TUESDAY, December 21, 2021

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 21, 2021.

Matias Ayarra

1935 – 2021

Mr. Matias Ayarra of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Helga Ayarra, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 18, 2021 at the age of 86 years.

Matias was born in Juarrieta, Spain on July 23, 1935.

He is survived by his loving wife Helga; son Gregory (Gina); daughter Benita (Wade); sisters Elvira, Regina and Luisa (Harry).

He was predeceased by his brother Francisco; sister Estefania and brother Juan Jose.

At Matias’ request, he will be privately remembered by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960 19 St S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5.

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

Michael Balint

1934 – 2021

Mr. Michael Balint of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Jackie Balint, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Sunday, December 19, 2021, at the age of 87 years.

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

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

Dorothy Brown

1933 – 2021

It is with heartfelt sadness that we say goodbye to our dear mother, grandmother, sister and friend, Dorothy. She has progressed to the next stage in life, to the presence of her Heavenly Father and all those family and friends who have helped prepare the way. Born and raised in Raymond, Dorothy was the second child of Frank and Vera Dawley. Dorothy wasn’t quite finished school before she began what would be a lengthy career in banking, which would take her as far north as Whitehorse and west to Vancouver. After leaving the bank she took a position as finance director for the hospital in Hope, BC and later in Creston, BC. She retired and moved to Chilliwack before eventually returning to Southern Alberta where she resided until her passing on December 19th, 2021.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents and five of her siblings, Junior, Faye, Linda, Wayne, and Glen. She is survived by siblings, Joann (Jack) Cook, Laraine (Bob) Russell, Allan (Diane) Dawley, Karen Harker, and Norma (Don) Hillyer, and her five children: Brian (Marna) Wickhorst, Bruce (Linda) Wickhorst, Mikenzie (George) Stringam, Todd (Julie) Wallace, and Jill (Brad) Noble, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. There will be an interment at the Temple Hill Cemetery, Raymond, AB on Tuesday, December 21st at 10:30 am.

To send condolences or to WATCH the service Online please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

HENNING

KATHERINE “KAY” HENNING, beloved wife of the late Eugene Henning, passed away peacefully, on Sunday, December 19, 2021 at the age of 91 years.

A funeral service will be held at a later date.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

MEEKS

William Lance Meeks, of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on December 18, 2021.

Known to family and close friends as “Lanny”, Lance loved boating, camping, fishing, and spending time with his friends and family. He loved being outdoors, especially in his favourite place – Waterton Lakes National Park. Lance was known for his good nature and sense of humour, and was an avid collector of antique Christmas lights and decorations. A devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Lance enjoyed geneaology and serving as a temple worker.

Lance is survived by his beloved wife Loural (nee Murray), brothers Richard (Judy) and Terry, sister Neana, children Adam (Katherine), Alicia, Michael (Catherine), Craig (Sara), and grandchildren Linden, Brighton, Corbin, Ava, Hayden, and Avery. He was an exemplary husband, friend, father, and grandfather, and will be missed by many.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Wednesday, December 22, at the Fairmont Chapel of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 205 Fairmont Blvd S in Lethbridge. Covid exemption program will be in effect, proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test (within 72 hours) is required. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be streamed online at Salmon and Sons Website.

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

GEORGE WILLIAM MORRIS

May 22, 1921 ~ November 11, 2021

George William Morris (“Moose”) died on Remembrance Day, 2021, at the age of 100 years. George was born in Nelson, B.C., to Mable and Earl Morris, and grew up in Lethbridge, Alberta. He enrolled in Dentistry at the University of Edmonton in 1939, then enlisted into the Canadian Army Dental Corps in 1941, serving to the end of the war. After the war, George moved to Kimberley, B.C., to work for the CM&S Company (Cominco) in the downtown office. He married Evelyn Hughes in 1949 and they lived in Trail, B.C. Evelyn passed away in 1984. After his retirement in 1985, George moved to Cranbrook and started a new life with Phyllis Barnes. They married in 2009 and were devoted partners until her death in 2020. George was predeceased by his sister and brother-in-law, Sheila and John Popovich, of Kimberley. He is survived by his niece, Lorraine Popovich, his nephew Tom Popovich (Hedy), his great-niece and -nephews Nicole, Ryan and Christian, his step-son and -daughter, John and Trish Barnes, and his step-granddaughter, Suzanne Coulter. George became president of the Trail Legion in 1955, and received his 75th Year Long-Service Medal from the Royal Canadian Legion in 2021.

