Saturday, April 10, 2021
By Destinee Mattson on April 10, 2021.
1921 ~ ALICE JOHNSON ~ 2021
Alice May Johnson passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa in Lethbridge on April 1, 2021. She was born and raised in Redcliff/Bingville, AB to John and Belle McLachlan. She is survived by her children, Cliff Johnson of Calgary, Audrey (John Wilson) Reti of Lethbridge, Gene (Mary Joan) Johnson of Iddesleigh; three grandchildren, Dr. Sandra (Jim) Davidson of Calgary, Heather (Eldon) Petherick of Kemptville ON, and Zack (Samantha) Johnson of Iddesleigh; four great grandchildren, Matt and Natalie Petherick of Kemptville, ON and Korben and Eva Johnson of Iddesleigh; as well as numerous dear nieces and nephews in BC, Alberta, Ontario and across the US; one sister, Lucille (H.A Bud) Olson of Calgary; predeceased by her husband, Mel in 2008; brothers, Hugh, Alex and Bill McLachlan, and her sisters, Marg Oaks, Isabel Bergdahl and Verna Brown. She married her fabulous husband, Melvin (GM) Johnson in 1943 and moved onto the family farm in Iddesleigh. There they raised their three children, Clifford, Audrey, and Gene and continued to add on to the size of the original farm… enjoying every year regardless of what weather or life threw at them. They retired to Brooks and then to Medicine Hat and finally settled in Lethbridge for the last 17 years to be close to their daughter, Audrey and family. Mom was a fantastic cook, baker, superb gardener, talented seamstress, knitter and hardanger, “jack of all trades”, she supplied meals to the field at harvest, drove grain trucks, helped out at brandings and weaning. She volunteered with the Red Cross for over 30 years as a canvasser, etc. and received a commendation plaque. She was dedicated member of the Iddesleigh Ladies Aid for decades. Mom had a ‘special’ birthday…Halloween Oct. 31, so many happy memories around that date! Mom and Dad travelled extensively to Europe, New Zealand, Alaska, Hawaii and almost every state in the USA and across Canada as well, they were great fans of Las Vegas (Dad more so than Mom) but she was a trooper because she knew Dad enjoyed it!! A tremendous “Thank you” is extended to all the caring staff at Columbia Assisted Living and at St. Therese Villa in Lethbridge, and Dr. Logan Steed who have been her dedicated caregivers for the past 13+ years…keeping her safe through this COVID pandemic. Our hearts go out to you all who have been so professional in your care for our Mom, Alice. And last but not least she would want to thank the chefs and kitchen staff and the fabulous hairdressers, Elsie Wither-Sully at Columbia and Dawn Lapointe at STV, she loved having her meals provided and looked forward to her hair appointments each week…she held you all in high esteem!! All in all it has been a long life lived well, and she would often say…”I don’t feel this old and I don’t have any pain”… it doesn’t get any better than that! Enjoy your next adventure Mom and catching up with Dad!! A private family service was held on April 8, 2021 with interment in Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Special Thank you to Nathalie Lawrence for her exemplary service. Memorial gifts in Alice’s name may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street SW, Calgary, AB, T2H 0G5. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Alice Johnson. 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.
1956 ~ LOUISE SCHAUFERT ~ 2021
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Louise Mary Schaufert on Sunday, April 4th, 2021 at the age of 64 years. A private family graveside service was held yesterday at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Louise’s memory may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, c/o Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation or the Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Louise Schaufert. 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.
AARON ZAHN
Aaron Zahn’s loved ones gathered at Cook’s Chapel this past Wednesday to celebrate the life of a man who touched so many. Family stood as one as a heartfelt tribute was shared, honouring a man who will be forever cherished, now at peace fishing with the Master of the sea.
You left us precious memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.
