December 5, 2020

1935 ~ JEAN HUNTER ~ 2020

Jean Mavis Hunter of Medicine Hat passed away on Saturday, November 28th, 2020 at the age of 95 years. The Funeral Service was held yesterday at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel. Memorial gifts in Jean’s memory may be made to Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation, 666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4H6. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Jean Hunter. 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.

CAROL ANN KROMREY (McCALLUM)

December 1, 1947 – November 12, 2020

Heaven opened its gates and welcomed our mom, Carol Ann Kromrey (McCallum), on November 12, 2020. Carol passed away from complications from cancer, in Brooks, AB. As everyone knows, Carol was fiesty, stubborn, independent but also so warm and generous. Carol will forever be remembered by her son, Todd (Angie), and her daughter, Rhonda (Jeremy) and by her grandchildren, Miki, Rain, Sky, Keegan, Kooper. A good friend of mom’s shared this quote with us “For every tear that fills our eyes, a thousand sunbeams wait to shine, for every storm that rolls our way, a rainbow lingers.” Mom had shared it with her when she needed support and comfort. Mom, we love you, and miss you…be at peace. For further information, to order flowers or to send a message of sympathy, please visit http://www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

GARTH FERGUSON

 

January 31, 1968 ~ November 30, 2020

 

Mr. Garth Neil Ferguson, beloved husband and soulmate of Pam, passed away at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary on Monday, November 30, 2020, at the age of 52 years. Along with Pam, Garth will be lovingly remembered by his son, Dustin (Kendra) and their children, Dax, Ty and Jordyn; daughter, Tanya (Kyle) Biko and their daughter, Kaydance; parents, Don and Audrey Ferguson; sister, Laurie (Rod) Phillips; brother, Mark (Lisa) Ferguson; sister-in-law, Monica (and his brother from another mother, Mark); numerous nieces and nephews; aunt and uncles, Bibi (Keith) Laurie, Clarence Seefried and Bill Ferguson as well as his empty-nest babies, Kaycee and Carl. Garth was predeceased by his grandmother, Dorothy Ferguson; mother-in-law, Esther as well as his brothers-in-law, Harry, Elroy and Ray (Pork). Garth was a master craftsman taking his work very seriously, caring and looking out for his co-workers. His job was paramount as a protector for his family whom he loved unconditionally. Garth was a very devoted husband and had an undying love for Pam; she would not have grown to be the person she is without him. Garth was the strength of his family being a good judge of character and honourable man who had a sentimental heart. He was a great leader and loved to share his knowledge while mentoring others. His ‘firm, but fair’ attitude will be forever remembered. Due to Covid-19 restrictions, the Funeral Service will be by invitation only. The service will be live-streamed on Monday, December 7, 2020, beginning at 2:00 p.m. (MST). To experience the service, please visit http://www.cooksouthland.com and click the View Broadcast Button on the homepage. Memorial donations in Garth’s name may be made directly to SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 8E8 or to APARC, 1002 South Railway Street, Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 2W2. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting 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”

JAMES PUDWELL

 

March 15, 1931 ~ December 2, 2020

 

With heavy hearts, the family of Mr. James (Jim) Pudwell, beloved husband of late Rose Pudwell, announce his passing at Masterpiece Southlands in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, December 2, 2020. Jim was born in Medicine Hat and raised on the family farm at Hilda, the youngest of a large family. When he was 10 years old his family moved to Medicine Hat. On May 12, 1951. Jim married Rose Immel and they began their family. Jim and Rose lived in Calgary, as well as in Oregon, before moving back to Medicine Hat, where he established a successful plumbing and heating company. Jim was a devoted father and provider to his seven children and enjoyed camping with many of them, even building a cabin and a pontoon on Lake Newell. Jim was very proud to have helped establish Golden Sheaf Park at Rattlesnake, where they enjoyed 30 years of camping on their lot beside their long-time friends, Frank and Rose Lanz. Jim and Rose belonged to many clubs and enjoyed dancing every chance they got. After retiring Jim enjoyed playing pool at the Veiner Centre. Jim and Rose were fortunate to travel to many destinations around the world. He spent his last few years at Masterpiece Southlands where he enjoyed joking with the many staff members. Jim’s memory will be lovingly treasured in the hearts of his children, Alexis (Don) Anderson, Adrienne (Randy) Fischer, Prudence (Ken) Chambers, Orr (Donna) Pudwell, Clyde (Mata) Pudwell, Gaye (Garth) Russill, Deye (Len) Dirk; grandchildren, Jeffrey, Kyle, Stuart, Alissa, James, Joel, Jenny-Rose, Nicole, Kelli, Alex, Abby and Braydon. He was predeceased by his wife, Rose; son-in-law, Kelly Benson; parents, Frederick and Annie Pudwell; siblings, John, Jack, Jean, Alec, Asher, Isadore, Elsie, and Evelyn. A private family celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., on Tuesday December 8, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. with grandson, Kyle Jacober officiating. Due to Covid-19 gathering restrictions, the Funeral Service will be live-streamed on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, beginning at 11:00 a.m. (MST). To experience the service, please visit our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com and click the View Broadcast button on the homepage. Private interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jim’s name can be made directly to Alzheimer Society, #201, 770 – 6 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta. 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”

