THURSDAY, March 24, 2022

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 24, 2022.

BRECKA, Cathryn Leona

May 12, 1939 – March 16, 2022

Born May 12th, 1939, in Duchess, Alberta, Cathryn Leona Brecka passed away on March 16th, 2022, at Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert; surrounded by family sharing photos, stories, laughter, prayers, music, tears, and love.

When Cathryn was a child, the Sparks family lived in several places in South and Central Alberta and eventually settled in the Poplar Ridge area. Cathryn Sparks graduated from Lindsay Thurber High School in Red Deer, where she won the Governor General’s Award for highest academic standing. She attended the Normal School of the University of Alberta for two years, returning to Red Deer County to teach at Innisfail Jr./Sr. High School.

Miss Sparks coached the cheerleading squad at Innisfail, and when the basketball coach asked her out to a movie (“The Blob”), that was the beginning of our family. Cathryn married coach Vladimir Brecka on July 16, 1960, at the Innisfail United Church. Shortly after they married, Mom and Dad moved to Delburne, and along came Roger Dean (1961), and then Brian John (1964). In 1966 they moved to Wetaskiwin, and a few years later Diana Joan (1970) was born.

Over the years, Cathryn took many courses from the University of Alberta. Mostly in the evenings, summer sessions, and a one year sabbatical in order to complete both a Bachelor of Education degree, and a Bachelor of Arts degree (Art History). During those trips she took her eldest son out for the occasional supper (at Mr. Mike’s) as he was also in Edmonton completing his first degree.

Cathryn had a love for fine arts of all types: music, painting, sculpture, sketching, costumes, journaling, theatre, gardening, spoken word, etc. She played the violin, mandolin, and ukulele, and loved to sing, especially in a choir. She encouraged (forced?) her children to take music and theory lessons, as well as play instruments in school, and beyond.

Many people knew Mom as an artist and as a member of the Wetaskiwin Art Club and the Provincial Arts Council, with many of her works being displayed at local and provincial art shows. Her ongoing artistic endeavours included taking courses on location in Paris, Ireland, Portugal, Spain, and Denmark; as well as local spots like Donalda, Red Deer River, Gwynne, Battle River, and Drumheller, where her daughter was allowed to roam.

Even more people recognize Mom as “Mrs. Brecka”, a teacher. She spent many years teaching grade 6 at Parkdale Elementary School, and then as a travelling art teacher with her car, Emily. Later she moved to Queen Elizabeth Junior High, teaching mostly Language Arts, but was happy to share her passion for current events as well. When her boys were young, Mom volunteered at Lynn Lauren School, reading and sharing her joy of inclusive community and the learning process.

Mom and Dad ensured they always had valid passports, and took many flights, cruises, and road trips. Those trips often involved visiting family all over the globe and attending every wedding of their nieces and nephews. Each destination included experiencing new cultures, food tasting, and local sights.

CLB volunteered in support of many cultural activities wherever she lived, including creating props, sets, and costumes for drama productions, sometimes playing in the orchestra, hosting dinners at the Memorial, and the Allied Arts and Crafts Council. Mom and Dad spent many hours at the Reynolds Alberta Museum, and supported many other charities in the community and province, but Plan Canada held a special place in Mom’s heart.

The “timing” of her written or spoken words and actions impacted and meant so much to so many students, the community, work colleagues, and other people throughout her life, artistic achievements, and profession. She was deeply connected to the sacredness of life, marking moments with hand written cards, following up with friends, and calling when she thought that care was needed. We have so much gratitude for our beloved Cathryn, who wove threads of beauty in all that she did.

Cathryn is survived by her loving husband, Vladimir Brecka; children, Roger Brecka, Brian Brecka, Diana Brecka (David Glass); grandson, Quinn Glass, sister, Teresa Taekema (Syd); brother, David Sparks (Violet); and many nieces and nephews. We share our sorrow with the members of the First United Church family, and the “Curves Girls”, who brought unlimited laughter and mischievousness to her life (often along with a sausage and egger).

