October 2, 2020
By Obituaries on October 2, 2020.
1959 ~ NEIL JAMES TUMBACH ~ 2020
Neil Tumbach of Redcliff, Alberta passed away on Friday, September 18th, 2020, at the age of 61 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Wendy; son, Greg (Vicki) Elgie and their children, Gavin and Nixon; son, Cory Tumbach and his daughter, Kinsley; daughter, Nicole Tumbach (Taylor Johnson); Neil’s beloved mom, Annette Tumbach; nephews, Logan Tumbach and his son, Zavrey; and Kayden Tumbach; sisters-in-law, Julie Tarnasky (Bart), Shirley Cotterhill, Norma (Leo) Shaw, Barbara Stringer, and Janice Gottinger; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, and many good friends. Neil was predeceased by his dad, Jim Tumbach; his brother, Troy Tumbach; his father and mother-in-law, Wes and Agnes Stringer; and brothers-in-law, Bill Stringer, Don Cotterhill and Ron Stringer. Neil was born and raised in Medicine Hat. Shortly after graduating high school he began his career as a Commercial/ Industrial Electrician, a career which spanned over 40 years; the last 14 as a member of the ‘Spider Electric Family’ where many lasting friendships and lifelong memories were made. Neil had many passions in life, but few were as important to him as spending time with his children and grandchildren. He often reminisced of all the hours he enjoyed on the benches of freezing hockey rinks and dusty baseball diamonds of Greg and Cory’s teams. However, it was his daughter Nicole who shared his love of horses and when he retired from his coaching duties, he would spend his evenings in the field, helping her care for her quarter horse, TJ. A celebration of Neal’s life will take place at a later date. In honour of his memory donations may be made to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, 200, 119 – 14th Street NW, Calgary, AB T1A 7L5. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Neil Tumbach. Funeral arrangements completed by
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.
1964 ~ MICHAEL “MIKE” DURST ~ 2020
Michael “Mike” Durst of Medicine Hat, passed peacefully away on Wednesday, September 30th, 2020 at the age of 56 years. Mike leaves to cherish his memory his wife Lee Durst; two daughters, Jesse McIntyre (Chris) and Nicole Durst; grandchildren, Damon Rocheleau, Sophia McIntyre, Edan McIntyre, Rorik Brandham; brother, Werner Durst; sisters, Linda Monti, Peggy Schultz (Wally), Margo Reesor (Eric); numerous nieces, nephews and friends (to many to mention). Mike was predeceased by his parents, Adam and Frances Durst; brother, Adam Durst Jr; sister, Frances Nutz. Mike loved to go camping, fishing and ride his motorcycle (Bumblebee) but his biggest priority was his grandkids. Mike fought courageously and inspirationally against his ALS diagnosis for two and a half years, he worked so hard all his life to make sure his family never went without. “He was the best damn concrete finisher ever.” His legacy will live on in the hearts & minds of everyone he interacted with, he may be gone but will never be forgotten. A special thank you to the ALS Society for all of their support. Also to Good Samaritans Society who made the final leg of his journey more comfortable and allowed him to pass on with grace, dignity and respect. A Celebration of Life will be held at Royal Canadian Legion, Robertson Memorial Branch – Ortona Room 702-2nd Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB on October 3rd, 2020 at 2:00-4:30pm. At Mike’s request, he ask’s that everyone dress casual, the way he knew you. Memorial gifts in Mike’s name may be made to ALS Society of Alberta 7874 – 10th Street NE Calgary, AB T2E 8W1. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Mike Durst. 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.
BLANCHE ORMISTON
A friendly, country community atmosphere greeted all those attending the service at Cook’s last Friday, honouring the life of Blanche Ormiston. Blanche’s legacy will live on through her love of family and community.
She lived a full life,
Full of faith, hope and love,
Always putting her family first,
Now watching over from above.
