Thursday, March 21, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 21, 2024.

KIMOTO, Michio “Yoho” KIMOTO It is with great sorrow that we announce the peaceful passing of MICHIO “YOHO” KIMOTO, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Toshiko “Eileen” Kimoto, with family by his side, at the Good Samaritans West Highlands, on Thursday, March 14, 2024 at the age of 99 years, 17 days short of his 100th birthday.
He was born on March 31, 1924 in Cumberland, BC, and as a child, went to both a Canadian school and a Japanese language school. At age 14, he got his first job at Royston Lumber, mainly because they wanted him and his brother Kaoru (Lefty) to play on their company baseball team. In 1942, the Kimoto family, like 22,000 other people of Japanese descent, were sent to Hastings Park to be relocated to the BC interior or further inland. At 18, Yoho and his brother Lefty were sent to Angler, Ontario, where they were interned until April 1946. After the war, Yoho made his way back out west from Ontario, to rejoin his family who were relocated near the B.C./Alberta border. He was employed at Knight Lumber, and then at Summit Limeworks, where he worked for the next 46 years as a kiln operator.
It was in Crowsnest Pass where he met and married his loving wife Toshiko “Eileen” Sato. Together, they raised seven children and became embedded in the community and surrounding area through Yoho’s love of baseball, judo, and their strong community and family values. Yoho played baseball for the Coleman Cubs, and then, for the Lethbridge Niseis. Yoho also held a black belt in judo and started the judo club in Michel Natal in BC. Yoho was also a self-taught skilled carpenter and did many odd jobs for friends and family.
In 2010, he moved to Lethbridge to be closer to family, and resided at the Gardens retirement home, where he enjoyed shuffleboard, whist, and crib. At the Gardens, Yoho also achieved another success getting a perfect crib hand with a score of 29. However, Yoho always felt his greatest achievement was his family. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather.
Left to celebrate his life are his children: Barb Bockman, Richard (Maureen) Kimoto, David (Darlene) Kimoto, Beverly (Dan) Loose, Alan Kimoto, Michelle (Warren) Zeller; grandchildren: Tracy (Jim) Bystrom, Kim (Randy) Johnston, Aaron (Stephanie) Kimoto, David (Amanda) Kimoto, Tammy (Scott) Reiling, Jason (Thea) Loose, Derek (Tammy) Loose, Ashley (Jeff) Davidson, Jared (Carly) Zeller and Shilo (Jesse) Aspinall; and his 18 great-grandchildren, as well as his brother Mas Kimoto and two sisters-in-law.
Besides his loving wife Eileen, Yoho was predeceased by his infant daughter Debra, his eldest daughter Naomi and his son-in-law Gary Bockman. He is also predeceased by his parents Sanji and Kishi Kimoto, and numerous brothers, sisters and in-laws.
Special thank you to all his doctors, and all the staff at Good Samaritans West Highlands that provided great care for Yoho.
At Yoho’s request, there will be no funeral service.

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

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HUGHES, Shirley HUGHES, Shirley Marina January 19, 1935 – March 13, 2024 Shirley Hughes (nee Thompson), beloved wife of David W. Hughes, for almost sixty-seven years, passed away on Wednesday, March 13, 2024, at the age of 89. Shirley was born on January 19, 1935, and was raised in Calgary, before moving to Lethbridge with David in 1960, where their three children were born and raised. They moved back to Calgary in 2021.
Shirley made a lifetime commitment to be a loving wife and devoted mom, whose top priority was her children. She enjoyed her many years as a member of the Family YMCA, participating in family swims, playing racquetball, and watching her children taking swimming lessons. Shirley was also a member of the Lethbridge Country Club and enjoyed golfing and socializing with her friends. For many years she was an active member of the Kinette Club and was also active at her church as a member of the Sanctuary Guild both in Calgary and Lethbridge.
Shirley loved reading, playing cards, and board games especially Word Search, Solitaire, Canasta, Scrabble and Backgammon. She was an enthusiastic follower of the Calgary Flames, whether seeing them in person or on TV (she was known to occasionally yell at the TV) and she enjoyed watching tennis. She also loved travelling and seeing the world by going on cruises and travelling by land or air. When David retired, they enjoyed their time in Arizona, California, and Montana.
Shirley was a kind and generous person and with David made many charitable donations to various organizations in Lethbridge. Education and youth programs were high priorities.
Along with her loving husband David, she is survived by their three children: Brenda Hughes, her husband Jim Duggan, with their son Ryan; Gail and Trevor Lamb with their two sons, Dean and Troy (Brie) – Dean and Troy called Shirley “Maga”, and she loved this special name; Michael and Maxine Hughes with their daughter Rachel; her brother-in-law Murray Hughes, sister-in-law Catherine Hughes, and many nieces and nephews.
Shirley is predeceased by her parents, William and Evelyn Thompson; her father and mother-in-law, Douglas and Ruby Hughes; sister Gladys Kunsch, brothers, William Thompson and Gordon Thompson; brothers-in-law, Don Hughes and Wilhelm Kunsch; along with sisters-in-law, Shirley Hughes, Norah Thompson, and Shirley Thompson; and nephew Bill Thompson.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in memory of Shirley directly to St. Augustine’s Anglican Church, 411-11 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2N9, Telephone: 403-327-3970, http://www.staug.org.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Shirley’s family at http://www.MHFH.com.
In living memory of Shirley Hughes, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.

