Saturday, March 23, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 23, 2024.

ERICKSON, Linda LINDA DAWN ERICKSON (nee CHAPMAN) March 20, 1960 – March 11, 2024 With breaking hearts, we announce that Linda has passed away at the age of 63 after a short but courageous battle with cancer, with her loving husband Jim by her side.
Linda is survived by her daughter Kate (Reece) Clark, treasured grandson Atticus James (A.J.) Clark, mother Georgie Chapman (Don Jepson), and sisters Leslie Elliott (Kimbal) Harty and Laura (John) Getkate. Linda was predeceased by her father, Ron Chapman, in 2011.
Linda was born in Edmonton and grew up in Calgary, graduating from Central Memorial in 1978. It was at Central that the “Lakeview Girls” was formed, a group of lifelong friends that continue to have regular reunions. She studied Television and Radio Arts at SAIT in Calgary, and in 1981 took her newly acquired knowledge to work at CKPG Television in Prince George, B.C. In 1983, she moved to Lethbridge to work at CFCN Television as a Writer Producer, ultimately becoming Creative Director.
That same year Linda met Jim, the love of her life, at a Lethbridge Rugby Football Club function, where Jim was an active team member. Linda also played rugby, and together they made many lasting friends.
In 1987, they embarked on an epic seven month backpacking adventure through parts of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Their intent was to be married in Bali, but returned homesick (and broke), to be married in Lethbridge in July 1988.
Newlywed, they moved to Coutts where daughter Kate was born in 1991. Linda began her career in municipal government as Deputy Mayor for the Town of Coutts, and working at the County of Warner in Economic Development. She made countless friends in her new home community; developing friendships that continue to this day.
Linda and Jim moved to Lethbridge in 2009. Linda gratefully received a portion of Kate’s liver in a life saving transplant in 2010. After recovery, she continued her career in provincial and federal Economic Development, forever impacting numerous businesses and lives throughout southern Alberta.
Linda was a colleague and mentor to many. She was always available to lend an ear or helping hand. Her talent was recognized often by Economic Developers Alberta. She was the Economic Developer of the Year in 1997, and won the Gerry Gabinet Mentorship Award at the Annual Award of Excellence event in 2023.
One of Linda’s core values was that she believed everyone should volunteer. She demonstrated this by working on the CouttsGrass Rodeo Association, Coutts Sunday School, Coutts and Lethbridge Library Boards, Forty Niners 4H Horse Club, Milk River Doctor Recruitment Committee, Devil’s Coulee Dinosaur Museum, and London Road Community Association.
We will all miss Linda’s incredible sense of humour and dry wit, and the way she kept everyone organized all of the time… a self proclaimed “Cecil B. DeMille”. Her passion for gardening, daily “steps requirement”, and love of flamboyant scarves will be remembered by all. She could lighten the mood in any room with the sparkle that she brought to this world.
Our heartfelt thanks go out to the amazing nursing staff of the ICU and Unit 4B at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital.
A Celebration of Linda’s Life will be held in Lethbridge on March 30, 2024 at the new Lethbridge Exhibition Centre at 11:00. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Canadian Liver Foundation.

---

WELLS, Jacinta WELLS JACINTA ANN WELLS, Saa’makii (Headdress Woman), beloved mother to Colton and Joel and grandmother to Kaylyn, Kamrie, Kadri and Kyler; and general manager of the Kainai Jr. Braves, passed away on March 18, 2024 in Lethbridge, AB at the age of 51 years. A Wake Service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve, on Monday, March 25 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, March 26 at 11:00 am. The Interment will follow in St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Stand Off.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

---

HOYTOS, Margaret
HOYTOS MRS. MARGARET MARY HOYTOS, of Milk River, AB, beloved wife of the late Mr. Steve Hoytos, passed away peacefully at the Milk River Health Centre, on Friday, March 15, 2024 at the age of 78 years.
Margaret is survived by her only child, James (Christine) Hoytos of Milk River, AB; grandchildren: Steven (Krystal) Hoytos of Milk River, AB and Kenneth (Emily) Hoytos of Coaldale, AB; and great-grandchildren Kira, Kiana and Evangeline. She is also survived by her brothers Jay (Maureen) Kemble of Milk River, AB and Harold Kemble of Edmonton, AB; sister Betty Poiser of Sedgwick, AB; and brother-in-law Alex Kukucska as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her brother Duane Kemble; sisters: Eileen Kukucska and Phyllis Degenstein; and parents, Esther Kemble and Victor B. Kemble.
Margaret was born in Pincher Creek, AB, to Victor B and Esther Kemble, on September 21, 1945. When she was seven years old, the Kemble family moved to Warner, AB, and when she was eleven, they moved to Milk River, AB. She married Steve Hoytos on October 19, 1963. In July 1964, their first and only child was born, a son, James Hoytos. They resided on their family farm until they retired, when they sold the farm and moved to the town of Milk River in 2007.
Mom loved her flowers, gardening and working alongside her husband with the farming and making wooden lawn ornaments. She loved all her family very much.
We would like to thank the palliative care staff in Milk River, and Dr. Roth from Lethbridge, for taking the greatest care of our mom, Margaret.
At Margaret’s request, no funeral service will be held. Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
In memory of Margaret Mary Hoytos, donations may be made to the Milk River Health Centre, Box 90, Milk River, AB, T0K 1M0.

