March 5, 2022
By Destinee Mattson on March 5, 2022.
1931 ~ SHIRLEY CHRISTIAN ~ 2022
Shirley Ruth Christian of Medicine Hat, passed away on Monday, February 28th, 2022, at the age of 91 years. The Funeral Service was held yesterday at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Shirley Christian. Funeral arrangements 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.
CASEY BOUTKAN
It has only been just a few short weeks since friends and family gathered at the Christian Reformed Church to celebrate the life of Casey Boutkan. Memories of the family tribute will forever resonate within the hearts of all those who attended.
“Casey worked hard all his life,
With his passing he was blessed,
Granted a gift from the heavens,
Through God’s peace… eternal rest.”
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”
JACK HOPKINS
1926 – 2022
John Mulholland Hopkins, beloved husband of the late Margaret Hopkins, passed away in Bow Island, surrounded by his family, on Monday, February 28, 2022 at the age of 95 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, March 8, 2022. Masking is required between 10:00 A.M. and 11:00 A.M. and masking is optional between 11:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. A private burial service will follow at the Burdett Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Jack is survived by his children John (Penny) Hopkins of Lethbridge, Gerald (Evelyn) Hopkins of Bow Island, Keith (Lynn) Hopkins of Lethbridge, Royce (Shannon) Hopkins of Medicine Hat, Maureen (Bob) Buday of Medicine Hat and Robert (Beth) Hopkins of Bow Island; sixteen grandchildren Matthew, Max (Ildikó), Annalise (Keith), Grant (Sara), Jodi (Jordan), Reid (Shayla), Erik (Kathleen), Keely (Peter), Mitchell, Sierra, Lauryn (Brett) Clancy (Sarah), Olivia (Layne), Andrew, Jordan, Ethan (Giselle) and by ten great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Margaret Ross and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Margaret in 2017; brothers Reginald “Rex” (Rita) Hopkins and Thomas (Lois) Hopkins; sister Maoni (Gordie) Moss; brother-in-law Stubb Ross.
Jack was born at the farm near Grassy Lake on May 28, 1926 to Thomas Godfrey Hopkins and Jemima Thomsen Hopkins. He grew up in a family which included Reginald, “Rex”, Maoni, Thomas and Margaret as well as Jessie and Charlotte Learmont.
He married Margaret Henry on October 15, 1955 then moved to the farm south of Grassy Lake where they started their family, later moving to the farm north of Burdett in 1968.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jack’s name may be made directly to HALO Air Ambulance, 12 – 1 Airport Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5G4 (www.haloairambulance.com).
The family would like to thank the staff of the Pleasant View Lodge in Bow Island for the excellent care both Jack and Margaret received while living there. They would also like to thank the nurses and Dr. Woodruff for the care he received during his last days at the Bow Island Health Centre.
GWEN MARY ALENE MUNROE
Our dear mother, Gwen Mary Alene Munroe, passed away suddenly in Medicine Hat on Sunday, February 20, 2022, at the age of 87 years.
Gwen was born in Sibbald, Alberta to Walter and Mildred Fizer. Following graduating from South Central High School in Oyen, she went on to study Medical Stenography at Mount Royal College in Calgary. She was proud to have worked at the Holy Cross Hospital and then in a urology clinic until her son, Colin was born. Carrie arrived two years later. Gwen and Al moved to Moose Jaw in 1961, where Al pursued a teaching career at the Saskatchewan Technical Institute. In 1966-1967, the Munroe family moved to Accra, Ghana to help build a technical school. This was the beginning of Gwen’s great adventures, planning many trips and inviting, whoever wanted to come along. Mom continued her studies in piano and became a fantastic piano teacher. In 2000, in pursuit of condo living, Gwen and Al found their new home at Grandview Village in Medicine Hat.
Gwen is survived by her daughter, Carrie (Norman) Hopkins; daughter-in-law, Peggy Munroe; grandchildren, James (Carli) Munroe, Sean Munroe (Jessica Anderson), Abbey Hopkins, Evan Hopkins; great-grandchildren, Emma Barton, Austin Barton, Ethan Munroe, Jaxon Munroe, Isla Munroe, Collins Munroe as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Gwen was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Allan; son, Colin and brother, Robert Fizer.
