March 18, 2023
By Obituaries on March 18, 2023.
MARION MACK
MARION MACK Marion Mack, of Assiniboia, SK, formerly of Medicine Hat, AB, passed away March 10, 2023 at age 89 years. Marion Mack, nee Seibel, was born August 21, 1933 on the family farm in the Morse district of Saskatchewan. Marion is survived by five children: Debra Pennington, Randy Pennington, Hal (Wanda) Pennington, Gerry Pennington (Kelly Holtby), Jennel Pennington (Bruce Batty); 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, one sister, Loretta Klassen; blended family Valerie (Roy) Stotz, Randy (Cheryl) Mack, sister-in-law Emma Mack and their families; also special friends Carol and Keith Bratke, Faye Bosch, Elsie Vochenroth and Elaine and Norm Parker. Predeceased by parents, Gus and Kate Seibel, husband Bill Mack, sisters Irene (Len) Kruger, Edna (Don) Saigon, and brother-in-law Elmer Klassen. A Celebration of Marion’s Life will be held in Assiniboia at a later date. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Pennington / Mack family may be shared at http://www.rossfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK
TERRY BARTMAN
~ TERRY BARTMAN ~
A personalized display of items selected by Terry’s family engaged everyone as they entered into the Cypress Centre Auditorium for his Life Celebration just one week ago today. Heartfelt words shared by Wayne, Troy & Tim as well as a picture tribute, ensured all present left with many precious memories of this honourable man.
“Terry’s memory will live on, Through lives he has touched, He will never be forgotten, For he was loved so much!” His Life Lived…
His Life Cherished…
His Life Honoured.
Courtesy of
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 http://www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”
BRIAN LOWES
~ BRIAN LOWES ~
A cool winter breeze was whistling through the Bow Island Cemetery as family and friends gathered for Brian’s interment just over a week ago. Fellowship in honour of Brian’s memory was shared at the Legion thereafter.
“Brian firmly believed, In making memories, So pick your next adventure, Each day is yours to seize.”
His Life Lived…
His Life Cherished…
His Life Honoured.
Courtesy of
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 http://www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”
TRAVIS RUFF
TRAVIS RUFF 1976 ~ 2023 It is with heartfelt sadness that the family of Travis Aaron Wade Ruff announce his sudden and tragic passing in Medicine Hat on Monday, March 13, 2023, at the age of 46 years. Left to cherish Travis’ memory are his father, Randy (Michelle) Ruff; grandmother, Shirley Ruff; step-sisters, Jamie (Chris) Hardy and their son, Torrin and Deidra (Brandon) Hardy; special aunt, Jo-Ann Ruff; aunt, Holly; cousins, Chase Arkossy, Marina Coslovich, Rachael (Graeme) Purches and their children, Riley Purches and Madison Purches as well as his birth mother, Brenda Ruff and brother, Tyler. He was predeceased by his grandfathers, Aaron Archie Ruff and William Smith. Travis loved his cat, Nefie and listening to music. He was a very kind and caring person who had the best sense of humour. Travis will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him. A private family gathering will be held. Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery at a later date. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in Travis’ name may be made directly to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 8E8. Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 http://www.cooksouthland.com “Locally owned & directed”
MURRAY HELEM
1956 MURRAY HELEM 2023
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Murray Helem on Thursday, March 2nd, 2023 at the age of 66 years. He leaves his life partner, Kendra Anderson and his two service dogs, Larissa and Kimba, to tend to their farm that he was so passionate about. Murray also leaves to cherish his memory his children, Shane Blair (Kasandra Sajinovic), Tammie Helem, Tara Helem (Regan Scott), Sean Sheppard (Megan Doell), and Sarah Helem (Tim Bower); grandchildren, Tyren Melnik, Arianne Schuh, Aaliyah Sheppard, Nathan Sheppard, Jacob Sheppard, and Aspen Blair; as well as his brother, Ken Helem. Muray was predeceased by his parents, William George and Helem and June Marie Helem. The family invites you to join them at the Alano Club, 466 McLeod Trail SE, Medicine Hat on Sunday, March 19th, 2023 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm to celebrate Murray’s life with them. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Murray Helem. 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.
JANICE PONTO
1954 ~ JANICE PONTO ~ 2023 The family of Janice Mary Ponto (nee Beck) are so sad to announce her passing on March 15th, 2023 at the age of 68 years. She leaves to honour her memory her husband, Gordon; and son, Stephen, who says she was the best person he ever knew! She also leaves her mom, Dolores; brothers, Keith (Regi) and Stephen; and sister, Nancy (Greg), mother-in-law, Helen (Sid); and sister in-law, Terry (Dwayne); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members on her and Gordon’s sides. She was predeceased by her dad, Harvey Beck, and father-in-law, Norman Ponto. Janice was born on November 24th, 1954. She grew up in Redcliff and Medicine Hat, graduating from McCoy High School. Janice moved to Calgary and took her LPN training. She worked as an LPN at the Calgary General Hospital for many years. Janice and Gordon were married in 1983. They moved back to Medicine Hat and she worked at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. In 1994, they welcomed their son, Stephen, into their family; he was always Janice’s pride and joy! They were able to spend many years of good health and enjoyed camping and travelling. Janice enjoyed watching reno and cooking shows to get ideas for her home and for family meals. Janice was a talented seamstress, knitter, and scrapbooker. She loved to shop and loved pets. She took up painting in her more recent years. We will miss our precious mom, wife, sister, and aunt. Rest in peace Janice. A private service for family may be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Janice’s name can be made to Alberta Cancer Foundation, 710 10123, 99th Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta, T5J 3H1 and Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 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 Janice Ponto. 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.
