By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 27, 2023.
ERDOS, Roland
Roland Alexander Erdos April 12, 1963 – July 19, 2023 It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Roland Alexander Erdos, of Blaimore, at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre, Blairmore, AB on July 19, 2023 at the age of 60 years. Beloved son of Lillian Erdos of Lethbridge and the late Oliver Erdos; and cherished brother of Cathy (Barry) Ontkean of Penticton, Larry Erdos of Lethbridge, Russell (Katrina) Erdos of New Westminster, Flora (Bruce) MacKay of Lethbridge and Polly (Rob) Janssens of Kelowna. He is also survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.
Born in Edmonton, AB on April 12, 1963, Roland was the fifth of six children born to Oliver and Lillian Erdos. The family moved to New Zealand for three years, then returned to Canada and eventually settled in Lethbridge, AB. Roland grew up in the hustle and bustle of a large family where there was always a sibling to play with. He loved camping and fishing and spent many summers traveling around Canada and the US on family camping trips in the family school bus/camper, Old Smokey. During his childhood he was active in the Boy Scouts and was proud of having hiked the Chilkoot Trail from Alaska to the Yukon with his dad, uncle and cousins. He was also a music lover and played accordion in the “family band”.
Roland graduated from Catholic Central High School in Lethbridge and then attended Lethbridge College to become a Journeyman Electrician. He worked as an electrician, but was also a handy kind of guy and had many hands-on, fix-it skills.
He eventually settled in the Crowsnest Pass, AB where he maintained and managed the family property, Oliwood, at the foot of Turtle Mountain, above Hillcrest. He made many good friends in the area over the years and enjoyed having a drink at the Hillcrest Miners’ Club and the Bellevue Legion or sitting around the campfire with friends and family. Roland dearly loved his dog, Buddy, and his life at Oliwood. He always said, “I live in paradise.” Roland enjoyed the wildlife on the mountain, fishing and tinkering in his shop. In his spare time, he enjoyed carving, wood turning, working on old cars and quadding.
He was Uncle Roland to his nieces and nephews, Jonathan, Tyler, Carley, Stephanie, Meghan, Liam, Elizabeth, Maggie, Tabitha, Alyssa, and Beau, as well as to four great-nephews, two great-nieces and one great-niece on the way. They made many happy memories during their summer “Cousins Camp” time at Oliwood, when Uncle Roland took them fishing, gave them exciting rides on the quad and built crackling campfires for them in the evenings to roast their marshmallows.
He was a kind, gentle and generous man. Although he cherished solitude, when enjoying the company of family or friends he had a quick wit, good sense of humor, mischievous smile and a twinkle in his eye.
After several years of severe illness, Roland died peacefully. Our immense thanks to the hard-working, compassionate doctors, nurses, and staff at the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Centre for keeping him comfortable and treating him with so much compassion, dignity and respect in his last few days.
With respect for Roland’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. The family will hold a private memorial at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by A Better Chance Animal Rescue (PO Box 1034 Pincher Creek, AB T0K 1W0). Condolences may be registered at http://www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 562-8555
FRANK, Karly
FRANK KARLY ANDREA FRANK, of the Blood Reserve, beloved daughter of Harley & Lois Frank, passed away suddenly on Monday, July 17, 2023 at the age of 36 years.
Karly suffered from drug addiction, and for years we feared that her addiction would claim her life. We are so very grateful that when she passed, she was at home safe with her family.
Karly was born on October 22, 1986 at St. Michael’s hospital in Lethbridge. Her parents Lois and Harley Frank loved and welcomed her into the world where she was surrounded by her families from the Kainai and Siksika Nations. Karly grew up on the Blood Reserve then the family later moved to Calgary and then Lethbridge.
Karly was an adored daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend, and mother. She loved her family more than anything else especially her children Kassy, Tayden, Maxximus, Avy and Bella. The children love their Many Grey Horses family, their father Cassidy, Debbie, Bernard and especially Daisy.
Karly’s aunties and uncles from the Manyfingers family are Dorine, Dolores, Wallace (Sherry), Maurice, Tony, and Crystal and Barry.
