December 14, 2024

By Obituaries on December 14, 2024.

JUDY SMITH

JUDY SMITH December 26, 1945 ~ December 8, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Judith ‘Judy’ Dianne Smith, who left this world on Sunday, December 8, 2024, just shy of her 79th birthday. Judy, born on December 26, 1945, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, passed away peacefully after spending her last moments of precious time with her family.
Daughter of George Menzies and Ada Crone, Judy moved to Calgary in 1970, where she began a new chapter in her life. She met and married Alan Smith in 1973, before moving to the Box Springs District just outside of Medicine Hat in 1977, to raise her family on Cherry Grove Farm. She subsequently moved into Medicine Hat for just over thirty years before spending her final 5 years in Calgary, under the care of her daughter.
Judy is survived by her son, Robert (Sandra); daughter, Jennifer and her brother, Doug Menzies (Janet). She was a proud grandmother to Mackenzie, Jessica & Amber (Rob & Sandra) and Julian (Jennifer & Luc). She valued her time with family, especially in her later years, and created many cherished memories with her grandchildren.
Judy had a love for cooking, dancing, travelling and reading and was a lifelong dog lover. Judy shared her home and heart over the years with Benny, a loving miniature poodle, and most recently, Sophie, a shy rescue from Puerto Vallarta.
Judy will be missed by her family and friends. A celebration of life will be held in her honour at Reflections (Milestone Room), 937 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Please use north entrance. In lieu of flowers, donations to any local animal rescue organization or to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada would be appreciated. (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”

RAIYANA SANDERS

RAIYANA SANDERS 1942 ~ 2024 Raiyana Sanders passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at the age of 82 years, beloved wife of Kurtis Sanders of Medicine Hat. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband. Cremation 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

JAMES VAN

JAMES VAN 1943 – 2024 With heavy hearts the family of James (Jim) Van, beloved husband of Margaret Van, announces his passing at the Medicine Hat Care Community on Wednesday, December 11, 2024, at the age of 81 years. A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street SW, Medicine Hat on Saturday, December 21, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Murray Jaster officiating. (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”

ROBIN COOPER

ROBIN COOPER September 10, 1962 ~ December 12, 2024
It is with the heaviest of hearts that we, the family of Robin Dale Cooper, announce his peaceful passing in Medicine Hat on Thursday, December 12, 2024. Robin left us surrounded by love, listening to his favorite Christmas music.
Robin was a force of nature, cherished by many, and supported by a large, loving family and the amazing ‘REDI’ community in Medicine Hat. Everyone embraced Robin with love and support, nurturing his independence and allowing him to grow into the beautiful soul he was.
Born in Swift Current, SK, Robin spent his childhood in Beverly. In 1978, he moved with his family to Brooks, where he enjoyed 20 wonderful years. In 1998, he relocated with his parents to Medicine Hat, where he continued to thrive.
Robin enriched our lives and will be cherished in our memories.
A celebration of Robin’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. A time of fellowship will follow in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. Please feel free to wear your Flames gear or something red to honour Robin’s life-long love with his Calgary Flames team. Donations in memory of Robin may be made to REDI Enterprises Society or Easter Seals Camp Horizon. (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”

RICK AGAR

RICK AGAR “The Wildman” 1956-2024 Rick lost his life on December 3rd, 2024, doing what he loved to do: hauling cattle, hay and mostly visiting with the customers.
Survived by his best friend and partner for 24 years, Karen Stelter; his daughters, Rayvan Agar-Brown with her children, Jhett, Knox, Nova and Jodie; Aebly (Dean) with her daughter, Grayson; siblings, Ron (Denise) with their children, Josh and McKenzie; sisters, Judy (Bob) and Janet Agar with her sons, Jordon and Jake; brothers-in-law, Garry Stelter and Terry Halladay; aunts, Vivian and Violet; uncle, Gordon. Rick was predeceased by his parents, Norman and Vicky and Karen’s parents, Harold and Hilda Stelter.
Rick’s proud moments were watching his grandsons, Jhett and Knox playing hockey and granddaughters, Nova, playing volleyball and Grayson dance and taking riding lessons.
Rick was born May 15th, 1956, in Lynn Lake, Manitoba. Rick was a loving husband, father, grandpa and brother.
A come and go visitation will be held on Friday, December 20th from 1:00pm 6:00pm at Grace Memorial (1924 10th Ave NW). 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

