Friday, January 16, 2026
By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 16, 2026.
JACKSON, John-Paul JACKSON The distinguished Canadian academic and composer, Professor Emeritus John-Paul Christopher Jackson, passed away on January 2nd, 2026. A renowned Canadian musicologist and composer, Professor Jackson excelled in performance, historical practices (like Gamelan), and composition for various groups. Influential in shaping Canadian choral music through his work as a composer, conductor, and teacher, he was widely acclaimed for his blending of academic rigour with diverse musical interests, deep involvement in music education, and diverse global musical influences. With degrees from Oklahoma City University and a Ph.D. from Washington University in St. Louis, he taught and held administrative roles (Music Dept. Chair, Dean of Fine Arts) at the University of Lethbridge in Canada starting in 1975. A beloved and respected teacher, he was a significant figure in Canadian music, mentoring scores of emerging composers and performers over the years. Known for conducting, and teaching Canadian choral music, he received the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Medal for his contributions and maintained a widespread impact in Alberta’s arts scene, particularly with the Lethbridge Symphony and U of L. A musicologist by primary focus, he composed for various ensembles, explored Indonesian music, and led, directed and choreographed performance ensembles. He also studied diverse philosophies, musical traditions and languages, including those of Turkey and Bahasa Indonesia. Prof. John-Paul’s back garden in remotest, arid, frozen Lethbridge was like an oasis of colour, fertility and creativity amid a high desert. It’s humorous and a little surreal, as if the garden was from another dimension than the rest of the surroundings, inserting itself into the mundane world from the realm of the fantastic. Like him. A mutual friend, a fellow Lethbridge man, commented, “Everything he does is always to levels of excellence… his creativity and sensitivity weave through all he does… his yard is no exception. A talented and sensitive man who must create.” Exactly! He was a spiritual colleague in 13th House Mystery School – a generous and loving friend. Good journey to a unique creator, kind spirit and wise soul. For reference, J-P Christopher Jackson’s works include: “Episode for string quartet” (1976) “Nine miniatures for woodwind quintet for flute, oboe, clarinet, horn and bassoon” (1976) “Orphans Three last/lost songs” (1978) “Badlands,” a tone poem for orchestra (1979) “Drifting into grey,” composition for tenor, oboe, clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and percussion (1980) “A time before the dream.” a theatre piece for actors, singers and dancers (1981) “Mary stood weeping (Maria stabat) an anthem for SATB voices (solo or choral, 1981) “Bromptons,” an English rhapsody; for baritone, oboe, clarinet, horn, and string quintet (1983) “Collage for two solo percussionists and string orchestra with piano” (1985) “Collage for percussion and wind ensemble with piano” (1986) “Tresna a tone poem for solo flute, string orchestra, and percussion” (1987) “Once for medium voice and piano” (1991) “Passacaglia for oboe and string quartet” (1993) “The pepper suite” (2009).TYMCHYNA, Sheila TYMCHYNA Sheila Maureen Tymchyna (nee: Penney) passed away peacefully in her long-term care home at the Vineyards with her family by her side on December 31, 2025. She was 86 years of age. She will be greatly missed by all she touched in her amazing life.
Sheila was born on February 2nd, 1939, in Coleman Alberta to Amy (nee: Hardeman) and Stephen Penney. She married her high school sweetheart on October 1st, 1960, shortly after graduating from the registered nursing program at St. Michaels School of Nursing in Lethbridge Alberta. She soon put her career on hold to stay at home and raise her four busy children in Cranbrook BC.
When she returned to her passion of Nursing in 1982, she worked predominantly on the Dementia, Psych and Extended Care wards. After nursing she worked for Medi-Gas traveling throughout the Kootenays assessing and checking on Oxygen Patients, along with providing footcare to her diverse clientele.
In her early years she enjoyed horseback riding, excelled in curling, bowling, cross country skiing, achieved her grade 10 piano, volunteering with the Pythian Sisters, Red Hat Society, Maverick Riding Club and the BC Nurses Union. She enjoyed camping and traveled all over North America and Mexico tenting, trailering and in her Motorhome with her family and friends. Her travel bug extended all over the world paying particular attention to the history, people and culture. She visited destinations like the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, China, Iceland, Jerusalem, Isreal, Jordan, several Caribbean Islands and many other countries when she embarked on her Panama Canal Cruise.
