February 23, 2024

By Obituaries on February 23, 2024.

EDGAR JANS

1936 ~ EDGAR JANS ~ 2024 Edgar Jans, cherished husband of the late Loretta (Bauer) Jans of Medicine Hat, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at the age of 88 years. Edgar is survived by his devoted children, Deb (Dan) Noga, Warren (Sandra) Jans, Denise (Ernie) Welz, and Corinne Jans; his grandchildren, Joyce (Shane) Krause and their children, Laila & Daphne, Sheldon (Katina) Noga and their children, Jessica & Axle, Lisa Jans (Dillon Fauser) and their son Lemmy, Tracy (Kyle) Konynenbelt and their children Kade, Kacey, and Kash, Carla Jans (Sean Starosta), Kevin Welz, Kyle (Crystal) Welz and their children Levi & Isaac, and Bryce (Shanelle) Welz; along with his brother, Elmer Jans; sisters-in-law, Aase Bauer, Florence Jans, and Gertie Jans; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family. Edgar was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Elizabeth (Sulz) Jans; his parents-in-law, Gottleib and Meta (Knodel) Bauer; his brothers Clarence Jans and Leonard Jans; his brother-in-law, Horace Bauer; and his sister-in-law, Marjorie Hyatt. Edgar’s career began as a carpenter with Fred Wahl Construction, later transitioning to a fulfilling life as a full-time farmer and rancher. He cultivated his land south of Medicine Hat, where he nurtured a collection of exotic birds and animals, and curated a remarkable array of antiques that could fill a museum or three. He generously provided farm tours for numerous school and church groups over the years. A Celebration of Life in honour of Edgar will take place at VICTORY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2793 Southview Drive SE, on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Roland Weisbrot officiating. A private interment will follow at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Edgar’s memory may be made to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com with the subject heading “Edgar Jans.” Funeral arrangements have been 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.

JAMES “KIRBY” JORGENSON

JAMES “KIRBY” JORGENSON Mar. 20, 1962 – Feb 10, 2024 With sadness we announce the passing of our son and brother James “Kirby”.
Kirby passed in the comfort of his home in Vancouver B.C. He was 61 years of age. Survived by parents Betty & Dennis Jorgenson. Sister Kathy (Brian) Wuitchik. Nephew Scott (Susan) Wuitchik. Great Nephew Jake Wuitchik. Great Niece Lily Wuitchik.
To quote Vince Gill “Go rest high on that mountain. For your work on earth is done” Funeral arrangements by Glenhaven Memorial Chapel, Vancouver B.C.

RAYMOND “RAY” TARNASKY

RAYMOND “RAY” TARNASKY May 13, 1930 February 18, 2024 Ray Robert Tarnasky passed away on February 18, 2024, at the age of 93 years. Left to cherish Ray’s memory is his son, Barry Tarnasky; daughter, Joyce (Rick) Hyde; granddaughter, Cyndra Hyde; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Ray was predeceased by his wife, Helene Tarnasky; parents, Sam and Bertha Tarnasky; step-grandson, Richard Hyde; brothers, Albert, Bill and Ernie; and sister, Olga.
Ray was born on May 13, 1930, in Medicine Hat and raised in Hilda, AB. He moved to Medicine Hat as a young adult and worked at Consumer Glass in Redcliff until retirement. Ray was an avid sportsman, hunter, and fisherman. He enjoyed fishing at Reesor Lake, Spruce Coulee, Michelle Lake or any lake for that matter. In Ray’s younger years, he liked to camp at Elkwater. Also, every year the garden was his pride and joy. With his phenomenal green thumb, he produced some of the best tomatoes and yellow peppers.
As per Ray’s wishes there will be no formal funeral. At a later date there will be a celebration to honor his life and memory.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Ray’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society at http://www.cancer.ca
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

BARBARA PAYNE

BARBARA PAYNE 1958 ~ 2024 Following a brave battle with cancer, Barbara Jean Payne of Medicine Hat passed away with loved ones by her side on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the age of 65 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her only child, Kit (Leaf) Payne, beloved grandson, Wilder; brothers, Mark (Elizabeth) Guite and Guy (Dorothy) Guite as well as numerous relatives and friends across Alberta, Ontario, and B.C. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 23 years, Timothy Payne; sister, Gloria Guite-Storm; brother, Dwight Guite as well as her parents, Viola and Leopold Guite. A celebration honouring Barbara’s life will be held at a future date. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Those wishing to remember Barbara may do so through a donation to AJ’s Loan Cupboard, P.O. Box 45006 Mackenzie Drugs Postal Outlet, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0B1. 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”

