May 20, 2015

By Obituaries on May 20, 2015.

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1956 ~ WILL ~ 2015

Brian Dale Will, beloved husband of Vanise Will of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, May 13th, 2015 at the age of 59 years. Brian also leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Megan (Josh) Plante; three sisters, Bonnie, Patti and Cindy; numerous nieces and nephews; and his dog, Jack. Brian was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Shirley Will; and his son, Ryan. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Tuesday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A Come and Go Gathering of family and friends will be held at KIN COULEE, Medicine Hat, on Saturday, May 23rd, 2015 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. A Private Interment has taken place at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Brian's memory may be made to SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Brian Will. 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

BURDEN

Donald James “Jim” Burden was born on December 2, 1949. Jim was born and raised in Medicine Hat. Jim was predeceased by his mother, father, one brother, and one infant son. He is survived by his wife Susan and his three sons, David (Brooke), Mark (Jessica) and Devan (Kaitlyn), an uncle, and cousins in California and Calgary. He is also survived by his in-laws, Janet (Scott), Donna (Doug), and Carol (Frank) and families. In 1970, Jim joined the Air Force where he was an air metal technician on helicopters. He was stationed in Edmonton and met his future wife, Susan Gillies while in the Air Force. They enjoyed riding dirt bikes for a couple years while in Edmonton, this is also where Jim started Drag Racing a four speed Camaro that he and an Air Force buddy built together. Jim left the Air Force in 1974 and moved back to Medicine Hat in 1975. Jim and Susan were married in 1977 in Hawaii. He drove truck for a year, then started trades school and became a machinist in 1978 and a millwright a few years later. Before Jim and Susan had children, they were very passionate about water rescue training and showing Newfoundland Dogs. Jim and Susan had 3 children, David, Mark and Devan. Jim was very easy going and loved spending time with his family, traveling, working around the house, and spending time in the garage. Jim’s passion was Drag Racing. He volunteered at the Medicine Hat Drag Strip, where he was the Tech Director for many years. He spent many years building a 1964 Chevelle Malibu race car. While building this car, he taught his sons the tricks of the trade, David and Devan became Heavy Duty Mechanics, and Mark became a Welder. Jim, and the boys loved the race track, they all volunteered out there over the years and loved racing their Chevelle, T23 Altered, and Hayabusa together. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Race in peace Dad. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre (Medicine Hat Regional Hospital) c/o 666 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4H6 or to the S.P.C.A. – 55 Southwest Drive SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E8 or the Medicine Hat Drag Racing Association, Suite 306 – 97 Carry Dr. SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 3M6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Jim Burden, 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

GINA VELCOFF

1943 ~ 2015
It is with the deepest of sorrow we announce Gina Velcoff, beloved wife of Gordon Velcoff, passed away suddenly with her family by her side at Foothills Hospital in Calgary on Friday May 15, 2015 at the age of 71. Gina leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Gordon; two children, Daren (Patty) Velcoff and their children, Kyle and Laura and her daughter, Jackie Velcoff. Gina’s memory will also be cherished by her brothers, Harvey (Dianna) Frey, Garry (Dorothy) Frey and her sister, Elaine (Dennis) Baumgarten. She was predeceased by her parents, George and Cecilia Frey. A private Celebration of Life Ceremony for family members will be held at a later date. Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cook southland.com If friends so desire, donations in memory of Gina may be made to Calgary Health Trust (Foothills Medical Centre – Neurosurgery), 800, 11012 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2J 6A5 Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455

