In Memoriam – 2012
Lesley Ellen Berg
1946 – November 9, 2012
Lesley Ellen Berg (nee Watson) of Medicine Hat, passed away on Thursday, November 22nd 2012 at the age of 66 years.
Lesley leaves to cherish her memory one son, Greg (Pam) Berg of Nipawin SK; one daughter, Karen Berg of Medicine Hat; two grandchildren, Brittnee Berg (Ryan) and Mitch Berg; two sisters, Marjorie Berg and Wendy (Bill) Wolcoski, all of Medicine Hat; one niece, Kelli-Lyn (Mauricio) Wolcoski-DeEstrada, and one nephew, Scott (Mandy) Berg and their daughters, Nayla and Aydria.
Lesley was predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Phyllis Watson; two brothers-in-law, Neil Berg and John Berg; and one sister-in-law, Maria Berg.
Katie Nellie Patterson
1910 – November 9, 2012
Katie Nellie Patterson of Medicine Hat, passed away on Friday, November 9, 2012, at the age of 102 years, beloved wife of the late Robert Patterson.
She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Pat Connell, Jean (Robert) Berndt and Wallace Patterson; four grandchildren, Alana (Scott), Chris, Bobbi Lynn (Jeff ) and Corrie (Jennifer) and nine great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents, Harry and Harriet Stredwick; and her husband, Robert in 2000.
Myrtle Lillian Bangs
1910 – November 5, 2012
Myrtle Lillian Bangs of Medicine Hat, passed away on Monday, November 5, 2012, at the age of 102 years. She was predeceased by her first husband Jeffrey Venables and her second husband Harvey Bangs. She is survived by her sister-in-law, Edna Silverthorne; nieces and nephews, Marion (Arthur) Gallais, Myrna (Bruce) Skrypnek, Robert Silverthorne, Gordon (Christina) Silverthorne and their families, who affectionately called her “their Auntie Mert” as well as Harvey’s daughters, Ina Oliver and Ruth (Gerald) O’Dwyer. Myrtle grew up in the small district of Social Plains south of Bindloss, Alberta. Her parents Bruce and Mary Silverthorne, loved their four children dearly, Myrtle had three brothers, Garnet, Douglas and Bruce who all predeceased her.
She graduated from Normal School and spent many enjoyable years teaching in small rural schools at Bindloss, Cavendish and Buffalo. She loved her students and they loved her. She kept in touch with them and was always interested in their well being. She had a very musical family and there was always music in their home which was always open to friends. Her brothers Garnet and Bruce played for many district dances. Another of Myrtle’s great loves was writing poetry, she amused herself for hours doing this. Her book of poems was loved and read often by her family. She spent the last four years of her life in the Meadowlands Retirement Home and loved the staff there who in turn took good care of her.
Keith Scott
July 18, 1933 – November 4, 2012
Mr. Keith Scott, beloved husband of Mrs. Joyce Scott of Medicine Hat, passed away on Sunday, November 4th, 2012 at the age of 79 years. Keith also leaves to cherish his memory four children, Ronda (Roger) Evans of Loon Lake, Saskatchewan, Graham (Dianna) Scott of Swift Current, Karen (Brad) Norton of Cold Lake, Alberta, and Donna (Ian) Morstad of Shaunavon, Saskatchewan; ten grandchildren, Brihoney, Megan (Nate), Stefan (Anna), Aubree (Nick), Jeremiah, Shawn, Alicia, Scott, Dane (Brooke), and Chloe; two great-grandchildren, Jaida and Elsa; Dianna’s daughter, Brinlee; two brothers, Ken (Bonnie) Scott and Blaine (Irma) Scott; one sister-in-law, Kathryn Scott; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Keith was predeceased by his parents, Ivan and Evelyn Scott; and one grandson, Morgan.
