October 17, 2014
By Obituaries on October 17, 2014.
.1925 ~ WAHL ~ 2014Emil Wahl, beloved husband of Alice Wahl of Medicine Hat, passed away on Tuesday, October 14th, 2014 at the age of 89 years. The Funeral Service will be held today at ST. PETER LUTHERAN CHURCH at 1:30 p.m. with Reverend Barrett Scheskeofficiating. Interment will follow in the Family Plot at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Emil’s memory may be made to St. Peter Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or to the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Emil Wahl. 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 .1931 ~ FLAIG ~ 2014
William “Bill” Flaig of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Bernice Flaig, passed away on Wednesday, October 15th, 2014 at the age of 83 years. Bill leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Kathy Flaig (David Yates) of Medicine Hat; nieces and nephews, Terry (Jim) Hogg, Grant (Tracey) Flaig, David (Lynn) Flaig and Kelly (Jan) Flaig; sister-in-law, Carmen Flaig; two brothers-in-law, Bob (Maggie) Seitz and Garth (Marilyn) Seitz; as well as numerous cousins. Bill was predeceased by his parents, John and Theresa Flaig; and one brother, Jim Flaig. Bill was born on May 7th, 1931 in Medicine Hat. He farmed and ranched for many years before moving to Medicine Hat in June 2011. Bill loved spending time with his family and friends and will be deeply missed 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 Sunday, October 19th, 2014 from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. A Private Graveside Service will be held on Monday, October 20th, 2014 with Gary W. Goran officiating. Memorial gifts in Bill’s memory may be made to St. Joseph’s Home (Carmel Hospice), 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bill Flaig. 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 .1945 ~ STRAARUP ~ 2014
Isabel Straarup lost her 12-year battle against ovarian cancer on October 10th, 2014at Medicine Hat, Alberta. The Funeral Service was held yesterday at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL. Memorial gifts in Isabel’s memory may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Isabel Straarup. 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 .1970 ~ MAJOR ~ 2014
Craig Major of Medicine Hat,passed away peacefully with his parents by his side on Tuesday, October 14th, 2014 at the age of 44 years. Craig leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Sharon Major (nee Huston); his father, Ken (Judy) Major; one brother, Kent Major; one sister, Patricia Major; one step sister, Rhonda Major; his niece, Ashley Major, whom he helped raise as if she were his own daughter; and four great nieces and nephews, Raheem, Malikah, Nadia, and Ada. Craig was predeceased by his grandparents. Craig suffered a severe head injury in a work-related accident. He struggled with many setbacks but always maintained his sense of humourand his love of sports. Craig will be greatly missed by all those who knew and worked with him. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, on Saturday, October 18th, 2014 at 1:30 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. Interment will take place at Graysville Cemetery in Manitoba at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Craig’s memory may be made to the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Services, 856 Allowance Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 7S6, or you may choose to plant a tree or shrub in Craig’s memory. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Craig Major. 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 .BLUNDELL
Jean Mary Blundell passed away on Saturday October 11, 2014 with her family by her side following a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 70 years. Jean was predeceased by her husband Grant Blundell and her sister Helen Penner. She leaves to cherish her memory her son Clint (Amie) Blundell of Medicine Hat, sisters Margaret Marieno and Rosella Michalezki of Medicine Hat, Shirley (Roy) Liden of Port Coquitlam BC. As well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. There will be a private family service at Hillside Cemetery followed by a come and go tea for family and close friends. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Margaret E. Yuill Cancer Center in Medicine Hat 666 5th St. SW Medicine Hat AB T1A 4H6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Jean Blundell , 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 .ERNIE GALLANT 1946 ~ 2014 With his loved ones by his side, Ernest “Ernie” Gallant, beloved husband of the late Debra Cantalini-Gallant, passed away after a brief battle with cancer at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Monday, October 13, 2014, at the age of 67 years. Ernie was born in Griswold, Manitoba on December 11, 1946, a son to proud parents, Phil and Olive Gallant. He grew up in the small communities of Corning and Welwyn, Saskatchewan and completed his schooling in Emerson, Manitoba. He lived in various communities throughout Saskatchewan and