HENTON, FRANK

(ANTONAITIS, PRANAS)
September 22, 1923 – May 14, 2015
Frank passed away on Thursday, May 14 in Kindersley Hospital at the age of 91. He was predeceased by his wife Esther (Migowsky), parents Frank Henton Sr. (Pranas Antonaitis Sr.) and Mary Henton (Maryona Antoniatis (Babusite)), brother Val (Valuntinus), and sister Anne (Ona) Barron, son Jerome, and grandson Jason Bosch. Frank is survived by daughter Joanne Bosch (Gerry), sons Larry (Margaret), Darcy (Debbie), and Michael (Barb); grandchildren Grant (Kristina) and Trudy Bosch (Ken), David Henton, Jesse and Shane Henton.
Frank was born in Sintautai, Lithuania. When he was 6 years old, the family immigrated to Canada to join Frank Sr. On October 29, 1947 he married Esther and they farmed the Anderson place (Cardell, SK.) before moving to the Woodburn place by Hay Lake. As a farmer, Frank supplemented the family income by trapping and supplied the family with meat by hunting. When the property was sold in 1955 they moved to Maple Creek, SK. Frank was employed as a grocery clerk at the Economy Grocery. He purchased the store and later sold the store to the Co-op staying on as a clerk in the grocery department. While in Maple Creek, Frank was an active member of the Ken Club. Subequent moves with the Co-op took them to Lampman, Zenon Park, Tisdale, St. Gregor and Aylsham. They retired in 1988 and moved to Medicine Hat, AB and later to Kindersley, SK.
Frank enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing cards (wild canasta, chase the ace and 21 to name a few). He loved to camp at Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park Saskatchewan, hiking many of the trails. Frank hunted along the Sipanok Channel north of Nipawin with his sons and friends. He also played guitar and sang cowboy ballads.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Binkley's Funeral Home, Maple Creek, SK. The Funeral will be held at St. Lawrence Roman Catholic Church, Maple Creek, SK. on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 10:30am. Vigil rites (prayers) will be held at Binkley's Funeral Chapel, Maple Creek, SK. 306-662-2292 on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at 7:30pm. Internment will be at Maple Creek Cemetary. Memorial Gifts in Frank's memory can be made to a charity of your choice.

KELTEY

Gloria Rose Keltey of Medicine Hat, passed away on Monday, May 19, 2015, at the age of 62 years. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society for Breast Cancer Research, #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: Gloria Keltey, 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

MARJORIE "MADGE" NIEMAN

June 12, 1926 ~ May 7, 2015

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Marjorie Nieman, our sweet mom, grandma (nana) and great-grandma. Heaven welcomed her with open arms on the morning of May 7, 2015. She had lived a full, happy and active life right up to her time in the hospital. Madge is survived by her children, Robert Allan of Medicine Hat; Debbie (Brian) of Calgary and David (Rita) of Millarville; grandchildren Tamara (Brad), Jillaine (Jay), Brent (Lynsey), Blair, Jodie, Stacy (Nadine); step-grandson, Mike and children; great-grandchildren, Carlin, Jorja, Taylore, Shelby, Caden, Logan, Wyatt, Olivia, Rylund, Brooklyn and Treydon. She was a special Auntie to many nieces and nephews here and in England. Madge had a special bond and love for her dear friends, Lynn Solley, Lil McDougall + (2014) and Pat Melidonis +. Madge was predeceased by her husband of 64 years, Elmer (2009) and her second son, Larry (1975). Madge was born in Leeds, England on June 12, 1926, the youngest of five daughters, to James and Ada Tong. During WWII, Madge and Elmer first met in 1941. Their relationship and love for each other grew over the next four years even though they were always faced with the uncertainty of seeing each other again. They were married on October 9, 1945, in Leeds. Elmer returned to Canada with his troops before Madge who made the journey to Canada on her own, leaving England on June 6, 1946. Initially she was faced with longing and home sickness but quickly made life long friends with other War Brides and wives of Elmer’s CPR co-workers. Together their marriage was blessed with four children; Allan, Larry, Debbie and David. For 65 years, Madge enjoyed being part of her Canasta Club, playing her last evening of cards with friends on April 27. She was a member of the CPR Ladies Auxillary and still met on a regular basis for lunch with the War Brides. Madge and Elmer were long time members of the Westminster United Church. She had worked as a Unit Clerk at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for 15 years. Together, Elmer and Madge made several trips back to England over the years, as well as vacationing to Hawaii and Mexico. Once Elmer retired, they enjoyed being part of Good Sam’s, travelling in their motor home to Yuma, AZ., Elkwater and spending many summers at Pine Lake. Always, and most important to them both was being with family and their close friends. After Elmer’s passing, Madge chose to live each day to the fullest. She had deep faith and knew she would join her husband, son and so many other loved ones when it was her time. Madge was able to enjoy more travel, returning to England, trips to Phoenix, PV Mexico and the Grand Canyon. Last summer she was keen to travel to Hope, Idaho for her grand-daughter’s wedding and camping with family for 10 days. Madge showed so much love and devotion to her family and to those who were like family to her. She was always excited and proud to share stories about her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Madge amazed us all with her memory of any dates that held importance to her. “Mom….we will miss you deeply, Love you always, and will keep all our memories close to our Heart. We were blessed to have you as our Mom, Grandma and Great-grandma. Until we meet again sweet mom…." . Sincere thanks to Pastor Steve Zinger for his prayers, support and comfort. Thank you to Dr. Tom Mohanraj, EMS, ER, ICU and Palliative Care for your special care and compassion shown to our mother during her final days. A celebration of Madge’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W.,Ã¢â‚¬Ë†Medicine Hat, on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Steve Zinger, of Redcliff Community Church officiating. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Madge’s name may be directed to the Medicine Hat SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, AB. T1J 3L8 (for her love of animals, especially dogs) or the Medicine Hat &Ã¢â‚¬Ë†District Health Foundation c/o Palliative Care, 666 – 5 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB. T1A 3A9 or the MS Society, 101 – 1201 Kingsway Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB. T1A 2Y2. The Celebration of Madge's life will be live streamed through Cook Southland's website. Those who cannot attend but wish to be a part of the service may choose to visit the Cook Southland Website on Friday, May 22, 2015. Click on the Watch Service In Progress Button located on the left side of the homepage. A new screen will open and the service will start streaming at 1:00 p.m. (MST) (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

