July 18, 2025

By Obituaries on July 18, 2025.

RODNEY CANHAM

RODNEY CANHAM June 17, 1928 – July 12, 2025
Rodney William Canham passed away peacefully at his home in Medicine Hat on July 12th at the age of 97.
Predeceased by his beloved wife Ella in 2004, Rod will be deeply missed by his children: Julie Brandt, Hal (Joni) and Spencer (Jean) and lovingly remembered by his grandchildren: David, Michael, Laura, Lindsay, Mitchell, Kymberly and Stephen.
Rod was a spirited and adventurous young man who held a variety of jobs across British Columbia and Alberta before meeting the love of his life, Ella, and settling in Medicine Hat. There he built a successful career managing several automotive and industrial supply companies, including Acklands, Taylor Pearson and Carson, Universal Auto, and Century Sales, retiring in 1991.
An avid athlete, Rod was passionate about sports and remained fiercely competitive well into his later years. He participated in hockey, baseball, swimming, skiing, tennis, golf, and hunting not just for the thrill of competition, but for the camaraderie and friendships they brought. Age never slowed him down; he continued playing sports into his 80s and was still golfing, swimming and hunting well into his 90s.
Above all, Rod had a special place in his heart for dogs. He was rarely seen without a canine companion by his side especially after Ella’s passing. OJ, Rayne, and finally Molly were his loyal companions, and they brought him immeasurable comfort and joy.
Rod’s outgoing nature and quick wit made him a natural conversationalist. He made friends wherever he went on his walks through Echodale, while out shopping, or interacting with health care and service workers. His genuine interest in others and his infectious humor often turned chance meetings into heartfelt conversations. He often joked that he should have been a therapist, as people seemed to open up to him instantly.
The family extends special thanks to Dr. Bratvold and to all the health and home care workers whose dedication allowed Rod to remain in the comfort of his home until his final days. To pass away at home, surrounded by family and with his dog at his side, was his greatest wish and one that was lovingly fulfilled.
A celebration of Rod’s life will be held in October. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting 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”

LILLIAN HERN

LILLIAN HERN October 8th, 1927 ~ July 10th, 2025 Lillian Doris Hern, beloved wife of the late Elmer Hern, passed away on Thursday, July 10th, 2025 at the age of 97 years. Lillian leaves to cherish her memory her children, Rita (Gary) Duren, Betty Lou (Lynn) Fowlie, Judy (Roger) Colbe, Lorrie Fowlie, Eileen (Randy) Rath and Lloyd Hern; 14 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren. She is survived by her sisters-in-law, Elaine Ferguson, Darlene Hern and Marie Steinley. Lillian was predeceased by her parents, Edward Steinley Sr. and Caroline Kovitch. Siblings, Edward Jr., Harold, Walter, Bernice, Gladys and Allen.
Lillian was born in Empress, AB and attended school at Mayfield. Lillian became a caregiver in her teenage years for her mother and siblings and was unable to pursue her dreams of a higher education. Fortunately, her path led her to a field day at Waynefleet School where a handsome young man caught her eye. Her life would never be the same as a spark was ignited that would not be extinguished for the next 62 years of their life together. Despite having nothing but their bare hands and a burning desire to create a thriving farming operation, they worked tirelessly deriving much joy along the way knowing that they were slowly achieving the success that they had envisioned.
Lillian’s generous welcoming spirit along with her well known cooking and baking skills drew many people to their home. Lillian learned from generations of family gardeners how to nurture gorgeous flowers that bloomed season after season. She could often be found outdoors early in the morning among her pine trees and beloved “island” flower garden tending her precious flowers.
Lillian was very artistic and created a commemorative pin for the village of Empress. She was always more than willing to jump in and rescue any school art or sewing projects that came along. Lillian possessed a wonderful sense of observational humour that remained with her until the end, even giving her caregivers many good laughs.
Mom possessed an undeniable quiet strength. She was the glue that held the family together through the many extreme hardships and challenges that the family faced. She was our rock. Though your smile is gone forever and your hand we can not touch, still we have so many memories of the one we loved so much. No matter where other lived, Empress was always her home. You finally made it home mom. Home to Empress. Home to the loving arms of your husband in heaven. Home to the loving arms of your heavenly Father.
The Funeral Service will be held at Victory Lutheran Church, 2793 Southview Dr. SE, Medicine Hat on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Murray Jaster officiating. Lillian will be taken home where interment will take place at the Empress Cemetery following the service and luncheon.
If friends & family so desire, memorial tributes can be made in Lillian Hern’s name in the form of donations directly to the Brown Bag Lunch Program, 40 Maple Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0L3. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting 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”

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