Keith was born on July 18th, 1933 in Piapot, Saskatchwan and attended school in Cardston and Maple Creek. In 1955, he married Joyce Wilde of Maple Creek. For 15 years, Keith worked as a Partsman at Maple Creek Motors, and for several of those years worked a second job delivering bread in the early mornings for McGavin’s Bakery. In 1964, he moved the family to Gull Lake to become a partner in a GM dealership. In 1970, Keith took over the management of Shaunavon Esso Service, and eventually bought and ran the business for the next 18 years. Those were some of the best years for him, as it became a true family business – with Joyce doing the bookkeeping, and the kids pumping gas and learning the value of an honest day’s work. Keith and Joyce sold the Esso and “retired” to Medicine Hat in 1988. Never one to sit idle, Keith worked for White’s Imperial Oil bulk station (which later became Gateway Fuel and Fertilizer), and relished the opportunity to work with good people and get an early start on the day! Even after he retired from Gateway, he continued to do handyman work for several more years.
Keith’s own father passed away when Keith was just 12 years old, the older brother to two little boys, aged 3 years and 9 months. This was likely the factor which most shaped his character – a very hardworking and responsible man, who found it easiest to show his love quietly in the things he did for others.
Keith enjoyed his years in Medicine Hat, woodworking, dancing, playing cards and socializing. He had a wonderful, teasing sense of humor and a twinkle in his eye to the end. He was a one-of-a-kind gentle man, and he will be so very missed.
Emma Eremenko
November 16, 1922 – October 1, 2012
Emma Eremenko of Medicine Hat passed away on Monday, October 1, 2012, at the age of 89 years, beloved wife of the late William Eremenko. She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Harvey Eremenko (Vicky Keslick), Marlene Baker and Archie (Inga) Eremenko; eight grandchildren, Christy (Simon) and their children Griffin and Noah; Curtis (Darcee) and their son Dillon; Correy (Rory) and their children Kassidy, Ethan and Taylor; Clayton, and their mother, Donna; Trevor (Jennifer) and their children Talan and Charlie; Ryan (Amanda); Jade (Meaghan) and their children Aisia and Ethan; Jason (Helena) and their daughter Adriana; one brother-in-law, Harvey Staples as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Gottlieb and Pauline Jans; her husband, William “Bill” on August 24, 1980; one son-in-law, Vern Baker on September 19, 1988, her brothers, Emil, Albert and Ben and her sisters, Ida, Olga, Alma and Elsie.
Emma was born on November 16, 1922 in the Newheim district south of Walsh, Alberta and received her education at the Muller School. Following her schooling she worked as a Nurses Aid at the Maple Creek Union Hospital. She then married William Eremenko on April 16, 1945 and together they farmed 20 miles west of Maple Creek until 1978 when they retired to Medicine Hat.
Emma enjoyed her friends at T.O.P.S. and made many memories with new and old friends. She was a good cook and the food was enjoyed by all. Emma enjoyed playing crib, bingo, quilting and talking on the phone as well as being outside and gardening. In November of 2006 she moved into the Wellington and enjoyed her new friends.
Maude Dubeau
1914 – Sept 11, 2012
Mrs. Maude Dubeau of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Mr. Raymond “Ray” Dubeau, passed away on Tuesday, September 11th, 2012 at the age of 98 years.
Maude leaves to cherish her memory three daughters, Rae (Allan) McLeod, Peggy (Bob) Robinson, and Linda Millington (Bob Bildfell); eleven grandchildren, Tracy (Jerry) Hensel, Carrie Schlenker, John (Shelley) McLeod, Jill (Jim) Lowry, Margy (Lee) Roworth, Shawn Vant, Danny (Leanne) Dubeau, Cindy (Scott) Maw, Brad Dubeau, Guy (Sarah) Millington, and Kelly (Jonathon) Loades-Carter; twenty great- grandchildren; one great-great- grandson; one sister, Doris Congram; and two daughters-in-law, Bev and Gay. Besides her husband Ray, Maude was predeceased by her son, Don; her parents, Jessie and Clara Wyatt; four brothers; two sisters; and two sons-in-law, Art Millington and John Vant.
Maude was born in Toronto and moved to Medicine Hat in 1924. She attended Connaught School and Alexandra High School before going to Normal School in Calgary from 1932 to 1933. Maude then taught school in Pearsonville and Bow Island. On August 20th, 1936, Maude married Raymond Dubeau and moved to the ranch. Then in 1965, they moved to Medicine Hat where Maude continued to reside until the time of her passing.
