SATURDAY, August 13, 2022

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 13, 2022.

ABRAHA

TSEHAINESH “TSEHAI” ABRAHA passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at the age of 74 years.

Arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

ADAMSON

Nov. 30, 1938 – Aug. 9, 2022

ARLENE ADAMSON, beloved wife of Larry Adamson, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, with her family by her side, on August 9, 2022, at the age of 83 years.

Along with her husband, Arlene is lovingly remembered by her sons, Jim (Laura), Andy, Rod (Lori) and Darren (Kelly); grandchildren, Dawn, Jeff, Cody, Tristin, Kaira, Kali, Hannah and Kacie; great-grandchildren, Mackenzie, Lucy, Skye, Macy, Oaklynn, Kinley and (little) Skye.

She was predeceased by her parents, Andy and Selma Sache and her son, Mike.

To honour her wishes, a formal funeral service will not be held. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Arlene’s memory may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation, c/o Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960-19th St. South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5, or to a charity of choice.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

BEVANS

JUSTIN BEVANS (ne RAJCIC), born in Lethbridge, passed away suddenly in Vancouver, B.C. on Monday, July 11, 2022 at the age of 29 years.

Justin is survived by his parents, Stan (Misty Melcomson) Rajcic and Shelly Bevans, grandparents Antonia Rajcic, and Richard and Brenda Reed, Uncle Igor (Val) Rajcic and cousins Trevor and Lucas Rajcic as well as many more family members.

Justin was predeceased by his grandfather Josip “Joe” Rajcic on Nov. 9, 2015.

A Celebration of Justin’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge on Sunday, August 14, 2022 at 10 a.m. with Patrick Siedlecki officiating.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

CELEBRATION OF LIFE

for EMIL GUNDLOCK

August 20, 2022 at 11:00 am

McNally Community Centre

(old McNally School)

210075 Township Rd 82,

Lethbridge County

Directions:

From Stewart Siding Industrial Park – south on Rd 211

From Hwy 4 – west on Rd 82

From Hwy 5 – east on McNally Road / Rd 82

DONALDSON

It has been one year now since the passing of Brian Donaldson on August 13th, 2021 at the age of 72.

Brian’s memory will be forever cherished by his daughter, Chelsea (Corey Segboer) Donaldson of Yellowknife NWT; and his grandchildren Cian, Carter, Cole, and Charley. He is also survived by his brothers, Bruce Donaldson of Victoria BC, Stuart (Cathy) Donaldson of Ottawa ON; his sister Sharon Aucoin of Ottawa ON, as well as nephews, a niece, family, and friends.

Brian began his career as a school teacher in Lethbridge and carried this passion for over 35 years. He eventually retired and refocused his dedications towards various associations. While teaching, Brian was involved in youth sports and spent many years building the wrestling program within Lethbridge. Brian was also interested and passionate about promoting the trades industry, was a proud legion member and enjoyed time at the Picture Butte Golf Club.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Lethbridge Rugby Club on Friday August 19th, 2022 from 3-7pm.

Mary Reay George

1933 – 2022

Mary Reay George, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 13, 2022, at St. Michaels Palliative Care at the age of 88 years. Mary was born in Lethbridge on September 12, 1933.

She is survived by her three children, Robert “Bob”, David (Lorie), and Dorothy; six Grandchildren, Catherine (Kris) McLaughlin, Laura George and Allison George; Julie (Allen) Parker, Amanda (Matthew) Baines, Bradley (Rachelle) George; twelve Great-Grandchildren; one Great-Great Granddaughter; sister Florence “Flossie” Erno, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her loving husband of 67 years, James L. “Jim” George; her daughter-in-law Magdalena “Maggie” George; sister Ruth Wright, and her parents Arthur and Ethel Norman.

Mary had a zest for life, coupled with a quirky and endearing sense of humour, loved her family deeply, and enjoyed numerous life-long friendships. As a devoted wife and mother, Mary created a wonderful and welcoming home using her considerable talents in cooking, baking, and sewing. She loved to host family and friends for elaborate meals, celebrations or just conversation over coffee and a cookie. She had a passion for and talent in music, singing in United Church and Community Choirs and leading many family sing-a-longs. Mary and Jim created many family traditions that have left numerous fond memories for their entire family.

