Saturday, October 23, 2021

1924 – VERONICA BOSCH – 2021

Veronica Bosch passed away on Thursday, October 14, 2021 at the age of 97 years, beloved wife of the late John Bosch. The funeral mass will be celebrated in Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road S.E.) on Friday, October 29, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Rodel Abanto celebrant. Due to the restrictions brought forward by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, indoor public gatherings are to be kept to 50 people. Masks are mandatory. The funeral mass will be live streamed for family and friends who are unable to attend. You are invited to watch on http://www.youtube.com/Medicine Hat Holy Family Church or follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6zK-XzuXdDHj79rV6ut_Q. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Veronica Bosch, 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 ~ C.L. (LES) MACK ~ 2021

With deep sadness, the family announces the passing of Les Mack at the age of 94.He is survived by his daughter, Linda (Norm) Woodside; two grandsons, Steve (Deanna) Woodside and their children, Sheldon and Kendall and Scott (Kristy) Woodside and their children Madison, Trenton, Kali and Sophie. He will also be missed by his very special nieces and nephews, Andrena, Heather, Glen and John. He was predeceased by his wife of 52 years, Doreen in 2003; as well as his parents and five older sisters. Les lived a life of many adventures, having worked on fishing boats on the west coast, served in the merchant marines, a short stint in the RCAF, followed by 27 years in the army. He was very proud of his time as a paratrooper and the many other duties that he undertook in the military until his retirement in 1975. Les had a love for travel and learning. He often said that travelling was an education in itself. He spent a year posted to Egypt and used the opportunity to tour Israel, Greece, Scotland, and England. A posting to Germany made possible trips to Holland, Belgium, Switzerland, Italy and Austria. A life-long learner, Les liked nothing better than a good philosophical debate and a good laugh. The family would like to express their profound gratitude to the staff at Meadow Ridge Senior’s Village, the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, and River Ridge Senior’s Village for their kind and compassionate care during Les’ last few years. A private graveside service will take place in the spring of 2022. An announcement will be made at that time. The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend. If people so wish, donations in Les’ memory may be made to APARC, 1002 South Railway Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2W2 or the Poppy Fund of Robertson Memorial Branch #17, 702 2 St SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0E1. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Les Mack. 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.

1927 ~ DANIEL GERNACK ~ 2021

Daniel Gernack of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Mary Gernack, passed away on Monday, October 18th, 2021 at the age of 94 years. Daniel leaves to cherish his memory his daughters and their families, Lynda (Glen) Schmolke and Joanne (Russell) Hope; four grandchildren, Andrea Hope (Dallas Chadney), Jason (Courtney) Hope, Shalon (Mark) Parsons and Derek (Brielle) Schmolke; as well as six great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his loving wife, Mary, Daniel was predeceased by his parents; three brothers; and his two sisters. A private graveside service will be held at Lister, BC Cemetery. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Daniel Gernack. 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.

1931 ~ LORNA PHAFF ~ 2021

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Lorna Evelyn Phaff on Thursday, September 30th, 2021 at the age of 90 years. The graveside service was held yesterday at SAAMIS PRAIRIE VIEW CEMETERY. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Lorna’s memory may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Lorna Phaff. 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.

