October 31, 2020

1927 – Wilbert Albert Schimpf – 2020

Mr. Wilbert Schimpf, beloved husband of the late Marion Schimpf, of Medicine Hat, passed away Sunday, October 25th, 2020 at the age of 93 years. The Funeral Service was held at River Valley Community Church yesterday. Those who wish to honour Wilbert’s memory may send a donation to the River Valley Community Church. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Wilbert Schimpf. 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.

1928 ~ DOROTHY SMITH ~ 2020

Dorothy Smith left her family broken hearted as she passed away on October 25, 2020 with her family by her side. She was born June 11, 1928 in Whitewood, SK to Lexie and Fraser Robertson. Dorothy was their middle child. Her childhood years were spent in Whitewood, SK. In 1946 she moved to Cereal, AB where she worked at the Cereal Hospital. While working in Cereal she met the love of her life Goldwin Smith. They were married in Drumheller on October 16, 1947. In 1949, they started adding children to their family. Six of the children started their lives on the family farm in Cereal under Dorothy’s watchful eye. In 1965, they moved to Irvine, AB where their family was completed with their final child. Dorothy and Goldie always made sure there was room in their house for any family or friends who happened to need a place to sleep or eat. As her family got older Dorothy returned to the workforce. Dorothy worked at Sunnyside Nursing Home in Medicine Hat from 1970 to 1979 and Weidemann’s General Store in Irvine from 1979 until her retirement. Upon retiring Goldie and Dorothy fixed up a camper and loaded it on their 1987 Dodge 4 x 4 and drove the Alaska highway, enjoying many stops and sights along the way. They also enjoyed trips to Mexico. In December 1995 they sold their family home in Irvine and moved to Grandview Village in Medicine Hat, AB. In January 1996 her world changed when Goldie passed away. After Goldie’s passing Dorothy continued to enjoy many trips to Mexico and went on two Alaskan cruises with her family. In the winter of 2016, Dorothy made her final trip to Mexico. In February 2018 she moved to Masterpiece Southland Meadows. In June of 2018 we celebrated her 90th birthday with many family and friends in attendance. Her family was completed with seven children, eighteen grandchildren and twenty-three great grandchildren. Terry and Sharon Smith – Troy Smith (Taylor, Kyla and their mom Shantele), Jodi Smith (Hailey Smith, Colt Degenstein and Dakota Degenstein); Barb and Brett Gaff – Renee Gaff (Dakota Gaff and Ryder Wasilow), Bodie Gaff; Judy and Ron Brookes – Brad and Mary Brookes ( Ronan and Bridget) Lyle and Kelsey Brookes (Lauren, Brent, Finna and Eli); Heather and Ross Beierbach – Ryan and Tania Beierbach (Rana, Lara and Jace), William and Donna Beierbach (Tate and Kate) Mona Beierbach (Georgia Howe and Hayes Howe); Doug and Jeanette Smith – Taryn (Courtney) Countryman (Case) and Jadyn (Ryan) Smith; Trish and Blaine Lanz – Boyd Lanz (Nathaniel) and Micheal Lanz; Karen and Doug Shwetz – Jimmy and Stephanie Fieldberg, Allen and Nicole Fieldberg (Avery) and Mark Fieldberg, Ashley Shwetz and Spencer Shwetz.

Also survived by her sisters, Jane Fafard and Beth (Bob) Courchene; brother-in-law, Don (Karen) Fockler and sister- in-law, Jean Smith and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years Goldwin; sister, Joan; brother, Donald; brothers-in-law, George Fafard and Ward Smith. Dorothy lived for her family. Her greatest pride and joy was helping her children grow into adults with children of their own. She was blessed to watch her grandchildren do the same and treasured each moment of joy they brought her. Our family would love to thank the staff at Masterpiece for being there for her. Special thank you to Shelley Brooks for her outstanding friendship to our mom. Due to Covid-19 restrictions we regret that Dorothy’s celebration will be private family, Live streaming of the service can be found on the Saamis Memorial Site on October 31, 2020 starting at 1:55 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada 101 – 1201 Kingsway Avenue SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2Y2. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Dorothy Smith. 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.

