January 20, 2023
By Obituaries on January 20, 2023.
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.
GARY SAWICKI
GARY SAWICKI
It is with heavy hearts we remember Gary Paul Sawicki, who left us January 16th, 2023, while surrounded by the family he loved so dearly.
Born March 8th, 1967, at Saint Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba; Gary spent the majority of his life in Medicine Hat with stops including Kimberley, British Columbia and Brooks, Alberta. Gary was a proud oil-field employee, with jobs spanning the industry. One of these was as a drill-bit salesman, which had him driving hundreds of kilometers each day. These trips allowed for many long calls with family and friends and were usually a source of good belly laughs as he covered the western provinces.
An avid outdoorsman, Gary rarely passed up an opportunity to fish. Boat, shore, or belly-boat, Gary was a skilled angler and often filled his off days with trips to one lake or another, chasing the big catch.
A jack-of-all-trades would be an apt description as well. Gary had a green thumb, was an outstanding cook (with a stop as a chef in his younger days), had a mechanic’s acumen, and always had a home project on the go. But mostly importantly, he loved helping others with these very same jobs and passing that knowledge on.
Gary leaves behind his wife, Maxine; sons, Nathan (Kaesha) and Zachary (Madi); parents, Michael (Ed) and Gertrude Sawicki; brothers, Michael (Cynthia), David (Alissia) and Chris (Erin) as well as nieces and nephew, Ashley, Amber, Sara, Erin, and Banks. Gary was predeceased by his brother, Kevin.
The family would like to thank the many health care professionals who helped Gary through his courageous journey; Dr Mohanraj, Dr Malik, Dr Stach, and his doctors at the Tom Baker Cancer Center to name but a few. His care was something that gave us solace and we truly thank everyone involved.
Gary will be silently remembered by family and friends without the proceedings of a formal funeral service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, c/o Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 – 5 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB., T1A 4H6. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting 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”
EDNA DEERING
EDNA DEERING 1944 ~ 2023 It is with heavy hearts the family of Edna Olinda Deering announce her passing on January 16, 2023, at the age of 78 years. Her husband, Barry and daughter, Tobi, invite those wishing to celebrate Edna’s life and bid her a fond farewell to join them at St. John’s Presbyterian Church, 504 – 2 Street S.E., Medicine Hat on Friday, January 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. (Condolences for the family may be expressed at http://www.cooksouthland.com) In lieu of flowers, donations are encouraged to be directed to St. John’s Presbyterian Church or the Alberta Lung Association. 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 December 14, 1934 ~ January 17, 2023
Frank Joseph Sauer passed away peacefully at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, at the age of 88 years. Frank was born on December 14, 1934, to Louis and Anna (nee Schile) Sauer. He attended Olds College following high school receiving a diploma in Agriculture. Frank married Anna Marie Voeller on April 9, 1956, at St. Anthony’s Church. Together they farmed until retirement in 2008, with the last 41 years farming with his brother, Richard in the Granlea area. He also enjoyed raising cattle (Red and Black Angus) until moving to Medicine Hat in 1981. Frank was a very social person who enjoyed visiting and visits from family or friends and would strike up a conversation with anyone. He liked fishing, camping, watching and listening to the Medicine Hat Tigers, the Toronto Blue Jays, attending Medicine Hat Maverick games and having coffee at the Mall, Burger King and A&W. He volunteered for Meals on Wheels, was a member of the Knights of Columbus and had a deep faith as a Roman Catholic. He will be lovingly remembered by his two daughters, Arlene Sauer and Mona Daniels; son, Darryl (Kelly) Sauer; Mona’s children, Lisa (Matt) and Ryan (Amanda) and their son, Riley. He will also be remembered by his siblings, Emma Steinkey, Stan (Pat) Sauer, Albert (Susan) Sauer, Betty Parsons and Richard (Marlene) Sauer; brother-in-law, Fred (Carol) Voeller as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Frank’s family would like to thank The Wellington for the care and attention shown to him as well as Dr. Hrdlicka and staff and Dr. Duke and the staff on 4 West. They would also like to thank the Humphrey’s and the Bartman’s for being wonderful neighbours to Frank and Anne. A celebration of Frank’s life will be held in the spring of 2023 with further announcements at that time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com). If friends so desire, memorial tributes in honour of Frank may be made to the Root Cellar (Medicine Hat & District Food Bank), 440 Maple Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0L3 or to H.A.L.O. at 12 – 1 Airport Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5G4 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”
LEONE McGREGOR
LEONE McGREGOR 1932 ~ 2023
Leone Christine McGregor, beloved resident of the Garrison Green Care West retirement home in Calgary, passed away on Tuesday, January 17, 2023, one day following her 91st birthday. A time of visitation will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Saturday, January 21, 2023, between 2:30 p.m. and 3:15 p.m. A Graveside Celebration of Leone’s life will follow at the family plot in Hillside Cemetery at 3:30 p.m. Those wishing to attend the Graveside Service are asked to gather at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel no later than 3:15 p.m. to join the procession to graveside. (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”
STUART SMITH
STUART SMITH 1940 ~ 2023 Stuart Melville Smith passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023, at the age of 82 years, beloved husband of Donna Smith of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory two children; Drew (Meagan) Smith of Ottawa and Pam (John) Hossack of Vancouver. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed. 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
ROY TUMBACH
1931 ~ ROY TUMBACH ~ 2023 Roy Tumbach of Maple Creek passed away on Friday, January 13th, 2023 at the age of 92 years. Roy leaves to cherish his memory his son, Bruce; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild; as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Alex and Pauline Tumbach; brothers, Ed, Frank, and Richard; and daughter, Bonnie (Larry) Scott. He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by all those who knew and loved him. Interment will take place at the Blumenfeld Cemetery at a later date. Memorial gifts in Roy’s memory may be made to the Blumenfeld Heritage, Box 104, Leader, SK S0N 1H0. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Roy Tumbach. 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.
ERNEST “ERNIE” MURSCHEL
ERNEST “ERNIE” MURSCHEL 1931 ~ 2023 Ernest “Ernie” Murschel of Medicine Hat, passed away on Tuesday, January 17th, 2023 at the age of 91 years. A private family graveside will take place in the Spring. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ernest Murschel. 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.
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