WEDNESDAY, November 18, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on November 18, 2020.

CHIEF CALF

RITCHIE CHIEF CALF, PhD – “Aapoyaawa” passed away in Lethbridge, AB on Sunday, November 15, 2020 at the age of 57 years. A Family Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, November 20th, from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. The Wake Service will follow at Roland Cotton’s church, Blood Reserve from 7:00 pm continuing all night. The Funeral Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Saturday, November 21 at 11:00 am. (Due to COVID-19 restrictions a limited number will be allowed into the service at a time.)

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

Dr. Zoltan Daroczi

1963 – 2020

Dr. Zoltan Daróczi of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, October 29 2020 at the age of 57 years.

A Letter from his Daughter

Zoltan was born to Julianna Koti and Lajos Daróczi on March 22, 1963 in Komàdi, Hungary. His family lived in a small town in the eastern part of the country where his mother worked as an elementary school teacher and his father as an officer in the Hungarian State Railways.

Shortly after his birth, Zoltan and his family moved to Ócsa, the city where he would grow up in. When he was 4 years old, his brother Tamàs (Thomas) was born and because their parents were away a great deal of the time, Zoltan took it upon himself to take care of his little brother; the two of them grew to be very close.

Zoltan and education were inexorably linked from his earliest beginnnings. As the first child in the Koti and Daróczi families, his grandfather and uncle Steve would spend hours on end telling him stories. It was because of them that Zoltan developed a rich vocabulary and imagination as well as the ability to read at a very young age (3)! As a child growing up in Hungary, Zoltan was incessantly curious about the world; his favourite subjects were history, science, literature, and poetry. According to his childhood friends, Zoltan was a very quiet, caring, and smart kid who had a great sense of humor, always smiling and willing to help others. Zoltan graduated Summa Cum Laude from high school.

Zoltan loved punk music and the likes of Johnny Rotton, Clash, and the Hungarian band, Beatrice. Listening to music also helped him to learn English and dream about a world beyond his birthplace. Zoltan also had a great passion for soccer. His favourite Hungarian team was the Ferencvàros and he commonly sported the team’s famous white and green colours.

Zoltan began his post-secondary studies at the Budapest University of Economics. In 1986, he obtained a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degree in Economics. For the next few years, Zoltan worked in the Department of Agricultual Statistics and then as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at the Budapest University of Economics. In 1992-1993, Zoltan held scholarships and fellowships to study at Purdue University in Indiana, the University of Reading in the UK, and Stirling University in Scotland. And from 1992 to 1995, he held a research fellowship from the Hungarian Academy of Sciences.

On July 9 1993, Zoltan married Kati Szép in Budapest, where they had first met. They loved each other very deeply and shared a passion for travel and seeking out new knowledge That same year they left Hungary for an education and life in the United States. Zoltan worked as a teaching and research assistant for the next few years at Iowa State University while Kati worked to support them both. In 1995 and 1997, Zoltan obtained a Master of Science in Agricultural Economics and a Master of Business Administration both from Iowa State University.

In the late 1990s, Zoltan worked and studied at Michigan State University. And in 2001, Kati and Zoltan moved to Alberta, Canada so that Zoltan could take up the position of Assistant Professor of Marketing in the Faculty of Management at the University of Lethbridge. While in this role, Zoltan completed his PhD in marketing from Michigan State University.

In 2002 they welcomed me, their daughter, Adrienne, into their lives. Zoltan worked tirelessly to be good father and gave everything he possibly could to his family. He wanted to watch his daughter grow up, and thankfully, he did.

Zoltan suffered a stroke in December 2004, giving rise to one of the most inspirational stories ever told. For 16 years, Zoltan fought until the end, and his inner-strength was astounding. I am sure that every person who knew him would agree with me that he was truly heroic for what he had to endure. He was my hero, never to be replaced, remaining in all our hearts forever.

My mother and I would like to express our deepest gratitude to all the people that have surrounded our family with care and support over the years. While this includes the entire Lethbridge community, we especially want to give thanks to two groups: The University of Lethbridge, Faculty of Management (now the Dhillon School of Business), who continued to support Zoltan even after his first stroke; and the Hungarian Cultural Society, for the endless amount of love and helping hands, they have given us.

The number of individuals involved in Zoltan’s life has been countless, and it would simply be impossible to name all of them here. However, Zoltan’s life would not have been as full if it were not for the work of Paul McDonald, Bob and Suzan Boudreau, and Laszlo Horvàth. Regardless of their schedules, each took time out of their lives to organize Zoltan’s living arrangements, financial matters, and medical care. Zoltan very much cherished their visits.

