June 10, 2014

By Obituaries on June 10, 2014.

.1929 ~ BITTORF ~ 2014
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mary Ola Bittorf (nee Cranley) on Tuesday, June 3rd, 2014 at the age of 85 years. A Funeral Service honouring Mary’s life was held yesterday at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL with Pastor Art Hildebrand officiating. Memorial gifts in Mary’s memory may be made to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the SPCA or to the Cypress View Foundation. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Mary Bittorf. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.FRANZ
Robert “Bob” Harvey Franz passed away on Saturday, June 7, 2014, at the age of 75 years, beloved husband of Doris Franz. He also leaves to cherish his memory his children, Mickey Franz, Chris Franz (girlfriend, Kristi) and Julie Franz (fiancé, Darren Bachmier). Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Thursday, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 9:00 a.m – 10:55 a.m. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Friday, June 13, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. 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: Bob Franz, 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

.GARNET ELDON LEECH
July 22nd, 1931 ~ June 6th, 2014

Garnet Leech passed away peacefully at his home with his family by his side at the age of 82. Garnet was born to Bella and William “Harry” Leech in Empress, Alberta. From an early age, he was passionate about animals (big and small), especially horses, which continued until his passing. Garnet did many things throughout his life…rancher, farmer, quarter horse trainer, business man, and real estate broker for over 40 years. He sold many farms and ranches in Alberta and Saskatchewan. He owned and operated Leech Agencies for many years. Garnet made his mark in the Alberta Quarter Horse Racing industry by raising and running many top quarter horses for the past 40 years in Alberta and the United States. He had a knack for picking some top runners at the horse sales in Oklahoma. Garnet’s dreams of winning never left him. He met Florence in 1956, they married and their life-long adventure of ranching, horse racing, and raising four children took them from Calgary to Medicine Hat to the ranch at Wardlow and back to the acreage at Medicine Hat where Garnet passed. Garnet made beautiful hand-sewn chaps and harnesses and refurbished old saddles. He also enjoyed gardening and he and Mom spent many hours at the lake fishing and camping. Four years ago he built his own rustic cabin (a replica of his Empress cabin). Garnet is survived by his loving wife, Florence; his children, Nancy (Myles) Gray, William (Jane) Leech, Marcia Montean, and Jackie (Richard) Lysak; grandchildren, Dan (Lucy) Gray, Rachel (Scott) MacPherson, Cory (Melissa) Montean, Karri Montean, Bryce, Mariah, and Erica Huston, Haley Leech and Liam Leech; six great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Grace Cornfield and Betty (Bruce) Envic. Garnet was predeceased by his parents, Bella and Harry Leech; son-in-law, Ron Montean; parents-in-law, Jacob and Matilda Pfeifer; and brother-in-law, Don Cornfield. Garnet will be greatly missed. He was a great storyteller and there was never a dull moment when he was around. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Sunday, June 22nd, 2014 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and on Monday, June 23rd, 2014 from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL on Monday, June 23rd, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Garnet’s memory may be made to the Humane Society of Canada, Box 407, 1500 – 14th Avenue SW, Calgary, Alberta, T3C 1C9. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Garnet Leech. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599

.LESLIE EDWARD BROTHERTON

It is with heavy hearts, the family of Les Brotherton announces his sudden passing on June 3, 2014 at the age of 58. Les leaves to cherish him his wife, Jo, of 37 years, his boys, Geoffrey (Becky Stewart) of Olds, and Joshua of Medicine Hat, as well as his mother-in-law Giannina Mahon; his sisters Linda (David) McAlwane, Carol (Paul) Lloyd and Jacqueline (Chris) Kudryk of England and numerous nieces and nephews. Les was predeceased by his Dad, Colin, and Mum Jean Brotherton, his brother Ian, all of England; his brother-in-law and best friend, Rob Mahon, and father-in-law, Doug Mahon. Les joined the British Army at the age of 17, was posted to Canada in 1975 where he met his sweetheart Jo and in 1977 Les immigrated to Canada and they were married. His working career started at IXL Industries working alongside his brother-in-law Rob; he moved on to AGT/Telus for 17 years working in both construction and the warehouse. Deciding to follow a dream, he purchased first one and then, another water hauling business, growing both businesses and eventually merging them into H2O Hauling. After selling the business, Les began a career with MHSD #76 working as a Groundskeeper/Irrigation Technician. Several years later, he decided to pursue a career in Oil and Gas, working with at Sanjel Corporation in the Frac division. Recently, Les accepted a position at South Rock as a heavy equipment operator until the time of his passing. Les’ motto was “There is no such thing as nothing to do” and continually challenged himself to find ways of doing things, both at work and at home, to save both time and money without compromising quality. His family was the most important thing to him and he always enjoyed spending time with them. He was an avid outdoorsman and could always be found hunting or fishing with his boys or with his brother or father-in-law. He enjoyed his time at home with his wife working around the house, going for walks or sharing a cup of tea at night, talking about what life would hold for them. Les was first and foremost a devoted and loving husband, father and friend. He was an extraordinary man with a remarkable wit and sense of humor that never ceased to bring a laugh in any situation. Les was an exemplary worker, dedicated to any job that he undertook regardless of how menial the task. No matter what he was doing, he was always willing to lend a hand to anyone. His love and devotion to his family, marvelous sense of humor and wit, and willingness to help whomever will be profoundly missed. A Celebration of Life will be held on June 12th 2014 at the Unity Lutheran Church Hall, 8 Palliser Place NE. from 12 PM until 3 PM. In honour of Les’ wishes, please come dressed in your most comfortable and casual clothes. In lieu of flowers, an expression of sympathy may be made online to Alberta Fish and Game Association: Wildlife Trust Fund.

.WALTER MARTIN

January 1, 1923 ~ June 8, 2014

It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Mr. Walter Martin on Sunday, June 8, 2014, at St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice, at the age of 91 years. He leaves to cherish his memory: two daughters, Sharon (Steve) Blackwell, Marlene (Robert) Coslovich; grandchildren, Dana Blackwell, Kelly (Dallas) Roberts, Christopher (Trina) Coslovich, Michelle (Randy) Tokamp, Nichole (Chad) Knox and the great-grandchildren who gave him great joy in his last years, Gage and Declan Roberts, Christine, Amy, Maverick and Jake Coslovich, Linkin and Kingston Tokamp, Cylee and Paislee Knox. Also surviving are the remaining members of the Martin and Kirschenman families as well as special friend, Shirley Adams and her family. Walter was predeceased by his beloved wife, Caroline; parents, Annie and Frank Martin; brother, Ferdinand; sister and brother-in-law, Sarah and George Mutschler; mother and father-in-law, Matilda and William Kirschenman as well as brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews from the extended Martin and Kirschenman family. Walter was active in the community and his church. He volunteered over the years for the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Cancer Society, Santa Claus Fund and other charitable organizations. He continued to volunteer at the Good Samaritan Home until he was 90 years old. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, on Wednesday, June 11, 2014, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. The Celebration of Walter’s life will be held at St. Peter Lutheran Church, 758 – 8 Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Thursday, June 12, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Julianna Wehrfritz-Hanson and Reverend Barrett Scheske co-officiating. Private Interment will take place prior to the funeral celebration. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cook southland.com) Dad’s last days were full of dignity, respect, love, laughter and some final tears. A special thank you to everyone at the Carmel Hospice from Marlene, Sharon and our families for all you have done for us. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in memory of Walter may be made directly to St. Joseph’s Home Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455

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