December 12, 2020
By Destinee Mattson on December 12, 2020.
1919 ~ EVELYN STALL ~ 2020
With great sadness, we announce that Evelyn Stall, 101, of Medicine Hat Alberta has passed away on Dec 6, 2020. Evelyn was born as, Eva Schwartz on Jan 15, 1919 to parents, Ben and Rose (Beckerman) Schwartz, who arrived from Winnipeg to start a new life together homesteading in Spring Valley SK. Ben had arrived young and penniless from Russia in 1912 with nothing but hope in Canada. The family moved in 1921 to Moose Jaw SK, where Ben set up a scrap metal business, an essential service in Moose Jaw during WW2. During the difficult Depression he supported his family by shoveling coal at 25¢/hr. Evelyn was joined in the family by sister Lillian and brothers, Maurice and Sam. Her interests at an early age were piano, vocal, and volunteering, and their family home at 606 Athabasca St West became an active hub of activity. Evelyn always had remained very active in the Moose Jaw Jewish community, in Hadassah and many fundraising activities. There she married Joel Stall in 1938, was blessed with three sons, and strongly continued her efforts in many support organizations. She worked as a realtor, becoming president of the Real Estate Association, and starting a new fabric business. She stayed active in civic and provincial politics, never hesitating to tell fellow Moose Jaw native Premier Ross Thatcher what was on her mind (or tell anyone else). Evelyn retired to Medicine Hat in 1981, where her parents, brother and his family resided and had operated the Frontier Motel 1956 – 1971. She always remained active in many volunteer organizations, and especially was involved in the hospital and transit commission. She received numerous awards and accolades for her efforts, with the highlight being a wonderful 100th birthday celebration held in May 2019 at the Lodge, kindly organized by Ken Sauer, Colleen Wilson and Mike Hertz. There she stated her objective was to reach one-hundred-and a half, which as always she surpassed. She was instrumental in fundraising for the Medicine Hat Volunteer Center opened in 2000. In 2002 she was a recipient of the Stars of Alberta Volunteer Award. In 2006, at age 87 she received a Civic Recognition Award from Medicine Hat after giving 25,000 volunteer hours. All who worked with her knew that she had incredible drive and determination, organizing volunteer luncheons and fundraising events well into her 90’s. Evelyn was predeceased by her husband, Joel (1962); mother, Rose (1985); father, Ben (1987); brother, Maurice (2003); and sister, Lillian (2020). She is remembered always by her three sons, Lionel of Calgary, Morley of Whistler BC, Alan (Carol) of Naperville IL; brother, Sam of Naples FL; sister-in-law, Sally of Calgary as well as six grandchildren, Jeffrey, Jennifer, Timothy, Michael, Sarah and Thomas; ten great grand-children, Natalie, Nathan, Olivia, Blake, Charlotte, Alison, David, Benjamin, Amalie and Claire; many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family in Canada and the USA and many friends in Moose Jaw and Medicine Hat. Services are private. The family thanks and greatly appreciates the help and support provided to Mother by the Wellington and River Ridge Senior’s homes, and her wonderful friend and caregiver Verdene Denton, who was a great comfort during these last difficult days. If anyone would like to make a donation in memory of Evelyn, please give to the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation: https://www.ourhealthfoundation.ca/, Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation 666 – 5th Street SW Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4H6. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Evelyn Stall. Funeral arrangements 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.
