TUESDAY, September 21, 2021

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on September 21, 2021.

Christopher Kyles Seymour Gray

1983 – 2021

It is with great sorrow that we announce the death of Christopher Kyles Seymour Gray on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from a sudden heart attack.

Chris enjoyed doing many things in life but none more than spending time with friends and family. His great sense of humour, kindness and willingness to support others will be missed by many. His dog Mabel was his constant companion, but he also leaves behind his parents John and Jo Gray; sister Jennifer (Trent) Mikilak and cherished nieces Kaitlyn, Alyssa and Emily.

In lieu of flowers, Chris would want you to spend time with those you hold close and do something enjoyable together in his memory.

A Celebration of Chris’ Life will be announced at a later date after COVID-19 restrictions are changed.

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

HACKE, Warren

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Warren Ray Hacke in Raymond on September 17, 2021, at the age of 87. He was Madeline’s loving husband of 68 years and the best Dad ever to Pam (Richard) Carr and Brad (Lea Ann) Hacke. Warren cherished his five grandchildren and one great- grandchild, Jeff (Erin & Colton) Carr, Brittany (Sam) Carr-Leung, Brent (Jenna) Carr, Mandy (Josh) Hacke, and Tara (Jesse) Garcia. He also leaves behind his brother, Glen (Pearl) Hacke. He will be greatly missed by his extended family and his many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Marty and his two brothers, Lyle and Edward.

Warren was born in the year 1934, to Henry “Hank” and Alice Hacke (Ford). He grew up in Coutts and on the Ford farm. He was the oldest brother of the four “Hacke boys” and Oh the stories those boys could tell! Warren and his brothers were always up for some mischief and as a result he always had stories to entertain his loved ones. Warren married Madeline Albert in August 1953 at the age of 19 and they enjoyed raising their three children in Coutts. Warren served for many years on the Coutts Town Council and as the Mayor of Coutts. He was also very dedicated to the Coutts Fire Department and was the Fire Chief for many years. He was also involved with the Masonic Lodge in Milk River. Warren spent most of his career as a customs broker in Coutts, and then he later transferred to Calgary where he and Madeline made their forever home on an acreage outside of the city. They loved their acreage and always spent time landscaping and fixing it up to make it the perfect home. The acreage was surrounded by many large trees and the leaves that Dad had picked up for Mom over the years could have easily filled an entire football field! Warren and Madeline moved into the Ridgeview lodge in Raymond in January 2021, and were looking forward to a slower pace of life closer to family and no more yard work.

Warren loved to take his grandchildren camping and fishing and created many funny and loving memories over the years. He and Mom loved to travel and did a North American road trip in addition to visiting Alaska, Scotland, and Norway. The travel they loved the most though was being Snowbirds and escaping the cold Canadian winters! They loved their trips down to Yuma where they would relax, go bird watching, and spend time with the friends they met there and along the way.

Warren was a talented wood worker and carpenter who built many projects for his family and friends. His creations were meant to last, and many of his projects are still cherished and in perfect condition to this day. Warren also enjoyed Country Western Cowboy and classic 1950s music. He loved to hear his brothers play the guitar and would always join in. Ending the night with a sing-a-long around the campfire to the song “Beautiful Brown Eyes” was a staple at every family gathering. Dad was the great family entertainer. His funny stories with “slight” exaggerations, his carefree and mischievous attitude, and his general zest for life will be sorely missed.

Family and friends will be invited to share in a Celebration of Life for Warren at a time and date to be announced in the future. The family would also like to thank Dr. Baker and the staff at the Raymond Hospital for the excellent care given to Warren.

To share tributes and condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.com.

Kenneth Douglas Martin

December 30, 1943 – September 14, 2021

Born at home in Lethbridge, December 30, 1943 to Georgia (Brogden) Martin and Daniel Martin, Ken died on the 9th tee box after a “really good drive”. He is survived by his best friend and partner Elaine (Elford) Martin.

Ken was a Northside kid who had an adventurous childhood and odd jobs before he was old enough. He had a huge paper route for the Lethbridge Herald back when the Saturday edition was much heavier. He also worked for the CPR phoning the night crew to be sure they were awake for their shifts. Ken worked for Dan’s Lock & Repair on 3rd Avenue, Capital Theatre, Grant Industries, and Lethbridge Building Supplies. In 1968 he was sent to Calgary to open a wholesale building products warehouse for Advance Lumber.

On a Saturday night, Ken met Elaine Elford while she was out with the girls and they became an item. They were married in 1969.

In 1985 they purchased Alberta Cultured Marble and moved to Picture Butte, and happily came home to the South.

Later, Ken worked the grounds crew summers at the Picture Butte Golf Course for 24 years, which enabled them to be snowbirds and skip winter.

