September 29th, 2024

Saturday, January 7, 2023


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 7, 2023.

CALF, ROBERT CALF ROBERT CALF was born June 22, 1952 to parents George Wolf Collar and Leona Calf, he died on December 28, 2022 at the Chinook Regional Hospital. He was 70 years of age. He leaves to mourn his wife, Rita and children; Terence, Robert Jr., Cory, Leonard, Casey, Kevin and Shannon. His siblings; Linda, Patrick, Melvin, Georgina, Marie, Rose and Frank. His step father Reggie, 22 grandkids and 14 great grandkids.
A wake will be held in his honor for two nights, January 9th from 4-9:00 pm at Siksika (Gordon Yellow Fly Memorial Arbor) and January 10th from 6-11:00 pm at Moses Lake Community, Blood Reserve. The funeral will take place on January 11th, 2023 at the Moses Lake Gym, Blood Reserve starting at 11 am.
Robert has many families and friends to mention and we are looking forward to seeing them all once again. Come join us, the Calf/Black Plume family, in “Celebrating the Life of Robert Calf”.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
OORDT, Mary Mary Doris Oordt 1938 – 2022 Mary Doris (nee Stremler) Oordt of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Martin (Marty) Oordt, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2022 at the age of 84 years.
Mary was born in Lynden, Washington where she grew up, married her high school sweetheart, Marty, and their life adventure began. Mary completed a Masters in Sociology in California and started her teaching career in Kentucky. In 1967, Mary moved with her family to Lethbridge where she taught while living on a small farm outside of Lethbridge. She left teaching to run her own business and volunteer for many groups including the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Friends of the Galt, Empress Theatre and Lethbridge Symphony. In her retirement with Marty, they continued to volunteer and fundraise as well as publish Lethbridge Living Magazine together.
Family was very important to Mary. She is survived by her daughter, Marya Helm; son-in-law, Jon; grandson, Oliver; brother, Al (Becky); and nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband, Martin; brother, Casey; granddaughter, Madelyn Grace; sister, Gertie; and parents, Steven and Dora.
A Celebration of Mary’s Life will be held from 2:00 to 4:00pm on Monday, January 9, 2023, at the GALT MUSEUM, 502-1 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish may make Memorial Donations to the CMHA South, the Friends of the Galt, the Lethbridge Symphony Association, or the Lethbridge Community Association.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
ROYER, Alice
ROYER, Alice Viola January 27, 1927 – December 31, 2022 It is with great love and deep sadness, the family of Alice Viola Royer (Galloway), shares the news of her passing. Alice died peacefully on December 31st, 2022, surrounded by loved ones, 27 days before her 96th birthday. Alice married Dan Royer in 1947 and was predeceased by him on December 28th, 2012. Born in Fort Saskatchewan, AB, to Percy and Gladys Galloway, Alice was also predeceased by her four siblings, Lloyd (Violet), Dorothy (George) Ottwell, Ken (Edith), Joyce (Laurence Brabbins & Bill Andrais) Brabbins. Alice is survived by her six children: Terry (Maureen) Royer, Diana (Rick) Bernard, Wynne (Gord Towers) Royer, Greg (Cindy) Royer, Randy (Jane) Royer, and Michelle (Bruce) Griffith-Cochrane. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Over the years Alice made many friends in the communities in which she resided, including Fort Saskatchewan, Rocky Mountain House, Wetaskiwin, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Mississauga, and Calgary. A Celebration of Life and Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 27, 2023 at 1:00 pm – St Peter’s Catholic Church, 541 Silvergrove Dr NW, Calgary, AB with Father Johnathan Gibson celebrating and reception to follow. For those unable to attend, the service will be livestreamed and available to view on Alice’s obituary on Eden Brook and St. Peter’s websites. Alice will be laid to rest in a private ceremony at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making a donation directly to Dementia and Alzheimer research in Alice’s name.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting http://www.edenbrookcemetery.ca
SLOVAK, Betty SLOVAK, Elizabeth “Bette” Elizabeth “Bette” Margaret Slovak passed away peacefully surrounded by her children on Thursday, December 29, 2022, at Foothills Hospital following a stroke. Leaving this place just in time for a Heavenly New Years Eve Ball.
