THURSDAY, December 31, 2020

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 31, 2020.

GOSLING

NORMAN ALFRED GOSLING passed away in Lethbridge on December 29, 2020. Norm was born June 1, 1938 in Calgary to Alfred and Winnifred Gosling. Norm married Jolene Shipley in 1961. They have four daughters; Karen (Terry) Motiuk, Maureen (Harley) Koch, Shelley (Stephen) Kendrick and Julie (Marco) Ouellet. They have 15 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren with one expected in March.

There will be a family graveside service and burial in Glenwood, Alberta.

To send a condolence, please

visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

HEAVY RUNNER

LOGAN HEAVY RUNNER passed away in Lethbridge, AB on December 21st, 2020 at the age of 31 years. A Viewing will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Saturday, January 2nd, 2021 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with a Family Service to follow at 12:00 p.m. (Due to COVID-19 – A limit of 10 people will be allowed in the building at a time.)

To send a condolence or Watch the Funeral, visit

http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca.

Bertha Huisman

April 14, 1957 – December 27, 2020

Bertha Huisman, soul mate of Adrie Huisman passed away suddenly on December 27th after a short battle with cancer at the age of 63 years.

Bertha is survived by her loving family, son Alex (Coranda) and daughters Simone, Emma, Lauren, Rose and Paisley, her daughter José (David) and daughters Krista, Alissa, Megan and Nataya.

She was born on April 14th, 1957 in Ruinen the Netherlands where she lived with her parents and 5 siblings. She married her soul mate on May 5th, 1978. They lived in Scheerwolde where their two children were born until 1991 and moved to a farm until 1994. Then they moved to Canada and started the family farm.

She loved to dance with her soul mate, taking home several awards. She supported her family in all their activities, from triathlons, skating, and later all her granddaughters’ activities.

Spoiling granddaughters was her favourite. She loved traveling with Adrie to visit family and friends in the Netherlands and places to soak up the sun. For their 35th and 40th anniversary they bravely took all the kids and granddaughters to Mexico and Disneyland. They could not go unnoticed with that many girls.

A private family Funeral Service will be held at 1:30pm, on Thursday, December 31, 2020. The family invites you to watch the service via livestream at https://www.mbfunerals.com/ and then scrolling to the bottom of Bertha’s obituary.

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

Carole Hurkens (nee Weikel)

February 29, 1940 – December 28, 2020

Carole Hurkens of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Henry Hurkens, passed away after a lengthy illness on December 28, 2020 at the age of 80 years.

Besides her loving husband, Carole was survived by her daughter Sheila (Sandy) Cook of Picture Butte, son Garry (Colleen) Hurkens of Medicine Hat, and daughter Sandra (Rob) Price of Lethbridge. She was also survived by seven grandchildren: Nicole (Justin) Gatner, Karen (Brent Edwards) Cook, Melissa (Rick) Holmes, Jessica Cook, Kara (Jared) Brake, James (Shaelene Ascione) Price, and Daniel Price and fourteen great grandchildren, as well as her sister Patricia (Norman) Spencer, brother Douglas Weikel, and sister Lynne Aitken. She was predeceased by her daughter Susan Hurkens.

Carole’s deepest love was her family. Not only was she a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, but she played an active role in the lives of those she loved. She provided childcare for each of her grandchildren, attended countless in-school and after-school activities, cared for them when they were sick, and spent hours mending clothes, replacing buttons and sewing costumes and pajama pants. Carole was also a mother and grandmother to all that met her, from her own family and their spouses to her friends and their families to the dozens of new friends that all these people brought into her life. Once you entered her home, you were family. Carole will be lovingly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank the staff of the Linden View Lodge in Taber for providing such wonderful care to Carole in her final months.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family would request that you support the Susan Hurkens School Memorial Award as originally set up by the Hurkens family. Email money transfers can be sent to Sheila Cook at Cooksa@shaw.ca for credit to the Award. Cheques may also be sent to or dropped off at: Scotiabank, 420 Highway Ave (PO Box 190) Picture Butte, AB T0K 1V0. Cheques should be payable to Sheila Cook and the memo line should say in memory of Carole Hurkens.

