September 5, 2014

By Obituaries on September 5, 2014.

.ARTHUR
Donald Wray Arthur, beloved husband of Marion Arthur, passed away peacefully at the Riverview Care Centre on Sunday August 31, 2014 at the age of 75 years. His love and laughter will also be remembered by his children; Connie (Dave) Carlson, Sandra (Mark) Richard, and Gary (Angeline) Arthur; his four grandchildren, Shelby and Sydney Carlson, Tyler and Brittany Richard, as well as his stepsister Grace Bullock. He was predeceased by his birth mother Laura, his father Andrew, his mom Anne Arthur, sisters Kay Wolfe and Sheila Gibson, and stepbrother Don Petracek.
Don was born in Rocanville, Saskatchewan and grew up on the family farm. As a young man he tried his hand at logging in B.C. but quickly found his calling in the oil patch. It was there that he made his mark across Saskatchewan and Alberta working for such companies as Eskimo, Delflow, Delta Consultants and finally forming his own company DWA Petroleum Consulting. The social aspect of his work was just as important to Don and thus he was instrumental in forming the Medicine Hat Oilman’s Association and became the club’s first president.
As much as he was committed to the oil and gas industry his true love was his wife Marion. Married for over half a century his love for her never wavered and he never shied away from demonstrating his affection. He referred to her as his bride and his sweetie, even when symptoms of his battle with Alzheimer’s disease surfaced. Their love and dedication to each other set a wonderful example for the whole family.
As a father and grandfather he instilled in us the value of humor, a love of nature, and the importance of acceptance. He supported us in all that we did and decisions we made, offering valuable tidbits of wisdom along the way. We, along with family and close friends, will miss his smile but his spirit and laughter will live on in those he touched.
The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society 401D 3rd Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0G8. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Donald Arthur, 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

.BURNS
Doris June Burns, beloved wife of Allan C. (Al) Burns, passed to her Lord above on Tuesday, September 2, 2014. She is survived by her husband Al, and their four children, Bonnie Burns (Gerry Stillwell) of Winnipeg, Terri (Gerry) Ehlert of Medicine Hat, Robert (Grace) Burns of Pickering, Ontario and Barbara Burns (Suheel Bashir) of Athabasca, Alberta; three granddaughters, two grandsons, three great granddaughters and three great grandsons as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents C.M. (Dooley) and Myrtle Allen and her brother C.J. (Jack) Allen. June was born on her grandfather’s farm near Brownlee, Saskatchewan, and spent her first few years on the Cruikshank Ranch 15 miles south of Beechy, Saskatchewan near the South Saskatchewan River.
When she started school, she and her brother Jack would ride eight miles, by horseback, to school. Then in grade four, she came to Medicine Hat to stay with Harry and Flora Minor while she attended Riverside School. When June attended high school in Moose Jaw, she stayed with families and sometimes babysat and did household chores. After graduating from high school, she once again stayed with the Minors and attended Garbutt’s Business College where she graduated with honours. Garbutt’s graduation party was held at the Medicine Hat Golf Course where a mutual friend arranged a “blind date” for June and a young, newly brushcut, Al Burns. Despite their shyness at first, they danced the night away. Courting off and on, June and Al were married on February 5, 1951. After graduating from Garbutt’s, June worked for Lang Brothers and Gibson and then for Business, Home and Farm Locators which was owned by the Feleskey’s. She worked as their receptionist, secretary and bookeeper/accountant. Years later, in Edmonton, once her two youngest children were in high school, she registered her accounting company, J.B. Services, and contracted her business expertise specifically out to Karl Hager Limb and Brace for seventeen years, as well as other local businesses. She also volunteered her services to many individuals, to complete their income tax returns. Volunteer work was very important to June. While living in Winnipeg, and raising their four children, June put in hundreds of hours volunteering at the Victoria Hospital and the Fort Garry Community Club. Later in Edmonton, she was one of the original executives for Ringette Alberta, and was committed in her work as the Association’s secretary. Years later, she was inducted into the Ringette Alberta Hall of Fame. June enjoyed a variety of activities. In her youth, she was a good horsewoman. And later on in life, she became a very good artist, specializing in portraits. June enjoyed nature and the beauty it provided. She enjoyed travelling with her husband throughout North America, due to his work, or just for pleasure. Wherever her husband worked, June made their house a home. In her young married life she lived in Fort McLeod, Medicine Hat and Hanna. From 1957 to 1976, with her growing family, she lived in Fort Garry, Manitoba. In 1976, her family, minus her two oldest and married daughters, returned to Alberta. For over twenty years, Edmonton and St. Albert were called home. After retiring, and coming full circle, June and her lifelong partner, Al, settled in Medicine Hat. During their sixty three years of marriage, and throughout life’s many challenges, June would say “this too shall pass,” as well as, “we are so blessed.” The funeral service will be held in the Crescent Heights Church of Christ (655 Stewart Drive N.W.) on Saturday, September 6, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. with Evangelist Jamie Lobert officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. A sincere thank you to the staff at the Valleyview Care Centre and the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, for their professional and compassionate care. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta (401D 3rd St. SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0G8) or the charity of your choice. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: June Burns, 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

