January 5, 2014

By Obituaries on January 5, 2014.

.1915 ~ STEVENSON ~ 2013
The family of Anne F. Stevenson sadly announces her passing on Monday, December 30th, 2013 at the age of 98 years. She was predeceased by her husbands, Ronald Maxfield of Edmonton and Timothy Stevenson of Saskatoon. She is survived by her three children, Lorraine Schimpf (Joe, deceased), Lloyd Maxfield (Ellen) of Marysville, Michigan and Ione Zwarich (Clarence) of Kelowna, British Columbia. She is also survived by several grand, great and great great grandchildren; one sister, Nettie Wood (Les); as well as many nieces and nephews. Anne was born on April 8th, 1915 in Swanson, Saskatchewan. She lived life to the fullest as a very independent person, loved to travel, play cards and spend time with her family. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at WUERFEL AUDITORIUM, 1720 Bell Street SW, on Monday from 1:00 until 1:55 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held in WUERFEL AUDITORIUM on Monday, January 6th, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Bob Findley officiating. A private interment will take place in the Family Plot at Hillcrest Memorial Gardens on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Anne’s memory may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, 666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 4H6 or to the Carmel Hospice, St. Joseph’s Home, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 5M1. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Anne Stevenson. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.1921 ~ DEGENHARDT ~ 2014
Mrs. Evelyn Degenhardt of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Mr. Philip Degenhardt, passed away on Thursday, January 2nd, 2014 at the age of 92 years. Evelyn leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Sharon (Tom) Folk and her son, Don (Colleen) Degenhardt and their families. Memorial gifts in Evelyn’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Evelyn Degenhardt. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed by SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.1931 ~ REEDER ~ 2013
Michael Reeder, beloved husband of Darleen Reeder of Medicine Hat, passed away on December 26th, 2013 at the age of 82 years. The Funeral Service will be held in SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Saturday, January 4th, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.1941 ~ CHAMBERS ~ 2014
Mary Elizabeth (Betty) of Medicine Hat passed away on Wednesday, January 1st, 2014 at the age of 72 years. Betty leaves to cherish her memory her husband and life partner, Noel Assailly; her chosen sister, Anne (Howard) Opp and her chosen boys, Darren (Tessa) Opp and Kaden and Kyler; Jason (Kelly) Opp and Haelen and Carter. As well as Noel’s family of six sisters and three brothers and numerous nieces and nephews and Betty’s huge family of friends. Betty was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Mary Body and Octave and Jeanne Assailly, a brother and sister-in-law, Ron Assailly and Olive Sampson, and her chosen parents, Art & Thelma Morrison. Betty’s motto was Live life as you are, the people who matter don’t mind and the people who mind don’t matter. At Betty’s request there will not be a formal funeral service. Those wishing to remember Betty may do so with a donation to the Salvation Army, 164 Stratton Way SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 3R3 or the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, 124, 430 – 6th Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2S8. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Betty Chambers. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.1965 ~ EISENBARTH ~ 2013
Randolph William “Randy Eisenbarth”, of Medicine Hat, passed away on Saturday, December 28th at the age of 48 years. He is survived by his dear children, Olivia and Elias, and their mother Samantha. Randy is also survived by his mother Lottie; sister Karen (Wayne Law) and son Devin; brother Gordon (Michele) and Alex, Mathew & Andrea; and brother Terry (Theresa) and Sarah & Ivan; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. He is predeceased by his father Herb (2001); grandparents William & Lydia Eisenbarth and Adolph & Julianna Miller as well as several aunts & uncles. Randy was born in Medicine Hat, attended school here and graduated in 1983; receiving acknowledgment as ‘best all-around student’ for achievement in sports and academics. His love of all sports saw him play for the Hat High Mohawks as well as the Med Hat Cubs hockey team. He also played baseball and was introduced to rodeo at 10 years old as a ‘boys steer rider’. As a steer rider, an awarded trip to see the NFR in Oklahoma City cemented his passion for rodeo. Memories of ‘going down the road’ and the many good friends made were a big part of Randy’s later life. Randy attended the Medicine Hat College, and then transferred to the U of A to complete a degree in Recreation Administration. In Edmonton, he met Samantha; they found a shared love of horses. Randy continued to ride saddle broncs and rodeo as time and weekends allowed, until 1995. After graduating, Randy helped coordinate the Alberta Summer Games held in Redcliff and also worked at a youth program administered by the YMCA. An abundance of work in the trades saw Randy change occupations and become a journeyman pipe, steam & gas fitter, belonging to local #496 since 1994 and working construction jobs in both Alberta & Saskatchewan. Randy loved spending time with his kids, playing catch, showing them how to ride a horse, bike, fish, & hold a hockey stick; how to play any game. Olivia and Elias were his joy. A private family funeral service will be held January 4th. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to condolences@saamis.com, subject heading Randy Eisenbarth. Memorial gifts may be made to the YMCA Strong Kids Campaign at ymcastrongkids.ca; or the charity of one’s choice. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.CLAUDE E. ALCOCK
1925 ~ 2014
Mr. Claude Ernest Alcock passed away peacefully with his companion, Marie Warrener by his side while at the Riverview Care Centre in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, January 1, 2014, at the age of 88 years. Along with Marie, Claude’s memory will live on in the hearts of his family: sister, Joyce (Jim) Doyle of Airdrie, AB.; brother-in-law, Ivan Degeer of Thornton, ON.; nephews, Brian (Marian) Degeer and Barry (Dee) Degeer; niece, Stephanie (Darcy) Coleman and nephew, Jason (Jada) Doyle. Claude is also survived by numerous great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Austin Alcock and one sister, Betty Degeer. A private celebration of Claude’s life will be held at a later date. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone: 403-527-6455.

