Saturday, March 8, 2025
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on March 8, 2025.
JOHNSTONE, Elizabeth “Lis” ELIZABETH “LIS” ANNE KIRKPATRICK JOHNSTONE 1942 – 2025 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, sister, cousin, aunt, neighbor and friend. Elizabeth “Lis” Johnstone passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the age of 82 years.Lis was the dear wife of Stuart Johnstone for 57 years and mother to Rebecca (Rob) Davidson and their daughter Katie of Calgary; and Patrick (Stanley) Johnstone also of Calgary. She leaves to mourn her brother Euan (Anne), Frew of Nanaimo B.C., and their children Sarah and Euan; brother’s in-law Ian (Marj) of Wellington New Zealand; Andrew (Jean) of Lethbridge and their children Louise, Christopher and Suzie; sister-in-law Barbara in Cabrera, Spain; and numerous cousins and friends throughout the world, particularly her best friend Lynne (Iain) Bannerman of Tain Scotland.
She was predeceased by her parents John and Betty Frew of Inverness; her parents-in-law Jim and Margery Johnstone of Carlisle, England; brother Gordon Frew of Dundee Scotland and brother-in-law David of Cabrera.
Lis was born in Giffnock near Glasgow but moved to Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland at an early age where she attended Inverness Royal Academy and Heatherly School for Girls, where she made many lifelong friendships. She then attended Duncan of Jordanstone School of Fine Art, majoring in silversmithing. She then moved to Edinburgh where she worked as a layout artist for the Scotsman Newspaper. She met her future husband in Edinburgh where they married and settled producing their two children, They moved to various towns in the Borders from Newcastle, Carlisle to Annan before emigrating to Lethbridge in 1977 where she has resided ever since.
A Celebration of Life will be held in her memory at some time in the near future.
If you so wish donations to Lethbridge Humane Society, http://lethbridgehumanesociety.com/ would be gratefully received.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
LEISHMAN, David
DAVID DEVOE LEISHMAN 1945 – 2025 With great sadness in our hearts we announce the passing of David (Dee) on February 28th, 2025 while vacationing with Sharon, his wife, in Los Cabos, Mexico. Dee loved travelling the world with Sharon and their friends. They had many exciting adventures and especially enjoyed the companionship of each other.
Dee had a zest for life, characterized by his positive attitude, his experiences and activities. He was active in sports, he took pleasure in golfing and playing racquetball with close friends. He had a sense of humor and contagious laugh. He was a very kind man and did not judge others. Everyone had a fondness for him and took pleasure in being with him.
Dee was very generous with his family, he helped then anyway he could. He also took them on vacations where they enjoyed skiing, surfing, swimming and playing games. He was affectionately known by several of his grandchildren as Popo, a name he proudly bore.
He was born on October 25th, 1945 in Cardston, Alberta to David and Verna Leishman. They soon moved to Lethbridge where he spent his childhood, graduating from LCI. He then attended BYU after which he moved his family to Calgary for a short time and then made his home in Lethbridge.
Among his many business ventures he established the Leishman Hearing Centre in 1987. Well known for his business acumen and network of contacts, he with Leishman Hearing served the people of Southern Alberta for many years, and he took great satisfaction in mentoring young hearing aid practitioners and helping them form their own companies.
Dee was predeceased by his parents David and Verna Leishman.
Besides his loving wife Sharon of 59 years; he is survived by his children: Tracey (Noel), Nikki, Jesse (Samantha), Drew (Emma); his grandchildren: Colten, Kirsten, Bridget, Tosh, Mason, Rylee, Rowan, Miles, and great grandchildren Maci and Cali. He is also survived by his older sister Rita and younger brother Don, numerous nieces and nephews as well as cousins.
Dee was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings. He had unwavering faith in his Savior Jesus Christ.
A Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, FAIRMONT CHAPEL, 205 Fairmont Blvd S. Lethbridge at 11:00am on Monday March 10th, with Bishop Mike Smith officiating.
Friends are welcome to meet with the family at the church on Sunday March 9th, from 7:00 – 8:00pm and Monday March 10th, from 10:00 – 10:30am.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
STIRLING, Mabel STIRLING 1937 – 2025 MABEL ELIZABETH STIRLING, of St Therese Villa in Lethbridge, formerly of Milk River, passed away in the Chinook Regional Hospital after a brief illness, on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at the age of 88 years.