Charles (Charlie) Raymond Thompson
April 1, 1940 – September 7, 2012
Charles “Charlie” Raymond Thompson went to be with the Lord on Friday, September 7, 2012, at the age of 72 years. He leaves to cherish his memory his brothers, Bill (Carol) Thompson and Don Thompson, both of Medicine Hat; his four sisters, Doris (Bernard) Bolig and Sandy (Stan) Wilson, both of Medicine Hat, Cindy (Bill) Pearson of Redcliff and Susan (Mike) Williams of Edmonton as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, George and Leona Thompson; his brother, Bobby Thompson and one niece, Lisa Wilson.
Charlie was born on April 1, 1940 in Medicine Hat and lived on a prairie farm north of Bow Island until 1949 when the family moved to town. He took all of his schooling in Bow Island and then went to work with Milton Mack as an electrician. Later, Charlie became a janitor for the Gershaw School for a few years then moved to Medicine Hat to continue his janitorial work until his retirement. Charlie received the Golden Apple Award for his work in the church and the Golden Hero’s Award for his services in the Veiner Center. He was always ready and willing to help anyone in need.
Edna Ieleen (Kyle) Forsythe
April 28, 1921- July 15, 2012
Edna Ieleen (Kyle) Forsythe of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late Robert “George” Forsythe, passed away on Sunday, July 15th, 2012 at the age of 91 years. Edna leaves to cherish her memory her children, Dan (Donna) Forsythe and Judy Forsythe; four grandchildren, Malcolm (Julie), Shelly (Shawn), Aaron and Joel; and five great- grandchildren, Jaiden, Lauren, Brennan, Shad and Zander. She was also known as “Auntie Girlie” to all of her nieces and nephews, Kathy (Les), Lorraine (Rick), Scott (Liz), Kerri Lynn, Sally (Al), Rod (Bonnie) and their families. Each one of you held a special place in her heart. Besides her husband, George, Edna was predeceased by her parents; two brothers, Bill (Anne) and Ken (Sarah); and two sisters, Vernal and Valentine. Edna was born in Strome, Alberta to Wilson Scott and Margret Kyle on April 28th, 1921.
Edna worked in Edmonton as a bookkeeper before moving to Vancouver where she met and married Robert “George” Forsythe on October 29th, 1949. Following the births of their children, George and Edna moved back to Edmonton in 1953, then to Grande Prairie in 1955, to Burstall in 1964 and finally to Medicine Hat. Edna worked for Craven/Hall Insurance, Century Homes, and Assiniboia Hotels Association as a bookkeeper using all hand-entry books, no computers. She was active in Westminster United Church, a life member of the UCW, and a long-standing, dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Murray Chapter #58, where she made and kept many friends. She was a people person and will be missed by all who knew her, especially her family who will think of her often. She had a good life and now she can take her rest.
Edmund “Ed” Guy Henderson
Edmund “Ed” Guy Henderson passed away on Sunday, July 8, 2012, at the age of 81 years, beloved husband of Violet “Vi” Henderson, of Medicine Hat. He also leaves to cherish his memory five children, Janice (Ken) Henderson-Lypkie of Edmonton, Robert (Carol) Henderson of Medicine Hat, Stephanie (Jim) Simpson of Calgary, Garnet (Deb Bishop) Henderson of Ho-Ho-Kus, New Jersey, and Judy Henderson (Al Johnson) of Vancouver; ten grandchildren, Tyler, Jessica, Fraser, Justin (Nancy), Sabrina, Amber, Connor, Kaitlyn, Izzy, and Kaela; one great grandchild, Parker; six brothers, Dub (Gwen) Henderson, Larry (Vera) Henderson, Ron Henderson, Bob Henderson, Albert (Donna) Henderson, and Gerry (Theresa) Henderson; three sisters-in-law, Grace Heller, Inez Schuster, and Pearl Schuster. He was predeceased by his parents Rudyard and Florence Henderson; two sisters, Margaret Smith and Vernette Allison, two sisters-in-law, Lynn Henderson and Betty Arndt and five brothers-in-law, Pat Schuster, Bill Schuster, Quado Heller, Lyle Smith and Les Allison.
Edmund Henderson was first and foremost a family man. He was raised in Saskatchewan in a loving family, that taught him the values of hard work, kindness, loyalty and community service. He was proud of his parents, brothers and sisters and enjoyed their company and friendship throughout his life. With his loving wife, Vi, he raised five children of his own and always said that his kids were his greatest joy, until, of course, the grandchildren arrived. His cherished friends from Lethbridge and Medicine Hat were very much a part of his family, too.
