Saturday, July 1, 2023

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 1, 2023.

ROBINSON, Matthew

HARTY, Delores

DELORES HARTY 1937 – 2023 Mrs. Delores Harty of Etzikom, beloved wife of Mr. Joe Harty, passed away at the Bow Island Hospital on Friday, June 30, 2023, at the age of 86 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

VERES, Brian

BRIAN “BOOZER” VERES 1953 – 2023 Brian John Veres, loving husband to the late Sandi Veres, passed away with his “sidekick”, his big brother, holding space with him, at the Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 69 years.
Brian was born and raised in Lethbridge. He enjoyed being outdoors right from the start. Brian was a great hunter, an avid fisher and played all the sports presented to him, with ease. He was a true “Northsider” – with many stories to tell and adventures to keep quiet. Even into his adult life he spent summers at the ball park and winters at the ice rink – wife and children in tow.
He married the love of his life, Sandi, in June 1974. Together they made their life raising their children and passing on the love of recreation and living with joy in mind. Brian was an amazing father, a kind caregiver, a ‘dad’ to the neighbourhood. He spent his time coaching after his years running bases were over. He led many children into successful games and taught them how to navigate losses. Many people are better because Brian was in their life.
His career took up a large part of his time and energy. He had many moments with his work friends at Province Livestock & Richardson Oilseed.
Brian’s love for adventure took him on many hunting & fishing trips with his brothers and friends. He never missed an opportunity to barbecue and share a meal with many.
Left to mourn his passing – his children Jason & Kalie (Kurtis Dye); his grandchildren Nathan & Katelyn and River & Inara; brother Gerry (Bernie) Veres; his sister Brenda (Lorie) Konsmo; his lifelong buddy, Willie Brees, and numerous family members and great friends.
Gone before him, and waiting to see him – his wife Sandi, his brother Larry Veres, his brother-in-law Stuart Dow, his parents Joe Veres, Elenor & Albert Stephenson, and Gordon & Phyllis Dow.
A formal service will not be held at Brian’s request. Brian’s friendship circles were far reaching and very special to him, so please you are encouraged meet together and spend time making memories and laugh about the old ones.
In lieu of flowers – Please consider making a donation to The Lethbridge Little League Baseball Association or take your family out to the ball game.
You are “safe at home”, Dad. Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

ANDERSEN, Nora

NORA ANDERSEN 1922 – 2023 Mrs. Nora Andersen of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. John Andersen, passed away peacefully at Adaptacare in Lethbridge on Thursday, June 15, 2023, at the age of 100 years. She was predeceased by her youngest daughter, Jean Andersen. Nora will be dearly missed by her daughter, Phyllis Hutchinson (Lynden); son, Raymond Andersen (Lynn); as well as her grandchildren, Karen Gilchrist (Keith); Geoffrey Hutchinson (Sarah); Sarah Andersen (Jason); and her great-grandchildren.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 15, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, with Dr. Bruce Martin, officiating.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

CARSON, Wendy

WENDY CARSON 1939 – 2023 Wendy Carson, of Lethbridge passed away peacefully at the Buffalo Grace Manor in Lethbridge, Alberta on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the age of 83 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

STROMSMOE, Keith

Keith Allan Stromsmoe April 17th 1936 – June 21st 2023 It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Keith Allan Stromsmoe. Keith passed away peacefully at his home on June 21st at the age of 87. Keith is survived by his wife of 63 years Elizabeth (Betty Anne), siblings Rex (Anne), Gordon, his two children Greg (Michelle) and Jamie (Shauna), his grandchildren Taylor, Maryann, Jordan and Tia (Nico) and great grandchildren Quinton & Leo. He was predeceased by his son Patrick and sister Janet.
Keith grew up in southern Alberta. He graduated from Medicine Hat High School and joined the Air Force in the same year, 1954. Keith was posted to Cold Lake base where he met his future bride Betty Anne in 1958. While in the Air Force he received his Bachelors of Science from the University of Alberta in 1958. After an honorable discharge from the air force he and his wife then moved to New Brunswick and completed his Masters of Science in 1963 and then his PhD from Purdue University, Indiana in 1970. This led to his career at the U of A as an Electrical Engineering professor, 1970 – 1997.
Throughout his lifetime he was always involved with groups, clubs and variety of sports. He was a member of painting classes, Trekkers, a running club, softball and cross country skiing, to name a few. He played a major role in his local Tia Chi class which he led for many years. In his retirement years he and his wife enjoyed many trips and traveled the country together. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him with his special wit and sense of humor.
The family would like to thank Alberta Health Services and their staff for the care he received over the past months. In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to the charity of your choice or the Wounded Warriors of Canada.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, July 8th at 2 p.m. at Hainstocks Funeral Home & Crematorium 9810-34 Ave NW Edmonton AB T6E 6L1 The service will be live-streamed at https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTY4NzkwNDczNzI1ODc1OCZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw

