By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 18, 2020.
Elneth Gwendolyn Blasco
May 4, 1933 – December 15, 2020
It is with gratitude that we accept the peaceful passing of Elneth Blasco at the age of 87 years on December 15, 2020.
A raven-haired beauty with adventure in her heart,
Travelled the ocean to make her brave start.
Her nursing and nurturing and wicked sense of humour,
Made all of our lives full and blessed for those who knew her.
Elneth was born in Llandinum, Powys, Wales on May 4, 1933. She was one of 11 children born to John and Sarah Owen. This is no doubt the place she learned many skills, including caring, compassion, love of friends and family, and the importance of hard work.
Elneth trained as a nurse in Wales and England and brought her skills to Canada, travelling by ship along with her dear friends Hetty, Ann, and sister Sheila. They landed in St. John’s Newfoundland in 1960 and she nursed her way across Canada eventually making her home in Lethbridge. St. Michael’s Hospital is where she spent her career utilizing her formidable skills with patients, students, and numerous colleagues. She was part of the team of skilled individuals whose vision brought the concept of palliative care to Lethbridge and area.
Elneth touched the lives and hearts of everyone she worked with and was admired, respected, and loved by so many. There isn’t a nursing student, Physician or any staff who came through St. Michael’s that doesn’t remember Elneth for the standard of excellence she set, her humour that lightened many dark days, or for the white nursing cap she wore until her retirement in 1998.
Even in her final days, while a patient herself, Elneth was able to lift the spirits of many, and brighten the mood with her positive outlook. During the very tense atmosphere of this pandemic, it was important to her to have a laugh with the staff and bring a smile, as only she could.
She was kind, she was smart, she was important, and will forever remain that way.
She leaves to mourn her passing, her husband of 49 years, Mario Blasco. She was a loving wife, devoted auntie to numerous nieces, nephews, and a treasured friend. She was predeceased by 4 brothers and 1 sister.
A private service was held on Thursday, December 17, 2020. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Elneth’s memory to the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit, 1400-9th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V5.
A very special thank you to the nursing staff & Physicians of Chinook Regional Hospital for the excellent care that she received.
Cer i cysgu Elneth bach.
(Welsh translation: Go to sleep dear Elneth)
To send an online message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca.
Dennis Burke
1940 – 2020
Mr. Dennis Burke of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Carolyn Burke, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, December 16, 2020, at the age of 80 years.
He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carolyn, and their three children, Doug, Cathy and Gary.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of Dennis’ life will be held at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
FYFE
William Keith Fyfe, beloved husband and eternal partner of Trudie Fyfe, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at home on December 14, 2020 at the age of 69 years.
Bill was born on October 28, 1951, in Lethbridge, Alberta. He was the youngest of five children born to Art and Mary Fyfe. Bill grew up in Stirling and moved to Lethbridge as a teenager. As a child, Bill spent a great deal of time outdoors riding around on his bike and doing activities with his extended family.
Once he moved to Lethbridge, Bill was a proud “Northsider” and made his lifelong friendships with Gord Tanaka, Gary Knox, Larry Nakahama and Alex Napadajlo. He played football in high school, proudly wearing purple and gold for the Winston Churchill Bulldogs. In his younger years, Bill worked various jobs, before finally settling on becoming a journeyman electrician. Once he completed his apprenticeship, Bill owned and operated Fyfe’s Electric for over 35 years and later received his master electrician certification.
In 1974, Bill began courting his future wife and eternal sweetheart, Trudie. After a short engagement, they were married in the temple on June 22, 1974. They enjoyed a marriage of over 46 years and enjoyed spending time with their family. The Fyfe family enjoyed camping regularly. He always looked forward to the family’s annual camping trip at the Apgar Campground in Montana. He was grateful for all the various visitors who spent time with The Fyfe Family on their annual camping trip.
Bill also enjoyed playing cards, board games, Sudoko and doing puzzles with family and friends. Bill was known for his genuine kindness and gentle nature. Bill was often teased as being the “dog whisperer” as all pets took an immediate liking to Bill and loved him without hesitation. Bill was an active member in the community, volunteering his time for The Boy Scouts of Canada for over 25 years.
