November 22, 2013
By Obituaries on November 22, 2013.
.1915 ~ LEITCH ~ 2013
Mrs. Gladys Leitch of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Mr. David “Alden” Leitch, passed away on Wednesday, November 20th, 2013 at the age of 98 years. The Funeral Service will be held in WESTMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 101 – 6th Street SE, on Tuesday, November 26th, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Family Plot at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Gladys’s memory may be made to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, 124, 430 – 6th Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2S8 or to the Salvation Army, 164 Stratton Way SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 3R3 or to the Charity of One’s Choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Gladys Leitch. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599
.1927 ~ KIRSCHENMAN ~ 2013
Mrs. Erna Kirschenman of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Mr. Friedrich Kirschenman, passed away on Tuesday, November 19th, 2013 at the age of 86 years. Erna leaves to cherish her memory one son, Wayne Kirschenman of Calgary; one daughter, Linda Wiegand of Calgary; two grandchildren, Jason (Raegan) Wiegand and their children, Quinn, Graydon, Cohen and Griffin and Robin (Sarah) Wiegand and their child, Rian; one brother, Mike (Anne) Nutz of Kelowna; one sister-in-law, Frances Nutz of Kelowna; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Erna was predeceased by her husband, Friedrich; her parents, Adolf and Louise Nutz; three brothers, Jack, Reinhold (Lilly) and Otto (Olga); and one sister, Hulda Vetter. Erna was born on June 20th, 1927 in Bessarabia. She married Friedrich Kirschenman on March 29th, 1952 in Medicine Hat. Erna loved quilting, gardening and canning, but her passion was sewing. She will be fondly remembered and forever missed. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Friday, November 22nd, from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. and on Saturday, November 23rd, from 12:30 until 1:25 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held in SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Saturday, November 23rd, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Julianna Wehrfritz- Hanson officiating. Interment will follow in the Family Plot at Hillside Cemetery. Erna’s memory can be honoured by recognizing her love of flowers. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or http://www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Erna Kirschenman. Radio funeral announcement can be heard on Friday around 12:35 p.m. on 93.7 Praise FM. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599
.1961 ~ EICHENDORF ~ 2013
Peter “Lorne” Eichendorf of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, November 20th, 2013 at the age of 52 years. Lorne leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Davis and Anthony; one daughter, Michann; one grandson, Gavin; his mother, Mary; one brother, Ross (Sandra); one sister, Norma Jean Boisson; and four nephews. Lorne was predeceased by his father, Walter. The Funeral Service will be held in TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH, 606 – 7th Street SW, on Monday, November 25th, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Marcel Mitchell officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Lorne’s memory may be made to the Medicine Hat & District Food Bank Association, 532 South Railway Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2V6. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or http://www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Lorne Eichendorf. Radio funeral announcement can be heard on Friday around 12:35 p.m. on 93.7 Praise FM. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599
.DALE STAFFORD
1942 ~ 2013
Mr. Dale Stafford passed away peacefully at the Bow Island Health Centre on Wednesday, November 20, 2013, at the age of 71 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced upon completion. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone: 403-527-6455.
.GARY WRIGHT
February 28, 1937 ~ November 19, 2013
James Gary Wright (Bump) of Medicine Hat passed away on Tuesday November 19, 2013, at the age of 76 years. Throughout his courageous battle with renal failure, he was surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Gary is lovingly remembered by his beloved wife, Gail; son, Gary Jr. (Heather) and his daughter, Dana and his step-sons, Daniel, Adam and Josh; son, Todd (Betty) and their daughter Montana; daughter, Vanessa (Pavol) and her two daughters, Katelyn and Brooke and her two step-sons, Juraj and Matus; his brother, Cliff (Eleanor) Wright as well as loving nieces, nephews and a host of long time friends. Gary was predeceased by his brother, Robert (Bob) Wright; his parents, Cliff Sr. and Myra Wright and his best buddy, Larry Frandsen. Gary was a dedicated retailer, and proud to be the fourth generation owner/operator of Wright’s Jewelry Store. He loved his job and had a keen knowledge of the industry. “Bump” was a very active member of the community leading him to become the President of the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club, Kinsmen Club, Curling Club, Downtown Business Association and Deputy Governor General of the Kinsmen Club. He participated in the Masonic Lodge and played in the Shrine Band. He was a Board Member of the Chamber of Commerce, Crime Stoppers and Hockey Hounds. Gary lived life to the fullest and had many passions: primarily golf, curling, cards and practical jokes! He enjoyed traveling with Gail, golf trips with his buddies, and in the post golf season, coffee and cards with his good pals. He enjoyed all kinds of sports and made many valiant attempts at skiing but always found better success in the Ski Lodge. He lived to see his beloved Boston Red Sox win the World Series this year. More than anything, he loved spending time with his grandchildren – they meant the world to him. As successful a business man as he was, it sometimes interfered with his busy golf schedule. He was often heard saying, “If I die tomorrow, they can’t say I didn’t have a good time!” The family would like to extend their heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Ahmad and the exceptional staff at the Medicine Hat Renal Dialysis Unit. We are forever grateful to the compassionate nurses and staff. A Celebration of Gary’s life will be held at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 504 – 2 Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Monday, November 25, 2013, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Nancy Cocks officiating. Private Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery with a time of fellowship thereafter at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, memorial donations in memory of Gary may be made directly to the Medicine Hat Dialysis Unit care of the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 – 5 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6. Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone: 403-527-6455.
