FRIDAY, September 3, 2021

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on September 3, 2021.

SMULDERS

RALPH GERARD CHRISTIAN SMULDERS passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre, on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at the age of 61 years.

Ralph will greatly be missed by all his family: his mother and father Edward and Edith Smulders, sister, Inga (Bruce) Anderson and their children Rory and Maxton, and sister Karen (Chris) Vavra and their children Kailey (Curtis) Jakober (and his great niece and nephew Raylee and Hayes), Courtney (Kevin), and Karissa (Scott) Vavra.

Ralph was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on September 20th, 1959. Ralph and his family came to Lethbridge, Alberta in 1964. In his early years, Ralph played hockey, lived on the ski hills, and enjoyed playing golf. After high school, he went to NAIT to pursue engineering and later decided that teaching was his calling. After graduating from the University of Lethbridge in 1988 with a degree in Education, Ralph taught both junior high and high school in Claresholm, Alberta. Ralph was passionate about his teaching. He stressed the importance of respect and working hard to his students. He fell in love with Claresholm and built a home along with his own ranch where he could also pursue his dream of a cow and calf operation. He worked alongside his father at ‘Rock Springs Ranch’. Ralph always lived a life of adventure, from travelling to Australia, to helicopter skiing. Ralph enjoyed riding his motorbike and living his life to the fullest.

Following an illness, Ralph moved to Lethbridge and later into St. Michael’s Health Centre in 2016. Ralph was so truly blessed to be in the care of so many incredible staff members at St. Michael’s Health Centre. Ralph had an amazing strong will, was full of stubbornness, and had an unbelievable perseverance. He never gave up on anything. His commitment to always move forward and be strong, prevailed with every challenge faced to him.

Please join us for a Funeral Service at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Refreshments will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Ralph by donating to St. Michael’s Health Centre (1400 – 9 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4V5).

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

DE KOK

With deep sorrow we announce the passing of our dear father, opa and great opa, on August 31, 2021, at the age of 92 years.

Andy was predeceased by his dear wife Nellie on January 1 of this year. They were blessed to share more than 68 years together. He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his daughters Nelleke (James) Kreft, Janet (Gerrit) Van Hierden, and Andrea (Peter) Feyter; 17 grandchildren, 62 great grandchildren, and 3 great great grandchildren; his brother Kees and sisters Kaatje Neels and Neeltje Neels, and sisters-in-law Jannie de Kok, Mina de Kok, Janny Indenbosch and Matty Vanee, as well as many nieces, nephews, and their families.

Andy was predeceased by his parents Henderik and Janna de Kok, his son Andrew, grandson Adrian Kreft, and numerous brothers, sisters, and in-laws.

Andy was born in ‘s-Heer Arendskerke, The Netherlands, and married Nellie soon after coming to Canada in 1951. The family spent 15 years together in Nanton, and since 1967 have resided in Fort Macleod. In 2015 Andy and Nellie retired to Bethesda Care Home in Picture Butte.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the Netherlands Reformed Congregation 2608 7 Ave, Fort Macleod, with Rev. H.D. den Hollander officiating. There will be a private family Graveside Service.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Bethesda Care Home for their patient and loving care of our dear parents in their final years.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations may be made to The Bethesda Care Home, P.O. Box 1096, Picture Butte, Alberta T0K 1V0

Condolences may be sent through http://www.edensfuneralhome.com.

Edith Heim

1941 – 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Edith Heim (Hellawell) announces her passing on Tuesday, August 31, 2021.

Edith was born in Vancouver B.C., the eldest daughter of John and Lynette Hellawell. With her father in the RCAF she attended many elementary schools. Finally settling in Lethbridge, she attended Lethbridge Municipal Hospital School of Laboratory Technology. While attending school, she helped her dad in his garage as a mechanics assistant.

After retiring from being Lab Coordinator of district laboratory services at Lethbridge Regional Hospital, she led a full life. Watching her grandkids at sporting events and music recitals, volunteering for L’Arche Society, MS Society, Alberta Community Art Club Association, camping, dirt biking, scrap booking, painting, photography, bridge and golf. She loved to travel, from dancing on the beaches of the Mediterranean Sea on her birthday, visiting her sister, Judith on the Island, to local parks of recreation. Above all of that her family and friends came first.

