Saturday, June 29, 2024 (2024)

By Lethbridge Herald Obituaries on June 29, 2024.

BUDD, Gregory GREGORY GORDON CHARLES BUDD August 21, 1980 – May 19, 2024 It is with great sadness that we mourn the sudden passing of Gregory Gordon Charles Budd. Greg passed away on May 19, 2024 at the age of 43.
Greg spent his youth in Lethbridge and Red Deer, Alberta, but his family roots belong on a farm near Olds, Alberta. The final 10 years of his life was spent living in Saskatchewan. Moosomin Lake became home to him in 2021. Greg enjoyed his Lake Life; living at the lake fulfilled his easy-going nature, his adoration for good company, and his love for perfecting a smoked brisket.
Greg was predeceased by his grandparents Gertrude and Albert Budd.
Greg is survived by his mother Anita Budd; Aunt Wanda and Uncle Dave Okamura; Aunt Carol and Uncle Wesley Budd; and cousin Elizabeth Wilkie and her children Opsalh and Grenley.
Greg leaves a lifetime of friends and family to celebrate his life. He will forever be missed by his Saskatchewan Family Rooen, Kobielle, Joni, Mark, Wanda, Candace, Brad, Cooper, Beau, Corrie-Lynn, Jeff, Easton and Nash.
A Celebration of Greg’s Life will be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. in the Pidherney Event Centre, 4725 – 43 Street, Red Deer, Alberta.
Donations may be made in Greg’s memory to the Moosomin Senior Badgers Baseball Team by e-transfer to moosominbadgersbaseball@gmail.com, Pipestone Hills Golf Course at the Town of Moosomin Office, Red Deer Minor Baseball at 3310 – 55th Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta or a charity of your choice.

Snaith, David and Joan David & Joan Snaith Memorial “Celebration of Life” Vauxhall Recreation Complex Facility Saturday, 1- 4 PM, August 3, 2024 Memorial Program at 1 PM Followed by refreshments & fellowship.

TAYLOR, Dennis TAYLOR Dennis Taylor passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024 in Lethbridge – taken away far too early after a bout with early onset dementia. He turned 64 on May 22nd and is survived by his spouse and good friend – Lori Macalees.
Dennis was born and raised in Lethbridge, son of Bill and Peggy and big brother to Debbie. Dennis loved sports – particularly hockey and baseball when growing up. He became an avid golfer as an adult; golfing at Henderson, Magrath, down in Montana and many U.S. States. He golfed countless rounds with his Dad early in the morning at Henderson, enjoying the duel as competitive players.
Dennis worked in a number of different industries over the years – from running his own Old Dutch route to some long haul driving gigs and Lethbridge Transit. He always had a keen eye for investment opportunities and was game to give the next deal a try.
He loved riding motorcycles, which began as a teenager – riding his “bike” from Lethbridge to Elkwater, working for a couple of summers at the family-owned Elkwater garage. Dennis loved hitting the open road on a great summer day!
Dennis was just entering his retirement years – and didn’t get a chance to enjoy the fruits of his labour with Lori. He passed away with both Lori and sister Debbie at his side. He will be missed at family gatherings by nieces and nephews – Kristy, Cassidy, Bryce, Cole and Katie!
Don’t worry about flowers or donations – enjoy a round of golf and remember that life is too short to worry about the score!

SMITH, Monte MONTE SMITH 1945 – 2024 Monte Leroi Smith, beloved husband of Joan Smith, passed away surrounded by his loving family on June 16, 2024, at the Lethbridge Chinook Regional Hospital. At Monte’s request a Memorial Service will not be held.
Donations in Monte’s name are greatly appreciated and can be made to the Lethbridge and District Humane Society: 2920-16th Avenue, North, Lethbridge, AB. T1H 5E9 403-320-8991
Condolences may be forwarded to http://www.evergreenfh.ca

TOTH, Bradley Bradley James Toth Nov. 1, 1959 – June 3, 2024 On June 3, our brother Brad passed peacefully at his home in Florida at the age of 64 after a long and difficult battle with cancer. Brad left Lethbridge shortly after graduating high school to attend Art College in Fort Lauderdale and loved it so much that he chose it as his forever home. He forged a successful career there as an artist and interior designer, and was a friend and mentor to many. Our brother was a talented artist, a brilliant designer, an amazing chef… spontaneous, creative, generous, opinionated, often difficult, but always inspired. Brad loved to entertain, and was never happier than when he was in the kitchen cooking for a houseful of friends. He was thankfully able to spend his last days at home, with his beloved dogs, his art, and the many, many people who loved him.
Brad is survived by his big sister Chari, his big brother Dave, his stepmom Carole, his niece Reily and his furkids Finn, Gigi and Stella. We would like to express our heartfelt thanks to his “Florida Family” – the loving and devoted friends, too numerous to mention, who were by his side through good times and bad. A special thank you to Steve, and to Anna and Merris who helped ensure his final days were full of good memories.
You were a truly bright spark and the world is a much less colourful place without you. Safe travels little brother… see you on the other side.