SHIRLEY THICKSON-BURGESS

SHIRLEY THICKSON-BURGESS 1954 ~2024 With profound sadness, we announce the passing of Shirley May Thickson-Burgess, who passed away on December 10, 2024. Shirley was an exceptional woman whose warmth and kindness touched everyone who crossed her path. Shirley was the beloved daughter of Robert and Shirley Smith, who preceded her in death. Throughout her life, she built strong and lasting bonds with her family, which became the cornerstone of her existence. She was a devoted partner to her best friend and companion, Larry Brunet, with whom she shared countless adventures and cherished memories. She is survived by her loving daughter, Kimberley (Mark) Schafer, and her son, Tyler (Stacey) Thickson. Shirley was an adoring grandmother to her grandchildren, Matthew, Max, Rezner, Torin, and Taylor, who were the light of her life and who brought her immeasurable joy. Shirley also leaves behind her brothers, Dale (Karen) Smith and Doug (Esther) Smith; sisters, Brenda (Kevin) Morris and Cathy (Alan) Roth; along with numerous nieces and nephews who will miss her dearly. Shirley spent countless hours nurturing her beautiful flower garden, which bloomed as vividly as her personality. She enjoyed travelling, exploring new places, and creating lasting memories with her family and friends. Shirley’s ability to build great bonds with those around her set her apart; she had a gift for making everyone feel valued and loved. Shirley’s Celebration of Life will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, at 2:30 pm with Life Celebrant Lynett Getz officiating. Memorial gifts in Shirley’s memory may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, Alberta Cancer Foundation, 710, 10123-99 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 3H1, 1-866-412-4222, albertacancer.ca/in-memory. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Shirley Thickson-Burgess. 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.

ANN BALEWICZ

ANN BALEWICZ
Ann Balewicz (nee Valastin) of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Joseph Thomas Balewicz, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. Ann is survived by her brother, Vladislav, and numerous nieces and nephews and their families. Also left to cherish her memory are her good friends James and Michelle Strong and their children Nicole, Lisa, and Colin of Terrace Bay, Ontario.
Ann was predeceased by her parents, Maria and Stephan Valastin; her brothers, Jan and Raphael (in infancy); her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Mary and Stanley Balewicz; her sisters-in-law, Mary Valastin, Delia Valastin, and Doreine Valastin; her brothers-in-law, Albert and Stanley Balewicz; and her nephew, Mark Valastin.
Ann was born in Broderick, Saskatchewan where she was raised and educated. Following graduation from high school she moved to St. Boniface, Manitoba to attend the St Boniface School of Nursing. Following her graduation as an R.N. she began her nursing career at the St. Boniface Hospital. In 1953, she moved to Edmonton to work at the Royal Alexandra and the Edmonton General Hospitals. Always a lifelong learner, Ann studied for a year at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto and completed a Post Graduate Course of Surgical Supervision and Management and studied advanced cardiac and thoracic surgery. She returned to St Boniface Hospital as an R.N. in the surgical department. It was during this time that Ann met her beloved Joseph; they married in 1960 and moved to Medicine Hat. Joseph, a member of the RCAF, worked at the Canadian Forces Base Suffield, and Ann returned to the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, retiring in 1977 having been promoted to the position of Surgical Unit Supervisor. Following her retirement, Ann became a devoted member of the St Boniface Hospital Nursing Alumni Association.
In their retirement, Ann and Joseph traveled extensively, visiting family throughout BC, Alberta, and Manitoba and returning to Europe to visit relatives in Slovakia. They cruised the Panama Canal. Joseph passed away in 1993 following 33 years of marriage. At the time of Joseph’s death, they had been planning a RCAF Veterans’ Alaskan cruise. Despite missing her loving partner, Ann moved forward and completed this cruise in Joseph’s honor. Ann and Joseph were passionate stamp and coin collectors, avid readers, and loved history and politics. Their summer days were filled with work in their vegetable and flower gardens in three different yards and a ritual game of cribbage after lunch. Ann was an avid sports fan, particularly football and her beloved Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Ann was a strong, kind, and generous woman who spent much time volunteering for the Catholic church, helping friends and neighbors by driving them to appointments or on outings, and frequently checking in on friends who were housebound, ill, or in need of a visit.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Tuesday, December 17th, 2024, from 6:00 pm to 6:55 pm. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will follow at 7:00 pm. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 – 2nd Avenue NE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 5Z9, on Wednesday, December 18th, 2024, at 11:00 am with Fr. Iqbal Khurshid, Celebrant. 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 Ann’s memorial page on the above dates and times. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Interment will follow in the Roman Catholic Section at Hillside Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorial gifts in Ann’s memory may be made to Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1, The Society of the Little Flower, Canadian Division, Niagara Falls, Ontario, or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ann Balewicz. 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.

