April 28, 2023

By Obituaries on April 28, 2023.

JOE, GORDON GUI MEE

JOE, GORDON GUI MEE July 5, 1947 Guangzhou, China April 20, 2023 Calgary, Alberta
It is with great sadness that the family of Gordon Gui Mee Joe of Calgary, AB announce his peaceful passing with immediate family next to him on Thursday, April 20, 2023 at the age of 75 years.
Gordon Gui Mee Joe was born in Guangzhou, China on July 5, 1947. He moved to Hong Kong and attended elementary school. He then immigrated to Canada in 1965 and attended high school in Medicine Hat, Alberta. After high school, Gordon went to work at All Seasons Restaurant in Medicine Hat with his father. However, within a few years his entrepreneur ambitions led him to start Happiness Garden Restaurant with his two sisters Minnie and Judy along with their husbands Irwin and George and with Norman and Winnie Lam.
Gordon preliminarily retired in the early 1990’s but he then decided to get back into the restaurant business and went on to start Maple Garden Restaurant with his two brother-in-laws, Terry Lei (Jessica) and Ka Ming Li (Sam). The restaurant successfully ran until the mid 2000’s when he and Darlene officially retired together for the second time. After retirement, Gordon and Darlene traveled the world on tours and cruises in Asia, Europe, Africa and the Middle East (many of these destinations due to Gordon’s insatiable appetite for world history)
Gordon loved having a hot aromatic coffee with a good pastry every morning. You could always count on Gordon enjoying the countless outings for traditional Chinese food with families and friends.
Gordon is survived by Darlene Im Chi (nee Lei); by his six sons Lester (Vicky) from Santa Clara, California, Keith (Shirley) from Vancouver, BC, Ronald, Darren (Charlotte), Robin (Holly) and Alan from Calgary; and his five grandchildren Cameron, Quentin, Gemma, Desmond and Edith. Gordon is also survived by his two sisters Judy (George) from Campbell River and their children Patricia (Scott) from Jacksonville, Florida and their child Eden, Sharon (Dave) from Calgary, AB, Rebecca (Dion) from Calgary, AB and their child Nathan, Minnie (Irwin) from Calgary and their children Angela (Jamie) and their children Sophie and Lauren, Eric (Rachel) from Calgary, AB and their children Brendan, Isaac and Isabelle, Kelvin (Carmen) from Calgary and their children Elias and Jacob, and Kelly (Jenny) from Calgary, AB.
Gordon was also survived by his extended family: Vai Van Lei (Mother in Law) from Medicine Hat, AB, Benny Lei (Michelle) from Winnipeg, MB and their children Chelsea, Alex (Jenny) from Winnipeg, MB and their child Aiden; Sam Li (Ka Ming) from Calgary, AB and their children Phillip, Jody and Paul, Joan Tung (Guy) from Edmonton, AB and their children Emily and Owen, Brenda Tran (Tai) from Edmonton, AB and their children Kelvin and Jeffrey, Terry Lei (Jessica) from Medicine Hat, AB and their children Adam, Theresa and Erica.
Gordon is predeceased by his parents Susie So and Harry You Gee Joe of Guangzhou, China, and father in law Tok Tong Lee of Taishan, China.
If you would like to purchase flowers for the funeral service please have them sent to Country Hills Crematorium and Funeral Services (11995 16th Street NE, Calgary, AB, T3K 0S9). Phone (403) 274-0576. When ordering flowers we ask that they please be delivered no later than April 28, 2023.

