2007 Obituaries

Alexander “Art” Lees, beloved husband of 46 years to Anne of Calgary, passed away at the Peter Lougheed Hospital on Sunday, February 4, 2007, at the age of 71 years.

Art will be lovingly remembered by his children, Cindy (Paul) Gamracy, Heather Lees, Collin (Kari) Lees, Dianne Lees; ten grandchildren, Sherri, Amanda, Kayla, Jason, Patrick, Matthew, Jesse, Amy, Megan and William as well as his sister, Jean Mills and numerous extended family members.

Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, James Lees, his sister, Heather Gerding.

Art was born in Consort and farmed on the family homestead. He married Anne in 1960 and together relocated to Calgary where he began his career in carpentry. He enjoyed camping with his family, and will be dearly missed by all whose lives he touched.

A Celebration of Art’s Life was held in the Chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. Interment to follow in the Garden of Serenity, Mountain View Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements entrusted to Mountain View Funeral Home, Calgary .

Jack Pullar (JP) Mitchell

(Sept. 16, 1914 – Feb. 4, 2007)

Jack leaves to mourn his beloved wife Edith Mary (nee McClure); children Dr. Robert (Helen), Joan (Lorence) Isaman, Dr. David Bruce (Maureen); grandchildren Andrew (Marissa), Patrick, Courtenay (Andrew) Lyons, Diane (David) Sandbrand, Janis Isaman, David Isaman, Erin (Ryan) Plank, Graeme, Scott, Ian; great-grandchild  Luke; one brother-in-law and one sister-in-law, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Jack was predeceased by his brothers Kenneth Bruce and Clifford Alexander as well as his parents Alexander and Agnes Mitchell who emigrated from Scotland in 1910.

Jack died peacefully in his sleep on Feb. 4 with Edith at his side in the Consort Extended Care Facility, Consort, AB where he and Edith have resided for the past 5 ½ years.

Jack was born in Scotland September 16, 1914 when his mother, after visiting family, was prevented from returning home because of the outbreak of WWI. He spent his formative years in Calgary before moving to Edmonton where he obtained a BSc from the University of Edmonton in 1942. He rarely spoke of his time spent overseas during WWII with the Canadian Army Signal Corps, rising to Captain, but was proud to have served from 1942-46.  Shortly after returning to Edmonton, Jack met the love of his life, Edith Mary McClure who he married Sept. 12, 1946.  He obtained his MEd in 1956 from Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon, USA.

Jack was the first Principal of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology during its planning and development stages from 1960-62. For 12 years he was Director of Technical-Vocational Education, and finished his career after 35 years with the Alberta Government as Assistant Deputy Minister of Special Services, Department of Advanced Education.

He served in a consulting capacity for the UN as well as the Canadian International Development Agency, helping to develop and build the Benin Technical College in Benin City, Nigeria.

After 39 years living in Edmonton, he and Edith retired to Victoria, BC in 1985 where they resided until 2001 at which time declining health brought them back to Alberta to be closer to family.

Jack will be remembered for his outspokenness, his quirky sense of humour, his ability to give impromptu speeches, and his quiet love of family.

Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, of Coronation, AB. are entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

Bessie Smith

(Apr.16, 1913-Feb. 19, 2007)

Bessie Emma Alberta Smith passed away February 19, in Consort Hospital following a few months of failing health.

Bessie Smith (nee Carmichael), the eldest of three, was born on her parent’s homestead in the Wiste district of Alberta, near Little Gem, on April 16th, 1913. She started school at Lothian at seven years of age but attended only in the spring and fall months. She finished her elementary schooling at Philo School.

In 1927 she enrolled at Naco Rural High School and boarded with various families in Naco. After finishing grade eleven she left to attend Normal School in Calgary for one year, training to become a teacher. She returned to start teaching at Sedalia Rural School and over the course of several years, at Roland and Lothian schools.

In 1937 she returned to school as a student to take her grade twelve at Victoria High School in Edmonton at the same time working for her room and board. After summer school that year, she obtained her First Class Permanent Teaching Certificate. In 1938 she taught at Park Court north of Evansburg and walked two miles through the bush to work.

In 1939 she taught at Marwayne filling in for the male teachers going off to war. In 1941 she returned to the Naco area to marry George Smith and over the following years taught in the Naco Rural High School, Sedalia, Nacotown and Acadia Valley schools. During this time her only child, daughter Sonia, was born.

In 1968 her husband George retired from farming and they moved to Consort. In 1969 George suffered a stroke and Bessie looked after him for five years in their home until his passing in 1975.

Bessie then returned to teaching a class of special needs students in Oyen and lived there for two years until she retired and moved back to Consort in 1978. She was active in the Community Club, Consort Seniors Club and the Rebekah’s Organization.

From 1980-83 she spent time along with many other local people, compiling and editing the Consort history book “The Sunnyside of the Neutrals”. Bessie always enjoyed being active and played softball, tennis, curling and dancing over the years until her failing eyesight left her unable to do so.

She was predeceased by her mother (1953); father (1956); husband George (1975); brother Bob Carmichael (1992); brother-in-law Stan Camp (1994); only grandson Arlen Dumaresq (1998); and sister-in-law Margaret Car- michael (2005).

Surviving are her daughter Sonia Dumaresq (Ron); sister Clara Camp; three granddaughters Cyndy (Brian) Tetlock, Teresa (Peter) Guthrie, Holly (Marc) Riopel; two great-granddaughters Camryn Guthrie and Kristen Riopel; two great grandsons Mitchell Guthrie and Ryan Riopel; one nephew; one niece; two great nieces; and three great nephews.

