SATURDAY, October 01, 2022

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on October 1, 2022.

CLARKE

JAMES GORDON CLARKE, age 91, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on the evening of Saturday, September 24th, 2022 with family at his side.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 66 years, Irene (Leavitt) in April 2019. He is survived by his children: Margaret, James (Kathy), Patricia, Ernest (Paulette), and Sandra. He is cherished by his grandchildren: Mike (Linnea), Jayme (Kim), Jeff, Chris (Angela), David (Danielle), Lyndsey (Marc), Lee, Robert (Jennifer), and Jillian (James), step-grandfather to Kerry (Anna) and great-grandfather to Dexter, Madison, Ajay, Oliver, Eleanor, Elisabeth, Noah, Sullivan, Zoey, Nikki, Fynn, Madeleine, and Rhys. He is also survived by his sister Gwen and brother Lester, plus numerous extended family whom he remained connected with.

James was born June 6, 1931 in Didsbury, Alberta to Annie and Ernest Clarke. After high school, he began his 40 year career with TransAlta Utilities, first as a lineman with Farm Electric Services Limited, which merged in 1954 with Calgary Power, later to be TransAlta Utilities. He married Irene on November 22, 1952. Together, they raised their family, moving to many locations within the province as his work evolved with TransAlta, engaging fully in each community. Retiring in Lethbridge in 1989, Jim and Irene continued to be active members of the TransAlta Retirees Association (TARA).

Jim and Irene cultivated lifelong friendships and created happy memories with their family and friends. Jim actively enjoyed his years of membership in the various local service clubs (Lions, Elks), and curling and golf clubs as well as being a member of volunteer fire departments. During retirement, Jim and Irene spent several winters in Yuma, Arizona and experienced many other travel highlights.

Jim’s work ethic, organizational skills, garden harvests, leather projects, keen sense of humour, and stimulating conversations were gifts of plenty. Jim was a kind, thoughtful, and honourable man. The joy of his life was his family.

The family sincerely thanks the staff at Lethbridge AgeCare Columbia (since March 2020) and the Chinook Regional Hospital for their compassionate care.

At Jim’s request there will be no formal service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

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

CRAWFORD

May 9, 1944 – Sept. 22, 2022

It’s with deep sadness that we announce the passing of DONNA JEAN CRAWFORD at the age of 78 years. Donna passed away peacefully after having been afflicted with Alzheimer’s Disease, on Thursday, September 22, 2022 surrounded by her family.

Donna is lovingly remembered by her husband, Keith, their five children, Cia (Pete), Gavin (Kyle), Alexis, Regan (Scott), Clark (Nikla), and 11 grandchildren, Griffin, Hallie, Romy, Farrah, Piper, Sloane, Willow, Wren, Bridget, Sophie and Archer.

She was predeceased by her parents, Lawrence and Jean Anderson.

Donna’s beauty and kindness rippled throughout any community she was a part of. There was no one she wouldn’t support and lift up. She will be remembered for her unbelievable sense of style, unlimited kindness, and will live on through her magnificent art and all the many people that she impacted throughout her life. Her children, grandchildren, and so many others she cared for, will carry on her legacy of creativity, beauty, compassion and strength.

An open Reception to honour Donna will be held at THE GALT MUSEUM, 502-1st Street South, Lethbridge, AB on Friday, October 7, 2022 from 5:00 P.M. – 9:00 P.M. with remarks at 7:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers and in memory of Donna, donations may be made to Good Samaritan Society – Park Meadows Village, 1511 – 15 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB, T1H 1W2.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Richard Charles Capton

1954 – 2022

  Richard Charles Capton, of         Diamond City, Alberta, passed away peacefully at home on          Wednesday, September 26, 2022, at the age of 68 years. He will be missed dearly by his family. Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

Kerry Ishida

1953 – 2022

 Kerry Miles Ishida, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge, the evening of Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at the age of 69 years and has joyfully reunited with his mom and dad. Kerry is free of pain and zooming around the Heavens in his vintage Camaro, cranking his 70s tunes and shouting “Let’s go Oilers!”.

 Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, October 3, 2022 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. 

 Those who wish to pay their respects at the church on Tuesday, October 4, 2022, may do so prior to the funeral service between 9:30 A.M. and 10:45 A.M.

 The Funeral Service will held at Knox United Church, 4929 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, October 4, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. A private burial service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com. 

 Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Kerry’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Tuesday, October 4, 2022. The livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.

 Kerry is survived by cousins Kathy (Richard) Kaga, David (Brid) Saruwatari (their children Conor, Declan, Ronan), Emi Okamoto, Betty Honda, Diane Ishida, Del (Shelley) Ishida, Douglas (Erika) Okamoto, Bob (Debbie) Okamoto and their families.  

 He was predeceased by his mom Mitzi, his dad Kich and by numerous aunts and uncles.  

 Kerry was a proud Taberite, born on May 8, 1953.  He recently commented “When I had my accident forty six years ago, my twenty six specialists and therapists asked mom, dad and I where I planned on living when I was released. Without hesitation, we all said Taber of course, my hometown and my happy place, for without people like you, I definitely would not have lived so long.  It’s the greatest community in the world to live.  You’ve helped me do things for myself and for the residents of Linden View.”  

 Kerry was the President of the Linden View Resident and Family Council. He’s been fondly called the “Mayor of Linden View”.  He was a dedicated fundraiser, collecting contributions for their beautiful stained glass window, a pergola and many other things to enhance the lives of the residents.  During the pandemic he thought of creative ways to lift everyone’s spirits including drive by car shows, parking lot entertainers and cuddling baby goats. When family visitations were restricted, Kerry tried his best to keep people talking and engaged. He tried to add joy and laughter by welcoming the staff as they started their shifts.  He was very thankful for their care.  

 Kerry continues to inspire us every day. His love, courage and sense of humour from afar is giving us strength at this heartbreaking time. He was kind, compassionate and grateful for being blessed with amazing friends and a wonderful family. 

 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Kerry’s name may be made directly to the Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 4929 – 50th Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1H7 or to The Linden View Resident and Family Council Fund, 4700 – 64 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 0C6.

 The family would like to extend a very special thank you to Joyce and Jerry Fawns for their love, dedication and being by Kerry’s side when he needed them most. 

 The final words go to Taber’s 2021 Citizen of the Year. “I just want to say how humbled and honoured I am, that I received this fantastic recognition for just being me. I would like to thank everyone, who has made this honour possible and I know my Mom, would be so proud of me.”  

 We are all proud of you Kerry, thank you for just being you – take it easy Cuz!

 Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778. 

Kenly Jang

1928 – 2022

Kenly Jang, beloved husband of Anne, passed away on September 26, 2022.

Kenly is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 72 years Anne and his children Yvonne (Daryl) Kong, Yolayne (Derek) Harding, Chu (Kuan) Jang, Moway (Kathryn) Jang.

Kenly is also survived and lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: Ryan (Caroline) Kong, Stephanie (Nick) Stabler, Julie (Justin) Kiew, Daniel (Christina) Harding, Kimberly (Brook) Bowden, Laura (Christopher) White, Trevor Harding, Alison (Geoffrey) Sitwell, Aaron (Brandon) Jang, Adam (Yael) Jang,Christopher Jang. great-grandchildren: Tyler, Addyson, Xander, Benjamin, Eliana, Lucas, Everett, Matteo, Emelia, Zachary, Emmett, Avery, Jude and 2 more on the way. There are also many nephews and nieces that he loved.

Kenly was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and a friend to all. In his early years, he worked very hard to provide for his family and was able to enjoy a long retirement for almost half his life. His greatest joy was the visits of the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. From the oldest grandchild to the youngest great-grandchild, his face would always light up and have the biggest grin when he saw them. He always had snacks by his chair and the young ones knew that and they would walk away with a snack in their hands. He was a generous man, assisting family and friends to immigrate to Canada to have a better life. Since arriving to Canada, he worked in the restaurant business and owned and operated the Capri Restaurant. Kenly loved the game of basketball and was a very good player. He gave up his chance to play in the Olympics to come to Canada. The love of the game continued as he passed his knowledge and passion of basketball to his children and his grandchildren. His favourite basketball team was the LA Lakers and he was often teased about watching old NBA finals from the 80’s that he recorded on VHS tapes. In retirement, he loved his annual fishing trips and visits with his dear friends the Chews, in Duncan, BC and his weekly coffee with his buddies followed by a stroll through the grocery store. Kenly also loved plants and gardening as evidenced by the many plants that he would start at the kitchen table in the early spring to the special little “hammocks” he made to hold up the melons that he grew. He lived a very fulfilling life leaving behind a wonderful legacy.

