September 13, 2018

By Obituaries on September 13, 2018.

1933 ~ BOB PORTER ~ 2018

PORTER: Robert (Bob) Harold Porter, beloved husband of Donna-Lee, passed away in Medicine Hat, Alberta on Monday, September 10th, 2018 at the age of 85 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his sons,
Lee
(Cindy) Porter and their children Jordan (Ryan) Pancoast (Asher and Dylen) and Hayden;
Rick
(Janet) Porter and their children Kalan, Kelsey and MacKenzie; and daughter
Marni
(Mark) Semrau and their children Hunter and Lucas. He was predeceased by his parents Emerson and Thelma Porter. Bob was born in Medicine Hat on August 14th, 1933 and raised south of Irvine on the RP Ranch (est. 1883). In 1957, Bob married Donna-Lee Harstead of Brooks, Alberta. Together, they resided on the ranch for over 60 years, raising cattle and buffalo as committed and dedicated stewards of the land. Bob had a strong devotion to his community. He was a long time member and elder of St. John’s Presbyterian Church. He served as President of Kinsmen Club of Medicine Hat, Medicine Hat Shrine Club, Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede, Cypress Club, Chinook Club and Cypress Progressive Conservative Association. He was on the Board of Directors of the Western Stock Growers Association, Alberta Cattle Commission, Alberta Grazing Lease Association, Alberta Press Council and the Medicine Hat Community Foundation. Bob served 2 terms in the House of Commons in Ottawa as Member of Parliament for Medicine Hat (1984 and re-elected in 1988). He was the recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal – County of Cypress in 1988; served as the Stampede liaison for the 1996 Great Centennial Cattle Drive; was awarded Rangeman of the Year in 2008 by the Calgary Stampede; received an Honorary Applied Degree (Medicine Hat College) in 2010 and was the Honorary Parade Marshall for the Medicine Hat Stampede in 2016. Of his many accomplishments, nothing meant more to Bob than the treasured time spent with his family. He delighted in the many musical and sporting activities of his children and grandchildren and rarely missed an event or recital. His most cherished times were family sing-alongs at the ranch with Donna-Lee at the piano. Bob will be deeply missed as a pragmatic and compassionate confidant to his many friends from various walks of life. He will be warmly remembered for his quick wit and dry sense of humour. He lived his life honourably with unwavering integrity and steadfast devotion to his family, his community and his country. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the St. John’s Presbyterian Memorial Fund (502 – 2nd Street SE, Medicine Hat, T1A 0C6), The Heart and Stroke Foundation (#340A Maple Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 7LS) or the Community Foundation of Medicine Hat & South Eastern Alberta (Rm 104, 403 – 6th Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 2S8). The Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at the CYPRESS CENTRE, 2055 – 21st Avenue SE, on Sunday, September 16th, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. with Dr. David J. Carter and Reverend Jeff Lackie co-officiating. A private interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bob Porter. 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.