Funeral Service was held Friday, February 23, at the Sedalia Community Hall in Sedalia, Alberta. Officiating Clergy was Rev. Sandy Macpherson. Marvel Jorgen-son was the organist and special music was provided by Sonia Domaresq with “In the Garden” and Ralph Jorgen-son with “In the Sweet Bye and Bye”. Hymns were “Amazing Grace” and “Abide With Me”. Pallbearers were Peter Guthrie, Brian Tetlock, Marc Riopel, John Camp, Patrick Carmichael, and Glenn Harasym. Honorary Pallbearers were Bessie’s family, friends, and neighbours who cared and shared in her life.

Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the Sedalia Community Club in the Sedalia Community Hall.

MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.

A Teacher’s Prayer

I want to teach my students how

To live this life on earth,

To face its struggles and its strife

And to improve their worth.

Not just the lesson in a book

Or how the rivers flow,

But to choose the proper path

Wherever they may go.

To understand eternal truth

And know right from wrong,

And gather all the beauty of

A flower and a song.

For if I help the world to grow

In wisdom and in grace,

Then I feel that I have won

And I have filled my place.

And so I ask your guidance, God,

That I may do my part,

For character and confidence

And happiness of heart.

– James J. Metcalf

(April 15, 1915 – Feb. 23, 2007)

Annie leslie of Camrose was born in Heisler on April 15, 1915. She passed away in Edmonton on February 23, 2007 at the age of 91 years. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank Leslie, on November 2, 1996.

She is survived by her three daughters, Mary Ann (Noel), Donna and Betty (Barry) all of Edmonton; two sons, Donald (Dorothy) and Dennis (Karen) both of Camrose. Also left to cherish her memory are seven grandchildren: Kevin Day (Sherry), Leslie Day (Virginia), Darren Day (Pam), Michelle Bowman (Wayne), Richard Leslie (Rochelle), Amber Davis (Cory), and Joseph Leslie (Amy); and 17 great grandchildren, Jared, Emily, Rachael, Christopher, Steven and Michael Day, Carly and Matthew Bowman, Arielle, Abigail, Jacob, Colton, Chase and Sidney Leslie, Braden Davis, Chase and Chloe Anderson.

She was predeceased by her parents, Mary and John Tarnowski, her three sisters and five brothers.

Prayer services were held on Wednesday, February 28 at 7:30 p.m. at Burgar Funeral Chapel with the Mass of Christian Burial the next day at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church in Camrose.

(Note – The Frank Leslie family lived just west of Consort in the late ’40’s when he taught school in town.)

(June 30, 1913 – Feb. 26, 2007)

Mr. Roger T. Plumb of Rimbey, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre ~ Area Three, Rimbey on Monday, February 26, 2007 at the age of 93 years.

Roger was born on June 30, 1913 in Consort, Alberta. He grew up on the family farm close to Sounding Lake.

In 1939, Roger was united in marriage to his sweetheart, Olive Mitchell. They settled and farmed close to Roger’s family farm, where sons, Alan and Gordon were born. In 1947, they moved to a farm northwest of Rimbey, where son, Dale was born. Roger continued to farm and live in the community until his passing.

Roger will be lovingly remembered by his three sons, Alan (Janet) Plumb of Drayton Valley; Gordon (Carol) Plumb of Rimbey; and Dale (Gail) Plumb of Calgary; as well as six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He will also be lovingly remembered by his sister, Flora Keaton of Rimbey; in addition to many nieces and nephews, other relatives, and many friends. Roger was predeceased by his wife, Olive in 2000; and two brothers, Frank and Harold.

A Memorial Service in Celebration of Roger’s Life was held at the Zion Lutheran Church, Rimbey on Monday, March 5, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend David Holmes officiating. Organist Connie Jensen played for the congregational hymns, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”, “Be Still, My Soul” and “Abide With Me”. A Tribute was given by Roger’s Family. A special recorded selection, “In The Blue Canadian Rockies” was played for the recessional. Following the service family and friends gathered in the Fellowhip Hall of the church for refreshments provided by the Anglican Church Ladies. Cremation has taken place with interment to follow at a later date.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Oberhammer Funeral Chapels Ltd., Rimbey, AB.

Mary Robinson (nee Wagstaff)

(September 11, 1918 – March 11, 2007)

On March 11, 2007, Mrs. Mary Robinson of Innisfail passed away at the age of 88 years. Mary (nee Wagstaff) was born on a farm south of Loyalist in the Consort area on September 11, 1918. She attended Jewett School until High School when she went to Silverdale and Veteran.

On July 8, 1941 Mary married Darvin I. Robinson and moved to his farm south of Consort. Together they farmed and raised four children. Mary was a member of the Loyalist Women’s Institute for many years and held all offices. She belonged to the Loyalist Community Association and was secretary-treasurer for years. Mary was known for her extensive canning and freezing from her very large gardens. She loved flowers and enjoyed growing them and entering them in the fair, but her pride and joy were her family and their families. Nothing was too great a challenge to help them out in any way that she could. Family love was a priority.

Mary was a dear friend to many and she was known for her sense of class and style and youthful attitude. She always looked much younger than her years.

On July 2nd, 1984 Mary and Darvin retired to Innisfail where their daughter, Janet, was nursing. They bought an acreage there and sold their farm to their son, Matthew and wife, Lorna and they continue to farm there. Mary continued her gardening, canning and freezing and had friends help pick the raspberries, as there were so many.

On July 6th, 1991 Mary and Darvin celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary at the Legion in Innisfail. A very large crowd attended and it was a highlight in their married life. The family presented them with a gold plate. There were family photos taken and eight framed photos were given to them from the family.