She was born September 18, 1930, the eldest daughter of Walter and Annie Sherman in Lethbridge. She became an older sister to Lorraine Winget and Carol Kovacs.
She grew up in Lethbridge and worked at MacKay Brothers’ John Deere before marrying the love of her life, Michael Slovak on September 18, 1954. They loved to dance and were members of the Pemmican Club and attended every Pemmican Ball, no matter the temperature or the weather. The city girl became a farmer’s wife, and they settled in the Wrentham area. Bette sang in the church choir, was a Sunday School teacher, active member of the church ladies’ group, and a Brownie Leader. They moved to Claresholm in 1965 when the Wrentham School decided to transport students to Raymond. Mike and Bette decided that their children would not ride the bus for over an hour one way, so relocated to Claresholm. Here Bette became involved again in Church and community choirs, was a CGIT leader, treasurer for Meals on Wheels, and belonged to the TOPS club. Prior to her passing she resided at the Cottonwood Village.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Faith Community Baptist Church, 4404 – 4 Street W, Claresholm, AB, on Friday, January 20, 2022 at 2:00 PM.
Waiting in Heaven for Bette are her parents, husband, Mike Slovak; and granddaughter, Sarah.
Bette is lovingly remembered by her family of three: daughter, Lorna (Dennis) Guitton, Ken (Denise) Slovak, and Tom (Darla) Slovak; grandchildren, Gord (Juliane) Guitton, Beverly (Kevin) Allain, Michael and Brady Slovak, Amber O’Neill and Samantha Chretien; great-grandchildren, Rylen, Jase Guitton, Andrews and Aaron Allain and Rider Kuntz; numerous nieces and nephews, as well as sister and brother-in-laws.
The family respectfully asks that in lieu of flowers, donation be made to STARS, PO Box 570, Calgary, AB, T2E 8M7 or to the Claresholm Health Foundation, PO Box 2638, Claresholm, AB, T0L 0T0.
Serving Claresholm and Surrounding Areas Since 1997 (403) 625-5111 & (888) 216-5111
ANGYAL, Jen JEN ANGYAL 1974 – 2022 “I’d climb the stairs too heaven and carry her back again in my arms if I could, But she is soaring, those wings belong to someone fit for MOM, our angel”. Anonymous Jennifer Rae Angyal (née Smith), loving mother of Jayden and Chase Angyal and daughter of Terry-Ann and Willie Hannah, left her bodily form to be with the Lord Jesus on Friday, December 16, 2022 at the age of 48 years. Now rejoicing are all the family and CF friends that have gone before her.
The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at 2:00 P.M. A private committal service will follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Jen was predeceased by her father Vaughn Smith; grandparents John and Irene Gregus, Hugh Smith as well as numerous relatives and CF friends.
Jen was born on a cold morning at 6:30 A.M. on November 16, 1974 in Lethbridge at the St. Michael’s Hospital. She attended school at L.T. Westlake, D.A. Ferguson and W.R. Myers High School. Following graduation, she took a year off to work at Taco Time in Taber. Jen attended college where she received a Child and Youth Care certificate, then on to University where she received a B.A. degree.
Jen decided to spread her wings and moved to the big city of Calgary where she worked at Hull Child and Youth Services as a family liaison worker. She loved her job there, it was challenging. This is where she met David Kirby, her co-worker, he showed Jen the ropes and they became lifelong friends. Jen remained there until she left the work force.
Many years before all this, she met a young man named Jeff Wernikowski. Jeff also had cystic fibrosis and they met at the Greyhound bus on first day to camp at the age of seven. Lo and behold some twenty five or so years later, they were married in Vegas in 1999. They were so good together, they were soulmates. Jen and Jeff were very content living in their home with their dog Fella. They enjoyed visiting Jeff’s parents on Sundays for dinner or meeting at the corner bar with Jeff’s boundless friends, who soon became Jen’s too. Life was good. They would come down to Taber when they could. Jeff’s parents, Ruth and Mike Wernikowski, will forever be in our hearts. But as the years went on, Jeff got sicker and sicker. He was signed up for a lung transplant, but was too ill to have one. Needless to say he succumbed to this terrible disease. When Jen was with Jeff, they always handed out money too the homeless or if someone looked like they needed a meal.