Her uncles and aunties on the Frank side are Randy (Anna Joyce), Kelly (Sharon), Phillip (Sheila), Vernon (Stephanie), Brian (Mary Pat), Colin (Vanessa), Bob (Tracey) Charlene (Ed).
Karly’s best friends were her cousins Jewel Manyfingers, Trent Frank, Myles Frank, Dane Frank, Alex Soop, Casey Manyfingers, Allison Frank and Tricia Soop. She was so loved by her best good friends Tiffany Sweet Grass, Jayce Weasel Fat and Mary Creighton.
Karly was an extremely lovable child, and she was especially close to her two grandmothers Rita Frank and Dr. Helen Manyfingers. She is loved and will be missed by her brothers Mike, Ken and James. And her nephews, Riley, Thomas and Jack, and baby Elias. She had many friends on the Reserve and in Lethbridge including many who lived on the streets in Lethbridge.
Karly’s Blackfoot name is Sukitapyaki (talented woman). She attended school in Lethbridge and when she was sixteen, she attended the Gonzaga Prep high school in Spokane, Washington. Karly ultimately completed her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Lethbridge and then continued on to become a Registered Nurse.
Karly so loved to help her many patients but after an unfortunate accident, she was injured and was then introduced to the conniving world of opiates. This relationship would dominate the rest of her life.
It is impossible to capture a persons true spirit in an obituary. To some people, Karly was seen as weak when they would see her on the streets, all they would see was her addiction and they would judge her.
What a loss for them because if they knew the true Karly they would know that she was fearless but kind. She could make anyone laugh with her one-liners. She was hilarious and funny. She would talk to anyone and when you were in her company you appreciated her.
We live in a world that seems to harden itself against addicts and because of this we fail to help them every day. Karly reached out to social workers like Shannon and Adlee and we thank them so much for your care and love for our girl. Many of you advocated for her and believed in her until the very end.
After having Avy and Bella, Karly tried harder and more relentlessly to stay sober more than anyone we have seen. She relapsed when she lost custody of her children, a loss that was unbearable.
During the past two years, her addiction brought her to places of incredible darkness, and this darkness compounded itself by increasing her pain and shame. For ten days this summer, she was home and clean from her addictions. These wonderful days were filled with swimming, movies and family dinners.
We believed, as we always did, that she would overcome her disease and make the life for herself that we knew she worked so hard for. We believed this until the moment she took her last breath. Ultimately, her addiction stalked her and stole her once again. We would pay any price to have her back with us again.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction, please know that every breath is a fresh start. Addiction is prevalent especially amongst our Indigenous people. But always remember that your families are praying and rooting for you. Know that we believe with all our hearts that you can and will make it. It is never too late.
Those wishing to contribute in Karly’s honour can contact Mark Brave Rock of the Sage Clan in Lethbridge at 403-915-7650.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd W, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Karly will be laid to rest in the Frank family plot.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
DAY CHIEF-OLD SHOES, Ginger
DAY CHIEF-OLD SHOES Ginger Grace Day Chief-Old Shoes passed away in Lethbridge on July 16, 2023 at the age of 40 years.
A Wake Service will be held at the Tanner Senior Center, Cardston on Friday, July 28 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, South Hill Chapel, Cardston (950 Main St) on Saturday, July 29 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in the St. Paul’s Cemetery.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
CAMPMANS, Antonius “Tony”
CAMPMANS Mr. ANTONIUS “TONY” CAMPMANS, of Picture Butte, passed away on Monday, July 24, 2023 at the age of 88 years.
He is survived by his children: Doré (Chuck), John (Jacquie), Monique (Paul), Renard † (Laurie), Michael (Michelle), and Christopher (Jessica); grandchildren: Luke, Cole, Nicholas, Reed, Mackenzie, Renée, Anika, Josh, Isaac, Caleb, Kylee, Sam, Anna, Quinn, Liam, Rayann, Malia, Justin, and Sage; as well as many other relatives in Holland.
Tony was predeceased by his wife, Annie; and sons, Paul and Renard.
