January 19, 2024
By Obituaries on January 19, 2024.
BRUCE NIWA
BRUCE NIWA 1960 ~ 2024
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Bruce Patrick Niwa wish to announce his passing on Monday, January 8th, 2023.
He leaves behind his brothers, Greg (Doris), Rod, Darold (Lynn), Mick (Bernice), and Gord (Laurie); special nieces and nephews, Lindsay (Kris), Katie, Kendra (Brett), Tyson, Braden, Josh, and Jake. He also leaves behind his beloved great nephew and nieces, Parker, Maddy, and Luna and special family members, Janice Niwa and Sydney Kincaid. He was predeceased by his parents, Dennis and Marie and nephew, Brandon.
Bruce was born September 5, 1960, in Oyen and raised in Acadia Valley. As the story goes, he was a colicky baby but they think it was just to make sure everyone knew he was there having to already compete with four older brothers. However, Mary always said he was the happiest kid and never failed to cheer you up even on bad days. Life was never dull growing up on the farm with six boys. Never letting school get in the way of his education, Bruce left the farm and tried his luck working as a farm hand before joining his brother, Greg, in the crane business in 1979. This is where Bruce found his passion. He was an excellent crane operator and a hard worker who loved his job very much.
Bruce was a great storyteller and a jokester. His sarcasm was unmatched and he had one of the greatest laughs. His memory was outstanding and for many in the family, he was the go to for family history.
While he had no children of his own, Uncle Bruce was a favourite of his nieces and nephews as well as his great-nephew and nieces. He was great with little ones and always made them feel so special. It was during the times he spent with them when you really got to witness Bruce’s tender heart.
Forced into retirement early due to health, Bruce filled his time with countless card games and puzzles with the residents of Masterpiece and his friends. He loved nothing more than watching a good ball game on tv, especially when the Blue Jays were playing.
The Niwa family would like to thank the staff at Masterpiece and HealthWorx as well as all the other healthcare staff who have cared for Bruce over the years. He didn’t always make it easy but your care was so appreciated and made a big impact.
Vigil Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street SW, Medicine Hat on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat on Saturday, January 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Father Iqbal Khurshid celebrant.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to celebrate Bruce’s life are encouraged to donate to the Niwa Family Fund c/o the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta (430 – 6th Ave SE #104, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 2S8 or online via https://cfsea.ca. Donations support the greatest needs in the community. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at 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”
CONNIE SCHLACHTER
CONNIE SCHLACHTER January 13, 1949 ~ January 12, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Constance Bernadette ‘Connie’ Schlachter announce her sudden passing at River Ridge Seniors Village in Medicine Hat at the age of 74 years, one day before her 75th birthday.
She is survived by her mother, Theresa June Judkins; siblings, Myrna Judkins, Bryan (Linda) Judkins, Wayne Judkins, Rita McNeil, Terri (John) Mazereeuw; numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces/nephews and in-laws, Judy Judkins, Gaby Schlachter and Mary (Alvin) Wutzke. She was predeceased by her husband, Albert Schlachter; father, Neil Judkins; brother, Timothy Judkins as well as Albert’s parents, Timothy and Appolonia and brothers, Gary and Kenny.
Connie was the oldest of seven and had many good memories of growing up at the “Gas Camp.”
She attended schools in Burdett and Bow Island. In her early adult years, Connie was a member of the ceramics club where she made many beautiful gifts for family and friends. She was working at the Bow Island IGA when she met her future husband, Albert. He farmed near Conquerville where she joined him after their marriage on April 29, 1979, and they lived there until she lost him to cancer on June 15, 1996. Connie then moved to Medicine Hat where she met many friends and enjoyed city life. She volunteered at CNIB at the suggestion of her good friend, Shirley Dupmeier and had many funny stories to tell about Shirley and her guide dog. Connie then got engaged to Ben Heschl and they later moved to Ladysmith, B.C. where she sent many emails to her sisters bragging about the nice weather and all the fun they were having. They lived there for almost 10 years until Ben’s sudden passing, after which time she returned to Medicine Hat.
Connie’s favourite vacation memories were visiting the British Isles, Hawaii and weekend trips to Great Falls. She really enjoyed being one of the girls in the exclusive “Clothing Party” group where many laughs were had by all.
Connie was a gentle soul, sensitive, and very caring for others be it family, friends, or strangers. She enjoyed laughing and telling jokes even when she couldn’t remember the punchline.
After losing two mates, Connie faced even further challenges later in life but her faith and fortitude prevailed. She was a self-proclaimed “people person” who had compassion for all, and was blessed to have had so many kind, compassionate people in her midst as well.
The family would like to thank the staff at River Ridge and all other health care facilities, as well as individual friends and others who cared for her over the years.
