SATURDAY, March 20, 2021

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 20, 2021.

Gordon Robert Basham

March 11, 1951 – March 18, 2021

Gord passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre in Lethbridge on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at the age of 70 years, following a lengthy battle with lung cancer.

Gord was born and raised in North Vancouver, BC. In 1971 he joined the RCMP and was stationed in Alberta throughout his career. He retired in Lethbridge in 1998 after 27 years of service, at which time he drove school bus and transit for the City of Lethbridge for 16 years.

Gord is survived by his children Cailey (Josh), Callen (McKenzie), Devon; his former wife and caregiver, Arlene Plato; his beloved furry friend Cooper; siblings Don (Glenda) Basham of Sechelt, BC, Greg (Joanne) Basham of Coquitlam, BC and Elaine (Bruce) Butterfield of Sorrento, BC.

Gord was predeceased by his parents Robert in 2006 and Joyce in 2013.

A private family gathering will be held in honour of Gord’s life.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

CLASSENS

CHRIS CLASSENS, passed away suddenly at his home in Coaldale on Monday, March 15th, at the age of 68 years. Survived by Charlene and their four children.

A private funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 20, 2021 at 11:00 AM. The service will be livestreamed and available through Chris’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

CROW

EDELTRAUD “TRUDY” CROW, beloved wife of the late Robert Stanley Crow of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, March 15, 2021, at the age of 77 years.

She is lovingly remembered by her son, Randy (Marina) and their children, Matteo and Massimo; sister Rita Fester; brother, Dieter (Lynn) Fester and family, as well as many other extended family members.

Along with her husband, she was predeceased by her brother Herb Fester and parents, Hedwig and Johann Fester.

Trudy was born on July 6, 1943, in Alt-Kamien, Poland and later immigrated with her family to Canada. She married Robert on August 21, 1965 and after teaching careers, they moved to Edmonton to be closer to Trudy’s side of the family. Following her husbands’ death in 2016, she moved to Lethbridge to be closer to her son, his wife, and her two grandsons.

After a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s and Multiple Myeloma, Trudy passed away peacefully with her family by her side.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, there will be no service at this time. An Interment Ceremony will be held at a later date for family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in memory of Trudy to Fairmont Extendicare, 115 Fairmont Blvd. S, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 5V2.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

DROZDOWSKI

DROZDOWSKI, Wilma Margrethe (née Pedersen), beloved wife of the late Stanley Drozdowski, of Lethbridge, Alberta, and formerly of Swift Current, Saskatchewan, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge, Alberta, on March 15, 2021, at the age of 94 years.

She is survived by her son, Lyle Drozdowski (Sue Meredith) of Lethbridge, Alberta, her granddaughter Kelsey Meyer (Rohn Meyer) and great grandson Conrad, and her grandson, Kevin Drozdowski (Ashley Yaremko), all of Calgary, Alberta. She is also survived by nieces, nephews and cousins, in Canada and in Denmark.

She was predeceased by her husband, Stanley Drozdowski, and by her parents, Lars Peder Pedersen and Wilhelmine Kristine Pedersen (née Nielsen), of Swift Current, Saskatchewan.

Wilma was born January 18, 1927 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan as a first-generation Canadian. She was proud of her Danish-Canadian heritage and of her homestead upbringing in Neidpath, Saskatchewan. She was talented in horsemanship, and rode her Shetland pony, Rex, to school at the one-room schoolhouse near the community each day. Upon graduating high school from W. A. Beatty Collegiate in Swift Current, she attended and graduated from the Yorkton Hospital nursing program. She met her husband, Stan, at a New Year’s Eve dance in 1947. After a long distance romance while she completed her nursing training in Yorkton, Stan and Wilma were married on October 18, 1950 at First United Church in Swift Current. Their son, Lyle, was born in 1951. Wilma lived in Swift Current until 2019. She worked as a registered nurse for about 40 years. She became the head nurse of the operating room at Swift Current Union Hospital, and then worked in long term care at the Palliser Hospital until her retirement. In 1986, she was recognized with an award from the Canadian Red Cross Society for her thirty years of volunteer service in coordinating blood donor clinics. In 1992, she was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada in recognition of significant contribution to compatriots, community and to Canada.

Wilma and Stan loved camping, fishing, square dancing, playing cards, and spending time with family and friends, whom they treasured. She was a devoted daughter, wife, mother and grandmother and a lifelong friend. She visited family in Denmark and enjoyed taking family visiting from Denmark on sightseeing trips in Canada. Wilma was a dedicated member of Grace United Church in Swift Current. In 2019, she moved to Lethbridge, and enjoyed meeting many new friends at her new home at the Seasons Lethbridge Gardens. She quickly became part of a new family there, enjoying book club, 4th floor exercises with the gals, coffee and card games. She always had a beautiful smile, and a warm heart. She will be dearly missed by her family and many friends.

