May 10, 2018

By Obituaries on May 10, 2018.

JEFFREY NEAL WELLING

November 16, 1941 ~ May 5, 2018

Jeff Welling, beloved husband of Snookie Welling, of Medicine Hat passed away on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the age of 76 years after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. Jeff also leaves to cherish his memory his children, Joelle (Dean) and Stephanie (Gerald); grandchildren, Jessica, Jonathan and Wesley; siblings, Len (Carol), Yvonne, and Steve (Annabel); nieces and nephews, Leslie, Denise, Gary, Randy, Sandy, Sean and Jennifer; and a large circle of extended family and friends. Jeff was predeceased by his parents, Les and Hilda; his father-in-law, Joe Boschee; his mother-in-law, Miriam Boschee; a sister, Sandy; a nephew, Murray; and a sister-in-law, Sharon. Born in Medicine Hat on November 16, 1941, Jeff graduated from Medicine Hat High School and went on to complete both a Bachelor and a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Alberta. Jeff and Snookie started dating in Grade 10 and were inseparable partners in life from that point on. They were married in December 1962, and although he worked for Canadian General Electric in Peterborough, ON. for a time, Medicine Hat was always home. With his Masters degree in hand, Jeff began his teaching career at the Medicine Hat College in 1969, teaching math, physics and first year engineering. Over the next ten years at MHC he got involved in administration as Chairman of the Division of Science, Phys. Ed and Nursing, Acting V.P. Academic for one year, and then Director of Trades Training and Program Development. In 1979, Jeff and Snookie purchased a retail fur store and Jeff began a new career as a furrier. He became a bit of a craftsman making fur coats from mostly beaver and coyote skins that farmers, ranchers and trappers had harvested. He always said that designing and building bridges, motors and generators wasn’t very different from making fur coats! In 1997 Jeff returned to full-time teaching at the college in their new CADD-Technical Illustration program. He retired from the college in 2007. Jeff always believed that you got back what you put into life and this was demonstrated through his involvement in many community organizations and boards, including the local branch of APEGGA, Kinsmen Club (executive positions at both local and national levels), University of Lethbridge Senate, Medicine Hat Chamber of Commerce (President 1985), Medicine Hat Economic Development Advisory Committee, SAIT Board of Governors (1981-1987) and Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede (1982-2017). He was particularly proud of his involvement with the Medicine Hat Community Foundation and was actively involved with the downtown development and business association, even, from time to time, running the projector at the Monarch Theatre without incident! When the occasion presented itself and he could commit the time, involvement in theatrical and musical productions was a particular enjoyment, as was his two terms on the board of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts. He loved his church not only for the beauty of the building, but also for the wonderful community that it provided. The thing that really inspired Jeff, though, was his family. Snookie was the love of his life and he was immensely proud of his children, Joelle and Stephanie, who he thought were the best professor and nurse in the world. Their most important accomplishments, though, were his grandchildren, Jessica, Jonathan and Wesley. Supportive of dance and music lessons, he was a cowboy at heart and hauling the horse to 4-H events with Stephanie was a real joy. The horse trailer was ugly and the bus even uglier, but it was “Jeff’s Jewel” and it always got them to where they needed to be! Jeff’s life will be celebrated at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church, on Friday, May 11, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend David Pollard officiating. If friends desire, memorial donations in Jeff’s name may be made to directly to the Community Foundation of Medicine Hat & S.E. Alberta, #104, 430 – 6 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB. T1A 2S8 or to the Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church Roof Fund, 476 – 4 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, AB. T1A 0K9. 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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JOHN DEERING

February 20, 1923 ~ May 7, 2018
John Deering of Medicine Hat, formerly of Leader, Saskatchewan, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, May 7th, 2018 at the age of 95 years. He was predeceased by his wife of 70 years, Elsie Irene Deering; a brother and sister in infancy; his brother, Hank Deering; and his sisters, Mary Yackel and Pauline Johnson. His memory will be forever cherished by his children, Harlan (Joan) Deering, Yvonne (Dale) Bratvold, Stuart (Angela) Deering and Dixie (Don) Smith; his beloved grandchildren, Miranda (Travis) and Chandra (Dustin), Justin and Amber, Brandon, Devan (Amy) and Dakota; and four great-grandchildren, Julia, Ivan, Cyler and Jolan. John is survived by his two brothers, Paul and Lloyd; one sister, Esther; numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law. John was born west of Leader to Mary and Conrad Deering and was raised on the family farm with his six siblings. In 1947 John married Irene in Kelowna, BC. Together they farmed and raised their children in the Leader area until 1988 when they retired to Medicine Hat. John was a lifetime member of the Gideons and was very active in his church. His dedication and love for his God carried him through his 95 years. He will be fondly remembered as a man whose faith, family and farm were priorities in his life. John was deeply loved and will be greatly missed but is now reunited with his beloved wife. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at HILLCREST EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH, 3785 – 13th Avenue SE, on Saturday from 12:00 until 12:55 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at HILLCREST EVANGELICAL MISSIONARY CHURCH on Saturday, May 12th, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. Shane P. Andrus and Pastor Mark Bolender co-officiating. A Private Interment will take place at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Those wishing to remember him with a charitable donation, may do so with a gift to the Gideons International in Canada, PO Box 3619, Guelph, ON N1H 7A2. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading John Deering. 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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JON POPEL