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

---

BRAUN, Ellsworth BRAUN ELLSWORTH FRANK BRAUN, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Joan Braun, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at the age of 91 years.
Ellsworth is survived by his son Nicholas (Susanna) Braun, daughter Laurie Jacklin, son Darby (Susan) Braun and his grandchildren: Jarred (Jenna), Deidre, Kelsey, Ryland, Kristyn (Mike), Mitchell (Meagan), Zachery (Jessica) and Holly (Ratu) and seven great-grandchildren.
Besides his loving wife Joan, Ellsworth is predeceased by his son-in-law Dwayne Jacklin.
Ellsworth was a man of unwavering faith, devoted husband, and cherished father, grandfather and great grandfather.
Born with a spirit of resilience and a heart full of love on November 13, 1932 Ellsworth’s journey was one defined by faith, family, and fervent devotion. His union with his beloved Joan for 65 years stood as a testament to enduring love and unwavering commitment.
Throughout his life, Ellsworth’s faith was a guiding light, illuminating his path with grace and compassion. A faithful prayer warrior, he uplifted his family in prayer, offering solace and strength in times of joy and adversity alike.
In his youth, Ellsworth found joy in the thrill of sports, a passion that remained with him throughout his life. While his own athletic pursuits evolved into the joy of cheering from the sidelines, his fervor for sports never waned. Whether it was watching his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren excel on the field or passionately supporting his beloved Rough Riders, his enthusiasm was boundless.
Beyond his love for sports, Ellsworth’s greatest joy came from the precious moments spent with his family and friends. He reveled in the laughter, the shared stories, and the bonds that grew stronger with each passing year. His wisdom, guidance, and unconditional love shaped the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, leaving an indelible mark on each generation.
Ellsworth’s legacy of love, faith, and family will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were privileged to know him. Though he may no longer walk beside us, his spirit will forever guide and inspire us.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Father William Monis celebrating. A Celebration of Life will follow the Funeral Mass at St. Martha’s Catholic Church.
Ellsworth will be laid to rest next to his wife Joan in Mountain View Cemetery.

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

---

DEN HOED, Christina “Christine” DEN HOED CHRISTINA “CHRISTINE” DEN HOED, beloved wife of the late Leonard, of Lethbridge, AB, passed away peacefully at the Edith Cavell Care Centre on Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at the age of 87 years.
A private family celebration of life will be held at a later date.

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

---

ROSS, Stanley ROSS STANLEY JAMES ROSS, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Muriel Ross, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, March 15, 2024 at the age of 86 years.
Besides his loving wife Muriel, Stanley is survived by his daughter Sandy (Bob) McFarlane, and son Scott Ross; grandchildren Marie (Mitchell) Coppieters; and great- grandchildren Suzy and Thanasi.
He was predeceased by his son Stanley Jr. in 1993, and his daughter Susan Coppieters in 1996.
Stanley was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and immigrated to Canada in 1952, at the age of 15. He married Muriel in 1959. He worked in Communications in the Oil and Gas Industry, and following that, the General Insurance Industry for 20 years.
His family was the most important thing to him and he did his best to be a good husband and father.
A private gathering will be held at a later date.

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

---

MCWILLIAM, Loraine LORAINE MCWILLIAM 1955 – 2024 With her heart of gold, Loraine left us suddenly on March 12, 2024.
Loraine always had a plan, but this was not part of it. She was exceptional and excelled as a dental hygienist. Loraine loved her family, her people, her dogs, curling, golf and her new home. She leaves behind her loving husband Bob Matsumoto; her son Jeff; stepchildren Todd and Kerri; and her dearly loved grandchildren and one great grandson as well as many, many friends.
At Loraine’s request there will not be a funeral, but a memorial will be held at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

DU, Hung HUNG DU 1930 – 2024 Mr. Hung Du passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital surrounded by his loving family on Sunday March 17, 2024, at the age of 94 years. Hung was predeceased by his loving wife Tai Che on February 16, 2003.
All are invited to a Memorial Service that will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, March 27th, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

