2024 Obituaries

Ritchie Webb
Nov. 15, 1943 – Jan. 16, 2024

Richard (Ritchie) Gordon Webb was born November 15, 1943, in Coronation, Alberta to Merritt and Marion (Carlson) Webb. Ritchie shared his birthday with twin brother Ronnie, and both began their lives on the family farm north of Veteran near the base of the Nose Hills.
Following the birth of Ritchie and Ronnie, was a baby sister Lily, who passed away at birth, then came Doug, Cheryl and Greg. Ritchie attended the Nose Hills school until it closed, at which point he moved to the Veteran school through grade 12. Ritchie, along with the rest of his siblings, grew up in a happy household, helping their parents on the farm, and possibly getting into the odd bit of mischief.
Following grade 12, Ritchie held a few different jobs, including working on a crew that built the Veteran Grain Elevator, working on drilling rigs, pipelining, as well as still helping his dad on the farm. In the late 1960’s, Ritchie met Nora Pilsworth at a community dance, and on October 7, 1972, they were married in Coronation, where they also made their first home. While there, they welcomed their first daughter, Shauna, followed by son David.
After Merritt’s passing, Ritchie and Nora and their young family moved out to the family farm to start farming full time. Soon after the move, daughter Colleen was born, followed by daughter Teresa, and then son Kelly completed the family. These were busy years for Ritchie and Nora, raising five children, farming, taking kids to 4-H activities and sports, attending the Veteran United Church, serving on the Ag Service Board as well as attending various community functions.
Ritchie and Nora enjoyed life on the farm until 2019 when they moved into a house in Coronation. Ritchie enjoyed his years there getting around town on his scooter – making trips out to the Coronation Dam, downtown for coffee and playing community watchdog.
Ritchie enjoyed visits from family and friends and loved to share a good story. He celebrated his 80th birthday this past November, with a grand party alongside his brother Ronnie.
Ritchie passed away at the Coronation Hospital on January 16, 2024, surrounded by his family.
Ritchie is survived and greatly missed by his wife Nora; daughter Shauna (Lance) Hayman and their children Braedon, Connor and Ethan; son David (Lori) Webb and their children Jordyn, Kelsie and Ashtyn; daughter Colleen (Chad) Tabish and their children Shaelynn, Hailey and Brianna; daughter Teresa (David) Doyle and their children Blake and Clara; and son Kelly Webb. Ritchie is also survived by his brother Ronnie (Evie) Webb, brother Doug Webb (Anne), sister Cheryl (Wes) Beebe, sister-in-law Christine Webb, brother-in-law Brian Pilsworth (Flo), sister-in-law Annette Pilsworth, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
Ritchie was predeceased by his parents Merritt and Marion Webb, infant sister Lily Webb, brother Greg Webb, sister-in-law Mary-Ette Webb, parents-in-law Terry and Rhoda Pilsworth, and brother-in-law Owen Pilsworth.
Memorial donations may be made to the Coronation Health Care Foundation, the Coronation Hospital Auxiliary or the Veteran Fire Department.
Condolences may be forwarded to the Webb families by visiting www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
Funeral services were held on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 in the Coronation Community Hall at 2:00 p.m.with Carson Ryner officiating, followed by a luncheon prepared by the Coronation Funeral Lunch Committee.

Allan Edward Hone
Aug. 2, 1942-Jan. 3, 2024

Allan Edward Hone of Sackville, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully at the Valley Regional Hospital (Kentville) in the wee hours of Wednesday the 3rd of January 2024. He was 81 years old.
Allan was born on August 2nd, 1942 in Edmonton, Alberta. He was the son of the late Hazel Vaillancourt (née Hannah Mahranoff) and Edward Hone. At a very young age he went to live with his Aunt Irene and Uncle Otto Reiger in Melville, Saskatchewan, until his late teen years.
Allan is survived by his wife of 42 years, Barbara Hone (Whitford) and three stepdaughters: Cindy Nickerson (Partner Allen) of Halifax, NS; Laura McNeil (husband Paul) of Mt Uniacke, NS.: and Elizabeth McNeil (husband David) of Mt Uniacke, NS. He is also survived by his son Danny Hone (wife Bonnie) of Burton, NB, and Colleen Nicks (husband David) of Lee Creek, BC. Allan has 10 Grandchildren and was pre-deceased by one of his Grandsons. He also has 9 X Great Grandchildren.
Allan worked with his cousin Rudy Sonmor at CESSCO in Edmonton, Alberta, before he went on to spend 35 years in the Canadian Navy. He took part in a number of national and joint-international exercises while on the ships, and was
posted to places such as Alert, Masset BC, Inuvik NWT, Chula Vista California in the early years and he finished his time in the Navy on the East Coast out of Halifax, where he met his wife Barbara. He drove the daily commute to the Dockyards from their home in Lower Sackville, NS and after his retirement from the Navy, he worked as an independent business owner helping many people in their efforts to quit smoking. He employed the ‘Quit4Good’ program, and was honoured by the NS Lung Association for his work, not to mention the many people who appreciated his support helping them to quit smoking. He then went on to work as a Commissionaire until he ‘fully’ retired just a few years ago. One of the highlights of his time as a Commissionaire was when he worked the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.
He loved fishing in the Sackville River and could often be found in his hip-waders throwing a line in on the way home from work or on his days off. His wife Barbara was the anchor behind his home-life, taking care of the home and ensuring Allan ate right which was no simple feat. Allan had a penchant for sweets. He always had a stash of chocolate bars or Twizzlers hidden somewhere, and Drumstick ice cream cones in the freezer.
Allan wasn’t one to show much emotion. A comment I recently received from one of his friends, was that he was one of the most generous people they knew, and his family was everything to him. He was appreciative of any help he received and often called days later to say ‘Thank You’ again. If you were Al’s friend, he was fiercely loyal and would give you the shirt off his back. For every grandchild he had, he set up Educational Savings Plans which was appreciated by those kids when the time came. The Whitford Family gave Al a home when he really needed one, and he enjoyed all the activities they organized, such as Family Reunions and the famous ‘Washer Toss’ annual tournaments.
If heaven is whatever we want it to be, then I would say that Allan is up there now, driving along an ocean road with the top down in a convertible Lincoln Town-car, with Tommy-Cat in the seat beside him. Once Barb joins Allan, she’ll take one look at his car and say, “Allan, I know I haven’t driven in a long time, but I’d like to drive now”. I can already picture Al passing her the keys and telling her “It pulls a little to the left”.
While Allan is no longer with us in person, he will live on in our hearts and memories forever!
A special thanks to the staff at the Valley Regional Hospital for their compassion and caring.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Diabetes Canada (www.diabetes.ca) or the Nova Scotia/PEI Lung Association
(www.lungnspei.ca)
Allan was laid to rest on the 13th of January after a short ceremony at the St John the Evangelist Anglican Church (954 Old Sackville Road, Lower Sackville, NS. B4E 1R3) at 11 AM. A reception followed in the adjacent hall.
See you on the flipside Big Al.
You will be missed. l

Eulogy from his dear Aunt Ann Shannon
Due to many miles and health problems, it was not possible for me to attend his
funeral.
The times he came to Vanderhoof to visit his mom (Hannah), as a close loving family we would try and come from the prairies to have a visit. He would also visit me in Sylvan Lake. We also would take a trip to his dad’s relatives in Kirriemuir
which was well received by his cousins.
He will be dearly missed by me as he phoned every weekend with, “Hello auntie, how are you?”. After a few discussions he would end by saying, “Love you auntie, take care”. He will be missed by myself, his cousins, Terri and Greg Shannon as well as other cousins.
Love you till we meet again.
A.E. Shannon

Anne Adelene McDonald
Dec. 29, 1940 – Feb. 9, 2024

Anne Adelene McDonald (Dobovich), a long-time resident of Consort, was born on December 29, 1940, and passed away at the age of 83 years, while in Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Castor, Alberta
Anne is survived by her two loving children Leighanne McDonald and Lenard (Shonna) McDonald; granddaughters Hailey (Craig Stang) and Tori McDonald; great-granddaughter Gabby Lee; sisters-in-law Jeanette Dobovich and Doris Wilson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Anne was predeceased by her husband Robert “Bob” McDonald; son Lloyd McDonald; parents John and Annie Dobovich; brothers John and Joe Dobovich; father and mother-in-law Lionel and Flora McDonald; sister and brothers-in-law Neil McDonald, Ken and Mae Seidel, and Bill Wilson.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, February 15, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Knox United Church, Consort, Alberta with Rev. Ohwang Kwon officiating. Following the servive a lunchean, prepared by the Knox United Chrich Women was served in the lower hall for a time of fellowship between family and friends.
Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to STARS (Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7) or to Lake Road Cemetery (Box 309, Consort, Alberta T0C 1B0. Sympathy may be forwarded to the family by signing the guest book at www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

Eulogy
Read by Betty Tellier
It was 40 years ago today, same church, same time that we said our final goodbye to Lenard and Leighanne’s brother Lloyd and now today, 40 years later, we gather to say our final goodbye to their Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Auntie and friend Anne.
My name is Betty Tellier and I am honored to be asked to do the eulogy for Auntie Annie.
Anne Adelene was born December 29, 1940 in Spiritwood Saskatchewan, the third child to John and Annie Dobovich, and younger sister to John and Joe.
Anne spent her early childhood and schooling in the Wild Bear area of Spiritwood, where she lived until the family relocated to the Coleville area in the late 50’s. During that time she held down several different jobs, one of them being at the Kindersley Bakery.
She was an active ball player, and enjoyed trying to sneak into bars while being under age and on occasion tried to climb the Kindersley water tower. It was during this time that she met her future husband, Bob McDonald, and the two were married in Coleville, SK on April 7, 1961. A family was soon started and welcomed oldest son Lloyd, born on May 31, 1962, then a mere 16 months later second son Lenard arrived on September 1, 1963, completing their family….or so they thought – but more on that later.
The small family lived in Kindersley, and a few other places, then in 1967 moved to Consort when Bob had been offered a job with Barnwell of Canada.
Anne’s first impression of Consort was not that positive. She and the boys arrived during Country Christmas with Lloyd excitedly saying “Look mom! Look, they have a Santa!!!” While Anne said she was was quietly thinking “That’s all they have!”
Her second impression wasn’t all that much better….Bob had told her, “When you get to town go to the Texaco station and introduce yourself to Art and Katie Day. They are good people, and I told them that my wife and sons are moving to town.” Upon introducing herself, as Anne told the story over the years, Art looked at her and said “What’s a dizzy broad like you doing moving to a hellhole like this”. For anyone who ever knew Art Day – knows that was said without any harsh intent. Thus was the beginning of a lifelong friendship with the Days.
At that time Bob promised her that they would only be here for a year or two at most. As you can see, 57 years later, they grew to love the community and made the village their home.
The family moved out to the Barnwell plant in 1969, and on August 18, 1970 daughter Leighanne arrived to complete the family.
In the fall of 1970, they moved back into town, where they lived in the yellow house until 1987, when Anne and Bob bought a mobile home in preparation for retirement.
During the time that they lived in the yellow house, Anne became a mom to all.
Many times I stayed at Anne and Bob’s house; she suffered through my frequent bouts of homesick crying. When I was old enough to get over that, she still invited me to come around for lunch when I worked in Consort at both the IGA and ATB Financial. Lenard teased me once saying, “Mom likes to feed stray dogs you know, better be careful, look what she did to old Snoopy”. Snoop was a short dog that was very wide. But what stray dog wouldn’t keep coming back for fresh homemade buns, egg salad and chocolate pie?
Later, through my daughter’s dance years, she cooked a weekly supper for me and often the ambulance attendants who lived next door. Bob would tell us every week, “You guys have to keep coming; this is the only night of the week she cooks for me!” We all laughed knowing that wasn’t true but he liked to give her a bit of teasing.
She loved to tease people as well, and if you were ever a victim of that I’m sure you have a good story because she was good at it, all in good humored fun.
She loved, loved, loved to cook, and was a very good cook in her day, feeding so many. There was always room at the table for one more, and every meal was always a feast. When the old Sam’s shop was still standing, and with both Lloyd and Lenard working at Sam’s, quite often they would have an extra or two at the table. Anne used to laugh when a couple of individuals who lived in the suite above the shop would call over and say they ran out of bread, and could they borrow some, just until pay day. Eventually Anne caught onto this because she would then ask – do you have margarine for your bread? No. What kind of sandwiches are you going to make, do you need some sandwich meat? Then would laugh when payday came and she would say – It was like I went grocery shopping and never even left the house, as everything would be returned. I think that Lloyd and Lenard loved sharing their mom with other guys who worked away from their own, and Auntie’s big heart had room for them.
Anne loved to entertain, with Christmas Eve always being one of her favorite times to prepare a giant feast, and the more you would eat, the happier she was. I would buy her a special Christmas gift every year but I had to be sure to double or triple wrap it and use packing tape to seal the package in case it “Accidently” got ripped open.
Most of the time there was always homemade chocolate chip cookies in the cookie jar and an ice cream pail or two of frozen cookies in the freezer. Or at least until Leighanne and her friends found them. After one too many times of Anne going to the freezer to grab a pail of cookies only to find the pail with only a few crumbs left in the bottom, she left a note in the pail that read “The road to hell is paved with Chocolate Chip cookies”. Anne would tell the girls “I knew the exact minute that you girls found the note, because I could hear Brenda laughing”. BTW – the note didn’t stop them from eating the frozen cookies.
During her free time, Anne enjoyed her ceramics classes and curling or shall we say bonspieling, because as the kids learned growing up, there was a difference between curling and bonspieling. I’m sure if you checked with Crazy Carol Heatherington, she could enlighten you with a few stories…
Wherever Anne lived she always made sure she had a garden full of vegetables, and flowerbeds full of flowers. She loved growing flowers – Lilies being her favorite.
Anne loved all animals, dogs and especially cats. When Lenard and Shonna moved from the Barnwell plant into town they gifted her with one of their cats named Buddy. Anyone who met Buddy will agree that Buddy became the most spoiled cat imaginable. She loved when Lenard stopped by and brought his dogs for coffee, doesn’t every dog deserve a raw hot dog for visiting?
Anne worked a few different places around town, the IGA, Hobby Hutch, and a cook at the Consort Lodge, and in later years volunteered at the New to You Store for many years.
She was also actively involved with the Consort Figure Skating Club, and spent many weekends hauling Leighanne and her friends to various test days, or spending summers on the hot parking lot of the Medicine Hat arena in the camper. However, once she realized that the snow the Zamboni dumped was excellent for chilling beer – all was good.
The most favorite position that Anne held was that of Nana when Lenard and Shonna gifted her with the arrival of oldest granddaughter Hailey in 1993, then again with granddaughter Tori in 1995.
Anne and Bob loved to take the girls on vacation. Whether it was out to Gooseberry Lake camping, to the farm at Meadow Lake, the Enchanted Forest, or anywhere there were go-carts. Having their granddaughters around became her pride and joy.
With the arrival of great grand-daughter Gabby in 2013, Anne loved nothing more than having Gabby come for a visit. She loved sharing stories of all 3 girls.
In the fall of 2016, Anne and Bob moved into the Consort Lodge. Bob passed away in 2017 leaving Anne surrounded by good friends in the lodge. Anne was able to transplant her Lily bulbs, at the east end of the lodge, along with a peony plant that she had originally taken from her mother’s yard back in Kindersley, roughly 25 years earlier.
As I said earlier, gardening and enjoying her flowers was one of her favorite pastimes.
In August Anne broke her hip and in November moved into Long Term Care in Consort.
Anne passed away peacefully in Castor on February 9, 2024.
She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by all.

Tribute to Nana
– Hailey and Tori McDonald
Tori: Ladies and gentlemen, family and friends, as we gather here today to bid farewell to our beloved Nana, we are reminded of the joy, love, and laughter that she brought into our lives. Today, let’s not mourn the loss of a beautiful soul, but let’s celebrate the unforgettable whimsical spirit of Anne McDonald.
Hailey: Nana had a gift–a gift for uniting people and creating a sense of togetherness that turned ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. She was always happy to be the host for any family events in which she would ensure that nobody left hungry. You would always go prepared to Nana’s with Tupperware, stretchy pants, and an empty stomach.
Tori: Nana has always had a young, playful heart which has taught us all to appreciate the lighter side of life. I’m sure each one of us has a cherished memory of Nana’s cheerful, amusing (and sometimes) vulgar sense of humor. One of our favorite stories that Nana would tell was how innovative she was when it came to using household items for a good “lickin”.
Tori: The wooden spoon
Hailey: The Mucklucks
Tori: The belt
Hailey: And of course, the story of the stranger breaking in through her window, in which she brought to a halt quickly with a cast iron frying pan
Tori: Nonetheless, I think we can all agree that Nana was a strong-willed woman with a witty personality that was enjoyed by many.
Hailey: One of the things we loved most about Nana was her ability to find humor even in challenging times. She had a way of making us laugh when we needed it the most, reminding us that laughter can be a source of strength and resilience. Her easy-going demeanor was a beacon of light, a reminder that no matter how tough life may seem, there’s always room for joy.
Tori: We have many fond memories with Nana:

• Trips to BC with Nana and Papa – stopping at the enchanted forest to create our homemade Martha Stuart video, the go karts, and the cherry farm.
  Hailey: Sleepovers on either side of the floor of nana and papa’s bed, playing flashlights on the ceiling. Arguing over who got to use the little flashlight.
  Tori: Hot brownies and ice cream after school
  Hailey: Decorating Christmas cookies and of course the iconic Christmas tree decorating which I am sure was the origin of our first alcoholic beverage with Papa’s infamous “one thumb pour rule” (Hold up hand as a knub) … If you can remember Bob’s hand, that is not a weak pour.
  Tori: As we say our goodbyes, let’s hold on to the laughter that Nana gifted us. Let’s remember the times she made us laugh until our cheeks hurt and carry that joy in our hearts. Though she may no longer be with us, our memories are a timeless reminder of the joyous spirit she brought into our lives.
  Hailey: We would like to read a poem to close out this tribute:
  Tori: In the embrace of memory, where tears and laughter blend,
  We gather here today,
  our hearts heavy, yet love will transcend.
  A grandmother’s love,
  a gentle guiding hand,
  Now she rests in peace,
  in that eternal land.
  Hailey: In the garden of remembrance, blooms a flower so divine,
  Each petal holds a memory, a moment frozen in time.
  Her laughter, like a melody, echoes through our ears,
  A symphony of love,
  dispelling all our fears.
  Tori: She held us close in tender arms, a haven of warmth and care,
  Whispers of wisdom, like a gentle breeze, lingering in the air.
  Her stories, like old books, well-worn and sweet,
  Echo through the corridors where time and memories meet.
  Hailey: Through seasons of joy and storms of despair,
  She stood with grace,
  a pillar strong and rare.
  Her hands crafted love into the tapestry of our days,
  A masterpiece of kindness, in so many ways.
  Tori: Though she has left the stage, her spirit dances on,
  In the twinkle of the stars,
  in the golden dawn.
  A grandmother’s love,
  a legacy so grand,
  It weaves through generations an unbroken strand.
  Hailey: So let us say our goodbyes, not in sorrow’s mournful song,
  But in the celebration of a life, beautifully strong.
  For in the tapestry she wove, in the stories she told,
  Her spirit lives on, a love that will never grow old.
  Tori: In the silent echoes of our tears, in the memories we share,
  Our dear grandmother’s love, forever in the air.
  Rest in peace, sweet soul,
  in the arms of eternity,
  For your love lives on in us, a cherished legacy.
  Hailey: So, let us say goodbye with tears and gratitude for our time shared.
  Tori: We know you are at peace now reunited with Papa and Lloyd.
  Together: Until we meet again.
  Love your grandgirls

David Melvin Thulien
1930 – 2024

David Melvin Thulien was born September 30, 1930 to Otto and Hilda Thulien. He was the youngest of nine children including a sister Rose who died at 9 months and a baby brother who died at birth.
David was good natured and was such an agreeable child that his older sisters came to call him Buddy around home. The name stuck and would soon become the name everyone knew him by. Years later it was shortened to Bud, but the older generation continued to refer to him as Buddy.
Bud was a sturdy little boy who ran everywhere he went and despite the fact that his Mom and his teenage sisters spoiled him, he never lost his agreeable disposition.
1930 began the decade of the devastating “Dirty Thirties” drought and the “Great Depression” both of which would mark a generation for life. Small children still played and had fun but the atmosphere in the homes changed during the 1930’s. These seasoned pioneers had experienced droughts and downturns before and their focus was to sustain their families until things improved. National incomes had fallen to one half of five years earlier and prairie farm incomes to almost one quarter.
On September 10, 1934 Bud’s father Otto decided he had to move where there was rain. Bud’s Mom Hilda would write, “In September we loaded as many belongings as we could into two boxcars….to a destination almost one hundred miles northeast of Edmonton in the Boyle area”. It was in this northern area Otto had purchased a small farm with a rundown log house that needed attention before winter arrived. The oldest Thulien daughter Ruth, now newly married, stayed behind to care for the Veteran farm with her new husband.
From the time Bud was four until he was seven, he adjusted to living in the unfamiliar northern bush country where there were new dangers to consider like bears, something a young boy at Veteran didn’t think about. It was during these years that Bud began attending school. Two neighbour families lived across the road from the small Thulien farm and Bud’s mother Hilda wrote that “we had many good friends there, though the land was poor and we made very little”.
Ruth’s husband was killed in the fall of 1937, an event that prompted the family to return to the Veteran farmstead. Back at the Veteran farm, Bud attended Northlands School a little over a mile walk northwest across the pasture. It seems Bud’s school year was interrupted by the return move to Veteran and he would repeat some of the grade he started before the move.
The post office was a mile to the south of the family’s farm yard. Often it was Bud’s task to run for the mail….and run he did, not needing to stop to catch his breath.
His last year of school, Bud attended Rae school which was a two and a half mile horseback ride northeast of home. During the long winters there were periods during which weather interrupted school attendance and at times there were weeks school was missed. Challenging circumstances meant grade seven was the final grade Bud was able to complete.
Late in 1946 when Bud was 16, he and his parents bought a half section northwest of Veteran with a well-built house. Bud’s older brother Obed and wife Anne took over the south farm.
Up to this time Obed had been doing all the heavy work as Otto was now over sixty. Bud’s life from this time on was mostly work and little pay.
Eventually Bud took over the northwest farm and cared for his parents until his Dad died in 1974 after which his Mom spent much of her time with Bud and his siblings. Later Bud joined his brother Obed and his nephews Lee and Eldon to form 4 Thulien Ranch to combine the operation to raise cattle and farm together. During the mid years of the 1970’s Bud also began working in the farm machine shop up the road at Coronation Farm Equipment where he was also a shareholder with his brother and nephews.
Bud’s most rewarding year came in the summer of 1982 when he married Audrey Winn. It was an adjustment for both of them as Bud was now 52, and Audrey had been widowed not long before, but they came to be good support to each other which was a joy to family and friends. Audrey’s family was mostly grown up except for two very rambunctious 16 year old twins; Scott and Keith. Bud now had his own family who fully accepted him and made him a part of their life; the younger twins affectionately referring to him as Pops. Bud and Audrey liked camping and traveling and had many good outings with family from both sides. Bud and Audrey enjoyed many good years together until Audrey passed in 2013.
Bud was loved dearly by his many nieces and nephews who couldn’t resist being attracted to his kind, gentle nature. Bud’s niece-in-law Kris Thulien said it best…..” everyone should have an Uncle Bud!” And we were all blessed that we did!
The Thulien family want to say a very special thank you to all of Audrey’s family who showed much care and love to Bud particularly these last few years. Much appreciation to Dennis and Irene Hopper and Scott and Gina Winn who were close by and visited Bud often after he was no longer able to get out.
A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, March 9 2024 at 2:30 p.m. at the Veteran Full Gospel Church, Veteran, Alberta. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com

Lawrence “Larry” Hager
Oct. 22, 1947 – Feb. 29, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Larry Hager, a beloved husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, and a cherished friend and member of the community. Larry peacefully departed this world on February 29, 2024, after a short but valiant battle with cancer, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.
Born on October 22, 1947, to Nick and Kathleen Hager, Larry’s early years were filled with the warmth and love of a close-knit family. In 1968, he married his soulmate, Lorna Oxamitny, beginning a lifelong journey of love and companionship. Together, they raised two wonderful children, Lisa Benavides (Joseph) and Leon Hager (Janilea), and reveled in the joy brought by their grandchildren, Kailea, Kiera, Austin and Colton.
He is survived by his siblings Maureen Franklin (Roy), Ron Hager (Terrie), Terry Hager (Kathy), Lynne Miller (Ray), Cindy McFadden, Pat Hager (Irene), and David Hager (Jill) and in-laws Larry Oxamitny (Loretta), Sharon Lorenz (Ken) and Carol Beier and many nieces and nephews. Larry was predeceased by his father, Nick, his mother, Kathleen, and his brother-in-laws, Larry McFadden and Eddie Oxamitny and sister in-law MaryAnne Oxamitny.
Larry’s roots were firmly planted in Compeer, where he and Lorna shared 29 years of their life. Larry and Lorna took over the family tradition of farming and owning Hager Motors from his father Nick who took over from his grandfather Mike. In 1997, Larry and Lorna embarked on a new chapter in Consort, where Larry started L&T Agro with his business partner Tony Owens until he retired in 2007. Larry continued his legacy of community service in Consort where he served on the Consort Hospital Board, the Special Areas Board, and the Development Board, contributing to the betterment of the community. He also spent a lot of time working at the Consort Golf course.
Larry found joy in the simple pleasures of life – watching his granddaughters play ball, playing golf, being the maintenance guy at the cabin, driving the boat for his grandkids, engaging in woodwork projects, and savoring moments over coffee with friends. He also had a great love of hockey. Larry brought out the excitement of every game whether it was through coaching in minor hockey or watching his favorite team the Montreal Canadiens.
Larry’s community spirit shone brightly as he actively engaged in various roles, leaving a lasting impact on those around him. His passion for sports led him to coach minor league hockey, where he mentored and inspired the young athletes under his guidance. Larry also dedicated his time as a debate judge for the local 4-H club which enabled him to develop his debating skills at all the family functions.
Larry’s memory will forever be a beacon of love, warmth, and community spirit. May he rest in eternal peace, and may his legacy continue to inspire and uplift those who had the privilege of knowing him.
The funeral service was held Friday, March 8, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Consort Sportex with Pastor Darrell Durksen officiating. The Eulogy was presented by Tony Owens and Words of Remembrance were given by Kevin Assenheimer., Special music was Stranger on the Shore ~ Acker Bilk and I’ll leave this world loving you ~ Ricky Van Shelton. Following the service, family and friends gathered together for a time of fellowship and refreshments at the Consort Sportex.
A recording of Larry’s service, slideshow, and a copy of the tributes given, are available on the Gregory’s Funeral Home website.
Eulogy
Presented by Tony Owens
I am honored to be asked by Lorna and the family to say a few words today about Larry.
I first got to know Larry in 1990 when I started playing with the Oldtimers Hockey team. We hit it off right away, we had some great times on and off the ice and soon became good friends.
He dealt with me at the Wheat Pool, and we always had good conversations about almost everything. We enjoyed many get togethers in Compeer, suppers, golfing, making sausage. We still use Lorna’s recipe to this day.
One day in 1997, Larry called to say that he and Lorna would like to come over and talk with us. They were thinking of moving to Consort and wondered what we would think about starting up an Agro business together. By coincidence the Wheat Pool was offering me a transfer, which our family wasn’t too excited about. Kelly and I talked it over and we felt this was a great opportunity for our family to settle in Consort.
And so, in September 1997 we started L & T Agro. I looked after the Fertilizer and Larry looked after the Spraying. But by year two we had to purchase another sprayer. Kelly and Lorna would alternate and come in at 4:00 after their other jobs and then on weekends to give out fertilizer so Larry and I could both be out spraying.
Sometimes it could be fun and games.
We both used to drive silage truck for Ron Dumaresq. This one time we had some spraying that had to be done. Larry said, “Do you want to drive truck or go spraying?” I said, “I’d rather go spraying, at least I’ll have air conditioning!” Well, I should have drove truck! I hit a washout and ripped the wheel right off. I called Larry and told him what happened, thinking this isn’t going to be good.
All he said was “Are you okay?” I said, “Yes, I’m fine”. We go out the next day, we’re walking around the sprayer and Larry is taking pictures. I thought it was for insurance reasons. Well, a couple of days later I walk into the office and the pictures are hanging all over the office for everyone to see and there he sat with a grin on his face.
One other time, I was out spraying, I was running behind, heading to another field to spray. I decided I wouldn’t bother putting the
cover on the windshield of the sprayer, it wasn’t far to the next field. Well, that was a mistake, because when I got to the field, my windshield was shattered.
I headed back to town and when I got in, Larry took one look and shook his head. The girls helped us clean up the glass and Kelly
headed to Killam to get a windshield.
Two days later, Larry was out spraying and showed up back to town way earlier than he was supposed to. I watched as he pulled into the yard and sure enough the windshield was gone out of his sprayer.
I asked what happened? He said, “I forgot to put my cover on to go to the next field.” I just shook my head. Back to Killam for another windshield.
Those were 10 great years working together, we got along and had some good laughs at ourselves along the way. Our family has been grateful for the opportunity that Larry and Lorna came to us with, and for the close friendship that we’ve kept all these years.
Actually… Larry didn’t really retire. He sprayed for us for three more years, drove combine for Roger Johnson, and was still spraying for Robert Simkin. He also really enjoyed doing woodworking projects and he was good at it. I know there are quite a few homes and places in our community where he has redone counter tops, built cabinets and furniture. And most of the time Lorna was working right alongside him. They were a team and always very community
minded.
For a few years, Larry and Lorna went south for the winter. Then I would get the phone calls. It was usually happy hour, and I would
get asked all sorts of questions about names of people or places or an event that neither Larry or Lee Kroeger could remember, and they needed an answer to solve their conversation.
Once Larry and Lorna were back home, we always enjoyed hearing about all the grandchildren and then their plans for the summer at
the lake.
Then there was the hockey. Larry liked to stop by to see what Tyler thought whenever the Oilers lost a game. There would always be quite the discussion. We all knew Larry was a Hab’s Fan, and if they won a game, he would come in and you would think they won the Stanley Cup! We all know that didn’t happen very often. Larry also liked to talk about the golf course with Tyler. Always encouraging him and the other members on the executive to keep up the good work they were doing. Larry told me it was great to see the younger generation taking over the reins. He was always a big supporter of them.
I have a couple of stories given to me from Roger Johnson.
They were on a fishing trip at Heart Lake with all the kids. Everyone was having a great time until the “Fish Cops” arrived. Larry told them their licenses were back at camp and could they go back to camp and get them. We took the kids back to camp with us, dropped them off and headed back. Larry then confessed to the
cops, “We have no licenses!” The cops said, “None of you?” Larry said, “No, and we don’t want the kids to know.” The cops said, “Well, we STILL have to give you guys a $15.00 ticket!”
Another time was when a large group of them went camping at the Blackstone River. They went quadding the first day with the intent of camping outdoors. The first night setting up tents, Roger was showing Larry how to cut spruce bows to make a more comfortable bed to sleep on. Larry looked at RJ and said, “I’m not sure why we are tenting when we could ride back to camp and sleep in our beds there!”
Larry and Lorna’s house was always welcoming for Lorna’s good food and drinks. Many laughs and good memories. Larry, thank you for being my friend. I’ll see you at our next tee time.
– Roger
Dale Bousquet reminded me of a story when Larry retired from playing with the Oldtimers and took over coaching us.
We were in a tournament in Medicine Hat, down a goal with a couple of minutes left. It was Ralph Wiest’s turn to go out and Larry said, “We need a goal!” So, he benched Magoo in favor of Bill Kelts.
Larry always thought that Magoo never forgave him for that decision. But the worst part Dale said, was that Larry even benched him, and Dale tried to explain to him that HE was the top goal scorer, but to no avail. We lost!
Another time they were golfing in Sundre and Dale was in golf shorts. Larry looked at him and asked, “When did you jump into those chicken legs?”
Larry always made time for a round of golf, whether it was in the afternoon or men’s night. It was usually Larry, Lee, Ronnie, RJ and me. It got to the point that by the end of the season I realized I had to help them all see where their balls went!
Last August, the Golf Course had a 3-person best ball. Larry was golfing with Rick and Brenda Deleff. Afterwards there was a group of us all sitting together for supper.
When they started announcing the winners of the flights, Larry, Rick and Brenda had won their flight. That was the first win.
Then they started pulling names for the door prizes. Larry Hager, Larry Hager, and Larry Hager. He was getting embarrassed, and we were all giving him a hard time. Then they drew the 50/50 and guess who?? Larry Hager!
Then Kevin Assenheimer got up and thanked the younger generation for their commitment to the golf club and the great job they did for the tournament. Then he had a few words for Larry.He said, “there was no one more deserving of winning all these prizes for the work and dedication that he has given to the Golf Course over the years.”
That was Larry…
He was a great person. He was dedicated to his family and to his community. He will forever be a cherished friend to so many.
Please take the time to share your memories of Larry with the family, I’m sure there are many stories. They will be comforting for them in the days ahead.
Rest in Peace Larry, Til We See Each Other Again.
Words of Remembrance
By Kevin Assenheimer
Good afternoon, my name is Kevin Assenheimer, I am a retired P.E. Teacher (29 years here in Consort) and I am currently the greenskeeper of Larry’s summer home, the Consort Golf Course. I also have an interesting tie to Larry’s family which is unknown to many. His parents and their family actually lived on the same street as I did in the mid 70s as sister Cindy and brothers Pat and David graced the halls of Nanton’s JT Foster School while my wife Carla and I and our siblings also attended. It’s a small world.
My introduction to Larry was in the early 90s as we both shared a love for golf, for improving our golf course and for socializing there.
Larry’s involvement at the golf course spanned close to 40 years. His first accomplishment came in the late eighties when he and Kruge made a proposal to separate the golf course from the Provincial Park umbrella, the negotiations began and soon the club had more freedom and was ready to become a separate entity. This meant “Go Time” in Larry’s eyes. Like any organization there were good times but also challenging times. Larry was always willing to help regardless of the situation. With new grass greens in the mid 90s the club flourished. Mixed Tournaments such as the Dunc McFetridge Memorial under Larry and Lorna’s guidance drew many new golfers and couples to our course, it became a must attend event. Larry also helped out with the annual Lefties vs Righties tournament (Him and Jack always said the lefties dominated) and he was instrumental in maintaining Tuesday men’s night. Larry enjoyed the camaraderie and fun competition that these events created, and was proud of the positive spinoffs they generated for our club.
Water problems plagued the club in the early 2000s as duster wells were drilled. Larry and Jack negotiated a sweet deal with Special Areas erasing our debt from this adventure and established a grant system the club still benefits from to this day.
Larry also gave a considerable amount of time into making sure machinery was maintained and took a special interest in the pump at the fishing pond. His multiple terms spanning over three decades on the executive were so valued, many a club president appreciated his significant input. He expressed ways to be cost effective, helped the club stay viable and was always looking for ways to improve the course. Projects such as new grass greens, two clubhouse renovations, building tee boxes, spring clean ups, fertilizing, and maintenance practices have all been touched with Larry’s hands. The hi-way from Compeer seemed to always lead to the golf course.
My friendship with Larry went to another level when I began working as the greenskeeper about six years ago. In fact he was one of the reasons why I took the job. My respect and admiration for Larry grew as I got to work side by side with him as we were both now, paid employees. We often shared stories about family and past experiences, I thoroughly enjoyed our quiet times. His work ethic, calm demeanour, reliability and common sense approach to solving problems was impressive. His sense of humour was enjoyed by all (we laughed a lot, many times at ourselves) and his ability to rectify mechanical issues and operate all machines were appreciated. His input and knowledge meant the world to me. I’d like to think we accomplished a lot together.
Our time together created some fond memories, here are a few:
Larry always refused to enter the cold water at the pond in the spring when setting the suction hose (that is the bosses job, he would say as he held the end on land, with a silly grin), I can still picture him hopping off “Old Blue” our 72 inch mower after cutting roughs for hours – face caked in dust and a sore back but still a smile on his face – happy with what he accomplished, he also was very good at operating the Old 1960 something Massey Loader Tractor nicknamed “Precious” (just like its operator) and we will always remember the time he started the “ Mule” on fire by letting his spring coat contact the muffler and how he tried to put it out by throwing dirt and gravel on it. Grant and I had a good chuckle over that one. One year Sarah and I purposely left a tree branch untrimmed just in front of number 4 tee box and labeled it “Larry’s Tree”, this was troublesome for Larry and it drove him crazy as he often hit it with his drive. He cut it down one day when I wasn’t there.
Larry enjoyed the last few years golfing a lot, it was finally his turn. He always made sure Kruge, Maron, Bousquet, Deleff and Carl stayed honest, collecting winnings in golf for Larry, was Priceless!!
Sitting on a comfy couch on the deck at the clubhouse was one of Larry’s favourite times of the day. Relaxed, having a deck pop with friends, rehashing the 9 holes they just played or enjoying a steak that he had just barbecued to perfection. We all enjoyed Larry’s kibitzing, his stories and his fun loving nature, but the best was when he had to dig in his pocket and buy a round due to “off day” on the course.
As spring creeps up on us and another golf season approaches, we can all think back and be thankful for our friend Larry and appreciate the legacy he has left. If the Consort Golf Club had a Hall of Fame, Larry most certainly would be inducted on the very first ballot. In fact in my opinion he might be the GOAT Greatest Of All Time, for his endless and timeless contributions to our club.
The 1:30 tee time, the deck visits and men’s night will be so different for many of us now. But Larry, I’m sure you’re swinging freely now hitting 300 yd drives, and no longer will you have to worry about where I cut the pins on Tuesday nights. We miss you already and the grass isn’t even growing. Take care my friend and thank you, thank you, thank you.
Card of Thanks
Our family want to express our deepest gratitude for the tremendous support we have received over the last few months and at Larry’s funeral. Your kindness and assistance made a significant difference during this difficult time, and we are beyond grateful for your generosity.
A special thank you to all those who came to visit Larry in Calgary. Larry absolutely loved all the special visits that he received. He loved just visiting or playing a game of crib. Consider yourself lucky if you were able to beat him!
We also want to thank everyone who came out to Larry’s celebration of life and for all those who provided a helpful hand to make the day even more special. Our amazing communities have provided such an immense outpouring of support and assistance and it has been truly appreciated.
A special thank you to everyone that provided food at both the house and the service, put out the food at the service, sent flowers, set up the chairs, bartended, and to everyone behind the scenes who have provided support. Please know that your thoughtfulness and support have meant the world to us, and we will always remember your kindness.
A special thank you to Gregory’s Funeral Home for taking great care to ensure that Larry’s celebration was organized so carefully, to Pastor Darrel Durksen for the “non-Church” service (Larry would have loved it), and to Tony and Kevin for their heartfelt dedications. Larry’s memory was wonderfully honored providing solace and strength to our family.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support. We are grateful beyond words for the kindness everyone has shown and for being there for us when we needed it most.
With heartfelt thanks,
Lorna,
Lisa, Joseph,
Auston, Colton
Leon, Janilea,
Kailea, Kiera

