TUESDAY, January 4, 2022

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 4, 2022.

DAVIDSON

WILLIAM “BILL” KENNETH DAVIDSON, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital with his daughter Charleen by his side, in the early morning hours of Monday, December 27, 2021 at the age of 90 years.

Bill was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on April 3, 1931. As the eldest child of eight, Bill had to leave school in the eighth grade to work on the family farm. This did not stop his lifelong desire to learn. Bill was a prolific reader who enjoyed books right to the end of his life. A self-educated man, he could discuss any subject with anyone. Although he rarely said so, he was tremendously proud of the accomplishments of his children, especially their academic achievements.

Bill spent the bulk of his life in Alberta, where he worked a variety of jobs, including farming and truck driving. He finished his working life as a mechanic with Tollestrup Construction in Lethbridge in the mid-1980s. Bill stayed active in his retirement and took up golf (albeit briefly) and bowling. He also volunteered frequently at Winners Bingo and both the Nord-bridge and Lethbridge Seniors Citizens Centres. Many will remember Bill as the van driver transporting the Seniors’ members to the Centres and on various outings over the years. Bill was a great dancer, a charmer, and a quick wit.

In his final years, Bill lived at Golden Acres Lodge, where he kept the staff and his fellow residents on their toes – he was never in too much of a rush to stop and flirt with a lady (or all of them) or challenge a fellow to a boxing match. Bill married Margaret Duncan in 1960, and although the marriage ended in divorce, they had five children: Russell, Stuart (Judy), Matthew (Kimberly), Colleen, and Charleen (Christopher).

Bill is survived by all of his children as well as four grandchildren: Ryan (Marlena), Lindsay, Ian, and Mateo. He is also survived by his sisters Rita and Ruth and his brothers Ralph (Linda), Roy, and Ray, as well as several nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents Carl and Gertrude; by two siblings, Joyce and Donald; and by his long-time companion Marie Saito. Bill was so loved and he will be tremendously missed.

The family extends its gratitude to Dr. Amatto for always going above and beyond to ensure Bill’s continued good health, and all of the staff at Golden Acres Lodge for the wonderful care and warm friendship extended to Bill.

A celebration of life will be held in the spring.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta (cflsa.ca) or Nord-bridge Seniors Centre (etransfer available to friendly@nordbridgeseniors.com)

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

Maria de Groot

1925 – 2021

Mrs. Maria de Groot of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Garrit de Groot, passed away with her family by her side, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at the age of 96 years.

Maria was born at Tilburg, Holland on November 10, 1925.

Mom was an excellent seamstress. Her sewing skills came in handy raising 5 young boys and a girl. Family and friends were gifted many crocheted or knitted afghans, sweaters, toques, or mittens. Mom loved the many hours spent with dad looking after their flower beds and plants.

She will be sadly missed.

Besides her late husband George de Groot, Maria de Groot is survived by her daughter Mary-Ann (Ken) Latham; sons John (Marlies), George (Patty), Rob (Marie), Francis (Lorraine) and Peter. She is also survived by many grandchildren and great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

She is predeceased by her parents Therisia and Peter Dobbelsteen and brother Chris Dobbelsteen.

Maria will be privately remembered by her family and friends.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

HALL, Sydney Alfred

1928 – 2021

We are sad to announce that Syd passed away in hospital following a brief illness late on Monday December 27, 2021 at the age of 93.

He is survived by his five children Don (Judi) Hall of Lethbridge, Joan (Gary) Dolynchuk of Cranbrook BC, Mitch of Lethbridge, David of Lethbridge, Jim (Lily) of Redcli; his step-daughter Destiny (Tom) Svennes; as well as his sister-in-law Peggy (Ed) Zalesak. He had 8 grandchildren, 2 step-grandchildren, and 14 great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Phyllis (nee Hunt) in 1987 and his second wife, Sherry (nee Svennes) in 2019, as well as his brother, Nigel and sister, Myrtle.

Syd was born March 29, 1928, the second son of Nigel Sr. and Eva Hall. He lived in Lethbridge his entire life.

Syd entered the optical trade in 1944 at the age of 16, and was active in the field for the next six decades. In 1955, he opened the first stand alone optical dispensing business in Lethbridge, the Optical Prescription Company, and managed the business until his retirement.

