TUESDAY, May 11, 2021

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on May 11, 2021.

GIBB: JEFFREY STUART

1965 – 2021

It is with profound grief and deep sadness that the family of Jeffrey Stuart Gibb announces his sudden passing on May 8, 2021 at the age of 55 years.

Jeff is survived by the love of his life Karen and their three children Zachary, Brooklynn (Charlie Knight) and Sydney (Erik Goulet) Jeff will be sorely missed by his three grandboys and best friends, Max and Harrison Knight and Jack Goulet, as well as his brothers and their families Mike, Dennis, Rod (deceased) Kevin, Tim and Brian along with his mother in-law Irene Blumel and his furry companion Maibee.

Jeff was born in Picture Butte Alberta on August 22, 1965 to Alice and Wayne Gibb. Jeff grew up there until his teenage years, when he and his family moved to Magrath where he met Karen for the first time and their love story began. Jeff and Karen were married on September 10, 1988 in Lethbridge and within a few years they were given the gift of parenthood with the births of Zach, Bee and Syd. His family grew even further in recent years with the happy addition of his three grandsons, who were so special to him.

Jeff was a man of incredible ingenuity and talent. He loved music from an early age and was gifted as an exceptional musician. His extraordinary ability to play the piano (by ear!) was something impressive that will be fondly remembered by many. Jeff was very handy and could fix, build or renovate anything and always had projects on the go. Jeff was a feisty character from the moment he was born, something that those around him found out very quickly!

Jeff was a devoted father to his kids, a loving husband, and a fun loving “Pa” our worlds have been rocked by the loss of this wonderful man. We will miss our fun family vacations, our Canada Day parties, our Christmas’ together, and spending hot summer days with his famous cocktail parties by the pool. Jeff lived a life of service and dedication to his family, and we are all so, so grateful for him and fortunate that he was ours.

Jeff was an incredible brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, role model and friend to so many. He will be missed by his colleagues and clients from London Drugs and TLD Computers, where he was a master of sales and information technology. We are so sad that he didn’t get the chance to make it to his retirement in August so he could finally take some well-earned time to truly relax. We are so proud of him, and love him so much for working so hard to ensure his family was taken care of. He was our problem solver, our confidant and example, our rock, guide and safe harbour. We all miss him so much.

Though he leaves us behind in this life, we know his spirit remains within us and we take comfort in knowing that he is with those who have gone before him. He has been reunited with his father (Wayne) father in law (Reed Blumel) his Gibb and Pitcher Grandparents, and most of all, his mother Alice who he loved, nurtured and cared for so well. We all learned the true meaning of family service and dedication in the way he cared for his mom. We know that she was waiting for him on the other side with a big chocolate cake and an even bigger embrace.

Our family would like to thank the doctors at Chinook regional hospital and the Foothills ICU for doing their best to save him, and a special thanks to Dr. Eric Wilde for helping our dad so much throughout his many health struggles.

A memorial celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at a later date this summer. Any donations you would like to make in his honour will be going to STARS air ambulance.

We will miss him so much, but know through the strength of our family, that his legacy will endure.

In our family, we never say “Goodbye” but rather “See you later”

See you later Daddy, thank you so much for everything. We will always love, remember and cherish you until we meet again someday on that sunny beach in heaven.

