Friday, February 6, 2026

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on February 6, 2026.

RANDA, Gary GARY RANDA 1964 ~ 2026 Mr. Gary Randa of Lethbridge passed away unexpectedly, at home on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the age of 61 years.
Gary is survived by his daughters whom he loved dearly Abby and Gracie; grandson Weston who was his pride and joy; dad Bill Randa; sister Shelley Thom; nephew Adam Thom and by the mother of his daughters Sandra Randa; close cousin Mike Balaz (Kelly Morton); niece Amanda Balaz; cousins Deb and Dion Roth; in-laws Andy, Lily and Susan Karkus; partner Michelle Mutter as well as many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.
He was predeceased by his mom Angie in 2019; brother-in-law Gerard Thom in 2017 and his close cousin Frank Vaclav in 2022.
Gary was born October 10, 1964 in Lethbridge and spent his childhood growing up on the family farm by Park Lake, just down the road from his cousins Mike Balaz and Frank Vaclav. He spent a lot of time with his cousins fishing, biking, farming and then later on in their teen years, drag racing. Gary went to school in Coalhurst his entire life and then later went to SAIT where he graduated with his heavy-duty mechanics license while working at Lethbridge Diesel.
Gary met Sandra in 1988 and they got married in 1991. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters Abby (1998) and Gracie (2001). Gary loved spending time with his family camping, boating and vacationing every summer.
In 1992 Gary realized his true passion was trucking so he and Sandra started Randa Transport. Mike joined him as his first lease operator in 1994, followed by Frank 3 years later. He then hired more lease operators and bought more trucks as the business continued to grow over the years to a current total of 34 trucks/lease operators with the help of his dispatcher and best friend of 25 years, Kelly Morton. Gary, Mike and Frank all worked together until Frank’s passing in November 2022. Gary and Mike continued to work together right up until the day of Gary’s passing.
Gary also had a passion for collecting vehicles. His favorites were old Chevy and GMC trucks, muscle cars, Corvettes and old collector tractors. One of his prized possessions was his 1997 Prevost bus that he enjoyed using for road trips.
The highlight of Gary’s life was when he became a grandpa to Weston in March 2024. He loved taking him boating, playing with hot wheels, taking him on road trips and spending time with him at his shop introducing Weston to his car and toy collection.
Family and friends are invited to a come and go viewing for Gary at 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, February 6, 2026 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPELS, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the LETHBRIDGE TRADE AND CONVENTION CENTRE, 101 Exhibition Way South, Lethbridge, Alberta.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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PARKER, Dorothy PARKER In the evening of January 29th, 2026, Dorothy Mae Parker (nee Tichler), passed away after a brief battle with ovarian cancer, surrounded by family at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospice, Edmonton, AB. She was 79 years old.
Dorothy was born on December 6th, 1946 to Dick (Richard) and Irene Tichler in Lethbridge, AB. She graduated from the Nursing Aide Program at the AVC in Calgary in 1965 and was an RNA until 1981 before returning to College (GPRC) for the Office Administration Program – but she embodied the saying, “Once a nurse always a nurse.” She had an adventurous spirit and generous heart; she loved music, dancing, stock car races, traveling, camping, as well as, sewing and baking for her family and friends.
Dorothy is survived by daughters Rosemary Dumont and Sandra (Darrell) Black; grandsons Jake (Jaci) Peterson, Joshua (Rachael) Peterson, Jordan Dumont and Zachary Black, bonus grand-children Chris, Kim and Shawna; and great-grandchildren Ainsley and Rowan Peterson, bonus great-granddaughters Abigail and Sophia; sister Phyllis (Don) Pylypow; nieces Dorothy Tajiri, Karen Carson, Christine Baxter and nephew Allan Timm; grand-nieces/nephews Evan Tajiri, Erin (Dallas) Ehrhardt, Eric Tajiri, Mercedes Carson, Mackenzie Carson and Jordan Carson, Alycia Timm, Ashley Timm; and great-grand nieces/nephews Abbey, Jack, Madison, Morgan, Benson and Bowen.
Dorothy is predeceased by her parents Dick and Irene Tichler and two partners in life, Tom Belknap and Tom Smoke.
A Celebration of Life will be held February 8th, 2026 at 11 am at Edmonton Crematorium and Funeral Home located at 6403 Roper RD, Edmonton, AB.