Cheryle Yvonne Schroeder
April 5, 1952 – March 2, 2024

Cheryle Y Schroeder was born in Consort, Alberta, on April 5th, 1952 to Earl and Joyce (nee Richards) Rumohr. She grew up there with two older brothers, Wayne and Dale, and a younger sister, Sheila plus a large extended family on both sides.
A highlight she recalled often was the family trip to Ontario for hockey tryouts. Cheryle enjoyed sports, playing volleyball, organ lessons and especially art. Her mom retrieved many paintings from the trash to convince her she had talent and eventually she was accepted into an art school in the U.S. She never went, but did give many art lessons in her life.
Her plans were changed by Manfred Schroeder, a farmer’s son from Esther that she met on the dance floor. They fell in love and were married October 24, 1970 in the presence of family, friends and neighbours.
They moved to Stettler and the next year were blessed with daughter, Candace, and a year after that a son, Darcey. Manfred and Cheryle wanted a dozen children, but their third baby didn’t survive to term and was the last. Cheryle never got over that mentally or physically, but she tried to fill the hole in her heart by loving so many people she “adopted” over the years.
The young family purchased an older house in Oyen (near Manfred’s parents Olga and Julius) to remodel, but it was destroyed by fire soon after — an event that taught them the power of community.
In 1977, the Schroeders purchased a service station on Highway 41A outside of Medicine Hat where they worked long hours together and built more relationships with staff and customers. By the mid 80’s. the prospects in the Hat changed and Manfred pursued a job opportunity with Case international in Vermilion, Alberta. Cheryle began a customer service position at the Eastalta Co-op Grocery store where she greeted members by name.
The family soon moved to an acreage near Claysmore where Cheryle enjoyed gardening, canning, watching wildlife, playing cards and visiting neighbours from the community. During this time, although plagued by migraines, Cheryle was a devoted wife and mother – outspoken and overprotective but with deep caring.
In 1990, Candace was married and Manfred and Cheryle moved back to Oyen to make it their home. Their first grandson, Branden, was born in 1993. In 1996, Darcey was married to Raynette Ulliac and they had a son, Raymond Julius (R.J.).
Soon after, Cheryle turned her dream of living in a large, Victorian house with a front porch into a reality and a bustling bed and breakfast for more than 16 years. She was able to open her heart and their home to welcome visitors from around the corner and around the world. Manfred enjoyed cooking and having a new audience each morning for his jokes. She thrived on decorating for every holiday, especially Christmas, her favorite time of year. While Manfred was always on the go out in the community, Cheryle mostly kept the home fires burning and her husband in line. She expressed her opinions openly and you knew you were in trouble if you got “the look”.
By 2014, injuries to her shoulder and knee forced Cheryle and Manfred to move into a bungalow. It was a difficult adjustment for the whole family not to gather at the B&B, but Manfred and Cheryle continued to host meals, card parties and holidays. Her daughter, Candace, was her partner in many games and adventures as she had also moved back to the Oyen area by then.
As much as Chery|e’s children were her pride; her grandsons and great-granddaughters were undoubtably her greatest joy. Each came to see her during her final days in care facilities. Whether you were family, a friend or someone she just met, Cheryle had a unique way of making you feel cared for with her warm smile, handheld or soft hug. The stories of life, people and history she shared will also be truly missed. Cheryle Schroeder passed peacefully the morning of March 2nd, 2024 in Medicine Hat hospital surrounded by loved ones.
Funeral Services took place on Saturday, March 9, 2024 at the Seniors Rec Centre in Oyen, Alberta.
Memorial tributes may be directed to Tele Miracle Kinsmen Foundation, 2217C Hanselman Court, Saskatoon, SK. S7L 6A8 telemiracle.com or the Oyen and District Health Care Foundation, Box 1, Oyen, AB. T0J 2J0
To leave messages of condolence, please visit:
ofsmacleans.com
Funeral arrangements in care of MacLean’s Funeral Home, Oyen, Alberta.

Roy Carlson
1929- 2024

True to his unassuming and independent nature, Roy quietly passed on March 4, 2024, at the age of 94, at the Canterbury Foundation in Edmonton, Alberta.
Roy grew up in the Surrey B.C. area and later joined the Royal Canadian Air Force, stationed at Namao near Edmonton. It was while here he met his life’s partner, Marion. They married in 1953, during the polio epidemic, at the Mt. Carmel Catholic Church north of Altario, AB. After his time in the RCAF, Roy went on to work for Canada Post, eventually becoming a manager.
Roy filled his spare time with photography, carpentry, and travel. He created a wonderful photographic archive capturing family moments, the passage of time, and the beauty of travel. He was also known for his kind, unflappable nature, dry sense of humor, hairy-hand drawings, curation of old-time radio and TV shows, curiosity about all things electronic, and his deep love for Marion.
Roy is survived by his wife of 70 years, Marion (nee Kloberdanz); his brother and sister-in-law, John and Faye Kloberdanz; his niece Jennifer (Sean) McCormick; his nephew Zane Kloberdanz; great nieces Ashlyn McCormick and Erika and Samantha Kloberdanz, as well as a host of extended family.
Roy was predeceased by his parents, August (1956) and Elsa (1992), and his parents-in-law, John (1962) and Mary (1984).
A Celebration of Life will be held for Roy at a later date.

Wes Zieffle
April 24, 1945 – March 6, 2024

Wesley “Wes” David Zieffle was born on April 24, 1945, in Medicine Hat, Alberta to Dave and Donna Zieffle. They moved to the ranch in the Sounding Lake area north of Monitor when Wes was six months old and he resided in the same yard until he moved into Long Term Care in Consort, Alberta.
Wes married Lynda (Turcato) on March 18, 1967. Wes and Lynda continued ranching and eventually passed the ranching operations down to their sons Darren and BJ.
Wes was a member of the Canadian Professional Cowboys Association, competing in the steer wrestling and calf roping for many years and earned his gold card status for 25 years of membership. He remained an avid teacher and mentor for many cowboys throughout the years.
Wes was inducted into the Professional Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2009. His famous horse, Twist, was inducted the same year. When Wes retired from rodeo, he and Lynda enjoyed travelling, taking trips to Australia, the United States and Mexico. They also hit the road to watch grandkids compete in rodeos.
Wes passed away peacefully on March 6, 2024, at 78 years of age.
Wes will be lovingly missed by his wife of 56 years Lynda; sons Darren (Terra James) and BJ (Brandy Frenette) Zieffle; daughter Janna (Wade) Pickerell; grandchildren Ashton (Cullen Miller), Garrett, Blake, Toni (Cole Johnson), and Jaclyn; sister Kathie; and brother-in-law Dale Butterwick, as well as many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
Wes was predeceased by parents Dave and Donna Zieffle.
A Celebration of Wes’ Life took place on Monday, March 18, 2024 at the Provost Recreation & Cultural Centre at Provost, Alberta. The service was led by Patrick Cassidy who delivered the eulogy. Tributes were given by Toni Pickerell, Jorge Butterwick, Ken Guenthner, Blaine Pederson and Ty Miller. The Cowboy Prayer was read by Garrett Zieffle. Special music was “The Gambler” by Kenny Rogers and “My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys” by Willie Nelson. Following the service family and friends gathered together for a luncheon and a time of sharing memories.
Donations in memory of Wes are gratefully accepted to the Consort Long Term Care Centre or to a charity of your choice. Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
Parkview Funeral Chapels were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

Eulogy
Presented by Patrick Cassidy
Wes was born on April 24, 1945 in Medicine Hat, Alberta. He was the first child born to Dave and Donna Zieffle.
They moved from Walsh, Alberta to the Sounding Lake area, north of Monitor, in the fall of 1945. The family of three lived with Donna’s parents, Alex and Katie Guenthner for the first winter. In the spring of 1946, Dave, Donna and Wes moved one and a half miles north onto the place purchased from Logan Latimer, where Wes resided until he moved into Long Term Care in Consort.
With Wes being the only grandchild for about 8 years and living near Donna’s family, Wes was adored by five aunts and two uncles and became affectionately known as Wessie. A name his Uncle Dave Guenthner called him well into adulthood.
Other relatives soon followed the Guenthners and Zieffles north from the Walsh area including the Layes, Schachers and Mocks.
Over the years, Dave and Wes expanded the ranch purchasing Vern Wiesner land in 1964 and the Les Hill place in 1972.
Wes and Lynda purchased land from Dennis Dumaresq in 1987.
Wes and Lynda continued to build an impressive herd of cattle. It was Wes and Terry Schetzle that started the Sounding Lake producer’s sale at the Veteran Auction Mart that is still in existence today. He was proud of his char-cross steers and heifers.
Wes developed a love of horses at a young age. He spent a lot of time with his trusted mount, Dickie and progressed to training and competing on his own horses throughout his rodeo career. Wes remained a mentor and teacher to many steer wrestlers and calf ropers throughout his life. He moved from the hazing horse to stringing the barrier, to his chair in Darren’s arena, behind the box, so he could still watch how the bull dogging horses scored.
It was his mother’s first cousin, Alex Laye who first sparked Wes’ interest in rodeo. He also became good friends with Stan and Elda Weatherly. Donna would take him to the highway to meet the Weatherly’s to catch a ride to rodeos and it was through Stan and Elda he would eventually meet Elda’s little sister, Lynda, at the Vauxhall rodeo.
Wes and Lynda were married on March 18, 1967. Today is actually their 57th wedding anniversary.
He continued rodeoing and was soon joined by Ken, Mark, Leon and a few other relatives from the area and they became known as the Monitor Mumblers.
He wasn’t really built for the rough stock events, but he did compete in several events at the rodeo. He would often fill in as an outrider in the chuckwagon racing.
Wes is also a Calgary Stampede Champion, not in the steer wrestling or calf roping as one might think but in the wild horse racing. Wes was ear man and Malcom Jones was the rider for Cliff Vandergrift for that championship win.
Wes also served as calf roping director on the CPRA board of directors.
In 1968, Wes and Lynda built one of the first indoor riding arenas in Alberta. The 40 x 200 foot arena would host a countless number of jackpots, schools and practise nights. There were many championships won as a result of the knowledge shared by Wes. It didn’t matter to Wes if you were a champion or a novice, everyone received the same encouragement and coaching.
Ken Guenthner – Calgary Stampede $50,000 winner.
-1981 Canadian Steer Wrestling championship.
Leon Laye – Canadian Championship.
Mark Laye – Calgary Stampede $50,000.
Blaine Pederson – Canadian Champion Steer Wrestler. – 1994 World Champion Steer Wrestler.
Wes was most proud of Darren’s Canadian Calf Roping Championship in 1993 and BJ’s Canadian Steer Wrestling Championship in 1999.
In 1971, Wes purchased a spirited little sorrel horse from his brother-in-law Lynn Wenbourne. With Wes’ strong discipline and training, that stout little gelding would become one of Canada’s greatest steer wrestling horses of all time. He was known to all as “Twist”. Twist and Wes can be credited for many accomplishments in the rodeo world.
It was a great honour to Wes and a proud moment for the entire family when Wes and his great steer wrestling horse Twist were inducted into the Canadian Pro Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2009.
When Wes retired from competing in the arena, he and Lynda continued to hit the road, all across North America, to watch their kids and then their grandkids compete. He probably got almost as much enjoyment out of watching them compete as he did himself. They also enjoyed taking trips to Australia, Mexico, annual trips to the NFR, the Yukon and all across the US.
Wes loved a good game of cards, a good glass of whisky and a good horse. Wes was also a man of his word, and his handshake was as good as any legal document.
He enjoyed visiting and telling stories.
He was next to impossible to beat in a game of checkers.
He didn’t have a filter and was brutally honest if you asked his opinion.
He was also quite a math whiz. You could give him a complicated equation and he would usually figure out the answer in his head before you could even go get the calculator.
Wes loved a good wrestling match and earned the nickname “Badger” for his fighting style. He was crafty and hard to take down.
He also had a unique sense of humor, and many people were bit and/or barked at by the “mechanical dog”. Sometimes it was the stranger in the next car at a red light, sometimes it was whoever happened to be sitting beside him in the truck.
Wes would oversee many coffee visits, family suppers or games from his chair at the table. He would mention that was his chair if a newcomer were to try to sit there.
So today we get ready to say goodbye to Wes. He was a cowboy, a rancher, a teacher, a mentor, a friend, a devoted and proud family man. No one was prouder of his children and grandchildren than Wes. His home was always open, there was always a chair (not his) and a cup of coffee or a glass of whisky for anyone and everyone. There was always a story to be told or a game of cards to be played.
His legacy will live on in the words and advice he offered freely and his eye for horses.
He will be remembered for his quick whit and chuckle and his dedication to his family.
To Toni, he leaves his open heart and acceptance of people from all walks of life.
To Jaclyn, he leaves his quick wit and sense of humour, never letting any situation get too serious.
To Garret, he leaves his laid-back approach to life, taking things as they come and not getting too nervous or flustered.
To Blake, he leaves his quiet determination, humbly about achieving his goals.
To Ashton, he leaves his sense of adventure, always up to try new thing.
Rest easy cowboy.

Tribute
By Toni Pickerell
Wes had a lot of roles through his lifetime. He was a nephew who was doted on, a son who worked alongside his dad, and a husband whose quiet support was constant.  As a dad, Wes wouldn’t sugarcoat his practical advice. He was fair, firm, and reliable. Wes was a neighbor, brother, uncle, friend, and a mentor to many.
To Ashton, myself, Jaclyn, Garrett and Blake, Wes played the role of grandpa.  My grandpa was not an emotional man, and his “I love you’s” came in the form of a nod of his head with the words “Well, ya done good Ton.”
To the grandkids and our friends, we knew Grandpa Wes as Boppy. Boppy stepped into the role of a Grandpa with the same easy going nature he approached the rest of his life with.  Most of our memories include his grin, which often came as a result of him pulling a prank or telling a tall tale.
Boppy enjoyed the odd glass of whisky. At the 91 FCA finals, liquor was not served at the performances.  He and my dad became fast friends when Dad offered a shot from his flask to pour into Boppy’s Coke can.  Boppy had made it known he was not too fond of mom’s previous dating efforts and when he got back to the stands, he told mom “I got a date for you for the dance.”  Mom and Dad just celebrated the 30th anniversary of their arranged marriage.
Boppy loved to spend time with family, especially working together outside or sharing a story around the dinner table. My earliest driving lessons came from Boppy when I was 3.  I stood on the seat of his truck to steer while he dumped grain off the back for his charolais and longhorn bulls. A few times a year, the whole family met at Boppy and Granny’s house to make sauerkraut or sausage.  I have and still use the recipe that he and Granny perfected over the years. 
I was excited to tell Boppy when I had my first loose tooth.  Boppy told me to sit in his chair,  keep my eyes closed and to ‘hold still.’ A shooting pain spread through my mouth and when I opened my eyes, Boppy was holding my tooth in a pair of pliers with that same grin on his face. I begged mom not to tell him about any loose teeth after that. Jaclyn also learned from this experience, and never told Boppy about any of her loose teeth.
Ashton, Jaclyn, and I were playing at Granny and Boppy’s house the day we found out Ashton would be joining our family. She paused with an excited look on her face and asked, “Do you think I can call him Boppy now too?” We ran out to the kitchen to ask him. He responded with a chuckle, a nod, and that familiar grin.  Our family of five grandkids was completed a few years later when Garrett and Blake were born. 
Few things in life made Boppy more proud than watching Garrett and Blake grow up as the fourth generation on the ranch his dad started.  His passion for rodeo and ranching impacted each of his grandkids and will carry on for generations to come.
When it came to horses, Boppy’s word was honest, accurate and definitive.  Our first pony was named after Boppy’s childhood horse, Dickey. Boppy spent a lot of time breaking our pony to drive, and we entered many parades together with my sister, Jaclyn. After we outgrew Dickey, Boppy bought our second pony who my sister and I rode before he found a home as Garrett and Blake’s first horse. Boppy watched as many of our practice nights as possible, and while we didn’t always implement his advice right away, within a few months we usually wished we had.  Boppy could read a horse better than anyone I know and when my friend’s horse was colicing at a rodeo and we didn’t know what to do, I knew exactly who to go get out of the stands.
There were VERY few high school rodeos that Boppy and Granny missed in the years between when Ashton started and Boppy could no longer travel. Boppy often napped in the suburban during the barrel racing. He had a knack for making it to the stands exactly in time for our runs. Boppy didn’t want to watch more than was necessary, but he wouldn’t miss any of our runs either. He was our most consistent and our quietest supporter, only heard cussing “damn the luck” on video when a barrel was knocked or a calf was missed.
When I was competing in New Mexico, Boppy and Granny drove overnight from Uncle Stan’s funeral to watch. My run did not go as planned, but when I got back to the stands I was met with a pat on the shoulder and the words “Well, ya done good Ton.”
Boppy loved a good game of cards. I learned to play poker with him when I was 10. He paid my buy in to several small games at their house so I could practice.  When I was nearing 21, the focus shifted to Black Jack.  I spent a few evenings driving to Red Deer to practice playing cards with him and Granny. On my 21st birthday, Boppy gifted me with a plane ticket to join him and Granny in Vegas for the NFR. We met at the Black Jack table early in the mornings, and despite his mentorship, it turns out I still had some learning to do. He let me know that in no uncertain terms when I took a hit on a 16 and the dealer had a chance to bust.
Boppy often stopped in for help with his computer, phone, or to delete an accidental Facebook post. He said he couldn’t figure out electronics but as soon as you stepped out of a vehicle, the satellite radio was immediately switched to Willie’s Roadhouse.
We also learned many life lessons about how to be a good and honest person from Boppy.  Never touch someone’s hat, mean what you say, ride a good horse, and don’t take life too seriously.  Boppy had a way of drawing people in. Everywhere we went, Boppy would stop to visit with a friend along the way. Boppy and Granny’s house was a second home to many. One of the first times I took Cole to visit, I told him not to bother knocking. Whether it was for a bed, food, or a visit, most people felt at home enough to let themselves in.
As a family, our last several days have been filled with tears, heartbreak, storytelling, and laughter. I have heard my grandpa described as larger than life, a friend to all, and a shit disturber, all characteristics that were passed down.  Boppy wasn’t one for long or heartfelt goodbyes, so the most fitting words I can think of when I look at this room of people whose lives Boppy influenced are “Well, ya done good Boppy.”

Tribute
By Jorge Butterwick
Uncle Wes bar none, hands down was a cornerstone rock in my life.
One thing I could count on was Uncle Wes always being there!
He was always the same – place – demeanor – mannerisms.
His opinion mattered. Uncle Wes’ opinion out of anyone’s opinion is who’s I valued most.
I’ve never really concerned myself with what other people thought, except Uncle Wes’ opinion and view. Looking back, I never realized that, until I was a grown man with a family myself.
Due to the fact that Uncle Wes was a pillar in the rodeo community, gentleman, and was there for me to give a helping hand in life and advice. I never wanted him to be disappointed in me.
It was always Aunt Lynda’s house, but it was always Uncle Wes’ arena.
For years and years not only did I rope calves and bulldog steers, but I kept my horses there. I always offered to pay, but he would never accept. They always made sure I was looked after.
I didn’t realize until I got my own arena that two-year-old longhorn steers, that get too big to steer wrestle are not a good financial investment.
Just a little insight, the old arena was a 200×40 foot Quonset, dark as the ace of spades but had incandescent 100 watt light bulbs with aluminum foil pie plates above them. On a sunny afternoon, it would take ten minutes for your eyes to adjust to be able to see after you came inside.
When it got dry and dusty, water pails were packed from a hydrant in the arena to settle the dust. When the ground got too hard, we shoveled sand in from the edges where the action had pushed it to.
There were many great moments, memories and skills that we have acquired thanks to the arena Uncle Wes built!
In closing: Thanks for building and shaping each and everyone of us one way or another. If there were more people like Uncle Wes this world would be way better off.
And thanks for always looking out for me Uncle Wes!

Tribute
By Ken Guenthner
I’ve known Wes my entire life. We were cousins, neighbours, friends and traveling partners. The last few years our adventures have slowed to storytelling and retelling over regular coffee times.
‘West’ as his mother-in-law, Grandma Turcator, called him – always told you exactly what he was thinking. Even as a kid he didn’t hold back. His parents once had company over and it was getting late. Wes was tired and done with the visit. He got the guys hat, took it to him and said if you would leave we would go to bed. You knew exactly where you stood with him.
I don’t know if anyone loves rodeo as much as Wes did. He was always involved in rodeo whether it was participating himself, watching his kids and grandkids, or talking rodeo or watching locals compete on TV. At the start of our careers, we used to practice on Alex Laye’s old indoor arena that was made of page wire and straw bales. It was heated of course, with a heater so hot you could cook eggs on it. Many guys ended up melting their down filled coats standing too close to it. After practice Wes would turn his horses loose and they would just run the mile or so home. He built the old arena at home so his kids wouldn’t have to go to town to play hockey. The boys enjoyed success after staying home and fine tuning in their events.
There are so many of us who benefitted from that old arena. We spent hours practicing there together. Practice nights were usually 6-8 guys and we practiced until late at night. It usually ended with us telling Blaine to quit and go home already. If you want to become a champ that is the kind of dedication you need if you want to win. There was no return alley in the old arena and we had a 20 ft. ladder that we used to carry between us to help chase the cattle down to the chutes. It also worked to carry guys out of the arena after a wreck. Billy Vincett had a wreck at the far end once. He fell off his horse when it ducked, he went over the panels and stuck his head through two pipes. He was doing the dead chicken down there and we all went running down to help him. I stepped across him and said that I better go get Lynda. Wes replied with, “No use to hurry, I think he’s dead.”
Over the years Wes started a lot of bulldogging and rope horses that went on to be successful. Although he didn’t quite have the same finesse with training barrel horses. Janna had a horse he didn’t think was ‘leaving’ the barrel hard enough. Wes had a plan to make that son of a bitch run. He hid behind the barrel with a fence post and jumped out at the right moment. It did not work out as he planned as the horse blew sideways and Wes was banned from the arena for awhile.
Darren once said to me, “We don’t have fun on the rodeo trail like you guys did, it’s just not the same.” He might be right, I can’t imagine anyone having as much fun as we did. Wes and Lynda were great traveling partners. You never had to go to the rodeo office – Lynda had all the scores and times written down. We were known as the Monitor Mumblers. Wes was an especially great hazer on the black horse. He sat four feet off the back end and hardly ever missed a steer. Ditch wrestling was a bonus sport that we all participated in. We were constantly trying to determine who was the toughest. Some damage was done to a few of Wes’ trucks when the fighting commenced and we didn’t get pulled over soon enough. Once traveling from Rocky to Red Deer, Wes and Wilkinson rolled out of the truck and got to fighting at the intersection. We didn’t think much of it, that was everyday for us. But later at the rodeo, someone overheard fans in the stands talking about the cowboys saying they were plum crazy fighting in the ditch on the way to the rodeo.
There isn’t anything Wes loved much more than playing tricks on people and he was downright mean! One time Bearman was just minding his own business sitting on a fence watching the calf roping when Wes snuck up behind him and hooked a metal wire with a burning rag attached to it, in his back belt loop. He jumped down, flailing trying to get it out. Somewhere along the trail Wes came up with the mechanical dog. That was when you would go after someone with a pair of pliers trying to ‘bite’ them. We convinced Mark Roy to do it once and he went after some woman with the pliers and we laughed like hell as he clamped those pliers but he didn’t know how to bark so he just kind of went ‘rrr’. That poor woman thought he was crazy. Ron Scott was the first guy in Canada to have an aluminum trailer. He had a nice 12 footer. No one knows for sure if it was Wes’ idea but we are damn sure he was involved in flipping it on end with the tongue sticking straight up in the air. He never would admit to it.
Gambling was another one of Wes’ hobbies and he loved to play cards but it wasn’t a hobby we shared. He was playing blackjack in Saskatoon and I was wandering around the casino wasting time. He waved me over and told me to sit down. I said, “Wes, I don’t play cards.” He said, “Sit down I guarantee you’ll win.” He had figured out that the dealer coudn’t add and he broke every time. I made about $100 that night and Wes made $500 before they switched the guy out.
I was told all of you want to know why I was named Skinner. Well, of course West was involved. We were skiing in the ditch behind a truck. Wes was driving so we were not going slow. I had little wooden skis on and I was headed towards a snowpile. I turned towards the road and there was about 2 inches of gravel in the middle of the road. My skis caught that, I wrecked and skinned off the top of my nose. Wes’ dad called me Skinny from then on and that’s how I got my nickname.
I could go on with stories forever, but I don’t want to tell too many stories because Lynda has been talking about writing a book and I want you to buy it. You can also pay her to keep your name out of it – she accepted $100 bills and there’ll be no receipts.

