July 2, 2025

By Obituaries on July 2, 2025.

BARBARA “BARB” ISABELLA (NATHO

BARBARA “BARB” ISABELLA (NATHORST) GRUSZIE March 20, 1944, Cranbrook, BC – June 25, 2025, Medicine Hat, AB It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Barb at the age of 81 years. Barb is preceded in death by her husband, Charles “Charlie” Gruszie; her partner, Rune Axelson; sister, Shirley Miller; brother, Johnny Nathorst; and parents, John and Mabel (Jones) Nathorst. She is survived by six brothers, Allen Nathorst, Jim (Ric) Nathorst, Charles (Cheryl) Nathorst, Jerry Nathorst, Rick Nathorst, David (Jackie) Nathorst, and their families; her adopted family, Kirk and Lorrie (Axelson) Frandsen, Brent Axelson, Shelley Axelson, and their families; and many other family and friends who will sadly miss her. Barb grew up the third child, second daughter to seven brothers and one sister in Wynndel, BC. She had many happy memories of fishing and swimming in the creek, picking blueberries, being a daddy’s girl, and dirt floors in the house. Next was Port Alberni, BC, where she became the youngest and only the third woman manager of Bata Shoes (which was the world’s largest at that time). It was in Port Alberni that she met Charlie, and they were married on June 18, 1977, in Creston, BC. They then moved to Cranbrook, BC, for eight years and then to Medicine Hat, where she has since resided. Barb was employed by Medalta Ford Tractor for 8 1/2 years and Southern Car & Trailer Sales for 2 1/2 years before retiring and enjoying golfing, crochet, crafts, gardening, puzzles, reading, and a good game of crib. Barb will be remembered for her sense of humor, her bubbly personality, her feistiness, her talent for crafts and crochet, and her love of the color pink. At Barb’s request, there will not be a formal service. Cremation has taken place, and her ashes will be spread in BC at a later date. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Barbara Gruszie. 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.

BRIAN BOLGER

1945 ~ BRIAN BOLGER ~ 2025
Brian Bolger passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, at St. Joseph’s Home in Medicine Hat on Friday, June 27, 2025, at the age of 79 years. Brian is survived by his beloved wife, Glenda, with whom he celebrated 55 years of marriage on May 30, 2025. He will also be lovingly remembered by his children, Lori (Kevin) Weisgerber of Medicine Hat, Darcy Bolger of Calgary, Lanny Bolger of Toronto, and Julie Bolger (Trevor Lefler) of Medicine Hat. He was a proud grandfather to Colton (Rebecca) Weisgerber, Austin (Linnea) Weisgerber, Dylan Lefler, and Chayse Lefler, and cherished being a great-grandfather to Reese Weisgerber. Brian is also survived by his brother, Ronnie Bolger, and sister, Cathy Dillon, both of Charlottetown; sister, Phyliss (Wilf) Burke of Halifax; sister-in-law, Norma (Glen) Fuchs of Calgary; and brothers-in-law, Cletus Doiron of Medicine Hat and Kent Doiron of Strathmore. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbours. He was predeceased by his parents, Austin and Alice Bolger; sister-in-law, Joan Bolger; brother-in-law, Bobby Dillon; parents-in-law, John and Alice Doiron; brother-in-law, Irvine Doiron; and sister-in-law, Mae Bolger. Born and raised on Prince Edward Island, Brian moved to Medicine Hat in 1966 after two years of courting Glenda back home. When Glenda’s family relocated to Alberta, Brian soon followed and from that visit in December 1966, their life together began. Brian worked a variety of jobs before settling into a long and successful career in drywalling and taping with Everett’s Drywall, where he remained for nearly four decades. He was known for his tireless work ethic, commitment to quality, and his ability to keep everything including the three rental homes he maintained on his block in impeccable condition. A man who knew countless people in the community, Brian will be remembered for his kindness, generosity, and devotion to family. He was happiest when surrounded by those he loved. As his son Lanny said, “He was our North Star.” Brian’s presence, love, and steady guidance will be deeply missed. Vigil Rites (Prayers) will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel on Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, 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 Friday, July 4, 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 Brian’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 Brian’s memory may be made to A.J.’s Loan Cupboard, P.O. Box 45006, MacKenzie Drug RPO, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0B1, Alberta Heart & Stroke Foundation, PO Box 460 STN K, Toronto, ON M4P 9Z9, or 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 Brian Bolger. 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.

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