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

Jan “John” Klok

1938 – 2020

With deep sorrow we announce the passing of our loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, Jan (John) Klok at the age of 82, beloved husband of the late Janet Klok.

John was born on July 5, 1938, in Harskamp, the Netherlands, and passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, in the Bethesda Care Home in Picture Butte.

He is survived by his 8 children, Peter (Marianne), Betty (Cornell) deKok, Janey (Henry) deKok, Henrietta (Andre) deKok, John (Cheri), Jannette (Andrew) Beusekom, Nelly (Adrian) Sinke, Ed (Marieke); 56 grandchildren; 117 great grandchildren; sisters Corrie Ouwendorp, Eefje de Ruiter, Maasje (Isaac) Kruijt, Cootje van Beek and sisters in law Bertha Klok, Teunisje (Willem) Slingerland, Hennie Van Hierden.

John was predeceased by his loving wife Janet of 59 years on August 3rd, 2020, great grand-daughter Alysha Roth, and numerous brothers, sisters and in-laws.

A private family Graveside Service will be held in the Picture Butte Memorial Cemetery.

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

KNIFE

CURTIS KNIFE-WOLFLEG passed away suddenly at the University of Alberta Hospital, on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at the age of 31 years.

A Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, January 4, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited to 10 guests at a time. Kindly RSVP your attendance to Cornerstone at 403-381-7777 or care@ cornerstonefh.ca Facemasks are mandatory and will be available upon entry.

A private Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Interment to follow.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Al “Mattie” Mathison

1932 – 2020

Mr. Al “Mattie” Mathison of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Grace Mathison passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, December 28, 2020 at the age of 88 years.

Mattie was born and raised in Gleichen, Alberta and left there as a young man to work in northern Alberta on the seismic crew. When at home one summer, Mattie met Grace on main street in Gleichen and that began their 65 years of life together. They were married in Great Falls in 1955. As a young married couple they lived in Calgary, where Mattie worked in the Burns Meat Plant. After a work place accident that resulted in the shortening of a few fingers, he left the cutting floor and moved to an order desk. It was during this time that Mattie and Grace welcomed their first of two daughters Jo, followed a few years later with the birth of Jeannie. In 1964, Mattie was offered a sales position and territory in southern Alberta, and the family re-located to Lethbridge. After retiring from Burns Meat, he became a seasonal worker for the gas company where he loved working with the “young guys”. He was always selfless, as he was first to say “lay me off first, hire me back last, let the young guys work because I am just here for fun!” After working the distress room at the Pepsi Co., Mattie began a long lasting friendship and a deep connection with Paul and Dorothy from the Cranford Colony. When Mattie retired from day-to-day work life he lived for the spring so that he could go back to his roots and help on the Sauve Farm. He loved driving around in circles, pretending to be a farmer; but fall was where is heart really was, he loved to harvest and knowing that hockey season was right around the corner.

If it was Friday at 4:00pm he could be found with his buddies at Bully’s for a beer and planning the next golf game. During the week he had a regular morning visit with the City Crew at the Enmax. Those who knew him say that he will leave a huge void at the arena and shared some great conversations about the many current topics and a million laughs.

In 1982, Mattie was made an honorary life member of southern Alberta Old Timers Sports Association, he spent numerous years as a member of the board of the directors of the Lethbridge Hurricanes Hockey Club, and prior to that the Lethbridge Broncos. He was a Lethbridge Hockey Hound for 42 years and it was only fitting, that he spent the last week of his life wearing his Hockey Hound t-shirt. So, if you’ve been to a hockey game chances are you bought a 50/50 ticket or a program from Mattie. Grace would say “never plan anything on game day” and we re-arranged all family events if there was a game on the same day. Mattie was a tireless volunteer for Sutter Brothers Golf Tournaments in the 80’s as well.

Besides his loving wife Grace, Mattie is survived by his daughters Jo (Howard) Stribbell and her daughter Kodee (fiancé Mitchel Hahn) Pilling; Jeannie Mathison and her son Raymond Kaupp; great-grandchildren Royce and Ryan Kaupp.

Mattie was looking forward to walking Kodee down the aisle at her upcoming wedding in July and now will be watching over her instead.