While Syd was involved in several local charities including the Soup Kitchen, hockey was an enduring passion in his life. He was a coach, referee, and manager. He started by coaching the Lethbridge Columbus Club Midgets in 1947. In 1954, he helped found the Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association. In the mid 1950’s he also refereed in the old Western Junior Hockey League, a forerunner of today’s WHL.

In 1960, he started and managed a Junior B team, taking the team to the Junior A level as the Lethbridge Sugar Kings in 1964. After helping to found the Alberta Junior Hockey League in the mid 60s, Syd saw the Sugar Kings succeed in winning the AJHL championship in 1969 and making it to the Memorial Cup western finals. He had a real eye for young talent, with several of his finds going on to NHL careers, including an eager 16 year old by the name of Lanny McDonald.

Syd was inducted into the Alberta Sports Hall of Fame in 1984, and is also a member of the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame in several categories. In later life he was active in oldtimer’s hockey, refereeing in the world championship in Scotland in 1981, and refereeing the local oldtimer’s until age 83.

Syd was a family man who enjoyed many weekend outings with his family hiking and picnicking in Waterton, Glacier Park, or the Crowsnest Pass. He enjoyed gardening, something taught to him by his father. He raised tomatoes, propped up by hockey sticks of course. He also spent hours renovating the family home. Once retired Syd met weekly with his Coffee Klatch, and had more time to be involved in his church. In the years before moving to St. Therese Villa, he enjoyed his daily walks, often rambling in the coulees with his whippet dog.

Syd loved people, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

Many thanks to the staff of St. Therese for their great care of Syd during his stay there.

Cremation has taken place, a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish are encouraged to make memorial donations to the charity of their choice or the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen.

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

Jason Jones

1980 – 2021

Jason Robert Jones Passed away suddenly on December 23rd, 2021 at the young age of 41 years, of Warner, Alberta. Beloved Husband of Tracy Jones of Warner.

Jason was born at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital on April 2nd, 1980 to loving parents Robert & Dixie Jones and sister Kim Jones (Owen). Jason was an outgoing kid and always loved to go in the tractors or combine with his Dad when he could. His Mom, Dixie, was always the one that would have everything packed to go out on our family camping trips to Waterton or Ridge Park or on a plane somewhere warm.

Jason attended Warner School from K – 12 where he made so many friends that he was still very close with. Jason graduated high school in 1999 and then went to work briefly at the AIM Mustard plant in Warner. Jason then went to work for McKenzie Farms where he began to fall in love with farming. When working for McKenzie Farms an opportunity at the Triple W Gas Co Op came up in 2002 and Jason got the job. He attended NAIT and received his Gas Utility Operator ticket. He was still currently employed by Triple W Gas Co Op as a contractor and still enjoyed working with the employees’ he had built long lasting relationships with.

In 2003 Jason purchased land from RM Jones Farms and began his dream of farming on the side while still employed by Triple W. On July 12th, 2003 Jason and Tracy were married on one of the hottest days of summer. On April 22nd, 2013 when Jason and his Brother in Law, Jeff Belisle, bought land from Terry & Karen Nelson they teamed up to farm together. They were always turning and burning at harvest time.

Jason and Tracy were blessed with 3 incredible children Ethan (12), Ally (10) & Jackson (6). These 3 kids were the light in Jason’s eyes. He was always telling people about them and sharing pictures of them. He was a very proud Dad. Jason loved working on the farm with Ethan, showing him how to weld, drive trucks and run the combine. Jason loved to help Ally with her horse Julie in any way he could, even fixing up an old trailer so she could haul her horse around this summer. He enjoyed having her around for lots of tractor and combine rides. Jason also loved to have Jackson along to farm, enjoyed shooting hoops with him, and playing uno. Jason loved riding anything motorized with the kids and ripping around the yard with them. Jason loved to take and watch the kids at their sporting events. He loved that all three kids played baseball and got to follow Ethan’s hockey journey and this year Jackson’s too.

When Jason didn’t have Tracy and the kids in a combine or running around for sports, they would be on camping trips in the mountains, Ridge Park or down in Merica at Whitefish or Kalispell. There were even trips to Cuba, Phoenix and Mexico.

