SATURDAY, April 02, 2022

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 2, 2022.

BARVA

FRANK BARVA, beloved husband of Isabel, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family, on March 23 2022, at the age of 88 years.

A Memorial Service will be held at IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 20 Rocky Mountain Blvd. West, Lethbridge, Alberta, on Saturday, April 2, 2022, at 2:00 PM with Pastor Lee Loveridge officiating. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

LESLIE BIG SORREL HORSE “Kiayo Ka’ Ki Kinn”

Dec. 20, 1962 – Mar. 28, 2022

Leslie passed away on March 28, 2022 in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 59 years. The Family Service will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, April 8 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm. The Wake Service will continue at White Calf Hall, Stand Off from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at White Calf Hall, Stand Off on Saturday, April 9 at 1:00 pm. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery.

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

BILOW

Gary Bilow was born on November 5, 1958 and passed away on Monday, March 28, 2022 in Lethbridge. He will be sadly missed by his mother Mary Bilow; brother, Allen Bilow; sister, Debie Wiebe. He was predeceased by his father, Clair; and brother, Kenny.

To share condolences, please

visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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.

1957 – KEVIN FURY – 2022

Kevin John Fury of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, March 2nd, 2022, at the age of 64 years. He was born on June 2, 1957 in Lethbridge.

He is survived by his loving mother Mary Fury, his sister Linda Martin (Jerry) and his nephew Blaine Martin, all of Hanna. He was predeceased by his father John Fury.

His love of mechanics and trucks made his career. He had experience with numerous companies but by far he enjoyed his time at his present place of employment, Dynamic Industrial Solutions. While at Dynamic he was much loved and highly thought of by the people he worked with.

Cremation has taken place, with interment to be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Lethbridge on April 9th, 2022 at 11 A.M. Reception to follow at 12 noon at Honker’s Pub & Eatery (2808-5th Ave North, Lethbridge).

Message of condolence may be sent to http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com

Brent Gies

1963 – 2022

WO (ret’d) Brent Albert Gies of Lethbridge, who served 1 & 3 RCHA, 4 AD and 40th Field Regt, passed away at home on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at the age of 58 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.

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.

HOSEGOOD

JAMES MURRAY HOSEGOOD, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at the age of 79 years.

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

Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

ISELE

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and dear friend, KLAUS ISELE, on March 22, 2022 at the age of 75.

Klaus will be lovingly remembered by his wife Donna whom he had just celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with in February, children and grandchildren: Diane (Randy) Kohnor & Spenser; Darren (Kristi) & Jensen; and Kalvin (Melanie); brothers Hans (Carol) Alfred (Milly) his sister Helga and his many nieces and nephews.

Klaus was predeceased by his parents Otto and Olga Isele, his beloved Oma, in-laws, Tony and Lena Shewchuk, his oldest brother Albert, twin brother Arthur, brothers-in-law, Jim Shewchuk and Ozzie Ronningen and special family member Sylvia Weeks.

Klaus was born in Spirit River where he met his wife Donna. In 1971 Klaus moved to Chilliwack, BC, where he worked with his brothers at the Union 76 Gas Station. Donna visited Klaus often during this time and the couple married soon after in February, 1972. After settling near Chilliwack, BC, Klaus & Donna welcomed their first child, Diane. Klaus then moved onto Giant Mascot Mines after the gas station closed. Work would once again take Klaus & family to their next home near Hope, BC, where he was employed by the Department of Highways for 3 years. It was here that they were blessed with their second child, Darren. In 1977, Klaus took an interest in farming and the family moved to Devale, Alberta. They rented the land on the original family homestead from Donna’s father, who assisted them in planting their first crop in 1978. During this time the couple completed their family with a third child, Kalvin. In 1979, Klaus & Donna purchased the homestead from Tony. Over the next 38 years, the couple would raise their family and successfully farm the land together until retirement in 2017.

Retirement led Klaus and Donna to move to Lethbridge where they would spend the remainder of their years enjoying time with their family. Klaus loved his children and grandchildren wholeheartedly. He cherished time spent with them and the many memories made during visits to the farm, family holidays, milestone celebrations, and watching sports while cheering on his grandchildren. Klaus was so proud of all of his children and grandchildren and always reminded them of his pride for them all.

Klaus had the biggest heart, he loved life, people and touched so many. He made everlasting friends from all areas he traveled including many new friends he held deep in his heart that he met in Lethbridge. Klaus truly cherished the time he and Donna spent with his siblings, park neighbors, their crib clubs, and the morning coffee buddies at Smitty’s. Klaus would do anything for anyone at a drop of a hat and was there for everyone and anyone who needed him. Klaus had the knack for telling jokes as he thoroughly enjoyed making people laugh and even sometimes surprised! He was always busy puttering and was not one to sit still for long. Klaus enjoyed the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping with his family and his dear friends. One could not even count the number of card games Klaus enjoyed with family and friends and the memories and laughs shared.

He will be remembered fondly for his crazy sense of humor, generosity, undeniable work ethic and desire to live life to the fullest.

Staying connected with family and friends was very important to Klaus and over the years, there were many celebrations. Out of respect for Klaus’ beloved wife Donna, the final celebration of Klaus’s life will be announced at a later date.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the Isele siblings, Hans (Carol), Alfred (Millie), and Helga, for their friendship, kindness, and the care given to both our parents over the last five years. We will be forever grateful for your support.

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

MARKLINGER

BLAISE MARKLINGER, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Sandy Marklinger, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, March 31, 2022 at the age of 61 years.