Dad was born in Raalte, Holland. He grew up on the farm with his five brothers and three sisters.
Dad met Mom in Holland at the neighboring farm where he worked. They met on the way to milking cows in the pasture. Mom was the first to say “hi” of course!
Dad immigrated to Canada in 1959 where he joined his brother Ted. They eventually purchased a farm and started a dairy. They started with one cow, a stool, and a hand separator.
Mom joined Dad in Canada and they were married in Picture Butte in 1965. Together with Ted they built a successful dairy.
As a team, Mom and Dad raised seven kids on the farm. Dad was passionate about his faith and instilled strong values in his children and grandchildren. He always made time for a Sunday picnic, even though it meant milking late when he was tired.
Dad said the best thing about our family was “being together”. Opa always had cookies in the cupboard, yogurt in the fridge, and ice cream in the freezer ready to be shared with grandkids who would just happen to drop by.
Thank you to the staff as the Piyami Lodge and Piyami Place for the care that Dad received.
A Prayer Service will be held at ST. CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 762 Crescent Avenue, Picture Butte, AB on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. with Father Ian Gagne officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. CATHERINE’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, on Friday, July 28, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. celebrated by Father Ian Gagne. For those unable to attend the Prayer Service and / or Funeral Mass, a recording will be made available for viewing following the Funeral Mass.
Tony will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Annie in a Private Graveside Service.
Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, a memorial donation may be made to the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen (802 – 2 Avenue North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 0C9).
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
WRIGHT, Robert “Bob”
WRIGHT ROBERT “BOB” JAMES WRIGHT, of Lethbridge, beloved son of the late James and Frances Wright, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at the age of 64 years.
Bob is survived by his only sibling, Betty Ann; brother-in-law Maurice; nephews: Maurice Jr, Melvin, James and Kevin Bear; nieces: Brittany and Alysha Bear; and his good friend, Walter.
Bob grew up in Lethbridge and graduated from LCI. He was employed by the Lethbridge School District 51 as a custodian, with various schools. Bob retired after mom was sick and passed away. It was hard on him, as Mom and Bob always travelled together. He enjoyed watching his football and hockey, as well as other sports. He looked forward to going to the free pancake breakfast when Whoop-Up days were on.
The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the Chinook Regional Hospital for caring for Bob. We also thank the Cornerstone Funeral Home for taking care of all the arrangements for Bob.
Thanks to Michael and Dawn Gray for all their support and caring for Bob and keeping in touch with us during Bob’s illness.
A Funeral Service will be at the CHURCH OF CHRIST, 2720 – 21 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, July 28, 2023, at 11:00 A.M. with Michael Gray officiating.
Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
FONG, Violet
VIOLET CHUEN FONG Mrs. Violet Chuen Fong of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Lorne Fong, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 21, 2023.
A Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Friday, July 28, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011, 4 AVENUE SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Taylor Croissant, officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MCNAB, Thomas
THOMAS MCNAB 1933 – 2023 Mr. Thomas McNab of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Luella “Lou” McNab, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the age of 90 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Tuesday, August 1, 2023, at ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 411 11 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Gillian Breckenridge, officiating.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
SUMMERS, Joseph
SUMMERS JOSEPH BRANDON SUMMERS, of Cardston, beloved son of Laurie and Brandon Summers, passed away, on Friday, July 21, 2023 at the age of 18 months.
A Visitation will be held at the CARDSTON STAKE CENTRE, 846 – 1 Avenue West, Cardston, AB, on Saturday, July 29, 2023 from 2:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.
Following the Visitation, Joseph will be laid to rest in the Cardston Cemetery, in a private Graveside Service.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
GIACCHETTA, Georgina
GIACCHETTA GEORGINA FRANCES GIACCHETTA, of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Felix Giacchetta, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Sunday, July 23, 2023 at the age of 91 years.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 4, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. with Father Philip Le officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513 – 23 Avenue, Coaldale, AB, on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Philip Le celebrating.
Georgina will be laid to rest in a private Family Graveside in the Coaldale Community Cemetery at a later date.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com