January 15, 2022

1935 – AL GRAY – 2021

 

It is with great sadness that the family of Allison Hazen Gray announce his death on December 27, 2021 in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Al was born August 12, 1935 in Woodstock, New Brunswick Of Loyalist stock, he was the only child of Hazen Hartford Gray and Alice Grace Elizabeth Wiggins. He received his honours BSc and MSc degrees in chemistry at Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick.

As an undergraduate at Mount A, he met fellow student Elaine Mahase, a beautiful and talented young woman from the West Indies. They married at her home in Trinidad in 1958 and Al went on to complete his Ph.D in organic chemistry at the University of New Brunswick. Their first two children, Susan and Rodney, were born in Fredericton. After completing his PhD, Al worked as a scientist with Domtar in Montreal , where their third child, Daryl, was born.

In 1964, the opportunity to carry out cancer research brought Al, with his family, to the University of Wisconsin (Madison), where he took up a post-doctoral fellowship in organic chemistry. The University of Wisconsin was a hothouse of intellectual scholarship and he was able to study and work with some of the great scientific minds of the time. At the end of his fellowship, the University offered Al a permanent faculty position. He declined this huge honour because he wanted his children to grow up as Canadians. Instead, in 1965, he accepted a position with the Canadian Department of National Defence, as a scientist at DRES (the Defence Research Establishment Suffield), Alberta.

The family lived in Ralston until 1975, when they moved to Medicine Hat. Al worked at DRES for nearly 30 years, retiring in the mid-nineties to start a private chemical consulting company called Chemboss.

Al had a passion for knowledge and ideas. His mind never stopped moving. He was fascinated by science, photography, languages, poetry, music, world religions and cultures. He always kept up with the latest technological advances in electronics and computers. Al loved flying and piloted the family all over Canada.

From the mid-sixties, Al owned horses. Countless people rode or learned to ride on the family’s property in the rolling prairie near Redcliff. And Al would always let experienced riders use his best horse.

Al’s love for the arts was well known. He acted in local theatre and played the saxophone in many local ensembles including the Medicine Hat College Jazz Band, the Medicine Hat Concert Band, and the Medicine Hat Dixieland Jazz band. Al joined the Medicine Hat Rotary Club where he made significant contributions to the community and to the Club’s newsletter. He spent many hours fundraising and volunteering at the Rotary Music Festival.

Al’s support for those he loved was limitless, and his encouragement for his children and his grandchildren (Alexandra, David, Michael, Samuel, Christopher, Jonny, and Katherine) to do everything and anything they dreamed of doing, is his most important legacy. Al’s smile was wide and his laughter filled the room. His heart and love had infinite capacity.

The family deeply thanks the staff at Riverview for their care and compassion, especially in Al’s final months. Warm thanks also to Preston Sloan for his commitment, Extended Family Services, and special friends, including Jan and Bruce Dynes.

A celebration of Al’s life will be held in the future in Medicine Hat. His ashes will be buried in the family plot at Pembroke Cemetery, Woodstock, New Brunswick.

To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Al Gray, 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

1960 ~ ALISON GALBRAITH ~ 2022

Alison Joy Galbraith passed away peacefully with family by her side on January 10, 2022. Alison was pre- deceased by her parents, Doug and Joyce Cave; brother, Scott Cave and son, Jordan; in-laws, Mona and Barney Galbraith. Alison will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 38 years, Ron; and children, Jessica (Chance) Szasz of Prince Albert and Wade (Amy McAllister) of Whitehorse, Yukon; niece, Hayley Cave of Calgary; the joy of her life her grandsons, Griffey and Walker Szasz; brother and sister-in-law, Rick and Peggy Galbraith and their family, Mike (Bobbi Jo) and Dyane (Ryan) and their children; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, foster children, and “adopted” family. Alison was born in Regina on April 27, 1960. Alison loved to travel and was able to visit far off lands with family and friends. Her career path was that of helping people. Early childhood intervention, recreation therapy for the elderly and a care partner for disabled adults. Alison had a vibrant and jovial disposition – something that many have mentioned in their condolences. We hope that her memory will help others to see the positive, good things in life – even when it’s tough to do so. Cremation will take place and she will be interred next to Jordan at St. Margaret’s in her happy place, the Cypress Hills. In lieu of flowers a donation would be greatly appreciated to St. Margaret’s Church, C/O David Carter, 404, 1616 Saamis Dr NW, Medicine Hat, AB. T1C 4X2. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Alison Galbraith. 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.

1968 – NATALIE VAN MAARION – 2022

 

Natalie Ann Van Maarion passed away on Saturday, January 8, 2022 at the age of 53 years, beloved wife of Todd Van Maarion of Medicine Hat and loving mother of Tia and Teagan. She also leaves to cherish her memory her mother Agnes Hudec; her sister Nancy (Daryl) Mastel and their children Kayla and Brooke; her brother Frank K. (Keri) Hudec and their children, Lacey, Tyler, Jake, Ryan, Shelby, Kennedey and Ali (Monty) (their children Joel and Alana); her mother-in-law Ella Van Maarion and brother-in-law Craig Van Maarion (his son Cory). Natalie was predeceased by her father Frank Hudec and her father-in-law Jack Van Maarion. Natalie was born and raised in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan where she graduated from Fox Valley School in 1986. She went on to complete the nursing program at SIAST in Regina and began what would be a 32 year career at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Natalie worked on multiple floors throughout her career, the most recent being pediatrics, where she loved working alongside her coworkers. Natalie was known for always being neat and organized and keeping a flawlessly clean house. She enjoyed gardening and taking care of her flowers and always took pride in having her yard look beautiful. Natalie married the love of her life, Todd Van Maarion on September 19, 2009 and they were blessed with two beautiful children, Tia and Teagan. Natalie’s family was her life. She could often be found volunteering for various tasks at the school, baking or preparing snacks for school events, cheering the kids on at sporting events and helping the kids with homework every night. Her greatest passion in life was being a mom and she made sure to go above and beyond for her kids in every way she could. Her kindness and compassion shone through every aspect of her life and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. Due to the restrictions brought forward by the Chief Medical Officer of Health, indoor public gatherings are to be kept to 50 people therefore the funeral mass will be by invitation only. Masks are mandatory for attendees. The funeral mass will be celebrated in Holy Family Parish on Monday, January 17, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Iqbal Khurshid celebrant and 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. Those who wish to remember Natalie with a donation, may do so to the Children’s Wish Foundation 39 Somerset Dale SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 0G9. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Natalie Van Maarion, 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

