August 12, 2020

By Obituaries on August 12, 2020.

1923 ~ WILFRED FAIRHURST ~ 2020

Wilfred Henry Fairhurst passed away on Monday, August 10, 2020. Wilf is survived by two sons, Clint (Terry) of Brooks, Randy (Robbie) of Redcliff; granddaughter, Kate (Dean) Malyk; grandsons, Greg (Jessi) and Brian, all of Brooks, Curtis (Amber) of Calgary, Cameron (Tamara) of Medicine Hat; great grandsons, Adam (Nikki) and Brandon (April) of Brooks and Alexandra and Isaac of Calgary; great-great grandson, Maverick of Brooks and special friend Lola of Medicine Hat. Wilf was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Nell in 2009; his parents, Edward and Elizabeth; one son James ‘Jim’; brothers, Robert and Edward; sister Marg and twin sister Maud. Dad had a long and good life of 96 years. He was born December 26, 1923 in Revelstoke, B.C., spent a few early years in Drumheller where he lost his twin sister at the age of 3 and then they moved to Redcliff in 1927. Our family is very proud of dad. At the age of 17, he joined the Army and in 1941 was sent to England where he was a gunner on an Anti-Aircraft unit until 1944 when he went to Normandy, France. There he became a gunner on a Anti-Tank unit. Dad bravely did his duty through many battles in France, Holland, Belgium and Germany, returning home at the age of 22. He married mom (Nell) in 1946. They raised three sons in Ralston, where dad worked at Suffield for 30 years as an explosives technician, which made for a very interesting career. Dad and mom retired and moved to Redcliff, then to Sorrento, B.C., Oliver B.C. and then finally moving back to Medicine Hat in 2001. Dad and mom spent their remaining years in Chinook Village. They loved their time there, especially all the staff. Through most of his life, Wilf was a very active member of any community he lived. This included volunteering as coaches and scoutmasters while raising Jim, Clint and Randy. Later, he was elected to the Redcliff town council for two terms contributing to the development of many important structures around town. While residing in B.C., Wilf continued to volunteer on many committees and gave back to his community. Once back in Medicine Hat, Wilf continued his voluntarism with participation on several committees at Chinook Village and spending time at schools educating the importance of Remembrance Day. Through their retirement, dad and mom were fortunate to travel all over the world, visiting 38 countries and 5 continents. Dad was on dialysis for the last 13 years. The staff at the dialysis unit were wonderful and treated Wilf so well. He loved them and they loved him. Dad also had two special nurses he has know for over 10 years. Renee and Sam were like granddaughters to him visiting him all the time and we are very thankful for the time they spent with him during his final days at St. Joseph’s. Wilf was the longest living member of the Redcliff Legion Branch #6, a member for 75 years. In 2017 he was awarded the French National Legion of honour for his participation in the liberation of France in 1944, the highest national order of France. Dad was a good, honest and generous many with a great sense of humour. He made important connections with so many people over the years. We all will miss him dearly. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Thursday from 12:30 p.m. to 1:25 p.m.
Due to restrictions in place regarding COVID- 19 from the Chief Medical Officer of Health – funeral services are now limited to no more than 100 attendees including family and funeral home staff.
The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Lance Duncalfe officiating. Interment will follow at Redcliff Cemetery.
Family and friends are invited to remotely attend any public funeral service at our facility by going to youtube.com and search for Pattison Funeral Home. The video will go live 10 minutes prior to service time on the Pattison Funeral Home youtube page.
Officers and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Redcliff Branch #6 will conduct a poppy service for their departed comrade. Those who wish to remember Wilf with a donation may do so to the Canadian Cancer Society or to Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation (specify funds to be allocated to the: Dialysis Unit. Cheques made payable to MH&D Health Foundation) 666 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4H6 or online at http://www.InYourCommunity.ca. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Wilfred Fairhurst 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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1944 ~ Roger Bryce Carefoot ~ 2020

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of my best friend and the greatest man we have ever known. After a lengthly battle with metastisised prostate cancer, Roger succumbed with dignity and bravery. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, Rosalyn Fisher of Medicine Hat; two daughters, Eve (Chris) Carefoot and Teresa (Steve) Siebold; two grandsons, Cameron and Colten; sister, Marilyn (Nick) Snyder of Coeur d’Alene and all of Calgary. Roger was born in Saskatoon December 17, 1944, moved to Prince Albert then to Moose Jaw and finally to Medicine Hat in 1957 where he attended Alexander and MHHS. His dry humour and sense of mischievousness often landed him in less than academic situations. He prevailed and chose land development, then after receiving his A.S.E.T from U of C. he worked for UMA, constructing the Maple Ave. Bridge, Trans Canada Hwy and overpass upgrades. He lived in Calgary for 38 years consulting with Stantec and his own consulting firm before moving back to Medicine Hat in 2012, where golf, winters in Palm Desert and visits from his grandsons occupied his time. Roger’s incredible sense of humour and gentlemanliness endeared him to all. He will be dearly missed by those who had the pleasure of knowing him. He lived his “Dash” brilliantly with grace, humour and integrity. Good Bye my Love… it was an honour. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Roger Carefoot. 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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ELSASSER, GARRY WAYNE