Tribute
By Blaine Pederson
Good Afternoon Everyone,
I am very honoured to be speaking here today at Wes’s Tribute.
Thank you Lynda and family for giving me that opportunity!
Wes, was my Mentor. He had a lot to do with my successful rodeo career….
I ran thousands of steers in that little arena, but one thing was different about practicing at Wes and Lynda’s. Wes never let you score any steers, if you backed in the corner, you had to run that steer. Part of the reason was because there was no run back alley, the steers were hard to get in and you had to chase them in on foot.
That was not easy. So you wanted to make good use of every steer you could.
I was lucky to be able to practice with so many good steer wrestlers. Wes was so welcoming and we practiced so much. I spent time roping calves at Mark’s arena and then I would go to Wes’ to steer wrestle. There is a lot of time and dedication that is needed to succeed in a rodeo career and Wes gave me that opportunity with countless practice sessions we had there, night after night and year after year. After every practice session, Wes wanted me to come in for a drink and a game of cards….more times then not, it was always more than one drink!
Wes always taught me to treat every run, like a rodeo run and make use of every steer. And not to run fifteen steers a night because I drove so far to get there, just make six runs, catch them and throw them down and never give up.
Wes was so dedicated to that arena!!
As my rodeo career went on and I was able to build my own arena, the trips to Wes and Lynda’s became less and less. But that never stopped Wes from still believing in me and encouraging me to keep going and pushing hard with my rodeo career.
I won my second Canadian Steer Wrestling title riding Wes’s great horse, Twist. I wish I could’ve rode him in Vegas at the NFR, but unfortunately by then, he was retired. But Wes and Lynda were always in Vegas to cheer me on, their support was endless and meant so much to me over the years!!
Leon and I had so much fun travelling with Wes and Lynda, there was never a dull moment! Skinner and I were always picking at each other and then the wrestling would start. Many a times, Wes would stop the the truck and tell us to get the hell out and finish the fight in the ditch. I always got the best of Skinner J
I do recall going to Rocky Mountain House rodeo with Wes, Skinner, Leon, Wilkinson and myself. Skinner was driving, he was just going to turn off on Hwy. 2 exit to Rocky and I reached over, turned the truck off and pulled out the keys! Of course the steering wheel locked and Skinner began hollering at me to give the keys back. He was panicking!! We were on the curve and the outfit was getting closer to the ditch, with no steering and Skinner frantic. I put the keys back in but he had such a death grip on the wheel that it wouldn’t unlock, he finally loosened off, it unlocked and he got the truck straightened out and headed in the right direction. He was pretty mad at me and not sure what I was thinking by doing that.
That same trip, Wilkinson and Wes got to arguing in the truck and wrestling, so we stopped the truck and told them to get the hell out this time and finish the wrestling match in the ditch. There was tons of traffic that drove by slowly to see what the heck was going on. The next weekend we were at a rodeo and I overheard some fans talking about seeing two cowboys wrestling in the ditch, the little stout chunky one was getting the best of the bigger cowboys. Ha ha.
Another time at the Regina Rodeo, Wes, Skinner, Leon, Dale and I had competed and we were walking back to the outfit to head home. We came across Scotty’s brand new aluminum horse trailer. We decided to tip it on its end because it was only a two horse. The tack room would be straight up in the air, and he’d need a ladder to get his saddles out!
We laughed about that all the way home; never did hear the outcome. But I’m pretty sure that was Wes’ idea, he was known to be a bit of a prankster!!
Wes and Lynda were so good to me and Yvonne, Jamie-Lee and Candice. For many years we hosted the Todd Boggust Memorial Jackpot at our arena. Wes and Lynda were so good to come every year and help us out. Wes always tied the barrier and watched the line. Lynda did all the paperwork, timing and all the payout. We were and are so grateful and so appreciative of their help and their never ending friendship over the years!! Thank you so much!!
But I guess I better wrap this up….
There are so many good stories to tell, so many good times and so many good memories over the years!!
See you down the road, Wes!!

Tribute
By Ty Miller
We are here today to say goodbye to an amazing Husband, Father, Boppi, Uncle and mentor. He was to many of us a friend and an inspiration. I would like to say a few words for Wes today as my personal tribute.
When I was asked to speak on behalf of my generation of steer wrestlers, one word came to mind….. Opportunity. A set of circumstances that makes it possible for advancement or success. Wes did just that for so many of us in this room today. Wes’ indoor building began giving the opportunity for success for hall of famers, world champions, Canadian champions, countless NFR qualifiers and CFR qualifiers. He gave the opportunity for his two sons, Darren the 1993 Canadian Champion Calf Roper and BJ 1999 Canadian Champion Steer Wrestler to become two respected competitors, cowboys and people. With so many of the greats in our sport getting their opportunity through Wes, either a mount on Twist or to come learn the kraft in his arena, he has without a doubt earned his spot in the Hall of Fame.
My first opportunity came in his old arena as well….. My Dad (the money man) and I headed out to try a calf horse that Darren had for sale. We headed south of Cadogan to Sounding Lake, which felt like it took forever driving into the middle of nowhere, and finally pulled into that old tunnel. It would be the only time I roped in there, but it was easy to feel and sense the history of that old building…. I’d love if those walls could talk…….
That was all it took, I was hooked. Darren was just finishing up an indoor building of his own just North of the house. I had the opportunity to take his calf roping school and SW schools. For myself, not coming from a rodeo family or background, I was nervous……. and scared….. There’s no other sport where when you start out, do you get to share the floor with the best, I didn’t know what to expect and that’s intimidating…… But those nerves and fears I was able to quickly overcome, thanks to Wes and Lynda’s ability to make everyone and anyone feel welcome….. and feel like they belong. It was easy to see that Wes gave everyone a chance…. And he passed that along to his entire family. These small gestures lead me down a path to which I am forever grateful. Many, many, many late nights upstairs where Wes would pull out the poker chips and be sitting patiently, waiting for everyone to sit down and play cards. This is where I also got introduced to Ralphy… or Wade Pickerell, an old dogger himself. I must have left a small impression at this time with BJ because Wade wasn’t taking too kindly to Rowdy and I’s table talk and figured he was going to put an end to it and stood up to do so until BJ told him to sit down…. which I am grateful for Bullett.
Janna, Toni and Jaclyn… it was easy to see how proud he was of you three. He always had that big grin whenever his girls were around. When Garrett and Blake got started Wes never missed a practice. He was proud of his grandchildren.
I’d spend weeks at Furlys where we would run steers and rope, help was never too far away. Wes would come and open the chute when needed or just sit upstairs and look out his window beside the bulldoggin box and watch. We’d come upstairs for coffee and always be greeted with his big smile…. chuckles at some wrecks…. and he always would take interest in what horse you were riding.
Over the last couple years, Wes’s appearances at the arena became less and less….. I believe this affected us for two reasons……One we missed Wes’ company…. Two Skinner was now no longer sitting upstairs with Wes behind glass and found himself in the arena which became much louder for the rest of us.
Wes was also a big supporter of our Business and I will miss sending pictures to BJ of Wes at the shop…. Spending his inheritance. I will definitely miss the visits around the coffee pot. He did get a little grumpier later on, not understanding why driving over giant rocks wasn’t covered under warranty…. But a couple free oil changes and he settled down.
Opportunity…….. I will be forever grateful to the entire Zieffle family for giving me one.

THANK YOU FROM THE FAMILY
The family of Wes Zieffle would like to express our heartfelt gratitude for the support during the past few weeks. We would like to thank all the friends, family and neighbours for the visits, phone calls, texts and thank you to everyone who reached out through social media.
We always knew our dad was a great guy and we certainly looked up to him but, in the days since his passing, we have come to see how respected and liked he was by so many other people. We are so proud of the man he was and the impact he left on everyone who knew him. We are grateful and humbled by the outpouring of condolences.
A special thank you to the doctors, nursing staff and support staff at the Provost Hospital and the Consort Extended Care for their amazing care.
A huge thank you to Patrick Cassidy for leading the celebration of life and delivering the eulogy.
Thank you to Garrett Zieffle for delivering the cowboys prayer.
Thank you to Toni Pickerell, Jorge Butterwick, Ken Guenthner, Blaine Pederson and Ty Miller for sharing their memories and stories.
Thank you to family and friends for organising the luncheon following the service.

Philip John Dafoe
October 7, 1951 – March 8, 2024

Philip was a force of nature and a good, dedicated family man. It’s people like this who helped build Canada to what it is today.
Philip Dafoe, of Calgary, passed away on Friday, March 8, 2024, at the age of 72 years.

Quinten Tyler Golby
Aug. 12, 1999 – Mar. 13, 2024

Quinten was born on August 12, 1999 at St. Mary’s Hospital Camrose, Alberta. He attended Gr. K – 9 Brownfield Community School, 10 – 12 Coronation Highschool and went on to Lethbridge College.
Quinten had many hobbies: Reptiles, goat 4H, and Comicon, Baseball and Basketball.
Quinten was a remarkable young soul who left a lasting mark on all who knew him. Quinten was a young man of passion and conviction, with a heart as vast as the prairie sky and a spirit as lively as the creatures he so adored.- lizards. His fascination with these scaled wonders was not merely a passing fancy but a testament to his profound curiosity and love for the natural world.
Quinten was not one to shy away from expressing his opinions. Whether engaged in a lively debate or fervently defending his beliefs, he approached every interaction with unwavering determination and boundless enthusiasm. His tenacity was matched only by his infectious zeal, igniting spirited discussions that often left us both enlightened and entertained.
Beyond his love for lizards and spirited debates, Quinten possessed a kindness that touched the lives of those around him. He had a knack for finding beauty in the simplest of things and a generosity of spirit that knew no bounds. His laughter echoed like a melody through the halls of our hearts, leaving behind cherished memories that we will hold dear forever.
Though Quinten’s time with us was tragically brief, the impact he made will endure for a lifetime. As we bid farewell to Quinten, let us take solace in the knowledge that his spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew him. May his love for lizards, his unwavering conviction, and his boundless kindness serve as guiding lights in our lives, reminding us to embrace our passions, stand firm in our beliefs, and always approach each day with the same fervent joy that Quinten so effortlessly embodied.
Rest in peace, dear Quinten. You will be dearly missed, but never forgotten.
Quinten is survived by his parents Tracey and Wade Golby; his grandparents Clarence and Donna Golby and Don and Linda Maron; brother Evan Golby; aunts and uncles – Lyle and Delayne Golby and their children Jenna (Hunter Baldwin), Adam and Logan: Brad Golby and his children Tarisa (Kolby Wittmack) and son Kylan, Ashley (Jaycee Hendry) and son Noah, Justin (Madison Nichols) and their mother Dana Golby: Tina and Dale Tuchscherer and children Justin (Avrianna Hebert) and Daina (Tyler Clemence), Terry (Pauline) Maron and children Hope, Isaac and Adison; numerous other relatives and many friends.
He was predeceased by great uncles and aunts – Edward and Annette Golby, Don and Laura Fawcett.
A Celebration of Life for Quinten was held at the Brownfield Recreation Centre, Brownfield, Alberta on March 22, 2024, at 1 p.m.
Memorial donations in memory of Quinten may be sent directly to the Canine Love Dog Rescue Society, 16158 Twp Rd 464, Daysland, AB., T0B 1A0 or a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be forwarded to the Golby family by visiting www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium of Coronation, were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

Joanne Margaret Dyck (nee Hartel)
Sept. 12, 1959 – Mar. 16, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Joanne Margaret Dyck, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend, on March 16, 2024, in Alix, Alberta at the age of 64 years.
Joanne is survived by her loving husband Dale of 46 years, daughter Tammy (Curtis) Elliott, son Terry (Nikki) Dyck. She is also survived by her grandchildren Courtney, Colby, and Ryan Elliott; her mother Dorothy Hartel; siblings August (Sandi) Hartel, Karen (Greg) Scheffelmier, Glen (Kerry) Hartel, Colleen (John) Rush; brother-in-law Kelly Hawthorne; sisters-in-law Diane (Norman) Koch, Helen (Blaine) Lee, Rita Ward, Bonnie Sharp.
Joanne is predeceased by her father Harvey Hartel; mother and father-in-law Evelyn and David Dyck; sister Valerie Hawthorne; brothers-in-law Bob Sharp, David Ward, Wayne Dyck.
Joanne Margaret Dyck (Dolly) was born September 12th, 1959 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan to Harvey and Dorothy Hartel. She and her siblings attended school in Lashburn, Saskatchewan until 1972 when the family moved to Coronation, Alberta where she graduated in 1977. After graduating she started her career with Alberta Health Services. She first started in the kitchen then on to housekeeping and laundry, eventually to her role as a Regional Manager for Environmental Services. Through her 47 years of service, she gained and met a lot of great friends and co-workers. She would often reminisce about all the good times and laughs they all had.
In 1976, Joanne met the love of her life Dale. Dale and Joanne were united in marriage on May 6th, 1978. To this union they welcomed two children Tammy and Terry.
In 1999 they welcomed their first grandchild, Courtney followed by Colby in 2001 and Ryan in 2010. Dolly had many great years with the kids. From dance and hockey and a few ball games, she loved watching the kids play and have fun. Dolly also loved her grand puppies, and they loved her. The licks and kisses were endless.
Joanne and Dale moved to Alix, Alberta in 2005 until the present. They took pride in their beautiful home, yard, and garden. Their home was always open for a visit and a coffee.
Dolly had many hobbies throughout her time. Crocheting and knitting were some of her earlier projects. Behind her chair was full of wool and knitting needles. Bingo was always a favorite. She and her friends would load up the car and head out hoping for a big win. Speaking of gambling, Vegas was always a favorite go to spot. She loved playing the slot machines and going to shows; Rod Stewart being one of the highlights. They traveled all over including a family trip through Yellowstone Park, both Disney Parks, Sedona, Arizona, a trip to Rouleau, Saskatchewan to visit the set of the show Corner Gas. Many good times were had traveling about. Quilting was another hobby she ventured into. Making many quilts for a comfort that was undeniable, with love in every stitch, we will always cherish. Camping was a huge part of their life. They loved travelling about with many good friends, playing cards, campfires, fishing, and just being together. She loved scrapbooking and baking all our favorite things. Spending time with her family was the ultimate feel-good hobby, whether it was chasing the grandkids around with dad to their games and festivals to just being around the table enjoying the holidays and the perfect meal.
Joanne aka Dolly was a remarkable woman, wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, auntie, and friend whose soul left a lasting impact on all who knew her. If you had ever had the privilege of being with or visiting with Dolly, you would have noticed her witty personality. Her impersonations left everyone in stitches. Dolly was always able to laugh at herself. She rarely got through a story without laughing so hard she could barely tell it. We always laughed harder at her than the story she was trying to tell.
Jo, you were a wonderful caring woman, you’ve taught us a lot and we will never forget it.
Today I looked into the sky, and it was beautiful. I then realized its because you are there. You fly with the Angels now but part of you will always be with us.
Rest In Peace Dear Dolly. You will be dearly missed but never forgotten.
If Roses Grow in Heaven
If roses grow in Heaven Lord
Please pick a bunch for me.
Place them in my Mothers arms
And tell her they’re from me.
Tell her that I love and miss her And when she turns to smile,
Place a kiss upon her cheek
And hold her for a little while.
Because remembering her is easy,
I do it everyday.
But there is an ache within my heart
That will never go away.
Thank You – The families of Joanne wish to express their gratitude for the many kind words, gestures, meals, cards, flowers, messages and phone calls, and memories shared in the hours since Jo’s passing and would like to thank you for being a part of her life.

Donna Buxton-Pronko
Aug. 9, 1936 – March 28, 2024

It is with much love and sadness that we say goodbye to Donna who died peacefully in California after living with Alzheimer’s disease for twelve years.
She is survived by her husband, John, daughter Michele (Richard), son Gregory (Michele), grandson Christopher and sisters Marjorie Irwin and Annabel Sheppard (Don).
Donna was predeceased by her parents Cyrus and Mabel Buxton and her brother Carlisle.
Donna was born on the Alberta prairies and grew up in Mayerthorpe on a farm. After high school she moved to Edmonton and trained to become a Medical Laboratory Technologist and later completed a B.Sc. in biochemistry. She was the head of the Medical Technology Department at NAIT and helped set up the Medical Laboratory Technologists program in the 1960s.
Donna met John when he was pursuing a Ph.D. in physics at U. of A.
Donna and John were married in 1963. They moved to California after John’s post doctorate studies in Germany and a research position at Yale University in Connecticut. Donna completed a Master’s Degree in Public Health Education at San Jose State University. She worked as head of HR for a financial company. Eventually she was hired by the University of Stanford Hospital where she worked in Patient Relations. She retired in 1995.
Donna was brilliant, accomplished, creative, feisty, and had a deep love for her family and Canada. She was kind and caring, and passionate about many things, especially politics and women’s rights.

Petronella “Nellie” Gardina Jones (nee van Hoek)
Oct. 5, 1922 – Mar. 30, 2024

Nellie passed away peacefully in Westlock Continuing Care Centre on March 30, 2024, at the age of 101 years, with the family at her side.
Nellie was born in Castor Alberta, the daughter of Anton and Marie (Pals) Van Hoek. Nellie married Syd Jones on August 2, 1947, and raised five children in Consort, Alberta.
Nellie leaves many memories with her Consort church and her family.
A Memorial Mass was celebrated at St. Benoit Parish Church, Pickardville, Alberta, Saturday, May 4, with interment at Forest Hill Cemetery, Busby, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Westlock Continuing Care Centre, or Consort Seniors Lodge c\o Acadia Foundation, or the charity of one’s choice.
The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the staff at Westlock Continuing Care Centre for their gentle professional care to our Mom.

Eulogy
Good afternoon and thank you for joining us today.
We are gathered here to honour and celebrate the life of Nellie Jones. Nellie was known for her love, support, and loyalty to her family and friends; her strong dedicated Catholic faith; and her hard and thorough work.
Nellie is survived by her brother in-law Romeo Hebert and sister-in-law Rita Jones, plus many nieces and nephews. Nellie was predeceased by her parents Antonius and Maria, husband Syd Jones (2008), her sister Anna Marie (Jim) Lyzotte, grand-daughter Tanya Martin (Emes), and in-laws Winnifred (Walter) Williams, Doreen (Ron) Carey, Iris (Romeo) Hebert, Donald (Rita) Jones, Lloyd and Kenneth Jones.
Nellie leaves many loving memories with her five children:

• Marlene (Ken) Gerig and two sons
  Sydney (Kirsty) Gerig –
  Aedan and Brad
  Paul (Denise) Gerig –
  Brendan, Carter, and
  Rhett
• Ronald (Patricia) Jones and two daughters
  Kristin (Rene) Trudel –
  Jared and Sydney
  Jennifer Jones – Jenaya
• David (Betty) Jones and a son
  Jake (Trina) Jones –
  Krue and Wells
• Bernard and two daughters and a son
  Claire Jones Arthur and
  Charles Arthur
  Jacob Jones
  Josephine Jones
• Audrey (Jim) Emes and two daughters and a son
  Serena Emes –
  Corbin and Amaya
  Mark (Bobbi-Jo) Emes.-
  Tristan, Taryn,
  Katarina, Tatum,
  Urijah, and Vienna
  Tanya (deceased) and
  Dennis Martin –
  Nevaeh, Tegan, and
  Eva Mom was born Petronella van Hoek on October 5th, 1922 in Castor Alberta. Daughter of Antonius van Hoek and Maria Pals. Tony was from Holland from Oosterhout near Breda and Maria was born in Princenhage, North Brabant.Tony and Maria married in 1918 and farmed a small farm south of Castor and this is where their two girls were born, Anna Maria and Petronella (Nellie). Tony and Maria moved in 1923 to the Meanook area south of Athabasca to homestead a quarter of land.
  In 1928 Mom was boarded at the convent of the Faithful Companions of Jesus and attended Grandin school. Later they boarded with the Sisters of our Lady of Charity in the Forest Heights area of Edmonton, where the Newman Theological College is now located. There they attended the St. Teresa’s school and the St. Mary’s High School for girls. Mom graduated grade twelve Matriculation from St. Mary’s. Mom often told us kids of her walking down 98th Avenue hill across the Low Level bridge and up the river bank to the St. Mary’s Catholic high school in minus 30 degree weather.
  The Sisters also taught mom to play piano and had her take Royal Conservatory lessons and exams graduating with Grade 10 level. Mom loved music and loved to play and share her music with others.
  Mom was very thankful to the sisters and made life long friends with the nuns including sister Devine Heart who became Mother Superior of the order in the 1960’s, and Archbishop Henri Routhier of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate (OMI) who was the priest for the congregation. Mom was very thankful for the care and support of the Sister’s in the very difficult times of the 1930’s with the province going through droughts and a massive economic depression.
  After graduation, Nellie joined the teaching order Ursulines of Jesus as a novice nun and went to Normal School at the University of Alberta to get her teacher’s diploma. She taught at St. Edmunds school in Calder, Edmonton. After teaching for a year, mom decided to leave the order. Mom greatly appreciated the help and support from Mother Superior in this transition. Mom moved to St. Joseph’s auxiliary hospital on Whyte Avenue Edmonton as the bookkeeper and medical records clerk. During the evenings she attended Alberta College and completed a Bookkeeping diploma.
  Mom loved to dance and after World War II ended, often attended dances at the YMCA or the Cloverdale Hall on 98th avenue Edmonton. She met the love of her life Sydney Jones at a YMCA dance in 1946. He had returned from war and was training as a mechanic at the Technical School in Edmonton.
  Mom married Syd Jones on August 2nd, 1947. Dad had accepted a mechanic position with McFetridge Motors in Consort, Alberta earlier in 1947. Immediately after the wedding Mom and Dad returned to Consort and rented the Sanderson house. Consort was to be home for Mom for the next 59 years until 2006.
  My sister Marlene was born May 16th, 1948 to start the family of 5 kids – Marlene, Ronald, David, Bernard and Audrey.
  Soon after arriving in Consort, Marguerite Wiese recruited mom to be the organist for St. Andrews Catholic church in Consort, where she served for the next 59 years. First at the St. Andrews church and later at the new church of Corpus Christi. Music was her passion and the music liturgy for the church was a major interest for the rest of her life.
  Mom was very strong in her faith and the church a major focus throughout her life. Mom really enjoyed the choir group with the church. She had many choir group members through the years including Marty Oxamitny, Pat and Toosie Wiese, Elsie Sullivan, Hildegard Schafer in the early years and later years with Marilynn Deagle, Patricia Wiechnik, and Kelly Owens. CWL friends were Francis Fischer, Jean Deagle and Marie Phelan. A close friend in faith was Reenie Robinson. Mom so enjoyed the time spent in choir practice and mass and at CWL with these wonderful friends.
  Mom maintained her connection with the convent sisters, and Archbishop Routhier and visited the sisters in Edmonton regularly with us kids. The nuns were very happy to watch the family expand and grow up.
  My brother Ron remembers many trips to other towns such as Altario or Compeer to serve as an altar boy at a funeral or wedding mass with Mom as the organist and Father Hess. They travelled in Fathers Volkswagen Beetle. Father Hess could barely fit his tall frame into the car with his head pressed firmly against the roof.
  Mom taught piano in the early years in Consort until too busy with us kids. Mom either taught us music or had us all take music lessons. For Marlene, Ron and Dave the music continues through to today. For Audrey and I it is more wishful. We are all thankful for Mom’s love of music and it continues to the great grandkids today.
  For many years Mom and Dad attended many a musical event at the Gilmer’s or other homes where an evening of music and dancing ensued. Mom really enjoyed these outings, often dancing with Dad or others such as Matt Hedley. These evenings provided her with much enjoyment in the music and dancing. Mom also taught all us kids to dance. Ron particularly remembers the 1,2,3 of practicing the waltz.
  Mom was a fiercely protective mother. Ron remembers once he punched a neighborhood boy and ran home with the other boy’s mother hot on his heals. Mom met them at the gate and stopped the other mother from disciplining Ron’s backside. Mom stood up for each of us kids at critical times in our lives.
  Mom loved to walk. Many a Consort back alley was walked on her way to church, grocery, post office, garage, pharmacy or to find a wayward kid. This also allowed her to enter quietly through back doors as she liked to avoid attracting attention when entering. Audrey remembers Mom being a very diligent parent with Audrey having to check in with Mom every 20 minutes from a dance at the school.
  Mom did the financial books for dad’s business Syd’s Service – located in the McFetridge garage building. Syds Service was bought by Kroeger Brothers Farm Equipment in 1969 and Dad joined Kroeger’s as the Service Manager. With Kroeger’s, mom and dad went on several trips overseas courtesy of Massey-Ferguson. Mom enjoyed these trips and loved to find out the history of each country.
  For their 40th wedding anniversary us kids bought tickets for Mom and Dad to visit England, Wales and Holland and visit family in each country. After the older kids moved out, Mom and Dad had time for vacations. Audrey and I enjoyed many trips with them to Fairmont or Radium for golfing and soaking in the hot springs.
  In her later years after the kids moved out, Mom was employed at Wiltse’s IGA as a stock clerk until she retired. She enjoyed her time there and applied her meticulous skills to stocking the shelves. At Wiltse’s she worked with Wanda Homan (Betty’s sister). Wanda said that mom was a lot of fun to work with and shared many jokes and laughter.
  Mom had a wonderful sense of adventure. When Dave would drop by in later years, he would take her for a motorcycle ride on his Harley touring on the range roads outside Consort or in the Neutral Hills or by Sounding Lake. Mom kept it private but always had her helmet ready to go in the house.
  Mom and Dad visited each of her kid’s houses as often as they could travel. Mom really enjoyed tutoring the grandkids with their reading. Marlene remembers Mom helping her with the garden and that the garden weeding was never done as thoroughly as when Mom did it.
  Through all the years, we each appreciate the love, support and loyalty we had from Mom. Mom was instrumental in the formation of our lives and we love her for it.
  Mom, we will miss you dearly and we know you are in the arms of Jesus now.
  Mom, we will always love you!

Mervin Roger Sims
Nov. 17, 1944 – April 4, 2024

Mervin Roger Sims, known fondly as Roger, passed away peacefully at Pilgrims Hospice in Edmonton, leaving behind a lifetime of cherished memories and an enduring legacy of love. Born in Consort, Alberta to parents Lee and Grace Sims of Veteran, Roger touched countless hearts with his generosity, humour, and unwavering spirit throughout his life.
Growing up in the tight-knit village of Veteran, Roger forged lifelong friendships and cherished memories while playing hockey, ball, pool, and the occasional game of hooky. His childhood experiences instilled in him a strong work ethic and a passion for community involvement.
Roger’s love story began when he met the love of his life, Carol Elizabeth Craig. Together, they embarked on a journey filled with laughter, adventure, and deep companionship, celebrating nearly 60 years of marriage. Their bond was the cornerstone of their family, and Roger took immense pride in being father to Craig (Marianne) Sims, Barbara (Scott) McKee, and Leland (Karen) Sims. The softer, loving side of Roger was on full display when he was around his treasured grandchildren Madison and Coleman McKee, Marina and Jack Sims and their mom Christine Whalen, and Lauryn, Audrey and Grace Sims.
Roger’s entrepreneurial spirit led him down various paths, from farming grain and cattle to venturing into construction and manufacturing. His dedication to his work was matched only by his passion for serving others. Roger was a pillar of his community, dedicating his time and energy to causes close to his heart. As a Charter Member of the Veteran Lions Club and a 40+ year member of the St. Albert Breakfast Lions, he embodied the Lions’ motto of “We Serve” in everything he did. Roger also generously dedicated his time to the St. Albert Food Bank, the Refugee Committee of St. Albert, the RV Condo Association as well as several campaigns for municipal and provincial politics.
Roger loved the outdoors. Hunting with his friends in the Big Country was a favourite pastime. He was an avid golfer and fisherman and enjoyed time spent camping around the fire. Not many could best him in cribbage, although daily games with Carol did leave him skunked more times than he’d like to admit.
Roger and Carol’s love for travel took them to far-flung lands, creating unforgettable memories. From exploring the vibrant streets of Europe to basking in the sun-kissed beaches of Grenada with their beloved Baptiste family, every adventure was a testament to their love and shared interest in exploring new vistas. Friendships were forged, and old friendships renewed in Rio Bend, El Centro, California as he and Carol embraced a snowbird lifestyle from 2002-2017, often hosting friends and family in their spot in the sun. In his final years, Roger loved retreating to Pineridge Golf & RV Resort, where he and Carol welcomed visitors with open arms, creating cherished memories that will endure for generations to come.
Roger was predeceased by his parents, Lee and Grace and nephew Jamie Auten. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren and sister Jeryl (Darryl), nieces Catherine, Lee and Elizabeth, nephew Lincoln and sister in law Phyllis Craig, along with a host of relatives and friends who will carry his memory in their hearts forever.
Roger can now rest easily as his legacy of love, hard work, and community spirit will be remembered fondly by all those who knew him. May his dedication to family, friends, and making a difference in community inspire us all.
A Celebration of Roger’s life will be held on Monday, April 29th at 2:00 p.m., in St. Albert Funeral Home, 9 Muir Drive, St. Albert, where family and friends will gather to honour his memory and share stories of love and laughter.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the St. Albert Food Bank or Pilgrims Hospice in Roger’s honour.
To send condolences, please visit www.connelly-mckinley.com

John (Jack) Charles Edwards
December15, 1949 – May 3, 2024

Jack Edwards passed away peacefully in the Surrey Memorial Hospital following a 5-year battle with mesothelioma. He is survived by his wife and love, Roberta, his brothers Barry (Charlotte), Gordon (Doris), and brothers-in-law Mel (Lila), Don (Lisa), and sister-in-law Barbara; also loved by several nieces, nephews and their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Edith and Charles Edwards.
He was born and raised in small-town Alberta at Consort and Hanna, then worked in Calgary and Ft. McMurray in the early 1970’s. Jack, along with close friends Wayne Kautz and Pat Parker, became professional engineers (U of A graduates) when career choices were neither clear, nor compelling but it all turned out better than they could have imagined. He relocated to the greater Vancouver area in 1975 where he was employed in various senior management positions with BC Hydro for more than three decades.
World travel was always a big part of Jack and Roberta’s lives. Their favourite travels were to South and Central America (Peru / Brazil / Venezuela / Ecuador / Guatemala), Southeast Asia, Europe, Africa, China and Mexico where he picked up a love for archeology. Jack tried not to take life too seriously or intensely but was also known for his strong work ethic. He and Roberta visited more than 30 countries and he rode 26 different motorcycles more than 300,000 kms. in his lifetime. Their biker friends shared many long distance rides and social gatherings, which also became an important part of their lives. Jack enjoyed learning from everyone in his path and he often spoke about those he admired including family members, many friends and work associates.
Through Jack’s volunteer work with St. John Ambulance, Canadian Council of Aboriginal Businesses, Planned Lifetime Advocacy Network and North Shore Search and Rescue, he became good friends with a wide cross-section of people. His several years of negotiations in his role at BC Hydro created many more working relationships with leaders in the First Nations communities. Jack enjoyed current affairs and history; particularly that of World War II. He was an avid collector of coins and historical memorabilia. Jack shared his interest in numismatics with his nieces and nephews.
A loving husband and travel companion to Roberta, a son, brother and uncle. A steady influence as an uncle, his guidance was consistent in its theme – trust your intuition, work hard and make time for the ones you love. His niece, Christa, often referred to her Uncle Jack as “the world’s most interesting man”. Jack will be dearly missed by family and friends and especially by his wife, Roberta.
A celebration of Jack’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Canadian Mesothelioma Foundation: info@cmfonline.org or to the Surrey Memorial Hospital (Palliative Care Unit) would be appreciated.

Gerhard Maxmillian Wulf
March 23, 1935-May 15, 2024

Gerhard Maxmillian Wulf was born in Tokemit, Poland, on March 23, 1935, to Franz and Rosa Wulf.
Gerhard had two sisters, Brigitta Straub and Eva Shlegel, and a brother, Norbert. At the age of 9, while his father was away at war, Gerhard and his family fled their hometown after tanks blew the roof of their home off.
They made their way west through harsh weather and firefights. He lost his grandmother to sniper fire and his baby brother Norbert due to the cold elements. The family was shipped to Sweden, where they were rejected as immigrants and moved to northern Germany, near the town of Westerstede. The family was placed in a refugee camp. His mother Rosa died from cancer shortly after, resulting in Gerhard and his sisters becoming orphans. A local farm family whom his mother befriended took in Gerhard, while his sisters went to other homes nearby.
The family Gerhard lived with were the Wilkens and their daughter Erika, who would become Gerhard’s future wife. Anyone knowing Gerhard’s humour would laugh when he said he first slept with Erika when he was 10.
The war ended, and Franz returned to Germany after being held in a Russian prisoner-of-war camp. Through the Red Cross, the family was reunited. Franz remarried an old friend, Gertrude, who became Gerhards stepmother, and the grandmother we all knew. In his late teens Gerhard became a tailor by trade and also worked in a brewery. Wanting more, Gerhard decided to move to Canada with his friend Rudy. He arrived in Halifax in 1957 and traveled west via train to New Brigden, Alberta, to work on the Fred Tye farm under the Department of Colonization. He loved his time at the Tye farm, forming tight bonds with the family. He suffered along with them over the years through the tragic losses they had endured. Darrow and Gerhard lived in the bunkhouse and have remained dear friends ever since. Erika came to Canada, and eventually they married on March 23, 1961. They had two children, Conny and Wayne. Gerhard loved his children’s spouses, Shane and Bobbi Jo, as if they were his own.
Gerhard worked at Dets Plumbing and Cec Mansfield Plumbing and apprenticed at SAIT, where he earned six different certificates over time. Gerhard then opened Wulf’s Plumbing and Heating for many years. He eventually moved on to work for the Acadia School Division as the maintenance supervisor, where he worked until he retired in 1995.
Gerhard always had a hard work ethic and instilled in his family that when you do something, do it well the first time or don’t do it at all. He was a master at visualizing things he wanted to build and making them come to life.
He loved his family and although he had personal struggles, they loved him too.
One event he would always remember was returning to his hometown of Tokemit after 65 years with his family. It was a trip of a lifetime that they will all cherish and never forget.
Gerhard was a great storyteller and led an interesting life. He loved music, played drums in a band, and was always whistling a tune. He also loved playing the harmonica. He was a volunteer fireman and also a member of the Kinsmen Club, volunteering many hours to build projects needed in Oyen. He could always be found at local dances and could easily be spotted in his famous white dress shoes.
Because our family was small, Gerhard loved his close friends like they were family. The Tyes, Jorgensons, Whites, Bruntjens, and Robert Vermeer, to name a few.
Gerhard left us on May 15, 2024, with family by his side. He leaves to mourn his wife of 63 years, Erika, and two children: Conny (Shane) Hertz and Wayne (Bobbi Jo) Wulf, grandchildren; Melissa (Daryl) Kroeger, Blake (Rebecca) Hertz, Kim (Brent) Curry, Doug (Kassie) Hertz, Sydney Wulf, and Gianna Wulf, great-grandchildren; Kennedy, Nataley, Hudson, Dallas, Sophie, Anthony, Hallie, Sawyer, and Nicholas. Sister Eva Schlegel and brother-in-law Heinz (Anna) Wilken are in Germany.
Memorial Donations may be directed to the Oyen and District Health Care Foundation, Box 1, Oyen, Alberta T0J 2J0. A Celebration of life was held on Sunday, May 26th 2024 at the Oyen Senior Rec Centre.

