February 15, 2025

By Obituaries on February 15, 2025.

MELISSA DAWN WIDMER

WIDMER, Melissa Dawn February 28, 1979 January 7th, 2025 Formerly of Medicine Hat, AB passed away in Edmonton AB
Melissa is survived by her parents Brent and Bernice Widmer and nieces Madison, Mercedes and numerous Aunts and Uncles.
Melissa is predeceased by infant siblings Michelle in 1982 and Christopher in 1984, as well as her paternal and maternal grandparents.
Melissa went to Ross Glen Elementary, then, to Alexandra Middle School in Medicine Hat. In 1992, the family moved to Moose Jaw, SK, and Melissa was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. She had surgery and radiation. In Moose Jaw, Melissa attended Palliser Heights and Central Collegiate, graduating in 1997. Melissa then, moved back to Medicine Hat, and attended Medicine Hat College, graduating in 2000 with a Diploma in Early Childhood Development, then worked for a few years in various day cares. Melissa then, went back to Medicine Hat College and Graduated in 2005 from the Education Assistant program, where she graduated with Honors. In 2011, when Melissa was no longer capable of working in day cares she started working at Costco in Medicine Hat, as a food demonstrator, and was employed there, till December 2020.
Melissa moved to Sherwood Park, AB in 2021, when her health became more of a challenge. She lived at Country Cottage, assisted living in Sherwood Park. There she met many new friends and had great care givers, especially, Henry (LPN) whom she called her “superman!” Melissa was moved to long term care in August 2024, then December 2024 to Pilgrims Hospice in Edmonton, where she had very, caring, loving Angels watching over, as she completed her journey Home to be with Jesus.
Melissa was an inspiration to all who met her. She was very accepting of her life, and often referred to her life as “God’s Cake. Her suffering was nothing compared to how Jesus suffered for her.” All part of what made her so special.
A Celebration of Life ceremony will be held February 19th, 2025 at the Hillcrest Church in Medicine Hat, AB at 1:30 pm.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor Melissa’s memory, donations can be made to the
Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta
Pilgrims Hospice Society, Edmonton, AB http://www.pilgrimshospice.com

MARTIN PAWLIUK

MARTIN PAWLIUK Feb. 23, 1936 ~ Feb. 8, 2025
It is with broken hearts, the family announces the passing of Martin Edward Pawliuk on February 8, 2025. Martin was the devoted husband of Gayle and loving father of Marla. He was predeceased by his parents, Mike and Anna, and his sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Emil Lehnert. Martin will be fondly remembered by all who knew him, especially his nieces and nephews, for whom he will live on in their memories.

Martin dedicated 36 years of service to Alberta Transportation and enjoyed a well-deserved 33 years of retirement.

He was a familiar figure in the neighborhood, often seen taking his daily walks. Over the years, these walks led to many cherished friendships. A true sports enthusiast, he was a loyal fan of both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Edmonton Oilers, steadfastly supporting them through both their triumphs and challenges.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to Community Care and Sunnyside Nursing Home for the compassionate care and kindness shown to them during this difficult time.

At Martin’s request, there will be no 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”

ERIC HELGESON

ERIC HELGESON Jan. 1949 ~ Feb. 2025 It is with great sadness the family of Eric Wayne Helgeson announce his unexpected passing in Medicine Hat on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at the age of 76 years. He is survived by his wife of 53 years, Gail; daughter, Dee (Jay) Ritchie and their children, Avery and Lochlan; and son, Jay (Stacy) Helgeson and their children, Tyson, Jaxson and Madison. A Come & Go Celebration of Eric’s life will be held at Reflections, 937 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Saturday, February 22, 2025, between 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. with a short program beginning at 2:00 p.m. Please use south entrance (patio doors). To read more about Eric’s life story 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”

JEAN MARION KNIGHT

1934 – JEAN MARION KNIGHT -2025
Jean Knight passed away peacefully in Calgary on February 10, 2025, at the age of 90, with family by her side. She was born August 1, 1934, in Estevan, Saskatchewan, to Gilbert and Borghild Brookes. Growing up on a farm, Jean was the eldest of five siblings. She completed Grade 12 at Estevan Collegiate High School and later graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Holy Cross Hospital Calgary in 1956. She married her beloved husband, Keith Knight, in 1957. They spent their first years starting their careers in various places. Jean worked in Estevan St Joseph’s Hospital, Toronto Sick Kids Hospital, Saskatoon University Hospital, and Spalding Saskatchewan Hospital. In 1964, Keith and Jean moved to Medicine Hat, where they raised their three daughters. Jean worked at Riverview Care Facility (Central Park Lodge) for nearly 40 years. Due to her dedication and love for her job, she reluctantly retired in 2004. She was devoted to everything she put her mind to, her husband and family being her focus. Jean had a sense of humor about herself that kept all of us smiling. She was a talented gardener, cook, and baker, an extensive reader, and a “word puzzle” lover.Jean was active in improving nursing home care and achieving better conditions for nursing staff. She was also active for many years as a union negotiator. She campaigned annually for The Heart and Stroke Foundation and always strove to look for the positive and “a job well done.” Jean’s Christian faith was seen through her actions. In 2018, she moved to Airdrie to be closer to her family. Jean is predeceased by her parents; Gilbert and Borghild (Brookes); baby sister, Sylvia; loving husband, Keith; daughter, Cheryl Houston; son-in-law, Doug Houston; and brother, Ronald Brookes. She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Melanie (Harry) Pettersen and Rhonda (Darren) Knight; one brother, John (Janice) Brookes; sister, Ann (Duane) Conrad; sister-in-law, Delores Brookes; seven grandchildren, Scott (Renee Usselman) Houston, Joel (Savanna Atwood) Houston, Amy Houston, Amanda (Calder Knowles) Houston, Michelle (Paul) Guimin, Kellie (Andrew) Squires, Jeffrey (Chelsey) Pettersen; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.A private interment will be held at a later date in Medicine Hat. Jean’s family has requested memorial gifts may be made to Alberta Heart/Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9 or the Canadian Diabetic Association.220, 6223 2 Street SE, Calgary, AB T2H 1J5. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Jean Knight. Funeral arangements 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.