Mabel is survived by two grandsons, Nathan & Dustin Niblock of Ontario; four step-daughters: Beverley, Sherry, Sandra and Terri Dawn (née Mueller) and their families; as well as other nieces and nephews in Ontario and Alberta; and her sister-in-law Maureen (nee Stirling) and her family.
Mabel was predeceased by her son, Brent Niblock, and husbands John Niblock, Murray McFadden, Fritz Mueller and Colin Stirling.
Mabel was born on February 16, 1937 in Enterprise, ON, as Mabel Hutcheson.
As Mrs. Mabel McFadden, she transferred to Alberta in 1967 with her husband.
Mabel worked at various CIBC branches throughout southern Alberta, until she retired in 1996. She had a long and very successful career in the bank, being respected and admired by all she worked with. She made many long-lasting close friends from that career.
After retiring from the bank, Mabel worked at the Duty Free in Coutts, AB, and the Riverside Market in Milk River.
To know Mabel was to love her, with her big friendly smile and her sparkling blue eyes. Although she had many health issues and broken bones after retiring, she always had a positive attitude; smiling, happy and contented.
Mabel loved to travel and was always willing to join in when asked. She enjoyed many trips with her husband and friends. She was an avid, and of course, the best partner to have, playing cards or games, whenever she could. She also loved being the coordinator of the jigsaw puzzle table at the Prairie Rose Lodge in Milk River from 2020-2023. Everyone there became a good friend.
A Celebration of Life will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH HALL, 301 Main Street NW, Milk River, AB, on Friday, March 21, 2025 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
ELASCHUK, Elizabeth “Betty” ELIZABETH “BETTY” ELASCHUK 1930 – 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother Elizabeth (Betty) Mae Elaschuk on March 1, 2025, at the Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 94 years.
Betty was born on the family farm between Enchant and Turin on May 23, 1930, and she was the youngest of three daughters born to George and Mary Lelekach. She attended Lone Star School and then to Turin School, however she never did finish but was able to go to Garbutt’s Secretarial College in Lethbridge and upon completion worked as a legal secretary. Betty stopped working after two years to look after her mother who fell sick, and it was at this time she met her future husband of 52 years Andy Elaschuk.
Andy and Betty married in 1955 and took over the Elaschuk farm northwest of Turin. After the birth of their daughter Janice, they moved to the Lelekach farm. Two sons were born, Norman and Brian. Betty and Andy stayed on the farm until 2005 when they both moved into Picture Butte.
After Andy’s death in 2007 Betty became very active in the community of Picture Butte participating in many organizations. She was a member of the Picture Butte Seniors Association, Helping Hands and Meals on Wheels. Betty re-ignited her Catholic Faith and was a fixture in St. Catherines Church every Sunday and participated in the Catholic Women’s League.
Betty was devoted to her children, treasured her family and friends, she adored and was proud of her grandchildren and her eyes would light up whenever she saw them. She will be remembered for her beautiful smile and infectious laugh. She was fun and witty and lived life the best she could.
Betty was predeceased by her husband Andy; parents George and Mary; sisters Margaret and Irene and their spouses.
Betty is survived by her children Janice (Loren), Norman (Gloria) and Brian (Jackie); grandchildren Jenna (Scott), Tyler, Curtis (Brooke), Nicole, Anndie and her great grandchild Kylie.
Betty will be deeply missed by cousins, nieces and nephews and anyone else that she touched with her spirit and kindness.
Thank you to the staff of Piyami Lodge, the staff and doctors of Chinook Regional hospital and Dr. Mohammed.
A Visitation will be held at 12:00 pm, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 pm, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Deacon Jim Manzara, officiating.
Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
GILMAR, Derek DEREK GILMAR 1952 – 2025 We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved father, Derek Wayne Gilmar. Our dad was a very loving, caring father, cherished grandfather and great- grandfather, and a missed brother and uncle.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at 12:00 pm on Monday, March 10, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL.
A Celebration of Derek’s Life will be held at 1:00 pm on Monday, March 10, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please visit at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Derek-Gilmar
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Canadian Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Canadian Diabetes Association or your local SPCA.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MURRAY, Michael “Mike” MICHAEL “MIKE” MURRAY 1963 – 2025 It is with great sadness in our hearts that the family of MICHAEL PATRICK MURRAY of Warner, AB, announce his passing on Monday, February 17, 2025, at the age of 61 years.
