December 26th, 2024

Saturday, August 31, 2024


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on August 31, 2024.

FERGUSON, Marjorie FERGUSON MARJORIE MARY-JANE FERGUSON, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024 in Calgary, at the age of 91 years.
She was born in Lethbridge on February 5, 1933 and lived a life committed to her family and community. She grew up on a farm in the eight-mile lake district where she and her family worked hard and always welcomed visitors with generous hospitality.
Marjorie met the love of her life Richard at a community dance, and in 1955 they were married and made their home at his family farm in Barnwell. In 1960 they moved to Lethbridge and in their 60 years together raised two children, John (Tracy) Ferguson and Joanne (Brian) Baillie. Her proudest accomplishments were her family and her cherished grandchildren, Richard Ferguson, Bonnie (Gordon) Heine, Hugh Baillie, and Alexandra Baillie, who were the lights of her life.
Over the years Marj enjoyed working at administrative jobs but her real interest was in her hobbies. She found great joy in gardening, sewing and refinishing furniture and was a truly gifted artist. She spent countless hours in her back yard tending to her beautiful garden. Her Slovak cooking was a family favourite, making dinner at her house a real treat.
Marj was a strong believer in her church and was a devoted volunteer. She and Richard belonged to a variety of clubs and spent many fun weekends socializing with friends and family and travelled far and wide in their retirement years.
Marjorie will be remembered as a gentle soul who touched the lives of many with her kindness and compassion.
She was predeceased by her beloved husband Richard Ferguson, parents John and Martha Kurutz, brother John Kurutz and sister-in-law Mable, sister Angeline Kurutz and daughter-in-law Lesley Ferguson.
Her family would especially like to thank Loretta Craddock, her niece, for all her love and support during our mother’s final years.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 6, 2024, at 1:00 P.M. at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825-32 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Society of Canada, (www.parkinson.ca).

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
PETERSON, Grant PETERSON Grant Dahl Peterson passed away on August 27, 2024, at the age of 88.
He was born in Lethbridge Alberta on September 26, 1935.
Grant was predeceased by his mother and father, Vern and Clara Peterson, his wife, Frieda Fadl Peterson, and his sisters, Gail Sweeney and Elaine Mulholland.
He is survived by his brothers-in-law Bill Sweeney of Moses Lake, WA, and David Mulholland of Claresholm, AB.
As well as his nieces and nephews: Jackie Sweeney, Kim Essex, David Mulholland, Ramona Granat, Jordan Mulholland, and Janna Mulholland.
Grant was raised on the Peterson farm at Welling, AB. Grant lived with epilepsy and survived scarlet fever as a kid. As an adult, he farmed with his father for several years. They cropped sugar beets as well as grains and oilseeds under irrigation. Grant also worked for other farmers and neighbors in the area.
He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in British Columbia. Throughout his life, he dedicated significant time to family history and genealogical research. He loved to recount stories from his own life and the lives of his ancestors. Grant also loved studying the gospel of Jesus Christ.
He lived in Raymond where he met and married Frieda Fadl in 1990. They were sealed in the Idaho Falls temple. Losing Frieda to cancer in 1995 had a profound impact on Grant. He found great comfort in his faith and belief that he would be with her in eternity.
Grant loved to play Rook and other card games. Sometimes he made up his own rules to give himself an advantage. He also memorized a few songs on the piano and would play them whenever he could get his hands on a piano.
Grant has lived at the Good Samaritans Prairie Ridge in Raymond for several years. We are grateful for the wonderful care he received from the staff there.
A brief graveside service will be held at 3:00 P.M. on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at the Temple Hill Cemetery in Raymond. Those wishing to pay their respects or visit with the family are welcome to join the family there.
To share condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
ROBINSON, Tiffany TIFFANY ROBINSON 1970 – 2024 Tiffany Robinson of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Don Peters, passed away at 11:43 p.m. on August 25, 2024.
Tiffany was born in Lethbridge on November 13, 1970. Tiffany served the community as a dog groomer for close to 30 years. She always took special time and care to ensure dogs were comfortable and loved during their time with her. A special treat was always given to these dogs if allowed.
Tiffany was the most honest, down-to-earth person anyone could have ever wished to meet and above all else, caring. She was a fighter, surviving breast cancer and a heart attack and in the face of a lung cancer diagnosis, continued to look positively at the future.
Besides her loving husband, Don Peters, Tiffany Robinson is survived by her two sons, Spencer and Zachary, two sisters, Heather and Shannon and her one brother Robin.
From her children and husband, she was an amazing mom and the toughest person we know. She will be greatly missed and remembered with love.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
PIGAT, Terry TERRY PIGAT 1946 – 2024 A life well lived, gone far too soon. Mrs. Terry Pigat of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Tony Pigat, passed away peacefully on Monday, August 26th, 2024, at the age of 77 years.