An online funeral will be hosted by First United Church, Wetaskiwin, on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 2:00 p.m, MST. Links to the service can be found at http://www.firstunitedwetaskiwin.ca. Donations may be made to the Wetaskiwin Public Library, Plan Canada, or the charity of one’s choice.

To honour Mom, please, feel free to stop at the side of a road and eat a sandwich, with the car door open. Paint a rock and leave it somewhere for others to discover. Call a friend you miss. Wear a bit more “sparkle”. Send a handwritten card of thanks. Make a sock puppet. Read a poem out loud. Plant flowers. Bake. Dance. Knit….

Honoured to Serve the Brecka Family

Baker Funeral Chapel

780.352.2501 Or 888.752.2501

condolences: http://www.womboldfuneralhomes.com

Jeffrey Forrest

1943 – 2022

Mr. Jeffrey Forrest of Coaldale passed away at Taber Long Term Care on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at the age of 79 years.

Jeff will be privately remembered by his family and friends.

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

HEINRICKS

ELIZABETH JOHANNA HEINRICKS (nee Wenzel), passed away peacefully at the Prairie Ridge Good Sams in Raymond, on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at the age of 93 years.

A Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, March 28, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. – 12:00 Noon.

Elizabeth will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery during a Private Family Graveside Service.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

KIEMELE

WILLIAM JOHN “BILL” KIEMELE, beloved husband of the late Edra Dereen (Findlay) Kiemele, passed away in Cardston, Alberta on Monday, March 21, 2022 at the age of 100 years.

Friends may meet the family at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, April 1st from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, April 2nd, at 1:00 pm at the Cardston Cemetery.

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

LUTWICK

RICHARD “DICK” LUTWICK, beloved husband of Susan Lutwick (nee Cook), passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital with his family by his side on Friday, March 18, 2022, at the age of 65 years.

Besides his beloved wife Susan, Dick is survived by his daughter Kendall (Matt) Tremblay, son Justin Lutwick and grandson Vincent Tremblay; brother Blaine Lutwick; sisters Carol (Troy Vance) Lutwick, Myrna (Al) Doktorchik, Jan Pawlak and chosen sister Linda Larsen as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He will also be missed by those he gained as family when he married Susan: Jane (Terry) Kirkman, Darren Cook, Sharon (Kurt) Veer and Patricia (Gary) Pohl.

Dick was predeceased by his father Larry, mother Millie, brothers Jimmy and Gerry.

Dick’s family would like to sincerely thank the paramedics, Dr. Orr and the ER staff, and Dr. Spence and all of the staff of the ICU at the Chinook Regional Hospital for the care given to Dick and to his family in the week prior to his passing.

A Celebration of Dick’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, March 24, 2022 at 5:00 P.M. with Jan Pawlak as Mistress of Ceremonies.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Dick, please pass on an act of kindness to someone in need.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Peter Maclean

1953 – 2022

Mr. Peter Maclean of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at the age of 68 years.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 10:00 am to 11:00 am, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Celebration Reception will be held at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

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

McDONALD

JOAN McDONALD, of Coaldale, passed away at home in Coaldale, on Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at the age of 74 years.

A private Family Graveside Service will be held at a later date.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Marie Mehrer

1948 – 2022

Mrs. Marie Mehrer of Spring Coulee and beloved wife of Mr. Eldon Mehrer, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at the age of 73 years.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 5:00pm and 7:00pm on Sunday, March 27, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL.

All are welcome to attend a funeral service at 2:00pm on Monday, March 28, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPELS, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Burial will follow in the Stirling Mennonite Cemetery.

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

Plourd, Gail

Gail Marie Plourd passed away in Lethbridge in the early morning of Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at the age of 75 years after a brief battle with cancer. Gail was the beloved wife of Mr. Paul Plourd.

Besides her loving husband Paul, Gail is survived by her daughters, Angie (Alan) Paterson and Terri Brown (Graham Knowles); her son Lonni Plourd; grandchildren, Kristin Paterson (Braden Larson), Ty (MacKenzie) Paterson, Cody Brown (Corey Ames), Dylan Brown, and Eric Brown; as well as her brother, Terry (Kathy) Lunde; niece, Lacey Sell; nephew, Levi Lunde; and many friends.

