August 8, 2023
By Obituaries on August 8, 2023.
DR. MICHAEL O’CONNOR, MB. FRCPC.
DR. MICHAEL O’CONNOR, MB. FRCPC. May 13, 1955 ~ July 21, 2023
Michael Erwin O’Connor died 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. Those who wish to remember Michael with a donation may do so to Medecins Sans Frontieres Doctors Without Borders, 551 Adelaide Street West Toronto, Ontario, M5V 0N8 or email to msfcan@toronto.msf.org or to a charity of your 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”
JIM WHITE
JIM WHITE January 20, 1926 ~ July 26, 2023
James ‘Jim’ Arnold White passed away at Masterpiece Southland Meadows in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at the age of 97 years. He was born on his parents’ farm near Mankota, Saskatchewan on January 20, 1926, the second of 12 children, to Roy and Elizabeth (Reninger) White. He attended Jura School as well as one year of high school in Mankota. In 1942, he joined a harvest crew and, because harvest was late that year, he never went back to school. Then he worked for several Mankota farmers for a few years. In 1946, he started farming with his dad and bought a 1/2 section of land called the McGladdery place. In 1947, he started going to BC for the winter months for employment. He worked on a dairy farm for several winters, spent two winters logging on Vancouver Island, and did some construction work in Kimberley, BC.
In 1951, he met Marguerite Johnson of Moose Jaw, SK and they were married in July, 1954. They farmed at Mankota for 33 years, and raised four children. Through the years Jim was an active member of the community serving on the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Committee, the United Church Board, the Co-op Store Committee, the Mankota Credit Union Board, the RM of 45 (Mankota) Agricultural Committee, the Building Committee for the new Community Hall, and helped build the skating rink. He took an active part in the preservation of the museum in Mankota, and he and Marguerite were instrumental in making and publishing the “Mankota, First 50 Years” history book.
During winters, Jim took Department of Agricultural courses such as Farm Management & Accounting, Building/Framing, Arc & Actylene Welding, and Farm Building Electrical Wiring.
In 1969, Jim was badly burned in a shop fire and spent five months in the hospital. Family and friends helped with the farming.
When Jim returned home after the hospital stay, he and Marguerite began square dancing and attended jamborees all across southern Saskatchewan. He also enrolled in a correspondence photography class. Jim became a member of Professional Photographers of Canada and did photography work for 10 years.
In 1975, Jim took flying lessons and bought his first airplane the following year. He and Marguerite had many North and Central American flying adventures.
In 1986, Jim and Marguerite retired to Swift Current where they attended Church of the Open Bible. Jim joined the Kiwanis Club of the Prairie Pioneers. In 1993, they moved to a condo in Medicine Hat and while there, attended Hillcrest Church. Jim spent time on the condo board, and from 1997 to 2008, he worked in the Medican Construction wood work shop.
In 2014, he and Marguerite moved to Masterpiece River Ridge retirement home where Marguerite could receive care for her deteriorating health. They moved again in 2017 to Southlands Masterpiece where Jim, at the age of 96, was instrumental in setting up the wood work shop there. He continued to live in Independent Living until his passing.
Jim was predeceased by his wife, Marguerite in 2018; infant daughter, Karen; parents, Roy White and Elizabeth (White) Rivers; parents-in-law, Roy and Mary Johnson; step-father/uncle, Will Rivers; step grandson, Christopher Parsons; siblings/ siblings-in-law; Bob and Eleanor McClinton, Jack Barker, Gilbert White, Walter Murray, Gloria White, Donald and Helen Henderson, Gardiner and Connie Johnson, Jim Johnson; step siblings/cousins, Gordon Rivers, Gerald Knight as well as several nieces and nephews.
Jim is survived by his son, David (Susan) White-Lonnie (Terry); daughter, Kathryn (Rod) Hutton – Del (Tricia), Holly (Ken), Marshalton (Shawna), Amy; son, Darrell (Val) White – Amanda (Jennifer), Devin (Kelly); son, Darren White (Pam) – Marissa (Spencer), Brandon; many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; siblings/siblings-in-law: Millie Barker, Marion White, June Murray, Paul White, Grant and Doreen McDonald, Syd and Marlene White, Richard and Eva White, Pricilla and Bill Remple, Earl and Freda White, Joyce Johnson as well as step siblings/cousins; Mary Rivers, Len and Gail Rivers, Carol Knight; Marion and Dale Stewart.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 13th Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, August 11, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Lance Duncalfe officiating. 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 our website and select the view broadcast button on the home page at service time (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to any Burn Victim Society, Hillcrest Church or to a charity of your 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”
VALERIE OSGOOD
VALERIE OSGOOD 1951 ~ 2023 Valerie Osgood (nee Havell) of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, August 2nd, 2023 at the age of 71 years. Valerie leaves to cherish her memory her children, Dennis (Kim), Dianne (Shaun), Calvin (Jamie) and Kevin (Debbie); grandchildren, Jesse, Daniel, Hannah, Rebecca, Kailey and Keira; brother, Doug Havell of Red Deer; as well as her extended family. Valerie was predeceased by her father, Art Havell; mother, Mary Mason; and her spouse, Dave Osgood. Valerie’s formative years were split between the family farm in Lousana and CFB Suffield. She met Dave when she was only 15. They happily raised four children in Ralston. Valerie started work at the Canex when the children were older. She knew everyone and she will be greatly missed. The Celebration of Val’s Life will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Tuesday, August 8th, 2023 at 11:00 am with Captain Ron MacDonald officiating. Memorial gifts in Val’s memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 220, 6223 2 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1J5 or 974 13 St SW, Medicine Hat Alberta T1A 7G8 or Medicine Hat Geneological Society, 974-13 Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7G8. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Valerie Osgood. 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.
HENRY STOESZ
HENRY STOESZ 1946~ 2023
Henry E. Stoesz passed away on Sunday, August 6, 2023 at the age of 76 years, beloved husband of Eileen Stoesz of Medicine Hat. Family and friends will gather for prayers at the PATTISON CHAPEL on Wednesday, August 9, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Thursday, August 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit pattisonfuneralhome.com and select live streaming, then select the youtube (arrow). Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. 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
SHARON WOOD
SHARON WOOD 1985 ~ 2023
Sharon Elizabeth Wood of Medicine Hat passed away on Tuesday, August 1, 2023 at the age of 38 years. Cremation has been entrusted to the Pattison Funeral Home. 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
KATHRYN SCHAFER
KATHRYN SCHAFER 1931~ 2023
Kathryn Marie Schafer of Medicine Hat passed away on Saturday, August 5, 2023 at the age of 92 years, beloved wife of the late Adam Schafer. 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
HERBIE GEDDES
HERBIE GEDDES 1937~ 2023
Herbie Nelson Geddes of Medicine Hat passed away on Friday, August 4, 2023 at the age of 85 years, beloved husband of the late Edith Geddes. The funeral service will be held at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Saturday, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit pattisonfuneralhome.com and select live streaming, then select the youtube (arrow). Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. 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
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