“Moose” was known for his consideration of others, his love of routines, and his amazing memory. He could always tell you what he was doing on a certain day of a certain year, going back to the 1930s. He was dignified, considerate— a gentleman through and through. He loved to travel, drive, and even fly, and he earned his pilot’s license at 75. He was a committed swimmer, and swam in the B.C. Senior’s Games in 1990. George adapted to what life brought him by maintaining high standards for himself and demonstrating patience with others. He was Phyllis’ primary caregiver until 2019. He was loved and respected by friends, family and associates. The family thanks the staffs of Kootenay Street Village, East Kootenay Regional Hospital, and E.K. Home Support for their considerate care of George. Rest in Peace, George.  It was an honour to know you; you are always in our hearts. George’s memorial will be held in Cranbrook in May, 2022. Condolences for the family can be offered via: http://www.mcphersonfh.com

NIELSON

On December 16, 2021, Jeffrey Nielson unexpectedly passed away with his loving spouse Sandy (Bennett) Nielson by his side. He was 56 years old.

Tuesday, December 21, 2021, there will be an opportunity for friends to meet family at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Stake Centre in Raymond, Alberta (2 N 200 W), from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm. ONLY.

The funeral service will take place on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 at the Stake Centre in Raymond at 11:00 am, with interment at Temple Hill Cemetery to follow. For those who wish, live-streaming of the service will be available by scrolling to the bottom of Jeffrey’s obituary. A link will appear 15 minutes ahead of service time.

Please note; the vaccination exemption program of Alberta will apply. Masks are mandatory.

Donations made to the Lethbridge Food Bank in Jeff’s name would be greatly appreciated.

Please visit the Funeral Home web-site for more details, and to share on-line condolences.

To send condolences please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

Timothy Robert Parsons

1958 – 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Timothy Robert Parsons announce his passing on Saturday, December 18, 2021, at the age of 63 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

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

PETERSON

LOIS MARLENE PETERSON (née JOHNSON) passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at the age of 75 years, surrounded by her family. She fought hard to stay alive until her grandson could be by her side shortly before she passed. She knew her family was there and she smiled at many great memories right up until the end.

A private Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating, with cremation to follow. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Lois’ obituary on the Cornerstone website.

In memory of Lois, donations and tributes may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca)

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Mack Rattai 1994 ~ 2021

Mackenzie Dean Rattai, beloved husband of Lynn Rattai and father of Greyden and baby, passed away unexpectedly on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at the age of 27 years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, December 22, 2021 between 5:00 P.M. and 7:00 P.M. Due to the fact that in person attendance at the visitation is limited, those who wish to attend may do so by visiting Mack’s obituary page on our website and choosing the ‘attend visitation’ link to schedule an appointment. Alternatively, you may call the funeral home at (403) 223-8778 to schedule a time. A private burial service will be held at the Hays Cemetery on Thursday, December 23, 2021. The funeral service will be held at the Hays Community Hall, Hays on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at 2:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com. The Alberta Restrictions Exemption Program will be in effect. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A)Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital) or (B)negative COVID-19 test (within 72 hours) or (C)valid medical exemption (signed letter) or (D)under 12 years of age. Besides his loving wife Lynn, their son Greyden and baby, Mack is survived by his mom Cindy, dad Dan (Brenda), brothers Jordan (Kendra), Nolan (Myken), and sister Taylor; in-laws Gary (Sandy) Doerksen; brothers-in-law Travis and Wayne (Taylor); grandparents Joyce Dick, Ken (Darlene) Rattai and Roger (Darlene) Duchcherer, along with numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his grandfather Bev Dick, grandparents John and Anne Doerksen and his cousin Edwin Perrin. Mack was born in Medicine Hat on November 29, 1994. He found his love for ranching and farming by working on the farm with Pa and Uncle Jim. He went to school for Ag Mechanic and received his journeyman ticket. He worked at Palliser Sales for his whole career. Along the way, he made many friendships and met his wife Lynn, in 2013. They were married on the farm in Hays on September 14, 2019 and welcomed their first child Greyden on July 18, 2020. His love for farming and ranching continued as he was starting his own herd and farming with his father-in-law Gary and brother-in-law Wayne. If you were lucky enough to be considered one of Mack’s friends, you were family. He was one of those people to call if you ever needed something and he was always there. Mack will be remembered for his big smile, defined laugh and huge heart. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Mack’s may be made directly to a GoFundMe project setup for his family by visiting https://gofund.me/2aace091.

