July 25, 2023

By Obituaries on July 25, 2023.

FLORENCE PRESTON (DEGG)

FLORENCE PRESTON (DEGG)November 1, 1932 to July 20, 2023 It is with saddened hearts the family of Florence Verna Preston announce her passing at the age of 90 at Bastion Care Facility in Salmon Arm BC.
Florence is predeceased by her parents Christian and Bertha Degg, sisters, Ella McFarlane, Laura Day and Viola Kessler, sister-in-law Joan and brother-in-law Ken Rycroft, son Donald (Schmidek) Preston and grand-daughter Rhonda Preston. She is survived by her sister Doreen McDonald, husband Ernest (Joe) Preston, children Brian (Sharon) Schmidek, Kathy Schmidek (Wilson Tan), Lynda Olson, Ernest (Judy) Preston, Michael (Tammy) Preston, and loving grandchildren, Kelsi (Peter), Kari, Angelo (Camille), Aaron, Beverly (Brian), Gaige, Austin, Danny (Nikki), and great grandchildren, Drake & Ali, Hunter & Annabelle, Keanna & Tayla (Ryan) and great, great grandchild, James. Also, her many, much beloved, nieces and nephews throughout B.C and Alberta as well as extended family members and dear friends.
Mom asked that we all “celebrate” in her reuniting with her Heavenly Father on her journey Home.
Service and Reception to be held at:
Fischer’s Funeral Services 4060 1st Ave SW – Salmon Arm, BC Saturday July 29th @ 1pm

ROBERT KLEIM

1961 ~ ROBERT KLEIM ~ 2023 Robert Kleim of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, January 18th, 2023 at the age of 61 years. The Funeral Service was held Saturday at Royal Canadian Legion – Medicine Hat 702 – 2nd Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0E1. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Robert Kleim. 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.

ALAN FIELD

1959 ~ ALAN FIELD ~ 2023 Alan Matthew Field passed away on Tuesday, July 4th, 2023 at the age of 64 years. The Celebration of Life was held on Sunday, July 23rd, 2023 at The Alano Club. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Alan Field. 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.

DIANE LINDA KING

1952 DIANE LINDA KING 2023 “We hold you close within our hearts And there you shall remain, To walk with us throughout our lives Until we meet again.”
Diane Linda King of Medicine Hat passed away at Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home on Friday, July 21st, 2023, at the age of 70 years. Diane leaves to cherish her memory her beloved husband of 27 years, Paul King; daughter, Melanie Roy; stepchildren, Alan, Mady, Colin (Kailyn) King; granddaughter, Teigan; brother, Bob (Kim) Thornton; sister, Brenda Thornton; nephews, Jeff and Alex (Drew) Senecal; great nephew, Aiden; as well as great nieces, Alyssa and Alina. Diane was predeceased by her parents, Robert Thornton and mother, Mary (nee Boland). Born on November 22, 1952, Diane was raised in Montreal, QC where she remained until she moved to Alberta in 1996, and then on to Medicine Hat in 2003. In 2009, she married Paul King at the Grand Union Hotel in Fort Benton, Montana. Diane loved camping; Christmas’ and other holidays spent with her daughter, Melanie; was excited to be a grandmother to Teigan; and she enjoyed traveling. She had fond memories of her UK trip with her sister, Brenda as well as her Royal Beach Punta Cana, DR, that she took with both Brenda and Melanie. She loved her Mediterranean cruise that included ports of call in Morocco and the Canary Islands, a Panama Canal cruise, and an Alaskan Cruise. After her retirement from her career in banking and financing, she spent hundreds of hours at home researching her ancestry. Diane made friends easily and remained in contact with many that were made in her childhood and those that she had met during her travels. She loved all animals but was especially fond of dogs and she will be deeply missed by her dog, Button. Diane’s Memorial Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, on Monday, July 31st, 2023, at 11:00 am with Rev. Gloria Schirok officiating. 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 Diane’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Memorial gifts in Diane’s memory may be made to Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1 or to the SPCA, 55 Southview Drive SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Diane King. 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.

