November 23, 2015

By Obituaries on November 23, 2015.

1917 ~ GWINNER ~ 2015

Robert "Bob" Gwinner of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Freda Gwinner, passed away on Thursday, November 19th, 2015 at the age of 100 years old minus 2. Bob leaves to cherish his memory his five children, Peter (Patricia) Gwinner of Edmonton, Julie Munro of Victoria, British Columbia, Roberta Gwinner, Rosemary (Wayne) Baumback and Daniel "Dano" Gwinner, all of Medicine Hat; seven grandchildren, Rob (Kim) Gwinner, Michael (Rosalina) Munro, Jennifer (Rob) Blayone, Melissa Gwinner, Nicole Baumback, Kevin Munro and Brett (Jenelle) Baumback; four great grandchildren, Taylor Gwinner (Yasmin), Morgan Blayone, Carter Munro and Massimo Munro; as well as numerous nieces and nephews in Germany and England. Bob was predeceased by his wife, Freda; his parents, Johann and Emilie Gwinner; and one daughter, Lillian Fisher. Bob was born on August 30th, 1917 in Bessarabia and immigrated to Canada from England in 1954. He worked as a chef at the Cypress Club and the Elks Club before purchasing the Shell Travel-In Restaurant, which he owned and operated for 25 years. Family was very important to Bob which was evident in the hard work he did to provide for them. Bob loved cooking and meeting new people. His memory will be forever cherished by all those who knew and loved him. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, on Wednesday from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Thursday, November 26th, 2015 at 1:30 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. A private interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Bob's memory may be made to Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, c/o Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation, 666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6 or to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bob Gwinner. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park", locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

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1920 ~ ANDERSON ~ 2015

Helen Anderson of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Gordon Anderson, passed away on Sunday, November 15th, 2015 at the age of 95 years. The Funeral Service was held Saturday at FIFTH AVENUE MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH with Reverend Helen Reid officiating. Memorial gifts in Helen's memory may be made to the Fifth Avenue United Church Memorial Fund or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Helen Anderson. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park", locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

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1922 ~ EBEL ~ 2015

ELMER HENRY EBEL, was called home to be with his Heavenly Father, on Sunday, November 15th, 2015 at the age of 93 years. The Funeral Service was held Saturday at GLENVIEW CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE, with Reverend Larry Dahl officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Elmer's memory may be made to the Cypress Hill Camp or to the Gideons International. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Elmer Ebel. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park", locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

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1928 ~ GIRLING ~ 2015

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” C. Girling, loving husband of the late Audrey Girling (nee Bissett), on November 18, 2015, at the age of 87 years.
Left to cherish his memory is his son, Don (Mona) Girling, and their two sons, Cody (Amanda Chynoweth) Girling and Cameron (Rachel) Girling. He also leaves to cherish his granddaughter, Janice Arnot; his sisters-in-law, Marjorie Gaffney and Joyce Oshiro; niece, Valerie (Harold) Leitch; three nephews, Allan (Janice), Garth (Brenda), and Russell (Rhonda) Pudwell. Bob also had a special extended family starting with the late Willard and Vera Dumont, and their children Debra (Gary Lentz) Pettyjohn, Donna (Herb) Kopp, and their families. Many special occasions were celebrated with these families together. Bob also kept in contact with extended relatives that reside in England. Bob was predeceased by his parents, Robert John Charles Girling and Elsie Girling (nee Brown); his sister, Joyce Pudwell; brother-in-law, Richard Gaffney; and his long-time bridge partner, Dennis Koslofski.
Following the death of his father in 1928, his Grandmother Brown brought Bob, his mother, and sister to Canada. His mother took a job as a housekeeper for Jack Gilbert, a farmer from Flaxcombe, SK. He grew up on the farm and attended Ormstown School where he was responsible for lighting the stove of the one-room school. As a young man he moved to the Medicine Hat area working for Medalta Potteries, Ogilvie Mills, and also started a chicken farm with his brother-in-law, Richard.
It was at this time that he met his future wife Audrey. He started his career with the CPR Railway in 1947, which became his life-long vocation and retired eventually in 1987 after over 39 years. In 1957, he transferred to Calgary and worked the West, North, East, & South Pools. His favourite run was from Calgary to Field, BC. He finished his career running the passenger train from Medicine Hat to Swift Current, SK. Once retired, Bob returned to the family farm in Dunmore, to work alongside his son under the Triple G brand.
Bob and Audrey had many adventures together, travelling through the western US, and bought a vacation home in Pahrump, Nevada in the early 70’s. This allowed them to escape many Canadian winters. After Audrey’s passing, Bob also travelled to England to meet with his extended family, as well as recreating the historic crossing of the Atlantic with his son on the Queen Mary 2 in 2007.
Bob took up Bridge as a pastime in 2003, which created many friends through both the Bridge Club and River Ridge in Medicine Hat. He was also a member of the Retired Railroaders Club, which kept him in contact with old colleagues, and many afternoons were spent at the CPR Pensioner’s Club. He lived an independent life on the farm, and was active right up until his very short illness and passing.
The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. Donations in Bob’s name can be made to the Persian Dreams and Canine Themes Rescue Society to support his passion for all animals, PO Box 23134 Medicine Hat Mall, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4C7. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bob Girling. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park", locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