In 2012 she uprooted herself to move to Crystal Springs in West Kelowna, for a more central location where she was able to relax and enjoy her family and close friends. She spent the last two years at the Dorchester Retirement Living where she made numerous friendships, participated in the independent living excursions, enjoyed cards, bingo, and skunking family at crib. She spent endless hours watching all sports but was passionate about hockey, curling, figure skating, tennis and the Olympics.
She was not only a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt she was a caring and compassionate friend. She was passionate about staying in touch with everyone from childhood friends, nursing colleagues, relatives (near and far), and any new friends she made along the way. She had a fabulous sense of humor, strong ethics, morals and faith that ran deep and strong. She was the anchor at all family gatherings, Holidays as well as Family reunion camp outs at Fairmont Hot Springs. She travelled near and far to support and cheer on all her grand babies in their various interests, activities, games, and concerts. She had a strong belief in supporting others less fortunate by donating to various organizations, clubs, and The Little Pink School House in Nepal.
Sheila is predeceased by her Husband Walter Ladik Tymchyna (2007); Mother Amy Louisa (Hardeman) Penney (1976); Father Stephen James Penney (1979); Son Wayne Tymchyna (1970); and Sister Alma (Wilson) Roughead (2002); her extended family, Sarah (1945) and Ephraim Hill (1946); Nernie (1964) and Ethel Hill (1990); and Robert Hill (1984).
She is survived by her son Shane (Janet) Tymchyna, daughters Tamara (Paul) Witzel, Janelle (Richard) O’Carroll, Heather (Greg) Robson; grandchildren Sharlynn (Chris) Hill, Derek (Shelbie) Tymchyna, Alayna Witzel, Keanan Witzel, Ashley (Ben) Landis, Steven (Aisha Dinahan) Robson; Great-Grandchildren Eastyn, Kienna, Bridger, Bryar and numerous nieces and nephews.
Sheila will be interned in a private family ceremony at the Fort Steele Cemetery, to take place at a later date, with a gathering to celebrate her life to follow.
Donations will be gratefully accepted by the Kelowna BC Cancer Foundation.
SULLIVAN, Helen HELEN SULLIVAN April 19, 1932 – December 23, 2025 Helen Sullivan, beloved wife of late Andrew Birrell Sullivan, passed away suddenly at Chinook Regional Hospital on December 23, 2025, at the age of 93 years.
She is lovingly remembered by her son, Douglas (Holly Рdeceased) of Halifax, daughter-in-law Margaret (Gary Рdeceased); grandsons Nicholas (Megan), and Joshua (Cailey); grandsons Patrick, Jason, and Gabriel (and their mother Ren̩e) of Montreal; great-grandson Declan, and her niece Elizabeth Sheppard of Ontario.
Helen was predeceased by her husband Andrew; her parents Miklos & Susanna Papp; her sons Gary and Brian; her daughter-in-law Holly; and her sister Irene Turner.
Helen was born in Beauharnois, QC and lived in Montreal where she met Andy and were married on July 2, 1949.
Helen worked at Avon Canada manufacturing plant in Montreal for over 20 years in various positions and was well respected for her knowledge, skills and her ability to work with those around her. In early 1977, she and Andy relocated to Alberta for their retirement years.
Helen’s focus was always about family and she loved family gatherings. Recently in assisted living, she enjoyed family visits especially with her son, Doug. She struggled with mobility & memory loss but found joy with her friends Starr & Irene who watched over her at the lodge. She enjoyed the activities provided, especially the music, church services and bingo. She maintained a fun outlook on life and had a quick wit which residents and staff enjoyed. She will be dearly missed by family and the people at Buffalo Grace Manor.
We extend a thank you to all the staff at Buffalo Grace Manor including her AHS Case Manager, Korynn and Doctor Choileain for the wonderful care provided to Helen. Also, thank you to the care provided by the paramedics & the Chinook Regional Hospital Emergency Department teams.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Helen’s memory to Buffalo Grace Manor for their Recreation Therapy Program.
