FRIDAY, April 01, 2022

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 1, 2022.

HENRY JOHN DICK

June 17, 1922 – March 20, 2022

The family of HENRY JOHN DICK of Lethbridge sadly announce Henry’s peaceful passing at Legacy Lodge on Sunday, March 20, 2022, with his beloved Leona at his side and wrapped in the love of his family.

Henry was born to his Russian Mennonite parents, John and Agnes Dick, on June 17 1922 in Orenburg, Russia. In 1926, they embarked on a perilous emigration journey that brought them first to Whitewater Manitoba, and then to Southern Alberta, where the family set down their roots.

Henry was a patriot. He loved his country and the freedoms and opportunities it provided. He served with the Royal Canadian Army from December 1942-January 1946 and saw active duty in the North Pacific on the Aleutian Island of Kiska. This forever changed his life, as it was there that he committed his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Henry and Leona (Klassen) met in their Young People’s church group, and were married on December 28, 1944 in the Vauxhall Mennonite Church. It was a beautiful, sustaining relationship that only grew stronger and more loving over the 77 years that they shared. Henry adored Leona – she was the love of his life.

In 1952, Henry and Leona settled on their new irrigation farm in Hays, where they raised their family of five children; 3 sons – Ron (Linda), Allan (Anne Mundt) and Wayne, and two daughters – Wendy Timmermans and Barb (Rod Lanser).

Henry’s creed was “Love the Lord your God with your heart, mind and soul, and your neighbor as yourself”, and was highly respected as a man of integrity. He and Leona were strongly committed to their church and community. Henry was also involved in many community endeavors, including the early 4-H movement in Hays, the Bow River Gas Co-op and the Bow River Irrigation District, to name but a few.

In 1988, Henry and Leona retired to Lethbridge, where they became active in the Lethbridge Mennonite Church. Retiring only meant moving off the farm, as Henry quickly immersed himself in volunteerism. He was the chair of the Lethbridge Senior Citizen Organization, spent countless hours at the Soup Kitchen, was a compassionate care visitor at St. Michael’s, and represented less fortunate individuals as a social advocate.

Over the years, Henry and Leona developed many rich friendships and their loving family expanded to include 16 cherished grandchildren, 26 great grand children, and 1 great great grandchild. Henry is also survived by his two sisters – Jessie Goerzen and Peggy Duby, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by son-in-law John Timmermans, daughter-in-law Sue Dick, his parents and his sister Agnes and brother John.

Thank you to everyone who has so enriched the lives of Henry and Leona with your love and support over the years. Thank you to our church and extended family.

We especially wish to thank everyone at Elim Village and at Legacy Lodge for their friendship and care of Henry and Leona over the past few years. You provided so much comfort, stability and security to them.

To Lethbridge Home Care Nursing staff who cared for Henry both at Elim and at Legacy, and Legacy Lodge staff – we will be forever grateful for the care you provided to Henry, for your kindness, compassion and friendship you exhibited, especially in the final weeks of his life.

Family was very important to Henry, and over the years, there were many celebrations. The final celebration of Henry’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, with a Viewing on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 from 2:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. and a Funeral Service on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 at 10:30 A.M. with Pastor Ryan Dueck officiating. The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Henry’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Henry will be laid to rest in Vauxhall Mennonite Cemetery.

Donations in Henry’s memory may be made to: Lethbridge Mennonite Church: 4303 3 Ave S, Lethbridge AB T1J 0C9; Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation: 960 19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5; or to the charity of choice. Thank you.

“Well done, good and faithful servant!” Rest in peace.

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

Senator Joyce Fairbairn

1939 – 2022

Joyce Fairbairn passed away peacefully on March 29, 2022 in Lethbridge, Alberta with her niece Patricia McCullagh at her side. Joyce will be deeply missed by her family and many friends and remembered for her passion, service and the human impact she had on so many Canadians.

Joyce had a long and distinguished career serving her country with dedication and grace. She worked on Parliament Hill for 50 years starting as a journalist in the Parliamentary Press Gallery; then as Legislative Assistant to Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau; before being appointed to the Senate of Canada for Alberta and to the Canadian Cabinet in 1993 as first female Government Leader in the Senate and Minister with special responsibility for Literacy.

Joyce embraced life and work with extraordinary energy and passion. Her commitment to bettering the lives of the most disadvantaged people was unwavering. She considered being inaugurated into the Kainai Chieftainship for enhancing the quality of life for the Blood Tribe of Southern Alberta to be one of the biggest honours of her life. Joyce was named Ksiskaníípi’ksaakii, Chief Morning Bird Woman in 1990. Amongst other devotions, she championed literacy in Canada and was Chair of the Paralympic Foundation. Joyce’s personal passions were many: her family and pets, cooking, music, travelling with her beloved husband Mike to wherever Frank Sinatra was live in concert, or the Montreal Expos were playing, and riding horses on the prairie. Despite great achievements, Joyce remained humble: the “girl from Lethbridge” as she called herself. Her heart remained there: with the land and the people, the home she returned to for her last ten years. The family thanks the staff at St. Therese Villa, Alberta Health and Lethbridge companions for the care and kindness shown to Joyce over the last 8 years.