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"
GRACE MURRAY
1935 ~ 2020
Grace Virginia Murray, beloved wife of Larry, passed away at the Leisure Way Group Home in Dunmore on Wednesday, September 30, 2020, at the age of 84 years. Along with Larry, left to cherish her memory are their three children. Grace’s life will be silently remembered by family and friends without the proceedings of a formal funeral service. (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"
JOHN ROBERTS
June 18, 1933 ~ September 26, 2020
It is with great sadness that Barb announces the passing of her beloved husband of 61 years, John Albert Roberts. He passed away at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at the age of 87 years. Along with Barb, John leaves to cherish his memory: sister, Pearl Burton; sisters-in-law, Evelyn Bootland and Arlene Nicoll; brothers-in-law, Neil Nicoll (Susan Shank); Mark (Sonya) Marshall; special niece, Alleen Eirich and other nieces, Jodie Giesbrecht (Fawn, Kruz), Shelly Roseveare, Karen Bootland, Laurel Hammel, Kelly Nemeth, Charlene Waline and Sandra Burton; nephews, Shawn Marshall, Jason Nicoll, Travis Nicoll, Justin Nicoll, Cody Nicoll, Rick Nicoll, Brian Hammel, Darrel Hammel, Tiegan Bootland, Darrel Sackman, Tom Roberts, Ray Roberts, Dennis Burton and Tony Burton as well as special friends, Joyce Shannon, Hazel and Sev Barber and Eva Darrel. John was predeceased by his wonderful son, Keith; parents, Harold Roberts and Bertha Anderson; step-father, Carl Anderson; sister, Kay Sackman; brother, Harvey Roberts; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Tom (Norma) Nicoll; sisters-in-law, Valerie Marshall, Jean Klaudt, Dorothy Hammel; brothers-in-law, Tom Nicoll, Simon Hammel, Scotty Bootland, Monk Burton and Leonard Sackman; nephews, Jack Nicoll, John Bootland and Daren Sackman as well as a special cousin in Wales, Margo Phillips, who was like a sister; and Beverly Roberts-Eiers. John was born in Medicine Hat and at the age of 2 1/2, moved to Devauden, Wales with his parents, Harold and Bertha Roberts and sister, Kay. John's younger brother, Harvey stayed in Canada with their grandparents and his sister, Pearl was born in Wales later. Their father passed away in 1947, and the family returned to Medicine Hat in 1951 when John was 17. John was employed with Construction Rodgers and Maple Leaf Mills as a millwright until they closed. He owned Medicine Hat Sharpening Services and also worked for Kodiak Trailer Factory. John was a very intelligent and loving person who loved reading, playing cards and was a very good dart player winning several medals. His famous saying was ‘Whatever will be, will be.’ (God’s Will). A private family service will be held with the interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in John’s name may be made directly to AJ’s Loan Cupboard, Bay 4 – 602A Clay Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 3V2. (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"
MURIEL SKIBA
August 5, 1932 ~ September 27, 2020
Muriel Jean Skiba (nee Dick) passed away peacefully while surrounded by her loving family at the Good Samaritans Society in, Medicine Hat on Sunday, September 27, 2020, at the age of 88 years. She was a gentle and warm hearted lady who loved her family, her dogs and being outdoors. Wherever Muriel went, she made friends and shared her great sense of humour and infectious laugh. Muriel was born and raised in Lang, SK. She was never without her dog Rover and loved to ride horses, play the piano and ice skate. Muriel married Bernard Skiba on November 30, 1951. They farmed briefly in Lang before moving to Alberta where they started their family. Muriel worked for many years for Zane’s Pharmacy and considered Sandy and Zane to be part of her family. She was involved in the United Church where she taught Sunday School and played the piano. Muriel loved music and taught piano and organ lessons to students both young and old. One of the things she was most proud of was her Golden Retrievers and her award winning kennel, Alta Gold. Following Bernard’s passing, Muriel moved into Park Meadows Village where she lived for 18 years sharing meals, card games, bingo and music with her many friends. Muriel is survived by her children, Kathi Ellis and Robert Skiba; grandson, Ian Ellis and his children, Ira and Sayla. She was predeceased by a grandson, Lucas Ellis who gifted Muriel with a third great-grandchild, Nova; she was also predeceased by her brother, Darrel Dick and sister, Bernice Moon. Kathi and Rob wish to express their gratitude to the residents and staff of Cypress View Foundation and the Good Samaritan Society for their kindness and care of their mother. The family will honour Muriel’s life with a time of silent reflection. The interment will take place in Lang, SK., in the Spring of 2021. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. (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"
SUTHERLAND
Charles "Chuck" Sutherland of Medicine Hat, AB passed away on Tuesday, September 22, 2020 at the age of 90. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife Shirley, daughter Heather (Stan Hirsch), son Bruce (Val) Sutherland, and daughter Holly ( Kirk) Sutherland. His grandchildren Tara Sutherland, Wil Sutherland, Charles (Holly) Sutherland, Kimberley Hirsch and Kerry Hirsch. His sister Gayle Kjorlien and half sister Joanne (Don) Mitchell. Chuck was predeceased by his parents, brothers Robin and Bruce and son Robin.
Dad was born in Toronto, ONT and spent his early years in Bruce County. He left home at an early age and worked his way across Canada until meeting mom and deciding Medicine Hat was to be their home, in the early 1950's.
