Thursday, August 1, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 1, 2024.

SMITH, Janice SMITH Janice Hedenstrom Smith passed away on July 29, 2024. She was born August 3, 1935 in Magrath, Alberta. We are so grateful she’s back home with family. Janice spent her life loving her family and her friends. She was the secretary at Raymond Elementary school for over 25 years, a job she truly loved. She found immense joy mothering all the students. She cared for and enjoyed working with all the staff over the years.
Janice was pre-deceased by her mother Vonna Hedenstrom, father Kenneth Hedenstrom, sister Alice Anderson, brother Kenneth Hedenstrom and brother-in-law Robert Anderson.
She is survived by her oldest son Bryan, his wife Dané and their children: Carter Smith (Jacquie Cameron), Colton Smith (Alyssa), Amie Mendenhall (Michael), Becky Parker, Cassandra Zobell (Glenn), Breanne Czech (Chase) and Bradley Parker. She is also survived by her youngest son Jeff, his wife Sam (Sandra) and their children: Shayna, Jaryn, Sara, Janisa, Sadi, Jaxon, Spencer, and Jace. She also is survived by 13 great grandchildren and her sister-in-law Elaine Hedenstrom.
Mother was a long-term resident of Good Sam Prairie Ridge Lodge. We can not thank the staff enough for the love, friendship and care they gave to our mother. We would also like to thank Dr. Wally Tollestrup for his years of care. We would also like to thank the many visitors and good friends that came to spend time with our mother.
Janice’s Funeral will start at 11:00am on Tuesday, August 6, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, KNIGHT STREET CHAPEL (260 E 200 N, Raymond, AB).
The Viewing will be held at the church, prior to the service from 10:00 to 10:45am.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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RICE, Robert “Bob” RICE May 9, 1950 – July 29, 2024 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of ROBERT “BOB” EDWARD RICE, loving husband of Mrs. Mieke Rice of Lethbridge, suddenly at their home in Waterton on Monday, July 29, 2024 at the age of 74 years. He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and friend.
Bob is survived by his wife Mieke (nee Groenenboom); his four sons: Michael (Nikki), Jason (Alanna), Alan (Lindsay), and Tyler (Catherine); and his grandchildren: Carson, Hayden, Zoey, Caelum, Sam, Shane, Abby and Gage, who brought immense joy to his life. He is also survived by his sister Nancy Noiles (Jim), brother George, aunt Angie Rice, uncle Ray Anderson, nieces and cousins from the Rice family, and many Groenenboom relatives with whom he shared a professional and personal relationship.
He is predeceased by many relatives; including his parents Donald and Ruth, his uncle Edward Rice, and numerous uncles, aunts, and brothers-in-law. He also leaves behind a wide circle of friends and colleagues and former clients who will miss his warmth, witty humour, and unwavering support.
Bob was born on May 9, 1950 in Lethbridge. He graduated from Catholic Central High School and the University of Lethbridge. His career started with the Bank of Commerce and he went on to build a successful career as a Chartered Accountant in Southern Alberta. He was known for his dedication to his work, his integrity, and his commitment to helping his clients and community.
Family was the cornerstone of Bob’s life. He took great pride in his sons’ achievements and cherished the time spent with his grandchildren. Bob’s home was always filled with laughter, love, and the smells of his favourite dishes, especially hot sauces.
Bob had a passion for the outdoors and enjoyed fishing, camping, and spending time in the mountains. His adventurous spirit and love for nature were contagious, inspiring many to join him on his outdoor excursions.
Bob’s legacy of love, hard work, and dedication to family and community will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
We lost a wonderful, loving person and anyone who had the privilege of meeting him knew he was a true friend. His accomplishments in life were many and profound but he will be remembered first and foremost for being there for anyone who needed help or advice. A true and caring friend.
Rest in peace, Bob. Relatives and friends are invited to a Prayer Service at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405-12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 7:30 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH on Saturday, August 3, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. The Prayer Service and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Bob’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In memory of Bob, memorial donations may be made to Camp Columbus, 2425-12 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 0P4 or e-transfer to campcolreg@gmail.com

