February 17, 2022

By Obituaries on February 17, 2022.

1932 ~ REV. KEITH RUNNING ~ 2022

Rev. Keith Stanley Running went to be with his Lord and Saviour at the age of 90 years. Keith was born in Brockville, Ontario. Keith pastored with the love of his life and best friend, Anne in several churches in Ontario, before coming to Medicine Hat, Alberta in 1979, where they pastored First Assembly of God and Christ the King Assembly until retirement. Keith leaves behind to mourn his passing his children, Mark (Dawn) Running of Lacombe, AB. and Rebecca (Mark) Borrows of Medicine Hat. He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anne; his mother, Bernice; father, Lawrence Stanley; and sister, Flora. The celebration of Keith’s life will take place Saturday, February 19, 2022, at 10:30 a.m at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat. Family and friends that are unable to attend in person, are invited to join Keith’s service streamed live by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Keith’s memorial page on the above date at 10:25 am. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Private Family Internment to follow. In Lieu of flowers donations can be made to King of Kings Ministries in Jerusalem. http://www.kkm.network or for a Tax-deductible receipt make donation payable to “Lacombe Pentecostal Church” designated for King of Kings Ministries. 40331 Range Road 27-1 Lacombe, AB T4L 0E3. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Keith Running.
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.

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1952 ~ GREGORY TEWSLEY ~ 2022

Gregory John Tewsley was born in Calgary on October 7, 1952, and passed away peacefully at home on February 14, 2022, at the age of 69 years. He will lovingly be remembered by his wife, Marny Tewsley; his daughters, Alison (Kevin) Jesske, Shawn (Brad) Hausauer, Anne (Dan) Dudeau; his grandchildren, Travis, Colby (Shay), Haylie, Jacob, Owen, Nole; and great-granddaughter, Avery; also his sisters, Kathy (Colin) Bryksa, Joan Desjarlais, Wendy (Jack) Margo; brother-in-law, Les Schwabe; as well as several nieces and nephews. Greg was predeceased by his mother and father, Jack and Theresa Tewsley; his youngest sister, Christine Tewsley-Schwabe; brother-in-law, Ken Desjarlais; and niece, Quinn Tewsley-Schwabe. In the summertime, Greg enjoyed yard work and he was fierce about harvesting the fresh peas from the garden; BBQing the old fashion way with charcoal briquettes and fire starter (don’t forget the fire starter); playing countless hands of cards on the deck; and many rounds of backgammon. He was always up for any kind of building project and in healthier years, leant a hand wherever needed. His sense of humour was legendary and his practical jokes will be remembered fondly. Trips to the mountains always brought Greg much peace and joy, and his daughters plan on taking him on one last trip this summer. A private celebration of Greg’s life will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Gregory Tewsley.
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.

