May 4, 2024
By Obituaries on May 4, 2024.
BERTA GARDNER
BERTA GARDNER Jul. 8, 1932 ~ Sept. 29, 2023 Miriam Alberta Gardner, beloved wife of 72 years to the late Fred Gardner, passed away at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the age of 91 years. A Celebration of Berta’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Hillside Cemetery. The service will be live streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience Berta’s service may visit the Cook Southland website and select the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. (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”
ELSIE ELIZABETH BOLGER
ELSIE ELIZABETH BOLGER July 13th, 1949 April 27th, 2024 It is with a broken heart that I announce the passing of my wife of 49 years, Elsie Bolger. She was predeceased by her son, Stephen in March. Elsie is survived by her husband, Leonard; sister, Tina Beaupre; nephew, Wally Beaupre and niece, Shelly Beaupre.
A Celebration of Life will be held 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
ROGER KING
ROGER KING 1943 ~ 2024 It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved husband, dad and grandpa, Roger King. Dad passed away surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, April 23, 2024, at the age of 80 years. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of almost 58 years, Phyllis; sons, Robert and James (Kim); grandchildren, Kennedy, Brookelyn, Madison and Hayden as well as his siblings, Garry King and Karan Love. He was pre-deceased by his parents, Elmer and Verona King. We wish to extend a special thanks to all the medical professionals who cared for him in his two year cancer battle, especially the hospital staff on 5 West along with the Home Care and Palliative teams for their excellent care and compassion. The generosity and kindness of friends and relatives has been very supportive. A private family memorial was held on Saturday, April 27, 2024. A celebration of life will be shared with family and friends at a later date. Details will be announced closer to the day. To read more about Dad’s amazing life or to offer condolences, please visit 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”
BRIAN “SMITTY” SMITH
BRIAN “SMITTY” SMITH April 9, 1953 April 29, 2024 Brian “Smitty” Smith, left this adventure of life, for the next, on Monday, April 29, 2024. Brian was born on April 9, 1953, in Vanguard, Saskatchewan, to Jean and Ralph Smith, joining his brother Frank Smith in the world. Brian lived a big life, in his 71 years on this earth, he lived 99 lives, probably had even more loves, and was the life of the party, making friends wherever he went in the world. From Saskatchewan to Alberta, Scotland to Oman, and a few more places in between, “Smitty” left a lasting impression wherever he went. Dad worked as a water well driller, with a gift of water witching, and spent the majority of his career in the oil and gas field, working throughout Canada, the United Kingdom, and the Middle East. He loved to read, keep afoot of world events, was an amazing cook, a loving father, and a friend to many. Our Dad was the smartest man we knew and supported us in all of our pursuits in life, whether he agreed or not; he was always there with advice, a good story, and never an “I told you so”. Brian leaves behind his children, Melissa Piercey-Smith, Brock Smith (Michelle Somarriba) and Braden Smith; and his lifelong best friend of 71 years, Ross Heebner. A Celebration of Brian’s Life will be held in June in Medicine Hat, AB. In lieu of flowers, a donation can be made in Brian’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society. Photos, memories and condolences may be shared with Brian’s family through http://www.evanjstrong.com.
LOIS DEMAERE
1941 ~ LOIS DEMAERE ~ 2024
Lois passed away peacefully on April 30, 2024 in her home in Medicine Hat at the age of 83, with family by her side. She is survived by loving daughter Denise Kutaj (Ed), granddaughters Jessica and Karissa of Swift Current; son David DeMaere (Karen) of Leduc, granddaughter Meghan and grandson Connor of Calgary; grandson Kevin DeMaere (Jeannie) of Gull Lake, children Jaxon, Karson, and Taylor of Vulcan; grandson Craig DeMaere (Amber) of Calgary children Ocean, Roman, Memphis, Cali, and Oakley; granddaughter Lisa DeMaere of Medicine Hat children Nash and Harlee; sister Karen Day of Medicine Hat, special nephews Ed, Rod, Jason DeMaere and families, and many relatives and friends. Lois was predeceased by her husband Chuck in 2009, her son Darren in 2015, her parents Edwin and Laura Day, and her brother Dann Day.
Lois was born on April 9, 1941, in Medicine Hat. A year later, her father Edwin joined the Canadian Air Force and went for training in Brandon, MB. He was then posted to the American-Canadian airbase in Fort Nelson, BC. Mother Laura and Lois joined him and lived there until 1947. On the base, the servicemen doted on the bubbly, little blond-haired Lois and often gave her chocolate. The family settled in Medicine Hat, where Lois attended school at Earl Kitchener School, Connaught School and graduated from Medicine Hat High School in 1959. Her jobs included dental receptionist and clerk at City Hall.