Ken is survived by his older brother David (Ellie) of Parksville, B.C., David’s children Debbie, Diane, Danny (Marla) and by brothers-in-law Gordon (Sheila), Norm (Mary Ann), Leslie (Kathy) and Larry (Penny) and all their children and grandchildren.

Ken and Elaine had many great adventures and a lot of fun together. They recognized and appreciated how blessed their life was. Tell your spouse you love them every day, you never know how suddenly you can lose them.

A Memorial Service will be held outside at the Picture Butte Golf Course on Saturday, September 25 at 2:00 p.m. Please dress golf casual and bring your best golf joke, and be prepared tell it.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to: Junior Golf c/o Picture Butte Golf & Winter Club, Box 160, Picture Butte, AB, T0K 1V0.

KIRCHNER

JERRY KEITH KIRCHNER, beloved husband of the late Bernice Kirchner, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, September 17th, 2021, at the age of 84 years.

He is survived by his three children, sons Brent (Xing Jie) Kirchner and Todd Kirchner of Lethbridge and daughter, Jody Csizmadia of Raymond; grandchildren Carly, Riley, Nikki, Ivory, Dallas, Tarynn and Del as well as fourteen great- grandchildren; brother Marvin Kirchner; sisters Marjorie Charles of Lethbridge, and Alta Irvine of Kelowna and their seven children. He is also survived by Bernice’s nieces and nephews.

Born at a farm near Peterson, Iowa on June 4, 1937, he moved to Tilley, Alberta in 1940 with his family and six years later, they relocated to Lethbridge and have remained here ever since. He graduated from LCI in 1955 and worked at Kirchner Machine from then until he retired in 2002. He married Frances Hodges in 1957 and raised three children and kept very busy expanding the family business through increased sales, production, and travel for service. In 1973, he married Bernice, and continued building other parts of his life with involvement in Norbridge Lions, church, and becoming President of the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce in 1978, which led to more connections, civic activities and travel. He was able to take several trips to Maui, Hawaii with Bernice, which he considered his favourite place. In later years, he watched his family grow and Christmas Eve at Grandpa Jerry’s became the tradition. When Bernice passed away in 2010, it caused a void that was not filled until now.

Rest well, Dad. You have had some battles, but now you can be at total peace.

An Internment Service for family and friends will be held at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, 1210 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Barb Roycroft officiating.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at a later date, when conditions are more ideal. In memory of Jerry, donations can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca/en/donate) or the charity of your choice. Special thanks to Case Manager Caitlin, & all of the valued Home Care workers from CBI who were able to help make Jerry’s last days at home possible. We are grateful as a family that he had a life well lived.

Special thanks to Jerry’s children, who made it all possible for him to stay at home. He could never have done this without the continuous care and work of his son Todd. Also his son Brent, and daughter Jody, being there to take on those shifts for the last six weeks. Your father was very grateful for your time and love.

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

Jerry Planger
1947 – 2021
 Jerard Henry Planger, beloved husband of Joyce Planger, passed away in Taber on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 at the age of 73 years.
 A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden on Saturday, September 25, 2021.
 Jerry’s family and friends are invited to celebrate his life at the Legion Park, 7201 – 50 Street, Taber on Saturday, September 25, 2021 at 12:00 P.M. This is an outdoor event so please bring a lawn chair, dress casual and weather appropriate. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.  
 Besides Joyce, his loving wife of fifty one years, Jerry is survived by his children Mark (Marty) Planger of Taber and their children Jocelyn and Kennedy, Brian (Melissa) Planger of Taber and their children Allison and Nathan, Karen (Shawn) MacDonald of Lethbridge and their children Aiden and Lily. He is also survived by his father Henry Planger; siblings Susan (Vern) Lynes, Esther (Larry) Koop, Lyle Planger and Judy (Jim) Tillack as well as six nieces and nephews.
 He was predeceased by his mother Margaret Planger, sister Eileen Planger and uncle Louis Planger.
 Jerry was born in Pincher Creek on September 21, 1947 and raised on a farm in the Fishburn District. After high school he  started a welding apprenticeship in Pincher Creek and at SAIT. He then took a job at the Canadian Sugar Beet Factory in Taber. Jerry started there as a welder, then worked through the operations department and finished his thirty eight year career as a shift supervisor.
 Jerry was a kind and gentle man dedicated to his family. His children and grandchildren were extremely important to him. There was nothing he enjoyed more than watching them in their activities. Jerry enjoyed coffee time with his friends at the A&W, camping with family and friends, travelling with Joyce and friends and spending time on the farm with his brother Lyle.
 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jerry’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society (Melanoma Research), 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 2P5 (http://www.cancer.ca).
 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

ROBINSON

With great sadness, we announce the passing of CAROLYN ROBINSON, beloved wife of Paul Robinson. Carolyn passed away peacefully at St Michaels Care Facility on Friday, September 17th, 2021 at the age of 60 years.

