April 3, 2020

By Obituaries on April 3, 2020.

101 YEARS – MARY REBECCA McNEIL WANNER

Mary died on March 9th, 2020. Within mere days of leaving us, the COVID 19 Global Crisis hit Canada. In what we as a family view as a fascinating irony, it was 101 years ago that Mary arrived in this world at the peak of another global crises, the Spanish Flu. During this time of uncertainty, our family has decided to delay a gathering for the celebration of her life until her interment in Weyburn, SK later this year. In lieu of a funeral at this time, our family decided we would share this brief story of her life and importantly to thank the many people who showed wonderful kindness and friendship to Mary.
Mary’s life was filled with love, caring, hard work and frugality, all traits demanded by the challenges of the rural Canadian prairie in the early twentieth century. She was quiet and shy, very courteous (perhaps to a fault), but beneath this quiet external peaceful persona was a fierce independence. Mary always believed in learning, hard work, sharing and giving back to community. Family members cannot recall her ever speaking unkindly of others. Mary was born on November 20th, 1919 at home on the homestead farm near Weyburn, Saskatchewan to her midwife mother, Ethel Symes, and her father, bank manager turned farmer, James McNeil. Both were staunch believers of the Presbyterian-United faith. Growing up, Mary, a dedicated student, would ride her pony to her one room schoolhouse and became an accomplished horsewoman. At the age of 16, she lost her father in the midst of extreme drought and the Great Depression. Her mother, uncle, little brother, and herself were left to manage the family farm during a difficult time. It was then, helping to keep the family farm going after her father’s death, that Mary came to understand and develop her belief that Canada and our world would only be strong when we cared for each other and shared our good fortune.
In 1940, Mary met and married Kasper Adam Wanner. At the beginning of WW II, national origin, religious difference and limited income were all very much a challenge that Mary and Kasper faced…but love prevailed. They moved on to her beloved Uncle Fred’s small farm near Weyburn, where sons “Jimmy” and “Bobbie” were born and raised. Mary and Kasper were very socially active contributing their time to school, community and church activities. Nodding to her independence, Mary became a Cub Scout leader during a time when women were not doing so. In 1970, Mary and Kasper retired from the farm and moved into Weyburn where they continued to be active volunteers in St. Vincent de Paul Parish as well as many Weyburn community events. In his later life Kasper developed dementia and so they relocated to Medicine Hat to be near Robert and Joan’s family. In 1993, Mary lost her love, Kasper. The quiet force that was Mary was determined to be independent so she got a bus pass, became friends with the drivers, and became a regular volunteer at the Medicine Hat Hospital and the Veiner Centre. In 2010, at the age of 91, Mary was recognized by the City of Medicine Hat with a ‘Golden Hero Award’ for what she called ‘…helping the old people…’
Over the years Mary developed a network of friends including Marilyn Heckbert, who became very close and Eva Lewis, who regularly visited for tea. At the South View Grand condominium, she had many close friends and neighbours including Brigitte Grimm and Irene Thearns.
In 2017, Mary moved to Valley View Age Care where she remained until her final days still being visited regularly by friends. Mary was incredibly grateful for the kindness of the caring staff, kind neighbours, and her dear friend and neighbour, Catherine Heines.
In addition to Kasper, her father James McNeil predeceased her in 1937; her mother, Ethel Symes in 1978; and her brother, Malcolm McNeil in 2012; as well as her numerous brother and sister-in-laws.
Mary leaves her two sons; James (Rita) and Robert (Bob) (Joan); four granddaughters, Shauna (Vincent Crowley) and their children, Maiah, Cian and Ella; Stephanie (Trent Bjorndahl) and children, Nathan and Joshua; Robyn (Shawn Lewis) and children, Xavier, Amelia and Mira; Nicoelle (Tyler Wiens) and children Zachary, Marinn and Gibson; grandson, Robert (Christine) Wanner and son Mathew; grandson, Denean Wanner; as well as sister-in-law, Janet McNeil; and numerous nephews and nieces.
For her 12 great grand children and numerous great grand nieces and nephews she leaves her endless love and a message of “…be happy, share and help others, and be the best that you can be…” and to the rest of us, especially during these uncertain times, Mary would ask that we always reach out to others. Prior to our current time of social distancing, Mary would most certainly have asked that you “…. invite someone over for tea and cookies”, but today she would have asked that you reach out to others with a phone call or a virtual hello. Please reach out to someone on behalf of Mary and say hello and be strong. Condolences may be sent to Saamis Funeral Home at http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Mary Wanner. 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.