Besides her loving husband, Ralph, Edith is survived by her daughter, Lauren Fourrier (Marc), son Reese Klaiber (Carla); grandchildren Natalie Fourrier, Jocelyn Fourrier, Morgan Klaiber, Hayden Klaiber and Autumn Klaiber; her sister Judith Sheane (Garth); a great granddaughter Kinsley Marie Fourrier as well as a very special nephew Doug Raffin (Lisa) and their two children Emily and Tyson.

She was predeceased by her parents John and Lynette Hellawell; brother Stanley Hellawell and son Neil Klaiber.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, donations may be made to Streets Alive in Lethbridge, Alberta, 323 4 St S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1Z9. Condolences may be sent to 2911 32 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7J3.

As requested by Edith, she will be remembered privately by her family and her friends.

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

HOWG

NORMAN RICHARD HOWG passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Tuesday, August 24, 2021 at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge.

Norman was born on October 18th, 1930 in Lethbridge and grew up on a farm in the Enchant area with parents Helga (Lundby) and Emil Howg, brothers Leroy and Milton, and sister Caroline. He attended Olds College from 1949-1951 before returning to Enchant to farm. He married the love of his life, Arlene Baker of Sundial, on July 27, 1953. They raised their three children, Kathleen, Merlyn, and Shannon on a farm west of Enchant until 2002 when they retired and moved to Coaldale.

Norman enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing, hiking, and camping with Arlene, family, and friends, and big game hunting with his son, Merlyn. For a number of years, he raised purebred Aberdeen Angus cattle. He fulfilled a lifelong dream of learning to fly when he obtained his pilot’s license and owned his own plane; he was also a member of the Alberta Flying Farmers. Norman loved baseball, especially cheering for his favourite team, the Toronto Blue Jays and was able to see them play in Toronto with his family in 2015.

In later years, after the loss of his wife Arlene, he was fortunate to have found a lovely companion in Maisie Wiest. They enjoyed spending time together watching baseball and playing crib.

Those who knew Norman will remember him as a man who was who took great pride in his family and who loved them dearly. He will be greatly missed, our Patriarch; Dad, Grandpa, Papa, Great Grandpa.

Survived and deeply missed by daughter Kathleen (John) Klemen of Vauxhall; their children Janna (Will) Bogaart- Julianna & Beatrix Bogaart. Jonathan (Angie) Klemen- Blake, Kael, Jude, & Jethro Klemen. Josh (Allison) Klemen- Ivan, Sam, Thomas, Marjorie, & Frances Klemen, Son Merlyn (Cindy) Howg of Coaldale; their children Wes Howg- Jenna, Jessica, & Claire Howg. Mike Howg- Eliza & Hayden Howg. Daughter Shannon (Ryan) Kasko of Coaldale; their children Jackson, Parker, Bailey, & Ella Kasko, and his dear and special friend, Maisie Wiest. Also survived by brother-in-law, Terry (Sandra) Baker and numerous nieces and nephews.

Predeceased by his parents Helga and Emil Howg, in-laws Walter and Carrie (Sorgard) Baker, wife Arlene, brothers Leroy and Milton Howg and sisters-in-law, Myrtle and Marlene; sister Caroline Howg; nephew Bradley Hooper; brother-in-law, Marvin Baker.

As per Norman’s request, a private family gathering was held. Interment of ashes will be at Archmount Memorial Cemetery, in the family plot, at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of ones choice.

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

Anna Mrak

1923 – 2021

Mrs. Anna Mrak passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Center August 31, 2021 at the age of 98.

Anna was born August 10, 1923, raised and educated in Naklo, Yugoslavia. In 1945 she went to Austria where she married Joseph on October 14, 1946. Together they immigrated to Canada in 1948, settling in Iron Springs. They moved to Picture Butte in 1950 where they raised their 4 children.

Anna was an amazing cook, baker, and a beautiful seamstress. She served 60 years as a long-time member of the CWL at St. Catherine’s church in Picture Butte.

