Wednesday, November 27, 2024

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on November 27, 2024.

SMITH, Allan ALLAN MICHAEL SMITH 1960 – 2024 It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Allan Michael Smith of Lethbridge, on Thursday, November 14, 2024.
Allan was born and raised in Lethbridge. His parents Mary (Babick) and Richard emigrated from Apas, Hungary and Middlesborough, England respectively, making Allan a first generation Canadian. He has been predeceased by both parents.
Allan grew up on the north side of Lethbridge where at a young age he developed an exceptional work ethic along with many other learnings and positive traits instilled by his mother which he carried with him into adult life. He started working early as a young teen during weekends and through summer holidays for his Uncle John at Marshall Auto Wreckers, and upon turning 18, went on to work at Sicks Lethbridge Brewery for his Uncle Carl. He left the brewery and through his working career as an entrepreneur, he was known for successfully establishing and leading several of his own companies across different industries and cities in southern Alberta.
Allan loved everything the outdoors had to offer. This love was initially developed as a young cub and then boy scout in the 15th Lethbridge cub/scout pack. He enjoyed camping/hiking, was an expert fisherman (guiding and fly tying as well), and a hunter of upland game and big game (both firearm and bow). His focus in developing his specialty in these areas is evidenced by the many trophies he attained in doing so. He was also an avid gardener and was especially proud of his specialty tomatoes grown every summer. Allan did his best to pass all his wisdom to his two boys; he was a proud father and lived entirely for his two sons.
Allan was a very spiritual man having been raised Catholic and participating in St. Basils church as an altar boy initially and then later participating in different roles as an active member of the church. He was schooled at St. Pauls, St. Basils, and Catholic Central High. Allan was a member of the Knights of Columbus and while there, he attained the level of Fourth Degree knight.
He is survived by his brothers Richard and Bradley; sons Austin and Morgan; sisters-in-law Denise and Sue; nieces Mackenzie, Kesley and Katarina; nephews Carter and Matthias; daughter-in-law Emily, and numerous cousins and friends.
Allan will always be remembered as a loving son, brother, father, uncle, cousin and friend.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am, on Friday, November 29, 2024, at ST. BASILS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 STREET NORTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta with Father Kevin Tumback, Officiating. The service will be recorded and will be available to watch at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Allan-Smith. Burial services will follow at St. Patrick’s Cemetery, 525 6 Ave North, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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BENNETT, Diane DIANE BENNETT 1939 – 2024 Mrs. Diane Bennett of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Michael Bennett, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, at St. Michael’s Health Centre, at the age of 85 years.
On October 17, 1939, Diane was born, raised, and educated in Ottawa, Ontario. She moved to Edmonton in 1961 where she taught at McTavish Business College. In 1963, Diane moved to Lethbridge where she worked as a home maker raising her family. She was also an active volunteer and later a conference coordinator at the University of Lethbridge. In her retirement, Diane enjoyed travelling, golfing, volunteering, and enjoying her time at the Nordbridge Senior Center, she also enjoyed her time with her grandchildren and great granddaughter.
On March 30, 1964, Diane was married in Edmonton to Mr. Michael Bennett.
Diane is survived by her loving husband, Michael Bennett; daughter Susan Bennett of Lethbridge; Robert (Melanie) Bennett of Lethbridge; brother Terrence Leahey of Victoria, British Columbia; brother-in-law Edward Truelove and their children Debra (Sajid) Ravosia, Darren Truelove, and Cheryl Truelove; four grandchildren Amy, Samantha (Brad), Danielle, and Michael; great granddaughter, Annabelle.
Diane has been predeceased by her parents Alfred and Evelyn Leahey; parents in law Arthur and Eva Bennett; sister-in-law Delma Truelove.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers for those who wish, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, November 28, 2024, at ARCHMOUNT CEMETERY, 2710 WESTSIDE DRIVE WEST, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
A Celebration of life will be held in the new year.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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BAKER, Judith BAKER, Judith Elaine (February 28, 1952 – November 21, 2024) Judy peacefully concluded her mortal journey after a four-month battle with pancreatic cancer. She is survived by her husband W. Glen Baker and three sons: Jason (Tracy), Bradley, Ken (Mandy) and six grandchildren: Abbie (Brody) Roelofs, Katie, Zack, Preston, Madison and Simon. She is also survived by her sister Jean (Bruce) Blumell and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Warren and Desmonia Harris and her siblings: Sylvia (in infancy), Floyd and Marilyn (Max) Hardy.
Born in Magrath, Alberta, her early years were spent in Spring Coulee where her parents owned and operated the general store/post office. Judy graduated from Magrath High School in 1970 and went on to complete her post-secondary education obtaining her Registered Nurse designation from the Foothills Hospital School of Nursing in Calgary in 1973.
On October 20, 1973 Judy married Glen, her high school sweetheart, after he returned from serving a two-year mission to the Netherlands for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They were married in the Cardston, Alberta Temple. With the arrival of her three sons beginning in 1976, she transitioned from her nursing career to devoting all her time to being a homemaker for her boys and later a Nana to her grandchildren.
