June 13th, 2025

Wednesday, June 11, 2025


By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on June 11, 2025.

BYAM, Wade LaRand “Randy” Wade LaRand “Randy” Byam July 18, 1957 – June 5, 2025 Wade LaRand Byam, lovingly known by most as Randy, passed away peacefully in Pincher Creek, Alberta, on June 5, 2025, at the age of 67, after a courageous battle with cancer.
Randy was born on July 18, 1957, in Lethbridge, Alberta, and was raised there by his parents, Calvin Byam and Lorna Quinton, both of whom passed away while he was still young. Despite early hardships, Randy lived a life filled with purpose, faith, and quiet strength.
Although they were not married at the time of his passing, Randy shared many meaningful years and good memories with Cindy Drew, the loving mother of his children. Together, they raised three children: Courtney, Kelsi, and Dustin (Heidi). He was a proud grandfather to Miranda, Emerie, and Beau, and also shared a special bond with two honorary grandchildren, D’mitri and Alijah.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Randy served a two-year mission in Idaho as a young man and remained actively involved in his faith throughout his life. He was a natural storyteller, an easy laugher, and a man who endured life’s challenges with grace and gratitude. Randy never complained – he simply kept going, and in doing so, became a quiet example of resilience and faith.
He loved cheering on the Calgary Flames, fishing, and relaxing with a good movie. But more than anything, he loved his family.
Randy’s life will be celebrated in a non-traditional way that reflects his spirit: an open house and open mic memorial will be held on June 27, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Pincher Creek. Friends and family are invited to come share stories, memories, songs, or simply be together in his honor.
Now reunited with his beloved parents after so many years apart, Randy leaves behind a legacy of love, quiet strength, and enduring faith.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.edensfuneralhome.com
CRIGHTON, Catherine CATHERINE FLORA CRIGHTON 1931 ~ 2025 Mrs. Catherine Crighton of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. William “Bill” Crighton, passed away peacefully at Legacy Lodge on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the age of 93 years.
A private Family Graveside Service will take place in Mountain View Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MONSON, Marilyn MARILYN MONSON 1944 ~ 2025 Mrs. Marilyn Monson of Coaldale, beloved wife of the late Mr. Roy (Bud) Monson, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Sunday June 8, 2025, at the age of 80 years.
Marilyn is survived by her 4 children Corine, Dawn, Travis (Michelle) and Brad; she is also survived by 11 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Bud in 2018.
As per Marilyn’s request, there will be no formal Funeral Service.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Riverview Chapel.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
CHOGI, Darlene CHOGI DARLENE EDITH CHOGI, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Leonard Chogi, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the age of 77 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

DAVIES, Emma DAVIES Sept. 25, 1938 – June 8, 2025 EMMA SUSAN DAVIES was called home to Glory on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at the age of 86 years. She passed peacefully in her sleep, her unwavering faith in Christ her Savior carrying her through to the very end.
She is lovingly remembered by her daughter Karen (Tony), her grandchildren Christopher (Emily) Ashleigh (Rob), and her six cherished great-grandchildren: John, Kate, Carter, Kinda, Emma, and Calliope.
Emma was predeceased by her beloved daughter Kinda Francis (1961), her husband Neville Owen (2020), and was the last surviving sibling of 11.
Emma had a deep love for children and lived a life full of gratitude, always thankful for the blessings she was given. Her warmth, strength, and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew her.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Piyami Lodge and Place for their excellent and compassionate care of Emma.
Emma will be laid to rest in a public Interment Service at ARCHMOUNT CEMETERY, 2710 Westside Drive West, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Christopher Kok officiating.
A Memorial Service will be held at the IRON SPRINGS CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH, Iron Springs, AB, on Thursday, June 12, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. with Christopher Kok officiating. The Memorial Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Emma’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Lethbridge Pregnancy Care Centre (lethbridgepregcentre.com)

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
KAUPP, Rita KAUPP RITA ELIZABETH KAUPP, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at the age of 63 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at VisitLethbridge.com Arena (formally known as the Enmax Centre), in the Canadian Western Bank Lounge, 2510 Scenic Dr S, Lethbridge, on Saturday, June 14, 2025 from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the New Beginnings Association, 2006-37 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 4G8.