---

1927 ~ ELAINE O'BEAR

(nee BRISTOW) ~ 2020
Elaine Evelyn O’Bear of Medicine Hat passed away peacefully in her sleep at AgeCare Valleyview on Monday, March 30th, 2020 at the age of 93 years. Elaine leaves to cherish her memory her memory her loving children, Don (Loretta) O’Bear, Kristy (Danny) Rance, Cori (Don) MacGregor, and Kelly (Joy) O’Bear; grandchildren, Meridith (Don) Conboy, Clayton (Heather) O’Bear, Patricia Bengston, Gary (Lori) Schmidt, Teri (Rolfe) Pyttik, Stacey (Dave) Coughlan, Darcy (Michelle) Clarkson, Cameron O’Bear and Courtney O’Bear; step- grandchildren, Jared, Shawn, and Lisa Gendron; sister, Gail Harris of Calgary; and numerous nieces, nephew, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren and many friends. Elaine was predeceased by her husband, Horace (Ted) O’Bear; parents, Arthur and Gudrun Bristow; daughters-in-law, Heather O’Bear and Donna O’Bear; and great-granddaughter, Kelse Pyttik. Elaine was born in Gimli, MB on January 7th, 1927. She married Ted O’Bear in Gimli on May 23rd, 1947. They moved several times in the early years of marriage as Ted was in the RCAF. When he left the RCAF, they spent 15 years in Thompson before moving to Suffield, AB. After Ted’s retirement they moved to Medicine Hat. When Ted passed away, Elaine moved to River Ridge Seniors Village where she resided for several years. In 2019, she was hospitalized for medical reasons. In January of 2020, she moved to AgeCare Valleyview where she resided until her passing. Elaine was a gentle, pleasant, and loving lady whom everyone loved in return. She was as artist in her early years and later loved to colour pictures (especially the velvet ones). She was a long-time member of the Redcliff Legion Ladies auxiliary. Elaine will be sadly missed by all those who loved and cared for her. The interment and Celebration of Elain’s life will take place at a later date. Memorial gifts in Elaine’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 Elaine O’Bear. 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.

---

1932 ~ RONALD COLEMAN ~ 2020

Ronald Frederick Coleman of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of Deanna Coleman, passed away on Monday, March 30th, 2020 at the age of 87 years. Ronald leaves to cherish his memory his children, Wendy (Owen) Jalbert and Lynn (Brian) Konrad; grandchildren, Kendall (Kacie) Jalbert, Marjorie (Samuel) Charles, Coleman (Christina) Konrad and Brianne Konrad; brother, Jim (Lynn) Coleman, sister, Joan Bell; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ronald was predeceased by his parents, Reginald and Florence Coleman and brother, Warren Coleman. Ronald was born on October 12th, 1932 in Saskatoon, SK. He moved with his family at an early age to Kamloops B.C. before settling in New Brunswick. Following his graduation from Hampton Consolidated High School he began working at the Bank of Nova Scotia in Hampton, NB. Over the next few years, he transferred to Oshawa, ON and then finally settled in Medicine Hat, AB. In 1956, he started working at the McAvity Foundry, retiring as the manager of Clow Canada in 1992. Ron married his sweetheart, Deanna, on June 29th, 1957, in Fifth Avenue United Church in Medicine Hat and together they raised their family. Ron spent many years volunteering as a cub leader and member of Fifth Avenue United Church and he also served on the board of the Medicine Hat Co-op. Ron loved to travel and was fortunate to visit many destinations in the world as well as many vacations with his family travelling across Canada and the United States. He enjoyed square dancing, gardening, and spending time with family. Ron looked forward to watching the Medicine Hat Tigers and spending time with his friends every morning over coffee in the Mall Food Court. His great grandchildren, Rebekah, Leah, Gideon Charles and Carter, Cade and Ava Konrad held a special place in his heart and he was always happy to see them The family would like to thank the staff at Masterpiece Southlands Meadows for the excellent care provided to Ron during his time there. Due to the Covid-19 virus, the Celebration of Ron’s life and interment will be held at a later date. Memorial gifts in Ronald’s memory may be made to the S.P.C.A., 55 Southview Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8 or to the Medicine Hat Ronald McDonald House, 569 Fourth Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4G2. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ronald Coleman. 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.

---

1953 ~ WAYNE FLAHERTY ~ 2020

Wayne Clarence Flaherty passed away on Friday, March 27, 2020, at the age of 66 years, beloved husband of Gloria Flaherty of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory his children, Kendra (T.J.) Baird, Crystal (Joel) Myers and Carla Flaherty (Michael Allan); three grandchildren, Brody, Brandyn and Jett; his brother, Jack (Marion) Flaherty; sister, Brenda Flaherty; two brother-in-laws, Garth (Linda) Henderson and Bill Hanstock as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Clarence and Nora Flaherty; two sisters, Pat Flaherty and Shirley Hanstock. There will be no service and interment will take place at a later date in Tompkins, Saskatchewan. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Wayne Flaherty, 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

---

Peter Lloyd Kroeker

July 15, 1936 to March 26, 2020
On Thursday, March 26th, 2020, Peter Lloyd Kroeker went right on time, to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus. Surrounded by Lee, his loving wife of 60 years and their children, Kevin (Wendy), Marlin (Susan) and Kim Friesen (Reg), Peter made the transition to Heaven at the age of 83 years.
Peter was born at Sand Beach, Sask. on July 15th, 1936. He was the third born of six children. At the age of 15 Peter moved to B.C. He later met Lee at their church and it was love at first sight for him, but Lee took a bit of coaching. They were married in June of 1959. He graduated in 1964 from Miller College of the Bible and pastored a church in Vanguard, Sask., after which they returned to B.C. where Peter had several businesses. He was a gifted man and mastered many skills when it came to construction. In 1997, Peter and Lee moved to Medicine Hat, the rest of their children and grandchildren followed shortly thereafter.
Peter's heart was filled with a love for people. He spent many hours serving and giving to others.
Peter is predeceased by his father, mother and his older brother. He is survived by his wife, children, 10 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren who loved him dearly.
Given the present circumstances a memorial service is being planned at a later date.
"Dad's faith has now become his sight"

---

ROSIE SOGZ

Friends and neighbours united at Hillside Cemetery last week to celebrate the life of this beautiful lady, Rosie Sogz. Her everlasting personality will be remembered by those she has left behind.

There is comfort for trusting
In each new moment of His care.
A real and Blessed assurance,
In the quietness of prayer.

Her Life Lived…
Her Life Cherished…
Her Life Honoured.
Courtesy of
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"

---

15
-14