Thursday, May 18, 2023

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on May 18, 2023.

HOPKINS, Dean HOPKINS It is with deep sorrow and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Dean Stanley Hopkins, age 54, who lost his battle with cancer at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, AB on May 11, 2023.
Dean was born on November 20, 1968, in Calgary, AB to Ray and Thelma Hopkins; his arrival completing their family of 6. He grew to embody his Mother’s passion for life and his Father’s sense of humor. Guided by his older siblings, Dean grew to become one of the most charming, lovable troublemakers you could hope to meet.
With the help of Colonel Sanders, Dean met the love of his life, Laura, while working at a KFC in Lethbridge, AB. On May 27, 1989, the happy couple went from asking “Do you want fries with that?” to “Will you marry me?”. Not long after, Dean and Laura welcomed two beautiful children into the world together.
In 1992 Dean began his 30-year career selling cars at College Mercury, later become the Finance Manager and making his TV debut as College Mercury’s very own Cupid. In 2017, Dean traded in his Ford for a (McDonald) Nissan, where he worked until his passing. Throughout his career, Dean met a great deal of wonderful people and formed many lasting friendships.
Dean had a passion for music and loved listening to his records late into the night. He also had a deep love for children and animals, always stopping whatever he was doing to make a child laugh or pet a passing dog. Both Dean and Laura shared a love for travel. Although they enjoyed exploring new places, they would often find themselves back in Cuba, Dean’s favorite destination.
Dean was a devoted husband and father. He had the biggest heart, and would go out of his way to help in any way he could. Dean had a contagious laugh and a sense of humor that could brighten even the darkest days, although only the bravest among us would open his memes and videos at work.
In addition to his loving wife Laura, Dean is survived by his two children Mark (Sophia) and Sabrina (Will); his sisters Connie (Rob) Zucchelli and Debbie (Kurt) Butler; his Mother-in-Law Doreen Leusink; his Brother-in-law Michael (Dawn) Leusink and Sister-in-Law Rita (Paul) Meyer; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and his precious fur-baby Peanut, who never left his side after he got sick. Dean was predeceased by his parents Ray and Thelma, his brother Larry, and his Father-in-Law Henk Leusink.
At Dean’s request, the family will not be holding a funeral. Instead, a celebration of life will be held at 1pm on Saturday May 20th, 2023, at the Italian Canadian Club.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Cancer Society or the SPCA in memory of Dean.
“Always look on the bright side of life” – Monty Python’s Life of Brian Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

BASTIEN, Dr. Betty Jean Dr. Betty Jean Bastien – Sikapinaki May 27, 1948 – May 9, 2023 Dr. Bastien was a highly respected university professor, consultant and eminent scholar who advocated tirelessly for social justice, academic excellence, and authentic program delivery. Betty was born on the Piikani First Nation where she began her education at the Sacred Heart (Residential) School, her education journey was admirable and commendable. She earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Lethbridge, Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees from the University of Calgary and her doctorate degree from California Institute of Integral Studies. Her love of research and writing culminated in her published book, “Blackfoot Ways of Knowing – The Worldview of the Siksikaitsitapi.” Her book is a fundamental part of many university-level Indigenous studies courses as are her many published and co-published academic articles.
Dr. Bastien’s main interests included Indigenous issues, curriculum design, social justice and Indigenous education. Betty was an Instructor at the University of Lethbridge, University of Calgary, Medicine Hat College, Mount Royal University, Red Crow Community College, and Maskwacis Cultural College. Her desire to teach students from Siksikaitsitapi perspectives will be Dr. Bastien’s enduring legacy. Betty felt honored to impart her wisdom and knowledge to her Indigenous people. As a professional consultant, she was a sought-after conference speaker, providing workshops and keynote addresses. With an inquiry-based style as her teaching method, she encouraged her students to engage higher level thought processes. Dr. Bastien had the highest of expectations for all her students. One of Dr. Bastien’s last programs was for her home community, Piikani Employment Services’ Indigenous Mental Health and Addictions Program.
Betty is survived by her husband Henry Big Throat, children, Brooker (Sonya Scout), Piita (Betty-Jo), Joseph, her grandchildren Marty, Fawn, Sable Heavy Shields, Paige and Kody Yellow Horn, Eva Scout-Yellow Horn, Brooker Yellow Horn Jr., Okiina and Jett Bastien, and Kaitlin Erven-Bastien and Patricia Bad Eagle. Surviving sisters are Blandine (Mark) Strikes With a Gun, Elsie Bastien, and Babette (Lambert ETF) Many Bears. Surviving brothers include Erwin (Cathy), Brian, and Cochise (Barbara) Bastien. At her passing she had eight great-grandchildren, numerous traditionally adopted siblings and children.
Betty was predeceased by daughter, Crystal Ann Yellow Horn, granddaughter Courtney Provost, brothers, Stanley, Elmer and Cecil Bastien, niece Krisma Bastien-Lopez, Betty’s parents George and Mary (Sunday) Bastien, paternal grandparents, Frank and Lucy (Black Weasel) Bastien, maternal grandparents Albert and Josephine (Plain Eagle) Sunday – Born With A Tooth, maternal great grandparents, Sunday and Pretty Woman, Striped Squirrel and Light Shawl Woman.
Her wake service will be held at Snodgrass Funeral home in Pincher Creek on Friday, May 19 starting at 6:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held at Piikani Community Hall on Saturday, May 20 at 11:00 AM. Interment at Piikani Nation Cemetery with a feast to follow at Piikani Community Hall.
To email condolences, please visit http://www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