Jason loved sports and was very athletic even with legs so skinny they couldn’t even hold his socks up. Jason mostly loved to play hockey in his younger years where he played Warner Minor Hockey and then in his later years with the Warner Rockets. In his older years Jason golfed and curled league at the Warner Curling Club. He held positions on the curling board for several years. He also curled numerous bonspiels in Southern Alberta. The Wrentham Bonspiel was his favourite! What could be better? Curling, cocktails and a big ass steak for supper! I bet a lot of you don’t have a jacket that says you won the 1st event at the Wrentham Bonspiel! Jason also loved being a part of the New Dayton gun club, the Warner Elks for over 20 years, as well as serving on the Sunshine Seed Cleaning Plant board in recent years. Besides Jason’s family his love was being a part of the Warner Volunteer Fire Department for over 26 years. Jason was Deputy Chief on the WVFD for over 10 years and loved every minute! Sometimes not as much when it was his combine on fire or when one of his best friends Mike McKenzie combines started his field on fire. Sometimes the J&T Jones Farm’s LTD was a frequent flier on the WVFD call sheets. Jason would either bring his own personal farm truck with water on it or his semi with a trailer full of water to fight fires.

Jason was always a very community minded guy and was always the first one to offer help to anyone that needed it. He was part of the idea to put in an outdoor arena beside the Warner Civic Center because of the COVID restrictions with the indoor ice. It was his idea to start the WVFD 1st Annual Santa Claus Parade & Fireworks Show and raised a ton of donations for the 2nd Annual Santa Claus Parade and Fireworks show this December.

Jason was predeceased by his Mother Dixie Jones and Father-In-Law Barry Thomas.

Jason will be survived by his loving wife Tracy Jones, son’s Ethan & Jackson and his daughter Ally of Warner. His loving Father Bob Jones. His Sister Kim Owen (Deven Owen); as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Jeff, Kathy, Hailey, Kaden & Ty Belisle of Warner. Bill, Shonna, Billy, Brandon & Aubrey Little of Montana. His Mother-in-Law Betty Jo Thomas and Brother in Law Rob Thomas of Warner.

A public Viewing will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Due to the fact that in person attendance at the visitation is limited, those who wish to attend may do so by selecting the ‘Click here to RSVP” link on Jason’s obituary to schedule an appointment. Or you may call Martin Brothers at (403) 328-2361 to schedule a time. Please do not arrive earlier than scheduled. 50 individuals will be allowed in every 15 minutes to meet with the family so please be mindful of the 15 minute window assigned to you.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Thursday, January 6, 2022, at Triple W Natural Gas Co-op Ltd, nw-11-4-17W4, Warner, AB T0K 2L0, with Pastor Jason Caroll officiating. We will be following the REP Program with the covid-19 restrictions. Everyone will need either their covid passport or a negative covid test. Please RSVP for the celebration of life to jasonjonesrsvp@gmail.com before Wednesday, January 5, 2022 @ 12:00 noon as we have limited seating. There will be overflow seating at the Warner School gym. The family invites those who wish to watch the service VIA livestream by going to https://www.fhwebsites.org/ymb/obituary/Jason-Jones.

Interment will follow at a different date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Warner Fireman’s Society Box 88 Warner, Alberta T0K 2L0.

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

OHNO

Kimiko “Kim” Ohno of Lethbridge passed away peacefully at Extendicare Fairmont Park on December 30, 2021, at the age of 94 years.

Kim is survived by her son Keni (Nancy) of Lethbridge, and her two grandchildren, Ashley and Braden Ohno.

Pre-deceased by her husband Frank, her parents; Yoheji and Ito Hinatsu, her brothers; Shig, Hiroshi (infant), Hector and Roy, plus her sisters; Haru Fujino, Naka Kitigawa and Sue Tatebe.

Kim was born in Mission B.C. on April 4, 1927. This is where she spent her childhood years prior to moving to Alberta in 1942. On December 9, 1950, she married Frank Ohno, and they spent over 62 wonderful years together. Prior to Frank’s passing in 2013, they enjoyed travelling with the Shiga Kenjinkai, going to hockey games, spending time with their grandchildren, and visiting with friends and relatives. Kim was an active member of her church and was always concerned about the welfare of others. She was always willing to lend a helping hand wherever she could.

The family would like to extend a very special thank you to all the staff and caregivers at Extendicare Fairmont Park. Their truly loving care and attention will be remembered always.

Due to Covid restrictions and 50-person capacity, a private family service will be held on Wednesday, January 5, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, (703 – 13 St N, Lethbridge) with Reverend Yasuo Izumi officiating. Live streaming will be available and a link will appear below the obituary on-line 15 min before service time. Interment at Mountain View Cemetery to follow.