Lois married Chuck DeMaere on September 17, 1960, and the family began to grow! Darren was born in 1961, Denise in 1964, and David in 1968. In 1962, they formed a road construction company called 3D Earthmoving and began working in the Medicine Hat area. In 1972, the family and business relocated to the acreage north of Gull Lake, where Chuck and Lois resided until August 2001, when they retired in Medicine Hat.
The years in Gull Lake were busy as Lois raised the children, looked after the acreage, and did all the accounting for the growing business while remaining active in the community. Lois loved children, and when Darren moved back to the acreage, she took on the co-parenting role to raise Kevin, Craig, and Lisa. She was very proud of her family of six!
Throughout her life, Lois remained an active Girl Guide leader and taught Guides and Sparks. Lois recently received an award for 55 years of commitment to Guiding.
Lois was an excellent seamstress, and her machine could be heard humming late into the night, sewing clothing for the family, bridesmaid and figure skating dresses, costumes for Halloween, curling, Kinettes, Octoberfest, etc. Lois loved curling and had so much fun with her friends at bonspiels in Gull Lake and surrounding towns. Lois was a fabulous cook, and her homemade meals, bread and chiffon birthday cakes were made with love. Pots of soup, chili, lasagna, pies, and squares were donated to the school, curling rink, and local fundraisers. She was a member of UCW and Kinettes for many years. She was an avid hockey and football mom/grandma and spent many hours at the rink, lacing skates, driving players to tournaments and attending Lions football games.
After retiring to Medicine Hat in 2001, most of the next years were spent looking after Chuck as his dementia worsened until he went to Good Sam’s. Even there, she was at his side daily, helping with his care and volunteering until his passing in 2009. Her home in Medicine Hat was the family gathering spot, and there was rarely a weekend that didn’t involve family, friends, food, and fun! Lois loved to travel and over the years and visited every province in Canada, went to Hawaii, the Cook Islands, Costa Rica, Mexico, Las Vegas, and Disneyland four times with each family. The longest trip was a six-month motorhome down the East coast of the USA, south to Florida, across to Arizona and back home.
People were drawn to Lois’s friendly smile and open personality. She visited with people of all ages everywhere she went. She was the family matriarch and rock and will be forever missed and cherished.
The celebration of Life will be held at Saamis Memorial Chapel, # 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat AB on Monday, May 6 at 2:00 p.m. followed by lunch in the Creekside Centre. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Girl Guides of Canada Girl Guides of Canada,Unit 100 180 Duncan Mill Road, Toronto, ON M3B 1Z6 or any charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Lois DeMaere. Funeral arrangements by
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.
GISLI GERALD SIGMUNDSON
GISLI GERALD SIGMUNDSON March 11, 1947 April 27, 2024
Gisli Sigmundson was born in Gimli, on the shores of Lake Winnipeg, 77 years ago, and on April 27, 2024, with a view of the lake from his window, he rode those waves back out again. As a child, Gisli’s bedroom faced the breakwater, and perhaps it was the sound of the lake that instilled in him a sense of wonder and adventure, of freedom and of joy, that he carried throughout his life.
For 42 years, Gis and his wife and best friend, Joan, shared family, laughter, journeys, struggles, joys all those things that make up the fullness of a life together, always together. Gis and Joan met when they were in a bagpipe band together in Medicine Hat, Alberta. Really. Despite neither of them being Scottish, they both continued to play for years, and their neighbors once told them “I don’t care what anyone else says, I really like the bagpipes”.
Gis was fearless or faked it well. He was always willing to try new things, whether starting a new business, returning to school to become a software engineer, changing careers again, moving to China for a couple of semesters, or spending a winter in Victoria (thus confirming that rain wasn’t really his thing). He was the instigator of these large adventures and many small ones, such as: How many people could do jumping jacks in a motorhome at the same time? Turns out, quite a few if most are giggling children.
He started a new career in his late 30s as a professor at Medicine Hat College and ended up finding the job he both loved and was exceptional at. He took pride in all his students’ success, but had a special soft spot for older students, as he himself had been, who were often nervous amongst so many young people. He was one of only a few instructors in North America at the time who was qualified to teach Microsoft’s high-level certification programs and taught at a dozen colleges and universities from California to Qinhuangdao, China. While teaching one summer at UBC Okanagan, he befriended an injured mother duck and became stepfather to 13 ducklings that followed him around faithfully, up and down the stairs into the trailer that was his home for the summer. That’s who he was. But if the trailer park manager asks if anyone was feeding the ducks: absolutely not. He taught at the college until he retired at 65, but retirement didn’t quite stick, so he continued to work right up until Parkinson’s made him too ill to do so.
