SATURDAY, April 23, 2022

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 23, 2022.

WILLIAM (BILL) ANDREACHUK

May 8, 1927 – April 17, 2022 (Age 94)

It is with profound sadness that the family of WILLIAM (BILL) ANDREACHUK announce his passing on Sunday, April 17, 2022, just shy of his 95th birthday.

Bill was the devoted and beloved husband to his late wife Joyce Andreachuk for 67 years. In retirement, they enjoyed snow-birding to Arizona where they spent time with friends. In Lethbridge, they loved walking around Henderson Lake, one-upping each other at crossword puzzles, and gathering with family in their beautiful backyard where Bill would tell stories from when he sold Ganong chocolates on the road.

He was the proud father of Lori Andreachuk (Harlow Otto), Randy Andreachuk (Pamela), and Leslie Meli (Joe). Bill was a remarkable Gramps. He will be deeply missed by his grandchildren Lindsay Meli, Ashley Meli, Mitchell Andreachuk (Chelsea Gallagher), and his three furry grandpups Coco, Gigi, and Lola.

Bill was born in Coalhurst, Alberta and is predeceased by his parents Andrew and Annie Andreachuk who immigrated from Ukraine and his brother Andrew Andreachuk (Joyce). He is survived by his sister Annette Myers (Tim).

Bill loved sports. He was a player, coach, and fan. He played hockey for the Lethbridge Native Sons Grizzley’s when his team won the Alberta Championship, he then went on to coach minor hockey. But, most of all, Bill loved baseball. He played senior fastball and baseball as a catcher for the Lethbridge Cubs and the Reds. He coached his son’s little league team to victory at the Alberta Championship in 1967. He and Joyce never missed a Toronto Blue Jays game. Bill was active in the community. He was a founding member of the Henderson Lake Golf Club in 1946. He belonged to the Kinsmen Club where he served as Chairman of Publicity for seven Sportsman’s Dinners.

Bill worked as the Advertising Manager at the Lethbridge Herald Newspaper for 34 years. This carried over into his daily routine of reading newspapers. Even when his vision faded, he never missed a day and had the paper read to him aloud.

Respecting Bill’s wishes, a private family Celebration of Life will follow at a later date.

Special thanks to Amber Kane, Cece Garner, Charmaine Dykslag, the Pharmacy team at London Drugs, Dr. Amatto, Dr. Plotnyk, Dr. Saleh, and the nursing staff at the Chinook Reginal Hospital. Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, we encourage donations to the charity of your choice in support of Ukraine.

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

Tim Brewin

1940 – 2022

  Timothy Winston Brewin passed away peacefully at the Linden View Care Home in Taber on April 17, 2022, with family by his side at the age of

81 years.

  A service in Celebration of Tim’s life will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at

2:00 P.M.  Those who wish to view the service may do so by visiting Tim’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 1:45 P.M. on Thursday, April 28, 2022. The livestream will start at 2:00 P.M.

  A memorial will also be held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 1000 Huckvale Place, Williams Lake, British Columbia on Wednesday, May 11,

2022 at 2:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com [1].

   Tim is survived by his five children, fourteen grandkids and great

grandsons: Bev (Keith) Jones of Rocky View County and children Greg

(Stephanie) and great grandson Elis; Mike and Carson; Dan (Georgie) Brewin of Black Diamond and children Connor, Sarah and Mackenzie; Sandra

(Dean) Reimer of Cupar, Saskatchewan and children Megan and Caitlin; Dixie (Steve) Roberts of Williams Lake, British Columbia and children Camille (Ajj) and great grandson Samiran, Jack (Suria) and great grandchildren Emerson and Chester; Ryan and Will, which he shared with his first wife Marj Brewin; Naomi (Pete) Wiebe of Taber and children Alexander and Aurora from his second wife Cher Brewin. He is also survived by his sister Eleanor Wagner, sisters-in-law Margaret Brewin and Colleen Brewin, nieces and nephews and dear friends Owen and Judith Ruddenklau and their family.