FREDERICK ENTZMINGER

1926 ~ 2022

Frederick (Fritz) Entzminger passed away January 10, 2022, at the age of 95 years. Fritz was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Adela; his sister, Irene; and brother-in-law, Cliff. He is survived by his daughter, Debra (Glenn); his son, Robert; and his “favourite” (only) granddaughter, Jill. He will be remembered by his sister, Janet (Marvin); and nephews, Stewart and Timmy (Cori); his brother, Billy (Lynette); nephews, Jimmy (Susan), Bill (Debbie) and numerous great nieces and nephews. Fritz enjoyed many nights with his extended family playing cards and always enjoyed a good laugh. Fritz talked fondly of his work at Medalta and Dominion Glass. Most of all Fritz enjoyed his retirement. He was an avid golfer and member of the Medicine Hat Golf Club and shot 5 holes-in-one. He shot his age, 4 under-par, at the age of 68. He took up downhill skiing in his early 60’s and everyone who knew him admired his spunk for life! A special thank you to Janet and family for all they have done for Fritz. We also thank the staff that took such great care of him in his last 9 months at Valleyview Age Care (he was especially fond of Nora, Vanessa, Ruth, Karina and Ying). The family will celebrate Fritz’s life privately. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Frederick Entzminger. 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.

HELEN TESSMAN (nee ROTH)

1944 – 2022

Helen Tessman, beloved wife of Karl Tessman passed away on Tuesday, January 11, 2022 at the age of 77 years. She leaves to cherish her memory two sons and two grandchildren, Todd (Donna) Shurvell and their son Carter, Scott (Cheryl-Ann) Shurvell and their daughter Harlow; Karl’s daughter’s Angela (Trevor) Rayner, Alison (Donovan) Harty and their families; one brother Adolf (Margaret) Roth; two sisters, Hilda Mueller and Katherina Kroll; a brother-in-law Norman and sister-in-law Violet as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her first husband Ronald; one brother Gottlieb and two sisters, Anna and Rosa. Helene (her original first name) was born on October 31, 1944, in Creglingen, Germany and immigrated to Canada with her family settling in Medicine Hat, Alberta in October of 1951. She grew up in Medicine Hat’s “the Flats” and following high school met Ronald Shurvell on a VIA train enroute to Calgary. Helen married Ron in 1967 and moved to Winnipeg to start her life. She worked as a florist for Broadway Florists prior to starting Charleswood Florists with Ron in 1973. They both ran Charleswood Florists for 22 years. In 1995, Helen and Ron sold the flower shop and moved to Winnipeg Beach, MB to start Ronny Rae Restaurant. The restaurant was located on the Winnipeg Beach Boardwalk and served beachgoers for almost ten years. In 2004, Helen and Ron decided to move back west to Irvine, Alberta where they ran Prairie Kettle Restaurant, including a fuel station and grocery store. They ran the business for two years before deciding to retire in Irvine. While living in Winnipeg and Irvine, Helen made many great friends. She spent the summer months camping and fishing including some vacation trips to the US, Mexico and Columbia. Following the passing of Ron in 2010, Helen married fellow class-mate Karl Tessman in Medicine Hat. She enjoyed many retirement years with Karl, family and friends. She especially enjoyed the road trips with Karl around Alberta and to Montana to watch Karl’s grandchildren play baseball. Helen was always inquisitive and interested in people. She had the kindest heart and always had a smile on her face. She enjoyed gardening and her time relaxing on the outside patio. Helen made sure no one was ever hungry at her house. At Helen’s request there will be no funeral service. Helen will be silently remembered by her family and friends. Donations in Helen’s name can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com subject heading: Helen Tessman, 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

SCHAFFER, Robert Allan

April 23, 1952 – Medicine Hat, Alberta

January 10, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

 

With broken hearts and much sadness, the family announces the passing of Bob Schaffer.

He will be deeply missed by his wife, Gitte; his sons, Mark (Stephanie) and Derek; and by his beloved grandchildren, Westley and Hannah; and a large extended family.

And no, he did not go peacefully into the night. He fought long and hard to be with his family. Thank you to the Southwood Hospice staff for their kindness, caring and compassion during his final weeks.

For those wishing to share a last cup of coffee with Bob, an informal gathering will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek Hospitality Centre, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Saturday, February 5, 2022 from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Those attending will be asked to provide valid government identification (with name and date of birth) AND confirm one of the following: (A) Provincial vaccine record with QR code (paper or digital); OR (B) negative COVID test (within 72 hours); or (C) valid medical exemption (signed letter); OR (D) under 12 years of age. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at http://www.McInnisandHolloway.com.

In living memory of Bob Schaffer, 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.

TINA RESSLER

In our hearts…

 

Family were united at Holy Family Parish one week ago as they said good-bye to a remarkable lady, Tina Ressler. Kirsten’s heartfelt tribute to her grandma depicted the life of a lady who will be missed by so many!

 

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever!

 

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”