2026 Obituaries

David Jones
March 20, 1954 – Jan. 13, 2026

Dave Jones passed away on January 13, 2026, in Sundre, Alberta, at the age of 71.
He was born on March 20, 1954, in Consort, Alberta, to Syd and Nellie Jones, the middle child of five siblings.
Dave married Betty Homan on October 6, 1973, in Red Deer. Together they built a life rooted in family and hard work and raised their son, Jake. Dave was a proud grandpa to Krue and Wells, sons of Jake and his wife, Trina.
Dave and Betty began their life together in Coronation, Alberta, where Dave started his career in the oil and gas sector. They later moved to Brooks, Alberta, where they made their home and were early pioneers of full-time lake living at Kinbrook Island.
In retirement they settled in Sundre, enjoying acreage living near the mountains and rivers.
Dave had a lifelong love of motorcycles, quads, boats, and camping. In later years, he could often be found on a tractor or mower, happily puttering around the property. A guitar player at heart, Dave loved sharing music with family and friends.
Dave will be remembered for his steady presence, love of the outdoors, and devotion to his family.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Details will be shared with family and friends.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com.
Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., 5226 – 46 Street, Olds, Alberta.

Frances (Fran or Francie) Jackson (nee Doherty)
July 15, 1926 – Jan. 31, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Frances (Fran or Francie) Jackson (née Doherty) who left us at the age of 99 ½ years with her daughter at her side. She leaves to mourn, her daughter Maureen (Calvin), grandsons Evan (Gina) and Cody (Claire), great grandsons K.C., Camden, Alex, and great granddaughter Lily.
Fran was predeceased by three husbands: Art Jackson of 50 years, James Ross-Jones, the high school sweetheart who came back into her life after 56 years, and Ted Paradis, a kindred spirit whose presence and companionship in their later years brought her much happiness and joy. She was also predeceased by her son, Chuck Jackson, her five siblings, and many nieces, nephews, friends, and loved ones.
Fran was born on the farm in Consort, Alberta, the second youngest of six children. She was the only one to further her education and attend the University of Calgary where she earned a teaching degree. She taught school for two years before she married and eventually moved to Edmonton where she worked different jobs and raised her two children. Eventually she applied to the Edmonton Separate School Board and taught Grades 1 and 2 for some 35 years at St. Edmund School.
After Fran retired at the age of 60 she helped look after her two grandchildren and joined a singing group called the “Calder Cuties” which operated from the Calder Drop-In Centre. The group consisted of some 12 women and occasionally a gentleman or two. They entertained residents in numerous facilities for the aging throughout the city of Edmonton and surrounding areas. Their performances were tailored to specific months, holidays and special occasions such as senior birthday parties, and they had corresponding outfits/costumes for each! Fran was instrumental in designing and sewing these. She eventually ran the Calder Cuties, booking engagements, planning programs and managing the 100’s of pieces of ‘old time’ music they sang until she ‘retired’ at 93 years of age.
The family is especially thankful for the unending hours of time her dear friend and companion Audrey Granger spent with her.
Fran’s loss will be deeply felt by many, and she will be greatly missed.
Funeral service will take place on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 1:00 p.m. at St. Edmund Church 13120 – 116 Street, Edmonton, Alberta.
Interment will take place in Consort, Alberta, on July 15, 2026 which would have been her 100th birthday.

Mike Kyfiuk
Nov. 16, 1930 – Feb. 10, 2026

Mike Kyfiuk, age 95, of Red Deer, Alberta, passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on February 10, 2026 surrounded by his loving family.
Mike was born on November 16, 1930 in Vegreville, Alberta. He spent his early years in the Vegreville area, before beginning a long and dedicated career in the oilfield industry, working throughout western Canada.
In 1957 while working in Consort, Mike met the love of his life, Helen Dodds. They were married on April 30, 1958 beginning a wonderful partnership that would span almost 68 years, while raising four children.
Mike continued his oilfield career in Consort as a production manager, earning the respect of colleagues for his strong work ethic, leadership and integrity. He remained in the industry until his retirement in 1986.
In 1993, Mike and Helen moved to Red Deer to be closer to their growing family, where they made many new friends and built more cherished memories together.
Throughout his life, Mike embraced the simple joys that brought people together. He loved to dance, play the guitar and sing, and filled rooms with music and laughter.
He enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping, socializing with family and friends, and many winter months spent with Helen, traveling south in their motorhome.
Mike took a special interest in the lives of his children and grandchildren, attending their events and was always eager to hear about their latest activities and accomplishments. He was immensely proud of each of them.
Mike will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife Helen; his children Gordon, Lila (Glen), Andy (Denise) and Jim (Laurie) as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.
He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and other extended family members and friends who will miss his warm smile, steady presence, and kind heart.
He will be deeply missed and forever fondly remembered.
At Mike’s request, there will be no Funeral or public Celebration of Life.

Grace Evelyn Walker
July 7, 1934 – Feb. 15, 2026

It is with sadness, but gentle relief, that we announce the passing of Grace Evelyn Walker on February 15, 2026.
Evelyn is survived and lovingly remembered by her son Kevin; grandson Alan; great-grandchildren Boston and Hudson; granddaughter Sandra (Tanner); great-grandchildren Kara and Tyson; as well as many friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Bill; her daughter-in-law Patricia and her daughter Beverly.
Evelyn was born in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan, in 1934 to Ole and Louise Dahl. She spent her early childhood in Major, Saskatchewan, with her three brothers, Philip, Leonard, and Lloyd. The Dahl family moved to Veteran in 1946, where Evelyn continued her education, beginning Grade 7 at Veteran School. She was always well-known for her beautiful penmanship. She later worked as a switchboard operator in Veteran, Alberta.
When she met Bill, who worked for her dad at the CPR, she quickly realized she had feelings for him, and they began dating. They were engaged on April 29, 1952, and married exactly one year later on April 29, 1953. Together they farmed, raised cattle, and grew a beautiful family over the next 51 years. They welcomed two children, Beverly (July 1954) and Kevin (April 1957), to complete their family.
Evelyn worked hard tending the garden and took great pride in the preparation and preservation of the fruits (and vegetables) of her labour. Evelyn and Bill’s home was often a place to gather; cards were always at the ready, and a hot meal was always on the stove. Friends and family were always welcome, and many wonderful memories were made there over the years.
Evelyn found great joy in becoming a grandmother to Alan and Sandra, and later a great-grandmother to Boston, Hudson, Kara, and Tyson. She passed along her love of games to her family, who always knew that dominoes, a crib board, or cards would be waiting for them when they visited.
Evelyn and Bill enjoyed 20 winters in Mexico, where they made lifelong friends. Her love of warm weather—and her dislike of footwear (other than thongs)—made those winters a favourite season of their lives. They also had the adventure of travelling to New Zealand and Australia. Evelyn took quite a few bus trips and thoroughly enjoyed her casino visits! She loved a good joke and was a wonderful storyteller; her little smirk and chuckle were shared with many friends over the years.
After Bill’s passing in 2004, Evelyn continued to live on and care for the farm until she moved into Coronation in 2010. She enjoyed being close enough to walk to pick up the mail and groceries, and being in an easy spot for visitors to stop in. In 2024, just after her 90th birthday, Evelyn moved into the Consort Senior Citizens Lodge, where she quickly made new friends and enjoyed her weekly bingo games. Needing additional care, she spent the past four months in Consort and then at Castor Long Term Care, where she welcomed visits and card games with friends and family.
Our family would like to extend sincere appreciation to the staff at Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Long Term Care in Castor, the staff at the Consort Hospital and Care Centre, and the staff at the Consort Senior Citizens Lodge. Over the past year and a half, the care and concern shown were greatly appreciated.
Evelyn will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her warmth, humour, and generous spirit will be remembered always. As per her request, no formal service will be held. In her memory, those who wish may make a donation to a charity or cause that was meaningful to them.
Condolences may be sent to the family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.
Parkview Funeral Chapels entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

Elizabeth Ann Bullick
May 24, 1934 ~ Feb. 25, 2026

Elizabeth Ann Bridge was born May 24, 1934, in the Talbot Store to Bertha (neé Bridge) Robinson and Burtrum Charles Robinson. As a baby she was happiest blowing bubbles so much so that she was nicknamed “Bubbles” as a young child, not realizing how significant this would be; as an adult not many knew her actual name as she was always known as Bubbles, which also suited her personality. She attended school at Talbot, enjoyed playing softball and later became big sister to Tom and Norma.
She married the love of her life, William Brewitt Bullick, on November 16, 1950, and they enjoyed an incredible 75 years together. To their union they had 6 children: Terry, Ron, Tim, Dan, Shelley, and Leanne. They have been blessed with 11 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren.
They raised their family on the Bullick homestead. Milking cows and selling eggs were how they paid their weekly grocery bill. They kept the family busy on the farm and began breeding Charolais cattle, which developed into importing animals from France and exporting to Mexico and Korea. In 1968, after all this hard work it was decided to name the homestead Prairie Cove Farm.
In 1962, Bubbles and Sadie Caseley started the Sunshine Club as a way of getting out of the house to visit with other ladies. (Considering she literally had 3 boys and husband at home). This turned into a prominent club that donated funds to charities/clubs in the Coronation area by catering to many weddings, curling banquets and funeral lunches.
Many Sundays in the summer were spent at Cap Eyre Lake with the Lenton’s, Gillard’s, Waltham’s and Provo’s. Later, they purchased a holiday trailer and spent time at Czar Lake. In the mid 1980’s, they purchased a motorhome and began travelling to Arizona in the winter with the Lenton’s for the next 20+ years. When they were done with Arizona, they travelled with family to Cuba, Cancun, Dominican, and Ontario.
Summertime was full of gardening. Many hours were spent in the large raspberry patch, and she loved to pick saskatoons in the coulees. She never seemed too tired to chase cows or fix fence. (Seems a bit crazy). In 1990, came a big move when they settled into town. The garden was her pride, as she had every windowsill lined with tomato seeds in February so they could enjoy them sooner. Along with the garden were flowerbeds of Geraniums, Petunias, Snap Dragons and beautiful yellow Begonias on her deck.
Bubbles was also a quilter. She made quilts for all the grandchildren when they were born and then another one when they became adults. Croqueting took up a lot of her evenings, when she wasn’t at a meeting. Volunteering was a big part of her life. Besides the Sunshine Club, she was a part of Coronation Ag Society, Coronation Museum, Cemetery Committee, and Senior Housing Committee.
Curling Bonspiels were also something that she really enjoyed. Probably not so much the actual curling but more the fun that was had in between games. Looking for more to fill their time, Bill and Bubbles took up golf which they both enjoyed very much. They would go on 5 day camping tours with close friends around Central Alberta to different courses in the spring and fall.
Family was most important to her. She was always there supporting us in whatever we did. From watching baseball and hockey games, dance, 4-H show and sales, birthday parties, she was there for it all.
Christmas Eve was one of her most cherished times of the year as she started hosting in the late 70’s. She cooked a full turkey dinner for everyone in their home and continued to do so with some help until 8-10 years ago. There were just getting to be too many of us!
Tim and Wanda started an annual golf tournament and campout in 2007, and it was a highlight for the summer. Lots of fun, games and beverages were had with a little golf. It has only been the last few years she did not attend.
Most recently she found enjoyment from hearing about all the kids and grandkids. What they were doing and seeing pictures of the little ones.
She is lovingly remembered by her husband of seventy-five years, Bill Bullick; children: Ron (Deb) Bullick, daughter-in-law Wanda Bullick, Dan Bullick, Shelley (Randy) Lundy and Leanne (Al) Rempel; grandchildren: Jaimie (Grant) Wahl, Lindsay (Walter) Corey, Jeff (Katie) Bullick, Amanda (Jody) Bridges, Tyler (Justine) Bullick, Tanisha Bullick, Miles (Jen) Golby, Bailey (Jeff) Hamm; Derek (Chris) Joy, Randi (Mike) Sadoway, Ethan Rempel; great grandchildren: Taryn, Aurora, Avianna, Kade, Lily, Claire, Indy, Scarlet, Malia, Kyler, Layton, Beau and William; sister Norma Robinson and brother Tom (Lynn) Robinson; other relatives and many dear friends.
She is predeceased by son Terry Bullick in 1956 and son Tim Bullick in 2023 and brother Stan Bridge.
A Celebration of Life was held Monday, March 9th, 2:00 p.m. at the Coronation Community Hall, Coronation, Alberta
Memorial donations close to Bubble’s heart: Coronation Cemetery or Coronation Roadmaster’s House Museum, both in c/o Town of Coronation, Box 219, Coronation, AB, T0C 1C0 or to the Coronation Hospital Auxiliary, 5000 Municipal Road, Coronation, AB.

Garry Allan Gilmer
Oct. 8, 1943 – March 7, 2026

Mr. Garry Allan Gilmer passed away at his home in Red Deer, surrounded by his loved ones, on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the age of 82 years.
After high school, Garry joined the Royal Canadian Navy. After his discharge from service, Garry became a skilled Heavy Duty Mechanic and embarked on many journeys overseas to work on diverse machinery in Australia, Ukraine, and China. He loved rodeos, camping, animals, and gardening, and was also talented at woodworking and carving. He and his wife of forty-five years, Betty, enjoyed spending their winters down South together at Corpus Christi and at Yuma.
Garry is deeply missed by his wife, Betty; sons, Stephen, Evan (Jennifer), and Robert “Bob” (Melody); daughter, Kristina; brothers, Patrick (Charlotte), and Phil (Brenda); sisters, Judy Gatto, and Trudy (Don) McNeil; as well as numerous beloved grandchildren, and his canine companion, Billy. Garry rejoins his parents, Keith and Ellen.
If desired, Memorial Donations in honour of Garry may be directed to a charity of your choice. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.

