August 14, 2021

1923 ~ THOMAS THOMSON ~ 2021

Thomas Allan “Tom” Thomson of Medicine Hat passed away at River Ridge Senior’s Village on Tuesday, August 10th, 2021 at the age of 97 years. Tom was born on September 3, 1923 in Winnipeg, MB. He married Jean McLeod on June 18th, 1947 and they spent 69 happy years together. Tom was proud to serve his country and he was posted with the Royal Canadian Air Force as a tail gunner in a Halifax Bomber. He survived more than one crash landing and served time as a P.O W. He was proud to be a veteran and had many stories to tell. You can view Tom’s interview in the documentary, “Turangaarere: The John Pohe Story: Born to Fly”. Following his time in the service, Tom started his career as an insurance broker with Lang Bros. and Gibson. Later, he teamed up with Joe Fisher and George Fisher and started Thomson Fisher Insurance in Medicine Hat. Tom retired in 1981. Tom and Jean enjoyed many years travelling in their Winnebago and enjoyed visiting Las Vegas. Tom relished spending time with his family, especial his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. When time allowed, he enjoyed a round of golf or two, playing and watching curling, wood carving, and watching the Medicine Hat Tigers. He had a lovely personality and was full of charm and charisma. His quick wit could always make you smile. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew him. Tom leaves to cherish his memory his family; David (Valarie) Thomson; Dan Rigby (Deb Kopek); Eric (Andrea) Thomson and their children, Bridgette and Thomas; Adam (Victoria) Thomson and their children, Charlotte, Allister and Briella; and Ian (Kayla) Rigby. He was predeceased by his daughter, Donna Jean in 2007 and then his beloved wife, Jean Thomson in 2016. The family will privately celebrate Tom’s life and legacy. A special thank you to the Rigby family. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Thomas Thomson. Funeral arrangements will be announced when 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.

1926 ~ ELLEN GLASS-JASTER ~ 2021

 

Ellen (Dalen) Glass Jaster, 95, has left us to join her Beloved Saviour on August 6, 2021 in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

Ellen leaves two children, Garth (Shelley) Glass, Valerie (Robert) Knowlden; two brothers, Ivan Dalen (Suzan Schaefer) and Larry Dalen; step daughters, Shirley Leachman (Lloyd Doucette) and Donalda (Dave) Cormier and many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Ellen was predeceased by her first husband Edwin Glass in 1986 after 37 years of marriage and Oswald Jaster in 2018 after 27 years of marriage. She was also predeceased by her parents, Arne and Julia Dalen as well as brother Arnold (June) Dalen.

Ellen was born July 2, 1926 and lived with her parents and three younger brothers on a farm near Fox Valley Saskatchewan. She attended Ingebrigt Community School which was named after her Norwegian Grandfather. Following her school years, Ellen worked in Kelowna and then Vancouver for a time then returned home to her farm community.

Edwin Glass and Ellen Dalen married on November 4, 1948. They resided in the town of Fox Valley where Ed had a garage and Imperial Oil business. Both children were born during this time. In 1958 the family moved to their new farmstead eight miles south of Fox Valley. In 1967 they downsized the farm and moved into Maple Creek where Garth and Valerie attended high school.

Ed’s extensive involvement with Rotary and the Saskatchewan Hospitals Association, gave Ed and Ellen many opportunities to travel. Annual hospital conventions provided international holidays with very special friends. Ed continued to farm part time until they moved to Medicine Hat in 1984, where Ed passed away in 1986.

On July 7, 1990 Ellen married Oswald Jaster in Medicine Hat and merged into a wonderful blended family who Ellen loved as her own. With most everyone close at hand, Ozzie & Ellen spent immeasurable hours enjoying their family. As a couple, they were active members of St. Pauls Lutheran Church. Every summer was spent travelling North America with the Good Sam Club community in their recreational vehicle.