  Tim was predeceased by his wife Patricia, daughter Patty and grandson Adam; brothers Alfred, Norman, Jack, Gerald, Frank and Rod Brewin; sisters Monica Berryhill and Marjorie Scott.

  Tim, the youngest son of Rowland Frank Sr. and Marjorie (ne  Shenfield) Brewin, was born in Lethbridge on June 2, 1940. He developed lifelong friendships at Sherburne, Hudson and Grassy Lake High Schools.

Agriculture led him to further his education at Olds College where he excelled at numerous sports and received his diploma in agriculture, contributing to his successful career in farming and ranching.

  Tim was raised on the family farm at Purple Springs. He had a strong love of family and was involved in many different activities on the farm. Tim worked alongside his brothers to each establish their own successful mixed grain and cattle farms. He had a real love of the land and a passion for agriculture which he has passed on to his children and grandchildren. Tim was involved for several years with International Agricultural Exchange Association where he hosted many exchanges, forming relationships around the world. In 1991, Tim sold the farm at Purple Springs and started a new chapter – ranching in British Columbia.

In 1994 he married Pat and took on management at the Fraser River Ranch working and earning a place as a respected member of the ranching community.

  He was dedicated to his community, especially if it involved kids. This included leading 4-H for a number of years, volunteering with rodeo committees, coaching hockey and livestock judging.

  After retirement, Tim took some time to travel to see his family spread across the provinces and to New Zealand to see friends.  He also enjoyed travelling throughout the United States, including  special trips to Alaska, and the Maritimes.

  Tim’s passion for life, his sense of humour, love of practical jokes and a good laugh will be lovingly remembered. He was a man of many talents and enjoyed tall tales and a good game or two of cards with friends and family. Tim will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

  If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Tim’s name may be made directly to the Canadian 4-H Foundation Endowment Fund, (http://www.4-h-canada.ca/donate [2]).

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

(403) 223-8778.

BROWN

Marilyn Elizabeth Brown (nee Baxter), passed away peacefully with loved ones at her side, at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton on January 6th, 2022, at the age of 85 years.

The Funeral Service will take place at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 11:00 am. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, with a reception to follow at the Cornerstone Funeral Home. A livestream of the funeral service will be available for those unable to attend, and can be accessed through Marilyn’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

COOMBES

JOHN COOMBES, beloved husband of Valerie Coombes of Coalhurst, passed away at home on Thursday, April 14, 2022, at the age of 91 years.

Besides his loving wife, he is survived by his children; David (Elaine) Coombes of Lethbridge, Richard Coombes of Coalhurst; grandchildren Ian (Marcella) Coombes and Michael (Amanda) Coombes; siblings Pamela Roberts and Marina (Sid) Lewis, and well as many nieces and nephews in Canada, England, New Zealand and Australia.

He was predeceased by his parents Edward George and Amelia Alice Coombes, as well as his seven siblings.

John was born and raised in Headley, England. He joined the Royal Navy when he was 18, and served for 12 years as an aircraft mechanic on many aircraft carriers, notably HMS Illustrious. He married Val in 1956 in Headley, England. They raised their 2 sons David and Richard in Cirencester, England where John worked as a mechanic. In 1974 they immigrated to Canada and settled in Coalhurst. Alongside his brother Ron and many others, they volunteered to help build the Community Centre and Coalhurst Legion.

John Coombes loved nothing more than weaving a great story or leading a sing-a-long. He never missed out on the opportunity to volunteer in his community including as Commander of the Navy League of Canada- Lethbridge-branch, President of Coalhurst Legion, President of 55+ Club of Coalhurst. His sense of humour and ability to make you smile were his super powers.

He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He adored his grandsons and took great pleasure seeing them on the soccer field. He will be missed.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, April 25, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating.

