Friday, July 25, 2025
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on July 25, 2025.
KALAU, Albin KALAU, Albin June 13, 1933 – July 18, 2025 After a valiant battle with cancer, dementia, and arthritis, Al passed away on Friday, July 18, 2025, with his hand being held by his wife, Shirley, of 36 years.Al spent his childhood enduring WWII, which forced him to grow up faster than a child should. To survive the war, he helped support his German farm family and community by fishing and hunting.
While Germany was still closed in by the Berlin Wall, the 3 Kalau Brothers (Alex, Simon, and Albin) escaped Germany in 1951 by riding the Berlin Subway, going round and round through the border crossings, harassing the guards until the guards were so used to them, they no longer cared to reprocess the documentation.
The three bothers jumped off in West Berlin, with nothing but the clothing on their backs, and joined their parents whom were already out of the Country on a Travel Permit.
Since coming to Canada, Al was able to establish a strong, successful base in the Coutts community- creating friendships and bonds that have lasted until his passing. The experiences of his past and the memories, made him the supportive, caring man we knew and loved.
Albin did a lot of things in his life, from boxing to dynamiting – he was a jack of all trades. This served him well when he bought his land in Coutts and created his farm legacy. He was able to fix just about anything.
The community knew that they could come to Al for any of their problems, big or small, and he would be there to help.
Al was predeceased by his parents, Martha & Adolf Kalau; as well as his brothers, Alexander (Irma), and Simon (Elsie).
His memory will be cherished by his wife, Shirley; his eldest daughter, Barb (Rob) Hoytos, his twin daughters, Sharon & Shirley; as well as his son, Martin; his extended family, step-daughters, Pam (Gim), and Debbie (Thor); grandchildren, Jeff (Danielle), Brad (Bailey), Thomas, Kayla (Nolan), Isabelle (Clayton), Cecilia, Hannah, and Shalayna; along with numerous great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces, nephews, and other family members.
The family would like to thank the team at St. Therese Villa for all their wonderful care and support.
A cremation has taken place. For those who wish, a Celebration of Albin’s Life will take place between 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at the Coutts Civic Centre, in Coutts, Alberta. A private family interment will take place in Holy Angels Community Cemetery.
To share condolences, please visit http://www.evergreenfh.ca
WELCH, Robert “Bob” In Loving Memory of ROBERT (BOB) HENRY WALMSLEY WELCH April 14, 1956 – July 4, 2025 Bob Welch passed away peacefully on July 4, 2025, in Kamloops, British Columbia, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s. He was 69.
Born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta, Bob attended SAIT before moving to the BC Coast, where he began his lifelong career in the printing industry and met the love of his life, Christine. Together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and family. Bob was a proud and devoted husband and father to their son Patrick, and later welcomed daughter-in-law Karen into the family.
In 2020, Bob and Christine retired to Kamloops to be closer to Patrick and Karen.
Bob is lovingly remembered by his siblings and their families: Paddie and Randy Walmsley (Dylan, Katie Tony ); Norman and Janet Welch (Emily Brandon , Christopher Hailey ); Judi and Dave Cassidy (Sean, David); and by brothers-in-law Alan and Kim Prokopow (Erik, Carter), and Bryan Prokopow and Shirley Van Den Bosch.
He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Marjorie Welch, and in-laws Tom and Ewayne Prokopow.
A passionate golfer, Bob found great joy (and the occasional frustration) on the fairways. May you continue to hit them long and straight, Bob.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025, at the Kamloops Curling Club.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bob’s honour to the Alzheimer Society of British Columbia or the Canadian Cancer Society (BC Division).
ERICKSON, Gary GARY LEIGH ERICKSON May 14, 1946 ~ July 20, 2025 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Gary Leigh Erickson on July 20, 2025, at the age of 79. Gary was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, whose love of the natural world, deep commitment to his faith, and enduring devotion to family shaped a life that enriched all who knew him.
