By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on October 28, 2020.
Rita Rachel Cemulini
1923 – 2020
Ms. Rita Rachel Cemulini of Lethbridge, passed away at Fairmont Extendicare, on Monday, October 26, 2020, at the age of 97 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
CRYING HEAD
ROMAN ROBERTO CRYING HEAD, passed away in Lethbridge, AB on October 15th, 2020 at the age of 30 years. The Wake Service will be held on Thursday, October 29th at the Tanner Seniors’ Center (260 1st St W, Cardston) from 7:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, October 30th at 11:00 am. Interment in Pioneer Cemetery.
To send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
ELLERT
PHILIP ELLERT, of Milk River, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Milk River Health Centre on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at the age of 71 years.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 11:30 AM with Father Salvador Ahumada celebrating.
Both events will be livestreamed and can be viewed via Philip’s obituary on Cornerstone’s website.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Beth Fogal
1920 – 2020
Mrs. Beth Kitty Fogal of Lethbridge, beloved mother of Sandra Pearn, Karol Greysen and Linda Witbeck, passed away on Saturday, October 24, 2020.
Beth was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on May 29, 1920 to Robert and Kitty Kilke. She celebrated her 100th birthday this year.
Beth and her husband Ralph were both figure skaters and started the first figure skating club in Lethbridge. She also taught in many places in Southern Alberta, and put on spectacular carnivals.
Beth is survived by her 3 daughters Sandra, Karol and Linda; 5 grandchildren, Kelly and Rick Pearn, Jessie Carpenter, Kristi Bates, and Kari Piña, and 8 great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Ralph.
She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
CHARLOTTE KNAPEK
Our hearts are heavy after the passing of our Mom, grandmother great grandmother, and sister Charlotte Marie Knapek October 7, 2020. She was born July 2, 1935 in Claresholm, Alberta.
Charlotte was predeceased by her husband of 25 years, Tony Knapek and partner of 15 years, Ed Collette of Texas. Over the last nine months Charlotte had been living with her son and daughter in law Dean and Debie or daughter Charlene and son in law Terry. After several weeks in the Claresholm Hospital she returned once again to Charlene and Terry’s home. It was here that she passed away peacefully in the arms of Charlene, her daughter Jamie, and son Christopher (Charlotte’s new and first great grandchild) October 7, 2020.
She will be lovingly remembered by her son, Dean (Debie) Knapek, daughter Charlene (Terry) Knapek Owen, three grandchildren, David Knapek, Jamie (Dave) Owen Gleeson, Alexandra Owen (Logan) and one great grandchild, Christopher Gleeson, and by her sister Frances Massie, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members.
Charlotte spent her entire life in the communities of Granum, Claresholm, Fort Macleod, where she was actively involved in farm life, raising children, and a long list of community activities. Charlotte had a strong work ethic in everything she took on. Cheering from the sidelines, Charlotte enjoyed many of the grandkids school and extracurricular activities whenever possible, and birthdays were not to be missed. Charlotte’s family meant the world to her. She fostered a strong connection to the beauty of nature and enjoyed many sunsets, sunrises, mountain vistas visually or with photographs. Equally she loved the song of most birds and became somewhat of an armchair ornithologist.
We are eternally grateful that she resided with all of us over the past year and shall miss her dearly. A private family gathering will be held November 7, 2020. A Celebration of Life for extended family and friends will take place spring 2021 in Claresholm. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made to Claresholm and District Health Foundation. 1-403-682-3739 Box 2368, Claresholm Alberta, T0L 0T0. tara.bishoff@ahs.ca
Condolences may be made at http://www.zentnerfuneralhomes.com
1-844-ZENTNER
MORTON
Frederick Earl
January 31, 1919 – Calgary
October 19, 2020 – High River
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fred Morton at the age of 101. Fred was predeceased by his wife Ruth, grandson Randy Law, son- in- law Neil Lamond, brothers Don, Jack and sisters Iva and Jean. Fred is survived by his daughters Janice (Barney), Paddy, son Jim (Linda), brother Bob, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great- great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Fred’s quiet, informative, joking personality will be missed by all that knew him. The family would like to thank Dr. Jensen of High River and the amazing staff at Season’s High River Care Facility. As per Fred’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the High River Legion Branch 71, 28 8 Ave SE, High River AB T1V 1E8.
