June 13, 2018

By Obituaries on June 13, 2018.

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1929 ~ WALT FENRICK ~ 2018

In the early morning on Friday, 8 June 2018, Walter Fenrick passed away peacefully. Walt was one of the few folks that was born and raised in Medicine Hat, and except for about the 6 months that he spent at a technical drafting school in Ottawa, he lived and worked here for his entire 88 years. He would often say, “This is the best place on earth. Why would I want to live anywhere else?” As a youngster, he grew up downtown; they lived directly above his dad’s jewellery store. Some of his earliest memories were riding around downtown Medicine Hat on his tricycle, occasionally getting a pickled pig’s foot from the butcher down the street or parking his tricycle in the lobby of the theatre and watching a movie where his aunt worked. He spent much of his childhood at his grandfather’s house near Seven Persons creek, just downstream from Kin Coulee. His grandfather was a master gardener who, at least according to Walt, “could grow sunflowers so big that the seeds would fill a washtub, and cornstalks so big you could climb ‘em!” Throughout high school, he worked at the jewellery store both as a salesman (he hated that) and repairing clocks (his dad hated that). His dad was a watchmaker and really didn’t enjoy working on the big stuff. As soon as Walt was old enough, he took over the clock repair side of the business, and continued to repair the clocks for both his dad, and later Harvey Sommers who also worked at the store and eventually opened his own store (Harv’s Jewellery) until they both retired. After high school, he briefly worked on a road crew and a survey crew building highways around Alberta. Always up for a challenge, he thought both jobs would be interesting and challenging, but he found out that all the ‘fun’ stuff was done by huge firms in Calgary, and that being on the crews was just work. Not that he was ever afraid of work…. He just wanted to use his head and his talents a little more. He got his chance when he began work at Suffield. In 1952, he was given the opportunity to go to Ottawa to learn mechanical drafting, and he jumped at the chance. He had always been fascinated by the technical drawings that he had seen in manuals and wanted to know how to do that. That was pretty much at the beginning of his incredibly interesting and satisfying career at Suffield. The skills he learned as a draftsman allowed him to design countless mechanical marvels and the machining and mechanical skills he learned in high school, and by working in the jewellery store allowed him to turn those ideas into real hardware. Holding at least 10 patents, his friends describe him as one of the best techs that has ever worked at Suffield. One of the Suffield Old Boys (SOBs) said, ‘He not only had the ideas…. He could make them happen.’ The job was never boring, and for the most part — save for a few — he loved the guys he worked with. There were huge trials that involved tons of people and tons of overtime and tons of explosives — really big stuff — but it was the pranks that they played on each other, and the fun that they had despite the hard work that made it “…the best place in the world to work.” As another SOB said, “There was a lot more freedom. You could work on your own ideas that MIGHT prove useful.” After working at Suffield for a few years, in 1953, he met the love of his life, Amalie Roth when she was working as a waitress. They dated for a couple of years and on the 15th of September in 1956 they were married. In 1958-1959, together they built the house that they have lived in ever since. But even more important than the house and yard that they built, is the life and the memories they built for their son. In 1962 their son Dennis arrived and life was never the same. Walt was always busy with some project, or hobby, but nothing was more important to him than his family. From building sandboxes, to tricycle trailers, to go-carts, to homemade air-hockey tables, nothing was too much work for his little boy. Along with all of the ‘stuff’ that Walt built, the yearly tent camping trips offered endless teaching opportunities. There are pictures of chopping wood, and holding fish, and hiking through the mountains with Walt and Uncle Ray and building ponds and countless summer BBQs/birthday parties for Auntie Arlene and Shelly. There are photos of his little boy painting the tricycle wagon, and running the lathe, and later the milling machine, all under his watchful eye. As Dennis says, “He was a VERY patient and careful teacher. I owe more of my career to my Dad than to any of my formal education.” Walt retired from Suffield after 33 years, but not one to simply ‘be retired’, he started Chart Drive Maintenance Service (CDMS). Before the days of wireless telemetry, the production from each natural gas well was recorded on a paper chart driven by a mechanical chart drive movement. Over the next 20 years, he serviced over 5000 mechanical chart drives. As times changed, the mechanical chart drive movements were replaced by quartz controlled units, and Walt was able to service them…. much to the chagrin of the clock companies that were really only interested in selling new clocks. Eventually, and about the time that Walt was getting ready to ‘hang it up’, the data collection began to be recorded electronically, and he closed CDMS. During the CDMS years, Walt’s grandson Hayden was born, and just like when Dennis was young, it didn’t matter how busy Walt was, there was always time for ‘Grampa’s Little Boy’. Dennis recalls losing his position in the pecking order as soon as Hayden arrived. He was no longer greeted by, “Hi. How ya doin’?” It had been replaced forever by, “Hi. How’s Grampa’s Little Boy?”, or “What’s Grampa’s Little Boy up to?” Walt was a careful, ingenious man who was a tremendous husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, and friend. He was always busy, but he was never too busy to help out his family or friends. Survived by his wife, Amalie; son, Dennis and daughter-in-law Linda; grandson, Hayden; sister, Arlene; niece, Shelly; and numerous SOBs, he will always be loved, and very much missed.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, on Friday, June 15th, 2018 from 12:30 until to 1:25 p.m. The Funeral Service will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, on Friday, June 15th, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Maury McNeil officiating. Interment will take place at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Walter's memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Walt Fenrick. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park" #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.