Anna is survived by her children Maria (Brian), John (Echo), Helen, and Tony (Kim); grandchildren Scott, Toni Ann (Randy), Brad (Nancy), Joey (Laura), Ryan, David (Kristine), Joel (Tiffany), Trevor (Monica), Amber (Eric); great grandchildren Ronan, Lucy, Jager, Charlie, Kasen, Cora, Blake, Sasha, Drew, Walker, Addison, Maxwell, Benjamin, Josephine. Also survived by sister-in-law Olga Novak and numerous nieces and nephews.

Anna was predeceased by her husband Joseph in 2008; daughter-in-law Jean; siblings Mary, Angela, Lovro, Victor and Frank.

Thank you to Dr. Orr and the staff at St. Michael’s Health Centre for their care looking after mom theses past few years.

A private family Funeral Mass will be held at 12:00 pm, on Saturday, September 4, 2021. To view the service via livestream, please go to http://www.mbfunerals.com and scrolling to the bottom of Anna’s obituary.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to St. Michael’s Health Centre, 1400 9 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V5, or a charity dear to your heart.

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

SMULDERS

RALPH GERARD CHRISTIAN SMULDERS passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre, on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at the age of 61 years.

Ralph will greatly be missed by all his family: his mother and father Edward and Edith Smulders, sister, Inga (Bruce) Anderson and their children Rory and Maxton, and sister Karen (Chris) Vavra and their children Kailey (Curtis) Jakober (and his great niece and nephew Raylee and Hayes), Courtney (Kevin), and Karissa (Scott) Vavra.

Ralph was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on September 20th, 1959. Ralph and his family came to Lethbridge, Alberta in 1964. In his early years, Ralph played hockey, lived on the ski hills, and enjoyed playing golf. After high school, he went to NAIT to pursue engineering and later decided that teaching was his calling. After graduating from the University of Lethbridge in 1988 with a degree in Education, Ralph taught both junior high and high school in Claresholm, Alberta. Ralph was passionate about his teaching. He stressed the importance of respect and working hard to his students. He fell in love with Claresholm and built a home along with his own ranch where he could also pursue his dream of a cow and calf operation. He worked alongside his father at ‘Rock Springs Ranch’. Ralph always lived a life of adventure, from travelling to Australia, to helicopter skiing. Ralph enjoyed riding his motorbike and living his life to the fullest.

Following an illness, Ralph moved to Lethbridge and later into St. Michael’s Health Centre in 2016. Ralph was so truly blessed to be in the care of so many incredible staff members at St. Michael’s Health Centre. Ralph had an amazing strong will, was full of stubbornness, and had an unbelievable perseverance. He never gave up on anything. His commitment to always move forward and be strong, prevailed with every challenge faced to him.

Please join us for a Funeral Service at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, on Wednesday, September 8, 2021 at 6:00 P.M. Refreshments will follow.

In lieu of flowers, please remember Ralph by donating to St. Michael’s Health Centre (1400 – 9 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4V5).

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

Robert Jackson Sturrock (Jack)

January 9, 1941 – August 28, 2021

Our dear Jack passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at the Coaldale Health Centre. He has gone to join his Mom & Dad (Barbara & George Sturrock), his son Kevin Sturrock, and his grandson Russel Sturrock. He leaves to mourn his beloved wife Marjorie and her wonderful family who loved him as their own, his sister Marnie Wilkins (Don Perry) and her children Jeremy (Kyla) Goertzen & boys Noah, Brody, and Max, and Jackie-Lynne Goertzen and her son Jason, his sister Judy Mezerecky and her family Kellie (Ralph) Tymensen and their children Kera & Taylor, and Michelle (Paul) Pedersen and their children Brianna & Kelsey, his daughter Cathrine (Patrick) Sturrock, and Kevin’s daughters Samantha & Danielle. Jack also leaves his care family at the Coaldale Health Care Centre whose love and compassionate care got him through the last 11 years. 7 of these years were shared there with his Mom.