1936 ~ BRUCE NELSON DIXON ~ 2021

Bruce Nelson Dixon of Medicine Hat passed away suddenly on Friday, October 8th, 2021 at the age of 85 years. Bruce was born on October 2nd, 1936 in Maple Creek, SK to Dr. Hugh and Laura Anne Dixon. He was raised and educated in Shaunavon, SK and spent his life mostly on the ranch at Val Marie, SK. His ranch and his Hereford cattle were his life! In 1958, he married Stella Lokken of Moose Jaw, SK and they went to live on the ranch permanently. The marriage was blessed with two children, Debbie and Brad. Over the years on the ranch, he accomplished many things. He was instrumental in developing the Mankota Stockmen Weight Company in Mankota and was president and director for many years. He was also a director for the Saskatchewan Stock Grower’s Association and a councillor for the RM at Val Marie, SK as well as a director of the Saskatchewan Flying Farmers. When his health started to deteriorate, Bruce and Stella retired to Medicine Hat where they have enjoyed making many new friends and enjoyed going to Tiger Hockey games and spending summer days fishing at Diefenbaker Lake in Saskatchewan. He also loved to go hunting in the fall months and cheer on the Saskatchewan Roughriders. He enjoyed a good card game of cribbage Bruce leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 63 years, Stella; his daughter, Debbie (Gerald) Dumonceaux of Medicine Hat and son, Brad Dixon of Kalispell, Montana; grandchildren, DeLee Dumonceaux of Okotoks, AB, Darren (Paula) Dumonceaux of Redcliff, AB, Taylor Dixon (Brodee Caragan) of Gull Lake, SK, Nicole Dixon (Chris Van Stone) of Swift Current, SK, and Madison Edwards-Dixon of Carmel, CA and Mason Dixon of Carmel, CA; three great-grandchildren, Connor Singh of Okotoks, AB, Kaiden Dumonceaux of Redcliff, AB and Elliott Caragan of Gull Lake, SK; his two brothers, Chester Dixon of Milk River, AB and Dean Dixon of Vulcan, AB; as will as numerous nieces and nephews. Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Dr. Hugh and Laura Anne Dixon; one brother, Bryan Dixon; two sisters, Mary Anne Dixon and Barbara Smith; nephew, Dawson Dixon; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mildred and Einar Lokken; brothers-in-law, Darrel Haubrich and Mike Smith; and sister-in-law, Joyce Dixon. Bruce will be sadly missed by his family and many wonderful friends and acquaintances. A celebration of life will be held at a later date back in Saskatchewan where his heart was. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bruce Dixon. 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.

1939 ~ JOHN KENT ~ 2021

John Kent of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, October 20th, 2021 at the age of 82 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Nettie; his children and their families; and his step-children and their families. The family will privately honour his memory. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading John Kent. 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.

BERKHOLD, G.A. (GERRY)

August 28, 1938 – October 12,2021

 

In the middle of the night, just hours before passing, as was his way, Gerry took command of the details and dictated his specific wishes for this obituary.

He said he is forever grateful to his wife Beverly for 57 extraordinary years and to his sons, daughters-in-law and grandchildren; Gordon, Traci and Aidan and Graham, Karen, Emma and Sophia.

He noted his pleasure from his career in banking (CIBC), concrete (Texas, USA), distilling (Highwood Distillers), property investments (Southern USA) and farming (Flying G Farms, Medicine Hat); and expressed his gratitude for the gifted medical support of Dr. Paul Pashniak (Helios Wellness Center) and Dr. Saraj Hussain (Tom Baker Cancer Center – Brachytherapy).

Gerry was very proud of his “Prairie Roots” and being raised in the culture and friendship of Redcliff, Alberta. He, along with the 1944 Grade 1 Class honoured those friends by establishing and growing the Redcliff Scholarship Fund to support Redcliff students pursuing post-high school education.

Gerry had a wonderful experience at U of A, graduating Commerce 1960 and solidified his lifelong pursuit of learning. Together, he and Bev nurtured their U of A friendships through to today, hosting folks at their farm and offering their time and financial support to causes dear to their friends.

Gerry’s remarkable focus, sense of purpose and skills at organizing were highly developed. He loved business; talking about it, reading about it, making a deal, operating and constantly growing and improving. He was blessed with great partners and strong and loyal teams creating amazing cultures and results over the years. Gerry’s success allowed him to make community investments with his time and financial support. He quietly and consistently sought to make his community better and more resilient.

He had a unique, nearly irresistible way of making people come around to his way of thinking. He was a force and will be deeply missed by those who enjoyed the benefit of his wisdom, humour and energy.

