February 3, 2024
By Obituaries on February 3, 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.
JEANNIE WENAAS
JEANNIE WENAAS March 13, 1938 ~ January 26, 2024
It is with a broken heart that Ken announces the passing of his loving wife, Jeanette Rose Wenaas. She passed away at her home in Medicine Hat on Friday, January 26, 2024, at the age of 85 years. Along with Ken, her husband of 68 years, left with beautiful memories are her children, Bruce, Reg (Dawn), Stuart (Loraine) and Jeff (Shannon) as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren to carry on her legacy. She is also survived by her siblings, Blanche (Bob), Marianne (Tom), Doreen (Glenn), Bradley (Leanne) and Arlene (Terry) and all of their families. She was predeceased by her parents, Gordon and Barbara Teigen; grandson, Shaun and her daughter-in-law, Jody Wenaas. Jeannie was born in Shaunavon, SK., and raised in Robsart, SK. She married the love of her life, Ken, in Robsart on May 27, 1955. Being an avid Flames and Oilers fan, Jeannie never missed one of their games. Those who visited, never went hungry and the talk at the table was never quiet as Jeannie was always up for a political discussion. Being from a small town, Jeannie was involved in the Kinettes and was a worthy matron of the Eastern Star. She was a mother figure to many as she cared deeply for her family and friends. Jeannie took care of the household raising four busy boys and was the rock to her family. Her love and light will be missed! A Celebration of Jeannie’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, on Saturday, February 10, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Roland Wiesbrot officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience Jeannie’s service may visit the Cook Southland website and select the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. Reception will follow thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) In lieu of flowers, please donate 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”
GRANT CAMPBELL
GRANT CAMPBELL
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Grant Edward Campbell on January 10, 2024, in Saanichton, BC at the age of 72 years, leaving to mourn family and dear friends. He is predeceased by his parents Edward and Dorothy Campbell, his sister Heather Campbell and his sister-in-law Mona Campbell. He was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and raised in Moose Jaw and Swift Current. He attended the University of Waterloo. Over the years, he lived in Swift Current, Moose Jaw, Medicine Hat and lastly Victoria.
He is survived by his brother and sister Scott Campbell and Marsha Park, his sweetheart Shirley Grant, his son Joshua (Renette) Campbell and their daughters Maya and Ellie, his son Caylee (Krista) Campbell and their sons Isaac and Gus, his daughters Andrea (James) Cole, Kerry (Wade) Trottier and their daughters Madison and Mackenzie.
Grant was a very successful entrepreneur, owning and developing several businesses over the years. Most recently he brought his business acumen to support the Water’s Edge Village Council and assisted with strategic planning for the strata and maintenance projects. Grant enjoyed living at the Village and loved visiting with all the great folks that live there.
A good friend always referred to Grant as a ‘renaissance’ man. Grant had boundless curiosity and intellect, forever learning and always teaching. He excelled at many skills that utilized both his mind and creativity, mastering trades and constantly creating. He and a friend used to drive all over southern Alberta looking for ancient wrecks of old Volkswagens and bring them home restoring them to their original beauty.
With a deep love for gardening and the outdoors, Grant designed and brought to life many beautiful landscapes in the various homes he shared with Shirley. He was especially fond of begonias, incorporating them in every garden. Dogs were also an important part of Grant’s life. Two Soft-Coated Wheaten Terriers particularly captured his heart; Shennie and Archie.
Grant loved travelling and visited many different countries together with Shirley and their very good friends. He was never one to shy away from an adventure and always up to try the local cuisine however strange it may be.
Grant saw beauty everywhere and impacted everyone he met. He will be greatly missed. There will be a celebration of his life on April 14 at Water’s Edge Village Recreation Center from 2-4 PM in Saanichton, BC.
Memorial donations may be made to the Adopt-A-Tree Program – Horticulture Centre of the Pacific, 505 Quayle Rd. Victoria, BC.
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. Ellie is survived by her children, Ben (Laura) and Rachelle; daughter-in-law, Deb; grandchildren, Lee, Camara, Matt, Tyler, Alycia and Shanda as well as eight great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband, Reuben as well as her son, Don. Ellie was born in Holland on September 29, 1943, and immigrated to Canada with her brothers and sisters in 1950. A Celebration of Ellie’s life will be held at the Living Hope Church, 300 Primrose Drive S.E., Medicine Hat on Friday, February 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Chaplain George Koopmans officiating. The service will be live streamed and may be viewed at medicinehatcrc.org Interment will take place prior to the church celebration. Those who wish to attend the interment should gather at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Friday between 11:00 a.m. and 11:10 a.m. to join the procession to Hillside Cemetery. The family would like to send a very special thank you to Dr. Datta, Dr. Ghazal and Dr. Claassen as well as a huge thank you to Sheila, Brenda and staff on 4W for your compassion and care. (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”
KEN BACHMEIER
KEN BACHMEIER 1941 ~ 2024 It is with heavy hearts that Shirley and family announce the passing of their beloved husband, father and grand-father, Kenneth Michael Bachmeier. He passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, at the age of 82 years. Along with Shirley, he leaves behind their children: Darren, Nicole and Chad and their spouses and children. Ken also leaves behind his siblings: Marlene, Violet, Bob and Micheal as well as countless in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving daughter, Michelle and his Mom and Dad. Ken was an amazing, thoughtful and very caring man who will be dearly missed by many. Ken’s wonderful life will be celebrated with Vigil Prayers being recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, February 5, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. For those that cannot attend, Vigil Prayers will be live streamed and can be viewed on the Cook Southland website by selecting the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 – 2 Avenue N.E., Medicine Hat on Tuesday, February 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Father Vincent Tuan Ha celebrant. (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”
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.
GRACE LEWANDOSKI
GRACE LEWANDOSKI 1931 – 2024
Grace Lillian Lewandoski of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at the age of 92 years, beloved wife of the late George Lewandoski. The funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (238 2nd Ave N.E.) on Friday, February 9, 2024 at 1:30 p.m. with Fr. Iqbal Khurshid celebrant. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects, may do so one hour prior to the mass. 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
DENIS REILING
DENIS REILING 1946 ~ 2024
Denis Kenneth Reiling of Medicine Hat passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2024 at the age of 78 years, beloved husband of the late Marlene Reiling. 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
JUNE DONST
~ JUNE DONST ~ Through scripture and beautiful music, Pastor Roland lead the service at Victory Lutheran Church, celebrating June’s life. Her family finds comfort knowing that June’s faith and devotion to God, will grant her eternal rest and peace.
When tomorrow starts without me,
Please try to understand, that an angel came and called my name,
And took me by the hand.
Her Life Lived…
Her Life Cherished…
Her Life Honoured.
Courtesy of
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”
BRUCE NIWA
~ BRUCE NIWA ~
A short time ago, many friends and family gathered at Holy Family Parish to honour the life of this well respected and loved man. Bruce’s tender heart will be missed.
Lift up your hearts
and share with me,
God wanted me now,
He set me free.
His Life Lived…
His Life Cherished…
His Life Honoured.
Courtesy of
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”
KERWYN FARRELL
~ KERWYN FARRELL ~
A week ago today, many friends and family gathered at Holy Family Parish to bid farewell to this most memorable man. Kerwyn’s infectious smile and laughter will be forever cherished and never forgotten.
In life we loved you dearly
In death we love you still,
In our hearts you hold a place
No one could ever fill.
His Life Lived…
His Life Cherished…
His Life Honoured.
Courtesy of
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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