Ed was an educator with the Lethbridge School District for 35 years and taught in Good Water, Saskatchewan, prior to that for several years. He was passionate about kids and physical education and was a respected colleague and leader. He always lead by example and so spent countless hours running, playing hockey, golfing and volunteering his time to community endeavours, one such being the Canada Winter Games.
Ed could never sit still for very long. He enjoyed working with his hands and loved the challenge of creating something new. He built the family cabin in Cypress Hills in 1975, and all of the furniture that went in it. He loved making handmade wood projects for his family and friends at Christmas and he carved amazing animals of all kinds for twenty years. He and Vi loved to winter in Mesa, Arizona, and travel the world with the Friendship Force.
He had many accomplishments in his life but his greatest was that he was loved by so many. “We were together. I forget the rest.” Walt Whitman
Willard Arthur Keith
March 6,1918 – June 2, 2012
Willard Arthur Keith, affectionately known as Bill, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital at the age of 94 years. Bill will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 70 years, Mary ‘Molly’; three sons, Douglas (Kathleen), Robert (Jeannie), Blair (Barbara); daughter, Bonnie (Adolf) Leis; grandchildren, Judith (Bruce) and their children, Jeffrey & Jessica; Jerri (Clayton) and their children, Presley & Hudson; Tracy, Laurie, Ryan, Jennifer, Jeff, Sherry, Michelle, granddaughter-in-law, Sheila and her children, Amanda & Brandon. Step-grandchildren, Blaine, Curtis, Gary (Jan), Timothy (Colleen). He was predeceased by his parents, Arthur and Ann Keith; daughter, Heather Keith; grandson, Jim Olson; step-granddaughter, Lanette Leis-Desanko; sister, Mary and brother, Ralph.
Bill was born in Swan River, Manitoba on March 6, 1918 and lived on the farm with his parents, a younger sister and a brother until the age of 11 years when the family moved to Winnipeg in 1929. Bill completed his high school education in Winnipeg and also one year of business college. His first employment was with the CPR Freight Claims Department until August 1941, when he joined the Royal Canadian Navy. Previous to his Naval posting, he served in the Reserve Army with the Winnipeg Grenadiers for two years. In 1944, Bill survived the torpedoing of the first all Canadian manned aircraft carrier on which he served with 800 men off the coast of Norway. Along with his shipmates he was recognized for his bravery and courage by escorting merchant ships with urgent supplies for Russia from England. Bill was granted a commemorative medal issued by the Russian President marking the 60th Anniversary of the Russian victory in the Great Patriotic War from 1941-1945. Upon his discharge from the Navy in November 1945, Bill secured employment with the Manitoba Government as a Court Reporter in Portage La Prairie, where he worked for two years; as well, he served as the part-time Secretary Treasurer for the Chamber of Commerce.
In May 1948, Bill accepted the position of City Clerk with the City of Medicine Hat serving for more than 30 years. Following his retirement in 1979, he was elected as an Alderman for a three year term. Bill was a charter member of the Alberta Association of City Clerks and Election Officials which was formed in 1952 and received a Life Membership Award from the Association in 1980. During his term in office as City Clerk, Bill worked with seven different Mayors and forty Aldermen, three of which were women. Bill was actively involved in community affairs serving as a three time President for the Kiwanis Club. In recognition of his service, Bill was made a Honourary Member of the Golden K – Kiwanis Club of Medicine Hat in 2009. His many activities included volunteer work with the local Royal Canadian Legion, of which he was a long time member as well as with a number of charitable organizations in the City.
Bill was an avid reader and especially enjoyed books relating to World War II. Bill claimed that crossword puzzles kept his aging mind on alert. He also had a keen sense of humor which he loved sharing with his family and friends. Bill’s interest in sports was evident through his involvement in golf, curling, baseball, hockey and football. He especially enjoyed playing eight ball in his later years with his buddies and was elated whenever he emerged as a winner.
Marjorie Caroline Geissler
August 9, 1922 – May 14, 2012
Marjorie Caroline Geissler (nee Hursh), beloved wife of the late Henry (Hank, 1990) Geissler of Swift Current, Saskatchewan passed away on Monday, May 14, 2012, at the Riverview Care Centre in Medicine Hat at the age of 89 years.