Above all Gerry was a caring, generous husband, father and grandfather and a sturdy, loyal friend.

Some random things he enjoyed; birds (especially bird houses and fountains), horses (Old Riders of the West trips), counting cows, time at and talking about the farm, reading, moments of contemplation, grandchildren, walking group trips, prairie sunsets, a well-constructed Martini or Manhattan at the end of the day with family and friends.

There will be a private family service at Hillside cemetery in Medicine Hat and a celebration of life event in Calgary – details to follow.

In lieu of flowers, Gerry requested a tax-deductible donation be made to the Redcliff Scholarships – contact Pat Cocks, Scholarship Fund Administrator, by email at pcocks@hotmail.com for details.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed on Gerry’s obituary at http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

JENNIFER COOKE

 

June 30, 1986 – October 20, 2021

 

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Jennifer Rose Cooke on Wednesday, October 20, 2021, at the age of 35 years after a tough battle with liver disease. Jennifer will be lovingly remembered by her cherished son, Ryder Joseph Cooke; mother, Lori Geddes; her siblings as well as many nephews, nieces, aunts, uncles, cousins and very dear friends. Jen was predeceased by her father, Joseph Chalifoux; grandparents, Gerald and Margaret Rose Geddes and Joseph and Christine Chalifoux. Jen was born on June 30, 1986 in Medicine Hat. She was known for her beauty, kindness, creativity, bold fashion and being a bright light everywhere she went. Jen lived in Nova Scotia for three years pursuing her education, taking care of her grandma and bonding with extended family. Her vibrancy and big heart left lasting impressions on everyone that had the pleasure to meet her. Jen enjoyed writing poetry and this is one of her many poems:

 

PAINTED FACES

Every time you look in the mirror

Who do you see?

Is it your true self?

Or the person you pretend to be?

As you get ready to leave the house

You check the mirror again, and then close the door

You wish you could just stay home an hour more

You get in your car and take one more look

You are hiding your feelings because they will read you like a book

As you arrive at your destination

You put on a smile to hide your frustration

The day begins to slowly progress

You however still feel like a mess

What will it take to hold it together?

You cannot hide your emotions forever

Everyone feels pain in different cases

That is why we all wear painted faces

 

The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the 4 West team at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital where Jen had previously worked as a unit clerk. Their efforts to make the end of Jen’s life comfortable and allow special friends and family to visit with her were appreciated. She passed away peacefully in the presence of her mother, Lori; sisters, Julie and Marney; mother-in-law, Deb; father-in-law, Doug and her favourite cousin, Jo-el. Jen’s memory will be silently remembered by family and friends without the proceedings of a formal service. A trust fund has been established for Ryder’s education. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jennifer’s memory are gratefully accepted to Ryder Cooke’s trust account at any Servus Credit Union. (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”

LAWRENCE VOELLER

 

Lawrence (Larry) Voeller, beloved husband of Cindy, passed away in Medicine Hat on Thursday, October 21, 2021, at the age of 63 years. Further announcements will follow upon completion of the arrangements. (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”

LLOYD, Larry Raymond

 

On October 9, 2021, Larry Raymond Lloyd of Mayerthorpe, AB, formerly of Medicine Hat, AB, passed away at the age of 79 years.

Larry is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Deborah; children, Brenda (Jim) McDowell of Medicine Hat, Kevin (Donna) of La Penita, Mexico, Leonard (Melanie) of Medicine Hat, Carrie Lloyd of Mayerthorpe and Amanda (Nelles) Madsen of Mayerthorpe; grandchildren, Kara (Dave), Jillian (Justin), Ashley, Skylar (Adam), Rayann (Zach), Kade, Jayden, Josh, Tylend, Ciarra, Coralie, Zoe, Ben, Amelia-Anne, William, Kenya and Wesley; great-grandchildren, Cameron, Summer, Jaydon, Audrey, Willa, Mina, Max, Kane, Eve, Alex, Sophie, Easton, Tyler and Julieanne; sister, Marilyn (Wayne); siblings-in-law, Ralph (Sylvia), Carrie Mae, Marguerite (Oscar), Herb, George, Milly (Rod), Don (Yvonne), Trudy (Hugh), Mike (Terri), Pat (Karen) and Rick (Sera); as well as many more dear relatives and friends. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Gordon and Laverna; siblings-in-law, Ben and Tom; and two infant brothers.

