Friday, January 20, 2023
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 20, 2023.
SIMPSON, Leonard
Leonard Gordon Simpson Sept. 30, 1938 – Jan. 7, 2023 Len was born in the municipal district of Pincher Creek. He was raised together with his three sisters, Norma, Helen and Gwen and his brother Ron on the family farm. As a boy he enjoyed working with the cattle and participating in all other farm chores.
His postsecondary education began in the newly formed Lethbridge Community College, where he enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program. After one year he transferred to the University of Edmonton where he completed his degree. He then continued on and obtained his Bachelor of Education degree.
His first teaching position was in Grand Prairie High School where he taught Mathematics and Science. After teaching there for two years, he moved to Lethbridge and started teaching at LCI. He taught Chemistry, Physics, Biology and Mathematics there until his retirement in 1995. He loved teaching and his career lasted 35 years.
Len married Donna in 1979. They moved into the house Len had built in Coalhurst and raised their son Ryan. Both Len and Donna enjoyed and practiced in Art. After his retirement Len devoted his time to Photography and Gardening. They moved back to Pincher Creek and built a home with an Art Gallery attached on land bordering the Waterton Dam. (The Dam Gallery) They ran the gallery for 10 years.
When Ryan had a son, Rhys, in 2007, Grandma and Grandpa decided to move closer to the family in Edmonton. They built another home in West Edmonton where Len continued to excel in Photography and Gardening and Donna continued on with her fibre arts.
Len was diagnosed with cancer in July 2022 and his life’s journey ended January 7, 2023. He will be remembered by his loving family, wife – Donna of 44 years, Son – Ryan and his partner Connie, her son Nathan – his beloved grandson, Rhys, his sister Gwen, and many nieces and nephews.
Len’s last days were spent at the Pilgrim’s Hospice. The family cannot say enough wonderful things about the care he received here. In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be made to the Pilgram’s Hospice Society. https://pilgrimshospice.com/get involved/make a donation.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, January 28 at 2:00 pm. At Callingwood Presbyterian Church 6015 184 St. NW, Edmonton, AB. T6M 1T8.
LIGHTBOUND, Thomas “Frank”
THOMAS “FRANK” LIGHTBOUND April 5, 1932 – January 10, 2023 Mr. Thomas “Frank” Lightbound of Lethbridge, passed away at the age of 90 years on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at Chinook Regional Hospital.
He is survived by one niece, Cathy (David) as well as one nephew, Douglas (Rumi).
Frank was born in Lethbridge on April 5, 1932, where he was raised and educated. He became interested in the National Parks and was employed on trail crews and as a fire lookout at Waterton Lakes Park. Then later as a Park Warden in Banff and Kootenay National Parks from 1950 to the early 1960’s. He later attended the Forest Technology School at Hinton and was employed as a ranger with the Alberta Forest Service being posted in the Clearwater and Crowsnest Forests. He was the last permanent occupant of the Livingston Gap ranger station and while posted there was active in the Maycroft Community Association. When the station was closed during the winter of 1970/1971, he moved to Blairmore where he resided until after his retirement in October of 1985. For a time during the 1970’s he was a member and later chairman of the local police commission. In October 1986 he moved to Lethbridge where he has resided ever since.
Having been involved in range management while employed by the Forest Service he continued to take part in cattle drives and roundups with friends in the Maycroft area for many years.
During his retirement, he enjoyed camping, hiking, whitewater rafting and exploring National Parks, historic sites and wild areas from Montana to Texas.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Frank’s ashes will be scattered over the peaceful valley of the Oldman River east of Livingstone Range.
“Lift up Thine eyes unto the peaceful shadows of the everlasting hills.” For those who wish, memorial donations in Frank’s name may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta 1200 – 2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, Ontario M4P 1E4. Or to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre 1331 29 Street NW Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
NEIL, Shawn
SHAWN NEIL 1958 – 2023 Michael Shawn Neil of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Penny Neil and loving father to Bristal Neil, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, January 14, 2023 at the age of 64 years. He will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his friends and family.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
VASELENAK, Helen
HELEN VASELENAK 1928 – 2023 Mrs. Helen Vaselenak of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Mr. John Vaselenak, passed away on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the age of 94 years.