1931 ~ DON McARTHUR ~ 2018

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Donald "Don" Asa McArthur (also known as Bud) of Irvine, Alberta, on Monday, June 11th, 2018 at the age of 86 years. His memory will live on in the hearts of all those whose lives he has touched. Left to cherish his memory are his seven children, Barry (Donna) McArthur, Rita Brisson, Sandi (Kim) Flexhaug, Donna Leroux, Darlene McArthur, Gayle McArthur and Edward McArthur; along with ten grandchildren; and thirteen great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Donald and Bella McArthur; and his son, Murray McArthur. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, on Friday from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. A Celebration of Don's Life will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, on Saturday, June 16th, 2018 at 4:30 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Don's memory may be made to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, 340A Maple Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 7L5. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Don McArthur. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park" #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.

1947 ~ KENNETH KANEWISCHER ~ 2018

With his family by his side, Ken Kanewischer passed away on Friday, June 8, 2018 at St. Joseph's Home, at the age of 70 years old. Ken is survived by his loving wife, Shirley; and their daughter, Krystal Guevara (Javier, and children: Natalia and Dominik); their son, Korey Kanewischer; his sister, Adrienne Clements (Rob, and daughters: Brandy and Leigh); brother/sister-in law, Bill and Doreen Miskiw (children: Kelly, Rob and Anita); as well as his great nieces and nephews, and many extended family members. Ken was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Hilda; and his parents in-law, John and Nancy Miskiw. Ken was born on July 4, 1947 and attended Schuler School, graduating in 1965. His first job after helping on the family farm was at Maple Leaf Mills before he began his first career as a Steam Engineer at the Medicine Hat Power Plant. In 1972, he bought some farmland and was into farming again. On May 5, 1979 Ken and Shirley were married and blessed with the ideal family: Krystal in 1981 and Korey in 1984. After 14 years with the City of Medicine Hat he began farming full time again. In 1984 he worked briefly at the Sugar Beet Factory for 5 months and in 1988 at Mickey's Transfer. Ken retired from working in 2012 but continued with running the farm. Ken's hobbies and fun activities included curling, working on cars, and dabbling in the kitchen. He loved to get together with family and friends to share memories and tell stories. Ken had a passion for the country life and the beauty of nature. He had many animals over the years at the farm that he lovingly took care of. He was always there to lend a hand to anyone who needed it and he was a father figure to many. Ken was a loving Husband, Dad and Grandpa, with a heart of gold, who will be greatly missed. The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, on Saturday, June 16, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. Expressions of sympathy can be extended by donations to Carmel Hospice c/o St. Joseph's Home, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 2P5. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ken Kanewischer. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park" #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.

1984 ~ DUSTIN RIDDELL ~ 2018

Dustin Link Riddell of Medicine Hat passed away on Saturday, June 9th, 2018 at the age of 34 years. Memorial gifts in Dustin's memory may be made to a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Dustin Riddell. Funeral will be announced when completed by
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park" #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5 (403)528-2599 http://www.saamis.com inquiry@saamis.com Locally owned and directed CGR Holdings Ltd.