Gwen loved music and dancing. Mom and dad played for many dances, mom on piano and dad on the saxophone. In Moose Jaw, mom loved teaching piano to her young students. After moving to Medicine Hat, she was active in singing with the Harmonettes and the Veiner Centre Choir. She enjoyed the friendship of the Medicine Hat Red Hat Ladies, as well as the Shrine events she attended with Al, both in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Gwen and Al attended the United Church and mom also sang in the Minto United Church choir in Moose Jaw.
Mom enjoyed her flower and vegetable gardens and food was always tasty and plentiful. She made the best garlic dill pickles – which family members have learned to recreat and a few have even mastered her bun recipe. Shopping was a favourite pastime for both Gwen and Al, especially on their annual winter stays in Southwestern USA. The motorhome hauled home many interesting yard ornaments for the kids, young and old. When time permitted, mom crocheted blankets to donate to those who needed one.
Family was Gwen’s greatest joy, making the most of any holiday celebration with decorations and a party atmosphere. She loved and adored her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and was so very proud of their many accomplishments. Mom especially loved babies, peeking into strollers to say a quick hello. Along with her sisters-in-law, they were always the life of family gatherings and their laughter echoed throughout the halls. Gwen had numerous friends young and old, neighbours and Shriners quickly became like family. Mom enjoyed living in Medicine Hat and appreciated how the City embraced seniors. The family wish to thank the staff and friends at Masterpiece Southland Meadows, Homecare and the many healthcare providers for taking such great care of their mom.
A Celebration of Gwen’s life will take place at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, on May 6, 2022, at 10:00 a.m with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. Interment will follow later in the day at the Sibbald Cemetery at 3:00 p.m. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, donations in memory of Gwen’s name may be made to a charity of one’s choice. 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”
RIENTS WEVER
1932 – 2022
In my Father’s house, there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. John 14:2
Rients Wever, beloved husband of Elsa Wever passed away in Bow Island on Monday, February 28, 2022 at the age of 89 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 – 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, March 6, 2022 between 3:00 P.M. and 4:00 P.M. A private funeral service will be held on Monday, March 7, 2022. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
Besides Eelkje “Elsa”, his loving wife of sixty seven years Rients is survived by their eight children James Wever (Lana Leeb), Norman (Linda) Wever, Janet (Iain) Mercer, Evelyn (Gerald) Hopkins, Susanna (Dean) Kress, Herman (Karen) Wever, Arthur (Dawn) Wever and Joyce (Albert) Visscher; thirty grandchildren and thirty nine great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Sybil (Ryk) Prins of Bow Island, sister Josien and brother Ette of the Netherlands and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by daughter-in-law Sherry Ann Wever and by numerous siblings and members of his extended family.
Rients, affectionately known as “Pake”, was born in Franeker, Friesland, on May 12, 1932. He left his homeland in 1951 to establish his own life in Canada. In 1954, after three years of writing, Eelkje left Friesland to come to Canada. The two were married in Lethbridge on October 28, 1954 and lived at Writing-on-Stone for a short time. The small family moved south of Burdett in 1956 to be closer to their church, where they raised their eight children. Rients was a member of the Burdett Christian Reformed Church for sixty seven years, where he served in many capacities. In 2001, Rients and Eelkje built their retirement home just two miles north of the farm. He was grateful to have been able to stay in his own home on the farm until his passing, with the love and care of his wife and family. Staying on the farm gave him the opportunity to keep in contact with neighbours and to enjoy watching the next generation continue on with the farm activities while still giving daily advice. Rients treasured his time with family and friends coming together for coffee around the kitchen table. His blue truck cruising the countryside, checking the cows and crops, will be missed.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Rients’ name may be made directly to HALO Air Ambulance, 12 – 1 Airport Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5G4 (www.haloairambulance.com) or to Rehoboth Christian Ministries, Box 1312, Coaldale, Alberta T1M 1N1 (www.rcmflourish.ca).