Muriel Isaman
Dec. 15, 1922 ~ May 16, 2024

Muriel Lucille Isaman was born in Consort, Alberta to Marion and Ethel Kelts on December 15, 1922. Mom was the third of eight children. She passed away in Leduc hospital on May 16, 2024 after a short time in hospital.
The story was that the name Muriel proved troublesome for her father to pronounce and as she was a small baby she acquired the nickname of “Tiny” which remained with her for her entire life. She was seldom called anything else by her family.
It is definitely a challenge to sum up a life of 101 years and keep it from being too lengthy!
Mom grew up in ‘the good old days’ and lived through a lot of history full of many challenges and changes in her life journey. Mom’s family lived on the Kelts homestead until 1936 when they moved into Consort. Two years later they moved one mile north of Consort where some of the Bud Kelts family still lives today. Mom attended Willow Brook school starting at the age of five. A story that was often brought up was of the big run away. Viola being the eldest was the driver of the team of horses. When pulling back on the neck yoke to slow them down it broke causing the team to take off at a gallop with children falling or bailing out. Nobody was seriously hurt, though Mom hit her head and ended up with a headache for days so she probably had a concussion!
Mom took a shining at a young age to Lester Isaman, a neighbor (their homestead was next to the Kelts homestead). When they first started dating, her older brother Donald had to go along as a chaperone. They were married on January 30th, 1941, in Consort. For the first six months they lived on the old Kelts farm (which became Donald’s farm and now is owned by some of Donald’s sons). They then purchased 10 acres of the Noble farm which is now owned by their grandson. They rented and moved to the Redel farm, then moved into town where they lived until building a house and moving to Stettler in 1959. In 1967 they built a house on the farm and moved back to Consort. Mom and Dad moved to Red Deer in 1975 where they lived for four years before moving to Edmonton. Mom resided in Edmonton until 2012 when she sold the last home she had shared with Dad and moved to Consort with Betty and Ron. Mom was only in Consort for four years before returning to Edmonton where she lived in Chartwell, a seniors retirement home. Mom lived there until covid hit in 2020 and Chartwell was moving towards lock down. At that time Betty loaded her up and took her home to live with her again and she remained there until she went into hospital eight days before her passing.
Mom spent her life as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Their union was blessed with eight children with the eldest being born in 1942 and the youngest in 1962. Mom had 21 grandchildren with the first one being born in 1962 to the youngest in 1995. She became GREAT in 1989 and welcomed her newest little great in 2023 for a total of 37 great grandchildren. She became a great great grandmother in 2016 and her youngest great great grandchild was born six days before her 100th birthday in 2022.
She always enjoyed seeing family and friends, but particularly seemed to have a soft spot for the grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren, who without fail brought a smile to her face. She delighted in sharing how sweet they were and just about always had a cute story to share.
Though Mom seemed very quiet most of her life, her fighting, determined, maybe you could even say stubborn, nature really came to light after Dad had his stroke. It became even more evident over the last few years. Mom had the attitude that you should always be the best that you could be, whether it was your appearance or something you were doing. She shared her thoughts if she didn’t think you were doing a very good job and let you know that she thought you could do better!
Mom was a fabulous cook and baker in her day. If you were just there for a coffee, there was an endless supply of home baked goodies. I think her raisin tarts could have competed against the very best anywhere! If there for a meal, she always put on a feast. She hosted many holiday celebrations for her large and continuously growing family. She sewed a lot over the years making many outfits, dance costumes and costumes for her children and grandchildren. She always grew a big garden, freezing and canning many fruits and vegetables, making jams, pickles, etc. As kids we got pretty sick of picking and shelling peas, picking beans (sometimes we would just pull out the odd plant hoping it would make for a little less picking the next time around), raspberries, etc. However, we certainly always enjoyed the end products.
Mom and Dad travelled as long as they were able. They spent a lot of years going to Hawaii to get away from the cold in Alberta. Their last trip was a very short time before Dad suffered from a stroke in 2002. Mom was an avid reader until the last few months when her failing eyesight made it difficult for her to see well enough. Mom had a bit of a competitive nature. She spent many hours playing games with various family members and was a real whiz at scrabble, crib, boggle, Tri Ominos and tile rummy. She also played a lot of solitaire and spent many hours bent over a puzzle.
Mom was fortunate to have had an amazingly good full life. This “Tiny” woman’s family that were her entire world has extended to five generations and has reached the magnitude of the number of years she lived! Her family will cherish all the wisdom we have gained from her and treasure all the memories we have made. We are so very grateful that we were blessed to have her share our lives for over 101 years. We will miss her and are sad to no longer have her physically present with us, but we are very thankful that she no longer has to suffer with her struggles and pain that got increasingly worse in the last few months.
Farewell – Our last game of scrabble Mom.
FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS! WE LOVE YOU MOM, (MOTHER, MOMMA, MOMMY,) GRANDMA, GREAT GRANDMA, GREAT GREAT GRANDMA. REST IN PEACE!

 She is survived by her children Jack (Denise), Betty Flanagan, Lorence (Joan), Nora Hutchings, Jim (Yvonne), Don (Marie), Carole (Bruce) Gill, and Jo-Ann (Tony) Peters; 21 Grandchildren; 37 Great Grandchildren; six Great Great Grandchildren; siblings Lorna (Gil) Roth and Eileen Hobbs as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
 Predeceased by husband Lester; grandson Jordan Peters; sons-in-law Jim Hutchings and Ron Flanagan; parents Marion and Ethel Kelts; brothers Donald, Bud and Arley Kelts; sisters Viola Schooler and Jean Deagle; sisters-in-law Dot Kelts, Irene Kelts, Rosemary Kelts, Avonne Kelts, Reva Scaffrick, Lucille Bailey and Violet Isaman; brothers-in-law Loyal Schooler, Ted Deagle, Bob Hobbs, Cecil Isaman, Art Scaffrick and Bob Bailey.
 The Families of Muriel Isaman would like to express many thanks to: everyone who visited, called, sent cards and texts, reached out through social media and sent flowers; to Parkview Funeral Chapels; to Pastor Darrel Durksen for officiating her service; to the UCW for going above and beyond preparing, organizing and serving the lunch; to the people who brought food and to anyone we may have missed. Thank you everyone for your support and comforting words!
 Memorial donations in Muriel's memory may be made to the Lake Road Cemetery c/o Box 490, Consort, Alberta T0C 1B0. Should friends desire, messages may be left for the family by visiting www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com 
 Parkview Funeral Chapels were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. 

Ernest William “Bill” Brightland
May 27, 1940 – May 17, 2024

With heartfelt sadness we announce the passing of Bill on May 17, 2024. He is predeceased by his parents Annah and Arthur Brightland. Bill is survived by his wife of 61 years Margaret, his children Sarah Maier (Eric) of Utah and Alistar Brightland (Sara) of Qualicum Beach, his grandchildren Ian Maier, Erica Piehl, Isaac Brightland and Rowan Brightland, and his great granddaughter Olivia Piehl.
Bill was born in Coronation, Alberta on May 27, 1940, only child of Arthur and Annah Brightland.
Bill was a graduate of Southern Alberta Institute of Technology in Calgary and University of Alberta in Edmonton. He was a radio operator and electronic technician for DND in Fort Reliance, NW Territories and RCMP in Edmonton. After becoming a teacher, Bill taught electronics in Medicine Hat and metalwork and math in Port Alberni, B.C.
On Retirement he became a sheep farmer, a ham radio operator, and with his wife Margaret a B&B Operator in Tofino. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Qualicum Beach, B.C.
At Bills request there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army in Bill’s name.

Dale Kroeger
June 2, 1940 – May 18, 2024

Dale Allan Kroeger of Consort, Alberta, beloved husband of Evelyn passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness at the Consort Hospital on May 18, 2024 at the age of 83 years.
Dale was born and raised in Consort, Alberta. His years were spent farming and ranching south of Monitor, Alberta as well as trucking and raising his family. Consort became home again in his later years where he became a landlord and was active on town council. Many community members could always enjoy a visit from Dale as he wasn’t one of few words.
Dale is survived by his loving wife Evelyn; children Rocky (Brenda), Ken (Bobbi) and Darlene (Brian); brother Lee Kroeger, sisters-in-law Helen Kroeger and Barb Dempsey; brother and sister-in-law Floyd and Val Dempsey; grandchildren: Daryl (Melissa) Kroeger, Brad (Jillayne) Kroeger, Rick (Amanda) Kroeger, Brooke (Lonny) Gilbertson, Amber Barber (Colton), Jesse Barber, Josh Kroeger and Mackenzie (Paul) Jensen; great grandchildren: Kennedy, Nataley, Hudson, Kaesyn, Brinley, Locklin, Maizy, Axle, Tiffany, Max, Kenna, Jace, Kailey, Lincoln, Kaybri, Dysen, Denten, Leighton, Braxton, Kaydence and Conrad; as well as numerous other relatives and many dear friends.
Dale is predeceased by parents Nick and Lucille Kroeger; parents-in-law Robert and Theodora Dempsey; nephews Lee Dempsey, Brent Dempsey and Karl Dempsey; brothers-in-law: Vernon Dempsey and Hugh Dempsey; sisters-in-law Edna Dempsey and Mae Dempsey.
A Celebration Of Life was held Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Knox United Church, Consort, Alberta.
Memorial donations in Dale’s memory are gratefully accepted to the Consort Hospital Auxiliary, Box 276, Consort, Alberta T0C 1B0.

Eulogy
Thank you all for coming today, especially those who travelled long distances and took time away from their work and families to be here. It is comforting to the family to see a room full of familiar faces. 
For those who don’t know me, I am Melissa Kroeger, wife of Daryl. I have been a part of the Kroeger family for nearly 20 years and after all that time I consider Dale to be my Grandpa too. It is an honour to be asked to tribute him today.
Today we gather to celebrate the of Life of Dale and to start, I will share the tributes from his grandchildren. 
In the words of his Oldest Granddaughter Brooke:
When thinking of grandpa I think of his big, contagious smile. He loved to tease when we were little. One of my fondest memories is the many tickles we would get when we were young. We would pester grandpa until he grabbed us. He’d get a hold of our feet and we were done for. He would tickle the soles of our feet and we would laugh, wiggle and kick at him. He would be laughing loudly but he often took it too far.
Grandpa had the gift of gab. Often finding him on the sidewalk of main street chatting with someone. Or parked blocking an entire lane of traffic just to catch up with the next person. Once he asked if I’d like to attend the gun show with him. I agreed. This was a mistake on my part. Going through the aisles wasn’t too bad but leaving was quite a drawn out process, stopping every few feet to talk to someone new. The conversations weren’t short either. Getting out of the building seemed to take forever. I told myself I would never attend the gun show with grandpa again.  
Granddaughter Amber:
I remember arriving at the farm, walking into gramma and grandpas house, grandpa was always there to greet you, arms wide open and ready to give a big hug. I held my breath knowing it was coming, the dreaded whisker rub, my cheeks burned as I was being squeezed tight.  
Grandpa had all kinds of goodies hidden away, I remember him pulling out the bucket of double bubble letting us each have a few pieces, or he had a pail of lollipops. I always chose the purple one.  If you were really lucky grandpa would mosey off to his bedroom closet to pull out the box of full size chocolate bars. Even though I wasn’t particularly fond of the options, I usually got to choose between a coffee crisp or an eatmore.  
When gramma and grandpa moved to town we spent many hours at the kitchen table drinking coffee, eating grammas oatmeal cookies, watching all the traffic down at the highway. Grandpa was always quick to point out the big trucks, “Look there is Ricky, or Brad or Daryl” which ever family member drove by, he took notice and knew who it was each time. 
Grandpa was the first person to call when you needed anything, and I mean anything at all. Need a hedge trimmer? Call grandpa. Need some tools to fix your car? Call grandpa. When you can’t find a plumber… Call grandpa, he will have the phone number, or better yet he just might be able to do it himself. 
My grandpa was always quick to give a helping hand, he always had a smile on his face and was kind to anyone that was lucky enough to meet him. Thanks for the memories grandpa. 
Memories from Jesse:
As a child I remember riding with gramma and grandpa in the truck. Grandpa would drive on rumble strips looking back at us kids saying “the airplane is taking off! Hang on!” We would giggle with excitement playing along with him. 
When grandpa came along on the fishing trip, grandpa was always quick to offer you a beer. Upon inspection of the bottle, all the labels were wore off. If you asked grandpa why he would just laugh. We all knew he’d had this case of beer for at least three years jiggling around in the back seat of his truck.   
Oldest Grandson Daryl:
I also remember the whisker rubs when I was young, that’s something I also did with my own kids. Grandpa was often upset with me when I was young, probably for good reason. But as I got older Grampa was always excited to hear what I was up to, wanted to know how work was going and what new things I was working on. He was always ready to go when I told him I needed a wing man to go pick up a truck. He didn’t even ask where we were going; the answer was always yes, he was coming. I will miss those times with him.
From Brad & Rick:
When BSE hit, Grandpa Dale kept all the calves over winter. They spent the summer in pasture and when it came time to load them, there were these two long legged limo steers that had jumped the fence. Brad and Rick were in a ’79 Bronco and Dale had his brand new Duramax with stock trailer on. Dale was trying to hem them closer to Rick and Brad in the Bronco. The two of them watched as Grandpa’s truck bounced through the rough pasture at full speed and the truck took a real good beating. These steers were big and wild but somehow we managed to get them roped in the trailer. When it was all said and done, Dale proclaimed with a smile and laugh “good thing I never wrecked my new truck, these calves ain’t worth much!”
Grandson Josh:
Grandpa was so FUN! He and grandma took me fishing every summer for years. I would catch fish that were too small to keep but he kept it anyways. Then he cooked it up and ate it because I was too busy playing with Jesse. Grandpa always had this thing about being up early in the morning to catch the fish… because the early bird catches the worm. I didn’t see any worms. I’ll miss you grandpa.
Granddaughter Mackenzie:

My favourite memory isn’t just one day or one moment, it’s a cluster of the same moments happening on repeat for as long as I remember. Your warm embrace every time I walked through the door or went to leave. The strong pounding on the back that sometimes hurt, but I will never forget how you always made me know that I was loved by you!

 Dale was born June 2, 1940 to Nick and Lucille Kroeger.
 He was the older brother to Lee Kroeger. As a youngster Dale spent a lot of time with his grandparents and Auntie Helen. He attended Consort School. 
 Like other young men, he enjoyed curling and hockey.
 From a young age, Dale developed a strong work ethic, always keeping busy. He would meet the Greyhound bus when it rolled into town to unload parcels or he was busy custom combining with his dad and Uncle Henry. When they needed an extra hand, Dale was there to help. One memory of moving machinery around the province was when he was 14 years old; he and his dad went to Edmonton to pick up a combine that Dale had to drive all the way down to Esther. Can you imagine how fast those tractors went back then? However, when he got there it was raining and nobody could come pick him up for four days. He could remember crawling into bed with all those big Pratt boys. 
 Dale also worked for Harry Deleff on his farm and drove the school bus for a time. Staying busy would become a trademark for Dale’s life. 
 As life would have it, along came a spunky little lady… she turned his head and there was no going back. Roger Johnson was no match for Evelyn, she now had Dale’s full attention. After spending most of their time together, they got married on June 26, 1959. Hughie Dempsey was the best man and his wife Edna was the Matron of Honour.  
 They enjoyed a honeymoon in Banff; sleeping in the station wagon they borrowed from his parents. 
 Dale started working on the farm with his dad and Uncle Henry and he soon moved his bride to the farm. They immediately started their family. Rocky was born in 1960 followed by Ken in 1963. The Liknes farm would house the family for a couple of years before combining the farms together.
 Their little girl Darlene arrived in 1967.
 Dale spent the evenings tickling and wrestling with his three kids. As they grew and were able to drive, he had them helping on the farm. 
 Work was a virtue for Dale, and he made sure to pass that along to his young children.
 He was the kind of person that could see possibilities and then a new adventure would begin. He was never afraid to try new things and would move his family in order to embrace an opportunity. In 1972, he branched out on his own and purchased the farm where Rocky and Brenda now live. 
 Speaking of being a bit adventurous, he developed an interest in flying so he, Lee and Jack Sumner got their pilots license. This lasted until he had a near miss with the power lines. Before that, he and Evelyn would often fly into Calgary.
 Dale faced challenges that are common to life on the farm. There were a lot of trials and tribulations; enduring many accidents involving his children and grandchildren. 
 Some were less serious, like when Rocky went to Calgary with the cattle liner. Rocky was to wake Dale up so that he could take over driving once they hit the city; however, Rocky continued to drive onto  Memorial Drive with a liner full of cattle. By the time Dale awoke, Rocky had them in a pickle and it would require a police escort out of the busy traffic. They eventually made it home safely. Or, the time Darlene was escorted by her father to the field to take over the combing. Ask her how impressed she was?
 However, a few years later Ken and his friends were in a serious accident, after which Dale found faith in Christ; he and Evelyn attended many churches after that. He would share his faith with anyone who would listen. Even if you weren’t interested, you were going to hear about it anyway. Dale shared boldly his faith in Christ. In 1996 he was baptized in the Red Deer Lake.
 In 1992, Dale packed up his family once again and relocated to a feedlot just outside of Joffre. The home was large, and the family would gather there for many meals, whether it be harvest or Christmas dinner. Dale loved having his family around him. The grandchildren made him smile. I am sure there was a twinkle in his eyes too.  
 Although, there was this one time when Daryl brought his friend Mike to the feedlot and GRANDPA was not impressed with their behaviour. Mike had to sit in one truck and Daryl sat in another until the parents came home from shopping; just enough time for them to think about their actions. And this gave grandpa time to cool off, too. It didn’t take long before we could laugh at the shenanigans of the day. 
 Another source of joy for Dale was going to Cherry Hill Auctions! Every Tuesday evening, he and Evelyn would head to Red Deer to see what treasures they could find. Looking back we think it was all about the people he was going to see that night…  But It’s hard to say because he sure did drag home a lot of stuff!!! 
 Dale was a people person. He simply enjoyed being around others and was not afraid to have a little fun with anyone. 
 In 1997, Dale and Evelyn returned to the farm south of Monitor before settling in Consort, where they made their final home together. Though he retired from farming, he was by no means ready to slow down. The adventures would continue… always with Evelyn right by his side. He acquired many rental properties over the years. His heart to help others made this a perfect fit for him. He was not only generous with his family but with anyone in need. It was difficult for Dale to say no, he just wanted to help others. Maybe you have been the recipient of his generosity.
 It was during this time that Dale slowed enough to enjoy fishing. He and Evelyn would travel to Saskatchewan for 14 years with the Barber family; always bringing extra grandchildren along with them! He was often looking for an invitation from Brad or Ken to go fishing; or anybody that was heading to the lake.
 He was nominated and elected for town council and served there for 13 years. This opportunity filled Dale with joy and excitement. He wanted to see his community thrive. 
 In 2020, Dale was diagnosed with cancer. There were many ups and downs regarding his health over the last four years. At times he appeared to be managing well, however, the last year and a half he was limited to his hospital room until he passed on Saturday night. That’s when he transitioned from this life to the next. It’s not good-bye, it’s “I’ll see you soon”.

Card of Thanks
We give our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to all the people who brought food, flowers and expressed condolences through texts, cards, phone calls and donations.
Thank you to the nurses and all the staff at Consort Health Care Centre for your kindness, wonderful care and patience Dale received while in care there and Home Care staff before that.
Thank you to the United Church Women for the wonderful lunch and Parkview Funeral Home for their professional and kind assistance in Dale’s final arrangements.
Thank you to Robbie Shields for providing the music and Darrel Durksen for the service.
Thank you to anyone else we may have missed. This is truly a wonderful community to live in.
Evelyn
Rocky & Brenda
Ken & Bobbi
Darlene & Brian
and families

Lorna Lynne Hager
Apr. 20, 1949 – May 24, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Lorna Lynne Hager, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend, who left us peacefully on May 24, 2024 at the age of 75 years after a brief illness, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family.
Lorna Lynne Oxamitny was born on April 20, 1949, to John and Phyllis Oxamitny. She grew up on a farm near Kirriemuir with a passion for cooking, baking, canning and gardening that she perfected over the years and generously shared with family and friends. Her kitchen was always filled with the enticing aromas of her latest culinary creations, and she delighted in trying new recipes, always eager to surprise and nourish those around her.
Lorna was the beloved wife of Larry, with whom she shared 55 wonderful years of marriage until his passing in February 2024. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter and unwavering support for their children, Lisa Benavides (Joseph) and Leon Hager (Janilea) and grandchildren, Kailea, Kiera, Austin and Colton.
Lorna and Larry shared 29 years of their early life together in Compeer. Larry and Lorna took over the family tradition of farming and owning Hager Motors where they worked side by side. Lorna managed the Alberta Treasury Branch in the garage for many years and spent many hours manning the front desk of the garage. In 1997, Larry and Lorna embarked on a new chapter in Consort. Lorna worked for A & R Oilfield and then the UFA Bulk dealership before eventually retiring.
Lorna was a lover of sports and a huge cheerleader throughout the years. Lorna enjoyed playing softball, golf and riding horses in her younger days. She later became an enthusiastic cheerleader at Lisa, Kailea and Kiera’s softball games. She also spent countless games in the hockey rink cheering on Larry and Leon. You never had to look hard to find her as you could always hear her passionate support from the sidelines. Even when she couldn’t be there Lorna would cheer on her children and grandkids at whatever events they were participating in.
Lorna enjoyed watching curling, rodeo and there was a good chance there was always a hockey game on the TV with Larry. Lorna loved reading, crafting and crocheting and made many afghans over the years. She won grand aggregate at the KAC Fair a few times with her amazing baking and crafting. Lorna was always in the kitchen or in the garden, either at home or at the cabin, making sure everyone was well fed and that the garden was well tended. Her canned pickles, peaches and homemade soup as well as her cookies, pies and desserts, homemade perogies and cabbage rolls and big dinners were always loved by her family and friends.
Lorna enjoyed giving back to the community in her free time. Lorna helped at the KAC Fair until she moved to Consort. She then volunteered at the Consort Food Bank making sure she found the best deals for all the groceries and packing up the bags for those in need. Lorna also volunteered at the New to You store in Consort as well.
Lorna was not only a devoted family member but also a dear friend to many. Her home was a welcoming haven where friends gathered to share stories, laughter, and her unparalleled hospitality. Her kindness, generosity and zest for life have left an indelible mark on all who knew her. Lorna’s legacy of wit, culinary talents and unwavering support for her family and friends will live on in our hearts forever.
Lorna is survived by her siblings, Larry Oxamitny (Loretta), Sharon Lorenz (Ken) and Carol Beier; her in-laws, Maureen Franklin (Roy), Ron Hager (Terrie), Terry Hager (Kathy), Lynne Miller (Ray), Cindy McFadden, Pat Hager (Irene) and David Hager (Jill) as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband, Larry; her mother and father, John and Phyllis Oxamitny; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Nick and Kathleen Hager; her brother, Eddie Oxamitny; sister in-law, MaryAnne Oxamitny and brother-in-law, Larry McFadden.
Lorna, you will be deeply missed, but your spirit and love will continue to inspire us every day. Rest in peace.
A funeral for Lorna was held on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Consort Sportex with Pastor Darrel Durksen officiating. The Eulogy was presented by Rose Cowan and Words of Remembrance were given by Ken Lorenz, Ron and Evie Webb. A musical tribute was shared by Kelly Owens. Following the service, family and friends gathered together for a time of fellowship and refreshments at Consort Sportex.
A recording of the service is available on the Gregory’s Funeral Home website.

Eulogy
Memories of Lorna
by Rose Cowan
I am very honoured to be asked by the family to share some of my memories of Lorna. For those of you who don’t know me….I’m Rose Cowan…long time friend to Lorna and cousin to Larry.
I first got to know Lorna as a young girl after her and Larry got married and they moved into the little grey house two doors down from ours in Compeer. Lorna worked at Hager’s Family Fair store for a time before becoming a mom. Our friendship grew as we were both involved in sports and community activities and Dan and Larry coached hockey, played sports and worked together.
Lorna was generous and kind; she was quick witted and had a great sense of humour. Not long ago I went to visit Lorna at the Lodge…to see her new place and spend time with my friend. Lorna commented that she liked my shirt that I had just gotten. Not too long after, we gathered again but this time to celebrate Lorna’s 75th Birthday. I gave her a big hug and told her how happy I was to be able to celebrate this milestone event with her. She replied “Well, you could have at least changed your shirt”…and then she giggled. I’m wearing that same shirt today and it has now become my Lorna shirt.
Lorna was a devoted wife, loving mom, proud grandma and a loyal friend. She was a great community person and gave her time freely and would help wherever and when ever needed for the betterment of the community.
She worked side by side with Larry running Hager Motors as well as helped with the farming. She loved the outdoors and spent many hours mowing grass, pruning trees, tending her huge garden and flower beds. Lorna loved to bake and cook and in between all that she still found time to read, craft and crochet. I’m sure many of you here today have savoured some of Lorna’s cooking, baking or canning or been the recipient of one of her many crafts or crocheting projects.
When Larry and Lorna got their first motorhome, she was thrilled not only because they could go camping in comfort but more importantly, she could use it to take meals to the field! This gave a whole new meaning to A Meal in the Field as now it became A Banquet in the Field with Fine Dining!
Many miles were put on that motorhome with family and friends going to ball games, golf courses and fishing lakes. No one ever went hungry if Lorna was there as she always made and brought an ample supply of food and snacks to share with everyone.
Lorna was also a packer….she packed everything and anything one could possibly need. There were toothpicks, bobbi-pins, Q-tips, needles, buttons, gum, Tums, nail clippers, Lipsol. From Polysporin to Polygrip
she had it, and if she didn’t have it … for sure it was packed for the next time!
Lorna liked her sports….she played softball, golfed, rode horses, watched curling and rodeo and was an avid fan and cheerleader at the many hockey and ball games.
Lorna was a good ball player … she was our center fielder for the Compeer Ladies ball team. She had the power and strength to really hit and throw the ball. However, running bases proved to be a challenge at times. On this one occasion she had hit the ball almost to the fence and was rounding second hoping to get a home run. I’m not sure what exactly happened, whether she tripped or stumbled, or her legs couldn’t keep up to her body, but she went down. She did make it into third…with some strategic bouncing, rolling and crawlng. As she got up and brushed herself off, we could see her laughing at herself….she was okay, and all was good.
After Lorna finished high school, she attended Red Deer beauty school for a short time with thoughts of becoming a hairdresser. She said she didn’t care for it, but I think it was more that she missed Larry. I say this because when I stopped in one time, she was doing the hair on this big soft bodied doll. Lorna said it’s fun and
for awhile each time I stopped in that doll had a different hair style! To my surprise for my birthday that year Lorna gave me a doll just like hers so I too could have fun playing with a doll!
I still have that doll.
Lorna called one time after they first moved to Consort to tell me all her garden, yard work, and flowers were done, and it only took her two and a half hours which was a lot less time than her garden and yard in Compeer! I asked her, “Are you phoning to brag or phoning to complain?” She said, “Well…I don’t know yet!” I told her not to worry as she would surely find something to do to fill up those extra free hours….and that she did. Consort was now on the receiving end of Lorna’s generosity and kindness for Lorna found joy in giving and she never asked for anything in return.
Dan, Dustin, Kyle and I found ourselves at Lorna and Larry’s table many times where a delicious meal had been prepared and served. There wouldn’t be an empty spot on the table for any more food and Larry with that twinkle in his eye in his teasing way would say, “Old girl is that all you made?”
A lot of fun and laughter was had with Lorna and Larry at the many ball andhockey games, fishing trips, golfing, card nights, community dances and many other occasions.
These are just a few of my memories and there are many more… so ask me sometime and I will proudly tell you about my friend Lorna.
Many people walk in and out of your life, but only true friends will leave footprints in your heart.
“Rest in Peace My Friend ….Rest in Peace”

Lorna Hager Story
by Ken Lorenz
Good morning family and friends of Lorna Hager. My name is Ken Lorenz and I have been Lorna’s brother-in-law for 57 years when Lorna was a bridesmaid at Sharon and my wedding in Altario.
To begin with I was asked to convey condolence and best wishes to the families from Ray and Adele Coates and Kenny and Donna Ermantrout as they could not attend todays celebration of life for Lorna.
On behalf of my wife Sharon and myself, I am happy to share a few thoughts about Lorna who was Sharon’s younger sister by three years. Because Lorna was the fourth of five children of John and Phyllis Oxamitny and the family lived on a farm six miles west of Kirriemuir, her younger years were that of a typical farm girl. Milking cows, looking after pigs, chickens and turkeys, making butter and churning out cream, gardening and flower beds, etc. Like her three older siblings Ed, Larry and Sharon, Lorna was also in the 4H program. Lorna was a very strong athletic young woman and was quite popular especially with the young men in the area. Sharon said that Lorna liked doing the outdoor chores instead of the house work. Lorna was one of our bridesmaids when we got married on July 30, 1966.
I got to know Lorna better in the fall and winter of 1965 when I was teaching in Consort and started courting Sharon. Lorna was 16 at the time and was seeing a young fellow student from Altario, Wayne Clark. My wheels back then were a big white mercury car with a V8 motor and low clearance. To get to the Oxamitny house there was a small valley or slough at the bottom of the hill that was usually filled with water. Wayne Clark was driving a half ton and if we both were calling on the girls he used to give me a rough time about needing a 40-50 mile an hour run to make it in and out of the farmyard. Back in their teenage years Sharon remembers that Lorna tended to be “bossy” and a bit stubborn. Hard to figure Lorna being like that. Back in her Altario school days, Lorna was a cheerleader and played on the volleyball team coached by Ray Coates. Ray taught in Altario from 1963 to 1967.
After grade 12 at the Altario School (one of 16 grads in 1967) Lorna took a hair dressing course in Red Deer. She returned to Kirriemuir and worked in her uncle Elmer Johnson’s store in Monitor. I am not sure when Larry Hager came onto the scene but on June 15, 1968 they were married and that started their 29 year run in Compeer. They rented an old house on the north end of Compeer to start out and then moved into the Hager house when Nick and Kathleen moved to Nanton in 1974. Lorna was very proud of her large garden plot behind the house and all her shrubs and flower gardens. She was a big supporter of the KAC Bench Fairs and Lorna and mother Phyllis took home their share of ribbons and trophies for flower arrangements, baking and canning.
With Lisa born in 1972 and Leon in 1973 and our three kids born in 1967, 1968 and 1972, there often was a large gathering at the farm on weekends. Great food, a few beverages and lots of cards made for fond family gatherings. After John Oxamitny passed away in 1979 these farm gatherings decreased in number. Lorna’s mom Phyllis stayed on the farm until 2001 when she moved to Consort and passed away in late 2003. Larry and Lorna’s kids Lisa and Leon and our three kids were all into various sports so we often were cheerleaders at their games. The Compeer girls fastball team under Red and Irene Young was a force of nature and usually defeated Deanne and the Consort girls. Lisa was a terrific ball player and Lorna used to say she was a “chip off the old block”.
Sharon and myself moved to Caroline in 1995 and then Stavely in 1997, while Lorna and Larry moved to Consort in 1997 and so, we did not have much interaction until I retired in 2002 and we moved to the Devon area. Lorna and Sharon became closer friends over the last 20 years with many phone calls back and forth. I would usually mute the television so I could catch up on all the latest news. Early in the 2000’s Larry and Lorna would spend the winter months in the Phoenix area in a park model trailer they purchased. One spring when they were still in Phoenix, we stayed in their Consort house when we were down for a dance recital that Ashley was in. We turned on the water, had a shower and went to the performance. When we got back to the house there was four inches of water in the basement, as the outside tap had been left on. Took us a few days to suck up the water and dry out the basement before they got back home. They never did send us a bill for replacement of the basement carpet but it might still be in the mail.
Lorna and Larry were big supporters of Kailie and Kiera and their fastball teams. Often the Calgary team played in the Edmonton area and we would join Lorna and Larry and Leon and Janilea at the ball diamonds to cheer on the girls. Lots of fun back in those days. Leon and Janilea have a cabin at Gull Lake and Lorna and Larry parked their trailer there on a permanent basis and spent many happy hours and days working on the cabin and the lot. With Lisa and her family living in Texas, Lorna and Larry would usually drive down for a visit in the winter and stay for a week or two. Lorna used to get quite mad at Larry when he would suggest they head back home after only a couple of days in Texas. Lorna usually won that argument.
I want to send out a special thank you to Leon, Janilea and their girls for all the love and support they gave to Lorna and Larry over the past months ever since Lorna’s first stroke last fall and Larry’s terminal cancer diagnosis. The 75th birthday party for Lorna in the Gem Centre this spring was great and Lorna was happy and in good spirits. Even though Lisa and family live in Texas, you made a great effort to spend time with mom and dad down the stretch. Fantastic jobs kids!!
Lorna and Larry can now continue on their journey together from their new home base. We will all miss you. God Bless.