She was born to Leroy (Roy) and Amalia (Molly) Hursh of Cabri, Saskatchewan, the youngest of three children. She leaves to cherish her memory eleven beloved children, Gordon (Kathy) Geissler, Medicine Hat, Ronald (Flora) Geissler, Saskatoon, Carolyn Geissler, Medicine Hat, Sharon (Ken) Moen, Medicine Hat, Vern (Lorraine) Geissler, Calgary, Dianne Meyers (Art, in memory), Wawota, Larry (Janice) Geissler, Calgary, Donna Coble (Jim, in memory), Edmonton, Wendy (Bill) Waters, Medicine Hat, Jon (Peggy) Geissler, Saskatoon and Linda (Steve) Hamm, Saskatoon; fifteen grandchildren; sixteen great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Roy and Amalia Hursh, her husband Hank, of 49 years; brother, Gordon (Clara) Hursh; sister, Kathleen (Henry) Wagner and numerous in-laws.
Marjorie was born on August 9, 1922 and raised on the family farm at Cabri, Saskatchewan, where she loved the freedom of the outdoors and had a passion for gardening. She raised a large family with the strength of her love and deep faith. They lived for 49 years in Swift Current then she moved in 1998 to Medicine Hat so she could be closer to family. Family get together’s always brought much joy to Marjorie. Her family and faith were the cornerstone of her life.
Thomas “Tom” Pragnell
1921 – May 3, 2012
Mr. Thomas “Tom” Pragnell of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Patricia “Pat” Pragnell, passed away on Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 at the age of 90 years.
Tom leaves to cherish his memory his children, Doug (Alice) of Bridgeport, Nebraska, Don of Wainwright, Jim of Argentina, and Leah (Carl) Campbell of Medicine Hat; six grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one sister, Dorothy Gayford of Calgary; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Sarah; one brother, Harry (Peggy); one sister, Mary Brown; and two brothers-in-law.
Tom was born and raised in Bassano where he also received his education. In 1940, he enlisted with the Royal Canadian Navy and received his discharge in 1947. Tom married Patricia Robinson on September 17th, 1949 in Bassano and began employment with the Canadian Pacific Railway in the rail car department in Medicine Hat. After three years in Medicine Hat, he was relocated to East Coulee where he spent twelve years before returning to Medicine Hat.
He retired in 1987 after 37 years. Tom’s home was with Leah and Carl where he shared lots of family time especially with his great-grandchildren. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Robertson Memorial Branch #17 and the CPR Pensioners Club. Tom was a generous, kind and quiet man and will be greatly missed.
Barbara Ann Collard
July 9, 1951 – April 3, 2012
On Tuesday, April 3, 2012, Barbara Ann Collard passed away unexpectedly at the age of 60. She is survived by her daughters, Lori (Morley) Herter and Kimberly (Mike) Vair; grandchildren, Brooklyn, Brock and Mikayla Herter; mother, Hazel Collard; brothers; Norman (Maria) Collard and Gordon (Joan) Collard; special friend, Stewart Johnston and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father, Bruce Collard as well as an infant sister.
Barbara was born in Medicine Hat on July 9, 1951. She attended elementary school in Redcliff and received her High School Diploma from Medicine Hat High School. She then entered the workforce and has worked at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital for the past 27 years. Most recently, she was enjoying her new role as an OR Porter.
Barbara really loved going on trips abroad, camping and going for walks with her constant companion, her dog Jack. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends at her home on special occasions. Barbara was the glue that bound the family together thru thick and thin. She will be missed by all that were fortunate enough to know her.
A Celebration of Barbara’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend James Farrell officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) As an expression of sympathy, those wishing to remember Barbara may do so with a gift to the SPCA, 55 Southwest Drive S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 8E8, or the charity of one’s choice. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455
Garry Lane Mogck
January 23, 1930 – March 26th, 2012
Mr. Garry Lane Mogck, beloved husband of Mrs. Victoria Mogck of Medicine Hat, passed away on Monday, March 26th, 2012 at the age of 82 years.
