April 9, 2022

1937 ~ LOUIS SCHMIDT ~ 2022

Louis John Schmidt of Bow Island, passed away on Friday, April 1st, 2022 at the age of 84 years. The Funeral Service was held yesterday at the Bow Island Legion Hall. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Louis Schmidt Schmidt. 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.

1977 ~ DEAN FISCHER ~ 2022

Dean Gary Fischer passed away suddenly at the age of 44 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter, Mya Fischer (Mya’s mother, Tamara Urlacker); father, Larry Fischer; sister, Joanne Fischer; as well as numerous friends and cousins. Dean was predeceased by his mother, Shirley Fischer. Dean was born on July 7, 1977 in Calgary, Alberta. He was the second child of Larry and Shirley and grew up in Medicine Hat. As an adult, he lived in Medicine Hat, Moose Jaw, Calgary and on the open road. Dean met Tamara in 2000 and they had their daughter Mya in 2005. Mya was by far his greatest joy in life. Dean was a long haul truck driver and he loved it. He enjoyed socializing and spending time with friends and family (especially with his daughter Mya). He was a one of a kind free spirit. He saw the lighter side of things and was always trying to make people laugh. He will be missed. A private family graveside service will take place at Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Dean’s name may be made to Fresh Start Recovery Centre, 411 41 Ave NE Calgary, AB T2E 2N4. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Dean Fischer. 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.

ANNE PAULINE DIRK

Sept. 22, 1933 – Apr. 5th, 2022

 

Anne Pauline Dirk of Medicine Hat passed away on Tuesday, April 5th, 2022, at the age of 88 years. She leaves to cherish her memory her three children, Aaron Dirk, Denise Dirk Feininger, Desiree Dirk Coyle (Bryan); grandchild, Hannah Polonsky; sisters, Katherine Schafer and Beverly Hatch; many treasured nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws and friends. She was predeceased by her mother and father, Susanne and Raymond Haaf; her husband of 37 years, Michael H. Dirk; brothers-in-law, Adam Schafer; Bob Hatch, Don Dirk (Darlene) and Joe Dirk; mother-in-law, Celestine Dirk.

Everyone who mourns her loss is invited to celebrate her life by sharing a coffee and this prayer with loved ones on a sunny spring morning:

Loving God,

We live in the mystery of the new life

you promised in Jesus

And the new life that

surrounds us every spring.

Help us welcome,

connect and love by example

All those we know

and all those we don’t usually see.

Open our eyes and make us one whole and holy people.

In addition, the family invites those who knew her well to join them for the funeral mass which will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish – 1451 Strachan Rd SE on Tuesday, April 12th at 1:00pm with Father Rodel Abanto celebrant.

In lieu of cut flowers, the family encourages you to grow them instead and to think of Anne as they unfold and share their beauty and enhance your life just as she did for so many throughout her many years. Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com.

BILLY – JOEL “BJ” ROBINSON

1980 – 2022

 

BJ passed away on April 6th, 2022, in Red Deer, AB at the age of 41 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his father, Robert Robinson (Shelley Miller); his son, Quincy McComeau; brother, Michael (Kim Charest) Robinson; sisters, Jenny-Lee (Chris Milligan) Robinson, Sara-Lynn Robinson and Kimberly Cozart; nephews, Saige Robinson, Dondre Robinson, Chase Robinson, Falefitu Robinson, Hayden Milligan and Ryder Charest; nieces, Keisha Robinson, Taniela Robinson and Kaylee Robinson. BJ was predeceased by his mother, MJ; grandparents, aunts and uncles.

BJ was born in Medicine Hat, AB. He lived in Redcliff, Medicine Hat, Edmonton and various places. He loved remote control cars and tinkering with cars on the side.

BJ will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

A celebration of life will be held on Thursday, April 14th at Truckers Restaurant (Back Room) from 1-4pm. Donations in Billy-Joel’s memory may be made to the Canadian Liver Foundation by visiting http://www.liver.ca. 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

DEBORAH COOK

 

1956 ~ 2022

 

Deborah Lynn Cook passed away at her home in Medicine Hat on Monday, April 4, 2022, at the age of 66 years. Deb will be lovingly remembered by her two sons, Shane and his daughter, Christie; and Colin (Stacie) and their children, Austen, Cody, Wilbur, Amellia and Avery as well as her brother, Calvin (Lea). A celebration of Deborah’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, April 11, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. with interment to follow at Hillside Cemetery. The service will be live-streamed. Anyone wishing to experience the celebration can 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”

1939 ~ FRED AMMANN ~ 2022

 