Following Jeff’s passing, Jen decided to move back to Taber, where she met Clayton. They went on a date and the rest is history. Jen and Clayton were married in September 2007. That same year Jen and Clayton’s twins, Jayden and Chase were born. This in itself was a miracle. Thank you is not enough for Clayton’s mother Lori, who was the surrogate for the babies. Her twins Chase and Jayden, were her pride and joy. She taught those children right from the beginning to be strong, never give up and be kind to one another and to others, ’cause you never know what they are dealing with. After her divorce from Clayton, she became the primary care-giver for the kids, this is a job she relished. There is nothing she would not do for her children. Jayden and Chase have grown into tough, perseverant, strong-willed people who made her smile everyday. Jay is our chirping bird and Chase is our chaser. To her children, make her proud as she watches you from above.
Jen was a warrior and had strength like no other. If she wanted to try something new, she did. She was born with cystic fibrosis, a deadly lung disease. We were told she would not live past one and half years, but she was a fighter. In 2007 Jen received the gift of life, a double lung transplant.
Jen volunteered at the Chinook Regional Hospital, showing young children how a needle was given by giving it to a very large stuffed bear. She met Celine Dione in Calgary (Celine was an ambassador for cystic fibrosis). After watching her perform, a picture was taken and they spoke about Jen’s life, a proud moment for Jen’s mom. She spoke at many cystic fibrosis conferences about her life, inspiring others with her story. Jen also volunteered for the Taber Lost Paws Society, they will be planting a tree in her honour.
Jen enjoyed her trips to Disneyland, Vegas and Penticton for summer holiday’s with Will’s family. Many great memories were made. Jen kept in touch with her cousins, you know who you are, too many to mention. She was a lover of pets. Jen was the best friend everyone wanted to have. Live, love, laugh.
Jen’s family would like to thank each and everyone of you who were part of Jen’s journey here on earth. She crossed many pathways and byways. Everyone was always waiting to see what new adventure she was going to come up with. As well, thank you to all her caregivers, be it doctors, nurses, relatives or friends, for being there for her when she needed you.
“Just breathe”
DRIST, Gerald Gerald Drist
1939 – 2023
Gerald Drist, beloved husband of Marlene Drist, passed away in Taber on Wednesday, January 4, 2023 at the age of 83 years. Gerald will be privately remembered by his family. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com. Besides his loving wife Marlene, Gerald is survived by his children Joanne Gorko of Medicine Hat and her children James, Sara, Jenna and Riley; Angie (Darren) Swartz of Vauxhall and their children Taylor (Cody) Kast (their children Caige, Huxley and Isla) and Steven Swartz; Debbie (Bruce) Brummelhuis of Vauxhall and their children Tanner Brummelhuis and Grayson (Madeline Crone) Brummelhuis (and their baby due soon). He was predeceased by his son Michael Drist. Gerald was born in Germany on March 16, 1939. He married Marlene Hutchinson in on November 18, 1978 in Claresholm. Gerald was employed with the Bow River Irrigation District for over thirty years. He enjoyed farm labour and in his later years, learned all about satellite installation and ran his own business on the side. Gerald was an incredibly hard worker and always took pride in his work. He still had many plans of work, right up to the end. Gerald had a passion for gardening and loved caring for his acreage. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Gerald’s name may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 100, 119 – 14 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6 (www.heartandstroke.com) or to Alzheimer’s Society, 40, 1202 – 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0E3 (www.alzheimer.ca). Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

MURRAY, Ken KEN MURRAY Ken grew up in Fernie BC and Southern AB, where, at an early age, he developed a love for outdoor pursuits and team sports.
He met his wife of 49 years at the University of Lethbridge and after graduation they settled in Pincher Creek where he taught for 30 years. Ken was a teacher, mentor, coach, father figure and sometimes goofy older brother to many students. He was a versatile teacher with a particular love for science. Ken could be counted on to fill any teaching role, and also gave back to his profession by serving on local and provincial committees of the ATA. After retirement he served 6 years as a school trustee, even as he began to travel and enjoy the snowbird life in Tucson AZ.