Mattie was pre-deceased by his parents, all of his siblings and his first grandson Harley Korthuis.

Mattie was a very humble man, he survived a two year battle with cancer, and never once complained.

A Celebration of Mattie’s Life will be held at a later date. Please remember Mattie by sharing stories and a toast with your close friends and loved ones.

In lieu of flowers, please purchase an extra 50/50 ticket next time you are at a Hurricane’s game. Or please donate to the Lethbridge Hurricane’s Hockey Club Education Fund, #2, 2510 Scenic Dr. S. Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 7V7.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

Alice Person

1922 – 2020

Mrs. Alice Person of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Clarence Person, passed away at Good Samaritan West Highland on Wednesday, December 30, 2020, at the age of 98 years.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

Norma Poohkay

1927 – 2020

Norma Jacqueline Poohkay, beloved wife of Peter Poohkay passed away peacefully at Good Samaritan West Highland on Sunday December 27, 2020 at the age of 93.

Norma was born in Coronation Hospital on December 5,1927 to proud parents Jack and Greta Hallett. She attended school in Fleet and Castor, AB. After graduating she completed Nursing school at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. Norma then went on to work at the University Hospital of Edmonton as an operating room nurse. She later completed her Bachelors Degree in Nursing and became The Director of Nursing at Grandview Auxiliary in Edmonton.

On January 18, 1968 she married Peter Poohkay. In the late 70’s they moved to Westbank, BC where they purchased their dream home. She then became the Managing Director of Stillwater’s Nursing Home and worked there until she retired.

Norma and Peter loved to travel the world. One of her favourite trips was across Canada for 2 months, camping along the way. Another one of her favourite places was Hawaii. There was always an educational slide show upon her return from their travels. Norma was also an avid reader as evident by her vast library.

In 2002 her and Peter moved to Airdrie Alberta to be closer to family. There they attended and became members of the Balzac United Church. Norma was a breast cancer survivor. She stayed active by exercising faithfully at Curves where she was the oldest one of the group.

Besides her loving husband Peter Poohkay, Norma is survived by her four sons Greg (Donna) Williams, of Edmonton, Morgan (Mary Lee) Williams, of Blairmore, Rusty Williams, of Edmonton, Wesley (Rhonda) Williams, of Beaumont. Norma was very proud of her eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Robert Hallett of Cremona and her sister Helen Erickson of Crossfield. As well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Norma was predeceased by her parents Greta and Jack Hallett; sisters Margaret Curcio, Mary Biggs; brother Gilbert Hallett and her granddaughter Tracy Williams.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the charity of their choice.

A private family service will take place at a later date.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

RACH

It is with heavy hearts that the family of ADOLF RACH, brother, dad, grandfather uncle and friend, announce his unexpected passing at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Christmas Day at the age of 79 years from non-covid complications.

Due to COVID 19 restrictions there will be a private Funeral Mass on Thursday, December 31st., at 10 AM. The Mass will be live-streamed. To watch, a link will be available on Adolf’s obituary at the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Sylvia Anne Campbell (née Woeller)

Sylvia Anne Campbell was many things to different people: Loving wife (to Gordon), mother (to Douglas, Darroch, Lachlan, & Janet), grandmother (to Aria, Lucius, Ava, JuJu, Taliah), friend, Raging Granny, community builder, civic leader. She was passionate about politics, education, the environment, and Scrabble.

Born November 29, 1932, in Kitchener, Ontario, to a family of German heritage (Woeller), Sylvia became an avid swimmer and had memories of endless lessons, the key to future summer life-guard jobs. She often spoke fondly of spending summers at Georgian Bay with her brothers Michael and David. Sylvia graduated from Kitchener-Waterloo Collegiate in 1951 and later from McMaster University in 1954 (Arts). She subsequently attended the University of Toronto to complete a degree in social work (1955).

While working as a social worker in Toronto and attending a local conference, she met a tall, dark-haired man named Gordon. He quickly swept her off her feet with all of his clever stories and his prowess on the piano. Without waiting around, they got engaged two weeks after meeting and married on November 23, 1957.

