Saturday, December 2, 2023
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on December 2, 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
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.
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
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.
DANIELSON, James JAMES DANIELSON JR. 1947 – 2023 Mr. James Abraham Danielson Jr. of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away on November 25, 2023, at the age of 76 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
BEEBE, Douglas BEEBE It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of DOUGLAS ALAN BEEBE on Thursday, November 9th at the age of 75 years.
A Celebration of Doug’s Life will be held at COAST HOTEL, 526 Mayor Magrath Drive S., Lethbridge, AB, on Sunday, December 3, 2023 at 1:30 P.M. with Pastor Glenda Wert officiating. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Doug’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
NASH, Haydon NASH HAYDON KIETH NASH was brought into this world on August 4, 2008 in Lethbridge, Alberta, and was awarded his wings in the early morning hours of Monday, November 27, 2023, at the age of 15 years.
Haydon will be profoundly missed and his memory forever cherished by his loving family: Doug (Aileen) Nash (Machala); Clinton (Jade) Lybbert (Kayden, Maximus and Danni); Rochelle Kiemele (Henry Gerard) and son Tristen Kiemele; Jamie Blondeau (Tom Mostochuk) and daughters Amelia and Jazlynn; Jackie Blondeau (Jeff Ewanchuk); and Winter and Koko, his canine sisters, will also miss their “huggles and kisses for the little missles”.
Special thanks to the Lethbridge Police Service, Youth FASD Justice Program Officer Cst. Chris Andrade, Chinook High School staff (Bill Forster, Cam Hall, Dwayne Piper, Tara Cunningham, Tanya Gill, Amanda McMahon, Dan Nault, Jay Hansen, Raelyn Riley and Deb Phin); special supports Mrs. Aimee Dewacht and Krystal Gatz; Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services; and Cornerstone Funeral Home; as well as to the outpouring of support from the community, family and friends.
A Celebration of Haydon’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, December 9, 2023 at 1:00 P.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating. A recording of the Celebration of Life service will be available to view online within two business days following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please consider helping Haydon be laid to rest, or something that Haydon would have wanted to support when he “became a millionaire”, LFS Angel Tree program to help every child have a Merry Christmas.
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
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
HANSON, Patricia “Pat” HANSON PATRICIA “PAT” ELLEN HANSON, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Glen Hanson, passed away peacefully surrounded by her immediate family at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at the age of 76 years.
Besides her beloved husband Glen, Patricia is survived by her son Tulsa (Sandra) Hanson and grandchildren, Hayden Hanson and Maiya Hanson, all of Lethbridge; and son Trevis (Melissa) Hanson and grandson, Lincoln Hanson, all of Okotoks.
She was predeceased by her father, John Eberle in July 1999; and mother, Hilda Eberle in August 2017.
Pat was born in Moose Jaw, SK, on March 17, 1947. She grew up on the family farm at Lake Valley, SK. She attained a bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Saskatchewan, as well as numerous other certifications and designations for her studies in music and piano.
Pat married Glen in August 1969, Tulsa was born in May 1971, and Trevis in December 1974. She was an artistic person and enjoyed all music and crafts.
She is dearly loved and will be greatly missed.
In accordance with her wishes, no funeral service will be held.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
JAGIELSKI, Jane JAGIELSKI JANE JAGIELSKI, of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 22nd, 2023, at the age of 65 years.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825-32 St. S., Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, December 8th, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Deacon Jim Manzara officiating.
A private interment will be held prior to the service.
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); dear friend, Marjorie, her sons Bruce, Brad and their families; and good friends Jeanie (Will), Mary Ann and Vera.
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
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.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 12:00 Noon with Pat Siedlecki officiating.
Josephine will be laid to rest next to her husband Ewald in Mountain View Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
VAN GARDEREN, Aafje AAFJE VAN GARDEREN 1955 – 2023 Psalm 39:4 Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am. With deep sorrow we announce the sudden passing away of our dear wife, mother, grandmother and sister, Aafje Van Garderen-Stigter at the age of 68 years on November 30, 2023.
She will be lovingly remembered by her dear husband, Jan (John) Van Garderen, and their 12 children, 49 grandchildren and 3 bonus grandchildren: Jan Willem and Annemarie Van Garderen (Katy, Tristan & Tara, Lena and Opal), Marieke and Ed Klok (Brooklyn), Annet and Mark Hengstmengel (Arie, John, Amy, Mark, Elina, Sarah, and Jenna), Janneke and Krijn Soet (Jonathan & Rebecca, Gerrit, Mariette, Anita, Esther, Ryan and Lydia), Herma and Harvey de Kok (Aundrea, Thomas, Sharlynn, Connor, Kenzie, Natalie, Arielle and Asher), Gerda Van Garderen & Hank Vanessen (Shane), Thea and Nico VanderSmit (Leah, Marlene, Karlee, and Clinton), Karin and Richard Van Hoef (Bradley, Nathan and Zachary), Teus and Hendrika Van Garderen (Jaeden, Hudson, Carter, Linden, Bethany, and Nelson), Avelien and Henry Oskam (Kiara, Carmen, Colson, Shamira, Damien, Shaniya and Kienan), Dirk and Danielle Van Garderen (Peyton, Hailey, Myles and Everlee), Laura and Jonathan Neufeld.
She is also mourned by her brothers and sisters from the Netherlands, Hanneke Stigter-Blankers, Jannie Stigter, Petra & Jasper de Gier, Teus & Sandra Stigter, Hendrik-Jan & Marieke Stigter, Jeannette & Piet Brokking, Kees & Marjolein Stigter, Laurens Stigter & Lillian, Evert Stigter & Ilse, Gerdien & Maarten van Oostenbrugge, Anneke & Ton Koetsier, Hennie & Bart-Jan Spruyt. Sisters and brothers in law: Maartje Doornekamp, Aresia van Garderen-Ederveen, Wim & Jannie Blom, Bert Streef, and Wim van Garderen.
Aafke was predeceased by her stillborn son, her parents: Teunis & Hendrika Stigter- Verwey, her father and mother-in-law: Willem and Anna Van Garderen-Bos, her brother Dirk Stigter, her brothers in law: Herman Van Garderen and Arie Doornekamp, and sister-in-law: Geertje Streef.
Mom was born in Benschop on July 7, 1955, and married her husband, Jan, on May 19, 1976. On October 18, 1997, the family immigrated to Picture Butte, Alberta from Lopikerkapel, The Netherlands. They lived on several farms before moving into Picture Butte in 2018. On November 30, 2023, she passed away at the Lethbridge Hospital surrounded by her husband and all her children.
We would like to thank the emergency staff, doctors and nurses in the ICU for the excellent care given during the short time she was there.
Opportunity for Condolences will be held from 7:00 to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601 3A STREET, Picture Butte, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am, on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601 3A STREET, Picture Butte, Alberta, with Reverend E. C. Adams, officiating.
Interment will follow at the Memorial Cemetery of Picture Butte, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethesda Care Home, 701, 3 A Street South, Picture Butte, Alberta, T0K 1V0.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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.
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.
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