From beginning to end, they were the people behind everything, and no amount of ‘thank yous’ could ever be enough.

Now, at the end of Zoltan’s life, it is difficult to know how we could ever repay him for the strength, humor, wisdom, and joy he shared with each and every one of us on a daily basis. From being a son to a brother, and a husband to a father, his was a life that will never be forgotten. As Zoltan himself said, “it wasn’t easy, but I did it.”

Goodbye ‘Deddy,’ your loving daughter,

Adrienne Krisztina Daroczi

A Private Family Service will be held for Zoltan.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Zoltan Daróczi’s name may be made to the Edith Cavell Care Centre, 1255 – 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 0V6.

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

DEXTER EAGLE BEAR

1958 – 2020

It is with great sadness that we, the family of Dexter Eagle Bear, announce his passing on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the age of 62 years.

A Wake Service will be held from 7:00pm- 11:00pm on Thursday, November 19, 2020 at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703-13th Street North, Lethbridge, AB.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Friday, November 20, 2020 at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703-13th Street North, Lethbridge, AB.

Interment will immediately follow in the One Spot Cemetery.

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

GASSNER

Donald Edward Gassner passed away peacefully in Brooks, AB on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the age of 90 years.

Born on April 13th, 1930 in Kindersley, SK to Fred & Wilhemine (Minnie) Gassner, where he was raised on the farm with his 10 brothers and sisters. Hard work was instilled in each of them at an early age and he was known for his energetic spirit and drive. As a young man he bought a truck and started his own trucking company, and traveled throughout Western Canada when a warm place to stay and road maintenance was scarce.

He married his wife, Helen Margaret ‘Merle’ Peardon, in 1952 and was devoted to providing for her and their 3 children. Moving to Calgary where he was employed for the city gas company, his yearning to work for himself never stopped and in 1963 he rented some land west of Granum, Alberta where he began his farming career. He soon purchased his own farm and working closely with his family, he farmed until he and Merle moved to Lethbridge in 1983. Again with the need to keep busy he worked as an adjuster for the Alberta Hail & Crop Insurance and traveled throughout southern Alberta for many years until his retirement at the age of 65.

Throughout his life he enjoyed being with his friends and family visiting over a ‘drink’ and this continued in Lethbridge with his good friend Ron, and on many occasions he assisted him with carpentry and plumbing jobs that needed to be completed. He was a great handyman and was constantly working on his home and yard to ensure it was well maintained. He grew a beautiful garden and was happy to share the extra vegetables with his friends and neighbors.

Beloved husband to Merle for 61 years, until her passing in 2013. Loving father to Gordon (Donna) Gassner, Larry (Lena) Gassner, Jacolyn (late Robert) Thiessen. Dear grandfather to 17 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren, as well as brother & uncle to many. The family will hold a service for Donald in Kindersley, SK in the spring or summer 2021.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Charity of your choice.

HOUTEKAMER

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother, JEANETTE HOUTEKAMER, in Lethbridge on Sunday, November 15th 2020 at the age of 89 years.

Jeannette is survived by her loving children: daughter Tweela Houtekamer (Paul Lowrie) and their children Nathan and Brenna; son Jack Houtekamer (Joni Kwan) and their children Adam (Kate) and Sara Jo (Gerrit); and daughter Cheryl Houtekamer (Ken Langille) and their children Megan (Spencer) and Bryn (Daniel).

She was predeceased by her husband, Martin Houtekamer, in 2005 and her brother, Rod Lambert, in 2018.

Due to Covid-19, a Memorial Service will be planned and announced at a future time. Cremation and Interment entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Louise Olsson

1946 – 2020

Louise Elaine Olsson of Coutts, Alberta, beloved wife of Victor Olsson, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2020 at the age of 74 years.

Louise was born in Vilna, Alberta and enjoyed the farm life where she was raised. She loved animals and especially her dogs. Louise spent most of her life in the Smokey Lake, Edmonton, Athabasca and Westlock area. She then moved with Victor to his hometown of Coutts after his retirement in 2013. Louise was a wonderful, caring person and will be missed by all who knew her.

Besides her loving husband Victor, Louise is survived by her son Robert Henderson; grandson Harley and great granddaughter Delilah.

She was predeceased by her parents Mike and Rose Mylash and son Ronald Henderson.

A private family Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m., on Thursday, November 19, 2020, at THE CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, Coutts, Alberta, with Bishop Glenn Smith Officiating. Interment to follow in the Coutts Cemetery.

