March 1, 2024
By Obituaries on March 1, 2024.
HARRY ZELLER
HARRY ZELLER August 9, 1935 ~ February 23, 2024
It is with heavy hearts we say goodbye to Harry Zeller, beloved husband of the late Eleanor Zeller, who passed away at the Sunnyside Nursing Home in Medicine Hat on Friday, February 23, 2024, at the age of 88 years.
His memory will be forever treasured in our hearts and sadly missed by us, his two children, Brenda (Leroy) Friesen and Barry. Sadly he was predeceased by his eldest son, Leslie, just recently on August 1, 2023.
He is also survived by five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, Adrienne Brum (Trevor) Kaylan and Jerika, Nicole Simon (Justin) Reed and Everly, Travis Patterson, Marnie Zeller (Spencer) and Taylor Zeller (Justin); daughter-in-law, Melody Zeller; two sisters, Darlene Reeder and Violet Tarnasky; sisters- in-law, Mildred Meier, May Jesse and Donna Adams; brother-in-law, Bob Jesse (Millie) as well as many nieces and nephews.
Along with his eldest son, Leslie, Dad was predeceased by his parents, John and Mary Zeller; Eleanor’s parents, Gust and Ida Jesse; brother, Richard; son-in-law, Garry Patterson; grandson, Cory Simon; grandsons, Jason, Justin and Logan all in infancy as well as his brothers-in-law, Marven Jesse, Fred Meier, Sid Tarnasky and Mike Reeder.
Dad was raised in Redcliff and later moved to Medicine Hat. He married the love of his life, Eleanor Jesse in 1957 and their union was blessed with three children, Brenda, Leslie and Barry.
Dad always worked in the automotive parts business; first in various jobs, then working his way up to the manager of Motor Car Supply in Calgary. Two years later it became Acklands and Dad and Mom made the decision to move back to Medicine Hat and go into business for themselves. Dad found a perfect partner in Larry Moore (Edna), hence the name Zelmor Automotive came to be by merging the two surnames which Mom came up with. The business thrived with lots of hard work from 1967 to 2012.
Dad was a sports minded man his whole life. Between golf, curling and baseball, then seniors slow pitch which brought many happy times. He also enjoyed spending time with the family on annual camping trips and on several lovely family vacations, including Disneyland, Disneyworld plus Hawaii!
He and Mom travelled extensively with business related conventions and conferences. They enjoyed their motor homes and loved to camp while Dad was at many slo-pitch and golf tournaments.
Dad was a Dodger and Blue Jays fan, travelling twice with his grandson, Travis and nephew, Craig Stock to watch the Jays in Toronto in 2006 and then in Minneapolis in 2016 when he was 80.
After Mom passed, Dad was extremely grief stricken and alone for the first time in his life and then COVID hit; which was so hard on him. His health started to decline because of the loneliness and isolation and he is now back with the love of his life, Eleanor and his eldest son, Les.
A Celebration of Dad’s life will be held at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Murray Jaster officiating. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com). Memorial donations in Dad’s name may be made to the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta, 104, 430 – 6 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 2S8. 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”
ROGER MCCLARY
ROGER MCCLARY May 22, 1974 ~ February 20, 2024
Roger Steven McClary passed away in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, at the age of 49 years. His parents, Barbara McClary (nee Kennedy) and Keith McClary (1945-2022), raised Roger in Calgary and spent much time with him in the nearby Rocky Mountains. With the mountains so close by, they naturally encouraged him to downhill ski race and cycle. He lapped up this encouragement and excelled in both! Roger and his brother, Gregory McClary of Toronto, were dearly close although Roger was eleven years Greg’s senior. Brotherly bantering when it occurred between them, never kept them from enjoying and loving one another and learning from each other. He will also be sadly missed by his dear friend, Jill Gatfield, who will never forget the years they had – both during quiet times and through Roger’s lovely, excessive soliloquies! Roger attended Strathcona – Tweedsmuir School and Bowness High School, both in Calgary, before studying Economics and Mathematics at the University of Calgary. He worked in geophysical data-processing within Calgary’s oil and gas industry and then moved to Medicine Hat to test his entrepreneurial skills selling fine teas. Along the way, Roger voluntarily engaged with federal offices and local politicians. His aim was to help Canada and his community move in directions he thought prudent and best. This was something he was deeply passionate about. Roger was also a news junkie, a keen gardener, and a lover of very spicy and hot food. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. A private time of remembrance will be held at a later date. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in Roger’s name may be made directly to Alberta Diabetes Foundation, http://www.albertadiabetesfoundation.com or to Medicine Hat’s Root Cellar, mhfoodbank.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”
GORDON HART
GORDON HART December 16, 1951 ~ February 28, 2024