Born on May 14, 1946, Gary spent his life in harmony with the outdoors he so deeply loved. As a dedicated wildlife biologist with Alberta Fish & Wildlife, he devoted his career to the stewardship of Alberta’s natural landscapes and wildlife. Among his many contributions, he played a central role in the Alberta Peregrine Falcon Recovery Plan – a project he took immense pride in. His efforts were instrumental in helping to restore this iconic species to the skies of Alberta, a legacy that continues to soar.
Gary’s love for nature wasn’t confined to his work. He was an avid outdoorsman who found joy and peace in hunting, hiking, bird watching, quadding, and camping. In later years, he discovered a passion for motorcycling, embarking on countless adventures across Canada and the United States. These experiences were often shared with his sons, who inherited his love for the wild and the open road, creating cherished memories that spanned generations.
Gary was a devoted husband to Laurie May Anderson, his partner in life and love. Together they raised three sons: Robin (Rae Ann), Darcy (Amber), and Jesse. He was a proud grandfather to six grandchildren who brought him endless joy: Liam, Kjell, Simon, and Taran, born to Robin and Rae Ann; and Breanne and Riley, born to Darcy and Amber. He is also survived by his siblings Barb, Rick, Jan, and Randy, who knew him not only as a brother but as a source of wisdom and quiet strength.
Faith played a central role in Gary’s life. He served as a Bishop to a Young Single Adult ward of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, offering guidance, compassion, and leadership to many during a formative time in their lives. His steady hand and open heart left a lasting impression on those he served.
Gary will be remembered for his deep humility, his reverence for creation, and the way he lived life fully and deliberately. Whether in the field with binoculars in hand, on a winding highway astride his motorcycle, or at the campfire with family, Gary found joy in the simple and sacred moments of life.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints- Copperwood Chapel, (9 Keystone Terrace W, Lethbridge) at 1:00pm, where friends and family will gather to celebrate a life so richly lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Gary’s memory to the Alberta Birds of Prey Nature Center (https://burrowingowl.com /content.php?p=40), in honor of his lifelong dedication to the natural world.
His legacy lives on in the lives he touched, the land he helped protect, and the family he loved so fiercely. He will be deeply missed.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
OCZKOWSKI, John JOHN A. OCZKOWSKI December 15, 1937 – July 22, 2025 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of John Oczkowski – beloved husband of the late Andrea Lynne (Penny), devoted father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend – on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the age of 87. He will be lovingly remembered by all who knew his kindness, strength, and wisdom.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff at St. Therese Villa for their compassionate care and support.
As per John’s wishes, there will be no formal service.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.edensfuneralhome.com
QUINTON, Ronnald QUINTON Our beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, RONNALD DEAN QUINTON, passed from this life at home on July 22, 2025, with his loving wife, Catherine Quinton, by his side and several devoted family members close at hand. A Funeral Service will be held this Saturday, July 26 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Leavitt Chapel, Leavitt, AB. Friends may meet the family from 10:00 – 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.
To send a condolence or view the live stream of the funeral service, please visit http://www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
MOULTON, Carol CAROL MOULTON 1949 ~ 2025 It is with sorrow that we announce Carol Anne Moulton (nee McNeilly) passed away peacefully after a long illness on July 18, 2025 at Good Samaritan Society Park Meadows Village. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.
Carol was predeceased by her parents, loving husband of nearly 30 years Herbert Lawrence (Larry) Moulton, sister Delores (Tkachuk) and brother Ron McNeilly. She leaves behind her sons Jason (Janay) of Lethbridge and Del (Kari) of Coaldale. Grandchildren Ethan, Jasper, Lily, and Jonas will always remember their Granny with great love and affection and will carry on her Christmas cookie tradition. Also surviving Carol is devoted sister Judy (Jerry) Spevakow of Calgary and cherished fiancé Armen Schaaf, as well as numerous sisters and brothers-in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews.
