February 24, 2024
By Obituaries on February 24, 2024.
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.
GEORGE METKA
GEORGE METKA 1930 ~ 2024 It is with profound sadness that Joanne announces the passing of her life partner, George John Metka. He passed away in Maple Creek, SK., on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at the age of 93 years. George’s life will be remembered silently by family and friends 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”
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 on May 4th from 1:00PM to 4:00PM at Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton 2510 Box Springs Blvd NW Medicine Hat, Alberta. Service details will be announced once completed. 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
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) and daughter-in-law, Kima. 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
HOWARD SOLIE
HOWARD SOLIE (1941 2024)
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Howard Solie, who passed away on Saturday Feb. 17 surrounded by his family. Howard was born Feb. 25, 1941, in Medicine Hat, Alberta, to Hans and Ingrid Solie, and he and his brother Ivor grew up on the family farm near Richmound, Saskatchewan. Howard’s love of fishing and the outdoors developed during the many family fishing trips to Elkwater.
Howard graduated from Richmound School in 1959. He continued his education at the School of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan, and he and Ivor took over the farm after Hans’ death in 1961. Howard earned his diploma of mechanical engineering at Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Moose Jaw in 1963. He worked for the Government of Saskatchewan Department of Agriculture’s AMA program testing farm machinery until the program was discontinued, then took up a position at STI teaching drafting and surveying. He and Hilda Lingnau were married in Delisle in 1965, and Karen was born in Moose Jaw in 1966. The mechanical engineering program was moved to Saskatoon in 1968 as part of the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology, and Dianne was born in Saskatoon in 1969. During these years, Howard continued to farm, moving the family to Horsham for the summer months. Craig was born in Saskatoon in 1974, and Howard left his position for the late harvest of a bumper crop in the fall of that year. He soon obtained a teaching position at the University of Saskatchewan’s College of Agriculture, and worked there until the spring of 1975. The Solies moved into their new house on the farm in the fall of 1975, on the yard with Ingrid and Ivor, and it’s been home ever since.
The family enjoyed camping and fishing trips in the summer, and skiing in the winter. Howard loved hunting, curling, coaching, and attending his children’s and grandchildren’s many sporting and music events, and was a dedicated Richmound Rockets fan. He was a member of the Richmound School Board and served on the Richmound Credit Union Board of Directors. Howard was an avid reader and life-long learner, and an enthusiastic supporter of Craig’s various musical endeavors. There were always projects underway in the farm shop, and Howard believed there wasn’t anything that couldn’t be fixed, and no problem that couldn’t be solved. Lunches in the field and evenings around the firepit in the yard were happy additions to a busy workday, and trips to the cabin at Duncairn Dam eagerly anticipated. Howard continued actively farming in partnership with Craig until the time of his passing. It was what he loved and where he loved to be.
Howard was predeceased by his parents, Hans and Ingrid, his brother Ivor, his mother and father-in-law Johanna and Aloysius Lingnau, his brother and sister-in-law Siegfried and Cathy Lingnau, and his brother-in-law Mervyn McDonald. He is survived by his wife Hilda, sister-in-law Christel McDonald, daughter Karen, daughter and son-in-law Dianne and Mike Brodie, son Craig and daughter-in-law Freya Brehaut, and grandchildren Alison Brodie (Dylan Hinshaw), Jordan Brodie (Patti Jones), Inga and Erik Solie, and his nieces and nephews and their families. Howard’s family will go forward with profound gratitude for his example, his integrity and love of life, and for the many joyful memories made. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to your local food bank.
A celebration of Howard’s life will be held in the Richmound Community Hall on Friday, March 1, beginning at 2 p.m. Saskatchewan time.
Condolences may be offered to the family at http://www.binkleysfuneralservice.com
BRYNE LENGYEL
BRYNE LENGYEL 1948 ~ 2024
Bryne Lengyel, a dedicated and beloved member of the Foremost, Alberta community, passed away peacefully on February 20, 2024, at the age of 75 years.
Born and raised in Foremost, Bryne was deeply rooted in the land, his family and the people around him. He was the oldest child of John and Jeannette Lengyel and beloved brother to Karen Duda. Bryne’s commitment to building a generational farm was unwavering and left a lasting impact on his family. Bryne inherited his work ethic from his father, John, and has passed down this trait to his children and grandchildren. Beyond his work in the fields, Bryne was a passionate fly fisherman, outdoorsman and enjoyed golfing. He found solace and joy in the great outdoors casting a line on a tranquil river with his friends. As a young man Bryne loved tractor pulling, playing guitar and performing with his band Hiway 61.
In recent years Bryne served as a councillor for the County of Forty Mile and was then elected Reeve of the County. He was a passionate member of council and was also a member of many boards and committees. Bryne helped promote the County in everything he was involved in.
Bryne’s greatest source of happiness came from his family. He cherished every moment spent being with his children and watching his grandchildren excel in sports, dancing, and music. His pride and love for them knew no bounds.