LEN DEWALT
LEN DEWALT 1937 ~2023 Harold Leonard “Len” Dewalt of Medicine Hat passed away on Tuesday, March 14 , 2023 at the age of 85 years. He leaves to cherish his memory four children, Mike Dewalt, Michele Cavanaugh, Tom Dewalt, Jerrianne Dewalt; grandchildren, Tim, Amanda, Kaitlin, Neil, Christopher, Mikayla, and Haylie, as well as numerous great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Simon and Rosie Dewalt; his first wife Joanne Dewalt and his second wife Marjorie Risling Dewalt; as well as his siblings. Len was born on October 30, 1937. He grew up on a farm just south of Medicine Hat and attended the Feldman Lake School. Len worked for Goodyear for 36 years before his retirement in 1997. He was an active volunteer for numerous clubs around the city which included the Top Hat Bingo Association and the Canada Day Society. Len could be seen looking after the pool in the yard even though he could not swim. He always wanted to ensure everyone around him was enjoying themselves. Len enjoyed gardening, fishing, baking, making pickles and sauerkraut, puzzles, country music, and two stepping. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Sunday, March 19, 2023 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The graveside service will be held in the Hillside Cemetery on Monday, March 20, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant David Townsend officiating. Those who wish to attend the graveside service are asked to meet inside the main gates to Hillside Cemetery at 9:45 a.m. Donations in memory of Len may be made to the Alzheimer Society Alberta and Northwest Territories. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
GARY PODESTA
GARY PODESTA 1949 – 2023
Our hearts are saddened at the loss of a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend. Gary “Big Papa” Podesta passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by love on Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at the age of 74 years. Dad was born January 25, 1949, in Medicine Hat to Ernest and Janet Podesta and grew up in Redcliff, quickly being part of the “Podesta” clan. Dad loved life and had a huge heart. This was evident in the way he treated his loving wife of 46 years, raised and protected his daughters, entertained and interacted with his grandkids and loved everyone who graced his path. Dads laugh was infectious as he was able to connect with so many people, whether through his time in the gas and oil patch, visiting with family and friends or his constant pranks and harmless teasing of his sons-in-law. His hobbies of building bird houses with “Papa’s Bird Watch” was a highlight during his retirement, and if you are lucky enough to own one of these, you will own a piece of Dad’s heart forever. Dad’s green thumb and moms love for the garden, created the most beautiful oasis ever. Their yard was a preview of heaven and dad will be in all his glory. Before a stroke in 2021, Dad enjoyed fishing, watching the Toronto Maple Leafs as well as baseball, a sport he spent countless years coaching and instilling a love of the game into players. Dad was a loving husband to Deborah (Weigel). Together they created a life filled with love, evident in his daughters and their families. His girls were everything to him. Janet (Justin) Kraft Mason and Levi; Lisa (Paul) Kaupp Shaelyn, Trell, Ryker and Brynlee; Vanessa (Ben) Rogers and Jennifer and children Taylor and Evan. Dad also leaves to cherish his memory of his sisters-in-law, Mary-Ann Flug and Irene (Larry) Todd, brother-in-law Jim (Cheryl) Weigel as well as sister-in-law Merc Weigel, his brother Ron (Stella), his brother-in-law Jack McCleary and sister-in-law Colleen Podesta. Dad was predeceased by his parents Ernest and Janet Podesta and step-mom Lix, his sister Virgina “Tudi” and his brothers Greg, Bertie and Kim. He was also predeceased by his father-in-law Anton Weigel, mother-in-law Veronica, brothers-in-law Pete, Gary, John and Ken and sisters-in-law Kay and Josie as well as his furry friends Zoey and Shelby. Dad will be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, cousins and friends, including his new pup “Tiamo”. Dad loved being with his cherished grandchildren, teaching and encouraging the boys to always “fight it out”. Dad was the biggest kid of them all. His honesty, wisdom and unwavering integrity will be remembered by all. Tiamo Dad. You are loved. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Monday, March 20 from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road S.E.) on Tuesday, March 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. Fr. Naveed Arif celebrant. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. Prayers and Mass will be live streamed, please see Gary’s obituary online at http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com for streaming details and where you can leave a message of condolence.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2 18
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