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FERRAIUOLO, Bertha BERTHA FERRAIUOLO 1947 ~ 2026 Bertha Rose Ferraiuolo (née Mantler) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Dante Ferraiuolo, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on February 1, 2026, at the age of 78.
Born in Coaldale in 1947, Bertha spent her adult life in Lethbridge, where she built a life founded in love, service, and community. Her greatest joy was her family. She married her husband, Dante, in 1975, and together they welcomed their daughter, Marisa, in 1980.
Bertha graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge. She dedicated her professional life to public service, working with the County of Lethbridge Planning Commission and later as a teacher in the Catholic school system. In retirement, she continued to give her time as a volunteer with organisations including Lions Clubs International, Meals on Wheels and Kiwanis.
Curious, gracious, and quietly resilient, Bertha found joy in life’s meaningful pleasures. She loved to travel, read, and tend her garden, and she took deep pleasure in cooking for others and enjoying music, both of which filled her home with warmth and life. She was also guided by her faith, which sustained her through every season.
Bertha is survived by her brother, Jason Dyck (Julie-Anne), and her nieces and nephews: Roxann Fontaine (Dave), DJ Murphy (Ryan), Jared Dyck, Grady Dyck, and Leighton Dyck.
She was predeceased by her parents, Susie Dyck and Abe Mantler; her stepfather, Jake Dyck; and her brother, Don Mantler.
The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Andrews, Dr. Wong, and the compassionate medical staff at Chinook Regional Hospital for their care.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.
Those who wish to honour Bertha’s memory are invited to do so by holding her kindness, humour, and generosity close in their hearts.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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SHERWOOD, Dale SHERWOOD DALE COLIN SHERWOOD, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at home, with his beloved wife Lee by his side on Wednesday, January 14, 2026 at the age of 77 years.
A Celebration of life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, February 7, 2026 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M., with the service beginning at 1:00 P.M.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

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HIEBERT, Dave HIEBERT While our husband, father and grandfather rejoices in his eternal homecoming, we the family of DAVE HIEBERT grieve our loss.
Dad was born in Gem, Alberta, on November 19, 1929 to Abram and Anna Hiebert. He passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday. February 1, 2026.
In his early years, Dad attended public school while working on the family farm. The farm was one of his greatest memories and he talked to us about it often. At the age of 16, our Dad had two life changing experiences – the loss of his mother that was so very painful and the joyful decision to accept Jesus as his personal Savior and Lord. This faith of his was unwavering and he lived his life as best described in the Westminister Catechism, “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” This was evident to all who met him.
After two years of bible school, Dad returned to farming for a few years before choosing to try his hand in home construction. This would become his career and something he took great pride in, especially when he was involved in the building of the family home.
Work took Dad to the Lethbridge area and it was here that he was introduced to our Mom, Katherine Schmidt. They were married in May 1964.
Apart from work, Dad loved music; he loved to sing and play his guitar. This passion lead him to start a singing group, the Chapel Singers. Every Monday for the next 49 years, Mom and Dad would visit hospitals and seniors facilities bringing music to the residents and patients.
Besides his love for our Mom and the gift of sharing music, Dad had unspeakable joy of being our father – Grace (Martie) Dick, Carol (Trevor) Carroll and grandfather to Caleb and Caden Dick, Levi, Ethan (Neily), Abby and Isabella Carroll. Family was so important to him and time spent together was always a highlight. In his last few years, he especially looked forward to games night and the treats that would be brought to their home.
Dad is survived by his immediate family, sister Helen, brother Con (Ada), and sisters-in-law Elizabeth and Esther, along with numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Abram and Anna, eight brothers and sisters and other extended family.
We the family, would like to thank our second family at St. Therese Villa for the love you showed our father, husband and grandfather over the last two plus years. He appreciated each and every one of you and prayed for you faithfully Gone but not forgotten. Forever Loved.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, February 12, 2026 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor James Schneider officiating. The Funeral Service will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Dave’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Following the Funeral Service, Dave will be laid to rest in the Coaldale Mennonite Cemetery.