Garry also leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Ivan (Marlene) of Grande Prairie and Larry (Pat) of Stony Plain; three daughters, Delores (Barry) Meier of Bow Island, Sherry (Les) Forester and Catherine Gantz (Dennis) both of Calgary; ten grandchildren, Stefan and Nathan Mogck, Jacqueline (Rob) Westland, Coralee (Chris) Grudgfield, Danny Forester, Terry (Angie) Forester, Kendra, Justin and Jenna Mogck, and Eric Gantz; six great-grandchildren, Jesse and Tyrell Westland, John, Darien, and Ebony Grudgfield, and William Forester; two brothers, Charles (Adeline) and Melvin (Muriel); one sister, Vivian (Lawrence) Waldbauer; numerous nieces and nephews; and many cousins. Garry was predeceased by his parents, Jacob and Erna Mogck; and one great-granddaughter, Leah Dickson.
Garry was born in Medicine Hat on January 23rd, 1930. He farmed and ranched in the Walsh and Maple Creek areas operating a dairy business for 25 years. In his younger years, Garry played in many country bands and was very proud of his music. He raised his family to love music as well and was a loving husband and father who was especially proud of his grandchildren.
In 1988, Garry moved to an acreage in the Medicine Hat area and in 2000 he relocated to a residence in Medicine Hat. Garry will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by his family and friends.
Ralph Lee Clarkson
1926 – March 15th, 2012
Mr. Ralph Lee Clarkson of Medicine Hat passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 15, 2012 at The Valleyview.
Left to cherish his memory is his loving wife, Lois, their children Dawn Cote, Kevin (Jeannette) Clarkson, Blair (Sharon Perry) Clarkson, Marcia (Darren) Dormuth, Grandchildren Tracy (Graham) Cowley, Challa (Vance) Crouse, Lee (Carla) Clarkson, Jillian Clarkson, Erin Dormuth, and 18 Great Grandchildren.
A graveside service and interment will be held at a later date in Arcola, SK.
Herbert Pahl
March 4, 1924 – February 28, 2012
Herbert Pahl, beloved husband of Lydia Pahl of Medicine Hat, passed away on Tuesday, February 28, 2012, at the age of 87 years (short 5 days of celebrating his 88th birthday). He also leaves to cherish his memory three children, Carol Martin, Sharon (Bill) Jones and Darcy (Pat) Pahl; his grandchildren, Melody Martin, Kevin (Lynn Martin) Jones, Gregg (Ronalee) Jones and Jordan Pahl; Christina and Kaylin Bradley and one great grandson, Duke Jones. Herbert was predeceased by his mother Bertha Pahl and his father Reinhald Pahl, sister’s Esther Chesley, Evelyn Faulkner and brother’s Alfred (Sonny) and Clarence Pahl. Herbert is survived by his sister’s Josephine Habberlack, Isabelle Fleck, Emelia Matuska and brother Alex Pahl and many nieces and nephews.
Herbert was born on March 4, 1924 at Walsh, Alberta and spent his younger years in Lethbridge, Medicine Hat and Bellevue. On September 10, 1945 he married Lydia Knoblick. This September they would have celebrated 67 years of marriage. Throughout his life, Herbert worked in the coalmines, flour mill, Medalta Potteries and the IXL Brick and Tile, and after 21 years retired from IXL in May, 1989.
Herbert and Lydia bought their farm in 1971, then built a house and moved to the farm in 1979. Darcy (son) had been helping run the farm with Herb and Lydia during this time. Herbert worked well with his hands in wood working and making pottery molds. Following retirement, Lydia and Herb moved a large building onto the farm and started a ceramic shop called “Country Lane Ceramics” as well as continuing to farm with their son Darcy. While farming, at the age of 80 years, he had a stomach aneurism and was unable to actively farm since that time.
He was a strong man, good husband and father who loved farming and spending time with his grandchildren, and was very happy to meet his first great grandson.
Gordon Bruins
June 26, 1937 – February 18, 2012
Mr. Gordon Bruins, beloved husband of Mrs. Anne Bruins of Medicine Hat, passed away on Saturday, February 18th, 2012 at the age of 74 years. Gordon leaves to cherish his memory two children, Janet (Rob) Delpierre of Tumbler Ridge, BC and Darren (Kathy) Bruins of Calgary; three grandchildren, Anastasia Delpierre, Mackenzie Bruins and Brooklyn Bruins; and one brother, Don (Faye) Bruins; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Gordon was predeceased by his parents, Gunster and Ruth Bruins.