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

Len Ginther
1936 – 2021
 Jacob Leonard Ginther, beloved husband of the late Nancy Ginther, passed away in Taber on Friday, May 7, 2021 at the age of 85 years.
 As a result of the restrictions regarding COVID-19 and the government recommendations, a private funeral service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber on Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 10:00 A.M. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
 Due to the fact that in person attendance at the service is limited and by invitation only, those who wish to view the service may do so by visiting Len’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 9:45 A.M. on Thursday, May 13, 2021. The recording will be posted on line for those unable to view the service at 10:00 A.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
 Len is survived by his children Jody (Mary) Ginther of Taber, Leni (Reed) Meachin of Coaldale and Todd (Rose) Ginther of Taber as well as his grandchildren Shane (Chloe), Brendan (Kaylin), Caitlin (Brock), Tamara (Joel), Emily and Allyson. He is also survived by his sister Joyce (Peter) Simard; sister-in-law and brothers-in-law Donna Ginther, Ted (Dolly) Stokes, Eunice Seidler, Butch (Linda) Stokes, Laurie-Ann Miller as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife Nancy Ginther; infant son Terry Ginther; parents Jacob and Helena Ginther; brothers and sister-in-law Elmer (Marlene) Ginther, Ernie and Frank Ginther; sister-in-law Joyce Dittberner; Nancy’s family, parents Fred and Myrtle Stokes; sister and brothers-in-law Ethel (Clinton) Knight, Eldon Seidler and Doug Miller.
 Len was born March 30, 1936 and raised in Herbert, Saskatchewan.  It was at a local dance that he met the love of his life, Nancy Stokes, and they were married in Swift Current on July 18, 1958.
Dad had several occupations including working road construction, driving bus and working for CP Rail. In the early ‘60s he found his passion working as a machinist and shop manager for Bowman Brothers which had us moving through three prairie provinces and putting down roots in Taber in 1975. At this time, he and Mom started up L&N Automotive Machine Ltd. and serviced southern Alberta with machining and parts until Jody and Todd took over the family business in 1984.   
 Dad loved his community through support of the Taber Golden Suns hockey team, where he drove the team bus, and was active in the Elks. With his loving partner by his side he was the biggest fan and supporter of his kids’ activities. Len was always ready for a good time and had a good joke to go along with it.   
 After his retirement, he had spent some time renovating his home but it was his love of ‘making a deal’ that led him to opening “Len’s Fine Used Furniture” on main street.   
 Dad could build or fix darn near anything and one could say his hobby in his retirement was shopping, looking for the best deals and treasures for those he loved.   
 Dad’s last years were dedicated to caring for Mom until her passing in 2019 and he eventually moved into Clearview Lodge in 2020 amidst his own declining health.
 If friends so desire, the family kindly asks that memorial tributes in Len’s name be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7 (http://www.heartandstroke.ca) or to the Taber and District Health Foundation, 4326 – 50 Avenue Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9 (http://www.tdhf.ca).
 We would like to extend special thanks to the staff at Clearview Lodge and the Taber Hospital for the care and compassion shown to Dad over the past months. You always managed to keep a smile on his face through his difficult times and for that we are forever grateful.
 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Edward “Ed” Kalau

1942 – 2021

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the unexpected passing of Ed Kalau of Lethbridge. Ed passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, May 6, 2021 at the age of 78 years.

Ed grew up on the family farm near Milk River, Alberta. He earned an undergraduate degree in Science and Math from the University of Lethbridge. During the course of an extensive career, he also completed an MBA through the Alberta Executive MBA program at the University of Calgary Faculty of Management.

Throughout his career and into his retirement, Ed touched the lives of many people. He was a special mentor to many colleagues and friends. He adored his grandsons, River and Reed. He took a vast interest in and was very knowledgeable about many things. But his passion was recreational sport flying and serving as a volunteer with the Civil Air Search and Rescue Association (CASARA).

Ed will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by his wife Linda Moore; his children Sandy Wasserman and Owen Kalau; Linda’s children Rosalind Harvey (Rhonda), Aaron (Brook) Harvey and their sons River and Reed, Eric (Terra) Harvey, and brother Art Kalau. He is also survived by his nieces Judy (Mark) Bruce, Debie (Dean) Knapek; nephews Todd (Lisa) Kalau, Scott (Julie) Kalau, as well as numerous cousins, extended family members and the mother of his children Elaine Kalau.

Ed was predeceased by his brother Wally and his parents Alex and Adele Kalau.

For those who wish to do so, a charitable donation may be made in memory of Ed to CASARA – Alberta, Attention to Dale Kirsch, 13019- 202 St. NW, Edmonton, AB, T5S 0E2.

Due to Covid 19 restrictions a Celebration of Ed’s life will be planned for a time when family and friends can safely gather together.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

