Thursday, February 27, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 27, 2025.

VANDERVALK, Marvin MARVIN VANDERVALK 1949 – 2025 It is with sadness in our hearts, but joy that he is finally out of pain and with the Lord that we share, Marvin Vandervalk passed away after losing his battle with esophageal cancer on February 21, 2025, at the age of 75.
A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at the GRANUM CHRISTIAN REFORMED CEMETERY, Range Rd 254 South of Hwy 519
Granum, Alberta,
A Memorial Service will be held at 3:00 pm, on Thursday, February 27, 2025, at MARANATHA CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, 260 MCGILL BLVD. W, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Pastor Dan Meinema. officiating.
The service will be livestreamed. Please got to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Marvin-Vandervalk to find the link.
In lieu of flowers, gifts or memorial donations may be made in Marvin’s memory to Mission Thrift Store https://missionthriftstore.com/financial-donate/
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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MISCHANCHUK, Eleanor ELEANOR MISCHANCHUK 1952 – 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Eleanor Louise Elizabeth Mischanchuk, beloved wife and best friend of Tony Mischanchuk.
Eleanor was the cherished only daughter of the late William Richter and Rosina (Kunkel) Richter. She was a loving sister to Richard Richter (Janet) and Kelvin Richter (Celine), and a devoted aunt to Jeremy Richter, Blair Richter (Noreen and children), and Sadie Pepper (Andrew and children).
Eleanor dedicated over 46 years of her life to working in restaurants and retail. Together with Tony, she lived in Pincher Creek, Stettler, and Medicine Hat before they retired and settled in Lethbridge.
Eleanor had a passion for golf, cooking, baking, and home decorating. Above all, she treasured the time spent with her family and friends.
Eleanor will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew her.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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YAMASHITA, Hoshiko “Rose” HOSHIKO “ROSE” YAMASHITA 1932 – 2025 Mrs. Hoshiko “Rose” Yamashita of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Nobuo “Nobby” Yamashita, passed away peacefully with family at her side at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit on Friday, February 14, 2025, at the age of 92 years.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00 – 7:00 pm, Thursday, February 27, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00 pm, Friday, February 28, 2025, AT MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta, with Reverend Lois Punton, officiating. Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapel.
Interment will be held at Mountain View Cemetery following the Service.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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BURR, Richard RICHARD CLARK BURR It is with deep sorrow that the family of Richard Clark Burr announces his passing on February 20th, 2025, in Raymond, Alberta, Canada. He was 81 years old.
Born on August 22, 1943, in Lethbridge, Alberta, to Elmer and Julianna Burr, Richard spent his early years at McNally School before continuing his education in Raymond, where he attended junior high and high school. During his time in school, he was a proud member of the B-team basketball.
After moving on from school he pursued a career as a salesman. He had great rapport with people and loved the relationships he developed with his contacts. He started his career at Palliser Distilleries, later transitioned to supplying products to drugstores across Alberta and British Columbia, and eventually owned the Turbo station in Raymond for several years. Richard later worked as a salesman of hogs and feed to the Hutterite colonies. He was well respected by the Hutterite Brethren and made many special and lasting friendships among them.
Richard’s life was blessed by his connection with his wife Janet whom he met in grade school in Raymond. Richard was Janet’s first crush and they got married Sept. 5th, 1970. Together they raised two wonderful sons, Marty and Jeffrey.
Richard loved his sports, especially golfing and slow pitch baseball. He spent a great deal of time with his boys cheering on their favourite teams in a variety of sports. He loved traveling to different events including airshows, rodeos, Fourth of July celebrations, and family trips to Vegas.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Julianna Burr; his sister, Judy; and his brothers, Darrell, Lloyd, and Allen. Richard is survived by his wife, Janet; sons Marty and Jeff; sister Madeline; and sister-in-law Evelyn. He was dearly loved and will be deeply missed by all his nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and his surrogate kids and grandkids. Richard had a heart full of love and had the gift to make family out of nonblood relations.
The Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Friday February 28, 2025 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, RAYMOND STAKE CENTRE, 2 N 200 W, Raymond, Alberta. Friends are welcome to meet with the family from 10:00 to 10:45am on Friday prior to the service at the Church.
An evening viewing will be held at Salmon and Sons Funeral Home (433 Stubb Ross Rd S. Lethbridge, AB TIK 7N3) on Thursday, February 27, 2025 from 7:00 to 8:00pm.
A link for the livestream will be available here prior to the service.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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PLAIN EAGLE, Stanford Stanford Grant Plain Eagle “Sski-takkasin – Left behind” Born September 18, 1957 – Passed Away February 19, 2025 Stanford Plain Eagle passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton on February 19, 2025. He was 67 years old.