John Francis Gattey
Oct. 4, 1956 – Mar. 7, 2026

John was born in Calgary on October 4, 1956, to parents Frank and Kelva Gattey, a little brother for Joan, Lynn and Dyan. Against all odds, he survived a premature and difficult birth. But, from the time he was born, John showed tenacity, determination, grit and an undeniable zest for life, living and ranching.
He attended Consort School for Grades 1 – 4 and then Vernon Prep School for boys for grades 5 – 6. After two years of boarding school life, he convinced his parents to allow him to come back to Consort School and the ranch. Being back home afforded him time to learn roping skills, break colts, and to pursue his interest in snowmobile racing and rallies.
John found conventional classroom education restrictive and impractical, as his mind was usually on ranching and socializing. Not surprisingly, he opted out of high school in Grade 11 to continue his practical education working for Ward Robinson on his ranch at Pine Lake and pen riding at Western Feedlots. He also took a year to travel to New Zealand and Australia where he met up with his sister Dyan. This trip eventually resulted in an Australian brother-in-law and 50 years of friends and relatives getting work visas and exchanging visits ‘across the pond’.
In between ranching and travelling, John attended Olds College in 1974, taking agricultural courses and expanding his ranching knowledge and his social network. John became an astute and well respected cattleman and rancher. He was a director of Western Feedlots for nearly ten years as well as a director and Vice President of the Western Stock Growers Association. Locally, John was a member of the Steer-A-Year Club and the Gooseberry Lake Rodeo Association.
When Lynn and Ron Ogren moved to South Dakota from the Bar TH Ranch in 1980, John moved to the Bindloss Community and took up residence in the house on the ranch overlooking the Red Deer River. He met and courted Cindy Jones, a cowgirl and rancher from the YT Bar located north of the Neutral Hills. They were married in January, 1985 and together managed the ranching and irrigated cropping operation and feedlot. They were blessed with two sons, Justin in 1985 and Brandon in 1987. While there, they acquired life-long friendships with a host of ranching neighbors. John, Cindy and the boys returned to the Cross Bar Ranch in 1990 to team up with Dale, Joan and family on the ranch. In 1997, Cross Bar underwent an amicable “butterfly split” and the two families created their own entities.
John was a charismatic, outgoing man who will long be remembered for his willingness to share a joke or his poetry. He became well known at Poetry Gatherings where he recited poems about his life, particularly about ranching life. He was also passionate about preserving history and has recently completed a book of memoirs as well as the Cross Bar Ranch history book. In John’s own words, cited from his memoirs, “I was footloose from 2002 to 2006 and thanks to modern technology, met one terrific lady in February 2006. In February 2008, Cindy Shipton of Rocky Mountain House and I were engaged on the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town, South Africa.”
On June 10, 2010, John and Cindy surprised and delighted family and friends when they chose to exchange marriage vows on the hill in the middle of the Cross Bar Ranch 100 Year Celebration! Following their marriage, they built a beautiful home on the hill overlooking Gooseberry Lake, the Neutral Hills and the Cross Bar Ranch. The door was always open, and the hospitality was warm, welcoming and generous.
John’s love for Cindy, his boys, her boys and their grandchildren was his passion and he was extremely proud of their accomplishments. With a keen interest in their activities, he attended rodeos, sports events and school plays. John’s love of collecting and connecting people from many corners of the world is well known. Although he will be greatly missed he has left a remarkable legacy with tangible things to remember him by. John died peacefully at home surrounded by family on March 7, 2026 overlooking Gooseberry Lake, the Neutral Hills and the Cross Bar Ranch, his beloved home of 69 years.
John is survived by his wife Cindy; his two sons, Justin (Abbie) and their children, Jaxen and Kelby; Brandon (Meagan) and their son, Rico; step-sons, Justin (Elisha) Shipton and Levi (Brianne) Shipton and their children, Boyd and Ivy; sister, Joan (Dale) Bousquet and their children, Trevor, Nicole and Troy; sister, Dyan (Richard) Hughes and their children, Kelva, Drucilla and Bristow; sister Lynn’s children, Stacey and Shanley; cousins and countless wonderful friends and neighbours.
John was predeceased by his parents, Frank and Kelva Gattey; sister and brother-in-law, Lynn and Ron Ogren.
A Celebration of Life was held Friday, March 20th, 2:00 p.m. at Consort Sportex with Pastor Darrel Durksen officiating.
John was an avid and committed advocate of local organizations whose longevity and success relies on the hard work and fundraising efforts of volunteers. If friends desire, memorial donations may be made to: Consort Fire Department/Consort Aquatic Centre, both c/o Village of Consort, Box 490, Consort, Alberta T0C 1B0, Gooseberry Lake Rodeo Assocation, Box 745, Consort, Alberta T0C 1B0 or a charity of the donors choice.
Eulogy
by Dale Bousquet
When John advised me that I would be doing his eulogy, I asked him if I would have to recite any of his poetry. He said, “No, you will just screw it up anyways!”
So, then I asked him if he had written anything down for me to pass on!
He said, “No, you can just wing it! Don’t screw it up… and you’re not getting paid!”
That was John.
I am honored to be here and I will try NOT to screw this up!
John was born a rancher!
John was determined, ambitious, tenacious and faced challenges head on. He was innovative with an ability to think outside the box, whether it was to build a better cattle waterer, remodel a calving gate or re-design a bison or cattle handling system. He got it done! The boys told me that if something didn’t work out as planned, he would say, “How do we NOT have that happen again?”
He was self taught by trial and error and by networking with fellow ranchers. Also, as a pen rider, and later, a director with Western Feedlots, he learned a lot about feeding and marketing cattle. He loved live auctions and the market atmosphere where he had the opportunity not only to buy cattle, but to visit with neighbors and other cattle buyers. He had a keen eye for good cattle and good deals, and he knew when to keep bidding and when to quit. He loved to drive a bargain. For someone who hated grade 9 math he was a smart ‘numbers guy’!
John and I were on many rides together moving cattle from one pasture to another and we always counted the cattle through the gate. On one occasion after the move, I said, “I got 156 head, but I could be out by one or two”.
He said “You’re Wrong! There’s 160 head.”
I said, “What makes you so sure you’re right?”
“Simple,” he said. “I counted the legs and divided them by 4!”
That was John.
He could be a risk taker and some of the risks came with life lessons. As a young, speed loving teenager, John talked his parents into supporting his obsessive desire to own a snowmobile. It was delivered Christmas Day and John immediately took it out for a night ride. An hour later, he was back at the house with his face and neck full of blood! He had gone through a barbed wire fence, an injury that took 46 stitches to repair! After surviving the fence, John entered several snowmobile rallies, joined local sledders on trips to B.C., and, with Grant Robinson as co-pilot, travelled to Winnipeg for a large snowmobile rally there. He didn’t place, but it was an exciting experience with no injuries!
Though not a classroom student, John could apply himself if he had a purpose for learning. With a strong desire to become a pilot, he committed himself to flying lessons with rigorous studying, and passed his pilot’s licence. Around that time, Frank, Herman Reichart, John and I also got our Pilot’s Licences. With a plane at Bar TH, where John and Cindy lived, and one at Cross Bar, flying to auction sales, meetings, and between the ranches, saved a lot of time.
John was an accomplished Teamster having learned at a young age how to hook up his skittish little pony, Sir Puck. He wrote a story about that little pony bolting during a Consort parade, a runaway that put John, the pony and the democrat through a fence (that was another near miss!).
Over the years he had several teams which he drove on Wagon Treks around Alberta. As a Director of the Western Stockgrowers Association, he helped to organize the 9W6 commemorative Wagon Trek in 1996, a massive undertaking which crossed the British Block in Southern Alberta, and ended up in Medicine Hat. John, Cindy, Justin and Brandon and an English friend, Robbie Robinson, joined 100 Chuckwagons and 1500 outriders driving 2000 longhorn steers across miles of prairie and right through downtown Medicine Hat!! Cindy Conley told me that sleeping in, or under a chuckwagon for 7 days wasn’t what you would call a luxury family holiday, but admitted that it was a once in a lifetime experience which created lasting memories. A few years ago, John purchased an outstanding team of mules, Mike and Molly, which he took on many wagon rides through the hills. He loved Mike and Molly. Yearly they were hauled into Consort for Country Christmas to give kids and parents rides around town. With his mule team, John joined neighbor, and fellow teamster, Rick Sortland, to participate in Mallaig’s annual event, “Haying in the Thirties”, a fund raising event for the Cancer Support Society.
Four years after moving from the Bar TH Ranch to Cross Bar, John and his first wife, Cindy, parted ways. After a couple of years, John wrote a poem about looking to find a female friend, and, in his words, “In 2006, thanks to modern technology, I met one terrific lady, Cindy Shipton of Rocky Mountain House.”
They discovered that they both liked a country lifestyle, riding, ranching, music, dancing, travelling and meeting people. Once Justin and Abbie returned to the ranch, John and Cindy did a lot of traveling. Their travels took them to Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Argentina, Spain, Portugal, Eastern Canada and points all over the States.
On their trip to South Africa, it became evident to Cindy that John was very self confident and liked to do things his way. They joined a bus tour to Cape Town where John planned to find his Granddad A.P. Gattey’s birth place as well as do some touring. The bus was loaded and ready to depart but one passenger was missing. John had decided to run into a jewelry store to do some shopping, and much to Cindy’s embarrassment he kept the whole busload waiting. He eventually made it to the bus which then drove up to Tabletop Mountain. Passengers disembarked and John took Cindy to a private corner. He got on his knees to propose, presenting her with the ring he had purchased earlier. She was quite surprised and not even sure that marriage was in her plans. She hesitated a long time and finally said, “Yes, but I’m not ready to get married yet”.
John told me later that he was so taken aback at her hesitation that he didn’t know if he’d have to jump off Tabletop Mountain waiting for her answer. Two years later, on July 10, 2010, John and Cindy surprised friends and family by saying their marriage vows on the top of the Neutral Hills in the middle of the Cross Bar Ranch 100 year celebration. Once married, they built a ranch style house on the hill overlooking Gooseberry Lake, the hills and the ranch.
Cindy had a way of diplomatically keeping John under control…. most of the time. Their journey together helped mold John into the great guy he became. In my opinion one of John’s best traits was his outgoing, sometimes over-the-top, but always likable personality (He would agree). Besides ranching, socializing, telling stories and meeting people we liked many of the same old songs, in particular a song by the Animals. As Cindy tells it,”We could be listening to any kind of music, anywhere, even a Mariachi Band, and John would boldly go up and ask, “Do you know the song, The House of the Rising Sun? Can you play it?” That was John!
John and Cindy travelled extensively, on tours, with friends, and through the US in their motorhome. John loved meeting people. While driving, if he saw an interesting looking ranch, he would pull up to the gate and say to a dismayed Cindy “I think these people want to meet us”. He was a people connector and people collector. As retirement became a reality, he and Cindy became official snowbirds when they purchased a beautiful home overlooking a golf course, and Dinosaur Mountain in Gold Canyon, Arizona. It didn’t take long for John to meet his neighbors in their Mountain Brook community! Cindy told me that if the garage door was open the owners were fair game. He would pop in and say, “Hi, I’m John Gattey. Who are you, and where are you from?” The introduction was followed by, “Why don’t you stop over for a coffee tomorrow at 10 o’clock and if it doesn’t work for you I will stop over at your house.”
Now, you can imagine not all people, especially city folk would warm up to this, outgoing, outspoken, stetson wearing cowboy. He liked people and couldn’t imagine why anyone would not like him. As it turned out John won them over. He had connected everyone in the neighborhood and there were countless coffee mornings and happy hours. He always had stories to tell and if you were lucky he would recite a poem or two. We personally experienced John and Cindy’s generous hospitality and John’s connections with people when we visited them in January. While there we met up with Dyan and Richard from Australia and Lynn’s kids, Shanley, Stacey and their families. John would say, “You just have to meet so and so. They are such good people!” Over coffee and happy hours, we met many of their friends from all over the US and Canada. And, they were such good people!
John always started his morning with a coffee and a crib game. One morning in Arizona there was no crib board on the table. I said, “No Crib?”
“Not today,” John replied. “I’m going to work”. He was off to the Mountain Brook community centre for the Saturday morning poker match. John met, regaled and collected many new friends playing poker during the winter months. When in Consort, John was also a regular at the Gem Centre poker table and often invited friends for a game at his own table. He was competitive when playing cards and had a passion for Texas Hold’em, and he got very good at it. I asked him to help me learn the game, which he agreed to do, but he warned me that first I would have to ante up. I got tired of losing so I said, “It would be nice if you would let me earn my entry fee just once!”
He retorted, “You’ll never get good at it unless you lose!” That was John.
It is well known that John wrote and recited poetry. He was happy to share his poetry wherever he could find an audience… at the Consort Lodge entertaining the residents, at a public function, or at a Poetry Gathering…of which he attended many! His book of poems includes tributes to special friends, poems of gratitude to nurses and doctors when he suffered a broken pelvis, poems about flying the Cessna 180, bidding at an auction sale, or snowmobile and travel adventures. However, most of his poetry was written after a ranching event or a challenging situation when struggling with ornery cows, a charging bull or a spring snowstorm. He told stories with his poetry. Recently John compiled a book of his memoirs, written in a short story format. After several years of trying to accurately record the history of the Cross Bar Ranch, he sent the finished copy to Justin Shipton to be published and printed. He was so relieved to have this mission accomplished and completed. He was respectful, and appreciative, of his inheritance.
In his sister Dyan’s words, “Parting is hard, but I thank John for doing his best right to the end. He certainly made good use of his life, and especially working to achieve his goals in the past year. I am so grateful to John for restoring Grandad’s house, the original log house, and for making the video so that all may know the story of the Cross Bar and appreciate its history. Its a great tribute to the builders and a great gift to those remaining and those yet to come! We were blessed to have such a great brother and friend.”
Having spent his life as a ‘Consortite’, John was very vocal about the importance of “supporting local”, whether it was to shop in town, to help fundraising efforts for local building projects such as the Sportex, the swimming pool, the golf course or the Gem Center. He really appreciated the multiuse value of the Gem Centre in Consort, a facility that hosts card games, meetings, family gatherings and small parties. All these facilities will be enjoyed by the next generations and he was very generous in his support of them!
John loved his kids and grandkids and his extended kids and grandkids. When Justin and Brandon were growing up, John and their mom, Cindy, supported and followed their rodeo careers. The boys qualified for the High School Rodeo Finals which resulted in a family trip to Falun, Nevada, where they competed in roping and steer wrestling. When Jaxen, Kelby and Rico, the next generation, started to compete, he and Cindy followed their rodeos. He was so proud of their work ethic, their horsemanship and their developing rodeo skills!
John loved to play cards and spent hours teaching the grandkids to play crib. Jaxen and Kelby would pop up the hill to beat their grandpa at Kings Around the Corner or crib. When Boyd and Ivy moved with their family to Grande Prairie, he found a way to play crib virtually with them.
John enjoyed heading over to Bigview Stock Farms where Brandon, Meagan and 4-year-old Rico live in a beautiful new home north of Coronation. John often commented, “That Rico is a real little cowboy and soon he will be running the show!”
It is really hard to properly describe John and do him justice. He was a unique personality … gregarious, bold, honest, and never shy to express his opinion. He was also fun loving, warm hearted, generous, and appreciative of kindnesses shown to him. He reciprocated with his own generosity of spirit ! John and I were brothers-in-law for over 50 years, we ranched together, we were business partners and always friends….good friends!
He was “such good people” … The Best.

Card of Thanks
We will all remember John for different things and in different ways. The way the Consort community and family and friends near and far have “remembered” us is overwhelming! All of the kind thoughts, words and deeds – the cards and letters; the food and flowers; the visits by phone and in person; helping hands and memorial donations – all are greatly appreciated!
So many people were responsible for assisting in John’s memorial service.
Thank you…

• To the Village of Consort arena staff for removing the ice and bringing the skating arena up to a comfortable temperature with the aid of Jason Bishell’s Herman Nelson heater.
• To the Chair Committee and friends, for hauling and setting up chairs and tables.
• To the Consort Community Funeral Committee for organizing the lunch and to all of the people who prepared and donated food for the lunch.
• To Kevin and Lexie Lambert for the beautiful music played during the service.
• To John’s friend, Darrel Durksen for officiating.
• To Dale Bousquet for sharing a touching and sentimental eulogy – a tribute to John’s life achievements and his great personality.
• To Nicole Woods for sharing the poems – one written by John and one written by Trevor Crisp.
• To Gregory’s Funeral Home for your kind, compassionate and efficient organization of the service.
  John was proud of his community and the people in it. You, the community, have been so good to all of us and we thank you.
  – Cindy and all of John’s Family

Edith “Jean” Checkel
Oct. 16, 1929 – Mar. 9, 2026

Jean was born in Coronation and died peacefully 96 years later in Hardisty.
Jean went to University of Alberta for teacher training, spending the rest of her life in the Coronation area.
After graduation, Jean became the sole teacher in the one-room school at Lake Thelma (about 20 miles SW of Coronation). One of her students, Bill Checkel, had an older brother, Mike, who kindly began giving him rides to school. Jean and Mike married July 2, 1949, when Jean was just 19.
In spite of hardships and setbacks, Mike and Jean built a thriving ranch with six beautiful sons. We celebrate their stories of love, courage and resilience as they worked so hard to build us a good life and contribute to our community.
Jean was usually the smartest person in any room. A voracious reader with an amazing memory, she brought the latest technical agricultural practices to the ranch and to her gardens and orchard. These provided wonderful food for the family and even when the kids were grown and moved away, she always sent frozen and canned fruits and vegetables home with them. She won awards at the Coronation Fair every year with her huge onions and large ripe tomatoes as well as other fruits and vegetables. No one could beat her at Upwords or Scrabble unless she let them.
She was a stalwart member of the Federal Friendship Club, a means for local women to connect as well as organizing and catering for community events. She volunteered at the Coronation Assisted Living, where she later resided. Jean was always engaged in productive work. Babies and children received knitted and hand sewn clothes, quilts and blankets. In her later years, she began making toques for charity and provided refugees and others with over 800 hats.
Jean had many hobbies. Well before the days of internet assistance, she traced the lineage of her family back to 1716 in Lebanon, Connecticut, and typed it out on looseleaf paper. She was very organized and kept meticulous records of the cattle as well as births and deaths of relatives and friends. Her recipes were neatly filed. She kept scrapbooks of interesting local events.
Jean always had time for her family and we were loved beyond all measure. Children were encouraged to explore the natural world around them and she was always interested in what they found. Grandchildren were a precious gift and she delighted in their very presence: the smell of them, their tears and laughter, their accomplishments. As we became adults, she listened to us and supported us, offering outright advice only if we asked. Sometimes, upon reflection, we would realize that she had guided us in ways we hadn’t even seen at the time. She welcomed and loved all her daughters-in-law, and they were honoured to call her Mom.
Jean lived well, with strength, kindness and conviction.
Jean is survived by her children: Ken Checkel (Maria Rojo), David (Elisebeth) Checkel, Ron (Tracy) Checkel, and Chris (Sharon) Checkel; grandchildren: Josef Checkel, Juan Checkel, Blanca (Adam) Brodersen, Ernesto Checkel, Katherine (Rob) Boyd, Carol (Chris) Foy, Michael (Jasmyn) Checkel, Ryan Checkel, Pat Checkel (Caitlin Vliet), Tanya (Cody) Johnson, Justin Keays and Matthew Checkel; great grandchildren: Lyra Brodersen, Willa and Ivor Boyd, Evan and Lina Foy, Marek and Quinn Checkel, Reese, Lakyn, Koven and Kyler Johnson; Katherine’s mother Karen Bentley; Carol and Michael’s mother Peggy Donovan, as well as numerous other relatives and many dear friends.
Jean was predeceased by her parents, Egbert and Georgina Griffiths; brothers and sisters: Charles, Ralph, James, Muriel and Anna; dear husband Mike; two sons, Robert and Stan; daughter-in-law Connie.
Jean cherished the memories of beloved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins, aunties, uncles and friends who passed before her.
A Celebration of Life led by Ron Checkel was held on June 20, 2026 at Coronation Community Hall. The processional was “Songs of Life” by Neil Diamond. A eulogy was presented by David Checkel and tributes were given by Ken Checkel, Elisebeth Checkel, as well as Jaron and Lisa Bye. A Walk Down Memory Lane was presented by Matthew Checkel. The recessional was “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. Interment took place at Coronation Cemetery earlier in the day. A time of sharing memories and a luncheon prepared by the Coronation Ladies followed the service.