Larry will be most remembered for his love; he loved with his whole heart. He remained dedicated to the program of Alcoholics Anonymous, and to the lives of those he affected throughout his 48 years of sobriety. Larry was also dedicated to all sports, whether playing, coaching, or cheering on his kids and grandkids, his love of golf and hockey especially shone through. Music and dancing were always an important part of Larry’s life. He took great pride in his yard and garden. Larry was so proud of his long barbering career and grateful for his customers and co-workers over those many years.

Thank you to Dr. Chan and the staff at the Westlock Hospital and Associated Ambulance EMT’s for the kind and gentle care shown to Larry and the family.

A private ceremony will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations in Larry’s name to the Mayerthorpe Food Bank, PO Box 397, Mayerthorpe, AB T0E 1N0 or the Food Bank of your choice would be appreciated.

Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through http://www.parkmemorial.com

Park Memorial

Mayerthorpe 780-786-2533

Family Owned Funeral Home

and Crematorium

MARY ELIZABETH BROWN

 

It is with profound sadness and sense of loss that we announce the passing of our mother, a lady of exceptional compassion, character and capacity.

Mary Elizabeth Brown, born December 17, 1926 at Gull Lake Hospital, was the eighth child and third daughter of Eric Hilding Weston and Anna Brita Weston of the Stonecliff S.D. south of Antelope Lake. Mary passed peacefully on the morning of October 1, 2021 at the Special Care Center in Gull Lake, SK with family by her side.

Mary married Lawerence Brown of Antelope, SK on October 11, 1947. They farmed in the Illerburn District west of Simmie for three years adding son Lowell to their family before buying and renting land north of Antelope in the Lloyd School District. Here their family was completed with the births of Russell and Linda.

Hard work, innovation and perseverance allowed them to build a successful grain farming and ranching operation raising Angus cattle, Jersey and Guernsey milk cows, sheep, pigs, chickens and an assortment of horses, dogs, cats and other pets to teach the children to be kind and responsible.

Poor farming years meant they relied on shipping cream and an enormous garden and saw Mom master the arts of re-using and re-purposing and stretching the dollar to achieve more with less.

Mom was the consummate homemaker developing a diverse range of skills to provide for her family. She was an excellent cook and baker. She was never idle and spent countless hours, knitting, crocheting, and quilting for family and friends. She was a skilled seamstress capable of creating commercial quality clothing. Mom was also a self-taught and accomplished barber and hair-stylist.

Health issues for Lawerence forced them to sell the farm in 1968 and pursue new careers. Widowed at 43, Mary’s incredible memory, work ethic and hospitality served her well at Pioneer Co-op in Gull Lake where she served the community for 22 years before her retirement.

Mom had a very large circle of friends. She had a special ability to connect with people and she left a positive impression with everyone she encountered. She was a prolific letter writer maintaining regular contact with friends and relatives and annually sent dozens of Christmas cards with each including personal notes or letters.

Mary was dedicated to her church and her community. She was a tireless volunteer for any activity or project she felt was a benefit to her community. She was also very compassionate, regularly visiting the elderly and reaching out to anyone who needed a friend.

She was the Weston family historian maintaining the “birthday book” and reaching out to friends and family with best wishes for birthdays, anniversaries and any important milestones.