Memories
by Ron and Evie Webb
We would like to share some memories of our friendship with Larry and Lorna.
Our friendship began with Larry on the coaching staff coaching the boy’s hockey team. Together the team won three provincial titles.
We curled mixed doubles until knees started protesting. While curling in a Grannies Bonspiel we were lucky to lay an 8-ender.
We rented a cabin and a boat at Water Hen. Enjoyed the fish feed that Lorna cooked for us. Yummy!
Also tried ice fishing at Buffalo Lake. Lorna was not impressed. It was cold and the washrooms were on shore. Never did that again.
Annually on a day trip we travelled to Diefenbaker Lake and bought our supply of steel head trout. We froze ours but Lorna canned some. It was better than salmon.
One vacation took us on a Panama Cruise. Because of the strong winds they could not tender us to different islands so we stayed on board. The big pool had water rushing from end to end and was
slopping over onto the deck. It looked like a fun place to be and we had the pool to ourselves so Larry and I jumped in. We were being tossed around totally out of control and having a riot. That soon ended when security spotted us. Sure was fun while it lasted.
On a vacation in Costa Rica, Larry and Lorna’s room was on the ground floor and some afternoons were nap time. Larry did not close the screen door and was reading a book. Looking down there was a skunk looking at him. Larry said one look at me and the skunk turned tail. Lorna loved Walmart and touring in our rented vehicle. Lorna spotted a Walmart so we checked out the price of rice in Costa Rica.
We had many meals together either at their house or at ours, followed by a game or two of Rookie with Webb and Hager rules. Once Lorna called with an invitation to supper – five o’clock was a standard time. At 5:30 Lorna called and asked how come we were late. We had totally forgotten…Lorna was a bit miffed but we could hardly blame her. Imagine forgetting a most delicious meal. If we had a supper date, Lorna would call to see if we had forgotten again. We don’t recall any more missed meals.
Larry enjoyed working with wood and made items. He made two cedar chests for our granddaughters grad gift. He made us our flower boxes and also made our bean bag game. Lorna would have transplanted her petunias in the flower boxes Larry made.
While visiting Larry in the hospital, he held my hand and said he was sorry he wouldn’t be here to change my counter top.
Lorna was a member of our Food Bank, rarely missing a hamper day. She checked the store flyers, ordered the sale items… Larry would then help Lorna pick up the orders, deliver them to the Village Office, unload and shelve the sale items. What awesome volunteers.
We spent many hours together gopher hunting, going to music concerts, theatre dinners, a Gulls baseball game and we visited their winter home in Mesa.
These are just a few of our memories made with our good friends. We were blessed to have the pleasure of their friendship. We do and will miss them.
Larry and Lorna – forever together and forever friends.

Tribute
by Lisa Benavides
On behalf of Leon, Janilea, Kailea, Kiera, Joseph, Austin, Colton and myself, we want to thank everyone who has come to pay respects to our mom. Due to unfortunate weather events, I was unable to attend the service for dad and if you indulge me, I’d like to pay my respects to both mom and dad.
I would bet every person here today has a memory or a story with mom and dad that makes them smile and occasionally chuckle. It could have been the time when it made complete sense to drive a car with a barstool on the roof of the car. And speaking of furniture, mom would always laugh about how those Evans boys took their furniture out of the house to be displayed on their front yard. Or maybe the camping trip where many a fish was caught but no one remembered to get a fishing license. Fortunately the game warden wasn’t interested in keeping all that fish but I’m sure he was not impressed.
As kids, so many times sitting all dressed in our winter clothes in someone’s too hot porch waiting on them to go home, only to be told just one more drink. If I had a dollar for all the times we heard that, I’d be very wealthy.
Mom and dad never knew how to sit still, and that may be a trait that rubbed off on both Leon and I. Mom had such a huge garden in Compeer and with that came canning, jams, frozen veggies that weren’t from the store. And her flower beds were always beautiful. I know seeing mom at the garage taught me that I really could do anything… Aside from drive the farm machinery… They taught us about work ethic and that will be something we will pass down to our kids and eventual grandkids.
Life in Compeer would have been such a strange concept for kids nowadays. But for us, it was a childhood filled with family and community. It was a time where our parents allowed us the freedom to do so many things. Well… maybe some things I’d cringe if I knew my kids were doing them! Our parents always allowed us to have friends over. They said at least if the kids were at home, they knew where we were. I remember many a late night where Dad had gone to bed and Mom would make us something to eat.
Holidays were always filled with family. I remember Christmas or Easter with either the Hager or Oxamitny clan. Playing cards or cribbage filled the days and always way too much food. Seems to be a theme that allowed mom to thrive.
I left for Texas over 26 years ago. The memories Joseph, the boys and I shared with Mom and Dad were filled with consistency. Whenever they came down, you could guarantee that they would pick the boys up from school, stop by Dairy Queen for some ice cream and head home to start a fire. We’d sit around the fire visiting for hours. This would often lead to a lively (some would say “heated”!) discussion between dad and Joseph. We knew if they were coming down, we better buy another cord of oak firewood because it was going to be gone when they left. Mom always made sure cookies were made even if we didn’t need them. Dinner around the table even if it meant that it was later than their normal time.
Mom and dad will forever be missed. I am at peace knowing they are together again, without the pain they both had at the end. Back with family and friends we’ve lost over the years. So we won’t say goodbye, that is so final. Mom and dad are here with every one of us and will remain with us in our stories and memories. Let’s say until we see you again.

Card of Thanks
Words cannot fully express our deep gratitude for the overwhelming support and kindness you have shown our family during these past challenging weeks. Your assistance has been invaluable during this difficult period, reminding us of the power of community, and we are deeply appreciative of your generosity.
A special thank you to everyone that provided and put out the food at the service, sent flowers, set up the chairs, bartended, and to everyone behind the scenes who have provided support. Please know that your thoughtfulness and support have meant the world to us, and we will always remember your kindness.
A special thank you to Gregory’s Funeral Home for taking great care to ensure that Lorna’s celebration was organized so carefully, to Pastor Darrel Durksen for the comforting words, and to Rose, Ken, Evie and Ron for their heartfelt dedications. All the wonderful memories they shared brought us solace on a tough day. To Kelly for the musical tributes, mom would have thoroughly enjoyed the songs that were picked.
Thank you to Tristen, Tyler and Jason for ensuring their final burial place was prepared for us to say our final goodbyes.
Once again, thank you for your unwavering support. We are profoundly grateful for the kindness everyone has shown and for being there for us during our time of greatest need.
With heartfelt thanks,
Lisa, Joseph,
Austin, Colton
Leon, Janilea,
Kailea, Kiera

Morris William Lowis
Sept. 13, 1949 – May 26, 2024

Morris Lowis passed away peacefully at Coronation Hospital after a brave and very courageous battle with Myeloid Acute Leukemia.
He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years Jane Lowis; daughters Heather (Shane) Craigie, Holly (Dave) McLean and Brandi (Erick) Camilleri; grandchildren: Alissa (Cole) Craigie, Sara (Kody) Craigie, Tyler (Hayden) Craigie, Shayla (Kwame) McLean, Tyson (Angelina) McLean, Jesse Bedson, Janelle Bedson, Jeremy (Jill) Bedson and Julia Camilleri; great grandchildren Kyri, Clara, and Ellie; sister Marylee (Morgan) Williams; brothers-in-law Mervin Brigley, Leonard (Claudia), Henry (Marguerite), Garry (Laura), Ron (Anita), Jeff (Louanne) and Jack (Marianne) Maier; aunt Marie Lougheed; sisters-in-law Arlene Voeller, Coreen (Hal) Stuart, Shona Baier and Margaret Baier; numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents William and Jessie Lowis; sister Joy Brigley; mother and father-in-law George and Rose Baier; brothers-in-law Victor Baier and Dennis Baier; Jane’s sisters-in-law Audrey and Joanne; Jane’s brother-in-law Les Voeller and son-in-law Chub Bedson.
Thank you to our family and friends for supporting us through this very difficult time. He will be dearly missed and never forgotten. Always in our hearts, a piece of our puzzle is now missing.
Sincerely, Jane and Family
Memorial donations in Morris’s memory may be made to the Coronation Cemetery, c/o Box 219, Coronation, Alberta, T0C 1C0 or a charity of your choice. Should friends desire messages may be left for the family by visiting www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
Parkview Funeral Chapels were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

Peggy Gerber
Mar. 17, 1938 – May 29, 2024

Kathleen Margaret (Peggy) Gerber passed away peacefully in Coronation on May 29th, 2024 at the age of 86.
Peggy was born March 17, 1938 to Beatrice and Patrick Lee of Loyalist. She grew up with her older sister Betty and brother Terry, riding horses, playing dress-up, tennis and catching gophers with her dog Skippy. She was ‘Daddy’s’ girl and loved working with his prized Shorthorn cattle; as well as, playing piano and the accordion with her mother. She was proud of the many tricks mastered with her beloved horse, Lady.
In 1957, she met and married Ernie Gerber and they made their home on the farm near Coronation. To this union, were three children: Bill, Jim and Rhonda.
Peggy enjoyed her farm home and driving until her recent sickness. Her family and home were her pride and joy. She was so very proud of her children and wonderful grandchildren. She cheered them on no matter what their focus. She traveled a bit, but home was where her heart was. Never scared of hard work, she did her very best at everything she tackled. She endeavoured to improve the genetics of her Holstein milk cows and purebred Herefords; always expressing that Hereford cattle are the best! She showed her love by sharing her fantastic, delicious cooking and baking, her bountiful vegetable garden and beautiful peonies. When time allowed, she loved to dance and play the piano or accordion.
In her retired years, she continued to work at the Battle River Lodge and was extremely grateful for the close friendships and bonds developed over the 25 plus years she worked there. She enjoyed many laughs while working side by side with some of her closest friends. Her longtime friends and neighbours meant the world to her, and she regularly expressed how fortunate she was that they all watched out for one another.
Peggy is survived by her children: Bill Gerber, Jim (Terese) Gerber, Rhonda Pechout; grandchildren: Lexi Pechout, Chelsey Gerber (Colton), Teren Gerber; sister Betty Smith; sisters-in-law Erika Lee and Alice Gerber; daughter-in-law Gail Jacobson; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.
Peggy was predeceased by parents Beatrice and Patrick Lee; brother Terry Lee; brothers-in-law Allan Smith and John Gerber and sister-in-law: Alice Haddow.
A special thank you to the Calgary Foothills Medical Centre, Coronation Hospital nursing staff, Homecare and Palliative Care for their exceptional care and kindness.
A Public Graveside Service took place at the Coronation Cemetery, Coronation, Alberta at 1:00 P.M. on Monday, June 10, 2024 followed by a Time of Fellowship and Light Refreshment at the Coronation Community Centre.
Donations in memory of Peggy may be made to Home Away From Home (Palliative Care) c/o CHC Foundation, Postal Bag 500, Coronation, AB. T0C 1C0
Condolences may be forwarded to the Gerber family by visiting www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium of Coronation, were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

Rosemary Gladys Edwards

February 6, 1950 Picton, Ontario
June 4, 2024 Red Deer, Alberta

At the Age of 74 years
A Memorial Service was held at Veteran Full Gospel Church,Veteran, Alberta on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. with interment at Veteran Cemetery.
Rosemary’s Family
Rosemary was predeceased by parents H. Ronald Sayers and Norma M. Sayers and one brother Bruce.
She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Ron, their children Roland (Donna), Ray (Gayle), Rhonda (Mark) Reich, and eight grandchildren Bryce Edwards, Chelsea (Grant) Turpin, Shaila (Kirk) Tasserson, Kiana Edwards, Brodie Edwards, Shale, Avery, and Macey Reich, and three great grandchildren, Sawyer, Cara, and Emerson Tasseron. Siblings Brian (Marg) Sayers, Blair (Bev) Sayers, Barry Sayers, and Brad (Sharon) Sayers.
Rosemary lived her childhood years in Ontario and as a child spent quite a bit of time in summer holidays with grandparents the Bandy’s, at their summer cottage. While at home she and her brothers went often down to Lake Created with Scanner Pro Ontario to play and swim in the lake. Her dad also used to take her and her brothers to swim in the pool at a juvenile correctional facility where he was employed.
When she was sixteen she moved to Alberta with her parents where her Dad worked at the Bowden Juvenile Institute, and her mother worked at Deer Home. It was in Red Deer where she met and married the love of her life Ron Edwards. They married on June 15, 1968 and lived at several locations throughout Alberta while Ron was working for the Bank of Commerce. Then finally moved to Veteran in 1977, where she and Ron ran the local Treasury Branch Agency and an Insurance Agency and have continued to live in Veteran up to the present time.
While at Veteran, Rosemary engaged in curling and was a hockey mom for the boys and figure skating and softball mom to Rhonda. As a family she enjoyed camping, bike riding, back packing and later years she and Ron took up quading, making numerous trips out in the Rocky Mountain House and Nordegg area to ride on the cut line trails out there. They later geared this down and got involved with square dancing until covid 19 shut this down.
Rosemary had a good and enjoyable life and also was able to enjoy several trips to Disneyland with the family with their last trip being to Mexico in 2015. Sadly in the few months she began having problems with pneumonia and this eventually became severe enough to cause her passing.
We loved her dearly and will miss her, but we are comforted with the knowledge she has escaped her pain and discomfort and is now in the arms of our Lord.
Thank You:
We would like to thank everyone for your gracious support, food brought to the house, cutting the grass, kind words on the street, kind words of condolences and phone calls. We are truly blessed to call our home Veteran. Thanks so much.
Ron Edwards and Family

Gregory Harold Scott
July 23, 1952 – June 21, 2024

Gregory “Greg” Scott, beloved husband of Shirley Scott, passed away in Calgary on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the age of 71 years.
Greg was born in Consort, on July 23, 1952, to Charles and Kathleen Scott. He was the beloved brother of five sisters. Growing up in Consort, Greg was active in sports and made many fond memories with friends and family in the community.
He graduated from the University of Alberta with Honours in Education and worked as a teacher for two years in Valleyview and Killam, Alberta. Greg met Shirley in Valleyview while teaching and they married in 1975. The couple started a family in 1976 with the birth of their son Nolan, followed by Graham in 1979, and Jordan in 1982.
Greg returned to the University of Alberta in 1977 and obtained a law degree. He had a long career as a practicing lawyer in both Camrose and Calgary. He worked primarily in contract and business law, then for Agricultural Financial Services Corp. in Camrose, and later the Calgary Board of Education and the University of Calgary. He finished his career with his own law practice in Calgary. He took great pride in his career as a lawyer and helping clients.
He was very active in local and provincial politics, serving as an Alderman for the City of Camrose. A major highlight for Greg was serving as a Board Member for the 1988 Alberta Winter Games. Greg was also active in the Kinsmen Club and K-40, as well as many professional networking groups. Once diagnosed with cancer, he enjoyed participating in the Calgary Wellspring group.
Greg loved to travel. He enjoyed many business trips across Canada and throughout the US, and also visited his son Jordan in China. He and Shirley enjoyed wintering in Yuma, cruising to Alaska and the Caribbean, and fulfilling a lifelong dream of travelling to Hawaii.
He accomplished much throughout his life and enjoyed gathering with family and friends and spending time with grandchildren, Arlow, Memphis, and Clyde. He was an avid fan of the Calgary Stampeders, and loved music such as Roy Orbison, Ian Tyson, and Willie Nelson.
Besides his loving wife Shirley, Greg is survived by his three sons and their families: Nolan, Anika, and grandson Arlow; Graham and Tanya; and Jordan, Jillian, granddaughter Memphis and grandson Clyde.
He is also survived by his four sisters, Sharon Scott, Gael Lehman, Jackie (Arthur) Chin, and Janice (Larry) Lewsaw.
Greg was predeceased by his father Charles Scott, his mother Kathleen Scott, as well as his sister Lorraine Scott.
A Celebration of Greg’s Life was held at the Banff Trail Community Hall in Calgary on Friday, June 28, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Greg’s family by visiting the website: https://mhfh.com
In living memory of Greg Scott, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Chapel of the Bells.

Eulogy
by Larry Lewsaw
Gregory Harold Scott
His middle name was from his beloved grandfather, and growing up his friends often referred to him as “Gregory Harold”. As recently as the last Consort Homecoming someone came up to me and asked, “Is Gregory Harold here?”
I first came to know Greg when I was a 19-year-old teacher and he was a junior high student. My first impression was “what a rambunctious young fellow!” The following year I coached his basketball team, and then a year later was also his math and phys ed teacher. That’s when I learned what a good athlete and good all-around student he was.
Most of all though, he was just a great guy, and the best friend you could ever hope for. It wasn’t many years after coaching and teaching him that I got to know him even better when I married his sister, my wonderful wife, Janice. From that time on (over 50 years ago) we were the best of friends.
Greg’s career path was an interesting one. Fresh out of university, his first teaching post was the exotic town of Valleyview. It was here that he met his future wife Shirley and good friend Don Gering. Apparently he also joined a club that met every Friday night, called “The Pistol Club”. I thought at first maybe it was a gun club, knowing Greg liked guns. But no, their objective was to drink till midnight, and pistol dawn. After Valleyview, Greg headed to Sedgewick, where he would teach for a few years and then live in Killam, where Shirley was teaching.
Then it was off to law school at the U of A, followed by a move to Camrose, where Greg practiced law and Shirley taught school, and they raised their little family. After a few years he left private practice and went to work for AFSC, and then later got a job with the Calgary Board of education as their legal advisor.
This of course precipitated a move to Calgary, where he could be closer to his beloved Stamps and Flames. He later worked in the legal department of the University of Calgary for several years, before leaving to set up his own practice, specializing in franchise law.
In addition to his professional careers in teaching and law, Greg had several interesting ‘other’ jobs. He worked one summer at Barnwell’s oil site north of Consort, one summer as a “recorder” for road construction at a remote site out of Inuvik, NWT. He was also a very good driver, and had several driving jobs during and after his university days, industrial buses, school buses, and delivery trucks.
People who worked (and played, and lived) with Greg knew of his great “attention to detail”. Although there were times when this might have been annoying, or amusing, or even frustrating to others, it was part of who he was, and in his work particularly it was a most admirable trait. He was the complete opposite of the “slap-dash,” just “git her done” mentality that is often prevalent in the work place, and I have no doubt his clients appreciated that he took the time to “get things right”.
Another aspect of Greg’s personality which was most noteworthy was what a great listener he was. Unlike so many people you meet who really are only waiting for their turn to talk and not particularly interested in what you’re saying, Greg really listened and was genuinely interested in what you had to say. When he had a conversation with someone, they felt like they “mattered”.
There are so many great memories of Greg that it’s hard to know where to start. One of the first images to come to mind is him telling a joke. He was one of the best in that department, so much so that even if he was telling a joke you’d heard before (which did happen) you couldn’t help laughing. Many of them would be too politically incorrect to meet today’s puritanical standards, but they were extremely funny, and he never botched a punch line. Even beyond the joke telling, he just had a great sense of humour, as his description of events he had witnessed, or things he had heard people say could often make you laugh as well.
Greg had a great love of sports, and was a big fan of the Stampeders and the Flames. As puzzling as this was, it still gave him considerable pleasure. And even though I know he still had those feelings, he actually said to me a few weeks ago, in all sincerity, “Go Oilers Go”. I know better than to think this was a “late life conversion” and that he had finally “seen the light”. What it really was, was him giving me his support, as he knows what a huge Edmonton fan I am. It is really an illustration of what a great and considerate friend he was. For several years we went to Eskimo games together, and he always cheered along with me (unless they were playing Calgary, of course). He always supported my teams when they weren’t playing his. I’m sorry to say I was not nearly so charitable.
One thing most passionate Eskimo and Stampeder fans could agree on, though, was we always cheered against the Roughriders. A favourite memory of mine was when Greg and I attended the 2009 Grey Cup game in Calgary. It was Saskatchewan versus Montreal and we were surrounded by Roughrider fans who were extremely loud and boisterous. Some of you may remember that Montreal missed a last-play field goal which would give Sask the win, and their fans were going nuts until they realized their team took a penalty for too many men on the play, and Montreal re-tried the field goal and won. You could have heard a pin drop. I turned to Greg and said loudly, “Oh, that’s a shame, isn’t it?” To which he replied,”Yes, I’m just sorry I’d already finished my beer!” I’m surprised we made it out of there alive!
Greg was always a very active member of his community. While in Camrose he was an active Kinsman member for several years, including acting as secretary as well as president. He was recognized as Kinsman of the Year one year. He also successfully ran for city council, serving two terms as an alderman. Many of us fondly remember his campaign signs urging voters to vote for “the man with the hat”. He also served on the board for the 1988 Alberta Winter Games in Camrose and was very involved in the organizing of that event. He continued this involvement in Calgary, helping out with various political causes, and even running for a school board seat in one election. He always enjoyed talking about political issues, and current affairs generally.
Greg loved to travel. He talked of his trip to the 1974 Spokane World’s fair with good friend Don Gering. He made several trips to various places in Canada and the US when he was with the Calgary Board of Education. He travelled to China to see Jordan, and took trips to Quebec and Hawaii with Shirley, as well as a cruise to Alaska. And he loved Whitefish! He and Shirley bought a share in a vacation property there in the 90’s and had many family vacations there over the years. More recently it was the destination for golf vacations, and many good times with myself as well as other friends. He and I had talked as recently as last summer about making another trip to Whitefish. A favourite memory will always be of him enjoying a pint of Moose Drool (his favourite beer) in Bulldog’s Saloon.
Greg loved music, especially country music. He and Shirley took in Big Valley Jamboree on several occasions, including a visit not many years ago to see Willie Nelson, one of his favourites. I remember well seeing both Johnny Cash and Roy Orbison with him at the old Edmonton Gardens. He also really liked Ian Tyson and had a special place in his heart for the Longview area, which was Ian’s stomping grounds. Some of you will know that “Longview” has been part of Greg’s email address for a long time. He also quite enjoyed in his “quiet times” picking out songs on his guitar and softly singing a favourite tune.
Family gatherings were also important to Greg. He and Shirley had a spot at Pigeon Lake for a few years and they loved taking their family there, as well as having friends and extended family. They also hosted at Whitefish and in Camrose and Calgary on many occasions. He and his family also enjoyed many family get-togethers at “Poly Days” at Alberta Beach as well as homecomings and family occasions in Consort, such as Mary and Bill’s anniversary, Carol and Dave’s wedding, and Mary’s birthday parties.
Sometimes, sadly, there are no words to adequately express the loss we feel. All who knew Greg well know we have lost a kind and considerate friend. His family and all of his friends have an empty place in our hearts today. We can only hope to partially fill it with our favourite memories of “Gregory Harold”. Here’s looking at you, Buddy, with your pint of Moose Drool …. and “Go Stamp’s Go”!

Reminiscences
from sister Jackie
One little story is that of Greg trying to teach me to drive a standard shift vehicle. This was in the days when there was no Sunday shopping so a person could go to a mall and practice in the parking lot. After several sessions of driving around the parking lot, Greg thought it was time for me to go out onto the street. This was in a fairly quiet residential area. There was a fair little slope to get onto the street and I have no idea what I did wrong but there were some strange noises coming from the car. He very tactfully suggested I just pull over and park and we would leave it at that. Turns out I almost stripped the gears in his car. Needless to say that was the last lesson – by my choice as I didn’t want to wreck his car.
Another little story also involves a vehicle of sorts. It was Greg’s little Honda 50 sport motorcycle or whatever they were called. He used to take us for turns for a spin on the gravel streets of Consort. I swear he purposely looked for every rut or pothole on the road just to scare us. He was probably about 14 or 15 or whatever age it was legal to get a license to drive one of those little beasts.

“A brother forever and a best friend always.”
– Reminiscences by Janice of her brother, Greg.
Going through school together (Greg was a grade behind me) and remembering how smart he was and how well he did at school and being very proud of him. A memory I have is of him being on the “Reach for the Top” team for Consort. Secretly, I thought he was a genius. He participated in many school sports such as volleyball, basketball, baseball, and track and field, but winning the cup in basketball had to be a highlight. I have fond memories of him and I throwing the football and baseball in the empty lot south of our house, and playing neighbourhood games of pick-up scrub, and kick the can.
Him teaching me to drive his Honda 50 and letting me take it for a spin. I loved it!
Growing up in Consort was the best! We knew that town like the back of our hand, and sometimes we had a little too much fun in our travels, as in raiding gardens and almost getting caught, or a little round of knock-a-door ginger!
Memories of the great times we had out at Gooseberry Lake as kids, swimming, water skiing, and just hanging out. We both loved the water and I remember the two of us going to Stettler in our teenage years to take our lifeguard course, which turned out to be a bit of an adventure….missing the bus back to Consort and having to stay overnight in the big old scary Stettler Hotel!
The many hours spent hanging out with “our gang” in Consort, riding around on the back of a tow truck on a summer’s Sunday afternoon, cruising and having a blast, and likely stopping at Mah Man’s afterwards for a cold pop.
Feeling such pride when he was admitted to the Bar and the family party we had to celebrate. In retrospect, it couldn’t have been easy for him or the family, getting through law school with a young family at home.
Camping with Greg and Shirley and their boys at their lake lot in Mulhurst was also a good time; we even got to observe a water witching on one occasion.
Them bringing their RV to Gael’s cabin at the lake and the wonderful times we had there, when our children were little.
Our years when we both lived in Camrose and belonged to Kinsmen and Kinettes and all the fun we had then, working together at the booth at Jaywalkers, selling beer at the rodeo, and many other service club activities.
Helping to campaign when Greg ran for Camrose City Council (and won!) “The Man with the Hat” was his campaign slogan.
Family ski trips to their vacation place in Whitefish, when Greg’s suburban was the only vehicle that didn’t get stuck on that snowy and bendy mountain road. I well recall Greg’s patience and willingness to take a group of us novice skiers to the backside of the mountain. It’s a memory I will always cherish, seeing the snow ghosts, and him patiently leading us down the mountain.
Greg was equally patient with Larry and I when we decided to take up golfing later in life. He never gave unsolicited advice, even though I’m sure he wanted to many times, and God knows we needed it!
The many family get togethers at sister Gael and husband Bob’s lakefront cabin at Alberta Beach, where we gathered every summer, and which was the setting for many good times. Tubing out on the water, kids playing on the beach, and fires and music every night were the best of times.
Greg played a special role in our family. He was the best brother one could ever ask for. He was also our best friend and someone we could confide in. It couldn’t have always been easy, getting bossed around by five sisters, but we all loved him dearly. He will be in our hearts forever.
Missing:
Your smile,
Your voice,
Your sense of humour,
Your concern,
Your wit,
Your kindness,
Your way of making
Everything better,
Mostly, just missing you….

Vera Connell
APRIL 3, 1931 – JUNE 24, 2024

Mrs. Vera Connell passed away on Monday, June 24, 2024, at the Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 93 years. Vera was born at the Medicine Hat Hospital on April 3, She had two older sisters, a younger sister and a brother. Vera lived and went to school in Hatton, Saskatchewan until the age of 14 years, at which time the family moved to the Neutral Hills area north of Consort, Alberta.
She went to the Neutral Valley School and then to Consort High School. After graduation, Vera worked
at the local Pioneer Store and played on the ladies’ softball team and went to local sports days. In 1951, she met and then married Mr. Patrick Connell and moved to the family farm just outside of Monitor,
Alberta. Vera was a mother, homemaker, and assistant homebuilder, as she and Pat raised five children and farmed and ranched on the family farm together for forty-six years. In 1996, they sold their farm
to their son, Stanley and his family and they retired to a lovely acreage just outside of Innisfail, Alberta. They remained in Innisfail and Vera enjoyed sewing and looking after the pets they acquired. Though there were some health issues over the years, Vera loved being a part of the Innisfail community
and was a long time and devoted member of the Innisfail Alliance Church. Vera and Pat were married
for sixty-two years until Pat’s passing in 2013, at which time, Vera moved to the Autumn Glen Lodge. She remained happily at the Autumn Glen and waited patiently for Autumn Grove to open its doors. Vera loved being at the Autumn Grove Lodge until health issues took her into Calgary, Alberta in February 2024. She remained in Calgary until the time of her passing. Vera is lovingly remembered by her children, Don (Mary), Dave (Sheila), Stan (Cheryl), Louise (Dan), and Noreen (Kim), her fourteen grandchildren and twenty-nine great grandchildren. She will also be deeply missed by her sisters, Ella and Marj.
Vera was predeceased by her loving husband Patrick, her parents William and Alma Forbes, her siblings
Raymond and Lil, a grandchild, Wesley, and her son in law, Dan.
A Funeral Service will be held at Autumn Grove Lodge, 4035 50 Ave., Innisfail, Alberta on Wednesday,
July 3, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Vera will be laid to rest beside Patrick at Lakeroad Cemetery, Consort Alberta
on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.
If desired, Memorial Donations may be made to the Parkland Foundation in care of Autumn Grove Lodge at parklandfoundation.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com
Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Innisfail, Alberta.

Marilyn Bossert
Oct. 16, 1944 – June 25, 2024

On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, Alice Marilyn Bossert (nee Mitchell) of Kipling, Saskatchewan, died peacefully in her home at the age of 79 years.
Born and raised in Consort, Alberta, Marilyn was a friend to many. For over 30 years, she was an active and cherished member of the community of Kipling, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and strength. Her connections to her hometown of Consort ran deep, as she adored her family history and relationships. She was predeceased by her husband, Raymond Bossert, her parents, Duncan and Margaret Mitchell, her mother-in-law and father-in-law Clara and Emil Bossert, her brothers-in-law Gerald Unger and Lorne Mitchell.
Marilyn leaves behind her two sons: Jason (Lisa) and their family River, Rain, Lake, Eddy and Sunny; Ryan (Lara) and their family Caitlin, Danielle and Cheyenne; sister, Laurel Unger, brother, Neil (Margaret) Mitchell; sister-in-law, Ruth Mitchell, numerous nieces and nephews and many friends who felt her warmth and generosity.
Please join us for Marilyn’s hometown celebration of life luncheon on Saturday, August 24 at the Consort Gem Center, 5225 – 47 Street, Consort, Alberta at 11:30 a.m. Prior to this event, a private family interment will be held where Marilyn will be laid to rest in Consort beside her husband Raymond. (A community celebration took place in Kipling on July 20th.)
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Kipling and District Health Centre, Box 989, Kipling, SK. S0G 2S0, Saskatchewan Cancer Foundation or to a charity of one’s choice as a token of remembrance.

Allan Charles Code
May 23, 1952 – June 30, 2024

Allan Charles Code was born May 23, 1952 and lived just outside New Brigden, Alberta on the family farm. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on June 30, 2024.
Allan was the eldest son of Charlie and Doris Code. After graduating Grade 12, Allan attended Olds College taking Ag Mechanics, later returning home to fulfill his lifelong dream of farming and ranching. He was proud of the Purebred Hereford herd he established and growing the family farm. Allan and Laurie (Astell) married on September 29, 1984 and together raised their six children. Allan enjoyed spring calving and driving around checking cows with his wife and kids.
Allan was an active member of the New Brigden community and enjoyed playing and watching hockey, curling and baseball. He could tell many stories of curling bonspiels and baseball tournaments with buddies in his early years. He enjoyed visiting and having a coffee with his family, friends and neighbours.
Of his many achievements and accomplishments, he was most proud of his children and grandchildren. He was always so happy when they would come to visit.
Allan is survived by his wife of 39 years, Laurie, 6 children and 10 grandchildren;
Sons: Brandon (Regan – Rocky, Grace), Ryan, Shawne.
Daughters: Brittaney Fankhanel (Richard – Adelyn, Olivia, Owen), Baillie Biggelaar (Garrett – Luke, Maverick, Lacey), Melinda Ross (Lance – Weston, Kaycee).
Brother Lorne (Karen), brothers-in-law Larry Olsen, Dave Forrester, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
Allan was pre-deceased by his parents Charlie and Doris Code, sisters Peggy Forrester and Linda Olsen.
Memorial donations can be directed to the New Brigden Community Association or to New Brigden Cemetery, Box 43, New Brigden, AB. T0J 2G0.
Celebration of Life is to be held at a later date. 
To leave a message of condolence, please visit ofsmacleans.com
Funeral arrangements in the care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, AB.