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”
BERTEL ALLEN CARLSON
August 30, 1926 ~ April 7, 2021
Bertel Allen Carlson, beloved husband of the late Wilma Carlson, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Wednesday, April 7, 2021, at the age of 94 years. Bertel’s memory will be forever cherished by his daughter, Debbie (Kevin) Harrison; daughter-in-law, Glenna Carlson; grandchildren, Chad (Krista) Carlson and their daughter, Kinley; Jordan (Kim) Carlson and their children, Sydney and Cole; Joel Carlson and his children, Jackson, Hailey and Gavon; Kevin’s daughters, Daphne Shackleton and her children, Allysa and Mikayla; Courtney (Eddie) Padilla and their children, Kyra and Daxon; sister-in-law, Lillian (Don) Leathwood; brother-in-law, Harold Anderson as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Along with his beloved wife, Wilma, Bertel was predeceased by his sons, Reg, Larry and Phylip; parents, Gustav and Johannah as well as his siblings, Carl, Agnus, Gilbert, Edith, Linnea and Glayds. Bertel was born in Medicine Hat and raised on a farm south of Seven Persons. He married Wilma Denise Anderson on February 6, 1951. Bertel not only enjoyed watching baseball, he loved playing baseball and had a chance to play professionally but wouldn’t leave the homestead as family was all too important to him. Hunting was also a great past time to Bertel, both big game and birds. His favorite dog was a black lab named, Laddie that loved to go hunting with him. Dancing, bowling, collecting rocks, working, socializing with his many friends, farming and ranching were all interests of Bertel’s. Over the years, he participated in numerous service groups including the Junior Forest Wardens and provided handicapped riding to those less fortunate. Bertel spent a lot of time with the grandchildren when they were little and loved entertaining them and teaching about things he enjoyed, from playing the accordion, baseball, riding horses, and milking cows… everything to do with farm life and being self sufficient. He said, “any damn fool can hire it done”. The one thing he was happiest about was the number of friends he had. He will be missed by many great friends. Bertel was affectionately known as ‘the popcorn man’ at the farmer’s market and ‘Mr. Farmer’ when he gave school tours at his petting farm. He was a kind, gentle and hard working man who was always cheerful, welcoming and had a great laugh. One of Bertel’s most memorable occasions was his 80th birthday, where it was celebrated with three days of dancing at the Seven Persons Hall. He was thankful that he had so many friends over the years that brought him countless moments of joy. Bertel didn’t know when hugging became popular, but he sure liked it. He will be fondly missed! Bertel’s memory will be cherished and his life honoured without the proceedings of a formal funeral service. A private family interment at Red Rock Cemetery at a later date. In honour of Bertel, the family requests that you do something nice for someone. (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”
BRANDAN BURLES
It is with heavy hearts we announce the sudden passing of Brandan Erwin Burles (BB) on March 15, 2021 at the tender age of 27. Brandan is survived by his father Grant, his mother Shauna-Lee (Gene) Jarvi. His brother Charleton (Jamie-Lynn) and their children Cyrus, Alex, Marcus, Sadie and Sienna. His sister Renee (Jeremy) and their children Charles and William, As well as several aunts, uncles and cousins. BB will also be lovingly remembered by the Watson family, Deni, Tanner (Elysia), their children Abby and Everly, Shaye, her daughter Keely and Jace. BB grew up in Redcliff, Alberta, but moved to Calgary in his early teens, he then spent most of his adult life between Calgary and Redcliff but was always a Redcliff “ kid “ at heart. He was excited to be moving back at the end of March and Shaye and Keely were looking forward to having their “ roomie” back. Brandan had many skills and could build, fix, wire and install pretty much anything, which made him a valuable asset to the construction industry where he was employed. He was also a talented artist and woodcarver (gifts he was fortunate to inherited from both his mom and dad ). Much of BB’s art work hangs proudly on the walls of his loved ones. BB loved an adventure, and took many trips to Seattle to be with his mom and Gene where he spent much time on the “creamsicle” the boat he insisted they needed to have. It took him no time to develop and master the art of knee and wakeboarding as well as surfing. BB also had the opportunity to travel to Thailand with his Dad, to celebrate the wedding of his sister Renee and Jeremy. He also spent his 21st birthday in Las Vegas with the Watsons.
BB enjoyed the outdoors,and spent much of his childhood mountain biking and hiking with his dad, exploring the valleys and rivers of southern Alberta. He also enjoyed camping with his Mom, Gene, Charleton, Jamie-Lynn and their kids. BB loved his family, and celebrating holidays. Christmas was his favourite time of year, and these celebrations won’t be the same without his enthusiasm and excitement filling the room. Although Brandan was taken far too soon, his family, friends and the dedicated staff at the Dream center will never forget his gentle heart and beautiful soul but it is comforting to know he is wrapped in the arms of Jesus. The memories that were created will last a lifetime and be forever etched in our hearts. A private celebration was held on Friday, March 26, 2021.
DONALD SOWA
Murray Jaster offered words of comfort to the family as they gathered at Hillside Cemetery this past Wednesday to celebrate the life of Donald Sowa. Tributes shared by his daughters described a fun loving man that will be forever remembered.
In Heaven’s greenest pastures,
Where the brightest blossoms grow,
Lives a very special person,
Whom it was a privilege to know.