EVA HOFFMAN

1933 ~ EVA HOFFMAN ~ 2023
Eva Dorothy Hoffman passed away on Saturday, July 15th, 2023 at the age of 90 years. Eva leaves a daughter, Janice (Alfred) Steinke; sons, Robin (Joseph) Anderson and Jason Hoffman; as well as grandchildren, Renee (Raymond) Forester, Jay Nagy (Jessica Young), and Jordan Hoffman-Wood; brother, Ken (Joan) Thares; and sister, Darlene (Bill) Nagy. She is predeceased by her husband, Raymond; daughter, Joyce; parents, John and Katie Thares; brother, Jack Thares; and nephew, Colin Thares. Eva was born on January 14th, 1933 on the farm near Golden Prairie, SK. She moved to Medicine Hat when she was 17 and worked at the potteries. One year later, she married Raymond on October 20th, 1951. Besides raising four children and keeping her home, she worked in the retail and hospitality industry into her 80’s; she was a very hard worker. Eva’s family would like to thank the staff at the Bow Island Hospital Long Term Care for their excellent care. Donations in Eva’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer Society, 101-1201 Kingsway Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2Y2. A private Celebration of Life was held. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Eva Hoffman. 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.

SHERRI LAIN CLOSE (NEE BISCHKE

SHERRI LAIN CLOSE (NEE BISCHKE) March 6th, 1964 July 19th, 2023 Sherri Close passed away on July 19th, 2023, at the age of 59 years.
A Graveside Service will be held at Hillside Cemetery. Full life story and complete service information will be posted once available. Donations in Sherri’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. 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

FRANCESANDERSEN1936~2023FRANCE

FRANCES ANDERSEN 1936 ~ 2023 Frances Andersen of Medicine Hat passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023 at the age of 87 years, beloved wife of the late Eric Andersen. 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

MARILYN MARGUERITE MARTIN

MARILYN MARGUERITE MARTIN 1940 – 2023 It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved aunt Marilyn Marguerite Martin (MMM) on July 13, 2023, at the age of 83 years. She is now reunited with her parents Peter and Violet Martin, brother and sister-in-law Sony and Irene Martin, sister Carol Jangula and most recently her sister Edith Woelfle.
Born on March 26, 1940 at Tilley, Alberta, Marilyn spent her career working for AGT which later became Telus. Auntie Marilyn loved to bowl, spending many years in bowling leagues. She loved family get-togethers and picnics with her nieces. Motzy – which she was fondly called by her family, loved the family Christmas Eve tradition at her and gramma’s house. She also loved her weekly luncheons with past co-workers of AGT/Telus once she retired. We have so many funny stories and fond memories to be told about auntie Marilyn.
She will be lovingly missed by her brothers-in-law, Marvin Woelfle and Ken Jangula; nieces, Janice Korenic (Gregg Prichard), Betty Szondi (Calvin Foster), Judy Getz (Glen), Linda Phillips (Doug), Lori Jangula, Jackie Doell (Larry Rollack), Lisa Davidson (Corey), Joy Huffadine (Matt), Cheryl Price and nephew Peter Coffey and their families; her sister Elizabeth Schaufele (Ken) and family Debby, Tommy and David of Toronto. We were so blessed to be given the time to be auntie Marilyn’s caregivers in her final years and be by her side at her passing. She will be forever in our hearts. A private graveside service will take place at Hillside Cemetery at a later date. 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

