February 2, 2024

By Obituaries on February 2, 2024.

WILLIAM “BILL” MORRIS WAHL

WILLIAM “BILL” MORRIS WAHL
William Morris Wahl, age 76, of Medicine Hat, Alberta (and Edmonton) passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, January 13, 2024 at the University Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. In the company of his family; Bill’s last days were spent reminiscing, listening to music, watching ‘The Jubilee Wahltz’ concert and in true Bill fashion, conducting along the way. Beth was by his side. He was not in pain or discomfort.
Bill was born on November 14, 1947 to Karl and Bernice Wahl in Barrhead, Alberta. Along with his older brother John and younger brother Ken, they moved to Drayton Valley, and eventually to Medicine Hat, where Bill graduated from MHHS in 1966. He went on to study at the University of Alberta in the MELAB (Music Education Laboratory) program. In future years he also obtained his Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Oregon, and later a Diploma of Fine Arts in Advanced Wind Band Conducting from the University of Calgary.
While at the University of Alberta, Bill met his life partner, Beth, in 1969. They moved to Medicine Hat for teaching positions and were married there in 1970. They established roots there, built their beloved log home down by the river and welcomed daughters Danielle, Nicole and Monique. Life was good and the log house was full of love and laughter.
Throughout the years, their family grew, and they welcomed sons-in-law Blair (M), Chad (N), and Mark (D), and grandchildren Bryant (Alison), Alexander, Oliver, and Molly. Bill treasured spending time with them all and nothing would make him happier than to help out with a diy project, or to get down on the floor with one of the grandkids to “wrastle” or scat a tune together.
Bill was the Band Teacher at Crescent Heights High School from 1970 to 2003 and taught thousands of students in grades 7 through 12 throughout his career, taking bands on 7 European tours (and one major trip to Toronto). The high school band also traveled extensively throughout Canada to various music festivals. In 1982, he and a group of other brass players started the Medicine Hat Brass Guild which then became the Medicine Hat Concert Band. In 2003, Bill added a beginner band for adults to the MHCB. For 40 years he was their creative director and conductor. He was committed to finding quality music for the ensembles to play and spearheaded the commissioning of two pieces of music, ‘Canadian Rhapsody’ by Elliot del Borgo and ‘Drums of the Saamis’ by Samuel Hazo. Overall, a 50+ year career that culminated in ‘The Jubilee Wahltz’ concert and celebration that was held in May of 2022.
Over his years as a band teacher and conductor he humbly received much recognition for his contributions including: Excellence in Teaching Award twice (MHSD 76); nominated twice for Outstanding Teacher through Alberta Learning; Elkhorn Band Director of the Year Award, Vondis Miller Legacy Award, Lifetime Membership (Alberta Band Association); David Peterkin Award for Outstanding Service to Band Music (Phi Beta Mu); Paul Harris Fellowship (Rotary Foundation of Rotary International); Community Spirit Award of Achievement in Arts/Culture (City of Medicine Hat); AMEF Recognition Award (Alberta Music Education Foundation). He was most recently awarded the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal for his significant contributions to Alberta.
Away from the baton, Bill was an avid cyclist; gardener; grape, garlic and hosta grower; wine, butter crunch, raspberry jam, and beer maker; furniture builder and refinisher; handy person; car collector; pool, darts, horseshoe and crib player; and typically didn’t sit still unless it was to catch a quick nap on the couch. He was also very passionate about making his community safer after the flood of 2013.
He was a deeply spiritual person, and an active participant in the Anglican Church most of his life. The Wahl family spent holidays at Sorrento Centre almost every year for 25 years where Bill, ever curious, stretched his beliefs around what it meant to be a Christian, a parent, a teacher, a musician, and a human. He was very active in the Wahl family’s local church and took on many roles from janitor, to music leader, to warden, to sitting on the parish council. His spirituality was important to him to the very end; every night he prayed for the health and wellbeing of loved ones and himself.
We will remember him for so many reasons, but most of all for being a kind, welcoming, encouraging person, who was available to listen, quick to laugh, and always up for a hug. He was always full of ideas and creativity, always thinking of ways to help make things better in our world and to be better himself. He was skilled and worked very hard, not only at his pursuits and goals, but also to provide a loving environment in his home, and to make everyone who entered his orbit feel deserving of their place in this world.
A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held in Medicine Hat on Saturday, March 30th at 1pm at the Cypress Centre. For those who are not able to attend, there will be a livestream. Information on this will be shared closer to the date at http://www.arbormemorial.ca/en/southside/obituaries.html. Messages of condolence can also be shared there.

