Thursday, February 29, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 29, 2024.

WAMSTEEKER, Peter “Pete”

PETER “PETE” WAMSTEEKER 1965 – 2024 Peter “Pete” Wamsteeker of Lethbridge, beloved husband and high school sweetheart of Charlotte Wamsteeker and father of Jeffrey Wamsteeker, Becca Wamsteeker (Dyck), and Kaitlyn Wamsteeker (Aird), passed away suddenly on February 23, 2024, at the age of 58 years.
Pete was born on June 12, 1965, in Lethbridge, Alberta, where he spent his youth. Characterized from a young age by his hard work ethic, Pete started his successful career in agriculture at the local Southern Feeds plant. A strong believer of education, Pete attended the University of Alberta to complete his degree in science before returning to Southern Feeds (later acquired by Cargill) to continue his career. Pete quickly progressed from sweeping the plant floor through key management positions, which offered him the opportunity to move across Canada, U.S., and China. Throughout his 40-year career at Cargill, Pete impacted many people, helping to develop their careers, approach, and leadership. He led with these three pieces of advice passed down by his father: Work hard, Do the right thing, and Make a difference. It is through so many colleagues, mentees, and individuals that these mantras were realized and will continue to in the future.
A loving and dedicated husband, father, and grandfather (Papa), Pete cherished his time with his family above everything. Those who knew Pete well know how proud he was of his family’s accomplishments and the immense love he held for his children, grandchildren, and wife. He always made sure nothing was left unsaid – it is with these frequent reminders of support and love that will last in his family’s hearts forever.
Following the love for his family, friends, and a good debate, Pete loved music and the Iowa Hawkeyes. There was never a moment without Coldplay or Queen in the background or discussion about the football season. These two loves were shared by his late son, Jeff – it is knowing that Pete and Jeff are now together listening to music that brings us a sense of peace and solace.
Pete will be missed every day by his loving wife Charlotte; daughters Becca and Kaitlyn; son-in-laws Joey Dyck and Eric Aird; grandchildren Remington and Avery Dyck; siblings Leon Wamsteeker and Colleen Kandel; and many cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends. Each of these people he loved and touched very deeply.
Pete is predeceased by his parents Anna and Hendrik Wamsteeker and his son Jeff.
A Celebration of Pete’s Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Dr. Bruce Martin officiating.
A Visitation will be held prior, beginning at 12:15 pm.
For those who are unable to attend the Funeral, a livestream will be available at https://www14.funeralwebhost.com/ymb/obituary/PeterPete-Wamsteeker at the bottom of Pete’s obituary page.
Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, we ask for donations to be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada at https://www.heartandstroke.ca/
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

CATTOI, Madeleine

MADELEINE CATTOI 1928 – 2024 Madeleine Cattoi (Lacharite) beloved wife of the late Edward Cattoi, passed away peacefully at Fairmont Extendicare on February 19th, at the age of 95 years
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, on Thursday, February 29, 2024, at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13th St. N, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Santiago Torres, celebrant. The Funeral Mass will be recorded, and will be available to watch at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Madeline-Cattoi
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1200-2300 Yonge Street, Box 2414, Toronto, ON M4P 1E4 or charity of your choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

LENGYEL, Bryne

BRYNE LENGYEL 1948 – 2024 Bryne Lengyel, a dedicated and beloved member of the Foremost, Alberta community, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2024, at the age of 75 years.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 pm, on Friday, March 1, 2024, at OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 205 2 Street West, Foremost, Alberta.
Interment will follow at the Foremost Cemetery.
Immediately following the service, a Luncheon will be held at the Foremost Community Hall.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

CARNEY, Derek “Ric”

DEREK “RIC” CARNEY 1949 – 2024 Mr. Derek “Ric” Carney of Lethbridge (formerly of Kimberley, BC), beloved husband of Mrs. Jodi Carney passed away at home on Monday, February 26, 2024, at the age of 74 years.
In keeping with his wishes, Ric will be privately remembered by his family and friends.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

FLAMAND, Paul

PAUL FLAMAND 1936 – 2024 Mr. Paul Stanley Flamand of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Doris Flamand, passed away at Good Samaritans Park Meadows on Sunday, February 25, 2024, at the age of 87 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

OKAMURA, Takeshi “Tak”

Takeshi (Tak) Okamura Takeshi “Tak” Okamura, beloved husband of Michiko Janet Okamura, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on February 26, 2024, at the age of 87 years. He was the loving father of Kelly Okamura of Toronto and grandfather to her children Calandra and Raiden Hudson; and Jim Okamura and Wendy Sokoluk and their son, Taro Okamura, all of Chicago, Illinois.
He is also survived by his brothers, Mas Okamura (Ruby), Dave Okamura (Wanda) and sister Jane Tanaka (Keith). He was predeceased by father and mother Masaru and Fujiko Okamura (nee Hisaoka); his brothers Hiroshi Okamura (Sets), Ken Okamura (Evelyn) and Violet Morris (Jim).
Takeshi was born in Mission B.C., on April 8, 1936. He lived in Mission until the family was evacuated to Alberta in 1942. He completed high school in 1953 from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, before going to the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, graduating in 1955 in Building Construction & Architectural Drafting. Inspired by his Uncle Ken Hisaoka, who urged him to go to university, he attended the University of Alberta. He graduated in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering, paving the way for his siblings who would pursue their own university educations.
Tak had a long and successful career in Southern Alberta as a proud Alberta Land Surveyor. The last 25 years he was the President and General Manager of Brown, Okamura and Associates Ltd., retiring in 1993. He built many relationships through Engineering and Land Surveyor organizations across the province and Lethbridge based service clubs like the Gyro Club of Lethbridge. Tak was a natural leader, and any organization he believed in benefited from his people skills and generosity.
Takeshi married Michiko Janet Kariatsumari on August 1, 1961. Together, they built their dream home in Lethbridge where they lived for 61 years. They traveled extensively visiting every province and territory in Canada. They enjoyed their retirement years traveling internationally, stayed active golfing, curling and playing cards with friends.
The funeral service will be held at the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta, on Saturday, March 2nd at 11:00 am, 470 – 40th Street South, Lethbridge, AB. Meet the Family receiving line will begin at 10:00 am. Reverend Roland Ikuta Sensei will be officiating.
The family requests no flowers or koden. Donations can be made in Tak Okamura’s memory to the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta (http://www.thebtsa.com), where Tak was an active member for many years.
For more information or to share your condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

FRIESEN, Elizabeth “Betty”

ELIZABETH “BETTY” FRIESEN 1928 – 2024 Mrs. Elizabeth “Betty” Friesen, beloved wife of the late Mr. John Friesen, passed away at St. Therese Villa on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at 95 years of age.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.