Following the Celebration of Life, tributes, words of remembrance and some storytelling will be shared at a Reception in John’s Honour at the COALHURST ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION – 5205 6 St, Coalhurst, AB.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart Function Clinic, c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 1W5.

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

FORNEFETT

ERIKA ANNA FORNEFETT, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Walter Otto Fornefett and mother of Barbara Gommeringer, Rita Perry and Harry Fornefett, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa, on Thursday, April 21, 2022 at the age of 93 years.

Arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Janice Foster

1941 – 2022

Janice Mae Foster (Knox) beloved friend, colleague, mother and grandmother, passed away in her home in Lethbridge on Tuesday April the 19th at the age of 81 years old.

She had just retired from a long career as an elected member of the Lethbridge School District #51 Board of Trustees. Throughout her life she had been an advocate for children with special needs and underprivileged and at-risk children, beginning with her Fostering 60 children in her home over a period of almost 15 years.

She sat on the boards of many governmental and non-governmental organizations over her lifetime and always had the respect of her colleagues for her fierce advocacy of children in her community. She was a founding member of Lethbridge Family Centre and Lethbridge Association for Adults and Children with Learning Disabilities. She was elected to one term on Lethbridge City Council and always remained politically active, serving as Lethbridge School District Trustee for 23 years, believing that small acts of love and kindness can change the world. She was presented with many awards and accolades including the Woman of Distinction award, an RCMP Service award and awards from the LSD#51 and the City of Lethbridge for her tireless devotion to her community. Professionally, she worked as a civilian administrative assistant in the RCMP for 10 years, she sold real estate and served on the Lethbridge Real Estate Board as Chairman. In her later years she worked for St. Michael’s Health Center and ran the Charitable Foundation for almost 10 years and raised millions of dollars for palliative care.

She is survived by her son Greg and his wife Stephanie and her beloved grandchildren Aiden and Jordan as well as her sister-inlaw Rhonda Ander, her niece Gill Hirch (Mark) and her nephew Chad Knox. Jan will be deeply missed by her family, colleagues and friends and all feel diminished by her absence. ‘Some see things as they are and say why, I dream things that never were and say, why not’ – George Bernard Shaw

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

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

HALMRAST

Dale Lawrence Halmrast passed away peacefully and surrounded by those he loved, at his life-long home on the farm, April 9, 2022 at the age of 69.

Dale was born in Lethbridge on June 6, 1952 to Lawrence and Jessie Halmrast (McCullock). He was the middle child and the only boy in his family of three sisters. He graduated from Warner High School in 1970 and went on to help run the family farm, which he eventually took over after his father’s passing in 1992. Dale had many interesting hobbies over the years, which made him an exceptionally interesting man to converse with. Following in the footsteps of his father Lawrence, his many hobbies included taxidermy, hunting, conservation, collecting guns, riding motorcycles, and drinking Kokanee.

It is inconceivable to accurately portray Dale’s life without adequate time or space. He was a father, grandfather, brother, mentor, and dear friend. He has touched the hearts of people far and wide during his adventures through life and had this incredible ability to make people feel at ease. He created a life for himself that was easy-going and stress-free. He was completely content whether he was staring out the kitchen window thinking or chasing a coyote across the field.

Dale is predeceased by his daughter Sandy Zeeb, son Travis Halmrast, parents Lawrence and Jessie Halmrast, and many good friends.

He is survived by his daughter Ashtin Halmrast (Arianit), granddaughters Alexis and Mikayla, grandsons Mason and Ethan, sisters Gail Krysak (Bill), Carol Sawatzky (Jim), June McRae (Geoff), and many more good friends.

Although we are without our favorite drinking buddy and advice giver, Dale will live on in all of our hearts. We will always remember his calm, relaxed energy and his ability to put a smile on anyone’s face. He lived a life he loved and shared that energy with everyone around him. It was a true blessing to know Dale.

We are thankful for the compassionate care and support that we received from the home care and palliative teams as they greatly enabled Dale to stay at home during his final journey.

