October 12, 2024
By Obituaries on October 12, 2024.
MARY LOWEN
MARY LOWEN March 17, 1957 ~ October 4, 2024
It is with deepest sorrow the family of Mary Renate Lowen, beloved life partner of Garry Fandrick, announce her sudden passing in Hays, AB., on Friday, October 4, 2024, at the age of 67 years. Along with Garry, Mary said farewell to her children: daughter, Brandi (Phil) and their sons, Triton and Lincoln; son, Brandon (Kelsi) and their daughters, River and Skylar; extended family; Garry’s daughter, Lynn (Derrick) and their two children, Brittney (Makay) and Bryden (Avy); as well as Garry’s son, Cody. Along with the above heart broken family, Mary leaves her sister, Jeannie (Ron) and their daughter, Chelsey (Dave). She was predeceased by her parents, Gerhard and Renate Kuessner. Mary was a kind hearted, amazing lady who worked her entire career at Vauxhall Meats for 40+ years. She was the heart and soul of the meat shop and worked alongside Garry to make the business a huge success in the community until their retirement and sale of the company in 2022. Mary was known for her amazing work ethic and great attention to detail. She wasn’t defined by her work as she was so much more than that… she was a wonderful human being to anyone who was lucky enough to have known her. Mary will be missed greatly and loved forever and ever. Thank you for all the beautiful memories. Mary’s life will be silently remembered by family and friends without the proceedings of a formal funeral service. (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”
RAKAI, Bob
RAKAI, Bob May 2, 1950 – October 3, 2024
Bob Rakai of Calgary, AB, passed away on Thursday, October 3, 2024, at the age of 74 years. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Bob’s family at http://www.MHFH.com.
WAYNE STUDER
1938 ~ WAYNE STUDER ~ 2024 Wayne Studer of Dunmore, passed away on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2024, at the age of 86 years. The Funeral Service was held yesterday at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Wayne Studer. Funeral arrangements 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.
RAYMOND RUFF
RAYMOND RUFF 1941 ~ 2024
Raymond Ruff of Medicine Hat, Alberta, beloved husband of Bernie, and father to Cyndi, passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at the age of 83 years.
Ray was born and raised in Medicine Hat, Alberta and was the eldest of three boys. He grew up working in the family business, Bill’s Automotive on Kingsway, with his dad Bill and his brother Vern. Bernie and Marlene rounded out the business when they took over from Bill. Ray was a journeyman mechanic trained at SAIT and could fix anything. His passion for mechanics, machines and anything that required gas power was life long. He was forever reading, putzing, listening, occasionally racing and figuring out how things worked. In addition to being a mechanic, he also earned his pilots licence and flew a little Cessna plane for fun. After selling the family business, Ray worked in the automotive program at the Medicine Hat College. However, his passion for cars outlived his retirement and he could be found with the local car guys drinking coffee at Lane’s and Friday Night Cruising. At the end of his career, he could no longer ‘do’ but the boys with the cars were delighted by his encyclopaedic knowledge of mechanics. He would tell them how to master their ride. His wife Bernie was always by his side, she learned early on if she wanted to spend time with Ray, she would need to learn the wrenches and be his co-pilot. What a great team they were, two peas in a pod, married for more than 63 years.
Ray was one of a kind. He loved his family and his cars, and the loss of his son Rob in 1983 broke his heart, but not his spirit. Ray battled against Type 1 Diabetes for 33 years and at the age of 65 received a kidney transplant. He was able to wrangle seventeen great years out of the transplant, with the love of his family and under the care of Bernie. We are grateful every day to the donor family for giving us this extra time with Ray.
Ray was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Louise Ruff; his son, Rob and his brother Vern. He is survived by so many, his wife, Bernie; his daughter, Cyndi; his brother, Bob (Lyndell) Ruff and sister-in-law, Marlene Ruff. He was equally important to Bernie’s family, brothers-in-law and sisters- in-law, Sandra and Greg Campbell, Wendell Wilks, and Darryl and Susanne Wilks. Uncle Ray equally tormented and cherished many nieces, nephews, grand nieces and nephews who will miss his ‘ho-ho-ho’ nonsense, teasing and humor.
A come and go Celebration of Life will be held at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Washed and shiny cars are appreciated, Classic Cars are adored. A private family interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery.
Those who wish to remember Ray may do so with a donation to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation or the Kidney Foundation of Canada. Please sign your donor card.
