Friday, December 1, 2023
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 1, 2023.
BOND, Barbara Joyce Barbara Joyce BOND Feb. 26, 1931 – Nov. 23, 2023 Barbara Bond passed away peacefully on November 23 in her home at Garden View Lodge with her family at her side. She lived 92 years filled with love and laughter. Barbara was predeceased by her husband Jack, her parents- Bill and Kate Andrews and her sisters Dorothy, Norah and Elizabeth. She leaves to mourn her passing children Tom, Joyce, Bill and daughter of her heart Debbie, 11 Grandchildren, 17 Great Grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.A memorial service will be held on Dec 2, 2023, at 2 p.m. in the Coaldale United Church. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Coaldale United Church in her memory.
Please send condolences to http://www.evergreenfh.ca
ADEL, Helen Helen Adel
1943 – 2023
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Adel at the age of 80 years. She passed away at home in Vauxhall due to natural causes on the morning of Saturday, November 25, 2023 in the care of her loving husband Eric. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, December 4, 2023 between 2:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M. A celebration of Helen’s life will be held in the spring. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com. Helen is survived by her husband Eric Adel; children Ed Adel of Brooks and Sara ScurisBrown of Lethbridge and their families; brother Walter (Dorothy) Hogg; brother-in-law Eric Weiss and his children as well as extended family in Scotland. Helen was predeceased by her grandson Chad Adel; parents Walter and Sarah Hogg; sister Anne Weiss. Helen was born in Glasgow, Scotland and immigrated to Canada when she was sixteen. In her long and varied career, the one thing that connected them all was her love of helping, teaching and caring for others. She loved to spend time with her grandkids and she brightened every room she walked into. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Helen’s name may be made directly to Diabetes Canada, Calgary and District Branch, 220, 6223 – 2 Street SE, Calgary, Alberta T2H 1J5 (www.diabetes.ca). Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.
HORVATH, Ilona “Helen” ILONA “HELEN” HORVATH 1935 – 2023 Mrs. Ilona “Helen” Horvath, beloved wife of the late Mr. Gusztav “Gus” Horvath, passed away peacefully at the Coaldale Health Centre, surrounded by family on Monday, November 27, 2023 at the age of 88 years.
Helen was born in Hungary on September 30, 1935. Gus and Helen met in Hungary and were married on July 9, 1955. They immigrated to Canada in May of 1957.
Helen enjoyed her home, garden and many hobbies. Her greatest joy was to be surrounded by her loving family and her dogs Potter and Diesel.
Helen is survived by her children Helen, Julius and Lori; grandchildren Greg, Lukacs, Julia and Rae-Anna; great-grandchildren Michel, Zachery, Audrey, Lizzie, Tommy, Mickey, Harrison and Elizabeth.
Besides her loving husband Gus, Helen was predeceased by her son-in-law Garry John White. She will be sadly missed by family and friends as well as her extended family at the Coaldale Health Centre.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects 1 hour prior. Burial to follow in the Royal View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MELLING, Dr. Tom DR. TOM MELLING 1932 – 2023 B.Sc., M.D., F.R.C.S. (Can.), F.R.C.S. (U.K.), F.A.C.S. (U.S.A.), LL.D. (Hons.) Recipient of the Queen’s Medal for Service to Canadians Healer, Inventor, Musician, Raconteur
Affectionately known as “Dr. Tom”, Michael Thomas Melling was born and raised respectively in Stirling and Kilsyth, Scotland. He took his Bachelor’s and Medical Doctor’s degrees at the University of Glasgow, where he trained as a surgeon. Over time, he earned the rare distinction of a “Triple Crown” of surgical fellowships from the United Kingdom, Canada, and the United States. He was awarded an Honourary Doctorate of Laws by the University of Lethbridge in 2010.