At Dale’s request there will be no formal service. A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. His only request was to have his ashes spread over the farm that he loved so much, may his spirit rest there. If you knew Dale, crack a Kokanee and remember that life isn’t about quantity, it’s about the adventures you have and the people you share them with. In his words, “it’s been a good ride”.

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

Gusztav “Gus” Horvath

1935 – 2022

Mr. Gusztav “Gus” Horvath of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Helen Horvath, passed away peacefully at Good Samaritans – Park Meadows surrounded by family on Wednesday, April 20, 2022 at the age of 86 years.

Gus was born in Hungary on August 12, 1935. Gus and Helen met in Hungary and were married on July 9, 1955. They immigrated to Canada in May of 1957. Gus started his career at CPR in 1959 and remained there until his retirement in 1989.

Gus is survived by his loving wife Helen and his children Helen, Julius and Lori; grandchildren Greg, Lukacs, Julia and Rae-Anna as well as eight great- grandchildren.

Gus was predeceased by his son-in-law Garry John White. He will be sadly missed by family and friends as well as his extended family at Good Samaritans Park Meadows.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 12:00pm to 1:00pm on Monday, April 25, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge.

A Funeral Service for Gus will be held at 1:00pm on Monday, April 25, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, with Pastor Luke Watson, officiating.

Interment will follow in the Royal View Cemetery.

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

ISELE

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, DONNA ISELE, on April 8, 2022 at the age of 69. Mom peacefully left us to be with her beloved husband Klaus, with whom she enjoyed 50 years of marriage. She was surrounded by her family when the angels came to take her.

Mom grew up on the family farm northwest of Spirit River, Alberta. After graduating from Spirit River Secondary in 1971, she met her future husband Klaus and they were married on February 18th, 1972. Work took the newly married couple to British Columbia where they started their family. Their daughter Diane was born in Chilliwack and their son Darren, in Hope. Eventually, the rural lifestyle they both enjoyed as kids drew them back to Alberta and they bought the family farm from mom’s parents, Anthony & Lena Shewchuk. It is here they completed their family with the arrival of their second son, Kalvin. Together, the couple worked the land until their retirement took them to Lethbridge in 2017.

Mom was a bright light in the communities in which she lived. She loved to laugh, joke, and get together with friends and family. She was one of those people that just drew others to her. Wherever she went she made lifelong friends and she never neglected to keep in touch with them. She always had a pot of coffee on and was ready when the company stopped in for a chat. Her home was open to everyone, and her hospitality made them feel important.

She loved the outdoors and the time spent tending to her flower beds and vegetable garden. She had a natural green thumb and an abundant garden she generously shared with others. Mom also had a knack for growing the biggest, brightest sunflowers. Like her sunflowers, mom’s bright light, love, and laughter will forever fill our hearts with joy.

Mom was a hard-working, dedicated woman who enjoyed working both on and off the farm. She was a tireless companion for dad and eagerly helped with anything farm-related, such as handling livestock, bringing lunches and suppers out to the field (always right on time), picking stones, and moving equipment from one field to the next. She could keep up with the most seasoned farmers when it came to butchering, driving grain trucks, tractors, and the combine. She was often called upon for the skills she had learned at an early age from working alongside her parents on the homestead.

Mom was proud to be a farm wife, but also loved the work she did outside the home to help support our family. Over the years she shared fond memories of her work at Moonshine Lake, the Post Office, working alongside dad at the community arena, and the catering events she did with Josie. Mom and dad were both active volunteers in their communities and happily volunteered their time when it was needed. They were especially proud of their commitment to the Blueberry Fire Department and were thrilled when they received The Alberta Emergency Services Medal for their 12 years of service.

Mom was an incredible cook, baker, and canner. Many good memories were made in the kitchen and around her dinner table with family and friends. She and dad never had any trouble finding help on the farm, as everyone always knew they would have plenty of homemade delicious food to eat while they were there to work. For many years leading up to her passing, she collected a large library of cookbooks and recipes received from family and friends. These recipes will be shared for generations to come.

