November 30, 2024

By Obituaries on November 30, 2024.

ALAN WRIGHT

ALAN WRIGHT January 14, 1955 ~ November 25, 2024
It is with the heaviest of hearts that the family of Alan Francis Wright announce the passing of their brother in Medicine Hat on Monday, November 25, 2024, at the age of 69 years. Alan was born on January 14, 1955, to Russell and Mildred Wright of Hays Alberta. He was born mentally handicapped, his first set-back of many throughout his life, but he never let that deter him in any way. Alan was a fairly decent athlete. He could run like the wind, swim like a fish as well as hit and throw a baseball like nobody’s business! That was until the early 80’s when he faced another set-back as bone cancer took his right elbow. Undeterred, he adapted to a new way of doing things. In Vauxhall, he was the volunteer doorman at the Post Office and enjoyed greeting everyone who picked up their mail. In 2019, Alan moved into the Meadowlands Retirement Residence and really blossomed. He suffered a stroke on March 1, 2023; his third major set-back. Again, he worked very hard to be able to walk and even dance again without the assistance of a walker! On September 12, 2024, Alan was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer… set-back number four! Alan dealt with each set-back with courage, strength, bravery and dignity, never once showing the pain he was in. A kind and gentle soul who loved people and animals, he was able to have his own dog named Butch and loved him to bits! Alan loved being the center of attention. He would always greet you with a big smile, a big wave and a big hello! Alan put up a brave battle, fighting to the very end. He was predeceased by his parents and three brothers. Alan is survived by a number of siblings and a large extended family who will grieve his passing with the peaceful assurance that his struggles and suffering are over! Family wish to extend their appreciation to the residents and staff of Meadowlands for helping Alan feel so welcome and home there. A service honouring Alan’s life will be held in Taber at a future date with further announcements at that time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) 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”

RODERICK “ROD” GEDDES FORSYT

RODERICK “ROD” GEDDES FORSYTH August 3rd, 1943 November 27th, 2024 With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Roderick (Rod) Geddes Forsyth on November 27th in Medicine Hat, Alberta
Rod’s life will be celebrated on December 10th at 1:30 PM at the Medicine Hat Golf and Country Club. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and NWT in Rod’s memory.
Though he is no longer with us, Rod’s spirit, warmth, and love will forever remain in our hearts.
Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by
Grace Memorial Affordable
Burial & Cremation
1924 10th Ave N.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5
http://www.gracememorial.com
403-905-0440

MARILYN “GAYLE” WENTLAND

1952 ~ MARILYN “GAYLE” WENTLAND ~ 2024
Marilyn “Gayle” Wentland, a beacon of love and kindness, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2024, in Medicine Hat, Alberta, at the age of 72 years. Born on July 3, 1952, in Leader, Saskatchewan, Gayle was the cherished daughter of Marlyn and Eleanor Clary. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, and her dear brother, Douglas Clary. Gayle leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Larry, and “WAAAAY … too many family and friends to list” You all know who you are. She loves you all dearly. Gayle’s vibrant spirit and unwavering dedication to her family and community defined her life. She was a devoted wife, having married her soulmate on July 6, 1974, and together they built a life filled with love and laughter. Gayle had a profound impact on the lives of countless individuals during her more than 30 years as a Special Education teacher. Her patience, understanding, and ability to connect with her students made her not just an educator but a guiding light for many children and families. Her hobbies reflected her generous nature and zest for life. Gayle was known for her love of downhill skiing, she also adored animals, especially dogs and cats. Gayle’s dedication extended beyond her profession; she was always there for her family. A nurturing presence, she took the time to check in, care for, and support her relatives, helping to shape the lives of those around her. Friends and family alike will remember Gayle for her loving, giving, and caring spirit. She had a unique ability to make everyone feel valued and appreciated, leaving an indelible mark on all who were fortunate enough to know her. Her commitment to causes she cared about, such as the Special Olympics, showcased her relentless dedication to uplifting others. In honour of her memory and the values she held dear, the family requests that those wishing to make a contribution consider donating to Masterpiece Southlands Meadows, 4401 Southlands Dr SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 0S1 or George Reed Centre for Special Olympics Saskatchewan, 1121 Winnipeg St, Regina, SK S4R 1J5. As we say goodbye to Gayle Wentland, we celebrate a life of compassion, generosity, and unwavering love. She will be profoundly missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew her. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Gayle Wentland. Funeral arrangements by
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.

