January 2, 2016

By Obituaries on January 2, 2016.

1925 ~ THOMPSON ~ 2015

George Adelbert THOMPSON passed away on December 27th, 2015 at the age of 90 years. Predeceased by his wife of 64 years, he said shortly before his passing that he thought he would go see how beautiful Fern is. He was so looking forward to seeing her again. Of all the many variations of his names that he was known by, he said that Bert was his favourite, because that was what Fern called him.
Bert left this life in celebratory style. He loved a good party and he was so pleased to be able to celebrate his 90th birthday on October 2nd with so many of his family and friends. Although admitted to hospital a week before his passing, he was able to get some time off for good behaviour and attended a family Christmas Eve gathering with many of us. He was one big smile from ear to ear and he took time to express his love to all of us. He was able to visit with family right up until and throughout the day before he died and he amazed us with his energy and love and care and concern for all of his family.
Family was everything to Bert. He loved to regale everyone he met with the sheer enormity of his posterity. He is survived by his seven children and their spouses – Bob (Ruth), Allan (Carol), Connie (Jack Guenther), Nancy (Eric Nielsen), Jerry (Jeannette), Jeff (Janine) and Jayne (Allen Hale). He had 31 grandchildren (22 with spouses); and 52 great- grandchildren, with more on the way. He told us all that he had the best family ever, and he believed it. His parents, Joseph and Mary, and his siblings, Lucille, Eveylin and Donald, had gone on ahead of him, and he is survived by his sisters, Alene and Marie; and brother, John.
Bert loved to sing. He was a barbershopper for over 30 years. He was always whistling or humming or singing a little tune, right up until the end. Of all the old songs he knew, we are sure that he knew the one that goes: “accentuate the positive, eliminate the negative”, because that is the way he lived his life. We will always remember him and love him for his gentle and kind nature and his happy, eternally optimistic outlook on life. His vocabulary consisted of words like wonderful, fantastic, and our favourite: “Wow!”. He loved life and he loved people.
Bert loved to swim. This was his daily exercise for many years. He started to slow down a bit, but he was still swimming the week before he went into the hospital. His barbershop buddies and his swimming pals became some of his closest friends.
Bert loved to dance. That is how he met Fern. We are all hoping that they have a good dance band in heaven, because then it really will be heaven for them.
Bert loved to tell stories about his childhood and his time in the Army and of all of his adventures through the years. His stories sometimes became larger than life, but as he often said with a twinkle in his eye: “Why ruin a perfectly good story by embellishing it with too much truth?”
Bert’s heart was enlarged before he died. We don’t think his heart could have been any bigger. He loved his family so much and we loved him in return. With such a big family, his heart needed to be big enough to love all of us. When drifting off shortly before his passing, he was asked what he was dreaming about. With a smile on his face, his one word answer said it all: LOVE.
We can only imagine that Bert is looking forward to one more party with all of his family and friends as we join together to pay our final tribute to him later this week. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, 7 Sierra Boulevard SW, on Saturday from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. The Funeral Service will be held at the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS on Saturday, January 2nd, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Bishop Jordan Mulholland conducting. Memorial gifts in Bert’s memory may be made to the Palliative Care Unit, c/o Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation, 666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bert Thompson. 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

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1930 ~ BRIERE ~ 2015

Helene Briere of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Paul Briere, passed away after a long struggle with heart disease on Saturday, December 26th, 2015 at the age of 85 years. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Wednesday, December 30th, 2015 at 10:00 a.m. 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

