May 17, 2023
By Obituaries on May 17, 2023.
MARY ROCKABAR
1935 ~ MARY ROCKABAR ~ 2023
Mary Rockabar (neé Schweeder) was taken by her saviour and sits at his side with her husband, Rocky at the age of 87 years. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Wade (Jennifer) Rockabar and children, Chance (Tamara) Rockabar and their children, Katie and Jameson and Kimberley Rockabar and her children, Dayzen and Quinten and Jessie (Tyler) Henry and their daughter, Paisley; Kevin (Kelly) Rockabar and their children, Kyle Rockabar and Taylor (Carter) Mckerlie and their son, Bo; Billijo (Joseph) Davis and her children, Ben Davis (Claire) and Amy Davis and her daughter, Avery; Guy (Martha) Rockabar and children, Joanna Garcia Arreola and Shainanne (Cody) Froese, and their children, Hadley and Navy; brother, Lloyd Schweeder; sisters, Doris Vollman and Margaret Gust; sister-in-law, Iris Schweeder; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Rocky; brothers, Gordon Schweeder and Robert Schweeder; as well as brothers-in law, Peter Vollman and Henry Gust. Mary was born August 20, 1935 and was the oldest of six children born to Robert and Erna Schweeder (neé Heller) at Medicine Hat. She spent her youth on the family homestead at Bowmanton, Alberta. Due to her fathers failing health they sold the farm and moved to a property in the Purmal Subdivision where they kept a large garden to support the family. Mary left school and worked in town at the Porcelain, Hycroft China and later at the Glass Factory to support her family. She also worked waitress jobs at several restaurants in town including The Savoy, City Cafe, Centennial Cafe and she was the head cook at the Husky House for years. Mary married Rocky (Emanuel) Rockabar on December 10, 1955 at St. Paul Lutheran Church where she was also baptised and confirmed. Together they devoted their lives to the Rodeo and ranching life. Mary was a very earthy person and was conscious of the prairie and she loved the subtle beauty of it; buffalo beans, cactus flowers and wild roses were often seen in a jar on the kitchen table. She always kept a big garden and she was a great cook. Her home was always warm and inviting to anyone at any time. She was handy with a sewing machine and she sewed kids clothing and also made personalised quilts for every one of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mary remained very active with the church and participated in quilting circles for charity around the world. The Memorial Service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 515 Sprague Way SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4A7, on Thursday, May 18th, 2023 at 1:30 pm with Pastor Ken Edel officiating. A private family interment will follow at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Mary’s memory may be made to the Lutheran Women’s Missionary League c/o St. Paul Lutheran Church. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Mary Rockabar. 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.
NICK PARDI
1933 ~ NICK PARDI ~ 2023
Nicola “Nick” Pardi passed away peacefully on May 11, 2023 at the age of 89 years. He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Angelina. He is fondly remembered by his children, Annette (Paul), Sandi (Rob), and Frank (Lorinda) and will be dearly missed by his grandchildren; Meghan (Brycen), Kaelyn; his three bonus grandchildren, Tristian (Peyton), Trevor, and Tanner (Madison); his dearest friend, Tony; as well as nieces and nephews and other family in France and Italy. Nick was born in 1933, in Furci, Italy. One of seven children in his family, he started working at six years old tending sheep and never stopped working. He served in the army in Italy until he immigrated to Canada in 1957. Though he came to Canada with almost nothing, he worked and built a life for himself. He moved to Winnipeg, Manitoba and toiled in the mines in Northern Manitoba. Nick met Angelina and they got married in 1965. He moved back to Winnipeg as their family grew. He found work, and together they bought a home and raised their children. He worked various jobs, the last being a meat-packing plant. In 1976, he found Medicine Hat and moved his family there. He worked various jobs, the last of which was at Medicine Hat College, where he worked as a custodian for 15 years, the job he loved the most. Nick loved to travel. He took his family everywhere in the 1973 Dodge Monaco. Together they explored Eastern and Western Canada, South Dakota, California, Nevada and Arizona. He loved winemaking (and wine drinking!). He was a master at gardening, which fed his soul and everyone around him. He loved to share the fruits of his labour with friends, family, neighbors and strangers. He loved his flowers. Even when he moved into assisted living at River Ridge, he had the nicest, most colourful balcony in the building. He also loved hard work. He was always one of the hardest working people around. He will forever be remembered for his welcoming nature. Anyone who entered the home was warmly greeted and treated like family. He will be truly missed. A funeral service for Nick will be held at ST. PATRICK’S PARISH, 238 2 Ave NE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 6A1 on May 23, 2023 at 12:00 pm with Fr. Roque Pereira celebrant. 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 Nick’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Lunch will follow in the Church hall. There will be a private interment for family. To honour Nick, attendees are encouraged to wear flowers, floral prints, and colours. He would love that. The family would also like to warmly thank the wonderful staff at River Ridge Senior Facility who worked tirelessly to ensure Nick’s well-being and comfort. Words cannot express how grateful we all are. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to AJ’s Loan Cupboard, P.O. Box 45006, MacKenzie Drug Post Office, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0B1 or please do something nice for a health care professional. Condolences for the family may be sent at http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Nick Pardi. 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.