A private family inurnment will take place at Mountain View Cemetery early summer 2026.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
THOMPSON, Margaret THOMPSON MARGARET GAIL THOMPSON, passed away January 12, 2026 at St. Thersa Villa, Lethbridge with her partner Jim Plunet by her side, at the age of 89.
Gail was predeceased by her parents Ken and Sis Gillanders, brother Jim and husband Ronald Thompson. Gail is survived by her partner Jim Plunet, brother David Gillanders and her four children Deb (Jim) Stenhouse, Bob (Karen) Thompson, Gord (Twyla) Thompson and Marj (Dan Dudar) Thompson, her grandchildren Jeff (Grace) Thompson, Michael (Leah) Thompson, Chris (Emily) Thompson, Justin (Trish) Thompson, Cassie (Nathan) Phillips, Braden (Jaki) Thompson, and 18 great grandchildren.
Gail was born June 28, 1936 at the High River hospital. Gail’s first seven years were spent in the Dinton district where she attended Pine Canyon School for grade one. In 1943 the family moved to the Mossleigh district where Gail attended the Mossleigh School. In 1953 Gail married Ronald Thompson. They lived on the family farm near Arrowwood, where they raised their four children, Deb, Bob, Gord and Marj. They raised cattle and grew grain crops. Later in life, Ronald and Gail enjoyed winters in Arizona. Summer was spent working on her beautiful yard and garden. Ronald passed May 6, 2008. In 2013 Gail moved to Lethbridge to reside with her partner Jim Plunet until January 2024 when Gail moved to St. Thersa Villa.
Gail was an active member of the Arrowwood Community and the Alberta Charolais Association. She enjoyed many crafts, baking (her buns/cinnamon buns were the best), bowling, golfing and shuffle board. She always had a smile on her face and enjoyed visiting with people.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring at Arrowwood.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to a charity of your choice.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
WATERHOUSE, Ruth Ruth Lorraine Waterhouse October 1, 1937 – January 4, 2026 With hearts full of enduring love and wonderful memories we announce the peaceful passing of Ruth Lorraine Waterhouse on January 4, 2026, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease and a brief final illness.
Ruth is lovingly remembered by her sons, grandchildren, extended family and a lifetime of friends. She is survived by three of her sons, John (Kathleen), Gordon (Lorna) and David (Aleighzja) and is predeceased by her son Ken. Ruth is beloved and remembered by 12 grandchildren, and 10 great grandchildren.
Ruth is predeceased by her parents, John Lawrence and Mary Emerald Phillips, her son Kenneth Earl Waterhouse (Gloria) and by her siblings, Lawrence Earl Phillips (Gerry), Kenneth Lee Phillips (Yvonne) and survived by her sister Ruby.
Ruth Lorraine Phillips was born in the Galt Hospital in Lethbridge Alberta on October 1, 1937. A twin and the fourth child of John and Mary Phillips. Her early life was lived in the Lethbridge Northern, Picture Butte, Stirling and Lethbridge. She often talked about loving her visits to Grandpa and Grandma Anderson’s home and playing around the chicken coop. Her family moved to Michigan during the second world war where her parents worked on opposite shifts in a gear factory. Upon her return to Lethbridge she lived in the family home on 9th avenue and continued her education graduating from Lethbridge Collegiate Institute.
She married and began a family in Lethbridge with her first three sons being born in four years. She was a wonderful mother and homemaker and also worked outside the home. Her fourth son was born in 1966 and the family moved to Edmonton in 1968. She became a single Mom in 1970 and focused on providing for her family financially, raising her sons in the church and supporting them in their various sports and other interests. She also went back to school and obtained a Bachelor of Education Degree at the University of Alberta and began a teaching career in Edmonton.
With her sons making their way with their families in various locations in Alberta, Texas and Nevada, Ruth moved back to Lethbridge to be with her Mother in her later years and decided to stay for the last 26 years. She built a home in the Mountain Heights neighbourhood in West Lethbridge that became the connecting point for her family and the place where her grandchildren got to know her, sometimes live with her, share experiences with her and build bonds of love that are forever.
She always served faithfully in her various callings in the church and built lifelong friendships wherever she served, lived and worked. She was ever grateful to see her sons serve missions, marry and start families of their own, and then cherish the grandchildren and great grandchildren that came along. She loved all of them with all her heart.
