May 11th, 2024

Saturday, September 23, 2023


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on September 23, 2023.

BROWN, Vernon VERNON CECIL BROWN 1936 – 2023 Vernon Cecil Brown (formerly of Coaldale, AB) went to be with his Lord on Sunday, Sept 17th at Bethany Sylvan Lake.
Born to Cecil and Emma Brown in Medicine Hat, AB with two older sisters, Beatrice and Reta (all predeceased).
Lovingly remembered by his wife Barbara of 65 years and his daughters Melanie Brown, and Holly Bilodeau (Al Bilodeau). Also remembered by his beloved grandchildren Ashley, Dominique & Leesha, Riley & Olivia, Gabriel, and Matt & Tanis, and his great grandchildren Rhett, Tripp and Hayes. Missed also by in-laws Steve, Bob & Bonny, Hans & Sandy, Margo & Wally, Dave & Bobbi, and numerous nieces & nephews, and special friends John and Rachel.
Special Mention of Vern’s 24 years of service in the Royal Canadian Signal Corps, with 2 years in Airborne.
A Memorial Service will be held at the Sylvan Lake Funeral Home on Saturday, September 30th at 1:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Vern’s name can be made to the Sylvan Lake Bethany for their exceptional care.
Condolences may be offered to the family at http://www.sylvanlakefuneralhome.ca Rocky and Sylvan Lake Funeral Homes and Crematorium – your Golden Rule Funeral Homes entrusted with the arrangements.
SILSBE, Barton “Barty” BARTON “BARTY” MICHAEL SILSBE 1956 – 2023 With heavy hearts, we announce the sudden passing of Barton Michael “Barty” Silsbe, at the age of 67 years.
Barty is survived by his two sons, Brandon (Caitlin) and Matthew (Mindi) Silsbe, cherished granddaughters Della and Nora Silsbe; brothers Russell (Judie), Lynn (Sharon), Larry (Gloria) Silsbe; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Lawrence and Martha Silsbe, sisters; Sharon Silsbe, Brenda and brother-in law Brian Wieland; and the mother of his children, Rosemary Brau.
Barty was born in Lethbridge, the youngest of six children and grew up on the family farm in the Barons area. The family later moved to Picture Butte in 1969. Barty found love with Rose Brau and the two were married, and raised their two boys, Brandon and Matt, in Picture Butte. Although their marriage came to a close, they remained friends and loved watching their boys grow, and create families of their own. Barty loved watching the Blue Jays, and always knew the latest when it came to his favourite team. A gingersnap cookie was never safe when visiting his family, and he loved watching and playing with his two grandbabies.
Barty always enjoyed the family dogs, playing crib with friends, and a stroll through Caitlin’s garden as it reminded him of his mother’s large garden growing up.
After a courageous and long battle with mental illness, Barty lost his life. He is sorely missed but has found peace and will forever be remembered and treasured.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association of Canada in Barty’s name, https://lethbridge.cmha.ca/ or 426, 6 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 2C9.
A private Memorial and Graveside Service will take place at Archmount Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
PREIKSCHAS, Eva EVA PREIKSCHAS 1935 – 2023 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Eva Preikschas. Eva passed away at the age of 87 at the Chinook Regional Hospital and lived a full life.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Saturday, September 23, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Olivier Ravelojaona, officiating.
Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
FRIBERG, Eleanor “Ellie” ELEANOR “ELLIE” FRIBERG 1955 – 2023 Ms. Eleanor “Ellie” Friberg of Raymond, beloved partner of Mr. Glen Brown, passed away at Good Samaritans in Raymond on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at the age of 67 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
RICHARDS, Vivian “Jean” VIVIAN “JEAN” RICHARDS 1930 – 2023 Mrs. Vivian “Jean” Richards of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Norman Richards, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, September 17, 2023 at the age of 93 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, AB, with Reverend Trevor Potter, officiating.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
DRAUDSON. Richard DRAUDSON With deep sadness and sorrow, our family announces the passing of RICHARD KENNETH “KEN” DRAUDSON, on Tuesday, September 12, 2023 at the age of 84 years.
Ken is lovingly survived by his wife of 64 years, Leona; and by his children: Cindy (Ron) Kasner and Rick Draudson. His grandchildren: Kelsey, Karleigh, Tyler and Torrie Kasner will forever cherish his memory.
Ken was predeceased by his parents, Arnold and Aileen Draudson and his siblings, Joyce and Ronald Draudson.
Ken was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta and was raised in Elkwater, Alberta.
He married Leona and worked several jobs in southern Alberta and Saskatchewan, until moving to Lethbridge. They settled on an acreage south of Coaldale and eventually moved into Coaldale.
Ken loved to spend time with his grandchildren and was always willing to help anyone in need.
He loved to “MacGyver”, and could fix almost anything he set his mind to. He created a snow plow out of a garden tractor, blade and plexiglass, and spent many cold mornings cleaning the neighborhood sidewalks. He was often called upon to help fix farming equipment and loved to help where he could.
With his declining health, Leona was unable to continue to care for him at home and with tortured hearts, he moved to Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale. He spent his final two years being cared for by the amazing staff.
No formal funeral service will be held. A family Graveside Service will be held at a later date.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
