Wednesday, February 5, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 5, 2025.

HOIBAK, Ken

Celebration of Life for Ken Hoibak
Please join us as we celebrate the life of Ken Hoibak.
Thursday February 6th 4pm to 9pm
at the Vimy Ridge Armoury 337 Stubb Ross Rd, Lethbridge AB
Doors open at 4pm, Emergency Services processional at 4:30pm and bar opens @ 5pm.
Stop by and join us in sharing memories with love ones and friends.
For our out of town guests, we have rooms blocked off at the Sandman Signature Inn.
Please contact Jodi at 403-688-4436 for more info.

TAYLOR, Thomas “Tom”

THOMAS “TOM” TAYLOR 1941 – 2025 Mr. Thomas “Tom” Taylor (Fuzzy) of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Verna Taylor, passed away at Good Samaritans Park Meadows, on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, at the age of 83 years.
Tom was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, to Jimmy and Verdell Taylor on September 4, 1941. He was raised in the Lucky Strike area, where he spent most of his life. As a Queen Scout Tom was lucky enough to attend a Jamboree in the Philippines when he was 18. In his late teens he met the love of his life Verna. They were married on March 24, 1961. Tom farmed most of his life and started trucking and driving long hauls. Tom enjoyed curling, games and having a drink with his large community of friends.
Besides his loving wife Verna, Tom is survived by his 6 children, Shonda (David), John, Tom, Sandy (Jen), Markey and Ronald, as well as 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; brother Dennis (Nettie) Taylor and their 4 children and families.
Tom was predeceased by his parents James and Verdell Taylor, and 1 grandchild and 2 great grandchildren. As well as John and Minnie Diebert and Leo Lysak.
Family and friends are invited to say their final goodbye from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the Milk River Civic Centre, 321 3 Ave NE.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the charity of there choice.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

ROTH, Kay

Kay Roth 1934 – 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our mom, Kathleen Genevieve Roth, who left this world peacefully at the age of 90. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, a cherished friend, and a guiding light to all who knew her.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1113 – 1 Street East, Bow Island on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 11:30 A.M. Burial to follow at the Bow Island Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

PASKUSKI, Albert

ALBERT PASKUSKI 1936 – 2025 Mr. Albert Paskuski of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Jeanne Paskuski, passed away in his home on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the age of 88 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

WIRZBA, Bernard

BERNARD WIRZBA 1959 – 2025 Bernard (Bernie) Wirzba, beloved husband of Cecilia Nicolas passed away unexpectedly at home in Lethbridge Alberta on Friday January 31, 2025, at the age of 65.
Plans for a memorial service will be announced once completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

SIMANTON, Raymond “Ray”

RAYMOND “RAY” SIMANTON 1943 – 2025 Mr. Raymond “Ray” Simanton of Lethbridge, formerly of Foremost and beloved husband to Mrs. Ann Simanton, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, January 28, 2025 at the age of 81 years.
A Celebration of Ray’s Life will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, February 5, 2025 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

FLEMING John “Jack”

