August 2, 2019

By Obituaries on August 2, 2019.

HAVINGA

Caroline Eberhardt, wife of Ralph Havinga, is very saddened to announce Ralph’s passing on July 6, 2019 at Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat. Ralph was born March 23, 1953 in London, Ontario. He is predeceased by his father Michael Havinga from Niagara Falls, ON and sister in-law Monika Eberhardt from Medicine Hat. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 14 years, Caroline Eberhardt, two sons Devon Havinga and Myles (Nicole) Havinga, his mother, Jeanne Cuthbert (Ken), step mother Joan Havinga, brothers Michael Havinga (Andrea), Ken Havinga (Laurie) and sister Donna Havinga, father and mother in law Albert and Stefanie Eberhardt, sister in law Angela Eberhardt (Keith Schneider) and nieces Emily, Brynne, nephews Nick, Jack, Tom, Daniel and Devon S. as well as his sweet pup Sadie and numerous dear friends. As a young man Ralph enjoyed nature creating many special memories in Junior Forest Rangers, Boy Scouts and eventually becoming a Scout Leader. He also was gifted in music, playing the trombone and trumpet in the Senator and Bugle Corps. Ralph taught himself to play guitar and later in life created a CD called “A Life Well Travelled”, for which he wrote and performs all of the songs. Ralph always had a love for Alberta and moved to Calgary in 1981. He then ventured North to Yellowknife for a short time before settling in Medicine Hat in 1985, where his boys, Devon and Myles were born. His sons meant everything to him and he was so proud of the fine young men they grew up to be and so honoured to be their father.Ralph had many interesting careers in his life. He began working in a senior’s home, followed by a psychiatric hospital. He then went on to surveying and construction with Pilen Construction and Volker Stevin. When he moved to Medicine Hat he worked briefly for MJB Enterprises before accepting a position with the City of Medicine Hat in the Water and Sewer Department, eventually becoming Water and Sewer Operations Manager. In 2008 Ralph accepted a position as General Manager of Newel Regional Services Corporation in Brooks, remaining there until his retirement in 2018. He was instrumental in growing the company and working closely with a board of directors to develop a regional water system, piping safe drinking water to Bassano, Rosemary and other communities within the County of Newell. He was very passionate about his work and commuted to Brooks every day from Medicine Hat. Ralph was often heard saying that during the drive up he would think of plan A, while the drive home gave him time to come up with plan B. He loved and respected all of the people he worked with over the years. In 2004 he married his soulmate, Caroline Eberhardt who loved him dearly. Together they enjoyed many exciting travels to Europe as well as frequenting two of their favourite places, Florida and Hawaii. They also loved their trailer, spending time camping, fishing and recently purchased a RV lot in Radium, BC. Sharing many common interests, including their love of music, Ralph and Caroline enjoyed performing together during services at Victory Lutheran Church and belonging to the Medicine Hat College Adult Choir. When cancer became a part of their life in 2013, Ralph always remained strong and incredibly positive. After numerous setbacks and unbelievably tough surgeries, he always bounced back amazing us all with his strength and positive outlook on life. We would like to thank the many Doctors on his medical team Dr. Booyens, Dr. Graham, Dr. Kelly, Dr. Cheng, Dr. Elzinga, Dr. Faruqi as well as the many nurses and staff involved with his care. Also to Home Care, Palliative Care and St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice. As a token of sympathy donations may be made to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre or Margery E. Yuill Cancer Clinic. The memorial service will take place Wednesday, August 7, at 1:00 p.m. at Victory Lutheran Church (2793 Southview Drive SE). To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Ralph Havinga, 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

---

ILSE FANDREY

1942 – 2019
It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Ilse Fandrey of Calgary, AB announce her unexpected passing at the age of 77 years on July 18, 2019 due to medical complications after a serious fall.
Ilse received all her schooling in Medicine Hat, AB, worked at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital in the non-medical department for many years. She also lived and worked in Kelowna and Victoria B.C. in Home Care Services for seniors. While working in Kelowna she received an excellence award for her performance.
Ilse managed her life well in spite of her struggles with schizophrenia at times. She was a daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece and friend. Her quiet, caring, friendly disposition will be greatly missed by those who knew her. No formal funeral service will be held as per her wishes. In Ilse's memory, donations may be made to the SPCA.