Card of Thanks
Jean’s family would like to thank the following: staff at Coronation Designated Supportive Living, Coronation Home Care, Coronation Hospital and Hardisty Hospital. The family appreciates all the visits, support, food, flowers, love and memorial donations on Jean’s behalf.

Shanna Lea Bishell
April 15, 1977 – March 11, 2026

Shanna Lea Bishell of Consort, beloved wife of Stephen Bishell, passed away peacefully after a brave battle with cancer at Our Lady of The Rosary Hospital in Castor on March 11 at the age of 48 years.
Shanna was born April 15, 1977, the middle child to Harold and Diana Peters. She grew up on the farm in Delburne and loved everything farm life gave her. Shanna was a caring sister and friend, and her kindness and positivity was respected by anyone who crossed her path. She was a part of curling and 4-H clubs, was a great public speaker, and had a love for all animals and people. From a young age, she was always meticulously organized, determined, and not afraid to try something new.
After graduation in the summer of 1995, she met Steve and their connection was for life. Shanna started college in Red Deer with being a nurse in mind and in 1996, she decided to join the workforce to earn enough money to achieve her goals. She worked at Adams feedlot in Czar and quickly became assistant foreman. In July 1998, she got accepted into the LPN program in Red Deer. November came and Steve proposed and Shanna said yes. She finished her LPN schooling as the Valedictorian and moved to Loyalist with Steve. They were married October 9th, 1999. Shanna worked as a nurse in Consort and Coronation hospital and started a family. Before her third child was born, she retired from nursing to be a full-time mom. She ran the Mother Goose program, baseball and soccer teams, and started her first business 2S Custom Framing. She was involved with managing many other sports teams and loved being a “dance mom” for 14 years and a rodeo mom for 12 years. She even got her bus driver’s license to be with her kids on field trips. In 2017 she was inspired to run another home business and took over Nifty Tag Sales from Steve’s parents. She quickly expanded the company to include custom engraving and provided engraved cattle ear tags and more to customers all over Canada. Shanna loved being a mom, wife, and homemaker, tending to her yard and flower gardens, travelling and camping. Recently, her and Steve purchased a lot at Elinor Lake and she found her love of paddleboarding, even taking the family dog with her on tours of the lake. She loved the quiet mornings and peace out on the water.
In 2024, Shanna was diagnosed with cancer and began a courageous battle that became her mission to beat. She became an advocate for herself and others and kept a positive attitude and incredible strength throughout her treatments, which didn’t slow her down at all. She played tennis, walked, biked, ran her business, and never missed a rodeo or any special moment with her kids.
In September 2025, she had a recurrence and she and Steve moved to Scottsdale, Arizona to try some different treatments not available in Canada. They enjoyed five months of beautiful weather, walks and time together until they decided it was time to come home, where she continued her battle. In Shanna’s words, “I just want to be strong for my kids”. And she kept fighting until her final moments where she was surrounded by her family and friends.
Shanna is lovingly remembered by her husband Steve; children Emily (Zachary) Floris, Kegan Bishell (Paige) and Nathan Bishell (Avery); an expected grandson on the way in June; parents Harold and Diana Peters; sister Tammy (Stuart) Evans; brother Shawn Peters; nieces and nephews Jaycee Bond, Nerissa Evans, Lexi Richmond and Mackenna Peters; in-laws Calvin and Judy Bishell; as well as numerous other relatives and many dear friends.
Shanna was predeceased by all of her grandparents that she loved.
A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Consort Sportex, Consort, Alberta.
Memorial Donations may be made to Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital, Box 329, Castor, Alberta T0C 0X0.

Remembering Shanna

• Tammy Evans & Steve Bishell
  Thank you to everyone who has gathered here today to celebrate the life of my beautiful, courageous sister.
  When asked recently how I would describe Shanna, my response was simply, “she was perfect”.
  Shanna was my little sister. But more than that she became my best friend. While she was my rival in the show ring, she was also my teammate. She was my sounding board, my confidant and always my biggest supporter.
  She was an amazing big sister too. And in our brothers words: “his hero”.
  For our parents, Shanna was the easy one. Except maybe for those nerve racking middle of the night sleep walking incidents. She was the fun child. The one that everyone loved. While often having to play the role of peace keeper, she was never afraid to stand up for herself. Believe it or not, that could even result in a split lip if pushed too far.
  Shanna was patient, kind and forgiving. Even when I ruined her birthday party by falling out of a tree.
  Growing up on a farm, she loved everything that farm life gave her; including her love of all animals and her incredible work ethic.
  From a young age she showed tremendous strength and determination. Nothing held her back. From learning to walk with casts on her legs, getting back on a horse after being bucked off to navigating any piece of farm equipment.
  Everything she did was at her absolute best, 4-H, Rodeo Queen, Public Speaking, curling, cattle penning with Dad, hunting and fishing. There was nothing that she was afraid of and she would try anything. Even bungy jumping when Mom strictly said “hell no”.
  Shanna laughed often, gave selflessly and she loved fiercely. If you were lucky enough to be on the receiving end of those gifts you know how incredibly special that was.
  Her greatest love was the man standing here beside me and the life they created together.
  I remember first meeting Steve in the summer of 1995. While we were chatting, Shanna caught his eye. He kept insisting that I introduce them. My response kept being “absolutely not”. But fate definitely had other plans for the two of them.
  Steve is going to draw on some of the strength that Shanna taught him to continue sharing some of the best parts of her story with you today.
  That July long day at Buffalo Lake changed my whole world, the sky turned a new shade of blue, the grass was a little greener, and I wasn’t quite sure why, but it had to do with this young, energetic, beautiful person I had seen but hadn’t met yet that would become my whole world.
  Fair warning, there are no guard rails on my speeches as most of you would already know. She listened to me talk nonstop for over 30 years and it would be a great injustice if today was any different. It wasn’t supposed to be like this at all, Shanna and I had discussed it all in great detail. She should be here saying something like, “well he lived a good life, I warned him about texting and driving, he could be a bit of an ass at times” and most of you would have had to agree. However, as much as we think we are in control, there is a plan for all of us and Shanna choose to never waste a day in God’s plan.
  It wasn’t until late August, 31 years ago that my phone rang and a quiet voice on the other end changed my plan. She said, “hi this is Shanna, I don’t know if you remember me but if you were planning on coming to Tammy’s wedding would you be my date for the rehearsal supper at the Castor golf course.” I said I’d be there and when we actually met we were inseparable. We spent the weekend together, I actually think Harold and Diana thought I was never leaving. Her family welcomed me with open arms and I saw a whole world unfolding in front of me.
  We soon started spending every weekend we could together. She just had this calming effect to her that just made the time we spent together so meaningful. One time while being detained at a border crossing, while border security searched my truck, we just sat holding hands talking about the future that we both wanted. We weren’t even dating a year, yet but we both knew.
  After a year in Red Deer College she moved to Czar and started work at Adam’s feedlot. She took great pride in her work and was quickly promoted to assistant foreman. She was so excited to tell me about the things she was doing, running skid steer, rock truck, back hoe, she got her class 3 license, she just didn’t quit learning and succeeding. She had a goal to make enough money to put herself through nursing school and after three years of work she got accepted into the LPN program. By then she knew all of my crazy friends, she waterskied with us, enjoyed many tenting trips together, and they loved her deeply. I knew the future was looking pretty clear that we were meant to be together. I found a ring I knew she would like, she said yes, and the rest was easy.
  She could plan anything, I was amazed at her ability to take notes, draw charts weigh options, and give attention to every detail; no stone was left unturned when Shanna had a plan. We bought a mobile home in the summer of ’99 before we got married that October and her ability to budget, while keeping me reined in, and finishing her LPN schooling as Valedictorian was amazing. I knew what I had, and keeping her was my number one priority.
  She also had a way of keeping me on the edge of my seat starting early. Like cleaning out her apartment in Red Deer, after we finished loading both vehicles she challenged me to a race to the parking lot. I ran out the apartment door and around the building and beat her fair and square, but she didn’t show up, only to hear her yelling for help from the other side of the building. I found her hung up on the top of a picket fence with the point of a picket driven deep into her leg above her knee. She was still pretty calm as I lifted her off the picket and straight to emerg for stitches just days before our wedding. She was a little worried it might affect her dancing at the wedding but there was no stopping her. We loved that day with family and friends and were ready to get on with our lives together.
  She got a job in Coronation and Consort hospitals and absolutely loved her new career. We took the time for camping in the summer, visiting family, some ski trips and one unforgettable houseboat trip with my college friends out to the Shuswap. Mark Hase actually saved her from drowning that trip when an undercurrent took her too far from the boat and she needed to be rescued. Not a big deal for her, she just liked to keep everyone on their toes.
  With a few years together and some great trips with just the two of us, we both decided it was time to expand the family. She was expecting Emily early July 2001 but pregnancy did not hold her back from doing all the things to build our beautiful yard together. I got home one day from work just a few days before Emily was born and heard a chainsaw running behind the house only to find Shanna had decided it was a good day to clean out the treebelt. That day a new rule was added to our marriage, no chainsaws allowed while pregnant. I’m sure it didn’t stop her while I was at work but I felt the rule was necessary just to slow her down a little bit. She was a natural perfect mom, with patience to no end and a calm soothing demeanor that soothed the loudest cries in an instant. She could be found somewhere in the yard or at the farm with Emily in a backpack, teaching her about the world. Two years later Kegan was born and we had a million dollar family just like that. As we went by Cadogan that evening she asked me if I could stop and deliver him on the side of the road because she wasn’t going to make it to the hospital. Well, I wasn’t exactly prepared for that and thankfully our jeep found a new gear and we made it to Provost with 10 minutes to spare. In 2006, when Emily got sick and spent a month in the Children’s Hospital, we spent nights talking and refocusing our lives on what were the most important values for our future. We decided family time, time with friends, and travelling together was top priority and it ended up being the most important refocus of our lives together.
  Having babies didn’t stop her from doing anything. Tenting and potty training, bathing them in a rubbermade tub with water boiled on a Coleman stove, it was her thing, she loved it and so did the kids. Those adventures meant the world to us as there was nothing she couldn’t figure out. Until one muddy, rainy trip to Wolf Lake with friends that changed us forever. The tent had to go, and once we were in a camper she could enjoy the trips so much more. She loved the camper so much that when Nathan was born four years later and we were waiting for our house to be built, we lived in one for six months. To Shanna it was no big deal, we were together and that’s all that ever mattered to her. We moved into the house in the fall and surprisingly by the next spring she was ready to go back camping.
  Raising me and the kids was her forte; she could juggle finances, babies, the household, and still have the most beautiful smile and time for her family and friends at the end of the day.
  In 2009, she signed up with Tammy to do the ride to conquer cancer with a goal in mind to help raise money and awareness for cancer research. Again in 2010 she trained and rode. That turned into a local group forming Team Travis and Shanna became an Ambassador for the ride. I remember asking her one morning at 4:30 a.m. what drove her to be so motivated in her training and she told me maybe it wasn’t about the ride, but being strong enough to fight cancer one day, and she was right. The next year I joined her on the ride with that in mind.
  She never stopped dreaming and we always had ideas on how to make things work. We dreamed of building a log home and settled on building our own log cabin that came together perfectly, so that we had a place to be together and relax.
  She was focused on always being productive and once the kids were in school she started 2S Custom Framing bringing pictures to many homes in the area.
  Those years went by so fast as our household became a whirlwind and everything was organized on a neatly framed weekly schedule board that became the center of our lives.
  She volunteered for multiple roles with all the kids activities. She loved being a dance mom and Tara’s Academy became a huge part of our lives. From prop mom, hockey team manager, and even goat tying director in Nathan’s grade 8 year of junior high rodeo she never sat still. She had nerves of steel to sit through rodeo wrecks, hockey heart breaks, dance trip blizzards and loved every opportunity to cheer for everyone. All while running her newest venture Nifty Tag Sales which gave her the opportunity to meet hundreds of new customers from all across Canada. She even supported my short career as a professional calf roper when it was the only way I could find during covid to get the boys down to the US for Nationals. She thought the idea was crazy but supported my efforts and when it all worked out we looked back on that summer as one good story.
  Speaking of good stories, my phone rang one day at work and Shanna in her always calm voice said, “so ya me and the dog and I were in a bit of a wreck.” I remember saying, “oh that must be pretty serious if you are dragging the dog into this.” Well she said, “there is actually more damage then you would believe, but Via (our red tick hound cross) was driving the side by side and crashed into your Chev.” I’m picturing all this in my head through the laughter and finally said, “Well was anyone hurt?” She said just her’s and dog’s feelings a little but no injuries. I asked her to take the keys to the side by side away from the dog and I’ll have a look at things when I get home. Ends up as Shanna was loading the box of the side by side with branches, the dog jumped in and sat on the gas, made a full throttle loop in reverse around the entire yard and t-boned my Chev – resulting in quite a bit of damage to both vehicles. What choice did we have but to laugh, hug each other tightly and me thank God that he protected Shanna from being in harm’s way.
  Which is what our life together truly is, we laughed, loved unconditionally, welcomed friends at our fire always, found our new piece of heaven at Elinor Lake where her love for morning paddleboard tours and enjoying the outdoors became her Sunday morning church.
  Everyone who saw the sunshine in Shanna may have been introduced to the little hurricane she was as well. She didn’t like losing, as I’m sure Darren Zieffle can agree that once he introduced her to the game of tennis a few years ago the battles began. She was that way in every card game, every croquet match, it didn’t matter. She would challenge anyone to an arm wrestle or a plank contest and if she didn’t win it may turn into a wrestling match.
  When she was diagnosed in 2024, even cancer didn’t know what it was up against. She faced it with so much determination and grace, and she was not letting it change her life. She shared her journey with anyone willing to follow and told me so many times, “if I can help one person with my journey it will all be worth it.” She fought through the bad days and never wasted a moment feeling like she’d been dealt a bad hand. Last year through treatments she enjoyed Nathan’s grad, Rodeo Provincials, Gooseberry Lake Rodeo, Emily and Zack’s wedding and a trip to Wyoming for Rodeo Nationals and did all things with so much positive energy and beauty. That was the way she chose to live her whole life – with energy, endless positivity, forgiveness and Love.
  I would like to thank everyone who has supported us over the years as her battle was not possible without the support and love of so many people. We could not have felt more loved by all of you.
  Shanna, losing you broke our world, but loving you gave our life meaning. We carry both the pain of missing you and the blessing of loving you. As long as I breathe you will be loved, and as long as I live you will be remembered, this is my promise.
  Card of Thanks
  We wish to express our gratitude for the support we received from the community on Shanna’s journey, and during the Celebration of Life on March 21.
  There are so many people to thank:
• Village of Consort and Tony Owens for having the ice out and the Sportex Arena ready.
• Jason Bishell for use of a heater and organizing setup with the gang from Prairie Storm, Webb’s Machinery and helpers.
• Graham Schetzsle for presiding over the Celebration of Life.
• Video tribute prepared by Kelly Crisp and Jen Hagan.
• Musical tribute by Gord Conley.
• Brad and Stacey Kelts, Robert and Ashley Dempsey and crew for the incredible meal laid out following the service, the desserts from Magnet Grocery in Castor, fruit trays and desserts from the local ladies.
• Everyone who attended the service.
• All the friends that reached out and visited us in Phoenix.
• Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Castor for the incredible care Shanna received in her last three weeks.
  Steve, Emily (Zachary),
  Kegan (Paige), Nathan (Avery)

Donna May Scheible
Aug. 13, 1949 – April 7, 2026

Donna May Scheible was born August 13, 1949 to Willie and Alvina Scheible in Consort, Alberta. She passed away on April 7, 2026 at the age of 76.
Donna married her beloved husband Don Staten on July 1, 2000 and together they resided in Calgary where she fulfilled a long successful career with the City of Calgary in land development for 35 years.
She is predeceased by both her parents and her only son, Darren Scheible. She is survived by her truly wonderful granddaughter Stephanie (Dan) Gheorghiu and cherished great grandchildren Nyah and Marcus, stepdaughter Karen (Kevin) Trudel, son, Mason; sisters Bernice Schetzsle, Carol (Rod) McCuaig, Janice (Dale) Shield, and a host of numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. At her request, there will be no memorial or service.
Independent and steadfast, her trip through life was enriched with the ultimate gift of love of her granddaughter and great grandchildren her son blessed her with. She shared her love for gospel music, decisiveness and independence with the world. She was a talented pianist though you wouldn’t know it as she was modest about playing for others.
May all who remember her have cause to smile at the kindness, compassion and earnest generosity she extended to them. She will be reunited with all the loved ones gone before her. Her work here on earth is done. God bless all her family and friends who chose to remember her with love.