JOHN (JACK) CYRIL FLEMING It is with humble gratitude that we announce that Jack Fleming passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 29, 2025 at Adaptacare in Lethbridge at the age of 96. Jack had a good long life and was blessed to exit this planet in such a gentle way.
Jack was born at home on the farm near Laura, SK. His parents Islay Thompson & Alex Fleming relocated to Granum. Jack’s parents divorced when he and his brother Howard were young. Islay & the boys then returned to Laura, SK. Alex Fleming’s sister Leola Fleming was married to Edgar Griffey and they farmed in the Granum area. Leola died suddenly of an abscessed tooth, leaving Ed with a young family. Ed Griffey & Islay Fleming were brother in-law and sister in-laws and each had 2 young children (Jack & Howard Fleming and Mildred & Bill Griffey). They began corresponding and eventually Ed & Islay were married, bringing the families together on the farm northeast of Granum. Jack’s birth father Alex Fleming married Mary Turner of Barons and raised 3 children (Doug Fleming, Mary-Pat Roberts & Harold Fleming) in Lethbridge. The family trees with many branches were intertwined and created loving families that have raised generations of great citizens.
Jack was a farmer and stockman from a young age and embraced all that went with the jobs. Jack came from the use of horses as transportation, through the simple tractors to the power machines of today! As a young man Jack would trail cattle out of the foothills to the cover crops in the Granum area to put on extra pounds before driving them to the Granum Stockyards to be sent to the Calgary Stock Yards by rail enroute to one of the packing plants in Calgary. Ed & Jack took their turns as rate payers with a Cat & Grader, in maintaining the gravel road which is now Highway 519.
A pretty young gal named Grace Welch moved to Granum to work as a bank teller at Alberta Treasury Branch. Jack & Grace were married in 1948 and were married for 44 years. They raised their children Joan & Duncan on the family farm. The family was immersed in 4H. At his passing Jack was the last surviving member of the first Claresholm 4H Beef Club. Jack served as a Leader of the Claresholm 4H Beef Club and Jack & Grace were honored to be the Willow Creek Districts Friends of 4H. Throughout the years Jack was a strong supporter of 4H and embraced his children, grand children and great grand children being a part of the Claresholm 4H Beef Club.
Jack farmed and raised livestock with his step-father Ed Griffey. They would face all the challenges and successes of agriculture throughout their farm lives. A highlight was when Jack took a steer by rail to compete in the Royal Winter Fair in Toronto. Grace flew to Toronto to meet Jack and they drove home a brand-new Plymouth Sport Fury from the plant in Ontario that he had ordered through Fleming Motors of Lethbridge which was owned by his brother Howard Fleming. Jack was a life member of the Canadian Hereford Association and enjoyed the comradery of his fellow Hereford Breeders.
Jack was a community member that supported projects, like helping move in and fixing up the Blunden Hall that became the hub of the community. He hauled in gravel to help build the Granum Seed Cleaning Plant. Jack was an avid athlete and played for the Granum White Sox in the early years and competitive hockey for teams out of Fort Macleod. Jack continued with competitive sports until he was sidelined with a knee injury. Jack continued his love sports and enjoyed watching baseball, hockey & football on TV. At the time of Jack’s passing, he was the oldest and longest member of the Granum United Church.
After the passing of his 1st wife Grace in 1992, Jack buried himself in farm work until he reacquainted with an old school chum, Shirley Syme Johnson. They had both lost their spouses and had many friends in common. Jack retired and moved to Lethbridge and in 2004 Jack and Shirley were married. They were married for 20 years and enjoyed each other’s company through their sunset years until Jack’s passing.
Jack was a family man who was always interested in the lives of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren and was always interested in their life’s adventures. Jack was hard working; Jack was honest in his dealings; a loyal friend and a hand shake was his bond!!
Jack is survived by his 2nd wife Shirley. Son Duncan (Cecilie) Fleming – grandchildren Cooper Fleming, Ricki Fleming (Justin Pittman), great grandchildren Scarlett and Zane Pittman. Son-in-Law Bob Mackin – grandchildren Rob Mackin (Matthew Young), Ty (Angie) Mackin and great grandchildren Haley and Jessica Mackin. Half sister Mary-Pat Roberts and step sister-in-law Cheryl Fleming, nieces & nephews and Shirley’s family.
Predeceased by 1st wife Grace Fleming, daughter Joan Mackin. Father Alex Fleming, mother & stepfather Islay and Edgar Griffey, Brother Howard (Lois) Fleming, Step siblings Mildred (Harold) Jorgenson, Bill (Kay) Griffey. Half-brothers Doug Fleming and Harold (Judy) Fleming. Grace’s siblings Dace (Lil) Welch, Dick Welch and Katie Kraemer.
At Jack’s request there will be no service. Just have a toast to a life well lived and a smile when you reflect on your life’s interaction with Jack.
Photos, cherished memories and condolences may be shared at http://www.zentnerfuneralhomes.com 1-844-ZENTNER

MILLS, Kenneth “Ken”

KENNETH “KEN” MILLS 1929 – 2025 Mr. Kenneth “Ken” Mills of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Evelyn Mills, passed away at Good Samaritans West Highlands on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at the age of 95 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

KRAUSHER, Robert “Bob”

