February 9, 2024
By Obituaries on February 9, 2024.
BRIAN THOMA SCHMUNK
BRIAN THOMA SCHMUNK February 19, 1958 – February 2, 2024 With heavy hearts the family of Brian Thomas Schmunk announce his passing into the arms of our Lord and Saviour on Friday, February 2, 2024, at the age of 65 years. Brian led a carefree life until struggling physically for months without a complaint following his second heart valve transplant in the summer of 2023, amongst many other conditions including COPD, CHF, kidney disease and blindness. Brian leaves behind his siblings, Pat (Donna) Schmunk, Robert (Sheila) Schmunk, Mary Lou Schmunk (Rod Schlachter) as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, Otto Schmunk; mother, Theresa Schmunk (nee Fitzgerald) as well as his brother, Terry Schmunk. In Brian’s younger years, he enjoyed hockey after school and did very well. During his teen years, he played football and continued fishing at every chance. He drifted through the halls occasionally at McCoy High School but was frequently found at the pool hall. Up until a few years ago, he cleared the table at pool when given the opportunity to play. Brian’s life career was welding, and a very good welder her was. His precision and patience in this field employed him at numerous companies spanning through SK., AB and BC. In mid life, he established ‘Independent Services’ and often helped numerous farmers in the area for little or no payment. In leisure (which he frequently preferred over work), he was very often found at his favourite fishing hole. He also enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music, from Do-ops to Brightman and Bocelli. He was extremely knowledgeable when it came to history, politics and current affairs. When asked about any of these topics, he effectively and objectively could fill you in, but he always ended with his subjective opinion. Brian was a passionate Oilers fan, but never rubbed it in to Flames fans. He said he felt sorry for them and that would be rude… touché! Brian travelled frequently to Thailand and neighbouring areas. He thoroughly enjoyed each and every trip, but said he very strongly regrets and would advise never to eat from what looks like a hot dog stand in a foreign country. Brian was an extremely sensitive soul who frequently would give the shirt off his back and always looked after the underdog anyway he could. He always made people laugh. Sometimes they’d laugh right away, but sometimes the laughter didn’t come until years later, whether Brian had borrowed his brother’s vehicles or tested their patience in some other way! He was known for his lack of patience, loudly cursing in public and laughing inappropriately in almost every situation including church settings, weddings, family gatherings and birthdays. He definitely made events memorable! Family (some) still belly laugh about his antics today. Brian never married or had children, but he did have a well loved crosseyed cat he called Puss Puss. The cat frequently followed him around town on his evening walks to meet up with the coffee gang who he spoke fondly of. Brian was also especially fond of his nephew, Matthew Schoop, who he recently moved in with before his passing. Brian and Matt spent numerous hours together watching hockey, eating out and conversing about work. Brian mentored Matt in every way possible through their time spent together. Brian was surely unique, he taught his loved ones much, and they will miss him dearly. He softened a lot over the past few years. Brian will be grately missed by many who could see the goodness that was always deep inside. Family extend their tremendous and heartfelt gratitude to the tolerant and patient staff at the Medicine Hat and Leader Hospitals. Details about a Mass honouring Brian’s memory as well as his interment at Hillside Cemetery will be announced at a future date. (Condolences may be expressed 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”
JAMES “JIM” GAETZ
JAMES “JIM” GAETZ 1935 ~ 2024 James Pius “Jim” Gaetz of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Myrna Gaetz, passed away on Sunday, February 4th, 2024 at the age of 88 years. James leaves to cherish his memory his children, James (Glenda) Gaetz, Heather Ann Gaetz, Tom (Ingrid) Gaetz, and John (Michelle) Gaetz; ten grandchildren; eleven great-grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Margaret Gaetz; loving wife, Myrna; and two sisters, Kay Walchuk and Lee Haussecker. Jim was born and raised in Momart, SK. After marrying Myrna in 1955, they settled in Medicine Hat to raise their family. Jim worked at Goodyear for 14 years before opening his company, “Gaetz and Sons Construction”. Jim was a hard worker and remained in the construction industry for over 25 years. He loved to spend as much time as he could outdoors–spending his time in his yard, tending to his garden, and also hunting. He shared his love of the outdoors as a Boy Scout leader for many, many years. However, his priority was always his family first and he cherished time spent with them. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He will be deeply missed by his family and his many friends. A private family graveside will be held on Friday, February 16th, 2024. For those not in attendance, you are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Jim’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Memorial gifts in Jim Gaetz’s memory may be made to Scouts Canada, 1345 Baseline Road, Ottawa, Ontario, K2C 0A7 or to the Alberta Fish and Game Association, 346 3rd St SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0G7. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading James Gaetz. 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 (nee Gill) passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at the age of 92 years. 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. Please visit the Pattison Funeral Home Facebook page. https://www.facebook.com/pattisonfuneralhome. 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
THOMAS STEVENS
1959 ~ THOMAS STEVENS ~ 2024 Thomas Reid Stevens passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 4, 2024 at the age of 64 years. He is survived by his loving wife, Rosanna. He is also lovingly remembered by his children, Crystal (Aaron) Young and Clayton Stevens (Victoria Zozobrado); stepsons, Tom (Ashley) Funk and Jim Funk; grandchildren, Darian, Jude, Georgia, Amergin, Faith, Mercedes, Elle Mae and Rex and Davis Funk; great grandson, Finley; brother, Roy Stevens (Linda): sister-in-law, Edith Stevens; as well as his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by father, Ron; mother, Maxine (Rex) Nelson; sister, Carol; brother, Stan; and wife, Rebecca Stevens. Tom was a happy, kind, and gentle man. He had quick wit and a great sense of humor, always ready with a joke. He was caring and empathetic; ready to help family and friends with his handyman skills. He was a Journeyman plumber and power engineer. When he sold his farm and closed his plumbing business in Hays, he moved to Medicine Hat where he was employed by Johnson Controls at the Medicine Hat College. He was employed in maintenance at St. Joseph’s Hospice and senior’s home at the time of his passing. He loved working at his son and daughter-in-law’s store because he could visit with all the patrons. There will be a short Graveside Service held on Monday, February 12, 2024 at 1:00 pm at the Hays Cemetery followed by a reception at the Hays Civic Centre. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Thomas Stevens. 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.
JAY THOMSON
JAY THOMSON 1954 – 2024
Jalin “Jay” Joseph Thomson of Foremost, passed away on Tuesday, February 6, 2024 at the age of 69 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his daughter Shayla, one sister Linnell and his long time special friend Shannon. Cremation has been entrusted to the Pattison Funeral Home and Crematorium. 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
NORMA LACHER
NORMA LACHER 1941 – 2024
Norma Cecile Lacher, passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2024 at the age of 82 years, beloved wife of Kenneth Lacher of Medicine Hat. 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
ARNOLD SCHNELL
ARNOLD SCHNELL 1961 ~ 2024 It is with great sadness that family of Arnold Jacob Schnell announce his passing in Medicine Hat on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, at the age of 62 years. Arnold’s life will be honoured and memory cherished without the proceedings of a formal funeral service. (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” 16
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