Saturday, September 27, 2025
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on September 27, 2025.
KOBE, Wilfred WILFRED KOBE 1938 ~ 2025 KOBE, Wilfred passed away after a lengthy illness at St Michaels Health Centre in Lethbridge on May 6, 2025.A Memorial Service will be held at 1:30pm on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 411 11 St South, Lethbridge. In lieu of flowers please feel free to make a donation to your favourite charity in Wilf’s memory.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MATOLSCI, Garry MATOLSCI It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Garry Michael Matolsci, who passed away peacefully, surrounded by his children, on Friday, August 22, 2025, at the age of 77.
Born in Lethbridge, Alberta, Garry was known for his devotion to both his children and grandchildren, his sly smile, and his silly charm that could elicit a laugh when needed most. Dad will be remembered as his children’s and grandchildren’s biggest sports fan, setting up shop at the ball diamond, hockey rink, or curling club to make sure he saw every second of play. He also became an honorary member of every team he watched, due to his constant cheering and advice given to the whole team.
Garry spent the majority of his career as a service technician for Xerox and spent many years as an accomplished softball umpire. After retirement, he devoted more of his time to his other passion – working on old cars. He was very proud of his 1989 Chevy Silverado and his 1955 Chevy Belair and could spend hours with his friends working on, talking about, and dreaming of old cars.
Garry is survived by children Sarah Aikman (Scott) and Eric Matolsci (Jason Risley), grandchildren Spencer and Savannah Aikman, sisters Marj Treiber (Gary) and Donna Matolsci, and wife Frances (née Titley). Garry was the proud son of pre-deceased parents Garry and Vera (née Hetesy) Matolsci.
A service to honour and celebrate Garry’s life will be held on Sunday, September 14th, 2025, at the Kanata-Hazeldean Lion’s Club – Lion Dick Brûlé Community Centre from 1-4pm. Friends and family are welcome to drop by to pay tribute to Garry’s life.
A second service to honour and celebrate Garry’s life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025 at Luigi’s Steakhouse (1119 Mayor Magrath Dr S, Lethbridge, Alberta) from 1-4pm. Friends and family are welcome to drop by to pay tribute to Garry’s life.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Garry’s name to The Ottawa Hospital Foundation. (www.ohfoundation.ca/ways-to-give/)
KLUTSKOW, Trina KLUTSKOW Trina Merle Klutskow of Fort Macleod, daughter of Chuck and Mary Thompson, passed away September 3, 2025, at the age of 63 years. She was born on 23 November 1961 in Fort Macleod, Alberta.
Trina is survived by her father Chuck Thompson, and sisters Darlene Thompson and Wanda (Nolan) Thompson.
She was predeceased by her mother Mary Thompson and brother Gary Thompson.
Celebration of Life service will be held at the Holy Cross Parish Hall, 2517 3 Ave, Fort MacLeod at 2pm on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
VANDASSELAAR, Gysbertus “Gus” GYSBERTUS “GUS” VANDASSELAAR July 16, 1937 – September 24, 2025 On September 24, 2025 the LORD has shown his mercy and promoted to glory Gus VanDasselaar beloved husband of 63 years of Cornelia VanDasselaar at the age of 88 years. Dear father to Kelvin, Corny, Gordon and their spouses, beloved grandfather to 11, and great-grandfather to 16.
Gus was born in Amersfoort, the Netherlands, July 16, 1937, the third of 13 children. He immigrated with his parents and 9 siblings to Homewood, MB in 1954 and working on a sugar beet farm. He married Cornelia in 1961 and they raised their three sons in Carman, MB.
They farmed for a few years. Gus then began working in the school system, first as a bus mechanic at Lansky’s, then joined the Midland School Division working as a custodian at Carman Collegiate, then head custodian at Carman Elementary. After officially retiring, he became custodian at Dufferin Christian School together with his wife. He drove the big yellow school bus for over forty years accident free, transporting three generations of farm kids to school. He then drove the Boyne Lodge Van and the Carman Handy van. In 2011 they moved to Lethbridge Alberta to be closer to their sons.
He had a strong immigrant work ethic and worked hard all his life. He provided well for his family. He enjoyed every minute of it. He will be sorely missed.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at 7:00pm on Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 St. South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, October 1, 2025 at the CANADIAN REFORMED CHURCH 2707 – 21 Avenue, Coaldale, Alberta with Reverend Josh Peters, officiating.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Gus’s name may be made to the Alzheimer Society, 40, 1202 – 2 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0E3 http://www.alzheimer.ca
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
PUTZI, Richard RICHARD PUTZI 1948 ~ 2025 Richard Louis Putzi of Milk River, Alberta, beloved husband of Rodney Jean Putzi, passed away peacefully at Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary on September 15, 2025 at the age of 76.
Rick was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, to Sophia and John Putzi. He graduated from Warner High School and devoted much of his life to a long and dedicated career in Heavy Equipment Operations. Beyond his work, Rick was a passionate supporter of the Toronto Blue Jays, cheering them on with great enthusiasm.