To express condolences please visit
http://www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements in care of
Snodgrass Funeral Homes Ltd. (High River) 403 652 2222.
MORTON
Frederick Earl
January 31, 1919 – Calgary
October 19, 2020 – High River
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Fred Morton at the age of 101. Fred was predeceased by his wife Ruth, grandson Randy Law, son- in- law Neil Lamond, brothers Don, Jack and sisters Iva and Jean. Fred is survived by his daughters Janice (Barney), Paddy, son Jim (Linda), brother Bob, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great- great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Fred’s quiet, informative, joking personality will be missed by all that knew him. The family would like to thank Dr. Jensen of High River and the amazing staff at Season’s High River Care Facility. As per Fred’s request, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the High River Legion Branch 71, 28 8 Ave SE, High River AB T1V 1E8.
To express condolences please visit
http://www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements in care of
Snodgrass Funeral Homes Ltd. (High River) 403 652 2222.
KEVIN ROSS OSBERG
Oct. 16, 1966 – Oct. 24, 2020
We are sad to announce the passing of Kevin in Port Alberni, B.C. A memorial will be held at a later date.
RED CROW
Jan. 19, 1943 – Oct. 24, 2020
We are sad to announce the passing of our beloved PATRICIA RED CROW, beloved wife of Ben Red Crow, at Good Samaritans Lee Crest, on Saturday, October 24, 2020, having lived a full life to the age of 77 years.
Besides her loving husband, She is the loving mother of Kurt (Cheryl), Tom (Marcella), Joe, Benita (Melvin), Miranda (Richard), and Cindy. She has 35 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren. She is survived by aunties, Harriette Wells and Beauty Wells; brother-in-law Alex (Jack) Red Crow, nephews, Mervin and Lloyd MacDonald as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She is predeceased by her parents, Patrick and Irene Round Nose; sisters, Marjorie MacDonald, Mildred Wilson, Rosaline Spear Chief and Stella Morin; Her brothers, Anthony Wells and Woodrow Wells; nephews, Alden (Booboo) MacDonald and Alvin (Fendo) MacDonald; special relative Suzie Eagle Bear; and grandchildren, Curtis Lee Red Crow, Baby Robert, Kristen Weasel Moccasin, and Terrelle Minde.
As a young child, she met her best friend in kindergarten, while they were both youth members of the St. Mary’s Residential School. Their friendship would flourish to a love story like no other, as this friend would later become her lover, then husband, Ben Red Crow. They were married in December 1964, with only a small amount of people in attendance. Patricia and Ben were focused on their love for each other, as they were only wanting a marriage and a family. Ben and Patricia were devoted Christians, who prayed with love to protect everyone they love.
Patricia attended Lethbridge Community College, then later the University of Lethbridge. Her education would lead her to work as a social worker at the Blood Tribe Social Development. During this time, she would become the Blood Reserve Volleyball Champ. Later, she and Ben became Free-throw champions on the Blood Reserve, the same year.
She then decided to retire early, as she and Ben were to focus on having a family. It is in Patricia’s nature to be a mother, because she is filled with so much love and wisdom to give. She and Ben would be parents to six wonderful children. All six children are so proud to call her mom, as she was proud to be their mom. She was their number one supporter in all their athletic endeavors.
As her children grew into adults, they would soon have their own children, making Patricia a grandmother. She was proud of every single grandchild, making them feel special in their own unique way. She never missed an accomplishment her grandchildren succeeded in, whether it was an athletic achievement, numerous awards, championship titles or graduations; she was present. She encouraged everyone to be humble, kind, loving and to be successful as you can in life. Even through her illness she still encouraged her grandchildren to pursue their athletic and academic goals.