NOVAK, Anthony “Tony” NOVAK On September 1st, 1929, Anthony (Tony) Novak was born in West Bend (Model Farm), Saskatchewan, to Canadian parents of Ukrainian ancestry. The hardships of the depression years prepared Tony for his 2nd decade when at the age of 13, he left school to work on the family farm with his father and eventually with his brothers. At the age of 29, Tony met his wife-to-be (Mae) and following the birth of their 3rd son moved to Alberta, where they resided in Lethbridge. Their 4th child and daughter arrived as they became established in the community through work, and church and school activities. Tony wished to provide his children the opportunities that were not available to him. He loved the outdoors. When he was not camping, fishing, or travelling with his family, he was driving his children to sporting or extra-curricular events where he had an opportunity to gently instill the virtues that he had learned through hard-work, patience, and sacrifice. Tony continued to travel, camp, and garden during his early retirement. Following Mae’s passing, Tony spent a number of winters in Mexico, enjoying the seasonal festivals, the mild temperature, and the kindness of the local residents. As he entered supportive living, Tony always offered to help the staff with tasks and assist other residents as best he could. Tony will be remembered by his children and grandchildren and stories of his life will be told to his great grandchildren of a man that was kind to others, thoughtful of his place in the world, and who persevered in challenging times in support of his family.
A private service and interment will be held.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
HOPKINS, Gordon GORDON HOPKINS 1931 – 2023 Mr. Gordon “Gord” Hopkins of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Leona Hopkins passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Friday, September 15, 2023, at the age of 91 years.
Gordon was born at the Galt Hospital on October 8, 1931, and lived and worked in Lethbridge his entire life. He started his career with TransCanada Airlines, but his true talent was realized when he joined Sun Life Canada. He and Leona were married in August of 1955, and it was that union that really launched Gord’s career and fulfilled his aspirations.
He worked with Sun Life for over forty years and during that time he excelled year over year, winning countless achievement awards, culminating with his induction into the inaugural Sun Life Hall of Fame. He was a life member of the Million Dollar Round Table, a member of the Macaulay Club, and a member of the Life Underwriters Association.
Gord was also a board member of the YMCA and spent much of his time working out there with his friends. He was Commissioner of the Lethbridge Police Association, and later Chairman. During his busy career he travelled for both business and pleasure and upon his retirement he and Leona spent their winters in Palm Desert. Gord loved to golf year-round and enjoyed music, gardening and spending time with family and friends.
Besides his wife Leona, Gord is survived by his children Mary Lee (Don), Mark (Stephanie) and Alan (Margit), as well as his grandchildren Jenna, Lane, Ally, Blake, Lily, Keeli and Shelby.
He was predeceased by his granddaughter Talia.
The family would like to thank the staff at St. Michael’s Health Centre for their kindness and care of Gord.
A Celebration of Gord’s life will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, October 2, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
KLEINSASSER, Jacob KLEINSASSER It is with great sorrow and gentle relief that we announce the peaceful passing of JACOB P. KLEINSASSER, beloved husband of Judy Kleinsasser, following a courageous battle with cancer, on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the age of age of 83 years.
Jacob will be remembered by his seven children and four stepchildren.
A Funeral Service will be held at OLD ELM COLONY on Sunday, September 24, 2023 at 11:30 A.M.
Following the Funeral Service, Jacob will be laid to rest in the Old Elm Colony Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
WAPPLE, Elizabeth “Liz” WAPPLE 1932 – 2023 ELIZABETH “LIZ” WAPPLE, of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, on Thursday, September 7, 2023 at the age of 91 years.
Liz is survived by her children: Kerry of Winnipeg, MB, Judy of Kelowna, BC, Bonnie of Ames, Iowa, Susan of Victoria Harbour, ON, Kevin of Medicine Hat, AB, James of Cranbrook, BC, and Shawn of Lethbridge; as well as 15 grandchildren, 16 great- grandchildren and one great- great-grandchild.
She was predeceased by her sons: Joel and Boyd; grandsons: Kristopher and Robert; parents Charles and Helen McKerron; and sister Kathleen Shields.
Liz was born September 27, 1932 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. She held many different jobs through her life while raising her tribe (thanks to Mrs. Mills). She started as a Sask-tel operator in Kindersley, where she met and married Mel and started the family. She then worked as an agent for the Brandon Sun in Neepawa and Dauphin, then culminated in a career as a real estate agent at Century 21, first in Regina and later, Lethbridge.
Liz was well known for her sharp tongue and quick wit; she enjoyed the art of verbal jousting. She could sew anything, and often would recycle curtains into skirts for the girls and later, shirts for the boys. We all grew up having to contribute to the family, by weeding the family garden, where the crop would be canned every fall to ensure a steady supply of fruit and vegetables to meet our needs for the next year. Her marathon baking sessions ensured a steady supply of pies, cookies and home-made donuts. Our home was a popular start every Halloween for her popcorn balls.
She had a love for music and played the organ at Sunday Mass, for many weddings and funerals. Later, this morphed into a long association with Sweet Adelaines, where she looked forward to many years of competitions and fellowship.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to your local Alzheimer association.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
DEHEER, Martin DEHEER MARTIN ARIE DEHEER, beloved husband of Shirley DeHeer, passed away peacefully with family by his side at Legacy Lodge on Monday, September 11, 2023 at the age of 83 years.
Martin is survived by his two sons: Marty and Rene DeHeer; three grandchildren: Tyler (Daija), Mackenzie (Kevin) and Riley (Jessica); and one great-granddaughter, Vienna; siblings: Colby de Heer, Dick de Heer, Arie (Gail) de Heer, Jake (Wendy) de Heer, Clara & Hank Van Beers, Jeany & Vick Van Dyke.
A Celebration of Martin’s Life will be held at the COALHURST COMMUNITY CENTRE, 527 – 50 Avenue, Coalhurst, AB, on Saturday, September 30, 2023 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
PERRY, Harold PERRY HAROLD LEONARD “LEN” DYSON PERRY, beloved husband of Sheila Perry of 70 years, passed away peacefully with Sheila by his side at home, on Friday, September 22, 2023 at the age of 91 years.
Arrangements will be announced when completed.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Guided Journeys Foundation, 230 Sixmile Place South, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 8E4 or online at (guidedjourneys.ca)