Joyce Fairbairn leaves behind her sister, Lyn Garlock (née Fairbairn); her niece Patricia McCullagh and Patricia’s family; husband Martin Broomfield; and great nieces Jessica and Natalie; her nephew David McCullagh; and her sister-in-law, Betsey McNear, husband Terry McNear and their family.

She was predeceased by her husband, Michael Gillan in 2002.

It was Joyce’s request that the celebration of her life be held in the warmth of summer, therefore, a celebration of Joyce Fairbairn’s life will be held this summer of 2022 in Lethbridge, Alberta. Details will be announced when service plans have been finalized.

The family requests expressions of generosity be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8

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

Elaine Harrison

1931 – 2022

“In a world where you can be anything, be kind”

It is with sadness that we annonce the passing of Mrs. Elaine Anna Harrison on March 24, 2022 at the age of 91 years.

Elaine grew up on a farm near Marsden, Saskatchewan. She often talked about those days with great fondness. She and Thelma were constantly exploring and finding new adventures. She completed her schooling locally, and then went on to University of Saskatchewan to start her studies to become a teacher. She completed her Bachelor of Arts at the University of Lethbridge.

Bill and Elaine met in Saskatoon and were married on August 28, 1954. After completing University, they started teaching in Saskatchewan, and then moved to Lethbridge in 1957. Elaine loved to teach. Her first Lethbridge job was at Hamilton school. This is where she met her class of “Angels” with whom she maintained contact for the remainder of her life – a testament to her connection with students and her love of teaching. Once her kids were on their way, Elaine worked at the Lethbridge College helping guide the Community Arts and Recreation program. Elaine was included in the “My Most Memorable Teacher” project celebrating 100 Years of Alberta Teaching Excellence.

Elaine was a creative soul and clay was her vehicle of choice. She created functional as well as artistically interesting pieces. She was forever thinking about her next project. Elaine loved to teach pottery and was so proud of her student’s creations. This was her true passion, and she taught for as long as possible – her last class was in 2019. Her creativity knew no bounds as she explored many art media and was always game to try something new. Elaine was thrilled to receive the “Joan Waterfield Memorial Award” in 2007.

Elaine loved to travel. Over the years she went on many adventures around the world with friends and her best travelling companion – sister Thelma. Many of her travels involved local pottery studios and classes. She collected treasures to bring home and enjoyed sharing photos and tales from afar.

Elaine’s greatest passion was her family. She loved being a mom and was an ever present support for her family. She encouraged us to reach for our dreams and was incredibly proud of her children and grandchildren. Many will remember the birthday parties that she created first for Tim and Vanessa, and then for her grandchildren. She took her grandchildren on many an adventure from tenting in the backyard, fishing at Henderson Lake, and exploring “China” in the coulees. She continually encouraged them to use their imaginations, to play and to explore. There was no time for video games and the “idiot box” when you were hanging out with Nana.

Elaine was the daughter of an original “CCF’er” and was committed to support political candidates and policies that were focussed on making life better especially for those in need. She loved to be involved and making any contribution to help.

Sadly, Elaine was diagnosed with dementia in her 80’s. She took on this diagnosis with grace and tenacity. She was always trying to outsmart her foe with lists and memory cues. When she would meet someone, she started each conversation with “tell me how I know you”. Elaine was determined to keep ahead of this enemy for as long as possible.

Elaine was blessed with amazing, caring physicians and healthcare professionals. We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Sue Westheuser for her compassion and expert care. We would also like to thank Dr. Erwin Lee and the geriatric team as well as the home care team members that provided care for Mom. We are also thankful for Dr. Mark Fernhout and many teams at the Chinook Regional Hospital who looked after Mom in January. Lastly, we would like to express our deep gratitude to the staff in Cottage 6 at GSS Park Meadows for the compassionate and loving care provided to Mom over the past year.

Elaine is survived by her sister Thelma Howard; her son, Tim (Deanna) Harrison; and daughter, Vanessa (Rick) Maclean. The joy of her life were her grandchildren Elizabeth, Brendan (Haylee), Sean (Katie) and Patrick (Staci). She was so excited about “the baby” and could not wait to meet her new great grandson, Harrison.

Elaine was predeceased by her loving husband, Bill Harrison, and her parents, Edward and Marie Howard.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate the amazing life of Elaine Harrison 2:00 pm on Friday, April 8, 2022 in the Anton’s Ballroom at the Lethbridge Lodge, 320 Scenic Dr S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4B4.