Vigil Prayers will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. with Deacon Robert Risling officiating. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road S.E., Medicine Hat on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 11:00 a.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) In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a 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”
SHEILA HUBL-LEGGO
SHEILA HUBL-LEGGO 1950 ~ 2024 Sheila Marie Hubl-Leggo passed away on Saturday, January 13, 2024, at the age of 73 years, beloved wife of John Leggo of Medicine Hat. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, January 19, 2024, at 1:30 p.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). 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
WILLIAM FRANK
WILLIAM FRANK 1946 ~ 2024 William “Willie” Herman Frank of Medicine Hat passed away on Monday, January 15, 2024 at the age of 77 years, beloved husband of the late Evelyn Frank. He leaves to cherish her his memory two children, Kevin Frank and Teresa (Kevin) Nugent; two grandchildren, Kyler (Nolan) Handley and Easton Nugent; three siblings, Norman (Sharon) Frank, Melvin Frank, and Dorothy (Bob) Wiggins; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Evelyn Frank; his parents August and Mollie Frank; two brother Orville (Ilene) Frank and Gordon Frank; and one sister Ilene Tessman. Bricklaying was not only a career for Willie, it was his passion. He enjoyed going to the casino and hockey games, and loved his grandchildren. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so one hour prior to the service time. The funeral service will be held in the Pattison Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Centre on Saturday, January 20, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Dave Maneschyn 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 take place in the Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Willie with a donation, may do so to the Alzheimer Society Alberta and Northwest Territories, #101, 1201 Kingsway Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2Y2. 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
EDNA MCKELVIE
1942 ~ EDNA MCKELVIE ~ 2023 Edna Doreen McKelvie of Park Meadows Medicine Hat, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, due to lung cancer, on Monday, December 4th, 2023 at the age of 81 years. A memorial service was held yesterday at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL. In lieu of flowers a donation may be made to your local Food Bank. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Edna McKelvie. 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.
LORRAINE BAILEY
1953 ~ LORRAINE BAILEY ~ 2024 Our dear mother, Lorraine Elizabeth Bailey sadly passed away on Friday, January 5th, 2024 at the age of 70 years. She was a wonderful mother who was always there when we needed her. She is survived by her children, Angela (Kevin) Gervais, Allan Prince (Lily Coutre) and Michael Prince (Bris English); nine grandchildren; three great grandchildren; life companion and her two dogs; one brother. She will be laid to rest at a later date with her grandson, Ty Budrick Prince. A private Celebration of Life will be held. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Lorraine Bailey. Funeral arrangements intrusted 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.
GABRIELA MARSHALL
GABRIELA MARSHALL 1955 ~ 2024 Gabriela Marshall of Manyberries, passed away on Friday, January 12th, 2024 at the age of 68 years. Gabriela leaves to cherish her memory her loving husband, Thomas Marshall; daughter, Lisa Marshall; grandchildren, Jordan Marshall and Devin Marshall; brother, Gary Pomreinke; sister, Gloria Pomreinke; mother, Hermine Pomreinke; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Gabriela was predeceased by her father, Otto Pomreinke. There will be no funeral service held at this time. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Gabriela Marshall. 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.
ROSIE HEIDINGER
1928 ~ ROSIE HEIDINGER ~ 2024 Rosie “Rose” Heidinger of Medicine Hat, passed away on Saturday, January 13th, 2024 at the age of 95 years. Rose leaves to cherish her memory her sons, Darry (Sharon) Heidinger of Lethbridge and Allan (Karen) Heidinger of Medicine Hat; grandchildren, Jared (Carianne) Heidinger of Lethbridge, Nicole Running of Lethbridge, Matthew Heidinger of Fort Saskatchewan, and Samantha Heidinger (Calder Fertig) of Calgary; seven great- grandchildren; sister-in-law, Gertie Moss; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Rose was predeceased by her parents, Lorenz and Aurora Moss; husband, Ruben Heidinger; brothers, Ed Moss, Joe (Margaret) Moss; sister, Mary (Lavern) Kurpjuweit; stepsisters, Fracis (Linus) Sehn, Pauline (Valentine) Bischoff, and Margaret (Ben) Steinke. Rose was born in Leader, SK and raised in Liebenthal, SK. In 1947, at the age of 19 years, Rose moved to Medicine Hat and worked at the Savoy Café. Not long after she started to work at the glass factory, this is where she met Ruben. They were married September 5, 1950 and raised two wonderful boys. Rose and Ruben both loved fastball, (Rose played softball in her younger years), they went on many trips to watch fastball games. Rose enjoyed crocheting and making doilies, some of her favorite things were, crystal dishes, jewelry and clothes. The Private Funeral Service will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB. Memorial gifts in Rose Heidinger’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Rose Heidinger. 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.
FLORA LEMAY (nee IONEL)
FLORA LEMAY (nee IONEL) 1935-2024 It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Flora, who in the presence of loved ones, left us peacefully on January 17th, 2024 at the age of 88 years. At her request, there will be no formal funeral service. A graveside service and interment will take place in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan at a later date. In lieu of flowers, gifts in Flora’s memory may be made to Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1 or the Canadian Cancer Society Canadian Cancer Society, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5. For Flora’s full obituary, please go to http://www.saamis.com. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Flora Lemay. Final 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.