A Celebration of Helen’s Life will be held at 11:00am, on Friday, January 20, 2023 at ONE LIFE CHURCH, 501 40 St S, Lethbridge, Alberta with Pastor Wayne Boersma officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://youtu.be/HzYmd3IHye0
A private family interment will be held prior in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
KONYNENBELT, Johanna
JOHANNA KONYNENBELT 1921 – 2023 Johanna (Kooy) Konynenbelt was born on April 19, 1921 and passed away on January 17, 2023.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at the CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 522 Highway Ave, Nobleford, Alberta, with Pastor Wayne TenHarmsel officiating.
In lieu of flowers, you are welcome to make donations to Streets Alive Mission in Lethbridge, 323 4 St S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 1Z9.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
ACEHAIDA, Anna
ANNA ACEHAIDA 1931 – 2023 Anna Acehaida passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on January 17, 2023 at the age of 92 years.
Anna leaves her daughters Elizabeth (Bill) Slack and Teresa (Lonnie) Baceda; grandchildren Jade (Shane) Krupinski, Joanna (Matt) Lavers, and Chris Slack; 4 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews, as well as sister-in-law, Nadia Krywonis.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4th Street South, Lethbridge. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to https://www.canadahelps.org/en/donate-to-ukraine/ where you can support a cause close to Anna’s heart.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
LEUSINK, Carolyn
CAROLYN LEUSINK 1963 – 2023 Mrs. Carolyn Leusink of Coaldale, beloved wife of Mr. John Leusink, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, January 12, 2023 at the age of 59 years.
A Celebration of Carolyn’s Life will be held at 2:30pm on Friday, January 20, 2023 at COLLEGE DRIVE COMMUNITY CHURCH, 2710 College Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Don Petker, officiating.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
ODLAND, Roberta
Roberta Odland
1952 – 2023
Roberta Lorraine Odland (née Jespersen), passed away peacefully in Taber on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at the age of 70 years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, January 22, 2023 between 3:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 – 50 Avenue, Taber on Monday, January 23, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. Burial to follow 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 Roberta’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 9:45 A.M. on Monday, January 23, 2023. The livestream will begin at 10:00 A.M. Roberta is survived by her children Candace McGowan of Edmonton and her children Quinn, Alex and their father Nicholas; Jared (Tara) Odland of Vauxhall and their children Kylan and Blaise; Wes (Angie) Odland of Vauxhall and their children Ella, Austin and Aubrey. She is also survived by her father John Jespersen and his partner Luella; siblings John (Leah) Jespersen, Tom (Marsha) Jespersen, Bruce (Brenda) Jespersen, Tim (Deb) Jespersen and Patti (Greg) Carter; brothers-in-law Dan Dorchak and Kevin Virostek; her children’s father Edward (Debbie) Odland as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her mother Bette Jespersen; sisters Wendy Virostek and Lynne Dorchak and infant brother Gordon Jespersen. Roberta was born October 10, 1952 in Taber where she grew up on the family farm south of Taber. She received her schooling in Taber. Roberta met and married Ed Odland and they raised their three kids on their farm in the Circle Hill area. She had many occupations over the years including helping on the farm, working at the Vauxhall Elementary School, Vauxhall Co-Op, dispatching for the Taber Police Service as well as the RCMP in Prince George and Red Deer. After retiring she moved to Taber where she has resided until the time of her passing. Roberta enjoyed many pastimes which included curling, gardening, painting, crocheting and spending time with her family, especially her dad and grandkids. She was very active with her grandkids and took every opportunity to attend their sports and clubs. Roberta’s life accomplishments were her garden and her family. She will forever be remembered for her love of family. Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
SOROCHAN, Dale
SOROCHAN DALE KENTON SOROCHAN, of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, January 16, 2023 at the age of 64 years.
A Celebration of Dale’s Life will be held at MIZ CITY CHURCH, 502 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Bishop Daniel Zopoula officiating. The service will be livestreamed and may be viewed through Dale’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
POIRIER, Joseph
POIRIER May 20, 1934 – January 13, 2023 It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of JOSEPH MAXIME RÉAL POIRIER at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on January 13, 2023.
Our family wishes to express their deepest appreciation to the Doctors, Nurses and Healthcare workers on 4C who provided exceptional care and attention to him for the past 2 months.
Réal or George as he was known to family and friends, was a remarkable human being who had a love for his family, zest for life and a passion for sports, especially hockey and golf. Born in St. Louis de Kent, New Brunswick, Réal joined the Canadian Armed Forces in 1954 and served for 22 years in various Canadian and European locations. After retirement from the Air Force, Réal and family settled in Lethbridge in 1976 where he took a position with the City of Lethbridge at the Enmax Centre (Sportsplex) for the next 20 years.