LYLE P. WEIS

LYLE P. WEIS November 8th, 1947 February 17th, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Lyle Percy Weis announces his passing at the age of 76. Lyle was born in Beardmore, Ontario on November 8, 1947 and passed away February 17, 2024 in Medicine Hat.
He leaves to cherish his memory his best friend and wife Darlene Renner; son Jared (Rachel) Weis; daughter Erica (Bryan) McKeddie, sister Christine (Eldon) Kraushar; sister Sharlene Weis; Stepson Aaron (Alissa) Renner, Stepson Justin (Chelsey); grandchildren, Brody, Lea, Jonas, Isla, Abigail and Noah; numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents Glen and Sylvia Weis.
Lyle spent his childhood years in Marysville Washington before his family moved to Coquitlam, BC. He attended Simon Fraser University; the University of British Columbia; and the University of Alberta to obtain his PhD in Canadian Literature. He taught at various schools and later the University of Alberta.
He was a lifetime published poet and author of adult fiction, young adult literature, short stories, book reviews, and many magazine articles. He was active in the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Edmonton’s Stroll of Poets, and various programs through Young Alberta Book Society. He was involved in the Writers Guild of Alberta, including serving a term as Executive Director and helped found ‘On Spec’, The Canadian Magazine of the Fantastic.
The life he shared with his soulmate Dar was filled with the joys of travel, laughter and writing. He had a lifelong interest in history, politics, and geography and could speak and write eloquently on these and any other subjects.
Medicine Hat was the last chapter of his life. He became a familiar face in the neighborhood, sharing a beer with friends, and working in the yard. A doting grandpa, affectionately known as Beebo, he was teacher, friend, and playmate.
Memorial donations may be made to the Young Alberta Book Society programs Taleblazers or Seeds of Stories Bursaries fund. Donate via Canada Helps https://www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/young-alberta-book-society/ or etransfer to ed@yabs.ab.ca.
The family would like to send a sincere thank you to the compassion and care provided by all the wonderful doctors, nurses and technicians on 5E, 4W, 2N and ICU.
A Celebration of Lyle’s Life will be held May 4, 2024 from 1:30 – 4:30, Terrace Room, Chinook Village, 2801 13 Ave SE Medicine Hat, AB. 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

LEN HARTY

LEN HARTY 1937 – 2024 Leonard “Len” Andrew Harty of Medicine Hat, passed away on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at the age of 87 years, beloved husband of the late Marjorie Harty. Funeral details will be announced in March. 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

KASPER FITTERER

KASPER FITTERER Kasper Alban Fitterer, beloved husband of Irene Fitterer, passed away peacefully on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at the age of 87 with his family at his side. Those who wish to pay their respects may do so on Friday, February 23rd from 6:00 – 7:00 with the prayer service beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE. The prayer service will be live streamed, please visit pattisonfuneralhome.com and select live streaming, then select the YouTube (arrow). You may also pay your respects at the church one hour prior to the funeral mass which will be celebrated in HOLY FAMILY PARISH (1451 Strachan Rd SE) on Saturday, February 24, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. with Fr. Iqbal Khurshid celebrant. You are invited to watch the funeral mass via livestream by following the link https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG6zK-XzuXdDHj79rV6ut_Q or visiting http://www.youtube.com/Medicine Hat Holy Family Church. Interment will take place at Blumenfeld Cemetery later in the day Saturday. Those who wish to remember Kasper with a donation, may do so to A.J.’s Loan Cupboard (Alan Joys Memorial Fund Society) Box 45006, McKenzie Postal Outlet, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7H3 or to the Blumenfeld Heritage and District Site c/o PO Box 104, Leader, Saskatchewan S0N 1H0. 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

JOHN CHARLTON PIERCE

JOHN CHARLTON PIERCE July 6, 1927 February 20, 2024
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved father, John Charlton (Jack) Pierce, at the ripe old age of 96 and a half years.
Dad was born in Medicine Hat on July 6, 1927, and except for a brief time living in Saskatchewan, lived here all his life. Dad told us many stories about growing up in Medicine Hat with his brother, Fred, and sister, Helen. At the age of 18, he joined the Navy and served 5 years, travelling to many ports around the world. After returning to Medicine Hat in 1951, he met and married the love of his life, Anne Marie. Together they raised 4 children in the house that he built himself. Dad was a Scout Leader for more than 25 years and was active in the Anglican Church. Dad worked for many years at CFB Suffield, finishing his career at CFB Dana, in Sagehill, Saskatchewan. In retirement, Dad was able to pursue his hobbies of gardening, walking, and birdwatching. Mom and Dad spent lots of time at the cabin in Elkwater and travelled to Yuma, Arizona for many years to escape Alberta winters. They made great friends during their years there.
Family was all-important to Dad, and he made every effort to stay in touch with our relatives. After 96 and a half years, Dad’s family tree was well-grown with 8 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren. Between the Pierce clan and the Skjei clan, there are also many nieces and nephews, and of course now (remember 96 and a half years old), grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Everyone was precious to Dad.
Dad lived in his own home until well after his 95th birthday, with help from Extended Family Services. For the past 10 months, Dad has been living at Riverview Long Term Care Centre. We cannot express enough how grateful we are for the loving care and respect he received from ALL of the staff at Riverview. Everyone from the office staff, to the meal servers, laundry people and cleaners, the recreation and occupational therapists, the dietician, and the social worker, especially the Nurses, LPNs and HCAs, always treated Dad, and our family, with respect, care, and good spirits. Dad made many new friends there. We thank them all for this gift.
Thank you to Dr. Monty for his compassionate care of Dad while he was at Riverview. We also want to thank Veterans Affairs Canada for their support.
Dad taught us by example the values of kindness, generosity, honesty, and humour. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Dad was predeceased by his beloved wife, Anne Marie, in 2016; his son, Darrell, in 2019; and his daughter-in-law, Laura Lee, in 2022. He is survived by his son, David; daughter, Nancy (Robert); and son Doug (Jaylene). He is also survived by his sister, Helen Rogers; sisters-in-law, Elaine Lawrence and Sandy Krawec; brothers-in-law, Gary Skjei (Mary) and Paul Skjei (Helen).
The family will have a Celebration of Dad’s Life at a later date.
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

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