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
ESTHER WAGNER
ESTHER WAGNER 1926 ~ 2024 Esther Theresa Wagner of Medicine Hat passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024 at the age of 98 years, beloved wife of the late Roy Wagner. 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
ROSEMARY MEDLICOTT
ROSEMARY MEDLICOTT 1927 ~ 2024 Rosemary Medlicott of Medicine Hat passed away on Friday, October 11, 2024 at the age of 97 years, beloved wife of the late Norman Medlicott. 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
GEORGE ELLERY MAHAFFY
GEORGE ELLERY MAHAFFY September 5, 1930 October 10, 2024 George Ellery Mahaffy, late of Medicine Hat, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Thursday, October 10, 2024, at the age of 94 years. George will be deeply missed by his special partner, Bernice Marshall, as well as his close and long-time friends Gerald Peters, Carol Fyke, Sharon Fyke, Barb and Lisle McCallum, and many other friends and neighbours. He was predeceased by many cherished family members and friends, including his wife, Bebe Mahaffy; his parents, Lindsay and Minerva; his brother and sister-in-law, Ray and Jaunita Mahaffy; his sister and brother-in-law, Gladys and Bill Macquarrie, and his nephew, Peter Macquarrie.
George attended the University of Saskatchewan where he studied Agriculture. After earning his degree, he briefly worked as a teacher before returning to manage the family farm. In the late 1990s, George semi-retired from farming and moved to Medicine Hat, where he settled in Park Meadows Estates. A passionate sports enthusiast, George was an avid fan of baseball, particularly of his beloved Toronto Blue Jays. He was a long-time season ticket holder for the Medicine Hat Mavericks and never missed a pool game with his buddies at the clubhouse. His love for golf also brought him great joy, and he enjoyed playing many rounds with friends. A literal and figurative giant on the baseball diamond, George’s illustrious career in the sport was captured when he became the subject of the 2018 play Lords of Sceptre.
Heartfelt thanks to the compassionate nurses, doctors, and staff at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for their care. A special thank you to Nurse Brittany for the exceptional care and support she provided to George in his final days.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Park Meadows Estates Clubhouse (1 Park Meadows Lane SE, Medicine Hat). All are invited to join in honouring and celebrating George’s life. 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
ELIZABETH HOPFAUF
ELIZABETH HOPFAUF 1932 ~ 2024
Elizabeth “Betty” Frances Hopfauf of Medicine Hat passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at the age of 92 years, beloved wife of the late Alexander Hopfauf. She was born in Lancer, Saskatchewan on April 14, 1932 and married Alex Hopfauf on April 24, 1953 in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. They lived in Lancer and welcomed their two sons, Joe and Tim. In 1956, the family moved to Medicine Hat.
Mom loved to do all types of crafts, especially knitting and cross stitch which she gave to all family members. Her baking was also enjoyed by everyone, with Jam Jams being our favourite. Mom bowled in her early years and loved to play cards (Grandma’s game) and enjoyed taking her four grandchildren camping as well as her great grandchildren. She was an active member of the C.W.L as well for 50 years.
Betty is survived by her son, Joe (Cindy); four grandchildren, Staci (John), Kyla (Josh), Dustin, and Sabrina (Sheldon); ten great grandchildren, Kaleb (Rose-Anne), Kaylin (Aubrey), Mason, Seth (Tray), Preslee (Thomas), Jewel, Owen, Diamen, Brayden, and Braxton. She was predeceased by her husband, Alexander Hopfauf; her parents, Valentine and Katherine Anhelher; her son, Tim and daughter-in-law, Elli. Betty was the last surviving sibling of a family of thirteen. She leaves six sister-in-laws to cherish her memory.