Réal is survived by his wife Marilyn, daughter Jeannine (Earle) Hay, grandsons Jeremy and Tyson Hay, and son Greg (Melissa) Poirier as well as the fur babies: Bijou, Bailey, Boomer and Mocha.
He is also survived by his siblings from Eastern Canada: Stella Daigle, Ida Roper, and Vincent Poirier and sister-in-law Eva Poirier as well as numerous extended family. He was predeceased by his parents Edmond and Alice, as well as siblings: Tilmon, Eva and Ola Poirier.
Throughout his life, Réal met wonderful people, many of whom are still friends today. His vibrant personality was infectious to all who met him and he will be dearly missed.
A private Family Memorial will be held for Réal.
Donations can be to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada (heartandstroke.ca)
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
AANESTAD, Clarence (Kid)
AANESTAD CLARENCE (KID) EMIL AANESTAD passed away peacefully at his home in Coaldale, on Sunday, January 15, 2023, at the age of 83 years.
Clarence is survived by his wife Jean of 40 years, his stepdaughters Lea-Ann and Marna and their families, his sisters Ruby, Esther, and Mina, and numerous nieces and nephews in Canada as well as numerous cousins in Canada and Norway.
He was predeceased by his stepson Wade, his parents Elias and Ragna Aanestad, his sisters and spouses Hanna (Bill) Gilles, Ruth (Alvin) Dunn, and Edith (Tom) Taylor, brothers Rangvald and Edwin, and several aunts, uncles and cousins in Canada and Norway.
Clarence (Kid) lived the majority of his life on the family farm at Enchant, AB, before retiring to Coaldale. He enjoyed and appreciated all his many friends and acquaintances. He was especially fond of his step-granddaughters, Alicia and Karley.
A Celebration of Clarence’s Life will be held at a later date.
In memory of Clarence, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
HUGHES, Robert “Bob”
HUGHES ROBERT “BOB” CLIFFORD HUGHES, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Janice Firth, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the age of 79 years, after a courageous fight with cancer.
Bob was born in Dauphin, Manitoba in 1943. He completed his Grade 12 in 1961 at Falher High School (École La Routsie) in Falher, Alberta, then he went off to Grande Prairie to Business College, after a number of positions in Saskatchewan and Alberta and eventually getting hired as Manager of BMO Lethbridge. In 1982, Bob purchased half of Galaxy Power Tools, and then the other half in 1985.
Bob met the love of his life, Janice, in 1995. His son Lee worked many years in the family business, right up until closing Galaxy Power Tools in 1999. Bob went on to owning Centre Village Liquor Store, up to his retirement.
Bob was an avid Nascar fan and was a racer himself. He raced modifieds, stock cars and truck stocks for many years, taking home a championship in 1996. He raced all over Alberta, BC, Saskatchewan and the United States.
Bob is survived by his daughters: Terry Hughes of St. Albert, Cheryl Hughes of Medicine Hat, and son Carey (Lori) Chonkolay of Edmonton, sister-in-law Kelly (Paul Kipnik) Szabo, stepchildren Amber Herdman and Daniel Orcutt of Lethbridge, stepson-in-law Ryan (Bailee) Procee of Lethbridge, and grandchildren: Steele (Danica Tremblay) Bizuk, Montana (Shaquille Grouse) Bizuk, Stevie Hughes, Fallon (Kyle Belcourt) Clarke and Ryleigh (Adrian) Wolfe, special grandchildren: Nevaeh (Willis Dion) Procee, Jerzee Procee, Lyric Procee, Liv Procee and Leah Hayward. He is also survived by his three great-grandchildren: Levi Belcourt-Clarke, Lacey Belcourt-Clarke and Ivy Wolfe.
He will be sadly missed by his family and numerous friends.
Bob was predeceased by his parents, Clifford Alvin Hughes and Marie Genevieve Hughes (née Caron), his wife, Janice Firth, and his son, Lee Hughes.
A Viewing will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 12:00 P.M., with a Funeral Service to follow at 1:00 P.M., with Patrick Siedlecki officiating.
Following the Funeral Service, Bob will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
CARRUTHERS, Carol
CARRUTHERS CAROL ANNE CARRUTHERS of Lethbridge, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and wife of Gerald Carruthers, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at the age of 74 years.
There will be a private family viewing held at Cornerstone Funeral Home.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
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