Ken was diagnosed with PSP (Progressive supranuclear palsy) in 2019. Movement became difficult, but he never complained nor lost his sense of humor. With the help of OT, ST and homecare, Ken was able to remain at home until his passing.
He died peacefully at sunset on Dec. 31, 2022. Left to mourn his passing are his wife Jean, daughter Jenn and children Jordan and Sophia, daughter Marcia (Chris) and stepchildren Josh and Abby. Ken is survived by sister Brenda and family, brother Warren, sisters-in-law; Audrey (Jim) and Maggie (Rick), brothers-in-law; Jack (Susan), Doug, Richard (Denelle) and George (Cate), and many nieces and nephews. He will be remembered by many close and caring friends and colleagues, as well as former students who are still wondering how he could spot them 20 points in badminton and still win. Ken was noted for his love of pranks, love of sports, love of fishing, love of family, and love of friends. He will be missed.
A Celebration of life will be held on June 10, 2023. Further information will be provided when arrangements have been finalized.
Memorial Donations can be made to the Windy Slopes Health Foundation:
P.O. Box 2554, Pincher Creek AB T0K 1W0
Web: http://www.wshealth.ca/

PAVKA, Frank FRANK PAVKA 1928 – 2023 Frank (Fritz) Pavka of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mary Ann Pavka passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the age of 94 years.
Frank is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Mary Ann, his six children:Terry (Donna) Pavka, Jane (Jim) Bettcher, Joyce (Guy) Sunada, Jennifer (Roger) Wallace, M J (Matt) Kabayama, Patrick Pavka, his 17 grandchildren and 3 great grandsons He is also survived by his siblings: Mildred (Ray) Bagozzi and Laddie (Anne) Pavka his sister’s in-law: June Lastuka, Ann Lastuka and Gina Baird, and brother in-law: John (Heidi) Lastuka and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Monday, January 9, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 119 14 St NW #100, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
LONDEAU, Elaine ELAINE LONDEAU 1937 – 2023 Mrs. Elaine Londeau of Lethbridge, passed away at St. Michael’s Care Centre on Tuesday, January 4, 2023 at the age of 85 years. She is survived by her sons Darren (Cheryl), Ken (Elena), and Brad (Shauna), and daughter in law Rosanne. She was predeceased by her son Ray.
In keeping with her wishes, Elaine will be privately remembered by her loving family and friends.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
GRASPOINTNER, Andreas “Andy” ANDREAS “ANDY” GRASPOINTNER 1948 – 2023 Mr. Andreas “Andy” Graspointner of Milk River, beloved husband of Mrs. Marian Graspointner, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, January 2, 2023, at the age of 74 years.
Always with honour and integrity, Andy set and followed his own journey of life.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
TURNBULL, Francis “Frank” FRANCIS “FRANK” TURNBULL 1942 – 2022 Francis (Frank) Edward Turnbull of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Rita Turnbull, passed away on December 31, 2022 at the age of 80 years.
Besides his loving wife Rita, Francis is also survived by his children, Donovan Turnbull, Leanne (Darin) Collar, Darrin (JoAnne) Turnbull. Grandchildren: Jesse and Kendra Turnbull, Alysha (Michael Harper) Turnbull, Tristan and Branden Collar. Great Grandchildren Jaxon & Ella Harper.
Francis is also survived by his sister Audrey Forsyth, Virden MB. As well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends. He was predeceased by his sisters Marina, Irene and brothers Earl, Charles and Alan.
Francis was born and raised in Virden MB on May 26, 1942. He met his wife Rita in Picture Butte and knew she was the one. They married within 6 months and the adventure continued for the next 58 years. Working at a bank gave them the opportunity to live in many communities throughout Alberta. They eventually settled down in Raymond and Francis worked at Kawneer for over 20 years until his retirement. Upon retirement, Francis and Rita moved to Lethbridge where they lived until his passing.
Francis participated in many hobbies and activities including coaching and watching hockey, union participation, bingo, bowling, walking and the casino.