Mom loved to travel and looked forward to meeting up with family and friends for some great camping adventures. Yuma was a favorite destination for mom & dad, where they spent several winter months enjoying the sunshine, playing cards, and catching up with lifelong friends from the farm. After many years of work and travel, retirement led mom and dad to Lethbridge where they would spend the remainder of their years enjoying time with their family and friends. Together they attended many fun events at the hall within Parkbridge Estates and enjoyed spending time with their card clubs, the camping group, and the many friends they made while residing in Lethbridge. They truly cherished their weekly card games, the family suppers, and making lefsa with the Isele siblings.

Baba’s grandkids were her heart and joy and she embraced every moment with them. Visits from Baba and time spent at the family farm were very special for all of them. She will be fondly remembered for her smile that always lit up the room when her grandkids and fur babies were nearby, and the funny doodles and drawings she sent in her cards and letters. Mom was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren and always reminded us in a very personal way, how much we each meant to her. The lessons she instilled in all of us will be cherished forever.

Donna will be sadly missed by her children and grandchildren: Diane (Randy), Kohnor & Spenser; Darren (Kristi) & Jensen; and Kalvin (Melanie) and their fur babies, Schatzie & Squeakers; brothers Hans (Carol), Alfred (Milly) and his sister Helga, and her many nieces and nephews.

Donna was predeceased by her beloved husband Klaus, her parents Tony and Lena Shewchuk, brother Jim Shewchuk, in-laws Otto & Olga Isele, and brother-in-law Ozzie Ronningen.

Our family would like to extend a special thank you to the Isele siblings, Hans (Carol), Alfred (Millie), and Helga for their friendship, support, and the care given to both our parents over the last five years. We would also like to thank friends and family for the wonderful meals and the unwavering support provided to our family. We will be forever grateful for everyone’s compassion and kindness during this very difficult time.

A joint Celebration of Life will be held in honor of Donna & Klaus Isele at the SPIRIT RIVER CENTENNIAL HALL, 4812-44 Ave., Spirit River, AB on Friday, July 15th, 2022 from 10:30 A.M.-1:00 P.M.

We invite everyone to join us for an open house get-together to celebrate the couple’s life together, and to share favorite stories and memories of Donna and Klaus.

Service and interment of ashes to follow at Devale Cemetery at 2:00 P.M.

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

KEMERI

ETELKA “ETHEL” EVE KEMERI (ZOMBORI), passed away peacefully after a brief illness at the St Michael’s Health Centre on Wednesday, April 20, 2022, at the age of 82 years.

A Celebration of Ethel’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825-32nd Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating. The service will be livestreamed and may be accessed via Ethel’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

Ethel will be laid to rest with her beloved husband, Frank, in a private family Graveside Service in Mountain View Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Ethel may be made to the Alzheimer Society, #40, 1202-2nd Ave. South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0E3 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, #200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

MARTEN

MARIA MARTEN, the beloved wife of the late Otto Marten, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on Thursday, April 21st, 2022, at the age of 90 years.

Arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

PHIL NORTH

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

It has been two years since we lost our beloved husband, father and grandfather, Phil, and we would like to have a Celebration to Honour his wonderful life.

Friends, family and colleagues are invited to a casual come and go reception at the Coast Hotel, Saturday, May 7th from 1-4 PM.

Freda, Travis, Susan Patti

and Families.

RED CROW

BENITA ANN RED CROW, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Melvin Wells Jr., passed away peacefully at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, on Sunday, April 17, 2022 at the age of 53 years.

A Wake will be held at WHITE CALF HALL, Stand Off, AB, on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 from 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at ST. MARY’S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, Blood Reserve, AB, on Thursday, April 28, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. Celebrating.

Following the Mass, Benita will be laid to rest in Blood Band Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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