He found a job working with the Defense Research Establishment Suffield (DRES) as an electronics technician where he worked until retirement.
Despite leaving school at an early age dad was a lifelong learner and went back to get his high school diploma when the Medicine Hat College opened. He was a voracious reader, interested in a variety of subjects, ranging from mechanics to history and passed on this love of learning to his children and grandchildren.
He was a big believer in volunteering and giving back to the community. For many years you would find him at the local rinks coaching the Maple Leafs Tiny Mite hockey teams. He started up the Power Skating Program as well as sat on both the MInor Hockey and Figure Skating Associations boards.
Dad and mom belonged to the Westminster United Church and as well as singing in the church choir they took on running the High C program for a couple of years. I remember the year they managed to get a group of high school aged parishioners to perform the musical Jesus Christ Superstar for the congregation.
After dad retired he decided to leave athletics volunteering to the younger people and focused on helping various organizations, Habitat for Humanity, CNIB and Meals on Wheels to name a few. He could always be counted on to help when needed.
After he retired he bought a bike at a yard sale and it wasn't long before he had found another passion. Before we blinked dad was on the road touring the country. East to Niagara on the Lake and back, then west to Vancouver and back, then from the south AB border to the North AB border, he cycled the breadth of the country, meeting people as he went. On training rides he would often meet other cyclists and would bring them home for a hot meal and a warm night's sleep.
This love of bikes brought neighborhood kids to his bike shed asking him to 'fix their bikes please." and when his grandchildren visited he took them on bike rides. He was so happy to share his love of cycling, and, by fixing neighbourhood children's bikes, contribute to the neighbourhood.
During his retirement wintertime would find Dad outdoors shoveling many of his neighbours' walks as they were off at work and he liked the exercise. In more recent years, as shovelling got more difficult for him, these neighbors returned the favour for which he was very grateful.
So in honour of our dad we would like to ask that, in lieu of cards or flowers, please consider doing something kind for someone in your community.
"It's so much darker
when a light goes out,
than it would have been
if it had never shone."
John Steinbeck
SWAN
Joseph Swan lived as fully and completely as any of us could ever hope, right up until his passing in his home Sept. 27, 2020. Joe brought out the good in all who encountered him – often singing and joking around. The longer you knew him, the more you were glad you had met him. Joe was the loyal defender and advocate of all his children and grandchildren. But first and always he loved Avanthia, to whom he was married for over 60 years. She died in his tender care in 2018. Kindest thanks to his close friends and neighbours in Duncan who so often lent a helping hand and warm-hearted company, especially in the few years since Avanthia’s passing. After a successful career in publishing he and Avanthia retired to the west coast and enjoyed travelling and renovating several homes. They worked together to make each home gracious and beautiful. He leaves behind friends and extended family in Medicine Hat & Toronto, no complaints, his three children Michael, Joan and Susan, those who married into his little kingdom – Joan’s husband Gerard and Michael’s wife Yone – his grandchildren Katie, Shaun, Colm and Gabriella, his brothers Patrick and David and their children Mark, Brian, Kevin and Cathy. His first great granddaughter Sarah was born the day after he died. We shall not live again as we lived in his love. Joe planted many trees, leaving a legacy of dogwoods, horse chestnuts, maples, and cedars. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Tree Canada. Online condolences can be offered at http://www.sandsduncan.ca
WIKJORD
Wilmar “Wil” Wikjord Passed away on September 24 after a long battle with Alzheimers. Predeceased by his wife Corinne she will help guide him out of the confusion and anxiety of his final years. He will be lovingly remembered by His daughter Brenda (Kevin) Laupland and son Brett (Skye) Wikjord, grandchildren Elise Trevor Ayla and Trinity, brother Alfred (Marg) Wikjord, and sisters Joyce (Larry) Hupe, and Joan (Robert) Hooper.
Wil grew up in Northern Manitoba in a town called Cranberry Portage. His life was full of outdoors activities including hunting and fishing. He was a fishing guide in his early life and continued to fish right up until the end. He loved the northern Manitoba lakes. As a teacher and administrator for forty years in Medicine Hat he touched thousands of lives. His journey through the health care system these past years provided a glimpse into just how many students he taught as many past student recognized him and shared their special stories. He made many friends at the Connaught Golf Club,Senior’s Slowpitch, and the Medicine Hat RC club. He was a devoted member of All Saints’ Church and enjoyed being a part of the Stampede Board. He loved to travel visiting numerous places across the world. His bad jokes and teasing will be missed by all who knew him.
Condolences, stories, photos and e-thank you cards can be posted at http://www.saamis.com
If wished donations may be made in his name to the Alzheimers Society of Canada