John Werner Reimer

1940 – 2021

Mr. John Werner Reimer of Lethbridge, loving husband of Mrs. Elsie Reimer, passed away peacefully at Cedar Creek Adaptacare in Lethbridge on Monday, December 20, 2021 at the age of 81 years.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private family service will be held.

To watch John’s Funeral Service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/ obituary/John-Reimer and scroll to the bottom of the obituary.

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

RICHARDS

ROBERT NEPHI RICHARDS, beloved husband of Vivian Richards, passed away peacefully at the Raymond Health Centre on Sunday, December 19th, 2021 with his cherished family at his side at the age of 61 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

SMITH

ADRIAN PAUL “KESLEY” SMITH, beloved son of Roberta Mae Smith and Ralph (Peggy) Grier, passed away on Friday, December 17, 2021, in Calgary, Alberta.

Kesley is survived by his children: John Glen Delacruise, Liam Devine, Baby A “Adrian” Smith, Adrianna McMaster, Clariss McMaster, Declan McMaster; his siblings, numerous “brothers” and cousins, and his special friend Francine McMaster.

A Visitation for family and friends will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home in Pincher Creek, AB on Wednesday, December 22nd, 2021, from 1:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, December 23rd at 11:00 am at Snodgrass Funeral Home, Pincher Creek with Fr. Roy Jayamaha as Celebrant. Interment to follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery on Piikani Nation. Snodgrass Funeral Home will be following current Covid restrictions.

VAN REE

SUSAN RENEE VAN REE (née NYHOFF), beloved wife of Ken Van Ree, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 18th, 2021, at the age of 58.

Susan is survived by her loving family, her husband Ken, her children Kalie and Braeden (Ingrid), her granddaughter, Octavia, as well as her mom, Sharron Nyhoff, her three brothers, Darren (Cindy) Nyhoff, Doug (Karen) Nyhoff and their children Taylor (Brigid), Mason, and Kennedy, and Kevin (Mairi) Nyhoff and their children Olivia and Asher, along with her in-laws Dick and Koshie van Ree, and Diana Fay and her children Travis (Jen) and Ryan. Susan was predeceased by her dad, George Nyhoff.

Susan loved many of the simple things in life, and especially enjoyed making memories with her family and friends. Travelling, camping, golfing, playing games, and knitting were some of her greatest joys. Susan felt blessed to have had many great people in her life with whom to share experiences, adventures and memory making moments.

Susan was passionate about teaching and making a difference in a child’s life by helping them discover the joy of learning and reading. Even though she no longer taught children, she continued to provide advice, guidance, and teachable moments to those she loved.

Once diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer, Susan learned to find joy in the life she was living, even if it was not the journey and adventures she had planned. She faced many challenges with strength, courage, determination, and positivity. A special thanks to all those who provided support, comfort, care, wisdom, hugs, and laughs along the way.

Susan always looked forward to catching sunsets at the end of the day. She enjoyed the peace and calm provided by a sunset and believed them to be proof that endings can be beautiful too.

At Susan’s request, a private family service will be held. In lieu of flowers, please consider honouring Susan by doing an act of kindness to make a difference in someone else’s day.

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

William Williams

1933 – 2021

William Richard Williams, beloved husband of Heather Velma Williams, passed away peacefully at Covenant Health Facility in Lethbridge on Saturday, December 18, 2021

Bill was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba December 2, 1933. The family moved to Lethbridge where he completed his schooling. Bill began his career as a teen-aged call boy with the Canadian Pacific Railway. He studied Petroleum Engineering and worked in the Alberta oil fields. He enlisted in the Canadian Navy, was stationed on Cornwallis and Tecumseh and honourably released in Esquimalt, B.C.

Throughout his life Bill accumulated and maintained an extensive collection of financial and historic books as well as collections of classical and western music. He had an enduring love of horses and all things Western spending many hours at George Ross’s Lost River Ranch.

Bill travelled the country extensively as part of his employment with the Federal Government, retiring in a supervisory capacity.

In accordance with his wishes no service will be held. Bill’s ashes will be mingled with the wild grasses of the western countryside that he knew and loved.

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

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