In the early morning hours of Wednesday, February 28, 2024, Mr. Gordon Clifford Hart passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat at the age of 72 years. Gord was born on the 16th day of December 1951, to Ken and Sophie Hart. He leaves behind his beloved wife of 52 years and friend for the last 60 years, Edna; daughters, Alisha (Doug) and Rene (Ken); son, Sheldon (Kelcy); five grandchildren, Stephanie, Nathan (Sydney), Aysha, Naveen and Maddisyn; one great-granddaughter, Harriet; brother, Robert (Heather) Hart; sisters, Barbara (Calum) MacLeod and Myra (Dave) Galloway as well as many good friends. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Ken and Sophie Hart. Gord always liked to say “kiss”, meaning keep it simple stupid! Thank you to all who helped care for him throughout his journey. A special thanks to the doctors and nurses at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, Homecare and Palliative Care. A Private Family Celebration will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to remember Gord may do so through donations to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website 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”
SANDRA IDA MCCOLLUM
SANDRA IDA MCCOLLUM 1944 – 2024 Sandra Ida McCollum passed away February 27th, 2024 peacefully with her family by her side. She will be lovingly remembered by the family she left behind: her siblings, Willie Matson and Margaret (Wayne) Robinson; children, Sharon (Kelvin), Johnson, Mark McCollum, and Adrienne (Greg) Howe; grandchildren, Samantha (Dan), Richelle (Myles), Tamara, and Chelsea; as well as great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Tyler, Liam, Ewan and Sterling. She was predeceased by her loving husband, Arthur McCollum; son, Brian McCollum; sisters, Beatrice Matson and Sylvia Doonan; brother-in-law, Bert Doonan; and nephew, Kelly Doonan. Sandra was the youngest daughter of Vilho and Helen Matson. She grew up on the farm that her grandparents, Ole and Helmi Matson, founded in Manyberries in 1909. She attended New Home school and graduated from Manyberries School. She managed the Orion Co-op and later began her nursing career at the Medicine Hat Hospital. She loved working at the hospital but when she wasn’t working you could find her spending time with family, gardening, camping and fishing. She will be dearly missed by many. There will be a casual luncheon to remember Sandra on Monday, March 4th, 2024 at the Moose Lodge, 901 8th Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital NICU in remembrance of Sandra. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Sandra Ida McCollum. 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.
VERONICA GETZ
1926 ~ VERONICA GETZ ~ 2024 Veronica Getz, beloved wife of the late Peter Getz, passed away Monday, February 26th, 2024. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1415 Strachan Rd. SE, Medicine Hat, on Friday, March 1, 2024 at 1:00 pm. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Veronica Getz. 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.
MICHAEL STRONG
1984 ~ MICHAEL STRONG ~ 2024 With sadness in our hearts, we announce the passing of Michael Strong, ending his battle with cancer in Medicine Hat on February 6th, 2024, at the age of 39 years. A memorial service was held yesterday at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB at 1:00 pm. Memorial gifts in Michael’s memory may be made to AJ’s Loan Cupboard. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Michael Strong. 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.
LILLIAN BETCKER
1946 ~ LILLIAN BETCKER ~ 2024
Lillian Dianna Betcker (nee Kanewischer) of Medicine Hat passed away suddenly on Sunday, February 25th, 2024 at the age of 77 years. Lillian leaves to cherish her memory her children, Candi Betcker and Dixie Emary (Fabio); her grandchildren, Shannon (Dave), Lorissa (Kyle), Jennaya and Kierrah; four great-grandchildren, Kaleea, Randilynn, Bentley and Blake; her brother, Terry (Alma) Kanewischer; sister, Florence Oss; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Lillian was predeceased by her parents, Otto and Edna Kanewischer and her husband, Richard, on August 3rd, 2007. Lillian was born on June 23rd, 1946 in Medicine Hat, AB. On March 9th, 1973, she married the love of her life, Richard Betcker and together they raised their two daughters. Lillian enjoyed a busy and full life, balancing her family life with working outside the home. She worked at the City Café, the Grey Cup Café, and the German Harmony Hall throughout her lifetime. She loved children and for many years she helped with a dayhome as well as volunteering her time at Southview School. Lillian liked to spend time with friends and going for daily coffee dates with them. She was a giving person who found joy and comfort in helping others whenever she had the opportunity. When time allowed, she could often be found researching and learning about her family’s ancestry and heritage. Her love of family was her guiding light in life and she prioritized family gatherings. Time spent with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren was of utmost importance. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Monday, March 4th, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 1:55 pm. The Funeral Service will follow at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL at 2:00 pm 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 Lillian’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Lillian Betcker. 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.
RONALD SLEEVA
RONALD SLEEVA 1953 – 2024 Ronald Gerald Sleeva of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at the age of 70 years. He is survived by his Son Nolan, Grand-Godson Dallas Bitz; Daughter Elise (Dallas) Longmuir, Grandchildren, Marshall, Maddison and Morgan Longmuir and his Grother Myron (Gloria). A celebration of his life will take place in Conora, Saskatchewan at a later date. http://www.gonebutnotforgotten.caCremation 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
FLORENCE STROCHER
FLORENCE STROCHER 1931 – 2024 Florence Strocher passed away on Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at the age of 93 years, beloved wife of the late Ellis Strocher. A private graveside service will take place at 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 20
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