January 18, 2023
By Obituaries on January 18, 2023.
IRENE BACHMIER
IRENE BACHMIER September 23rd, 1935 – January 9th, 2023 Irene Jean Bachmier (nee Helmer) passed away peacefully Jan. 9, 2023, with her husband Leo and son Joseph by her side. Irene was born in Golden Prairie, SK on Sept 23, 1935. She lived in Golden Prairie until 1951 when she moved to Medicine Hat with her sister, Violet. There she met Leo, whom she married in 1957.
Irene was a caring and loving wife, mother and grandmother and cherished her time with family. Irene’s other passions were gardening, cooking and the Church. She was well known to those at Holy Family Catholic Church, where she was often complimented on her colourful wardrobe of lavender-colored dresses.
Irene is survived by husband, Leo; sons, Hart, Joseph and Randy; granddaughters, Kassandra Magitoux (Richard) and Cheyenne Bruneau. Also survived by her brother, Gordon Helmer; sisters, Violet Roth and Sharon Dunlop; sisters-in-law, Veronica Helmer and Sandra Helmer; brothers-in-law, Joe Bachmier, Mike Bachmier (Shirley), Bert Bachmier (Ethel) and Val Steinkey; sisters-in-law, Jane Bachmier, Elda Bachmier and Agnes Heck. Irene was predeceased by her son, Lyle; parents, Herman and Lydia Helmer; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joe and Regina Bachmier.
A private memorial will be held on January 19th, 2023. Donations in Irene’s memory may be made to a charity of one’s choice. 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
GENE JEROME “GABE” UNSER
GENE JEROME “GABE” UNSER September 7, 1939 – January 15, 2023
Passed away peacefully in the Bow Island Hospital with his family by his side.
Besides his loving wife, Heather, Gabe was survived by his son, Richard and his children, Bret (Rosalyn) and Lexi; son Raymond (Melanie) and their children, Chris and Chantel (Jesse); daughter, Rochelle (Kim) and their children, Curtis and Ashley (Ryan); daughter, Roxanne (Stig) and their children, Shylo (Mason), Chelsea (Ryland) and Halle; his great grandchildren, which he adored, Keiran, Rayden, Preston and Dominic.
Funeral mass will be held at the Bow Island Catholic Church on Saturday, January 21st at 1:00pm.
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Foremost Seniors Center (103 1 Ave E, Foremost, AB T0K 0X0) or Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.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
MARIE JOSÉ NIWA
1928 – MARIE JOSÉ NIWA – 2023
Marie (Mary) José Niwa (nee Lijdsman) passed away peacefully with family by her side on Wednesday, January 11, 2023, in Medicine Hat, AB. Though she always hated the phrase, Mary was an inspiration to those who knew and loved her.
Mary was born in Empress, AB on March 20, 1928, to Frank and Leotine Lijdsman. Raised in Bindloss, AB she had a very happy childhood. Mary graduated from Holy Cross Hospital School of Nursing in 1951 and was immensely proud of her work as a nurse, something that she found great fulfilment in throughout her life.
In June 1952, Mary married Dennis Joseph Niwa, settling at the farm in Acadia Valley, AB. Together, Mary and Den raised six boys. Mary and Den had a happy home full of laughter, love, hard work, and with six rambunctious boys, the occasional trip to the hospital. Mary had many friends in the community, including her dearest friend, Bonnie Crocker. Mary often expressed that there was never a better friend than Bonnie and their over 50-year friendship was exceptionally meaningful to her. Mary’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude to Bonnie for her friendship, kindness, and support of Mary until the end.
In 1991, Mary and Den retired to Medicine Hat, and enjoyed sharing meaningful time with their sons, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, and friends. Mary’s greatest joy and pride was her family. She was a grandmother like no other, and each of her grandchildren will fondly remember special times spent with her, long talks, and many laughs. Mary always had time for her grandkids and in her later years, adored being a “GG” to her great-grandchildren.
Mary greatly enjoyed volunteering in her community and her faith was of great importance to her: she was proud to have been a dedicated member of the Catholic Women’s League for over 70 years.
Mary had a larger-than-life personality, loved to talk, and get to know people she was never short of friends, stories, or advice. She lived every day with great enthusiasm, humour, positivity, and determination. Mary and her “crooked finger”, will be deeply and forever missed.