Judy’s life was one of service to her family, her church, and her community. She loved music, experiencing the beauty of nature, keeping an organized home, all children and serving in the temple. Her kindness and charity are her legacy. She truly understood and taught by example how to love God and your neighbor. The world is a better place because of her and she will be greatly missed by all those who knew her.
Friends may meet with the family on Friday, November 29 from 7:00pm to 8:00pm or on Saturday, November 30 from 10:00am to 10:45am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 560 Highlands Blvd West, Lethbridge. The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00am at the same location with interment in the Magrath cemetery.
The funeral will be live streamed and can be accessed through Judy’s obituary on the Salmon & Sons website.
We express our appreciation for the tender care Judy received from Home Care and Palliative Care (especially Christine, Anna, Tamara and Mandy who went above and beyond) and the kindness shown by Nick and the staff at Salmon & Sons Funeral Home.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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MARTIN, Pastor Harold PASTOR HAROLD MARTIN 1930 – 2024 Forever loved and completely cherished by his family and friends, Harold Martin passed away peacefully with family by his side on Wednesday, November 20, 2024.
A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at CHRIST TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 416 12 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta. Interment to follow at Royal View Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers for those who wish, donations can be made to Christ Trinity Lutheran Church, (e transfer- christ.trinity2020@gmail.com).
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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ELDER, Valerie ELDER VALERIE IOLENE ELDER passed away peacefully, with her family at her side, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at the Chinook Regional Hospital, Lethbridge, AB. She was 81 years old.
Mom was predeceased by our dad, her loving husband Jerome (Jerry) Elder, in 2013. She also lost her beloved son Craig Elder in 2015. These losses were very hard for Mom, and she was never the same again. Mom was also predeceased by her parents, Carl and Bernice Kangas, her older brother, Warner Kangas, and Dad’s parents, Louis and Lena Elder, as well as numerous other family members and friends.
Mom is survived by her remaining children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Son, Kevin and Darilyn Elder and their family: Adam Elder and Katelyn deBoer; Chad and Ali Elder and their son, Toby; Drew and Keely Elder; Jennie and Robbie Lien and their children, Vyla, Xavier and Ellie; Maggie and Darcy Olshaski; Eva Gorny and Adam McDonald and their children, Allison and Lily.
Son, Kyle Elder and his family: Natasha and Trevor Molnar; Jordan Elder and Nash Epp; Hannah Toker and Cayden Rayner; JT Toker.
Daughter, Michelle Elder and Gary Ward and their family: Brittany Elder; Courtney and Jared Koch and their son, Levi.
Daughter of her heart, Twila Herbel.
Mom is also survived by her older sister, Loretta Reimer of Prince George, BC and her lifelong best friend, Lorna Erickson of Olds, AB, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, in-laws and friends. She will be greatly missed by her much-loved dogs, Trouble and Patches.
Mom grew up on the Kangas family farm outside of Granum, AB. She loved to reminisce about her early years and had a huge tie to the farm and the rural community. She often spoke of the antics that she, her siblings and friends got into. Once she got a driver’s license, she took a job at a paper company in Lethbridge, and there met her boss and future husband, Jerry, who nicknamed her “Cookie” in short order.
Mom and Dad were married on April 25, 1964 and welcomed their first son, Kevin, in 1965. Kevin was followed by Craig in 1966, Kyle in 1968 and Michelle in 1970. Life was busy with four little ones, but Mom managed it all, including being very involved in Boy Scouts and cooking for Cub Camps every summer. Boy Scouts was the place that Mom and Dad made many of their lifelong friends, and Mom loved to talk about these times.
When not at Cub Camp, Mom was passionate about packing up the family in the tiniest trailer and camping all over Alberta, BC and Saskatchewan. In addition to camping, Mom loved to go fishing and would head out in the wee hours of the morning to go fishing with whomever would accompany her. Another pursuit that Mom enjoyed was hand painting ceramics. She did beautiful work and we all have abundant evidence of her talents in our own homes.
Mom was a very welcoming person. She loved to have extra people around! From all of her kids’ childhood and teenage friends, to any family or extended family, and to the friends of her grandchildren, no one was ever turned away. It didn’t matter when you showed up at her house, in very short order, she would put a huge meal on the table, with enough food to feed the masses, including the trays of sweets for dessert. We miss her cooking and baking!
A Service of Remembrance will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825-32 St. S., Lethbridge, on Saturday, November 30th, at 12:00 P.M., with a reception to follow. Val will be laid to rest with her husband and son at a private interment.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to whatever pet rescue or animal shelter that you feel would benefit from your kindness. Mom would have rescued ALL the dogs if it had been possible!

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

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