January 17, 2023
By Obituaries on January 17, 2023.
ELIZABETH CLEMENTS
CLEMENTS, Elizabeth Margarette Karin (nee Kocsis) April 17, 1945 December 22, 2022
As in any best-selling romance novel, “After flirting with a soldier on the other end of the telephone in the YWCA in Calgary in 1963, the heroine marries the handsome soldier two years later and they live happily ever after”. On December 22, 2022, after losing a devastating battle with cancer, Elizabeth Clements stepped inside Heaven’s limitless Reading Lounge to complete the final chapter of her Romance Novel. A million-dollar best seller. In the Lounge, she is surrounded by radiance, butterflies, and sparkling words. Her beloved family and a lifetime of friends wave from below with tears in their eyes and sadness beyond measure in their hearts. Elizabeth writes, “With the joys of living comes the sadness of passing. My family has blessed me in every way and I am eternally grateful for their many years of continuous love, devotion, and influence. Doug, my funny, faithful, forever friend, and husband of 57 years, has been the biggest contributor to my lifelong emotional well-being”, she highlights the sentence with a yellow marker. “Sons Chris, Danny, Robby, and Nicky have been my cavalry of exceptional gentlemen. Raising them in accordance with the Golden Rule has been my life’s greatest and most satisfying achievement!” She highlights with the marker again. In 1966 Elizabeth and Doug moved to Germany with the Canadian Armed Forces where they remained for 5 years. After Doug retired from the army, they eventually made their way to Medicine Hat where Doug flourished in the insurance industry as a top-notch adjuster. Elizabeth became a full-time mother and housewife when Christopher was born in 1976 and during that time she ran several side businesses: candles, clothing, home fashion shows, and jewelry. The twins followed in 1978 and Nicholas arrived two years later. In 1988 she began work at the Defence Research Establishment Suffield and retired in 2015. Elizabeth started writing as a teenager and continued putting poetry, short stories, and novels together while raising four busy boys. She had been the editor of her high school newspaper and later became an editing advisor for a few local publications. Several of her own pieces were published in various forms but the highlight of her writing career came when Cheryl Moss Pierson of Prairie Rose Publications discovered her work. Cheryl arranged for the publication of Elizabeth’s three books. In 2018, ‘Beneath a Horse-Thief Moon’ arrived, the first of the trilogy of historical romance stories set in the Cypress Hills. The second book appeared in 2019 and the third a year later. Her publisher recently wrote, “As well as being a talented and gifted writer, Elizabeth is truly a one-in-a-million person and has a kind and generous soul”. Up in Heaven’s Lounge Elizabeth thoughtfully writes ‘The End’ under her story and then carefully examines the recently arrived stacks of cards, notes, tributes, and accolades from family and friends. When everything has been studied for the last time, she waves the highlighter through the air and laughs, “I kicked that damned bucket so hard I’m probably going to limp forever!” She never lost her sense of humour. Elizabeth was born on April 5, 1945 in Amstetten, Austria, and emigrated to Canada in 1949. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Doug, as well as sons, Christopher (Ashley, grandson Christopher Douglas) Danny, Robby, and Nicholas, one brother John Biel and nephew Kyle Biel of Toronto, and long-time friend, Bernadette. She was pre-deceased by her mother, Elisabeth Kocsis, Stepfather, Frank Kocsis, sister-in-law Nadine Biel, nephew Kevin Biel, father and mother-in-law, Ralph and Virginia Clements, brother and sister-in-law Donald and Kathy Clements. As per Elizabeth’s wishes, she will have a simple cremation with a Celebration of her Life at a later date. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Elizabeth’s family through http://www.evanjstrong.com.