They traveled extensively to Britain, across Canada and USA with favorite destinations in Victoria, Hawaii, and the Lake District of England. Jim and Mary also loved camping throughout Alberta and B.C. Attending cultural and athletic events of her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren brought Mary great joy. Mary enjoyed playing games of all kinds, watching Blue Jay’s games, and playing practical jokes. Mary courageously fought cancer for over 20 years, maintaining her typical positive outlook, humour and enjoying the company of loved ones.

Mary was a woman of character, faith, compassion, and kindness and will always be fondly remembered by each of her family members and numerous friends.

A Celebration of the Life of Mary George will be held at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, August 21, 2022, at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011 – 4 Avenue, S., Lethbridge, with Reverend Taylor Croissant officiating. The service will be livestreamed on the Southminster United Church facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/SouthminsterUnited.

Those who wish to remember Mary with a donation may do so at “It’s About Music” at PO Box 33006, RPO Upland, Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 5P2 or to the charity of one’s choice.

The family wishes to thank the staff of St. Michaels’ Palliative Care Unit, Dr. Walsh and the Palliative Home Care Team for the kind and loving care provided to Mary.

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

HALMA

Sidney “Sid” Halma, formerly of Cranford, Alberta, passed away June 8, 2022 at his home in Nashville, Tennessee.

Sid will be dearly missed by his wife Geri, son and daughter-in-law Brian and Amber, and grandsons Jakob and Joshua, all in Nashville, as well as his surviving siblings, in-laws and many friends and family members. Sid was preceded in death by his parents Jacob and Janet Halma, in-laws Henry and Tressa Brockhouse and other dear friends and extended family members.

A small gathering to remember and honor Sid will be held this October in southern Alberta. A full obituary can be viewed at https://www.tennessean.com/ obituaries/ten230362. Condolences may be sent to and via halmacnr@gmail.com or Brian.Halma@gmail.com.

JUSTIN LEE HEALY

November 8, 1987 – August 2, 2022

It is with the heaviest hearts that we announce the passing of our son JUSTIN LEE HEALY on August 2, 2022. Born in Fort Macleod, Alberta on November 8, 1987. For a short period of time, Justin held the record at the Fort Macleod hospital, weighing 10 pounds and 3 ounces.

Justin is survived by his parents Holly Healy, Shannon Pickens and Joe Healy, Grandfather Leslie Healy. His children Kashtin, Jaylene and Zaiden. His siblings Cody (Kendra), Henry, Melissa (Buddie), Wyatt, Devin, Justiss, Richard, Madison, and Conway. His maternal Aunts Ann, Brenda and Amber Healy. His paternal Aunts Lori (Gord) Mackintosh, Sherri (Joe Eagle Tailfeathers) Day Chief, Colleen (Ken) Anderson, Arlene (Neil) Coutts, and April McCullie. His paternal Uncle Luke McCullie. His maternal nieces and nephews, Raquel, Isaac, Valentina, Katareena, Lincoln, Hunter and baby Evelyn. Cousins/sisters Mandy and Davie Healy. His paternal nieces and nephews, Laren, Markus, Anthony, Jillian and Alayah. His godparents Colleen Anderson, David Lambert, Amanda Scout and the late Daniel P. Fox. Also aunts, uncles and numerous cousins from the Healy, Soop, Heavyshields, Fox, and Pickens clans. He also had many friends that he made throughout his life growing up as well as his hockey families.

Justin was predeceased by his maternal grandmother Evelyn “Babsie” Healy. His best friend and Mother to first child, Ashley Sloan-Hunter. His paternal grandparents, Cecil and Pauline Pickens. His infant sister babygirl Healy. Great grandparents David and Gwen Healy and Eddie and Adelaide Heavyshields, aunts and uncles from the Healy, Heavyshields and Pickens clans.

Justin’s life began in Fort Macleod, Alberta with his Pickens family who cherished him in his early years, and then the Blood Reserve where he resided on the Healy homestead in the little green house next to his grandma and grandpa Healy. His first year was spent surrounded by his loving family. His aunt Amber was his first best friend who taught him how to walk and would often be seen playing and having many adventures with Justin. Shortly before his first birthday, the move to Medicine Hat was made with his parents to continue on with their education. A short time after that, he welcomed his lifelong soldier and baby brother Cody.

