Saturday, August 19, 2023

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 19, 2023.

KOYATA, Ted KOYATA It is with great sadness that the family of Ted Koyata announce the passing of our Father on July 16, 2023 in Taber, Alberta. Dad reached the incredible age of 102 years on June 6th, 2023.
Our Dad, Takeshi (Ted) Koyata was born in Raymond Alberta, June 6, 1921 and was the eldest son of Takejiro and Isa Koyata, who were early Japanese Canadian pioneers in Southern Alberta.
Dad is survived by 5 children Leslie (Marilyn); Alan (Carla); Gloria (Richard) Papworth; Wayne; Hugh (Ruth). His lasting legacy includes: 15 Grandchildren and 16 great Grandchildren.
He is also survived by one brother Isamu (Sam) of Toronto, 3 Sisters in law (Jane, Setchan, and Katie) and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Dad was predeceased by his beloved wife of 67 years, Sueko, in September of 2014.
He was also predeceased by his parents, 7 siblings, and 19 in-laws.
Teds childhood was spent growing up on the farm south of Raymond on the “ridge “or Yama as it was known.
He loved the land and all that it represented.
Dad and Mom were married Jan 20 1947 and together they ran the family farm until 1963. A career change led him to the next step in life which was to become a mechanic and owner of his own shop, Teds Esso Service in Picture Butte. Retirement brought many travels for them, and they enjoyed trips to Hawaii,Paris, US, Japan and all across Canada.
For all who knew Ted, he was a man of great integrity who worked hard at everything he pursued. Whether he was farming, working in his own shop, volunteering on the Pic Butte fire dept, or helping out his many friends and family, no job was too big or too small.
Dad was a long serving member of the Buddhist church community in Raymond and Lethbridge serving in many roles. He was a member of the Raymond and Picture Butte Lions clubs for many years.
He was an avid golfer, bowler and curler well into his later years, and made many lasting friendships through sports and other events. His Love of gardening and ability to produce a bounty of vegetables has been passed down to many of his kids and grandkids.
We will remember our Dad as a caring father who was devoted to his family, a great brother, brother in law, uncle, great uncle, and an amazing Grandpa and great Grandpa.
Dad had a great sense of humour and was always smiling. His laugh will stay with all of us forever.
A service will be held on August 21, 2023 at the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta in Lethbridge. Meet the Family at 10:00AM, service at 11:00AM.
Flowers and Koden are gratefully declined. Anyone wishing to honour Dads life can do so by donating to the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta or a charity of one’s choice.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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DIDYK, Alex DIDYK It is with heavy hearts the family shares the passing of Alex Waldemar Didyk on August 8, 2023.
Alex was a loving husband to Frances Didyk, devoted father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to many. Mr. Didyk was born in Barnwell, Alberta on May 13, 1939, and raised his family in Enchant and Lethbridge.
Alex will be lovingly remembered by his children: Kirk (Jo-Ann), Christine, Kathy (Larry), and Patrick (Marie); grandchildren: Kevin, Terrena (Kyle), Melanie (Mory), Doug (Melissa), Raymond, two great grandchildren as well as numerous other family and friends.
Alex and Frances enjoyed travels to the USA, Eastern Canada as well as their many casino bus trips. Alex had a 35 Year employment history with Alberta Environment, excelled at making wine, wood working, enjoyed hunting and fishing and was always ready for BBQ season. He loved their pets, his yard and garden and mostly his beloved family.
Alex will be forever missed by his family and friends. The family would like to thank the many compassionate people who helped care for Alex during his final days.
At Mr. Didyk’s request no funeral service will be held. A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in Alex’s name may be made to the Lethbridge Nord-Bridge Seniors Centre in lieu of sending flowers.

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VANROBAEYS, Wade VANROBAEYS WADE WILLIAM VANROBAEYS, of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly in Calgary, on Thursday, May 25, 2023 at the age of 51 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the ROTARY PICNIC SHELTER, Giffen Road North, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 25, 2023 at 4:00 P.M. Those who wish to remember Wade are invited to join the family. A short program to be held at 5:30 P.M. with a light dinner to follow. All are welcome to stay for as little or as long as they would like.