SCOTT UNRUH
SCOTT UNRUH 1952 ~ 2024
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of our husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, father-in-law, and much-loved Scott Erwin Unruh, on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the young age of 71. Husband of Joanne (nee Faber), father to Tenille (Alex) Burdz and Terra (Clayton) Hoffman; grandfather of Aidan Perks; brother to Wenda (Don) MacIntosh, Laurie (Donna) Unruh and Dave (Cathy) Valcour, and more to those who knew and loved him, he is already missed more than words can express.
Scott(y) lived every day to the fullest, starting at 4am and still taking work calls into the evening hours, even if it was from his couch in front of the biggest TV that would fit his living room, where he would shake his head at officiating, cheer on fast cars, exclaim over the cost of barley, or offer you some advice on how to properly smoke, slow roast or BBQ any kind of meat. When he wasn’t selling pivots or cheering for the Saskatchewan Roughriders (Lucky Lake will always be home), Scott could be found on the golf course, proudly displaying his newest golf cart, putter, range finder or Panama hat and telling you about what an amazing golfer his wife is (Joanne a nurse who “could have played in the LPGA”). Or maybe he was hunting with one of his many dogs (Reese, Montana, Shelby he still talked about each of them), fishing with his grandson (Aidan even though he might have been bored, he still cherished that time with his grandpa), or driving a group of us to the race track in Vegas in the Exxon Valdez (How many friends, family and colleagues can you fit in a Ford Excursion? Take that number and add 2!). We’re not sure if he could have done more with his amazing life but we know that he spent every second making the most of the time he had.
If you were in the agriculture industry in Saskatchewan, Alberta or Montana, whether you were a customer, colleague, or competitor (good luck with that, you would have needed it), you knew who Scott Unruh was. There was no one with as much pride in their work, passion for the industry or drive to get the job done, no matter where or when, than Reinke’s top salesman. There is not enough space to list the awards, accolades and milestones after over 30 years in the business, starting at Inland Irrigation and finishing with Delta Irrigation in Medicine Hat, still at his computer every morning, country music blaring, right up until a few weeks before his passing.
Here’s the deal… we could talk about Scotty for pages, fill a book with lists of his friends, family, accomplishments, favorite things, the vehicles he has owned, the trips he has taken, his love for his wife, his pride in his daughters and grandson, and his absolute, unwavering belief in himself and the fight he put up right until the end. There will never be another like him, and he will forever be missed by anyone that was lucky enough to have met him.
An interment will be held in Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan, where he will be placed with his parents, Erwin and Bertha Unruh and a celebration of life will be held in Choteau, Montana, later this summer. In lieu of flowers, Scott requested that donations be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, c/o the Medicine Hat & District Health Foundation, 666 – 5th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6 or St. Joseph’s Home Carmel Hospice, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1.
If you have stories, pictures or condolences to share with the family, please send to rememberingscottunruh@gmail.com so that we can collect them.
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”
LESLIE GRANT
LESLIE GRANT 1957 ~ 2024 Leslie Richard Grant of Medicine Hat passed away on Wednesday, January 3, 2024 at the age of 66 years. He was born on April 24, 1957 in Medicine Hat. He is survived by his siblings John (Rose) Grant of Stettler, Merrie Grant of Medicine Hat, Susan Matthews of Toronto, and Dennis (May) Grant of Vancouver. Leslie is also survived by his nieces Michaile, Brenda, Lindsay, Casey; nephews Ian, Steven, Christopher, and Duane. He was predeceased by his parents, Angus and Doris, as well as a sister Lois Colley. Cremation has been entrusted to the Pattison Funeral Home and Crematorium. A private service will be held 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
DELAINE LUX
DELAINE LUX 1930 ~ 2024 Mrs. Delaine Lux, beloved wife of the late Hubert George Lux, passed away in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, January 16, 2024, at the age of 93 years. Left to cherish her memory are her children, Garry (Estelle) Lux and their children Ryan (Amanda), Andrew (Jen) and their children Mckenna, Ben and Seth, Kathryn (Derek) Robertson; Yvonne (Adrian) Kristoff and children Michael (Rachel) Jensen and Elliot, Joycelyn; Murray ( Elaine † ) Jason (Danielle) Logan, Jakeb and Colton, Sheri ( Mike † ) Alisa and Brayden; Joyce (Jack) Cameron, Jackie, Megan (Cole Dyrland) and Parker. Vigil Prayers for Delaine will be recited on Sunday, January 21, 2024, at 6:00 p.m. and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, January 22, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Both services will be celebrated at Holy Family Cathedral, 123 Nelson Road in Saskatoon. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience Delaine’s Funeral Mass on Monday may watch the live stream by using the following link at service time:
http://www.faithproductions.ca/livestream
(Condolences may be expressed by visiting Cook Southland’s website at 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” 37
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