Mike was born March 15, 1963, to James and Alice Murray of Warner, he was raised and went to school at Warner. He was excited to leave home and go to SAIT for heavy duty mechanics. He had several jobs during his life, but he was most proud and told the most stories about the time he spent in Dawson City as a firefighter. From there he moved to Coquitlam BC and was there until he moved back to Warner in 2010. He had been working for Bayer Crop Science in Lethbridge up to his passing.
Mike was an avid outdoorsman and has many trophies and pictures of successful hunts. He guided many hunts for birds and deer, and his fishing stories are legendary. Mike had a talent for making everyone feel like they were his best friend. He was very proud of his family and enjoyed sharing pictures of his Granddaughter Ravyn.
Mike leaves behind his family; daughter Nyx (John) Heppner, and granddaughter Ravyn; Wife Maureen White and stepchildren Jessica and Jerry; Sisters Karen Murray (Derek), Heather Murray; and Brother Glen Murray (Susan).
He was predeceased by his mother Alice Murray; father Jim Murray; brother Dan Murray and his sister Joan Murray.
Mike was a favorite uncle to his sister Joan’s kids Riley and Delaney, and Glen and Susan’s kids Sam, Melanie and Rachel.
Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.
A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 pm, SATURDAY, MARCH 15, 2025, AT MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Dr. Bruce Martin, officiating.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
WHIMSTER, Donald “Don” WHIMSTER July 26, 1968 – February 27, 2025 DONALD “DON” FRASER WHIMSTER passed away peacefully on Thursday, February 27th, 2025, at the age of 56 years old.
Don is survived by his mother, Patricia Whimster; son Nick Bartosek-Whimster; sister Trish Whimster (Emily); sister Shannon Collier; nephew Brady Collier; nieces, Kyra Collier (Jessy), Kaylene Neufeld, Kelcey Aleman (Ryan) and their children Waylon and Kylee; his aunt Cheryl O’Donnell and Aunt Sue O’Donnell; cousins: Mike O’Donnell (Cheralan), Tara VanZeggelaar (Darren), Brad O’Donnell, Cody O’Donnell (Bailey), Jeff O’Donnell (Patricia), Dustin O’Donnell (Taya), Lacey Jote (Sol); and his fun loving and always helpful cousin, Coreen Warnock.
He was predeceased by his father, John Whimster; sister Jennifer Whimster-Neufeld; brother-in-law, Clint Collier; grandparents, Thelma and Fred O’Donnell; Grammy Jean Whimster; as well as his uncles: Dennis, Terry and Jim O’Donnell.
Don grew up in Lethbridge and attended Catholic school from Kindergarten to Grade 12. He received his sacraments at St. Basil’s Catholic Church on the northside of Lethbridge. Sunday suppers at Grandma’s house, in Picture Butte, were a cherished memory for him while growing up. Don graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1986. From there, he went on to manage a service station and later drove truck for his uncle Jimmy. Don loved to joke and laugh and was known for his silly nature and quick sarcastic wit. On many occasions, he would fill a room with laughter!
In his younger years, Don played hockey, baseball, and football. Family, friends and meaningful connections were an important part of what he valued as a person. He was always accepting of those around him regardless of their circumstances.
Family was his most cherished gift in life, and he always felt our unconditional love for him!
As Rudyard Kipling put beautifully in his poem “If”, “If you can meet with triumph and disaster and treat those two impostors just the same…You are a better man than most.”
Downturns are not permanent defeats, and successes are not ultimate triumphs. How we face our setbacks, with resilience, and accept our successes, with grace, are important measures of our worth as individuals.
May Don rest in peace and may perpetual light shine upon him.
A celebration of Don’s life will be held in the spring for family and close friends.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
CHAPMAN, Ronald RONALD ALEXANDER CHAPMAN 1932 – 2025 Mr. Ronald Chapman of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Cecilia Chapman, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the age of 92 years.
Ron was predeceased by his soulmate Cec on October 28, 2020; their infant daughter Wendy; his great granddaughter Melissa; his parents Harry and Isabel Chapman; and his Grampy Alexander Chapman.
Left to mourn are his children, Cindy (Marc), Sabourin, Deanna (Leonard) Mueller and Linda Chapman; grandchildren Jill Sabourin, and Coco (Dula) Mediwake and their son Emrys; Craig (Lindsay) Mueller and their sons Oscar, Eric, and Earl; Ryan (Amber) Mueller and their children Summer, Autumn, Zack, Zane, and Xavier; Bridgette Hilmer; Samantha (Ryan) Payne and their children Max and Olivia; Christine (Mike) Stephenson and their daughter Brooke.