He is survived by his children: Patrick Good Rider, Travis Good Rider, and Mackenzie Potts; grandchildren: Rita Many Shots and Jayden Good Rider; and siblings: Audrey Little Mustache, Douglas Plain Eagle, Chief Peter (Jeannie) Strikes With A Gun, Laura (Doug) Iron Shirt, Beverly (George) Four Horns, Calvin (Tammy) Plain Eagle, Bree (Tyler) Mutter, Vaness (Shawnee) Plain Eagle, Wade Plain Eagle, Trina (Charles) First Rider, James (Mary) Plain Eagle, Noreen Plain Eagle, Florence Weasel Bear, Isabelle Wolf Tail, and Alma Provost.
He is also survived by his special aunties Catherine George and Louise English; adopted siblings Judy Creighton, Lyle Smith, and Leona Smith; godchildren Lola Good Rider and Wally Good Rider; and traditional adopted sister and brother, Nancy Niles and Scott Jensen.
His mother, Margaret, also adopted and raised Daniel Crow Shoe, Randy Wolf Tail, Cornelius Little Mustache, April Crow Shoe, and Martin (Woody) Smith, who were also Stan’s siblings.
Stanford was predeceased by his wife, Audrey Good Rider; his parents, Jim and Margaret Plain Eagle; his sister, Judy Plain Eagle; brothers, Gary Plain Eagle, Harvey Plain Eagle, Melvin Plain Eagle, Leslie Man Who Smokes, Richard (Dickie) Plain Eagle, Cameron (Cabbage) Plain Eagle, Terrance Plain Eagle, and Wayne Plain Eagle; nieces, Crystal Plain Eagle, Jenna Big Bull, Kayleen Pard, Miranda Pard, and Kieran Plain Eagle; nephew, Leon Iron Shirt; his adopted parents, Floyd & Mary Ann Smith; maternal grandparents, Willy Crow Shoe and Laura (The Old Lady) Buffalo; paternal grandparents, Pat Plain Eagle and Suzy Plain Eagle (Man Who Smokes); uncles on the Crow Shoe side, David, Richard, Jackie Sr., Joe Sr., and Arthur; aunts on the Crow Shoe side, Ethel and Elsie; uncles on the Plain Eagle side, Patrick; aunts on the Plain Eagle side, Josephine, Alice, Dolly, Audrey, and Sophia; brothers-in-law, Stanley Small Legs and Nelbert Little Mustache; sisters-in-law, Bridgette No Chief and Brenda Pard; Aunt Suzy Strangling Wolf; Uncle Chris Strangling Wolf; and sister, Daphene Good Eagle.
A Life of Strength and Adventure
At an early age, Stanford left home to attend school in British Columbia with his sister, Judy. After a couple of years, they returned home, where Floyd and Mary Ann Smith welcomed him as one of their own children. He cherished his time growing up with his new siblings, often sharing wild and funny stories about his adventures with Tiki, Leona, and Lyle.
He helped his parents on the family farm by gathering coal, fetching water, chopping wood, and working with horses. This is where he developed his horsemanship skills.
Stan was also a jockey, riding alongside Eddy Bad Eagle and traveling across the U.S., including Pendleton, Oregon. He worked at the Lethbridge racetrack with Neil Sharp Adze as a jockey.
He had a passion for sports, playing hockey, baseball, and fastball with teams such as Sarcee, Peigan Cowboys, Eagles, and Oldtimers. He loved fishing and hunting with his brothers in their younger days.
His Love for Games and Competition
Stanford was highly creative – he compiled a book on Piikani history, enjoyed arts and crafts, and loved puzzles like crosswords and cribbage. He played bingo and scratch-and-win lotto cards and enjoyed visiting the casino.
About 15 years ago, he became known as a pool shark, joining the Lethbridge Pool League alongside his brothers Douglas, Richard, and Leslie. Their team, the Eagles Pool Club, won the B Title, earning a spot in the Vegas Tournament, where Stan later advanced to the A Division. He loved traveling to Edmonton for the Western Canadian finals and was known for his impressive ERO’s and 40’s.
Anatapsii Relay Racing and Dedication to His Team
Stan was a dedicated member of the Anatapsii Relay Team for six years, beginning in 2018. He lived in Goodfish Lake with his brother, Calvin, watching over horses. He played a vital role in training, feeding, grooming, and caring for them.
Stan’s passion for Indian Relay Racing took him across Alberta and Saskatchewan, competing in major events, including Enoch and the Calgary Stampede, where he proudly helped introduce traditional Indian Relay Racing.
One unforgettable memory was at a race in Saskatchewan, where Stan witnessed a dangerous altercation between rival teams. Concerned for safety, he warned his team never to return there. Another time, at Enoch, Stan insisted on sleeping under the stars beside the horses, saying, “That was one of the best sleeps I ever had.”
He always smudged the horses and team before every race, believing it brought protection and good fortune.
A Family Man with a Big Heart
Stanford’s greatest pride and joy were his three children – Patrick, Travis, and Mackenzie. He spent endless days with his sons, traveling to family visits, pool tournaments, baseball games, Indian Relay Races, and Calgary Flames games.