PONOMAR, Richard “Rick”

RICHARD “RICK” PONOMAR 1955 – 2023 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a good man. After a valiant struggle with cancer, Rick Ponomar passed away peacefully at Adaptacare surrounded by family on June 28th at the age of 67.
Rick is survived by his loving wife, Wendy; sons, Danny and Erik (Kelsey); daughter, Victoria (Colin) Haugan; grandchildren, Brooks and Sasha Haugan; mother, Stephanie (Gus); sister Tina (Ray) Bonetti; nephews, Spencer and Jackson Bonetti; three wonderful in-law’s whom he thought of as sisters (Barb Ashmead, Lois Franklin, and JoAnne Paquette), as well as numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Rick was born and raised in Magrath, where he formed many long-lasting friendships. Growing up, Rick loved and excelled in sports – specifically basketball and golf. After high school Rick attended the University of Alberta, where he received a bachelor’s degree in economics. Following graduation, Rick moved to Lethbridge where he started building a life and a family.
As the family grew, so did Rick’s childhood desire to learn more about astronomy. He was fundamental in making the Lethbridge Astronomy Society what it is today, and he was honored by having the Popson Park Astronomical Laboratory named after him.
Rick spent most of his working life at M.P. Crushing Ltd., where he had the opportunity to work with his dad and partners. Rick continued the family business with his friends and family until his passing.
Family and friends were at the top of the list throughout Rick’s life. His love, devotion, and compassion truly shined within those close to him. His light is one that will not be forgotten. We are beyond grateful for the time we had with him, and he will always be remembered as the gentle, kind, caring, humorous, and brilliant man he was.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10:00 am, on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Dr. Bruce Martin, officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/RichardRick-Ponomar and scroll to the bottom of Rick’s obituary page.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to the Lethbridge Red Cross, 3131 1st Ave S T1J 4H2, the Jack Ady Cancer Center, 960 19 St S, Lethbridge AB T1J 1W5, or to the Lethbridge Astronomy Society, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/ or email lethbridgeastronomy@gmail.com
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

HIGA, Shirley

HIGA Shirley Noriko Higa (90 yrs) passed peacefully on June 28, 2023 surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with colon cancer. Shirley was born on May 4,1933 in the small town of Mission, BC. Born the youngest of 9 children, her sisters named her after the famous child actress Shirley Temple. Shirley was initially quite a shy girl who loved to read. She read all the books in her school library by Grade 4. She survived the internment of the Japanese during WWII but never complained. Despite the early hardships of life on the farm after the war, she felt she was lucky to be “spoiled” by her parents and siblings being the youngest.
Shirley was a proud graduate of the Galt School of Nursing in June of 1955 where her classmate and close friend, Carol Higa, introduced her to her brother and future husband Tom Higa. Shirley began her career at the Picture Butte Hospital and later moved to the Lethbridge Regional Hospital where she retired after over 40 years of service on the surgery recovery floor. She was a compassionate nurse who spent extra time with her patients talking to them, rubbing their backs and allaying their fears. She frequently came home from work with cards and presents from thankful patients. She made a difference.
Shirley was a kind and caring person. She was always checking in on her family and friends. People were drawn to her warm and calm personality and her beautiful smile. She was a good listener and made friends easily. She gave good hugs. Shirley enjoyed crosswords, reading, golf, bowling, watching sports and travel. But above all, she enjoyed time with her wonderful extended family and friends. She was especially proud of her grandchildren who she treasured.
She was predeceased by her husband Tom, her parents, her brothers, Maggie, Bob, Jiro and Sam Miyagawa and her sisters Akiko Tanaka, May Ohno and Hideiko Nishi. She is survived by her sister Soni Takasaki of Richmond, BC, her daughter Carolyn and granddaughter Lexie of Coaldale, her son Rick and his wife Jackie, her grandson Adam and granddaughter Jordan of Toronto, her in-laws Larry and Mary Higa, Geri Miyashiro, Eileen Miyanaga, Judy and Tad Mukuda and Jeff and Royce Higa and her many wonderful nieces and nephews.
Shirley was a devoted wife, a doting mother and grandmother, a caring sister, a beloved auntie, a loyal friend, an exemplary nurse and a beautiful soul. She will be greatly missed but forever remembered.
Arrangements will be announced on Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home website at a later date.
To share condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