Terry was born on September 27, 1946, in Hamilton, Ontario to Lyle and Kathleen Huck. They moved to Alberta where she attended high school and Mount Royal College in Calgary. It was there that she met her lifelong best friend and husband, Tony Pigat. They were married in Calgary on February 4, 1967, and combined their honeymoon with a move to Vancouver, starting a lifelong adventure of work and travel.
Three beautiful children soon came along: Dawn Marie was born in Dawson Creek, B.C. followed by Daniel Angelo in Whitecourt, Alberta and Alan Anthony in Calgary, Alberta.
In 1975, they moved their young family to Lethbridge where Tony led a successful local business, and Terry turned her time and attention to the activities of her busy family. She was a dedicated wife and mother and was known for her commitment to her family, including her six grandchildren: Matthew, Noelle, Clay, Kendall, Paige and Eve.
With the children grown, her motto was retirement is doing what you want to do, when you want to do it. She lived up to this by enjoying winters in the sun, travelling the world and daily crossword puzzles.
She leaves behind her brother Joe and sisters Dianne and Elizabeth, her sister-in-law Anita and many nieces, nephews and friends.
She had lifelong struggles with her health which finally caught up to her, and she is now free of pain and will always be remembered and loved.
A Celebration of her Life will be held at 11:00 am, on Monday, September 2, 2024, at Anton’s in the Sandman Signature Hotel, 320 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Your presence will be your gift to her.
To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/TheresaTerry-Pigat and scroll to the bottom of Terry’s obituary to find the link.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lethbridge and District Humane Society, https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/38943
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
OUDSHOORN, Engena “Ena” ENGENA “ENA” OUDSHOORN 1938 – 2024 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our dear and loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Engena “Ena” Oudshoorn- Middelkoop.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am, on Saturday, August 31, 2024, at NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601 3A St, Picture Butte, with Reverend P. Kleijer, officiating.
Interment will follow at Picture Butte Memorial Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
LIPPA, Dorothy DOROTHY LIPPA 1947 – 2024 Mrs. Dorothy Lippa of Coutts, AB, beloved wife of Mr. Frank Lippa, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge on Monday, August 26, 2024, at the age of 77 years.
Dorothy was born August 8, 1947, in Great Falls, Montana where she grew up on the family farm west of Sweet Grass, Montana. Dorothy received her education in Sunburst, Montana, graduating in 1965. She furthered her education at Dahl’s Beauty School in Great Falls, Montana. She worked as a beautician at Elma’s Beauty Shop in Cut Bank, Montana until meeting Frank Lippa, getting married in 1973 & moving to the farm East of Coutts, AB.
Dorothy loved being on the farm, working alongside Frank, raising her 3 boys Casey, Lucas & Blaine. She spoke fondly over the years of all the wonderful memories made raising her family. During her younger years, Dorothy continued to do hair for the neighbours, taught Sunday School at the Grain Hall & helped with the hot lunch program when the boys attended Coutts School. In 2014, Dorothy & Frank moved to Coutts, AB.
In her later years, she enjoyed baking, crocheting, spending time with the grandkids and visiting with family and friends. Dorothy was an avid crocheter, making afghans for all her boys and grandchildren.
Dorothy is survived by her husband of 51 years, Frank Lippa; sons Casey (Jodi), Lucas (Jana) & Blaine; grandchildren Declan & Moxon, Rylan & Garrett, and Easton, Harper & Avery. She is also survived by sisters Joyce (Ron), Mary (Terry) & Vivian; and brother Joe (Carmel), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Dorothy was pre-deceased by her parents Joseph & Hilda Taule and brother Victor.
A Viewing will be held from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4th STREET SOUTH. Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 Main Street Milk River, AB. An open viewing will be held one hour prior to the service
The family invites you to join them for a luncheon immediately following the service.
A Graveside Service will be held at 2:30 pm, on Thursday, September 5, 2024, at the Sunny Site Cemetery, East of Coutts, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
THIESSEN, Mildred THIESSEN MILDRED MARIE THIESSEN (née Vornbrock), beloved wife of the late Erwin “Kerv” Thiessen, passed away peacefully at the Milk River Health Centre, on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at the age of 96 years.
Mildred is survived by her five children: Randy (Joan), Debra (Don), Bruce, Michelle (Steve) and Kelly. She will be fondly remembered by her seven cherished grandchildren: Brock (Kanako), Clay (Jordan), Tenille (Matt), Matthew, Erin (Chris), Jason (Heidi) and Kyle (Joanna); as well as her five great-grandchildren: Emily, Hayden, Rogue, Marshall and Scarlett.