Bill was an active and faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He had a strong testimony of the gospel, was dedicated to The Book of Mormon and was grateful to hold the Priesthood during these times to allow him to administer the sacrament at home as in person worship was not possible. He served in many leadership capacities including bishop for over 6 years, and along with his wife, Trudie, served as missionaries in the Addiction Recovery Program for over 7 years. The Church provided Bill with many opportunities to provide service and ministering to others. His faith was a huge part of his life and he was valued in the LDS community.
In addition to his loving wife, Trudie, he also survived by his four children and ten grandchildren. David (Lenee) Fyfe; Kesler & Brenner Fyfe, Shianne (Darren) Hamman; Matthew & Alexander Hamman, Jill Fyfe; Ryenne, Landin & Radley Fyfe and Jeff (Janelle) Fyfe; Jackson, Ava & Griffin Fyfe. Bill is also survived by his brother Verl (Myrna) Fyfe, sister Rena Derricott, sister-in-law Gail Fyfe. Bill is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Art and Mary Fyfe, brother Mervyn Fyfe, brother Ben Fyfe and brother-in-law, Elmer Derricott. Bill will be deeply missed by all who knew and cherished him.
A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held at later date when restrictions are eased and we can honour his journey on Earth together.
Friends may meet with the family on Sunday, December 20, 2020 at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge beginning at 6:00 p.m.
Due to Covid, we ask those wishing to attend to please call
ahead and book a time to visit. Masks are mandatory.
To send condolences please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca.
GOUCHIE
Jason Donald Gouchie, beloved Eternal Companion of Becky (Conrad) Gouchie, of Fort Macleod Alberta, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by His loving family, on December 11, 2020, at the age of 45 years. He is the loving Father of Samantha(14), Hope(13), Ethan(11), and Thatcher(9). Jason is also survived by his Mother Karen Gouchie, sister Denise Anderson (Kate), brother David Gouchie (Monica), Mother in-law Eleanor Conrad, several in-laws, Aunts and Uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Jason was predeceased by his Father Darrell Gouchie and Father in-law Bob Conrad.
Jason was born in Grand Prairie Alberta on October 9, 1975. He moved to Beaverlodge Alberta when he was 15 years old. He made many lifelong friends there that have many wild tales to share. When he left home, he moved to High Level Alberta where he met the love of his life Becky. They were married in 2003 and moved to Fort Macleod soon after.
Jason was a hard worker. He became a windmill technician and worked in the wind industry for many years. He later became a journeyman electrician.
He loved fishing, hiking, camping and indulging his wife’s love for Disneyland. Jason loved visiting his extended family in Nova Scotia and being at the beach there. Even though he was an Albertan, the salt water was definitely in his blood. He loved the Atlantic seafood!
Jason loved to play! He would go sledding with his children, build Legos with them, and was thier biggest fan when they were skating, performing on stage or playing the piano.
He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in various callings such as scouting, teaching and as ward mission leader. He loved attending the Temple and enjoyed taking his daughters when he was able to.
Jason was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in May 2017. He was determined to fight and did so for the next 3.5 years. In those years Jason and His family made many memories going to Disneyland, Cuba, Caribbean Cruise, Hawaii, Europe and other destinations.
Jason was loved and respected by all whom he associated with. He will be greatly missed. “A life that touches others goes on forever.”
Thank you to the team at the Jack Ady Cancer center, the Palliative care team, community paramedics, and Fort Macleod home care for your loving kindness and excellent care.
A private graveside service will be held on December 19, 2020. Live streaming of the service will be available on Christensen Salmon Generation’s Funeral Home page by clicking the link below Jason’s obituary. A memorial service will be held at a later date.
To send condolences please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca.
HAUG
MARY ANNE HAUG passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 5th, 2020, at the Raymond Health Centre, at the age of 70, with her family by her side.
Mary leaves to mourn, her children: Tammy, Shelli, Kimberly, Shelbie, Cheyenne, and Jordan (Caley). However, she leaves her greatest loves of all, her nine grandchildren and great-grandson.
Mary was born on March 13, 1950 in Cardston, AB. She was raised in Waterton Park, AB with her siblings, Buster, Debbie and Blaine. Mary had a gift to gab and used that talent to make a career in customer service for over 50 years.