.GEORGINA KING
1923 ~ 2014
Georgina Margaret (Geordie) King passed away on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital with her loving family by her side. Geordie was born October 14, 1923 in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan. She married Don King on January 17, 1945 and they resided most of their lives in Melfort, Saskatchewan. She leaves to mourn her loving daughters, Myrna, Donna, and Freda; her beloved son, Doug (Donna) of Parksville, BC. as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Geordie’s life and prayer service will be held in the Reception Facility at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Saturday, September 6, 2014, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. In accordance with Geordie’s wishes flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial donations can be made directly to HALO, 12, 49 Viscount Ave. S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5G4 http://www.medicair society.com or to the Palliative Care Unit at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, 666 – 5th Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6. http://www.inyourcommunity.ca (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 Phone 403-527-6455.

.HARRY WELLBAND
1935 ~ 2014
Mr. Harry James Wellband, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Ethel Rose Wellband, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice on Wednesday, September 3, 2014, at the age of 79 years. Harry leaves to cherish his memory: son, Keith (Judee) Wellband and their children, Kyle, Melinda (great-grandson, Cameron), Peter and their families; daughter, Denise Wellband and her sons, Dane and Lorne and their families; a sister, Sheila (Gary) Meier and their daughter, Linda and her family as well as other extended family members. A Celebration of Harry’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, September 8, 2014, at 2:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery with a time of fellowship thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455

.HAWTHORNE
Stephen James Hawthorne passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 2, 2014, at the age of 53 years, beloved husband and best friend of Glenda Hawthorne of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory his mother, Nora Hawthorne of Medicine Hat; one sister, Cindy (Randy) Koch of Nelson, B.C. and one brother, Kevin (Cathy) Hawthorne of Medicine Hat; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Fred and Marion Hoffman; sister-in-law, Lorna (Jamie) Weatherhead all of Medicine Hat; his nieces and nephews, Jillian (Ty) Bach, Lauren Koch (Mike Ogloff), Erica Koch; Jenifer, Shannon and Liam Hawthorne; and Kaitlyn Weatherhead; two great nephews, Dane and Bennett. Stephen was born and raised in Medicine Hat. He met the love of his life, Glenda and they were married October 13, 1984 in Medicine Hat where he has been employed at Goodyear since 1978, and was a very loyal employee. Steve loved life and lived his short life to the fullest. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, he was an avid golfer, traveller, volunteer and loved his yard. He was a member of Riverview Golf Club for many years and had wonderful golf buddies. Steve and Glenda travelled to a number of PGA tournaments, including the British Open and the Masters, attending the Masters in 2013, despite his ongoing battle with cancer. Together, they also enjoyed travelling to a number of places including, Thailand, Hawaii, New Zealand, Israel, Greece and Florida. Steve was a good neighbor and friend to many people, including children, he was a big kid himself. He was meticulous with his yard, his vehicles and his home. A very hospitable person, you could always find his door open, sometimes it was the garage door and Glenda would find him visiting with neighbors in his spotless garage. The newest addition to his garage was his shiny,red Corvette. Steve had a strong faith in God which sustained him during his cancer journey. He had an amazing attitude and was an inspiration to many people even when his health was failing. He was always concerned about others and was confident he would conquer this disease. Steve was a wonderful, devoted husband, Glenda was the center of his life, they were truly best friends. Steve was very loved and will be missed by many people. Steve, your fight is over, we will miss you every day, but know that you are no longer in pain and rejoicing in heaven. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Sunday evening from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Monday from 12 noon to 12:55 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the Hillcrest Evangelical Missionary Church (3785 13th Ave SE) on Monday, September 8, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Mark Bolender officiating. A private interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, Tom Baker Cancer Center, 1331 29th Street NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 or at http://www.albertacancer.ca/memorial or to Canadian Cancer Society #102 Crestwood Square One, 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z8. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Stephen Hawthorne, 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