Ben and Patricia were known for their avid hand games participation throughout the hand game trail.
Patricia was amazing in every possible way. She has an amazing sense of style. Her heart is the kindest one anyone could ever meet. She welcomed everyone into her home and into her heart. She could make you laugh with her optimistic sense of humour. Most importantly she is humble beyond words.
She is missed dearly by everyone, especially her children, grandchildren and great-children.
A Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. officiating.
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.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
John “Jack” Rice
1931 – 2020
Mr. John “Jack” Rice of Lethbridge passed away suddenly on Saturday, October 24, 2020 at the age of 89 years.
Jack is survived by his son Greg (Debi); daughter Thurza (Valentino) and many stepchildren and their families. He is also survived by grandchildren Jeanette, Justine, Nick and several step grandchildren and their families.
He was predeceased by his wives Eva May (2005) and Gerdie Greene (2015).
A large debt of gratitude goes out to his dedicated daughter Thurza for her years of being the principle caregiver to her father.
A private Memorial Service will be held on Friday, October 30, 2020 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL.
Due to restrictions surrounding COVID 19, the family requests that those attending follow the proper social distancing protocol.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
THOMSON
COLIN ARGYLE THOMSON, retired University of Lethbridge Professor, author, beloved husband of Eleanor Mae Thomson, passed away peacefully at St Michael’s palliative care Health Centre on October 20th, 2020 at the age of 88.
The Family are planning a celebration of life to be held in the Spring of 2021. In lieu of flowers the family requests that a donation be made to the University of Lethbridge SOS Graduate Scholarship fund (https://www.uleth.ca/giving/ supporting-our-students).
To send a condolence, please
visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
TOKAI
DEREK LESLIE TOKAI, beloved son of Ron & Richelle and loving brother of Jeff & Logan, passed away suddenly on Sunday, October 18, 2020 at the age of 25.
A Private Service will be held on Wednesday, October 28, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. The service will be live streamed and may be accessed via Derek’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
WHITE MAN LEFT
Innoowas’si – Long Mane
April 5, 1981 – October 21, 2020
JIM LEE WHITE MAN LEFT, beloved husband of Tobi White Man Left, of Lethbridge, passed peacefully away at the Chinook Regional Hospital surrounded by family, on Wednesday, October 21, 2020 at the age of 39 years.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Tobi White Man Left, loving mother Florine White Man Left, daughters Illiana Many Wounds-Twigg, Amy Black Forehead, Katelyn White Man Left, and Spencer Creighton; sons Blake Black Forehead, Bernard White Man Left III, Quincy Sun and Owen Many Fingers; spiritual parents Godfrey and Velma Red Crow; godmother Lucy Russell; brothers Bernard ‘Billy-Joe’ (Elana) White Man Left Jr., Garrett (Tara) Sun, Kendall (Sherilyn) Sun and Daniel (Bobbi) White Man Left; sisters Michelle White Man Left and Cheryl (Lewis) Beebe; nieces Deidre, Sherie (Aubrey), Cecile (Sam) and Sienna; nephews Lewis Beebe Jr and Kendall Sun Jr.; great-nephew Payton White Man Left; great-niece Baby Bernice; godchildren Kendall sun Jr. Myles Morning Bird, Keira Scout; best friends/brothers & sisters Russell (Candace) Wells, Johnny Bare Shin Bone, Joe Day Chief, Robbie (Roland) Rabbit, Juanita Tallman; aunts Victoria Calf Robe, Jeanette (Brian) Stevens, Cecilia (Norbert) Blackwater, Veronica Eagle Bear, Theresa (Ron) Healy, Natalie (Gordon) Morning Bird, Frankie (Wilbur) Yellow Old Woman and Barbara Scout; and uncles Joseph (Joan) White Man Left, Patrick Eagle Bear and Joe Stan Eagle Bear, and Roland Cotton.
