Friday, October 17, 2025
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on October 17, 2025.
KOMETZ, Gordon KOMETZ Gordon Kometz (Andrew Gordon Kometz), aged 95, died peacefully on September 28, 2025. Born in Lethbridge, Alberta August 31, 1930. He was middle son of John and Elizabeth Kometz.He lived in Lethbridge for 90 years, prior to moving to Cloverdale, BC. He graduated from LCI and shortly after, won an essay contest with Air Cadets, was given the opportunity to travel to US Air Force bases across the western states. This inspired him to apply for Royal Roads Academy. His career eventually took him to the Lethbridge Agriculture Research Station where he worked for many years until his retirement. He stayed active after his retirement and volunteered many years with the National Association of Federal Retirees (FSNA) helping others retire. He was also very active in the Norbridge Seniors Center and loved visiting and meeting new people.
He enjoyed travel and the many summer family vacations to Fairmont Hot Springs. He also loved fly fishing in the Crowsnest Pass. In his younger days, he and his brother, Doug, spent time waterskiing at Park Lake. He and his brother, George, spent lots of time together in Seattle, boating throughout the San Juan Islands.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Kathleen (Kay) Lenagh , second wife June and brothers Douglas and George. He is survived by his children; Corinne (Walter), Craig (Sharon), Brock (Gail) and Charlene (Kevin) and his 7 grandchildren; Brandy , Blair, Chris, Joel, Sapphire (Pataky), Aidan and Nicolas and his 5 great grandchildren; Myka and Brielle, Chace and Jaxon Giduk, Gaia Lee Pataky.
Gordon and Kay welcomed many university students into their home; at last count, a total of 83 students lived with him. He was a regular blood donor, and had over 100 donations. He was also an avid bowler and coach for junior bowlers; including his own daughter Corrine, up to National Junior Bowling Championship. He volunteered with Little League Baseball and was often an umpire at his son’s games. He always loved watching sports and could often be heard trying to coach through the TV. He took an active interest in all the grandkids sporting activities and achievements and loved hearing about their successes.
After celebrating his 90th birthday in Lethbridge, he sold his home and moved to Cloverdale to live with his daughter, Charlene. He quickly embraced the West Coast lifestyle-savoring the seafood, admiring the gardens, enjoying the milder climate, and taking the occasional trip to the casino. He cherished big family dinners and time spent with loved ones. At his 95th birthday celebration, surrounded by family and friends enjoying a festive pig roast, he was truly in his element.
He will be dearly missed by his friends and family.
Gordon lived a full life and wanted people to simply have a toast in his honor.
MALACKO, James “Jim” MALACKO, James (Jim) April 12, 1955 – October 4, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Edward Malacko. Jim’s journey on this earth came to a peaceful end on Saturday, October 4, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta. A beloved Husband, Dad, Stepdad, Grandfather, and Friend, Jim was surrounded by those he loved during his final days.
Jim was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, on April 12, 1955. He dedicated his life to his family and his community. He was a devoted softball player throughout his life and found profound joy catching a fly ball in center field.
Following the passing of his first wife, Kim Malacko (Shurtz) on June 10, 2008, Jim found love again in his second wife, Penny Tonita. Penny and Jim were married on May 23, 2010, and settled in Okotoks. Together they created a beautiful, blended family that enriched the lives of their children and grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his first wife Kim Malacko (Shurtz), sister Lynn Wiebe and sister-in-law Cathy Malacko.
He is survived by his wife Penny, children; Ginger, Adam (daughters; Isabella, Ember & Cohen), Kelli Olsen (husband; Ryan, children; Nate, Ty, McKenna, Hayley) and Cody, stepdaughters; Lena Owusu (husband; Daniel, children; Micah & Noah), and Alex Staple (children; Emma), parents; Edward (Ed) and Edna Malacko, in-laws; Steve and Peggy Tonita, siblings; Calvin Malacko, Sheryl Wasilenko, Stephen Malacko, and Wendy Nergaard and countless cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and people who love him.
Jim brought warmth, kindness, joy, and laughter into the lives of all who knew him. One of his favourite times of day was “happy hour”, drinking a cold brew on his sun-soaked cedar deck. He also took pleasure in walking along the river in Okotoks and spending time in nature. Jim loved new adventures and took memorable trips with his wife and family.
Though Jim is gone from our sight, his spirit remains forever. May his memory inspire us to live with kindness, courage, and compassion.
Rest in peace, Jim. You will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.
A Celebration of Jim’s life will be held on Monday, November 10, 2025, in Calgary AB. Details to follow.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com Arrangements in care of Snodgrass Funeral Home, Okotoks, 403-938-3111.
MICHAUD, Annamarie MICHAUD ANNAMARIE MICHAUD, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Real Michaud, passed away peacefully at the Legacy Lodge on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the age of 83 years.