Ellen’s life work was her family, church and friends. Throughout her life she always had a close community of bridge players who met weekly. She enjoyed gardening, curling, knitting and sewed everything. Her quilting, painted pictures, and many hobbies are a legacy for us to treasure. She was an amazing cook and loved to bake and never failed to have something homemade to take to a potluck or a friend in need. Ellen always had time for people, curious and genuinely engaging everyone she met.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the wonderful caregivers at the Riverview Care Centre for the love and care provided over the last two years. The graveside service was celebrated at Hillside Cemetery on Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Ken Edel officiating. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ellen’s name may be made directly to the Riverview Care Center, 603 Prospect Drive SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 4C2. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Ellen Glass-Jaster, 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

1927 ~ SHEILA BAKER ~ 2021

 

Sheila Valda Baker (nee Moody) was born on November 29, 1929, in Shepton Mallet, Somerset, England, the only child of Tom and Elsie (Cox) Moody, and passed away at Sunnyside Care Centre in Medicine Hat, Alberta, on August 10, 2021 at the age of 93 years. She is survived by her step-daughter, Robin (Stan) Krause and their family; Michael’s widow, Marie-Jose Chartier; Hugh’s widow, Helen Baker and her family; cousins in England and Nova Scotia and dear friends on both continents. Sheila was predeceased by her parents, Tom and Elsie Moody; her husband, Eric Baker; and step sons, Michael and Hugh Baker. Sheila grew up in the quiet English village of Shepton Mallet, attending a convent school where she learned to love the traditions and liturgy of the church. She experienced the bombing of the blitz during WWII as a teenager. Only one bomb fell on their village, but Sheila described the fear they all felt as they listened to the bombers heading for London as they flew over every night. When Sheila was 17 her mother became seriously ill. The doctor told Sheila she must put her life on hold and care for her mother, which she did for months until Elsie recovered. Always an active participant in parish life, Sheila for a time lived the demanding life of a clergy wife. When her marriage ended she returned home to care for her aging parents, which she continued until their deaths. In the mid 1980’s, Dr. Eric Baker was doing volunteer work at a mission hospital in Zimbabwe, following the death of his wife Grace from cancer. On one of his trips, Eric stopped in England to renew acquaintances with friends and family there. He and Sheila met, and romance began to blossom. They continued their long distance courtship until Tom Moody passed away in the spring of 1989. Sheila and Eric were married on May 4, 1989 and after a brief honeymoon, Sheila left the green countryside of southern England to live with Eric in Medicine Hat. She faced whatever challenges she encountered with her usual courage, and found some kindred spirits in other British expats to help her understand, if not always accept, the Canadian way of things. She drew a circle of friends from various walks of life that persists to today. Together Eric and Sheila created a beautiful garden in the English style at their home near the hospital with masses of geraniums in front and flowers and vegetables in the backyard. Sheila and Eric loved to travel. Their favorite place to visit was the Lizard in Cornwall. In speaking of their marriage, Sheila always said they were always laughing, and their photos attest to that. For a few years they hosted a themed party around Christmas that involved dressing up and playing games that had everyone laughing. Sadly, in 1994 Eric was diagnosed with dementia. Sheila promised him she would care for him at home, which she did, until his death on September 4, 1996. After Eric’s death Sheila visited England a few more times but chose to stay on in her Medicine Hat home. She and Eric had become active in the Holy Trinity Anglican congregation, and Sheila continued to be involved in the life of the parish. She continued to care for anyone she found needing a kind word or a listening ear, either visiting at the hospital or going about her life. Many of these people have remained fast friends right to the present. In late October of 2014, Sheila suffered a brain hemorrhage which required surgery at Calgary Foothills Hospital. After returning to Medicine Hat it was determined she could no longer manage in her home, and she moved to 2 North at the hospital. She worked hard to get walking again after her surgery, but in February 2015 fell and fractured a hip. More surgery, and then, a placement at Sunnyside! Once again Sheila worked with the physiotherapist until she was walking again. She continued to be interested in the people around her, helping where she could, talking and sharing stories and cups of afternoon tea. At Sunnyside, Sheila faithfully attended the weekly mass provided by volunteers from the congregation at Holy Family Parish, and took an active part. It was her wish to have her funeral at Holy Family, so following cremation Sheila’s funeral will be held on Friday, August 27 at 11:00am at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat. Burial to follow at Hillside Cemetery. Family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to the Holy Family Parish page at http://www.youtube.com/. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Sheila Baker. 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.