.HAZEL GRAHAM
1927 ~ 2014
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Hazel Graham on January 1, 2014, at the age of 86 years. Hazel leaves to cherish her memory her three sons, Don (Lorri), grandsons, Shane (Jenna) and Beau; Gary (Joan), granddaughters, Jamie (James) and Loris (Craig); Dennis (Cheryl), granddaughter, Amanda and six great grandchildren. Hazel was the beloved wife of the late, Bruce Graham. She started her career as a school teacher in Saskatchewan. On moving to Medicine Hat in 1952, Hazel worked as a bookkeeper in the family owned business of Walt & Bruce’s Esso. She also spent several years doing tax preparation for FlynnTate & Co., and then did financial books for the Connaught Golf Club until retirement. Hazel enjoyed playing/teaching piano. She relished in a good card or board game as well as being the ultimate sportsfan. And, of course, she was the best mom anyone could have. We will all miss her. Say hi to dad (Bruce). You are invited to join with the family for a celebration of Hazel’s life at the Moose Club, 2800 13 Ave. S.E., Medicine Hat, AB. on Monday, January 6, 2013 from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB. T1A 4V4. Phone 403-527-6455.

.McNEIL
David Manning McNeil passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2014, at the age of 65 years, beloved husband of Mary McNeil of Redcliff. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Saturday, January 11, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Palliative Care Unit c/o Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, 666 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4H6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: David McNeil, 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

.PISONI
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mario Pisoni on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at the age of 48 years, beloved husband, father, son, brother, uncle and friend. Along with his wife Stacey, left to honour and cherish Mario’s memory are his two sons, Aidan and Jonas; parents, Maria Rosa (LucianoÝ) Pisoni; brother, Ron (Michelle) Pisoni; his in-laws, Jim and Doreen Geiger; brother-in-law, Shawn Geiger (Karen) as well as numerous uncles, aunts and cousins. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Monday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Tuesday from 9:30 – 10:25 a.m. Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Monday, at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (238 2nd Ave N.E.) on Tuesday, January 7, 2014 at 10:30 a.m. with Fr. John Maes celebrant. A private interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to A.J.’s Loan Cupboard (Alan Joys Memorial Fund Society) Box 45006, McKenzie Postal Outlet, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7H3 or to the Palliative Care Unit c/o Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, 666 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4H6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Mario Pisoni, 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

.ROTH
Gregory (Greg) Randell Roth of Boca Raton, Florida, passed away in his home on December 12, 2013 after a hard-fought battle with cancer. Greg was preceded in death by his sister Sherry Hirsche and his father George Roth. He is survived by his wife of 42 years Annette, children Melissa and Jason, mother Jeanne Roth, brother-in-law Reid Hirsche and sister Janice (Blaine) Poberznick and several nephews and nieces along with their families.
Greg grew up in Foremost and moved to Calgary after high school to pursue a career in insurance. His career brought him to the United States in 1993, where he continued to live happily for the remainder of his life.
Greg was known for his warmth, generosity and kindness. He had a positive spirit and an unfailing ability to make those around him feel welcome and appreciated. He was an avid music lover and played the guitar for nearly 50 years. He was also a very passionate person. Whatever it was that he was doing – music, guitars, computers, photography, golf or work – he pursued them with amazing energy and enthusiasm.
Family was number one in his life. He loved all his family, relatives and friends completely with incredible devotion. His young nieces and nephews especially will miss their visits with ‘Uncle Greg’.
In the last year of his life he took great joy in spending time with his family, friends and beloved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Molly.
The family asks in lieu of flowers, contributions be made in Greg’s memory to the Cancer Research Institute.

.SHEILA MARGARET FERGUSON

December 6, 1926 ~ January 2, 2014

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Sheila Margaret Ferguson, beloved wife of John M. Ferguson, announce her peaceful passing while at the Masterpiece River Ridge on Thursday, January 2, 2014, at the age of 87 years. Along with John, Sheila leaves to cherish her memory three children and their families: son, Lloyd (Elaine) Ferguson and their son Kevin and his children Micah, Levi and Jirah; son, Ian Ferguson and his daughter, Lindsay Ferguson; daughter, Gwen (Brian) Ramsdale and their children, Dane Kosolofski, Kyle Kosolofski (Lisa Driver) and Tory (Brock) Beach. Sheila was predeceased by her parents; two sisters; one brother; one granddaughter in 1980 as well as a granddaughter through marriage to Kevin, Melanie (Serr) Ferguson. Sheila Margaret Duff was born to proud parents, Henry and Violet Duff on December 6, 1926, in Empress, Alberta. !n 1948, she married John McKeage Ferguson at Fifth Avenue Memorial United Church in Medicine Hat. In her younger years, before becoming a full-time homemaker, Sheila worked at the Helmsdale School near Oyen, AB., as an instructor and also for a time as a Health Care Aide at the Empress Hospital. In her younger years, Sheila was actively involved in her church with Canadian Girls in Training (CGIT) and during later years through her involvement with Vesper Service at Christmas and Easter and each Strawberry Shortcake Tea. Sheila enjoyed time spent skating, riding bikes and dancing, but nothing compared to time spent with her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her caring and compassionate nature will leave a lasting impression on the hearts and minds of all those who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Sheila’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, on Monday, January 6, 2014, at 11:00 A.M. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. A time of fellowship and refreshments will follow in the Cook Southland Reception Facility with a Private Interment thereafter at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, memorial tributes in memory of Sheila may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, 401D – 3 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0G8 or to The Children’s Wish Foundation, 39 Somerset Dale S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 0G9. Honoured to serve the family is COOK SOUTHLAND Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone: 403-527-6455.