Mom made a point of maintaining a high level of fitness which was on exhibit daily as she went about her active life. Her love of golf included annual excursions with ‘The Merry Widows’ playing courses around Saskatchewan and patronizing B and B’s where the hosts joined her list of friends. She loved to dance, with square dancing and old-time dancing near the top of her list for fun. Her bowling skills took her to the Saskatchewan 55+ Games and her love of curling took her to many, many bonspiels and ultimately to the Saskatchewan Ladies Provincial Championships (Diamond D).

Mary enjoyed experiencing new things and travelled broadly including bus tours to Nashville, the Maritimes and Alaska, a train excursion to Churchill, MB and travel to visit friends and family in Singapore, Thailand, Sweden, the Northwest Territories, Disney World, San Francisco, and throughout western Canada and across the northern U.S. from Wisconsin to Washington.

Widely regarded as ‘special’, Mary lived life with a sense of purpose and at a pace few could match. She gave real meaning to the phrase ‘a life well lived’.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Lowell (Sherry) Brown, Russell (Eloise) Brown and Linda (Steve) Scherschel, her grandchildren, Mark (Vicki) Brown, Jalene (Darryl) Boehm, Lisa (Tyson) Hassman, Philip Brown, Michelle (Don) Mitschke, Mathew Brown, Brent (Sara) Scherschel, Bryce (Lianna) Scherschel, and Erika Scherschel, and her great grandchildren, Ebony Staines, Luke Brown, Kalysta Gorrigan, Marcus Brown, Callen Hassman and Reid Mitschke and a large number of nieces and nephews.

Mom was predeceased by her husband, Lawerence Owen Brown, and great grandson, Theo Scherschel; her parents, Eric Hilding and Anna Brita Weston, her siblings and in-laws, Roy (Mabel) Weston, Berney (Vi) Weston, Percy (Beatrice) Weston, Lily (Arne) Konradson, Albert (Marjorie) Weston, John (Pearl) Weston, May (Bus) Trembath, Carl (Charlotte) Weston and Maurice (Ellen) Weston; nephews Dale Weston, Kurt Weston and his wife, Heather and great nephew, Jared Weston.

Condolences can be extended to the family via http://www.warrensfuneralhome.com or by mail to Mary Brown Family, Box 273 Gull Lake, Sask. S0N 1A0.

In lieu of flowers, we respectfully request Memorial Donations be directed to: Gull Lake Special Care Auxiliary P.O. Box 539 Gull Lake, SK S0N 1A0, or Autumn House P.O. Box 630 Gull Lake, SK S0N 1A0, or Knox United Church 4175 Price Ave. Gull Lake, SK S0N 1A0.

A Family Service will be held November 6, 2021 at Knox United Church with interment to follow at St. John’s Cemetery in the Antelope District. A public Celebration of Life will be scheduled when it is safe to do so.

Arrangements entrusted to Warren’s Funeral Home. For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit our website at http://www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.

MILLAR

Michael Allan Millar, age 73, of Medicine Hat, Alberta, passed away on October 6, 2021.

 

Mike was predeceased by his wife Debbie, his parents, Frederick and Joan, and his brother Ernie. Mike is survived by his sister, Beatrice, his children, Mike, Cara and Chris and his grandchildren, Cody, Paige and Skylar.

 

There are no events planned as Michael did not wish to have a service. You may make a donation in his name to a local charity.

ROBERT (BOB) FREDERICK JOSEPH HICKERTY

1927 ~ 2021

 

Our dad peacefully passed away on the evening of October 16, 2021 just 3 months away from his 95th birthday. He relished every minute of his time on earth.

Born in Melaval, Saskatchewan to his parents Elizabeth and Fred Hickerty, dad was the 3rd of 5 children. He was the smallest of all his siblings and we’re told that one day his dad said “Bobby, you’re the runt of the litter. You’ll have to use your smarts”. He took that advice to heart, combined it with an incredible work ethic, and became a natural leader.

