September 28th, 2024

Thursday, June 20, 2024


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on June 20, 2024.

MILLER, Vicky VICKY SUSAN MILLER July 14, 1954 – June 9, 2024 Vicky Miller (Nee: Hunt) was born to her parents, Phil and Judy Hunt, in Cromwell, New Zealand on July 14, 1954. Vicky often told stories of growing up with her two sisters, Bridget and Jan, at Mt. Nicholas Station (a high country sheep station) on the South Island of New Zealand. Like her mother and sisters, Vicky attended St. Hilda’s Boarding School in Dunedin, New Zealand. Vicky went on to University in Dunedin, achieving an Honours Degree in Microbiology.
In 1977, Vicky accepted a 1-year position in the Virology Lab at the Fairfield Infectious Disease Hospital in Melbourne, Australia. While in Melbourne Vicky met her future husband, Dennis, from Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. Vicky and Dennis travelled around Australia before moving to Lethbridge and were married September 1978, during a small ceremony with family and friends in Hawaii.
Vicky’s working career in Lethbridge included 10 years for Molson Brewers and 25 years at the Black Velvet Distillery. In 2018, Vicky was recognized by de Kergommeaux with a lifetime achievement in the Canadian Whiskey Awards for her contributions to the industry as a Master Blender.
In 1982, Vicky and Dennis welcomed the birth of their son, Rob, followed 4 years later by a daughter, Janelle. Vicky was a devoted and supportive mother, encouraging Rob and Janelle to pursue their academic, sporting and career goals, wherever they may take them. Rob and Janelle often looked to her for advice, to help guide them through life.
Vicky and Dennis’ passion for skiing with their family, led to the purchase of a cabin at Castle Mountain Resort in 1996. Vicky retired to this cabin in 2017 after which she proceeded to ski 100 plus days per season until her passing. The Castle has lost one of its Queens.
Vicky and her family spent summers camping, hiking and dirt biking. Vicky was a keen reader and enjoyed working on stained glass, creating beautiful pieces for their home and to share with family and friends. After retirement, Vicky and Dennis travelled each year, mostly hiking or peddle biking trips in various locales around the world. Vicky loved to share slideshows of their adventures each time they returned with fun and interesting tales. Vicky also took up quilting in retirement, making custom quilts for each of her 4 grandchildren, Chase, Ryder, Finn and Otto plus many of her wider family. Vicky was an amazing Granny, who adored and cared for her grandsons. Encouraging them to read, play games, and to go outside and enjoy the places where they lived.
Vicky passed peacefully in her sleep on June 9, 2024 with Dennis at her side.
Vicky is predeceased by her parents, Phil and Judy Hunt; her sister Bridget Kirkham; and her parents-in-law Robert and Hazel Miller.
Vicky is survived by Dennis; Rob and his wife Litisha and their children Chase and Ryder; Janelle, her partner, Jordan and their children Finn and Otto; Vicky’s sister Jan and her husband Duncan Robertson, and their daughter Olivia; and Vicky’s nephew Richard Kirkham and his wife, Katie.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Castle Mountain Resort Daylodge at 1:00 PM on Sunday, July 14, 2024. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations will be gratefully accepted by Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.ca).
Condolences may be registered at http://www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Fantin’s Funeral Chapel, A Division of The Caring Group Corp. assisting with arrangements. (403) 562-8555
NAGAI, Setsuko “Sets” NAGAI SETSUKO “SETS” NAGAI passed away peacefully in Lethbridge, AB on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at the age of 93 years.
She was predeceased by her husband Bill, and survived by her sister, many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews in Canada and Japan.
Sets was best known as a dedicated farm wife but she was also a competitive and sharp-witted card player, a skilled gardener and a master cook whose Japanese food was the heart of many family memories.
Despite many hardships, including living in Japan during the war and Alberta farm life, she was a constant and unrushed presence. Full of wisdom and quick to crack a joke, she had an infectious smile and a laugh that would fill the room.
Thanks to the Staff at the Pemmican Lodge, Dr. Adeyeri, and the Homecare team for your care and attention.
She will be remembered by family and friends with a private service and burial on Saturday, June 22 at 11:00 A.M.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
LOHUES, Mary “Maria” LOHUES MARY (MARIA) THERESIA LOHUES, of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Hank Lohues, passed away peacefully at Sunny South Lodge, on Sunday, June 16, 2024 at the age of 90 years.
A Prayer Vigil will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, June 24, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Peter Lilienthal officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Santiago Torres celebrating. The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Mary’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Mary will be laid to rest in the Coaldale Community Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SMITH, Lee LEE SMITH 1970 – 2024 Mr. Lee Smith of Piikani Nation, beloved husband of Mrs. Nina Smith, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, June 13, 2024, at the age of 53 years.
A Wake Service will be held from 5:00 pm, to 11:00 pm, on Sunday, June 23, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, June 24, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
HRIBAR, Bart BART HRIBAR 1938 – 2024 Mr. Bart Hribar of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Betty Hribar, passed away at the Coaldale Health Centre on Friday, June 14, 2024, at the age of 85 years.
A Prayer Service will be held at 7:00 pm, on Friday, June 21, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION ROMAN CATHOLIC PARISH.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
LEBLANC, Gary Gary LeBlanc 1951 – 2024 Gary Alan LeBlanc, beloved father of Vaughn Webb, peacefully passed away in his sleep at home in Bellevue on Monday, June 17, 2024 at the age of 72 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Saturday, June 22, 2024 between 2:00 P.M. and 3:00 P.M.
The celebration of Gary’s life will be held at the Sandman Signature Hotel (Lethbridge Lodge), 320 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge on Sunday, June 23, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. A private burial will take place at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Those who are unable to attend and wish to view the service online may do so by visiting Gary’s obituary page on our website and clicking on the livestream link that will be available at 10:45 A.M. on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Barring any technical difficulties, the livestream will begin at 11:00 A.M.
Gary is survived by his son Vaughn Webb; grandchildren Madalyn Weatherill, Isaac Webb, Emily Webb and Nathan Webb. He will be deeply missed by his siblings Phillip LeBlanc, Ron LeBlanc (Lise Gutron), Susan Furgeson, Brian (Tracy) Dunz, Kathy (Jack) Lelekach, David Dunz and Michael Dunz, as well as their children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his father Maurice LeBlanc in 1954, mother Josephine Dunz in 2013 and stepfather Wesley Dunz in 1996.
Gary was born in Taber on August 30, 1951. He was a very social person and cherished having company. Gary was always ready to assist his neighbors and other friends. He adored animals and had many dogs and cats over the years. Gary found joy in camping, quad rides through the mountains and traveling in his big brown bus. He explored Canada and the United States for two years when he was young. Gary held a special place in his heart for his grandchildren and took great pride in them. Vaughn cherished the moments spent fishing and camping with his dad, friends and family.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Gary’s name may be made directly to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 1W5.
The family expresses their gratitude to everyone for the unwavering support shown throughout Gary’s brave battle with cancer.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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