Shortly thereafter, Sylvia and Gordon relocated to the prairies, with Regina being the first stop, and the arrival of new baby, Douglas (1962). With Gordon accepting the role of Principal of Selkirk College in Castlegar, BC, the family moved to the Kootenays for a brief stint. While living in Trail, BC, Darroch (1965) and Lachlan (1966) joined the family before they all relocated to Lethbridge, Alberta, where Gordon got a position with the new university in 1967. Ultimately, Janet arrived (1968), with the family established in Lethbridge.

For many years each summer, like a flock of migratory birds, Sylvia would drive the family vehicle (with two dogs) from Lethbridge to tiny Hornby Island, one of the Gulf Islands on Canada’s west coast. The family caravan went through Christina Lake, where the family stopped to visit Gordon’s relatives at their cabin. There was some reprieve from a hot car and family fusses while kids went swimming, fishing, and exploring. After a few days, it was time to continue the family’s Pacific journey. Sylvia enjoyed this arduous drive because of the changing colors of the trees in late summer, which reminded her of childhood memories from Ontario.

Upon arrival at Hornby Island, the family set up camp at Heron Rocks Camping Cooperative, where Sylvia loved reading books on a sandy beach or while sitting at the base of an arbutus tree. Periodically throughout the day, she would cast a casual eye upon the roving kids, preoccupied with shells and tidal zone creatures along the shoreline. This idyllic setting provided an outdoor daycare where there were lots of older kids to watch over the younger ones. There were also many intimate late-night discussions about family issues or social justice with a network of like-minded campers by the light of a Coleman lantern or adjacent to a beach campfire. Sylvia looked forward to this annual excursion throughout the year.

When the kids were almost old enough to fend for themselves, Sylvia took on teaching after earning a Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge in 1979 (and winning the William Aberhart Gold Medal!). Sylvia loved working with adult First Nations students in Brocket, Alberta, while employed by the Lethbridge Community College. She was fascinated by their lives, stories, community, and perseverance. It was during this time that an interest in the environment blossomed. Sylvia got involved in numerous environmental initiatives of importance in Alberta while working as a teacher. She was a recycler before it was de rigueur and became the President of the Southern Alberta Group for the Environment (“SAGE”). Her old VW van was testament to her commitment, routinely crammed with a collection of flattened cans, glass, plastic containers, and bundled newspapers destined for the local recycling depot.

In 1982, Sylvia got a teaching job at Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (“LCI”), the high school that all four of her children attended. She received a Teacher-of-the-Year award in her first year on the job. Always trying to improve her Scrabble game, Sylvia went on to complete a Masters of Education from St. Francis Xavier University (1993), working on her studies at the end of the teaching day and in the summers, during her “time off”.

Sylvia was well-known for her formidable skills of debate and argument in many forums; She was a long-time member of the Raging Grannies, a group through which she worked to raise awareness of social justice issues related to peace, the environment, gender, human rights, world equality, Canadian unity and social programs. She also did some time in the trenches running for the Alberta legislature with the NDP, which took thick skin in the 80’s. She didn’t win, of course, but she put forth a valiant effort. In 2003, Sylvia was awarded the YWCA Woman of Distinction Award for her efforts at many of these initiatives.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2007, years of living in a big house eventually got to be too much for Gordon & Sylvia. After a short time in a retirement facility in Lethbridge, Gordon & Sylvia left for the west coast in 2015, to be closer to children and grandchildren (JuJu in Vancouver and Aria & Lucius in Hong Kong), eventually settling into a care setting at Crofton Manor in Kerrisdale (Vancouver).

Sylvia was uncomplaining in the face of the ravages of a debilitating condition, which she ultimately succumbed to on August 1, 2020, with family members close-by and flowers next to her, as Gordon would have wanted. Sylvia was predeceased by her husband, Gordon (2017), and brothers Michael (Marion) and David (Elizabeth). She leaves behind four kids: Douglas, Darroch (Tamina), Lachlan (YanYan), Janet (Richard) and five grand-children (Aria, Lucius, Ava, JuJu, and Taliah). Sylvia also had a special place in her heart for her many nieces and nephews. She will be dearly missed by family and friends alike and remembered with great love and respect as an agent of social change that embodied the hope for a better tomorrow.

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