A Celebration of Blaise’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 11:00 A.M.

At the family’s request, for those who attend the service, facemasks will be mandatory and will be available upon entry.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

MEHALKO

Helen Mehalko, beloved wife of the late John Mehalko, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 29, at the age of 88 years.

Helen was born in Lethbridge and lived there until her family moved to a farm near Coalhurst. She married John in 1952. Together they raised a family and worked side by side on a farm in the Sundial/Turin area until 1978 when they moved to Lethbridge. Together John and Helen enjoyed traveling abroad and throughout the USA. Las Vegas was a favorite destination. They loved fishing and camping in their motorhome.

Helen had a great passion for gardening and enjoyed crocheting, knitting and listening to music. Taking scenic pictures of their travels- especially beautiful sunsets was a favorite pastime. Helen was a devoted family archivist, proud of all her family and friends’ achievements. She enjoyed spending time with family and loved getting together with friends for laughs and a spirited game of cards. All of her survivors were lucky enough to experience not only Helen’s warmth and love, but also her considerable wit and humour. She was always a truth teller and a straight shooter.

Helen is survived by her daughters Joyce (Richard) Haney and Donna Mehalko (John Colapinto); grandchildren Shaun (Tricia) Haney, Kevin Haney, Kerri Lynn (Bradley) Vanderberg and Johnny Colapinto; great-grandchildren Kalem, Rylynn and Karsen Haney and Damen and Kadence Vanderberg. Helen is also survived by her brother John Kundrik and sister-in-law Mary Kundrik and their families.

Helen was predeceased by her husband John, who she remained steadfastly devoted to as his health declined, which was a magnificent expression of her love for her partner. She was also predeceased by her parents, Anna and Julius Kundrik; brothers Julius Jr, and George; sister-in-law Betty Kundrik, and great-grandson Brandon Vandenberg.

A private Family Graveside Service was held.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Helen’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta (www.alzheimer.ca/ab), or to St. Therese Villa (www.covenanthealth.ca/donate).

The family would especially like to thank the staff at St. Therese for their kindness and compassion during Helen’s stay.

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

OLSON, Wayne Bruce

Bruce Wayne Olson passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, Ab, on March 28, 2022 at the age of 66.

Bruce is survived by his siblings; Herald (Jean) Olson of Spruce Grove, Hilda Ganger of Lethbridge, Georgina Steffler of Stony Plain, Esther (Ron) Wenckowski of Stony Plain, Susan Riehl of Lethbridge, Chris Olson of Lethbridge, Bonnie (Octave) DeSmit of Stony Plain, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is predeceased by his parents; Albert and Nancy Olson, plus his brothers; John, Rex and David.

Bruce was born on September 30, 1955, in Cardston, Ab. He was the youngest son of 11 children. In his early years the Olson family moved to Lethbridge, where Bruce called home for the remainder of his life. He was a hard-working man. Bruce loved a good joke and loved to tease his nieces and nephews.

He spent his final years residing at Age Care Columbia, which was a very meaningful and happy place for him. Family will be forever grateful to all staff for his exceptional care.

A private family gathering will be held on Friday, April 8, 2022. Details to follow.

Please consider donations in Bruce’s name to Age Care Columbia.

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

PATCHING

ANDREW PATCHING of Lethbridge, passed away at home on March 29, 2022 at the age of 38 years.

He is lovingly remembered by his parents Eric Patching and Penny Patching, brother Matthew (Sharalyn), nephews Zachary and Lukas, niece Emma, Grandma Doris Poepping, stepsister Shelly (Chris) Kruger and family, stepbrother Kevin (Stephanie) Dube and family, numerous Aunts, Uncles and cousins and friends.

Andrew was predeceased by Grandpa and Grandma Patching, Grandpa Poepping, Uncle Gord Gormley, Stepmother Marion Patching, and his friend George, pets Wally, Sam and Daisy.

Andrew was born in Lethbridge on September 21, 1983. He attended St. Martha’s School, Father Van Tigem School and Catholic Central High School. He worked in the hospitality industry for over 17 years and his former customers still miss his smile and wit. He enjoyed the camaraderie of the work softball teams for many summers, as well as the football pool and weekly get togethers with long-time buddies Devon, Ryan, Mike, Matthew G. and more, in Scott’s mancave garage to start but followed up later in the basements of Brandon and Bo.

Andrew turned over a new leaf, started a new job that he excelled at with a progressive company in November 2019. He enjoyed the new work challenges and made some new work friends, among them Ed and Victoria. He moved into his new apartment only 3 months before the isolation of Covid took over and changed all our worlds, but his irreparably, as a single person living alone and working nights and not be able to socialize with family or friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In memory of Andrew, please volunteer your time to advance the charity of your choice and spread more kindness in the world.

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

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.

JOSEPH JOHN TOLLIN

Mar. 4, 1939 – Mar. 17, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Joseph John Tollin announce his passing. Joseph passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at the age of 83 years, with his family by his side at the Lethbridge Chinook Regional Hospital,

Joseph is survived by his longtime companion Marion Peterson and children Patricia (Ray) Beaudin, Teresa (Bernie) Beaudin, Trevor (Wendy) Tollin, Corey Waters (Lisa Weiss), and Sherry (Ryan) Rae, 8 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his loving wife Nancy Joan Tollin (Burnett), and his oldest son Darcy Dean Tollin.

He will be forever missed but never forgotten. A private family gathering was held for Joe and funeral services were provided by Zentner Funeral Homes. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

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

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