After voluntary service as a surgeon with the British peacekeeping force in Cyprus, Dr. Tom emigrated to Canada in 1966, chose Lethbridge as his home and the North Side for his medical and surgical practice, and founded the Academy Medical Clinic in 1975. Ultimately, he became the longest-practicing physician in the City, serving patients in Lethbridge, Picture Butte and surrounding First Nations for 44 years.
Dr. Tom was director of the Lethbridge Cancer Centre and spearheaded its link to the Tom Baker Centre in Calgary. He served on the Lethbridge Cancer Centre medical staff, was Chief of Staff of the St. Michael’s Hospital for 11 years, and performed surgery at St. Michael’s, Lethbridge Regional and Picture Butte Hospitals for decades.
Nearly half of Dr. Tom’s patients were from First Nations, and he was especially passionate about his work with them. Their members honoured him with induction as an Honourary Chief of the Blood Tribe in 1993, and an Honourary Chief of the Kainai Nation in 2001. These were among the proudest moments of his career.
Beginning in 1972, Dr. Tom dedicated himself to working with those suffering from alcoholism and addiction, later founding the Southern Alcare Manor Halfway House (1975) and serving on the Board of the Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission for six years. He was also AADAC’s Medical Advisor for two years.
His devotion to alcoholics and addicts was personal. With practice of the Twelve Steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, and the support of its Fellowship (especially his friends in the Green Acres Group at the Chapter House in Lethbridge), he found over 51 years of sobriety and recovery, and helped thousands of alcoholics and addicts do the same. He spoke on recovery across North America, carrying his message of hope, strength, and experience.
In addition to his distinguished medical career, Dr. Tom served on the Lethbridge District Catholic School Board and a number of civic committees.
Dr. Tom was known to generations of parishioners at St. Patrick’s Church, as well as patrons of the Lethbridge Musical Theatre, as a gifted tenor. He taught himself to play the piano, and could bang out any song by ear once he’d heard it. He could paint, draw, sculpt and take beautiful pictures. Using kits, he built a sports car, a radio and a colour television. He bred race horses. There was little he couldn’t do if he tried. Except golf. Although he loved it, he wasn’t as good at that!
He was always thinking. He invented the first walker with a seat for the elderly and disabled, an indispensable aid to daily living that has improved quality of life for countless people. He also conceived the laptop computer before it was ever officially invented, but his plans to make one were thwarted when the U.S. Defence Department wouldn’t let him use their screen technology!
Above all, Dr. Tom treasured his family, especially his beloved wife of 41 years, Teresa (née Rehbein), with whom he fell in love in 1978. From then on, they were inseparable: two halves of a whole.
Dr. Tom was predeceased by his parents, William and Elizabeth (née MacElhaney), and his brothers and sister, Bill, Ged and Alice.
He is survived by Teresa, and by her children: Craig Knutson (Juanita), Carmen Valgardson (Jason) and Cory Knutson (Randi), as well as the children of his marriage to Dr. Maureen Bramwell (née McCann): Michael (Diana Kolpak), Allen (Helena), Steve (Dawn) and Karen Anne MacDonald (Perry).
He is also survived by his grandchildren: Francis, Kristof (Teadora Siskin) and Jaylene Melling; Dr. Lexa Fraser (Andrew), Sydney Peters (Justin Thomson), Brett Peters and Matthew Melling; Liam Nelson; Niki Strand (Taylor), Kristofer Knutson, Courtney Nguyen (Truong), Brittany Scott (Travis) and Zachary Knutson; Kolby, Konnor and Karson Valgardson; and Jesse (Amy) and Emma Knutson (Reid Murray); as well as by his great-grandchildren: London, Boden, Pepin and Brekken Strand; Kairon, Zane, Echo and Dez Nguyen; Haislee Scott; and Nolan and Isla Fraser.
Dr. Tom fought off cancer and a heart attack, but age and dementia slowly took his body and mind. At the end, as he listened to the Serenity Prayer and AA Third Step Prayer, he smiled, and tears streamed down his face. An hour later, and at peace, he left us.