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

GELLENY, Bradley GELLENY BRADLEY THOMAS GELLENY, of Lethbridge, passed away on Sunday, June 8, 2025 at the age of 64 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

BOYCE, Bryan “Boycie” BOYCE It is with loving reflection we announce the peaceful passing of BRYAN HARVEY BOYCE or known to most as “Boycie”, at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the age of 73 years.
Bryan was born to Orval and Velma in Roblin, MB on August 3rd, 1951, along with two brothers (Greg and Randy) and three sisters (Betty, Barb and Brenda).
He moved to Calgary where he started his business and married his love, Sandra, and they had two children.
While he was deeply affected by the premature loss of his great love, Sandra, and his two brothers Greg and Randy, he was lucky to have a second chance at love with his partner, Jan, which gave him three more children, two daughters and a son-in-law.
He spent the happiest moments of his life hunting, fishing, camping, quadding, golfing and playing cards. He was lucky to have enjoyed his retirement to the fullest, and spent his golden years with all of his friends, and surrounded by all he loved most, particularly his nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, whom he adored endlessly.
He always said go big or go home, and no one can argue that he had a big life full of love and laughs. In the end, he went home quickly and peacefully, just the way he wanted.
We will celebrate his life at LAKESIDE GOLF CLUB, 555 Lakeside Greens Drive, Chestermere, AB, on Tuesday June 24th, 2025 at 2:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers or donations we ask if you have a memory to share, please sent them to bboycie@shaw.ca
CHIEF MOON – BIG THROAT, Peggy CHIEF MOON – BIG THROAT Peggy Ronalda Chief Moon-Big Throat, passed away on June 6, 2025 in Cardston, Alberta at the age of 75 years.
The Funeral service will be held at the Civic Centre (67 3rd Ave W), Cardston, Alberta on Saturday, June 14, 2025 at 1:00 pm. Interment to follow at Pioneer Cemetery, Blood Reserve.
To send a condolence please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
BETTS, James BETTS With heavy hearts and gentle relief, we said goodbye to our beloved husband, father, papa and friend, James Betts on Saturday, June 7, 2025.
With the exception of two winters when he attended SAIT, Jim spent his entire life in Coutts, living a short 7 miles from the original family homestead where he was born on July 6, 1937. While he was both a farmer and a rancher, his love was the land. He cultivated the earth with the same love that he created and cultivated his family.
If you were to ask Jim, he would tell you that he never met a person who had a better life than him. While life wasn’t always easy, it was filled with hard work, determination, generosity and kindness. He never met a stranger; anyone he met was a friend. And any person who drove or walked into the yard was invited in for coffee and lunch – saying no was never an option as Jim had a convincing personality.
Jim was tasked with running the family farm at the tender age of 12. His father was ill with dementia and being the eldest son, the responsibility fell on him to take over for his dad. In his 87 years, he never once complained about his lack of childhood. He took this role in stride, learning quickly to fix everything and anything. He had a special love of motors, a knack for numbers, and a passion for tractors. It wasn’t uncommon for a neighbor to bring over a broken piece of equipment for him to fix or weld. Even if Jim was busy, he would gladly stop whatever he was doing to help anyone who asked. He loved working in his quanset and if he wasn’t in the house or field, that’s where you’d find him: working or repairing something.
Jim instilled a love of family in all of us. While he wasn’t big on words, he expressed his love through his perseverance, dedication and hard work. He created the life he had always dreamed about. In 1968, his forever farm was purchased. This is where his children were raised and where he watched his grandchildren learn to love the land, play near the creek, and explore the coulees. He planted 11 miles of shelter belts to beautify the farm and to enrich and protect the wildlife. He got immense joy driving around the country to see the crops, check the cows, or visit the neighbors for a coffee. He remained on the home quarter until three days prior to his passing. This was his final wish.
Jim always took an active role in the lives of his children and grandchildren. Whether it was a sporting event, Christmas concert, dance recital or any other activity, he was always the biggest supporter. He loved to read and you could always find a book on or near him until his cataracts forced him to close that chapter. His legacy will carry on forever, reminding us to live a life of integrity, humility, and to serve others without expectation of return. He was truly a man of simple pleasures and immense faith.
Jim leaves behind his wife of 61 years, Helen, and his four children: Connie (Ron), Robin, Tammy, and Kathie (Cam). He also leaves behind the lights of his life, his four grandchildren: Mckenna, Teresca, Niklas and Jackson. Jim is survived by his brother, Ed, sister Marge, sister-in-law, Anne and brother-in-law, Frank (Pat).
There are no words to express how grateful we are for the love, and concern of all our family and friends before, during, and after his passing. We would like to give special thanks to dear friends, Carla and Tant, for being with us through the entirety of his illness. We also want to thank his incredible home care workers, Liz and Chrissy, for giving dad exceptional care the past few years. Your compassion and kindness meant the world to Jim, and to us. And to Sheanna, for guiding us and advocating for Jim though his illness with a helping hand and caring heart. To the entire staff at the Milk River Hospital, thank you for attending to dad in his final days, and for making a difficult time immensely better through your compassion and kindness.
At Jim’s request, no funeral service will be held. The family will be holding an informal luncheon for friends and family at a later date.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

SOOP, Wilfred SOOP WILFRED SOOP, who was welcomed home with a dance of joy by his love, Geraldine, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the Cardston Health Centre on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at the age of 89 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.

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

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