KEITH COCKERILL

1939 ~ 2020

 

It is with an extremely heavy heart that Vina announces her beloved husband, Keith Campbell Cockerill, passed away at his home in Medicine Hat on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at the age of 81 years. The private family funeral service will be celebrated at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. with Deacon Terry Olson officiating. Due to Covid-19 gathering restrictions, the Funeral Service will be live-streamed on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, beginning at 2:00 p.m. (MST). To experience the service, please visit our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com and click the View Broadcast Button on the homepage. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cook southland.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”

EDMOND “ED” LACHAPELLE

 

Edmond “Ed” Albert Lachapelle passed away peacefully in his home with family by his side in Medicine Hat on the morning of Friday, November 27, 2020, at the age of 85 years young.

To his friends and family, Ed was a rock. More than that, he was a boulder—a larger than life figure whose presence was always felt. Quick to lend a hand with genuine enthusiasm, Ed always put other people first, and you always knew what to expect from him. He was a soft-spoken man, but you listened when he spoke. Many were touched by Ed’s curiosity, affection, dedication, and his calming, gentle way. His loss is felt deeply by the many who love him.

Ed was born October 1, 1935, to Madeleine and Lucien Lachapelle in Milden, Saskatchewan. A hard-working farm boy, he grew up with a large Roman Catholic family. Immensely strong from an early age, he was responsible for regular chores on the family’s pig farm. At boarding school he earned his keep by cleaning the classrooms before and after school. Speaking French at home, Ed was bi-lingual and was soon put in charge of teaching his peers.

In 1950, Ed and his older brother Hector came home to find their house on fire. Alone, they saved what they could including the cast iron stove. Later, it took four men to move the stove. After the fire Ed and Hector quit school to help their dad, Lucien build a house for their family. They bought a farmhouse down the road and spent the summer dismantling it nail by nail. They moved the house bit-by-bit with a 3-ton truck and built the family home—better than before.

In 1960, while at home for a family gathering, Ed met Joyce Helgeson. The Lachapelle’s were (and still are) known for having barn-busters with music supplied by the family musicians. Ed had his leg in a cast and was put on bartender duty when he spotted Joyce from across the room. They danced the night away, and needless to say, the next day he showed up at the hospital where Joyce worked to have his cast re-set.

They were married on February 27, 1960. Their daughters Brenda and Beverly were born that summer, followed by their son, Jerry in 1961. Ed worked as a truck driver throughout Saskatchewan. In 1962, Ed was part of a 12-man crew testing a gas line in Edson, Alberta when it exploded. It remains one of the worst pipeline explosions in Canadian history, eight men were killed, and four survived. Ed was hospitalized and unable to work for months. His siblings pitched in to help and his younger brother, Arthur, came to live with Joyce and the three young children.

In 1966, the family moved to Medicine Hat where Ed worked for South Eastern Pipeline. They settled in the Riverside trailer courts while their children attended St. Patrick’s School. They made fast friends with their neighbours including the Hashiguchi and Plante families. Ed was an excellent host, always ready to offer a cold beer and his tasty BBQ ribs to anyone who walked through the door. In 1968, their youngest son, Richard “Ricky,” completed the family. Ed and Joyce purchased their first home on 12th Street NE in the early 70s—there they’ve lived for the last 50 years.

Never a man to sit on his hands, at 60 years old, he went into business with his son Jerry and started a second career with Plowline Contracting. Working alongside one another for many years, they operated D9 bulldozers to plow plastic and steel pipe in the ground all over Alberta and Saskatchewan. All his vehicles were always spotless and shined and he was particularly proud of his baby—a 2006 Kenworth tractor-trailer. Ed and Joyce found joy in being grandparents (and later great-grandparents) to their five grandchildren. They were active and engaged, always showing up, spoiling their grandchildren with the latest toys, and loving them unconditionally.