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ALFRED WILLIAM (BILL) BLORE

January 14, 1935 – February 10, 2022

It is with deep sadness that we wish to announce the sudden passing of Bill our beloved husband, uncle, brother in-law, cousin and friend. Bill turned 87 years of age in January and passed away on February 10, 2022 in the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. Bill was born in Red Deer, Alberta to father, Fred Blore and mother, Grace (Cooke) Blore. Bill grew up in Red Deer and took all his schooling there. He later obtained a Degree in Education at the University of Alberta. He was hired by the Calgary Board of Education and taught for 10 years; then served as principal for 25 years. While teaching at Currie School, Bill met and later married the love of his life, Clare Wagner of Lemsford, Saskatchewan, who was also a schoolteacher. After teaching many years, Bill and Clare decided in 1991 to retire and move to Vancouver Island. They chose a beautiful waterfront property in the North Sannich area and resided there for 22 years. In September 2013, they made the decision to be closer to Clare’s family, moved to Alberta, and chose a nice retirement community in Medicine Hat. Bill being an educator had a huge capacity for learning and one of his favorite subjects was history. Bill could give great history lessons about Canada to a lending ear, but it seemed like his most vast area of history was of the United Kingdom. Since Bill and Clare had made approximately a dozen trips to the UK, he amassed a wealth of information about England. He loved to visit his mother’s relatives in the
Worcestershire area and the Blore relatives in the Staffordshire area. With that history, it was very natural for Bill to become a volunteer on the Island to such historic sites as Craigdarrock Castle, Hatley Park National Historic Site, the BC Lieutenant Governor Residence and the Royal BC Museum, as well as the Esplanade Arts & Heritage Centre in Medicine Hat. Bill was even a creator of small museums for the Victoria Police Department and Medicine Hat Police Service.
Bill and Clare are very devoted subjects to HRH Queen Elizabeth II, with collections of memorabilia to all things related to the royals. From the first time the Queen visited Edmonton where Bill witnessed her drive by, to the attendance at a Buckingham Palace Garden Party, to the Queens official visits to the Victoria area – Bill would love to see his Queen. For a time, Bill was the chair of the Monarchist League of Victoria. Bill and Clare loved travelling and visiting family and friends in Alberta and Saskatchewan. With annual trips they tried to visit as many people as possible. Families always looked forward to seeing Bill in a car or a rented RV. Many heartwarming conversations were held over dining room tables throughout the Prairies. Bill is survived by Clare, his loving wife of 54 years; sister-in law, Betty Scherger; brothers-in-law, Raymond (Helen), Joseph and Pius Wagner; cousins, David Blore, Alan (Jean) Blore, Casey (Judy) Tanner, Audrey Blore, Anne (Bill) Nugent and Bill (Myrna) Haydamack; friend, Elizabeth Carmichael; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who have all considered Uncle Bill an important part of their lives. Bill is also survived by his British cousins, Rachael Nicholls, Louis Nicholls, Karl (Sally) and daughters, Amy and Lucy Nicholls; Sue and son, Warrick Cooke; as well as Peter, John and Alan Hodgkinson. Bill was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Grace Blore; his cousins, Ken Nicholls, Heidi Nicholls, Steve Cooke, and Sheila Hodgkinson; his brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. Thank you to Staff of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for their professional and exceptional level of care. Thank you to Arnold and Barb Schmidt for their caring kind friendship, taking Bill and Clare to medical appointments and on road trips. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, #1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Thursday, February 17th, 2022 from 6:00 to 6:55 pm. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will follow at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL on Thursday, February 17th at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PATRICK’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 238-2nd Ave NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta on Friday, February 18th, 2022, at 11:00 am with Celebrant, Roque Pereira. Interment will be determined at a later date. Family and friends that are unable to attend in person, are invited to join Bill’s service streamed live by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Bill’s memorial page on the above date at 10:55 am. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Memorial gifts in Bill's memory may be made to the Root Cellar Food & Wellness Hub, 440 Maple Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading William Blore. 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.

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ALVIN CORNELIUS WIRCH

February 1, 1941 – November 29, 2021

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I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7
Alvin was born February 1, 1941, in the Cottage Hospital in Empress, AB to Ben and Hanna Wirch. He passed away peacefully at the age of 80 in Medicine Hat, AB after a battle with cancer.
Alvin attended school in Empress and could speak only German when he first started school. After school, while working as a surveyor in Northern Alberta, Alvin met Ethel Cook in 1963. They were married on October 23, 1965 and made their home in Edmonton. Alvin apprenticed as a welder and received the highest marks in Alberta for his program. He worked for 10 years for CESSCO under the Boilermakers Branch and obtained many different tickets for different welding techniques.
In 1975, Alvin and Ethel moved to Empress and bought the Wirch family farm, which he farmed until retirement in 2004. Justin and Jenelle joined the family in 1976 and 1978.
Alvin loved farming and was an exceptionally hard worker. He especially loved farming with Justin; teaching him about farming and how to drive the machinery. In 1991, Alvin’s heart was broken at the loss of Justin and farming was never the same for him.
Alvin spent some time long-haul truck driving and saw lots of the Southwestern United States. In 2015, Alvin and Ethel celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with a trip to Australia and New Zealand.
After retirement in Medicine Hat, Alvin kept busy with his work at Paradise Valley Golf Course and was the “go-to fix-it guy” for over 10 years. He was a Level 2 Icemaker and worked at the Medicine Hat Curling Club. He also volunteered with Hope Street Church for over 10 years, helping to provide meals for the less fortunate.
Alvin had many passions and pursued each one with singular focus. Over the years he learned and excelled at baseball, hockey, skiing, curling, golf, archery, sketching/drawing, photography, and dancing. He also taught himself to play the guitar, fly kites, and cook.
Alvin was well known for his creativity, stories, mischief and jokes. Many of his nieces and nephews have stories about things Uncle Alvin said or did to tease them and make them laugh.
Alvin is survived by his wife of 56 years, Ethel; his daughter, Jenelle (Patrick) Tutty; and his grandson, Alex Tutty. He will also be missed by his sister, Darline Colbe; and his extended family of brothers and sisters-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was predeceased by his son Justin; his parents; and his brother, Bill Wirch.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre and St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat for their compassion and care. A special thanks to great-nephews, Kurtis and William Hoff, who spent so much time with us this last week while Alvin was in hospice.
A private celebration of Alvin’s life will be held on February 19th, 2022. The service will be recorded and available to view on Alvin’s obituary page at http://www.gracememorial.com.
Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by GRACE MEMORIAL AFFORDABLE BURIAL & CREMATION 1924 10th Ave NW, Medicine Hat,Alberta T1C 1T5 403-905-0440 info@gracememorial.com
Grace Memorial Affordable Burial & Cremation
1924 10th Ave N.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5
http://www.gracememorial.com
403-905-0440

