Saturday, April 13, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on April 13, 2024.

BINDER, Dale BINDER Dale Arthur of Lethbridge, formerly of Sundial passed away Feb. 7, 2024 at the age of 69.
Join us in a celebration of life on Wednesday, April 17, 2024 at 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Sandman Signature in the Aspen/Birch room 3rd floor 320 Scenic Dr. S. Lethbridge.
Dale was predeceased by his parents Arthur and Helen and is survived by his sister Lois (Harvey) Binder and many loving friends. Farming was his life first and foremost and he was awarded in 2009 with 100 years of family farming on the original homestead.
Dale was very social and popular. He was on many committees, loved all sports, crib games, playing music and dancing. He put his heart into volunteering. The one that stands out was teaching disabled people of all ages to ski. He was a lifelong member of the Elks Club. His passion was riding motorcycles. We will miss you my friend. Ride safe with the wind in your face.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dale’s name to a charity of your choosing.

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BARTEL, Mary Ann MARY ANN BARTEL 1929 – 2024 Mrs. Mary Ann Bartel of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Mr. Melfred Bartel, passed away at Sunny South Lodge, on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at the age of 94 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
A Memorial Service will be held at a later date in Drake, Saskatchewan.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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GOOLER, Edith EDITH GOOLER Mrs. Edith Gooler, beloved wife of the Late Mr. Dale Gooler, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge, Alberta, on April 3, 2024. Interment will be announced at a later date.
Condolences may be forwarded to http://www.evergreenfh.ca

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SMITH, Sonja SMITH SONJA NINA SMITH (nee Goluk), passed away at her home, on Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the age of 67 years.
A private family service will be held at a later date.