Gail was predeceased by her parents, Catherine and Elling Lunde as well as her brother, Pennis Lunde.

Cremation has taken place, and a Memorial Service will be held at a later date.

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

SANTONI

It is with deep sadness but great relief that Danny has come to the end of his cancer journey.

Danilo Santoni passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Friday, March 18, 2022, at the age of 76 years.

He is survived by his wife Barbara, son Michael (Denise); grandchildren Ava, Danilo, Vivviana, Taylor (Alex) Budd and Kelsey Paton; brother Corrido (Marilyn Goruk), twin brother George (Pat), brother-in-law Mario (Addy) Bonora, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Also left to mourn are Barb’s family: Ivie Wheeler (Jim deceased), Marilyn (Jamie) Christie, Gary Wheeler (Arlene deceased), Darren and Penny Wheeler, and many nieces and nephews.

Danny was predeceased by his parents Pietro and Ester Santoni and sister Rosi Bonora.

We are taking this opportunity to say heartfelt thank you to all the medical professionals who cared for Danny. “Thank you” is not a big enough word to express our gratitude to family and friends for the generous gift of your time, prayer, love and support shown to us throughout this difficult journey. Thank you to the “Angels Among Us” with whom we have been blessed to cross paths. We may not know your names, but your kind and gentle words speak volumes.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME-2825 32nd Street South, Lethbridge, AB – on Friday, March 25, 2022, at 7:00 PM with Sharon Hagel officiating.

A Memorial Mass will be held at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH – 604 13th Street South, Lethbridge, AB – Saturday, March 26, 2022, at 12:00 PM, with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.

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

Tina (Wiepkje) Vos

1940 – 2022

“Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed”

Romans 8:18

Mrs. Tina Vos of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Roy Vos, passed away quietly and went home to her Lord at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at the age of 81 years.

Tina was born on September 7, 1940 to Sijbren and Antje Procee in Holwerd, Netherlands. She immigrated to Canada with her family on The Beaverbrae ship, third class passage and arrived in Quebec on May 1, 1950.

On the church steps of Lethbridge CRC, in 1958 her and Roy made eye contact and they never looked back. They were married in 1959 and moved out to Burdett to the family dry land grain farm, where their 3 children were born, Sherry (Arnie) Tenbrinke, Rudy Vos, Tim (Tannis) Vos.

Some of mom’s best memories were cooking for banquets in the Burdett Community Hall. She was in her element, and the bigger the crowd the better!! After several moves in Alberta, even out to Chilliwack BC, they ended up back in Lethbridge March 19, 2020 just as everything shut down or locked down.

Tina will sadly be missed, but not forgotten, by her husband of 62 years Roy, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren. By her remaining siblings, and nieces and nephews both in Canada and the Netherlands, and her dear friends. Coming from a large Dutch family of 10 children, the list is long, but these were her siblings: Geert * (Klasske) * Procee, Foekje* (Pieter)* Bouma, Marie* Procee, John* (Tina) Procee, Paul* (Lucy) Procee, then came Mom Tina* (Roy) Vos, Johannes (Cynthia) Procee, Hans Procee, Gerrit (Nelly) *Procee, and Marinus (Helga) Procee. * Indicates passed away.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, March 26, 2022, at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 McGill Blvd W, Lethbridge. The service will also be lived streamed on the Maranatha You Tube channel. Chaplin George Koopmans officiating. The inurnment of ashes will take place privately at Burdett Highfield Cemetery on a warm summer day at a later date.

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

Larry Weatherhead

1938 – 2022

Lawrence Howard Weatherhead of Burdett and 40 Mile Park, passed away peacefully at his cabin surrounded by his family on Sunday, March 20, 2022 at the age of 83 years.

Relatives and friends are invited to meet with Larry’s family at the Burdett Community Hall, 311 Main Street, Burdett on Saturday, March 26,

2022 between 2:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. A private burial will take place at the Burdett Cemetery.