Victor James Barnard
June 25, 1924 – April 16, 2026

Victor James Barnard passed away Thursday, April 16, 2026, at the Our Lady of The Rosary Hospital and Care Centre, Castor Alberta at the age of 101 years. Victor was born on June 25, 1924, in Seattle Washington USA. The first-born son to Roy and Edna (Caseley) Barnard.
As a young child Victor experienced life on the move. Leaving Seattle in 1927 and returning to the Coronation area for a year, then onto Rosetown, Saskatchewan until the fall of 1931. He gained a travelling partner in 1932 when his brother Wilbur was born. The family rented a farm southwest of Veteran for one year. In 1934, Victor and his family moved to their own farm and stayed there until 1937. 1937 was a bad year so the family moved to Toronto for a short time and finally coming back to the Barnard farm in the same year.
Victor was never afraid of hard work, working on the family farm as well as for other farmers in the area. Victor hauled oats from the family farm after a very good year in 1942 into Coronation with a team and sleigh most of that winter. Victor also worked on several thrashing outfits in the area until July 1943.
In the fall of 1946, Victor purchased his first tractor and a six-foot tiller. The following spring he rented seven additional quarters of land to compliment the Barnard owned farmland. In the fall of 1947, Victor bought his first combine. It was a Massey Pull type at the cost of $1440.00. With this new purchase Victor did enough custom combining that year to pay for the combine until the crops on the family farm were ready to be harvested. From that point on, more land was acquired once enough cash was on hand to do so as Victor did not believe in borrowing money. In addition to farming Victor and his brother had a well drilling business for a few years. Victor and his brother were always available to lend a helping hand to the neighbours on the farm. They were known to be able to repair just about everything with or without parts!
Victor remained on the farm until selling and moving into the town of Coronation with his brother in 1989. Not one to sit around and do-nothing Victor started to do small engine repairs along side his brother. Word traveled fast and soon the small engine repair business became too much. The brothers stopped doing small engine repairs in 2007.
In the winter, Victor loved to Curl. He was very good at the game. Once the game on the ice became a bit too much, he traded that game in for floor curling at the Golden Age Center. He did not like to miss a curling game or be interrupted while the curling game was on TV. You could stay and watch the game with him but no talking, not till the game was over.
In between fixing small engines in the summer, Victor found time to garden, just like he did on the farm. He had the gift of gardening – his speciality was potatoes, carrots, onions and peas. He always had a bountiful garden harvest. Weeds did not stand a chance to grow in his garden. Any weed that tried was gone upon being spotted!
We honour his life, celebrate his achievements, and remember the joy he brought into our lives. May his memory be a blessing.
Victor is survived by nieces and nephews; Vonda Lamontagne, Dennis Laontagne, Craig (Heather) Caseley, Wesley Lee, Marvin Lee, Alice Jean (Russell) Watts, other family and friends.
Predeceasing Victor were his mother Edna in 1985, father Roy in 1952 and brother Wilbur in 2012, as well as numerous uncles, aunts and cousins.
Public Graveside on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 at 1:30 p.m., Coronation Cemetery, Coronation, Alberta. Luncheon and fellowship following from 2:00 – 4:00 p.m. at the Golden Age Senior’s Drop-In Centre, Coronation, Alberta.
Donations may be made in Victor’s memory to the Coronation Hospital Foundation or a charity of your choice.
Should friends desire messages may be left for the family by visiting www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com
Parkview Funeral Chapels of Coronation, AB were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

James Douglas “Palmer” Tainsh
May 17, 1964 – April 24, 2026

James Douglas Palmer Tainsh was born on May 17, 1964 in Consort, Alberta. He passed away on April 24, 2026, at the University of Alberta Hospital at the age of 61 years.
Palmer is lovingly remembered by his family: his children, Mitchell (Krystal) and their children Hailey, Carter, and Leo; Brett (Selena) and their children Taisley and Traxton; and Stephanie (Danton) Berg and their children Knox, Wells, and Eden; their mom, Deanna Tainsh.
He is also survived by his sisters, Nonavee (Brent) Kary and Dawn (Larry) Resch, both of Veteran; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. Palmer will be fondly remembered by the extended family of the late Nancy Tainsh, along with numerous other relatives and many dear friends.
Palmer was predeceased by his parents, Jim and Donna Tainsh.
In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Palmer may be made to: Ronald McDonald House Alberta Society, 7726 -107 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 4K3, or Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, 800 – 8215 – 112 Street NW, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 2C8.

Special Tribute
By Nonavee Kary and Dawn Resch
Presented by Mitchell Tainsh
Our hearts were broken when Palmer left us on Friday, April 24, 2026 at the age of 61 years at the U of A Hospital after suffering from a brain bleed.
James Douglas Palmer was born in the Consort Hospital on May 17, 1964 to Jim and Donna Tainsh. He was the little brother to Nonavee and later his sister, Dawn joined the threesome to make up his family.
Palmer resided on the Tainsh Family Farm most of his life, living just a few years over at the Schoff place.
Palmer took his schooling at Consort School with Mrs. Kropinske as his grade one teacher. She had to sit him in the corner the first week of schooling due to his ability to disrupt the classroom. Ironically, the teachers at this graduation in 1982 remarked “Palmer, even you made it!” In his eyes, school was another place to create a little fun and a lot of laughter.
When he was a little boy, he followed his Dad everywhere on the farm, and one day decided to take his little red wagon into the shop and load up all his Dad’s neatly sorted bolts and take them for a ride. Palmer was lucky to grow up in the same yard as his grandparents, Doug and Eileen Tainsh and later, his step Grandma Nancy as many hours were spent alongside them as well.
As a typical farm kid, he loved most farm animals. He had a real liking for his pet rooster which either rode on his arm or in the wagon that Palmer hitched to the back of the lawnmower as he mowed the grass. Later in life, Palmer had two pet turkeys, Harold and Kumar, who guarded the farm quite nicely by strutting up to anyone who drove into the yard making them wonder if it was safe to get out of their vehicle. Pet dogs became family to him, especially his “Bestie Dukie”, who is still looking for him as we speak.
He enjoyed motorcycling, snowmobiling and driving machinery. He helped his Dad do everything from fencing, to fixing machinery, handling cattle, and cement work at the cemetery. Palmer, with his Dad as a leader and coach enjoyed Cubs & Scouts and hockey. He was also in 4H Beef, which meant he had to do a speech, so he cut out an article from a magazine and directly pasted it on cue cards – and without practicing at all, placed in his age category.
As a young boy and teenager, Palmer joined his family with weekly attendance at the United Church which led him to seek confirmation.
Palmer loved his first truck and spent hours fixing it up to perfection. Later on, Palmer worked as a brick-layer’s helper to build the new Consort Hospital. He really enjoyed this, and Gramma, Mamie Beebe remarked that “He became a man while building the hospital!”
Palmer married Deanna Fawcett on a beautiful fall day, October 24, 1987. He was thrilled to become a father and was so very proud of his three children, Mitchell James (1990), Brett Douglas (1992) and Stephanie Janet (1995). Presently all of his children: Mitchell, Krystal and their family: Hailey, Carter and Leo; Brett, Selena and their family: Taisley and Traxton; and Steph, Danton Berg and their family: Knox, Wells and Eden, reside within one mile of the family farm.
Palmer has tried to keep many family traditions and values. Like his Dad, Jim, Palmer was a very particular maintenance man when it came to his “green machinery”. Doing things thoroughly and ahead of schedule was the way he liked it and he has instilled this work ethic in his children.
Palmer enjoyed the old family traditional food that Stephanie had to learn to make. Things like his Mom’s chili, rice pudding, and the onion salad were some of his favorites.
He’s kept the Tainsh Potato Patch going as well. As a youngster, he and his sisters were instructed to get prepared to be in the North Garden after school to plant the endless rows of potatoes, with the tractor and plow. Hand hilling and weeding these rows had to be done before the summer camping trip. Hours of sweat and the total lack of water was spent doing this job. Harvesting was similar, as many gunny sacks were loaded up. This family gathering was something we all enjoyed as we worked together and Palmer has continued this. Lately though, he commented, that with all his fertilizer inputs into his potato crop, he might as well of bought his potatoes! I guess the genetics of the Schoff potatoes that we have kept going since the 1960s, are perhaps losing their vigor? Either way, potatoes were one of Palmer’s favorite foods, so buying them was out of the question.
Palmer loved to take his kids in the tractors, combines and to check the cows. He created a dirt bike track with his tractor and loved to watch his two boys and their friends play on it. He followed the boys to their hockey games, and Steph to her skating carnivals and dance recitals.
The love of water, beaches and boating was instilled in him as a child. Mara Lake has been the gathering place for fun since 1979, when his Mom and Dad purchased a lot there and set up camp for good. This is where Palmer learned to water-ski. Since then, he has always been “up” for the latest new thing with boating – such as water skiing, wakeboards and surfing. Hours and days were spent as a family, honing their skills and enjoying many days together with his kids and later his grandkids. Recently Palmer bought a place at Mara Lake so his family could be together. His boat is always full of people, with the music blaring and ready for fun.
Palmer was a wonderful “Papa”, he adored all his grandchildren and they adored him. Many happy hours were spent together on the farm. The grandkids played in the huge sand pit right outside the shop, as the machinery was being worked on. They loved to ski-doo and quad back and forth from Steph and Danton’s house to the farmyard. His family quite often ended their workday seated at his bar in the shop eating chips, drinking pop and listening to their Papa tell stories.
Losing his Mom in 2002 broke his heart and changed his life. Lately, his faith has deepened and quite often he would talk about God and wonder how his Mom and Dad were doing in heaven, always looking for signs of them in the nature around him. For example, commenting on the two Doves that showed up in his yard the day his Dad passed away. He never stopped looking for their presence in his life.
At the very end of his life, Palmer had his partner, Terra and his children with him in the ICU in Edmonton. They spent hours holding his hand, talking to him and playing some of his favorite music. Palmer could squeeze their hands and give a thumbs up when they asked questions. These will be remembered as very precious moments spent with him. Palmer had told his kids that he wanted to donate his organs and this is what he did. One of his kidneys was transplanted right away at the U of A Hospital to a matching recipient. The other kidney went out of province to a recipient that had a 5% chance of ever finding a match.
Palmer spent all his life looking for fun, scheming every chance he could to bring about some chaos and great laughter. He also knew how to work hard, continually looking for knowledge or any new science that would help him grow better crops, and he wasn’t scared to apply this knowledge. He also realized how blessed he was, and how precious time was. Quite often he made time for pleasurable things each day that included his grandchildren alongside him.
He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Memories of Papa
The best thing about my Papa was the never ending pop and treats we would get when we were at the farm with him. Anytime we would go down to the farm my mom would say NO POP, but guess what, my Papa didn’t ever listen.
My favorite memory of Papa is driving in the semi with him and having him drop me off at my road lots of times, sometimes he even let me drive! Our Mara house is my favorite place to go and spend time with Papa, hanging out on the beach and on his boat. One thing that makes me sad is that Papa won’t get to see me get up on the water skis again. He was SO PROUD of me for trying again and again and never giving up and he was sure to tell me that. I know that Papa’s mom and dad are in heaven so I am glad he will get to give them a hug again.
I love you so much Papa and I will miss you forever.
– Hailey

 I know Knox has so many memories with Papa, but right now, he just isn’t able to speak them all. Knox was the first-born grandson, and he was lucky enough to take his very first steps in Papa’s house while we lived with him for a year and a half. Their bond was so strong, and Knox is the well-rounded little boy he is today because of the time, love, and teaching Papa poured into him. 
Knox spent winters helping Dad rebuild tractors and fixing things in the shop. Papa had him driving tractors by age four. They travelled the world together, spent hours battling at Connect Four in the shop, and made endless memories in that big corner bathtub - full of brown water, no rules, water everywhere, and even water guns in the tub. Bath time was always one of Papa’s favourite things to do with the kids. 
 As Knox got older and school and sports became busier, Dad often felt like he was losing a little bit of that time with him. But he always made sure sleepovers still happened  (even on school nights) so he could get Knox on the bus and enjoy those quiet mornings with him. 
Knox was fortunate to go to Mara Lake with Papa one early spring, where they made amazing memories. Of course, Papa still put him to work cleaning up the beach and searching for cool pieces of wood, one of which Papa turned into something Knox could hang on his door and always remember. Knox and Papa’s relationship was untouchable. Papa trusted Knox to do almost anything for him. Knox was his responsible one. Some of Knox’s core memories will always be playing hockey in the basement, surfing at Mara Lake, helping in the shop, and listening to Papa’s stories - usually with a little smirk on his face, because, as Knox would say, some of Papa’s stories were a bit crazy. 
Knox was able to see Papa in the ICU, hold his hand, and tell him how much he loved him. One thing my dad always talked about with my kids was God and heaven. That night, Knox went to bed and said, “I’m praying to God tonight for Papa.” And it made me smile, because that is exactly what my dad would have wanted to hear. Knox will miss seeing him every day. He will miss the teaching, the daily phone calls, the after-school drop-offs at Papa’s, and all the little moments that made their bond so special. Knox has spent seven years of his life with his papa around everyday. Life won’t be the same without him, but those memories will always stay close to his heart. 

– Knox

I love to work with my Papa. Sometimes we would play “Duke’s it” and he would have to catch us. I had lots of fun playing hockey with Papa in his basement - he always scored lots of goals. My favorite thing to do with Papa was ride in the trackhoe with him. 
Me and my dad worked with Papa lots this past month breaking down a bunch of trees close by our house and it was so much fun! I loved being in any tractor or semi with my Papa. I will miss getting to ride in the trackhoe but maybe my dad can drive it for you now. I will miss my “Farm Papa” lots and lots.  

– Carter

 I love Papa so much. I made a special picture for you. It's me, Trax and you at the cabin. Lots of love hearts. I loved to sit on the beach with you and go on airplanes. I know you liked airplanes too, I’m going to be a pilot one day Papa. I know you REALLY REALLY love birds. 
I really liked sitting in the tractor with you while my dad was in the combine. Thank you for all the pops. Love you always, hold my hand forever.  

­– Taisley

 Wells said, “I just wish Papa didn’t pass away. I loved playing hide-and-seek at his house and playing hockey in the basement. The worst part was when he had to wash my ‘bottom end’ in the tub.” Wiping his bum the other day in papa's house he says again, “I wish papa didn’t pass away, his house is not as fun, but at least we got his phone”.  From the mouths of babies. 
Wells is truly a mini Papa. His stubbornness is something we always said he got from him. It was always his way or no way, and usually everything was about what Wells wanted - which sounds very familiar. 
Wells was so lucky to have had a special trip to Mara Lake last year, just the two of them. After a long day of travelling, Wells fell asleep. About 20 minutes later, he woke up, and Papa asked, “How was your sleep, Wells?” Wells quickly said, “I wasn’t sleeping.” Papa just giggled, because he knew there was no arguing with him. 
 Wells spent so much time with his Papa on the farm. Endless sleepovers gave him some of the best memories. He would wake up in the morning, jump on his quad or skidoo, and zoom down to Papa’s for breakfast or to hang out with him in the shop. And, of course, he was always put to work - picking rocks since he was one. One time, after being handed a $5 bill for rock picking, Wells looked at Papa and said, “You think I could have the twenty?” Out came the twenty, but he worked for it the next day. My dad would send me endless videos of Wells and Knox rock picking, to the point where he said, “I think they are out-picking some of these adult kids.” He taught my kids how to work hard and always had them doing something in the shop. 
Wells was his little sidekick, always waiting for Papa to FaceTime him every morning so he could get down to work. In the last little while, my kids talked a lot about God, birds, and Papa’s mom and dad in heaven. Dad instilled God into their little minds and made sure his mom and dad were always talked about and remembered. My kids truly enjoy nature (especially birds) because of their papa. 
And after all of that, Wells is a cheeseburger lover just like his Papa, so he doesn’t have to have “skinny legs,” as Papa would say.  

– Wells

 If Eden could tell us what she loved most about her Papa, it would be everything. Recently, as we drove by, she pointed and said, “Papa, Papa, see, see,” and started to cry. She had him wrapped around her little finger. She knew the routine - she loved bath time with him at every sleepover. While the boys played hockey, you’d find her playing with her babies or jumping in as goalie with Papa. She started having sleepovers at Papa’s at just six months old, slowly falling into the routine he had with all the kids. Every morning started with peanut butter and honey toast on his lap, then off to the shop to “work” and listen to loud music with him. She followed him everywhere, and yes, he even put her to work. Are we surprised? A couple of weeks ago, she spent a whole week at Papa’s. Even though I had all these bedtime rules, my dad didn’t follow them. She wasn’t going to bed alone - so there she was, lying beside Papa with her blankey, holding onto his thumb as she drifted off to sleep... just like her mom used to do. That same week, my dad said he knew he didn’t have forever with her, and he wanted to soak it all in. He also said, “She’s a Papa’s girl now.” When we brought her home after that week, bedtime looked a little different - she would stand up in her crib yelling, “Papa!!!” like he was going to come save her. 
She loved her “pop” with Papa and spent endless hours sitting behind the bar with him, munching on peanuts, listening to music, dancing, and watching his funny “tooting” videos on his reels. In her almost two years, she made enough memories with her Papa to last a lifetime. A tractor didn’t move unless she was on it. And our last adventure together was a picnic in the field. She wouldn’t leave his lap, riding along with him on the gator. My dad was so proud of her. She truly was the sparkle in his eye. 
I’m so thankful I leaned on my dad as much as I did for babysitting because it brought out the very best in him. Teaching my kids was something he was so incredibly proud of. He even joked recently, “Just because you’re a girl, Eden, doesn’t mean you’re getting out of rock picking this spring!” 
In the ICU, she held onto Papa’s thumb tight, and I know he felt it, because his blood pressure went up. Eden would say, thank you, Papa, for all the memories and for teaching me so much. 