Harry Osecki
1927 – 2021
 Henry Thomas Osecki, beloved husband of Margaret Osecki, passed away in Taber on Friday, May 7, 2021 at the age of 94 years.
 Harry will be remembered privately by family and friends. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.  
 Harry is survived by his wife of seventy four years Margaret (nee Towle); daughters Barbara (Roy) Douglas of Taber and Wendy (Brent) Teske of St. Albert; four grandchildren Jennifer (Abe), Danny, Matthew (Alexis) and Christopher (Taylor); three great grandchildren Donovan (Chelsey), Spencer (Dalton) and Elizabeth. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Jerry Towle; sisters-in-law Joyce Bezruki, Hilda Towle and Joan Osecki as well as several nieces and nephews.
 He was predeceased by his parents Theo and Abigail Osecki, sister Lois Bartlett, brother Bill Osecki, sister-in-law Sheila Towle, Loretta Towle, Eleanor Towle and Doreen Towle; brothers-in-law John Bezruki, Bill Towle, Charles Towle, Don Towle and Dick Bartlett.
  He spent most of his life in Lethbridge where he met Margaret Towle and they married August 2, 1946. Harry was employed as an Engineer with CP Rail for forty five years. He enjoyed gardening, fishing, reading, doing crossword puzzles and the Montreal Canadiens. Harry was also an active member of the Lethbridge Stamp Club. Some of their favorite things to do were driving to Great Falls for shopping and then a stop at Borries Restaurant; and picnics at Little Bow Provincial Park with Margaret’s brother and sister and their spouses.
 A special thank you to Dr. Yawney, Linden View Care Home and Taber Home Care for their care and respect given to Harry.
 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Christina Elaine Soucie

1983 – 2021

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we have to say goodbye to our dear Christina. A daughter, a sister, a mother and a friend. Ms. Christina Elaine Soucie of Lethbridge passed away on May 4, 2021 at the age of 37 years.

Christina was born on November 21, 1983 in Calgary Alberta. She had a kind heart and a generous soul. She would find happiness in the little things in life. No one could compare to her and the compassion she showed for others.

We love you Christina, and we will think of you and miss you every day. Your loving memories will always be cherished. Until we meet again.

Christina will be privately remembered by her family and friends. Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapel.

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

Shirley Wiaderny

1960 – 2021

Ms. Shirley Wiaderny of Lethbridge, passed away on Saturday, May 8, 2021, at the age of 61 years.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

Bill Wilk
1941 – 2021
 William Peter Wilk, beloved husband and soulmate to Carole for the past fifty four years, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 at the age of 79 years.
  As a result of the current restrictions surrounding COVID-19, a Celebration of Life will be held later when Bill’s family and friends can be in person together to celebrate this extraordinary man. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
 Left to mourn his loss is his wife Carole, daughter Bonnie (Terry) Marose of Taber and son Blair (Corrinna) Wilk of Calgary along with his grandchildren Chason Marose, Kendal (Clarke) Marose, Brett Marose, Macenzie (Meegan) Wilk; great grandchildren Carson, Brooklynne, Lincoln and Harper Marose. Bill is also survived by his siblings Ken (Sine) Wilk, Jean (Dale) Merriman, Andrew Wilk and brother-in-law Murray Hanson as well as many special nieces, nephews and their families.
 Bill was predeceased by his parents Peter and Mary Wilk; brothers John, Frank (Gwen) and Harry; sister Rose Marie; Carole’s parents Clifford and Marjorie Hanson, brother Curtis Hanson and sister Marilyn Giroux.
 Bill was born in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan and was the youngest son of Peter and Mary Wilk. In 1944, the family moved to Taber, where Bill made his home up until his passing. In 1966, he married Carole Hanson. Bill and Carole soon welcomed the addition of Bonnie and Blair to their family. He spent several years volunteering his time coaching Blair’s hockey and baseball teams where he made many life-long friendships along the way. Bill worked for Alberta Water Resources for many years before his retirement at age fifty five. He and Carole loved to spend time in the mountains and Bill spent countless hours on Kootenay and Koocanusa lakes in his boat not only fishing but also teaching his children, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and their friends how to water ski. During the winter months, Bill and Carole travelled extensively by car, plane and cruise ship. Bill had a great passion for woodworking and spent numerous hours creating beautiful pieces of art.
 Bill’s greatest treasure was his family. He was never too busy to lend a helping hand. Bill would share his biggest smile, a friendly clap on the back and offer words of advice to family and friends alike. He was a most cheerful, patient man who rarely complained. Bill greeted his grandchildren with a big “howdy doody” each time he saw them. He taught us the value of hard work, patience, perseverance and the importance of family and friends.
 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bill’s name may be made directly to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1W5.
 We all would like to thank Dr. Jeff Hughes, Dr. Gerald Beckie, Dr. Eric Wilde, Dr. Elvira Smuts and her Palliative Care team, Trisha Wright and the Taber Home Care team, Taber Clinic, Taber Hospital Lab and Dr. Malcolm Brigden and the team at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre for all the care, attention, time and support spent looking after Bill over the years.
 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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