Try as he did, although not very hard, Gis never really learned how to enjoy a good green salad, although he would choke one back to be polite. Usually. He was always a man who enjoyed a sweet and, ever the businessman, he would occasionally buy one or another of his children’s desserts from them.
He loved his Joan and his family his children and grandchildren and siblings and nieces and nephews and his eyes would light up and dance at the mere mention of one or another. He was a fun and funny guy, but was serious about kindness and treating people with respect.
Gis felt lucky and blessed to have so many children: Kevin (Kristina and children Scott and Maddy), Craig (Lauren and daughter Scarlett), Monica (Scott and children Anna, Lucy, and Faye), Megan (Ryan and children Keenan Michelle and son, Jasper , Ethan, and Danika), and Kate, his precious last-born daughter. He is also beloved by his sister, Tammy, and their older brother, Danny, who went ahead of Gis by only a few months. By now Gis has, hopefully, had his chance to gloat at outlasting him.
While it is difficult to know that the world has lost a man with such an incredible amount of knowledge and an impressively broad set of skills (ranging from being unbeatable at strategy games to figuring out how to build an entire house on the fly), his wisdom lives on in not only his children and grandchildren, but in hundreds of students all over the world.
Gis has filled us with love and wonderful memories and will be deeply missed. The next time you enjoy a jellybean, butterscotch pudding, or a delicious salad, toast your fork to Gisli. The aliens finally beamed you up.
A memorial service will be held in the warmth of summer on the shores of the lake. We wish to thank the compassionate care that Gisli received at Betel Home Gimli. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 120 Donald St. Wpg. MB. R3C 4G2 Do not stand at my grave and weep I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die.
-Mary Elizabeth Frye
Friends and family are invited to visit Gisli’s memorial page at http://www.interlakecremation.ca, where memories and condolences may be shared.
Arrangements entrusted to: Interlake Cremation & Memorial Services
BERNICE BRENDA DORSCH
DORSCH BERNICE BRENDA DORSCH, formerly of Medicine Hat, passed away peacefully at Edith Cavell Care Centre in Lethbridge, on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 at the age of 72 years. A celebration of life will be announced at a latter date. To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com
ETHAN RITCHIE
ETHAN RITCHIE August 13, 2006 ~ April 20, 2024
Ethan James Ritchie, born Emily Nora, passed away in Medicine Hat on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at the age of 17 years. He was born in Calgary, AB., to Kelly Ritchie and Paul Leger on August 13, 2006, living only a short period of time there before moving to the Medicine Hat area. As Kelly’s final child, he completed the family. Ethan was 17 and a 12th grade student attending Crescent Heights High School, set to graduate and walk the stage later this spring. While he lacked interest in his core studies, Ethan was passionate about his car, a white Chevy Cavalier that he saved longingly for. He spent most of his mornings in mechanics class finding problems with it he could fix. From an early age, Ethan idolized his family members in the male dominated trade of carpentry and dreamed later on of moving to the mountains to pursue this work. His steadfast and stubborn motivation for life and freedom landed Ethan in his own apartment where he dreamed of one day bringing his childhood cat Thor, if permitted. His time was spent graciously with his friends and the people he loved. You’d often find him practicing driving, playing video games with his brothers, or watching a movie with his girlfriend. Ethan’s memory will survive in the hearts of his mother, Kelly; siblings, Kayleigh and Dylan Ritchie; father, Paul and sisters, Holly and Melissa Leger. His spirit will live on, especially through his niece, Fallon, among his large and ever-growing extended family. Ethan leaves a legacy of love, compassion, and friendship. His smile and rare heart will be profoundly missed by the community and all that had the pleasure of knowing him. A Private Celebration of Ethan’s life will be held at a future date. (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”
GORDON NEWMAN
1933 – GORDON NEWMAN – 2024 Gordon Reginald Newman, beloved husband of Audrey (Kleis) of Medicine Hat, passed away at St. Joseph’s Home, with family by his side, on April 27, 2024, at the age of 90 years. Many thanks to the caring staff of the hospice unit. You are amazing!
He was the devoted and proud father of son David (Mary Jean) Newman, daughter Elaine (Rex) McCarthy and six grandsons Michael (Shenaigh), Anthony (Alyssa) and Andrew Newman all of Edmonton, as well as Peter (Angela), Stephen and Richard McCarthy (of Redcliff, Calgary, Medicine Hat respectively) and four great grandchildren, Judah, Elias, Nova Newman of Edmonton and Evelynn McCarthy of Medicine Hat. He is survived by sisters-in-law: Lorna Kleis and Evelyn Kleis and brother-in-law Harold Jacober and many beautiful nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Alexander and Susanna, all siblings and many in-laws.