JEAN MAY RILEY (NEE MACGILLIVRAY

JEAN MAY RILEY (NEE MACGILLIVRAY) February 20, 1931 – July 17, 2023
Jean Riley passed away on Monday, July 17, 2023, at the age of 92 years with her beloved family and friends by her side. She is survived by her two grandsons, Jared (Angie) Riches and Rory (Chelsea) Frazer, along with her great grandchildren Carson, Lincoln, Anita and Connor; stepson Terry (Donna) Riley; cousins, Marilyn and Doug MacGillivray, Lorraine (Don) Nordstrom, Matt Thomas (Reta Palmer) and Earl MacGillivray. She leaves to cherish her memory her “chosen” daughter and son Jeanine and Jeff Wilson (along with the whole Wilson clan, including four honorary great grandchildren) as well as another “chosen” son and daughter-in-law Jim and Cheryl Ramsay. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Johnny and Ruby MacGillivray, son Earl Embury, daughter Nancy Frazer, and husband Ron Riley.
Jean was born an only child to Johnny and Ruby in Battleford and raised on the family farm, attending school in Prongua and then Battleford Collegiate Institute where she began collecting life-long friends (Sid Waters, June Beach and Arlene Chenyoweth specifically). She lived in many places in Canada, including Victoria, Montreal, Calgary, Cold Lake, Vernon, Maple Creek, Redcliff and finally Medicine Hat, collecting friends as she went. She loved her job as a cosmetic consultant at Woodwards in Calgary until she moved on to the Environmental Resources Conservation Board, where she gathered up another life-long friend in Janice Malo. During this time, Jean became a member of Alcoholics Anonymous in 1979, maintaining her sobriety for over 44 years. Shortly after, in 1980, she met and married Ron Riley and Jean was sure she had won the jackpot in Ron, which indeed turned out to be the case. Jean worked for Ron on many of his industrial construction projects, a true helpmate to her husband. They eventually moved to Vernon and began a commercial watermelon and cantaloup growing operation, where Jean loved working the farmer’s markets and driving “little old ladies” home with their too-heavy-to-carry purchases. Jean thought she got the best part of that deal! Then it was on to Maple Creek, Redcliff and Medicine Hat, living out her days after Ron’s passing, making more new friends that would last the rest of her life (Grace Gosnell and her daughter Karen).
Jean had a deep affection for anything canine, including dog-sledding at the age of 84 years. She always had dog treats in her pocket, because “you just never know when a dog might come by for a good pet”.
Jean was raised Baptist and baptized in the Seventh Day Adventist religion after she married Ron and had a deep abiding faith in her Saviour and it showed in her grace, acceptance and love. A church family grew up around her (notably Ryan, Melanie and two more honorary great grandchildren), supporting and loving her through her many losses (including the loss of her eyesight).
A special thanks to the Cypress View Foundation and St. Joseph’s Hospice for the care and kindness shown to Jean.
A graveside service will be held at the Redcliff Cemetery on Thursday, July 27, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow at the Seventh Day Adventist Church on Dunmore Road. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jean’s memory to CNIB or the SPCA. 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

DR. MICHAEL O’CONNOR, MB. FRCPC.

DR. MICHAEL O’CONNOR, MB. FRCPC. May 13, 1955 ~ July 21, 2023
Michael Erwin O’Connor passed with family by his side at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital from complications arising from his cancer.
Dominica Meagher, his wife of 41 years; Siobhan O’Connor, his daughter, and Brian O’Connor, his son, will always be greatly influenced by the dedication that Michael brought to his roles as a husband, father, and physician. He was fortunate to have some time with his first grandchild, Gwendolyn Grieman. He will also be missed by sons-in-law, Christopher Thompson and Ben Grieman; brothers-in-law, Philip Sexton, Nicholas Morrissey, Sean Meagher (Di Woodstock), and Tim Meagher; sisters-in-law, Margaret Meagher, Marie (John) Purcell, and Bernie Meagher as well as many nieces, nephews and grand-nieces and nephews. Tragically, Michael experienced the heartache of losing his daughter, Ailish in 2011 and then suffered the loss of his only sister Mary who passed away in 2018. He was also predeceased by his parents, John and Collette O’Connor; parents-in-law, Timothy and Mary Meagher; sisters-in-law, Helen Meagher, Eileen Morrissey and Stephanie Meagher; brother-in-law, Gerry Meagher; and grand-nephew, Nicholas Evans.
Michael was born in Dublin, Ireland. He attended Belvedere College followed by University College Dublin School of Medicine. In pursuing medicine, Michael continued his family’s long history of careers in science, research and medicine. He did his residency at St. Vincent’s Hospital where he met his wife, Dominica. He started his pathology practice at The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital. Michael and Dominica had their first daughter Ailish before leaving Ireland in 1985, followed by the births of Siobhan and Brian after settling in Canada. He completed his residency at Foothills Hospital in Calgary before accepting a permanent position in Medicine Hat.
Michael has lived in Medicine Hat since 1987, where he had a long career in laboratory medicine. This tenure included taking an active role in the groundwork that led to the cervical screening program in Alberta, many years as the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital Lab Director, and support for the expansion of point of care testing. Despite often working on small details in the background, Michael always kept the big picture in mind and was motivated by the impact that his work would ultimately have on patients. In 2020, a stage IV cancer diagnosis forced an abrupt decision to retire.
Michael was the epitome of a lifelong learner. He loved reading and sought to stay up to date on a range of topics, including those related to his profession as well as those he chose out of an innate curiosity about the world. He felt it was important never to rest on one’s laurels, and as such was an advocate for continuous improvement. Michael had a quiet thoughtful demeanor which was evident in his many insightful conversations with people on a wide variety of subjects.
Michael was always quick to acknowledge the contributions of others. He would have made certain to thank all the professionals who helped him in his care. The treatments available gave him three more years with all of us, and for that we will always be grateful.
A Celebration of Michael’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Thursday, August 10, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. The service will be live-streamed, so 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. 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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