SATURDAY, March 13, 2021

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 13, 2021.

Patricia Louise Combs nee Kipp

March 31, 1929 – March 8, 2021

On the afternoon of Monday, March 8, 2021 our beautiful, creative, funny, and brave mother died. How can it be that time has passed so quickly? It seems like yesterday that she was sewing clothes for our brother’s teddy bear, making matching mother/daughter dresses, kissing our wounds, and wiping away our tears while cradling us in her arms.

Mom was born in Concord, California but grew up in the coastal town of Morro Bay. She loved living by the sea, fishing with her dad, buying ice cream on the beach and learning how to dress with style from her mother. One Christmas Eve her father lifted her to the kitchen window so that she could see Santa and his sleigh being pulled by his reindeer as they flew across the sky. From that moment on, she knew he was real and never failed to tell us so. Mom adored her father, Frank, US Navy submariner in WW1, and her tall and elegant mother, Hazel. She was raised as an only child as her older sister died at birth.

Mom married our father, Wesley, in August 1950. All she wanted was to raise a family and live in a house surrounded by a white picket fence, but life had more exciting plans for her. Our family moved from Laramie, Wyoming to Edmonton in 1962 where Mom became a proud Canadian, made many friends, volunteered at a local hospital, and set about discovering a love for design. After the kids were grown, Dad worked in many exotic places, Ghana, Lesotho, Greece, Nepal, Peru, China, Iran, Trinidad, Barbados, Jamaica, China, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and the Philippines. Of course, Mom went too and everywhere she went she made friends and created beautiful homes.

Mom was an artisan. She knit, hooked rugs, made her own vegetable dyes and cross-stitched beautiful samplers which she designed herself. She was interested in archaeology, family history, watching golf and loved the Toronto Blue Jays. Ice cream was her treat of choice. Favorite recipes were her mother’s spice cake and delicious green Jello salad, which was always served in the blue bowl she had received as a wedding gift. Mom was a midcentury housewife, who also loved reading Pliny the Elder and Charles Dickens, was fascinated by the ancient Bog People in Europe, was a top-notch typist and stenographer and had mastered the mystery of shorthand. Mom had deep blue eyes, long slender fingers and her tiny wrists were always adorned with a selection of sterling silver bracelets. Most of all though, Mom was Love.

Mom was predeceased by her parents and our father, Wesley. She is survived by her children: Stan Combs (Holly Morgan), Cindy Combs, Mary Combs, and Sandy (Vince) Ballinger. Grandchildren: Heather (Joly) Travis, Laurel Combs, Matt (Phyllis)Ballinger, and Nate (Lindsey) Ballinger. Great grandchildren: William Travis, Alexander Travis, Katelin (Seth) Williams, Trevor Ballinger, Lauren Ballinger, Ryder Ballinger, and Max Ballinger.

Special Thanks go to the staff at West Highlands Good Samaritans for the love and care they gave to our mother. Over the years, they became our family too and we will miss them.

Flowers gratefully declined. A private service will be held at a later date.

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

GODWIN

Mrs. Julia (Julie) Anna Godwin passed away a year ago, on March 9, 2020 at the Edith Cavell Care Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta.

Julie was born to the late Marie and Nick Burtney of Vonda, Sask on March 27, 1924, where she grew up on the family farm. She was the 5th of 10 children. Julie moved to Saskatoon to work when she was 20, and married the late Jack Clayton on May 31st, 1951. Together they had 3 children. After Jack retired they moved to Salt Spring Island, B.C., where they lived for 21 years. Julie seemed to have unlimited energy, which earned her the title “the Energizer Bunny” from one friend. While living in B.C. she enjoyed golfing, gardening, weaving, playing bridge and walking on the beach. Julie loved to cook, and enjoyed the availability of fresh salmon and crab. She was also a member of the Catholic Womens’ League for 60 years, from her time in Saskatoon until she died.