Due to restrictions surrounding COVID 19, attendees are required to wear a mask, and practice safe social distancing.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, donations can be made to The Lupus Society of Alberta, 105 12 Ave SE #900, Calgary, AB T2G 1A1.

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

PACE

MARY FLORENCE PACE, passed away on November 12th, 2020 at home on the Blood Reserve, AB at the age of 93 years.

A Family Wake Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Thursday, November 19th from 4:00 – 8:00 pm. A Viewing will be held on Friday, November 20th starting at 10:00 am with a Family Service to follow at 11:00 am.

(Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a limited number will be allowed into the service at a time.)

To WATCH the service Online or to send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

SEEMAN

GLEN SEEMAN, beloved husband of Hilda Seeman, passed away after a brief battle with cancer at the St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit with his family by his side, on Saturday, November 14, 2020 at the age of 68 years.

He will always be remembered by his wife of 42 years, Hilda; his sons Wade (Andrea) and their children Zander and Zoe and Brad (Nicole) and their children Madison, Brooklyn, Kamryn, Ava and Bella. Also left to mourn is his father Joseph Seeman, his brothers Rodger (Sheila), Dale (Marie), Dave (Nancy), Joe (Arlene) and his sister Sharon (Tim Stuckert) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Glen was predeceased by his mother Martha.

Glen was born and raised in Lethbridge. Following in the footsteps of his father, he worked with his father in the family jewelry business. After 20 years, he moved into the financial industry where he worked until his retirement in 2012.

He was a member of the Kinsmen Club of Lethbridge, Lethbridge Sports Council and the Lethbridge Judo Club.

Glen was community minded, volunteered extensively, and was a respected philanthropist in the city. He and his wife especially enjoyed cruising which took them to many parts of the world. Winters were spent in Hawaii and California. He loved skiing, golfing, fishing, camping, socializing and spending time with friends. Most of all he loved his family and cherished time spent with his grandchildren.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a Private Service will be held at IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH on Friday, November 20, 2020 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Lee Loveridge officiating. The service will be live streamed and may be accessed via Glen’s obituary at the Cornerstone Website.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lethbridge Judo Club, 2775 – 28 Avenue S, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 7L6.

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

SHORT

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of ANNE JOHNSTON SHORT (née Holms) on November 14, 2020 in Lethbridge, Alberta.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, David Short, Maureen and Randy Schwartz, Grandchildren Barb and Devon Marcuk, Jennifer and Dan Latreille, Kevin and Nerissa Schwartz, Andrew and Effie Short, James and Julie McLeod, Erin McLeod, great grandchildren Noah, Asher, Brielle and Steven as well as many loved nieces and nephews.

Anne is predeceased by her husband Russell, son Ronald, great grandson Gage as well as her parents, John and Louise Holms, brother Robert (Connie) Holms and sister Margaret (Ray) Gates, sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, Thelma (Bob), Verva (Walt), Frances (Don), Earl (Velma), Don (Ethel), and Jean.

Born October 21, 1923 in Webb, Saskatchewan, Anne grew up in Swift Current, Saskatchewan and always had many fond memories of the place she would always call home. She will always be remembered as a kind and loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She will be missed by all who knew her. In her memory, show compassion and kindness to others.

A special thank you to Extendicare Fairmont for the kindness and care you provided to Mom in the last two years. The family would like to thank Mom’s friend, Vonda. Her friendship meant a lot to Mom.

A private family service will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, 1818 5 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0W6.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

SMITH

KENNETH SMITH passed away on November 13, 2020 at the age of 75 years.

With sorrow we announce that our dear brother, Uncle has unexpectedly passed away at the Willow Creek Long Term Care.

Ken is survived by his step sons Jerry and Dale of Edmonton, siblings Bill (Darlene) Smith of SK, Glen Smith of Raymond, AB, Donna Smith of Coaldale, AB, Alice Smith of Coalhurst, AB and four nieces and four nephews.

He was predeceased by his mother Bertha Smith (October 24, 1984), father William Smith (April 20, 1992), brother Mark Smith (April 29, 1996), and his sister Patricia Degenstein (April 20, 2019).

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, November 20, 2020 at Eden’s Funeral Home, 2424 5th Ave, Fort Macleod, AB.

In lieu of flowers Memorial donations may be made in Ken Name to Willow Creek Long Term Care C/O Claresholm & District Health Foundation, Box 2638, Claresholm, AB. T0L 0T0

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

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