Bryne is survived by his children Angela (James), Robert (Jackie), Gina (Dereck), and his 9 cherished grandchildren: Trevor, Grace, Ryan, Claire, Abigail, Julianne, Emily, Ivy and Bliss. He is also survived by his sister Karen Duda.
He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 48 years, Donna Lengyel and his parents John and Jeannette.
In addition to his immediate family, Bryne’s life was enriched by his special friend and companion Beth Dixson and her family, whose love, warmth and companionship meant the world to him the past 7 years.
Bryne Lengyel’s legacy of hard work, love for the land, and devotion to family and community will be fondly remembered and deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. May he rest in peace.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 1:00 pm, on Friday, March 1, 2024, at OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 205 2 Street West, Foremost, Alberta. Interment will follow at the Foremost Cemetery.
Immediately following the service, a Luncheon will be held at the Foremost Community Hall
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.
RITA BESSANT
RITA BESSANT 1945 ~ 2024 It is with saddened hearts that the family of Rita Joyce Bessant announce her passing at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the age of 78 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”
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
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. A Celebration of Life in honour of Edgar was held yesterday at VICTORY LUTHERAN CHURCH with Reverend Roland Weisbrot officiating. A private interment followed 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.
ERROL CARRUTHERS
ERROL CARRUTHERS 1930 ~ 2024 Errol Webster Carruthers, beloved husband of the late Margaret Berger, died Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at Good Samaritan South Ridge Villa, Medicine Hat, AB. He will be missed by his siblings; Margaret Carruthers, Toronto, ON; Norman (Diana), Charlottetown, PE; Beth Cruickshank, Gravenhurst, ON; Doris (Bob May), Toronto, ON;, several nieces and nephews, and by his special friend, Ida Kenny, Edmonton, AB. He was predeceased by his sister, Esther Jorgensen; his brother: Clair Carruthers; by his brother-in-law, Jim Cruickshank; his brothers-in-law, Palmer and Overt Berger; and sisters-in-law, Adeline Stertz and Helen Berger. Errol was born in Summerside, P.E.I. on August 24, 1930, the eldest of eight children of the late Lorne and Jean (Webster) Carruthers. He was brought up on the family farm in Augustine Cove, P.E.I. and was educated in Augustine Cove’s two-room school, high school at Prince of Wales College in Charlottetown, Bachelor of Science at Mount Allison University, Sackville, NB, and Master of Science at McGill University in Montreal. After graduation, Errol worked with Atomic Energy of Canada at Chalk River, ON. Later he taught high school at Deep River, ON. In 1965, Errol moved to Medicine Hat, AB to teach chemistry in the new Medicine Hat College. In retirement Errol enjoyed membership in the Golden K Kiwanis Club working mainly with young children. He also enjoyed the company of friends and travelling as well as golfing and curling. Errol was generous with his time in the community and in his church, Victory Lutheran. A celebration of Errol’s life will be held in Medicine Hat this Spring with details to be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Errol’s memory may be made directly to: The Alzheimers Society of Alberta, # 101, 1201 Kingsway Ave SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2Y2. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Errol Carruthers. 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.
MARTHE ELTON
1927 ~ MARTHE ELTON ~ 2024 Marthe Louise Elton of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Robert “Bob” Elton, passed away on Tuesday, February 20th, 2024 at the age of 96 years. Marthe leaves to cherish her memory her children, Lorraine (Rick) Parker, John Elton, and Wayne (Nancy) Elton; grandchildren, Steven (Ashley) Elton, Tamara (Ryan) Pitman, Amber (Darren) Smeby, Sharon (Jason) George, Darryl Elton, Kevin (Erin) Elton, Blaine (Cherilyn) Elton, Evan Elton, Shane Parker, and Scott (Gillian) Parker; great-grandchildren, Winston, Maxwell, Bryceton, Dax, Daivey, Neve, Tiara, Brennan, Matthew, Sage, Tyran, Trae, Jaysa, Ashtyn, Travis, Payton, Austin, and Dexter; great-great-grandchild, Cheryl; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Marthe was predeceased by her husband, Bob Elton; parents, Lucien and Marie Antoine; daughter, Yvette Elton; daughter-in-law, Lola Elton; and great-grandson, Jayton George. Family was very special and important to Marthe, especially her grandchildren. She loved sewing, gardening (flowers being her specialty), and knitting. Up until a few years ago, she would spend numerous hours knitting slippers, dog beds, and many other items. Marthe will be lovingly remembered and forever missed. The Funeral Service will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Saturday, March 9th, 2024 at 11:00 am with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Marthe’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 Marthe’s memory may be made to A.J.’s Loan Cupboard, P.O. Box 45006, MacKenzie Drug Post Office, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0B1. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Marthe Elton. 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.
HARRY ZELLER
HARRY ZELLER 1935 ~ 2024 Harry Zeller, beloved husband of the late Eleanor Zeller, passed away at South Country Village in Medicine Hat on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the age of 88 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” 34
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