1923 – LOUISE BIFFART – 2023

1923 LOUISE BIFFART – 2023
Louise Biffart passed away Friday, April 14th, 2023 at the age of 99 years at home in her caring community of The Haven. Louise leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Sharon (Rod) Martens of Calgary; and a son, Darwin (Wanda) Biffart of Nanaimo; four grandchildren, Travis (Mandy) Martens of Langley, Trent (Lise) Martens of Victoria, Rachael (Rodney) Hinz of Calgary, Jessica (Aaron) Dewarle of Gabriola; seven great grandchildren, Kierra, Kyla, Ella, Spencer, Leo, Sebastian and Ryder, a sister-in-law, Ruth Fauser of Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan; and a brother-in-law, Ray Butz of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Louise’s sister, Mabel Leblanc of Lethbridge, Alberta, joined her sister’s journey, passing away a few days after her, on April 17th, 2023. She also leaves to mourn many loving nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 73 years, Edward; her parents, Chris and Barbara Fauser; and siblings, Martha, Selma, Teana, Ted, Elmer, Agnes and Ken. Louise was born in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan on August 13, 1923. She married Edward Biffart on October 20, 1943. Louise loved the farm life, nurturing flowers and plants, quilting, travelling by motorhome, boating and spending time with family and friends. She was an amazing cook and nothing brought her more pleasure than enjoying food together with others. She also enjoyed connecting with people, but her most precious times were spent engaging with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Louise was a woman of faith and her family knew she prayed daily for them. She was content to leave this world and looked forward to her new life in heaven. Her family deeply appreciates the loving care she received in her final months from the staff at The Haven. Louise and Edward also spent many wonderful years living in Chinook Village and Louise was excited to return to enjoy Assisted Living. Many thanks to the accommodating staff for making her life so enjoyable. Thanks also to the many friends who supported her. The Funeral Celebration will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5, on Saturday, April 29th, 2023 at 1:30 pm with Chaplain Lance Duncalfe and Pastor John Willems officiating. Memorial gifts in Louise’s memory may be made to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Louise’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Louise Biffart. 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.

KAY LESMEISTER (HAGER) (NEE IBAC

KAY LESMEISTER (HAGER) (NEE IBACH) June 2, 1927 ~ April 20, 2023
Katherine Marie Lesmeister, beloved wife of the late Jerry Hager, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side at Good Sam’s on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at the age of 95. Kay will be lovingly remembered by: daughter, MARLENE Conibear of Donalda, AB., and her children, Terry Conibear, Karen (Dan Mulej) Conibear, Brad Barros and Lori (Earl) Brooks; daughter, LINDA (Bob) Crockford of Dunmore, AB., and her children, Belinda (Joe Arneaud) Crockford and Shawn (Tracey) Crockford; daughter-in-law, Laurie (CLINT † ) Lesmeister of Invermere, BC., and her children, Clay (Colleen) Lesmeister and Angelina (Daniel) Page; daughter, JANET Wiebe of Calgary, AB., and her children, Tyson Wiebe and Joshua Wiebe; 23 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great-grandchildren and 2 more on the way. Kay’s memory will be cherished by Jerry’s children, Barry (Joyce) Hager, Julie Stemman, Trish (Jim) Hirsekorn, Dan (Michele) Hager, Eve (Dave) Lanz, Rose (Dan) Cowan, Rita Hager (Jerry Edwards), Bonnie (Bernie) Cook, Laurie (Darby) Gagnon and Trina (Mike) Kobley as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, John (Joan) Lesmeister; sisters-in-law, Marion Ibach, Clara Miller, Rose Lesmeister, Mildred Lesmeister, Frances Bell, Teresa Trevisan and Jerry’s sister, Caroline Knapik as well as many nieces, nephews and numerous cousins. Kay was predeceased by her first husband, Joe Lesmeister in 1987; second husband, Jerry Hager in 2022; son, Clint in 1999; son-in-law, Jim Conibear in 2012; great-grandson, Bryson Barros in 2022; parents, Peter and Rose (Moser) Ibach; brothers, Henry, Tony (Kay) and Mike; sister, Irene (Joe) Lutz as well as Jerry’s son, Kelly Hager. Katherine Marie Ibach was born at Fox Valley, SK., on June 2, 1927, and was raised to be a hard working farm girl. She left school at a young age to help her ailing mother take care of her home and younger children. She met Joe when he was teaching at Blumenfeldt School and married him on May 27, 1946. Together they had 4 children and shared 40 years of marriage. Kay loved to take care of people. She couldn’t sit down if something needed to be done. She was a loving and supportive mother and went on to do numerous things in her 95 years. She took care of many boarders, had a hairdressing salon, was a seamstress and sewed clothes for her family. She enjoyed making crafts and loved to bake, becoming very adept at cake decorating. Over her 35 year curling career, she became a very accomplished curler. Through her senior years, Kay enjoyed bowling, golfing and even tried her hand at painting while living at St. Joseph’s Home. In 2001, Kay married Jerry Hager and embraced his 11 children, treating them as her own for the next 22 years. They both loved to dance, gamble a little and take short trips to visit their children. Unfortunately, the last 2 years were not kind to them and health reasons forced them to live in separate senior homes. This made them very upset, but Kay worked out a solution. Every afternoon, she took the Special Transit and went to the Wellington to spend time sitting together, holding hands, napping and watching TV. She would then take Jerry to supper before catching the bus back to St. Joseph’s. Kay mothered everyone, both of her husbands, her many children and especially her grandchildren. She loved cuddling all the babies. Kay will be missed by all of her family, relatives and her many, many friends. WE LOVE YOU MOM! Those wishing to pay their respects may do so starting one hour prior to Vigil Prayers which will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Thursday, May 4, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. Vigil Prayers will be live streamed. Anyone who is not able to attend but wishes to be a part of the service can visit http://www.cooksouthland.com and select the view broadcast button on the home page at service time. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road S.E., Medicine Hat on Friday, May 5, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Father Iqbal Khurshid celebrant. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Those wishing to join the family virtually and experience the Funeral Mass via live stream are invited to watch by connecting to YouTube and searching: Medicine Hat Holy Family Church, then selecting the video link at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, donations in Kay’s memory may be made to the 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”

