Tuesday, May 6, 2025

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on May 6, 2025.

WATSON, AL (Roy)

A CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR (ROY) AL WATSON will be held on Saturday, May 10th between 1:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Polish Hall 745 – 13 Street North

VAIR, Jean

JEAN MARY (FRASER) VAIR 1934 – 2025 The family of Jean Vair would like to announce the passing of our beloved Mom at the age of 91 at St. Therese Villa on April 30, 2025, surrounded by family.
She was predeceased by her husband Bill Vair, Jean’s parents Henry and Mary, her sister Josephine, and brothers Harold and Allen.
Jean is survived by her children, David Vair, Linda (Fred) Chomiak, Judy (Stan) Cohen), and Pat Seebeck, eight grandchildren, and numerous great-grandchildren.
She will be deeply missed by us all.
A private graveside service will be held. In lieu of flowers, buy yourself a cherry sundae, Jean’s favourite.
Condolences may be forwarded to http://www.evergreenfh.ca

HICKS, Herbert

HERBERT HICKS 1934 – 2025 Herbert Allan Hicks passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on May 3, 2025, with his beloved daughter and son-in-law by his side.
Born in 1934 in Williston, North Dakota to Melvin and Bertha Hicks, Herb lived nearly 91 years filled with experiences, achievements and successes. He made many friends along the way. Music and art were central to his life. He started playing piano at an early age, formed bands while in high school, toured Europe playing music while serving in the U.S. Air Force, and had some of his most memorable years playing jazz at The Spigot in Santa Barbara, California.
He moved to Lethbridge in the late 1960’s and helped form the art department at the U of L along with other prestigious Lethbridge artists, while also organizing Lethbridge musicians and influencing the development of a vibrant jazz scene. He was inseparable from his brother Bob – they created inspiring art together, could be found at many venues jamming and trading fours, and spent many years searching the prairies for fossils. Herb’s many achievements are summarized in his autobiography To and From Gigs, but he was most proud of his family.
He is survived by his children Joanne Nibbio, Allan Hicks, and Janine Marion; his four grandchildren Alyssa Myers, Luke Marion, Aaliyah Hicks, and Harper Hicks; and his sister-in-law Ev Hicks.
A Celebration of Life is being planned to commemorate his life of art, music, family, and the lasting impact he made on his community. Herb touched the lives of many people and will be missed greatly.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

HENDERSON, William “Bill”