On November 20th, 1991 Darvin had a heart attack and had to slow down and in 1994 he had to be placed in the Red Deer Auxiliary. At the same time Mary had to have a total hip replacement. But after a year or so she was well again and gardening. She spent a lot of time with Darvin at the Auxiliary doing whatever was needed. She had cut his hair for over 54 years when he passed away on February 7th, 1996.

In July 2005 she had to have her second hip replacement and recovered from that as well. On January 29, 2007 she suffered a heart attack and was in Red Deer and Innisfail Hospitals. She returned to her home on March 1 with a caregiver, Cathy Yap, whom she adored. She passed away peacefully in her home on Sunday morning, March 11, with her daughter, Janet and Cathy with her.

Mary leaves to mourn her loss, three daughters: Mary Evelyn (Don) of Williams Lake, BC, Gloria Ann (Richard) of Coronation, Janet Elaine of Innisfail; one son Matthew Darvin (Lorna) of Consort; eight grandchildren: Trevor (Jody), Troy (Michelle), Steven (Carrie), Tanya (Miles), Scott (Norene), Daryll (Lesley), Douglas (Sophie) and Laura (Shane); 14 great grandchildren; sisters in law Maisie Hennan of Camrose and Martha Gathercole of Airdrie; nieces, nephew, other relatives and many friends.

She was predeceased by her parents, James and Mary Wagstaff; two brothers James and Bud; sister Margaret Hainer and brother in law Lawrence Hainer; sister in law Darlene Wagstaff; brothers in law Milton Hennan and Lorence Robinson; parents in law Matilda and Willard Robinson; and her loving husband of 55 years Darvin.

Funeral Services were held at Knox United Church, Consort, AB, on March 28, 2007 at 3:00 PM. with Rev. Sandy Macpherson officiating. Organist Robbie Knight played for the congregational hymns “The Old Rugged Cross” and “In the Garden” as the Knox United Church Choir led them. Granddaughter Tanya Hyland and Grandson Scott Robinson gave tributes to Grandma. Great Granddaughter Kyla Konschuh read a Poem.

Honorary Pallbearers were “All of Her Many Friends.” Active pallbearers were grandsons Steven Konschuh, Trevor Hansen, Troy Hansen, Scott Robin- son, Daryll Robinson and Doug Robinson. She will be laid to rest at Lakeroad Cemetery in the spring beside her loving husband Darvin.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, Alberta Diabetes or the charity of the donor’s choice in care of Box 186, Castor, AB T0C 0X0. If you wish to send your condolences you may sign the guestbook at the website: www.parkview funeralchapels.com

Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium “Families Serving Families” throughout East Central Alberta were entrusted with the care & funeral arrangements.

Barbara passed away on August 10th, 2007, suddenly but peacefully, from heart failure.

Barbara lived a long and full life, and she often reminisced about her feats of athleticism on the ball diamond in Compeer where she could hit the soft ball out of the park – “farther than the boys even”! She loved the horses on her parents’ farm, recalling how Tony and Nick had such soft noses and how one of them had saved her from a group of coyotes one day when she was out in the fields. Although she was not a great fan of school, she still liked to tell stories of her days in the one room Crocus dale school and the formidable Miss Tough, under whose watchful eye one could ‘hear a pin drop’. She often spoke of the times she and her family sat around Uncle John’s radio listening to the Carter Family and Jimmy Rogers on the station out of Del Rio, Texas. Barbara loved music.

When Barb left home, she dearly wished to become a nurse and she worked in Edmonton at the Colonel Mewburn Hospital for veterans of the Second World War. It was here, working as a ward aid, that she met Robert, who became her husband for the next 55 years. Through all the ups and downs, they stayed together! In the early years, it seemed they might not have any children so Barb and Bob went to Beulah Home orphanage where they were captivated by the smile of a chubby little girl – they called her Donna. After that, along came four boys, one after another: Doug, Jim, Bobby and Ron. Barb often said that the years when her children were small were the happiest days of her life. She dearly loved watching them grow and reach such milestones as their first communions – her Catholic faith was a very important part of her life. When they were young, they often visited with the Hecks, especially Charlie’s farm at Compeer.

The family transferred from Edmonton to CFB Wainwright in 1963. Barb often spoke about the time she and the family lived at Park Farm, the old buffalo park outside of Wainwright. Here Barb raised chickens, ducks and turkeys, even housing the babies in the house when the barn got too cold. Unfortunately, the coyotes got the ducks and the turkeys were more like pets – there are even pictures of the boys riding on their backs! She also talked about a baby fawn that they kept at their home for a time, which she always regretted not getting a picture of.

Barb often spoke about her trip to Germany with her sister, Emma, in the early 1980s, when they met two of her mother, Leontina’s sisters. There was a rich family history from the early days before the Hecks came to Canada and Barb often spoke about it.

In later years, after her children had left home, she and Bob moved to Red Deer where they enjoyed their retirement years going for afternoon drives in the country and walks about town. Barb loved to go and see the first crocuses of the season and the progress of the farmers crops. She also loved to watch the chickadees come to her birdfeeder and would always be on the lookout for unusual birds in the bush. Barb always loved art and tried her hand at painting, especially in her later years. Music always made her happy as well; she even enjoyed some of the music that her children liked when they were teenagers. Barb always kept in close touch with all her siblings, from the ones scattered about Alberta, all the way to Annie in Ontario. She wrote and received many letters and went quite often to visit or attend family events.

One of the hardest things Barb ever had to deal with was the death of her son, Jim, from cancer in 1999. Barb stayed at his side throughout his illness and the two shared the strength that came from their faith in God. Only three years later, her husband, Bob, also passed away after a difficult struggle with cancer. These years were hard as she lost these important people. As time went on, she gradually lost more and more of her siblings – over the past two years, Aunt Flora, Caroline, Annie and Uncle Charlie all passed away in quick succession.