WAKPANAGAHADA MANI LJ LANGAN

WAKPANAGAHADA MANI LJ LANGAN Of The Tipi Isna Tiospaya April 20, 2009 ~ April 24, 2023
It is with extremely broken hearts that the family of LJ Langan announce his sudden passing in Medicine Hat on Monday, April 24, 2023, at the age of 14 years. Left to cherish his memory are his mother, Alexis (Raymond); brothers, Jessin, Asher, A.J., Jarez and Brayden; papa, Terry; sister mom, Olivia (Trevor); auntie, Tiya-Marie; grandmas, Kokum Elaine and Tracy; great-grandma, Olive McArthur; best friends, Mylon, Nevaeh and Kaelyn; aunt, Sonya Langan; Elder Clayton Tootoosis; Wawokeya Wakinyanmahto McArthur; special parents, Arlan and Chrissy Allard as well as numerous other family members. LJ was predeceased by his father, Justin Langan; great-grandmas, Coco Mary and Sharon Hamilton; great-grandpa, Stan and best friend, Macky Allard. LJ was born in Regina and moved to Medicine Hat with his family. He had the most contagious smile, laughter and his outgoing personality and loving spirit will be forever remembered. LJ enjoyed playing sports especially roller derby and skateboarding. He was a social butterfly who loved animals and his friends. LJ’s family was most important to him and they will miss him dearly. A wake will be held at the Seven Persons Community Hall in Seven Persons on Friday, April 28, 2023, beginning at 5:00 p.m. following through the night. The Funeral Service will follow on Saturday, April 29, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com). Honoured to serve the family is

Cook Southland FuneralChapel Crematorium & Reception Facility901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4Phone 403-527-6455www.cooksouthland.com”Locally owned & directed”