As a family we love, honour and celebrate her life and the eternal blessing she is to each of us and also express gratitude to those who loved and blessed her with their friendship as she travelled this mortal life’s path.
Beloved Mother, Grandmother and Friend, she brought and gave love, laughter, joy and life to her eternal family who she dedicated her life’s purpose to with all her heart and soul – and will continue to do so – Forever!
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 560 Highlands Blvd West, Lethbridge, Alberta , T1J 4X1. There will be a viewing at 10 AM, funeral service at 11:00 AM, a luncheon to follow at 12:00 PM and the internment at the Mountainview Cemetery at 1:30 PM.
You are welcome to join in watching the funeral service through Zoom by connecting to the link provided below the obituary listing on the funeral home web-site.
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca
IRVINE, Margaret “Peggy” MARGARET “PEGGY” IRVINE 1942 ~ 2026 Peggy was born on September 13, 1942, in Regina, Saskatchewan, to her mother Margaret Palmer. She spent her early childhood in Tate, Saskatchewan, before moving with her mother to Adolf Karl’s farm in the Barhill area, where she attended Barhill School.
Peggy worked as a telephone operator for AGT until 1965, when she married Jack Irvine, the love of her life. They settled in Lethbridge and adopted two children, Brent and Brenda. In 1968, Peggy and Jack returned to the farm with Adolf and Peggy’s mother, and Peggy later began a career in banking with ATB in Picture Butte.
After several years in banking, Peggy became office manager at Maclean Livestock, a role she held for many years and greatly enjoyed. She was active in the United Church in Picture Butte and enjoyed curling and golfing. Known for her quick wit and infectious sense of humor, Peggy formed many lasting friendships.
Peggy and Jack loved to travel and visited many countries together. One of the highlights of Peggy’s travels was a trip to Zimbabwe, Africa, with a group from the United Church.
Peggy was an only child and shared close relationships with her three aunties and many cousins. She was predeceased by her mother, Margaret Palmer, and her beloved husband, Jack Irvine.
Peggy is survived by her son, Brent, and Brenda, and their children, Vanessa and Morgan; and by her daughter, Brenda, and Michael Criss, and their children, Jordan, Kelsey, Connor, and Keelyn.
Peggy requested that there be no formal funeral or memorial. In her memory, please raise a drink with a friend and reminisce about the good old days.
Those wishing to honor Peggy’s memory may consider a donation to the Alzheimer’s Society or to Park Meadows Good Samaritan Society in Lethbridge. The family would also like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at Park Meadows for the exceptional care they provided to both Jack and Peggy.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
BOYCHUK, Peter BOYCHUK It is with sadness that the family of PETER BOYCHUK, beloved husband, brother and uncle, announce his peaceful passing at his residence in Lethbridge on the evening of Sunday, January 4, 2026 at the age of 94 years.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 6:00 P.M. with Deacon Jim Manzara officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Peter will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
CROW EAGLE JR., Casey “CJ” Casey James (CJ) Crow Eagle Jr. August 5, 1996 – January 10, 2026 Wake Service January 17th and 18th 4:00pm-10:00pm Snodgrass Funeral Home 1101 Main Street, Pincher Creek, AB Funeral Service January 19th, 2026 11:00am Snodgrass Funeral Home Burial to follow at Piikani Cemetery To send condolences, please visit http://www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com
PINDER, Douglas “Doug” PINDER DOUGLAS NYLE PINDER of Lethbridge, formerly of Fort Macleod, beloved husband of Debbie Pinder, father to Shawn, Shelly, and Michael, and loving Pop to eight grandchildren, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at the age of 84 years.
A Celebration of Doug’s life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, January 16, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with Michael McEnaney officiating.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
GIESBRECHT, William “Bill” WILLIAM “BILL” GIESBRECHT 1929 ~ 2025 Mr. William “Bill” Giesbrecht of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Elfriede Giesbrecht, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Coaldale Long Term Care on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the age of 96 years.