KRAUSHER ROBERT “BOB” KRAUSHER passed away at St. Michael’s Palliative Care on Thursday, January 30, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Bob is survived by his loving wife, Betty; and their children, Chris Howes and Kari (Dan) Van Ee; and grandchildren, Danica and Mason. He is also survived by his siblings: Terry (Deb) Krausher, Ronald Krausher, Beverly Krausher, Linda (Steve) Crittenden and Melinda (Marlon) Hellwig.
Bob’s love, care and dedication to his loving wife Betty was undeniable. Over the years, Bob and Betty cherished their time with family and friends, making so many special memories in their favourite places, including Palm Springs and Scotland. They also enjoyed countless weekends at their family home away from home at the CWR Boat Club. Bob was known for his bbqing, his delicious camping breakfasts and dropping everything to take his grandchildren out on his boat. Bob always had time to help anyone out who needed it. Bob’s second family were the people at McNally Contractors, where he worked as the head mechanic. He retired in 2017. The respect and dedication he gave to his industry will be forever missed. There are countless people he left a lifelong impression on.
Bob’s love, care and compassion will forever be in the hearts of us all.
A Celebration of Bob’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, February 7, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating. A recording of the service will be available to view on Bob’s obituary at a later date.

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

LITCHFIELD, Kevin

LITCHFIELD KEVIN LEE LITCHFIELD, a free spirit who embraced the open road, passed away in Cardston, Alberta, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025, at the age of 60. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew and loved him.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca

LANGSTRAAT, Rev. Arij

LANGSTRAAT, Rev. Arij August 16, 1936 – February 1, 2025 Reverend Arij Langstraat, beloved husband of Anja Langstraat passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2025 in Calgary, AB. The Memorial Service will be held at Scarboro United Church, 134 Scarboro Ave, Calgary, AB, on Saturday, February 1, 2025 at 2:00pm. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Arij’s family through http://www.evanjstrong.com. Arrangements in care of EVAN J. STRONG FUNERAL SERVICES. (403) 265-1199

SCHROEDER, Harold

HAROLD SCHROEDER 1936 – 2025 Harold John Schroeder (1936-2025) passed away in his home on Sunday, February 2. His career as a management professor at the University of Lethbridge spanned three decades and touched many lives. He is survived by his wife, Mary, and by his children and stepchildren (Tim, Jennifer, Nancy, Cindy, Rebecca, and Allan) and his many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when complete.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

BOURNE, Leonard

BOURNE Leonard Rex Bourne passed away on February 1, 2025 at the age of 70 years after a 10 year battle with supranuclear palsy.
Leonard was born in Magrath on February 17, 1954 to Mahlon and Evelyn Bourne, the 13th of 14 children. He is survived by his siblings, Bessie, Monte, Clark, Connie, Neil and Don. He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Elige, Addie, John, Orene, Manley, Max and Ersel and his nephew Andrew.
Leonard spent the majority of his life in Magrath. After graduating from the University of Calgary, Leonard returned to Magrath, where he resided until his passing. He enjoyed taking his nieces and nephews up town to buy candy. Although Leonard never had any children of his own, he loved being around them. Leonard was a kind and compassionate soul and he didn’t like to see people have to go without. Leonard had a passion for race horses like his dad and his brother Elige. His favorite horses were Phil Power, Ryslo’s Echo and Checkered Cab. He loved being at the track. He had always wanted to spend his retirement years training horses at the track in Lethbridge., but that was not to be. Leonard never got to watch the last horse he owned run, but we are sure he will be looking down on him when he does. Although the disease took your body, it did not take your spirit.
May your horses always be winners.
    A Private Graveside Service will be held on Monday, February 10 at 11 a.m. at the Magrath Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

CAMP, Robin

ROBIN CAMP 1944 – 2025 Mr. Robin Camp of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Patricia Camp, passed away on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at the age of 80 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

MAY, Gerda

GERDA MAY 1953 – 2025 Mrs. Gerda May of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Wayne May, passed away at Foothills Regional Hospital in Calgary on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at the age of 71 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, Friday, February 7, 2025, at NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION, 90022 RANGE RD 211, LETHBRIDGE COUNTY, Alberta, with Reverend Kleijer, officiating.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.