1941 ~ RONALD “RON”

WILLIAM TKACHUK ~ 2020

Ronald “Ron” Tkachuk of Medicine Hat, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2020 at the age of 79 years. Ron leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Maureen and daughter, Kelli Tkachuk. He was predeceased by his parents, William and Vera Tkachuk; one sister, Gwen Johnston. The family would like to thank the nursing staff at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital 5 west main for their kindness and wonderful care. The family will have a private family time of remembrance . Memorial gifts in Ron’s name may be made to the Alzheimer Society, 201, 770 – 6th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4J6. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ron Tkachuck. 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.

FREDERICK GARDNER

 

March 27, 1925 ~ October 22, 2020

 

A wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and uncle has gained his heavenly wings. Frederick James Gardner, beloved husband of Berta Gardner, passed away at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Thursday October 22, 2020, at the age of 95 years. Along with his loving wife Berta, left to cherish Fred’s memory are his children: Judy Hill, Dave Gardner (Sandy), Bill Gardner (Lois) and Ken Gardner (Cindy); nine grandchildren: Wendy Jones (Kelly), Cathy Gardner (Dave Schram), Scott Gardner (Shelly Logan), Melanie Gour (Wayne), Ryan Hill (Nina), Dustin Gardner (Amy), Lynsey Durback (Jeff), Megan Gardner (Justin McLellan) and Nathan Gardner (Kelsey Walker); fifteen great-grandchildren and another on the way! Fred is also survived by his sisters, Jenny Gardner and Diana Gardner; brothers, Stan Gardner (Marge) and Dennis Gardner; sisters-in-law, Cecile Gardner and Darlene Gardner as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving parents, James and Milford (nee Law) Gardner; brothers, Floyd Gardner and Les Gardner; sisters, Gwen Pratt (Claude) and Lill Thauberger (Peter); son-in-law, Fred Hill and great-granddaughter, Haley Gardner.

 

Fred was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan on March 27, 1925 and was raised in Mankota, Saskatchewan. He was the eldest in a family of nine. Wander lust beset him at the young age of sixteen. He left home on his horse, which he sold in Swift Current, hitched a ride to Calgary and rode the rails to B.C. where he would work on ranches and in lumber camps. He traveled back and forth to the prairies that way a few times. As luck would have it he met a lovely young lady named Berta at a St. Patrick’s Day dance in Merritt, B.C. After going back to Regina to take a barber’s course, he sent her a letter saying he was coming back for her… and so began the love of a lifetime. They married in Kamloops B.C. October 10, 1948 and just celebrated their 72nd anniversary this year. In the course of their marriage they would move 25 times… always happy, making new friends and raising a good family. He owned his own barbershops in Smithers, Moose Jaw and Regina over the years. In later years, he became a Saskatchewan Wheat Pool elevator agent at Gibbs, Denzil, Hearts Hill and Pinkham. He retired to Alsask for a couple of years and eventually moved to Medicine Hat in 1992… first a house, then a condo and finally Masterpiece Independent Assisted Living.

 

Fred’s last name was very apt for he was an excellent gardener. Everywhere they moved a beautiful garden and grounds were created. He loved to do pencil sketches and excelled at wood carvings: boots, skates, animals, birds, fish and jewelry. In fact, his carved figure skates made it around the world through Skate Canada and his hockey skates through the World Juniors. Another of his talents was baking bread and buns well into his nineties. All the family and friends enjoyed his gift of homemade bread! He loved doing puzzles, watching baseball, curling and of course the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Animals, especially dogs and horses, were always drawn to him as were his young grands and great-grands who he teased endlessly and they always came back for more.

 

Fred will be remembered for his smile, his wit, being a kind and loving family man and always a gentleman. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him.