Friendly Frankie was always there to help everyone including doing their taxes. He loved and adored his grandchildren and the newest great grandchildren that made him smile and laugh. We will all miss his laughter and teasing!
As per Francis’ wishes there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Jack Addy Cancer Centre, 960 19 St S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1W5.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
NAYLOR, Marion NAYLOR, Marion Elizabeth (nee: Morrison) November 26, 1924 – January 4, 2023 Mom is predeceased by our Dad, Douglas Naylor; and two sons, Randy Naylor and Jeff Naylor. Marion is survived by her daughters, Linda (Stuart) Fairbanks, Judy Fredette and Debbi (Steve) Sefcik; her sons, Rob Naylor and David Naylor; as well as her daughter-in-law, Jackie Brewer.
She will also be remembered by her fourteen grandchildren, twenty-three great- grandchildren as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.
Marion was born and raised on a farm in Vermilion, Alberta, the eldest daughter of Alex and Christina Morrison. They were Scottish immigrants, and raised a family of five strong individuals, who loved learning and music and books. In fact, Mom even insisted on playing the piano at Good Sam’s (in a wheelchair) one last time just a few days before she passed away.
She loved cooking and baking, had a family catering business and many of her recipes are loved to this day. Her homemade chocolates are now made by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. We all love that legacy.
She loved being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served others faithfully for her entire life.
She had a smile for everyone she met; if you knew her, you loved her.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at the Good Samaritan Society Garden Vista, the staff of Diamond Willow Lodge, and to Dr. Jonathon Tollestrup.
Marion will be laid to rest next to her husband in Westlawn Memorial Gardens, Edmonton. A private family gathering will be held at a later date.
To share condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca. We love you forever, Mom.
WARREN, John WARREN JOHN WARREN, beloved husband of Barbara, born August 18th, 1939 in Shenfield, England, passed away peacefully at home in Lethbridge, on January 4th 2023 with the help of MAID (medical aid in dying) at the age of 83, encircled in love by his wife and three daughters.
Barbara’s memories: John and I met in January 1955, when he was 15 and I was 14. From that magical moment we enjoyed every step of our journey together.
On 16 March 1963 we were married and, four months later, we sailed to Montreal on the Empress of Canada. We drove our VW van to Calgary where we spent the next 13 years, enjoying our lives and our new family. Christine, Pauline and Tania, three wonderful daughters, were all born in Calgary.
We all moved to Lethbridge in 1976, and this move was a good one for our family. We enjoyed our lives here, and were happy to see our girls mature into kind, loving, strong women. Their spouses, Michelle, Troy and Ted have all added to the tapestry of our family, as have our grandchildren, Russell, Tegan, Samantha, Colton, Denver, Matthew, Dylan and Kaleigh. We all love and enjoy each other.
John chose to ask for medical assistance in dying (MAID) because he had been suffering from the pain of peripheral neuropathy since 2010. John, from this experience, believed in the right to die. From 2012 to 2015 he was Vice President of Dying With Dignity Canada and fought for the right of Canadians, “who were suffering intolerably from an incurable condition”, to be eligible for MAID. The organization won that battle in 2015 when the Supreme Court of Canada ordered the government to change the law.
In October we hurriedly returned from our winter home in Mexico because John was so sick.
John applied for MAID, served the mandatory waiting period of 90 days and on 4th January his suffering was ended with the help of a physician. He was surrounded by his daughters and was in my loving arms. We had a magical life together till the end of his journey. That is all that matters.
Dr. Seuss was right, “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of John may be made to the Shooting Star Foundation, 5015 50 Avenue, Taber, AB, T1G 1N3.
A private Family Service will be held at a later date.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
GERARD, Olga GERARD OLGA JANE GERARD of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, December 31, 2022 at the age of 88 years.
A Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held at STS. PETER & PAUL UKRAINIAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 643 12B Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at 9:30 A.M. with Father Gary Sedgewick celebrating.
Following the Funeral Divine Liturgy, Olga will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
LYNAGH, David LYNAGH DAVID JOHN AIDAN LYNAGH, beloved husband of Eileen, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at Park Meadows Good Samaritans, on Thursday December 8, 2022 at the age of 83 years.
