July 28, 2023
By Obituaries on July 28, 2023.
NELSON YUEN
NELSON YUEN Aug. 22, 1949 ~ Jul. 21, 2023 Artist, creator, survivor, conversationalist, eccentric, self-professed tantric prairie guru with a quest for knowledge and intellect, Nelson Yuen never shied away from having the friendliest, funniest conversation, getting riled up at an intense debate on taboo subjects, or spinning a story that would be etched on you forever. Nelson’s legacy is twofold. He left a legacy of art: paintings, lithographs, sculptures in both marble and wood – exceptional material objects to be treasured and admired. He has also left each of us with an intangible love for the unique and uncanny. His pursuit to better understand our shared existence has rubbed off on all who have crossed his path. First-born to a laundry family in Vancouver’s Chinatown, Nelson fervently studied the dictionary and any book he could get his hands on while forging his studies at Strathcona Elementary and Britannia High School. Nelson embraced the artist in him and he was a trailblazer in the Fine Arts community by obtaining an undergraduate degree from the University of British Columbia, followed by an MFA from the University of Regina, one of the first Chinese Canadians to choose such a path. After some years concentrating solely on his art in Vancouver, he chose to share his knowledge by becoming a professor at Okanagan College in Kelowna, and then moving to Medicine Hat, achieving full-time ongoing faculty in the Visual Communications department at Medicine Hat College. Nelson found great satisfaction in helping students craft their own art, many of them becoming friends and confidants over his long teaching career. Nelson’s time at Medicine Hat College was also shaped by strong friendships with faculty and his sabbatical year in Thailand. A great adventurer, Nelson was always jetting off to some foreign, unheard-of-destination. Along the way, there were many happenstance encounters with others to swap tales, all the while whittling away on a piece of wood or hacking on a chunk of marble. Nelson will be sadly missed by many family and friends alike but we are certain he is creating new friendships, new memories, and expressive pieces wherever his next destination might be… condolences@saamis.com
SHIRLEY AKERS
SHIRLEY AKERS July 22, 1948 ~ July 13, 2023
Shirley passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 13, 2023, surrounded by her family. Along with Alan, her husband of over 53 years, Shirley’s memory will be cherished by her daughter, Kristin (Brian) Weighill; son, David (Veronica) Akers; grandchildren, Samantha, Carter, Charlie, Tristan, Elizabeth, and Annabelle; sisters, Sharon Kirvan and Sheila (Dwayne) McFadzen; brother-in-law, George (Jeanette) Akers as well as nephews and their families. She was predeceased by her parents and husband’s parents. Shirley was born in Medicine Hat, was raised in Redcliff and moved to Edmonton in 1967. After marrying Alan in 1970, they lived in Calgary and then Prince George, returning to Calgary in 1982. Shirley was a tireless volunteer with her children’s activities, a member of the Calgary CA Wives Club, the Glencoe Club and the Glencoe Golf and Country Club recording two holes-in-one! Shirley and Alan travelled extensively. Travels to England with her family were most memorable, as were holidays for 25 years to her home in Ramona, California. Shirley was happiest hosting her family at Disneyland and in Hawaii. She took immense pride in her appearance and that of her homes, and was a skilled craftsperson creating diverse works. Shirley was very proud of her upbringing, her English heritage, and accomplishments of both herself, and family and friends, devoted and committed to their achievements. Although she faced many health problems, Shirley endured her pain and suffering quietly. She was diagnosed with cancer in 2021 and displayed extreme courage and positivity throughout her illness and treatments. While successful, the side effects were debilitating, greatly weakening her immunity, but not her spirit and resolve. The family would like to express their gratitude to Dr. Anna Cameron and NP Pam Sweeney of the Tom Baker Cancer Centre for their care of Shirley. A celebration of Shirley’s life will be held at the Gordon Memorial United Church, 401 – 2nd Street S.E. in Redcliff, AB., on Wednesday, August 9, 2023, at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Nancy Cocks officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery with a reception thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial tributes may be made directly to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2. 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”
NORMA EILENE CAMPBELL
NORMA EILENE CAMPBELL July 15, 1921 ~ July 18, 2023
It is with heavy hearts, but the greatest appreciation for a life well lived, that family announce the passing of their loving mother, Norma Eilene Campbell.
Norma was born on July 15, 1921, in rural Saskatchewan to parents, Rose and Ray King. She grew up on the farm with her brothers, Elmer and Everett. It was typical farm life of that era; hard work and a basic existence were the norm. She spent her days helping her mother with the planting, baking, and sewing. Eventually, as a young woman she traveled by bus to the big city of Medicine Hat. After attending the Medicine Hat School of Nursing, she graduated as a Registered Nurse in 1944. Throughout her nursing career, she held numerous positions including the Medicine Hat General Hospital, private nursing and then Occupational Nurse at Western Cooperative Fertilizer plant. Norma was calm, kind and caring which made nursing a natural choice for her. These were also great attributes for being the best mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother anyone could wish for. Her compassion for all people was remarkable.
After a successful nursing career, her work ethic and determination took her onto her next adventure, when her sons decided to go into business to become “sod gods”. It was there that she worked tirelessly in the fledgling landscape business keeping her two sons on the straight and narrow business path. Her help in the business was incredible. The conversation as payday approached was often “Be sure to get your timecard in Mom”, “Oh I didn’t work too hard today, so I just put down a few hours”, this after working an 8-hour shift. Her dedication and enjoyment of the landscape and irrigation business kept her working as the “Rainbird Lady” into her 80’s.
