December 11, 2025

By Obituaries on December 11, 2025.

DANIEL GRANT POPE

DANIEL GRANT POPE It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Daniel Grant Pope on December 1, 2025, in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan.
Daniel was born on May 11, 1969, in Calgary, Alberta, to David and Gwen Pope. He grew up with a love for connecting with people and exploring the world.
Though Dan poured his heart into his work every day, he especially loved spending time with his grandchildren, traveling with his wife, camping, and gathering with friends and extended family. He enjoyed good company, good conversation, and being surrounded by people he cared about.
Dan is survived by his beloved wife, Dawna; his daughter Danielle (Terry) and their son Xavier; daughter Brittany and her children Bentley and Atasia; stepson Tysen (Kisa) and their children Riley and Rhett; stepdaughter Tia; parents David and Gwen; his cousin Bradley Schleper who was more like a brother to him; as well as a countless friends that he made everywhere he went.
A Celebration of Dan’s life will be held at The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #212 in Sylvan Lake, Alberta on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 12:00PM to 3:00PM.
As we say goodbye, we hold close the memories that made him unforgettable and take comfort in knowing his warmth and spirit will continue to guide us in the days ahead.

WENDY JOHNSON

WENDY JOHNSON 1949 ~ 2025 Wendy Elizabeth Johnson (née Wheelock) passed away peacefully and surrounded by her family on December 2, 2025, at the age of 76 at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.
The memorial service will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant, Pat Grisonich officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. The memorial service and the interment will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit Wendy’s obituary page on our website for the links. To leave a message of condolence, please visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com

PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2

LEE VANBUSKIRK

LEE VANBUSKIRK October 7, 1954 ~ December 6, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Claude Lee Van Buskirk on December 6th, 2025, at the age of 71 years, at one of his most cherished places, the Black Ranch. Lee was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend to so many.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 36 years, Susan Elizabeth Van Buskirk; daughters, Jessica Van Buskirk (Daniel McNeil) and Shannon (Justin) Kurtz; grandchildren, Rowdy Lee, Ethan, Brayden as well as another grandchild expected in February. He is also survived by his mother, Donna Lee Erdmann; brothers, William (Venyce) Van Buskirk, Richard (Debbie) Van Buskirk and Patrick (Shelley) Van Buskirk as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Lee was predeceased by his father, William Lee Van Buskirk; stepfather, Keith Middleton Erdmann; cousin, James Robert Black and his niece, Emalee Jane Van Buskirk.
Lee, the eldest son of William Van Buskirk and Donna Lee Erdmann, was born on October 7th, 1954, in Lethbridge, AB, where he spent his early years. He attended Patterson Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Allan Watson and Hamilton for junior high and LCI High School. After grade 10, he left school to move to his cousin Bob Black’s ranch in Consul, SK. He spent much of his teenage and young adult years there, learning from his cousin and many others. Lee loved ranch life and had countless stories from his time there. He continued returning to the ranch to help with weaning, brandings and winter work whenever he could, right up until his passing.
When Lee met Susan, he was working for Art’s Excavating. He then began his career in the oil field in Manyberries, AB, where he and Susan raised their family. Lee worked in the oil and gas industry for many years as an operator and eventually a production consultant throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. He was known across the industry for his work ethic, integrity and wealth of knowledge. He also spent years long-haul trucking with some of his best and lifelong friends and later co-founded L & S Trucking. Lee and Susan spent their last few years together in Claresholm, AB, where they could be close to their daughters.
Anyone who knew Lee knew he rarely sat still. When he wasn’t working, he could be found tinkering in his shop, cheering on his daughters at their sports, rodeos and 4-H events, or travelling on his Harley. He was always ready for a road trip and a good long visit.
Lee will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity and the friendships he built everywhere he went. He will be dearly missed by so many, but the life he lived, though far too short, was lived fully, wholeheartedly and without reservation.
A Celebration of Lee’s life will be held at Hillcrest Church, 3785 – 13 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor George Mills officiating. The service will be live-streamed. Those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so by visitinghttps://www.hillcrestchurch.net/funerals(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”

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