Barb planned to move to Calgary to live with her daughter, Donna. As fate would have it, this plan wasn’t meant to be. Barb suffered a major stroke, which left her paralyzed on her left side. She managed to get a placement in Calgary, first at the Fanning Center and then at Newport Harbour Care Center. She struggled to adjust to life in a wheelchair and it was by no means easy, but Barb managed to keep some of her “Heck” sense of humor. She worked hard with rehabilitation exercises at the Talisman Center and gradually regained enough mobility to transfer with assistance and limited use of her left hand. In Calgary she could be close to her daughter, Donna and her granddaughters, Rebekah and Genny. She especially liked the times shared with Jasmine and Ariadne, her great-granddaughters and was thrilled with Phoenix, who was born in 2005 – she nicknamed him “Mister Blister”. He spent much time with her, both at Newport Harbour and at Donna’s place whenever Barb came home. The last few months it seemed it was he who could always guarantee a smile on Barb’s face. She also had visits from her son, Doug and his boys, who still lived in Red Deer, as well as her son, Ron, who lived in Vancouver. These visits gave her great happiness, particularly when Ron brought his two sweet doggies, Phil and Marco. Barb loved most animals (except bears and other ‘wild beasts’) and she loved to see dogs, cats and birds at every opportunity. Aunt Madeline and Uncle Norbert also kept her up to date on family developments and were able to visit quite regularly. She enjoyed visits from her nieces and nephews and they always brightened her day.

We all miss her very much.

Barbara’s thoughts on death:

When on my day the evening shadows fall,

I will go down where a quiet river flows;

Into a sea from which no man returns

And there, embark for lands where life immortal grows.

Joseph Wiechnik

(Aug. 18, 1915-Aug. 24, 2007)

Joe is survived by his life partner of almost 62 years, Sylvia, and his children Gary (Mary-Ellen) and Randy (Regina) Wiechnik of Oyen, and Charlene (Ben) Durand of Medicine Hat; grandchildren Lane (Gerri) and Ashley (special friend Stacey Dobrosky) Wiechnik, Craig and Lynda Wiechnik, Blair and Brian Wiechnik and their mother Marilyn, and Landon and Tristan Matz and their father Randy; sisters Anne Johnson and Cecelia Simkin; sisters-in-law Dorothy and Catherine Wiechnik of Consort.

Joe was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Antonina Wiechnik; toddler son Wayne Wiechnik in 1948 and Doug Wiechnik in November 1999; all of his brothers John, Ed, Tom and Leonard Wiechnik; one sister Phyllis Oxamitny; and a beloved member of Joe and Sylvia’s family, Walter Secord.

Joe was blessed with a long life, outliving many of his old friends and business associates. To summarize a life spanning 92 years in a few paragraphs is a near impossibility. For those who are interested, Joe wrote his own story this past winter which will soon appear in the latest edition of the Oyen and District history book.

We want Joe to be remembered for the man he was. He loved the land and farming and all that was associated with it. As recently as a year ago, he revelled in the beauty of harvest time on the prairies from the inside of a new combine. Just one week before his death, Joe spent several hours with two of his grandsons driving the length and breadth of the farm that meant so much to him.

Joe was part of this community for well over half a century. During this time he operated a business, farmed, raised a family and buried two children here. As long as Joe was able to, he lived to get in his truck and go for drives in the countryside, to meet the guys for coffee and to read a variety of newspapers daily, particularly their classified sections. Joe died reading The Western Producer.

We as family, remember Joe as a husband, dad, father-in-law and grandpa, possessing a sharp mind right to the end and a dry wit that was so characteristic of him. He was not a man of many words or one who was given to showy displays of affection but in his own way, he showed his love and commitment to us. He will live in our minds and hearts forever. We realize what a privilege it has been to have this man with us until his 92nd year. It is with sadness but also with much love and gratitude that we say good bye to Joe today.

Funeral Service was held Tuesday, August 28, at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Oyen, Alberta. Rev. Roger Kett officiated and Marvel Jorgenson was the organist. A eulogy was given by Joe’s son-in-law, Ben Durand. Special music was ‘Dusty Old Farmer’ by Sherry Bamber and Ralph Jorgenson; and Robbie Shields sang “Wore Out” and “Who Put the Color in the Rose”. “Amazing Grace” was the hymn. Pallbearers were Lane Wiechnik, Ashley Wiechnik, Craig Wiechnik, Lynda Wiechnik, Blair Wiechnik, Brian Wiechnik, Landon Matz and Tristan Matz.

Memorial tributes may be directed to the Oyen & District Health Care Foundation, Box 150, Oyen, AB. T0J 2J0; the Canadian Diabetes Association, 102-73 7th Street SE, Medicine Hat, AB. T1A 1J2; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the Eastern Star Serenity Chapter 113, Royal Canadian Legion Ladies and Oyen United Church Women in the Royal Canadian Legion Hall, Oyen, Alberta.

MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.

AURELIA JOYCE TAINSH

Aurelia Joyce Tainsh, a long time resident of Consort, Alberta passed away in the Consort Hospital on September 6, 2007 at the age of 72 years.

Aurelia Joyce Diamond was born on June 2, 1935 in Flowers Cove, Newfoundland. Joyce was then raised in St. Anthony, Newfoundland at the Grenfell Mission where her mother worked as a seamstress.

In 1953, at the age of 18, Joyce finished school, and headed for Detroit, Michigan to join the Canadian Chapter of the USO, and a year later was stationed in Alymer, Ontario. She moved on to go to the base at Gimli, Manitoba and in 1956 married Orville Bissett. Late in the year of 1957 their daughter, Shelly was born.

