November 3, 2017

By Obituaries on November 3, 2017.

1922 ~ ROY BALSTON ~ 2017

Roy Whitehorn Balston, beloved husband of Dorothea "Thea" Balston of Medicine Hat, passed away on Monday, October 30th, 2017 at the age of 95 years. Roy also leaves to cherish his memory three sons, Ian (Louise) Balston, Neil Balston and Bruce (Charlane) Balston; three grandchildren, Scott, Kyle (Samantha) and Nicole. Roy was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Margaret Balston; and one brother, Rex. Roy was born in Dorchester, UK and served in WWII in the Royal British Engineers (Bombay Sappers and Miners) from 1942 until 1948. He obtained his Architect and Town Planning degrees. In 1954 Roy met Thea Fussell on the boat while they were both immigrating to Newfoundland and they were married on October 1st, 1955 in Newfoundland. In 1962 they moved to Medicine Hat where Roy was employed with the Regional Planning Commission, retiring in 1983. Roy was an avid stamp collector. He was a gentle, caring man who will be missed. A private family time will take place. Memorial gifts in Roy's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Roy Balston. Arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park" #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.

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1934 ~ RON DOWLING ~2017

Ronald "Ron" Stanley Dowling of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Marie Dowling, passed away on Monday, October 30th, 2017 at the age of 83 years. Ron leaves to cherish his memory one son, Jeff (Renee) Dowling; one daughter, Terry (Allan) Schritt; three grandchildren, Derek Dowling (Jessica Van Soest), Bryan Dowling and Angela (Kevin) Guinn; one great grandchild, Brooklyn Dowling; one sister, Joyce (Raymond) Quast; one niece, Candace; and best friends, Ray (Gertie) Nesting and Glen Loewen. Ron was predeceased by his wife, Marie Dowling; his dear friend and companion, Charlotte Hartley; his parents, Stanley and Grace Dowling; and one nephew, Ross Quast. Ron loved his family, his friends, his big brick house and his antique vehicles. He proudly served the City of Medicine Hat Fire Department as Deputy Fire Chief for Inspections until his retirement in 1994. He participated in car shows and parades with his antique cars and rode with the MHVVC Club on the Web ladder truck often. He enjoyed camping with his van at Rattlesnake and flying to Arizona for little winter holidays in recent years. He attended his grandchildren's events and sporting activities and enjoyed helping out at Jeff and Renee’s acreage. Coffee at A&W was his morning routine. His home was his passion and he kept it just the way he wanted it. Sadly, he succumbed to a functional decline in health. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, on Thursday from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until 1:25 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, on Friday, November 3rd, 2017 at 1:30 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Ron's memory may be made to A.J.‘s Loan Cupboard, P.O. Box 45006, MacKenzie Drug Post Office, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 0B1 or to the charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ronald Dowling. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park" #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.

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1943 ~ RUSSEL BALABERDA ~ 2017

Russel Daniel Balaberda, beloved husband and best friend of Donna Balaberda (nee Schafer) of Medicine Hat, passed away on Saturday, October 28th, 2017 and left this earth to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Russel made a personal commitment to accept Jesus Christ as his Saviour. He battled cancer for the last five years which in the end took his arm and his heart. He fought a hard battle to the end and now has gone home to be with his heavenly Father. Russel was born in Saskatchewan and was raised on a farm near Fenwood. He worked 33 years in the Boilermakers Union as a Welder and then worked 10 years for the City of Medicine Hat at his retirement job which he loved. Russel was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Mary; as well as his brother, Raymond. He is very thankful to God for giving him his wife, Donna, who was the love of his life, best friend and most of all his earth angel who took care of him in his time of need. Russel also leaves to mourn his memory his two daughters, Suzanne Jones (Paul Deminick) and Joanne (Ray) Gow; five grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; one brother, Gerald (Linda); two sisters, Rita (Henry) and Beverly (Keith); and one sister-in-law, Julie. Good-bye to a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. We will always love and miss you until we meet again. A special thank you to Dr. Duke, Dr. Lategan and all the other doctors and nurses who took care of him during his illness. The Memorial Service will be held at THE CHURCH OF CHRIST, 655 Stewart Drive NW, on Saturday, November 4th, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jamie Lobert officiating. A Private Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Russel'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 to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Russel Balaberda. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park" #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.

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DYLAN BEYAK

Family and friends gathered in Cook’s Chapel on Wednesday to honour the life of this gifted man. His love of music and creativity will live on forever in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know him.

A life well lived is a legacy
Of joy and pride and pleasure,
A loving, lasting memory
Our grateful hearts will treasure.

His Life Lived…
His Life Cherished…
His Life Honoured.

Courtesy of
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455

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1937 ~ ELMER ENSMINGER ~ 2017