In 2000 Julie and Jack moved to Lethbridge to be closer to family. They were members of the Lethbridge Seniors’ Organization and continued to play bridge for a few years and Julie’s love of gardening was still evident with the beautiful flower and vegetable garden she created there.

Julie maintained her energy well into her 90s; she was still shoveling snow two days before she fell ill. On Dec. 26, 2018 Julie became ill and was taken to the hospital, where she stayed for two months before moving to Edith Cavell Care Home, where the staff took excellent care of her.

Julie is survived by her children Ken (Debra), Bob (Kathy) and Kim, as well as grandchildren Ryan (Ashley), Brian (Mai), Jonathan, Lisa (Jayden) and Mike(Brandy), and her great grandchildren Junpei and Noah. Since her death she has had two additional grandchildren, Wakana and Veronica. She is also survived by her sister Elisabeth Burtney of London, ON. Julie was predeceased by her husband in 2013, and her siblings Bill, Helen, Jean, Phyllis, Victoria, Emily, Pauline and Marcel.

The most important thing in Julie’s life was her children – she could never stop mothering them. They miss her dearly.

Because of COVID no funeral was held. There will be a private ceremony when her children and grandchildren are able to gather.

Larry Halter

“Big Lar”

– Tougher Than Cougar

S#!t Rolled In Gravel

– Master of the Side Hustle,

Jack of All Trades, and

Neighbourhood Handyman

October 5th, 1952 – March 6th, 2021

Larry George Edward Halter of Lethbridge, Ab passed away peacefully at home on March 6th, 2021.

Born in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan. Larry was predeceased by his parents Joseph Alphonse Halter & Ruth Olive Halter.

He is survived by his wife Sharon Halter and his children: Ryan Halter (Kayla), Jason Gounden (Kim), Jheri Cook (Ryan) & his favourite fur child Chico. His Grandchildren: Courtney, Creedin, Cohen, Dhillon, Dillon, Harmony, Greysyn and Keira. As well as one Great Grandchild Rohyn. His brothers Leonard Halter (Elsie), Richard Halter and Brent Halter (Ernie). As well as many other family and friends who cared for him deeply.

Larry grew up in Dodsland, Saskatchewan and helped work on the grain farm with his parents and 3 brothers. He built his first car when he pulled one out of his Grandpa’s scrap pile in his early teens and fixed it all up. He drove around town until the police pulled him over and told him to park it until he had his license. This started his love of old cars and mechanics. When Larry turned 16, he hit the road on his own and headed to Edmonton, Ab looking for work, he found it the day he arrived. He spent a couple years there before returning back to Dodsland, Saskatchewan where he met his first wife Leona and they had their son Ryan. Fast forward a few years and some life changes Larry found himself in Calgary, Ab where he met his current wife Sharon at the Town and Country. Larry’s lifelong friend Ron Moser chaperoned their first date (it’s a good story) where Larry promised Sharon she would never be bored, he kept that promise! (Their song was Ghostbusters). A short time later Sharon moved to Kindersley, Saskatchewan with their son Jason. They were married in Taber, Alberta on a short visit to Sharon’s family. Their daughter Jheri was born during the time they lived in Kindersley. Larry, Sharon and all 3 of their children moved to the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia where they resided for about 8 years before moving to Lethbridge, Ab where Sharon, Larry and Jheri settled, while the boys continued on their own journeys living in various places. Throughout his life Larry learnt many skills, such as when he apprenticed to be a mechanic. He became a professional painter as his continuing career, painting everything from houses to heavy equipment. He was in reality a jack of all trades and the neighbourhood handyman, whether it was where he lived or just visiting someone, always willing to help someone that needed something fixed. Larry was always up for a good BS session, had a crazy story to tell, or an inappropriate joke at the ready. He had so many interests and hobbies, he was never done learning. He loved hunting, camping, fishing, taking photos, watching nature, working on old cars (specifically Oldsmobiles), making jewelry from stone and spending time with his kids and Grandchildren. Throughout his life Larry travelled and worked in varying places such as Singapore, Baffin Island and his last big holiday with Sharon to Mexico. The joy of Larry’s life were his kids and Grandchildren. He was always at the ready to give advice, to fix our s#!t, or put something goofy on his head to make his Grandkids giggle. He will always be lovingly remembered. Forever in our hearts and our laughs. You will be missed.