It was here Joyce would meet and become lifelong friends with Lloyd and June Kuhn. It was at their request that Joyce and Shelly finally came to Consort, where Joyce would start work in the Hotel Restaurant as a waitress and remained there for several years. She also worked as a Switchboard Operator for several years at the local phone office until it was closed.

It was during these years Joyce would meet and marry in 1964 to John (Jack) Tainsh, and they would have two sons, Todd and Derek. Joyce went to work at the Wiltse IGA for many years and then had the coin laundry shop for a couple of years.

Raising their children in Consort was a real joy to Joyce, and she was always seen at the hockey games of her boys with a very loud homemade bell. After all their children were finished school, Joyce went to work at the Post Office in the evenings for a short period before going to work at the Consort Hospital where she worked until she retired at the age of 68.

Over all these years Joyce remained a very loyal Legion member, and was sure to stay active in all their events.

Joyce was predeceased by her loving husband, Jack in March, 2006; father Whitfield Diamond; mother Susan Diamond; two brothers Donald and Allis Diamond and nephew Shane Whalen. Joyce will be lovingly missed by her three children Shelly (Jim) Matheson of Spruce Grove, Todd Tainsh of Consort, Derek (Shawna) Tainsh of Hughenden; six grandchildren, Les (Zabeen) Matheson of Edmonton, Bradley (Jennifer) Matheson of Edmonton, James Matheson of Spruce Grove, Jordan and Ashlyn Tainsh of Hughenden and Tawnya Devey of Saskatoon and her only great grandson Mackenzie Matheson of Edmonton; brothers Tom (Madeline) Diamond, Gordon (Josie) Diamond all of St. Anthony, Newfoundland, Clayton Diamond, and sister Minnie Elliot of Goose Bay, Labrador, numerous nieces, nephews and in-laws from both the Diamond and Tainsh Families.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 at Knox United Church, Consort with the Rev. Sandy Macpherson officiating. Tributes were given by Carole Heatherington and Bill Tainsh. Honorary pallbearers were Brenda Kroeger, Cindy Por, and Iris Guicheteau as well as “All of Joyce’s Close Family and Friends”. The interment followed the funeral service in Lakeroad Cemetery, Consort, Alberta.

Family and friends then gathered together in the Knox United Church basement for a time of fellowship and sharing with the luncheon prepared and served by the Knox United Church Women.

Should friends desire, memorial contributions may be made in Joyce’s memory to the Consort Hospital Auxiliary, The Cross Cancer Institute or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, “Families Serving Families” throughout East Central Alberta were in charge of the care and funeral arrangements.

MYRTLE LEONA LARSON

(September 22, 2007)

Mrs. Myrtle Larson of Killam passed away Saturday, September 22 at the age of 95 years.

She was born and raised in the Consort district, the daughter of Harvey and Flora Kelts.

She was predeceased by her husband, Bill and son-in-law, Sam Smolski. She is survived by her two daughters, Connie Smilski of Killam and Byllie (Wayne) Singbell of Hinton; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

The funeral was held in Knox United Church, Killam on Wednesday, September 26 and interment followed in the Killam Cemetery.

HELEN FERGUSON

(Oct. 8, 1917 – Sept. 24, 2007)

A funeral service and celebration of the life of Helen Ferguson was held Saturday, September 29th at 2:00 p.m. at Memories Funeral Home, Edmonton, with Oceanna Hall officiating. A tribute was given by Bob Ferguson followed by an audio/video tribute, “Remembering Helen”.

Helen was born at Consort, the eldest daughter of Dr. and Mrs. A.M. Day, on October 8, 1917. Following her schooling in Consort she attended the University of Alberta where she met her husband, Bill and they were married in Edmonton on January 31, 1942. Helen and Bill spent the next fifty-one years in Edmonton where Helen was a long-time employee of the Hudson’s Bay Co. She was an avid curler (Granite Ladies’ Curling Club and Balmoral Business Girls’ Curling Club) and an ardent Edmonton Eskimos fan, following the games even in her final days in the hospital.

She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her sons, Bob (Debbie Bassett) of Edmonton and Bruce (Robin) of St. Albert; five grandchildren, Sean of Calgary, Greg (Miriam) of Edmonton, Steven of Edmonton, Heather (Taras Formensky) of England and Ashley of St. Albert; one brother, Donald (Betty) Day of Consort and her nieces and nephews. Helen was predeceased by her beloved husband, Bill in 1998 and her sister, Janet Rogers, in 2004.

She passed away peacefully on Monday, September 24, 2007 in her ninetieth year.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sturgeon Community Hospital Foundation, 201 Bou- dreau Road, St. Albert, Alberta T8N 6C4.

AMY (KARY) BLOCK

(May 25, 1911 – Oct. 4, 2007)

Amy was born to Rochus and Amelia Kary at Hemaruka on May 25, 1911 and passed away October 04, 2007 at the age of 96 years.

Amy’s parents of German descent immigrated from Russia to Harvey, North Dakota. In 1909 they moved to Castor for a short time, eventually moving to what became known as Hemaruka.

In 1928 Amy married Emanuel Kary and to this union were born six children, Walter, Viola, Alvin, Harvey, Beulah, and Marlene.

In 1939 Emanuel was taken to a concentration camp in Ontario and Amy was left at home with four small children. When he came back several years later he was a changed man and life was never really the same.

They worked hard on the farm to make a living. They sold their farm to Harvey and in 1964 they built a new house and moved into Veteran. In 1977 Emanuel passed away and in 1982 Amy married Henry Block who passed away in 1994.

Amy continued living in her house until she was 90 years of age at which time she moved into Assisted Living in Coronation where she lived until her passing. She spent one month in Coronation Acute Care.