Besides her beloved husband Kerv, Mildred was predeceased by her parents, John and Elizabeth Vornbrock, sister Dorothy Spicer and son James.
Mildred was born in Allerston, AB, on September 15, 1927, where her parents settled. In 1951, Mildred married Kerv, raised a family and was active in the Coutts business community. Mildred was involved in many organizations.
A Celebration of Mildred’s Life will be held at a later date in Coutts, AB.
In memory of Mildred, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BOURNE, Vivian BOURNE, VIVIAN 1922-2024 Vivian Bourne of Raymond passed away peacefully August 28, 2024 in Raymond, Alberta.
The Funeral Service will take place on Friday September 6, 2024 at 11:00am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, RAYMOND STAKE CENTRE (2N 200W, Raymond).
Friends are welcome to meet with the family on Thursday September 5, 2024 from 7:00 to 8:00pm at the RAYMOND STAKE CENTRE.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
MARTIN, Lester LESTER MARTIN 1929 – 2024 Les Martin of Lethbridge passed away peacefully on Thursday August 29, 2024, at the age of 94 years.
Les was born in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan. As a young man Les started his working career with Macleods stores in Medicine Hat. During his 25-year career with Macleods, Les managed stores in Barrhead, Taber, Hanna, Ponoka and Bonnyville. He was active during this time as a minor hockey coach and a member of the Order of Moose and other service clubs as well as Chambers of Commerce.
Upon retirement from Macleods, Les and family moved to Lethbridge where he operated a Gain gas station on Stafford Drive North, and the Esso station on 13th Street North.
Les was an avid sportsman who enjoyed fishing, curling and golfing. He was a longtime season ticket holder for the Lethbridge Hurricanes and a longtime member of the Picture Butte Golf Club. Les was a resident of Martha’s House and was appreciative of the company of fellow residents and the courteous care of its employees.
Les is survived by his sons Barry (Lynn), Greg (Cathy) and daughter-in-law Marianne, grandchildren Lesley, Monica, Brett and Rebecca, and great grandchildren Ruth and Thelma.
Les was predeceased by his wife Doris, sons Rod and Doug, and grandson Cameron.
The Martin family would like to express their deep appreciation for the comfort, care and compassion provided to Les during his final days by the staff of unit 4B of the Chinook Regional Hospital and the Palliative Care unit of St Michael’s Health Centre.
A private family service to honour Les’ life will be held at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MICHELSON, Gary MICHELSON It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gary Ralph Michelson on August 25, 2024 at the age of 80. Gary was predeceased by his son Ryan Joshua. He leaves to mourn his loving wife of 57 years, his sons Troy (Charmaine), Heath (Karla), Brett (Leonora), and Denton (Stephanie), his daughters Natalie (Ken), Stephanie (Craig), and Lindsey (Karl), his grandchildren Jordan (Emily), Eric (Kennedy), Kyle (Eliza), Alina, Josh (Haely), Kolbee (Coleman), Ty, Emma, Hunter (Faith), Parker, Zoe, Ava, Jackson, Nate, Zakary, Easton, Cache, Cheyanne, Colton, Ethan, Peyton, Lucy, and London, and his great-grandchildren Miles and Maverick.
Gary was born April 3, 1944, in Lethbridge, Alberta to Ralph and Lorna Michelson. Gary was the first born and was followed by his sisters Diane, Kathy, Marilyn, and Shauna. The first five years of his life he grew up in Stirling next door to his grandparent’s farm learning to work hard and love the land. These formative years taught him to develop meaningful and lifelong relationships. This continued with his father and uncles fishing in the irrigation canals, and hunting and trapping around Stirling Lake (in 1997 renamed Michelson Marsh).
The family moved to Lethbridge where Gary completed his schooling. Gary was an exceptional athlete in volleyball, and fast pitch but his true passion was Basketball. He was an all-star player, consistently leading the team in scoring. This love of all sports continued throughout his life.
Gary’s meat cutting career started at Safeway and transitioned into being the instructor for Meat Cutting and Merchandising at the Lethbridge Community College. He had a profound and positive impact on not only his students but also his customers.
In January 1967, Gary met the love of his life while depositing a cheque at the bank with the most beautiful teller. By April they were engaged and then married on September 23, 1967. They immediately moved into their home of 48 years where they welcomed all 8 of their children. Gary and Maria taught by example the fundamentals that would shape the lives of their children and grandchildren. Their greatest lessons: remember God in everything, serve the people around you, work hard, and be honest, and if you do these things, you will find success and happiness.