Two weeks after the shock and jealousy of the birth of his brother wore off, he became his lifelong protector and never left his side. After two years of living in Medicine Hat, Holly and the boys then picked up and made the move to Calgary, Alberta where they joined the Heavyshields gang in Martindale. This is where he made many of his cherished memories with his brothers Cody and Hank running around the neighborhood on their bikes terrorizing aunty Faye and uncle John. There was always a strong presence of family in his life growing up and contributed significantly to the man he would become.

After Holly and the boys relocated to Calgary, Joe took on the role of dad and took great pride in raising his sons. Dad Joe took the boys camping, fishing and hunting and many other father and sons outings. He also wanted to share that Justin was a natural and gifted athlete, hockey was his passion. His favorite players were Peter Forsberg of the Colorado Avalanche and Cam Neely of the Boston Bruins. And finally, a standing Calgary Flames fan along with the Healy family.

At the age of 5, Justin started school at John Paul II Elementary School in Calgary, he always said his teacher was John Paul II, uncle John told him boy you are lucky the pope is your teacher!

That same year he began his hockey life, with dad Joe guiding the way. Justin played minor hockey mostly with the NE Properties association, Lethbridge Minor Hockey Association, and the Siksika Jr. B team. He also played for Blood tribe teams at the Native Provincials held annually in Edmonton, AB. He ended his hockey career with the Grand Forks Bordertown Bruins Junior B hockey team of the KIJHL in B.C. This was a highlight for him, he cherished his time with his teammates and his billet mom Leanne and family. He even had his own fan club started by his little brothers from his billet family. His billet mother evolved into “mom” and maintained a relationship with Justin for many years.

Throughout his life, Justin was a gifted athlete. He enjoyed basketball, football and soccer and golfing with dad Joe. When he was 16 years old, he joined the Warriors Boxing Club, trained by coaches Steve Frank and Dexter Bruised Head. On April 7, 2007, Justin had a boxing match at the “Tribute to Past Warriors” boxing event in Lethbridge, AB. His match was one of the main events, defeating his opponent, who at the time was many years older than him. Grandma Babsie sat ringside dressed in a glamorous fur coat, cheering on Justin and ever so proud of him. A proud moment indeed also for his dad and aunt Amber.

After a knee injury ended his hopes of playing one more year of junior hockey, Justin returned home with dad Joe and grandma and grandpa Healy.

He graduated from Cardston High School, and, shortly thereafter he moved to Calgary to begin studies at Mount Royal College.

While there, he met his best friend Ashley – mom Holly knew he found love for the first time, Justin called relentlessly so he could introduce me to his first serious girlfriend. The eventual birth of his first child followed, Kashtin JL Healy. One of his best roles was that of a father, he was so proud to have a son. Being a father brought him the most joy in life he was a fun, silly and a loving father. They attended Calgary Flames games with grandpa Joe and uncle Cody and reluctantly also the Edmonton Oilers, Kashtin’s team. Many good times were had, Kashtin shared that he has so many good memories of his dad that will get him through the loss of his father. After Ashley’s and Justin’s time as a family ended, they maintained their life friendship for their son. He was so happy that Ashley found love again, got married and furthered her education. He was deeply affected by her recent passing, a cherished best friend. Justin cherished his time with Ashley, Kashtin and the Hunter family from Good Fish Lake.

Justin then began his life with his last partner, Kristen. He later confided in me that Kristen was his girlfriend when he was 16 and getting ready to leave home to play junior hockey in Grand Forks. He asked me to help him buy her a necklace, he wanted to give her something special before he left. Kristen gifted Justin with his second child, his princess Jaylene. He was the best girl daddy and loved his baby girl. He worked hard for his girls. Whenever he had to leave Calgary for work trips, he would ask me check in on his girls. Kristen shared that Justin was silly, fun and had always made them laugh. He loved his girls with all his heart. He loved his many years with Kristen, Jaylene and the Blood family. Justin’s youngest son Zaiden was a sweet surprise who came to the family in September 2020. He met his dad in June 2022. Justin cherished this tender moment and his love for his youngest son since was evident. Sending Cody to find him was one of the bravest things he did, and demonstrated his lasting love for him. His love for Kashtin, Jaylene and Zaiden will be carried on by his mother, brother Cody and the rest of the family.