In keeping with Larry’s wishes, a celebration of Larry and Mavis’ lives is being planned for this summer at Forty Mile Park, details will be shared closer to the date. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.

Larry is survived by his daughters, sons-in-law, grandchildren and great grandchildren Shannon (Kelly) McCoy of Coaldale and children Bret (Danica) and Spencer (Jordan); Michele (Ron) Smith of Maple Ridge, British Columbia and children Connor, Meghan and Meranda; Tami (Burke) Torscher of Taber and children Blake (Jen), Logan and Carson; Jodi (Mark) Albrecht of Medicine Hat and children Jade (Colton), Krystin (Brandon) and Teah (Gage); as well as his newest pride, great grandsons Luca and Noah and baby to be, Owen. He is also survived by his sisters Shirley Stensrud, Jean (Ivan) Eriksen, Arlene Pool, Carol Weatherhead and Sherry (Don) Drake; sister-in-law Marilyn Weatherhead as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Larry was predeceased by his beloved wife Mavis; parents Clarence and May Weatherhead; two brothers Earl and Dale Weatherhead; brothers-in-law Adrien Stensrud, Ross Poole and Brian Gooding; sisters-in-law Maureen Corraini and Shirley Bechamp.

On August 22, 1938, Clarence and May Weatherhead welcomed their little boy into the world not knowing what kind of impact he would have on so many lives. An impish boy growing up in Burdett, he had a life-long gift for entertaining and being there for his family, friends and even strangers, whom he left with lasting impressions. After his schooling, he went to work for his family business, helping to grow it into a three store dealership that continues to thrive under new ownership. He fell in love with a beautiful nurse who came to work at Bow Island’s new hospital and married her on September 23, 1959. They raised their four daughters and taught them the importance of family first, kindness, and community. He was thrilled to finally get some boys when his sons-in-law came along. Larry and Mavis were friends to many and loved their life together until Mavis passed on December 26, 2019.

Larry enjoyed helping out in his parents’ hardware store. In early adulthood (1958), he left college after a fire burned down the family business to help rebuild. Eventually, this collaboration with his parents became Green Power, a three store franchise, the second oldest dealership in western Canada. Larry won many awards and trips, but was most proud of winning the Bill Lipsey Merit Award for Dealer of the Year in 2003. Green Power won Business of the Year in Taber in 2005.

Larry could sell anything and thrived selling his John Deeres. He could quote models, part numbers, and favourite customer phone numbers, even fifty years later, long after he retired. He made deals with a handshake and a promise to settle up “when you can” was as good as a contract. He was always true to his word and many farmers relied upon his help when things were tough. The employees at Green Power over the years became part of his family. One in particular, Terry (Debbie) Sargent, was like a son to Larry, Mavis and his mother May. Retirement was not an easy decision, but Larry always said “when you’re done you’re done” . He wanted time to travel with Mavis and his children, grandchildren and siblings. He loved going on beach holidays most of all. His proudest retirement present was his much-loved “dam cabin” at Forty Mile, where he often went shirtless (and occasionally even pantless). Larry enjoyed his lake family, hosting numerous gatherings on his deck overlooking the lake.

An officer in the South Alberta Light Horse Militia, he became a self-taught historian of World War II and collected memorabilia and military equipment. He was also proud to get his pilot’s license. He loved boating and taking his girls out for a ski and tolerated camping because Mavis loved it so much. Larry loved driving the country for “crop tours” with a cold beer and a smoke, singing to old favourites and reminiscing about the farmers he sold to and enjoyed in friendship.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Larry’s name may be made directly to either the Burdett Fire Association (to honour his sense of community), Box 105, Burdett, Alberta T0K 0J0, to your local branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (to honour his love of Canadian history) at http://www.legion.ca, or the Bow Island Hospital (which enabled him to meet his wife and grow his family) c/o Bow Island and District Health Foundation, Bag 3990, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0.

The family would like to thank the Bow Island Hospital nurses and doctors, especially Dr. Woodruff; the Bow Island and Coulee Medical home care, and all those who came to visit dad and support our family during this challenging time.

Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.

  Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone:

(403) 223-8778.

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