Garry passed away peacefully in Calgary, Alberta on August 9, 2020 at the age of 76 years. Left behind to cherish his memory are his 6 children; Carrie (Glen), Barb (Lou), Jay, Garry (Anna Marie), Gordon and Amanda (Doug), 7 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild. He was predeceased by; his wife Donna, his parents, Henry and Elsie and his brother Gordon. A private family gathering will be held at a later date. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website http://www.fostersgardenchapel.net.

FOSTER'S GARDEN CHAPEL
FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM
Telephone: 403-297-0888

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JOAN WATTS

1943 ~ 2020

Mrs. Laura Joan Watts, beloved wife of the late Jerry Dale Watts, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Saturday, August 8, 2020, at the age of 77 years. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Funeral Service will be by invitation only. The Funeral Service will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, August 14, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. Those wishing to watch the service via the live stream are encouraged to visit http://www.cooksouthland.com and click the view broadcast button on the homepage at service time. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. (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"

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RICHARD MALITOWSKI

1954 ~ 2020
Richard Antoni Malitowski passed away peacefully on August 4, 2020, at the age of 65, with the love of his family surrounding him.
A Celebration of Richards’s life will be held at 2:00 pm, on Friday, August 14, 2020, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street, Lethbridge, AB. Due to the restrictions in place from the Chief Medical Officer of Health – Funeral Services are now limited to 100 attendees. Including family and Funeral Home Staff. If you’d like to attend, you may RSVP to Chris Malitowski at 403-968-2155 or cmalitow@hotmail.com.
Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish memorial donations in memory of Richard can be made to Diabetes Canada, 6223 2 St SE #220, Calgary, AB T2H 1J5.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

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SYLVIA TOKAREK

Family and friends gathered last Wednesday in Cook’s Chapel to honour the life of a remarkable mother who’s sacrifices made her children grow to be strong individuals. She has left a legacy that will be forever cherished!

Her constant good example,
Always taught me right from wrong,
Markers for my pathway,
To last my whole life long!

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"

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WILLIAM OPALKA

1933 ~ 2020

An Uncle is a blessing
It means so many things
Words could never tell
The joy an uncle brings
An Uncle is a band of faith
That even time can’t sever
A gift to last all our lives
An uncle is forever.

William (Bill) Opalka, beloved husband of Geraldine Opalka, passed away in Medicine Hat on Friday, August 7, 2020, at the age of 87 years. Left to cherish his memory is his niece, Pam (Mike) Hole; nephew, Darren (Rose Ann) Rud; great-niece, Hannah Rud (Jeff Newman); as well as Gerry’s children, Brennan (Susan) Schneider and their family; Cindy (Tom) Roberts and their family. He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Michalina Opalka; one sister, Minnie Rud and a brother-in-law, Tom Rud. He was a man with a strong belief in God and his Catholic faith was important to him. He held on to that faith until the end of his life. He enjoyed running well into his 70’s, playing bridge, and loved a good bowl of ice cream. He was a loving Uncle who cared for his nephew and niece as though they were his own kids. Uncle Bill always brought a present when he would visit, would plan great activities to parks followed by a trip to Dairy Queen for ice cream. Bill was an intelligent and generous man who took great pride in his work. He was extremely proud of his profession as a Chartered Accountant. He achieved his dream by going back to university and being named to the Alberta Bar while in his late 40’s. He cared deeply for those he was close to and has lifelong friends who will miss him very much. He struggled the last few years of his life with a mind that worked but a body that failed him. Bill’s family extends its gratitude for the kindness and patience of his many caregivers over the years. Due to Covid restrictions, a Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta on Wednesday, August 12, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemtery. Those wishing to experience the service via the live stream are encouraged to visit http://www.cooksouthland.com and click the view broadcast button on the homepage at service time. Memorial donations in Bill’s name may be made directly to either the United Way of South East Alberta, 928 Allowance Ave.SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 3G7 or to Holy Family Parish (Bishop’s Appeal TIA), 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4V3. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouth land.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"

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