November 24, 2013
By Obituaries on November 24, 2013.
.1915 ~ LEITCH ~ 2013
Gladys Leitch of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Alden Leitch, passed away on Wednesday, November 20th, 2013 at the age of 98 years. Gladys leaves to cherish her memory children, Louise Leitch of Edmonton, Darwin (Beth) Leitch of Vegreville, Jean (Marino) Rapuano of Lethbridge, Joyce Harpell, Betty (Dennis) Jorgenson, Harold (Val) Leitch, and Linda (Mick) Turnbull, all of Medicine Hat; 25 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; and 31 great-great-grandchildren. Gladys was predeceased by her husband, Alden in 1974; her parents, Walter and Florence Bregg; one son, Gerald; one brother, Joseph; one sister, Isobel; one son-in-law, Jim; one granddaughter, Sandra; and one grandson, Don. Gladys was born on October 28th, 1915 in Creelman, Saskatchewan where she was raised and attended school graduating from Grade 12. She was married on October 13th, 1934 to David “Alden” Leitch in Rose Valley, Saskatchewan where they made their home and remained for 22 years. In July 1956 Gladys and Alden settled in Medicine Hat. Gladys was an avid Medicine Hat Tigers and Toronto Maple Leafs fan attending two Memorial Cups. She enjoyed singing, dancing, knitting, sewing, and baking. She volunteered for many organizations becoming President of the Veiner Centre Senior Citizen Council and receiving the Alberta Medal of Community Service. Gladys truly loved her family and friends and will be lovingly remembered by them all. The Funeral Service will be held in WESTMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 101 – 6th Street SE, on Tuesday, November 26th, 2013 at 10:30 a.m. with Reverend Leroy Angle and Reverend Bob Findley co-officiating. Interment will follow in the Family Plot at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Gladys’ 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. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Gladys Leitch. Radio funeral announcement can be heard on Monday 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
.1921 ~ POCSIK ~ 2013
William “Bill” Pocsik of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Ann Pocsik, passed away on November 18th, 2013. The Funeral Service was held yesterday at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel. 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 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
.1926 ~ BONAGOFSKY ~ 2013
Mary Bonagofsky, beloved wife of Joe Bonagofsky of Medicine Hat, passed away on November 18th, 2013. The Funeral Mass was held yesterday at Holy Family Parish. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Mary Bonagofsky. Funeral arrangements 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.
.ELIZABETH WIEBE
1934 ~ 2013
Mrs. Elizabeth (Betty) Wiebe, beloved wife of Mr. Lawrence Wiebe, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Tuesday, November 19, 2013, at the age of 79 years. Betty was born at Graburn and educated in Medicine Hat. She married the love of her life, Lawrence Wiebe on January 17, 1953 in Medicine Hat. Working most of her life, Betty retired in 1990. Her door was always open to anyone that needed a place to stay. Betty made the best grandma “apple” pie. Her kids, grandkids and great- grandchildren always took priority in her life. Betty loved the rodeo and hockey and especially enjoyed camping with her family. She was a great hostess and forever treasured time attending family events. Betty’s memory will be treasured in the hearts of her husband, Lawrence Wiebe; children, Debbie (Elroy) LaFond, Darrel Wiebe, Delaine (Vance) Nickel; four grandchildren, Jason (Carrie) LaFond, Alisha (Richard) Westland, Carissa Nickel, Taylor NIckel; five great- grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Gottlob &?Rosie Betker; step-father, Bert Evers; brothers, Wallace (Gladys) Betker, Wilbert Betker and sister, Gloria (Herb) Johnson. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Sunday, November 24, 2013, between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. as well as on Monday, November 25, 2013, starting one hour prior to the service. A Celebration of Betty’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Monday at 3:00 p.m., with Pastor Bob Findley officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com). If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102 Crestwood Square One, 1865 Dunmore Rd. S.E. Medicine Hat, Alberta. T1A 1Z8. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901- 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 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 District Deputy Governor 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.
.PETERSON
Ronald Erwin Peterson passed away peacefully on Friday, November 15, 2013 at the age of 83. Ron was predeceased by his wife, Mary Lou, a granddaughter, his brother Arnold, his sister Isabelle and his parents Rose and Andrew Peterson. Ron is survived by his partner Colleen of Creston, his son Jim (Julie) Peterson of Creston, four daughters, Brenda (Jack) Sproat of Medicine Hat, Cheryl (Stuart) Maddaford of Lethbridge, Karen (Grant) Babitzke of Cypress Hills, Lori (Ian) Pollock of Saskatoon, 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren. Ron also leaves to cherish his memory his brother Kenneth (Babes) and his sister Norma (Ron), as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ron was born in Canwood, SK on March 5, 1930. The Peterson family moved to Medicine Hat, AB when Ron was young and on September 12, 1974 Ron married Mary Lou Braconnier in Medicine Hat where they resided for 43 years of marriage. Ron was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and had a life long career as a heavy duty mechanic. In 1991 after Mary Lou passed away Ron moved to Creston, B.C. where he has resided for the past 22 years with his partner Colleen.