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SHAW, John SHAW JOHN SHAW, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Amelia Mary Shaw, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the age of 78 years.
A Prayer Service will be held at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. with Sharon Hagel officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH on Thursday, September 28, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through John’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the All Saints Parish Fund, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 0P4 or to the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca)

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
COWARD, Gail COWARD GAIL LORRAINE COWARD, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Fred Coward, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre Palliative Care Unit, on Thursday, September 21, 2023 at the age of 87 years.
Arrangements will be announced when completed.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
EMERSON, Robert “Bob” EMERSON ROBERT “BOB” GEORGE EMERSON of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Joan Emerson, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the St. Michael’s Health Centre on Tuesday, September 19, 2023 at the age of 90 years.
Bob is lovingly remembered by his four sons, Barry (Trish), Tim (Janet), Rob (Cathy) and Pat (Veronica) as well as seven grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Also left to cherish his memory are his brothers-in-law, Bernard Stroeve and Melvin Critchfield and his sisters-in-law, Lillian Critchfield and Pat Christie.
Born to Joseph and Violet Emerson on February 18, 1933, Bob lived his entire life in Lethbridge. He married his sweetheart, Joan, on June 4, 1955 and they enjoyed almost 67 years of marriage until Joan’s passing last year.
Bob began his career as a telegram messenger, making his deliveries on bicycle. He later became an electronics technician with Canadian Pacific. Although the company underwent changes, Bob remained a faithful employee for 42 years. A very creative and inventive man, Bob possessed the ability to build or fix almost anything. During his time as coach for Lethbridge Amateur Swim Club Bob developed an electronic pacer of which he was very proud.
Bob was a kind and generous man who helped his sons, friends, and neighbours whenever he could. He stayed active all his life, enjoying walking, running, cycling, and maintaining his beautiful yard.
In keeping with Bob’s wishes a private family gathering will be held in October. Should you wish to honour Bob’s memory, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
CHIEF BODY, Lorraine LORRAINE CHIEF BODY 1952 – 2023 Ms. Lorraine Chief Body of Coalhurst passed away in her home on Monday, September 18, 2023, at the age of 70 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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