Arrangements to be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
PALMER, Erin ERIN LEE PALMER 1970 – 2022 Erin Lee Palmer, of Lethbridge, beloved daughter of Donna Palmer and the late Peter Palmer, passed away at South Health Campus in Calgary, AB on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, at the age of 52 years. Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
A Celebration of Erin’s life will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
VAN ESVELD, Gerard VAN ESVELD GERARD VAN ESVELD passed away peacefully in his sleep at Bethesda Care Home, on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the age of 93 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BELL, Harvey BELL HARVEY JOSEPH BELL of Lethbridge, went to be with the Heavenly Father on November 8th, 2022, at the age of 72, after a tough but brief battle with his heart. He was predeceased by his paternal Mother Janny Yvonne Bell and father, Alfred Joseph Bell of Ontario. He is survived by his beloved wife of 43 years, Mary Bell, his only daughter, Candace Hillier (Terry) and his beloved granddaughter, Victoria Hillier of Lethbridge.
Harvey was brought into this world on June 3, 1950, in Ancaster, Ontario as the fifth youngest into a family of 12 other siblings. He was predeceased by his sister, Doreen, and brothers, Ray, Andy and Eddie. He is survived by Marlyn, Rose, Theresa, Rita, Leo, Joe and Kevin.
After arriving in Lethbridge, Harvey spent much of his time working at Carline Muffler where he made friendships that lasted a lifetime. At Carline Muffler, he was able to live out his passion of vehicles and “fixing” everything he could, whilst maintaining his love for people. Harvey sadly ended up retiring September of 2019, to look after his wife who got diagnosed with dementia. His tenacity was admirable during this time. Harvey spent many years lovingly taking care of Mary until it became too much to bear and after a lot of heartache and difficulties, he finally managed to get her into St. Michaels where she was able to receive the constant care she needed. This was very indicative of the man Harvey was and is often described as someone who always went above and beyond to help his loved ones until he no longer could.
At the age of 57, Harvey was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While this seemed like the end of the world to everyone around him, he will always be remembered for his positive and cheerful spirit during some of the darkest of his days. After he went into remission he wanted to give back to the those who helped him beat cancer. He began to make bracelets with all the different colours that represented different types of cancer for the Chinook Regional Health Centre so that others could give a donation and show awareness for whatever battle they may be facing. All the proceeds went to the cancer centre.
Harvey always had a zest for life and could often be found outside in his beautiful yard soaking up the sun or fixing up different items for himself or for his friends. A quote we all lived by was “If Harvey can’t fix it, it can’t be fixed!”
He will be remembered for never passing judgement on anyone and lighting up the room with just his smile and sparkling blue eyes. Harvey will be greatly missed and forever loved by all the people who’s lives he touched deeply.
A Celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 to 4:00pm on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Coast Hotel in Lethbridge, Alberta.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
ICHIKAWA, Akira ICHIKAWA AKIRA ICHIKAWA passed away at home on January 3, 2023 at the age of 84 years. Akira was born Feb. 1, 1938, in Seattle, WA, the third son and fifth child of Tatsuya and Yasashi Ichikawa. He is survived by a son, Andrew (Tahirih Rempel); and a daughter Maya (Marko Hilgersom); and six beloved grandchildren: Yuki, Sam, Asha, Lily, Akeo, and Seiji, all of Lethbridge. He was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife Lorita, whom he married on September 23, 1961, and who died March 28, 2020, and his first-born son, Michael Tatsuya, on Dec. 24, 1976 at the age of 8.
He also is survived by two brothers and their wives Kazuya and Fusako of Placentia, CA; and Shinya and Jayne of Durham, OR; three sisters, Etsuko Osaki (Herb, deceased) of Portland. OR; Noriko (Milnes) Kurashige of Culver City, CA; and Hiroko (Lockwood, deceased) Dennis of Boulder, CO; sister-in-law, Grace (Satoru, deceased) Ichikawa; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
When World War II broke out, his father was detained separately and incarcerated in various American-style concentration camps until reunited with the family at an alien family internment center in Crystal City, TX. Akira was detained with his family from 1942 in American-style concentration camps in Washington, Idaho and Texas, until March, 1946, at which time the family was allowed to return to Seattle.