Mary loved to cook, craft, play darts and always had the coffee on for friends and family to visit.
A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held at a later date when family and friends can all gather safely.
Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
ETHAN KAMPHUIS
September 27, 2002
– December 15, 2020
Ethan is survived by his Mother, Denise Kamphuis and Father, Brad Kamphuis, brother’s, Nicholas Brander, Connor, Simon, Elijah and sister Alexandria Kamphuis.
A Private Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday December 19, 2020. A livestream of the service will be available at the Salmon and Sons Website.
To send a condolence, please
visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
George Kindt
1937 – 2020
On Friday, December 11, 2020, George Wilfret Kindt, loving husband and father of five children, passed away in Raymond at the age of 83 years.
As a result of the restrictions regarding Covid-19 and the government recommendations, a private burial service will be held at Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond on Saturday, December 19, 2020. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
MIFFLIN
PRISCILLA DEANE MIFFLIN, beloved wife of the late Robert Mifflin, passed away peacefully at Legacy Lodge, on Wednesday, December 16, 2020 at the age of 93 years.
At Priscilla’s request, no funeral service will be held. A Celebration of her Life will be held at a later date. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone.
To send a condolence, please visit
http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
Joanne Perlich
1939 – 2020
Joanne Perlich, of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved wife of the late Tony Perlich, passed away on December 14, 2020 after a lengthy illness at the age of 81 years.
Joanne was born in Claresholm and grew up on Sharples Ranch with her parents Henry and Marjorie and her three sisters. She loved reminiscing about the fun they had in the creek, on their ponies, musical and dance performances, and so much more. She developed a deep love for animals, especially horses, that would permeate her life.
Shortly after high school Joanne was crowned Miss Rodeo Canada which earned her several trips, one being to the Miss Canada Pageant. Her kind, outgoing and inclusive nature made her a shoe-in for the Miss Congeniality title.
Joanne attended University of Alberta and became a teacher. She taught for several years and Grade 2 was always her favorite. In 1962, Joanne married Tony Perlich, which would be the beginning of a big, busy, fun and rewarding 40 years together. Together they would build a business, a family, a home, serve their communities in many ways, and live in a circle larger than most. Joanne gave tirelessly of herself to many people and organizations, most notably the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association, Coaldale 4-H Equestrian Club, and the Alberta, Canadian and American Quarter Horse Associations.
Her devotion to her faith, family and friends came first and horses were a close second. Joanne wore many, many hats. She was a talented artist and seamstress, a good cook, a masterful gardener, and enjoyed playing piano, singing and dancing. She loved her Australian Shepherds and Corgis and always had fun teaching them tricks. Joanne was often the ‘life of the party’ and had a magnetic personality. She loved horse shows, as a competitor in her younger years, and of course as a ‘horse show mom’ to not only her own kids, but to many.
Joanne is survived by her children David Perlich (Adrian Organowski), Jeanne White (Brett), Nancy Perlich (Piet Van Diemen), five grandchildren Carmen, Charles and Lauren White and Weston and Harris Kenway. Joanne is also survived by her three sisters, Carol Henker, Kathy Tratch (Ken) and Judy Meckelborg, sister-in-law Rose Niedermier, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends
Besides her loving husband, she was predeceased by her parents and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.
A private Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm, on Friday, December 18, 2020 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL – 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
The family invites you to watch the Prayer Service via livestream at https://www.mbfunerals.com/ and then scrolling to the bottom of Joanne’s obituary. A link to watch will be available 15 minutes prior.
A private Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, on Saturday, December 19, 2020 at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12 Avenue South, with Father Kevin Tumback celebrant.
The family invites you to watch the Funeral Mass via livestream at https://www.mbfunerals.com/ and then scrolling to the bottom of Joanne’s obituary. A link to watch will be available 15 minutes prior.
The family respectfully declines any flowers at this time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lethbridge Therapeutic Riding Association, 24 205015 Hwy 512, Lethbridge County, Alberta, T1J 5N8 or their website at ltra.ca or the Alzheimer’s Society, #40, 1202 – 2nd Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0E3.