Gordon was born on June 26th, 1937 in Medicine Hat and grew up on the family farm just north of Seven Persons. He attended high school at Alexandra High School in Medicine Hat and graduated from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture in 1958.
He married the love of his life, M. Anne McCormick in 1963 and had excitedly begun planning their 50th anniversary celebration for next June. After short stints working with Canada Packers and farming full time, Gordon joined the PFRA (Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Act) and then the ADC (Alberta Development Corporation) in Lethbridge where he devoted himself to improving the lives of farmers and the agriculture industry in Alberta. Gordon continued to work the family farm throughout his career, and was extremely proud of the 100 years the Bruins family owned their homestead outside of Medicine Hat.
After “retiring” in 2002 from ADC in Lethbridge and moving with Anne to Seven Persons, Gordon began the second chapter in his service to Alberta’s agriculture industry; he served on the boards of several organizations, including the Alberta Irrigation Council, the SouthAlta REA and the Cypress County Planning Commission while farming full time.
Gordon was an active member of the United Church throughout his life – from youth groups in Vauxhall to congregations at Southminster in Lethbridge and Westminster in Medicine Hat. Gordon enjoyed several hobbies and activities throughout his life including curling, hunting, membership in the Kinsmen and K-40 clubs; but his real passion was the study of genealogy and the history of the Bruins family. He was extremely proud of the knowledge he accumulated through genealogy and loved communicating it with relations in North America, Europe and especially to his grandchildren.
Flora Guab
Flora Elizabeth Gaub of Medicine Hat, passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2012, at the age of 87 years. She was predeceased by her first husband, Stephen Wieting and second husband Otto Gaub.
She leaves to cherish her memory three children, Patricia (Dave) McKittrick of Drayton Valley, Raymond (Peggy) Wieting of Alberta Beach and John (Sharon) Wieting of Drayton Valley; five grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Besides her husbands, Flora was predeceased by her parents, Elizabeth and John Gillespie; her brother Donald Gillespie and a sister Janet Gillespie.
Emma Vollmann
Mrs. Emma Vollmann of Medicine Hat, passed away on Tuesday, January 24th, 2012 at the age of 91 years. Emma also leaves to cherish her memory two children, Rodger (Frances) Hanna of Redcliff and June (Ron) Schmidt of Medicine Hat; five grandchildren: Ricky (Melissa) Hanna of Medicine Hat and their daughters, Alexis and Sophie; Curtis Hanna of Calgary; Richelle (Sean) O’Donnel of Calgary; Robroy (Andra) Schmidt of Victoria, BC and their daughter, Emmelia; and Rocky (Beth) Schmidt of Medicine Hat and their children, Shania, Ashley and Lynden; two brothers, Alfred Frank of Medicine Hat and Richard (Lorraine) Frank of Calgary; one sister, Ruth Dubitz of Calmar, Alberta; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Emma was predeceased by her first husband, Roy Louis Hanna; her second husband, Clement Vollmann; her parents, George and Susana Frank; one daughter, Beverley Joan Hanna; and one brother, Elmer Frank. Emma was a life member of the Eastern Star and a long-time member of the UCW at Westminster United Church.
Ronald Carl Becker
August 16, 1919 – January 4, 2012
Ronald “Ron” Carl Becker of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2012, at the age of 92 years. He leaves to cherish his memory two sons, Bruce (Loy) Becker of Sherwood Park and Ryan Becker of Chruchbridge, Saskatchewan; his grandchildren, Casey (Sal) (their daughter Hailey); Megan; Travis, Alicia, Kiersten and Josh and their mother Kim; one brother, Irwin (Bernice) Becker; three sisters, Nita Sauser, Hildegard (John) Kurucz, Erna (Fred) Hutchings as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Ron was predeceased by his wife and mother of their children, Freda on April 25, 1987; his second wife Anna on January 26, 2001; one brother Wally and four sisters, Amanda Nebras, Elsie Rosen, Marv Dressler and Sylvia Rosen.
Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Monday, from 9:00 – 10:55 a.m. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Monday, January 9, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. James Farrell officiating. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society #102 Crestwood Square One, 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z8. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Ronald Becker, or you may visit www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca and leave a message of condolence.