– Eden

 Hi Papa, it's me Leo. My favorite words are SHOP and TRACTOR and that’s what I talk about all day. My dad can’t say the word “shop” without me running to the door and getting my boots on. Every time I drive past the farmyard I always tell my mom and dad when I see tractors and semis in the yard. They ask me “Who’s semi and tractor is that?” and I be sure to say “That’s Papa’s semi and Papa’s tractor”. Every tractor book we read at home it’s ALWAYS “Papa’s tractor”... They are ALL Papa’s tractors. I will try my hardest to remember you through pictures and memories. I will miss you forever Papa. 

– Leo

 Hi Papa, it’s me Trax. Mama says I’m your little farm boy. I sure liked being in the shop with you, especially when you would set me up on a tractor. Just this week I said “tractor”. Mama thinks maybe you had something to do with that. I think we were a lot alike... I love good music, a tasty cheeseburger and any thing that goes for a drive. Harvest was my favorite  - riding in the combine with my mom every day. I heard you were pretty proud of me for being such a tough little guy. I fit right in with you Papa, I just wish I got more time so I could love you longer. 
 Love you always - Trax 

Remembering Palmer
By Terra Schaefer
Love to Archie
For those that don’t know me, my name is Terra Schaefer and I farm with my son in the Meota Sk. area.
I was told we have no idea how to farm … as it always rains there……..that was an argument I soon gave up on. If you know you know.
Palmer was my best friend, I called him Archie after Archie Bunker and he mostly called me Bessie.
He told me I was a grunter like him, the truth is Palmer made everyone a grunter. You never really had a choice.
The man did not like to be alone so work become a family event. You could usually guarantee there was a picnic thrown in there with a bologna or ham sandwich and definitely a Coke.
When the work was done at the end of the day, we would lay down and watch news together, where we would discuss how the world is so different than when we grew up and pondered where it was going to go and what it would look like for our grandchildren. He was afraid for them.
He shared his love of music with me and we would dance for hours whenever we heard a band we loved.
He took me to places I would never have gone and told me …….don’t ever think you are not good enough to be in any room in the world.
We played Connect 4 for hours, in his shop, on a plane, by the pool, on the beach, with strangers, with friends, with bartenders, maids and grandkids, until he taught me so well he didn’t want to play me anymore because I kicked his butt most times, Our last game we played he told Knox, “I am going to beat her,” and he did and he made sure I knew it.
I loved and cared for him deeply and all those that came with him.
We all know who Palmer is – opinionated, a hard worker, passionate about farming, fun, likes to laugh, have a good time, and always up for a road trip. He was a cool guy he would always say.
But I want to tell you about the man I got to know and care for. The man that loved so fiercely that some times it came out like a roar. His house is filled with toys in the living room, the kitchen, the bedrooms, the basement, the closets, the bathrooms, the tubs, the tractors, his trucks, they’re spread all over the yard and fill the corners of the shop. He loved those grandbabies, they were his everything. Working, playing, bathing, sleeping, he didn’t care, bring them on. Change a dirty diaper you say, easy – straight to the shower they go.
He taught them, how to pick rocks, fix a tractor, drive a vehicle, how waves worked in the ocean, how to drink pop,
eat chips and dip. And be a Jason not a Trina.
He saturated his life with his family and loved being surrounded by them always.
He ate peanut butter and honey every morning and if you look in his pantry, he has honey from all corners of the world. If he made you a toast, you could guarantee you would have it all over your fingers, hands, plate, table, chair, shirt and your hair. You see ….more to Palmer …….meant more love, …FROM Palmer, whether it was honey, Celtic salt, containers from his kitchen he would give away or a cold glass of Jaeger. The more persistent he got about something meant the more love he was expressing.
He was a teacher….., he believed in you… What do you mean you can’t drive a semi, get your ass in there the combines are waiting. And if you’re going to do something do it right make sure it is Palmer approved.
His confidence in what you could achieve was endless, it usually came with an opinion, or two or three, but he believed you could do anything. He would say mind over matter, don’t let something or someone beat you, especially a rock!
His famous blue bar was not just a place of cheer, it was a place of business, where big decisions were made by him, his boys, Steph and their families . . It was a gathering of minds and souls. He would ponder there, his mind never stopped, his brain always fixing one thing or another or tweaking something to make it better, perfect was always the goal. He would look out into his yard from his bar stool, tell me about the trees and the buildings, how he was planting his potatoes this year so they produced better and just wanting good food again.
He was always on the lookout for the perfect Burger, no matter what country we were in . And when he found a good one, he would sit and enjoy it like it was a gourmet meal.
He missed his mom’s cooking till the day he died. He would text Nonnie – do you have this recipe of mom’s, how did mom make this, and he would have given anything for one more day to argue with his dad about some farming detail and then work side by side doing it.
He spent hours talking about his family, friends, and neighbours that were no longer here. It was an ache deep in his soul that they were gone. We would drive around and he would tell me story after story after story of people who farmed the land before him. His mind had never forgotten. Years of memories he would replay over and over. He cared deeply for all those ancestors and was grateful for all their hard work before him.
He was a man of stories and gradually he started telling me about all his shenanigans and pranks he played with and on his buddies. Tears rolled down his cheeks as he could barely get the stories out. He had a great laugh and shared it often.
He was a soft man beneath the tough exterior and had a compassion for people that worked hard just to survive in life. I watched him buy strangers meals where most would walk away, but he would invite them into a restaurant and feed them, no matter how dirty they were or how bad they smelled. He would buy pizza and water for the vendors walking the beach because they were hungry and hot. He even let them choose their preference.
He bought from a lady, every lantern she was selling in Vietnam and made her go get more to support her to the point we had to buy another suitcase.
His generosity was just not for humans it spread over into birds and animals. I watched him try and keep a baby chick alive for a whole day this spring.
He would feed the Roosters in Hawaii, the fish in Bali and had a magpie trained to eat dog food off his bar because you know they were his friends too.
And then there is his Duke, loved beyond words, he would say Duke would never give up on me and I won’t ever give up on Duke. He love wrapped that dog and they were inseparable, each other’s best friend. If you brought Palmer a burger you better not forget Duke needed one too.
Palmer wove a beautiful tapestry through the course of his life, each thread carefully formed by the people he loved, the family he cherished, the friends he met, the experiences he embraced and all that he saw. His influence will continue to shine through his children in the way they live, love and lead, for he taught them well.
But lastly…..he prayed ….every day. He talked to God and made peace with him, thanked him for his life and that he got more than he deserved .
After one of our last trips Palmer said I wish I could blink my eyes and be back in Bali, Hawaii, Vietnam, Philippines, wherever he wanted to go, and then blink them again and be with my family because I miss them so much when I am gone. Then when I am filled with their love I would blink again and find another beach. ……….he paused and said ……..I think that is what heaven will be like.
Dear Archie, my wish for you is that your eyes never get tired of blinking and that you blink your way back to us often so you can love on all of our hearts.
You were my greatest gift when I needed it the most, my dearest friend and a place that felt like home. Like you told all the people we met in Bali ……… if I do not see you again I will meet you up there …………so this is not goodbye ………….but until we meet up there we will hold you in our hearts, love on your babies and cherish the memories made together.

Card of Thanks
Our family gathered for the funeral in honor of our Dad, Palmer Tainsh, at the Lake Road Cemetery at 3 p.m. on May 4, 2026. Wearing our John Deere farm hats, and enduring a cold, windy spring day, we listened as Pastor Darrel Durksen officiated and Gregory’s Funeral Home led us through the ceremony. The songs “More Than I Deserve”, “Enter Sandman” and “ Leave the Light On” were played. The urn was brought to the grave by his grandchildren, riding in a green John Deere wagon made by Dad’s father, Jim Tainsh. Family members laid prairie flowers on his urn and then the eight grandchildren filled his grave with sand from their sand pile that they played on outside “Papa’s shop” and also some dirt from home. Little farm toys were left behind that reminded them of their special times with their “Papa.” We concluded this very special afternoon with many family members, close family friends, and community people at the Consort Hall with a short program, a power point and a delicious beef on a bun (Provost Packers) and luncheon by the Consort Community Funeral Group.
Our family would like to thank the communities for their endless, and most appreciated, outpouring of kindnesses:
Thank you to:
-the ambulance attendants.
-the churches that bowed their heads and asked for healing and hope when Dad was lying in the U of A Hospital in Edmonton.
-the people who came up to Edmonton to support us and to see Dad.
-the people who kept our home fires going.
-the countless texts, visits, calls, emails and hugs from friends, family, and neighbors.
-the food that is arriving daily.
-the people who helped with the chairs and tables, set up and clean up.
-the Community Funeral Group for handling a beautiful supper.

• Provost Packers for their delicious beef and buns (delivered by Brian McNalley).
  -to those who travelled many miles to come join us for his funeral.
  -to Pastor Darrel Durksen for officiating a beautiful service.
  -to Jeremy and staff from Gregory’s Funeral Home for their expertise and guidance.
  -to those who donated to the Ronald MacDonald House Alberta Society or the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation on behalf of our Dad and Papa.
  -and to those who took time to come to be with us for the funeral, the program, power point and the final “farewell party” in honor of our Dad.
  We will be forever grateful for the support and acts of kindness shown to our families during this time of grief.
  If heaven is just a blink away, like Dad hoped it was, then we will continue to feel our Dad’s and our Papa’s guidance and love as we move forward in our lives. We hope we can share our time with others like Dad did, either by taking time for a picnic, playing a game, helping a stranger, or just keeping family close around us. Family togetherness was what Dad wanted most in his life.
  So, on behalf of our family, we want to say how grateful we are to everyone who has stood by us and helped make the last month easier for us to bear.
  With love,
  Mitchell, Krystal Tainsh- Hailey, Carter & Leo
  Brett, Selena Tainsh- Taisley & Traxton
  Stephanie, Danton Berg- Knox, Wells & Eden
  Deanna Tainsh- Mother of their children
  Nonavee, Brent Kary & families
  Dawn, Larry Resch & families
  Terra Schaefer-friend

Peggy Jane Dummett (nee Plautz)
Nov. 11, 1935-April 28, 2026

Peggy Jane Plautz was born on November 11, 1935, in Keephills, Alberta to Albert and Lillie Plautz (nee Wright). She, like her sister Mary before her, and three more sisters after her, was born at home, with the help of neighboring friends with little nursing knowledge. Despite this, everything turned out okay.
In 1936, mom and dad moved from the huge Hearn house to a small log house, near our father’s homestead.
She enjoyed life there, with her four sisters and one brother Albert, until 1949, when Dad sold the homestead and we moved into the hamlet of Keephills, where we were close to the school and general store.
Peggy quit school early and went to Fleet to help her aunt, Myrtle Elliott, who had a new son. Peggy was always the first to volunteer to help anyone in need; when she was about fourteen years old, she helped a neighboring family in which the mother had dropsy. Our father never owned a car or motorized vehicle (not even a tractor) so Peggy would walk the two miles to help the family. After helping her aunt, she got a job at the Coronation Hotel. She probably met Franklin in the hotel having his coffee break! Anyway, they met, courted and were married in Duffield, Alberta, on November 16, 1953, and settled down to life on the farm in Coronation.
Peggy always said that farming was the pits! After a few bad years on the farm, they moved into the town of Coronation with their two sons Bill and Brian, born in 1954 and 1957. Soon Brenda completed the family in 1958. Looking for ‘greener pastures’, with the help of brother-in-law Don Nicolson, they moved to Fort St. John, B.C., where he had a job waiting. There she lived near her sister Dolly Nicolson and family, she was also much closer to two of her sisters, Mary and Ada who lived in Prince George. While in B.C., she took in three year old David Harnaha who became a member of the family and lived with them for three years; he was a joy to her mothering instincts. He remains family to this day. After her children were grown up and on their own, she got a job in the care home. What a perfect job for her! Now she could nurture and care ‘to her heart’s content’ and get paid for it!
While living in Fort St. John in 1982, Peggy was hit by a speeding car while crossing the street in a crosswalk. That ended her care-home work!! Even after many operations, she was never able to walk without a slight limp. The effects of this accident were with her to the end. We will never know just how much she suffered over the years.
When Franklin retired from his job after twenty years in Fort St John, he was bored, so they bought a big house in Drayton Valley where Frank worked for his brother-in-law Bob Mayhew at the G.M Dealership. Now she lived near another sister, Lilly. In Drayton Valley, Peggy found a new way to add more children to her family by running a pre-school. She looked after three girls of varied ages. Franklin had to keep a damper on that operation; she always wanted more children.
Another stint back in Fort St. John, where their son Bill, his wife Karen and their two sons, Byron and Bradley were living, ended his travelling years when they made the final move back to Coronation. There they took an active part in the community, becoming members of the senior club and participating in floor curling, etc. They also spent a few winters in Osoyoos, B.C, where they owned a condo.
Peggy was happy to be near her son Brian and his children Ryan, Corey and Jennifer; daughter Brenda (Don) and their children Becara, Larrissa and Amber. She loved all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren and needed to be a part of their lives. She was willing to listen and give advice whenever needed, maybe even when not needed!
Peggy leaves to mourn her passing: Bill (Karen) Dummett, Brian Dummett and Brenda Gregor (Don Johnson); grandchildren: Byron (Kirsten) Dummett, Bradley (Lindsey) Dummett, Corey (Kayla) Dummett, Jennifer Dummett (Raymond Chassie), Becky (Stephane) Rocque and Amber Johnson; sixteen great grandchildren; sister Lilly Mayhew; other relatives and many dear friends.
Peggy was predeceased by loving husband Frank Dummett; parents Lillie and Albert Plautz; grandson Ryan Dummett; granddaughter Larrissa Nielsen; sisters: Mary (Alfred) Hildebrandt, Ada (Pete) Glomlien, and Dolly (Don) Nicolson; brother Albert (Bea) Plautz; and brother-in-law Bob Mayhew.
Peggy’s life will be marked by her profound love and dedication to her family.
A Celebration of Life was held Saturday, May 16, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at the Evangelical Free Church in Coronation.
Memorial donations in memory of Peggy are gratefully accepted to Paintearth Lodge, P.O. Box 209, Castor, AB. T0C 0X0 or a charity of the donor’s choice.

Jean was born in Coronation and died peacefully 96 years later in Hardisty.
Jean went to University of Alberta for teacher training, spending the rest of her life in the Coronation area.
After graduation, Jean became the sole teacher in the one-room school at Lake Thelma (about 20 miles SW of Coronation). One of her students, Bill Checkel, had an older brother, Mike, who kindly began giving him rides to school. Jean and Mike married July 2, 1949, when Jean was just 19.
In spite of hardships and setbacks, Mike and Jean built a thriving ranch with six beautiful sons. We celebrate their stories of love, courage and resilience as they worked so hard to build us a good life and contribute to our community.
Jean was usually the smartest person in any room. A voracious reader with an amazing memory, she brought the latest technical agricultural practices to the ranch and to her gardens and orchard. These provided wonderful food for the family and even when the kids were grown and moved away, she always sent frozen and canned fruits and vegetables home with them. She won awards at the Coronation Fair every year with her huge onions and large ripe tomatoes as well as other fruits and vegetables. No one could beat her at Upwords or Scrabble unless she let them.
She was a stalwart member of the Federal Friendship Club, a means for local women to connect as well as organizing and catering for community events. She volunteered at the Coronation Assisted Living, where she later resided. Jean was always engaged in productive work. Babies and children received knitted and hand sewn clothes, quilts and blankets. In her later years, she began making toques for charity and provided refugees and others with over 800 hats.
Jean had many hobbies. Well before the days of internet assistance, she traced the lineage of her family back to 1716 in Lebanon, Connecticut, and typed it out on looseleaf paper. She was very organized and kept meticulous records of the cattle as well as births and deaths of relatives and friends. Her recipes were neatly filed. She kept scrapbooks of interesting local events.
Jean always had time for her family and we were loved beyond all measure. Children were encouraged to explore the natural world around them and she was always interested in what they found. Grandchildren were a precious gift and she delighted in their very presence: the smell of them, their tears and laughter, their accomplishments. As we became adults, she listened to us and supported us, offering outright advice only if we asked. Sometimes, upon reflection, we would realize that she had guided us in ways we hadn’t even seen at the time. She welcomed and loved all her daughters-in-law, and they were honoured to call her Mom.
Jean lived well, with strength, kindness and conviction.
Jean is survived by her children: Ken Checkel (Maria Rojo), David (Elisebeth) Checkel, Ron (Tracy) Checkel, and Chris (Sharon) Checkel; grandchildren: Josef Checkel, Juan Checkel, Blanca (Adam) Brodersen, Ernesto Checkel, Katherine (Rob) Boyd, Carol (Chris) Foy, Michael (Jasmyn) Checkel, Ryan Checkel, Pat Checkel (Caitlin Vliet), Tanya (Cody) Johnson, Justin Keays and Matthew Checkel; great grandchildren: Lyra Brodersen, Willa and Ivor Boyd, Evan and Lina Foy, Marek and Quinn Checkel, Reese, Lakyn, Koven and Kyler Johnson; Katherine’s mother Karen Bentley; Carol and Michael’s mother Peggy Donovan, as well as numerous other relatives and many dear friends.
Jean was predeceased by her parents, Egbert and Georgina Griffiths; brothers and sisters: Charles, Ralph, James, Muriel and Anna; dear husband Mike; two sons, Robert and Stan; daughter-in-law Connie.
Jean cherished the memories of beloved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, cousins, aunties, uncles and friends who passed before her.
A Celebration of Life led by Ron Checkel was held on June 20, 2026 at Coronation Community Hall. The processional was “Songs of Life” by Neil Diamond. A eulogy was presented by David Checkel and tributes were given by Ken Checkel, Elisebeth Checkel, as well as Jaron and Lisa Bye. A Walk Down Memory Lane was presented by Matthew Checkel. The recessional was “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver. Interment took place at Coronation Cemetery earlier in the day. A time of sharing memories and a luncheon prepared by the Coronation Ladies followed the service.