.JERRY WATTS
Every man dies, not every man truly lives…
Jerry was a man that lived his life right up until the end. He will leave us all with a trail of memories. As a husband he will be remembered for his generous nature, years of companionship, trips to Vegas and Victoria and the requirement to have three square meals a day. As a father he will be remembered for his leadership, generousity and his love of cattle. As a grandfather he will be remembered for his snow white hair, his towering stature, his attendance at hockey games, dilly bars, the trips to the casino to win “us” money and the ever present meals at the restaurant, especially “Prime Rib Friday’s” at the Beefeater. As a friend, there will be the stories of the Team Roping days, the many brandings and his ability to always be available for a card game. Gerald Dale Watts passed away peacefully at the St. Joseph’s Home Carmel Hospice with his loving family by his side on Tuesday, November 19, 2013 at the age of 74 years. Jerry was born in Eatonia, Saskatchewan on February 16, 1939. He was the oldest child and only son of David and Marjorie Watts. Coming into this world at a strapping 12 pounds, Jerry was always known for his larger than life presence. In Grade 9, he was required to quit school to take over farming responsibilities due to his father’s illness. Jerry started in the farming industry but his first love was ranching. He spent the years growing the ranch and feedlot which he was able to operate with his sons over the last many years. Jerry was a family man. He spent many hours with them farming, doing the chores and then travelling many miles on the road for hockey. The joy came when he became a Grandfather. His grandchildren gave him much pleasure. He was a man that struggled over the years with various health issues, but still maintained an amazing quality of life. He retained his ever present smile, and a joke or two for the nurses right up until the end. Jerry will forever be loved and remembered by his wife of 48 years, Joan; his sons, Darryl (Zerlina), Brent (Lana), Kim (Leanne) Travis (Tara) and grandchildren, Jayelle, Taylor, Ty, Brayden, Kourtney, Aaron, Shaunda, Evan, Haylie, Austin, Brynn and Brooke; his sisters, Gail (Wayne) Holmes and Bonnie Shore; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack (Marilyn) Taylor, Wayne (Veronica) Taylor and Patty Evanisky. He was predeceased by his parents, David and Marjorie Watts; in-laws, Howard and Mildred Taylor as well as brothers-in-law, Bill Shore and Alex Evanisky. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W. Medicine Hat on Tuesday, November 26, 2013, at 2:00 p.m. with Bill Thomson officiating. A Private Graveside Service will follow at Hillside Cemetery with a time of fellowship thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Center. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, memorial donations in memory of Jerry may be made directly to the St. Joseph’s Home Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1.
“We invite you to wear casual attire”
Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone: 403-527-6455.
.