He was graduated from Garfield High School in Seattle, received his B.A. from the University of Washington, Seattle, then served in the U.S. Army Reserve in California and Georgia. He received his M.A. and Ph.D from the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis, and moved to Lethbridge in 1968 to assume a position at the University of Lethbridge where he taught until his retirement in 1998. His favorite activity was being with his family and grandchildren. He also enjoyed coffee breaks with his close friend, Ron Yoshida.
He loved classical music and jazz, but it was in jazz which he listened to avidly from his teen-age years that he found the greatest joy and comfort. He was especially fond of the music of Count Basie and be-bop artists Charlie Parker and Dizzy Gillespie. Among his prized possessions was his Canadian citizenship he received in 2007.
A Memorial Service with livestream will be held at the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta at a time to be announced.
The family gratefully declines koden and flowers. Those who wish, may offer a remembrance to the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
WALTER, Philomena Philomena Theresa Walter 1930 – 2023 Mrs. Philomena Walter of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved wife of the late Fredrick Henry Walter, passed away peacefully at Park Meadows Good Samaritan Society in Lethbridge on Wednesday, January 4, 2023, at the age of 92 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to C. Salmon Generations Funeral Home.
To share condolences, please visitwww.generationsfh.ca
SAWLER, William “Willy” WILLIAM “WILLY” SAWLER 1961 – 2023 Mr. William “Willy” Sawler of Lethbridge passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January, 4th, 2023 at Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 61 years surrounded by some of his closest friends. Willy was born in Nova Scotia and came west when he was 17 years old, he lived and worked in the Lethbridge area until his passing. Willy was not survived by any family but leaves behind numerous friends. He was an honest and hardworking man who loved camping, fishing, and having beers with friends. Willy will be missed by many.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels, there will be a celebration (party) of life with friends in the near future.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
HIROSE, Maria “Marianne” HIROSE MARIA “MARIANNE” HIROSE, the beloved wife of Takao “Tak” Hirose, of Picture Butte, passed away with her family at her side on Sunday, January 1st, 2023, at the age of 67 years.
A Funeral Mass will be held at ST. CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH on Saturday, January 7th, 2023 at 11:00 A.M., with Fr. Ian Gagne, Celebrant. A time of fellowship & refreshments will follow.
The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Marianne’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Marianne will be laid to rest at the Royal View Cemetery in Lethbridge.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BOTTOLFSON, Paul PAUL BOTTOLFSON 1933 – 2023 Mr. Paul Bottolfson of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Kay Bottolfson, passed away at Good Samaritan Park Meadows Village, on Thursday, January 5, 2023, at the age of 89 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
ASHTON, Amie ASHTON AMIE PATRICIA ASHTON, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, December 29, 2022 at the age of 39 years, after a courageous battle with cancer.
A Celebration of Amie’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 2:30 P.M. The service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Amie’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
FATH, Harvey FATH It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of HARVEY FATH, of Lethbridge and formerly of Champion, at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at the age of 100 years.
As per Harvey’s wishes, a private family service will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. The service will be publicly livestreamed and may be viewed through Harvey’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
WEISGERBER, Joe WEISGERBER Our family is saddened to announce the passing of our father and grandfather, JOE WEISGERBER, on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at the age of 88 years. He went quietly in the night, at home, to be with previous loved ones who have gone before.
Joe is survived by his children: Malcolm (Carol), Violet, Laurel, and David (Leo), six grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, one brother Anthony (Yvonne), one sister Beatrice (Charlie) and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, three brothers, three sisters, one great-grandchild, two sons-in-law and his first wife, Faye.
Joe was born in Prelate, SK, on October 7, 1934, to Anton and Anna (Meier). He had a wonderfully full life with a loving family around him. He made many friends through the years and always did what was needed to do. He will be missed.
A Memorial Service will be held later in the summer.
In lieu of flowers and in memory of Joe, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, (heartandstroke.ca)

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