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

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NAYDIUK, Stephan NAYDIUK Stephan (Steve) Naydiuk passed away peacefully in Nelson, B.C., surrounded by his three daughters and so much love, on Monday, July 31st, at the grand age of 93.
Born in Benito, Manitoba, Dad joined the RCMP as a young man and was stationed in Yorkton, Nelson, Chilliwack, Victoria, and Nelson again, where he retired. Never one to stay still for long, he took on the role of head of security at Cominco in Kimberley and Trail before truly retiring to build his and Mom’s dream home at Crescent Beach.
The son of hard-working Russian-Ukrainian/Polish immigrants, Dad could build or fix anything, and was always ready to help his girls with projects in their homes. He loved being out at the lake and helped create many wonderful memories for friends and family by sharing their beautiful home and property. He was a fine athlete, enjoying tennis, ball, waterskiing, curling, and golfing, and laughed when we complained about dusting his many trophies. Dad loved music and loved to sing, especially his favourite hymns; but things really started to rock when Johnny Cash was on the program! Dad was a man of quiet but rock-solid faith and was a longtime and faithful member of First Baptist Church.
Our Dad showed a dignity and courage we could not have imagined as he adapted to life at Nelson Jubilee Manor right at the beginning of Covid. Despite progressing dementia and lessened mobility, he kept a positive and thankful attitude of gratitude, joking with his caregivers about “Stevie Wonder”. To the staff at NJM, no words are adequate to express our gratitude and appreciation for your love, patience, and compassion as you cared for our father – you truly were his family, especially when we could not be there. Thank you for your thoughtfulness and kindess to us as we kept vigil with our Dad – you shared the laughter and the tears and many, many hugs, for which we will be forever grateful.
Steve was predeceased by his beloved wife, Marilyn, and is survived by his daughters Mary Lee (John), Jane (Terry), and Jill; his grandson, Steven, and many beloved nieces and nephews. At Dad’s request, no formal service will be held.

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NEILSON, Shirley NEILSON Shirley Clarke Neilson passed away at 93 years of age on July 27, 2023 in Creston, B. C.. She was born in Magrath to Donald Alphonzo and Della Sabey Clarke on April 13, 1930. She had five siblings; Ramona C. Patton (deceased), Donald S. (deceased), Mark S., Wayne S. (deceased), and Lawrence. She married Kay Passey Neilson in Magrath in 1951. Kay passed away on January 31, 2015 in Creston. They farmed together on the Neils Neilson farm west of town until 1976. During this time, she also taught school in Magrath and drove the school bus to and from school each day, gathering the kids each morning, teaching them during the day, and dropping them off in the evening. In the summer she worked the farm with Kay. Shirley and Kay were “snow birds” for many years, living on the farm in the summer and in Tucson in the winter, and later in Creston, B.C. in winter and Tucson in the summer. They were avid golfers. Starting as a young girl of 12 years, Shirley served ice cream in ‘Denny’s Own Ice Cream Parlor” in Magrath until she graduated from High School and went to university.
Arrangements by G.F. Oliver Funeral Chapel

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BELSHER, Kenneth BELSHER Kenneth William Belsher formerly of Lethbridge, Alberta passed away in Calgary on August 7th, 2023 at the age of 92. He is survived by his wife Betty, sons Bob (Marilyn), Brent (Slavica), Dale (Corry), and Lane (Lisa), 13 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. Ken is also survived by 3 sisters, 2 brothers, and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A Celebration of Life will be held in Calgary at Eden Brook Funeral Home, 24223 Township Road 242, Calgary, Alberta at 2:00 PM on August 24th, 2023.

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BOAK, Pat PAT BOAK nee (Nestoruk) 1927 – 2023 Pat Boak of Summerland, BC passed away at the age of 96 years on March 18, 2023.
Predeceased by her parents Bill & Katie Nestoruk of Coalhurst, sister Roe & George of Oregon, her husband Jim Boak of Prince George, BC, her daughter Billie Jean Takacs of Summerland, BC on January 10, 2023.
Left to mourn are Mike Boak & Kathy Caron of Vancouver Island; Tracy Willemsen of Kelowna & her son Ryan & Sve of Mission, BC; also Bill Takacs, his daughters Shawna & Gord Pisko, son Carter of Red Deer; Jaimie & her daughters Sidney & Haley of Red Deer; Haley’s daughter Isabelle, Five Generations!
Pat worked for Canada Post in Kitimat, BC & Prince George, BC for years and retired to Summerland over 30 years ago. Pat also was in the Army as a women’s army corp before moving to Kitimat in the 1960’s.
She will be remembered for her kindness & also sending cheques for all birthdays, christmas and special days of the year for all the kids.
There will be no service.