MAUREEN ELLIOTT

January 29, 1944 – May 18, 2015
Maureen Elliott passed away peacefully on Monday, May 18, 2015 at the Southwood Hospice in Calgary at the age of 71 years after courageously fighting cancer for 28 months. Maureen was the proud mother of three girls: Elin (Jay) LaForge of Okotoks, AB, Sam (Trever) Miller of Strathmore, AB, and Tara Elliott of Ottawa; and grandmother to Wyatt and Chase LaForge and Aden, Sara, and Mason Miller. Maureen was born in Maple Creek but grew up in Fox Valley and Medicine Hat. She attended the U. of A., graduating in 1964 with a B.Sc. in Math. With her family she moved to the Philippines, and then back to Medicine Hat as her family grew and she moved to Strathmore in 2010. Maureen loved her family, travel, photography & sports. She is pre-deceased by her brother Lynn Lodoen, her father Samuel Andreas Pederson Lodoen, and her mother Mary Theresa Lodoen. A memorial service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2015 at Lord of All Lutheran Church (112 Lakeside Blvd, Strathmore) at 1:30 p.m. To send condolences, please visit Maureen’s obituary at http://www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.

MINA RITTINGER (nee MILLER)

June 27, 1930-May 18, 2015
Our mother Mina was born in Moose Jaw and spent most of her growing years on her parents’ sheep farm near Mortlach, Saskatchewan. Later the family moved into Mortlach where Mom finished her education and worked part time as a telephone operator. Upon graduating she moved to Swift Current where she continued her work for the telephone company and eventually met Alvin who she wed in 1950. They lived briefly in Lethbridge where Glen and Diane were born, then moved back to Swift Current where Cam, Jim, Laurie, and Kevin soon followed.
Although Mom was a member of the Rebecca Lodge, enjoyed many Kiwanis events with Dad, curled, golfed, played bridge, and enjoyed time at LacPelletier, her true passion was her role as homemaker. She was a stay at home mother until we began to leave the nest. Whether it was washing floors, tending to her children and their many friends who were always welcome, or whipping up a meal for the family and any strays Dad or one of us brought home unexpectedly, she was expert at making it all work. In 1973, she decided to get her driver’s license and, with us kids beginning to make our own ways in life, began a new chapter in her life. She served as the Mayor’s wife and about the same time put her homemaking skills to work as an employee of the Swift Current Home Care Association. Mom would eventually move on to working for several years at Fanny’s Fabrics. She spoke often of her favorite trip to the Maritimes, loved chocolate covered marshmallow treats and a good meal of ham and scalloped potatoes.
In July of 2010, Mom moved to The Wellington Retirement Residence in Medicine Hat where her first order of business was to set up a bridge club. She made new friends, joined the social committee, and enjoyed morning coffee as often as she was able. She was an avid sports fan and watched every curling, golf, hockey, baseball, and eventually soccer game available. Mom lived independently, but always enjoyed visits with and phone calls from family, especially her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Mina was predeceased by her husband Al, her eldest son Glen, and her five siblings. She is survived by her children Diane, Cam (Janice), Jim (Janay), Laurie (Lorne) Swalm, Kevin; her daughter-in-law Connie; fourteen grandchildren and seven great-grand children. She will be dearly missed.
Funeral services will be held in the First United Church in Swift Current on Saturday, May 23, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with a private interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Swift Current Broncos Education Fund.
Forwarding arrangements have been made by the Pattison Funeral Home to Warren’s Funeral Home, 126 2nd Ave NE, Swift Current. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Minnie Rittinger, 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

RIDGEWELL

Walter Ridgewell of Medicine Hat passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2015, at the age of 94 years, beloved husband of the late Marion Ridgewell. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Good Samaritan Society c/o 550 Spruce Way SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4P1. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Walter Ridgewell, 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

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