EILEEN COWTAN
1944 ~ EILEEN COWTAN ~ 2023
Eileen Cowtan was a caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on January 11th at the age of 78. Eileen is lovingly remembered by her children, Tara (Alan, Monica, Matthew), David, and Michael (Zea); brother, Jim (Audrey); sister, Betty (Peg); as well as their families and former spouse, Ted. Eileen enjoyed a remarkable group of friends, and her neighbours were a constant source of companionship and joy. Eileen was born to Edwin Cockerline and Viola Cockerline (Hagyard) on April 12, 1944. She taught in Winnipeg before moving to Medicine Hat in 1977, where she later retired as an instructor at the Medicine Hat College. She was active in the community having volunteered with Girl Guides, Police Point Park, Grasslands Naturalists, The Esplanade, and Meals on Wheels. No one appreciated peanut butter as much as Eileen, and on more than a few occasions it became a meal. Eileen travelled extensively, sometimes to the point her family had no idea where in the world she was. One time she returned to Canada with nothing but her swimsuit as the ship had blown up while she was snorkeling! When not in a swimsuit, she could more often than not be found in a striped top. She loved outdoor adventures and would often camp with her friends and family while sleeping in the back of Gus, her trusty minivan. Eileen treasured her Manitoba roots and always looked forward to going back to Pilot Mound. She will return home one last time to be buried at a later date. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Eileen Cowtan. 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.
EILEEN COWTAN
1944 ~ EILEEN COWTAN ~ 2023 Eileen Cowtan was a caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, on January 11th at the age of 78. Eileen is lovingly remembered by her children, Tara (Alan, Monica, Matthew), David, and Michael (Zea); brother, Jim (Audrey); sister, Betty (Peg); as well as their families and former spouse, Ted. Eileen enjoyed a remarkable group of friends, and her neighbours were a constant source of companionship and joy. Eileen was born to Edwin Cockerline and Viola Cockerline (Hagyard) on April 12, 1944. She taught in Winnipeg before moving to Medicine Hat in 1977, where she later retired as an instructor at the Medicine Hat College. She was active in the community having volunteered with Girl Guides, Police Point Park, Grasslands Naturalists, The Esplanade, and Meals on Wheels. No one appreciated peanut butter as much as Eileen, and on more than a few occasions it became a meal. Eileen travelled extensively, sometimes to the point her family had no idea where in the world she was. One time she returned to Canada with nothing but her swimsuit as the ship had blown up while she was snorkeling! When not in a swimsuit, she could more often than not be found in a striped top. She loved outdoor adventures and would often camp with her friends and family while sleeping in the back of Gus, her trusty minivan. Eileen treasured her Manitoba roots and always looked forward to going back to Pilot Mound. She will return home one last time to be buried at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please share some kind memories of Eileen on this webpage or consider a contribution to your favourite charity. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Eileen Cowtan. 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.
OSTER ANHORN
1924 ~ OSTER ANHORN ~ 2022 Oster Anhorn of Medicine Hat, passed away on Friday, December 9th, 2022 at the age of 98 years. The Memorial Service was held Saturday 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 Oster Anhorn. 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.
DELBERT DWAIN KURTZ
DELBERT DWAIN KURTZ 1937 ~ 2023
Delbert Dwain Kurtz started his journey August 7, 1937, in Eatonia, Saskatchewan where he was raised, reaching the end of the line on January 13, 2023, in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Del was a career CPR Engineer until his retirement and continued to visit former railroaders at the Pensioner’s Club on Wednesdays, serving as President of the Club until he was 85. In his retirement years, he was proud to hold a Class 1 Drivers License and continued to work and drive truck.
Del and Gail enjoyed RV life at their seasonal lot at Rattlesnake Lake where he served time as President of the Golden Sheaf Park Association. In winters, they travelled south to Arizona.
You could call Del a handyman and would often find him working with wood. He tackled anything and enjoyed either building it or fixing it himself.
Del leaves behind his daughter, Yvonne (Frank Gilham) and grandchildren, Ryan Peterson (Nadiya) and Derek Peterson; son, Dean Kurtz (Jacqueline) and grandchildren, Dustin (Bailee) Kurtz and Katrina (Cole) Sorenson; daughter, Cheryl Rayner (Lester Wisnowski) and grandchildren, Shaun Rayner (Cindy) and Brandon Rayner. He also leaves six great-grandchildren, Zoe & Erika Peterson, Jocelyn & Deegan Kurtz, and Dagonet & Harrison Rayner; Gail’s two sons, Doug (Shelley) Edward and granddaughters Stephanie and Sarah; and Derek Edward and grandson; Evan; brothers, Marvin (Lorraine) Kurtz, Ralph (Della) Kurtz and Richard (Doris) Kurtz. Del was predeceased by his wife, Gail Kurtz and parents, Phillip and Wilhelmina Kurtz.