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JOHNSON, Betty JOHNSON Betty Josephine Johnson passed away on August 13, 2023 at the age of 98 years.
She was predeceased by her husband, Gerald Johnson. She is survived by her sons Greg (Rosemary) and Grant (Sheri), and her daughter, Christine (John). She has three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
She will be interred at her home province of Manitoba in the town of Gimli with her husband. The family would like to express sincere thanks to Adaptacare (Lethbridge) for their great care and compassion. Special thanks to her very close friend Marvin Kirchner and his dog Piper.

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ARIAL, Mary ARIAL Mary Alice Arial passed away peacefully at home in Lethbridge, Alberta on August 15, 2023, at the age of 89 years. Mary Alice was born to her parents, Jean Baptiste Arial and Anna Karolina Brissard, on May 28, 1934, in Edmonton, Alberta.
She raised her six children in St. Albert, Alberta. She had a love of genealogy, reading, writing, nature, the mountains, and was always up for an adventure. This love of learning and the outdoors was instilled in her children. All have fond memories of summers spent exploring in the mountains. Mary Alice adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She was known as Gee Gee by her great grandchildren. Mary Alice was predeceased by her parents, brothers, Bernard and Richard Arial, son, David Culp, and grandson Ryan Fairbanks. She is survived by her children: Patti (Butch) Shenfield, Cheryl Schmitt, Jim Culp, Janelle (Dave) Grice, Margo (Bruce) Lamb, grandchildren: Jennifer, Stephen, James, Robyn, Danielle, Warren, Graham, Evan, Joel, Erik, Scott, Jordan, Bethany, and 27 great grandchildren.
A private family service will be held.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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WIPFANDREWWIPF,BELOVEDHUSBANDOF WIPF ANDREW WIPF, beloved husband of Katie Wipf, of the Neudorf Hutterite Colony, Crossfield, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at the Starbrite Hutterite Colony, Foremost, AB on Thursday, August 17, 2023 at the age of 89 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Neudorf Hutterite Colony, Crossfield, AB on Sunday, August 20th, at 11:30 A.M.

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

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TAMMINGA, Peter “Pedro” TAMMINGA PETER “PEDRO” JOHN TAMMINGA of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully with family and friends by his side at The St Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care Unit on Wednesday August 16, 2023, at the age of 65 years.
He is lovingly remembered by his girlfriend, Katie Moss, father, Bill Tamminga, siblings, Jan (Rosanne) Tamminga, Grace LeBlanc, Brian (Rose) Tamminga, Art (Darcy) Tamminga, and Therecia (Dave) Van Driesten as well as several nieces and nephews.
Pedro was predeceased by his mother Jenny.
Pedro worked at various jobs in the construction industry and retired after many years from CP Rail.
He lived life to the fullest and in 2016, underwent a double lung transplant which led him to enjoy seven additional years. Pedro had a passion for motorcycles, his GTO, Jack Daniels and his many friendships.
Special thanks to Gordie, Randy, Pete, Tim and all his friends that came to visit him in the last few weeks which gave him so much comfort. Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming. WOW what a ride. At Pedro’s request, no formal funeral service will be held.

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

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ROBINSON, Michael MICHAEL ROBINSON 1948 – 2023 Michael Robinson beloved brother and uncle, passed away on August 13, 2023 at the age of 75 after a lengthy illness.
Michael is survived by his sister Suzanne Hatt (Rick) of Lethbridge; nephews Kristopher Schmidtke (Jamie) of Coaldale and Konrad Schmidtke (Leanne) of Edmonton; and brother Dr. Cliff Robinson (Deborah); and niece Tarryn of Nanaimo, BC.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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WILLIS, Allen ALLEN THOMAS WILLIS 1946 – 2023 It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Allen Thomas Willis on August 14th after a valiant battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving family.
Allen is greatly missed by his beloved wife, Candy. They were married in 1970 and settled in Lethbridge. Both of them worked hard to provide a wonderful life of adventure and fun for their children.
Also left to cherish his memory are his sons Callen, Chad (Lindsay); grandsons Declan and Emmett, granddaughter Zoey; brother Bill; nephew Chris, niece Kelsea, nephew Brennan; brother-in-law Reid, niece Laurie (Jamie); grandniece Kennedy, grandnephew Rylan and numerous extended family and friends.
Allen was predeceased by his daughter Charlene; father Allen, mother Edna; brothers Tim and Barry; grandson Samuel; mother-in-law Baba; and sister-in-law Mary.
Allen will be fondly remembered for his willingness to unconditionally help out anyone who needed him. He would drop everything at a moment’s notice (as long as he could grab a coffee first) to assist in a project or deliver tools he often lent out. He loved woodworking and excelled at it, often gifting “Willis Woodworks” to those he loved.
A Visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on Monday, August 21, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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TINORDI, Zita TINORDI ZITA ROSE TINORDI, beloved wife of the late Frank Tinordi, passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit on Friday, August 18, 2023 at the age of 87 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