Dad told us many stories of growing up on a prairie farm, and his story began in the Dirty Thirties – that infamous decade prior to WWII characterized by economic hardship brought on by intense drought and exacerbated by the global Great Depression. He described months when he never saw a nickel in the house and everyone had to chip in to make ends meet. At age 6 he began running a trapline for sought after furs, and found it so profitable that he continued it for a number of years. At age 8 he accepted a 25 cent/month job of going to his country school early enough to fire up the pot belly stove and have the room warm for the students and teacher when they arrived.

He described in detail the fun memories as well – like winning the freckle contest and yodelling contest at the Moose Jaw County Fair. Dad had a tryout with the Moose Jaw Canucks hockey team and the coach told him he was smart, and fast, and to come back when he grew another 6 inches and gained 30 pounds. That ended any aspirations of a hockey career.

The end of the decade brought another global event front and center – WWII. At 14 he was given a driver’s license because the economy needed to roll and most of the young men were at war. That same year – 1941 – he bought a 1928 Model A Ford, left home and worked at his uncle Joe Walter’s garage in Melaval, coming home on the weekends to help on the farm.

Dad was accepted into the College of Pharmacy at the University of Saskatchewan (Saskatoon), and graduated in 1952 with Great Distinction. Simultaneous to college he became a Cadet on the HMCS Unicorn for the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve. By the time college had ended dad was appointed Sub-Lieutenant and was awarded the Department of National Defence Sword, an honour given annually for outstanding performance to only one cadet in all of Canada. Post graduation he was offered a career in the military and scholarships to Ivy League Colleges – one of which was Harvard. He turned down all of these opportunities in favor of marrying our mom, Beverley Kaye (Holmes), and in 1954 they moved to the beautiful town of Eastend, Saskatchewan, starting his own drugstore business as a pharmacist. He fell in love with the Cypress Hills and instilled that “love of the hills” to his 6 children and his numerous grand-children and great grand-children.

Our dad could do anything he set his mind to. He was a founder, player and coach for men’s hockey, baseball and softball in Eastend. He, mom and their friends played in a band, curled, and simply became outstanding community members. He obtained his pilot’s license and bought his own Luscombe airplane. He and mom built our house and moved their growing family into our new home in 1956. In the late 60’s dad built a cabin at Cypress Park. As a pharmacist he was considered a member of the medical community, and accepted the position of Coroner. He brought in and kept all key veterinary supplies in stock, and was on 24 hour call for all the ranchers within a 50 mile radius. We’ve accompanied him to ranches and witnessed him pull calves, perform c-sections on livestock, and administer new vaccines and medicines.

His love of the Cypress Hills combined perfectly with his passion for hunting and fishing, and on the walls of his hallway he proudly displays three Saskatchewan certificates for the largest Walleye, Brook Trout and Brown Trout of the year – all caught within 25 minutes of his doorstep.

Dad sent all six children to college, feeling at the time that post-secondary education was a must. He fostered within us key principals: we needed to be able to take care of ourselves, and everything was black and white, right and wrong, and that we were responsible for our actions.

He sold his drugstore in the 1970’s, and started a Pharmacist’s Relief Consulting business which allowed for drugstore entrepreneurs to keep their business open while going for vacation – dad took over the store’s operations. This gave him the flexibility for both him and mom to travel. During this time he worked in the NWT, initially so that he could become a resident and hunt buffalo. Mom always accompanied him on these work adventures, and they loved what they discovered along the way.

In the early 1980’s dad, mom and their youngest daughter Bobbi Jo decided to move to Medicine Hat – it was still close to his beloved Hills, yet closer to all of his children who by then had embarked on their own careers. They eventually moved to an acreage on the outskirts of Medicine Hat. He and mom built a house connected to the home of their youngest daughter and her growing family.

We lost mom in 2013, but dad was fortunate in that he was surrounded by so many children, grandchildren and great grand-children who always made him feel comforted. In dad’s words, he said “I miss your mom, but I’m never lonely”.