Because of Del’s love of dancing, we are certain he is now reunited with Gail and they are happily dancing up a storm with a Two Step to their favorite country song.
A Come and Go Celebration honouring Del will be held in the Cook Southland Reception Facility, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Thursday, January 19, 2023, between 1:30 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. Memorial donations in Del’s name may be made directly to St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. (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”
ALLAN HAAG
ALLAN HAAG 1950 – 2023 Allan Dennis Haag passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on Thursday, January 12, 2023, at the age of 72 years, beloved husband of Candi Haag of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory his two children, Gordon Haag and Wendy Haag; two grandchildren, one brother Gordon (Bev) Haag and his special nieces Randi (Corey) L’Heureux and Kaelee Sorenson; special friends, Meridel (Craig) Deschner and Regan Deschner as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Emma and Elmer Haag. Allan retired from South Country Village after 34 years in the maintenance department. At his request, no public service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
FLORENCE LACZKOWSKI
FLORENCE LACZKOWSKI 1927 – 2023 Florence Jean Laczkowski (Smith) went to be with our Lord and Saviour on Saturday, January 14, 2023, at the age of 95 years. Florence was predeceased by her loving husband, Joe, of almost 72 years and all her siblings; Robert, Dora, Francis, Jessie and John. Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where her father ran a bakery, the family eventually moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta, when Florence was a teenager. Flo and Joe met in Medicine Hat, married, and started their life together on the family farm in Seven Persons. Like many families back then, they started their married life under the same roof as Joe’s parents, Anthony, and Albina (Tromba), and they eventually moved to their own farm just down the road. While Joe was busy running the family farm and Florence was running a household of eight, she somehow found the time to sew and create. This soon blossomed into a passion for making dolls. She loved creating unique, one-of-a-kind, dolls. Many were sold, many more were given as gifts, and if her eyesight and hands had been willing, she would have been making them up until the day she passed. In 1968, Joe and Florence tragically lost their eldest daughter, Lucille, who was killed in a car crash just a few miles from home. Florence is survived by her children, Patricia (Bill) Drew, Tony (Ann) Laczkowski, Tim (Sherry) Laczkowski, Betty Laczkowski, Paula (Jay) Richardson and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Florence will be remembered for her creativity and sewing talents, her gentle and kind spirit, her love of a good book and her loyalty to her family.
We would like to say a special Thank you to Frank and Roseanne for your faithful Sunday visits with mom. She really appreciated it. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish (1451 Strachan Road SE) on Thursday, January 19, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Naveed Arif celebrant. 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 leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
GARTH SIMPSON
GARTH SIMPSON 1941 – 2023 Garth Simpson passed away on Monday January 16, 2023, at the age of 81 years, beloved husband of Marlette Lucas-Simpson of Dunmore. A time of fellowship, with come and go light refreshments, will be held at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Friday, January 20, 2023, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
YVONNE BAKER
YVONNE BAKER 1935 – 2023 Yvonne Baker of Medicine Hat, passed away on January 3, 2023 at the age of 87 years. She is survived by her children, Don (Anita) Fowler, Bonnie Fowler, John Dunseith and Jim (Janey) Dunseith; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, step-children and friends. She was predeceased by her second husband Howard Baker, third husband Bill Van Hove and her son David Dunseith. Yvonne was born in Ontario. She loved going to bingo, doing arts and crafts and decorating cakes as well making Howard a big bowl of popcorn in the evening. Yvonne loved music, playing the organ, attending church and meeting up with friends. The graveside service will be held at Hillside Cemetery on Thursday, January 19, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Michael Diebert officiating. Those who wish to attend the graveside service are asked to meet inside the main gate to Hillside Cemetery by 10:45 a.m. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
JEFF GOLD
JEFF GOLD 1971 ~ 2023
It is with heavy hearts that the family announces the loss of a wonderful husband, father and friend, Jeffery ‘Jeff’ Gold. Jeff passed away while surrounded by his family at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Friday, January 13, 2023, at the age of 51 years. A Celebration of Jeff’s life will be held at the Cypress Centre, 2055 – 21 Ave. S.E., Medicine Hat on Saturday, January 21, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. (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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