Gary was happiest where his family was, whether it was spent on the prairies or the mountains, on a lake, horseback riding, at a sporting event, or scheming a prank that resulted in an unexpected yet entertaining outcome. His greatest sense of pride was his grandchildren, who idolize him deeply. Whether he was coaching from the stands, or telling fish stories, he made each grandchild feel special and loved. Gary dedicated his life to community and church service, but his life was always centered on his most cherished possessions, his sweetheart and their family.
As a family, we stand on the shoulders of this giant, and we love you.
The Celebration of Life will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints Stake Centre (2410 28th Street South, Lethbridge) on September 3, 2024 at 12:00pm and friends and family may meet the family from 11:00 to 11:40AM prior to the service.
In lieu, of flowers, the family requests donation be made to: Southwest Alberta Regional Search and Rescue
South Eastern Alberta Regional Search & Rescue Association
Lethbridge Area & Search and Rescue Association
Foothills Search and Rescue
To send a condolence and view the live stream of the service please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
ORR, Keith ORR, KEITH 1936 – 2024 Keith LaVar Orr, 88 of Fort Macleod, Alberta passed away on Wednesday, August 28, 2024 in Cardston, Alberta. He was born on June 28, 1936 in Orton, Alberta to Ernest Orr and Mary Hornberger. He was the 7th child of 8.
Keith went to school in Orton, then Macleod and later graduated from Olds Agriculture College. He also attended SAIT in Calgary.
On April 14, 1962 Keith married Marlene Jay Louw, originally from Springs, South Africa, in the Cardston, Alberta Temple. Together they lived in the Orton area where Keith farmed, raised cattle and hogs and ran businesses with his brother Wayne Orr.
Keith was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In 1957 he served a two-year mission in South Africa. He enjoyed many years working with the youth and in the Scouting program. He served as Bishop in Fort Macleod for 8 years. From 1993-1996 he served with Marlene as the mission president for the South Africa, Johannesburg mission. He later served as a sealer in the Cardston Temple and as the Fort Macleod Stake Patriarch.
Keith loved the outdoors, especially trail riding on his Tennessee Walkers. He was a problem solver and could jimmy-rig anything. He was an avid reader and journal writer. He was often sought after for his easy conversation and his pearls of wisdom.
Keith is survived by his devoted wife, Marlene, his children Cindy Orr Ortland (Grant) of Oceanside, California and Jeffrey LaVar Orr (Kathy) of American Fork, Utah. He leaves behind seven grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Wayne Orr and sister, Marilyn Spencer.
Keith is preceded in death by his parents, his siblings; Alta, Garth, Don, Alma and Merle, as well as his sweet daughter in law, Marianne Rawlings.
Friends and Family are invited to his Memorial Service on Monday, September 2 at 1:00pm at the LDS Church, 643 20th Street, Fort Macleod. Interment will be in the Orton Cemetery prior to service.
To send a condolence and view the live stream of the service please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
HALDEN, Barbara “Barb” BARBARA “BARB” HALDEN 1950 – 2024 After a brutal battle with cancer, Barbara “Barb” A. Halden (nee Penkala) peacefully succumbed on August 28, 2024, at Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loving husband Terence “Terry” Halden and immediate family.
Barb was born on October 15, 1950, on the family farm north of Melfort, SK to Wojciech and Emelia Penkala. She was the 12th child in the family (7 boys and 7 girls), all of which attended the local Clapton schoolhouse. This was followed by Barb graduating from Melfort High School, and a business administrating course in Prince Albert College. Working for a bank in Toronto, she met and married the love of her life, Terry on August 19, 1972. The family moved to Lethbridge in 1982, when Terry’s employer moved him. Barb found employment in various Payroll/Accounting position where she made several lifelong friends. She enjoyed her family and friends, playing cards, cooking, entertaining and visiting her numerous relations.
Barb and Terry are the proud parents of three daughters: Tammi (Claude) Bidegaray, Jolia Halden, and Arissa (Shaun) Pendrak. Seven grandchildren: Darian Halden, Keegan (Kiara) Araki, Kieron (Jewels) Pendrak, Mason Araki, Elijah Pendrak, Arya Pendrak, Brice Bidegaray and one great granddaughter: Oaklynn Pendrak. Along with many “adopted” sons, daughters and grandchildren.
A Prayer Vigil will be held at 7:00 pm, on Thursday, September 5, 2024 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 ST SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Barbara-Halden
A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am, on Friday September 6, 2024, at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC PARISH, 604 13 ST NORTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Father Kevin Tumback, celebrant. The service will be recorded and can be viewed later at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Barbara-Halden
Interment to be in St. Helen’s Cemetery Brooksby, SK at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family asks for memorial donations to be made to Jack Ady Cancer Center, 960 19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB or the Alberta Cancer Foundation at http://albertacancer.ca
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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