1935 ~ ALEX GUTFRIEND ~ 2020
Alexander Edmund Gutfriend, passed away December 10, 2020 at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital at the age of 85 years. Alex was born April 17, 1935 on the family homestead in Josephstal, Saskatchewan, just outside of Leader. In 1940, they moved to a farm southeast of Liebenthal, Saskatchewan where he started school. In 1947, the family moved to Medicine Hat where he continued his education at St. Louis school and Theresa’s Academy followed by a business course at Garbutt Business College. He began his working career in 1954 with the Deptartment of Agriculture Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) at Vauxhall, Alberta. Alex is survived by his loving wife, Edith his three children, daughters Bonnie Foster and her family, Ashley (John) Ramsay and Gwendaelyn, Jordan (Shantelle) Foster and Isaac, Jarrett (Chelsie) Foster and Jaycey; Kellie (Ralph) Lombardo and their family, Nicole (Blake) Schumack and their children Romeo and Andre, Amanda (Dan) Armstrong and Milo, Jessica (Matt) Chawrun and Jaxson, and Christina Lombardo; Perrie Fauth and her family, Angela Pegoraro, Houston Fauth, Keller Fauth and Cassandra Fauth; his stepsons, Bruce (Stacey) Bowdridge and Megan Bowdridge and her son Liam; Anderson (Linda) Bowdridge-Gutfriend and his family, Jennifer Gutfriend, Felicia (Mike) Jesperson and their children Faith and Marshall; Haley Hurst; Stephen’s son, Ryan (Sarah) Bowdridge and their children Rehanna, Kadince and Layne. He is also survived by his sister Betty Macdonald and her family, his sisters-in-law Alma Gutfriend and her family, Evelyn (Ken) Moir and her family as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins. Alex was predeceased by his parents Matt and Rachel (Kurtz) Gutfriend and his in-laws William and Viola MacDonald; his brother Michael Gutfriend and Michael’s daughter Michelle Van Bevern; his sister Katherine (Tony) lbach; his brothers-in-law, Gordon Macdonald and William MacDonald; his stepson Stephen Bowdridge and his son-in-law Brian Fauth. In 1955, he married Viola Lehr (his first wife) and their daughter Bonnie was born in Vauxhall. He subsequently moved to Regina with the Land Use Directorate (Community Pastures); his second daughter Kellie was born there. In1964, he returned to Vauxhall as Project Administrator, where their third daughter Perrie was born. In 1968, he transferred to Calgary as the District Administrator with the Department of Energy Mines and Resources, Inland Water Directorate. In 1969, he transferred to the Canadian Hydrographic service of the same department in Victoria, BC. In 1972, he transferred to the Department of Environment, Canadian Forestry Service in Fredericton, New Brunswick as the Regional Administrator. In December of 1974, he married Edith Bowdridge (nee MacDonald). She brought with her three children from a previous marriage, Stephen, Bruce and Andy. In 1975, he transferred to Environmental Management Services of the Department of Environment in Halifax, Nova Scotia as the Director of Administration for the Atlantic provinces. In 1979, he transferred with the same department to Environmental Protection Services in Edmonton, as the Director of Planning Finance and Administration. In April 1983, he transferred to the Department of Indian and Northern Affairs in Vancouver, BC as Chief of Contracts and Administration. In 1990, he retired. He gave the government 37 years of service. During the summer of 1990, we explored the BC region and bought a rundown RV park in Pritchard, B.C. We worked very hard to restore it and enjoyed that very different lifestyle for five years. In 1994, we decided to retire again, so we sold the RV park and moved to Medicine Hat. We supervised the building of our house and in 1995 decided to go back to work again. We bought an RV Sales and Service business and ran it for three years before retiring again. Over the years, he participated in a variety of activities, and was a member of many community and service organizations. He has bowled and curled (almost represented Alberta in the Brier in the early 60’s) and was an avid golfer for many years. We owned a 32 foot cabin cruiser when we lived in the Maritimes and had many interesting experiences during that time, not the least of which was touring our relatives around the eastern provinces when they came to visit. We had been lifelong RV’ers and he belonged to a number of organizations supporting camping life. He was the National Director for the local chapter of Family Motorcoach Association (FMCA) and as a result traveled extensively throughout Canada and the USA. He was President of the Golden Sheaf Park Board of Directors for five years. We made the trip to Calgary, Kamloops, Vancouver and Seattle to see all our kids a couple times a year. We have been to Hawaii, Cuba, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. We spent many winters in Casa Grande, Arizona and had a pleasant adventure on a Panama Canal cruise. He loved retelling stories of unusual incidents that happened during our travels (tornadoes, earthquakes, fires and hurricanes). Our children often teased him when they read of some disaster or strange weather and said, “Our dad must be there”. He enjoyed lively debates on issues and liked to help family and friends resolve problems withcentral or government agencies. Two big events in recent years were our 25th wedding anniversary in July of 1999 when we renewed our vows at St. Patrick’s Church and the wonderful gathering of our relatives at the family reunion in 2001. In 2015, another celebration was our 40th wedding anniversary and Alex’s 80th birthday held in Medicine Hat. In recent years Alex struggled with a great many health problems, however he put up a good battle. He will be greatly missed by friends and relatives. The funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Roque Pereira Celebrant. Family and friends are invited to remotely attend the funeral service by going to the Pattison Funeral Home facebook page. Live streaming will begin at service time. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Alex Gutfriend, 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
1947 ~ Garry Charles Schmidt ~ 2020
Garry Charles Schmidt passed away on December 8, 2020 at the age of 73 years. He is survived by his beloved wife of 40 years, Lynne Dianne Schmidt of Medicine Hat and his son, Darren (Amanda) Schmidt. Garry was predeceased by his parents Julius and Lara as well as one sister, Georgina.