Gordon was born on the family farm near Onaway, Alberta. When he was five they relocated to Edmonton where he started school. He was self-motivated from a young age, and found his first job, doing light work and errands for retired missionaries who ran an agriculture business. In grade nine he left the city to work on a farm in Provost, Alberta. He joined the Army, after a chance encounter with an ex-military man. He served in South Korea as a gunner with the 1st RCHA for fourteen months and finished his three year term (1951-54) with his unit in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Not long after returning to Edmonton, he met Audrey Kleis, who had recently moved from Medicine Hat, at a popular music and dancing venue in Edmonton. They dated a little over a year and married on September 17, 1955, at St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Medicine Hat. Starting out in Edmonton they have “waltzed” between both cities for their 68 adventurous years together.
During their first stint in Medicine Hat, Gord got his journeyman ticket while working for a mechanical contractor on the Medicine Hat Hospital. He later started his own furnace installation business in Edmonton: G’s Universal Heating, which he later sold to some employees. Upon returning to Medicine Hat, he started and ran Key West Builders, overseeing many residential and commercial projects for over 30 years. He kept the operation smaller so he could devote more time to family, vacations and Christian service. The Lord guided and blessed their journey in life.
Over the years he enjoyed many sports: fishing, hunting, curling and golfing. He especially enjoyed family time activities: dinner and movie nights, camping, hiking, skiing and road trips. At one time he was active in politics, but that interest turned to attending church and bible studies once he discovered the goodness and love of Jesus. He eventually served his Lord and community as a church council member/chairman, prayer group leader, youth leader, confirmation teacher, and board member for Luther Manor. In his later years he re-joined the Legion, and was one of the founding members of the local chapter of Korean Veterans. He helped out with various Legion fundraisers.
As he retired he achieved a childhood dream to develop a piece of land. “Circle K Ranch” was the cow/calf operation he ran on a quarter section near RattleSnake Dam (Golden Sheaf Park) and later sold to his daughter and husband. Being adept in many trades he built and renovated many of the homes they or their married children lived in, especially the family home on Aberdeen Street. His craftsmanship was demonstrated in numerous furniture and gardening structures. A prized project was the strip-wood canoe constructed with his son.
He always enjoyed socializing with his buddies while participating in sports or committee work, and had many wonderful times gathering with extended family. He especially loved it when his kids and grandchildren came around to visit. He cherished his quiet times with Jesus and near the end looked forward to meeting his Lord and savior.
Family and friends may pay their respects at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Thursday, May 9, 2024, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, May 10, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Officers and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, Robertson Memorial Branch #17 will conduct a poppy service for their departed comrade. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit pattisonfuneralhome.com and then Gordon’s obituary page for the link. A private family interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery after the onsite luncheon. In lieu of flowers memorial gifts in Gordon’s memory may be made to St Peter’s Lutheran Church, 758-8th St. SE, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 1M5, to your local Legion or a charity of your choice. 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
BENNO “BEN” FUS
BENNO “BEN” FUS 1935 – 2024
Ben was born September 10, 1935, and entered his heavenly home on April 28, 2024, at the age of 88 with his loved ones by his side, after a short stay at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.
Ben leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife Lilly (Oster) for over 60 years; daughter Anita (Phil) Martens, their daughters Taylor and Karli; son James (Tanya nee: Cradduck) Fus, their daughter Brittney and twin sons Devon and Chayden; sister Hilda (John) Ens, sisters-in-law Shirley Fus, Edda (Emil) Hein and brother-in-law John (Sheila) Oster. Ben had a close bond with nephew Ed (Angela) Look and will be missed by several nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.
Ben was predeceased by his parents Bruno and Martha (Primke) Fus, parents-in-law John and Ella (Schaffert) Oster, brother Waldemar Fus, sister and brother-in-law Elizabeth and Helmut Look, and a sister Margaret in infancy.
Ben immigrated to Canada from Germany with his family in 1953, and they settled in Medicine Hat. He worked for the CPR for six years and then started in the office equipment business in 1960 working for Marshall’s Bookstore. Ben married Lilly in 1963; Anita was born in 1966 and Jim in 1967. After 17 years at Marshall’s, Ben started his own company, “Ben’s Office Machines” in 1977.
Ben loved the outdoors, especially fishing and hunting and eventually turning to farming which became his pride and joy. He loved his “mookies” and was sorry he couldn’t see them this year.
We love you Ben, husband, dad, opa, brother, uncle and friend
and we will miss you dearly until we meet again!
Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the church one hour prior to the service. The funeral service will be held at TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH (606 7th Street SW) on Monday, May 6, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Dr. Ed Lehman officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit https://www.templebaptist.ca/church-online/. Interment 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 27
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