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FRIESEN, Elizabeth “Betty” ELIZABETH “BETTY” FRIESEN 1928 – 2024 Friesen, Elizabeth “Betty”, beloved wife of the late John Friesen passed away peacefully Tuesday February 27, 2024, with family at her side. She was 95 years old. Betty was born in Blumenhof, Saskatchewan and grew up in Saskatchewan, before her family moved to Alberta, where she met her husband, John. John and Betty were married, December 28, 194 7 and they spent 65 years together until his passing in 2012.
Mom’s passion was for family, cooking, and every combination of the two. Mom worked in the food industry for the majority of her working career, starting in Swift Current with KFC and once we moved to Lethbridge, she spent 17 years at St. Mikes Hospital preparing home cooked meals for the patients, the Nuns that ran the hospital and the doctors. Once she retired, she loved to volunteer at the MCC store, the ladies Auxiliary at Extendicare and quilting blankets for the homeless.
Mom is survived by her children, Richard (Marilyn) Friesen, Harvey (Donna) Friesen, David (Rose Ann) Friesen, Rhonda (Gerry) Roth. She has left to cherish her memory her 4 Grandchildren and 5 Great Grandchildren. Christoper (Addie) Friesen, Camron and Carter, Ryan (Isabel) Friesen, Amy (Rob) Burton, Aubree and Gracelyn, Jessica (Nathan) Barendregt, Beckett.
The family would like to thank the care staff at St. Therese for all that you do. A special thank you to Marwha for always singing with mom during difficult times, and Heather for your bright smile and energy.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am, on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 17 STREET, Coaldale, Alberta, with Lil Thompson officiating.
A private family interment will be held prior in Coaldale Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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GIROUARD, Steven STEVEN RENE’ GIROUARD JUNE 17, 1984 – MARCH 12, 2024 Mr. Steven Rene’ Girourard of Lethbridge, beloved son of Dawna and Scott Morrison, loving husband to Denise Palmer, devoted and loving father to Christopher Jamieson Palmer Girouard (CJ), passed away on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the age of 39 years.
Steven was predeceased by his great grandparents Charles and Della Favel; grandparents Linda and Omer Girouard; and stepfather Art Morrison.
Steven has spent the last few years in Alberta enjoying time with close friends playing pool at the local pool hall, & playing the VLTs time spent with family, watching movies with his wife and playing video games with his son. His passing is such a great loss to his family.
A private family service has been held.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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ZHONG, Ji Tian JI TIAN ZHONG 1931 – 2024 Ji Tian Zhong of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Qiu Yue Li, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on March 12, 2024 at the age of 92 years.
Ji Tian Zhong was born on April 23, 1931 in Taishan county, Guangdong province, China. He had two younger siblings – Qintong Zhong (brother) and Tianlun Chan (sister). Ji Tian was a rice farmer in China. He married Qiu Yue Li on February 16, 1949. They had five children together (three daughters and two sons). He helped with cooking for several village celebrations – many praised his culinary skills. And he liked to help other community members that were in need.
Ji Tian with his wife immigrated to Canada in 1992 to be with his family. In Canada, he helped raise and take care of nine grandchildren. He also briefly worked at a Chinese restaurant.
Ji Tian enjoyed tending to gardens and going on leisurely walks. Within the family he was known for making his famous dried Chinese cabbages – where he grew the Chinese cabbages himself. His dried Chinese cabbages allowed his family members to enjoy authentic Chinese soups. Many family members have memories of how he enjoyed his morning tea – his favourite tea was Puli tea. Several grandchildren remember his humour as he loved to prank and joke with them. Even in his later years Ji Tian remained highly independent and mobile.
Ji Tian Zhong is survived by his three daughters, Yan Yun Zhong, Tracy Cheng, and Susan Luc; two sons, Jian Jing and Jun Xi Zhong; thirteen grandchildren, Wei Zi, Xiao Yi, and Can Ming Li; Ai Feng Zhong; Maggie, Alan, and Mandy Zhong; Andrew, Peter, Jason, and Michelle Cheng; Jenny and Alice Luc; seven great grandchildren, Sheng Hua, Cui Hua, and Jia Hua Li; Hai Lin, Ya Lin, and Hai Wei Chen; Julie Zhong; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Ji Tian Zhong is predeceased by his parents, Kui Qing Zhong and Xian Cai Zhang; and grandchild, Huan Zhi Zhong.