Donald “Grant” Kelts
Sept. 22, 1947 – July 11, 2024

Grant Kelts, a cowboy at heart and a master of saddles, passed away on July 11, 2024. He was born September 22, 1947 at Consort Hospital, the son of Donald Ross Kelts and Edith Helen Schetzsle.
Grant attended Consort School infrequently.
Known for his love of roping and riding, Grant’s passion for the cowboy way of life was evident to all who knew him. A natural with horses, Grant had an exceptional ability to connect with them. His skills were renowned in the community, and he often shared his knowledge and experience with others, always willing to lend a hand or offer advice. Grant’s passion and career was training cutting and reining horses. He worked for Eva Ludwig, Bob Blair, Preston Kelts and many local ranches. Many aspiring cowboys spent time in Grant’s arena fine tuning their skills.
Grant’s crusty demeanor hid a soft spot and his devoted friends, old and young are proof of this.
Grant is predeceased by his parents Donald in May 2008 and Dot in July 2005.
Grant will long be remembered by his son, Kane (Marie) Kelts. As well as his brothers, Jim (Karry), Rick (Sandy), Greg and Byron (Martha).
To honour Grant’s wishes there will be no funeral services. The family invites you to tip back a Pilsner and enjoy a memory of the time you shared with him. The family requests in lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Gooseberry Lake Rodeo Association, Consort 4-H or charity of your choice.
Condolences may be forwarded to the family by visiting www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
Parkview Funeral Chapels were entrusted with the care and arrangements.

Bernice Ann Deagle
May 13, 1927 – July 15, 2024

Bernice Ann Grace was born May 13, 1927 in Scott, SK, to parents Patrick and Theresa Grace. In 1934, they left their farm in Handel, SK and moved to Edmonton, AB due to the depression.
Following her high school graduation in 1946, she enrolled in the Edmonton General Nursing program. She completed her training in 1949, and moved to Consort to begin her career as a Registered Nurse. 
In 1951, she married Maurice Deagle and they spent a year in Edmonton, with Bernice working at the Misericordia Hospital in the ‘case room’ (labour & delivery unit), and Maurice working in a warehouse and traveling back to Consort to tend to the farm. They returned to Consort in the summer of 1952, and that fall their daughter, Cathy was born. 
Over the next 10 years, they welcomed 5 more children into their family; Dennis in 1953, Anne in 1955, Pat in 1958, Rick in 1959, and Maggie in 1961. 
Bernice worked at the Consort Hospital as a Registered Nurse, and later as the Director of Nursing. She loved being a nurse, it was a core piece of her identity. Her children remember her being picked up on a skidoo when a blizzard had made the roads impassable, and banging down the hallway in the middle of the night, half-asleep but coming to the rescue of a late night birth or trauma case. 
She was a fierce patient advocate and a keen researcher, always trying to make sure the community of Consort had access to the most up-to-date medical information and procedures. She would leave textbooks open to certain procedures or diagnoses in an effort to “gently guide” the doctor in the right direction.
She never backed down from a challenge when she believed that what she was fighting for was right, no matter the cost. 
Unbeknownst to her family for many years, Bernice battled with Multiple Sclerosis. She never let on that she wasn’t feeling well, until symptoms exacerbated by stress forced her into an early retirement from the job she loved so very much. 
In addition to her many years working as a nurse, she also tended a large garden, helped on the farm, cooked meals for her family, which included her legendary ‘air buns’, and raised her six children. Bernice and Maurice loved to dance and relished their time as part of the dance/social club in Consort. 
The early nineties were a challenging time for Bernice, first with her diagnosis of breast cancer, and then the passing of her beloved Maurice on December 29, 1995. However, like all challenges she faced in her life, she was steadfast in her faith and carried on with tenacity and love. She was fiercely independent and raised a family of strong women, and men who love them.
Bernice spent the last few years of her life in the Provost Long Term Care. But, due to her dementia, she thought she was there as a nurse, not a resident. She was so happy to be reliving her nursing ward days, and spent her days snoozing and her nights up at the desk with the rest of the nursing staff, checking charts and doing rounds on patients. 
On behalf of her family and loved ones, we want to extend our gratitude to the incredible staff in Provost, who loved her as one of their own, allowed her to be a part of their work family, complete with a name badge, whilst never complaining about her poking her nose into their work or pinching them to get them up and moving.
Bernice passed away peacefully on July 15, 2024, at the Provost Health Centre – Long Term Care at the age of 97 years, with loved ones at her side.
She will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Cathy (Frank) Van Humbeck, Dennis (Cheryl) Deagle, Anne (Grant) Armstrong, Pat (Trish) Deagle, Rick (Marilynn †) Deagle, and Maggie (John) Baier; grandchildren, Joe (Kristie), Jeff (Alyson), Jenna, Chris, Heather (Justin), Jon (Sarah), Jordan (Madeline), Kevin, Brad (Carley), Amy, Renée (Clay), Trevor (Danica), Pamela, Nicholas † and Natasha (Joe); great grandchildren, Laurel, Ted, Elliott, Sophie, Reid, Evelyn, Aubrey, Cooper, Rayelle, Noelle, Davyn, Quinton, and Carolynn; as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, and relatives.
Bernice was predeceased by her husband, Maurice; daughter in law, Marilynn Deagle; grandson, Nicholas Baier; and brothers, Dennis Grace and Jack (Frances) Grace.
She loved large family gatherings and having her grandchildren over for card games and treats. She loved hearing stories of the goings-on in everyone’s life, and looking at photographs and reminiscing about of her loved ones and her time as a nurse.
So much of who Bernice was lives on in not only her children, but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A voracious appetite for knowledge, a love of reading, stubbornness beyond measure, quick wit, a tenacious spirit, a love for family, and a commitment to making a difference.
Eulogy
By Amy Deagle &
Renee Deagle Creasy
(Renee): For those who may not know us, I am Renee and this is Amy, we are granddaughters of Maurice and Bernice Deagle. It is our profound honour to share some memories and reflections of Grandma’s remarkable life.
During the week Grandma spent in palliative care, we listened to recollections of her life, shared by family and loved ones, including the staff in Long Term Care. We came to have a more profound understanding of what an incredible, compassionate, and resilient, not only mother and grandmother, but most importantly, human being she was. The stories of her compassion and her fighting spirit, which allowed her to face so many challenges head-on, gave us an even deeper feeling of admiration, respect, and pride at being her descendants.
(Amy): Bernice Ann Grace was born in Scott, SK, to parents Patrick and Theresa Grace, and spent the first seven years of her life on the farm at Handel SK. In 1934, due to the depression, she moved with her parents and her brothers, Dennis and Jack to Edmonton, where her mother had found work as a seamstress. Following her high school graduation in 1946, she enrolled in the Edmonton General Nursing program. She completed her training in 1949, and moved to Consort to begin her career as a Registered Nurse.
After growing up with little money to spare, those nursing cheques opened a whole new door for Grandma. Her first pay cheque went towards a fur coat, purse and shoes! So we obviously all come by our shopping tendencies and love of shoes naturally.
Grandma loved to travel and had big plans right out of nursing school – it was during a road trip to one of Trevor’s hockey games that she told me that she and her friend Myrtle had planned to work in Consort for a year to get some general nursing experience, and then they were headed to Hawaii to train as flight attendants.
(Renee): However, a local farm boy, by the name of Maurice Deagle, put a halt on those plans and turned that city girl into a small town girl for life. In 1951, she married Maurice, and over the next 10 years, they welcomed 6 children into their family; Cathy, Dennis, Anne, Pat, Rick, and Maggie.
Grandma raised her babies and continued her work at the Consort Hospital as a Registered Nurse, and later as the Director of Nursing. She loved being a nurse, it was a core piece of her identity. Her children remember her being picked up on skidoo when a blizzard had made the roads impassable, and banging down the hallway in the middle of the night, half-asleep but coming to the rescue for a late night birth or trauma case.
(Amy): A career in nursing bonded Grandma and I in such a profound way. We would swap stories about her case room days and mine as an L&D nurse and midwife. She thought it was quite something that we allowed “spectators” aka husbands, other loved ones, into the delivery room, as that “just wasn’t done” in her day. After raising her eyebrows in mock horror, she decided that actually perhaps that was a good thing for the fathers to be involved. She would marvel at the latest developments while simultaneously longing for a return to the elegance of the nursing profession when they wore white uniform dresses, stockings, and caps. Even when she couldn’t quite remember my name, she would pat my hand and say “my nurse”.
Grandma never backed down from a challenge nor a fight she believed in. When the hospital was facing closure due to a nursing shortage – as many of the nurses had young families and were finding the work/life balance difficult, she lobbied to change the shift rotation to 12 hrs so that less nurses were needed day to day – this change averted a closure and gave nurses more days off in their rotations to spend with their families … and those 12 hr shifts remain in place today.
She was a relentless advocate for healthcare in Consort and taught me to never back down from doing the right thing, even if it’s not the popular thing – and I am so proud that the work I’m doing here in Consort, is in continuance of her legacy.
(Renee): After witnessing several infants in the area dying of dehydration due to projectile vomiting, Grandma took it upon herself to research the condition and its treatments. Through her research, she found the procedure to correct pyloric stenosis. The textbooks, with the instructions for the corrective surgical procedure, were then subtly left open on the doctor’s desk. That procedure saved the lives of many babies, including her niece Debbie Carl, and her own son, Pat.
Had she grown up in a different time or with different financial resources I have no doubt in my mind she would have been a physician, and an exceptional one at that. She encouraged me from the beginning to pursue medical school, often telling me that she thought rural GP would be the best job.
(Amy): You should have seen the way she lit up and smiled every time she heard the overhead page at the hospital for “Dr. Deagle”, she was so very proud.
In addition to her many years working as a nurse, she also tended a large garden, helped on the farm, cooked meals for her family, which included her legendary air buns, and raised six children. Grandma and Grandpa loved to travel, especially with their friends George and Mary Tanish, and they also loved to dance and relished their time as part of the dancing social club in Consort.
Grandma loved big family get-togethers and having a house full of family. Even when she couldn’t quite hear the conversation happening at the end of the table, she loved sitting and listening to all the laughter.
Grandma was witty, proud, and STUBBORN. If she had her mind made up about something, it was almost impossible to change it.
Just before her 80th birthday, she was told she needed to increase her calcium intake following her bone scan. My mom bought her yogurt as she hoped that would help – and Grandma looked at her like she had grown three heads.
She sternly told her she did not like yogurt and would not subject herself to eating what amounted to sour cream every day.
When my mom asked her when the last time she had tried some, she responded “never”, because she had made up her mind that it tasted like sour cream when she was a small child. Needless to say, my mom somehow convinced her to try it … and low and behold, she loved it. And at 80 years old she became a yogurt addict, with mom needing to restock her yogurt supply weekly.
(Renee): Grandma’s classic facial expressions were known and loved by many, including the staff at the Provost LTC. Whether it was her raised eyebrows or her dramatic whole body slump, when someone told her something funny or shocking – and if you ever saw her smirk, you knew she was up to something mischievous. Whether it be convincing her daughters that the devil was out to get them for being “naughty” or making teasing comments just to get a reaction from people.
In a house full of die-hard Oilers fans, she would cheer for the Flames just to get a rise out of her boys. She often had a witty comeback if you dared to tease her, but if words failed her, you were met with one of her “love taps”.
Natasha recalls: At the ripe age of 19 or 20, Trevor offered her a beer at a family get together. Grandma was horrified. She promptly reached down, removed her shoe and flung it with deadly accuracy, hitting Trevor directly in the chest. He still is recovering.
Some of her grandchildren’s favourite memories include:
1) Going to her house playing the GOLF card game, drink pop, eating ice cream, and A/C,
a) Grandma’s buns!,
b) Her voracious appetite for reading, especially murder mysteries,
c) Slingshotting magpies off her back deck to protect her flowers. Grandma was quite the shot,
d) Her competitive spirit which was noted during floor discing events and later with floor hockey at the lodge, where she was notorious for her dirty stick work,
e) Running errands with Grandma in her seafoam green Ford Taurus that smelled of Irish Spring soap (which was to keep the mice away),
f) How she was terrified of mice. For many years an annual package would arrive in the mail from an anonymous sender, the contents of which often evoked a squeal as she opened it to discover a toy mouse.
(Amy): Grandma spent the last few years of her life in the Provost Long Term Care. But, due to her dementia, she thought she was there as a nurse, not a resident. She spent her days snoozing and her nights up at the desk with the rest of the nursing staff, checking charts and doing rounds on patients.
Her “colleagues” shared some of their favorite stories of Nurse Deagle also known as “Bernicy”, like how, during Covid, she attended report in the staff room with them, complete with her name tag, mask, and gloves.
And how Grandma loved being at the nursing desk when staff were charting. She would try to “help” by grabbing the computer mouse and moving it around, mostly because she wanted their attention, and to hold their hand. A lot of times, she would snuggle her head onto their arms and eventually would fall asleep. She wouldn’t want to go to bed, she just wanted to snuggle, and they would sit with her and let her sleep on them.
On behalf of her family and loved ones, we want to extend our gratitude to the incredible staff in Provost, who loved her as one of their own and allowed her to be a part of their work family.
So much of who Grandma was lives on in not only her children, but her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A voracious appetite for knowledge, a love of reading, stubbornness beyond measure, quick wit, a tenacious spirit, a love for family, and a commitment to making a difference. She raised a family of strong women, and men who love them.
We are so very proud to be descendants of the incredible woman we had the privilege of calling Grandma.
Thank You
We would like to extend our deepest gratitude for the outpouring of love and support during this challenging time. Your presence at the service of our beloved mother meant the world to us, and we are truly touched by the beautiful cards, thoughtful calls and food that we received. We would also like to express sincere appreciation to Provost Long Term Care for their professionalism, compassionate care, love, and kindness shown to our mother.
Thank you to the Doctors for your expertise and kindness. Your guidance and support meant a great deal to our family.
Gregory’s Funeral Home, your attention to detail and respectful handling of all arrangements were above and beyond and deeply appreciated.
Father Christopher and Father Paul, your words during the service provided comfort and solace.
Thank you to the Corpus Christi choir and community for being part of the celebration of our mother’s life.
To the lunch committee, your efforts in organizing the post service gathering did not go unnoticed. The fellowship and shared memories were a true blessing.
To Amy Deagle and Renee Deagle Creasy your heartfelt remembrances touched our hearts. Your words captured the essence of our mothers life beautifully.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Cathy and Frank VanHumbeck
Dennis and Cheryl Deagle
Anne and Grant Armstrong
Pat and Trish Deagle
Rick Deagle
Maggie and John Baier
and families

Abner Glen Grover
May 15, 1933 – July 31, 2024

Abner (Ab) Glen Grover born May 15, 1933, in Hanna, Alberta, passed away peacefully with his family by his side at the Oyen Long Term Care on July 31, 2024, at the age of 91.
Ab was the first son born to Glen and Hazel Grover (Boyd), joining his older sister, Thelma, and later welcoming younger siblings Archie, Gordon and Margaret. His early years were spent on the family farm north of Hanna in the Garden Plains area. To ensure he could attend school during the winter months, Ab stayed with his grandparents, Harry and Myrtle Grover (Burns), in town.
In 1942, the family moved to Youngstown, Alberta when Ab’s father was appointed Road Foreman for Special Areas. Ab completed his schooling in Youngstown and later pursued further education in Calgary, Alberta from 1953-1954, where he earned his Red Seal in Automatic Transmissions and his mechanics license. His professional journey began at Cereal Motors in Cereal, Alberta, followed by a role at Bosch Motors in Oyen, Alberta, where his expertise in automatic transmissions was highly valued.
In 1954, Ab met the love of his life, Regina Dick. They married on July 21, 1954, in Oyen, Alberta, and settled in the community where Ab initially worked as a mechanic before transitioning to the role of Pest Control Officer in 1957. His dedication to keeping Alberta pest-free was a point of pride for him. In 1959, Ab shifted careers to become the Office Manager for the Special Areas office in Oyen, eventually moving to Consort, Alberta in 1967 as an Office Administrator/Fieldman. In 1975, the Grover family moved to Hanna, Alberta, where Ab served as a Board Member and later appointed Chairman of the Special Areas Board until his retirement in 1991.
Throughout 66 years of marriage, Ab and Regina (Jean) were blessed with seven children: Dennis, Ken, Lorna, Carol, Janet, Brian and Ron. Ab was a devoted father who spent many years coaching his children’s hockey and baseball teams. He loved hunting, often bringing home game and sharing his hunting tales. The Grover family enjoyed numerous camping, boating, fishing, and waterskiing adventures, creating cherished memories at Gooseberry Lake Cabin and later the purchase of a motor home. In their later years, Ab and Jean took up golf, which became a beloved activity for them both.
Ab’s joy was further enriched by his cousin Arnold’s frequent flying visits, which Ab eagerly looked forward to. Family was central to Ab’s life, and he was always there to lend a helping hand or fix anything that needed repair.
Ab and Jean spent 19 winters traveling south, where they met and traveled with friends and family, creating lasting memories. Ab was also a dedicated member of the Kinsmen club, K40’s, a volunteer firefighter and earlier on he acted as a volunteer ambulance driver for patients and hospital staff, using his station wagon.
Ab and Jean left Hanna in November 2019 and made the move to the Oyen Lodge in Oyen, Alberta.
After Jean’s passing in July 2021, Ab moved to the Oyen Long Term Care, where he lived until his passing. He leaves behind a legacy of love and family, remembered by his children; Dennis (Penny) Grover, Ken (Kathy) Grover, Lorna (Matthew) Robinson, Carol (Rod†) Carriere, Janet (Gordon) Resch, Brian (Darlene) Grover and Ron (Laura) Grover, 21 grandchildren, and 46 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brothers Archie (Sandy) Grover and Gordon (Donna) Grover, brothers-in-law Fred Kautz, Paul Dick, Willy (Rita) Dick, Robert (Mabel) Dick, Gordon Dick and Gordon Paetz, along with many nieces, nephews, extended family and numerous friends.
Ab was predeceased by his beloved wife Jean, his parents Glen and Hazel Grover, his mother and father-in-law Peter and Catherine Dick, sisters Thelma Paulson and Margaret Kautz, sisters-in-law Teresa Dick, Rita Paetz, Bonnie Dick and Rose Marie Rude, brother-in-law Claire Paulson, son-in-law Rod Carriere and great-granddaughter June Resch.
Ab will be deeply missed by all who knew him, and his memory will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Memorial tributes may be directed to Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, 306-10430 61 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB. T6H 2J3 or to Oyen and District Health Care Foundation c/o Resident and Family Council, Box 1, Oyen, AB. T0J 2J0.
The Funeral Service was held on Friday, August 9th, 2024 at the Royal Canadian Legion, Oyen, Alberta at 1:00 p.m. with Father Rodel officiating.
Funeral arrangements in care of MacLean’s Funeral Home in Oyen, Alberta.
To leave a condolence message please visit ofsmacleans.com

Gail Lehman
Sept. 12, 1948 – Aug. 7, 2024

Gail Elizabeth Scott was born on September 12, 1948 in Consort, Alberta, to Kathleen Rose (McConnell) and Charlie Marvin Scott. She was the second girl in a family of five girls and one boy. She went to school in Consort, playing basketball and volleyball. She studied very hard with a goal of going to university to study Social Work, but instead became a teacher, and spent her entire
career teaching junior high language arts and social studies at Woodhaven Junior High in Spruce Grove. Gail was an excellent teacher and enjoyed her students. She took great pride in her career.
After she started teaching, she started spending her summers at Alberta Beach with her family, where she met a local farmer, Bob Lehman, and they were married in 1985. They lived on his farm for many years and then built their lakefront cabin at Alberta Beach, where Gail lived for the rest of her life.
She and Bob travelled to visit Bob’s son, Keith, in Puerto Rico several times. They drove across Canada to Newfoundland and then became snowbirds, spending many winters in Yuma.
Gail loved to travel, especially going on cruises and often scheduled one from California, when they were staying in Yuma. She even had a cruise booked for next January.
Gail especially loved her flowers; they were her pride
and joy. She also enjoyed aerobics, golfing, and other activities with friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Bob, youngest sister Lorraine, and recently by her only brother, Greg, as well as both parents, uncles Danny McConnell, Bud Scott and Bill Readman, Aunt Freda McConnell, and
cousins Greg and Shirley McConnell.
Left to mourn her loss are her sister Sharon Scott, daughters Meghan (Kyle Wick) and Lindsay (Gary Auger); sister Jackie (Arthur Chin), daughter Allison
(Eric Dodd); sister Janice (Larry Lewsaw), sons Landon (Jackie) and Jeremy (Zoe); sister-in-law Shirley Scott and sons Nolan (Anika), Graham (Tanya) and Jordan (Jill), as well as cousins Carol (Dave) Bruha, Betty and Allan McConnell, and Aunt Mary Readman. She also leaves to mourn her loss Bob’s sister, Eve Schiedeman, as well as eleven great nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Gail’s Life was held on Saturday, August 24, 2024 at the Alberta Beach Senior’s Club. A eulogy was given and family and friends shared tributes as well as a slideshow of memories presented by Jordan Scott. Following the service, a luncheon was enjoyed by the large crowd in attendance.

Words of Remembrance
by Larry Lewsaw
Thanks everyone, for being here to honour and remember Gail. She was a special person and will always hold a special place in our hearts. Just a few notes from myself to start.
She was one of the “Scott girls”. Growing up in Consort, as I did, I can say “everyone knew the Scott girls”. Of course, everybody in Consort pretty much knew everybody else anyway, so no surprise there! However, they were a really neat family of five girls and one boy, with a wonderful mother, and they held a special place in our hearts. Actually one of her sisters is so special to me that I’ve been married to her for 54 years.
Gail was the second oldest, and fairly early in life became noted for her work ethic, as well as her agreeable personality. She was also the designated “worry-er” and many photos showed her with a worried look on her face.
It was her hard work, though, that resulted in her being an excellent student and becoming a teacher. She loved teaching and spent most of her working life in the classroom.
She also loved her husband Bob, and their many friends, several of whom are here today. I know her family would like to thank Mearle and Maureen, Roger and Viv, Butch and Renee, as well as her golfing group and her aerobics group, for being such good friends to Gail. The last two years have been difficult for her and the support and friendship from all of you have been so vital to her, we can’t thank you enough.
Family has always been important to her, as well, and there have been many happy occasions over the years, and a lot of them right here in Alberta Beach, as Gail and Bob so generously opened their home to all of us on many occasions. They also spent many Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter holidays at our place and we loved having them.
I feel very fortunate to have spent a lot of time with Gail over the years. She was a gracious and welcoming host, and she was always a helpful and pleasant guest as well. We also enjoyed many fun holiday times with her and Bob.

Memories
by sister Sharron
With heavy hearts and unimaginable sadness we gather today to say goodbye
to the best sister, aunt, great aunt and niece anyone could ask for.
Gail started her life in Consort, Alberta, second in a family of six. Her early years we’re quite normal until her mother, who was a registered nurse, contracted polio in the early 1950’s and her father moved to B.C.
Mom’s legs were crippled but she could walk with crutches or on her hands if she had to do stairs. She could climb stairs by swinging her legs to the side and up to the next stair.
Gail learned her life skills from Mom, perseverance, determination, trust worthiness and a touch of the stoic.
We did not have the means to take a family vacation so summers were spent taking swimming lessons and going to Mom’s family in Quill Lake, Saskatchewan.
When we were younger, we stayed with our grandparents in a small one bedroom house, no electricity and running water, but a BIG cattle water trough in the forbidden pasture and accessible only after Grandpa had gone to town with Uncle Danny.
Who needed a lake I ask?
Early summers saw Gail and I sleeping on a fold down sofa, fighting over who was on who’s side, and making fart noises to which Grandma would say, “Put that cat out”. She didn’t have a cat …….
I’m inclined to think that this was maybe where the fascination for our family of burping and farting took roots.
Kids love burping and farting when adults do it and Auntie Gail did not disappoint – her burps were belly deep!
High school was finished off with some courses in Red Deer and then it was off to university in Edmonton, graduating with her teaching degree.
Her teaching career was spent in Spruce Grove and it was from there she ventured out to make her first big purchase – a CABIN at Alberta Beach!
The next adventure was to nail down farmer/rancher Bob and marry him in 1985. Farm life suited Gail and she was known to rescue the odd calf for some TLC in the bathtub.
But why stop here? There was still one more project and that was the dream retirement home on the lake at Val Quentin. It provided hours and hours of swimming, water skiing, tubing, boat rides to the island and in winter skating, Ski-dooing, ice fishing and fires to warm your toes.
Gail was always supportive of everyone’s endeavours and in 1979 when I pursued a life event outside of the norm she gave me a plaque with a verse written by Ralph Emerson –
Do not follow where the
path may lead
Go instead where there is
no path and leave a trail
I reminded her of this during our visits at Poly Days this year and how much that support encouraged me to follow my dream …..
Tropical breezes, sandy beaches and blue waters – a love affair with the Caribbean that never stopped. And so the next adventure began with annual trips to Puerto Rico, cruises, and then later winters in Yuma …..
And now it is time for you to go, Bob has been waiting for you – Time to set sail!
Gods speed sister of mine,
Always and forever, Sharron

Reminiscences
from sister Jackie
It goes without saying how much I am going to miss Gail but here are a few memories that will always bring a smile to my face when I think of her.
One of the first major memories of Gail is from when we were quite young living in Consort. We had a coal and wood furnace which became Gail’s job to stoke for the night in the winter as Mom couldn’t get down to the basement. Mom would be at the top of the stairs giving Gail encouragement. Once the fire was going Gail would come upstairs and go outside to check which way the wind was blowing and watch for sparks. This fear of fire continued into Gail’s adult life. In the 1970’s we were living in College Plaza and had finally gotten a barbeque. It was a briquette barbeque on a completely cement balcony. But oh no, Gail filled a water pail to keep on the balcony just in case. At the first cabin Gail and Lorraine owned here at Alberta Beach, whenever they had a fire in the fire pit, Gail had the water hose close at hand.
When Gail first married Bob, her co-teacher friend Donna Taylor warned her to never learn how to drive the tractor or she would be spending all her time in the fields. She took this advice to heart and did not learn to drive the tractors. The only connection to the tractors I remember her having was when Bob was selling the farm. There was Gail out there on any equipment that had windows, cleaning them with Mr. Clean.
Gail also was a bit of a clean freak. I remember countless times when Bob would tell her to quit washing the walls or she would wash all the paint off of them. She just chuckled and kept washing, faithfully every spring. She told me that was one of the ways she dealt with stress.
We all know how much Gail loved her flowers. She usually visited every greenhouse close to Alberta Beach and surrounding area. She told me several times that she never told Bob how much she actually spent each spring on bedding plants.
The first calving season Gail spent on the farm, there was a calf born quite early, actually January 28th, our sister Lorraine’s birthday. Bob hauled the calf into the house and put it in the bathtub. Gail was rubbing it to warm it up and got out the blow dryer to help. She told me that when she stopped the blow dryer the calf would look up at her. And of course she named it, much to Bob’s chagrin. The name she chose was Intrepid. I remember too how proud she was that she could go out in the pasture and call the calf, and it would come to her. Bob knew well enough that when it had to be sold, he hauled it away when Gail was at school, knowing full well he would not be able to put up with the tears.
Gail did not like wearing a seat belt. As soon as she got close to wherever she was going she would undo her seat belt. When her ashes were brought home, the funeral director seat belted her in: one time when she couldn’t undo the buckle.
Gail was a wonderful sister with a warm and generous heart.
“Listen to the breeze and think of me. In your heart I will always be.”

Remembering our
sister Gael
by her sister Janice
Gael was such a wonderful sister. She had an easy going personality and a kind and generous nature. She was also an extremely hard-working person, which was evident throughout her life. I sometimes accompanied her on her housekeeping jobs when she was a teenager, under the guise of helping, but it offered me the opportunity to witness first-hand how she worked with such commitment and attention to detail. That quality was with her throughout her life. She approached her school work in the same way, and later her university years. I remember a comment our sister-in-law Shirley made one time, while we were peeling carrots for a family meal, how Gael even approached that task with great gusto, putting the rest of us to shame. She was there to help anytime we needed her, helping with moves and housecleaning afterwards, to helping to build a new fence, helping get the Christmas meal on the table, to taking care of the little nieces and nephews. She was always there for our family, in her own special way.
Gael will be remembered as being very generous. She would share anything with her family. I remember when she won a red bike at some competition or contest, and it immediately went from “hers” to “ours,” with all of us riding it as we liked, as we didn’t each have a bike back then. It made her so happy to be able to share her lake cabin with all of us, and she loved hosting the family at both her own cabin and then the cabin built by her and Bob. It brought her joy to offer us a place to come and gather at a lake. We spent many happy times as a family at the lake for our annual gathering at Poly Days, attending the parade, spending time on the water, and sitting around the fire at day’s end.
Gael also gave generously of her time and love. She cared deeply about all of us and took great interest in our lives. She was such an awesome aunt to her nieces and nephews, having fun with them when they were little, and then taking an interest in their lives as they got older. She had an accepting and loving nature with them and they picked up on that. Plus, she had a sense of humour, which they welcomed.
Our sister was a worrier, and that sometimes resulted in a laugh or two because of it. Gael actually followed current affairs growing up, unlike most of the rest of us, and at the time of the Cuban Missile Crisis, we heard a loud and unusual sound one night, which convinced her the end-of-the-world war had started. We found out later that it was a kid up the street who was outside playing his trumpet very loudly. Knowing her tendency to worry, our brother Greg brought her a worry stone, which was for her to rub whenever she had a runaway.
Gael had in insatiable quest for knowledge, enjoying school and university. After her and Bob’s visits to Puerto Rico, she decided to try to learn Spanish, and attended Spanish classes at the U of A. She really enjoyed taking city tours wherever they went during their world travels, gleaning as much as she could from them. She enjoyed crossword puzzles and playing Wordle.
I recall driving to AB for Gael’s surprise 50th birthday party, and recruiting Larry, my husband and an English major, to help me re-write the words to the song, “My Favourite Things” tailored to suit Gael, to sing as a group at her party. I can’t remember those lyrics now, but I can certainly share with you some of Gael’s favourite things. She loved the color pink, she loved her flowers, she loved chicken fettucine, she loved flip flops and summer, she loved routine, she loved sailing, she loved having her hair nicely done (thanks to you, Cherie), she loved a good book and reading in bed, she loved being by the water, travelling and cruising, and she loved her family and especially her husband Bob, and her many good friends, both at Alberta Beach and from earlier in her life.
One of my biggest blessings is that I got to grow up with my best friend who just happened to double as my sister. Looking back, I think about all the memories we have shared together, all of the moments that we experienced hand-in-hand, and all of the ways I am beyond lucky to have had her as a constant in my life. I’ll always love you, Gael.
“Memories fade over time, but our sister isn’t a memory. She’s a part of us.”

