Thursday, July 18, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 18, 2024.

DONALD (DON) COWAN

DONALD (DON) COWAN 1965 – 2024 Don Cowan, formerly of Medicine Hat, passed away in Edmonton, AB on June 19th, 2024 at the age of 58, he was surrounded by his friends.
Don will be remembered by his cousins, his friends, his figure skating family and community. He was a very talented skater and won many competitions in his youth. He went on to become a highly skilled and respected skating coach.
Don was predeceased by his parents Lyn and Newt Cowan, his grandparents Esther and Walter Cowan, and Eleanor and Larry Townsend.
Interment will take place in Medicine Hat at a later date.

GRIFFITH, Helen

GRIFFITH It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of HELEN BARBARA GAETZ GRIFFITH, beloved wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother, at the Good Samaritans – Park Meadows Village, on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at the age of 87 years.
Helen is survived by her son and daughter, Leslee and Lorie; and grandchildren: William, Donna-Lyn, Anna and Samantha. She had the great fortune to know all of her great-grandchildren: Rylan and Tyson, Alyss and Rose, and Dustin and Jayden. Her surviving sister Martha and brother Joe will miss her dearly.
Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bill.
Helen loved birds, especially cardinals. Her husband, Bill, was the light and love of her life.
She has left a lasting impression on all who knew her and she will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at 4:00 P.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating.

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

VERES, Leslie

LESLIE VERES 1941 – 2024 Mr. Leslie John Veres of Lethbridge passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 11, 2024, at the age of 82 years.
Leslie was a dedicated social studies teacher at Catholic Central High School in Lethbridge until his retirement in 1997. He was a pilot and flying instructor at the Lethbridge Flying Club in his youth. In his later years, he enjoyed the radio control flying club. He was a loving uncle and an animal lover. Les enjoyed tinkering and putting his special touches on objects with tools.
Leslie is survived by 2 sisters Madeline Neumann of Surrey, B.C and Mary Elizabeth Veres of Taber, AB; 1 brother Joe (Mary) Veres of Taber; nieces and nephews Brian Veres, Kathy Sassa (Frank Szing), Donna (Sho) Takagi, Bill Neumann, David (Heather) Neumann and their families.
At Leslie’s request, he will be remembered privately by his family and friends. As a family we were blessed to have him in our lives.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

USSELMAN, John

JOHN USSELMAN 1946 – 2024 Mr. John Donald Usselman of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Beatrice Usselman, passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Saturday, July 13, 2024. at the age of 77 years.
John will be privately remembered by his family and friends.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

ALDERDICE, Albert “Allan”

ALDERDICE ALBERT “ALLAN” ALDERDICE, of Calgary, beloved husband of Ann Alderdice, passed away peacefully at Southwood Care Centre on Wednesday, July 17, 2024 at the age of 86 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

CIESLA, Paul

Please note the venue change.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM Saturday July 20, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints FORESTRY AVE CHAPEL, Lethbridge Alberta. 

     Friends meet family prior to service from 10:00AM – 10:45AM at the Church.

CIESLA

     PAUL HANS TILL CIESLA, dearly loved husband of Kathy, passed away peacefully prepared to meet his Creator after a lengthy illness at age 82.

     Predeceased by his beloved Daughter, Stephanie; Parents, Paul A. Ciesla and Inge Till Ciesla; Sisters, Ruby Hirch and Inge Hoffman; and beloved Niece, Paula Hirch.

    Survived by his Wife, (Kathleen) Kathy. Children: (Paul) Russ (Ginger)- son Brandon Norris; son Kurt and his daughter, Lydia, Paul’s adored and favourite granddaughter; along with many loved nieces and nephews.

     Paul was born to parents who immigrated to Canada from Germany during the inter-war period. As a youth he liked singing, art, drama, and music, especially jazz. He acted with Lethbridge Playgoers from age 17 until he left Lethbridge at age 20. Also at age 20, through study and prayer, he decided to join The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and became a faithful member the rest of his life.

    He spent his 20th year at Alberta College of Art in Calgary 62′ – 63′ where he received high marks and had the best and most intense art education. From 1964-1966 he went to Germany on a mission for his church. He later attended the U of L from 67′ – 70′ and graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Education Degree. He excelled in film production, and camera work.

     He spent 31 years teaching at Foremost School, Hamilton Jr. High, Westminster Elementary and Dr. Probe School. Retired in 2001, he subbed for 11 years, till arthritis took it’s toll.  He was a favourite teacher of many and the students dubbed him “Mr. C”.  He was a respected colleague and teacher’s favourite sub.

     At Christmas of 1966, he and Kathy Russell met, were smitten with each other and married in 1968.  Stephanie was born in 1969, Paul (Russ) in 1970 and Kurt in 1973.

      He was involved in the Alberta Teachers Association, and for some years he drew political cartoons for the Lethbridge Herald.

    He loved cooking ethnic dishes. His favourites were Chinese. He created his own recipes and many are family favourites.

     At Hamilton he ran the Cosmic Comic Club, and was involved in the school paper. He was an avid photographer.

     He was interested in the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and created a Hobbit unit for grade five which was purchased by Edmonton Public Schools.  He also helped in the development of Arts Alive and Well in the Schools. He was closely involved with Neal Johnson and Art teachers and did shows with student’s work at the Art Gallery for the full month of May for many years.

    He loved his family, and spent time with them, making costumes, attending soccer, dance, art shows and music. He was always glad to help with anything and was fully dedicated to them. Our Dad and Husband Forever.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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