He created a home in Fort Macleod for his family, always encouraging his sons to be their best. Patrick and Travis were his constant companions, traveling with him wherever he went.
His daughter, Mackenzie, was his angel. Whenever she was around, his smile stretched from cheek to cheek. He spoke endlessly about her accomplishments in school and sports, proudly saying, “That’s my girl – she got her sports talent from me.”
Stan also adored his grandchildren, Rita and Jayden, introducing them to the family and sharing his joy when they were born. He even handed out cigars in celebration, telling everyone about his grandbabies.
A Man Who Left an Imprint on Many
Stanford was a man of kindness, humor, and warmth. He openly teased everyone in a good way and always greeted people with a smile. He loved coaching and mentoring, supporting his nieces, nephews, and great-nephews in hockey, baseball, and basketball.
He traveled to Las Vegas with his brothers for a pool tournament, amazed by the city lights and excitement. During the trip, he visited the temple in Utah, where he washed his face in the fountain and jokingly said, “I’m praying for an angel to come into my life.” Years later, Mackenzie was born.
A Lasting Legacy
Stanford’s unconditional love was evident in everything he did – through his laughter, his jokes, his storytelling, and his endless acts of kindness. His legacy lives on through his children, grandchildren, and all who knew him.
We will miss our dear Stan.. love you, until we meet again beyond the sandhills.
A 2-Night Wake Service will be held at the family residence, Piikani Nation, on Wednesday, February 26, 2025, starting at 3 PM.
A Funeral Service will be held at Piikani Nation Community Hall, Brocket, AB, on Friday, February 28, 2025, starting at 12:00 PM.
Following the Funeral Service, Stan will be laid to rest at Piikani Nation Cemetery, on Friday, February 28, 2025.
Condolences may be sent through http://www.edensfuneralhome.com

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HAINES, Ruth RUTH LOUISE HAINES 1937 – 2025 Ruth Louise Haines of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Bryan Haines, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 24, 2025, at the age of 87 after a brief hospital stay.
Ruth was born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on July 17, 1937, to Florence and Frank McAllister. After Ruth graduated from Lloydminster High School in 1955, she went on to study bookkeeping and clerical activities.
Ruth relocated to Calgary where she met her life mate Bryan, the couple were married in 1958. The couples journey turned to the mountains, first Jasper, Alberta and then later Field, BC. In total they would spend 18 years in the National parks.
It was 1978 when Bryan took a job in Lethbridge and the family relocated to the windy city where they both lived for the duration of their lives.
Shortly after arriving in Lethbridge Ruth began working in Human Resources at the Research Station and she stayed many years until finally retiring in 2002. In their retirement Bryan and Ruth took many world trips and many international steps and memories.
Ruth was very active in the community, specifically the Oddfellows and Rebekah’s associations, and has lifetime friendships with these groups.
An avid knitter and crocheter, Ruth was a workhorse around Christmas time in delivering handmade mitts, socks and toques for less fortunate souls. This practice continued to be as recent as last year. She also was responsible for making and distributing many crocheted blankets to family members, a much-needed resource for the cold Canadian winters.
Ruth was an orchid lover and had great success in getting her orchids to bloom in the challenging northern environment.
Ruth was the glue in her family, always staying in touch and reaching out to family members. A highly caring soul who truly cared about others. She was a wealth of knowledge on ancestorial relationships and family history.
Ruth has 2 surviving sons Brent (Lisa) Haines, Murray (Jenny) Haines; 4 grandchildren Taylor, Madison, Ashlyn and Nicholas as well as her two brothers Roy and Bert.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, March 1, 2025 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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UPTON, Vlasta VLASTA UPTON 1940 – 2025 Mrs. Vlasta Upton of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Paul Upton, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, February 24th, 2025, at the age of 84 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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MURRAY, Michael “Mike” MICHAEL “MIKE” MURRAY 1963 – 2025 Mr. Michael “Mike” Murray of Warner, beloved husband of Mrs. Maureen White, passed away in Raymond, on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 61 years.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 pm, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Dr. Bruce Martin, officiating. To watch Mike’s service online, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Michael-Murray
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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LIEBELT, Karen LIEBELT KAREN JEAN LIEBELT, beloved wife of the late Lawrence Liebelt, passed away at Black Rock Terrace on Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the age of 77 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

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SMALL LEGS, Joyce JOYCE SMALL LEGS July 9, 1973 ~ Feb. 20, 2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joyce Small Legs, on February 20, 2025, at the age of 51 years.
A Wake Service will be held at Eden’s Funeral Home, 2424 5 Ave, Fort Macleod, AB, on Friday, February 28, 2025, from 6:00 – 10:00 PM.
A Funeral Service will be held at Piikani Nation Community Hall, Brocket, AB, on Saturday, March 1, 2025, starting at 11:00 AM.
Following the Funeral Service, Joyce will be laid to rest at Piikani Nation Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.edensfuneralhome.com

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