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BOB (J.R.) STEPHENS

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Bob (J.R.) Stephens on February 13, 2022, just a few days after his 98th birthday. With roots in Yorkton, Bob was the VP/GM of Morris Industries before moving to Medicine Hat, where he spent the remainder of his life with his wife, Lee. Lee and the rest of Bob’s family will fondly remember his quick wit and one-liners, his passion for skiing, golf and hockey, and his love for his family and friends. He will be dearly missed by his wife, children, brother, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, grandchildren (who called him Grandpa & Poppa), and great- grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the SPCA in his memory.

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CORNELIS ‘CASEY’ BOUTKAN

March 19, 1932 ~ February 12, 2022

It is with great sorrow that we share news of the passing of our husband and father, Cornelis Boutkan. Along with Ann, his cherished wife of 62 years, Casey leaves behind five children: Casey (Susan) Boutkan, James (Joanne) Boutkan, Gregory (Annabell) Boutkan, Caroline (Albert) Tokarchik and Maria (Garth) Pahl; twelve grandchildren, Brian (Leslie), Bradley; Cameron (Kalli), Jay; Tulio, Lynn; Finn, Rachel, Rebecca; Kaleb, Logan and Jonah as well as three great-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Kinley and Adaline. Casey was predeceased by his parents, Willem and Maria Boutkan, four brothers and four sisters. Casey was born on March 19, 1932, in Rotterdam, Holland. He was a youth during the Hunger Winter at the end of the Second World War. He remembered being given small pieces of chocolate from Canadian Soldier's rations. It was like manna from heaven when you hadn't had real food for so long. He served in the Dutch military for two years before he immigrated to Canada in 1955. Casey moved to Redcliff and befriended Ann's older siblings. Ann, being quite a bit younger, flew under the radar for awhile, but later when they were both in her sister's bridal party, romance blossomed. Casey and Ann were married in 1959. Casey was a Master Electrician and had his own business for over 25 years. He also served as a Redcliff Town Councilor for seven years. Opa’s hobbies included camping in Elkwater, bowling, daily walks with his beloved dog and spending time with his grandchildren. We were very blessed to have Dad with us for 89 years. He will be greatly missed. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Thursday, February 17, 2022, between 7:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. A service honouring Casey’s life will be held at the Christian Reformed Church, 300 Primrose Drive S.E., Medicine Hat on Friday, February 18, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor George Koopmans officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. The service will also be live streamed and may be accessed through the church website at medicinehatcrc.org. If friends so desire, donations in memory of Casey may be made directly to the charity of one’s choice. (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"

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CRAIG WALKER

1961 ~ 2022

Thomas Craig Walker passed away in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, February 9, 2022, at the age of 61 years. Craig leaves to cherish his memory: son, Troy (Priscilla) Walker and their daughters, Haylee and Megan; daughter, Daryl Anne Walker; mother, Jean Walker; three siblings, Alan (Shannon) Walker and their three children, Janelle Walker (Drew Mervin) and their son Jude, Brad Walker and Cory Walker (Kiera); Scott (Lorraine) Walker and their three boys, Michael, Robert and Jonathan; Janet Walker (Malik Salman) and their son, Abdellah Salman. He was predeceased by his father, Bob, in 2009. Craig started in the tire business as a teenager, eventually purchasing Kirk’s Tire with his brother Alan in 1985. Over the next number of years, Craig put his amazing memory to work, taking pride in providing top notch service to their customers, many of whom he came to know as friends. Whether at Kirk’s or in realestate, he was a great businessman and loved the rush of making a deal. A come and go celebration of Craig’s life will be held at the Comfort Inn and Suites, 2317 Trans Canada Way S.E., Medicine Hat on Saturday, February 19, 2022, between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, donations in memory of Craig may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 200 – 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2E 2P5. 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"