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

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HURT, Carol CAROL HURT 1947 – 2024 Mrs. Carol Hurt of Coaldale, beloved wife of Mr. Blair Hurt, passed away after a lengthy illness at St. Michaeal’s Palliative Care on Thursday, April 4th, 2024, at the age of 76 years.
Carol was born on April 19, 1947, in Medicine Hat AB, to parents Louise and Robert, the youngest of 4 children. She was raised in Bow Island AB where she met Blair, and they married on July 27, 1968. Carol and Blair resided in Lethbridge where Carol was employed by the Alberta Government, Social Services. She took a break from working in 1971 to become a stay-at-home mom to her 4 boys – Jeffery, Kevin, Darren, and Bradley. She returned to the work force again being employed by the Alberta Government, Social Services. Through the years of raising her boys she enjoyed bowling, golf, and spending time with family and friends.
Upon retirement, Carol and Blair traveled extensively with friends throughout the southwest United States. Carol’s favorite spots were Las Vegas and Laughlin Nevada. She loved many winters in Arizona where she built close friendships. Her Arizona friends were special to her, and she enjoyed her time with them. Her greatest joy was spending time with her grandchildren, whom she loved and cherished more than anything.
Besides her loving husband Blair, Carol is survived by 3 sons Kevin (Becky), Darren (Lorissa) and Bradley (Tricia); grandchildren Kelton, Kade, Tanner, Graysen, Beckett, Foster and Carter; 2 sisters Lillian Bruce and Elsie (Ken) Chobotuk.
She was predeceased by her parents Robert Calder and Louise Schmidt; stepfather Ken Schmidt; brother Raymond; and oldest son Jeffery.
To honor our mother’s wishes, there will be no Funeral Service. We invite you to celebrate and honor her memory in your own special way. Mom’s ashes will be laid to rest at the Bow Island Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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SCHAAF, Marjory MARJORY JEAN SCHAAF 1926 – 2024 Mrs. Marjory Jean Schaaf of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Clarence Schaaf, passed away at Edith Cavell Care Centre on Monday, March 25, 2024, at the age of 98 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, April 15, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
If you wish to send flowers, they may be sent to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel on the day of the Memorial Service.
Donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, https://www.heartandstroke.ca/ or to the Canadian Cancer Society, https://cancer.ca/en
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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GILCHRIST, Thomas “Tom”
THOMAS ‘TOM’ GILCHRIST 1934 – 2024 Mr. Thomas ‘Tom’ Parker Gilchrist PEng, PAg, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Lois Gilchrist, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2024, at the age of 89 years.
Tom was born in Medicine Hat on August 25, 1934, to Joe and Muriel Gilchrist, who lived on the Lost River Ranch, in southeastern Alberta. He was the oldest of three children. When he was five, Joe and Muriel moved to the Deer Creek Ranch east of Milk River, Alberta. His primary schooling for grades one and two was in Kippenville and St. Kilda. Grades 3-5 were in the front of the bunkhouse on the ranch through correspondence lessons. In 1945, the family purchased a house in Milk River, where Tom started grade six, and completed his secondary schooling, graduating in 1952. He graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 1956 with his degree in agricultural engineering and received his professional designations in engineering (PEng) and agrology (PAg) in 1959, after working for two years with the Government of Saskatchewan. He also obtained his pilot’s licence in Regina during that time. Tom took great pride in flying his airplane to check his cattle, and to explore various places in North America. Tom flew for 59 years and logged over 5100 hours in his plane.
In 1958, Tom returned to the Deer Creek Ranch, and in August of 1961, married Lois Smith of Milk River. They made their home at the Deer Creek Ranch in the shadow of the Sweet Grass Hills where they raised their four children. Under their watch, the ranch was a home to many, and all were welcome. Together, Tom and Lois spent the next fifty years creating a successful business, weathering many snowstorms and droughts, improving both the irrigation and cattle operation at the ranch. Tom was part of industry and community organizations throughout his life, including serving as president of the Western Stock Growers Association, and chairman of the Milk River Watershed Council. He advocated for Canadian livestock producers, working with other beef producers, industry, and government leaders, receiving many awards and accolades for his efforts. He was one of the first to introduce the science of crossbreeding of cattle into his own herd. He travelled internationally to tour and learn from other beef operations.
Tom used his engineering skills to create a unique irrigation system that maximized the use of the water resources on the ranch. He enjoyed creating, building, and repairing just about anything, repurposing many items to innovative uses, as well as introducing new technologies to Deer Creek. Tom is remembered for his creative spirit – he made many treasures and beautiful pieces of functional furniture using wood, metal, and his imagination. He approached everything with grit, vigour, and tenacity.
Tom and Lois travelled the world, exploring new cultures and countries, visiting family and friends afar. The connections they made lasted long after their time on the ranch ended. Tom and Lois also entertained many family and friends at the family cabin in Waterton Park. In later life as snowbirds, they continued to make new lifelong friends.
Tom’s six grandchildren also brought him many hours of joy; he shared his hobbies with them and made them each feel special in their own way.
Tom was a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and brother. He was a manager of water, grass, and cattle – a steward of the land. He will be remembered as a lifelong rancher, cattleman, horseman, pilot, neighbour, a community builder and industry leader, full of determination, gentle kindness, and easy laughter. He was known to many children as ‘cowboy Tom’. He will be greatly missed.
Tom is survived by his wife, Lois Gilchrist; his brother Glen (Peggy) Gilchrist; four children Graham Gilchrist of Leduc, Janet (Garry) Gatrell of Calgary, Keith (Karen) Gilchrist of St. Albert, and Neal Gilchrist of Calgary; grandchildren Heather (Ryan), Ellie, Chay, Mitchell, Quinn, and Orion; sister-in-law Sharon Smith; along with his nieces and nephews and their families.
He was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Muriel Gilchrist; parents-in-law Frank and Louine Smith; sister Joanne Taylor; brothers-in-law Derrill Smith and Dan Taylor; sister-in-law Ann Gilchrist, and nephew Rick Smith.
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 25, 2024, at 1:00 p.m., starting with lunch, in the Lakeview Salon, at the AGRI-FOOD HUB & TRADE CENTRE, 3401 Parkside Dr. South, Lethbridge. Program to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Stockmen’s Memorial Foundation http://www.stockmen.ca, 101 RancheHouse Rd, Cochrane, Alberta) or a charity of your choice.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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SLEIGHTHOLM, Jennet “Jeannie” JENNET “JEANNIE” SLEIGHTHOLM 1952 – 2024 Mrs. Jennet “Jeannie” Sleightholm passed away at St. Micheal’s Health Centre on Wednesday, April 10th, 2024, at the age of 71 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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RUSSELL, George RUSSELL GEORGE H. RUSSELL, of Milk River, beloved husband of the late Joan Russell, passed away peacefully at Raymond Health Centre, on Wednesday, April 10, 2024 at the age of 93 years.
George is survived by his brothers-in-law: Bill Craik, Roy (Moira) Sandberg and Doug Sandberg; and sister-in-law Joyce Rollingson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was “Uncle George the Great” to many more nieces and nephews, and he was even a great-great-uncle (he like that title).
He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters: Roy (Elsie) Russell, Elsie (Ernie) Halmrast, Ena Craik, Fergus (Charlotte) Russell, and Margaret Gowlland; sister-in-law Greata (Joe) Palyga; nieces, Joan (Ed) Barendregt and Debbie Sandberg; great-niece Kimberly West and two great-nephews, Andrew Palyga and Cody Russell.
George was a promoter of Milk River. He was very active in the community; he served on many boards and was always willing to flip hamburgers or pancakes. We will all miss his quick wit and humor.
A private family service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Salvation Army or charity of your choice.