By any measure, Dr. Tom Melling lived an extraordinary life, filled with love, happiness and service to others. We will all miss his stories, humour and infectious laugh. He was an inspiration to all who knew him.
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm, on Monday, December 4, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4th STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Sharon Hagel officiating. Interment will take place in Kilsyth, Scotland at a later date. To watch the service via livestream, go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/DrMichaelThomasTom-Melling
In lieu of flowers and gifts, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
CROOK, Stanley CROOK, Stanley C 1964 – 2023 We are saddened to announce the passing of our beloved brother, Stan Crook, 59, on November 28, 2023, in Lethbridge, Alberta, after a brave battle with cancer. Stan was surrounded by his loved ones during his last days and as he took his final breath. Our worlds became brighter when Stan was welcomed on August 28, 1964, and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Stan was predeceased by his parents, Francis and Virginia Crook, and his sister, Bev. He is survived by his two brothers, Doug (Cathy) and Byron (Cyndie) and sister, Joanne (Allan) as well as his brother-in-law, Murray Taylor (Charlotte) and his many nieces and nephews. Stan was also fortunate to have a second family that loved him dearly, Sandra and Dave McGrath, and their parents Don and Marg Gatto, and Jim and Marjorie McGrath, as well as his very close friends Dana and Liann, and special cousin, Mary Hyder. It is impossible to list all the people whose lives Stan touched and who touched him but we thank and appreciate them all.
A celebration of Stan’s life will be held at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, December 4, 2023, at 1:00 pm with a reception to follow. Live stream will be available, and a link will appear below his online obituary 15 minutes before service time.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
BOOGAART, Melissa MELISSA REED BOOGAART 1987 – 2023 Mrs. Melissa Reed Boogaart of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Chase Boogaart, passed away in her home on Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at the age of 36 years.
A Visitation will be held at 6:00 pm, on Monday, December 4, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
DAY, Jean DAY Jean Day (Kennedy) passed away at the age of 92 on November 28, 2023 in Lethbridge. Jean was born October 17, 1931 in Loverna, Saskatchewan and grew up in Edmonton, Alberta.
In 1951 she married Grant Aden Day from Fort Macleod, Alberta where she resided for the next 60 years.
Jean was employed at the SDU for many years and was an active participant in Fort Macleod community activities, a member of CWL and the Sew Sew club for over 50 years.
Jean is survived by her seven children: Debora, Larraine, Warren (Lynda), Sara, Kevin, Ruth and Tamara (Christian).
Jean was also a loving grandmother to 15 grandchildren, and 13 great grandchildren.
Jean is also survived by her sister Maxine Cawthra, many nieces, nephews, cousins and her best friend, Rose.
Jean was predeceased by her father Mac Kennedy, her mother Grace Alberts Kennedy and her younger brother Douglas Kennedy.
Family was important to Jean, and she loved any and all family gatherings. Jean was always smiling, and loved to laugh. She hated to miss out on any activities. Jean was well known for being the last to call it a night.
Good night Mom.
Jean’s family would like to thank the staff at Pemmican Lodge for supporting and caring for her for the last 11 years.
Arrangements to be announced when completed.
To send a message of condolence please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
MACDONALD, Nathan MACDONALD NATHAN LYLE MACDONALD of Lethbridge, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on November 19, 2023 at the age of 36 years.
Nathan had a private family service on Monday, November 27, 2023. There will be a public Celebration of Life on a later bright, sunny summer day.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
LONG, Kimberley “Fred” LONG With great sadness we announce the passing of KIMBERLEY (aka Fred) IRENE LONG, born on October 19, 1974 and passed away on November 29, 2023 at the Raymond Health Centre.
She is leaving behind to mourn her children: Kailey, Jayden (Paige), Rebecka (Colin), and Ryder; four sisters; nieces and nephews; and one grandson, Kyler.
Fred was predeceased by her mother, Mary Haug.