Besides his loving wife Rodney whom he was married to for 51 years, Rick is survived by his children; Loren (Sandra) Douglas, Carma (Calvin) Fitch, and Chad (Kari) Putzi, all residing in Milk River, Alberta. He is also survived by 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
Rick was predeceased by his son Warren Rodney Putzi.
Rick was a fantastic Dad, Grandpa and Great Grandpa. He will be sadly missed by many.
By Ricks request there will be a private family service.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
BATTY, Kent KENT BATTY 1953 ~ 2025 Mr. Kent Batty of Lethbridge, passed away in his home on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the age of 72 years.
As per Kent’s wishes, family and friends will remember him privately.
For those who wish, memorial donations in Kent’s name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
WATKINSON, Gillian GILLIAN WATKINSON 1958 ~ 2025 Gillian Mary Watkinson, beloved spouse of the late Mr. Gerrit (Gary) Stoffer, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 23, 2025, at the age of 67 years.
Details for the Funeral Service will be announced once completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
SAMESHIMA, Chris CHRIS SAMESHIMA 1951 ~ 2025 Mr. Chris Sameshima of Coaldale passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, September 21st, 2025, at the age of 74 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
DAVID, Eunice DAVID EUNICE VIDA DAVID, beloved wife of the late Ken David, passed away peacefully in Lethbridge on Saturday, September 20th, 2025, at the age of 87 years.
She is survived by her children: Lori (Conrad) Westerson, Shelly David, and Cameron (Tracie) David; her grandchildren: Ryan (Toni) Westerson, Shaun (Kassidy Knecht) Westerson, Shaelin (Nicholas) Rabl, Zoe David, Jason, Jamie, and Johnathan David; and her great-grandchildren: London, Everly, and Arlo Westerson, Violet Westerson, and Fletcher Rabl. She is also survived by her sisters, Jackie Evans and Dorothy Matheson; sisters-in-law, Karen Kay and Emilie Saban; and numerous nieces and nephews. Eunice was predeceased by her loving husband Ken David; her parents, Joseph and Dorothy Evans; her in-laws, John David and Elena Kay; her sister Elsie Kaval; her brother Percy Evans; and her brothers-in-law: John Saban, Joe Saban, Bill Kaval, and Clyde Matheson.
Born in 1937 to Joe and Dorothy Evans, Eunice was raised on the family farm off the Blue Trail in Fort Macleod. She led an active and engaging life on the farm, milking cows, feeding cattle, pigs, and chickens, and cleaning their pens. She also worked stooking and stacking bales during haying season. From 1948 to 1955, Eunice was a dedicated member of the 4-H Calf Club, earning numerous awards, including a championship in 1948. She attended McBride Lake School from grades one to three, traveling to and from school on horseback. She later attended school in Fort Macleod, graduating from high school a year early, and moved to Lethbridge to attend Garbutt Business College, graduating in 1956.
After moving to the city, Eunice’s energy shifted from farm chores and cattle to friends and fun. She enjoyed dances at venues like the Trianon Ballroom, where her vibrant social life flourished. It was during this time that she met Ken David, and the two were married in 1959. Stories and photos from their early years together reflect a lively and engaged lifestyle, filled with league bowling, ceramics classes, camping trips, and scenic drives – activities they continued as their family grew to include three children. Eunice and Ken also played on a curling team and were enthusiastic supporters of Lethbridge’s WHL teams, first the Broncos and later the Hurricanes. Eunice held a seat in Section D, Row 6 for each home game and cherished the camaraderie she shared with her fellow fans, attending games faithfully through the 2024 – 2025 season. At home, Eunice found joy in quieter pastimes too – solving puzzles, playing board games, and gardening. She took great pride in her canning, preserving everything from pickles to jam, filling the pantry shelves with colorful jars that reflected both her skill and care.
Following her college graduation, Eunice worked at Household Finance Company, Canadian Pittsburgh Industry, and in the business office at St. Michael’s Hospital. In 1958, she began her long career with the Royal Bank of Canada, where she remained until her retirement in 1996. In addition to her work at RBC, she was part-owner of Fabricland from 1986 to 1995. In 1997, Eunice was invited to join the staff of the newly opened Penningtons clothing store. What began as a post-retirement pastime evolved into a second career, with Eunice working her final shift in 2022. Many of her colleagues from RBC and Penningtons became lifelong friends, with whom she remained close until her passing.
Eunice was a devoted and prolific volunteer, generously giving her time and energy to many causes. Her involvement with figure skating began as a costume mom for Lori’s first skating carnival and extended nearly 50 years. She served on the executive board of the Lethbridge Figure Skating Club and the provincial governing body, acted as a judge and official, chaperoned competitions and seminars, and served as “house mother” to a group of local skaters attending summer school at the North Shore Winter Club in Vancouver, BC. She volunteered at the Canada Winter Games and Skate Canada International, founded and chaired the Chinook Open skating competition, and played a key role in a city-funded learn-to-skate program. Eunice also sewed and embellished countless skating dresses and costumes for friends and family. Her contributions to figure skating earned her numerous accolades, including Alberta Figure Skating Association South Region Volunteer of the Year (1993 & 2006), Alberta-NWT/Nunavut Volunteer of the Year (2006), the Marilyn Chidlow Volunteer Award (2008), the Lethbridge Sport Council Volunteer in Sport Award (2011), and induction into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame in 2020. Ironically, Eunice herself never learned to skate.