Jim was predeceased by his father Bernard White Man Left Sr.; paternal grandparents Joe and Mary White Man Left; maternal grandparents Billy and Margaret Eagle Bear; great-grandparents Jack and Agnes Eagle Bear, Charlie and Muka Calling First and Suzie Eagle Bear; nephew/godson Baby Jim Peyton Beebe; uncles Alphonse, Pete, Adrian, Clarence and Ralph White Man Left, Anthony and Billy-James Eagle Bear; godfather/uncle Camille Russell; aunties Mary Standing Alone, Rosie White Man Left, Louise (Herman) Medicine Crane, Kristine White Man Left, Lavern and Mary Eagle Bear.
At the age of three, Jim’s parents joined the Horn Society. It was then that Jim learned the importance of respect and prayer. Jim formed a very special bond with the new member of the family, the Bundle. He spent countless hours in mom and dad’s room visiting with the Bundle. They must have had some good conversation as you can hear Jim talking and laughing from the other room. The bond they shared was unbreakable.
When it came time for the bundle to go with his new parents Jim was very lonely. At the age of 17, Jims Auntie/Mama Natalie and Gordon joined the Horn Society. He proudly accepted the opportunity to help Natalie and Gordon at the Sundance every year. This opportunity encouraged him to join the Horn Society at the age of 21. His thirst for knowledge and experience brought him deep into the life of spirituality. At a very young age Jim gained so much experience as a Horn Society Member, his knowledge was greater than anyone expected. Mom would say Jim went further in this life than his parents. Mom would call on Jim for answers when she didn’t have them. Jim was the baby of the family, but when he joined the Horn Society he became the patriarch of the family. Jim was always just a phone call away when his family and friends need prayers or brothers needed a hand building a sweat.
It was very rare that Jim would say no, but it would be only because he had other spiritual commitments to attend. During his time in the Horn Society he joined the Brave Dog Society a transfer he got from his sister Michelle. He had the opportunity to carry the rattle that Dad and his cousin Bernice carried. He proudly carried that role as well and gained even more knowledge. At a very young age Jim was a role model for his family. He wanted everyone to experience what he had experienced. He transferred the rattle to big brother Kendall and Daughter Katelyn. He was so proud to take this role on. You can see the happiness and was proud when family followed suit. Jim was extremely proud of his big brother Garrett and sister Tara when they took the lead role in the Mourning Dove Society. Even more proud at his boys Blake, Quincy, baby Joe, nieces Deidre and Cecile and cousins for becoming members as well. Jim had a great sense of humour and an infectious smile and laugh. It made him happy when his family all came together at the big camp (Sundance) every year. When Jim transferred out of the Horn Society he became an elder for the Mourning Dove Society a role that he took very serious and enjoyed. Jim encouraged big sister Cheryl and brother-in-law Lewis to live this life as well. He was so happy when he found out they had accepted and was with them every step of the way encouraging them sharing knowledge and guiding them.
Jim left some big mocc’s to fill and is a huge loss to family, friends and spiritual family. As a Horn Society Member Jim was not done learning as he then accepted a role along with Joe and Christy Day Chief as a Thunder Pipe Holder. This role gave him more knowledge in his life of ceremony and prayer. Jim was also a carrier of a Buffalo Rock that was transferred to him by his spiritual father Godfrey Red Crow. Jim’s spiritual father transferred a head dress to Jim and of course never left his children behind as his nephew/son Blake Black Forehead also received one at the age of five. Mom Florine always reminded him of all his spiritual achievements. Jim was never one to boast or wear his spiritual life. Jim was truly a humble person.
Jim received his education at Standoff Elementary School, then continuing at St. Mary’s High School. He also took the youth work experience program with BTEST. Jim also took a special needs program with Red Crow College.
Jim worked with Blood Tribe Recreation as Maintenance, Kainai Children Services as a mentor for Kainai Youth Council and a teacher’s assistant at Saipoyi and Middle School. This is where he gained experience with special needs children, a role that he loved. He worked with the Ag Society at the Agriplex, Blood Band Ranch. His current job was with Kevin and Doug Many Grey Horses as a labourer.