She leaves to mourn her passing one son, Walter (Sines) of Calgary, three daughters, Viola (Cal) Roberts of Veteran, Beulah (Ron) Allison of Veteran, Marlene (Ray) Cornelius of Veteran; one daughter-in-law Robbie Kary of Stettler; one brother Leo of Fairview; eighteen grandchildren; two step grandchildren; forty great-grandchildren; four step great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; all of Henry’s family; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Rochus and Amelia, an infant son Alvin in 1931, daughter-in-law Margaret in 1969, first husband Emanuel in 1977, second husband Henry in 1994, son Harvey in 2004; as well as eight sisters and three brothers.

Funeral Services were held at the Veteran Full Gospel Church, Veteran, Alberta on Monday, October 8, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Darrel Durksen officiating. Amy’s family shared many memories paying tribute to her life. Active pallbearers were grandsons, Dennis Roberts, Darrel Kary, Randy Kary, Stan Allison, Carmen Cornelius, Trevor Kary, Dwight Allison and Sheldon Kary, with the interment at the Veteran Cemetery. Following the funeral service family and friends gathered at the Veteran Hall for a time of visiting and reminiscing. A beautiful lunch was prepared and served by the Veteran Full Gospel Church Ladies. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the to Coronation Health Centre Foundation, or to The Gideons, in care of Coronation Funeral Home, Box 35, Coronation, AB T0C 1C0.

Heather Caseley of Coronation Funeral Home entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

Lorraine Levie

(Dec. 10, 1933 ~ Oct. 17, 2007)

Born to George and Ethel Long in Coronation Hospital December 10, 1933, Dorothy Lorraine Levie passed away quietly with family by her bedside on October 17, 2007. She arrived in Veteran on the daily train run and was welcomed into her family on a cold chilly day to be raised on the family farm.

Taking her schooling in the local school she successfully completed her grade ten and went on and took further training at Henderson Business School in Calgary in 1950. At this time she also became engaged to her future husband and partner Albert Levie in April of 1950. She met Albert for the first time at a Christmas dance in their home town of Veteran; both were very young and began their courtship a few years later and were then married on May 29, 1951.

Her favorite winter past time was curling, then in the later years it was disking and reading. As Albert’s illness became more confining, their favorite time became going for Sunday Chinese supper.

She was predeceased by her mother Ethel Long (1959), father George Long (1979) as well as three infant siblings, son Jim (1987) and her loving husband and partner of fifty six years Albert Levie (March 14, 2007), sister May Fleck (March 28, 2007), brother-in-law George Fleck, sisters-in-law Edith and Helen Long, Elsie Jewitt and Alice Maron, brothers-in-law Del Jewitt and John Maron.

She is survived by her children Val (Barry) of Sherwood Park; Richard (Helene) of Veteran; Allan (Alice) of Chamberlain Sask.; Terry (son Kent) of Calgary; and Douglas of Veteran; grandchildren and great-grandchildren; brother Ernie Long and family; nieces Beverly (Art) Bergman and family, Diane (Hubert) Doucette and family; brothers and sisters-in-law Florence (Dave) Vetter and family; Irvin (Rita) Levie and family; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives as well as many friends.

Funeral Services were held at the Veteran United Church, Veteran, Alberta on Monday, October 22, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Barbara Zimmerman officiating. Linda Schetzsle played for the congregational hymns. Granddaughters Michelle VandeVliert and Kasha Fox read poems in memory of their grandmother. A private family interment followed at the Veteran Cemetery. Respecting Albert and Lorraine’s wishes they were both laid to rest together. Following the funeral service family and friends gathered at the Veteran Community Hall for a time of visiting and reminiscing. A beautiful lunch was prepared and served by the Veteran United Church Ladies.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to the to Coronation Health Centre Foundation, or to a charity of the donor’s choice, in care of Coronation Funeral Home, Box 35, Coronation, Alberta T0C 1C0.

Heather Caseley of Coronation Funeral Home entrusted with the funeral arrangements. “Knowledge,

Experience And Professionalism With A Personal Touch”

He also leaves to mourn step-children, Reg Liebel (Tillie) Medicine Hat, Maureen Knox (Steve) Calgary, Greg Liebel (Brenda) Pigeon Lake and Mel Liebel (Laura) Innisfail.

The memorial service to commemorate Tony’s life took place at the St.Andrew’s Catholic Church, Vulcan, Alberta, on November 9, 2007 at 11:30 A.M. with Reverend Father Philip Van Tinn Le. The reading of his Remembrance was given by Neil Sieben and Gloria Nelson. A private family inurnment took place at the Mountain View Cemetery in Lethbridge.

In Tony’s honour, memorial contributions may be made to the Senior Citizen Center in Vulcan.
Vulcan Funeral Home was entrusted with the funeral arrangements.

FRANCES FISCHER

(March 31, 1920 – Nov. 4, 2007)

Frances Rosemary Fischer passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre with her husband, Albert, at her side, on Sunday, November 4th, 2007.

Frances was born in Veteran, Alberta on March 31, 1920 to Joseph and Victoria Gorcak. She grew up in the Veteran area where she met her husband, Albert. They were married on October 11, 1945 and began farming near Consort. They lived on the same farm, west of Consort, for almost 60 years until their move to Red Deer in May of 2005.

Frances leaves to mourn, her husband, Albert, daughter, Sheila of Edmonton and son, Rob (Brenda) as well as her precious grandchildrem Chloe and Nash, of Red Deer. Her memory will also be cherished by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. She was predeceased by her father and mother, Joseph and Victoria, her twin sister, Catherine, sister Stella and brothers, Joe, George, Stephen and Frank.