It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Elmer Raymond Ensminger of Medicine Hat, AB on Wednesday, November 1st, 2017 at the age of 80 years. He was the loving husband of Margery Ensminger and leaves to cherish his memory with his son, Curtis (Janice Tate); daughter, Sheri (Kenton) Sommerfeld; his grandson, Brady John Sommerfeld; sisters-in-law, Anna Wutzke, Lucille Christensen and Louise Wutzke; brother-in-law, Robert (Doris) Wutzke as well as numerous nieces and nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Elmer was born March 6th, 1937 at Wimborne, AB. He was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Frieda Ensminger; all of his siblings, Edith Evelyn Ensminger, Violet Ensminger, Martin Ensminger, Ida Dewald, Albert Ensminger, Paul Ensminger, Herbert Ensminger, Ruth Buchert, Norman Ensminger; and his oldest grandson, Jaydon Nicholas Sommerfeld.
Elmer married the love of his life on June 24th, 1960. He had several careers over his 80 years including working in the Wimborne grocery store, a telegraph operator with the Medicine Hat division of the CPR and was a Lieutenant and Platoon Captain with the Medicine Hat Fire Department until his retirement on March 31st, 1998. He enjoyed many hobbies including tinkering in the garage, tending to his garden, camping, travelling, hose laying competitions, playing darts, fishing, golfing, playing slowpitch/fastball, playing hockey, curling, hunting and being the best Grandpa to his two grandsons. Elmer loved playing games of all kinds and was always up for a game of cards or Crokinole. He often got together for coffee and conversation with past colleagues and friends. His hugs and beautiful smile will always be remembered. We are so thankful for the family and friends (especially his “washers/card playing” group) who have always been close by.
Our family would like to thank all those who have supported us through this tough journey. We appreciate the support from the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Center in Calgary as well as all at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital and the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Center. Thank you also to Mrs. Leslie Racz, who gave generously of her time and expertise as Elmer’s Patient Advocate as well as incredible support to his whole family.
A Celebration of Elmer’s life will take place on Monday, November 6th, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. at ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 515 Sprague Way SE, with a luncheon to follow. A private interment will take place at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Center, c/o The Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 4H6 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 340A Maple Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 7L5.
Life’s Too Shorts – hug your loved ones, tell a friend you care and smile … we don’t know what tomorrow holds. There is an incredible reunion in Heaven this week.
Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Elmer Ensminger. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park" #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.

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SCHAFER

Adam Anthony Schafer passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at the age of 87 years, beloved husband of Kathryn Schafer of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory their daughter, Valerie (Lionel) Folk and two grandchildren, D’Jhonna and Brent. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 12:00 noon – 12:55 p.m. Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Sunday evening at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated in the Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE), on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Albert Sayson celebrant. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Holy Family Parish building fund,1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4V3. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Adam Schafer, 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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Susan Rebman

1932 ~ 2017
Susan Flora Rebman of Medicine Hat passed away peacefully on Tuesday, October 31, 2017, while surrounded by her family at the Medicine Hat Hospital. Susan was born on November 17, 1932, in Carmichael, Saskatchewan to Jacob and Tina Letkeman. She grew up as an independent soul who could accomplish anything she set her mind to. Susan was a kind soul who always listened to people, had food on her table and an open door policy to ensure that she never left anyone out. In her younger years, along with her brother Ervine, Susan won many talent contests while serving the community, singing and playing guitar. With little direction and an ear for music, she was an accomplished accordion and guitar player. Susan was a founding member of the Hat Harmonettes, and in recent years, was honoured as a lifetime member. Her love of singing took her to many heights, and at one point, she was singing in five different groups. Music brought Susan joy and she brought joy to others through her music. In addition to her primary passion of music and family, gardening, bowling, floor curling, dancing and the simple things in life were her many passions. Up to the young age of 82, she was still driving her many friends to appointments and ensuring they were taken care of. Susan’s selfless approach to life enriched both her life and the lives of others, always putting the needs and feelings of others above her own. Susan is survived by her sisters, Mary Orton and Lil (Hugh) Hauser; brother, Ben (Peggy) Letkeman; sisters-in-law, Clara Letkeman, Clara Rebman and Cora (Dale) Wilms and their families. She is also survived by her sons, Ervine ‘Butch’ (Brenda) Rebman and Brian Rebman; daughter, Barb Young, son-in-law, Ron (Shirley) Young; daughter-in-law, Donna Rebman as well as 7 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Ray, in 1974; brothers, Ervine, Karl and Jack; sister, Erna and brother-in-law, Ray Orton. The family would like to express their appreciation to the many doctors, nurses, therapists and staff who cared for Susan during her stay on 4 West. Susan’s care is entrusted to Cook Southland Funeral Chapel in Medicine Hat. At her request, no service will be held. Interment will take place in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan at a later date. In lieu of flowers, Susan would appreciate donations to a charity of your choice.

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WEISGERBER

William “Bill” Weisgerber passed away on Wednesday, November 1, 2017, at the age of 89 years, beloved husband of Theresa Weisgerber of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory two children Dale (Deborah) Weisgerber, and Sharon (Neal) Cook; five grandchildren, Bryce (Tiffany) Weisgerber, Curtis (Shannell) Weisgerber, Lori (Kyle) Ehrler, Dawson Cook (fiancé Megan Rittinger), Dana Cook (Cameron Stock); eight great grandchildren; Jensen, Ellie, Kooper, Benaiah, Easten, Koen, Cylis, Zoey and #9 on the way as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Helen and John Weisgerber; five brothers and six sisters. William was born in Medicine Hat. He was raised on the farm at Schuler and he continued to farm on the family homestead until July 1967, when he moved to town. On January 7, 1956, he married Theresa Bonogofski in Medicine Hat and passed away just two months short of their 62nd wedding anniversary. While in Medicine Hat Bill worked in several retail sales jobs and finished his career at Parker’s Furniture. He enjoyed fishing, playing cards, the Medicine Hat Tigers, ball games, dancing and going to the Moose on Saturdays. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Friday evening, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Saturday, from 9:30 – 10:25 a.m. Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Friday, November 3, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated in the Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Saturday, November 4, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. Albert Sayson and Fr. John Maes celebrants. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathydonations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: William Weisgerber, 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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