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1929 ~ KUNZ ~ 2015

Mrs. Barbara Kunz (nee Miller), beloved wife of the late Mike Kunz, passed away on Thursday, November 19th, 2015 at the age of 86. Barbara leaves to cherish her memory three children, Carol Kunz (Alvin McMartin) of Lac La Biche, AB; Maureen (Ian) Durrance of Fort Worth, Texas; and Patrick (Donna) Kunz, and their sons Matthew and Scott, of Medicine Hat; one sister, Lena Gerun; brother-in-law, John Kunz; and sisters-in-law, Mary Kunz and Jean Miller. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Magnus and Elizabeth Miller; stepmother, Emma (Mende) Miller; two brothers; and one sister.
Barbara was raised on the Miller family farm near Acme, AB. She met Mike at her cousin’s wedding in Fox Valley, SK. They later married on July 1st, 1954. She and Mike settled on the family farm near Richmound, SK. She loved gardening and spent countless hours watering and nurturing the trees. They retired to Medicine Hat in 1989. Barbara was involved in various community events and activities in both Richmound and Medicine Hat, including being a long-time member of the Catholic Women’s League. She also had a huge love of animals, and because of that, the family asks in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Medicine Hat SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. Throughout her life, Barbara always put others first.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Monday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and at HOLY FAMILY PARISH, 1451 Strachan Road SE, on Tuesday from 10:00 to 10:55 a.m. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be said at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Monday, November 23rd, 2015 at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at HOLY FAMILY PARISH on Tuesday, November 24th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Father Albert Sayson, Celebrant. A Private Interment will take place at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Barbara Kunz. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park", locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

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1945 ~ HOWE-CUNNINGHAM ~ 2015

Sharon Louise Howe-Cunningham, beloved wife of John Cunningham of Medicine Hat, passed away on Monday, November 16th, 2015 at the age of 70 years. The Funeral Service was held yesterday at RIVER VALLEY COMMUNITY CHURCH, (formerly Christ the King Assembly) with Pastor Mark Borrows officiating. Memorial gifts in Sharon's memory may be made to the SPCA. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Sharon Howe-Cunningham. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park", locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