A Prayer Service was conducted from Parkland Funeral Home, Red Deer on Thursday, November 8th at 6:30 p.m. with sister Lynn Rouleau reciting. Those who gathered for this service were invited to join with the family after. The Funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Red Deer on Friday, November 9th with Father Donald Stein Celebrant.

Interment followed after the reception.

Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, 4811 – 48 Ave., Red Deer, AB. T4N 3T2. Condolences can be forwarded to the family at www.parklandfuneral home.com

In living memory of Frances Rosemary Fischer, a tree will be planted in the Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium Memorial Tree Park, Red Deer County, AB.

Once I had a little dog

and I wish I had him back,

He chased the big pigs over

the fence,

And the little ones through

the cracks.

I can see her in my mind’s

eye, sitting cross legged on

the floor playing her ukelele

and singing this ditty; the

chorus is:

Roll Jordan, roll on,

Roll Jordan, roll,

I’m bound to get to heaven when I die,

Today, she is seeing Jordan. She passed away last night, December 12th, after a long tedious, illness which she endured with great dignity. She had many sorrows in her life, which she never gave in to and was always cheerful when we visited. I saw her just two days before her passing and I’m glad I made the trip to Calgary and got there in time for her to know me, just barely.

Joyce Smith came into my life in the fall of 1956. We were with one oil seismic crew (National Geophysical) and she was married to the party manager of a different crew, all living in the little town of Sangudo. Being the ‘outsiders’, we stuck together and we women coffee’d every morning and helped take care of each others kids. Joyce and I hit it off immediately. I can still see her striding up the little hill at the front of the house where we had a basement room. She wore a yellow summer dress and the wind was blowing the skirt – she was beautiful and I was impressed with this self-assured, fun young women.

We kept touch through all the years; her husband, Clyde and mine, Bill, having common ground to sit and talk. Life was full of laughter and song. She was a purist about Christmas – “Old Fashioned”, it had to be. No electric lights on her big tree – just beautiful delicate glass ornaments and angel hair – she loved angel hair!

We were as close as sisters and after our husbands passed away, we still got together to talk about the old days, when we were young, and sometimes to dust off the ukelele and sing a few of the silly old songs. She also had a player piano and we’d put on the rolls of the old sing-a-long songs and belt them out at the top of our lungs. (She had a good voice and sang with the ‘Sweet Adelines’ in Calgary).

She was devoted to the welfare of her fellow man and in her adult years returned to University, graduating with distinction from the Social Work Program at the University of Calgary. She was instrumental in establishing the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter and was involved for many years there. She managed the constituency office for Jim Hawkes, M.P. for Calgary West and later was a Commissioner on the review board for Veterans Affairs in Charlottetown, P.E.I. She moved back to Alberta some years ago.

For the last five years, she has suffered with a rare heart/lung condition, of which very little is known. There was a medicine, something new, that gave her a fair quality of life for the first few years, but for the last year, she has been in a wheel chair and pretty well bed-ridden. I made it in whenever I could, and she would love to have a dinner party organized with a few friends in for a nice meal, and sometimes I would help fulfill her wishes. Her breathing was difficult, so it was nice for her to have several people carrying on conversations around her where she didn’t need to tire herself out talking.

She had a group of good friends in the city, who stood by her, took her out to shop and later did her shopping for her. Friends who did her hair, dressed her in lovely lounge clothes and brightened her day in so many ways.

During the past weeks, she had to be hospitalized frequently. It was obvious when I saw her Sunday morning in the Peter Lougheed Hospital, she was on her way out. We said silent good-byes, our emotions conveyed by our eyes and touch, but by the time I went out the door she was sleeping again. It gave me comfort to see her getting some relief from her tortured breathing, but in my heart of hearts, I hoped she would go soon. Thankfully, she did.

Mary

Herbie Smith passed away on December 25, 2007, at Consort Hospital, surrounded by his loving family, at the age of 77 years. He fought a long battle against cancer for 13 ½ years and would never let it get him down. He always managed to do everything he wanted to do such as combining, cultivating, haying, and feeding his fine herd of cows. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing, and curling with his numerous friends. His favorite hockey team was the Edmonton Oilers whom he watched faithfully. Trips across the coulee for an evening visit, which sometimes lasted until morning, was a huge part of his life, as was being with his family as much as he could.

Herbie was born in Consort Hospital on March 16, 1930, the youngest of eight. He grew up on the family farm south of Consort going to school at Sounding Valley and then Consort. He bought his farm from Albert Halseth in 1954 just 3 miles from the family farm, and devoted the rest of his life to farming, the career he loved.

On May 30, 1957 he married Evie Hagen and started their family of five children, Wendy, Marlene, Cheryl, Randy, and Gary. Over the years, the family has expanded to fifty-one. Dad was very proud of his big family and always said to Mom, “Look what we started, Evie.”

We all will always love him very much and have him in our hearts forever, for now, he is our Christmas Angel.

Herbie is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Evelyn of Consort; his children, Wendy (Davis Wittmack) of Consort, Marlene (Donald Wiest) of Sylvan Lake, Cheryl (Neil Benedict) of Consort, Randy (Kim Smith) of Consort, Gary (Carrie Smith) of Oyen.

Grandchildren, Trevor and Janna Wittmack, Beverlee and Robert Deleff, Chad Wittmack and Carley, Cody Wittmack and Kelsey, Leah and Dallas Pollitt, Brad Wiest and Andrea, Jamie and Kim Galloway, Lisa and Kevin Ulseth, Stacey Benedict and Brad, Katie Benedict, Scott Smith, Shelby Smith, Sara Smith, Sophie Smith, Benjamin Smith, Jesse Smith, Joshua Smith.