Carolyn was a loving Mum to Jake (Jessica) Robinson, Jon (Danielle) Robinson, Ben (Beth) Robinson and Abby (Owen) Sieben. She is also survived by her mother Joyce and her sisters: Elaine, Deb and Gill. She was predeceased by her father Ken Trotter.

Carolyn was born on January 28th, 1961 in Salisbury, Rhodesia (now Harare, Zimbabwe). Carolyn met Paul, the love of her life, when she was just 15. They married in 1983 in Manchester, England. Carolyn was always loving and kind, and totally committed to her family and to raising them in a loving home. Sensing advantages in reaching family goals, they relocated to Lethbridge, Canada in 2002, where the family have lived ever since.

Carolyn was a keen Pickleballer, runner/walker and wonderful Christian. She was a friend to everyone and without guile – what you saw was what you got. Above all, her children and grandchildren were the centre of her world.

Carolyn will be forever remembered and missed by all who met her!

A Private Family Funeral Service will be held on Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Bishop Greg Stonehocker officiating. The Service will be live-streamed via ZOOM and can be accessed with the following link: https://zoom.us/j/95314245963

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

SARUWATARI

TAKAKO, JOYCE SARUWATARI, of Lethbridge passed away peacefully on September 17, 2021 at the age of 94.

Joyce is survived by her son Gordon (Joy) and 3 daughters, Gail (Gordon) Mitten, Debra (Gordon) Jensen and Wendy (Jim) Gerlock, 10 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, brothers Noris (Sachiko) Taguchi and Kenneth Taguchi, sisters Kazuko Takaguchi, Keiko Tsukishima and Chiyeko Robinson (Charles Price) and numerous nieces and nephews.

Joyce was predeceased by Toshiyuki, her loving husband of 71 years, infant daughter, Suyeko, parents Hashime and Kohei Taguchi, sister Tayeko Terakita and brother Yoshio Taguchi.

Joyce was born in Sunbury, B.C. She resided in New Westminster B.C., Slocan B.C. and Magrath, Alberta. It was here that she met Toshiyuki, her soulmate and love of her life. Side by side they worked together on the Saruwatari farm. Joyce enjoyed gardening, any type of crafts, curling, square dancing, karaoke, golf, family dinner/card nights and trips to the casino. Her greatest treasure was her family.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful caring staff at Cottage 2 at Park Meadows, Drs Horne, Smith and Cunningham, Homecare staff and the Red Cross.

In lieu of flowers or koden, donations may be made to BTSA (Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta), Good Samaritan Park Meadows in Lethbridge or charity of your choice.

A private family service will be held.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

SIMPSON

It is with great sadness that the family of WILLIAM (BILL) SIMPSON announce his passing on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at the age of 80 after a short battle with cancer.

Bill was born on February 3, 1941 in Innisfail, Alberta the 6th child of James & Helen Simpson. With his siblings Jim, John, Mel, Dale, Stan & Isobel, he attended Aberdeen School near their family farm. He met his wife, Gail, and shortly after being married in 1963 they moved to Castor, Alberta. In 1970, Bill & Gail relocated their family to Lethbridge, Alberta to work on the construction of the University of Lethbridge.

Bill was one of the best plumbers in Southern Alberta and in 1983 Simpson Plumbing was founded. Bill’s legacy lives on as Simpson Plumbing is now in it’s third generation, with a classroom at the Lethbridge College being named after the company.

In his spare time, Bill enjoyed coaching hockey, fishing, camping, and was an avid Lethbridge Hurricanes fan. In his retirement, he found his love of gardening and was known for having some of the most beautiful flowers in the neighborhood. He loved to spend time with his large & extended family, and there was always a special twinkle in his blue eyes when his grandchildren & great-grandchildren were around.

Besides his loving wife, Gail, Bill is survived by his children, Kelly, Cathy (Steve), Jim (Svetlana) and Roger (Briane), his grandchildren Erik, Mac (Shawnie), Kelsey (Russ), Justin (Nikki), Braidyn (Mark), Lucas, Griffin, Billie, Liam and Nadia, as well as his great grandchildren, Charlotte, RJ, Brooks and Felix. Bill will also be fondly remembered by his siblings, numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, James & Helen Simpson, brothers Tom & John Simpson, and his son-in-law, Del Dahl.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, donations may be made to KidSport Lethbridge.

A Celebration of Life will be held once COVID restrictions have lifted.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

TAMAYOSE

ART AKIRA TAMAYOSE beloved husband of Naoko Tamayose passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2021 at the age of 87 years.

A small family service was held on Friday, September 17, 2021. A “Celebration of Life” is planned for the spring of 2022.

Visit http://www.generationsfh.ca to send condolences

Comments are closed.