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

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Crohn’s and Colitis foundation of Canada, 600-60 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto, ON M4T 1N5.

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

HEALY

It is with profound grief and sadness that we announce the sudden passing of WARNICK HAROLD JR., on March 6, 2021, at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital, after he succumbed to lengthy injury that eventually took his life. Warnick is survived by his two daughters, Melanie Healy, Coralei Healy, Grandson, Myles Healy, lifelong friend Merna Joyce Crow Chief, and granddaughter, Courtney Elizabeth Healy. Warnick was raised at Headquarters on the Blood Reserve, his family relocated to Old Agency where he lived until his passing. In his younger years, Warnick was popularly known as a talented musician along with his band, who travelled and played at different venues; their band could often be heard practising from miles away. Aside from music, he was also known as a swift and skillfull hockey player, who played for many years with various hockey teams, received numerous trophys and while under the guidance of his father, also an avid hockey player, Harold Healy.

In his adult life, he attended SAIT and the Lethbridge college for his trades accreditation for plumbing and heating which he took great pride in his job while working for Stand-off Public Works, for nearly 25 years where he made many friends during that time. Aside from his, strong work ethics, independence, resourcefulness, Warnick was most proud of raising his teenage daughters Melanie and Coralei and different times throughout their teenage years, he would teach them both the strength of independence and the importance of education. Warnick will be dearly missed by all.

He is pre deceased by his parents Harold and Jean Healy (nee Soop) paternal grandparents: John and Louise Healy (nee Tallow); maternal grandparents: Dick and Beth Soop (nee Welch); Courtney Elizabeth Healy, Ryan Healy, Charmayne Scalplock, Ed and Francis Healy, Arthur and Josephine Soop, John Healy, Mary Pace, aunts and uncles from both sides of the Healy and Soop families; nephew Kevin Scout, Godparents Gerald and Irene Tailfeathers.

Special thanks to Foothills Hospital staff ICU floor 10 and Chinook Regional Hospital Staff at 3C.

A Viewing will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Monday, March 15, 2021 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm and Tuesday March 16 from 9:00 – 11:00 am. Please call and book a time for a visitation as only 20 people are permitted. The Family Service will be held on Tuesday, March 16 at 11:00 am. (Due to COVID-19 – A total of 20 people will be allowed into the service.) Interment to follow at One Spot Cemetery, Old Agency, AB

To send a condolence or Watch the Funeral please visit

http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

Margaret “Marnie” Hubber

1941 – 2021

Margaret (Marnie) Hubber passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, March 6th, 2021 after a hard-fought battle with Lewy Body Dementia. She was predeceased by her fishing partner, husband, and best friend Robert (Bob) Hubber in 2001.

She leaves to mourn her “girls”; Darlene, Marilyn (Reg) Eyre and Marnie (Mike) Williamson; her four beloved grandchildren; Shane (Christina) Eyre, Cianna (Scott) Boyd, Chase Williamson and Shaelyne Williamson. Marnie’s first great grandchild Chloe Lynn Eyre serendipitously arrived two weeks early so she could enjoy one sweet visit with her Great Nana.

Marnie is also survived by her brothers Rick (Lynn) Cousins and John (Josie) Cousins, by her sister Lisa (Bill) Sukoveoff and by Bob’s family including his older brother Lorne (Liz) Hubber, brother-in-law Paul Wainwright, sister-in-law Linda Hubber, and sisters Barb Marshall and Mary Lynn Ashford and their families.