A Funeral Service will be held at 9:00 am on Thursday, March 21st, 2024, at Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels, 610 4 Street South, Lethbridge. Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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MATHESON, Samuel SAMUEL MATHESON 1969 Р2024 It is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that the Matheson family announce the passing of Samuel Drummond Matheson. Sam passed peacefully in Castries, Saint Lucia on February 29th, 2024. His beloved sister, Megan Diana Matheson, and his fianc̩e, Minole Jasani were by his side.
All are invited to an Internment that will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2024, at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, 1210 SCENIC DRIVE SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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KEMPE, Daniel “Dan” DANIEL “DAN” KEMPE 1979 – 2024 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Daniel “Dan” Kempe, on Monday, March 11, 2024, at the age of 44 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 pm, on Friday, March 22, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch Dan’s service via livestream, please visit https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/DanielDan-Kempe and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, https://lethbridge.cmha.ca/
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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MENARD, Donna M̩nard, Donna Lee (Milne/Halluk) September 25, 1950 РMarch 19, 2024 It is with profound sadness that we bid farewell to Donna. She often remarked on the incredible life she had led.
Donna spent her formative years in the Lethbridge area before pursuing her passion for Home Economics at the UofL/UofA, where she explored numerous creative pursuits. Among the highlights of her 35-year teaching career was an exchange year in the Lake District of Northern England. She cherished the long summers spent at the family cabin in Whitefish and the winters in the Corn Islands.
Above all, Donna treasured her family. She leaves behind her devoted husband, Tom, her sons Kent (Jenn), Spencer (Kendra), and daughter Angelique (Andrew). She took immense pride in her grandchildren Kale, Khloe, Bryn, and Raiden, finding her greatest joy in embarking on adventures with them and her many dear friends.
Donna is also survived by her sisters Judy (Billy) Dunn, Linda Bozyk, brother and sisters-in-law Alexandra Zulak, Suzanne Nicholson, Mercedes Halluk, and Stan Rach, as well as numerous cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.
The family extends heartfelt gratitude to all the caregivers, doctors, nurses, EMS, and palliative care team who provided comfort and support during Donna’s courageous battle against illness.
In accordance with Donna’s wishes, there will be no funeral. Should you wish to honour her memory, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.
Photos, cherished memories and condolences may be shared at http://www.zentnerfuneralhomes.com 1-844-ZENTNER

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DAVIES, Roger DAVIES ROGER DALE DAVIES, of Magrath, passed away on March 19, 2024 at the age of 66 years.
He is survived by his wife, Shauna Davies and daughters; Aubrey, Ashley, Alyssa, Amelia, Alison (Ali), Adrien and their families.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday March 30, 2024 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, MAGRATH STAKE CENTRE (21 E 1 Ave S, Magrath AB).
Friends are welcome to meet with the family from 10:00 to 10:45am prior to the service at the church.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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JESSEN, Lee JESSEN LEE EDWARD JESSEN, beloved husband of Janice Jessen, passed away in Lethbridge on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the age of 75 years.
Friends may meet the family on Friday, March 22nd, at the Temple Street Chapel (355 3 St W), Cardston, Alberta from 11:00-12:00 noon. Interment to follow at Cardston Cemetery.
Funeral Services will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Fort Macleod, Alberta on Saturday, March 23rd at 11:00 a.m.
To send condolences please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

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HAGERTY, Robert “Bob” HAGERTY ROBERT “BOB” HAGERTY, of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 at the age of 89 years.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Bruce Barnett officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, March 22, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Bob’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

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

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