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1933 ~ RAPSON ~ 2015

Wilfred "Wilf" Alan Rapson of Bow Island, beloved husband of the late Dorothy Rapson, passed away on Monday, December 28th, 2015 at the age of 82 years. Wilf leaves to cherish his memory his children: Lorne Rapson and his children, Graham and Layne (Josh); Kim (Ron) Goertzen and their children, Justin (Misty) and their daughter, Shae, and Aaron (Alex); Barb Cote-Parisien (deceased) and her children, Nathan (Marcy) and their children, Lyle, Robin and Courtney, and Angela (Tim); Val (Jim) McLellan and their children, Brooks, Bret, and Bailey; Susanne (Randy) Hammel and their children, Stephanie and her son, Marcus, Kayla (Darren) and Matthew (Rochelle); one brother, Don (Eve) Rapson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Wilf was predeceased by his wife, Dorothy in 2011; his parents, Earl and Olive; two daughters, Barb Cote-Parisien and Angela Rapson; one grandson, Corey Sirovyak; three brothers, Jim, Chuck, and Ken; and two sisters, Hazel and Marie. Wilf grew up in Southern Alberta and moved to Medicine Hat where he met Dorothy. They were married on November 25th, 1953 in St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church in Bow Island. They lived in Medicine Hat until 1969 when they moved to Bow Island where they continued to reside and raise their family. Wilf enjoyed fishing in his younger years, driving truck, and watching hockey throughout his life. His most precious times were those spent with his family and friends. Wilf will be lovingly remembered by all those who knew and loved him. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at ST. MICHAEL'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1101 – 1st Street East, Bow Island, on Wednesday from 3:00 to 3:55 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at ST. MICHAEL'S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH on Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. with Father Fred Monk officiating. A Private Interment will take place on Thursday, December 31st, 2015 at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Wilf's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, #102, 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1Z8, or to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #102, 73 – 7th Street SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1J2. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Wilf Rapson. 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

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1934 ~ HANNA ~ 2015

Elwin "Pat" Hugh Hanna, beloved husband of Ethel Hanna of Medicine Hat, passed away on Thursday, December 24th, 2015 at the age of 81 years. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Wednesday, December 30th, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. 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

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1954 ~ LEHMAN ~ 2015

Wendy Lehman, beloved wife of Lorne Lehman of Medicine Hat, passed away on Monday, December 28th, 2015 at the age of 61 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed by
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

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CARLESS, Edwin John

Edwin passed away on December 24, 2015. He is survived by his wife, Julie Carless; children Sandra Carless (David Grose), Steven (Lisa) Carless, Brent Carless (Clint Lawrence), and Nancy Carless (Myron Deis); grandchildren Carlton and Ryan Klevgaard and Delaney and Shane Carless; sisters Edith Stratulate, Joyce Stratford, and Mary Carless; and numerous family members. He was predeceased by his parents, Anna “Dudi” and Theodore “Ted” Carless and his brother Charles “Chuck” Carless. Ed began working in the oil and gas industry beginning in 1954 at Canadian Industries Ltd. Throughout his long career he worked with several companies as Superintendent of Operations responsible for properties from Fort St. John B.C. to Dallas Texas. Ed concluded his career as Manager of Field Operations with West Coast Petroleum Ltd., retiring in 1996. After his retirement he enjoyed travelling to Victoria, many road trips, and golfing with Julie. A private service will be held for the immediate family. To send condolences, please visit http://www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.

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ERESMAN

John Eresman of Medicine Hat passed away on Wednesday, December 23, 2015, at the age of 77 years, beloved husband of the late Lavina Eresman. He leaves to cherish his memory four children, Rick (Cheryle) Eresman and Sherry Eresman all of Calgary, Tracy Eresman and Travis (Christina) Eresman all of Medicine Hat; eleven grandchildren, Nicole, Ashley, Blade (Karla), Jennifer, James, Katelyn, Abigail, Skylar, Danielle, Hanna and Lete; six great grandchildren Maddex, Myan, Ayson, Kassidie, Kinleigh and Alana; three brothers, Charlie Eresman, Ralph (Linda) Eresman and Walter (Barb) Eresman; two sisters, Rose (Tony) Lanz and Annie Nickel as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Katherine and Michael Eresman; his wife Lavina on March 23, 2009; one son Michael and two sisters Angela and Carol. John was born on July 29, 1938 at Fox Valley, Saskatchewan and at the age of 13 moved with his family to Medicine Hat. On August 5, 1961 he married Lavina Tschritter and they made Medicine Hat their home. John worked at the Flour Mill for many years. He then began a career in excavating, working for Maes Trucking, Pahl Sand and Gravel and eventually owning his own business, JE Excavating. He eventually sold his equipment to and worked for Davidson Excavating where he was considered one of the best Track Hoe Operators in Western Canada. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Wednesday, December 30, 2015 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 Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT & NU, 100 – 119 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 . To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: John Eresman, 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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FRIESS