Arrangements are entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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

John Duff

1938 – 2021

It is with broken hearts and profound sorrow the family announces the unexpected passing of our dear father, grandfather and great-grandpa John Duff at the age of 82 years, on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at Coaldale Health Centre in Coaldale, AB.

John came abruptly into the world alongside the road at Sec.22, Tp26, Rge7, W2nd on June 21, 1938, to Douglas and Grace (Sanders) Duff near Beaverdale, Saskatchewan where the Duffs farmed. Baby John was delivered by his Grandmother (Grammy) Duff in that ditch! Although Grammy never had any formal training, she was known as a midwife by a lot of the local families and also delivered his older brother Peter, his only sibling. John is predeceased by his parents, his brother and most recently his beloved wife Margaret – only 48 short days prior to his own passing.

John joined the Air Cadets in North Vancouver at the age of 14. At the tender age of 18, he received his wings and John earned his pilot’s icence, a proud Air Cadet accomplishment.

John attended North Vancouver High school in Vancouver, BC when he met the love of his life, Margaret Hicks, his high school sweetheart from a rival high school John Oliver. They were married on September 10, 1960 and enjoyed over 60 years of marriage. John and Marg had two children: Keith and Laura.

John was a great businessman and enjoyed a 35-year career in the Insurance business. John co-owned Duff Insurance with his wife Marg in Lethbridge for 15 of those years then enjoyed 26 years of Retirement.

John was a very hard worker who loved keeping busy with projects. He was multi-talented and great with tools. He was our Mr. Fix It and handyman extraordinaire. There didn’t seem to be anything he couldn’t fix. John once apprenticed in an autobody shop and later repaired & painted several family vehicles over the years, including building his own version of a Winnebago which he used to drive the family down to Disneyland and back! Not afraid of a sewing machine, he reupholstered several pieces of furniture over the years. John built additions onto two of their homes; he fixed up and ‘flipped’ a number of revenue homes before finally hanging up his hammer.

John loved hockey and coached a number of teams along the way, ending his coaching days with the Bridge City Barons Jr B team here in Lethbridge at their home rink, Nicholas Sheran. He is affectionately known by his past players as Mr. Duff even though he later gave them permission to call him John.

An avid golfer, he especially enjoyed being a ‘Snowbird’ wintering at their condo on the golf course in Yuma, Arizona. Over the years, John also enjoyed listening to music; especially Roger Whittaker, bird watching, walking and playing card games and socializing with friends.

John will be dearly missed and forever loved by his two children Keith Duff and wife Jeannie of Lethbridge, AB; Laura (Duff) and husband Glenn Hermann of Chestermere, AB. He will be sadly missed by his two grandchildren Lindsey (Duff) and husband Blake Corey; and Carson Duff; his two great-grandchildren Hayden and Jackson Corey; his numerous nephews and their families.

John/Dad/Grandpa/Pop was a gentle hearted, dedicated family man who would never shy of hard work and lending a helping hand. He will be greatly missed by his many life-long friends and all who knew him.

Due to Covid-19, a celebration of John’s life will be held at a future date when we can safely gather.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes can be made to the Coaldale Health Centre, 2100 11th St, Coaldale, AB T1M 1L2.

The family wishes to extend a very special thank you to the Physicians and all the staff, especially the nursing staff at the Coaldale Health Centre for all your kindness and compassion during John’s short residency.

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

GROS VENTRE BOY

DICKY RANDOLPH GROS VENTRE BOY, beloved husband of Vicki Day Chief, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Monday, March 15, 2021 at the age of 48 years.

A Public Wake / Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, March 22, 2021 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited to 15 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, March 23, 2021 at 12:00 Noon.

Dicky will be laid to rest in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

KERGEN

With deep regret, we announce the passing of IAN STUART KERGEN on March 12, 2021. Ian passed away in hospital after a short battle with covid. He leaves behind one sister Brenda Ketchesen (Dale), 3 brothers Gordon (Mary), Bill (Cindy), Darcy (Tammy) and his son Jamie and many nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by his sister Lawrie and brother George.

He loved bowling, golf, fishing and visiting with his friends and family. He was privileged to work at his dream job as Park Ranger for awhile. His willingness to help others will be missed.

There will be no memorial at his request.

MANTLER

KELLY ANNE MANTLER passed away peacefully on Saturday, March 13, 2021 surrounded by her loving family.

Kelly was predeceased by her mother, Fern Hillstead. She is survived by her father, Morris Hillstead, children Matt (Kaylie) Mantler and Danelle Mantler, sisters Barb (Bote) Miedema and Charlotte Bennett, granddaughters Seirah and Aaliyah, and many nieces and nephews.