CAROL O’BRIEN

CAROL O’BRIEN 1936-2024
Carol O’Brien passed peacefully on November 22, 2024, surrounded by love and family at the age of 88. Carol was born in Biggar, Saskatchewan on October 17, 1936 to Otto and Ada (nee Cox) Eriksen, the second of five daughters. From a little girl growing up on a farm, Carol embarked on what would be a full and storied life. After graduating as valedictorian from the Biggar High School, Carol moved to the ‘big city’ to attend teacher’s college in Saskatoon. Her thirst for adventure led her to move on from her teaching career early in life, when she relocated to the ‘bigger city’ of Calgary, working as a banker. It was in Calgary that Carol took the great leap into parenthood with the birth of her daughter, Carmen. Her role as a mother would expand when she moved to Victoria, where her sons Stephen, Brandon, and Patrick were born. The family would spend the better part of a decade on the coast, before relocating to Medicine Hat where they could be closer to loved ones. It was here in Medicine Hat that Carol decided to plant her roots.
Carol juggled the many demands of being a working woman in the 60s and 70s while single-handedly raising a young family. This was a challenging period in her life, but Carol was never one to give up when things got hard, or to simply accept the hand that was dealt. In her mid 30’s, Carol decided to reshuffle the deck by attending the Medicine Hat College, where she would receive her certification as a Registered Nurse. This began a long and rewarding career in healthcare that extended over 35 years. Carol worked as a Registered Nurse, Psychiatric Nurse, Counsellor, Manager for the Partial Hospitalization Program, and the Liaison Coordinator for the Psychiatric Ward all at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Carol was at heart a helper, providing care to countless people in need.
Carol’s drive to excel and live life to its fullest was not limited to her career. Her passion and natural talent for the arts was showcased in the countless paintings, sketches, sculptures, and pieces of pottery that she created. Art, history, and nature were wonderful outlets for Carol, and a social connection to the many other talented artists and stewards of southern Alberta. She valued the friends she made through the Pottery Association, Hat Art Club, Grassland Naturalists, and Historical Society (to name a few of her clubs). She was a keystone volunteer with many organizations in Medicine Hat (e.g., Quota Club, Hospital Auxiliary), and served on the Board of Directors that saw a ruined pottery factory turned into what we now know as the Medalta Historic Clay District. Her appetite for new experiences led Carol to be an avid traveller, both within Canada and abroad. Trips to England, France, Alaska, Nevada, the Netherlands, Italy, China, and Japan expanded Carol’s horizons even further. Even at the age of 80, she was on the move, travelling to Montreal with her grandson for her birthday.
Carol was the matriarch of the family, providing guidance, support, and unconditional love to her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She taught us the meaning of hard work and perseverance in the face of adversity, and was truly the embodiment of strength, compassion, and unwavering commitment. She shaped us, taught us, and cared for us, at times when no one else would. While Carol will be forever missed by her loving family, she will never truly be gone. She is survived by her children Carmen (Steve †), Stephen (Lisa), Brandon, and Patrick; her grandchildren Tyler (Kristen), Stephanie (Dennis), Jesse, Kyle, Sarah (Steven), Hailey, and Rachel (Jayden); and her great grandchildren Stephen, Ryker, Dawson, and Amelia. Her sisters Karen, Gerda, Beverly, and Myrna, and their families in turn, will also remember Carol with love.
Within our hearts there will be no hole, for you have filled it with your soul. Cremation has been entrusted to the Pattison Funeral Home and Crematorium. In lieu of flowers or gifts, Carol would appreciate donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada. 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

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