Alongside his biggest passion of playing hockey, Justin enjoyed gaming with his brothers Cody, Wyatt, Devin and his son Kashtin. He was the best big brother to his younger siblings, very loving and fond of them all.

He had numerous jobs in the construction industry and as a boilermaker.

This past year he was a student at Lethbridge Community College, completing his first year of the Civil engineering program. He was very proud of this accomplishment and the grades he earned to get there. Hard work was a constant that defined him throughout his life.

He was mom’s biggest rascal, and he was a kind, loving and gentle person. He made numerous friends along the way and those friendships lasted throughout his life. From his upbringing, he was always respectful due to the influential female figures in his life. He was a grandma’s boy and a mama’s boy. The loss of his dear grandma Babsie affected him deeply.

Cody will miss gaming with you and being fathers to our combined children. Mom is going to miss your love, hugs, silly heart and laughter. Kashtin will miss playing borderlands with you. Jaylene will miss your warm embrace, the fun adventures, and all the lessons you had to teach. Zaiden will miss your laugh, and playing in the yard with you.

You were loved by all, and we will all miss you, my son.

Good bye my dear son, mom loves you. You brought me so much love and happiness in my life, you were everything I could ask for in a son and more. You loved me and let me know all the time I will miss this the most. ”When I am not with you, I am with in spirit always”, love always mom.

The Wake Service will be held on Sunday, August 14 at White Calf Hall, Stand Off from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Monday, August 15 at 11:00 am.

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

Ken Ikebuchi

1952 – 2022

 Byron Ken Ikebuchi passed away in Coaldale on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at the age of 69 years.

  Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, August 17, 2022 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.

 The celebration of Ken’s life will be held at the Heritage Inn, 4830 – 46 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, August 18, 2022 at 3:00 P.M. 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. 

KAMBEITZ

PHYLLIS MARIE KAMBEITZ, the beloved wife of George Kambeitz of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Care Centre on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at the age of 81 years.

Arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

McCARTHY

GORDON “GORD” McCARTHY, beloved husband of Kathy McCarthy, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit on Sunday, July 31, 2022 at the age of 66 years.

Gord was born in Lethbridge on Dec. 22, 1955. He lived a life of laughter and adventure, loved by most everyone he met. Gord would entertain people with stories of AGT antics, the fish that got away, and a million other tales – some more true than others.

He was raised in Lethbridge where he met and married his bride, Kathy, before moving to Milk River in 1982. There Gord worked as the lone district man (phone guy) for AGT/Telus for 36 years while they raised their family. As an avid outdoorsman and fish and wildlife advocate, he left a big mark on the small community. In 2017, Gord and Kathy moved back to Lethbridge to be closer to their grandkids and reconnect with old friends.

Gord stubbornly fought his battle against stomach cancer for well over a year before finding peace on July 31, 2022 with his family by his side. He will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind: his wife of 43 years, Kathy; his kids, Kelsi (Kelly), Jennifer (Nick), Colin (Tricia); and his grandkids, Conall, Brinley, Tagish, Arlowe, Thorin-Xavier, and Atlas, who loved nothing more than wrestling with Grampa. Gord is also survived by his mother, Helen; his siblings, Don, Dave, JudyAnn, Laura, and their spouses, as well as many nieces, nephews and extended family.

Gord was predeceased by his father, Doug, his stepmother, Sadie, his stepfather, Wally, his Auntie Jo, and his favourite ‘child’ (who never talked back), Taffy, the family dog.

The family would like to thank Drs. Albaba and Smuts and the care teams at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre and home care for their wonderful compassion and care.

The jokes, laughter, and fishing tips he shared will carry Gord’s legacy on in our hearts forever. Happy fishing, Gord.

A Celebration of Life Service in Gord’s honour will be held at the LETHBRIDGE ITALIAN CANADIAN CULTURAL CENTRE, 1511 St. Edward Blvd. North, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, August 19, 2022 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M. with Patrick Siedlecki officiating.