Ron was blessed with an early retirement that allowed him to travel and for years was an official Canadian Snowbird making many trips to Yuma Arizona. Ron loved dancing, camping, golfing and fishing. Ron was loved and respected by all who knew him and will be greatly missed. Ron wished to be cremated and his family and friends will gather for a celebration of life ceremony in early 2014, information to follow at a later date. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society c/o 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB.
.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 a tragic fall. He was 84 years of age.
Besides his loving wife Emilie, he is survived by his six children; Mary Lea (Ken) Basset of Bruno, SK, Elaine (John) Gill of Edmonton, AB, Estelle (Garry) Lux of Medicine Hat, AB, Gerard (Maureen) Zentner of Edmonton, AB, Peggy (Brad) Zeran of Victoria, BC and Ralph (Faith) Zentner of Lethbridge, AB, 12 grandchildren; Alain (Amanda) Basset, Andrea (Neil) Dielschneider, Ryan (Amanda Berg) Lux, Andrew (Jennifer) Lux, Kathryn (Derek) Robertson, Laura (Mike) Melenius, Peter (Jayme) Gill, Matthew (Braden O’Neill) Zentner, Emilie (Patrick Boutet) Zentner, Thomas Zeran, Chad (Sarah) Zentner and Travis (Kinga) Zentner, 9 great grandchildren; Taylor and Tristan Basset, Trace and Davin Dielschneider, McKenna and Benjamin Lux, Emma Brown-Santa and Jaxon Zentner and Rowynn Zentner.
He is also survived by his brother Ron (Joyce) Zentner, sister Audrey Swires and sister-in- law Pat Zentner, all of Calgary, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ed was predeceased by his parents Ralph and Clara Zentner, and two brothers Dennis and Laurie.
He was born December 21, 1928 in Romance, Saskatchewan. Ed was raised and educated in the Watson area and became involved in the agricultural business at a young age. He worked with John Deere and Massey Ferguson eventually buying into a dealership in Humboldt in 1969.
Ed was very community minded, serving as President for the North Sask. Central Hockey League, North Central Baseball League, and on numerous recreation boards in Watson and Humboldt. He was instrumental in setting up the Quill Plains Recreation Association and served as Chairman for many years. He was a member of the Watson Fire Brigade and Watson Ambulance, coached minor hockey and was Chair for the Voyageur Program with Borgeo, Newfoundland. He served on the Humboldt and District Housing Authority Cooperation (St. Mary’s Villa) and later became Chair. He also served on the Sask. Special Care Homes Assoc., Humboldt Housing Authority, and St. Augustine Parish Council. He led congregational singing in Humboldt and Watson for over two decades.
In 1955, Ed joined the Knights of Columbus Council #1886 in Humboldt in the Jubilee class. In 1957 he assisted in the formation of the Watson Council #5850 and became a charter member. Following a move to Humboldt in 1968, he became actively involved there. He was Grand Knight, District Warden, Public Relations Director for State Board, District Deputy, and later joined Supreme Council. In 1976 he became a Field Agent for the K of C Insurance Program and in 1980 was selected to be a Field Training Instructor for Canada. Ed travelled from Peggy’s Cove, NS to Vancouver Island, BC and as far north as Inuvik, NWT. He then became the General Agent for Alberta and the NWT, one of the largest jurisdictions in the order. He was totally committed to the Knights of Columbus and conducted regional and state seminars in the training of financial secretaries and council officers. Ed later became Faithful Navigator of Fr. Doucet Assembly and was a Commander for a number of years. He was a long time member of St Cecilia’s Parish, where he served as the Finance Committee Chair, as well as other ministries.
Ed was happily married for over 63 years to Emilie Irene Zimbrod, whom he met and married in Watson, Saskatchewan.
Ed was a man of great spirit, integrity, and was devoted to his family and his faith. His passing will leave a tremendous void in the hearts of many. Ed lived with dignity and died with dignity.
Prayers and tributes will be said at ST. CECELIA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 321-90 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB on Thursday, November 28, 2013 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at ST. CECELIA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 321-90 Avenue S.E. Calgary on Friday, November 29, 2013 at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Henry Rosenbaum, Celebrant.
Interment will follow in the St. Mary’s Cemetery.
In memory of Ed, memorial donations may be made to The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, #150, 9405-50th Street, Edmonton, AB T6B 2T4 and the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta NWT & NU, #100, 119 – 14th Street N.W. Calgary, AB. T2N 1Z6.