Born on April 22, 1949, in Edmonton, Alberta to Mansel (Mac) and Edna McNeilly, Carol grew up in Edmonton and was married there to Larry Moulton on July 27, 1968. Carol and Larry left Edmonton for Nobleford, finally settling in Coaldale to raise their family. So many hilarious family stories about camping, fishing, and working on the Moulton farm near Turin will be cherished.
Carol loved her Coaldale community. She had many friends, was well-known for her happy and outgoing personality, and for 35 years most residents of Coaldale knew her as a warm and helpful staff member at the Saan (later Bargain) Store. Her great love of sports and competition meant that she could often be found in the hockey rink loudly cheering on Jason and Del as they played hockey. Carol herself always seemed to be competing in a tournament or league, with a particular passion for curling, softball and golf. Carol was also an active participant, and later organizer, of the Coaldale Fun Cribbage group which was started by Larry and his much-missed brother Bill. For her dedication to her job and positive impact on the community, Carol was recognized with a Coaldale Chamber of Commerce Award.
In addition to sports, Carol was always enthusiastic to jump into a game of Skip Bo, crib, or any other card or board game that her family and friends might suggest. Her skill and luck were well-known and often resulted in a skunking for those who tried to play her. In retirement, Carol and Armen enjoyed much of their time playing cards and helping to organize crib nights and tournaments in Coaldale, at the Army Navy & Airforce Veterans Club in Lethbridge, and in other towns around southern Alberta.
Despite declining health in the last few years, Carol remained positive. Jason, Del and Janay want to thank Kari for her devotion to Carol’s care. The family would also like to thank the nurses and doctors at Chinook Regional Hospital and the nurses and staff at Good Sams for their wonderful and compassionate care of Carol.
A celebration of life reception will be held at a later time.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
STRIKES WITH A GUN, Clinton Clinton Strikes With A Gun October 11, 1958 – July 19, 2025 A wake will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home, 1101 Main Street, Pincher Creek, Alberta, Sunday, July 27, 2025, starting at 4:00pm for family members and 5:00pm – 10:00pm for the public. A funeral service will be held at the Piikani Nation Community Hall in Brocket, AB, on July 28th at 1:00pm. Interment will take place in the Piikani Nation cemetery, Piikani Reserve.
To email condolences, please visit http://www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com
HINTON, Vern HINTON, Vern 1947 – 2025 Vern Hinton, beloved husband of Beth Hinton of Lethbridge, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital July 23, 2025 at the age of 77 years.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. MST on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at The Lethbridge Christian Tabernacle, 1805 9th Avenue North, Lethbridge AB. All who knew and loved Vern are welcome to attend and share in remembering his life.
For those unable to attend in person, a livestream link will be posted on Facebook, and on http://www.thetab.ca.
Condolences may be forwarded to http://www.evergreenfh.ca
ANDREKSON, Joan ANDREKSON JOAN NELLIE ANDREKSON, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late George Andrekson, passed away peacefully, at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the age of 88 years.
A Celebration of Joan’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, August 1, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Glenda Wert officiating.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
VAN NISTELROOY, John VAN NISTELROOY It is with deepest sadness that we announce the passing of JOHN FRANK VAN NISTELROOY on Thursday, July 17th, 2025 in Lethbridge, AB.
John was born in Lethbridge on January 9th, 1956, the second of seven children to Gerry and Annie Van Nistelrooy. He was raised on the farm in Iron Springs, where he made many memories growing up and working alongside his family.
He met and married his high school sweetheart Bonnie Bailey in Picture Butte, where a vision of the life they would build together first took shape. The goal of having a farm came to fruition when land was purchased in Enchant AB in 1977. Over the next 40 years, he raised his family while continuing to build and diversify the business, with the addition of a cattle operation, and enjoyed success watching it grow. It brought him pleasure spending time with family, building a life and legacy, and making many lifelong friends and memories that were with him until his passing. His unique perspective served him and those around him well, as he volunteered and served on many boards until his retirement to Lethbridge in 2017.