Garry was born on September 2, 1947 in Calgary. Being taller and larger than most of his peers, he was selected to play goalie for his local West Hillhurst junior hockey squad. His size also suited him well for playing football as an offensive and defensive lineman for the Calgary Colts. He also relished working as door security for a Calgary dance hall in the late 1960’s. His athletic feats earned him a few trophies, lifelong friends, and a shiny set of new dentures.
After high school, Garry graduated from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and worked in retail management for the next 24 years. He met his wife, Lynne, in the late 1970’s and they married in 1980. Garry’s work took them to several cities: Calgary, Edmonton, Regina, Burnaby, and ultimately Medicine Hat in 1991.
Garry and Lynne opened the first Arby’s restaurant in Medicine Hat in 1993 and a second location in the Medicine Hat Mall in 1995. He met many wonderful friends during his Arby’s days and, to some, he affectionately became simply known as “Bac-N-Cheddar”. Garry and Lynne sold the business in 2008.
Garry was a dedicated volunteer and gave generously to many charities. His sense of civic duty led him to run for Medicine Hat City Council in 1998 and 2001. He came up short both times, but over the years he continued to help campaign for other local candidates.
In his later years, Garry took up post- retirement work as a transport driver at Hallcon Transport. He shuttled railway employees around southern Alberta and loved sharing stories with the many people he drove with.
Garry was very proud of his son, Darren. They shared the same birthday on September 2. He was a loving and supportive parent and he would brag about Darren to anyone who would listen.
A special thank you to Dr. W. Ruzycki, Dr. P. Best, and the medical team at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.
Due to COVID-19, an in-person funeral service will be arranged at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Garry with a donation, may be made to the Kidney Foundation 6007 1a St SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0G5, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation 100-119 14 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1Z6. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@ pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Garry Schmidt, 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
1949 – Diane Judy Simmons – 2020
Diane Judy Simmons passed away December 9th, 2020. Diane was predeceased by her parents Frank and Hazel Simmons and will be lovingly remembered by her sisters, Darlene (Arnie) Macauley and Debbie (Randy) Zaiser; brother, Rod (Wanda) Simmons; along with six nieces and nephews. Diane was injured at birth and needed constant care. Mom and Dad spent their entire lives supporting Diane and making sure she was well cared for. As a teenager, Diane lived in the Michner Centre in Red Deer. Several times a year our family would pick up Diane and drive to Sylvan Lake. Diane Loved to walk in the water, be pushed on the swing, and eat ice cream. Diane also lived in a Lethbridge group home for 20 years. The caregivers would take her to their homes for getaways. The last years of her life were spent in the Alfred Egan home in Bow Island where she was given exceptional care. We would like to express a very special thank you to the caregivers who made her life as enjoyable as possible; taking her swimming, on park outings, to summer camps, and on community outings. Diane’s caregivers knew her mischievous smile and would hold her hand until she decided she didn’t want to. They were family to her, and we are grateful. No funeral service will be held. Memorial gift’s in Diane’s memory may be made to the Bow Island Health Centre for the Alfred Egan Home, 938 Centre Street, Bow Island, T0K 0G0. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Diane Simmons. 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.
1967 – RORY LEFEVER – 2020
It is with heavy hearts the family of Rory Lefever announce his accidental passing at his home on December 9, 2020. Rory will be lovingly remembered by his parents, Sharon and Rob; his sister, Sheri (Murray Craven) and her family, Hailey, Sara and Joel; as well as his dog babies, Gizmo and Molly. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Rory Lefever. 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.
FRANK TARNOCZI
In God’s Care…
This past Wednesday in Cook’s Chapel, special readings and tributes were presented to honour the life of Frank Tarnoczi. The memory of this well respected and much loved man will live on within the hearts of all those who knew him.
Always kind and caring,
Attentive to the needs of the poor,
Rewarded for his many good deeds,
Journeying through heaven’s door.
His Life Lived…
His Life Cherished…
His 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”
KEITH COCKERILL
Forever In Our Hearts…
Family gathered in Cook’s Chapel this past Tuesday to celebrate the life of Keith Cockerill, with many friends experiencing the celebration via livestreaming. The recessional music was traditional highland selections piped by Eric Kean… a lasting memory.
Our family chain has broken
And nothing seems the same,
As God calls us one by one
The chain will link again.