ALLAN BECHTOLD

ALLAN BECHTOLD April 15, 1952 ~ April 22, 2023 Allan Floyd Bechtold peacefully passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2023, at the age of 71 years, after a courageous battle with cancer. He is survived by his loving partner, Brenda Craig; his son, Greg, and daughter-in-law, Jacquie Bechtold; daughter, Rhonda, and son-in-law, Mike Busch; grandchildren, Megan and Linsey Bechtold. He is also lovingly remembered by his brothers, Harvey (Debbie) Bechtold and Reuben (Maureen) Bechtold; sisters, Shirley (Dale) Drefs and Ruth (Steve) Stuber; brothers-in-law, Ray (Kathy) Tofsrud, Don Tofsrud, Larry Tofsrud, Dwyane (Chris) Tofsrud; sisters-in-law, Vicky (Rene) Van Brabant, and Kathy (Tim) Ewasiuk; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Allan was predeceased by his beloved wife, Dianne; parents, Charlie and Jean Bechtold; parents- in-law, Gordan and Irene Tofsrud; brothers, Kenny, Gerald, and Gary Bechtold; sister, Jean Stuber; and brother-in-law, Alan Stuber. Allan will be greatly missed by all that knew him. Even with his vision impairment, he was a great handy-man and had a talent for fixing many things including lawn mowers and small engines. He was a thoughtful, caring, and loyal man; family was very important to him. Family and close friends celebrated Allan’s 71st birthday on April 15, 2023. It was a wonderful opportunity to honour him by sharing stories, a lot of laughter, and some tears, with a special guitar solo by his granddaughter. A private family internment will be held at the Redcliff Cemetery on Friday, April 28th, 2023. Donations in honour of Allan can be made to Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Allan Bechtold. 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.

JIM SMITH

1949 ~ JIM SMITH ~ 2023
It is with great sadness that the family of Jim Smith announce his passing at the Riverview Care Centre, on April 21, 2023 at the age of 73 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 49 years, Dorothy Lee; his children, Andrew, Matthew (Jamie) and Suzy (Graham). Jim also leaves four beloved grandchildren, Ryan, Adam, Hannah and Henry. In addition he is survived by his brother, Dennis (Yvonne); sister, Leila (Brian); several nephews and great niece. Jim was born on November 4, 1949 in Brandon, Manitoba. After earning a Bachelor of Teaching degree from Brandon University, Jim spent one year in Northern Manitoba teaching Physical Education and English at the Junior High level. After that year, Jim commenced his career with the YMCA that would span 41 years. Jim had been a Y member ever since he was young. He advanced through the YMCA Leadership Programs throughout Junior and Senior High School, building skills that he would utilize throughout his career. Jim held various positions with the YMCA’s in Brandon (MB) and London (ON) until accepting the position of Executive Director with the Medicine Hat YMCA in 1981. Over the next 33 years, Jim worked along side the team at the YMCA, Board of Directors, the City of Medicine Hat, the Province of Alberta and other key stake holders in the community on a variety of initiatives. These included expanding the main facility, constructing a new facility in Southridge and setting up various community programs such as day cares, youth education and career development services. He also fulfilled interim management roles at the Fort McMurray and Lethbridge YMCA’s during his career. SCUBA diving was another important part of Jim’s life. Beginning in 1974, he was an avid diver, became an instructor and taught many students over the years. The Smith family would like to thank the staff at Masterpiece SL4D for providing a kind, caring and friendly environment for Jim over the last two years. The family would also like to thank the staff at Riverview’s Massey-Beaverbrook Unit for their loving care during his short stay at their facility. A family memorial service will be held this summer at Jim’s beloved Clear Lake (Riding Mountain National Park, MB), the place he always wanted to be. If so desired, a charitable donation can be made in Jim’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada, 201, 770 6th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4J6 or a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Jim Smith. 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.

DELORES STOCK

1944 ~ DELORES STOCK ~ 2023 Delores Stock of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of Harvey Stock, passed away on Friday, April 21st, 2023 at the age of 78 years. The Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, April 26th at VICTORY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2793 Southview Drive SE Medicine Hat, AB T1B 2H1. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Delores Stock. 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.

EDNA VOSSLER

1929 ~ EDNA VOSSLER ~ 2023 Edna Vossler of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, April 26th, 2023 at the age of 93 years. The funeral details will be announced when completed. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Edna Vossler. 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.

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