Manitoba before moving to Medicine Hat in the 1970’s. While in Medicine Hat, he met Debra Cantalini and they later married in August of 1991. Ernie was a charismatic fellow who always wore a wonderful smile and had a great sense of humour. His enthusiasm was contagious and it was easy to see why he was well liked and people were naturally drawn to him. All of these qualities made Ernie the man he was. Always a car buff, Ernie could be seen cruising around in his prized Camaro. With his keen interest in cars, it was suiting that he would spent most of his career in the auto industry. For nearly the past 25 years, Ernie was a dedicated and loyal employee of Murray Chev-Olds in Medicine Hat. During this time, many friendships were made. The bond he had with his co-workers was one of family and he was so very grateful for the support and care that saw him through some difficult times. Ernie was a true friend who really cared about the lives of those he knew, and they returned the same feelings. In his youth he was a tenacious hockey player and loved water skiing… in his more recent years, Ernie became addicted to the game of golf! He really enjoyed spending time on the course, golfing with his buds. He will be deeply missed by his friends and his memory will be cherished by his sister, Marian (Lynn) Switzer of Portage la Prairie; nieces, Tracy (Gordon) Walker and family, Rhonda (Daniel) Switzer-Nadasdi and family and Marni (Craig) Zamzow and family; special friends, Glenda Leitch, Clarence and Terry Bechtold and family and Brian and Lee Scobie and family. Ernie was predeceased by his wife Debra Cantalini-Gallant in March of 2013 and his parents, Phil (1986) and Olive (1973) Gallant. A Celebration of Ernie’s life will be held at the Medicine Hat Golf & Country Club, 10 Parkview Drive N.E., Medicine Hat on Saturday, October 18, 2014, at 1:30 p.m. with Reverend Chelsea Masterman officiating. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in Ernie’s name may be made directly to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, 666 – 5 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 .GRETCHEN REDD BRAY
06/28/1945 – 10/09/2014
Gretchen Redd Bray passed away peacefully in Salt Lake City on October 9, 2014 after a long battle with Leukemia. She was born in Moab, Utah on June 28, 1945 to Alma J. and Vivian (Washburn) Redd. She grew up in Blanding and attended San Juan High School, graduating in 1963. She met her sweetheart Kenneth Bray while attending BYU and moved to Calgary, Alberta Canada after graduation. Gretchen has resided there ever since except for the treasured years she spent as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Toronto, Canada, Chestertown, MD, and Salt Lake City, UT for the past 3 1/2 years. Her greatest joy is her family. She is survived by her husband Ken and children; Heidi (Murray) Smith, Jeff ( Karen) Bray, Kristl Bray, Natalie (Jeff) Ranson and Brittany (Brad) Tew. Brother Harold (Pat) Redd, Sister; Patsy (Kay) Shumway and Marta Brown as well as 13 beautiful grandchildren whom she adores. Her MEdicine Hat families, Brian and Yvonne Bray, Grant and Erin Bray, Janet and Butch Ganzer and Grey and Janet Bray, and their families. Funeral Services will be held in Calgary, Canada on Monday October 20th. Condolences can be sent to http://piersons.rtrk.ca/ In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. .MARRATT
January 1, 1952 – October 13, 2014
Noé Norman Marratt of Medicine Hat passed away on Monday, October 13, 2014, at the age of 62 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his children, Nancy (Rod) Caines of Belleville, Ontario and William (Cheryl) Marratt of Mountain, Ontario; three grandchildren, Patrick Joron, Matthew Joron and Nikolye Marratt; his brother, Ray Marratt and his sister, Rita Marratt. He was predeceased by his parents, Edward and Helen Marratt. Norman was born in Merrickville, Ontario. He enjoyed spending his mornings at Champions with friends. He and his brother Ray spent many years as foundry workers in both Ontario and Alberta but wanted more time together in Medicine Hat. Norman will be greatly missed and remembered. You are forever in our hearts! No formal service will be held. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Champions Center, 435 North Railway Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2Z3. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Norman Marratt, 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 .MAUREEN DesHARNAIS February 5, 1931 ~ October 13, 2014 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Maureen Joyce DesHarnais, beloved wife of Eugene DesHarnais, at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Monday, October 13, 2014 at the age of 83 years, with family members by her side. Maureen leaves to cherish her memory her daughters, Debbie Hintz, Cindy Good and Patty Henchel, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many close friends. She was predeceased by her son, George Henchel, grandson, Trevor Hintz, son-in-law, Tom Good, her parents, Bill and Adeline Gill, brother, Jerry Gill, brother-in-law, Galvin DesHarnais and sister-in-law, Betty Miron. Maureen was born and raised in Medicine Hat where she attended many local schools including Alexandra High School. In 1950, Maureen was named Medicine Hat’s Teen Queen and this started a life of modelling for local dress shops which eventually led to her singing and dancing in musical theatre. From her first marriage in December 1951, Maureen had four children: Debbie, Cindy, Patty and George. In January of 1964 she lost her son. This was a very difficult time in her life but her strength and faith got her through. Maureen worked at the Medical Arts Clinic in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge in the early years of her life. She belonged to many service organizations throughout her lifetime which included Jaycettes, Royal Purple and later the Women’s Auxiliary at the Royal Canadian Legion. On March 15, 1972, Maureen married Eugene DesHarnais. During their years together, they travelled throughout Canada and to various locations in the USA. They were inseparable and you’d rarely see one without the other. Maureen’s interests throughout her life included modelling, dancing, golfing and her family. She was a classy lady and enjoyed dressing up each day and layering herself in her favorite jewellery… she loved to look striking! Later in life Maureen enjoyed walking at the mall or the Co-op, watching her grandchildren and their interests, visiting the local pubs where she enjoyed playing the VLT’s and attending the weekly meat draws at the Legion (which of course she never won Ha! Ha!). She will be sadly missed by all who knew her. The Celebration of Maureen’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., on Friday, October 17, 2014 at 11:00 am with Reverend Barrett Scheske officiating. Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com). Memorial donations in Maureen’s name may be made directly to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, 666 – 5th Street SW, 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 Phone 403-527-6455. .RENÉE BIRD (NEE GALE)
April 16, 1918 ~ October 12, 2014 Mrs. Renée Verla Bird (nee Gale), beloved wife of the late Mr. William Bird, and our dear aunt and sister, passed away peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Sunday, October 12, 2014, at the age of 96 years. Renée was born in Winnipeg Manitoba, on April 16, 1918, to Hannah and Duane Gale. She began life on the family farm near Melfort, SK., and in 1927, the Gale family moved to Medicine Hat. Renée attended Connaught School and Alexandra High School. In 1935-36 she attended the Calgary Normal School and achieved her Teachers’ certificate. She taught her first year near Schuler in a one room school house with 14 children in grades one through eight; the following year in the Grayburn area near Fort Walsh for two years; then a position near Seven Persons for two years. Renée met her future husband, William (Bill) Bird when the RAF came to Medicine Hat with the 34 S.F.T.S. in 1941. They married in April of 1942, and moved to England in 1944, when Bill was posted back there. Renée continued as a substitute teacher near Bill’s family home in Stoke on Kent. They returned to Medicine Hat in 1946, and then in 1962, the couple moved to Vancouver to be near her mother and father. In 1967, they bought a home on Bowen Island near the ocean. Bill passed away in 1983, and Renée returned to the work force as a Manager of the Bowen Island Seniors Residence. She was very involved with the community; President of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion, church organist, church secretary, bridge club and general organizer. She was an avid reader, enjoyed traveling with her friends to Austrailia, Alaska, England, Greece, Israel, Morocco and California as well as many treasured family visits, celebrating weddings and births. Renée was a dedicated knitter who made sweaters for all the kids. In 2005, Renée retired again, moving back to Medicine Hat to be near her family and took up residence at Meadowlands and finally Sunnyside Nursing Home. She was pre-deceased by her mother (1977) and father (1965) and two brothers and their wives, Fred (Mary), Jim (Shirley) and sister-in-law, Anna Gale and niece Renée Jones. Renée is survived by her beloved brother, Roy and her nine nephews and nieces and their spouses and families: Douglas (Pat), Debbie (Dale), David Jones, Tom, Liz, Marilyn (Brian), David (Wendy), Stan (Linda), Brian (Teresa) throughout British Columbia and Alberta. A Celebration of Renée’s life will be held at the Wurfel Auditorium, South Country Village, 1720 Bell Street S.W., Medicine Hat, on Saturday,?October 18, 2014 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Bob Findley officiating. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery.Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in Renée’s name may be made directly to Alzheimer Society of Alberta, 401D – 3 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 0G8. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 19
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