Card of Thanks
Jean’s family would like to thank the following: staff at Coronation Designated Supportive Living, Coronation Home Care, Coronation Hospital and Hardisty Hospital. The family appreciates all the visits, support, food, flowers, love and memorial donations on Jean’s behalf.

Marie Caroline Meier
Aug. 16, 1935 – May 16, 2025

Marie Caroline Meier (nee Beier) was born August 16, 1935, in Consort, Alberta to Amelia and Alex Beier. Marie passed away on May 16, 2026, at the age of 90, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital.
A respected wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, businesswoman, and woman of faith, Marie was the eldest of six children, and spent her early life helping to raise her siblings and work on the farm. Her first job was at Robinson Little, a variety store which she eventually purchased and named Meier Variety. She spent most of her life building a family and life in Consort with her husband Bob.
Marie was a dedicated Lions Club member, a longtime Avon lady, and an avid puzzler who often hosted family and friends for meals or even just coffee.
Marie was predeceased by her husband, Bob; daughter, Melinda; brother, Ed; and her parents, Amelia and Alex Beier.
She will be remembered by her children: Rita (Dave), Denise (late Dick), Cheryl (Kel); son-in-law Jerry (husband of the late Melinda); her grandchildren, Tina (Kurt), Tammy (Matt), Jason (Regan), Natalie (Jared), Crystal (Chris), Mitch (Dana), Tyson (Veronica), Erik (Melissa), Joel; great-grandchildren Austin, Hailey, Jaden (Braedon), Aiden, Declan, Kadence, Kaylee, Brooklyn, Edward, Avery, Zoe, Henry, Carter, Jameson, Margot, Charlie; and great-great-grandchildren Oaklynn and Lainey; as well as siblings, Tony (Phyllis), Bernice (John), Pat (Linda), and Maurice (Vicki); and sister-in-law June (wife of the late Ed); along with numerous family members and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial for Marie was held on Friday, May 22, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Consort. Following the service, family and friends gathered for a time of fellowship and refreshments at the Consort Sportex.

Words of Remembrance
– Natalie Day Lazenby &
Tyson Roth
Thank you for coming today to help us celebrate and remember Marie Meier, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, businesswoman, and woman of faith, who passed away to join her husband and daughter in the Lord’s embrace, at the age of 90. Born in Consort,  Marie was the eldest of six children, and spent much of her early life helping to raise her siblings and work on the farm. Marie and her husband Bob also chose to build their lives and raise their family in Consort. 
For most of her life, Marie was a fixture in the community. Her and Bob had four girls, Rita, Denise, Cheryl, and Melinda, and Saturday nights were often frantic and busy trying to get curlers properly set into four energetic little girls’ hair. Marie somehow pulled it off because her girls were always ready with fresh curls for church every Sunday morning. 
For years she ran Meier Variety, and drove the grain truck for her husband Bob during harvest. For even longer she was the community’s Avon lady, a role she filled with dedication. Her grandchildren are believed to hold, among them, a lifetime supply of Avon deodorant and soap on a rope. She gave what she had, and she always had Avon.
Marie was a devout Catholic, a dedicated Lions club member, and an extremely independent woman who never met an answering machine she couldn’t fill with messages wondering why her grandkids never answered their phones. “I don’t know why you kids even have these phones!” 
She loved bingo, gardening, gabbing on the phone, camping in the motorhome, and crocheting blankets for all her grandkids. 
Marie believed in Scotch tape the way she believed in God and the pope: totally and completely. Scotch tape was her fix-it cure for anything and everything – even her beloved Last Supper art was Scotch taped together. So nobody was surprised when we found an entire drawer full of tape as we cleaned out her room earlier this week.  
Marie was also known for how diligently she recorded birthdays and anniversaries in her journal so that she never missed a birthday, even as her list grew to include all the people who married into the family, and all the babies, and the babies’ babies. 
Marie’s familial responsibilities were important to her and she spent many years taking care of her mother, and fulfilling the role of the reliable oldest sister by hosting family events and spearheading reunions, where she was always up for participating in activities and tolerating her family’s vigorous dancing and off-key singing. 
She was devoted to her husband Bob, which those who knew them both found remarkable, given that Bob had a well-documented sense of humour and Marie, as her family can confirm, did not. Or at least she kept her sense of humour concealed behind a look that suggested she had heard the joke before and had not found it funny the first time. And yet Bob and Marie fit together. 
In her later years, Marie made her home in Red Deer, where she became a regular Farmer’s Market shopper, and a very frequent presence at the Golden Circle, where she both volunteered and attended activities. When she wasn’t volunteering, she loved walking to the splash park to watch the kids play, or attending her great-grandkids sports games and dance performances. She’d even make the drive out to Sylvan Lake, just sit on the swing and watch Denise and Dick work in their yard. 
At her condo, she served on the decorating committee, completed puzzles with her fellow residents, and engaged in what can only be described as “spirited” negotiations about where the finished puzzles should be displayed. She also maintained a dedicated photo room for preserving the most unflattering graduation and wedding photos of her family, a collection she displayed with pride.
Marie’s home was a lively place, filled with chime clocks on the wall, chirping birds in the fridge, and various other small objects that beeped, sang, or announced themselves without warning. She never smoked a day in her life, but she was a committed advocate for the rights of those who did, even encouraging her grandsons not to quit. 
In ninety years, she never looked at a computer screen and was openly hostile to the idea we sometimes floated that maybe she should get a cell phone. And every power outage was essentially a family emergency requiring at least one grandchild to come over to reset her digital clocks and sort out her television to be sure she could still record The Young and the Restless. 
Marie had nine grandchildren (who called her G-Bob), as well as 16 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. She forced something into her grandkids hands every time they stopped for a visit — trinkets, Avon products, Tupperware, scotch-taped Christmas decorations, and various heirlooms. And she always had a small box of Smarties in her pocket for the little ones. 
Her grandchildren will always try to replicate her famous “green stuff” dessert and will always remember her claim that she only ever had two beers in her entire life. And maybe a few rye and gingers. We will miss all the times she called us just to chat, and see if we worked yesterday, or today, or will be working tomorrow or the next day, or the day after that. 
We are grateful for our memories of G-Bob hosting “grandkids only” Easter and Christmas gatherings where one year, a great-grandchild was nearly born right there in the middle of supper. And we can’t end these remarks without mentioning the giant, toddler-sized doll that rode around strapped into the backseat of G-Bob’s green car, for years and years, as she drove around Central Alberta listening to recordings of hymns on her cassette deck. Travelling with G-Bob was always a good time. 
To close, we’d like to thank the staff at the Red Deer Regional Hospital for their patience, and the staff at Villa Marie for their care in her last years. 
We will miss our G-Bob, a woman who lived by the values of taking care of your loved ones, working hard, living simply, and for heaven’s sake, answering your damn phone.

Donald Leslie Homan
Oct. 3, 1935 – June 18, 2026

Donald Leslie Homan was born on October 3, 1935 in Coronation, Alberta to William and Azie Homan. They lived in Ponoka, Stettler and Veteran, where Don met Ivy and they were married in 1955.
In 1956, their first of four daughters, Georgia, was born. Debbie followed in 1957, Barb in 1959 and Connie in 1963. Les was born in 1967 and Lorne in 1969, completing the family of six children.
In 1970, the family moved from Veteran to Cereal, where they lived for two years, before moving to Calgary in 1972. In 1980, Don, Ivy, Connie, Les and Lorne moved north to the Peace River country.
As empty nesters, Don and Ivy planned and built a log home on their own, which they took great pride in.
In Don’s early years, he worked on a seismic crew in Alberta and British Columbia. When the family started growing, he worked with his father running a trucking company in Veteran, then a local garage. When he moved to Cereal, he started long haul trucking, which he loved for many years and continued driving the big rigs when they moved to Calgary. When he moved to the Peace Country, he traded in the big rig for a school bus, and he and Ivy raised Hereford cattle, along with various other farm animals.
Once retired, Don and Ivy travelled to many places, including all parts of Canada, the USA, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska and a few cruises.
Throughout their marriage, Don and Ivy enjoyed socializing, dining and dancing and continued that passion while they physically could. Music was always a part of their home. Another huge passion was rodeos, taking their kids to all local rodeos and once the kids were grown, they continued to attend any rodeos or stampedes they could, even taking in the Canadian Finals Rodeo and on at least one occasion, the National Finals Rodeo in Las Vegas.
Don passed away peacefully in Lee Crest, Cardston, Alberta on June 18, 2026.
He is survived by the love of his life, Ivy, and his daughters, Georgia (Ray), Debbie (Jerry), Barb, Connie (Dale), daughters-in-law, Jenny and Mira, and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his parents, William and Azie, his siblings, Margaret, David and Darlene, his sons, Les and Lorne, sons-in-law, Mike, Odean and Al, and great-grandson, TJ.
To watch the service or send condolences, please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca
Legacy Funeral Homes Ltd., Cardston assisting the Family.

Jack Reynolds
May 4, 1944 – June 18, 2026

Jack was born May 4, 1944 and raised on a farm at Miniota, Manitoba. He passed away on June 18, 2026, peacefully with his family at his side. He will be buried at his home town on July 25th near his son James.
Jack began his career in banking in Miniota. In those days bankers started their training as a teller and worked their way up the ladder. Jack’s first management position was in Thompson, Manitoba. After six months there, he was transferred to Minto, Manitoba. In 1976, he was moved to northern Alberta with his wife and family to a rural branch in Hines Creek.
Jack was raised on a farm and wanted to specialize in agricultural banking. He managed branches in Ponoka, Westlock, and Alix before coming to Consort. He continued his career in rural banking for 35 years until his retirement in 1999 in Consort where he had worked for 8 years.
Jack was an honest, friendly, sincere man with a wonderful sense of humor. He enjoyed his morning coffee times with the men, as well as golfing and being involved with the community. He was a member of the Consort town council for several years.
He will be deeply missed by his wife Mary and daughter Jackie from Kelowna, B.C.; his brother Ken, brother-in-law Tully and wife Arlene Hatch; sister-in-law Joan Hatch; nieces; nephews and cousins.

Dennis Herbert Vert
Sept. 1, 1933 – June 25, 2026

Dennis Herbert Vert was born on September 1, 1933, in Consort, Alberta, to Luther and Dorothy Vert. He was the oldest of a set of twins, alongside his brother Dave, and grew up with his siblings Joyce, Glen, Melvin, and Violet.
Dennis passed away peacefully at the Provost Long Term Care Centre on June 25, 2026, at the age of 92 years. He had been a resident there since breaking his hip on New Year’s Day, 2026. The staff enjoyed having Dennis in their care, remembering him as a kind, pleasant man who loved to visit with everyone.
Dennis will be lovingly remembered by his daughter, Bonnie (Brett); his grandchildren, Ryan (Robyn), Cassie (Ryan), Connor, and Emilee (Ali); and his great-grandchildren, Arianna, Finnley, Piper, Nora, and Ava. He is also survived by his siblings, Dave (Dehlia), Joyce (Ilef), Glen (Harriet), and Melvin, along with numerous extended family members and friends.
He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Jean, in 2000; his sister-in-law, Marg, in 2019; and his sister, Violet, in 2024.
Dennis was raised in the Kirriemuir area and attended Dry Lake School, a one-room schoolhouse, until Grade 8. He then left school to help his family on the farm. In 1959, Dennis purchased his own farm, beginning a lifetime devoted to agriculture.
In 1971, Dennis married Jean Plested, who had a young daughter, Bonnie. He proudly adopted Bonnie and loved her as his own. Farming was more than a career for Dennis, it was a way of life. Even after Jean’s passing in 2000, he continued grain farming until retiring approximately seven years ago. Though he eventually stepped away from grain farming, he kept a small herd of cattle for a few more years before fully retiring around 2021.
Retirement suited Dennis well. He enjoyed puttering around the farm, relaxing in his favourite chair, stopping by the Kirriemuir General Store for tea, and spending many mornings sharing coffee and conversation with Glen.
A funeral service will be held at a later date.

Margaret Mavis Scott (nee Paulson) ‘Mavis’ 
Aug. 2, 1933 – June 28, 2026

It is with broken hearts we announce the passing of our beloved Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, Aunt, sister-in-law, and friend to all. 
Mom was born at home in Veteran, Alberta, to Peter and Gertrude Paulson, on August 2nd, 1933. She left us peacefully on June 28th, 2026, in Peace Arch Hospital, in White Rock, B.C. 
She was the youngest of five children.  She was pre-deceased by her siblings, Frances, Juanita, Bill and Everett. As well as her husband of 66 years, Charlie, and three step-children, Lorraine, Greg, and Gail. 
She is survived by  her four children, Charleen, Gary (Shelley), Paul (Caroline), and Donna (Len). Also three step-children, Sharron, Jackie (Arthur), and  Janice (Larry).  She will be greatly missed by her eleven grandchildren, and eleven great-grandchildren. 
Mom enjoyed her jig-saw puzzles, word puzzles online, Face Book and crossword puzzles. She loved watching her beloved Blue Jays on TV, and Jeopardy! 
Friday afternoon Happy Hours were her favourite, with whoever happened to drop by. 
We shall miss her forever. 
Celebration of Life to follow.