Fred was born in Lethbridge, AB, she moved to Cranbrook, BC where she lived for 10 years before returning to Lethbridge. She then moved to Raymond, AB where she remained until her passing. Fred was an avid dart player. She was also very creative; she loved to paint and do crafts. She loved spending time with her children, especially her grandson.
A Celebration of Life will be held in the Spring of 2024.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
LINN, Ernie LINN ERNIE LINN, of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully with family by his side, after a brief battle with cancer at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, at the age of 74 years.
He was born on August 13, 1949, to George and Vickie Linn. Ernie was the little, big brother to five siblings: two boys, Rod (Carol) and Dan (Bonnie); and three sisters, Nancy (Don Moyer), Maryanne (Arnie Waldner) and Diane (Austin McNeely). He spent countless hours with his beloved Nana & Papa.
Ernie married Sheila (Lowell Davidson) on September 9, 1972, and they had three children, Brad (Brianne), Erin (Patrick) and Ryan (Ashley). Sheila & Ernie have remained lifelong friends.
After earning his carpentry ticket in 1974, Ernie headed north to Calgary, to raise his family and work careers at Bird Construction, SAIT and Ellis Don before returning to his hometown to work with the Catholic School Board before retiring.
At times throughout his life, ‘Nesto’ was an avid golfer, skater, baseball player, skier, fisherman and pool player. He loved listening to birds and searching for stars. ‘Big Daddy’ loved camping with his family at their ‘spot.’ He liked to sit on his favourite stool at his favourite pubs swapping witty quips and funny banter with friends.
He took an active role in his children’s and their friend’s lives, attending numerous dance recitals, theatre shows and competitive sports events. ‘Daddy-O’ coached many of his children’s sports teams over the decades.
‘Papa’ is what his two favourite little boys called him; his grandsons Liam (7) and Jack (5) – his pride and joy. Big Ern also loved his many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts and uncles.
A gathering with family and friends will be held at POP’S TAPHOUSE NORTH, 1475 St. Edward Blvd. North, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, December 8, 2023 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
His family would like to send a special thank you to the amazing support they received over the past months, in particular the palliative and home care teams, the Jack Ady Cancer Centre and the Chinook Regional Hospital’s Emergency and 4th floor staff.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Lethbridge’s Palliative Care team.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SHANKLAND, Geraldine “Gerri” SHANKLAND GERALDINE “GERRI” VICTORIA MARIE SHANKLAND, (aka Noni to many) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mervin Shankland, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at the age of 81 years.
Gerri is survived by her two sons, Kevin (Jennien) and Kurt; her two grandchildren, Taylyn (Brandy) and Nicolas (Anna). She will also be sadly missed by her sister, Annette, niece Lolo (Ted), sister-in-law, Eunice, brother-in-law, Harvey (Ruth) and their families, cousin, Duff (Judy) and dear friends, Marjorie, special nephew, Bruce and nieces Debbie, Marija, Vera, Jeanie and Mary Ann.
Gerri was born on July 9th 1942 in Bellevue at home. She completed her grade schooling in the Crowsnest Pass. Following that, she went on to further her education in nursing at St. Michael’s Hospital in Lethbridge and graduated in 1963. Gerri worked in nursing for 56 years in many areas, including Head Nurse and Instructor, retiring from her career at the Post Acute Rehabilitation Program in 2019. It is no surprise that she was nominated for the Martha’s Excellence Service Award as well as the Carna Nursing Excellence Award. She has experienced the joy of traveling to Britain, Russia, Mexico, Italy, road trips within Canada and to Alaska and many trips to Arizona with Russ and Wanda.
Gerri met the love of her life, Mervin, in 1964, and was swept off her feet with Merv’s dance moves. They married in 1968. In 1971, they welcomed their first son, Kevin into the world.
