February 1, 2025

By Obituaries on February 1, 2025.

THOMAS BOCKMAN

THOMAS BOCKMAN Dr. Thomas Chester Bockman, 85, of West Chicago, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on January 20,2025. Thomas was born on October 20, 1939, in Medicine Hat Alberta, Canada. He was the first child of Chester Bockman and Mary (Soukup) Bockman. He is survived by his wife Patricia J (Kuhn) Bockman, 82; sons Edward (Collette) of West Chicago, Illinois, and Dean (Charlie) Bockman of Aurora, Illinois; daughters Carol (Keith) Lemick of Chicago, Illinois, and Dr. Jeanine (Adam) Moreland of Chicago, Illinois,; 6 grandchildren, Alyssa Bockman of Batavia, IL, Thomas (Jamie) Nunn, and Brooke Nunn of Aurora, IL, Spencer Nunn of Warrenville, IL, Charles and Layla Moreland of Chicago, IL; 5 great-granchildren, Kendra Bockman, Audrey Burgess, Logan, Quinn and Penelope Nunn, his brothers Raymond (Barbara) Bockman of Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada, and Lenard (Wendy) Bockman of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Thomas was preceded in death by his brother, Andrew Bockman.
Thomas grew up in Redcliff, Alberta, Canada. While living in Redcliff , he worked for a Brick Layer, worked as a farmhand, and eventually worked for the Dominion Glass Factory before moving to the United States in 1958. He held several jobs before attending National Chiropractic College. Thomas met the move of his life, Patricia Kuhn, in 1961 while they were working at the Lawson YMCA in Chicago as desk clerks. Thomas graduated from National Chiropractic College in 1962 and married Patricia in 1963 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Knox, IN. Thomas opened his first chiropractic clinic in 1967 in Chicago. He spent most of his 45-year chiropractic career in the western suburbs before retiring in July of 2005. Thomas was also a lifelong Master Mason. HE is the only Mast Mason of Glen Ellyn Lodge, No: 242, to serve two consecutive terms as Master of the Lodge in 1987 and 1988. He remained active in the lodge until his death.
A Celebration of Life will be held on February 2, 2025 from 1:00 5:00 pm at The Dance Lab of St. Charles located at 201 S. Third St. St. Charles, Illinois.

ALEX PHINNEY

1953 ~ ALEX PHINNEY ~ 2025
It is with profound sadness that the family of Alex Phinney announce his sudden passing on Saturday, January 25, 2025. Alex, the youngest of four children, was born in Middleton, Nova Scotia, on October 14, 1953. He was a loving father, grandfather, brother, and friend, and his loss leaves a deep void in the lives of all who knew him. Alex is survived by his beloved daughter, Kari-Lynn (David); his close friend and the mother of his daughter, Sandi (Harvey); his two granddaughters, Avery and Emersyn; his brother, Vern; his sister, Carolyn (Lloyd), as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary, and his brother, Roy. Throughout his life, Alex was known for his dedication and hard work. Many will remember him as the “tbar guy” the go-to person for suspended ceilings in the city of Medicine Hat. He took great pride in his work, forming lasting connections with his clients and colleagues. Outside of his professional life, Alex was passionate about hockey, baseball, golf, and fishing. He had a natural ability to connect with others, always ready to strike up a conversation and share a laugh. His infectious energy and sense of humor made him a friend to everyone he met. Above all, Alex’s greatest pride was his family. His love for his daughter and granddaughters knew no bounds, and he cherished every moment spent with them. His legacy will live on in their hearts and in the countless memories he leaves behind. As we mourn his passing, we also celebrate the incredible life he lived one filled with love, laughter, and an unwavering commitment to those who mattered most. The Memorial Service will be held at Grandstand Banquet Room, Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Grounds, 2055-21st Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, on Saturday, February 8th, 2025, at 1:00 pm with Life Celebrant Lynett Getz officiating. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Alex’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Alex Phinney. 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.