Elizabeth Frances Rockey “Betty”
April 16, 1948 – Aug. 17, 2026

Elizabeth Frances Rockey was born in Consort, Alberta, on April 16, 1948, to Vernon and Gertrude Doherty. She and her twin brother, William, were the youngest of four children. Together, the twins were lovingly known as “Billy and Betty,” a nickname that stayed with her throughout her life.
Betty married the love of her life, Ronald Rockey, on October 12, 1968. Together, they welcomed their two children, Tara and Trevor, in Calgary. In 1985, the family moved to the Edmonton area, where Betty and Ron ran Par-Tee Golf. They later returned to Consort, where Betty continued to make a lasting impact on her community.
Betty shared her love of dance with generations of young people, teaching alongside her daughter, Tara, until the most recent dance season. Affectionately known as “Mrs. Rockey” by her students, she cherished every moment spent with the young dancers and took great pride in watching them learn, grow, and find joy through dance.
After a short but courageous battle with cancer, Betty passed away peacefully on August 17, 2026, at the Consort Hospital, surrounded by her family.
Betty will be forever loved and deeply missed by her children, Tara (Brad) Fawcett and Trevor (Sherry) Rockey; her four grandchildren, Taylor (Cole) Zoschke, Brooke Fawcett, Shailyn Rockey, and Mylah Rockey; her great-grandson, Hayes Zoschke; as well as many other relatives, friends, and all of the dance students whose lives she touched.
Betty was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ron, in December 2019; her parents, Vernon and Gertrude Doherty; her twin brother, Billy Doherty and sister-in-law Rose; her brother, Jim Doherty; and her sister, Pat Boyd and brother-in-law Wayne.
A Celebration of Life was held at Consort Sportex Hall on Friday, August 28th. Words of Remembrance were given by Sandy Kelts followed by Special Tributes by Taylor Zoschke, Brooke Fawcett and Tara Fawcett. A Musical Tribute, Hallelujah by k.d. lang, was played, followed by a Slideshow of Memories. After the service, a luncheon was held where friends and family gathered for a time of fellowship and sharing memories.
If friends and family so desire, memorial donations may be made in Betty’s memory to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Remembering
Elizabeth Betty Rockey
– Sandy Kelts
Good afternoon my name is Sandy Kelts and I would like to thank all of you for joining us today as we come together to celebrate the life of Elizabeth Betty Rockey. Following the service we will ask you to join the family for refreshments and remembrance.
On behalf of Betty’s family, thank you for being here to remember her, to honor her and to share in the memories of a very special woman.
Betty was named Elizabeth Frances Doherty at birth. She and her twin brother were known as Billy and Betty. Betty would go on to be known by many names throughout her life – Elizabeth, Betty, Mom, Mrs. Rockey, Gram and of course the Rock. But those names only begin to tell the story of who Betty was.
Throughout her life, Betty filled so many different roles. She was a daughter, wife, sister, mother, grandmother, a teacher, mentor, caregiver, partner and a friend. And in every one of these roles, she gave so much of herself to the people she loved.
Betty’s family were very musical, and she grew up in a household surrounded with music and dance. Her early years were spent in Consort, where she loved to dance and teach dance before moving to the big city to live with her sister Pat. There she met and married Ronald Rockey in 1968. They spent much of their married life between Calgary and Edmonton, before they made their final move to Consort.
Betty and Ron were blessed with two children, Tara and Trevor. Tara showed an early inclination toward dance and Betty and Ron encouraged and supported her every step of the way. And from that early beginning a career was born. The dance studio truly became a family affair. Tara and Betty taught, while Ron renovated, built, fixed and created endless props. Both Betty and Ron spend countless hours supporting Tara, her family and her business.
Betty once told me that she felt that Trevor had more natural ability as a dancer than Tara. Although dance wasn’t the path Trevor chose, he found his own passion in hockey and golf – much to Ron’s delight, I’m sure.
Betty was incredibly proud of her grandchildren and loved that each of them had found their own passion. Taylor followed in the family tradition and chose dance. Brooke took to the ice as a goalie. While Shailyn and Mylah found their passion in cheer.
Each of them worked hard and achieved success in their chosen fields. Betty loved nothing more than talking about them and sharing their accomplishments. She took great joy in watching them grow, pursue their passions and become the people they are today.
Betty was very pleased when Taylor and Shailyn chose careers in Health Care and Brooke in Education. She admired their dedication to caring and teaching others – perhaps because teaching and caring for others was something Betty understood so well herself.
Hayes, her new great grandson, was just the icing on the cake. Every new photo of him was shared, so we could all admire how sweet he truly was.
Those who knew her best, knew how deeply she cared, and how far she would go to make sure the people in her life were looked after.
That essentially was Betty. She was strong when you needed strength, caring when you needed comfort and always there when someone needed her.
I had the privilege of knowing Betty for 30 years. She taught my daughter Jalisa and granddaughter Reese to dance. She even taught me in an adult dance group for a couple of years. Teaching the adult class she remarked was more stressful than teaching her 4-year-olds. In that time, I came to know well the woman who her students called Mrs. Rockey or the Rock. And on the surface that name did fit her until you got to know her.
Mrs. Rockey, could be tough, and she certainly had high standards. She expected students to work hard, and she wasn’t afraid to point out when something wasn’t quite right. But if you took the time and looked a little deeper you saw the biggest marshmallow heart.
Mrs. Rockey loved the littlest dancers and even as her health declined, she refused to give up teaching them. She loved to watch them learn, grow, gain confidence and discover the love of dance. She had a way of encouraging them to be better while letting them know she believed in them. After any competition you would see the students come to the audience to catch Mrs. Rockey’s eye. They wanted to know how she felt their performance had gone. Her approval was important to them. A thumbs up from Mrs. Rockey always brought a smile.
Betty had an eye for dance. She could watch Tara’s choreography and see the little things that needed fixing – timing, the spacing – she could see all the details. With her cleaning and Tara’s choreography they were a huge success. At every competition we heard Adjudicators say how clean the performance had been. This could be contributed to Betty’s keen eye.
I believe that Betty’s greatest gift wasn’t teaching dance. She taught her students they could achieve by working hard, continually trying and taking pride in what they were doing. And this is the mark of a true teacher. Betty was also a caregiver in the truest sense of the word. She cared for her mother, her husband and other family members and she did it with the same determination and devotion she brought to everything. She went above and beyond to make sure the people she loved were looked after, supported and never left to face things alone. Betty gave so much of herself to her family, her students and her friends. Caring for others wasn’t something she did; it was a huge part of who she truly was.
I will miss our Friday afternoons when we would sit together and discuss the events of the week. There was always plenty to talk about and we might even partake in a beverage or two. As Uncle Harold always said, “You can’t fly with only one wing”.
When I would go to her house, I would often find her in her kitchen listening and swaying to old time music. Dance and music were truly in her DNA. Occasionally, I would find Betty enjoying one of her guilty pleasures – Judge Judy. The Rock and Judy had much in common.
I will miss Betty’s quiet wisdom, her ability to listen and perhaps most of all, her ability to tell me when I was being an idiot – sometimes this was unsolicited but often something I needed to hear. She had a way of seeing things clearly and I valued her honesty, her perspective and her friendship more than I can say. I found this quote and thought it was appropriate. “The music may have stopped for her but the dance she started in all of us will continue”.
Special Tribute
– Brooke Fawcett
I’m not used to speaking in front of our community in this sort of setting and quite frankly, not in front of a crowd this big… there are usually a few bright lights that drown out all your faces. Usually, right before I go on to MC after the first curtain, on the first night of recital, Gram and I will be standing in the back room of the school, and she will be giving me a little pep talk. That pep talk usually goes, “okay Brooke, now don’t talk too fast or the old people can’t understand you… but also don’t talk too slow because I don’t want people to think you’re dumb.” 
My first thought through all of this has been: how do you say goodbye to someone who has impacted your life so much and how do you say goodbye to someone that you love so much. 
Throughout our lives Gram was the dance teacher everyone knew, loved, and admired, but to us… we were lucky enough to just call her, Gram — Gram was our biggest supporter, gave us the best advice, she would give us a kick in the butt when we needed it most, but the best thing of all… she was our very best friend. 
Gram taught us far beyond the basic life skills a lot of other normal kids get to learn about, she dug much deeper. She helped raise us into the humans we are today. Gram taught us kindness, respect, responsibility, how to have a good time, and how to love. Every lesson she taught us is something we will all carry forward to keep her beautiful spirit shining.
As I’m sure most of you know, I was the grandkid who could push her buttons the most. Whether she liked it or not, most of the time not, that’s what our relationship was. I was often named her “problem child.” I would throw beer caps from one side of the kitchen to the other trying to land it in her cup, build towers with anything I could find on the kitchen counter, stand behind her and blow on her hair, light toothpicks on fire with the candle… and what I would give up for just one more chance to hear her say “Brooke…” with that unmatchable glare she had.
One of the main reasons I wanted to become a teacher was because I saw the impact my mom and gram had on the young kids that came into the studio and how that translated into their everyday life. She taught me that every small act you may do, someone is always watching and learning from you — so, be a leader, be thoughtful, respectful, and think about your actions. Gram gave me so much more advice on teaching within these last few months and each of those conversations we had is advice that I will carry with me forever and I hope I can make her proud.  
I love you to the moon and back Gram. I wish I could have one more hug, one more conversation, and I will always look for you waving in the kitchen window… say hi to Grandan and Cassidy for me up there. 
Special Tribute
– Taylor Zoschke
When I think about my Gram, it’s hard to put into words exactly what she was to me.
She was my confidant. My dance teacher. One of my best friends. She was the person I could tell things to, the person I talked to every single day, and, when I needed it, the person who could give me one hell of a lecture. 
Gram was strong. She was firm, and she wasn’t afraid to tell you exactly what you needed to hear. But underneath that strength was someone incredibly nurturing, loving, and gentle. She had this way of making you feel cared for while also pushing you to be better, stronger, and more capable than you thought you were. 
I’ve recently moved back to Consort, and I’ll be teaching at the studio. This is something that feels incredibly special and, honestly, a little intimidating. Because I know the standard that I’m trying to live up to. I hope that one day I can be half the teacher Gram was. She taught so much more than dance. She taught confidence, resilience, and how to believe in yourself. I hope I can carry even a little bit of that into my own teaching. 
One of the hardest things since losing her has been realizing how often I still instinctively look for her. 
Every time something good happens, she is one of the people I want to tell. When Hayes finally eats something, I want to tell Gram. When I have a new photo of him, by habit I go to send it to her. When a new day comes, I think “I better go in for a visit with Gram.” There are so many little moments where my first thought is still, and will always be, “I need to tell Gram.”
And I wish more than anything that she could have had more time with Hayes. I wish she could have watched him grow a little more, gotten to know his personality, and given him the same love and guidance that she gave all of us.
But I know that what she gave me doesn’t end with her. I carry her with me – in the way I teach, in the way I love, in the way I try to show up for the people who matter to me. I carry her strength and her resilience. And I hope that, as I move forward, I can become even a little more like the woman she was. 
Gram, I wish I had more time. More conversations. More dances. More lectures. More things to tell you. But I’m so incredibly lucky that I got to have you as my Gram – and even luckier that I got to have you as my friend.
I love you. I miss you. And I’ll keep looking for you in all the good things, because I know you’ll always be there in some way. Thank you for everything you taught me. I promise I’ll carry it forward. 

Special Tribute
– Tara Fawcett
Today I am standing here trying to find the words to say goodbye to someone who was more than just my mom. She was the first person I said good morning to and the last one I said goodnight to. She was my best friend, my safe place, my biggest supporter, the person I would call when I needed advice, when I had something exciting to share or simply needed a kick in the butt!!
We didn’t just share a family, we shared dreams and ideas. We created a place filled with music, laughter, little dancers, big dancers, proud parents, rehearsals, performances, long days and a home away from home.
There were countless hours that we would be working side by side, figuring things out, making decisions and celebrating our successes and possibly having a difference of opinions. But those are the moments I treasure now because I would give anything to have one more ordinary day at the studio with you! 
One more conversation about a group
One more laugh or cry between classes
One more time to play good cop bad cop
One more time I could ask do you like this song
One more performance together
One more disagreement
One more moment where I could look up and see her sitting center back in the audience 
And one more moment sitting beside her knowing that we were creating something amazing together!
The studio wasn’t only something we built together but so much more. You taught me that you don’t just teach someone to dance…..you help them find confidence, courage, joy and a sense of belonging. You made me believe I could do things I didn’t think I could do, and believed in me before I believed in myself.  You taught me strength, determination and heart.
Losing you means losing the person I called first and the person I saw everyday of my life! I will hear you in the music. I will see you in the studio.  I will feel you in every student who walks through the doors and every dancer who finds a little more confidence because of what we created.  
Mom…. Thank you for believing in me, for pushing me, for standing beside me, building a dream and most of all loving me. I wish I could have one more dance with you, one more conversation, one more hug and one more day!!
I am so grateful that I got to be your daughter and your best friend. Thank you for dancing through life with me. 
I love you Mom!! And wherever I go, whatever I build or whatever comes next, a part of you will always be dancing by my side…. Please leave me lots of signs!!

Lilly Elizabeth (Beck) Kary
Aug. 12, 1934 – Aug. 18, 2026

Lilly Elizabeth (Beck) Kary was born on August 12, 1934, to Max and Elsie Beck of Throne, Alberta.
Lilly spent her early years on the family farm before the Beck family moved to the Hemaruka area and the old Devereux farm. It was there that Lilly began attending Lawrence School alongside her older sister, Ruth, and younger brother, Gordon.
Following the war, the family moved to Veteran, where a home was purchased for Grandma and the three children while they attended school. A milk cow and chickens came along too, providing food for the family and making their home on the property where the Veteran Auction Mart now stands. Her parents continued farming until 1960, when they retired to Ponoka.
After finishing school, Lilly met a local man, William “Bill” Kary. The two were married in April 1953 and began building a life and family together.
Lilly and Bill welcomed eight children: Bruce, Brent (Nonavee), Dale (Debbie), Sylvia (Larry), Douglas, Teresa (Dan), Maxine (Al) and Jayme. Together, they spent approximately 25 years operating a busy mixed farm. If it could be grown, raised or built, chances are they did it. There was grain and cattle, hogs and chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese, a small dairy and, of course, enormous gardens every year. It was a life built around hard work, family and making the most of what they had.
In 1978, Lilly and Bill made a smaller move to the old Rolls place, about one kilometre east of Veteran. Life on the farm slowed somewhat as their older children began leaving home and starting families of their own. Before long, grandchildren began arriving, bringing a whole new kind of life to the farm.
Lilly’s grandchildren were Scott, Ellyse (Kyle) and Blake (Kayla), children of Brent and Nonavee; Logan (Kaylea), Megan (Steve), Darcie (Rebecca) and Jake (Brettney), children of Dale and Debbie; Shelby (Louis) and Kimberly (Brandon), children of Sylvia and Larry; and Ethan and Griffin, children of Maxine (Al).
The farm became a special place for her grandchildren, who spent countless hours there and left with a lifetime of memories.
Lilly and Bill were also blessed with 14 great-grandchildren: Harper and Beckem, children of Scott; Natalie, Hudson, Koen and Spenser, children of Ellyse; Daxton and Kadin, children of Blake; Brielle, daughter of Megan; William and Jack, children of Jake; and Louie and Miller, children of Shelby.
Lilly was deeply connected to her community throughout her life. She was an active member of the Women’s Institute (WI) and an involved member of the United Church. She believed in being part of the community around her and contributing wherever she could.
Many in the area will remember Lilly for her baking. The local auction mart served countless pies made by her hands, and Lilly once shared around the kitchen table that she had made approximately 5,500 pies over the years. Her door was always open to anyone who stopped by, usually with an invitation for coffee and a piece of pie or chocolate cake. That generosity and hospitality were simply part of who Lilly was. Family, neighbours and friends knew there was always room at her table.
The farm east of Veteran remained part of Lilly’s life right until the end and was being rented and farmed by her grandson Blake at the time of her passing. Even more remarkably, Lilly was able to remain in her family home for the rest of her life, living independently and, as she always had, on her own terms.
Lilly was predeceased by her husband, Bill, in April 2009, and her sister, Ruth, in January 2015.
She leaves behind a family spanning generations, a farm filled with memories, and a community that was made a little warmer by her open door, a pot of coffee and, more often than not, a piece of homemade pie.
At Lilly’s request, there will be no funeral service. Her immediate family will gather for a private burial at the Veteran Cemetery.
Donations in memory of Lilly are gratefully accepted to Coronation Hospital Foundation: cheques made payable to ‘CHC Foundation’, Bag 500, Coronation, Alberta, T0C 1C0.

Laurie Roesler
Nov. 6, 1954 – Sept. 2, 2026

The family of Laurie Dean Roesler is deeply saddened to announce his unexpected passing on September 2, 2026.
Born November 6, 1954, Laurie was the fourth of eight children. He grew up on the Roesler family farm just east of Compeer, a place he developed a lifelong connection to. The family farm held a special place in his heart, and he continued to return throughout his life. He was always proud of his roots and where he came from, and was always eager to pull out a photo album and share stories.
As a young man, Laurie left the small-town life for Calgary in search of new opportunities and ended up building a family of his own. While living in Calgary, he enjoyed playing hockey and slow-pitch, curling, fishing, and jogging. In the early 2000s, Laurie decided to leave the city life behind and make his home in Sundre, where he eventually retired.
Laurie embraced life in Sundre, finding ways to give back to his community such as becoming a proud member of the Sundre Volunteer Search and Rescue Society and forming many meaningful friendships, including a special friendship with Jeff and Tammy Plemel. He took great pride in his garden and could often be found tending to his plants, even if the occasional batch of potatoes turned out a little “scabby.” He also cherished the enduring friendship of his childhood friend, Don Noble, and his wife, Carol.
Above all, Laurie treasured time with his family. Family get-togethers brought him immense joy, and he was always drawn back to the family farm, which held a special place in his heart.
Laurie was predeceased by his parents, Shirley and Elvin Roesler.
He will be lovingly remembered by his sons, Jason, Kyle, and Robert; their partners, Mariel, Jessica, and Louise; and his five grandchildren, Liam and Ben, Everly and Nathan, and Connor. He is also survived by his siblings, Karen, Dale, Gwen, Eldon, Randy, Gail, and Shirleen, as well as his nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Details will be announced when arrangements have been finalized.

Betty (Elizabeth) Strankman
Dec. 4, 1925 – Sept. 7, 2026

Betty (Elizabeth) Strankman died peacefully on September 7, 2026. She was predeceased by her husband Gordon Strankman.
Betty is survived by her children: Richard, Douglas and Lorna. Her younger brother Donald of Saskatoon, also survives her.
In the earlier years of living on a farm near Loverna, Betty was active in the neighboring communities, drove school bus and taught at Altario School. Aside from those responsibilities she was also a very loving wife, mother, aunt and went on to become a most adored Grandma and Great Grandma. After Gordon’s death, Betty retired from the farm to Red Deer where she continued to fulfill the rest of her life.
There will not be a formal funeral service; instead a graveside memorial. Details of that future date can be obtained from any of the family members.