VONKEMAN, Gerda

GERDA VONKEMAN 1937 – 2023 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.” Isaiah 43:2 NIV Mrs. Gerda Vonkeman (née Versteeg), beloved wife of the late Andy Vonkeman, peacefully went on to meet her Saviour at the age of 86 years, on June 28, 2023, while she was surrounded by family.
Gerda is survived by her seven children, to whom she was so grateful for their care and support, especially over the past year: Karen (William) Van der Woerd, Ingrid (Ted) Vander Meulen, Barbara Duursma, Andrew Vonkeman (Eileen Hooper), Les (Jeanette) Vonkeman, Sonya Taekema (George Jenkins), and Erica (Chris) Laliberty. Gerda is lovingly remembered by 35ish grandchildren, foster grandchildren, and Sudanese grandchildren along with their parents (“there’s always room for one more”), and 20 great-grandchildren, many of whom fondly remember Sunday afternoon coffee, speculaas (or vanilla slices if it was a special occasion), and the wicker basket of random toys that would be emptied in the middle of the living room and played with while the adults enjoyed conversation including the ever-present “dutch bingo”. She also leaves behind her family in Holland as well as her in-laws in Canada, and numerous nieces & nephews and their families in Canada and Holland.
She was predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Andy; her parents Gerrit and Wilhelmina Versteeg of the Netherlands, several sisters and brothers of Canada and the Netherlands, and numerous in-laws.
Gerda was born on May 7th, 1937, in Barneveld, the Netherlands, the middle child of an eventual 11 children. She often shared stories of her family’s World War II experience, her many enjoyable bicycle trips in Holland, and numerous other memories. She took her nursing training in Holland, and immigrated to Canada in 1962, intending to visit and work for one year before returning to Barneveld. God had other plans, and she met Andy through the Iron Springs Christian Reformed Church. Andy and Gerda married in 1963 and raised seven children on their farm in the Iron Springs area. They retired in 2001 and moved to Lethbridge, enjoying their time together until Andy’s passing in 2006. Gerda remained in their home until 2022 when her health worsened, requiring her to move to St. Therese Villa, where she felt very blessed and appreciative of the care, the friendships, and her room with a view of the courtyard. She found joy in the bike rides, visits from dedicated family and friends, time spent with her table mates, and observing the life around her. Faith in her Lord and the assurance of life everlasting were deeply rooted within her. We take great comfort in knowing she is in His hands.
A Memorial Service will be held in Lethbridge on Monday, July 10, 2023, at 11:00 am at a location yet to be determined, with Pastor Paul Van Stralen officiating.
A private family Burial will be held at 9:30 am the same day at Huntsville Cemetery near Iron Springs, where Andy’s earthly body was laid to rest.
Flowers are graciously declined. Those wishing to honour the memory of Gerda may donate to the Society for Christian Education in Southern Alberta (Donations | Society for Christian Education in Southern Alberta).
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

FORD, Judith “Judy”

FORD JUDITH “JUDY” MARGARET FORD, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Frederick Ford, passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Friday, June 30, 2023 at the age of 73 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

PINAY, Shawna

PINAY Shawna Marie Pinay passed away in Lethbridge on June 29, 2023 at the age of 51 years. A Funeral service will be help on Sunday, July 2, 2023 at the Peepeekisis First Nation Reserve, Balcarres, SK.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

SHAW, Dorothy

SHAW DOROTHY G. SHAW, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Stanley Shaw, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre, on Thursday, June 29, 2023 at the age of 100 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

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