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BIEMANS

Elizabeth (Liz) Johanna Biemans peacefully went to be with the Lord on Saturday September 8, 2018 at the wonderful age of 90 years at Riverview Care Center. She was the beloved and devoted wife of the late Peter Biemans. She leaves to cherish her memory three sons, Ken (Marlene) of Seven Persons (children Curtis and Alexander (Melissa); Roger (Lynda) of CastleRock, Colorado (children Danielle and Janessa (Cody); Mario (Sonia) of Seven Persons (children Matthew and Kyra); one daughter-in-law, Janet of Seven Persons (children Trevor and Traci (Brandon); three brothers, Rom (Nel) of Holland, Jan (Dina) of Holland, Ken (Rita) of Medicine Hat; two sisters, Mien Veschuren of Holland, Nel Leyten of Holland, also numerous nieces and nephews. Liz was predeceased by her parents Petrus and Johanna Graumans; her husband Peter Biemans; one granddaughter Christina; one son Peter Biemans; her brother Jos Graumans; and her sister Johanna Bartels. Liz was born on December 24, 1927, in Etten Leure, Holland. She was the second of eight children to be born into her farming family. In Liz’s early twenties she caught the attention of a handsome dreamer man from a nearby town. He was a restless soul that talked of little else than the fantastic life that they could have together if they moved to Canada to farm. While she found him unspeakably charming she was skeptical enough to say ”go check it out and I will wait for you”. He did indeed return after a couple years more excited about Canada than ever and asked Liz to marry him. In 1954, she married her life partner Peter Biemans and set off for Canada. It was when Mom and Dad got off the train in Lethbridge that they knew that their dreams were going to come true in this great new land. About nine months after the boat and train ride in 1955 their son Ken was born, and Peter Jr. in 1956. They wanted to be their own bosses so they got hold of some likely not very good land to rent near Lethbridge. Mom and Dad learned quickly that farming didn’t always go smoothly. Later, Mom upon reflection on how trying it was at the beginning, would comment that with nowhere to go but up for the first quite a few years, it just seemed normal to have no money. They would persevere off the faith that things would someday fall into place. What helped a lot, they did make friends who were doing exactly the same thing and with mutual hope they would keep pressing forward. Mom took jobs cooking and doing housework, and Dad would work in the coal mines. In 1960, Mom and Dad and the boys left for Seven Persons where government land was available for sale to new farmers on reasonable terms. They had qualified under the program and were now the owners of their very own farm (no buildings, no electricity, just land), but exciting just the same. A tractor that barely ran, 2 milk cows, a few pigs and chickens, and some corral lumber is what they arrived with. Armed with what the school of hard knocks started to teach them the first few years about the virtue of hard work, overcoming obstacles, they soon recognized the thrill and the gratefulness of true achievement and it became their driving force. Mom and Dad were the perfect team; perhaps most importantly Mom with her unswerving faith and confidence in Dad; and Dad with the guts to stick his neck out when it just felt right. Right away in the Seven Persons adventure in 1960, Roger was born, and soon after in 1963, Mario was born. Mom and Dad made many good friends while at Seven Persons all of whom they had tremendous respect for and shared lots of fun times with. During this time Mom and Dad also stayed very well connected to friends and relatives who came to southern Alberta in the same manner as they did. It was never ending birthday parties or seemingly never ending church parking lot visits. Once Mom and Dad got on their feet, they agreed the world was bigger than Seven Persons and they wanted to see some of it. For a few years they would just travel to places purely to see what they were like. As retirement got closer, Mom and Dad were more interested in escaping our winters by traveling to their place in Arizona to relax and play golf. By now their home was in Medicine Hat. They were so content with how things had turned out for them. Grandchildren came into the picture adding incredibly to the sense of satisfaction and a job well done. Life took a new turn for Mom when Dad passed away in 1999. She developed stronger passions for visiting friends, Holy Family Church, gardening, walking, swimming, playing cards, bargain hunting, jigsaw puzzles, word puzzles, flower gazing, knitting baby toques all helping to stay engaged now that she had more time for herself. That solace of solitude didn’t last long as she fell in with three ladies in a similar situation to her, who collectively and affectionately became the Saturday Evening Holy Family Church Ladies. While their faithfulness to God and to Holy Family Church was the focal point for their acquaintance, they truly became very good friends and did lots of socializing together, and traveling, and who knows what else. Those ladies were so precious to her. Inspirational is a word fitting of Mom’s effect on her family. She relayed so quietly but succinctly to her children what it means to truly be grateful for the opportunity of living a rewarding life, and how what you believe is what is going to become real. This is on top of being a caring, supportive, loving, and all around wonderful Mom. What many of those around her might think of right off the bat to describe Liz is her incredibly captivating smile. As time went by, Mom’s health started slowing her down, she would often reflect “I can’t believe I have lived so long, I know I am living a wonderful life”. Perhaps on account of her tenacious independence she would not complain but instead embraced the fact that she was getting on in years. When her independence was not enough to carry the day, she was then gracious enough to let others help. Her family is very grateful for the dedicated care provided to Liz by the health aids, nurses, physiotherapists, and doctors involved in her recent care. Finally, Thank You so much to all the beautiful people in Mom’s life adventure, her relatives, her friends, her neighbors, everybody!
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. and on Thursday at the church from 9:30 – 10:25 a.m. Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated in the Holy Family Parish, (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Thursday, September 13, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6 or online at http://www.myhealthfoundation.ca . To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Liz Biemans, 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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DARLENE WARDMAN

August 25, 1940 ~ September 9, 2018

It is with broken hearts that we, the family of Darlene Margaret Wardman, beloved wife of John, announce her passing at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice on Sunday, September 9, 2018, at the age of 78 years. Along with John, Darlene leaves to cherish her memory her children, Vicky (Paul) Proffitt, Wendy (Albert) Bosch, Richard Wardman and Cheryl (Leroy) Yanke; 11 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; special niece, Julie (Mark) Coraini as well as her sisters-in-law, Linda Hirsekorn and Joan (David) Lawrence. Darlene was predeceased by her parents, Edward and Lorena Byers and her parents-in-law, Tom and Emma Wardman. Darlene was born, raised and educated in Medicine Hat. She married John Wardman on April 7, 1961, in Winnipeg, Manitoba and they moved back to Medicine Hat in 1961. Darlene was involved with the live music club and enjoyed camping, crocheting, playing darts and doing crossword puzzles.The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses on 5 West and 4 West at MHRH, Tom Baker Centre, Foothills Hospital and St. Joseph’s Home for all the care they provided to Darlene through her illness. A Come & Go Celebration will be held at Whiskey Creek Pub, 937 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, September 14, 2018, starting at 3:00 p.m. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre c/o MH & District Health Foundation, 666 – 5 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 4H6; Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, #340A Maple Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 7L5 or to the Canadian Liver Foundation, Suite 309, 1010 – 1 Avenue N.E., Calgary AB., T2E 7W7. 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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FYKE