In order to protect vulnerable family members, we respectfully request that those that attend have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in memory of Elaine made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16th Floor, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8 or the Lethbridge Food Bank. 1016, 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0C9.

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

KIEMELE

WILLIAM JOHN “BILL” KIEMELE beloved husband of the late Edra (Findlay) Kiemele passed away peacefully at his home in Cardston, AB on Monday March 21, 2022 at the age of 100 ½ years.

Bill was born on September 13, 1921 in Bassano, AB to William and Estella Kiemele.

Bill leaves behind his six children Randy (Christine) of Lethbridge, AB, Gerald (Carole-deceased) of Cardston, AB, Treasa Malin of Cardston, AB, JoAnne (George) Makris of Sidney, Nebraska, Mitch (Glen) of Prince George, B.C., Darwin (Sheri) of Leavitt, AB. He will be deeply missed by his 24 grandchildren, 51 great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter; his brother Alfred; sisters Margaret Ost, Hazel McDonald and Joan Semach.

Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Estella Kiemele, four brothers Louis, Delbert, Melvin and Kieth; two sisters Mable Vare and Beatrice Hately; daughter-in-law Carole and two grandchildren Wade Kiemele and Jozenn Walters.

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

Joshua Lorenz

1981 – 2022

Mr. Joshua Lorenz of Lethbridge passed away in his home on Saturday, March 26, 2022 at the age of 40 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

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

PETERSON

Robert Kenneth Peterson passed away on March 26, 2022, at the age of 43. Robbie was born and raised in Lethbridge. He graduated from LCI in 1996 and then continued with his education in the field of paramedicine/ firefighting. In 2004 he realized a lifelong dream when he graduated and became a Licensed Paramedic. He worked for many years providing paramedic services in the oil patch in northern Alberta. When presented with the opportunity to serve as a paramedic with the United Nations Aeromedical Evacuation team in Mali, Africa he jumped at the chance. Robbie described this as the chance to really make a difference and give back to people who truly needed his assistance.

Robbie’s two sons; Griffin and Kingston, were the light of his life.

The quality time he spent with his boys ranged from adventures in the great outdoors, biking, hiking, swimming, and camping to quieter times spent reading or watching movies.

Robbie adored his rescue dog Rypien. When Robbie wasn’t away working he enjoyed long walks in the coulees and lazy days snuggling on the couch with his fur baby.

Robbie’s bright smile and his boisterous character will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by his parents Bev & Ken Peterson, his boys Griffin and Kingston Peterson & their mother Louise, his sisters Shaina Peterson & Devra (lan) Brick, his niece Hayze, and nephews Antaeus, Sawyer and Hudson, and countless other family and friends.

Robbie was pre-deceased by his grandparents, Albert and Doris Peterson and Roy and Norma Johnson, and his sister Tamara Jayne Peterson.

In lieu of flowers donations to an animal charity of your choice in Robbie’s name would be lovingly appreciated.

Barry Seaman

1950 – 2022

Mr. Barry Seaman of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loving family, on Thursday, March 17, 2022, at the age of 72 years.

Barry was born and raised in Lethbridge and graduated from Winston Churchill High School. After high school he briefly attended the University of Calgary and then the University of Lethbridge where he graduated with a degree in Economics in 1972. He started work with Telus (then AGT) after university and had a long career with their construction division installing services throughout Alberta and even Northern U.S States.

He had a passion for playing baseball in his teens and was on at least one championship baseball team. He later took up golf and enjoyed playing for many years. Barry spent many hours watching sports of all types, and his favorite activities were participating in hockey pools with his friends or picking winners of NFL games. He took an active interest in the world around him and kept abreast of stock market trends and world events.

He had a good group of close friends, and his family are very thankful and appreciative for all of the help that they provided to Barry- particularly in these last few months.

Barry is survived by his brothers Bob (Terry Shannon) of Lethbridge; Tom (Karin) of Airdrie; nieces Jocelyn Seaman of Calgary, Lisa (Adam) Zandvliet of Airdrie; nephew Michael (Lindsay Sales) of Calgary. He was a great uncle to Julia and Thomas Zandvliet of Airdrie and Brady and Mila Seaman of Calgary.

He was predeceased by his parents Mike and Nellie Seaman of Lethbridge and nephew Ryan Seaman of Lethbridge.

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, April 2, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Gillian Breckenridge, officiating.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers please consider making a donation to Alberta Cancer Foundation, 710-10123, 99 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3H1.

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

Barbara Terajewicz

1935 – 2022

Mrs. Barbara Terajewicz of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Kazimierz Terajewicz, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Friday, March 25, 2022 at the age of 86 years.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Friday, April 1, 2022 at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.

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

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