The family would like to thank the staff of Coaldale Health Centre for the care and compassion throughout the years.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
Ann Belle Service
1931 – 2020
Ms. Ann Belle Service (nee Illerbrun) of Lethbridge passed away at Legacy Lodge on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at the age of 88 years. She was the loving mother to Bev, Doug, Randy, Dwayne, Stacy, and grandmother to nine grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life to be held in the Spring.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
Phyllis May Slovack
1925 – 2020
Phyllis May Slovack of Lethbridge beloved wife of the late Matt Slovack passed away at the Innisfail Health Centre on Saturday, December 11, 2020 at the age of 95 1/2 years.
A private family service was held.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Phyllis’s name to the STARS Air Ambulance, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8M7.
To send condolences please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca.
TRAN
Jan. 1, 1932 – Dec. 15, 2020
It is with relief and sadness that we announce the passing of CUU VAN TRAN, at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at the age of 88 years.
He is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Cong Tran, and six children: Dat (Giang) Tran of Lethbridge, Chi (Quang) Tran of Hayward, USA, Khanh (Thuy) Tran of Denver, USA, Thu (Duc) Tran of San Jose, USA, My (Sinh) Tran of Edmonton and Nga (Huy) Tran of Atlanta, USA. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren: Amanda, Hung (Ngoc), Huan (Julie), Dang (Thuan), Trung (Duyen), Frankie, Margaret, Catherine, Lan Anh, Mai Anh and Ban Anh; and three great-grandchildren: Henry, Levi and Andie.
He will be missed dearly by his family and people who knew him.
He was predeceased by all his five siblings, three sons, one daughter-in-law and one granddaughter.
A teacher by training, he left his profession to join the army and rose to the rank of Colonel. Always a patriot, he loved and fought very hard for his country of South Vietnam and her people till the end of the Vietnam war. In 1994, he immigrated to Canada. The first thing he said to his oldest son, Dat, at the Lethbridge airport: “I am a free man now and intend to enjoy to the fullest the freedom provided by the best country in the world, Canada”. Indeed he did, for 26 years until the day of his passing. As a family man, he cared deeply for his family, both close and extended. He was a tower of strength for our family through ups and downs. He always taught his children and grandchildren to work hard and be good and productive citizens in society.
He will always be with us everywhere we go and everything we do.
The family would like to express our deepest gratitude for their kindness and wonderful loving care of Cuu : Dr. Dionne Walsh and the Palliative Care team; doctors and nurses: Dr. Mona Cassis, Dr. Lavens, nurse Danielle Coady and Home Care Nurses, St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit nurses especially nurse Celeste, CRH 4C unit nurses, Northside Sobeys pharmacists, EMS paramedics and Family Services Personal Care Aiders.
A Viewing will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 beginning at 5:30 PM. Please contact Cornerstone to RSVP.
A Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, December 23, 2020 at 11:00 AM with The Venerable Thich Thien Onang officiating. The service will be live streamed and may be accessed via Cuu obituary on the Cornerstone Website.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Cuu, donations may be made to St. Michael’s Health Centre (covenantfoundation.ca/donate) or Jack Ady Cancer Centre (crhfoundation.ca).
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
ZEINSTRA
CELESTE ZEINSTRA, passed away peacefully of cancer with John, her loving husband of 47 years and her son Roger by her side, at the St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Monday, December 14, 2020 at the age of 66 years.
She was predeceased by her son, Robert, brother Ron, her parents, in-laws, four sisters-in-law and her brother-in-law.
Celeste was born in Letellier, MB to Gerald and Ida Leclair and was raised there until she was age 17. When her grandparents purchased the Picture Butte Hotel, her family moved to there to help run the business. There, she also met John, the love of her life, and they married in 1973. They farmed and raised their family in Picture Butte and Enchant.
Celeste was full of energy and life. She enjoyed spending time and socializing with her family and friends, travelling, and hands on hobbies of sewing, cooking & baking and knitting. She belonged to several social clubs and was always amongst the people. She worked several positions in the medical business where she made many connections in the communities she served.
Celeste was very strong in her faith which helped her immensely through her cancer journey. She was involved with the CWL for 45 years, starting in Picture Butte and finishing in Lethbridge at St. Martha’s Parish.
Once restrictions are eased we will celebrate her life the way she would want – spiritually and in a big way with all of her family and many friends surrounding and comforting each.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
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