As per Annamarie’s wishes, there will be no funeral service held.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
MOULTON, Carol CAROL ANNE MOULTON (nee McNeilly) Carol Anne Moulton (nee McNeilly), of Coaldale, passed away peacefully after a long illness on July 18, 2025 at Good Samaritan Society Park Meadows Village. A come-and-go memorial reception will be held from 1:00-4:00pm on October 18, 2025 at the Army, Navy & Airforce Veterans Club of Lethbridge, 517-5th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
REYNOLDS, Steve STEVE REYNOLDS 1946 ~ 2025 Mr. Steve Reynolds of Lethbridge, good friend to Sylvia Eagle Child, and father to Mark and Cory Reynolds, Radford and Marcella Eagle Child, passed away at home on Thursday, October 9, 2025 at the age of 79 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
MENZAK, Heidi HEIDI MENZAK 1944 ~ 2025 Mrs. Heidi Menzak, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at the age of 81 years.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
SPURGEON, Douglas “Doug” SPURGEON DOUGLAS “DOUG” JAMES SPURGEON, of Lethbridge, AB, passed away at home on Thursday, September, 25, 2025 at the age of 58 years.
A Celebration of Doug’s life will be held at CITY LIGHT CHURCH, 4101 – 20 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Doug Shimoda officiating. The Celebration will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Doug’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In memory of Doug, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (heartandstroke.ca)
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
TOCHER, Esther TOCHER ESTHER TOCHER, of Lethbridge, AB, beloved wife of the late Robert Tocher, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Good Samaritans West Highlands, on Friday, October 3, 2025, at the age of 92 years.
A Viewing will take place at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, October 18, 2025, at 9:00 A.M. with a Celebration of Esther’s life to follow at 10:00 A.M.
Following the Celebration of life, Esther will be laid to rest at Mountain View Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SMITH, Helen SMITH HELEN SMITH (née Szabo), of Lethbridge, passed away at Edith Cavell Care Centre on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the age of 82 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
TOMPKINS, Catherine “Toni” TOMPKINS CATHERINE “TONI” ANTOINETTE TOMPKINS, of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Patrick Tompkins, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at the age of 102 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
STEVENS, Mike STEVENS MIKE STEVENS, of Lethbridge, AB, beloved husband of Cathy Stevens, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at St. Michael Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, on Monday, October 6, 2025, at the age of 74 years.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 44 years, Cathy Stevens, his son Brett Stevens, grandchildren, Kylen and Ashlyn Stevens, and his brothers and sister: Greg Stevens, Randy Stevens, Robert Stevens and Susan Tolley and their families, as well as numerous friends and relatives.
He was predeceased by his parents Dave and Patricia Stevens, sister Nancy and son Riley. Mike was a great father, wonderful husband, and good friend to all who knew him.
Mike had a wealth of talents and aptitudes, many of which were self-taught. He taught himself carpentry- building cabinets, furniture, a garage, sheds and toys for his home and family. He was a jack of all trades and did many plumbing and electrical tasks around the house. Mike was a voracious reader right to the end. He was a life long learner and problem solver; there were no half measures with Mike. He took an interest in wine and beer making, entering and winning local and provincial competitions. When he took an interest in gardening, he was able to grow the best strawberries ever. Mike had a keen and deep interest in the world around him and how things worked; there was always new skill for him to master. Mike enjoyed camping and dirt biking with the boys when they were young. He enjoyed spending time with friends, playing board games and cards, or just hanging out. He often recalled the motorcycle trips he took with his fellow firefighters to Montana, stopping at Moose’s for a sauerkraut and pepperoni pizza. He and Cathy enjoyed many long rides around Lethbridge on their E-bikes, just enjoying each other’s company.
Mike was a mechanic when he was young, and enjoyed working on cars throughout his life. He also worked as a long-haul trucker and drove the Alaska highway in his big rig. He made many lifelong friends working for 35 years with the City of Lethbridge Fire Department, retiring as Captain in 2011.
He will always be remembered for his humble and intelligent nature by all who were lucky enough to know him.
A sincere thank you to the staff at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, Jack Ady Cancer Centre, and 4th Floor Chinook Regional Hospital.
A Celebration of Mike’s life to recognize his service and sacrifice will be held at THE LETHBRIDGE TRADE & CONVENTION CENTRE (formerly known as Agrifood Hub), 101 Exhibition Way South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, October 23, 2025 at 11:00 A.M. with Firefighter Chaplain Pastor Ralph Molyneux officiating. The Celebration will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Mike’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
In memory of Mike, donations may be made to A New Dawn Foundation (anewdawnfoundation.com), supporting families of first responders.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
WHILLANS, D. Dewayne WHILLANS D. DEWAYNE WHILLANS, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Janet Whillans, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the age of 84 years.
Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
BARE SHIN BONE, Wilma BARE SHIN BONE WILMA JOYCE BARE SHIN BONE (née Healy), of the Blood Reserve, beloved wife of John Bare Shin Bone, passed away peacefully at the Peter Lougheed Centre on Sunday, October 12, 2025 at the age of 65 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
FRAYN, Donna DONNA JEAN FRAYN November 20, 1941 ~ September 19, 2025 It is with heartfelt sorrow that the family of Donna Frayn, our beloved mother, sister, grandmother and great grandmother, announce her sudden passing at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, September 19, 2025 at the age of 83 years.
Donna was born and raised in Lethbridge, AB to Hattie and James Clelland and was the middle child of three. She grew up in a loving family with her siblings Bill and Lynda, who all enjoyed music, sports, camping and hiking in Waterton with neighborhood friends. Donna’s life was defined by her devotion to her family, her sincere kindness for others and carried the warmth of the sun in her smile.
Donna married Gordon Frayn on July 1, 1971 where they built a life together and focused their lives on their children and later grandchildren. Donna sacrificed endlessly and often had two jobs and sold her crafts to ensure her children stayed active in sports as they grew up and would not miss out on opportunities. She continued this devotion and support over the years as she became the grandchildren’s biggest fans at their sporting events.
Donna retired in March 2023 after working for 48 years with Alberta Health Services. She worked at the St. Micheals General Hospital, the Chinook Regional Hospital and a brief stint at the Taber Hospital as a Unit clerk in various departments including admitting, emergency, orthopedic surgery and outpatients. Donna was a hard worker, loved helping others, was very social and cherished the relationships she built with her work colleagues; many she remained close friends with.
Donna was also very creative and spent her life teaching and making ceramics, quilting, knitting and making crochet Knick knacks. Donna took some home decorating courses, loved crafts of various kinds and later took on several business ventures over the years, opening a wicker and craft store called ‘A touch of Earth’, later becoming a flower shop and continued making crafts, gifts, diamond dots pictures and wood creations until her passing. She was an avid gardener who had a deep connection with the earth, and all things that grew from it and spent her whole life creating home décor for all the children and grandchildren’s homes. Her joy was spending time with family and grandchildren, and she was so proud of their accomplishments. She enjoyed travelling and the outdoors, especially to New York, Washington, British Columbia, Waterton and anywhere there was water and mountains.
Donna will be lovingly remembered by her children Kurt (Karen) Hoppman-Frayn of Carmel, New York, USA, her daughters Lana (Russell) Benson of Lethbridge, AB and Karla Trimble (Gord McDonald) of Taber, AB. She was a devoted grandmother to Kaitlyn (Wyatt) Mallia, Jay-Ryan Frayn, Brendon and Alyssa Benson, Jordan (Heather) Trimble, Tiana Trimble, Jessica (Jordan) Herbst, Allie Trimble, great grandchildren Halie and Max. She was also survived by her brother Bill (Shirley) Clelland, their children James Clelland, Cheryl (Clayton) Caufield, Shaun (Mike) Bernard, Steven (Bobbie) Clelland, Brett (Brooke) Clelland, Chad (Sheriann) Clelland, Ashley and Kimberly Clelland and Donna’s youngest sister Lynda Clelland and numerous cousins, great nieces and great nephews. Donna was predeceased by her husband Gordon Frayn and parents Hattie (McNeely) and James Clelland.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Amatto for the many years of excellent medical care for Donna, Dr. Saleh and the staff on 3B at the Chinook Regional Hospital who provided endless support until her passing.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2025 at the Sandman Signature Lethbridge Lodge at 11 am in the Cedar Ballroom.
Condolences may be forwarded to http://www.evergreenfh.ca
KELLY, Allan KELLY June 23, 1955 – October 12, 2025 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of ALLAN GEORGE KELLY at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, October 12, 2025, at the age of 70 years.
Allan will be lovingly remembered by his wife Jo Ann Kelly; his mother Doris Jean Kelly; his children: Justin Kelly, Brad Kelly, Melissa Vander Heyden, and Corrie Moore; his brother Sheldon Kelly; sisters, Gloria Derenzo, and Darlene Boron; and his nine cherished grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his father James “Jim” Kelly.
A Celebration of Allan’s Life will be held at the SANDMAN SIGNATURE LETHBRIDGE LODGE, 320 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, in the old Essie’s Ballroom (located on the west side of the hotel), on Friday, October 24, 2025, from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM, with a short and informal service beginning at 2:00 PM.
Cremation entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
GYORFI, Michael MICHAEL GYORFI 1931 ~ 2025 Michael Francis Gyorfi of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Grace Gyorfi, passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025.
He was predeceased by his sons Douglas and Robert. He is survived by his only daughter, Margo (Frank) Merkl.
Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed.
To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 2V6. Please call 1-866-526-2214 for further information.
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