ROBBIE ‘BUTCH’ BERGEN
1957 ~ 2022
Robert ‘Robbie’ ‘Butch’ Abram Bergen passed away at the Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary on Friday, February 25, 2022, at the age of 65 years. His memory will be cherished by his parents, Abram (Margaret); children, Troy (Bree), Dylan and Henry (Haylie) and their mother, Dalyce; grandchildren, Ava, Caitlyn and Tyler; siblings, Lyndon (Debbie) Bergen, Karen (Ron) Reimer, Valerie (Tom) Davidson and Richard (Diana) Bergen as well as numerous nieces, nephews and good friends. He was predeceased by his brother, Ralph. Butch had a gift of the wrench as he was a natural mechanic. His mustang was his greatest mechanical joy but his greatest love was his children and family. A Celebration of Butch’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, March 7, 2022, at 2:00 p.m. A private interment will follow at Redcliff Cemetery. The Chapel Service will be live-streamed and anyone wishing to experience the service is welcome to visit http://www.cooksouthland.com and select the View Broadcast Button on the homepage at service time. (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”
DUXBURY – SHEILA LORRAINE DUXBURY
1949-2022
It is with great sadness that the family announce the passing of Sheila Lorraine Duxbury ( nee Walker ), on February 27, 2022 at the age of 72 years. During her last few months Sheila was in the care of the St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat, AB. Sheila was born in Brooks, AB on December 10, 1949 and one of 4 children to the late Ronald and Dorothy Walker. She was married to Richard ( Wayne ) where they resided in Brooks, AB. Over the years she had a variety of jobs; Mac’s Store and the Brooks Bulletin, and many might remember Sheila at Ropps’ Pet and Hobby / Pet Paradise where she devoted over 30+ years before deciding to retire. Sheila and Wayne also owned and operated the pet store Aquarium World for a number of years. Sheila will be remembered for her love of crafts and teaching techniques of scrapbooking, knitting, sewing, crocheting, diamond art, wood work/painting, etc. Sheila enjoyed attending countless scrapbook retreats and making albums for family and friends to cherish. She enjoyed Lonny or Silvia and their girls coming to the Pioneer Villa to partake in crafts or card making and visiting with the ladies. Sheila was known as the “pet lady” and even a couple of her grandchildren when younger referred to her as Grandma Fish. Sheila always had pets, whether it was cats and dogs, or fish there was always more than one or two. She could often be found working in her yard, fixing and painting something or enjoying the flowers she planted. Sheila loved camping with her family and friends, many nights spent at the Tilley campground, Enchant, Bow City or Rolling Hills to name a few. Sheila and Wayne were members of the Lions Club, Dino Trail-ers and Brooks Good Sams Club where they took part in numerous group camp outs, building wonderful friendships and lasting memories of stories that Sheila loved to share with her family. She often spoke of the times she spent at her daughter Tammy and son in law Kevins’ cabin in Saskatchewan where she was able to lend a helping hand, or supervision when her health allowed it. She had fond memories of weekend trips with her girls LaRae and Tammy to Calgary and Great Falls. And was able to fulfill her dream of traveling to Disneyland to see the ocean with son Kevin and Rhonda in November 2019. Sheila loved to spend time with her family and spoke of them with such delight, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Family Christmas or any other holiday gatherings were no exception, lots of food and laughter was shared. Sheila leaves behind her children, Tammy ( Kevin) Thokle of Medicine Hat, Kevin Duxbury ( Rhonda Dunne) of Brooks, LaRae Reinson ( Glenn Ferris ) of Brooks, Lonny ( Silvia ) Duxbury of Brooks. Her grandchildren Richard Thokle, Jennifer Thokle ( Thereon Hemmaway) of Medicine Hat and Nathan Thokle of Halifax, Kody Duxbury and Cory Duxbury of Strathmore, Cole Reinson and Tyler Reinson of Brooks, Emily, Trista and Olivia Duxbury of Brooks. Her great grandchildren Serenity Rebmann, Nixon and Gunner Hemmaway all of Medicine Hat. Her brother Don ( Penny ) Walker of Coaldale, and Julie ( Gary) Turnbull of Brooks. Step daughters Becki ( Steve) Mravunac, their sons Justin and Tyson of Calgary, and Brenda Florence of Calgary. Along with numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Richard ( Wayne ) Duxbury, her parents Ron and Dorothy Walker, her sister Melanie Erb and a niece Trena Walker. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered by all who loved her and those whose lives she touched. Celebration of life for family and friends will be held on Saturday March 12, 2022 from 1:00 to 4:00 pm at the Royal Canadian Legion 235 3rd St W Brooks, AB . If friends or family wish, donations may be made in memory of Sheila to St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice at 156 3rd St NE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 5M1 or to the Canadian Cancer Society. 54-53