A Graveside Service will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the COALDALE MENNONITE CEMETERY, located just off of Highway 845 behind the Gem of the West Museum
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the COALDALE MENNONITE CHURCH, 2316 17 Street, Coaldale.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill’s memory to the Coaldale and District Handi-Ride Association Ltd, PO Box 463 Stn Main, Coaldale, AB T1M 1M5
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
FERGUSON, Suzanne “Susan” FERGUSON SUZANNE “SUSAN” FERGUSON, of Lethbridge, the beloved wife of the late Harold Ferguson, passed away in Lethbridge on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, at the age of 101 years.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Bruce Barnett officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Valentine Suum celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Susan will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SHERWOOD, Dale SHERWOOD DALE COLIN SHERWOOD, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Lee Sherwood, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the age of 77 years.
Arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
SCOTT, Helen HELEN SCOTT 1928 ~ 2026 Helen Joan (Haller) Scott, born August 22, 1928, in Nyircsaholy, Hungary went to her final resting place January 11, 2026, at the age of 97, in her home in Piyami Place at Picture Butte, Alberta.
Helen arrived in Montreal, Canada June 16, 1929, with her parents Julius and Jolane Haller and siblings Margaret and Elaine. They relocated to the Iron Springs area where Julius was a butcher. Jolane and the girls did a lot of the farming.
Helen met Alvon Warnock there and they were married January 24, 1948. Together they farmed at Turin, AB where they raised their children and also ran a Texaco bulk fuel service. They divorced after 38 years of marriage. Mom moved to Coaldale for some time, and then later moved to Picture Butte to be closer to family. She went on a holiday to Kimberly, BC to visit her sister and met an old sweetheart that she remembered from Iron Springs, Gerald Scott, and were married in Marysville, BC in 1994. They liked to venture off fishing in the camper, and also did a lot of travelling together from the Yukon to PEI. They volunteered in Kimberly at the Thrift Shop and loved it. Eventually they moved back to Alberta, but due to circumstances beyond their control after a few years, they had to be apart, needing enhanced care. Mom moved back to Picture Butte, where she resided until her passing.
Helen was predeceased by Alvon Warnock in 1992; son Barry Warnock 2019; granddaughter Caitlyn Warnock 1992; Gerald Scott 2015 and his son Lawrence Scott 2009; sisters Margaret Sanche, Elaine Sander, Betty Armstrong; sister in law Theresa Haller; brothers in law Phil Sanche, Frank Sander and Tony Armstrong; as well as her parents Julius and Jolane Haller and their first born children, a set of twins, that passed away shortly after birth in Hungary.
She is lovingly remembered by her children Sharon (Lynn) Silsbe, Bryan (Moira) Warnock, daughter-in-law Terri Warnock; grandchildren Shannon (Jeff) Cej, Baillie Cej, Logan Cej; Ryan Silsbe, Freya Silsbe; Stacey Deering, Aidan Deering, Ava Deering; Shaena (Gil) Brouwer, Evan Brouwer, Roan Brouwer; Shalise Silsbe; Shara (Cory) Salter, Skylar Salter, Daxton Salter, Harper Salter; Brienne (Paul) Shimek, Greyson Shimek, Sawyer Shimek, Haven Shimek; Shawn (Jamie Birch) Warnock, Trowa Warnock; Trevor (Ali) Warnock, Declan Warnock; Shane Warnock, Kaylee Warnock, Rome Warnock, Navy Voeller; brother Larry Haller, and many nieces and nephews.
Mom loved to dress up, get her hair and nails done to look like a lady, which she was. She was soft and gentle, kindhearted and quiet. Helen and her sisters and brother all loved to sing and play music. The radio was always on, with mom humming in the background. She dearly loved her grandkids. They each remember her special love for them. She would have loved all of her great grandkids if she had ever gotten to know them. Over the years she had some very tough things to endure, but now she can rest, and finally have peace on her way home. A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, January 19, 2026 at ENCHANT COMMUNITY HALL, 127 Centre Street, Enchant, Alberta. Interment will follow in the Enchant Cemetery.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
HANEY, Peter PETER HANEY 1945 ~ 2026 Peter Haney of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Robin Haney, passed away on Sunday, January 11, 2026 at Chinook Regional Hospital at the age of 80 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced once completed.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
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