In his final 20 years he chose to first slow down, and then to quit hunting. Instead he scattered grain daily at the back of his acreage for his pheasants, which he adopted as his personal responsibility to foster. To his last breath though, he loved hearing our hunting and fishing stories.

Dad stayed healthy and vibrant for most of his elderly years – he hiked every day, read voraciously, and took an active role in looking after his family. Undoubtedly his love of life contributed to his longevity. He became tired the last month of his life, and like the great patriarch he was, he began to prepare us in subtle ways. When one of his grand-children told him they wished he’d live to be 100, he replied “I don’t want to. I’m too tired”. He told us he was not afraid to join our mom and see his family and friends. He said he would miss us, and we replied to him that he’d still be busy watching over us.

He was able to walk the Hills he loved and enjoyed up to his last breath. Dad is survived by his 6 children: Heather (Byron Robb), Kim (Pat Hagel), Cindi (Ken Holland), Scott (Jo-Anne), Tanys (Murray Kush) and Bobbi Jo (Dave Sim). He is also survived by numerous grand-children and great grand-children, and has often told us that the family tree he and mom planted has grown to 50 people.

Dad’s legacy is a wonderful, successful story and it is now his surviving family’s responsibility to ensure that this incredible individual will never be forgotten. He will be missed, but our memories we will hold dear to our hearts.

A Private Family service will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel with Father Roque Periera officiating. (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”

SIEGFRIED TARNASKY

1942 ~ 2021

 

Mr. Siegfried ‘Sid’ Tarnasky, beloved husband of Violet, passed away at River Ridge Senior’s Village in Medicine Hat on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at the age of 78 years. A Graveside Service will be held at Hillside Cemetery on Monday, October 25, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to gather at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat between 1:30 p.m. and 1:45 p.m. The procession will depart for the cemetery shortly thereafter. (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”

TOM OFFEN

1940~ 2021

 

Thomas ‘Tom’ Edgar Offen, adored and cherished husband, Dad and Papa, was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on Monday, October 18, 2021, at the age of 81 years. He is survived by his loving children, Darin (partner Rona), Gigi and Jody (Penny); beloved grandchildren, Tionna and Hayden (their mother, Zoe), Kacie, Tommy, Chelsey as well as his sisters, Beth Smith (Keith) and Susan Vossler (Derrick). He was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Louise; loving wife, Darlene; son, Ken; son-in-law, Wayne and sister, Barb. Tom was born on March 14, 1940, in Melville, Sask. and spent his childhood and formative years growing up in Drumheller and Hanna, Alberta. He often spoke fondly of his special memories growing up like competing in both curling and basketball. Tom graduated from Hanna High School in 1958. In his teens, Tom and his dad built a small sail boat in their home garage which would later be donated to the local Sea Cadets of which Tom was proud to have been a member. In 1960, after taking a job with the CN railroad, he moved to North Battleford where he met the love of his life, Darlene James. They were soon married and the rest is history. Tom continued with the CN Railroad until joining Mutual Life of Canada in 1966. In 1971, he and his family moved to Saskatoon for a few years and later settled in Assiniboia where Tom founded his estate planning business. He was very active in the community, serving as President of the Assiniboia Rotary Club for several years, assisted with coaching minor baseball and of course was a member of the popular musical group known as ‘Southern Winds’. Tom and Darlene moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta in 1996, where they remained. His passion was golf, he loved to play! Annually Tom and his best friend, Jim Cote would travel to Waskesiu Lobstick for fellowship and the love of the game. In May 1986, Tom became a grateful member of his local chapter of Alcoholics Anonymous. He was very active in A.A. serving at many levels with a heart of gratitude and humility. Tom had a gentle and loving soul and will be forever missed as he is reunited with Darlene, his ‘desert flower’. Soar high Papa! We love you! At this time Tom’s family has chosen to defer a Celebration of Life Service until circumstances are more suitable. Memorial donations in Tom’s name may be made directly to the Salvation Army, Family Support Centre, 737 – 8 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1M6. (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”