After a three-week battle with Covid, Fred Ammann passed away on Friday, April 1st, in Medicine Hat, AB. surrounded by his family. Despite being triple vaccinated, with no health issues he died due to this awful disease at the age of 82-years. Fred was born in Medicine Hat, AB on May 17, 1939, to Paul and Bertha Ammann. Raised on the farm with his four brothers and one sister, he learned to work hard to achieve his goals. Fred had many careers including steam engineer, accountant, bank manager and business developer. He met the love of his life, Audrey Reuer, and they married in 1961. They would go on many adventures and travelled to many places around the world in their 61 years of marriage. They had two sons, Darren in 1963 and Todd in 1967. In 1972, they sold their home to become part owners and live-in managers of the new Travelodge Hotel. Fred and Audrey took great pride in building the business and reputation of the hotel as a first-class accommodation in Medicine Hat. While managing the hotel they earned many awards, including national property of the year multiple times. Fred volunteered with many organizations, including the Travelodge Hotels North America, Alberta Hotel & Lodging Association, the Medicine Hat Kinsmen, Medicine Hat Referees Association, and the Oldtimers Hockey Association. Fred enjoyed playing, coaching, and refereeing hockey, even refereeing in the WHL for a time. His love of sports and games continued his entire life. He enjoyed cheering on his sons or grandchildren from the sidelines and organizing tournaments of all sorts for social gatherings. He was often known for creating trophies or prizes when he was organizing games, whether it was beanbag toss with his grandkids, or a fun golf tournament with friends, he always made it a memorable occasion. Fred loved the game of golf, he was an original part owner and developer of Cottonwood Coulee Golf Course. Fred was generous, selfless, kind and welcoming to all. Fred we will all miss your itineraries, engaging conversations over a cup of coffee and your thoughtfulness. We love you, rest in peace. Fred was predeceased by his wife, Audrey Ammann; his brothers, Ed, Warner; sister, Gladys and sister-in-law, Ethel. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Darren (Sarah) and Todd (Elisha). He was known as “World’s Best Grandpa” to Tanner (Erika), Tyler (Kennedy), Grace and Emily. He will also be sadly missed by his brothers, Art (Cheryl) and Paul (Judy); sister-in-law, Janice (Jimmy) Austin, their families and many friends who loved him dearly. The Funeral service will be held at the Medicine Hat Exhibition & Stampede Grounds “Auditorium”, 2055 21 Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 1A5 on Thursday, April 14, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Fred’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Memorial gifts in Fred’s name may be made to Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Fred Ammann. 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.

TARAS WILLIAM MELNYCZUK

Taras William Melnyczuk passed away at the age of 54 years. Taras was born Nov 2, 1967 in Uranium City Sask. He was an only child to Wasyl (Bill) and Velma Melnyczuk. He grew up and went to school in Uranium City until the early 80’s when the Family moved to Eldorado Sask a short distance away. In such remote community Taras grew up loving the outdoors, fishing, hunting, sledding, and canoeing and anything Aviation. He would also hang out around the big trucks and the fire station shining up the fire trucks. For grades 11 and 12 Taras went to Notre Dame in Wilcox Sask home of the Hounds. In 1983 his father passed, and the mines closed so his mom and him moved to Medicine Hat AB. Once he graduated school in 1985 he got a taste of the oilfield working at Joyline Transport starting out swamping. Guys there became lifelong friends and mentors and got him into the driver’s seat. In later years he worked with Ronco Oilfield. In 1987 he met his girl Rhonoda (Schwabe) who later became his wife, but the north was calling him, and he moved to Slave Lake, AB. Once Rhonoda graduated she joined him. April 15, 1989, they married and welcomed their first child Megan in September 1989 In June of 1992 their son Wasyl was born. In 1996 he decided to go out on his own and Bush Baby Trucking came to be with his first truck moving rigs. In 1997 he bought his first Nodwell and rigged It up for fighting wildfires for forestry. 2007 he bought is first 6×6 floater truck a more specialized unit and rigged it up for wildfires. This is where his heart really was and followed up with another truck

in 2016. He was very proud of what he accomplished working in all areas of Alberta and did some work in BC and Sask. Working in these industries he has made lifelong friendships all over the world. Nothing made him happier then being called Gido (grandpa) with his grandchildren born Velma 2016 and Willium 2019. October 2021 is when he was first diagnosed with cancer in Medicine Hat Hospital. Through his illness he continued to be positive, brave, and strong until losing his battle March 31, 2022. Taras was predeceased by his father Wasyl and mother Velma. He is survived by his wife Rhonoda and their children Megan (Greg) and Wasyl (Raelene) and 2 grandchildren Velma and Willium.