.JAMES VICTOR (VIC) DUFORT
October 28th, 1931 – August 13th, 2014
Vic passed away peacefully of natural causes on the afternoon of August 13th, 2014, at approximately 4:00 PM in Edmonton, Alberta. Vic was comforted by his Wife and surrounded by Family at the time of his passing.
Vic was the oldest of three children born to Violet Marie and Pamphile “Phil” Dufort in Empress, Alberta on October 28th, 1931.
Vic was a gentle man with a great love of family and generously opened his home to all. Together with his wife Marjorie, they cared for parents, children, Nephews, Sisters, Grandchildren and even the occasional stray! Whether for days, weeks, or years, the door was always open and all were considered family. Coming from a small farm in Atlee, Alberta, he met his wife Marjorie in Medicine Hat, Alberta where they were married in 1953, during those early years he worked at the flour mill until he started as an operator on road construction. Vic and Marjorie followed the road construction work, living in many towns until they settled in Valleyview, Alberta in 1969. Valleyview was home and they lived and raised their family while Vic was working in construction and pipline. In 1987 Vic and his family moved to Red Deer, Alberta to start a new adventure in small business, where his wife Marjorie and his daughter Lynette opened their first restaurant, Clancy’s. Vic continued to run dozer and scraper until he retired in 2002.
Spending most of his life as a “Cat-Skinner” (heavy equipment Operator) and Pipeliner, Vic travelled to virtually every corner of the Province of Alberta, making friends along the way. Vic was active in the many communities he lived in and belonged to many different groups and organizations, and was always willing to give someone a hand. He was a consummate tinkerer that revelled in the challenge of building things with his hands from wood or metal. Most of his friends and family have something that he made just for them, whether it is a hand carved kitchen spoon, a turned egg cup, or a handmade wooden carpenters plane. Each was one-of-a-kind, made with skill and love! Vic often said that he “was a jack of all trades, master of none”, he was more than that. Vic knew a little about a lot of things but there were many things he did, and he did those to meet his personal view of perfection, and he was proud of his accomplishments.
He will be missed by his wife Marjorie of 61 years and their children: Lynette of Calgary, Darwin (Lynda) of Red Deer, and Troy (Brenda) of Whitecourt. His grandchildren: DJ (Lana) Ilg, Sheldon Smith, Courtney (Dave) Gordon, Tanya Gordon, Corrina Wasylenchuck, Connor and Jade Dufort, his four great grandchildren Jayven, Hadley, Kylie, and Olivia, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
He was predeceased by his sister Barbara, mother Violet Marie, father Pamphile “Phil” Dufort, nephews Daniel Bokstein and Bradley Flinkert, and his sister Evette Bokstein.
A celebration of Vics life will be held at 1:00 PM on September 27th, 2014 at Pelican Point on Buffalo Lake; 1710 Shultz Crescent, Bashaw, Alberta.