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”
KLASKY, WILLIAM LYLE (BILL)
March 22, 1935– Medicine Hat, Alberta
March 30, 2021– Calgary, Alberta
It is with great sadness that the family announce that Bill Klasky of Calgary, AB, passed away very peacefully at home on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at the age of 86 years.
Bill was born and raised in Medicine Hat, AB and spent his early years working in the Western Wear industry. He successfully developed sales for Great Western Garment Company Ltd. (GWG) across Canada while living in Calgary, Regina and Dundas, ON. Upon returning to Calgary in 1974, Bill and Gail decided to enter the insurance industry in 1978 by starting their own brokerage, KDM Sterling Consultants, known to their many loyal clients as Sterling Insurance located in the Bonavista Shopping Centre for over thirty years. Bill and Gail were able to enjoy the fruits of their labors by retiring early after the sale of their companies.
Throughout his life, Bill was a tireless community volunteer and actively involved in many service organizations wherever he was. Bill was initially a continually active member in Kiwanis and Freemasonry and became a member of the Masonic Lodge (NWMP #11) in 1962 in Regina where his work ethic and positive attitude helped him become a 32nd Degree Master Mason which allowed him to become a member of the Shriners, which he was so proud of.
The list is almost endless of the organizations and communities that Bill supported with his valuable time. Bill was a life member of the Calgary Stampede where he volunteered with the Promotion, Park Parade, and International Committees. Bill was active politically and his experience was often called upon by the Alberta government with requests to sit on various boards and committees including the Society of Radiologists, AHS Citizen Advisory Committee and the Calgary Police Commission. In later years, Bill offered his voice for audio books and news reading for the visually impaired while being continually active with the Calgary Airport White Hat program, greeting visitors to the city that Bill called home.
Bill’s years of fishing with his dad created an adventurous spirit that Bill exercised throughout his life. While Bill and Gail enjoyed spending a quarter of their year in Solana Beach in California, they still made time to cruise to literally every corner of the world, enjoying the experience whether it was going up the Amazon in a small sailing ship or a luxury cruise to Monte Carlo. Bill continued to share the joy of cruising and seeing the world after the passing of Gail with Pauline, and they were able to complete his last bucket list trip to Tahiti, Fiji and Australia returning in Mid March of 2020, just minutes before ports were closing behind him.
Bill enjoyed everything life had to offer and embraced it with great enthusiasm, a sense of humour, a giving soul, gentle kindness and great love and respect for those of us he shared his life with. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends who knew and loved him.
Bill was predeceased by his loving wife of sixty-one years, Gail, in 2015.
Bill is survived by his devoted children, Dawn (Ken), William ‘Bud’ (Kathy), Denise (Pete) and Bobbi (Mike); adoring grandchildren, Jennifer, Lindsay, Amanda, Ryan, Lisa and Samantha; and great grandchildren, Chloe, Kenadie, Keagan, Mason, Lincoln, Norah, and twins, Nico and Luca. Bill also found an incredibly special and loving companion, Pauline, who shared his last five years of adventures with him.
A Celebration of Bill’s Life will be held when the world allows for all of us to have a fitting celebration to remember and reminisce about this incredibly special man.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to any Al Azhar Shriners initiative, 5225 101 Street NW, (10025 Shriners Road NW), Calgary, AB T3L 1S4 Telephone: (403) 239-0030, https://abshriners.com/ways-to-donate/.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Bill’s obituary at http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
In living memory of Bill Klasky, 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.
MARLENE REICHERT
The wind was blowing through the trees as family gathered privately at Hillside Cemetery this past Thursday to honour the life of Marlene Reichert. Father Roque offered prayers of condolence and blessed her urn as she was laid to rest with her mother… Marlene will never be forgotten.
Those we love don’t go away,
They walk beside us every day,
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still loved, still missed, still very dear.
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”
MELVIN CLIFFORD ROTH
November 11, 1930 – April 5, 2021
Melvin C. Roth, the son of William and Mary Roth of Medicine Hat, died peacefully on April 5, 2021 at 90 years old. A long time resident of the Medicine Hat area he was raised in Saskatchewan, Canada, near Fox Valley where his Romanian-German parents and grandparents settled after the turn of the 20th century.
He was devoted to providing for his family, his loving wife June (Howitt), and his children. He worked at the Redcliff Glass Factory, as a machinist apprenticing through the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, at the Western Co-op Fertilizer plant, and later in life as a realtor.
But his real passion was the outdoors, nature, and country life on their farms raising hay crops, livestock, and many horses, like his father before him. He planted and nurtured hundreds if not thousands of trees on the land he cared for, inheriting his very green thumb from his mother, Mary.