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

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SLEMKO, Pete SLEMKO PETE SLEMKO, beloved husband, devoted father, and respected member of the community, passed away peacefully at Buffalo Grace Manor, surrounded by his devoted wife Diana and family, on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at the age of 103 years.
He leaves behind his wife Diana; his children: Marian, Patricia, Kevin, Jason, Mark, and Ryan; as well as ten grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom he cherished deeply, along with each and everyone in his broad extended family.
Born in Lethbridge to Ukrainian immigrants, Peter’s family relocated to a farm north of Coaldale when he was nine. The land became a central part of his life, inspiring in him the values of hard work and communal responsibility.
Pete’s passion for education led him to serve as a teacher at Hutterite colonies and rural schools, eventually becoming the principal of John Davidson School in Coaldale, where his leadership and dedication touched the lives of countless students and colleagues.
In his free time, he traveled the world with his wife. He was also an active member of the Rotary Club and Archaeological Society, through which he devoted so much time and energy to serving his community.
In honoring Pete’s memory, may we continue to embody the values of collectivism, community, generosity and family that he held so dear. May he rest in peace.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Pete will be laid to rest in Royal View Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to a charity of your choice.

To send condolences and share memories, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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BROOKS, Aaron BROOKS It is with great sorrow we announce that AARON CHRISTOPHER BROOKS, with his family by his side, entered eternal rest on Thursday, April 11th, 2024 at the age of 42 years old.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 15 years, Regan, and their children Chloe and Colin; parents Bruce and Cathy; brother Jeff (Melissa); and numerous relatives, friends and colleagues.
Aaron was dedicated to his family and always lived life to its fullest. As a family, they would enjoy the outdoors by camping, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing and walking the family dog, Jasper. Aaron was known for his kindness, care and concern for others, adventure-seeking curiosity, storytelling and partaking in a multitude of hobbies and interests.
Aaron was born and raised in Lethbridge, AB. He graduated from LCI in 2000 and went on to complete his Paramedic diploma at the Medicine Hat College in 2005.
Aaron has been a proud member of the Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services as Qualified Fire Officer and Advanced Care Paramedic since 2006. He was a member of the Water Rescue and Technical Rescue Teams and taught in the EMT program at the Lethbridge College. Aaron is a veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces and achieved the rank of ‘Bombardier’ for the Lethbridge 20th Independent Field Battery.
A Funeral Service will be held at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011 – 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, April 17th, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Steve Bateman officiating.
The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Aaron’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
As requested by Aaron, there will also be a Celebration of Life at LETHBRIDGE 20TH INDEPENDENT FIELD BATTERY – VIMY RIDGE ARMOURY, 337 Stubb Ross Road South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, April 18th, 2024 at 6:30 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donation to, “A New Dawn Foundation”, anewdawncharity@gmail.com

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

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ROBIN, Jean JEAN TAYLOR ROBIN 1927 – 2024 Jean Taylor (Black) Robin, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great- grandmother, died in Lethbridge on Tuesday, March 12, 2024, at the age of 96 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:30 pm, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329, 15th AVENUE SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Lethbridge and District Music and Speech Arts Festival Society (#4B, 740 – 4 Ave. South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 0N9) or to McKillop United Church (2329 15th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 0X5).
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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