His Life Lived…
His Life Cherished…
His 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”
SCHIEMAN, Gwen Eva (née Chappell)
April 29, 1931 – Oxbow, Saskatchewan
December 5, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gwen who died peacefully on Saturday, December 5, 2020 in Calgary, at the age of 89.
Beloved wife of the late Bill Schieman, she will be dearly missed by her daughters, Carol Anderson (Jeffrey), Arlene Buchan (Jamie), and son Doug. Gwen was much loved by her grandchildren, Bill (Shaina), Ryan, Rachel (Taylor), Tyler, Ashley (Alex), and Taylor; and her great-grandson Ezra.
Gwen was born and raised in Oxbow, Saskatchewan, with her four siblings, Don (Donna), Lenna (Don), Mac (Jeanette), and Blair (Betty). Here she began her career in the bank. Gwen was active in the community and with her love of sports. She played baseball, curled and was a dedicated Roughrider fan. Gwen enjoyed playing saxophone in a dance band and was involved musically in the church. She was married in 1954, and moved to Edmonton to support Bill’s University endeavours.
In 1962 the family moved to Regina where Gwen discovered her three favourite lifelong activities – curling, golf and playing bridge. She ran a busy household, and volunteered in the schools, church and community. Gwen also loved spending family time with the Schieman and Chappell clans whenever possible.
Gwen moved to Medicine Hat in 1967. She was involved with her children in many activities, especially sports and music, which inspired their lifelong passions. Gwen was an extraordinarily dedicated volunteer. She served as a CGIT leader, was active in UCW, Meals on Wheels, VON, the Kiwanis Swim Club and wherever else her skills were needed.
Gwen’s journey continued with a move to Calgary in 2005 where she was able to participate in her grandchildren’s football games, hockey games, wrestling tournaments, figure skating, gymnastics, soccer, dance and music lessons. She was either sewing costumes or cheering with gusto in the stands! Having a “sweet tooth” Gwen was always baking and sharing with others. She maintained her passion for curling, golf and bridge into her 80s. Gwen loved to travel with friends and family, creating many cherished memories.
The family will hold a private interment service at a later date. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Gwen’s obituary at http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
The family would like to sincerely thank the staff of Carewest Sarcee for their compassion. A special thank you to Dr. Wong who went above and beyond all expectations to help facilitate our goodbyes.
In living memory of Gwen Schieman, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.
WILLIAMS, Jocelyne Lucienne
(nee Gamache)
April 1, 1946 – Elk Point, Alberta
December 2, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta
Jocelyne Williams, of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Wednesday, December 2, 2020 at the age of 74 years.
Those who knew Joyce felt her ever-present love, her kindness and her patience. She was a steadfast beacon of light and source of calm, who selflessly gave of herself, always placing the needs of others before her own. The beauty and grace of Jocelyne Lucienne Williams (nee Gamache) was brought into the world on April 1,1946, and beside her beloved husband, Robert (Bob); her “darling girl”, Dionne; her dearest son-in-law, John; and her precious granddaughters, Lauren and Rowan, lived a life rich with laughter and love, brightening the lives of so many along the way.
Joyce grew up in St. Paul, Alberta, as the youngest of five children: Guy (Florence) Gamache (deceased), Mariette (Al) Dawson, Charles (Terry) Gamache, and Anna (Stan) Pratch. It was there that she met the love of her life, Bob. They later married in 1967 and three and half years later Dionne was born. Joyce’s world centred on her family, and she was happiest when she was caring for them. Her tender nature coupled with her passion and knowledge is what also made her an exceptional teacher. She taught for 38 years, mostly teaching grade one; she created lasting impressions on students and formed enduring friendships with colleagues. It was only the chance to care for her grandchildren that led her from her career, and she and Bob moved from Medicine Hat to Calgary in 2005 to seize this gift. Joyce devoted herself to Dionne, John and her granddaughters. As the girls grew, playtime evolved into long chats, making crafts became creating works of art, and walking them to school turned to worrying about when they would safely return home on their own. After her battle with cancer in 2012, Joyce rekindled her love of painting and drawing, and she spent countless hours taking classes, learning new techniques and styles that she loved to experiment with and master. This past October Joyce learned that she would once again have to battle cancer. She took each day as it came, each time looking only for the joy that exists in our world.
Joyce was a woman of strength and courage whose eternal love will be felt forever. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Joyce’s obituary at http://www.McInnisand Holloway.com. A special thank you to the staff of Unit 74 at Rockyview Hospital and of Unit 46 at Foothills Hospital, who worked tirelessly to make Joyce comfortable.
In living memory of Joyce Williams, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.