RICHARD DOUGLAS BERRETH

RICHARD DOUGLAS BERRETH December 23rd, 1945 – January 29th, 2024
It is with great sadness that the family of Richard Douglas Berreth announce his unexpected passing on January 29th, 2024.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife of 52 years, Marilyn; his three daughters, sons-in-law, and six grandchildren: Gizelle (Duane), McKenna, and Davyn of Airdrie; Dorlisa (Tyler), Adelynn, and Jaren of Medicine Hat; Richelle (Corey), Isabelle (Dwight), and Abigail of Carstairs, as well as numerous extended family members.
Richard was born at home in Piapot, Saskatchewan on December 23rd, 1945, to Daniel and Violet Berreth. His small- town upbringing was happy, and he loved sharing stories of playing hockey, delivering the Leader Post, and working at the Bowie Store. He attended school in Piapot and Maple Creek. He received his teacher certificate from the University of Regina and later his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta. He taught in Brooks and Maple Creek before spending a year with his parents training and racing thoroughbred horses across Canada and Arizona. Then he accepted a teaching job in Vanguard where he met Marilyn. They married in 1971 and welcomed three daughters who kept them active with sports, travel, and school events. Throughout his 30-year career, Richard taught many junior and senior high subjects and was principal in Neville and Vanguard. He was a passionate volleyball coach, but it was his senior boys’ basketball team that he led to a provincial silver. In the late 80s, the family spent four summers in California while Richard and Marilyn completed their Master of Arts in Education at San Diego State University. Before retiring in 1998, Richard spent his last few years teaching in Wymark.
In retirement, Richard’s passion for travel took off. After going on a couple shorter cruises, the travel bug was caught. Their adventures took Richard and Marilyn to all seven continents and 133 countries, Madagascar being his favourite. He loved photographing the sights, experiencing different cultures, and tasting local beers. Richard was returning home from a Panama Cruise when he suddenly passed away. He enjoyed creating many travel books and planning their next trip. He had a green thumb, and he took pride in caring for his grape vines, orchids, fuchsias, hibiscuses, begonias, and garden. Also, as a skilled woodworker, he created many things for his loved ones. Richard found simple pleasures in watching sports, particularly the Oilers and the Tigers, and having bonfires.
Richard had an enormous heart and a wonderful sense of humour. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences. Richard could easily strike up a conversation with anyone anywhere, never forgetting a name or a person’s story. He particularly enjoyed political discussions. Family was important to Richard. He attended as many of his grandchildren’s school events and sports games as he could. “Pa” was so proud of everything they did and was the first one to photograph the special moments in their lives. The “grands” knew how to pull at his heartstrings and were spoiled when they visited. They deeply adored and loved being around “Pa”. Richard will be sorely missed by his family and we will always have great memories and many stories to share.
A private family time of remembrance will be held at a later date at the Piapot Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Richard’s memory may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. 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

ELLIE WENZEL

ELLIE WENZEL 1943 ~ 2024 It is with heavy hearts that family announce the passing of Alice Jeanette ‘Ellie’ Wenzel (nee Aasman). She passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Wednesday January 31, 2024, at the age of 80 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced upon completion. (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”

BLAINE LACHER

BLAINE LACHER 1970 ~ 2024 The family of Blaine Irwin Lacher are deeply saddened to announce his unexpected passing in Medicine Hat on Monday, January 29, 2024, at the age of 53 years. Blaine was born on September 5, 1970, a son to proud parents, Irwin and Sandra Lacher. Those who knew Blaine, knew he was very caring with a heart of gold. His charismatic personality kept everyone entertained with sarcastic humour and quick witted one-liners! These are just some of the traits he will be missed for. Blaine was a former professional hockey player in which is an accomplishment not many achieve. He was also an avid sports fan and bled blue and white for his favourite NFL team, the Indianapolis Colts. Most of all, Blaine was a proud father to his son, Quin. Besides Quin, he will be forever remembered by his father, Irwin and two sisters, Faye Keil and her children, Nolan and Jordan; and Lana (Claudio) Howeg and their son, Ethan. Blaine will also be missed by his close friends and all those who knew him. He was predeceased by his mother, Sandra Lacher. In honour of Blaine’s life, a private family gathering will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel. Memorial donations in Blaine’s name may be made directly to the charity of one’s choice. (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”

GRACE LEWANDOSKI

GRACE LEWANDOSKI 1931 – 2024
Grace Lewandoski of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at the age of 92 years, beloved wife of the late George Lewandoski. 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

WALTER FILGAS

WALTER FILGAS 1932 ~ 2024 Walter Filgas went to be with his Lord on January 26, 2024. A private celebration of Walter’s life was held yesterday at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations in Walter’s memory may be made to Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Walter Filgas. 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.

MARGARET SHIRLEY DOROHOY

1931- MARGARET SHIRLEY DOROHOY – 2024
On Monday, January 29, 2024, Margaret Shirley Dorohoy (nee Switzer) passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Shirley was 92 years young. She was always quick with a smile and up for fun with a twinkle in her eye. She embodied grace and glamour… as a friend noted, “her hair was always beautifully coiffed, regardless of the weather”. She was a wonderful Mother to the four of us (and good Mother-in-law, we think), a Nana to nine grandchildren, a great Nana to six great-grandkids and a good friend to many. She certainly had a kind and generous soul.

Mom was born in Victoria, BC, on July 21, 1931. She grew up there, attended St. Margaret’s school and was a member of the drill team… that was where she met hockey star, Eddie Dorohoy. Hockey led them around North America (Dad as player/then coach), making fun memories with family and friends. She spent chunks of time back in Victoria raising her young family. Mom ended up moving to Medicine Hat for her final chapter. While missing the ocean, she embraced the friendly prairie community. In retirement she also enjoyed her winter trips to Palm Springs and travelling internationally to visit family.

Mom was a true sports enthusiast who was always up on her stats. Nana Shirley loved being a cheerleader of her grandkids at golf, hockey, dance, soccer, and cheer. She had a green thumb, she loved to knit and she was always up for a good food and wine experience.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted in her name to Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1, where she was provided excellent care and support during her final days.

Shirley will be lovingly remembered by her children, Barb Bruins, Lynn Janzer (Dwight), Brad Dorohoy (Debbie) and David Dorohoy (Pam); her grandchildren, Chris (Dana), Matt (Chantelle), Garth (Jody), Alexa, Braedon, Callum, Tegan and Ava; and her great grandchildren, Callie, Carter, Lani, Owen, Rayna and Brittany. Beloved family members always in her heart include granddaughter, Lindsay Janzer and son-in-law, Randall Bruins. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Margaret Dorohoy. 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.

16
-15