RUDY STENGELE

RUDY STENGELE 1937 – 2024
Rudolf Emil Stengele, 87, of Medicine Hat, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Monday, December 9, 2024, surrounded by his family, after a short illness. He put up his “Gone Fishing” sign for one last time.
Rudolf (Rudy) was born in Baden-Baden, Germany to Marta and Paul Stengele on April 1, 1937. He trained as a stone mason/bricklayer and worked in Baden-Baden until he immigrated to Canada in 1959.
He settled in Eston, Saskatchewan, where he built a life, a career as a talented stone mason, and a family with his two daughters. In 1990, he moved to Vernon, BC to work on his brother-in-law’s farm until his retirement. In 2013, he moved to Medicine Hat, Alberta to be closer to his family and lived there until his passing.
Rudy found great joy in the simple pleasures of life……..and his favorite pastime was going fishing early in the morning……sitting on the banks of the South Saskatchewan River and watching the wildlife, while waiting for his “big catch”. His other major interests were watching the Blue Jays and the Saskatchewan Roughriders play and he rarely missed a game on TV.
The highlight of his life was being fortunate to return with his entire family to his birthplace in Baden-Baden, Germany in 2019. He delighted in sharing his roots, revisiting his childhood home, neighborhood, and recounting stories of his youth.
His greatest passion in life was spending time with his daughters/their spouses, his granddaughters/their spouses and great-grandchildren. They all brought a smile to his face, warmth to his heart and laughter to his day…..
He is survived by his two daughters, Susanne Schweitzer (Gary) and Monika Byrnes (Dean), his grandchildren, Autumn Schweitzer (Mark Yeast), Lisa Schweitzer (Muhammad), Megan Heidt (Drew), his great-grandchildren, Brielle and Camden Schweitzer-Yeast, sisters-in-law, Vera Ciccone and Roslin Steinkrug, many nephews and nieces and their families, both in Germany and Canada.
A private family Celebration of Life will take place in the summer of 2025. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Dad’s memory to the Canadian Lung Association. The online address is http://www.lung.ca/donate. 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

TODD JESSE

TODD JESSE 1969 – 2024 Todd Ivan Jesse “Toddy” beloved husband of Crystal passed away peacefully on December 7, 2024, at the age of 55. Todd was born on March 19, 1969, to Ivan and Sharron Jesse. He attended Crestwood Elementary School, Alexandra Junior High School, Medicine Hat High School and went on to Medicine Hat College where he received his Journeyman Welding ticket. In June 1994, Todd started his career in welding and started his own company Typhoon Toddy’s Welding Ltd. For the next 30 years this was his career and passion – pipeline welding. Todd enjoyed camping at Rattlesnake Lake for the last 24 years, spending time with his family and friends but especially tinkering in his garage and working on his Beaumont.
Besides his loving wife Crystal, Todd is survived by his sons Teagan and Tyrin (Bailley), his mother Sharron, his brother Scott (Debbie) and their daughter Presley; his sister Leanne Silcher (Brent) and her daughters Alicia (Tanner) Tendler and Brittany Silcher; his parents-in-law Harold and Marlene Jesse; sister-in-law Rhonda and Kirk Haines and their daughters Karlie Koch, Rylie (Rylan) Pringle, Lori-Ann Cole and Dakota (Jordan) Shingoose; his precious great nieces and nephews Olivia and Kolter Tendler and Huntleigh and Jaxen Shingoose. Todd also leaves behind many family including his “pipeline family” (you know who you are) and friends. Todd was predeceased by his father Ivan Jesse in July of 2024, his grandparents Sam and Rebecca Jesse and Ed and Viola Seitz.
The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Monday, December 16, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant Pat Grisonich officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit Todd’s obituary page on our website, for the link. In lieu of flowers. Donations can be made to a charity of one’s 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

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