WILLIAM (BILL) DOUGLAS HENDERSON May 6, 1934 – April 27, 2025 We regretfully announce the passing of WILLIAM (BILL) D. HENDERSON (III) on Sunday, April 27, 2025. Our sadness is only tempered by our gratefulness to have shared almost 91 years of life with him and we accept his gentle passing to a long-deserved rest and “happier forever life”. Bill was a much beloved patriarch of the local Henderson group of families that have called Lethbridge home since the late 1800’s. Bill was predeceased by his loving mother Jean and father William S. Henderson (II) who fought valiantly in WWI, and also his grandfather William Henderson (I) and grandmother (Margaret) who immigrated from Scotland in 1879 and settled in Lethbridge in 1885. William Henderson (I) was a prominent local business man and a former Mayor of Lethbridge (1908-1909).
Bill is survived by his loving wife and life time partner of 77 years, Patricia Henderson, who was only 15 when they first met and fell in love. Married to Bill (1956) for almost 70 years, Pat will deeply miss her husband and the many happy times they shared building a life together. William is also survived by three loving sons and their families: 1st son William (Bill)(IV) and wife Mary, their son William Jordan(V) and wife Sarah along with their children William Becket (VI) and Theodora, and as well, their second son Brock and wife Aurielle along with their child Bruin. William is also survived by his 2nd son Dave and wife Lori along with a daughter Jazzmind (Chris) Goeyardi and their child Emerson, and as well, their son Kyle and wife Julie. William is also survived by his 3rd son Doug and wife Shauna, along with a daughter Jamie (Cody) Bosch with kids Seth and Jack, and also their son Ryan and wife Kelti. William is also survived by his only loving sister Margaret Roberts Henderson and her four children Doug, Mark, Gord and Carole and all their associated families.
Bill (22) and Pat (19) married young and the pressures of life ramped up quickly with kids on the way, four mouths to feed, clothe and “provide a roof” as they say. Bill worked hard as a blue-collar guy helping pave the road to Waterton and at night “hustled” some pool to make a few extra bucks. Life wasn’t easy for him with both parents passing in his mid 20’s and now starting his young family with basically nothing but love. It wasn’t long before he searched for a better job and found himself in the banking world which provided some great early training in money and finance, but Dad was never fond of all the moving required in that profession. In his mid 30’s that was all to change as he found his true calling as an entrepreneur, and moved from banking to securing land for Alberta farmers moving to south Saskatchewan as well as building a very distinguished career selling investments. Always putting family first, Bill slept in his car many a night on deserted country roads to save on hotel rooms (there weren’t many and it was a steep $3/night). Before his needs were ever met, he always made sure his boys each had a bike, hockey stick and baseball glove – that was a must! With his business acumen growing, Bill partnered with Gordon and Dave Roberts and formed Green Acres Fertilizer in 1968 which grew to seven plants in southern Alberta over 20 years and became the largest retail fertilizer company in Western Canada until it’s sale in 1988. His entrepreneurial drive continued and the real estate/land development world tugged at his heart strings. Bill partnered with friends/associates and purchased Schwartz Agencies in 1972, then formed BLT Holdings which in the early 80’s built the BLT Center in downtown Lethbridge (after the Schwartz/Enerson fire 1979) and also the Magrath Center on south Mayor Magrath Drive.
His final major project in real estate was assisting the owners of land in south Lethbridge (Fairmont area) with development and sales in that area. Bill was always driven by the “art of the deal” which he loved chasing more than any financial rewards it might bring him. Bill truly loved his friendships with his fellow man. That list is long and although many are now gone, he spoke often of all the great people who connected with him on his “life journey” through the many businesses plus the Kinsmen Club, Elks Club and as a board member of CJOC Radio and the Lethbridge Community College.
Bill shared his financing knowledge and entrepreneurial drive with his sons assisting them with the purchase of the first TacoTime Franchise location in Canada in 1978 on Mayor Magrath Drive. For the next 46 years, Bill and his sons spoke daily and shared many successes/failures in each of their respective businesses. Dad was a great business man, sharp as a tack, amazing with financing/numbers and most importantly always tried to maintain his honesty and integrity throughout his life. There are abundant business memories, sharing a cabin in Whitefish for 30 years, sunny vacation getaways, family barbeques, and Christmas get-togethers. Bill had a great love for all sports playing many competitively himself and further supported numerous organizations in Lethbridge for many years. Bill loved his golf (especially scrambles) and had every gadget and club you could buy to improve your game. Some worked well and others not so much, but that wouldn’t stop him from getting a hole in one at the Riviera Classic/Las Vegas in 1981 and winning a Rolls Royce which he opted not to keep as he was a very humble man and didn’t like drawing attention to himself.
Dad’s greatest love in life was always his family and he had an ear for each and every one of them – everything else came second! Dad always cherished time with Mom, his sons and their sports, daughters-in-law, grandkids and great-grandkids, whether it was working or playing. He cherished every moment with his family and instilled that passion in each of them with their families. We were blessed to have such an amazing father, teacher/mentor to follow and further blessed to have his guidance in our daily lives for so many years! What more does a person ask for from a Dad?
In Dad’s later years, all the businesses, real estate and land development faded into history and was replaced with simple joys with Mom, coming to the office every day to see his sons, share emails with friends and spend quality time with all his extended families. Our world just got a little smaller and he will be forever missed by all of us and many others who had the good fortune of knowing him.
Although he never attended church, Dad had a very strong love for the Father and his son Jesus. He read passages from the bible all his life and enjoyed certain scriptures immensely. He was a quiet and solitary man (that loved to chat) and rarely complained about anything in life. He was always there to help friends and strangers in need and never expected anything in return. Dad spent his final two years living peacefully in Fairmont Extendicare but thankfully the Lord finally came to his side and took him home. The staff at Extendicare were always very kind and accommodated his needs to the best of their abilities and we give them our many thanks for his care and being by his side during his final days.
The family gratefully declines flowers and Bill has requested there be no public funeral and a private family graveside service will be held sometime in the future. Bill’s only final request was for people to help someone in need of love and support, always be kind, and if possible, make a donation to a charity of your choosing. Hug your children and families tightly, no matter their age, as life is fleeting. God Bless to all! Thank you to the staff of Cornerstone Funeral Home for their professional assistance in completing Dad’s final arrangements.

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

HARTY, Marcus “Mark”

HARTY MARCUS “MARK” FRANCIS HARTY, formally of Milk River, beloved husband of Merelyn Harty, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa, surrounded by his family, on Thursday, May 1, 2025 at the age of 93 years.
A Prayer Vigil will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. with Sharon Hagel officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 Main Street NW, Milk River, AB, on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, a lunch will be provided at a Reception that is being held at the Milk River Civic Centre at 321 – 3 Ave. NE Milk River, AB.
Following the Reception, Mark will be laid to rest in the Allerston Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a contribution in Mark’s name to the charity of your choice.