Mary is survived by her six sons, Greg (Doris), Rod, Darold (Lynn), Michael (Bernice), Bruce, and Gord (Laurie); her grandchildren, Lindsay (Kris), Katie, Kendra (Brett), Tyson, Braden, Joshua, and Jake; great-grandchildren, Parker, Maddie and Luna; sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Lijdsman and Rose Niwa; very special family members, Janice Niwa, Ashly Niwa and Sydney Kincaid; as well as her large extended family of nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband, Den in 2001; her loving grandson, Brandon in 2020; brothers, Gerry and John; and sisters Helen and Frankie.
The Niwa family would like to thank the staff, nurses and doctors who supported her care at Masterpiece, and St. Joseph’s.
Prayers will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, January 20th, 2023, at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5. The funeral mass will be held at 11:00 on Saturday, January 21st, 2023 at HOLY FAMILY PARISH, 1451 Strachan Rd SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4V3 with Fr. Philip Le, Celebrant. Interment will take place June 16, 2023, at Saints Peter and Paul Church, Acadia Valley, AB.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to celebrate Mary’s life are encouraged to donate to the Niwa Family Fund c/o the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, (430 6 Ave SE, #104, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 2S8 or online via https://cfsea.ca/). Through the Niwa Family Fund, donations support the greatest needs in the community including the Brandon Niwa Legacy Fund (“The Beej Project”) at the Medicine Hat College and will help us to keep Mary’s memory alive for years to come. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Marie Niwa. 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.
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”
GARY SAWICKI
GARY SAWICKI The family of Gary Paul Sawicki sadly announces his passing at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Monday, January 16, 2023, at the age of 55 years. Arrangements will be announced once completed. (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”
EDNA DEERING
EDNA DEERING 1944 ~ 2023 The family of Edna Deering are deeply saddened to announce her passing on Monday, January 16, 2023, at the age of 78 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced upon completion. (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”
FRANK SAUER
FRANK SAUER 1934 ~ 2023 Frank Joseph Sauer, beloved husband of the late Anne Sauer, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at the age of 88 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced upon completion. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting
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”
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
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
GARTH SIMPSON
GARTH SIMPSON 1941 ~ 2023
It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Garth Harold Simpson, beloved husband of Marlette Lucas-Simpson of Dunmore, Alberta. Garth passed peacefully surrounded by family on January 16, 2023 at St. Joseph’s Home in Medicine Hat, Alberta following a lengthy battle with leukemia.
He was born on March 28, 1941 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan and resided in the Prince of Wales District, Webb, Saskatchewan until the age of six, then on a farm near Shaunavon, Saskatchewan until 2012. Garth received his primary and secondary education in Shaunavon and then attended the School of Agriculture, 1960 and 1961, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. He excelled very high in his classes which was reflected in the quality of the products he produced throughout his farming years – dairy products, purebred Gelbvieh cattle, grain products and grain seed cleaning.
He enjoyed curling and being a member of the Irvine Lions Club. He was a jack of all trades and a “Master of them all” which included carpentry, plumbing, electrical, welding, and mechanical work. House renovations revealed his skill at painting and wallpapering and fixing anything that was broken. After retiring and moving to Dunmore, Alberta his passion became antique tractor restoration where he worked tirelessly bringing many back to life again.
A whirlwind romance occurred on January 21, 1984 when he met Marlette, became engaged on Thanksgiving weekend, and married on December 1.
He is survived by his wife Marlette of 38 years; sisters-in-law Charylle (Greg) Derkach, Faye Lucas, and Laurie (the late Garnet) Moore; nieces Dana, Taryn, Darcie, and Sheri; great nephews Jaymes and Bodi; great nieces Aiyana and Solaris; great-great nephew Reese, great-great niece Nataliee. Special cousins Ken and Nicole Simpson, Tanner (Shelby and daughter Wrenley), Karissa (MacKenzie), and Alycia as well as other cousins and their families.
He was predeceased by his parents Harold and Elizabeth K. (Island) Simpson as well as Simpson and Island aunts and uncles; father-in-law and mother-in-law Stephen and Betty Lucas; nephew Neil Tate; and great nephew Kieran Tate.
Garth was a special and caring person who easily made many friends, was so generous with his time and would help anyone in need. He was very quick witted and had a great sense of humour and was never without a joke to tell. We loved him and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm, on Friday, January 20, 2023 at the Pattison Funeral Home.
Garth’s illness involved being the recipient of numerous blood and platelets transfusions over the past year. Please consider taking the time to donate to the Canadian Blood Services. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Garth may be made to Halo Air Ambulance, the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, or Carmel Hospice (St. Joseph’s Home).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
22
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