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BLACK, Robert “Bob” BLACK ROBERT “BOB” WILLIAM BLACK, born in Lethbridge at the Galt Hospital on November 27, 1939, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 17, 2023 surrounded by family at the Jack Ady Cancer Center at the age of 83 years.
Bob is survived by his children: Deborah “Kim” Black, Jim (Tia) Black and Donna (Tyler) Maier; sisters Barbara Lundstad and Brenda (Gerry) Goertzen; and grandchildren: Christopher Black, Robbie Black, Tara Black, Henri Black, Liam Maier, Ally Maier and Brooke Maier.
Bob is predeceased by his parents: James and Hazel Black; and sister Bev Stevens.
At Bob’s request, no formal funeral service will be held.
In memory of Bob, donations can be made to the LSCO Meals On Wheels (500 – 11 Street South, Lethbridge, AB) where Bob volunteered his time delivering meals.

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

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ALSTON, Jody ALSTON Jody Louise Alston passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at the age of 65.
Jody was born May 3, 1958 in Cardston, Alberta to parents Douglas Alston and Janet Turner. She was the oldest of 6 children. Jody is survived by siblings Drew (Wendi), Jacqueline, Donna (Trent) and Jonathan (Melissa), sisters-in-law Sandy and Jen Gwynn, and many nieces and nephews. Jody was predeceased by her parents, her brother Jim and her nephews Jared, Kyle and Isaac.
Jody lived in Cardston, Glenwood, Logan, Pullman, Lethbridge and Seoul, South Korea.
Jody had a close relationship with her father. She commented that her favorite memory of her young life in Cardston was walking hand-in-hand to school with her Dad, who would drop her off at Cardston Elementary on his way to Cardston High School where he was the Principal.
Jody graduated from Agnes Davidson, Gilbert Paterson, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, Lethbridge Community College, the University of Lethbridge and the University of Southern Queensland. She also attended the University of Alberta.
Jody’s life-long friends include: Marilyn Sawada, Linda Lee, Joyce Wong, Lorraine Phillips, Delcia Jubber, Alasdair Mackintosh and Gail, Gary and Jackie Knight. Other friends with whom she spent many hours up at her cabin are Lillian North Peigan, Don Head and Maureen Quinton Scott.
Jody was an avid music lover and concert-goer. She was especially devoted to Canadian acts like April Wine, Bryan Adams, BTO, Leonard Cohen and Trooper. Although Bruce Springsteen is from New Jersey, she saw “the Boss” and the E-Street Band in concert numerous times and on three continents. One of her goals was to attend a Springsteen concert with each of her siblings. Three of the 5 did have this momentous experience with her. We expect that she’ll attend in spirit a Springsteen concert with Donna this November.
Jody was a world traveler. She loved that she was a Canadian and always loved to come home to Alberta at the end of one of her journeys. She exemplified throughout her life the “Canadian” traits of decency, kindness, thoughtfulness, tolerance, peace-making and inclusion.
Jody loved the outdoors, especially her cabin and “Land” up on Lee’s Creek near Chief Mountain. She also had fond memories of family vacations at Blue Bay on Flathead Lake.
Jody’s career was as a social worker and a teacher. She worked for McMan Youth Services, Napi Lodge, the John Howard Society, the Pagoda Language Institute and the Oedae Language Academy in Seoul, and for the last 20 years she followed her father’s legacy at Lethbridge College, working as an ESL instructor there. Her students came from all parts of the world and spoke a myriad of languages. Her patient and accepting attitude made her a success and a much-beloved figure in the lives of her students that had come to our country for a new beginning. Her students could not have had a better person to welcome them in their time of vulnerability, anxiety and excitement while starting a new life here among us in Canada.
Jody was a friend to all. She was as pure and good a soul that has ever lived. She loved her Turner and Alston families. She was a loving, kind, thoughtful daughter, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, granddaughter, cousin, teacher and friend. Words cannot express how much she will be missed.
A celebration of Jody’s life will be held Friday, August 25th at 7:00 pm in the Garden Court at Lethbridge College. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Muscular Dystrophy Association in memory of her beloved nephew Jared.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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