Great Grandchildren: Hailee, Natalie, Jacy Wittmack, Brooke and Ashley Deleff, Dallee, Dalton and Zane Pollitt, Savannah, Shayanne and Ryley Galloway, Taniell and Taylor Ulseth.

He is also survived by his sister Mary Arthur and brother Lennart Smith; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, in-laws, special friends and neighbours.

Herbie was predeceased by his parents Andrew and Wilhemena Smith, sister Annie Smith, infant sister Lily Smith, brother Art Smith, brother Louie Smith and (sister-in-law) Maxine Smith, brother Gus Smith, brother-in-law George Arthur.

Funeral services were held at the Consort Sportex Hall, Consort, Alberta on Saturday, December 29, 2007 at 12:00 p.m. with Reverend Stephen Shantz officiating. Eulogy was written by Martin Halseth and Ron Webb and was read by Ron Webb. Herbie’s brother-in-law, Ronald Hagen sang “Beyond The Sunset”. Special recorded music was played “I Believe”, “Amarillo Sky” and “Rose Of My Heart”. Honorary pallbearers were “All Herbie’s Family & Friends”. Active pallbearers were Trevor Wittmack, Chad Wittmack, Cody Wittmack, Brad Wiest, Dallas Pollitt, Kim Gallaway, Kevin Ulseth, Scott Smith, Ben Smith and Robbie Deleff.

Immediately following the funeral service a beautiful lunch was prepared and served by the Consort Community. Following the luncheon family and friends gathered at the Butte Cemetery for the interment.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be made to Alberta Cancer Foundation, (Cross Cancer) 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 1Z2.

Jean Mary Louise Worobo

(July 4, 1919 – Dec. 28, 2007)

Jean Mary Louise Worobo passed away at her home Friday, December 28, 2007.

Jean was born on July 4, 1919 near Rodez, France to Jean and Leonie Nadal, the first of three daughters. The family emigrated to Canada in 1927 and resided south of Provost. Jean attended school at Kilo and Gascony. Jean met Bill Worobo and they married on October 30, 1937 at South Rosenheim Catholic Church. They started their home at Basin Lake (north of Pemukan) on the home quarter of Worobo Farm, where Jean lived until her passing. Jean and Bill had four children, Robert, Raymond, Yvonne and Dale. Together they farmed and raised a family until Bill passed away on July 8, 1968. Jean remained on the home quarter for another 40 years to raise and support her children, to be followed by her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

There are many things that we can remember about Jean. For Jean, her family included her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, also her sister’s families. Fond memories include grandma babysitting her grandchildren and trying to keep them out of the trouble they could easily find, or checking to see if they were lying by looking for the telltale “red lines” in their eyes. Her children and grandchildren have wonderful memories of family Christmas celebrations at Mike and Yvette Kisslinger’s or Mac and Denise Imeson’s. Jean always had family and friends visiting her and she loved talking and reminiscing of times past, over a coffee at the kitchen table. Anyone who knew Jean, knew her incredible wit during conversations, which remained with her until her passing.

This Christmas, Jean was able to celebrate a wonderful Christmas with all of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She had her favorite chocolates to nibble on and even had a glass of wine with her last Christmas dinner surrounded by family. It was as if Jean knew her passing was near. Several times in the week prior to her passing, she would mention if the priest was coming and the day before and the morning of her passing, she asked when Dale entered the room “is that you, Bill”.

Jean was predeceased by her parents and her husband, Bill. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Funeral services were held Monday, December 31, 2007 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church at Provost with the Rev. Joselito Empleo Cantal officiating.

The pallbearers were Jean’s Grandchildren and Great-grandchildren. Honorary pallbearers were Jean’s relatives and friends.

Following the service, family and friends gathered at St. Mary’s Church Hall for a delicious lunch prepared by the Provost CWL. A private family interment took place at Monitor Cemetery.

Jean leaves to mourn her loving family, three sons: Robert (Marilyn), Raymond (Donna) and Dale, and one daughter, Yvonne (Jim) Isaman; seven grandchildren: Cheryl (Allan), Darcy (Sherry), Randy, Rod (Jen), Sheldon, Tanya (Rod) and Janelle (Dean); seven great grandchildren: Breanne, Kaitlyn, Kendra, Coulton, Delaney, Morgan and Matthew; two sisters, Yvette Kisslinger and Denise Imeson; along with nieces, nephews and cousins.

Doug Smawley

July 26, 1961-Dec. 30, 2007

Douglas Wayne Smawley was born July 26, 1961 at Consort and passed away suddenly December 30, 2007 in Edmonton.

Doug was a beloved son, brother, devoted father and friend to many. He leaves to mourn, his mom and dad, Margaret and Wayne Smaw- ley of Parksville, B.C.; his oldest brother, Don and his wife, Dorrine, their two sons, Nathan and Spencer of Courtenay, B.C.; his youngest brother, Rick and his wife, Susan of Edmonton, a large extended family with a multitude of friends and business acquaintances, and most important, he leaves his only child, Schae Anna Kim Smawley of Edmonton.

A celebration of Doug’s life was held at Hainstock’s Funeral Home, Edmonton on January 9th at 1:30 p.m. with the Reverend Paul Shaw officiating. Rick and Don Smawley gave the Eulogy. Music selections included “I’ll Be There For You” by Bon Jovi, “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Marley and Eric Clapton and “There Will Come a Day” by Faith Hill. The pallbearers were Dave Solodzuk, Brad Wabisca, Mike Pawlenchuk, Rob Engstrom, Rob Thompson and Ron Beaudoin.

Following the service, a time of fellowship and refreshments was held at The Palace on Parsons Road.