Walter Henry Hudson
April 24, 1935 – Sept. 9, 2026

Wally was born on April 24, 1935 in Calgary, chosen son of Molly and Fred Hudson of Puffer, Alberta. He attended school at Fairfield, Bonny Doone, and Brownfield.
Wally worked various jobs before taking on apprenticeship in Alliance at Kueffler’s garage. This apprenticeship took him to Calgary, Oyen, Rocky Mountain House, and Ponoka. After completion of his apprenticeship, in 1961, he took a job at Stettler Motors.
Wally met Harriette Friedli at her cousin’s wedding dance in Botha. After a short courtship, the two were married in August 1964. He continued to work at Stettler Motors until 1966, when he and Harriette made the move to the big city lights of Calgary. There he worked for Stampede Motors and enrolled in SAIT for his second class welding certificate. The following year he enrolled in Heavy Duty Mechanics, receiving his tradesman certificate in 1968.
In the fall of 1968, Harriette’s father Fred expressed a desire to return to Switzerland for the first time since he immigrated to Canada in 1925, forty three years earlier. Wally and Harriette had been helping around the farm as they could, but it was time for them to step up to the plate and begin farming full time. During the 70’s, they hosted many agricultural exchange students from Switzerland. He continued to farm for forty five years, raising cattle and grain. Working with the Paintearth Gas Co-op, he helped introduce natural gas to rural areas. He became a director on the Board of the co-op, a position he held for more than twenty years.
Winter recreation consisted of curling in Botha, initially on natural ice at the rink, and bonspiels throughout central Alberta.
In later years, when he wasn’t relaxing at his lakeside retreat in Rochon Sands, he enjoyed trailering to parts of the U.S., especially visiting his friends in Oklahoma for the peanut harvest. He was an active member of the Central Alberta Vintage Auto Club with his 1929 Dodge car, and his 1960’s Cadillacs.
For many, many years Wally always had a faithful companion beagle or basset hound as his copilot in his farm trucks and tractors. He was a quiet man, but he had a quick wit and dry sense of humor all his friends appreciated.
Walter leaves to mourn his devoted wife of sixty-two years, Harriette Hudson; brother Robert “Bob” (Dorothy); special niece Aleah (Chris) Longshore Farmer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families and many friends!
Wally was predeceased by his parents Fred and Molly Hudson; his in-laws Fred and Frieda Friedli; brothers Vernon and Edward; sister Alice; and his brother and sister in law Donald and Bertha Longshore.
A Celebration of Life was held Friday, September 18, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at Stettler United Church, Stettler, Alberta.
Memorial donations may be made to – Woodland Botha Cemetery, c/o Box 224, Botha, AB. T0C 0N0 or to Stettler United Church, Box 1027, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0.
Condolences may be sent to the family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.
Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

Floyd Gramlich
Feb. 7, 1946 – Sept. 15, 2026

Floyd John Gramlich of Red Deer, Alberta passed away at the Red Deer Regional Health Center on Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at the age of 80 years.
Floyd had written his own obituary to capture his life in his own words.
My parents had a small farm a short distance south of Major, Saskatchewan, and I was born at the nearest hospital in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan on February 7, 1946. A few short years later, I think I was four, my farming days ended and our family moved west to the border town of Compeer, Alberta where Dad went to work with CPR. It was there I started school, and in 1955, Dad was transferred a few more miles west to Altario, Alberta.
Immediately after completion of high school, I started my career in banking at Royal Bank of Canada in Consort, Alberta, and over more than three decades transferred throughout Alberta, a few years in central, northern, and the island in British Columbia, and back again to many more towns and cities in Alberta. After banking I finished off my working years doing seismic mapping for oil companies, throughout Alberta, southern Saskatchewan, and western Manitoba.
This was all cut short in my mid-fifties with the onset of MS in early 2001. I had the kind of MS that got progressively worse over the years, then in 2021 the old heart started giving me problems, and in 2022 after a bad bout of covid, more problems came my way with bronchial and lung issues.
My parents died some years ago, Dad in 1983 and Mom in 2006, also a sister in 1977. My family now is my daughter, Lynette (Dave) and grandkids, Olivia and Dylan, and my daughter, Jenice (Tom), as well as some sibling family members and spouses who were with me all the way through this rough journey with their love and support, and I acknowledge my few old friends.
I had a life full of ups and downs, a good share of each, and now as you read this, I’m in the midst of some leisurely travels along some of west-central Alberta’s magnificent waterways…
At my request there will be no service or gathering. To those who care, just remember our time together….

 If desired, Memorial Donations in Floyd’s honor may be made to the MS Society of Canada at www. mscanada.ca. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.  Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home & Crematorium, Red Deer. 

Gordon Emerson Heatherington
Feb. 2, 1941 – Sept. 18, 2026

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gordon Emerson Heatherington in Red Deer, Alberta, at the age of 85.
Gordon was born on February 2, 1941, in Cereal, Alberta, to George and Sadie Heatherington. He was raised on the family farm in Sedalia, where he developed the love of farming and the land that would remain such an important part of his life.
On July 15, 1963, Gordon married the love of his life, Carole, in Compeer, Alberta, followed by a dance at the Altario Hall. Together they began their life in a small house in Consort, Alberta.
When Gordon’s father passed away in 1965, Gordon purchased the family farm and continued the Heatherington farming tradition. Always willing to work hard and take on a challenge, he also continued his work in Consort, managing the Imperial Oil bulk fuel station and also buying and selling machinery for Kroeger Brothers during the winters.
Gordon was also deeply involved in his community during his life. He volunteered with the Kinsmen, helped rebuild the Consort arena and also served on the Consort Town Council during a period of growth within the community. He believed in being involved and helping where he could.
An athlete at heart, Gordon had a passion for baseball, curling and the occasional hockey team. Some of his sporting highlights included playing with the Sounding Creek Oldtimers baseball team, being part of a regional Brier-winning curling team, and managing the Consort Oldtimers hockey crew.
In 1980, Gordon, Carole and family moved to the home quarter by Sedalia. Gordon built a new house and continued to grow both the farming and ranching operations. He appreciated the hardships that came with farming—there were bumper crops and there were many difficult years—but through it all, he continued to expand the acres farmed and the size of his cattle herd.
One of Gordon’s proudest accomplishments came in 2010, when the family celebrated 100 years of the Heatherington family owning and operating the original farming homestead. It was a milestone that meant a great deal to him and represented the family history and farming heritage he had worked so hard to preserve.
Gordon and Carole officially retired from farming in 2014 and headed back to Consort to enjoy their golden years.
Gordon and Carole worked hard, but they also played hard. They enjoyed time with many friends in Consort and those along the Sedalia Correction Line, sharing stories, laughter and making memories.
Family was at the centre of Gordon’s life. He was immensely proud of his children and the successful careers they built, both in their communities and in Alberta’s health and oilfield sectors. He taught them the rewards of hard work—and, as the family would happily admit, occasionally the hard lessons that come from poor decisions.
Gordon enjoyed a good debate, especially around the kitchen table with family and friends and usually with a rye and coke close at hand. Somehow, many of those debates ended with the person who had been arguing against Gordon’s original position finding themselves defending it instead. Gordon seemed to have a particular talent for turning the tables.
He especially loved watching his grandchildren grow up and play together at the farm. Seeing them become adults and build families of their own was a source of tremendous pride and happiness. His family eventually grew to include 14 great-grandchildren, giving him even more people to love and watch over.
Gordon will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Carole; his children, Twighla and Kyle Christianson, Wesley and Cindy Heatherington, and Joan Heatherington; his grandchildren Rachel and Luke Ruschowski, Sasha and Jason Farand, Matthew and Emily Heatherington, Tyrell and Nancy Christianson, Kelsey and Kaare Odegard, and Dillon and Brittany Heatherington; and his great-grandchildren Lincoln, Kane, Mace and Walker Ruschowski, Owen and Scarlett Farand, Ava and Ella Heatherington, Emma, Kade and Tate Christianson, Krue and Kolt Odegard, and Tucker Heatherington.
He is survived by his sister, Doreen Rude. and predeceased by his brothers Donald, Vernon and Dale, sister Maxine and his grandson Adam Christianson.
Gordon leaves behind a lifetime of memories – in the fields and pastures of the family farm, around a curling rink or ball diamond, at the kitchen table with friends and family, and most importantly in the lives of the family he loved so dearly.
He worked hard, played hard, loved his family, and never seemed to run out of something to debate. He will be deeply missed.
As per his request for no formal funeral, the immediate family will be celebrating Gordon in a private ceremony and laying him to rest at the Lakeroad Cemetery in Consort.

In Loving Memory of
Sandra Woytkiw (nee Gouldsbra)
Mar. 2, 1949 – Sept. 15, 2026

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother and great-great grandmother, Sandra Jeanne Woytkiw on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, at the age of 77 years.
Sandra was born on March 2, 1949, in Benito, Manitoba, to George and Helen Gouldsbra. Sandra met the love of her life, Walter Woytkiw and they were married June 8, 1968, in Benito, Manitoba where they made their home. Arrival of their three daughters, Cathy, Karen and Tracy made their lives complete.
In 1978, they left Benito for different job opportunities. In 1981, they moved to Consort which they called home for twenty-five years.
Sandra had a true love and passion for cooking. She began her journey working in the kitchen at Consort Lodge and Consort Hospital, where she developed her skills and love for preparing food for others. Her passion eventually led her to start her own restaurant for a time, putting her heart and creativity into every meal she prepared.
Eventually Walter and Sandra moved to Red Deer, taking with her the many memories, friendships, and experiences she built through her love of cooking.
Sandra will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by her daughters, Cathy (Brent), Karen (Lloyd) and Tracy (Bill); her grandchildren, Ashley (Keith), Amanda (James), Brittney (Ryan), Brandon (Breann), Shaylynn (Rory), Selena (Derrick), Breanna (Jeff), Gage (Breanna), Justus (Sam); fourteen great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter; her sister, Linda (Ed); as well as numerous extended family members and dear friends.
Sandra was predeceased by her loving husband, Walter; her parents, George and Helen and her sister, Terry.
A Private Celebration of Sandra’s Life will be held at a later date. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer.

Memory Of Me
I’d like the memory of me
to be a happy one.
I’d like to leave an
afterglow of smiles
when day is done.
I’d like to leave an echo whispering softly down
the ways,
Of happy times and
laughing times and
bright and sunny days.
I’d like the tears of those who grieve, to dry before the sun,
Of happy memories
that I leave when life
is done.

Bruce Annable
Sept. 8, 1940 – Sept. 22, 2026

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce Annable; a beloved husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, great-grandfather, and a cherished friend.
Bruce peacefully departed this world on September 22, 2026 to be reunited with bride Joanie and the good Lord.
Born on September 8, 1940 to Peter and Dorothy Annable, his childhood was filled with loving memories growing up with his older sister Carol and his baby sister Stella where they shared many get togethers with the Simons and Baughs.
At an early age, Bruce left his family home in Alix to pursue his love of hockey. He played for junior hockey teams which saw him travelling with many competitive hockey teams throughout the country. Among them the Lethbridge Native Sons, the Edmonton Oil Kings and the Red Deer Rustlers. 
Through his hockey career he developed many lifelong friendships that he cherished dearly.
While playing in Red Deer he met the love of his life, his little bride to be Joanie Badrock. They were married September 11, 1965. A year later they welcomed their first-born Susan, followed four years later by Carrie.
Over the years, Bruce had many careers. He worked for CP Rail, sold life insurance, owned hotels, developed and sold real estate, sold cars, and his last job was selling Soil Aid and Super Crop. The hotel business took him to Veteran; after acquiring several hotels in the surrounding area which eventually brought them to Consort where he and Joan raised their family.
Bruce was very involved in the community. His love of hockey lead himself, Roger Johnson and Bud Kelts to creating the Consort Oldtimers Hockey Club. The friendships made and adventures taken with the team were some of the best times in his life.
In later years, he and Joan divided their time between Sherwood Park and Bashaw where he loved to golf, fish, and entertain. In the winters, they resided at Viewpoint, Arizona and El Centro, California.
Bruce was an avid golfer and loved hunting and fishing especially with his children and grandchildren.
He and Joan’s final years were spent at Laurier house where they received kindness, compassion, and exceptional care.
Bruce is survived by daughters Susan (Doug), and Carrie (Kevin); grandchildren Samuel (Samantha), Erica (Derek), Logan, Brett (Aleta), and Tyler; great-grandchildren Rhett and Louise; as well as numerous, nieces and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Dorothy; his wife Joan; sisters Carol Friestadt and Stella Windsor; and brother-in-law Len Friestadt.
A Service of Remembrance was held at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, October 4, 2026, at the Bashaw and District Agricultural Grounds.
Memorial Donations in Bruce’s name are gratefully accepted to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation.
To express condolences to Bruce’s family, please visit womboldfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements entrusted to Bashaw Funeral Home, A Wombold Family Funeral Home.

Doreen Elizabeth Bonham
Dec. 24, 1951 – Oct. 7, 2026

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Doreen Elizabeth Bonham (Funk), who passed away suddenly on October 7, 2026, at the family homestead near Ryley, Alberta at the age of 74.
Doreen was predeceased by her beloved husband of 51 years, Robert “Bob” Bonham (2022); her eldest son, Robert “Bobbie” Bonham (1993); and her parents, Henry and Alvina Funk as well as infant sister Gail.
She leaves to mourn her passing her children, Annielouise (Craig) Heffer, Linda Harper, and Michael (Karla) Bonham; her nine grandchildren, Lacee Bonham (Kyle), Dyllin (Cailin) Danilak, Jaymie-Lynn (Conor) McGill, Keishon Harper (CJ), Dawson Danilak (Cassidy), Kiara Harper (Keaton), Travis Luscombe (Kirsten), Austin Bonham, and Annelynn Bonham (Jordan); and her great-grandchildren, Walker Danilak, Garrett and Casey McGill, with three more great-grandchildren that were eagerly anticipated. She is also survived by her siblings, Carol (Gary) Giesbrecht, Janice (Gerald) Regehr, and Glenn (Sarah) Funk, along with extended family and many friends.
Born on December 24, 1951, in Consort, Alberta, Doreen was raised on the family farm with her parents and siblings, growing up with a simple life until she graduated and moved to Calgary with her sister Carol while doing a variety of jobs. Prior to Janice moving, Doreen always enjoyed wine Wednesday’s with her sister. Doreen also enjoyed speaking with Carol and Glenn over the phone and catching up on family comings and goings.
In 1970, Doreen met Bob and after only knowing each other for a short period of time, they decided to embark on a road trip which lead them to get married in Ontario. From there they began building a life rooted in family and hard work. Doreen travelled to various provinces prior to Algeria and the Canary Islands with Bob and a few unexpected stops before moving to the family homestead and the land they called home.
As a devoted farm wife, homemaker, and businesswoman, she worked alongside her husband, Bob, and her ever-growing family for many years building and operating successful farming and oilfield businesses after moving to the family homestead outside of Ryley, Alberta in 1979. Life on the farm was never short of work, and Doreen approached it all with determination, resilience, and an unmistakable strength of character. Many of these years, Doreen, the children and the grandchildren operated the family farm while Bob was away working in the oilfield.
Family was at the centre of Doreen’s world. She spent countless hours in the kitchen cooking and baking for those she loved, and making sure there was always food to take out to the family working in the fields. An excellent cook and baker, she showed her love through the meals she prepared, the care she gave, and the countless ways she made sure everyone was looked after. Her kitchen and her home were places where family came together, and those memories will be treasured for generations.
Doreen was known for being stubborn and hardworking, and she took great pride in caring for her home and yard. Her lawn was a particular point of pride, and she meticulously mowed her grass even when everyone else thought it was already short enough. She had been looking forward to getting her lawnmower repaired, only to never get the chance to use it once it was fixed. It was a bittersweet reminder of her determination to keep busy and her love of tending to the place she called home.
She also had a special love for birds and dogs, finding joy in the simple things that made her homestead feel like home. Whether she was tending to the yard, preparing a meal, helping with the family businesses, or making sure those working in the fields were fed, Doreen was always finding a way to care for the people and place she loved.
Doreen leaves behind a legacy of hard work, perseverance, and deep family devotion. Her strong will, generous heart, wonderful cooking, and unmistakable personality will be remembered by all who knew her. Though her kitchen will be quieter and the family homestead will not be the same without her, the life she built and the love she gave will continue through the generations of family she leaves behind.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
A celebration of life was held Friday, October 16, 2026 at Salem Mennonite Church south of Tofield.
In lieu of flowers or donations, Doreen would have wanted you to spend that time with your family, making memories, sharing laughter, and cherishing the moments you have together. To her, there was nothing more valuable than the time spent with the people you love.

ming soon… Sorry for the delay.