A Funeral Service will take place at 1:30 pm, on Friday, October 7, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPELS, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a charity that is close to your heart.

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

LESKO

COLE DENNIS LESKO, of Lethbridge, beloved brother of Olive Polson, Mae Fisher and Bonnie Fisher, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, September 27, 2022 at the age of 64 years.

As per family’s request, there will be no service.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Kenneth “Ken” Perdue

1948 – 2022

Ken passed away peacefully on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at the age of 74, surrounded by his family. It was a beautiful fall day. The day was spent recalling special moments of times past, with many laughs and some tears. He stated numerous times, “I had a beautiful life.” It was what Dad desired and hoped for before passing.

Left to cherish the memories are daughters Tara (Brian) and Lisa; grandson Mason Thiessen and sister Mary Lynn Muhly.

He was predeceased by his parents Charlie and Addie Perdue and sister Jean (Dave) LaPointe.

Ken was born and raised in Lethbridge, He worked for Alberta Environment for 34 years before choosing an early retirement to pursue his passions for golf, curling, fishing and country dancing. Dad was an awesome 2 stepper, even better if it was a Garth Brooks song. Sports were a vital part of his life whether as a participant or spectator, he enjoyed the comradery. He lived his life on his own terms forming many friendships and relationships along the way.

During the past few years, Ken faced many uncertainties regarding his health. He was no longer able to be active and it was frustrating for him. Prior to his passing, he was provided comfort care by the staff at LRH on Unit 5B. Ken’s family would like to acknowledge and thank them for their compassion.

As per Ken’s wishes, no formal service will occur.

Rest now Dad, thinking of the hole in one you achieved at the Picture Butte course on hole 5. Keep rooting for the Winnipeg Jets!

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

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

SCHNEYDER

MIKE SCHNEYDER Jr., of Magrath, passed away at Good Samaritans Garden Vista on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at the age of 91 years.

A Celebration of Mike’s Life will be held for family and friends at the MAGRATH SENIORS CENTRE, 32 North 1 Street W, Magrath, AB, on Saturday, October 8, 2022 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

SPITZKE

DAPHNE (IAN WILLIAM) SPITZKE, beloved child of Larry Spitzke and Pam Gale, passed away in Lethbridge, AB on September 8, 2022, at the age of 25 years.

Along with her parents, she is lovingly remembered by her brother, Colin, grandmother, Valerie Gale, as well as her sister, Elizabeth (Nanaimo, BC) and an extended family of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Daphne was predeceased by her grandparents, Leo and Marian Spitzke (Minitonas, MB) and Alan Gale (Nipawin, SK), and by her aunt, Margaret Spitzke (Winnipeg, MB).

Born and raised in Lethbridge, Daphne attended Montessori pre-school and kindergarten, École Agnes Davidson, Gilbert Paterson Middle School and LCI. Artistically and musically talented, as an adolescent she was a gifted guitarist, and a dedicated bass guitar player in the Shocked Standards band.

Daphne was a kind, thoughtful, generous, loving daughter and friend, gone far too soon, and is greatly missed.

Cremation has taken place at Cornerstone; no service is planned at this time.

Please consider making a memorial donation in her honour to Kids Help Phone, (www.kids helpphone.ca), CAMH (www.camh.ca), or a charity of your choice.

To send a condolence, please visit

http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

Utigard, Betty

1925-2022

Remember her with a smile today

She was not one for tears

Reflect instead on memories

Of all the happy years

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mother and friend, Betty Utigard on Wednesday, September 28, 2022 at St. Therese Villa, Lethbridge. A cremation has taken place, and no formal service will be held. Further information will come.

When I’m Gone

When I come to the end

of my journey and

I travel my last weary mile,

Just forget if you can,

that I ever frowned

and remember only the smile.

Forget unkind words

I have spoken;

Remember some

good I have done.

Forget that I ever had

heartache and remember

I’ve had loads of fun.

Forget that I’ve

stumbled and blundered

and sometimes fell by the way.

Remember I have fought some hard battles and won, ere the close of the day,

Then forget to grieve for my

going, I would not have

you sad for a day,

But in summer just

gather some flowers

and remember

the place where I lay,

And come in the

shade of evening

When the sun paints

the sky in the west

Stand for a few moments

beside me and

remember only my best.

To share condolences, please

visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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