Kelly was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, and spent most of her childhood in the Weyburn and southern Saskatchewan area. Kelly enjoyed travelling and seeing new places with her sisters and friends, her favourite spot being Mexico, on the beach with a margarita in hand. To her family, Kelly was the calm in the middle of the storm. She was often the person people went to if they needed advice or a shoulder to lean on, Kelly would listen and provide comfort to anyone who needed it, and she would do so without judgment; this contributed to her being a fantastic psychiatric nurse. Kelly was a devoted mother, mentor, and nurse. Her legacy will live on through her family, her teachings, and all the lives she touched with her compassionate, kind nature.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, a donation can be made in memory of Kelly Mantler at the Chinook Regional Hospital, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1W5.

A Service of Remembrance will be held on Thursday, March 25th, 2021 at 1:30 P.M. The service will be live streamed and may be accessed via Kelly’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

MORRISON

It is with great sadness that the family of FRANK ROBERT MORRISON, husband of 39 years to Anne Morrison of Picture Butte, AB, announce his passing with Anne by his side, at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday March 13th 2021 in his 83rd year.

Frank was born in Provost, AB and grew up on a farm in that area until the age of 14 when his family returned to Ontario to pursue other dreams. The farm at Provost is where his lifelong love of farming began. Frank lost his hand in a farming accident as a young man, but he never let that slow him down. He became severely visually impaired in his early 40’s, and again he adjusted and never lost his zest for life. Frank had a love of animals especially for his beloved dog Neemo. He loved fast cars and most of all camping. Frank would be at the campsite as soon as possible in the spring and would stay as long as nature would allow in the fall to winter. He and his wife made many friends, who they consider family, during their camping adventures.

Along with his wife, Frank is lovingly remembered by his children: Terry (Debra) Morrison of Edmonton, AB and their children Jeff and Amanda; Doug (Renee) Morrison of Apsley, ON and their children Samantha, Teri, Evelyn, and Abigail; Sharlene (Andrew) Joslin of Launceston, Tasmania, Australia and their children Natasha, Mitchell, Jordan and Dakota; and Lisa (Jason) Panrucker of Hoadley, Alberta, and their children, Tristan and Jayel; Frank’s stepchildren: Dwight (Linda) Woods of Saskatoon, SK, and their children Kate and Matthew; Brent (Marian) Woods of Tie Lake, BC and their children Brendan and Donovan; Becky Lewandoski of Lethbridge, AB, and her children James and Jarret; Colleen Woods of Calgary, AB and her children Michael, Kayleen and Sabrina; Karen (Joe) Hoffeman of Coaldale, AB and their children Carmen, Brent, Cory and Katrina; Bryan Woods of Nanaimo BC; and Heather Woods (Dave Kunst) of Lethbridge AB, and her children Ashely, Tyler and Shayne Johnson; two sisters, Sandra (Glenn) Fallis and Carolyn Backholm as well as numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews whom Frank was very fond of.

Frank was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Elizabeth Morrison, and his sister, Eva Macleod.

Special thanks to the Staff at the Chinook Regional hospital ICU for the outstanding care they provided to Frank in his last days. At Frank’s request, there will be no funeral, however a private Celebration of Life will follow at a later date.

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

RENSE VISSER

July 20 1933 – March 17, 2021

Rense was a professional bullsh***er. He loved fast cars and motorcycles, wrestling (especially the female wrestlers). Known as the Captain of the Ship, and mom as his cruise director, he always was ready to leave on a whim when she had the bags packed. He excelled at flipping the bird, taking no crap, and laughing at inappropriate jokes even though he could not hear a word. Rense had a busy life but no matter what he was doing he always took time to teach his kids life lessons. You’re now on the upper floor joining Nelly, the love of your life, and son Robert along with many other angels: his parents Siebren and Reino Visser, four brothers, John, Rinky, Jim, and Peter, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, and his son-in-law Marvin Wichers. He leaves on this side of the “ground floor” as he would say, his daughters, Lilly (Jeff), Debbi (Marvin, deceased), Peggy (Rick), his sons, Sid (Heather), Steve (Lisa), along with 15 grandchildren, 29 great- grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild, his sister, Renske and brother Teddy (Anne), sister-in-law Joanne Berlinghof and brother-in-law Gerry VanGaal, along with several nieces and nephews. Anyone who knew DAD knew his favorite quote “Live HARD, die fast and leave a happy memory”. That he did! If Rense could tell us anything, his last inappropriate joke would be” In lieu of flowers, please send cash as I did not leave my kids a damn thing!”

Cremation has taken place. Rense will be laid to rest in a private interment at a later date.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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Southern Albertan

3 years ago

Rense Visser leaves a delightful legacy! We extend our sympathy to his family for their loss of him, with our smiles!

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