Marnie was born in Hamilton, Ontario on September 16, 1941. She married her high school sweetheart in 1962 and they began their adventure together in Alberta. Bob’s career with the R.C.M.P meant they raised their daughters in several communities across the province including Wetaskwin, Olds, Provost, McLennan, and Lethbridge.

After she lost her husband in 2001, Marnie devoted herself to her family and to several elderly friends who she supported with rides to appointments, invitations to family events and caring companionship. She was active in her church (St. Augustine’s), in the Order of the Eastern Star (Maple Leaf Chapter) and was a long-time volunteer at the Chinook Regional Hospital in the cancer centre.

Marnie will be remembered for her ability to rebuild after significant losses including the early and unexpected deaths of her father, her brother Greg and her husband Bob, for her courage as she faced a life altering diagnosis with Type 1 diabetes in 1964 and the uncertain certainties of her dementia diagnosis in 2017, for her dedication to her family and friends and for her amazing chocolate chip cookies and her delicious apple pies.

A private family graveside service will be held on Thursday, March 18, 2021, with the Reverend Steve Bateman officiating. As per her wishes, Marnie has been cremated and will be interred with her husband in Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960 19 St S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5, through the Alberta Cancer Foundation website, in Marnie’s memory.

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

Doris Jang

1931 – 2021

Doris Jang of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Henry Jang, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 8, 2021, at the age of 89 years.

Doris is survived by her daughters Mae, Fawn (Mark), and Sue; sons Ken (Margaret), and Ming (Phi); Grandchildren Ashley, Braden, Marleea (Aaron), Ethan, Nolan, Rylee, and Mathias. She is also survived by her younger sister, Mrs. Sim Yip Wan of Calgary.

Doris was born on September 23, 1931 in Guangdong Province, China. She grew up in a rural farming community, during the great famine. She had also witnessed the Japanese occupation of China, during the second world war. After the war ended, Doris relocated to Hong Kong where she met her future husband, Henry. They welcomed their first daughter, Mae before Henry immigrated to Canada.

In 1958, Doris and Mae joined Henry who settled in Lethbridge, Alberta. There they expanded their family with four more children.

Doris was an exceptionally hard-working individual. Together with her husband, they had managed to operate a successful grocery store business, and several restaurant ventures. One of her most notable accomplishments, was her perseverance to continue running Henry’s Restaurant for 32 more years with the support of her children, after her husband’s passing.

Family was everything to Doris. In particular, her grandchildren were the apple of her eye, she loved spending time with them. Her passion was cooking and sharing food with family and friends. Doris also enjoyed travelling, especially to Hawaii and Las Vegas. We were blessed to have one last family trip with her to Las Vegas and Disneyland for Christmas in 2019 where she was able to enjoy one last flight on Peter Pan with her grandkids.

A special thanks is extended to the staff of Bridge Home Care, and her family physician Dr. Stephenson, who provided exceptional care and kindness to Doris in her later years.

A Viewing by appointment only, will be held from 6-8 p.m., on Monday, March 15, 2021, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. To book a time slot, please go to http://www.mbfunerals.com and click on Doris’ obituary.

A private family Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 p.m., on Tuesday, March 16, 2021. The family invites those who wish to watch the service via livestream at http://www.mbfunerals.com and scrolling to the bottom of Doris’ obituary.

Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

We would like to gather with many of Doris’s friends and extended family at a later date once restrictions are lifted. More details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, memorial donations may be made to a charity of their choice.

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

Hisako (Esther) Kitaguchi

1919 – 2021

In her 102nd year, Hisako “Esther” Kitaguchi passed away on February 25, 2021, peacefully and with much grace, to be reunited with her beloved family.

A private family service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday March 13, 2021. The family invites those who wish to watch the service via livestream at http://www.mbfunerals.com and scrolling to the bottom of Hisako’s obituary.