Norma was an amazing mother. The springtime ritual of opening the cabin in Elkwater was important to her and her children as they spent many wonderful summers there. The memories and experiences gained in Elkwater, made a lasting impression on her three children as they continue to find enjoyment and comfort there. Norma and her beloved husband, Alf enjoyed dancing and spending time with great friends at the Redcliff Legion. They enjoyed numerous golf trips to Arizona and the Wigwam Resort. She also enjoyed trips to Mexico and Hawaii with her children and marvelled at the beautiful flowers and fauna. Norma and her daughter, Jo shared a close bond. Together they made many memories on their trips to Fairmont for golf and nightly crib games. In recent years, Norma often accompanied Jo and Roger on their trips to the cabin in Elkwater.
Norma was a lifelong learner and voracious reader of books. She took computer courses while in her 80’s and was still using her ipad in recent months. Norma was a longtime patron of the Medicine Hat Public Library. She was seldom seen without a book in hand and would often read into the wee hours of the night. Norma had a passion for bridge and played all her life. She continued to play bridge with friends until a month ago. When playing against her, chances were good that you would be going home with a loonie less than you came with.
Throughout her life, Norma was a long-time member of the Connaught Golf Club, Veiner Center and Medicine Hat School of Nursing Alumnae. Later in life, she enjoyed volunteering at the Esplanade. Norma was blessed with good health and at the age of 100, she was still residing in her own home. She golfed regularly until the age of 98 and even played a few holes on her 100th birthday. What a run! If Norma was here and healthy today, she would be golfing at Connaught. She may not hit it far, but it would be straight down the middle, and she would count every stroke! Apparently, she believed that taking a gimme would result in a prison sentence.
Throughout her life, Norma’s love, attention, and support of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was never ending. Her smile, sense of humor and wonderful laugh will be missed by all.
Norma is survived by three children and their families: son, Calvin Smythe (Deborah Forbes) with grandsons, Dominic and Ryker; their daughter, Zoe Smythe (Jacques Kerner) and their children, Myriam, Isaac and Norah; daughter, Jo Ann Hillestad ( Roger †) and their two daughters, Cara MacLean (James) and their children, Aivree and Addison, Lana Cavan (Lance) and their children, Kinley and Hoyt; son, Ron Smythe and his two children, daughter, Danielle Smythe (Conor McGreish) and their children, Sloan and Marshall; son, Logan Smythe (Kati) and their children, Sophia, Jude and Iya; sister-in-law, Mary Anne King as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Norma was predeceased by her husband, Alf Campbell; parent’s, Ray and Rose King; two brothers, Elmer and Everett King; sister-in-law, Verona King; grandson, Alexander Smythe and son-in-law, Roger Hillestad. A celebration of Norma’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, August 23, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Murray Jaster officiating. Private interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery with friends joining family for fellowship thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. Norma’s celebration will be live streamed. Those who cannot attend that wish to experience the service may visit the Cook Southland website and select the View Broadcast Button on the homepage at service time. (Condolences may be expressed at http://www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, those wishing to remember Norma may do so through a donation to the Medicine Hat Public Library, 414 – 1 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0A8. 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”
VERONICA SWAN
VERONICA SWAN 1929 ~ 2023 Veronica Swan, beloved wife of the late Mr. James Gretton Swan, passed away at AgeCare Riverview in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, July 25, 2023, at the age of 93 years. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 – 2nd Ave. N.E., Medicine Hat on Tuesday, August 22, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow thereafter in the parish hall. (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”
ROBERT LOTT
1963 ~ ROBERT LOTT ~ 2023 Robert Lott of Redcliff, passed away on Thursday, July 6th, 2023 at the age of 60 years. A Graveside service will be held at Thomkins Cemetery, Thompkins, SK on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023 at 1:00 pm. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Robert Lott. 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.
FRANCES ANDERSEN
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. She leaves to cherish her memory one son, Murray Andersen of Surrey, B.C. ; one grandson, Stewart (Veronica) Andersen; three grandchildren, William and Noah Andersen and Dylan Stemieke as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Eric on May 17, 2010; her parents, Anton and Eva Getz; two sons, Maurice (2000) and Myron (2019); one daughter, Tammy Stemieke (2021) and eight brothers and sisters. On January 9, 1936, Frances was born in Schuler, Alberta where she was raised. She married Eric Andersen in Schuler on August 8, 1953. They then resided in Acadia Valley where Eric was employed as the UFA/CO-OP Bulk Dealer. Frances worked as his right hand acting as his secretary and book keeper. In 1977, they moved to Medicine Hat where she worked at the gift shop in the old K Mart Mall. She was later involved at the Veiner Centre with music and dancing. Later in her life she lived at the Teeoda Lodge until more care was needed. The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (238 2nd Ave N.E.) on Saturday, July 29, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Roque Pereira celebrant. Interment will follow in the Prairie View Cemetery . Those who wish to remember Frances with a donation, may do so to the Veiner Centre 225 Woodman Ave SE, Medicine Hat, T1A 3H2. 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
14
-13