HILGENDORF

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Caroline Hilgendorf (nee Schiebelbein) on Thursday, June 7, 2018, at the age of 63 years. Carol will be forever missed by her loving husband Hardy, their sons, Nathan (Trina), Christopher (Tara), and Andrew (Megan), her mother Gabrielle Schiebelbein, mothers-in law Erna Ohman and Johanna Hilgendorf, and her grandchildren Brody, Adam, Chloe, Issac, Julian, Jasper, Cannon, Jovi, Bentley, Hudson, Madelyn and Katelyn. She will also be sadly missed by her sisters Cecilia (Ron), Mary Anne (Sam), Debbie, Cathy, Joan (Ron), and her brothers Danny (Carol), Richard (Elaine), Jim (Ann), Mark (Bev), and Steve (Shelly), as well as her in-laws Rita (Doug) and Frank (Lorraine). She will also be missed by numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and many friends. Carol is predeceased by her father John Schiebelbein, father-in-law Kurt Hilgendorf, and her sister-in-law Jodi Hilgendorf. Carol was born in Medicine Hat on August 31, 1954. After graduating from McCoy High School she entered the work force and worked in a number of jobs, including running her own retail store which specialized in Christmas merchandise which she loved. She retired as a unit clerk from the Medicine Hat Hospital and then put her efforts into making a home for her family in Elkwater. Carol was an avid snowman collector and prided herself in keeping an immaculate home. She also had a love for movies and music which she shared with everyone in her life. Her greatest love and pride in life was her husband, and her three sons. Over the years Carol enjoyed playing golf, knitting, attending Nascar, watching the Toronto Blue Jays, travelling and especially spending time with her grandchildren and walking her dog, Junior.
May she rest in peace.
Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Wednesday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (238 2nd Ave N.E.) on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 1:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend. A private family interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the S.P.C.A. – 55 Southwest Drive SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 8E8. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Carol Hilgendorf, 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

DEBBY SCHMIDT

1951 ~ 2018
It is with great sadness that the family of Deborah “Debby” Jane Schmidt, announce her passing in Medicine Hat on Sunday, June 10, 2018, at the age of 67 years. Debby’s beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her husband of 43 years, Wayne Schmidt; beloved son, Michael (Natasha) Schmidt (Chase, Ryland, Holden); daughter, Melanie (Patrick) Schmunk (Dayton, Skyler); brother, Stuart (Sharon) LeBlanc; sister, Yvonne Toms (Derm Hynes); brother-in-law, Terry (Dorothy) Schmidt; sister-in-law, Elaine Schmidt; numerous aunts, uncles and cousins as well as eight nieces and her many friends, especially her ‘bestie’ of 30 years, Marilyn (Len) Heckbert. Debby was predeceased by her parents, Leonard and Violet LeBlanc and her father and mother-in-law, Frank and Doris Weimer. Debby was born in Medicine Hat to the late Leonard and Violet LeBlanc on February 22, 1951. Life as they knew it would never be the same. With this special gift, they raised a kind, loving and caring daughter who became an exemplary wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and loyal friend. Her spirit and influence will remain in the lives of all who knew her. Debby quietly departed this life while surrounded by the people she loved so dearly and was comforted by knowing she would reunite with her Mom and Dad in heaven. Special thanks to the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre and St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice for the exceptional care provided to Debby. A come and go celebration of Debby’s life will be held in the Helen Beny Gibson Lounge (First Floor in City Hall) on Thursday, June 14, 2018, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, donations in memory of Debby may be made to the Medicine Hat SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8 or to the Alberta Pound and Rescue Centre, 1002 South Railway Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2W2. Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455

PHYLLIS JANKE

With the sun shining brightly, family and close friends gathered at Hillside Cemetery this past Thursday to bid farewell to a lady who lived a full life. Although she will be dearly missed, her memory will not be forgotten.

If a memory is cherished,
Their life lives on…
In the hearts of all dear,
Always missed… never gone!

Her Life Lived…
Her Life Cherished…
Her Life Honoured.

Courtesy of
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455