Four years later, in 1975, after Kevin pleading and begging for a sibling, they were blessed with another son, Kurt. In 2003, Gerri became a Noni and welcomed her treasured grandchildren, Taylyn and Nicolas into the family.
Her strength, kindness and caring was evident by the friends and family that surrounded her throughout her life and as her health was failing. She will be remembered by all of her friends and all the lives she touched during her life including all the lovely buns she would bake for everyone.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Jim Manzara officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Gerri’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Gerri will be laid to rest with her husband in Mountain View Cemetery in Spring 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (cancer.ca), St. Michael’s Health Centre (covenantfoundation.ca), Alberta Lacrosse (albertalacrosse.com), CASA (casalethbridge.ca) or a charity of your choice.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
WEVERS, Gerrit GERRIT JAN WEVERS 1933 – 2023 ‘The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.’ Lamentations 3:22,23 On Saturday November 25, 2023, Gerrit (Gerry) Jan Wevers, passed away in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada at Chinook Regional Hospital. On that day the Lord Jesus Christ Gerry’s Saviour welcomed him home at the age of 90 years. Dad, Gerry, was born on June 8, 1933, in Marienberg, Overijssel, Netherland, and as an adolescent Dad delivered bread by bicycle for the family bakery. With his parents and siblings Gerry moved to Canada in 1951 and worked to become a successful Plumber. Gerry worked with Holbertsons Plumbing, then started City Plumbing in 1959, and successfully operated with his predeceased Wife, Willy, until Gerry turned 70 years old. For 59 years Gerry was the beloved husband of Willy Wevers until mom died in 2014.
Gerry took delight in visiting with his great grandchildren and grandchildren. Gerry is survived by his five children John Wevers (Carole), Joe Wevers (Lori), Anita Kennedy (Larry), Ivan Wevers (Pam), Elizabeth Moradel (Jose); 11 grandchildren Duane Wevers (Kim), Heather Holinaty (Damien), Deric Wevers (Emma), Jordan Wevers (Amanda), Alan James Kennedy (Jennifer), Nathan Wevers, Joseph Moradel (Jodene), Daniel Wevers (Ashley), Evan Moradel (Loralyn), Emily Wevers, Lily Vandebeek (Chris); 15 great grandchildren Axton, Oscar, Hugo, Jaeda, Jullien, Jordynn, Jamie, Billie, Jett, Charlie, Cohen, James, Jackson, Hayden and Landen. Gerry is also survived by sisters, sisters in-law, brothers, brothers in-law, nieces and nephews. Gerry is predeceased by his grandson Daryl Wevers (Kari), his parents Jan and Willemina, as well as sisters, brothers, sisters in-law, brothers in-law, nieces and nephews.
As proprietor of City Plumbing, Gerry’s gregarious nature found delight in the plumbing trade; working with The City of Lethbridge, various school districts, food processing plants and new home builds; providing plumbing, gas, and steam fitting services. Gerry was deeply religious, freely giving and participating in the Christian Reformed Church and Christian school system of Southern Alberta. Gerry fulfilled his singing enthusiasm with the Men’s church choir.
Please donate to one’s favourite charitable organization in lieu of flowers.
Gerry’s (Gerrit) family would like to thank the Lethbridge Fire Fighters EMS, the Chinook Hospital staff of 3C and 5B and the staff of Legacy for helping Dad.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00pm on Friday, December 1, 2023, at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 McGill Blvd. West, Lethbridge, Alberta. A private family interment will be held prior in the Mountain View Cemetery. Pastor Jim Zondervan, officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please go to http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCua0ndvGcQvkahtBWQCTjAw
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
BIER, Josephine BIER JOSEPHINE BIER (nee Ment), of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Ewald Bier, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at the age of 84 years.
Arrangements will be announced when completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
KRAHN, Isaac ISAAC KRAHN 1957 – 2023 Mr. Isaac Krahn of Coalhurst, passed away on Wednesday, November 27, 2023 at the age of 66 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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