---

JAMES FRENCH

November 6, 1944 ~ July 28, 2019

Mr. James Francis French, beloved husband of Sharon, passed away suddenly in Medicine Hat on Sunday, July 28, 2019, at the age of 74 years. Along with Sharon, Jim leaves to cherish his memory two daughters, Andrea French and Tina (James) Grant all of Medicine Hat and grandson, Grayson Weir of Calgary. Jim will also be remembered by his three sisters, Lorna (Max) Lane, Barb (Larry) Gabrielle and Wendy (Rob) Wallace; brother, Keith (Tannis) Gardner; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jim (Madeline) Tvedt, Diane Mcauley, Karin (Murray) McMillan, Judy (Jim) Crawford and Bob McNabb as well as numerous nieces and nephews whom Jim adored. Jim was predeceased by his beloved parents, Mary and Wilson Gardner; mother and father-in-law, Ken and June Tvedt; brothers-in-law, Graeme Remple and Ron Mcauley as well as his sister-in-law, Sheila McNab. Jim was born on November 6, 1944, in Brandon, Manitoba and upon the union of his mom, Mary and step-father, Wilson, moved to the Gardner family farm in Lenore, MB in 1950. Jim married the love of his life and best friend, Sharon Tvedt on December 27, 1965 and welcomed daughters, Andrea on April 1, 1966 and Tina on February 17, 1967. Jim began his career in the fertilizer industry during these years at Simplot Canada Ltd. in Brandon, MB and in 1976 moved his family to Medicine Hat to begin his over 30 year tenure at Canadian Fertilizers. Jim retired after an overall 40 year career in the industry as supervisor/lead industrial chemist. Jim was a fiercely loyal and devoted son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He never did anything by half measures where family or friends were concerned. Jim was known to refer to his wife, Sharon and daughters, Andrea and Tina as as “his girls” whom without question or hesitation would do anything for. Jim was overjoyed when his “little shadow”, grandson, Grayson joined the family on March 26, 1988. Grayson idolized his “GPa” who was always present and accounted for in every milestone of Grayson’s life, big or small. They were best buddies. Jim had practice for being the best “GPa” ever for his years of being the best dad ever. He doted on his daughters from the moment they were born to the final moments of his life. He was incredibly proud of them and they, equally that they had the honour and privilege to call him Dad. Jim’s loyalty and devotion though was never more evident than with his wife and best friend, Sharon. For the almost 54 years of marriage, they were inseparable; the true definition of the perfect team. This team was notably more successful as Jim was always sure to remind Sharon that she was “team captain”. There is no doubt, Jim was a smart man! Jim and Sharon travelled extensively before and after retirement. Those vacations were enjoyed as a couple, with many vacations to also include his children, grandson, brothers, sisters, in-laws and friends. Jim and Sharon made friends where ever they went with many of those new acquaintances becoming life long friendships. Jim being noted for his unique sense of humour, intelligence and people skills was a magnet to those he knew and met. Jim’s brother, Keith aptly describes him as “larger than life’. This sentiment is a consensus for all those that were blessed to know him. Jim was successful in the balance of working hard, playing hard and loving well. He was also a natural born athlete playing in almost every sport growing up but ended up being most passionate about baseball and curling which he continued to participate in well into his retirement years. A man is the sum of his actions and what he has done: to that end, Jim had a fierce and unshakeable belief in two things: hard work and taking care of his family. In this, he achieved honours. He loved us, we knew it. He supported us in everything we did. He was loving, devoted, intelligent, strongminded, tough and ambitious. Jim’s loss will be felt by many, a void impossible to fill, but with his loss, it confirms the fact that all of our lives were better for having had him in it. Jim was a gift to us that will forever be treasured, forever be missed, forever be remembered and forever be loved. The Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, on Friday, August 2, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. A private family interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jim’s name may be made to the charity of one’s choice. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at 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

---

8
-7