 

A family celebration of his life will be held in the spring of 2021. If friends and family so desire, memorial donations in Fred’s name may be made to HALO, 12, 49 Viscount Avenue S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 5G4 or to the Alzheimers Society of Alberta, #201, 770 – 6 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 4J6. (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”

LEMNA, Donald Frederick

September 29, 1936 ~ October 24, 2020

Donald Lemna of Medicine Hat, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Calgary Foothills Medical Center in Calgary on October 24, 2020 at the age of 84. Don was the loving father of Donald Lemna (Joanne) of Chestermere, AB, and Boyd Lemna (Christine) of Manotick, ON. He will be dearly missed by his brothers: Pat and Fred; grandchildren: Joseph (Michele), Sean (Heather), Samantha (Diego), and Robyn; and his great grandchildren Werner, Rachel, and Daisie. Don was predeceased by his soulmate and loving wife of 53 years Deanna, and his grandson Matthew. Don was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta to his parents Edward and Phyllis. He spent his childhood in the Hat, and many years later, when walking through the downtown with his children and grandchildren, he would point out the landmarks of his childhood, and provide a story for each. Don joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1955, and attended Royal Roads and the Royal Military College of Canada, where he earned an engineering degree. He met Deanna in his final year of RMC and they were married in 1960. After serving 20 years, Don retired from the military as a Lieutenant Colonel, and the family moved to Sedgewick, Alberta where he took up writing full time. In 1981, Don and Deanna moved to Medicine Hat and it has been his home ever since. He was a published author, avid gardener (tomatoes and morning glories being favorites), friendly neighbour, amateur mason, loving father, and devoted husband, and he will be lovingly remembered by us all. Arrangements for a celebration of life will be made at a later date. To express condolences, please visit: http://www.mountain viewmemorial.ca.

LILLIAN HERTZ

 

1936 ~ 2020

 

On Monday, October 26, 2020, the angels came for our mom, Lillian Hertz, beloved wife of the late Ralph Hertz. She passed peacefully at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat at the age of 84 years. Lillian was born on October 20, 1936 in Standard, Alberta, a joy to her parents, John and Mary Zeliznik, and older brothers, Bill and Tom. They lived in the residence at the C.P Rail station in Standard, Alberta and she carried the love of the train whistle with her even after moving away from home. She received her schooling in Standard, enjoying her love of music, friends, family and horses.

Mom married the love of her life, Ralph Hertz, on August 18, 1956 and shortly after moved to the Hertz Family Farm, after making Dad promise they would never raise chickens and she would never have to roll her own cigarettes (he kept his promise).

Mom worked at Dad’s side on the family farm and kept very busy raising their 5 children with love and devotion. She hauled every one of her kids to every sport they were involved in, being their #1 fan always, not because she had to, but because she wanted to.

When mom and dad retired, they built their dream home in Medicine Hat and enjoyed their golf and socializing with all the gang at Park Meadows. Mom loved and was devoted to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was so proud of each of their accomplishments. Mom was an avid curler, active in politics, loved to golf, and recently developed an obsession for diamond painting (blame it on TA). She kept her love of sports, watching all her favourite teams. She especially enjoyed her season tickets to Tigers games and rarely missed a game.

Mom had great faith in the Lord and was an active member of the Holy Family Parish.

Left to cherish and forever remember all her love and devotion are her children: Cheryl (Dale), Darcy (Joddi), Rick (Mary), Terry-Anne, and Greg (Natalie); her grandchildren: Lindsy, Mandy (Matt), Karly (Whyat), Danny (Silvia), Tyson (Callie), Brandon (Kallie), Kurtis (Courtney), Keely (Matt) and Eden and her great-grandchildren: Sloane, Fowler, Hayes, Hadley, and Bo. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Ralph; her parents, John and Mary and her brothers, Bill and Tom.

A Private Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish with interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) Flowers are gratefully declined but if you desire, memorial donations in Lillian’s name may be made directly to St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3rd Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. 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”