In 2002, Ed and Joyce purchased their dream motorhome, a 38-foot slice of heaven, and burgundy to boot! They spent the next decade driving coast to coast. Up to Alaska where they did in fact meet Santa Claus. With their family out of the house, Ed and Joyce’s companions during this time were their furry friends Brandy and Bailey. Ed’s evening ritual was practicing tricks with them. When pressed about retiring, Ed would say, “to me, retirement means getting new tires.” So, he kept on working up until 2019, where his last job at age 84, was running a grader on a pipeline in Lamont, Alberta.

For the last year of Ed’s life, he battled lung cancer. He slowed down a bit but was always up for playing dice around the kitchen table. He got a few motorhome trips in this summer. He hosted friends and family from near and far and impressed them with his new app-operated smoker. They had a birthday bash to celebrate his 85th with friends and family. And he and Joyce quietly, and joyfully, celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this past February.

Ed leaves to cherish and mourn his wife Joyce Mary Lachapelle (née Helgeson). His daughters Brenda (Paul) Beauregard and Beverly Lachapelle. His son Jerry Lachapelle (Eva Fedoruk) and his children Safira Lachapelle (Kris Samraj), Alyssa Lachapelle (Dan Dickie) and their son Benjamin Lachapelle, and their mother Roxana Lachapelle as well as Eva’s son Jason (Jenn) Fedoruk and their children Arabella and Allan Fedoruk. His son Richard (Angie) Lachapelle and their children Branden Lachapelle, Kaitlyn Lachapelle and her son Asher Lachapelle.

He is survived by his brother Armand (Margaret) Lachapelle, Robert “Bobby” Sensarnie and sisters Louise Lachapelle, Mae (Amie) Lalonde, Rita Niedermaier, Sherry Rohoman, and Terry Lachapelle. He also leaves his sister-in-laws Rose Lachapelle, Sophie Lachapelle, and Elvera Lachapelle as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father Lucien Lachapelle, mother Madeleine Lachapelle, brothers Hector Lachapelle, Raymond Lachapelle, Arthur Lachapelle, sisters Lucille and Laurent “L.W.” Mireau, Yvonne and John Durbin, Alice and Danny Strelaski, his brother-in-law James Niedermaier, his brother Clarence “Buddy” Wilfong, and grandson Richard Lachapelle.

A memorial service will be held when the grass is green.

LUC RIENDEAU

1971 ~ 2020

 

Luc Riendeau, beloved husband of Dannielle and loving father to Lola, Lily, Dax and Lia, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday, December 3, 2020, at the age of 49 years. Luc’s memory 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”

THERESA HAUBRICH

 

April 12, 1920 – December 2, 2020

 

Theresa ‘Tessie’ Haubrich (nee Keck) of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Lawrence Haubrich, passed away peacefully at South Country Village in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, December 2, 2020, having reached her 100th birthday on April 12th of this year. Theresa’s memory will be cherished by her children, Deanna Guidry, Garret (Liz), Bob, Murray (Emily), Randy (Delee), Warren (Geri), Karen (Jean) Marchand and Kathy (Ed) Crandell. She will also be missed by 21 grandchildren, 37 great- grandchildren and 13 great-great-grandchildren. Along with Lawrence, Theresa was predeceased by her parents, Agnes and Andrew Keck; sons-in-law, Ray Guidry and Ron Crandell; grandson, Lucas Crandell; sisters, Mary (John) Fink, Barbara (Frank) Goetz, Lena (Bill) Keller as well as her brother, Nick (Pauline) Keck. Tessie was born and raised on the Keck homestead at St. Elisabeth near Gravelbourg, SK. She married Lawrence on April 2, 1940 and they raised their family in Hodgeville, SK., retiring to Assiniboia in 1988. As an active lifetime member of the Catholic Women’s League and The Order of Royal Purple, she contributed to her community selflessly. Theresa was also a sports enthusiast. She was an avid curler and supporter of local hockey and baseball teams. She has resided in Medicine Hat since 2009. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Sunnyside Nursing Home in Medicine Hat for the exceptional care they provided to their mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother over the past six years. Due to the current Covid-19 restrictions, Theresa will be honoured through a celebration of her life in the spring with interment in Assiniboia, SK. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) Those wishing to remember Theresa may do so through a donation to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, #201, 770 – 6 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 4J6. 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”