Tuesday, January 20, 2026

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on January 20, 2026.

SWANSON, Wray SWANSON WRAY OSCAR SWANSON, of Milk River, AB, passed away on Sunday, January 18, 2026, at the age of 89, at Fairmont Park Extendicare, in Lethbridge, AB.
Wray was born on July 28, 1936, in Lethbridge, AB. He is predeceased by his parents, Willard and Emma Swanson, his twin brother Roy and his sister-in-law Anita Swanson, and brother-in-law Jack Partlow.
He is survived by his wife, Charlotte (Rivers), and his daughters: Karen (Donald) Swanson Blackstock; Julie (Brian) Swanson; Diana (Brad) Davoren; Connie Goudie; and Laura (Shane) Bullock. Wray is also survived by his siblings: Melva Partlow; Harry (Audrey) Swanson; June (Warren) Cunningham; and Glenn (Lauralee) Swanson. Wray leaves behind ten grandchildren: Sophie Swanson Blackstock; Tian and Caisa Nolan; Kira and Savannah Davoren; Meri-Tegan and Lachlan Garrett Goudie; Spencer (Racheal), Emma, and Asa Bullock. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren: Ivy, Ezra, and Oliver, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
On February 5, 1966, Wray married Charlotte, and together they moved onto the Sassy Homestead. Wray followed in his father’s footsteps, dedicating his life to farming and ranching. In 1980, he and Charlotte established Wrayco Farms Ltd. In the spring of 1967, through IAEA, the Swanson family welcomed their first exchange student. This marked the beginning of many new additions to the extended Swanson family. Over the years, Wray and Charlotte opened their home to more than 125 “adopted family members” from across Canada and around the world. Their open-door policy meant that everyone was welcome in their home, giving rise to many lifelong friendships and connections. Wray’s hospitality sparked a love for world travel, leading him to visit places such as New Zealand, Mexico, and various countries across Europe. He took great joy in travelling and “people watching.” Beyond his travels, Wray loved flying his plane, building his own boat, water and downhill skiing, swimming, and scuba diving with his twin brother, family, and friends. He was a man of many talents – welder, electrician, carpenter, farmer, rancher – always eager to learn new skills. An exceptionally gifted musician, Wray had a remarkable ear for music, excelling at both the piano and accordion. He was a member of the “Southern Playboys,” performing at dances throughout southern Alberta. His family fondly remembers falling asleep to the sound of him playing the piano, a memory that continues to bring comfort.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the HUNGARIAN CANADIAN OLD TIMER SOCIETY OF LETHBRIDGE, 410 2 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, January 21, 2026 from 11:30 AM to 4:00 P.M.
At Wray’s request, a private family Interment of his ashes will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wray’s name to Make a Wish Canada (makeawish.ca).

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

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KOPERVAS, George George Kopervas
1935 – 2026
George P. Kopervas of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Evelyn Kopervas, passed away on Saturday, January 17, 2026 at the age of 90 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, January 26, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

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ANDRONOWICH, Walter ANDRONOWICH WALTER ANDRONOWICH, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Iris Andronowich, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, January 18, 2026 at the age of 86 years.
Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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OLSHASKI, Myrna MYRNA OLSHASKI 1939 ~ 2026 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Myrna Fay Olshaski, of Lethbridge, on January 15, 2026, at the age of 86.
Myrna’s story began on a dairy farm near McNally School, where she was raised by her parents, Ernest and Marion, alongside her siblings Della, Ernie, Donnie, Audrey, Lloyd, and Clayton. It was at a McNally School dance that she met the love of her life, Ron. After their marriage, they moved to Olshaski Farms, where together they built a life rooted in hard work, partnership, family, and raising their children, David and Brenda.
A natural hostess, Myrna was legendary for her outdoor gatherings. Whether it was a barbecue, hot dogs over the fire pit, or spirited games of bocce ball and baseball, her yard was a place of constant laughter. She was an extraordinary cook whose meals were the highlight of any visit, and no gathering was complete without her quick wit, famous jokes, and a competitive game of cribbage.
Outside of the home, Myrna was a force to be reckoned with at the lanes. An avid and talented 5-pin bowler and was a mainstay of the competitive bowling community in Lethbridge. Over the years, she and her teammates claimed numerous victories that reflected her skill, precision, and competitive spirit.
Myrna’s green thumb was equally impressive and a source of local envy. She spent countless hours tending to her soil, famously producing record-sized vegetables. Her yard was a vibrant tapestry of color. Walking through her garden was to see her patience and love for nature in full bloom.
Beyond the farm and the bowling alley, Myrna had a flair for the finer things; she loved dressing “to the nines,” shopping, and dining out, all pursuits she enjoyed with style until the very end.
Myrna was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ronald George Olshaski, and her daughter, Brenda Lee O’Donnell.
She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her sister, Audrey Wilson; her son, David (Anna); her cherished grandchildren, Alex, Kelly, David (Tia), Russell (Serenity), Shey, and Michael. Her memory will also be treasured by her large extended family and a wide circle of dear friends.
The family extends their deepest gratitude to Jodie Heibert of Lethbridge and the staff and residents at Piyami Place in Picture Butte for their exceptional care, friendship, and compassion.
A public visitation will be held at 12:00PM on Friday, January 23, 2026, MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00PM on Friday, January 23, 2026, MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, with a reception to follow.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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