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

HALLDORSON, Albert

HALLDORSON It is with great sadness that the family of ALBERT HALLDORSON, announce his peaceful passing at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, May 1, 2025.
Albert was the cherished dad to Brandon Halldorson, loving husband of Kathleen Halldorson and devoted brother to Leo Halldorson (Jessica) and his late sister Lorie Halldorson. He had a very close and loving relationships with his nieces and nephews known as “Uncle Albie” to Joshua Halldorson (Linda), Amy Halldorson and Jordan Udy. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife’s family; his sister-in-law Kelly Donnelly (Kevin), Brother -in-laws Shaun Walker (Chantelle) and Michael Walker. He will be greatly missed by his numerous cousins.
Albert, born May 14, 1959 was a farm boy born and raised in Lundar, Manitoba. He was the oldest child of the late Dorothy and Jonas Halldorson. At 18 he travelled by train to Edmonton to pursue his Alberta dream in the Oil Patch. He stayed with his cousin Jim Fjelsted, who mentored him in all aspects of the oil and gas industry. Albert began as a backhoe operator then eventually started his own company “Halltech Inspections”, where as a consultant, he would overseen pipeline installation projects all over Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. During his spring break up from work, he loved to head to warm destinations with his family and friends and partake in deep sea fishing of swordfish, Mahi Mahi and Salmon.
Life changed for Albert in 2021, after years of experiencing health issues, he was diagnosed with Pulmonary Hypertension (PH) in which there is no cure and left him with a permanent disability. He greatly missed working. He was like a warrior fighting with the disease and sought out every form of treatment and research trial medications.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Pulmonary Clinic at the Peter Lougheed Hospital who followed his medical care and the ICU staff at the Chinook Hospital for their kindness.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, May 23, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME – 2825 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB with Pat Siedlecki officiating.

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

FAROUGH, Mark “Tony”

MARK “TONY’ FAROUGH 1961 ~ 2025 Mr. Mark “Tony” Farough of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Joyce Farough, passed away suddenly in his home on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the age of 64 years.
As per his wishes, a Celebration of Tony’s life will be held at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

SCHIKOWSKY, Peter “Pete”

SCHIKOWSKY PETER “PETE” NELSON SCHIKOWSKY, beloved partner of Michelle Tatel, passed away at home in Lethbridge, on Friday, May 2, 2025 at the age of 47 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

CHARLESWORTH, Duane

CHARLESWORTH DUANE CHARLESWORTH, beloved husband of Val Charlesworth, passed away at the Foothills Hospital, on Friday May 2, 2025 at the age of 76 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at McKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 – 15 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Trevor Potter officiating.

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

COVERT, Earle

DR. EARLE LESLIE COVERT, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the age of 86 years.

Doctor Covert is survived by his second wife Jean and her daughter Barbara, his son Lawrence (Monique) and his daughter Cindy (Robin); seven grandchildren: Orrin (Kaio), Dallas (Andrea), Tyrell (Ceara), Nakyta (James), Natasha, Makayla (Spencer), and Porscha (Mike). His family, while spread across Canada, has grown to include 13 great-grandchildren who are all under the age of nine years old. While these are the blood relations he left behind, there are dozens of people and families who called him a father, a grandfather and a friend. He was predeceased by his first wife, Audrey in 2016.

Doctor Covert, born on June 21st 1938 in Ottawa, graduated Queens University in Kingston, Ontario in the year 1964 and moved immediately to the Northwest Territories, where he began serving the Lord as a doctor and leader in his church community. The legacy he leaves behind includes bringing hundreds of babies into this world, flying into remote communities to serve both the Lord and the medical field in any capacity he was able. He raised a large family and left behind a church family at Parallel Lethbridge that, while not blood, are as true a family as any man could ask for.

Doctor Covert was a man who touched the lives of many thousands of people. He served his communities of Hay River, NWT, and Coledale/Lethbridge area as a doctor for over 50 years. In the many years he served his community, he donated his time, his energy, and his love to anyone he came in contact with, serving in Streets Alive with Foot Friday, The Gideons, and Parallel Lethbridge. He was lovingly known in Parallel as “Doc”, where he served for many years as a door greeter and voice of wisdom.

His hobbies included genealogy research, bird watching, and stamp collecting, where he served in BNAPS from 1972 in various capacities as Secretary of the Society, and Member of the Board of Governors. He also eventually served as Chairman, and President of the organization for a time. He is also known internationally for publishing and editing various catalogs and collectors documents relating back to his joy of postal stationery (stamp collecting).

The innumerable ripples of Doctor Covert’s life and the effect he had on the people around him are not fully known, yet what is known is that he has touched so many lives in such a positive way that his passing has left a hole in the hearts of many. His lasting wish, his final goal was to see the Lord Jesus Christ praised and the Gospel spread to anyone with ears to hear.

A Celebration of Life will be held at PARALLEL CHURCH, 1 mile east of Lethbridge on Hwy 3, on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Kelly Stickel and Pastor Ralph Molyneux officiating. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Earle’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

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

SHEPPARD, David “Dave”

DAVID “DAVE” SHEPPARD 1936 ~ 2025 Mr. David Sheppard of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Jean Sheppard, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the age of 88 years.
A Private family green burial will be held.
A Celebration of Dave’s Life will be held at a later date.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

SCHELLHORN, Laura

SCHELLHORN LAURA SCHELLHORN, of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly at the Raymond Health Centre, surrounded by family, on Sunday, May 4, 2025 at the age of 56 years.
At Laura’s request, no formal funeral service will be held.

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

DRAKE, Randy

DRAKE RANDY EDWARD DRAKE, of Picture Butte, beloved husband of Florence Drake, passed away peacefully at the St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Monday, May 5, 2025 at the age of 72 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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