No one who met Melvin forgot his sense of humor, and most were left laughing after spending a few moments with him. He loved a good joke and had many dear friends. After retirement he would entertain his friends and acquaintances at talent shows, playing music, and performing amateur comedy routines.
He volunteered at and supported his church, St. Paul’s Lutheran, and Boy Scouts of Canada. He enjoyed being a summer campground host at The Boat Club and he fished, hunted, and hiked with his friends, children and grandchildren until he was well into his 80s.
He leaves his four children; Ron (Patty), Wes (Tannis), Carla (Merritt), and Wynne (Martin); his brother, Irvin (Lee) Roth; sisters, Verna Parker and Naomi (Gary) Norman. Melvin was pre-deceased by his loving wife, June after 62 years of marriage; his son, Paul; his elder brother, Albert; and his brother-in-law Lyle (Verna).
He also leaves six grandchildren, Tylor, Melissa (John), Jillian (Sai), Kelsie (Cole), Alexa (Scott), and Emerson and four great grandchildren, Brayden, Asher, Austin, and Bennett.
Because of the Covid-19 pandemic a private family memorial will be held at a later date.
Memorial gifts in Mel’s memory may be made to your charity of choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Melvin Roth. 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.
MILLER, Harold James
May 22, 1958 – April 8, 2021
Harold James Miller passed away in Calgary on Thursday, April 8, 2021 at the age of 63.
Harold leaves with endeared memories, one brother, Edwin (Bonnie) of Strathmore, three nephews and their families, Jeff (Abby), Kiya and Noah of Cochrane, AB; David (Krista) Harlen of Wainwright, AB; and Kevin (Lindsay) Ronan, Corbin and Annika of Creston, BC, one aunt Cathie Dreger of Calgary, AB along with many cousins and friends.
Harold resided in Redcliff/Medicine Hat for the majority of his life, until he became unable as a result of a brain tumour. He then resided in Calgary until his passing. Harold made his choice to serve God in his youth, which was a strength to him throughout his life. Harold enjoyed woodworking and carpentry. He also enjoyed the opportunity to visit Denmark with his family. With a kind and caring personality, Harold enjoyed every opportunity to visit and socialize with friends and family.
A family service will be held on Monday, April 12, 2021 at 11 am. Interment will follow at a future date in the Redcliff Cemetery.
Donations in Harold’s memory can be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society (#200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5 or online at cancer.ca).
To send condolences or to watch a live stream of the service, please visit Harold’s obituary at http://www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.
RACHELLE PRATT
Numerous friends and extended family gathered virtually in support of Rachelle Pratt’s family as they celebrated her life yesterday. The picture tribute, heartfelt words from her parents as well as video messages from Narrow Road Home offered insight into a gal who was loved by many and will be dearly missed.
I’m with you when the times are good,
To share a laugh or two,
And if a tear should start to fall…
I’ll still be there for you.
Her Life Lived…
Her Life Cherished…
Her Life Honored.
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”
WILLIAM LALONDE
April 3, 1944 – April 5, 2021
William “Bill” LaLonde of Medicine Hat, AB passed away on Monday April 5, 2021 at 77 years of age. Born in Moose Jaw, SK, Bill moved to Medicine Hat in 1969. He was a mechanic by trade, but skilled in so many areas, always coming up with a new project or a visionary new design. He had a mischievous sense of humor, homespun phrases, and always loved a good deal. He was happiest when building and creating something new or having a visit at the door. Bill was predeceased by his father Joseph in 1946; his mother, Helen in 2009; his sister, Pegg Hamel in in 1997; and his brothers, Tom LaLonde in 2000 and Bob LaLonde in 2012. He will be lovingly remembered by his sisters, Lois Franks, Dort May, and Yvonne (Ralph) Davidson; his daughters, Lori (Robert) Fraser, Susan (Duke) Dorohoy, and Sandra LaLonde (Eric Kirol); his grandchildren, Dayna Heimark, Tylan (Christine) Dorohoy, Emily Fraser, Jonathan Dorohoy, Ian Fraser, and Benjamin Dorohoy; his great-grandchildren, Shyanne, Taiya, Cole, Axle, and Raelee; as well as numerous other relatives and friends. Many thanks to all his healthcare providers over the years, as well as to the emergency responders. Special thanks to all the staff at his favourite restaurants for taking such good care of him and keeping up with his sense of humour. If you have any stories or memories to share, please add them to Bill’s memorial page on the website at http://www.saamis.com. The family looks forward to reading them. Due to current health restrictions, a gathering in Bill’s honour will be announced at a later date. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading William LaLonde. 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.