1956 – 2018
Jonnie Bernell Popel, beloved husband, father, grandfather and Winnifred historian, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, May 6, 2018 at the age of 62 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Royal Canadian Legion, 202 – 5 Avenue East, Bow Island on Saturday, May 12, 2018 between 1:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Jon was born in Medicine Hat on March 4, 1956, to Agnes and John Popel. He lived most of his life in Winnifred where he farmed with his father. Jon attended the University of Calgary and obtained a degree in Geology where he met his future wife, Janet Ferguson. They were married on February 27, 1982 and together Jon and Janet farmed and raised three amazing children, Jonathan (Peggy), James (Stephanie) and Julianne (Dan Baran). He so loved his two grandchildren John and Anne and greatly enjoyed his visits with them.
After the farm and just like in everything he has done, he took pride in a career at the St. Mary River Irrigation District (SMRID), "chasing water" as he put it, for almost twenty years. He will be remembered by his brothers at The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) and past members of the Bow Island Ducks Unlimited Committee.
In addition to his own family, Jon leaves behind three sisters Joanne (Morris) Sosick of Lethbridge, Shirley Johnston of Milk River and Betty (Mike) Owens of Redmond, Washington and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents and his brother-in-law Charles Johnston.
In lieu of flowers and donations, Jon’s family ask that you spend time with your children, grandchildren and families and like Jon would want, hug them and hold them close as he would say that is most important.

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PAPSDORF

Richard Paul (Dick) Papsdorf passed away in Palliative Care at Mt. Cartier Court on Saturday, May 5th, 2018, at the age of 76 years. A Graveside Service will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, Revelstoke on Thursday morning, May 10th at 10:30 a.m., followed by a reception in St. Francis Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 202 – 1835 Gordon Avenue, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 3H5, or the Revelstoke Community Foundation, Box 2398, Revelstoke, B.C. V0E 2S0, in memory of Dick.
Dick was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta on September 17, 1941, and had been a resident of Revelstoke for the past 15 years. Dick started his career as a Calgary Police Officer and later became a Greyhound Bus Driver; he retired from Greyhound after 35 proud years on the job and thousands of passengers safely transported to their destinations. After his retirement, he worked as a Guard at the RCMP Detachment in Revelstoke. Dick loved gardening, skiing, hockey, and the news, and he was known for making great chocolate pies in his day. He was a very active man and enjoyed walking the three-mile Eastern access every day (well into his seventies).
Dick was predeceased by his parents, Violet and Paul Papsdorf, his beloved dog, Oscar, and many friends. He is survived by his partner, Giuseppina D’Ulisse; four children: Lisa (Matt) Wheatley of Calgary, Michael Papsdorf (Christina Moniz) of North Vancouver, Eric (Darcie) Papsdorf of Calgary and Robert (Danielle) Papsdorf of Comox; step-children: Dino D’Ulisse (Eliza Arentewicz) of Calgary and Rita D’Ulisse Hicke (Michael Hicke) of Calgary; grandchildren: Tristan Papsdorf, Carley Wheatley, Cole Wheatley, Brad Wellings, Jazmyne Wellings, Jordan Wellings, Aria Hicke, Ryder Hicke, Dario D’Ulisse and Niko D’Ulisse; great grandchildren: Owen Wellings, Aryelle Wellings and Blake Wellings; siblings: James (Marguerite) Papsdorf, Linda (Peter) Darby and Eric (Trudy) Papsdorf; nieces and nephews: Cyrie, David, Paul, Mark, Andrew, Kristy and Kara, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews, and loving and supportive friends and honorary family members: Paolo and Joan Holzer, Candy Endrizzi, Iain and Sophie Gray and Murray Milne as well as many other friends and acquaintances.
Messages of sympathy may be sent to Dick’s family by viewing his obituary at: http://www.brandonbowersfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements are in the care of Brandon Bowers Funeral Home, Revelstoke, B.C. 250-837-2029.

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