John Allister Fyke, 78, of 40 Mile Park, Alberta and Englewood, Florida passed away Thursday September 6th, 2018 at Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary with his wife and his daughters by his side. John is survived by his wife, Dona of 40 Mile Park and Englewood, Florida; daughter Kendy (Tim) Elliott of Coldstream, British Columbia and Englewood, Florida; daughter Danielle (Mike) Fyke-Bobowski of Charlotte, North Carolina; and his five grandchildren: Jordyn Elliott, Taylor Elliott (Jennette Mead), Dannica Beck, Britton Bobowski, and Halen Bobowski. Additionally, he is survived by two sisters-in-law Verna (Ken) Pollock and Darlene Renner (Lyle Weis), brother-in-law Ron (Debbie) Remus and several nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind his special buddy, Paulie, the squawking parrot, and many friends across the globe.
John was preceded in death by his two children, Jolaine Fyke in August 2009 and Robert Fyke in November 2009, as well as his parents Ross and Myrtle Fyke, his mother and father-in-law Bertha and Herbert Remus, and his brother-in-law Terry Renner.
John was born July 17, 1940, in Medicine Hat, Alberta to Ross and Myrtle (Geddes) Fyke. At a young age, John acquired a passion for music and taught himself how to play many instruments; including the upright bass, electric guitar, acoustic guitar, violin, tuba, organ and any instrument he put in his hands. He went on to play in his high school band, the City Band, and the Militia band. A graduate of Medicine Hat High School in 1957, he excelled in electronics. He worked as a lifeguard and taught music lessons in order to earn enough money to buy his first Fender guitar—the same guitar that launched constant theme of music throughout his life.
John was an employee at Dominion Glass when he met and courted Dona Fyke, formerly Dona Remus. On September 1, 1962, John and Dona wed in a church ceremony in Medicine Hat. Five days before his passing, they celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. Together they had four children.
In the early 1970’s, John and Dona opened their first music store, Fyke's Music Centre, and a record store called Jumpin' John's. Soon after, Fyke's Music Centre became a chain where John spent the majority of his career teaching music lessons, selling instruments and electronics, and supporting the local music scene and upcoming musicians. During this time, John also became an amateur HAM radio operator and remained an active HAM club member up until his death. The family would often hear the familiar HAM signal of "CQ CQ this is VE6 AIV" calling out to people across the globe from his home office. Some of John’s notable HAM radio friends were the late King Hussein of Jordan and Joe Walsh of the Eagles. John was also active in many businesses, owning many properties and investment firms.
John was never one to sit still. He picked up many hobbies over the years such as motorcycle riding, chess, boating, travelling, and a love of birds. As a friend recalls, one day while on a motorcycle ride, he and his friend commented that they should pick up a safer hobby….so they decided to get their pilots’ licenses! John received his private pilot license, bought an airplane (or two) and flew his family and friends all over North America–oftentimes, flying to Lethbridge for "just a piece of pie.”
A celebration of his life will be held at Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Friday, September 14, 2018 at 1:30 p.m. With Life Celebrant, David Townsend. A reception and jam session at The Beveridge, located at 620 2nd Street Medicine Hat will follow immediately after the service.
Those who wish to remember John with a donation, may do so to Halo Rescue at http://www.HaloRescue.ca or to #12 49 Viscount Ave SW Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 5G4. Halo is a local organization that provides emergency airlifting to trauma patients in the Southeast Alberta and Saskatchewan regions. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: John Fyke, 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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JOHNSON

Elizabeth Martha Johnson of Medicine Hat, passed away with family by her side on Friday, August 31, 2018, at the age of 83 years. She leaves to cherish her memory six children, Donna Johnson, Valinda Johnson (Gary Oliver), Karl Johnson, Sharon (Wade) Newfeld, Larry Johnson, William Johnson; four grandchildren, Bo, Misty, Zara (Chris), Devon; three great grandchildren, Rayne, Kahlan and Illiana; two brothers, Roy (Mabel) Johnson, Fred Johnson and six sisters, Marion Yanke, Lorraine (Jim) Bjarnason, Evelyn Jesse, Betty Christopherson, Shirley (Louie) Goulet and Margaret (LeRoy) Marthaller; her aunt Martha Bohnet as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Freda and Carl Johnson; her first husband Wesley Johnson; her partner Bill Byzuk; one brother Edward Johnson; three nephews, three brothers-in-law, Bill Yanke, Edwin Jesse and Dennis Christopherson. Family and friends are invited to a Come and Go Reception at Whiskey Creek, Creekside Reception room (937 13th Street SW), on Friday, September 14, 2018 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. A private family interment will take place in Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, #220, 6223 2nd Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1J5. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Elizabeth Johnson, 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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MILLEY

Alwin Edward Milley passed away on Wednesday, September 12, 2018, at the age of 80 years, beloved husband of Tina Milley of Redcliff. A private time of family remembrance will be held at a later date. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Alwin Milley, 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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