FLORENCE BUZIAK

FLORENCE BUZIAK With profound sadness the family of Florence Buziak of Medicine Hat, Alberta announces her passing on December 30, 2024 at the age of 94. The feistiest 94-year-old you’ll ever meet was born on August 31, 1930, near the beginning of the Great Depression to Aubrey and Ida May Crouch on a farm outside of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.
Mom often spoke about how difficult their family life was when she was young. There was little money, so she learned at an early age how to grow vegetables, cook, bake, can and stretch a meal as well as how to sew, knit, crochet and do needlework. As one of the oldest daughters, she generally helped her mother to look after her numerous siblings. In her older teens Mom left the farm and went to work as a waitress in North Battleford where she first set eyes on her red-headed soon-to-be husband John Buziak. They married and moved together to Medicine Hat, AB where John continued to work construction jobs as a machine operator building many of the irrigation reservoirs and canals in Southern Alberta until 1962 when mom convinced him to get a job with better hours and he went to work for Canada Post.
Together, Mom and Dad had six children; Ray (Marie Johnson) , Roger (Pat Lanctot), Beatrice (Dave Ching), Vera, Valerie (Harry Hensel), and Carla. From their union also came 13 grandchildren and step-grandchildren, and 5 great-grandchildren and stepgrandchildren.
Mom’s brood of children, grands, and great-grands were her pride and joy and she loved seeing them, cooking for them, and plastering her walls with their photos. Mom’s boundless energy and refusal to succumb to the usual slowing down normally inherent in the aging process led to her beating cancer twice and outliving many, many family members. Mom was fortunate in her later years to find a special friend in Sheryl Tyl.
Mom loved her like a daughter and we are very grateful for her help.
She was predeceased by her parents, six brothers (Harold, Eugene, Doug, Stan, Ivan and Rod), three sisters (Eleanor, Darlene, and Eileen), and one grandchild (Robyn Buziak). Left to mourn her passing in addition to her family members already mentioned are her sisters Barbara and Glenna, numerous nieces and nephews, and many family friends. Mom’s tenacity (try saying no to her when she was trying to get a sick child in to see the doctor), strong work ethic (first load of laundry on the clothesline by 6:45 am), and skills as head cook and hostess for so many family gatherings have left a lasting mark on all of us and taught us some important lessons about persisting through difficulties and looking for the joy in life.
A celebration of mom’s life will follow this spring. Donations in her name to women’s breast cancer, Ronald McDonald House children’s charities, or dementia research initiatives are welcomed.

BRENDA HITTEL

BRENDA HITTEL

MARTY SIMMONDS

MARTY SIMMONDS 1962 – 2025 With heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Martha Jane Simmonds (Marty) of Medicine Hat, on January 28, 2025, at the age of 62 years.
Marty is survived by her loving and devoted husband Corey, her four kids Hayley (Dan), Sam, Lindsay and Landon, and her two granddaughters Ruby and Isla, whom she so loved. She is also survived by her sister, Judy and her nieces and nephews as well as great nieces and nephews.
Marty was born in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba on November 26, 1962, to Phyllis and Jack McCulloch. The youngest of three, she is predeceased by her brother Ron. Though she grew up in Manitoba, she spent many summers with her niece and nephew in Edmonton. Marty moved to Medicine Hat in 1991, where she put down roots to raise her family. She met Corey in November 2003 and her true love fairy tale began. They have spent the last 22 years seeing four kids into adulthood, traveling the world and becoming Grandparents. They did life together, in every aspect.
Marty loved to read and always read multiple books a week. She loved her ladies leagues of bowling and golf, traveling with Corey and music – having seen Keith Urban live, far too many times. She was endlessly proud of her kids and loved being Nannie to the girls. We will miss her fiercely. Family and friends are invited to a come and go reception that will be held at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Saturday, February 8, 2025, from 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Cremation has been entrusted to the Pattison Funeral Home. 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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