1937 ~ SIMON HAMMEL ~ 2021

Simon Andrew Hammel passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at the age of 84 years, beloved husband of Emma Hammel of Medicine Hat. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Monday, August 16, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A private family funeral mass will be held at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (238 2nd Ave N.E.) on Wednesday, August 18, 2021 with Father Roque Pereira officiating. Interment will take place at a later date. Those who wish to remember Simon with a donation, may do so to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Simon Hammel, 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

1954 ~ DEBRA STRAUB ~ 2021

The family of Debra Mae Straub are saddened to announce her passing on August 6th, 2021 at the age of 66 years. A family service was held yesterday at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to the S.P.C.A. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Debra Straub. 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.

1960 ~ RANDY TAVES ~ 2021

Randy Douglas Taves passed away on Tuesday, August 10, 2021 at the age of 61 years. He loved his wife Beth and his three daughters, Kaitlin (Dan), Laura (Adam), and Avery (Eric). A Celebration of Life will take place at the Esplanade Theatre (401 – 1 Street, S.E., Medicine Hat) on Wednesday, August 25, 2021 at 2:30 p.m. The service will be live streamed, and family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to watch the service by searching for the Pattison Funeral Home Youtube page. The video will go live 10 minutes prior to service time and will remain on the youtube page for future viewing. In lieu of flowers, please consider feeding Beth as her freezer is empty or giving a memorial donation to the Turtleford Spray and Play by writing a cheque to the town of Turtleford (indicating the donation to Randy in the memo line) or sending an e-transfer to rbrand@townofturtleford.com. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Randy Taves, 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

TRUDY BUTCHER

 

December 6, 1930 ~ August 9, 2021

 

It is with heavy hearts that we, the family of Edeltraut “Trudy” Maria Butcher, beloved wife of the late Ted Butcher, announce her passing on Monday, August 9, 2021, at the age of 90 years. Trudy leaves to cherish her memory five children: Erika (Terry) Bartman and their children, Rachel (Lorne) Vossler and their children, Hallie and Vaughn and Brett (Dara) Bartman and their daughter, Ruby; Eva (Morris) Lukowich and their daughter, Zoë; Angie (Aaron) Konschuk and their children, Zachary (Reanne) Konschuk and Jenna Konschuk (Cam Mayert); Marty (Diane) Butcher and their daughters, Ashleigh and Mia; Mandy Butcher and her daughter, Jillian. Trudy is also survived by extended family in both Germany and England. Born in Preiwils, East Prussia (Germany), Edeltraut Maria Strehl was the eldest daughter of five children. She completed her Nursing Degree in Edinburgh, Scotland. On November 1, 1958, Trudy married the love of her life, her Teddy, in Southampton, England. In 1961, Trudy and Ted and their two young daughters moved to Canada, settling in Bindloss, Alberta. They added two more children, then moved to Medicine Hat in 1965, where their family became complete. Trudy was a wonderful mother raising their five children with Ted. Her family was her life. Trudy was a lifelong learner, who enjoyed sharing her vast knowledge with her children. Our Mom was a huge Jeopardy fan and excelled at the game of Trivial Pursuit. She always seemed to be on the winning team! Trudy had an avid appreciation of nature. She loved visiting Police Point Park where she shared her passion for birds and other wildlife. Trudy liked travelling with Ted, taking several trips throughout Canada, Europe and California. She missed Germany, but loved their life in Canada. Trudy adored being a Grandmother and was so generous. She was affectionately known as “Omi”. Omi treasured her time with her eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Trudy was so very proud of them all and so pleased with their achievements.

We will miss her dearly and fondly remember our “geliebte Mama”.

A Private Celebration of Trudy’s life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021. (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”