Beyond the figure skating rink, Eunice wholeheartedly supported her children’s other pursuits, including Lethbridge Minor Hockey, the Kickers Soccer Club, the Anne Campbell Singers, and LASC. Her generosity extended well beyond her family: she baked countless cookies and tarts for the Lethbridge Shakespeare Performance Society’s Christmas fundraiser, planted and cared for the front flower bed at Gilbert Paterson Middle School, lent her sewing talents to Hatrix Theatre, and assisted with front-of-house duties for Playgoers of Lethbridge. She also dedicated more than 20 years to the Grow-it Community Garden, serving as secretary-treasurer and registrar until 2023. Whenever there was a need, Eunice was always the first to step in and help.
A Funeral Service will be held at ST. AUGUSTINE’S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 411 – 11 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Steve Bateman officiating. Cremation has been entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home. A private family graveside service will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
The family wishes to thank the staff of CRH Unit 3B and the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit; Homecare Case Manager Elizabeth (BJ) Millman; the LFS HCA staff; and the staff and management of AgeCare Columbia. Appreciation is also extended to Dr. Janet Tupper, Dr. Sayeh Zielke, Dr. Lee Oviatt, and the hospitalist and palliative care doctors involved in Eunice’s care. A heartfelt thanks to Eunice’s tablemates at Columbia – Ernie, Shirley, and Brent – whose kindness will never be forgotten.
Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to KidSport Lethbridge and Taber at https://kidsportcanada.ca/alberta/lethbridge-taber/
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
URBANCZYK, Edward URBANCZYK EDWARD PAWEL URBANCZYK, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Agnieszka Urbanczyk, passed away suddenly on Thursday, September 18, 2025 at the age of 75 years.
Besides his loving wife of whom he was married to for 53 years, Edward will be sadly missed by his sons, Greg and Adam (Jill); his daughters, Renata and Jenny; and his grandchildren: Vincent, Roman, Skyla (Saje) and Austin. Edward is also survived by his brother Rajmund, of Poland.
He was predeceased by his mother Aniela, and father Pawel, of Poland, and his daughter Edyta.
Edward was born April 27, 1950 in Poland and moved his young family to Canada in 1981. He was a hard worker and worked in various roles at Triple M Housing for 34 years, retiring in 2017.
Edward loved the mountains and being in nature. He had a passion for hiking and was well known in the hiking community, making friends with whomever he crossed paths with on the trails.
He loved watching sports, but none could compare to his love of soccer, especially if it involved watching his grandchildren play, as he was their #1 fan.
Edward will be remembered for his zest for life, his loyalty, kindness, love, compassion, sense of humour and his strong faith. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and a special friend to all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.
A Visitation will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, September 29, 2025 at 6:00 P.M., with a Prayer Service to follow at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, September 30, 2025 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Edward will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
HACKMAN, Russell HACKMAN RUSSELL HACKMAN, of Lethbridge, AB, beloved husband of Mary Jane Hackman, passed away at home on Friday, September 26, 2025 at the age of 79 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
HUNTER, Avis HUNTER (NEDZA) January 18, 1946 – September 24, 2025 AVIS HOPE HUNTER was born in a country hospital in Turner Valley, the second child of six children born to Dorothy (née Nichols) and Harold Hunter. She arrived just 16 months after her older sister, Sue, and later joined by four brothers; Bill, Ken, Gary and Kevin.
After graduation, she worked as a long-distance telephone operator with AGT. Her independent and adventurous spirit lead to a couple road trips with girlfriends, including one to Expo’67. Upon coming back, she worked at the University of Lethbridge, where she met her future husband, Paul. They married on July 10, 1971. Paul’s work brought them to various communities, eventually settling at Baptiste Lake and worked at Athabasca University until her retirement. They later moved to the Hunter family acreage in West Creston, BC, returning to Lethbridge in 2021.
She was a multi-talented individual and a passionate artist, especially when it came to music. She valued volunteering with her musical gifts with worship teams in churches and Senior homes of the communities where they lived. A committed follower of Jesus, her faith remained central to her life until her final days.
In her more recent years she enjoyed playing piano, walking with friends every day, greeting and sharing a treat with the dogs she met along the way.
She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 54 years, Paul Nedza.
Thank you all who supported us during this time with your prayers, phone calls and love.
She will be greatly missed.
A Viewing will be held for family and friends at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, October 3, 2025 from 11:30 A.M. to 12:30 P.M.
A Graveside Service will be held at the COALDALE COMMUNITY CEMETERY, Coaldale, AB, on Friday, October 3, 2025 at 1:00 P.M., with a reception to follow at GEM OF THE WEST MUSEUM, 1316 – 20 Street, Coaldale, AB.
In lieu of flowers, for those who wish, please make a donation to an animal shelter of your choice.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
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