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Otto Friess on Wednesday, December 24, 2015, at the age of 87 years. Otto leaves to cherish his memory two children Victor (Anne) Friess and Ingrid (Gerald) Andres, both of Medicine Hat; seven grandchildren and six great grandchildren, Josh Ehman and his children Korbin and Kaine; Matthew (Amanda) Friess and their children Charlotte and Lydia; Chris (Jennifer) Friess and their children, Weston and Levi; Zach Friess, Brandon, Courtney and Alexander Andres. Also, his special love Lily Stonjeck; three sisters-in-law Lily Friess and Elfriede Lasslop of Calgary and Erika Baedke of Medicine Hat; one brother-in-law John (Else) Baedke as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Otto was predeceased by his wife Elsie (Baedke) Friess in 1999; his parents, Wilhem and Maria Friess; two brothers, Emil Friess (1974) and Reinhold (Maria) Friess (2004); one sister Rosel (Walter) Nawrot (2015); one daughter-in-law, Zoeanne Friess (2001); a sister-in-law and brother-in-law Wilma (Herbert) Ritter, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Alwin and Amalia Baedke, brother-in-law Otto Baedke, brother-in-law Julius Lasslop. Otto was born on September 23, 1928 in Leipzig, Bessarabia. He was the youngest of four children. Otto and his family relocated to Leipzig, Germany in 1940, and in 1952, Otto came by ship to Canada to start a new life after the war and to experience new adventures. At that time he was 23 years old and worked for a farmer in Hanna, and also worked for the CP Rail in Calgary. Otto met his wife, Elsie Baedke in Calgary and were married on December 31, 1955, in Lethbridge. After they were married they continued to live in Calgary and they built their first house in January of 1959. In 1968, Otto and Elsie moved with their children Victor and Ingrid to Medicine Hat to be closer to family. They settled on a farm five miles down the Holsom Road where Otto continued to farm and also worked at CP Rail to raise and support his family. He was a very hard worker. Along with growing crops he loved raising cattle, chickens, ducks and geese. In 1989, Otto retired from CP Rail at the age of 61 years. They continued to work on the farm and also enjoyed regular trips to Banff, Radium and Fairmont, Hawaii and Germany. Otto with the help of his daughter-in-law Zoeanne looked after Elsie with her failing health until her passing in 1999. Otto loved spending time with is family and friends and was especially proud of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. His face would light up every time he spoke of them. In 2008, Otto met Lily Stonjeck and that is when their journey together began. They enjoyed going to dances at the Veiner Centre, the Germany Harmony Club in Redcliff and taking bus trips together. Otto will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and at the church on Thursday from 12:00 to 12:55 p.m. The funeral service will be held in St. Peter Lutheran Church (758 8th Street SE) on Thursday, December 31, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT & NU, 100 – 119 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 or the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank, 532 South Railway Street SE, Medicine Hat, T1A 2V6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Otto Friess, 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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STAPELTON

Ida Stapelton of Milk River, passed away on Monday, December 28, 2015, at the age of 81 years, beloved wife of the late Henry Stapelton. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Ida Stapelton, 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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YEAST

It is with heavy hearts that we announce that Clayton Adam Yeast passed away on Saturday, December 26, 2015, at the age of 33 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Danelle and their children, his pride and joy, Hannah and Lincoln. The funeral service will be held in Higdon Hall at the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede Grounds on Saturday, January 2, 2016 at 3:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. Interment will take place at St. Margaret’s Cemetery near Elkwater. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Clayton Yeast, 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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