Eulogy
Gael Lehman – Faithful & Wonderful Friend
by Maureen Armitstead
Gael and I have been close friends for 35 years and I feel honored to be speaking with you today.
At this time I would like to thank some special people that assisted Gael the last couple of years after Bob’s passing. Greg, her brother that passed away this June, and her sister Jackie; you were her main stay and did a terrific job of giving Gael the legal help she needed and also Chin, Jackie’s husband, for putting up with you both; her faithful friends and neighbours, Vivianne and Roger Montpellier and Renee and Butch Zaprawa as well as my husband Mearle Armitstead.
Janice and Larry, you gave her her family fix for most family functions which she loved. She would always say GOING TO CAMROSE. Sharon: she was delighted when you came up on the Poly Day weekend with your family. And finally Lorraine, her close companion for many years, Gael you have your buddy back. Gael loved her nieces and nephews, and her great nieces and nephews. She was so proud of them all.
Gael was a very private person, kind, co-operative, cheerful, honest, had a sweet chuckle and smile. She led an active life and was very organized. She stayed on a straight path, doing aerobics and her walking class three days a week with her pals, then getting her Journal paper each day, read it throughly, did her crossword and word game without fail. This winter she even played darts on Monday night at the Seniors. Gael had her hair styled by Cherie at Beachcomber every Saturday at 10:00 a.m.; this was tradition. She would never miss her appointment.
She loved her flowers, plants and garden. She was constantly nurturing them during the summer months.
Gael was very adventurous as long as she had a supporter along with her.
She loved golf and could hit a mean ball 150 to 200 yards, unfortuately they were not always straight and there would be a lot of hunting in the bush. She really enjoyed playing with the ladies golf league.
She also liked downhill skiing, however she did not like heights, therefore, if you rode the lifts with her you did not dare to move or panic would set in and at the top of the mountain, she hopped off and loved every minute.
Canoeing down the Sturgeon River was always fun, especially with friends that had never done it; lots of laughs and partying.
Gael had her own Ski-doo and of course we all rode together. At first she had a little Scout and then a big Ski-doo. She had some worries when we rode across the lakes and high points but she always made it even if she had to ride down with someone else, usually Mearle. She was always game to go. Again, lots of laughs.
Several girl trips were taken with Lorna on the East End Bus. Gael was my partner and a super roommate, she never wanted to miss any of the action.
Gael loved to travel. She and Bob went to Puerto Rico every winter to visit Bob’s son Keith and his wife Brunnie. They spent a lot of time on Keith’s sail boat and even lived on it for a while. As Bob would say” they sailed the ocean blue”.
These adventures gave Viv and Roger as well as Mearle and I, the opportunity to join them. What a Blast!
In later years they went to Yuma in their 5th wheel and joined several Alberta Beach friends, as well as making many new friends.
Bob and Gael also did a lot of camping and fishing in Alberta. They especially enjoyed Slave Lake and the Coal Branch.
They had purchased a Pontoon Boat in Yuma which they brought home to the lake and it was a great past time for Gael and Bob.
Gael’s favorite trips were cruising; they did the Panama Canal and toured a good portion of the Caribbean. As a matter of fact Gael and her friend Val were booked on a Princess Cruise to the Hawaiian Islands this coming January. She was very excited about this.
Gael was always part of our Lake side Dining group as well as our Happy Hour Group,…… she LOVED it.!!!
I would like to end with a short poem;
A beautiful life has come to an end
She died as she lived,
everyone’s friend
She was always thoughtful and kind
Precious memories she left behind
She left us suddenly,
her thoughts unknown
But left us memories
we are proud to own
Treasure her God,
in your Garden of Rest
For in our world
she was one of the best.
HEY Girl we will miss you, Peace be with you, fly high with the angels Gael, say hi to Bob. God Bless.

Tribute
from Nolan &Anika
We are so sad that we are unable to be at Gael’s service. This marks another big loss for our family in what has been a gut-wrenching year.
Gael has always been the best and most welcoming host of family gatherings at Alberta Beach, making her the constant center of 40+ years of family memories for us. Today feels – in the most surreal way, like she’s gathering everyone there one last time.
Nolan of course has many years of fun memories at the lake with cousins and aunts and uncles. Listening to the reminiscing, Anika always wished she could have been a part of a family like this during her childhood, but is so grateful to have been welcomed and part of the last 25 years of memories and stories, and can recite earlier stories as if she has been there herself, as she’s heard them so many times!
Anika remembers one particular Poly Days gathering where she served everyone little shot glasses of chocolate vodka around the fire. It being so tasty, created quite a festive evening. The next morning was very less festive to say the least, but Gael still stood there with her smile and quietly nodded and said “oh there’s the chocolate vodka girl” – I was never sure if this was a “thank you” or the opposite of a “thank you”.
We’ll always remember Auntie Gael for her sweet demeanor, her little giggle, and how she always had a smile on her face. She obviously cherished her family and loved having them around, making hosting 20+ people look like it was so easy and no problem at all. We adored how she loved Bob and hearing their travel stories was always a highlight and very entertaining. She also would tell us a lot about fishing trips with friends, stories of Yuma, and of course, how she worked on her amazing flowers – even though she never quite thought they were amazing enough. When we got married in Las Vegas, Gael and Bob joined us at the RV Park and we had a great time hanging around the pool with them. It always seemed as if they were so busy and active with family and friends and work, it was amazing that she always had such a calm demeanor and seemed to take everything in stride.
We can only hope that Auntie Gael knows how much she will be missed and what a shocking loss this is for everyone here. That being said, we hope even more that she knows how loved and adored she was by everyone she came across in life.

Reflections
by Cyndy Berry
Good afternoon. My name is Cyndy, I am one of the “Kroker” girls, who grew up with my sisters Linda and Carol, next door to the “Scott” girls in Consort. I had the privilege of being a friend of Gael for most of my life. Although Lorraine was my “partner in crime” in my early years, I do have distinct memories of Gael in her teenage years. She was very scholarly and she would often have her nose in a book studying and Lorraine and I would have to play quietly or get shooed outside. I also recall that she had the most handsome guy as her boyfriend in high school. I think all of us girls liked it when Terry made a house call!
It was later when both Gael and I graduated from university with an Education degree, that we cemented our friendship. We started teaching the same year and because we taught similar subjects, we were able to support one another, share resources and ideas, and attend conferences, along with our friend and colleague Donna Taylor in such lovely venues as the Banff Springs Hotel and the Jasper Park Lodge. Like everything Gael did, it was with a 110% effort, and she was an exemplary teacher. There are many ex-students out there who benefitted from her diligence and passion for learning. Our careers also allowed us common holidays and one year we set out in July for California and points beyond in Gael’s yellow Nova, sans air-conditioning. It was an epic journey: we were young, single, had money in our pocket, and time on our side. We reminisced about that holiday for years after. It was around the same time that Gael bought her cabin at Alberta Beach, and it became a summer gathering spot for family and friends. This materialized into a yearly ladies get together with Janice, Lorraine, our mutual friend and neighbour, Susie, and me. I am proud to say we have kept this up for decades where we convene once a year, and catch up on each other’s’ lives. One year we vacationed in Las Vegas in what we thought was our 25th anniversary. We even had plans to meet up this August at Alberta Beach.
Gael was a remarkable friend: fiercely loyal, thoughtful, empathetic, and generous. She was literally someone who would give you the shirt off her back. BUT NOT HER PURPLE FLEECE JACKET. We never got that away from her! Gael was a great listener and intelligent conversationalist. I valued her insight into affairs be they global conflicts or personal concerns. She had a positive attitude, was quick to laugh, and saw the best in most people and situations. I can honestly say I spent some of the best times of my life with Gael. I will miss her.
Farewell my friend. See you on the other side.

Frank Williams
July 10, 1939 – August 14, 2024

Frances Ray Williams, more commonly known as Frank, was born on July 10, 1939 in Consort, Alberta to parents, Ernest and Lillian Williams.
He attended the Neutral Valley School from Grades 1 to 9, where he traveled by horseback every day. He attended high school in Consort. Frank started work on the family farm at an early age. His love of farming started in his very early years as he was put on a tractor at the age of 10 and never got off until he was 85.
In November 1962, he married the love of his life, Evelyn Garbutt, a pretty blonde nurse at the Consort Hospital. Three beautiful daughters blessed this couple: Roxanne in 1963, Julie in 1967 and Holly in 1970. They lived comfortably on the family farm.
Frank enjoyed snowmobiling, whether it was racing, poker rallies or just for fun. Frank has many trophies to prove it. Frank was a fantastic rancher as not many ranchers could walk out into the herd and call most cows by name and they would come. He could scratch many of them on the back.
Frank was the girls greatest fan during the figuring skating years and often joked about the bin of grain set aside to fund the skating years. The big hands could really warm up those feet!
Frank’s life brightened even more when the grandchildren came along: Travis in 1980, Ryan in 1981, Jordan in 1985, Tyson in 1988, Landon in 1990 and Madison in 2001.
He loved watching ball, hockey and dance; spent many hours on the road going to games and recitals. Frank’s sons-in-law, Jay and Ryan, were a very important part of his life, and they each played a significant role and visa versa.
Then came the great grandchildren: Emmett in 2015, Ezlyn in 2018, Everett in 2020, Millicent in 2018, Elliette in 2020 and Noah in 2023. Frank loved everything about the grandchildren and was so very proud of them; he loved to tell them stories. Frank welcomed his granddaughters-in-law with open arms, Richelle, Amy and Colby, who enjoyed their conversations with him.
In December 2011, Frank lost the love of his life, Evelyn. Frank would always say, “I’m okay because I’ve got my girls”. Frank’s girls loved taking care of their dad.
Frank had lots of pets, at one time 21 plus cats and he loved them all! But nothing compared to his love for Buddy, his true companion, an unbreakable bond. They were absolutely inseparable.
Frank was always willing to help a friend or neighbor in need. He could always be counted on. Everyone had a special relationship with Frank, regardless of your career path, he always showed a great interest in you.
Frank was very well respected in the community and beyond. He will be very missed.
In Frank’s words, “Well gang, it’s time to go.”

 With his daughters by his side, Frank passed away on August 14, 2024, at the Wainwright Health Centre at the age of 85 years.
 Frank will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his daughters, Roxanne Smigelski, Julie (Jay) Motley, and Holly (Ryan) Tarkowski; grandchildren, Travis (Richelle) Smigelski, Ryan Smigelski, Jordan (Amy) Smigelski, Tyson Motley, Landon (Colby) Motley, and Madison Tarkowski; great grandchildren, Emmett, Ezlyn, Everett, Noah, Millicent, and Elliette; as well as numerous other relatives and friends.
 He was predeceased by his wife, Evelyn, on December 12, 2011.
 A family graveside service was held at Lakeroad Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. Following the service family and friends joined for a time of fellowship, refreshments, and memories from 3:00  to 4:30 p.m. at the GEM Centre in Consort.

Olive Sirman-Guenard
Nov. 2, 1918 – Sept. 6, 2023

Olive’s Life Story
as written by her in the
year 2000
[plus some added comments]
I was born Olive Scott Bower on November 2, 1918, at our homestead just about a mile northeast of Veteran. The name “Olive” was bestowed upon me as I arrived just as “peace” was being signed after World War I. The name “Scott” was my mother’s maiden name.
My early childhood was happily spent on the farm with my sisters Jessie, Ida and Chloris and my brother Russell. We also had as playmates our cousins Bert and Roy Anderson and the Pringles, Isabel, Ray and George. Our Christmases were special occasions when all three families got together. We took turns hosting the celebrations.
Our transportation then was by horse and buggy in summer and by bobsleigh in winter. That must have been when I learned to love horses. [She also had an affinity for birds, butterflies and cats]. They always got us there safely and were so dependable. I never learned to ride horseback, which I have since regretted. People seem to have so much fun and pleasure riding horses. We used to visit our neighbors, the Armstrongs, who had a big old horse named King and it was a thrill for me when they would put me on his back and lead him around the yard. The Armstrong kids were also our playmates – Mildred, Wilma, Walter, Jimmy and Irene. Walter and Jimmy died when they were still young boys, but the girls grew up along with us.
People didn’t travel very far in those days to find entertainment. We kids spent hours on our huge snowbanks north of our house, digging tunnels and sliding down the banks on homemade handsleds that Dad made for us. Dad also made a small skating rink beside the house and that’s where I learned to skate, pushing a stool along in front of me. I would have been about four or five years old then.
One of the big entertainments we did go to was the Chautauqua. It went on for several days with afternoon and evening performances, a different kind each day.
I started going to school when I was six years old (no kindergarten in those days). My first teacher was Miss McClennan. Then we had a teacher named Miss Stewart (not Margaret Stewart who was there much later).
In July 1927, I got sick and the new doctor, Dr. Lander, came out to the farm and said I had appendicitis. I was taken to Consort Hospital in the baggage car of the train. Dr. Lander, Dr. Day and a Dr. Haig operated on me. By that time my appendix had ruptured, and I was in extreme danger of complications as there were no antibiotics, etc., then. I spent six weeks in the hospital hovering between life and death. My mother came and stayed night and day in my room. Finally, I was well enough to go home, but was so weak I couldn’t walk. [She often mentioned that she surely would have died if it had not been for her mother’s care.] I weighed only 36 pounds. I didn’t go back to school until after Christmas. Miss Sundberg was the teacher then.
In March of 1928, we moved to town (Veteran) and I spent the rest of my school years there. My teachers in the Intermediate Room were Miss Dowler and Mr. Butterfield. Then in High School I had the one-and-only Mr. Garvey. By that time, we were involved in softball, track meets and tennis, and of course skating in winter. As soon as the lights went on at the rink, I was there, even in 20 or 30 (degrees F) below weather. I recall one very cold night I was skating with Edgar Monagle (I had a crush on him) so long that he froze his nose. [She was still skating in her mid-sixties].
We never had any graduations in those days but once-in-a-while we’d have a party. It was at a party at McKenzies that I first danced, probably with Harold Raniseth (my boyfriend then).
In 1939 Chloris and I went to Calgary Normal School. The same year the Second World War started, and Russell joined the Navy and left home. At Normal there were two Classes of boys and six Classes of girls so when they had dances, we would invite boys from the Tech which was adjacent to the Normal School. That is when I became acquainted with Myron Crist. I thought he was a nice guy so when my friends Fila Jane and Phyllis Kennedy came to Calgary to attend Business College, I told Myron about these two nice girls so he went to see them. The rest of that story is not mine to tell.
After Normal School in 1940, I taught in country schools around home, the first being Rushmere, followed by Loyalist, Broadview, Kinear (Hemaruka) and Cayno.
Dad passed away in March 1944 while I was teaching in Hemaruka. In January 1945, I married Bill Sirman and after finishing the school year in June at Cayno I went to live at Hemaruka.
In May of 1947, our son Roy was born, and I became a full-time mom. In the fall we moved to Cambria near Drumheller as Bill had got a job in the coal mines there. We stayed at Cambria for about two years and then Bill got a job on one of the big grain farms at Morin, so we moved there. About that time there was a shortage of teachers, so I applied for a job in the Drumheller Division. I got the job at a country school out of Drumheller named Robson Lake. There was a teacherage in the yard, so I moved there. Bill got a job as grain buyer for the Pioneer Co. at a nearby elevator at Taylor Siding. There was a house for the agent (just an elevator and house) so at the end of the school year we moved in there.
Not long after that Bill was transferred to the Pioneer elevator at Hemaruka so we moved there.
Roy started school that fall and shortly after school started, the teacher got sick and had to quit teaching, so I was asked to take over the job, which I held until I was transferred to Consort to teach Grade 4 in 1962.
After attending Summer School for several years, bit by bit, I managed to attain my 3rd year University status, just a year short of a degree. I specialized in Language Arts and finally ended up teaching Language Arts to Grades 4, 5 and 6.
In June of 1981, I retired from teaching after almost 35 years’ experience. In 1979 we had bought a house in Consort right across the street from the teacherage I had lived in for 17 years.
Bill’s health began to deteriorate and in December 1991 he passed away. [In early 1992 she took driver’s training and obtained her driver’s license at the age of 73]. Later I married Pete Guenard who had been a grain buyer in Veteran from 1938-45 and was a good friend of my dad’s. Pete and I had 3.5 years together until he passed away in March 1996.
Since then, I have done some travelling, a Caribbean Cruise in 1998, an Alaskan Cruise in June 1999 and a bus tour in April 2000 to Victoria, the tulip fields in Washington, various other places in Washington, then to Radium and back home. [She traveled to Branson, Missouri in 2002. Other things she enjoyed besides travelling were knitting, crossword puzzles, word games, jigsaw puzzles, Wheel of Fortune, Jeopardy, writing poetry, playing cards, baseball, curling, bowling, discing and floor curling.]
One of the things I didn’t mention before was the failing health and death of Chloris on October 31, 1999. It is hard to lose someone who was always there when I was little and who accompanied me in most of my early career.
~~
Olive relocated to Red Deer in 2013 where she peacefully passed away September 6, 2023 at the tender age of 104.
Olives’ family: Son Roy Sirman; Grandchildren Robert (deceased), David and Christopher (adopted) Sirman; Great Grandchildren James, Scott (deceased), Cassidy and Kaylee Sirman; Great Great Grandchildren Isabel and Jordan Sirman.

Ryley Micheal Gallaway
Mar. 13, 2007 – Sept. 15, 2024

Ryley Micheal Gallaway was born March 13, 2007 in Red Deer, Alberta. He came out letting the world know he had arrived. His big sisters, Savannah and Shayanne absolutely adored him and now they had a younger brother to torment and love. Very early in life he developed a look that made you question “What kind of trouble is he brewing next?” He had the most contagious smile and a laugh that could light up any room. He wore that smile every day.
Ryley attended Consort school and had just started grade 12. When he wasn’t in school, he worked with Robert Polson at Prairie Fire Paint and with Bruce Kelts on the farm.
Ryley loved anything that had wheels and a motor. He got his first driving violation at age 10 riding his straight piped lawn mower around town.
He worked hard, played hard and stressed his mama out on a daily basis. We will never forget his epic wrap around when he had his dancing shoes on. He lived every day to the fullest – if you asked Jamie where’s Ryley? she would say, who knows he’s out living his best life! He would do anything for his friends.
He figured if you weren’t first, you were last. He loved his truck; it was his prized possession with his dirt bike not far behind. Ryley and his dad were always working on them together to make them look better and go faster. He loved joking to his mom that he could out drive her.
He loved his parents, and he loved his big sisters with all his heart. His family was important to him as well as his large group of close friends. Ryley was loved by everyone that knew him.
We will miss his big warm heart and his radiant infectious smile. Safe travels, our dear Ryley.
Ryley is survived by his mom, Jamie; sisters, Savannah and Shayanne; father, Kim (Crystal) and children Connor, Ryleigh and Ashlyn; grandparents, Neil and Cheryl Benedict; grandma, Susan Bowyer; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins as well as a huge group of friends.
He was predeceased by his grandfather, Ross Gallaway.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Consort/Coronation Victim Services, Box 579, Coronation AB. T0C 1C0 or to the charity of your choice.
A Celebration of Ryley’s life was held on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Consort School in Consort, Alberta. Following the service, a time of fellowship and refreshments took place at the Consort Sportex.

Thank You
Ryley’s family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to everyone who has been so supportive in this difficult time with kind words, lots of food and hugs along with all of the visitors, too numerous to count. It really helps to know that he was cared for by so many in Consort and surrounding communities.
When Ryley talked about his future it always involved staying in Consort to be close to his family and friends, he truly was a small town kid. Consort lost a lifetime community member who was, and would have always been, proud to call this small town his home.
A special thank you to all our first responders: EMS, Police, and Fire along with Gregory’s Funeral Home; know that you are valued and appreciated beyond words. You all have shown professionalism and sympathy during something that no one should have to endure.
Please continue to be patient and kind with one another.
“When someone you love
becomes a memory,
that memory becomes
a treasure.”
– Anonymous

Lawrence Eugene Guenthner “Larry”
Aug. 28, 1937 – Sept. 25, 2024

Lawrence “Larry” Guenthner, affectionately known as “Tiny” to many, was born on August 28, 1937, in Medicine Hat, Alberta, to Alexander and Katherina Guenthner. As the beloved baby of the family, he was adored and doted on by his older sisters. In 1944, the family moved to the Sounding Lake area, where Larry began his lifelong journey as a rancher, working alongside his brother Dave for many years. Even after they established separate operations, their bond remained strong, sharing a yard and continuing to help each other throughout their lives. Dave’s children and grandchildren were blessed to have Larry play such an important role in their daily lives.
Larry’s world revolved around animals and rodeo. His years on the rodeo trail were spent competing in various events, but bareback riding was his true passion. After his days of competing came to an end, he remained a dedicated spectator and supporter of the sport. Larry was proud to sponsor the novice horse riding buckles at the Gooseberry Lake and Cadogan rodeos, always encouraging young athletes to embrace the rodeo way of life.
Larry was fortunate to meet Betty, who shared his love of rodeo and ranching. They married on December 12, 1985, during one of their cherished trips to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas. Over the years, Larry and Betty enjoyed ranching together, attending rodeos, visiting cattle auctions, and indulging in a bit of gambling. Betty’s daughters and their families welcomed Larry with open arms, and they often gathered for lunches and family meals, creating lasting memories. Larry and Betty especially loved hosting the grandchildren, sharing many fun moments and treats.
Larry’s deep love for animals was evident throughout his life. He was devoted to his cattle, always ensuring their well-being, even when he was in long-term care. His meticulous nature extended to his ranch work, giving detailed instructions to anyone entrusted with his chores while he was away. Cats also held a special place in Larry’s heart, and his small herd was fed faithfully, morning and night, with an ice cream pail full of food. From an early age, Larry’s father instilled in him a love of horses, and Larry often worked with the family’s herd of 40 horses, halter-breaking and training colts. His connection to horses remained strong throughout his life, as he continued riding into his seventies to tend to cattle.
Larry will be remembered for his gentle, patient nature and his signature requests for “just half a cup” of coffee. His love for cookies and his care and concern for the people and animals around him will be cherished by all who knew him.
Leaving to mourn are his step daughters, Deb (Perry) Nelson, Sherry Musak and Maureen Melin; grandchildren, Lisa (Aaron) Thiessen, Kyle (Janine) Nelson, Kimberly (Tyler) Tressel, Michael Musak, Charmayne (Art) Smith, and Wacey Melin; great grandchildren, David Oulton, Kyde McGinn, Carter Thiessen, Kaden Nelson, Blake Smith, Bryden Tressel and Ava Tressel; nephews, Kenneth Guenthner and Ronald Guenthner; niece-in-law, Lynda Zieffle; great nephews, Darren Zieffle, BJ (Brandy) Zieffle, Jeff (Daphne) Simkin, Justin (Melissa) Guenthner, Scott (Becky) Guenthner; great nieces, Janna (Wade) Pickerell, Tina Guenthner, Bobbie (Janus) Baker, Kelly Guenthner, Tanya (Evan) Beaulieu, Laurie (Dean) Savage, Jessica Guenthner, Jodie (Mike) Gordon, Robyn Guenthner; as well as numerous great-great nieces and nephews and a large extended family.
He was predeceased by his wife, Betty Guenthner; parents, Alexander and Katherina; brothers, Alexander, Art and Dave; sisters, Donna, Bonnie, Sami, Cari, Nettie and Nancy; sister-in-law, Leta Guenthner; nephews, Gary Guenthner and Wes Zieffle; sons-in-law, Brian Musak and Bryan Melin; grandson, Kurt Nelson; great grandchildren, Emma Smith and Riley Smith and nieces-in-law, Dawn and Roxanne Guenthner.
Family and friends joined for a time of fellowship and refreshments on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Consort Sportex.

Eulogy
by Tanya Beaulieu
We are gathered here today to honor and celebrate the life of Lawrence Guenthner, affectionately known as “Larry” or “Tiny” to many of us. Tiny was born on August 28, 1937, in Medicine Hat, Alberta, to Alexander and Katherina Guenthner, Larry was the adored baby of his family which included his nine brothers and sisters. His sisters loved and doted on him – he was truly spoiled. When we used to cut his hair you would notice that he had a bit of a pointed head at the back and we used to tease him that it was because his sisters never had set him down! The love they had for him carried on throughout his life. As an adult, his mother sent him food religiously and before he left for a rodeo his cowboy hat was brushed and his boots were polished and ready by the door.
In 1944, the Guenthner family moved to the Sounding Lake area along with their extended family the Layes and Zieffles, this is where Larry would begin his lifelong passion: ranching. He worked side by side with his brother Dave for many years. Though they eventually separated their ranches into individual operations, they continued to share the yard, their equipment, frequent coffee breaks and most importantly, their time together. This tradition continued as many family members continued to help Uncle Tiny sorting pairs, moving and checking cattle, driving the truck while he fed in the winter and branding calves. For Tiny’s nephews, nieces and his great and great-great nephews and nieces, Tiny was more than an uncle – he was a constant, steady presence who enriched their lives by sharing his love for ranching, animals, and rodeo. He was the one who taught his nephews Gary, Kenny and Ronnie how to work with horses, passing on the knowledge he acquired from his dad and brother. He had a quiet way about him and that extended to how he showed his love for his family.
Beyond the ranch, Larry found joy and passion in rodeo. It was a world where he truly thrived. For many years he traveled the rodeo circuit, trying every event, but it was bareback riding and steer wrestling that captured his heart. He could even be seen honing his spurring skills while circling the field on the old 2010 tractor. Even after his days of competing were over, he never lost his love for the sport, always attending rodeos as a spectator and proudly sponsoring novice horse riding buckles at the Gooseberry Lake and Cadogan rodeos to encourage young athletes to get involved. Larry’s passion for rodeo never waivered.
Uncle Tiny enjoyed his bachelorhood until his late 40s when he began dating Betty Schaffler. In 1985, during one of their many trips to the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas, Larry and Betty finally tied the knot. Together, they shared a life built around ranching, rodeos, cattle auctions, and the occasional spin at the slot machines. Betty’s daughters and their families welcomed Larry with open arms, and family gatherings were often filled with laughter and warmth. The grandchildren were spoiled with love, treats, and special memories – whether it was visits to the ranch or stories shared around the table. Larry loved hosting them, and those moments are cherished deeply by his family.
His love for animals was one of Tiny’s defining characteristics. He had a quiet, calming presence that animals picked up on. Tiny could soothe a nervous horse or gently coax a stubborn cat. He loved all his animals – whether it was his cats, cows, dogs or horses, Tiny was always thinking of them. Everytime you visited him in the long term care he would inquire about their well being. He was VERY particular about how tasks were completed and gave meticulous instructions for anyone that might be doing his chores while he was away. That generally included getting out after loading to brush all the cut feed off the edges into the wagon. He had a real knack for making jobs last longer than necessary, but his animals were well cared for! Cats were one of his favorite animals. He had a small to medium sized herd of them and they received the best care a feral animal could wish for as they were fed like kings. A love of horses was instilled into Larry by his father from an early age. Their family had a herd of around 40 horses and he was often halter-breaking and working colts. He continued to ride horses to complete cattle work well into his seventies. The picture of him riding in the card at the door is the last time he rode. They were heading out to gather and given Tiny’s age Dad saddled one of our older, well used ranch geldings for him. Well, that particular morning Ol’ Sammy was feeling a little fresh in the cool fall air, Tiny responded to his shenanigans with a warning, “Don’t make me reach up and spur you in the neck.” He was 80 years old.
Of course Larry had a mischievous side. We’ll always smile at the memory of how he kept multiple stashes of keys hidden around the house. He had lost his driver’s license and we tried to explain to him that he could only drive to check the cows. He would assure Laurie that he was only going across the road to check the water and magically he would be headed to town again. Not one to be bested, Laurie tried her darndest to collect all his sets of truck keys, but no sooner had she taken away one set then Tiny would be spotted heading off to town again. He was not one to be told what to do!
An enduring athletic side was always a part of Tiny’s life. He would go for a run, hop on the kids bikes to take them for a quick spin, challenge Justin to chin-up competitions in the barn and always had a hand strengthener nearby. He was once even caught swimming in the new dugout with Michael while wearing Betty’s swimsuit! Even into his later years, you’d find him keeping in shape – when he first toured the lodge he hopped on the stationary bike and started pedaling. It wasn’t long before he wanted to know how to make it harder. While in his seventies he would jump off his horse and run down the ditch to bring up the stragglers.There was always energy and spark in Tiny. He took pride in maintaining his physique!
Tiny had a subtle, quiet sense of humor. He could best you with just a few words. Ken and Justin were schooled by him one time at Cold Lake. He had a heifer that needed to be doctored and he was eager to rope her on his thoroughbred. Ken was quite sure he would take his time tiring out the heifer so he could rope her. Ken told Justin to follow Tiny and once he had played out the heifer to rope her. Well Tiny chased her around for a while, took his shot and missed. Justin slid up there riding a new horse and stuck a loop on the heifer. Well the horse was not working the rope, stepped over it and Justin bailed out of the wreck. Then here came Ken on his trusty steed to run the trip maneuver. Well his horse stopped short and left him laying on the ground as well. Tiny idled up, jumped off his horse, put the heifers tail between her legs and held her down. Then he looked at the other two laying on the ground looking for their horses and said, “Would someone mind doctoring this heifer for me?”
As we remember Larry today, we can’t forget his quirky, endearing traits. He was known for asking for “just half a cup or just a warm up” of coffee, only being able to tub grind in the dark and for being frugal in the most amusing ways – reusing tea bags until they were practically worn out and making you eat all of the old dried out cookies before bringing out the good ones! We won’t forget the look on his face the day Scott threw out the expired cookies and reached to the back of the cupboard for the good ones he was hoarding until the others were cleaned up! During coffee time you would often hear his signature saying when he told someone to keep their “bitsy fingers” off the snacks or out of his coffee. Tiny washed dishes everynight sporting bright yellow rubber gloves so he didn’t get dishpan hands and he nearly wore out his parking spot on main street as he parked in exactly the same spot every time. He was truly a unique character and his little quirks and good-natured way is what made him so endearing to us all.
We spent a lot of time working with Uncle Tiny and we learned many lessons. Some were beneficial and some were hard lessons. One time Betty and Tiny were headed off to watch the CFR and he asked us kids to do chores. We agreed and he said he would pay us something for doing them. We chuckled as he often said that but rarely followed through, which we didn’t mind. So Laurie and I enjoyed our time at home while everyone else was at the rodeo. Well, I’ll be damned if he didn’t follow through this time on his payment assurance. He came home and paid Scott for doing chores – Scott was also at the CFR!
The first time I ever went to a bar was with Uncle Tiny and Aunty Betty. We pastured cattle next to each other at Cold Lake and my ‘payment’ for helping gather cattle was when they took me to the bar for a drink. I was 14 years old and my heart was racing so fast, terrified they would discover I was underage. I think it helped provide cover that I was with two senior citizens. I ordered a whiskey the same as Uncle Tiny because I didn’t know what else to do. I choked down that drink with him while Aunty Betty played the slots, feeling so grown up. It is something I will always remember! For me personally, Uncle Tiny’s passing, marks the end of an era in our family. As the last of his generation, he carried with him many of our family’s stories and history. With his loss, we also lose a part of that rich legacy he preserved.
Tiny’s last ride may have come, but his spirit lives on in every horse he trained, every cat he fed, every chore he did meticulously, and in all the lives he touched. We will continue to remember his patience, his humor, his strength, his “half a cup” and his gentle way with the animals and people he loved.
Tiny, we’ll miss you dearly, but your stories, your lessons, and your legacy will ride with us always.