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

NISHIMURA

SUZUE “Sue” NISHIMURA, beloved wife of the late Yo Nishimura of Lethbridge, passed away at Fairmont Extendicare, on Wednesday, March 10, 2021, at the age of 91 years.

Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Bryan Robertson

1940 – 2021

In life, we loved you dearly, In death we love you still.

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Robert BRYAN Robertson at sunset on the 5th of March at the Chinook Regional Hospital. For 37 years, he was the dear friend and beloved partner of Joanie Freeman.

Bryan was born in Pincher Creek, June 1, 1940. He was raised for a time in Willow Valley attending, on horseback, the one room North Fork School a couple of miles down the road from their home. The family also lived in Lundbreck, Bellevue and Behrens for a time. In the fall of 1959 Bryan and his father drove to SAIT to register him in a finishing carpentry class. That class was full, but they were offering a brand new course in Petroleum Technology in which he enrolled. After Graduation, Bryan took a job with the Energy Resource Conservation Board, making lifelong friends. He married his love, Virginia June Holman in September of 1962. They settled in Calgary with their two children Warren and Jan. Bryan took a position with Elf Oil, the French National Oil Company and became their Arctic Operations Manager. The family moved from the city back to Willow Valley in 1977. In 1981, he bought Narwhal Artic Services – Narwhal managed the airport, the hotel, supported the town of Resolute Bay, and handled logistics for the mines and drilling companies. Bryan also consulted in Arctic ventures in Russia, Greenland and Finland. His company Amarillo Holdings took part in projects offshore in Labrador, Newfoundland and northern Europe. Another subsidiary, Champion Oilfield Rentals, offered leased and rented heavy equipment in order to complement the support of the Arctic frontier explorations. In 1983 tragedy struck, and Bryan lost his wife in a car accident.

Bryan began ranching in 1986 and following the sale of the Arctic company in 1991, Bryan settled into the Ranching community – taking part in Rocky Mountain Forest Range Assoc.; North Fork Livestock Association; he registered water rights for the ranch and grazing associations. He was proud of the integrity both his Gelbvieh herd and later his Black Angus. Briefly Bryan dabbled in the fickle Ostrich market, then went on to residential property development in Bellevue.

Bryan was afflicted with Rheumatoid Arthritis – a brutal, debilitating disease – he has been described as brave and courageous by medical staff. He never complained. He never bemoaned his lot, kept his humor, a little sass and enough flirtation to charm everyone whose path he crossed.

Besides his loving partner, Joan Freeman, Bryan is survived by his son Warren Robertson of Crowsnest Pass; daughter Jan Robertson (Tim Therriault) of Pincher Creek; grand-daughter Jennifer Robertson of White Horse; grand-daughter Kyra Dziedzic of Cochrane; sister Donna Houda of Chase, B.C.; brother-in law Darrol Holman (Joyce) of Caroline; sister-in law Wendy Anderson (Noel) of Medicine Hat; loving nieces, nephews and devoted friends. He made a difference in countless lives.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to STARS http://www.stars.ca, or the Arthritis Research Center at 5591, No 3 Road, Richmond BC V6X 2C7

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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

SCHOLTEN

1931 – 2021

DIRK WILLEM SCHOLTEN, beloved husband of Hantzen for 53 years, was called Home on Wednesday, March 10, 2021 at the age of 89 years, his wish fulfilled.

Dirk had a full life, and was blessed with seven children: Richard (Lindsay) Scholten, Willem and Benjamin; Diane (Mike) VanMaanen, Casey, Hailey and Ryley; Dirk (April) Scholten, Sydney, (Isak), and Kennedy; Evelyn (Darren) Stolk, Jamie and Kylie.

He was predeceased by three sons: Riemer, Benjamin and Sipke.

Dirk was a hard worker all his life, and although he had a tough time accepting the loss of his mobility in the past few years, he is now celebrating with all those that went before him. He will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, March 15, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. The service will be live streamed and may be accessed via Dirk’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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