LORRAINE SCHIMPF
LORRAINE SCHIMPF 1934 ~ 2023 Lorraine Florence Schimpf of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Joe Schimpf, passed away on Monday, May 15th, 2023 at the age of 88 years. Lorraine leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Ron “Tiny” (Brenda) Schimpf and Don Schimpf; three daughters, Brenda (Robin) Kerr, Rose (Bruce) Mock, and Allison (Roger) Hutt; daughter-in-law, Gwen Schimpf; numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother, Lloyd (Ellen) Maxfield; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Lorraine was predeceased by her husband, Joseph “Joe” Schimpf; sons, Bob and Rick Schimpf; her mother, Anne Maxfield; her father, Ronald Maxfield; stepfather, Tim Stevenson; and sister, Ione (Clarence) Zwarich. Lorraine was born on June 4th, 1934 in Macrorie, SK. She and Joe were married on November 10th, 1951 in Edmonton. They resided in Medicine Hat and enjoyed their winters in Mesa, Arizona for 20 years; she loved the outdoors. Lorraine was a social butterfly and enjoyed all the recreational activities at South Country Village, especially Bingo. She was a very outgoing and welcoming person. Lorraine loved all animals, but cats were her favourite. Family was very important to Lorraine and she loved spending time with them. A private family graveside will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Lorraine Schimpf. 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.
DAVID GREENWOOD
1969 ~ DAVID GREENWOOD ~ 2023 It is with profound sadness that the family of David “Dave” Greenwood announce his sudden passing at home on May 10, 2023 at the age of 53 years. He is survived by his loving partner of 35 years, Liane Perrior; daughter, Lacey (Dustin) Lerner, and their children, Alice and Oliver; sons, Aaron Greenwood and Justin Castor; five sisters, Judith Graham, Kim (Fred) Rowley, Diane (Tom) Vair, Janet Stang, and Karen (Bob) Marshall; sister-in-law, Wendy (Sean) Shea; and brother-in-law, Steven (Kendra) Perrior; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Dave was predeceased by his parents, Mostyn and Doris Greenwood; parents-in-law, Louis and Sandra Perrior; one brother, Murray Greenwood; and one brother-in-law, Ken Stang.
Dave, lovingly known as “Pineapple”, spent the majority of his working years in the oilfield at various companies, working his way up to Rig Manager and later working as a consultant. After 20 years of hard work and being away from home, Dave decided to shift gears and took a position working with a local sign company where he spent the next 10 years. This role ignited a creative passion in him, and he was always proud to show off his work to anyone that would listen. In mid 2016, he experienced a workplace accident that resulted in no longer being able to work.
He was extremely proud of both his children and never gave up an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments. Once his grandchildren were born in 2019 and 2020, they were the lights of his life. He was always the favorite uncle. letting the kids watch movies they weren’t supposed to and wrestling with them on the floor. Kin Coulee family BBQs with cliff climbing and dips in the creek were always a favorite when Dave was home. His infectious smile could light up a room and he had the most contagious laugh. Dave had the kindest heart and was known for always having an open door and being there for anyone that needed help. He will be greatly missed by his many friends, colleagues, and mostly importantly his family.
A private gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading David Greenwood. 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.
LYDIA MIGOWSKY
LYDIA MIGOWSKY 1925 – 2023
Lydia Migowsky passed away at the Southwest Integrated Healthcare Facility in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on Saturday, May 13, 2023, at the age of 98 years.
Lydia was born January 14, 1925, at Coronach, Saskatchewan, the first child of John and Freda Wagner. She grew up with a mixed farming background and was educated at a country school near Coronach. When still a teenager, she went to work at a grocery store in nearby Rockglen. That store was purchased by a father and son team from Maple Creek, Saskatchewan – Ben and his young son, Jack Migowsky. Jack and Lydia worked hard in the store, but managed to find time to fall in love, and they were married in Rockglen December 26, 1943.
Shortly thereafter they sold the grocery store and moved to Maple Creek where the family increased with the birth of Sandra, Duane and Carol. In 1951 they seized the opportunity to purchase a grocery store in Coronach where Lydia worked side by side with husband, Jack, while also taking care of all the household responsibilities thrust upon young mothers/housewives of that era. She also worked side by side with Jack when they sold the store and built a dry cleaning business that served the Coronach district.
In 1957, they made another change in their lifestyle when they sold the dry cleaning business and moved to Maple Creek where Lydia once again worked side by side with Jack in the Maple Creek News.
Lydia spent her entire life putting others needs ahead of her own. She stepped up to take care her family as well as in-laws – adults and children, when needed, while looking after the needs of her own husband and family, and working side by side with her husband in his business. As life played out, and grandchildren came along, she took great pleasure in hosting her young grandchildren at the Migowsky cabin at Cypress Hills Park. To her dying day she got a gleam in her eye when she remembered the good times she spent with grandsons Brett, Shawn and Joel at the cabin when they displayed their youthful energy and creativeness.
Finally, at the age of 93, others saw to her daily needs when she moved into Cypress Lodge Assisted Living in Maple Creek. She said, many times – “If you need a little help, this is a really great place to be!” She appreciated the care and kindness of everyone at Cypress Lodge, every day she was there.
Lydia was predeceased by her parents, John (1981) and Freda (2000) Wagner, her brother, Alvin in 2006, her husband, Jack in 2011.
She leaves to mourn her passing: children Sandra (Don) Mindus of Victoria, B.C., Duane (Donalda) Migowsky of Maple Creek, Carol Hartung of Killam, Alberta.; grandchildren, Brett, Shawn Mindus; Joel Migowsky, Jill Winters, Jacci Rae Migowsky; Susan Van Hart; as well as ten great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.
A private family graveside service and luncheon will be held on Friday, May 19, 2023, when her family will see her to her final resting place beside her husband, at Hillside Cemetery. Those who so wish may remember Lydia with a contribution to the Southwest Healthcare Trust Fund, c/o Cypress Credit Union, PO Box 1060, Maple Creek, SK S0N 1N0
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
12
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