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

MULATZ

With broken hearts, we announce that our precious son, SHANE MULATZ, passed away in Lethbridge on August 7, 2022 at the age of 49 years.

A Celebration of Shane’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 32 St. S, Lethbridge on Saturday, August 13, 2022 at 12:00 P.M. with Patrick Siedlecki officiating.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

PUHL, Gavin

Sunday, August 7, 2022, was a beautiful day in heaven as Gavin Puhl lost his five and a half year battle with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). Born on April 12th 2017, Gavin’s remarkable life and his journey with HLHS captured the hearts of all who knew and loved him and inspired other heart families internationally. His constant smile and beautiful personality made him an inspiration. Bringing laughter to everyone in his life with his antics, Gavin’s small soft hugs and fondness for cars and chocolate donuts, will be deeply missed by all who loved him. Gavin is lovingly remembered by his parents Jazna and Kevin, and family members; Auntie Koda, Uncle Bren, Uncle Mitch, Auntie Jocelyn, Auntie Rhiannon, Grandma Carmen, Grandpa Murray, Papa Steve, Grandma and Grandpa Puhl, Great Grandma and Grandpa Henry, Great Grandpa and Grandma Higa, Great Grandma De Jong, along with his chosen family and his cats Nimbus and Sarum. The family is incredibly grateful to all the nurses, doctors, and hospital staff at Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, who helped make these years possible. Gavin’s life was a miracle and he was surrounded by enough love and affection to fill even the longest of lives. Give heaven some hell little man. A private Celebration of Gavin’s life will take place at a later date. Donations may be made directly to the family at https:// gofund.me/982613f8 or to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. Arrangements entrusted to David Polzen – Mourning Glory Funeral Services (306) 978-5200.

To share memories of Gavin or send condolences please visit http://www.mourningglory.ca

RAMOTOWSKI

NADJA RAMOTOWSKI, beloved wife of the late Henry Ramotowski, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit with family at her side on Thursday, August 11, 2022 at the age of 97 years.

Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Toshiko (Toshi) Kajiwara, nee Kunimoto

November 15, 1925 – August 4, 2022

This gentle soul named Toshiko Kunimoto, was born in Mission, BC. She lived there until she was 13 years old when she was sent to Kyushu, Japan to accompany her sister, Fumiko. There, she lived with an aunt, attending school and working many hours at her aunt’s store, but was soon severed from her family in Canada due to the events of the Second World War.

Toshi completed high school in Japan and moved to Manchuria to work for a Japanese mining company. The company dorm where she was living was bombed and she was only able to escape with a coat made by Fumiko and a few family photos.

In 1948, she returned to Canada, to find that her family were now living in Picture Butte, Alberta. Her mother, Tsuchiya, had suffered several strokes and required 24hour care.

On December 18, 1954, Toshi married Hideo (Bill) Kajiwara. For almost 19 years, Toshi and Bill were caregivers for Toshi’s father, mother, sister Tamiko, and Tamiko’s daughter Chris in Lethbridge, Alberta. Many treasured friendships were formed at this time with neighbors over coffee. These dedicated friends always checked in on Tsuchiya if Toshi was out on an errand. In 1965 Toshi and Bill celebrated the arrival of their cherished daughter, Sherri Shinobu, from Japan, in a private adoption.

In 1968, Toshi, Bill, and Sherri moved to Vancouver. Toshi and Bill were active in the Nikkei community, bowling, and volunteering for many years at the Vancouver Buddhist church. In 2013 Toshi and Bill were awarded the Canada Cares award for Western Canada for the love and 24hour care that they provided Toshi’s family back in the 50’s and 60’s as outstanding caregivers.

Toshi had a way of making everyone that she was with feel very special. Her home was a gathering place where everyone was welcome to stop by. It was filled with warmth, laughter and fabulous food including signature home-made pickles, preserves, and both western and Japanese treats. She was a master at maintaining many lifelong friendships, some which lasted over 90 years!

Toshi is remembered for her incredible kindness and caring nature by her husband Bill, daughter Sherri, and large, extended inter-generational family.

Flowers and Koden are gratefully declined. Donations may be made “In Memory of Toshiko Kajiwara” to the Vancouver Buddhist Temple at http://vancouverbuddhisttemple.com/ or the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/m/63380/donation.

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