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

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)

ming soon… Sorry for the delay.