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

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ETHIER, Daniel ETHIER April 5, 1953 – July 27, 2024 Intentional. Thoughtful. Relational. Larger than life. DANIEL JOSEPH ETHIER, our cherished husband, father and Poppy passed away suddenly on Saturday, July 27, 2024, riding one of his favorite routes in British Columbia.
Dan lived a full and vibrant life – bringing joy to everyday moments and never missing an opportunity to connect with those around him in meaningful ways. Dan had a fulfilling career at the Lethbridge Research Centre as an Electronic Systems Specialist and then Project Manager from 1976-2009. He often said that he didn’t go to work, he went to play; he loved using his gifts of creative problem-solving and connecting with people within and beyond the workplace. Dan was involved in service and leadership in professional and community organizations, including the Association of Science and Engineering Technology (ASET), Lethbridge Soccer Association, Scouts Canada, 1st Choice Savings & Credit Union Board, and Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd. Dan treasured his service with Cancer Connections, where he supported caregivers of cancer patients throughout Canada after Daina’s passing.
Dan’s children had a wonderful childhood full of adventure, learning and storytelling. He instilled a love of nature and the outdoors through camping, fishing and hiking with his kids. Dan was a deeply thoughtful and caring husband who cherished Carolyn. They enjoyed a rich 12 years together, full of friendships and travel and love. Poppy was one of Dan’s proudest titles; he connected with each of his grandchildren in special ways and always looked for opportunities to teach them something new. Dan was everyone’s go-to for advice or help or to be a listening ear. Dan loved completely, cared deeply and will be profoundly missed.
Dan will be forever remembered by his wife Carolyn, his son Ben (Laura) Ethier of Calgary, daughter Sarah (Matthew) Ethier of Winnipeg; his stepchildren Tom (Heather) Speakman of Winnipeg, Sarah (Darryl) Kooiker of Calgary, and Arlen (Brianna) Speakman of Oklahoma City; grandchildren Ellie, Nevaeh, Asher, Emily, Caiden and Rayne, along with countless other family and friends.
Dan was predeceased by his first wife, Daina, and his parents, Emil and Yolande Ethier.
A Service of Remembrance will be held at the LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, 2406 – 11th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 2, 2024 at 2:00 P.M., with the Rev. Canon Erin Phillips officiating. The service will be live streamed at https://www.youtube.com/@goodshepherdlutheranlethbridge/featured
In lieu of flowers, those who wish are invited to give memorial donations in Dan’s honour to the Canadian Cancer Society, https://cancer.ca/en/, or Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd Memorial Fund, https://www.lutheranchurchofthegoodshepherd.com/
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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VISSER, Dick DICK VISSER 1953 – 2024 With the full assurance of God’s grace, Dick passed away at home after a hard battle with pulmonary fibrosis at the age of 71 years.
Dick is survived by his beloved wife Barb; sons Mitchell (Jerri-Lyn), Shawn (Sheena), Jordan (Jen); 5 precious grandchildren Aiden, Kenley, Theo, Miles and Josslyn; in-law sisters and brothers Denise & Murray Buesink, Erna & Allan Karsten, Lee & Marlene Wamsteeker, Jolyn &Josh Bolderheij; numerous nieces and nephews and their families, aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Dick was predeceased by his parents Mient & Audrey Visser, and his in-law parents Nick & Gerda Wamsteeker.
Born on July 28, 1953, the only child to Mient and Audrey Visser, Dick was raised in Lethbridge as part of a large extended family, and a close-knit post – WW2 Dutch immigrant community. School years took him to university, meeting Barb along the way in elementary school, and marrying her when she had completed her nursing education. Dick and Barb were blessed with three sons – Mitchell, Shawn and Jordan, and together some great memories were formed… camping, living on an acreage, a barn raising weekend, pet chickens, geese and cows, Saturday skiing and hot tubs, and motor biking on the trails. Later three in-law daughters were welcomed into the family, and the arrival of five grandchildren made for one proud Pake!
Dick’s work included sales of confection and snack foods, and later, restaurant and hotel small wares. It was that job which provided him with the opportunity to move to Cranbrook, to his dearly loved mountains and waters of B.C.
Turning points in his life included Promise Keepers, illness and a career change. At the age of 44, Dick returned to college, entering the Human Services field. This led to work for Canadian Mental Health Association for the Kootenays, including a period of time when he served on the boards of B.C. Non-Profit Housing Association and Shelter Net B.C.
Retirement came early when Dick became seriously ill with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and his parents passed away unexpectedly. Those life events and hard times took him back to Lethbridge to be closer to family.
Dick liked bright primary colors, the ocean, begonias, Van Morrison music, red wine, fishing, shopping, guitar music, NASCAR, the Toronto Blue Jays and Vancouver Canucks. Fishing and camping provided Dick with such great joy. Favorite places for him were an acreage between Cranbrook and Kimberley, Whiteswan Lake, and Kootenay Lake. He found pleasure in building, repairing, or creating with wood, ammolite, canvas, or food. Driving his coach motorhome down the Oregon coast and to Yuma, Arizona were highlights for him. Dick found a way to give back to his community by serving on the board for Elim Society for Seniors Care.
As his health declined with increased physical limitations, Dick spent time in the rabbit hole of You Tube, enjoying street food from all around the world, and sailing waters with couples who had repaired old boats. He felt comfort in knowing he had dear family and close friends and will be dearly missed.
A private family service will be held at 2:00 pm, Thursday, August 1, 2024. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Dick-Visser
Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to Elim Society for Seniors Care, 275 Lettice Perry Rd. N. Lethbridge, T1H 7E7
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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