Jim volunteered his time with youth, coaching baseball and hockey. You often saw Jim at the Sundance with young boys, encouraging them, offering spiritual guidance, teaching our way of life and having them attend sweats.
His hobbies include golfing with his beloved wife Tobi and sister Michelle, hiking, hanging out with all his kids, taking walks, sliding, swimming, camping, working out, and hunting with his brother Kendall. His favourite past-time was visiting with elders.
Jim will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Tobi, children, mother Florine, brothers and sisters, friends and family. His extended family includes Eagle Bears, Bottles, Wings, Twiggs, Cottons, Day Chiefs, Sweetgrass, Weasel Fats, Mistaken Chiefs, Knifes, White Man Lefts, Shouting’s, Spear Chiefs, and Red Crows. The family apologizes if any names were missed.
A Family Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at 4:00 P.M. with Martin Eagle Child officiating with the Wake to follow at the Florine White Man Left’s Residence, Blood Reserve, AB, from 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Florine White Man Left’s Residence, on Friday, October 30, 2020 at 11:00 A.M. with Martin Eagle Child officiating.
Following the service, Jim will be eternally laid to rest in St. Catherine’s Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Gladys Wiebe-Vaselenak
1932 – 2020
Gladys Vaselenak of Coaldale, AB, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her sons on October 6, 2020, at the age of 87 years.
Gladys was born in Coalhurst on December 22, 1932 where she lived on her parent’s family farm until marrying the late Donald Vaselenak of Coaldale. She lived on the farm in Coaldale until her passing. There was always an open-door policy for neighbors and friends. Her strength, courage, love and smile will sadly be missed by all, but remembered in our hearts forever.
Gladys is survived by her 3 sons, Brian, Dwayne, and Kevin all of Coaldale; grandchildren, Mikhail (Keith) Reron of Lethbridge, Torrin and Skyler Vaselenak; sister Helen Vaselenak of Coaldale; great grandchildren Rhett and Autumn Reron; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Gladys was predeceased by her parents, Nick and Ann Wolashuk; husband, Donald; sister, Mary Bogusky; brother in laws, John and Albert Vaselenak, Tony Bogusky and Mike Hazuda.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 5:30pm and 7:30pm, on Wednesday, October 28, 2020, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A private Graveside service for immediate family will be held on Thursday, October 29, 2020 at Mountain View Cemetery, with Pastor Eric Giesbrecht officiating.
Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 119 14 St NW #100, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
Stefan Zrim
November 25, 1930
– October 22, 2020
Surrounded by his family, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grand father passed away peacefully at home at the age of 89 years.
Dad was born in Kuzma, Slovenia, to Stefan and Marija and immigrated to Canada in 1956. After leaving his family behind, he was reunited with the love of his life a year later, and on July 30, 1957, married Emilia at St Patrick’s Church.
Steve was a devoted family man, and thoroughly enjoyed any time spent with his wife, children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren. He was a hardworking, soft-spoken and had a playful sense of humour. When he joked, it was always with a smile on his face and others could not help but smile too. A bricklayer by trade, he spent his entire career in Lethbridge, ensuring every job was done right and making lifelong friends along the way. In retirement, Steve enjoyed tending to his garden, particularly his prized tomato plants. He was a passionate man who was always there to lend a helping hand, and spent hours mentoring his children and grandchildren, instilling these same characteristics in his family.
Stefan is survived by his beloved wife Emilia; daughter Majda (Don) Hood; and their children Stefan (Kali), and Kimberly; son Daniel (Anna) and their children, Ashley and Stefan; and great grandchildren Nora and Max Hood; sister Anna (Ernest) Rogan of Lethbridge; sister Terezija in Slovenia, and a niece, a nephew and cousins in Slovenia and Austria.
As per Stefan’s wishes, a private family service will be held followed by an Interment at Mountain View Cemetery.
Forever in our hearts and never forgotten. Rest in Peace.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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