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

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PRATT, William “Ron” PRATT WILLIAM “RON” PRATT MAY 25, 1943 – FEB 1, 2026 “Better then nothing, but thanks for asking” was the phrase Ron always said when anyone asked how he was. He was rough on the outside but he was a big teddy bear on the inside, however, he never let alot of people know that. He loved his family and would always give his best advice on things. Ron joined the navy at a young age and also worked for the Canadian Pacific Railway for many years.
Ron passed away peacefully at the chinook regional hospital at the age of 82 years old. He is survived by his 3 daughters; LeAnne (Scott Malchow), Lisa Hall and Rachel Pratt (Dwayne Lundgren); 3 grandchildren; Jeff Malchow (Nicole Wapple), Travis Malchow (Sarah Marshall) and Paige Kane and 8 great grandchildren. Ron is also survived by his sisters Glenda Wilde (Sidney, B.C) and Sherry Bennett (St. Albert, Alberta) and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Herb and Leah Pratt, his brother Allan Pratt and one grandson Brady Hall.
At Ron’s request, there will be no funeral service.

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CHRISTIANSON, Doug CHRISTIANSON Doug Christianson, born March 3, 1965, passed away suddenly on February 3, 2026, from a heart attack. He was a devoted father, a lifelong music fanatic, and a man who filled any room with strength and music.
Doug is survived by his daughter, Stephanie Christianson. They shared a close bond and countless memories, especially through their shared love of rock and metal and the many concerts they attended together. Loud guitars, live shows, and standing shoulder to shoulder in the crowd were some of their best times.
He is also survived by his fur baby Ozzy; Vivienne (Crystal and Josh, Jason and Ashleigh); his mother Marilyn; his sisters Barb (Dwayne) and Patti (Kevin); and many members of his extended family.
Doug had a lifelong love affair with music. He was a dedicated collector of records, tapes, and 8-tracks, and his love of music never faded. If there was a speaker nearby, it was playing – and if it wasn’t loud enough, he turned it up. He often said, “If it’s too loud, you’re too old.” He lived that motto without apology. This world became quieter without his presence.
He was predeceased by his father Ernest; his grandparents Morris, Alice, Roy, and Lillian (Nana); and his beloved dogs, Eddie and Oscar, loyal companions who meant the world to him.
Doug will be remembered as steady, loyal, and unapologetically himself. His absence is deeply felt, and he leaves behind a lifetime of stories, noise, and memories that won’t fade.
The family thanks everyone for their kindness and support during this difficult time. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Christensen Salmon Generations Funeral Home, 703 13th Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta with reception to follow.
Live stream and recording of the service will be available on the funeral home web-site
To send condolences, please visit http://www.generationsfh.ca

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LARSON, James “Jim” LARSON Our Dad, James Mark D Larson, (Jim) passed away February 5, 2026 at home. He leaves behind Barbara (Bernie), Jane (Don), Bud (Alyssa), Andrea, Trish (Ian), Lindsay (Buzz). He was preceded in death by the mother of his 6 children, Marilyn Anne after 32 years of marriage. He was also preceded in death by his younger brother Doug and his Grandmother Katherine Ann Morrow, who raised him and Doug in Spring Coulee from a very young age. Also preceded in death by his second wife Claire Bogdan.
Jim leaves behind 29 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind the children of Claire Bogdan who loved him like a father and grandfather.
A private family service will be held at Spring Coulee Cemetery.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

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