in fact the kids know, they were the lucky ones. Their fondest memories are weekends spent in her company.

After semi-retiring Carol chose to pursue another path and became a licensed realtor in the Lethbridge area for a few years before finally retiring for good at the age of 65. Carol loved a good party and had an attitude of the more the merrier. So, to celebrate retirement she decided to spend her entire first pension cheque (maybe more like several pension cheques) on a grand party for herself.

Carol was also a globetrotter. In fact, she travelled so much we had trouble coming up with an all-inclusive list. Some of the highlights were trips to Europe, Disneyland, South Africa, Hawaii, Mexico, the 2010 Winter Olympics, South Carolina, Australia, and a wild car trip from Corpus Christie, TX to Lethbridge.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Memory Care Unit of St. Therese for their wonderful care of Carol as her health declined in recent years.

Thanksgiving is a time to reflect on all the blessings of our lives. There is nothing we are more grateful for than to have shared in her life’s journey. Love you forever and ever.

Due to the recent restrictions, a private family (invite only) service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, October 17, 2020 with Reverend Trevor Potter, officiating.

The family invites you to watch the service via live stream at 11:00 am, on Saturday, October 17, 2020 on the Martin Brothers website https://www.fh websites.org/ymb/obituary/Carol-Knox. PLEASE NOTE: the link to watch the live service will be available at 10:45 am below Carol’s obituary.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Carol’s name to the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta, Lethbridge Chapter, 1202 2 Ave S #40, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0E3.

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

OLIVER DANIEL MCMAHON

(1948 – 2020)

Oliver Daniel McMahon passed away on Monday, October 5, 2020, at Fort Macleod. He was a loving, gentle soul who adored his family and cherished the joy and laughter that they gave to him. He was 72 years.

On Saturday, October 17, 2020, a Prayer Service will be held at 6:00 pm at Snodgrass Funeral Chapel, Pincher Creek. Immediately following Prayers, a two-day Wake will begin there until 11:00 pm and will continue on Sunday, October 18, from noon to 10:00 pm at the Chapel.

The Funeral Service will take place on Monday, October 19, at 1:00 pm with Doug Iron Shirt officiating, followed by the interment at Piikani Nation Cemetery, Brocket.

Gathering restrictions of no more than 50 persons at an inside event is still in effect.

To email condolences:

http://www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

Snodgrass Funeral Homes

(Pincher Creek) assisting the McMahon/Black Face/Young Pine families

with Funeral Arrangements

(403) 627-4864.

Kyomi Dawn Sakamoto

1956 – 2020

Kiyomi Dawn Sakamoto, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Lyal Sakamoto, passed away on October 10th, 2020 at the age of 64.

Dawn is survived by many loving family members: her husband, Lyal; her mother, Akiko Kobayakawa; 3 daughters, Karyn Ormston (Kyle), Jessica Sakamoto, and Lisa Sakamoto Hakkarainen (Jessy); 5 grandchildren, Sierra, Peyton, Callie, and Noah Ormston, and Hadley Hakkarainen; brother, Scott Kobayakawa (Kim); and niece, Rachel Kobayakawa.

Dawn is predeceased by her father, Takao Kobayakawa; and granddaughter, Hailey Ormston.

Dawn was born in Montreal, Quebec on August 17th, 1956, to Takao and Akiko Kobayakawa. In 1970, she moved with her family to Richmond, British Columbia. Dawn graduated high school from McNair Secondary, in Richmond, in 1974. She moved to Calgary in 1981, before settling in Lethbridge in 1984. Lyal and Dawn were married at McKillop Church on April 26th, 1986. Together, they raised their 3 daughters: Karyn, Jessica, and Lisa. Dawn loved being a grandmother to her 6 grandchildren: Sierra, Hailey, Peyton, Callie, Noah, and Hadley.

Dawn enjoyed traveling with her family and friends. Her favourite vacation spots include Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Hawaii. Throughout their marriage, Lyal and Dawn participated in numerous collector car tours which resulted in many cross-country road trips. Dawn loved spending her time doing cross stitch, scrapbooking, sewing, and most of all quilting. She enjoyed making quilts for her loved ones for special occasions. Dawn took pride in teaching her granddaughters how to sew and make their own quilts. Dawn enjoyed participating in paint nights and crafting events with her close friends. She was also a lover of country music and frequented many concerts across North America. Dawn found pleasure in cooking and baking for her family and was always excited to try a new recipe. When at home, Dawn loved the company of their family dogs: Apollo, Maui, and Bailey. Dawn will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 6:00 pm and 8:00 pm on Thursday, October 15th, 2020, at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Due to the restrictions in place from the Chief Medical Officer of Health – Funeral Services are now limited to 100 attendees. Including family and Funeral Home Staff.

Due to COVID-19, a private memorial service will be held on Friday, October 16th, 2020. The family invite you to watch the service via livestream by visiting YouTube.ca and searching Southern Alberta Buddhist Temple.

Flowers and koden are gratefully declined. In lieu, memorial donations may be made to the Interfaith Food Bank Society of Lethbridge (1103 3 Avenue North, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1H 0H7) or the Lethbridge & District Japanese Garden Society (P.O. Box 751, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 3Z6).

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

Pastor Dr. George Takashima

1934 – 2020

Pastor Dr. George Takashima, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Peggy Takashima, passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Wednesday, October 14, 2020 at the age of 86 years.

Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

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

WEST

AUDREY JOANNE WEST, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother and dear friend was born in 1932 at Stirling, Alberta. She has been a resident of Southern Alberta throughout her life, moving from Stirling to Raymond as a child and finally to Lethbridge in 1966.

Audrey is survived by her children; Dixy Lee (Tofy), Kathleen (Eric), Brian (Lynn), and Michael; grandchildren, Troy, Lailee, Shawn, Clay, Jessica, Curtis, Elias, Natasha and Scott; and great grandchildren, Sidney, Bjorn, Cole, Ethan and Spencer.

Audrey was predeceased by her parents, Gladys and Frank Liddle, her husband, Larry West and her brother Dallas Liddle.

She was a homemaker focusing on taking care of her family and friends. She was an avid quilter and knitter, making many beautiful quilts and knitted toques, scarves and sweaters. Her family members were the lucky recipients and are still enjoying their gifts. In her later years she knitted many squares for quilts for the needy and most recently baby toques for the hospital.

Audrey was a people person who loved to socialize and was a friend to many. She had an optimism that was unbounded and was always able to see the good in others.

Audrey was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and held many different positions in the church over the years. She participated in charitable works and was always available to help those in need.

Graveside Service and Dedication will take place at the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond Alberta, at 2pm on Saturday, October 17, 2020.

“Its so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone”

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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