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SHELBY JEAN DUPREY

1939 – 2022

Shelby Jean Duprey (nee Ambridge, Olivier) went home to be with our Lord February 12th, 2022, after a long battle with cancer at Carmel Hospice, St Joseph’s Home, Medicine Hat. Shelby was born in Dryden, ON, March 11th, 1939. She was the youngest and last living of 5 children born to Joseph & Anne Ambridge. Shelby married Clarence Olivier on May 5th, 1956, in Salmon Arm, BC and together they were blessed with 6 children. In 2001 she remarried Arnold Duprey of Makwa, SK where they resided until moving to Redcliff.
Mom loved to cook and will always be remembered for her butter tarts, flapper pie, cabbage rolls and perogies. An avid lover of many sports, 5 pin bowling, softball, & curling. You may be surprised to know she liked the racetrack & drove stock car in the ladies Powder Puff Derbys in Sangudo. Besides raising her 6 children, Mom worked part time as a cook, cashier and as a waitress in Tilley Hotel. Her passion as a Certified Health Care Aide looking after our seniors, she worked 20 plus years in the Brooks Nursing Home Long Term Care and Dan McCharles Extended Care, Medicine Hat. It was commonplace for Mom to get needed items for residents. One particular time, we remember stopping by for a visit and finding a hair wig set with curlers for one of the residents. She loved her job and often went above and beyond. Fond memories growing up for us included Mom’s instructions for hanging clothes on the line, putting clothes through the wringer washer and getting into trouble for popping babies rubber pants, hanging diapers even in the winter and taking them off stiff as cardboard. Oh yes, we can’t forget sprinkling and ironing tea towels, pillowcases and shirts. She was a hairdresser for the family cutting, Toni perms, pin curls and styling with ringlets.
Mom will be dearly missed by friends and family. She is survived by her six children, Debbie Dovichak, Cindy & Don Hankel, Shelly & Larry Janke, Holly & Dennis Webber, Clancy & Elaine Olivier, Darrin & Sharon Olivier; stepdaughter, Tanya Duprey. She has 18 Grandchildren, Lucas Dovichak & Cheryl Stadnicki, Shane, Zane, Lane Hankel & Bobbi Jo Moch, Chad, Cody & Riley Janke, Shyloh, Delore, Austin Webber, Kaylee, Dallis & Erin Olivier, Tyler, Dustin & Darrin Olivier and 20 great grandchildren. Mom was predeceased by her great granddaughter, Bria Janke.
Celebration of Shelby’s life will be on Friday, February 18th, at Holy Family Parish Medicine Hat at 11:00am. To view service, visit http://www.holyfamilymh.ca and locate the youtube video with heading: Shelby Duprey. If friends or family wish, donations may be made in memory of Shelby to: St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat, AB c/o Covenant Foundation Room 3C60, 11111 Jasper Avenue Edmonton, AB T5K 0L4 Phone: 780.342.8126 foundation@CovenantHealth.ca
Website: http://www.covenantfoundation.ca
Our sincerest gratitude and appreciation to the kind and caring staff of Carmel Hospice.
Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by

Grace Memorial Affordable Burial & Cremation
1924 10th Ave N.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5
http://www.gracememorial.com
403-905-0440

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TARA WOODS

Tara Lynn Woods age 53 passed away peacefully on January 25, 2022 due to natural causes in Medicine Hat, Alberta. She was born in Vanguard, SK the third of four children. The family moved to Degrassi Street in Toronto, then to Oakville, where she started a family, had two daughters, one whom has recently passed in 2020; Lindsay Saunders. Tara moved to Medicine Hat, AB in 2002.
Tara's life was full of love, kindness and wisdom. She leaves behind her parents Rosemary and Gary, daughter Alicia, grandchildren, Cameron, MacKenzie, Ryland and Amiya, sister Lisa, brothers Ross and Ryan, very good friends Stephanie Preston and Ryan Kessell among others, many nieces, nephews and cousins. All of whom she loved and touched deeply.
Tara will be missed each and everyday. Her ashes will be laid to rest at the White Chapel in Hamilton, Ontario, Feb 19, 2022.

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