---

TOMIYAMA, Harold TOMIYAMA Harold Toshiaki Tomiyama passed away on May 16, 2023 at the age of 83 years. He is survived by his wife Florence, children Gerry, Allison (Michael) and Ryan (Rina); as well as 3 grandchildren; Kiana (Paul), Nicholas and Aliyah. Harold is also survived by numerous brothers, sisters, inlaws and nieces and nephews.
Private family service to follow. Koden and flowers gratefully declined.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

---

GEIGER, Barbara BARBARA HENRIETTE GEIGER 1959 – 2023 Mrs. Barbara Henriette Geiger of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Gerald Geiger, passed away suddenly in Lethbridge on May 10, 2023, at the age of 64 years.
Barb was born in Edmonton, Alberta on February 14, 1959, a wonderful Valentines Day Gift to family and friends. She attended NAIT in Edmonton and received her CGA Diploma on March 01, 2005. On July 01, 2015, Barb received her CPA Diploma. Barb was last employed at the University of Lethbridge in the Financial Services Department. Of all her employers, she loved the U of L best.
Barbs true passion was her love for animals, and she adored her dogs and cats. She enjoyed golf and had recently taken up paddle boarding for recreation.
Besides her loving husband Gerald, Barbara is survived by her daughter Amanda; stepdaughters Morgan, Jessie and Allison; stepson Christopher; grandchildren Garret, William, Leo, Scott, and Vic; 4 sisters, Annette, Sylvia, Dagmar and Pamela; and 1 brother: Harald.
She was predeceased by her father, Wolfgang Hoppe and brother Joerg.
Barb had a heart of gold, and she will be sorely missed by family and friends alike.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

RICHTER, Norma RICHTER The oven has been shut off and the last page of her Passport has come up. On May 15th, 2023 NORMA (née Flexhaug) RICHTER passed away in the presence of her loving family.
Norma was predeceased by her father and mother, Harry and Edna Flexhaug; and her brother Larry. She is survived by her sister and best friend, Shirley; the daughter she loved so much, Kim Lissel of Pincher Creek; and by her two special grandsons, Teigan and Brenden Lissel. She is also survived by her nephews and nieces Brad (Kami) Flexhaug, Sandi (Aaron) Payne, Trevor (Jenn) Flexhaug, Lonna (Phil) Johansen, Dallen (Marinda) Flexhaug; and their mother, Louise Court. She is also survived by her nephew Rob Miller; her niece Karen Cunningham; and their mother, Sharon Miller. Norma was the second youngest of her 40 first cousins.
Norma was born in 1945 and raised in Raymond. After High School, she became a legal assistant and worked in several law firms in Calgary, Brooks and Lethbridge. At the age of 50 she started to travel extensively through Canada, the United States, Europe, Central America, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, and Cuba – never going to the same place twice because she said there was too much to see. She took up golfing and loved all her trips even though she never got better at the game. She was able to make and keep several friends throughout her life. She would drop everything to help someone in need.
A public burial will be held at ARCHMOUNT MEMORIAL GARDENS, 2710 Westside Drive West, Lethbridge, Alberta on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 1:00 PM with Pastor Dave Goff officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, 28 Oki Drive North West, Calgary, AB T3B 6A8.

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

---

SHASKIN, Vera VERA SHASKIN 1934 – 2023 Mrs. Vera Shaskin of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. John Shaskin, passed away at Legacy Lodge on Wednesday, May 17, 2023, at the age of 88 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

<5