.McCARROLL
Winnifred “Win” McCarroll (nee: Osgood) of Medicine Hat passed away on Friday, November 15, 2013, at the age of 89 years, beloved wife of the late Harry McCarroll. She leaves to cherish her memory her two children, Robert (Bonnie) McCarroll and Betty Ann (Gordon) Pelchat; five grandchildren, Jeff (Tammy), Karen, Cameron (his children, Ryland and Korbin), Michael (his son Damien), Sandra (her children, Jessica and Kayle); one great grandson, Connor; a brother-in-law, John (Edna) McCarroll in England as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Harry on July 10, 2007; two brothers, Ed and Bill and one sister, Muriel. Our mom, known as ‘Win” to her friends was fun loving. Our Dad, her husband for 63 years was the love of her life and she missed him dearly. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Friday, November 22, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. with The Rev. Dr. David Carter officiating. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Winnifred McCarroll, or you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence. Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
.ROD LESMEISTER
1953 ~ 2013
Rodney ‘Rod’ Lesmeister passed away in Medicine Hat on Friday, November 1, 2013, at the age of 60 years. He leaves to mourn his passing his children, Jennifer, Benjamin (Trixie) and his daughter Savannah; Amanda and her son, David, and Adam; his mother, Mildred; his brothers and sisters, Les, Brenda (Henry) Stang, Judi (Andrew) Coombes, Terry, and Joel; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. Rod was predeceased by his brothers, Bruce (1958) and Dale (1971); his father Tony (Sept., 2013); his grandparents, Henry (1969) and Amalia (1993) Kerbs, and Nick and Margaret Lesmeister (1981). Rod was born in Prelate, SK. on May 3, 1953, the second child of eight to Tony and Mildred, and was raised on a farm two miles out of town. He attended Prelate School and finished high school at St. Thomas College in North Battleford, SK. He worked numerous jobs throughout his life, most notably at Plato’s Roofing in the ‘70’s, and Leader Credit Union in the late ‘70’s early ‘80’s. Rod was a very proud father who enjoyed gathering for coffee and playing cards. A Memorial Service in celebration of Rod’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, November 25, 2013, at 10:30 a.m. Interment was previously held at Hillside Cemetery on November 8th. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial gifts in Rod’s memory may be made to the Salvation Army, 164 Stratton Way S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 3R3. Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone: 403-527-6455.
.WILLIAM “BILL” POCSIK
February 15, 1921 – November 18, 2013
William “Bill” Pocsik passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, November 18th, 2013 at the age of 92. He was the beloved husband of the late Ann Pocsik (nee Hepfner). He leaves to cherish his memory three children, Glenn (Cheryl) Pocsik, Darcy (Leslie) Pocsik, and Linda (Pete) Sorensen all of Medicine Hat; seven grandchildren, Dana (Blake) Wirachowsky, Jaret (Jamie) Pocsik, Drew (Lisa) Pocsik, Tyler (Nicole) Pocsik, Kelsey Pocsik, Austin Toresdahl, Dakota Sorensen, and Dawson Sorensen; his great- grandchildren, Quinn Wirachowsky and Jude Pocsik, all of Medicine Hat; his sisters-in-law, Christine Pocsik, Katie Stein, and Angela (Bill) Glasser; a brother-in-law, William Hepfner; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his wife, Ann on March 14th, 1999; his parents, Charles and Helen Pocsik; brother, Alex Pocsik; sister, Gisela Danku of Hungary; his brothers-in-law, Andrew Stein, Frank Scherger, Leonard Schneider, and Jerry Feininger; and sisters-in-law, Josephine Feininger, Minnie Scherger, and Alice Schneider. Bill was born in Zsurk, Hungary in 1921. After graduating from high school at the age of 16, he immigrated to Canada, making Medicine Hat his home. Upon arriving in Medicine Hat, he attended Elm Street School for a short time to learn English. He was working at the Medicine Hat Greenhouses when he was drafted into the army to serve in Canada and overseas. He was honorably discharged on May 30th, 1946. He returned to Medicine Hat and his work at the greenhouses where he met the love of his life, Ann Hepfner. They were married on July 29th, 1950. Bill and Ann both continued to work for Medicine Hat Greenhouses, as well as ran a family-owned greenhouse which provided income for his parents. Bill became the acclaimed foreman of the rose sections. He was able to grow many tropical plants, such as bananas, a unique lemon and grapefruit cross, various rare tropical flowers, a huge mimosa (touch me not) plant that entertained the school children and the general public when they came to see these plants. Bill was famous for his green thumb. He retired from the greenhouse at age 65. His retirement years were spent enjoying his grandkids, riding his bike around the neighbourhood, and happily tending his perfectly manicured garden while showing it off to whoever stopped by. If you came to see the garden you never left empty-handed. His greatest joy was supplying his family and friends with peppers and tomatoes. Family birthdays always included the famous butterscotch chiffon cake. This tradition was started by Ann, and after her passing Bill continued to bake these cakes with love and some success!! Bill was well known for his firm (painful) handshake, as he smiled innocently. Chances are you only shook his hand once. Bill was a generous, graceful, and loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, who took time for his family and friends. His smile lit up the room. He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Friday from 1:00 to 1:55 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held in SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Friday, November 22nd, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. with Father Matthew Emmelkamp officiating. The officers and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch #17, will conduct a Poppy Service for their departed comrade. A Private Interment will take place on Saturday in the Family Plot at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Bill’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bill Pocsik. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599
.ZENTNER
MR. EDWARD “ED” L. ZENTNER, beloved husband of 63 years to Mrs. Emilie Zentner of Calgary, AB., passed away surrounded by his loving family at the Calgary Foothills Hospital ICU on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 as a result of an injury/accident. He was 84 years of age.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