Those who wish to pay their respects may do so one hour prior to both the prayer service and the funeral mass. Family and friends will gather for prayers at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated at HOLY FAMILY PARISH (1451 Strachan Road S.E.) on Wednesday, October 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Fr. Iqbal Khurshid celebrant. The prayer service and mass will both be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit Betty’s obituary page on our website for the prayer service link and the mass can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com@medicinehatholyfamilychurch. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Betty with a donation may do so to the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, Medicine Hat (c/o Alberta Cancer Foundation 710 – 10123 99 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1 or online at albertacancer.ca/in-memory). 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
GERALD GARTLY
GERALD GARTLY 1942~ 2024
Gerald Lyle Gartly, of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of Delores, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2024, at the age of 82 years. Born in Leader, Saskatchewan, Gerald’s family farmed in the Richmond area. When he was four years old, his family moved to Redcliff where he grew up enjoying his school years, family and friends, hockey, baseball, and music. He graduated from Medicine Hat High School, and after graduation, worked at the Dominion Glass Factory, where he met, Delores Stuber from Medicine Hat. After getting married in 1963 (and having celebrated 61 years together on September 28), they settled in Medicine Hat to raise their family of five children. Gerald spent most of his working years as a manager at Hill Hardware, and as the owner of Jerry’s Hardware in downtown Medicine Hat. He always enjoyed road trips with family and finding the local small town hardware store in order to find something unique to bring back home. Gerald loved sports from a young age, especially collecting baseball and hockey cards as a child. He was a passionate Medicine Hat Tigers fan and season ticket holder for decades. He also was an avid fan and follower of the Calgary Flames and Saskatchewan Roughriders. Growing up in a musical family he had an appreciation for country and gospel music, always appreciating the harmony in a song. Above all, he loved spending time with his family and friends and storytelling. With an amazing memory he shared family stories, and always remembered people’s birthdays, anniversaries, and celebrations. Known for a wonderful sense of humour, he was a kind, thoughtful, caring, and loving son, husband, father, grandpa, brother, and friend.
Besides his loving wife Delores, Gerald is survived by his children, Jeanie, Brenda (Henry) Brooks, Jerry, Bradford (Erin), and Murray (Michelle); seven grandchildren, Aric, Nolan, Jacob, Ethan, Zachary, Lexus, and Brooklyn; brothers, Donald Gartly, Dale (Marlene) Gartly; sister, Annabelle (Melvin) Derzaph; sisters-in-law, Violet Heller and Verna Stuber; as well as numerous dear nieces and nephews and their families.
Gerald was predeceased by his parents, John and Ann Gartly; parents-in-law, Frank and Molly Stuber; brothers, George (Peggy), Murray, Jimmy; sister, Jean (Johnny) Sorochan; sister-in-law, Loreen Gartly, and brothers-in-law, William Stuber and Edwin Heller.
Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so one hour prior to the service. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Ron Gartly officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit Gerald’s obituary page on our website for the link. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerald’s name may be made directly to St. Joseph’s Home (156 3rd Street N.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 5M1). 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
SIMONNEFLYNN1933~2024WITHGREAT
SIMONNE FLYNN 1933 ~ 2024
With great sadness we announce the sudden passing of Simonne Flynn on September 21, 2024. She will be dearly remembered by her step daughters, Dawn (George) and Brenda (Jerry); grandchildren, Chris, Cam, Christy, Drew, Kara and their families; two sisters, Joanne and Rita; sisters-in-law, Dorothy, Rocky and Marcelle; godson, Patrick, and her many nieces, nephews and friends.
Simonne was born in Athabasca, Alberta in 1933, one of ten children. She eventually moved to Medicine Hat, but cherished her many trips throughout her life to Athabasca, Lac la Biche, Edmonton, St. Albert, Kelowna, Victoria, and Nanoose Bay to visit her family.
She had careers in both teaching and nursing.
Simonne married Lyle Flynn in Medicine Hat in 1964, and for 25 years they enjoyed an active life in the community, golfing, curling and skiing until Lyle’s passing in 1989.
In 1995, Simonne married Nick Stark. They shared a brief but cherished time together before his passing in 1997.
Simonne loved sports, and she excelled in both golfing and curling. She obtained national status by vying twice for the National Curling Championships. She was inducted into the Alberta Curling Hall of Fame in 2007.
Simonne was a dynamic, inquisitive, passionate and caring woman. She was always upbeat, had a positive word for everyone and situation. Her faith and community were important to her, she was a long time member of the Catholic Church and the Catholic Women’s League. Her generosity led her to volunteer for many years with St. Vincent de Paul. She also enjoyed her 5:30 a.m. swims with her pool buddies in her later years.
Simonne will be fondly remembered by all who had the opportunity to know her.
We are grateful for the care Simonne received for her short stay at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.
Family and friends will gather for prayers in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, October 18, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. The funeral mass will be celebrated in HOLY FAMILY PARISH (1451 Strachan Road S.E.) on Saturday, October 19, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Iqbal Khurshid celebrant. A family tribute will begin at 11:00 a.m. The funeral mass will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually please go to: https://www.youtube.com/@medicinehatholyfamilychurch/videos or click on the “access video” button below. 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
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