Grandpa
by Lisa Thiessen
When he joined our family, calling him just “Larry” wasn’t suiting, so he earned the title “Grandpa, or Papa”. A title he had for 40+ years. Deb, Sherry, Maureen, and the son in laws, all referred to him as such, as did the grandkids and great grandkids. Grandpa was a patient and kind man, not one to temper. He took things in stride, and was easy going. Deb recalls warning him when Grandma and Grandpa got together…she said “we are a big under taking and a big family”. He told her he was “up for the job”. I’m not sure he had any idea what that undertaking would entail, but he did an amazing job being in all of our lives.
Sherry remembers him wanting to look after all of us, even speaking about watching over us when he was gone. She noted he was always so good to the grandkids and loved having them there.
Maureen recalls Grandpa didn’t play much cards before joining the family, but he was a good sport, and eager to play along. One time, they were playing cards, and it was his turn to play. “Trump it” his partner was encouraging him. Dutifully Grandpa trumped. And then proceeded to play back the same suit he trumped, not knowing he needed to exhaust that suit BEFORE trumping. Everyone sure had a good chuckle.
One time Grandpa and Bryan went to the Calgary Bull Show and Sale. Bryan got into a bit of heated conversation with someone who had had too many drinks. Grandpa leapt right over the table to have his back. When they got home, Grandma asked what all the laughing was about between Bryan and Maureen. Maureen shared privately to Grandma the story, Grandma laughing harder than Maureen has ever seen. Grandpa, always protective, never mentioned a word to Grandma about the incident. Grandma kept it under her hat for a few weeks, and when Grandpa complained about being too old to do something for her, exclaimed, well I hear you’re a pretty good athlete, being able to jump tables in a single bound and all, so I think you can help me! Grandpa couldn’t say much. And Grandma thought she better go with those two to the bull shows to “supervise” after that.
One time with Wacey, they were west of the house checking cows. Grandpa had just got the brakes on the red truck “fixed” at the mechanics. They were going down the first big hill, and Grandpa realized they had no brakes. Even pumping on them didn’t work. Well, a zip down the hill, with some big bumps, and a near miss of the ditch, Wacey recalls quite a ride. Later when they got the brakes truly fixed, Grandpa showed him how to drive a stick shift in that old red truck. Grandpa never shared about how good Wacey’s stick shift driving was, or if there was any near misses, so that will be kept between them.
Wacey remembers eating supper at the Elbow River Inn with Grandpa’s sisters Bonnie and Sammy, his dad and Grandma, and how special that was.
Moderation was an important part of Grandpa’s life. He could only have ‘half’ a cup of coffee. Never a full cup. He may have had 5 or 6 half cups, but never a “full” one. He even received a gift mug that was a “half a cup “from the Melins’.
Charmayne’s favourite memory was waiting for Grandpa to come in from chores so they could have coffee and ruffles cookies together. He always made sure to have a little break, a little cookie, and a little coffee.
Kimberly recalls the same. Grandpa definitely liked his sweets, but would only have half. She remembers that always being a joke too. She also remembers Grandpa telling her he had to carry her back to the house after the truck broke down because she was too scared to walk.
Michael recalled Grandpa saying that he was going to make a phone call. He then picked up the cell phone and dialled, but it didn’t connect. He complained bitterly about how cell phones are useless and never work. Silly things! Michael then pointed out he had grabbed a calculator instead of the cell phone, and that’s why it never worked. Grandpa looked at it, and laughed, realizing he wasn’t as technologically advanced as he thought he was!
Kaden just remembers being around him and Nana while they ran errands and went to events. Being in their day to day life was something he looks back on fondly.
Kyde remembers Grandpa and Grandma at his 18th birthday having a drink with him at the Cadogan Red Lion. Not too many folks have great grandparents in good enough shape to be able to do that. After working in the corrals together, Grandpa loved eating Frosted Flakes as much as Kyde, a bond they shared.
Grandpa had many other special people in his life. Marylou remembers taking her boys down to shoot gophers with Grandpa.
My favourite memory was of him in the ER when he got sick just before he passed. When I arrived, he recognized me. Lisa…you got old he exclaimed. Fat too, I replied. Oooooohhhh, I don’t know about that, he said with a chuckle. Even with dementia, he was wise enough to know not to comment on a woman’s weight. And you coloured your hair. Yes grandpa, I’m old now. I have to colour the greys. Where’s Grandma he enquired? Where do you think she is, Grandpa? Ooooohhh, likely at home making supper, he replied. And what’s for supper? Well, she’s a pretty good cook. Probably some potatoes, maybe some corn or beans out of the garden, she’s likely canning some fruit this time of year. He talked about the house, with the windows open, curtains blowing, the wind chime twinkling, and the fragrance of her flower garden breezing in. Her harlequin romance novel on the table with a knife across it to keep open. The radio on the country music station, twanging out a tune. The snack table full of cookies, nuts, and candy. Playing cards on the table for the next visitor to arrive and have a hand or two. In his mind, it was real. We were all young, healthy, and connected. No loss, no grief, just love. For those 10 minutes until the doctor came in, he gave me the gift of connection back to the time and place where our loved ones were still alive; within him. When we lose someone special, we always think, if I could only have them back for a few more moments, I’d give anything. For those few minutes, I got to time travel with him, connected to that special moment and those special people.
I also remember being little and wanting to buy him a blue and white fridge magnet that said “world’s best”. I saved my money for months to pay for it. It was always on the fridge, a cherished gift for him.
When Kurt, Kyle, and I were young, we asked Grandma Jeanne for a Grandpa because we didn’t have any. She replied ‘ask Grandma Betty for one because she’s younger’.
Well Grandma Betty, thank you for choosing the best grandpa any of us could have asked for. He is truly the world’s best!
Grandpa Larry, thank you for all the love, the memories, and support. We will keep telling the stories. Your love will live in our hearts forever.

Jason Felix Kurek “Jay”
October 16th, 1969 to September 27th, 2024

Jay was born on October 16, 1969 in Consort, Alberta, the third child of Felix and Linda Kurek, and a pesterous sibling to Mary and Martin. Born and raised in Consort, he begrudgingly attended and graduated from Consort School. He loved to stir the pot, always ready with sass and his infectious laugh. Jay genuinely loved people and would easily talk to anyone. From childhood, he was deeply generous, always willing to give a helping hand wherever needed. Hockey (and sports in general) were a major part of Jay’s life, from playing minor hockey throughout grade school to playing for the Consort Comets into adulthood. He also had a love and frustration (in sometimes equal measure) with the Edmonton Oilers. He attended broadcasting school in Edmonton where he received his broadcasting certificate, with the intention to become a sports broadcaster; however, his love of Consort kept him grounded in our local community.
In 1989, Jay married Jodi, his high school sweetheart and love of his life. Together they had four children: Damien, Analisha, Tianna, and Kadin. Jay had numerous different jobs over the years, including working at the Consort Wheat Pool, UFA, and UAP Napa, before he and Jodi began their entrepreneurial adventures with Havacupa Coffee. Jay also farmed with his father-in-law, Jim Hutchings, and brother-in-law, Darren Hutchings, which proved to be his lifelong passion. Jay said many times, “This is what I was meant to do.” It was December of 2008 that Jay and Jodi purchased the original Kurek farm from Jay’s Auntie, Amelia Schooler. In 2011, Jay and Darren became official business partners, a partnership that made the two almost inseparable.
Alongside farming, Jay’s passion was serving his community. He served as the president of the Centennial Homecoming board, held numerous different positions in local Minor Hockey Associations, and volunteered his time generously in official and unofficial ways. He cared deeply for his kids: he coached Damien in basketball throughout high school and was a mainstay at political events, attended many of Analisha’s dance festivals and sporting events, helped with Tianna’s 4H and watched many archery competitions, and he coached Kadin throughout his entire minor hockey career, much to Kadin’s chagrin. Jay served on the Veteran Full Gospel Church board, the Veteran Camp board, and loved helping to run the concession during the week of Veteran Camp. He served on the Consort School Parent Council, the Medical Board, and the Consort Volunteer Fire Department. Everywhere Jay went, he made lifelong friends. He literally would have given the shirt off his back to help others.
Jay carried his father’s love of trains, and many hours were spent watching trains, or gathering in the backyard with the G-Scale model trains or downstairs with the N-Scale model trains with the family. He would often be found sitting around a kitchen table drinking coffee (or Zevia), and was an avid jogger. He loved his nieces and nephews like his own children, treated his children-in-law as his own, and one of his favourite milestones in life was becoming a Papa. He loved to see his six grandsons, stuffing them full of sweets before sending them back home again.
Jay’s faith was deeply important to him and his family, and he demonstrated well what it meant to live your faith through love and service to others. The most important commandment in all the Bible is to love God and love your neighbour. Jay believed this was what the church should be, and lived that to the fullest.
Jay, you will be missed every day, and we will do our best to honour your legacy.
Left to cherish Jay’s memory are his wife, Jodi; children, Damien (Danielle) and their children, Matthew, Emerson and Winston; Analisha (Troy) Kirkpatrick and their children, Weston, Weldon and Fjord; Tianna (Nate) Stacheruk; Kadin (Taniell); mother, Linda Kurek; mother-in-law, Nora Hutchings; brother, Martin (Cheryl) Kurek; sister, Mary (Calvin) Ellerby; brothers and sisters in-law, Darren Hutchings, Brad Hutchings (Aliya Khan) and Nicole Hutchings (Lee Boutin).
Jay was predeceased by his father, Felix; and father-in-law, Jim.
From the night of Jay’s passing, to all the love and support received since, and everyone who made it to the service, the Kurek Family wishes to share their sincere gratitude and thanks. In lieu of sending thank you’s, the Kurek family is making a donation to the Lakeroad Cemetery.

Tribute
from Jodi Kurek
Before I say anything else I would like to thank the whole community for their love and support, this past week! The meals and supplies, the harvest crew with all your machines and time -all in the midst of your own work. Jay said many times “it’s why we live where we live!” And WOW! I am thankful beyond words.
Jay was my hubby, my best friend and my safe space.
Jay, it was a privilege to be your wife. You loved me well Jace…we grew up from bratty teenagers through parenting two sets of children, to this last little bit as part time empty nesters…and at every stage we had a lot of fun! Well I’m not sure anyone looking in would think it was fun… our fun included working together, long drives and long walks, as well, we have become professional coffee drinkers. But we often said that we loved our boring life and wouldn’t change a thing.
What every one of you saw was exactly who Jay was. His generosity, love of people and desire for everyone to be ok…he lived what you saw in public, especially well at home in private.
Generous, gracious, kind, warm, welcoming, content, a lover of stirring the pot. Don’t get me wrong he had his “stuff” as we all do, but as I often told him, he was an irritating smuck, but he was MY irritating smuck! I am blessed to have been the one he called “his bride“.
I told my girls to marry their dad and my boys to be their dad…because his love and kindness was worth emulating. Jay loved me well, I felt adored every single day. I honestly have no regrets, we never left things unsaid. Thank you for showing our family how to love well.
He was committed. He loved routine. As many things as he could make routine he did. I always teased him about his OCD! For breakfast he ate the same thing day after day, his drink of choice was the same day after day (anyone owning stocks in Zevia, they are likely to plummet because they lost their best customer last week -Jay had Jin purchase multiple flats at a time for him!) He went on a prayer jog every morning before coffee. He made the same phone calls in the same order. Sat in the same spot whether on the couch or at the table. Wore the same clothes. He often told me that liking the same things all the time was a good thing, as he had always liked the same woman!
He didn’t have any patience for being religious but he had such a strong faith in Jesus as sovereign Lord. He lived his belief that we as believers, are the church and that meant loving people and meeting people where they are.
We had plans and a mission, we always said we were a team. When anything got overwhelming for one we would say tag your it and pass the baton. The night Jay died…I said I lost my teammate but Kadin told me that our family is my team. And that is incredibly comforting to me!
Linda, you raised a good man.
Jasey…You’re still my favourite!! I will miss you! But you got your wish, that you weren’t leaving your farm unless it was in a pine box.
I love you my honey!

Tribute
from Calvin & Mary Ellerby
Cal: How do you describe Jay? He loved to laugh, loved this community, loved his wife, loved his family, loved the Oilers… In fact he once said to me that if the Calgary Flames were playing in his backyard, he would close the blinds. And I thought, how do I tell a story that summarizes Jay on both sides of his disdain for certain elements of politics, but his love and passion for other things.
I thought about 2007, when he came with us to the NHL draft in Columbus. Somehow he ended up in an elevator with Kevin Lowe and Craig MacTavish, and he had them pushed in the corner insisting that they draft his nephew, our son, Keaton. I’m sure that they looked at him like, who in the world are you and what is your problem? That was Jay’s passion and love demonstrated.
At the beginning of that same trip, my older brother and Jay got off the plane and were taking good, long country strides, with a fair amount of emotion on their faces. They immediately told us the story about how on the plane there was a dog behind them, barking feverishly while they were flying. That in itself would be considerable consternation to them. But the best part of the story was that eventually a young flight attendant came and speaking to the dog, said: “it’s okay, daddy just had to go to the potty.” Jay’s predictable response demonstrated his love for common people, common sense, the common life, and his love for farmers.
Jay loved this community passionately. He loved the Edmonton Oilers, and he hated the Calgary Flames. That’s Jay.
Mary: Thank you, Jodi for asking me to share briefly about my baby brother. I want to touch on some memorable moments as his sister. I know Jodi would be okay with me sharing that my brother was a bit of a brat. The saying that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree holds true in his life, so if you knew my dad Felix, you knew where Jay got his personality.
Jay and I were seven years apart, so when this new little baby boy came into our house, I was thrilled. When he was born Martin and I went up to the old Consort hospital with Grandma Stillings. We stood outside the building because you weren’t allowed in the hospital in those days. There we were looking up to the window where mom held this beautiful little black haired, olive skinned, little boy for us to see. From that day forward, he became not only my baby brother, but my baby.
Jay was fun loving, energetic, imaginative, and loved people. He was one of those kids who needed constant supervision, and he would constantly push the boundaries for my poor mom. As a preschooler, he found a hole in the fence, climbed through the hole and headed downtown with his dog in tow. Mom received a call a little while later from one of the downtown store owners saying, “Linda, your son is here. You need to come take him home.” That was just who he was.
Fast forward the clock a bit to Jay at 10 years old. This energetic, fun loving little boy loved the trash bin at Polson’s machine shop. He regularly would make trips down the alley and bring home scraps of metal and old pieces of wire to build with, and one day he happened to bring a can of propane. One lovely, quiet evening in Consort, Alberta, that canister of propane ended up in the bottom of a burn barrel, and when my dad went out, threw in a load of garbage, and lit the barrel like normal… not much time went by before there was a terrible explosion. The cupboards in our house blew open, my dad was down on his hands and knees crawling so nobody could see him, the neighbors were out on the step, sure that a fighter jet from Cold Lake had broken the sound barrier. But we all knew exactly what the reason was. Not only was that barrel fully intact and clean as a whistle, but to this day we have no idea where anything went. But that was Jay.
Fast forward to Jay as a young married man. My dad would regularly barbecue not one, but two steaks for himself. He would dish up his plate and go out to the front deck to enjoy his first steak with the anticipation of going back in and loading up his plate for the second round. One evening Jay came in the back door and there was this beautiful steak sitting untouched on the counter and he was hungry. So what does a young man that has an empty hole in his stomach do? He ate the steak right down to the bone, left the fork and the knife on the plate, and without announcing that he was there, he left. Then my dad comes in and the steak is totally gone and grumbled “Arg, that kid!” He just knew. That was Jay.
I will miss our weekly check-ins, the quick texts, and short phone calls. I will miss hearing him tell about his kids, his grandkids, who he always referred to as his coyotes, and the adventures that they were all on. I will miss knowing he is there at a moment’s notice to talk to, get an opinion from, or have a laugh with. Our last text was on the Wednesday following his doctor’s appointment. I told him I was praying for him, and he said, “Good, carry on.” We said “I love you” to one another and then I said, “Okay, now go get that crop off.”
One last thing that I want to leave with you before we sit down: I have to confess that when the Oilers were on their winning streak, I phoned him and said, “Jay, I’ve jumped ship. I’m now on the Oilers bandwagon.” And he said, “Great! I’m glad that you finally saw the light.” His only other remark to me was that if the shoe was on the other foot, there’s not a chance he’d be cheering for the Flames.
So my little bro, I’m telling you that today that I’m back on the best bandwagon! Holds up a Calgary Flames jersey

Tribute
from Gavin Lutz
How do you sum up 54 years of a life full of love in just a few words? How do you describe someone that was so important in so many lives and such a bright light to many?
Jay loved hard and loved all and never stopped laughing. It didn’t matter if you were a friend, neighbour or a stranger visiting town. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to brighten your day or lend a helping hand.
Jay took me under his wing 13 years ago as a young city-iot from Ontario. He set me up with a job, let me live at the farm, lent me a truck, fed me all summer and asked absolutely nothing in return. From morning coffees, to long drives, to rodeos and bullaramas we did it all. Jodi and him quickly became like parents to me. They became my Alberta mom and dad.
Jay showed me what it was to be a great friend, great husband to Jodi and a great father to his four incredible children. Nothing I say up here will do him justice but if we can be only half the man that Jay was I will consider that a life well lived.
My bride likes to say that grief is just love, it is all of the love that you want to give but can’t. It shows up in the corner of your eyes, the lump in your throat and in that hollow part of your chest. Grief is just love with no where to go….. So as I look around this room I am comforted to see just how much Jay was loved. Thank you for being here everyone.

Tribute
from Kadin Kurek
The most important thing about my dad and how he lived his life was love. Through love, you can bring people towards you, hate only pushes people away. Looking around here today, and with the absolutely mind-blowing support getting the crop off last weekend, shows the love that was there. And when you give love, you get it back. So thank you again to everyone who came out to the field. That was absolutely incredible and it really meant a lot to us.
Dad didn’t live as long as we were hoping or he was hoping, but he lived a full life. He was always there when someone was in need. He was not only my first phone call when I screwed up, but was that for lots of different people. No matter what, he’d be there, no questions asked. Well, maybe not for me, but for many others.
Jay was unbelievably forgiving, and I want to touch on what led to this today. As many people know, my dad broke his leg several months ago, and he ended up dying because of a blood clot from that injury. However, there is absolutely no way that anyone should bear any blame. Dad was the most patient, caring and loving person that I genuinely have ever known. And we want to express as a family that we do not think that there needs to be any blame put anywhere. Forgiveness is always important.
One thing that I am eternally grateful for is that my dad never left a word unsaid to me, though I may have from time to time. He would always make sure that at the end of the day, whether I came in way too late, or whether I left for school without saying goodbye, he’d call me to make sure I knew that he loved me, was proud of me, and that he hoped I would have a good week and not do anything too stupid.
That’s what I want to share with everyone today, what I believe is absolutely crucial in life. Please never leave a word unsaid, because it’s not worth it. I cannot express how grateful I am that my dad would not leave me or our home without saying that he loved us and that he wanted us to be safe. So I ask that you take that to heart: never leave any words unsaid with anyone that you share any kind of love with.
Dad, Jay, Coach, Jay-Gretzky…I am gonna miss you. But I will never forget the lessons you taught me and that I will take on for the rest of my life.

Tribute
from Damien Kurek
How to speak about my Father…
He was a lot of things to many people, and this room is evidence of that.
But as I reflected on this, I keep coming up with is that my Dad, Jason Felix Kurek, was a GOOD man.
While he wasn’t perfect, and was the first to admit it, he was the definition of good.
He chose life and to stick around through the easy and the tough times. He worked hard and was willing to give generously even when he didn’t have a lot to give… and dad worked hard… but always had time for his family and friends.
When it comes to farming, he loved the land and the work. He was proud of everything he was able to help carry-on and build, and took great pride in his farming partnership with Darren and being able to drive the quadtrac and especially our Peterbilt… and we liked working together. And he became fast friends with anyone, building deep relationships from the field to Parliament Hill. My father lived with a humility and grace that is hard to find in our world… while at the same time he was never a pushover.
And when it comes to faith… He showed us that real faith, the call of Jesus on our lives, was about loving and caring for people, not religious dogma.
And he loved so well: an example of being a faithful committed husband to mom, spending time with and loving us kids, telling us he was proud of us… Analisha, Tianna, and Kadin…, adopting his kids in-law as his own which Danielle can attest to and I know is the same for Troy, Nate, and Taniell…, showing his grandkids the best parts of life, and showing love to everyone in need… no matter what and never wanting credit. But the crazy thing is he is one of the few people I have ever known that seemed to know how to love, but also to find the right balance between love and tough love. Danielle and I can attest to that.
It’s hard to imagine what life will be like going forward. Nearly daily phone calls, endless coffee discussions, working together, and the lighter stuff like sharing MAS*H clips, talking about model trains, the next rodeo we would try and get to, or slamming the Liberals over their latest scandal… including last Wednesday when he told me to “keep fighting.”
And the fact that while he sometimes didn’t think he was, he was smart and wise, remembering people, farming, and had an encyclopedic knowledge of sports trivia.
But what the hardest thing to accept is him just not being the call I can make no matter what, regardless of the reason or the time.
Our family, our community, lost a truly GOOD man. And he will be missed…
On behalf of my entire family, thank you to everyone for your love and support. From the night it happened including the RCMP, EMS, and Fire Department, to the miracle on our farm helping us get the crop off, to the love and support so many have shown over the last week, to all of you that are here today.
My hope, my family’s hope, is that we can remember my dad as a good man, and try to live in a way that shows that same care, grace, generosity, and faith that he modeled so well.
Dad until we meet again in glory. Farewell for now, and thanks for being a good man.

Gerald Michael Benedict
Oct. 12, 1950 – Sept. 29, 2024

Gerald Michael Benedict was born in Nova Scotia on October 12, 1950, and in 1951 he moved to Alberta with his parents Michael and Dorothy. He contracted polio and spent many years in the Glenrose Hospital. At a very young age he was encouraged by Mike and Dot to work and play like any other kid. This instilled in him a determination to work hard and be self-sufficient.
Gerald graduated from Consort High School and furthered his studies at NAIT. In 1970 Gerald met Sandy Kirkeby from Hanna and they were married in 1971. To this union came two beautiful little girls: Jenn and Shan. While busy raising kids, they did a lot of camping and holidaying. Gerald worked at Special Areas for many years and ended his career as Superintendent of Roads and Equipment.
Gerald loved hockey and spent many years living at the arena. He was also a life member of Hanna Elks 431.
He lived a full life and was highly respected in the community.
Gerald passed away peacefully at home according to his wishes and surrounded by his family.
He was predeceased by his parents Mike and Dot.
Gerald is survived by his wife Sandy; daughters: Jenn (Darren), Shan (Keven); brothers: Dale (Gail) and Neil (Cheryl); grandsons: Travis, Jay (Robyne), Bradley and Grayden; great-grandsons: Fred, Remmy and J.J.
A Celebration of Life (come & go) will be held at the Hanna Community Centre on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m., with a program starting at 2:00 p.m. Please dress casually.
If desired, donations in Gerald’s memory can be made to the Kidney Foundation, https://kidney.ca/.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.hannafuneral.ca.

Helen Mae Tkach
April 3, 1941 – Nov. 7, 2024

Life and Times of Helen Mae Tkach
Helen Mae was born April 3, 1941 and passed away peacefully with family by her side at the Coronation Long Term Care Facility on November 07, 2024.
Helen was the oldest daughter of Harold and Daphne Early. She grew up with her sisters Margaret and Sharon, and brother Bobby in Monitor.
Helen attended High School in Consort and while she was there, she admired a Handsome Young Bus Driver named Raymond.
Helen and Ray started dating in June of 1957 and were engaged in June of 1959 and married June 1st, 1960. They resided in Consort until 1962, when they moved to their new home on the Tkach homestead.
In July 1962, Darryl Edward arrived followed by Brian Todd in April 1964 and Herbert Allan Craig in November of 1965.
Over the years, Helen and Ray spent time chasing after the boys while they participated in their sporting events, scouting expeditions, and other extracurricular activities and then later followed the Grandchildren.
Helen worked at various jobs over the years: Pioneer Foods, Veteran Auction Market, Koffee Kounter at the Veteran Hotel, Strands Grocery Store, Veteran Chinese Café, Gorcak’s Hardware, and Day’s Motel, her own Catering business and from 1990 to 2002 Tkach Hardware.
In 1983, Helen and Ray started to participate in the International Agricultural Exchange Association program welcoming young adults into their home from as far away as Australia, New Zealand, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and England. Many of these trainees are still family friends to this day.
In her spare time Helen was always busy volunteering in the community.
In 1971, when Cub and Scouts began in Veteran, she was the Cub Master which she continued to do long after the three boys had completed their service.
She was also involved in many other committees and organizations, such as Veteran Homecomings, Red Cross Canvassing, Monitor Historical Society, and Veteran Sports Day.
For one of the annual events, the Terry Fox Run, she was the co-coordinator until she moved into the Consort Lodge in 2015.
Helen is survived by her three sons: Darryl (Caroline), Brian (Wanda) and Craig (Marsha); grandchildren: Addison (Amber), Kendal (Kelsey), Tyson (Jennifer), Jason (Danielle), Kurt (Serena) and Sarah (Dustin); great grandchildren: Diezel, Daxton, Dreyson, Draeya, Zoey and Blake; sisters Margaret Smawley and Sharon Thompson; sisters-in-law Jeanine Tkach and Martha Banack Early Bawden.
Helen is predeceased by husband Raymond; granddaughter April; parents Harold and Daphne Early; brother Bobby Early; nephew Douglas Smawley; brothers-in-law Wayne Smawley and Morris Thompson; as well as Raymond’s eleven siblings and spouses.
Funeral services were held on Friday, November 15, 2024 in the Veteran Community Hall at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Darrel Durksen officiating, followed by a luncheon prepared by the Veteran Full Gospel Ladies Group.
Memorial donations may be made to the Veteran Cemetery Society, Coronation LTC Foundation (Lounge Chair) or a charity of choice.
Condolences may be forwarded to the families by visiting www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium of Coronation, Alberta were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

George William Buxton
July 25, 1931 – Oct. 31, 2024

George, a gentle, quiet man of few, but meaningful words passed away with his family by his side. He was born in Consort, the oldest of 8, to Ellen and Clarence Buxton. The family moved to Woodpecker, south of Prince George, in 1938.
He began working with survey crews after graduating from high school and through hard work, studies at UBC and BCIT and determination, received his Commission as Canada Land Surveyor in 1982. He worked for the PGE, later BC Railway, on the extension of the rail line north from Quesnel, the line to Dawson Creek through the Pine Pass, for the CN rail line from Terrace to Kitimat, the Diefenbaker’s “Roads to Resources Program” in the Northwest Territories. He met and married his wife in Yellowknife, N.W.T. One can say that he helped open up the Canadian North to the rest of the world. After working in Ottawa from 1961 for the Federal Government he transferred to Vancouver in 1966 surveying Crown land, mostly in Northern B.C.’s isolated communities and First Nations Reserves. He was a strong advocate for the rights of the Indigenous Peoples. Before retiring in 1991 he was Head of Legal Surveys.
He enjoyed his hobbies of reading, photography, painting, genealogy, woodworking, etc., but most of all X-country skiing, camping and canoeing. His wife and children shared his love for the outdoors. He was a dedicated leader with Scouts Canada for 20 years in Port Coquitlam.
Old age set in, adventure turned to a move to Maple Ridge, relaxed RV-ing, travel and river cruising in Europe, cruises in the Pacific, touring Canada from Haida Gwaii to Cape Spear, Nfld. and Tuktoyaktuk, N.W.T.
George will be remembered as an intelligent, always organized, well informed, principled, never late, but also loving husband and father. The world needs more men like him.
Missing him very much are his wife Doris of 64 years, children Andy and Cathy (Jim), grandchildren Cayley (Rob) and Patrick, sisters Betty and Marlene (Bob), many nieces, nephews and cousins.
If you so wish, a donation to the Ridge Meadows Hospital Foundation in memory of George would be appreciated.

Marjorie Rose Twa
Oct. 20, 1957 – Nov. 21, 2024

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Marjorie Rose Twa, born to parents John and Mable Crookes.
Marj was a cherished member of her family and community, known for her warm spirit and generous heart. Marj had a deep love for travel and the outdoors and spent many joyful hours hiking through nature’s beauty around the world. Her passion for quilting brought comfort and warmth to many, as she crafted beautiful pieces with love and care. Her garden was a testament to her nurturing spirit, blooming with vibrant colors and life.
Above all, Marj adored her family. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, always putting her loved ones first. Her grandchildren were the light of her life, and she cherished every moment spent with them. Marj’s legacy of love, kindness, and adventure will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten. May she rest in peace.
Marj is survived by Stewart her loving husband of 48 years; daughter Jennifer (Tyson) Callicott; son Robert Twa; grandchildren: Olivia Callicott, Owen Callicott, Emma Twa and Chloe Twa; sisters Linda Maron, Barbara Widger and Julie Biddle; brother Ken Crookes; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday, December 5th, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., at the Coronation Community Centre, Coronation, Alberta.
Memorial Donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society – Alberta/NWT Division, 200.- 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 9Z9; Heart & Stroke Foundation, Alberta Division, P.O. Box 2414, Toronto, Ontario M4P 1E4 or to a charity of your choice.
Condolences may be sent to the family, please visit www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com.
Parkview Funeral Chapels entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

James Joseph Griebel “Jim”
Mar. 1, 1947 ~ Nov. 28, 2024

James Joseph Griebel (Jim) arrived March 1, 1947, as the first child of Reiny and Virginia Griebel (nee: Ries) at the original Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Castor, Alberta. He grew up working and playing on the family farm south of Castor with his six siblings: Bob, Margaret, Richard, Philip, Elizabeth and Rosemary.
At the age of 17, Jim made the decision to stay close and farm with his father. He bought a farm from his Uncle Sam and Aunt Annie Ries and dearly loved being on and working with the land. His new place also became a social hub and party house.
Jim was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) when he was 27 years old. Soon after his brother Richard came back from travelling the world and began farming with him, which became a multi-year partnership. In February 1980, Jim met Kathy Stahr at a Greek restaurant in Calgary, and they were married on October 17, 1980. Within two years, Kathy dove right into the farming operation and made milking cows her main past-time. Jim and Kathy’s daughter Sarah was born in Stettler on November 18, 1983, and became the joy and love of his life.
Jim was an avid reader and part of local organizations such as Toastmasters and the Castor Elks. Over the years he travelled to South and Central America, the UK, South Dakota for family reunions and out to Nova Scotia.
He continued to work and adjust to having MS with grace, never complaining, and continuing to have a good chuckle along the way. He was continuously resourceful in navigating the MS, tossling his walker up on the tractor and using a golf cart as if it was a truck. Kathy was his main caregiver until 2013 when he moved into Castor Extended Care, where he continued to read and write and tease.
Jim contributed censored and uncensored stories to the Long-Term Care Gazette. In 2022, he was overjoyed to learn that he had a granddaughter on the way. He was proud of his daughter and granddaughter, Elora. Jim was kind and gentle, a wicked tease with a fabulous sense of humour and a ridiculously hard worker who lived to fix machinery. He will be dearly missed by both family and friends.
Jim is lovingly remembered by his wife Katherine; daughter Sarah (Andrew Aitken); granddaughter Elora (Pete) Aitken; brothers Robert (Sandy Easterbrook), Phillip (Lorraine Bryan); sisters Margaret, Elizabeth (Lydden Polley) and Rosemary (Richard Harvey); sister-in-law Kathy Charpentier; aunts Rita Renschler and Shirley Ries; along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and dear friends.
Jim was predeceased by his parents Reiny and Virginia Griebel; brother Richard Griebel and nephew Chris Griebel.
A Funeral Mass was held on Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Grace, Castor, Alberta. Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital ~ Palliative Care, Box 239, Castor, Alberta T0C 0X0.Condolences may be sent to the family, please visit www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com.
Parkview Funeral Chapels entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

Hilda May Hankins (nee Houcher)
June 27, 1946 ~ Nov. 30, 2024

The family of Hilda May Hankins (nee Houcher) would like to announce her passing on November 30, 2024 at the Rimbey Hospital at the age of 78 years.
Hilda was born on June 27, 1946, the fifth daughter to Frank and Alberta Houcher at the Consort Hospital. Hilda had five sisters Joyce, Gladys, Jean, Florrie and baby sister Linda. She had two brothers, Cyril and Wayne. She was predeceased by all except Florrie and Wayne.
Hilda attended school at Little Gap and Consort High School. She then got her LPN certificate and practiced in several hospitals including Red Deer, Lacombe, Consort, Quebec and Rimbey. While she was practicing at Rimbey she met and married Bert Hankins and lived on the Hankins farm on the Northwest corner of Gull Lake. Bert and Hilda had no children.
Hilda’s interests were needlework, horses, dancing at the Forshee Hall and camping.
Hilda was predeceased by her Husband Bert on August 08, 2012. Hilda spent a couple of years living on their acreage East of Rimbey. During that time Hilda found a good friend, Orville, to spend time with. She moved into a home in Rimbey, then into the Manor in 2022.
A Celebration of Hilda’s life will take place on Thursday, December 12, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. at Wilson’s Funeral Chapel, Rimbey, AB.
A Private Graveside Service will take place at Bentley Cemetery at a later date.
Condolences may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca

Alvin E. Suchotzky
Oct. 20, 1932 – Dec. 13, 2024

Alvin Emerson Suchotzky passed away peacefully on December 13, 2024 at the age of 92 years, with his loved ones by his side. Alvin was born October 20, 1932 to parents Jacob and Della Suchotzky. He was later joined by siblings Ella, Irvin and Bernice.
In 1958 he married Esther Scheffelmaier and together they raised four daughters on their farm south of Veteran. He worked hard and enjoyed farming but in 1979 with a bad back he decided to sell. They purchased 80 acres near Wetaskiwin, Alberta where he still dabbled in cattle. He loved the harvest season and continued to help local farmers Joe Wedman and Norman Weir run their combines for the next 25 years.
Alvin was an active member in the Veteran Lions Club and later the Loyal Order of the Moose in Wetaskiwin. Many close friendships were made during those years.
He enjoyed hunting, curling, salmon fishing and his winter holidays in Mazatlan, Mexico. RVing was a favourite and they put on many miles touring Canada, the USA and even Mexico in their motorhome.
He is survived by his loving wife Esther of 66 years. Daughters: Teresa Heezen, Patti Wiltse, Fern (Warren Humbke) Johnson and Lana Suchotzky. Grandchildren: Aysha Toews, Rayna (Jordan) Leach, Sheldon (Amanda) Wiltse, Shane (Laura) Wiltse, Kieran Johnson, Shayla (Jaime Cridland) Johnson, Jordan and Jayda Suchotzky. Great Grandchildren: Keisha and Denica Toews, Monroe and Farrah Leach, Austin, Stephanie, Shaun, Mya and Lyla Wiltse, Emerson and Rhett Cridland.
He was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Della. His parents-in-law Adolf and Molly. Siblings, Ella Williams, Irvin Suchotzky, Bernice Williamson and infant sister Irene. Sons-in-law D’Arcy Heezen, Cameron Wiltse and Dean Johnson.
Alvin donated his body to the Division of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton for medical education and research.
As per Alvin’s wishes there will be no service. The family thanks everyone for the phone calls, messages and words of comfort.