Jack moved to Coaldale in 1951 with his family and completed his schooling there. In high school he was a volunteer firefighter and worked at Graham’s Honey Farm. He started his 13 year career in the Navy right out of high school and was fortunate to be a part of the Eastern Island Expedition on HMCS Cape Scott in 1965. He left the Navy with his optical dispensing license and he and his family moved to Calgary. He later shifted from the optical business to be a pharmaceutical representative where he spent his time travelling the roads of Alberta and the East Kootenay’s meeting and greeting people. He loved people, especially little kids, and his main purpose in life was to make people laugh. He was forced by his health to retire in 1995. Jack married Marj in 2000 and she loved and supported him through his many years of declining health, with his sister Marnie by their sides.

Jack will be interred with his Mom and Dad in the Coaldale Cemetery.

We will be hosting a casual Memorial for sharing, remembering, and laughing in honor of Jack on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at 2:00 PM., at Don & Marnie’s home, 90071 Range Road 202 A, in Coaldale, AB.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Coaldale Health Centre, 2100-11th Street, Coaldale, AB. T1M 1L2, (403) 345-3075

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

Henry Vanden Brink
1931 – 2021
 Hendrikus Vanden Brink, beloved husband of Rose Vanden Brink, passed away in Taber on Tuesday, August 31, 2021 at the age of 89 years.
 Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the church prior to the funeral service on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 between 10:00 A.M. and 10:45 A.M.
 The Funeral Service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Tuesday, September 7, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
 Besides his loving and devoted wife Rose, Henry is survived by his sisters Meiny Veldhuizen and Hennie Bouwman, his brother Bill (Tami) Vanden Brink; and sister-in-law Mary Ann Vanden Brink. He is also survived by Rose’s siblings Steve (Karen) Solic, Bill (Penny) Sekura and Linda Hirney (her family Brady and Brendan) and by numerous nieces and nephews and many friends.
 He was predeceased by his father Willem (1994), mother Metje (1962), brothers John (2009), Hank (1975) and Tony (2013), brothers-in-law Evert and Ted and a niece Mayda.
 Hendrikus, always known as Henry, was born on November 3, 1931 in Stoutenberg, Utrecht, The Netherlands to Willem and Metje Vanden Brink. He was the third born of seven children. He lived in The Netherlands until he and his brother John immigrated to Canada in 1954. He initially lived in Peace River with his uncle. In 1955 he moved to Picture Butte to join the rest of his family who had also just immigrated to Canada. Henry was always a hard worker and worked many different jobs in the farming and forestry sectors in those early years. In 1962, he moved with his father and younger brother Bill, north of Chin to work on the Perry farm. In 1969, they then moved to Taber and Henry lived in the same home for over forty years. He then began six years working for the Taber Gravel Pit, followed by thirteen years at the Taber Feed Mill and several seasonal years at Halma’s Vegetable Farm.  
 Henry loved to play broomball on the Flames team every Friday night for at least three years. He also played men’s soccer on Saturday evenings. He loved life and really lived it to the fullest. Henry was part of a coffee group that met every day at McDonald’s, a group that socialized and celebrated all the special days of the year. This is where he met Rose Marsh, a lady who captured his attention and his heart. Rose completed him and after a while, he asked her to be his wife.
 In the summer of 2011, Henry sold his home and moved into Clearview Lodge, where he began his next adventure. He liked not having to cook his own meals or do his own housecleaning. He actively took part in all activities and enjoyed getting to know the other residents.
 On October 25, 2016, Henry began a new calling, that of becoming a husband to Rose. He was so proud and felt so blessed to have someone special to love. Henry and Rose spent every day together having fun, quietly enjoying their time alone and time with family and friends. Rose was his constant companion and the two were often called “The Love Birds”. In the spring of 2018, Henry needed more care and so he moved to Linden View. He did not mind living there, although it was different from Clearview. Unfortunately, Henry’s declining health and Covid began at the same time and life became a little harder. Rose loved and supported Henry through this difficult period, which was not easy but greatly appreciated. She was with him until the end.
 Henry lived a simple life, but he was happy and content with what he had. A loving wife, good friends, family and a home where he was cared for and respected and a faith that sustained him.  
 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Henry’s name may be made directly to Diabetes Canada, Calgary and District Branch, 220, 6223 – 2 Street SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 1J5 (http://www.diabetes.ca).
 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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