January 16, 2020
By Obituaries on January 16, 2020.
1937 ~ IRENE ARNDT ~ 2020 ARNDT, Irene Rose, nee Kruger, passed quietly into the next life on Friday, January 10, 2020. The Funeral Service was held yesterday at ST. PAUL LUTHERAN CHURCH. Memorial gifts in Irene's memory may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Irene Arndt. Funeral arrangements are entrusted toSAAMIS 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.
GEORGE THACKER George Thacker of Bow Island, passed away peacefully at the Bow Island Health Centre on Sunday, December 15, 2019, at the age of 99 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 72 years, Florence Thacker (nee Heck); six children, Lynn (Ute), Jan (Meryl) Goodfellow, Jim (Dalyce), Dale (Natalie), Diane (Tim) Main and Richard as well as two sisters, Ivy Corns and Clara Fraser. Over the years, George and Florence became the proud grandparents of 13 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren. In 1919, George’s parents, Herb and Clara Thacker, immigrated to the Bow Island area from Staffordshire, England. They arrived with his older brothers, Joe and Herb. George was their first child born in Canada in 1920, followed by sisters, Ivy, Elsie and Clara. Coming from a coal-mining background, the entire family embraced farming as their new way of life. George and Florence grew their dry land farming operation substantially before irrigation moved into their area. Resisting the flood irrigation methods of the day, George, Joe, Herb and the Campbell brothers of Burdett introduced pivot irrigation into Western Canada in the early 1960’s. George loved to acquire knowledge and was an avid reader. He had an amazing memory and was a true historian regarding matters in the Bow Island area, as well as many other topics. George was a critical thinker and a problem solver with the ability to look ‘outside of the box’. His sons would often seek his opinion on important farming matters right up to the end. His input was always well thought out and valued. George contributed to public life in his community. In the 1950’s, he helped organize and build the Bow Island hockey arena and curling rink which are still in use today. A few decades later, he was instrumental in upgrading the local golf course to grass greens and irrigated fairways. He served as president of the local Chamber of Commerce as well as taking a run at the candidacy for the Federal Conservative Party in the 1970’s. It was probably fortunate that he narrowly lost, for the glacial pace in Ottawa would have frustrated his “let’s get it done” attitude. In his retirement years, George amazed us by producing some unusually large artistic ‘monuments’ that still stand today. He even built a time capsule commemorating the NWMP trek west, with help from local school children, intended to be opened in 2074. George enjoyed travelling in the latter half of his life, both with Florence and on his own. They travelled to Russia and Europe together for the ‘72 hockey series. They travelled extensively in North America and he later toured South America and Australia on his own. George and Florence spent 17 winters living in Arizona, which George credited to better health for them both. In his final years, he spent time in the Bow Island Lodge and Long Term Care where he was treated with dignity and respect. A celebration of George’s life will be held in the Burdett Community Hall, on Saturday, January 18, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. A light luncheon will follow the ceremony. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be directed to either the Pleasant View Lodge c/o Auxiliary Comfort Fund, P.O. Bag 6700, Bow Island, Alberta, T0K 0G0 or the Bow Island & District Health Foundation c/o Long Term Care, Bow Island Health Centre, P.O. Bag 3990, Bow Island, Alberta, T0K 0G0. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel Crematorium & Reception Facility, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455 http://www.cooksouthland.com
"Locally owned & directed"
ROSEMARY BAUMBACK May 10, 1956 – January 7, 2020
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce Rosemary Baumback, beloved wife of Wayne Baumback, passed away in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 63 following a courageous and determined battle with brain cancer. Rosemary leaves to celebrate her legacy her daughter Nicole Baumback and son-in-law Jeff Pugh as well as her son Brett Baumback and daughter-in-law Jenelle Butler. “Nana” will forever be adored by her granddaughters, Elise and Nora Baumback. And for her role as back-up grandma, “Rose” will be fondly remembered by Emma and Rhys Pugh. Rosemary is also survived by siblings Peter Gwinner, Roberta Gwinner, Julie Munro, Daniel Gwinner and families as well as her brothers-in-law Bryan, Terry, and Ken Baumback and families. Rosemary was predeceased by her parents Freda and Robert Gwinner
and her sister Lillian Fisher. Rosemary was born and raised in Medicine Hat. She spent much of her early years attending the Salvation Army church and helping out with her parents’ catering and restaurant businesses, acquiring a tireless work-ethic and strong volunteer spirit from her immigrant family. She graduated from Medicine Hat High School in 1974 and married Wayne, her highschool sweetheart in 1976. They remained in Medicine Hat to raise their family. She worked for 24 years as an elementary school secretary for Medicine Hat School District 76, with 18 of those years at Ross Glen School. She retired in 2013, then in 2017 took the big step of moving to Edmonton to be closer to her children and grandchildren after calling Medicine Hat home for 61 years, leaving behind so many of her dearest friends. This decision proved to be simultaneously
her greatest challenge and greatest fortune in life–she was diagnosed with terminal brain cancer 4 months after the move and subsequently spent the last 2 years of her life living to the fullest, loving and being loved beyond description, all while facing the grueling challenges of her
illness with grace and positivity. Rosemary will be deeply missed and affectionately remembered by all who knew and loved her. Many thanks to the staff at the Misericordia Hospital ICU for the gracious and dignified care shown to our entire family during Rosemary’s final days. A celebration of Rosemary’s life will be held from 11am-2pm on Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Medalta. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you please consider a donation to Medalta or another charity or non-profit of your choosing.
SOMMER Frances Sommer of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, January 15, 2020, at the age of 88 years, beloved wife of the late Erwin Sommer. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Frances Sommer, 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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