Ron was born in Lethbridge, Alberta in May of 1932. He attended Central School and the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute and obtained his Chartered Accountant’s degree by articling with George A Young, Chartered Accountant and completing the required five-year correspondence courses with Queen’s University of Ontario.
During his professional career he was Office Manager of Smith Motors Ltd. A Ford Mercury Lincoln Automotive Dealership, a Partner in Young, Parkyn, McNab, Chartered Accountants and President of Datatron Processing & Systems Ltd. While Manager of Lethbridge Electronic Data Processing in 1966 Ron was instrumental in the introduction of the first mainframe computer into Lethbridge. The IBM computer was one of only ten of its type in western Canada at that time. In 1986 he moved to Time Air Inc., a regional feeder airline to Canadian Airlines as Director of Information Systems. Time Air became Canadian Regional Airlines and while there he was instrumental in managing a very qualified technical group to design and install an Intranet In-house System of microcomputers covering the companies operating area from Victoria to Toronto. He retired in 1993.
He was a member of the Canadian Army (Reserves) for twenty-five years, retiring as a Captain in the Royal Canadian Army Pay Corps after serving as Paymaster for Reserve Army Units in Lethbridge, Blairmore and Brooks, Alberta.
Ron and his wife Cecilia, both born and raised in Lethbridge, lived their lives and raised their family here. Together, they enjoyed the great outdoors of our area with their family for many years, as well as gardening, fishing and traveling.
A Visitation will be held at 7:00 pm, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Deacon Jim Manzara, officiating.
Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Flowers are gratefully declined.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
WELLS, Edwin “Casey” WELLS EDWIN “CASEY” WELLS, of the Blood Reserve, passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, March 2, 2025 at the age of 61 years.
A Visitation will be held at SENATOR GLADSTONE HALL, Blood Reserve, AB, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 10:30 A.M., with a Funeral Service to follow at 12:00 Noon with Morris Little Wolf officiating.
Following the Funeral Service, Casey will be laid to rest in the Day Rider Family Plot.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
LAQUA, Louise LOUISE LAQUA 1931 – 2025 Mrs. Louise Helena Laqua of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. William Laqua, passed away in Calgary at the Chinook Care Centre on Monday, March 3, 2025, at the age of 93 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
ANDREWS, Evelyn ANDREWS EVELYN RUBY ANDREWS, of Lethbridge, AB, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, March 5, 2025 at the age of 91 years.
She is the loving mother of Valerie Schmold (Madeson Zeviar) and Larry (Lynne) Andrews of Lethbridge; grandmother to: Nichole (Corey) Flynn of Calgary, Braedon (Shannon) Schmold of Lethbridge, and Jamie (Mike) Mauro of Lethbridge; and great-grandmother to: Clark and Parker Flynn, and Siena, Milan and Lucio Mauro. Evelyn is survived by her two siblings, Andy Schaufert and Grace McPike-Kelly and many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Victor and Agnes Schaufert and her brother, Bob Schaufert.
Evelyn was born on January 29, 1934 in Abbotsford, BC, the second child of Victor and Agnes Schaufert. She married Wes Andrews in August of 1953, and raised her two children while working many hours on the farm in the Coaldale area. She started working at Woolco in the mid 1970s, where she quickly worked her way up to Manager of Ladies Wear. She worked there through the transition to Walmart, until she retired in 1999.
She moved to Lethbridge in 1979 and eventually moved into her house on St. Andrew Road. She lived there until May of 2016, when she moved to Black Rock Terrace. She enjoyed many visits from her family as well as the non-stop laughs there with her close friends.
In 2024, her faltering health forced her to move into transition at Golden Acres Lodge, and then finally into St. Therese Villa, where she lived until her passing. In spite of her countless health struggles, she never lost her love of family and friends.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Glenda Wert officiating.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BOGDAN-LARSON, Susan “Claire” SUSAN CLAIRE BOGDAN-LARSON 1940 – 2025 Mrs. Susan “Claire” Bogdan-Larson of Magrath, beloved wife of Mr. Jim Larson, passed away at Diamond Willow Lodge on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the age of 85 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
To send condolences, please
visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
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