Over the years, he always loved playing cards with family and friends, sought out new challenges, found adventure in travel, and enjoyed spending time with his beloved grandchildren, biking, going to the park, and attending their numerous dance and sporting events. He took great pride in his home and yard, and in always being there when anyone was in need of advice, a helping hand, conversation, a well-timed pick-me-up, or just a coffee together. He could always be counted on.
He is survived by his loving wife Bonnie; two children Jeff (Lynn) and Jodie (Moira); his three adoring grandchildren Beau, Shea, and Taryn; father Gerard Van Nistelrooy; siblings Frank (Helen), Henry (Wendy), Albert, MaryAnne (Soren) Christensen, Martin (Jackie), and Kenny (Karen); as well as brothers and sister-in-law Allan (Shirley), Gary (Nita) and Michelle (Doug) Edwards along with numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. He is also survived by a close group of his cherished lifelong friends.
He was predeceased by his mother Annie, mother and father-in-law Yvonne and Leroy Bailey, sister-in-law Sheri, niece Adrienne, and close friend Vivian Ragan.
We welcome you to honour the Life of John with us. A Prayer Vigil will be held at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH – 1011 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, July 30, 2025 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Jim Manzara officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH on Thursday, July 31, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating. A Reception and Celebration of John’s Life will follow.
A private family Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, where John will be laid to rest.
Special thanks to Brenda and the staff at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit for their dedication and compassion, which we deeply appreciated.
To the family and friends who have, and continue to come together in the journey of John’s illness and loss alongside us, we have valued your support, visits, kind words and gifts. There are not words to express how much it has meant to both John and ourselves.
In lieu of flowers or donations, the family asks that you follow in John’s example, and give of yourself in time, caring and gifts to those around you.
The void left in Johns passing can never be filled, and he will be deeply missed now and always by friends, family, and all who knew him.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
FISK, Paulette FISK Paulette Sylvia Fisk, beloved wife of Donald Fisk, passed away in Raymond Alberta on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at the age of 84 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca
BAILES, Margot BAILES, Margot It is with great sadness that the family of Margot Bailes, 79, of Lethbridge, Alberta announces her peaceful passing on July 21, 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer.
She is survived by her children: Cheryl, Lori and Michael (Annie) and her grandchildren: Megan, Bailey (Maeve), Payton, Avery, Noah, Jackson and Latai; as well as her Brother, Grant Day and Family. She was predeceased by her parents, Herb and Dorothy Day; and sister Maureen.
She was a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend.
Margot led her life with Kindness, love and affection. She had the innate ability to make everyone she encountered feel special.
She was born in West Vancouver, B.C. where she lived until moving to Winnipeg, MB in 1954 where she spent her youth and then left for Calgary, AB to begin her adult life. Having received education in Business Administration, among other positions Margot enjoyed a long career at the University of Lethbridge in Materials Management. She developed and maintained some of her greatest relationships working at U of L. Margot finished her working career as the Director of Purchasing for Alberta Health Services when she retired.
Margot always had a healthy obsession for fresh flowers, sewing and quilting, cooking, playing cards with her friends, puzzles, and time spent with her beloved family and community of friends. She loved to travel and never missed a Jays game.
Margot enjoyed many years with her Monday Morning prayer group as they continually searched for ways to volunteer and serve others. Above all, Margot’s love and devotion to her Savior, Jesus Christ is what sustained her through the hills and valleys of her life, always with the understanding that she would return to live with him again one day.
Margo’s family wishes to extend a special thank you to the doctors and nurses on 3B at the Chinook Regional Hospital for their care and compassion.
For those who wish, A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025 at St Augustine’s Anglican Church (411-11 St S Lethbridge, AB).
To share condolences, please visit http://www.evergreenfh.ca
JANZEN, Colleen COLLEEN JANZEN 1942 ~ 2025 Mrs. Colleen Janzen, of Taber, beloved wife of the late Mr. Pete Janzen, passed away at the Taber Health Centre on Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at the age of 83 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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