FRIESEN, Elizabeth “Betty” ELIZABETH “BETTY” FRIESEN 1928 – 2024 Elizabeth “Betty” Friesen, beloved wife of the late John Friesen passed away peacefully Tuesday February 27, 2024, with family at her side. She was 95 years old.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, 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 in the Coaldale Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

---

SPRING, Erika ERIKA SPRING 1948 – 2024 We remember Erika Spring, a devoted mother and wife, who passed away too soon at the age of 75. Born in Leimen, Germany in 1948, she moved to Canada at 18 and was a very proud Canadian for the rest of her life. She embodied the spirit of the Canadian Rockies – quiet strength and indomitable resilience.
Erika had a soft spot for the underdogs in our world – a position she found herself in for much of her life. Widowed and alone in a foreign country at 20, she learned English, completed her schooling, got her driver’s license, bought a car and raised her daughter Sandy alone before finally meeting her husband, Barry in 1975. Her family grew and Erika poured her heart into raising her three children – Sandy, Lisa and Wesley. Family was her compass, and time spent together was her priority. Erika was intelligent and incredibly hard working – a woman who stoically overcame many hardships to earn the respect and admiration of those around her, albeit at times with the assistance of the dreaded “Oma finger”.
In her younger years, Erika spread joy and mischief – with her cheeky sense of humour she was always the life of the party, creating memories that we will cherish forever. Erika loved animals – especially feline misfits. Strays, alley cats, and even the grumpy tabby from next door – all found love in her lap. She enjoyed exercising, travelling abroad, camping trips and any time her family was together. She loved to cheer on her favorite soccer teams, unleashing a spirited tirade on the sidelines or at the TV when they faltered, as if her shouts could propel them to victory. Those who witnessed her passionate outbursts knew to give her space until the storm subsided.
Erika leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and a trail of “borrowed” pub memorabilia – a playful secret she took with her. As we celebrate her life, let’s remember her as the woman who was unwavering in her commitment to her family – who truly was tough as nails. She taught us to work hard and play hard – with a dash of mischief and a heart full of family.
Rest in peace, my sweet wife, our dearest Mom, our loving Oma. We miss you already. Your strength lives on in our hearts. In our stories, you will always travel with us.
As per Erika’s wishes, no funeral service will be held. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Last Chance Cat Ranch, (www.thelastchancecatranch.com/donate-1).
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

---

SINE, David SINE David Lionel Terrence Sine was born May 27, 1955 and passed away, surrounded by loved ones, on March 17, 2024 at the age of 68.
David was born in Yorkton, SK, grew up in Calgary and moved to Brooks in the 1980s where he met and married his wife Emma. In 1992, David began what he would say was the most important role of his life when he and Emma adopted their son Codi. David’s number one priority in life was family and he would want to be remembered, above all else, as being a dedicated father and grandfather. At 39 years old, David received the diagnosis of polycystic kidney disease which set him forward on a path to manage his disease through will and determination.
If you knew David, even only well enough to know him by his beloved work nickname ‘Costco Dave’ you probably knew him to be consistent, dedicated and disciplined. He approached his disease with the same dedication and committed himself to eating a healthy diet and began a regimented approach to exercise. These efforts allowed David decades of years before requiring dialysis and eventually two transplants. David was fortunate enough to receive two donor kidneys from family friends, Lana Walsh and Carol Heggie and had many others volunteer to be screened as a possible match. These amazing gifts were not taken for granted by David as he would become very emotional and choked up when talking about it. David’s mind and spirit carried his will to live right until the end when his body could no longer. The exact cause of David’s death is not yet known, as the second donor kidney was still functioning well at the time of his passing.
David is survived by his loving wife Emma Goerzen Sine, son David Codi Gray (Sabrina) Sine, grandchildren Parker, Jameson-Jay, Marijayne, Parker’s mother Taylor Dick, mother Jean Sine, brother Bernard (Maxine) Sine and numerous beloved brothers and sisters in law and nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his father Terrence Sine and sister Barbara Marshall.
Both the Kidney Foundation of Canada and the Lethbridge Food Bank were near and dear to David’s heart and in lieu of flowers, we ask that you consider donating to these organizations.
A Memorial Service for David will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 4105 Forestry Avenue, S. Lethbridge at 12:30pm on Monday, March 25th.
Please visit the Salmon and Sons website to view the livestream.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

---

BARROWS, Phyllis BARROWS PHYLLIS ANNE BARROWS, of Milk River, beloved wife of Byron Barrows, passed away peacefully at the Milk River Health Centre, on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at the age of 73 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

---

HANLEY, Delores HANLEY Delores Catherine Hanley passed away on March 17, 2024 in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 47 years.
A Wake Service will be held at the Moses Lake Community Hall, Blood Reserve, Alberta on Tuesday, March 26, 2024 from 6:00 – 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Wednesday, March 27 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in the Blood Band Cemetery.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

---

<5