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MARSHALL

Michael”Mike” Alexander Marshall of Medicine Hat passed away on Friday, November 20, 2015, at the age of 94 years, beloved husband of the late Katie Marshall. He leaves to cherish his memory three sons, Jeff (Bernice) of Mendham, Mark (Sonya) of Calgary and Mike (Pam) of Redcliff; seven grandchildren, Sherry (Sean) Chase of Regina, Daren (Melissa) Marshall of Medicine Hat, Jodie (Jason) Giesbrecht of Kindersley, Shawn Marshall (Jessica Bye) of Calgary, Cash Hagen of Calgary, Adam Marshall and Katrina Marshall both of Medicine Hat. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Wednesday from 10:00 – 10:55 a.m. Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated in the Holy Family Parish on Wednesday, November 25, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Albert Sayson celebrant. Private family interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Mike Marshall, 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

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Ralph Grubel

1928 – 2015
Mr. Ralph Otto Henry Grubel, beloved husband of Jane Grubel, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Saturday, November 21, 2015, at the age of 87 years. Further announcements will follow upon completion of the arrangements. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455

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Ronald “Saxy” Leppard

1942 – 2015
Ronald “Saxy” Glen Leppard passed away peacefully at Sunnyside Care, South Country Village in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, November 18, 2015, at the age of 72 years. Ron is survived by his brothers, Gary (Kristine) of Burlington Ontario and Don of Victoria, B.C.; nieces, Jennifer and Desiree; nephews, Jeffrey and Enrico as well as numerous great-nieces and nephews. He is also survived a very special close friend, Dianne Gehring and he will be fondly missed his “Royal Hotel” family. He was predeceased by his parents, Harold (1980) and Ena (2000) and a sister-in-law, Elaine (2014). Ron was born on December 31, 1942, a son to Harold and Ena Leppard. Being born and raised in Medicine Hat, he attended Elm Street School, Alexandra Jr. High and Medicine Hat High School. In his youth he was very active and athletically gifted. He was a competitive boxer, baseball player and hockey all-star, having played for the Medicine Hat Tigers, Lethbridge Native Sons and the Edmonton Juniors. He also served as a bandsman with the South Alberta Light Horse. His ear for music was more than evident as he would spend his life as a professional traveling musician and entertainer. Throughout the years Ron played with more acts than can be listed, but included The Dutch Mason Band, Johnny “V”, and made appearances with The Platters. He was also an occasional session player on CBC Radio & Television. Ron’s passion for music shone through and could be felt from the notes he played on his Sax. He was generous to a fault, caring, considerate to everyone and even though he had the right…he never complained – he was a true inspiration! A Musical Celebration of Ron’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, at 2:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com ) Memorial donations in Ron’s name may be made directly to the MS Society, 101, 1201 Kingsway Ave. S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2Y2 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 102 Crestwood Square One, 1865 Dunmore Road S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1Z8. Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455

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STOJKE

Irene Rose Stojke passed away on Thursday, November 19, 2015, at the age of 70 years, beloved wife of Gus Stojke of Maple Creek. She also leaves to cherish her memory her children, Kelly (Crystal) Stoyke, Albert (Terry) Stojke and Tracy (Shawn) Bauer; nine grandchildren, Jacob and Jackson Stoyke and their mother, Andrea Smith, Ryder Beisel and Rowan Stoyke; Tayler, Kasey and Arynne Stojke and Kobey and Riley Bauer; one brother, Ron (Mildred) Schmaltz; one sister, Marion Gold; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Herb Stojke (Julie Krup), Frieda (Arnold) Freitag and Lydia Traichel as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Frank and Elizabeth Schmaltz. Irene was born in Leader on May 29, 1945. She was raised and began school at Wilkie, Sask. The family later returned to the homestead 15 miles south of Prelate and Irene finished her high school at Liebenthal. In 1964, Irene moved to Redcliff to work, where she met Gus and they were married on July 10, 1965 at Liebenthal. They lived in Medicine Hat where Irene raised her family and worked at a nursing home. In 1977, they bought what became Gus’s Processing in Maple Creek and she worked alongside her husband until her health forced her to retire. Irene beat her initial diagnosis and fought cancer for 17 years. This past July, she and Gus celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. A private family gathering will take place at a later date. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Irene Stojke, 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

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