In lieu of Koden or flowers, memorial donations made to the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta (470 40 ST S. Lethbridge, AB. T1J 3Z5), or a charity of your choice, would be greatly appreciated.

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

Tracy Van Ryn

1992 – 2021

Ms. Tracy Van Ryn of Lethbridge, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, December 26, 2021, at the age of 29 years.

A Private Family service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. The family invites those who wish to watch the service VIA livestream by going to https://www.fhwebsites.org/ymb/obituary/Tracy-VanRyn and scrolling to the bottom of Tracy’s obituary.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the Lethbridge Regional Hospital, 960 19 St S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5 or to Lethbridge Streets Alive Mission, 323 4 St S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1Z9.

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

VELKER

It is with great sadness that the family of PEGGY VELKER announce that she passed away at the Blue Sky Manor on Thursday, December 30th, 2021 at the age of 81 years.

She is survived by her children: Ruth of Kelowna, Lisa of Ontario, Larry of Lethbridge and Peter of Coaldale; her grandchildren: Larissa (Justin), Mackenzie, Nicholas, Megan and Mikayla; her three great-grandchildren Michael, Blake and Alex. She is also survived by the father of her children Lawrence Velker.

Peggy was predeceased by her sister Ruth and brothers George and Frank.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Peggy’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at http://www.heartandstroke.ca

A Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, January 5th, 2022 from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH – 1513 23rd Ave, Coaldale, AB on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Ian Gagne celebrating. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited. Kindly RSVP your attendance of the Visitation and/or Funeral Mass to Cornerstone at 403-381-7777 or care@ cornerstonefh.ca The Funeral Mass will be live streamed and may be accessed via Peggy’s obituary page on the Cornerstone website.

Peggy will be laid to rest in the summer of 2022 when we are able to have a celebration of her life.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

WHITLOCK

PATRICIA WHITLOCK, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Colin Whitlock, passed away at the Good Samaritans West Highlands on Sunday, January 2, 2022 at the age of 90 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

WRONA

ANNIE WRONA, of Milk River, beloved wife of the late Jan “John” Wrona, passed away peacefully at the Milk River Long-Term Care Centre on Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at the age of 90 years.

She is the loving mother of her son, Dr. Frederick (Brenda) Wrona of Victoria, BC and their two daughters Janelle and Kaitlin, both of Victoria, BC; and her daughter Rosie (Tim) Vandenhoek of Milk River, AB and their two sons and daughters-in-law Joshua (Koreen) of Sterling, AB and Benjamin (Jera) of Milk River, AB and two great-grandchildren Tatum Kipnik of Lethbridge, AB and Rowan Kipnik of Sparwood, BC. Anne is also survived by her dear Aunt Stella Kindrachuk and her son Dr. Gary (Natalie) Kindrachuk, both of Kelowna, BC.

Besides her loving husband John, Anne was predeceased by her mother Rose and brother William Marusy of Leduc, AB, and father, Fred Marusy of Calgary, AB.

Anne was born June 21, 1931 in Drumheller (Rosedale) Alberta, where she spent her early childhood years. At age nine, she moved to Calgary, where she graduated from Western Canada High School in 1948 and then worked for the T. Eaton Company. In 1952, she met the love of her life, John, who she married and were together for 47 years until his passing in 1999.

She will be deeply missed by her family and friends, who she enjoyed getting together with on any occasion, particularly during the holidays. Her love of music was always a big part of her life, where starting at the young age of 6, she was in a Ukrainian Orchestra playing the mandolin and then actively involved over the years in numerous Ukrainian and Church choirs with her wonderful soprano voice. She loved get-togethers, especially those around a campfire, where everyone would play music together, have sing-alongs and share stories and memories – she even got John to play the spoons on certain occasions, who said his best instrument was the radio!

Anne was kind, supportive and generous and will always be remembered for her great love, compassion, and care for her family and others.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH – 301 Main Street, Milk River, AB. on Friday, January 7, 2022 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Andrew Pyon celebrating. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, attendance will be limited. Kindly RSVP your attendance to Cornerstone at 403-381-7777 or care@cornerstonefh.ca

A Private Family Interment will take place at Eden Brook Cemetery in Calgary at a later date.

The family would like to thank the physicians, nurses and staff who have taken care of Anne during her years at the Milk River Prairie Rose Lodge and Long-term Care Center.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Anne to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada at http://www.heartandstroke.ca.

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

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