BERNADETTE MARY WIST (NEE BISCH

BERNADETTE MARY WIST (NEE BISCHOFF) Oct 27, 1946 ~ Feb 7, 2025 Our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and wife passed away peacefully, at home with Bob by her side, on February 7, 2025. Mom’s parents were Frank Bischoff and Magdelina “Maggie” Helm, who both predeceased her. Her brothers and sisters are Frank, Emelia, Alex, Caroline, Archie, Peter, Marlene, Bernard (twin), and Lucille. She had three children, Sherri Close (predeceased), Alex (Shelley) Bischke, and Donnalee (Darrell) Bohnet; six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Mom was born in Leader, SK, and moved to Medicine Hat around the age of five, only speaking German. Mom was happily married and cared for deeply by her husband, Bob. Mom worked many different jobs and along the way, made many friends everywhere she went. She was very proud of her family. Christmas and Easter were always huge get-togethers. Her “O Henry” bars were the “family favourite. Her biggest passion was crocheting for everyone. Mom will be missed by all who knew her as she had a heart of gold. Mom always said for years, “No pit stop for me, I’m going straight up!” as she would point her finger to Heaven. We believe she is already singing Dolly and Elvis songs to her mom and daughter. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, 238 2nd Avenue NE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 5Z9, on Saturday, February 22nd, 2025, at 11:00 am with Fr. Roque Pereira, 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 Bernadette’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 Bernadette’s memory may be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bernadette Wist. 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.

RICK KUTAJ

RICK KUTAJ February 26, 1958 – January 18, 2025 Richard “Rick” Kutaj passed away unexpectedly on January 18, 2025, near his winter villa in Playa Hermosa, Costa Rica.
Rick was an excellent heavy duty equipment operator and worked for various companies in Alberta and Saskatchewan before starting his company Road Warrior Enterprises in 1998. Over the years his hobbies included camping, fishing, golfing, hunting, cooking, horseback riding, and motorbikes.
His daughters Jessica and Karissa Kutaj invite you to join his celebration of life on February 22, 2025, at the Swift Current Lions Club, 155 3rd Ave NE, Swift Current SK. Please drop by anytime between 2:00-5:00pm.

BRIAN DODDS

BRIAN DODDS 1958 ~ 2025 Brian Patrick Dodds passed away in Medicine Hat following a brief illness on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the age of 66 years. A Celebration of Brian’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on February 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. Further announcements will follow upon completion of the arrangements. (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”

BOB FERGUSON

BOB FERGUSON 1939 – 2025
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Ferguson who passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, at the age of 85 years old. Bob was raised in Lethbridge, where he grew up playing numerous sports with baseball and hockey being his favourites. He was forever a Montreal Canadiens and Yankees fan! Bob was known for being a classy guy with a million-dollar smile, driving a shiny car.
Bob graduated from SAIT with a Merchandising Administration diploma and was hired by Imperial Oil shortly thereafter. He moved to Edmonton where he continued to date the love of his life Eileen, while she was at university, until they were married in 1964. He spent the next several years working and traveling throughout Canada for Imperial Oil and raising his growing family in High River, Grande Prairie, Edmonton and Tsawwassen, BC. Bob moved the family to St. Albert and worked for Sealy for a time before getting an opportunity to open up the Crestwood Esso service station in Medicine Hat. Bob and Eileen had many businesses in Medicine Hat over the years including the franchises Rent-A-Wreck, U-haul, and Discount Car Rental dealerships. Later on, Bob and Eileen ran the Fun Time Party Rentals business where he continued working until his retirement. From a very young age, Bob was very involved in a variety of volunteer organizations, and he continued this interest throughout his life being an active member of the Knights of Columbus, Lions Club, Junior Achievement and was as a Past President of the Medicine Hat Rotary Club. Bob curled for 25 years and in his later years very much enjoyed playing senior slow pitch. He acquired many friendships along the way in the business and sporting communities as well as in his cherished neighbourhood.
After Eileen passed away, Bob made one last move to the Meadowlands retirement home and was a very proud resident there for the past 3.5 years. It is here where many new beautiful friendships were built and so many wonderful memories were made with both friends and staff.
Bob will always be remembered for his quick wit, his infectious smile and his favourite saying, “Stick with me kid and you’ll do fine”.The celebration of life will take place on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. in PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE with Life Celebrant David Townsend officiating. Following the service, refreshments will be served at Connaught Golf Course at (2802 13 Ave SE.). Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit Bob’s obituary page on our website, for the link. 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

SHARON CLAY

SHARON CLAY 1943 ~ 2025 It is with sadness that the family of Sharon Patricia Clay announces her passing at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 13, 2025, at the age of 81 years. Funeral arrangements will be announced once completed. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com)

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”

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