PIERCE, Sharon SHARON PIERCE 1957 – 2024 Mrs. Sharon Pierce of Lethbridge passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, June 7, 2024, at the age of 67 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

FULLER, Michael MICHAEL FULLER 1958 – 2024 Mr. Michael Fuller of Lethbridge passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the age of 65 years.
Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

OSBORN, Jennifer JENNIFER MARY OSBORN April 6, 1935 – June 23, 2024 Jennifer “Jennie” nee Ward, was born in Liverpool, England to Albert James “Tom” Ward and Winnifred “Wyn” on April 6, 1935.
In 1940, her dad joined the RAF, with the understanding to keep the family together and for him to live in the base. Jennie and her mom would follow him to wherever he was posted. After eleven schools and completion of her education of being an SRN, although her family wanted her to attend medical school, she met the love of her life Thomas “Tom” Fairfax Osborn and married him. After their marriage, they set sail on the Empress of Britain to Canada in 1957.
Tom had hoped to farm in Canada, but things did not turn out that way. However, Jennie was able to nurse in Stonewall, Manitoba and later up North in voluntary public health. Unfortunately, with no hospital nearby to upgrade in Pointe Du Bois, MB, Jennie began a 20- year run in banking, followed by a seven-year run at the Lethbridge College prior to retirement.
Tom later became a National Rep for CUPE, so once more on the road for them all finishing up in Lethbridge, where they resided together for 38 years prior to Tom’s death the day before his 80th birthday, and four months shy of their 60th wedding anniversary.
Jennifer served as Chairman of Eastern Canada 4H Clubs in Manitoba, the Lethbridge Public Library Board, Chinook Region Library Board, and many other volunteer boards. In 1995, both Tom & Jennie retired and traveled as well as wintered in Arizona.
Jennie following suit, passed peacefully, June 23, 2024, the day before their 68th Anniversary.
Jennie leaves behind her daughters, Thorunn, Susan & Karen; grandsons: Kevin Richter, Vincent Richter, Kory Kublik and Desmond Osborn; her granddaughters: Julie Richter, Madisen Kublik and Megan Osborn; great-grandsons: Liam and Jace; and only great-granddaughter, Riley Kublik.
Jennie will always be remembered for her kindness, small but feisty opinions of the world. Her family and friends will mourn her loss She is with Tom now and at peace.
A celebration of life will be held with further details in the coming months.
Jennie and her family are eternally grateful to the “Fab four” for their kindness, dedication and compassion during her stay at the Regional Hospital and more importantly, as true friends throughout many years in Lethbridge. Thank you, ladies.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

FAIRHURST, William “Russ” FAIRHURST WILLIAM “RUSS” RUSSELL FAIRHURST, of Coaldale, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at the age of 94 years.
He is lovingly remembered by his brother, Douglas Fairhurst; his nieces Barb (Ken (d.)) Herfst, Faye (Don (d.)) Hamilton; nephews David Elliott, Craig Fairhurst, Kevin (Linda) Fairhurst, Wayne (Gayle) Foxall, Don (Cindy) Foxall, Doug(d.) Judy Foxall, and their families.
He will be deeply missed by his close friend and caregiver, Eietsu Chiba, who made strawberry milkshakes daily and homemade juice from his garden tomatoes especially for Russ.
He is predeceased by his parents, Lyle and Flora Fairhurst; brother Lyle (Grace) Fairhurst; sisters Thelma (Jack) Elliott, Faye Oshiro (Earl Foxall, after his passing, Dr. Jim Oshiro).
He was proud to be part of the Coaldale community, having grown up in the Coaldale Hotel, which was a central hub for the activities in Coaldale. He received the Town of Coaldale Appreciation Award from 1979 – 1981.
Russ worked at the Canada Trust Company in Lethbridge and retired at the age of 45 years, after spending 20 years in estate and trust administration.
He was a founding member of the Coaldale Little Theatre, performing from 1953-1975 and winning many awards. He volunteered at the Lethbridge Handicapped Riding Association and received the Volunteer of the Year award in 1986.
Russ loved to compete no matter what the game and participated in active sports and board games. His favourite teams were the Toronto Blue Jays and the Montreal Canadians. He was passionate about music and theatre, playing the piano, painting from memory, playing crib and travel. He loved to go on cruises and travel with his family and friends to Europe, Hawaii, Alaska. Flying to see his brother Doug in West Vancouver was his favourite holiday and Doug visiting in return.
His simple retirement pleasure was taking a drive to Henderson Lake, having a box lunch or ice cream, and spending this precious time with his mom, sister and friend Chiba.
Russ was a kind-hearted loving man who liked a little humorous mischief. His memory was sharp and his knowledge was extensive. He was genuinely interested in the wellbeing of others and was a natural caregiver himself. He loved a good visit and was blessed with lifelong friendships and acquaintances from different areas of his life who he treasured. Russ will be missed by all who knew him.
At Russell’s request, there will not be a funeral. Cremation has been entrusted to Cornerstone Funeral Home.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

GUDMUNDSON, Vincent GUDMUNDSON VINCENT COLLISHAW GUDMUNDSON was born May 13, 1941 and passed away peacefully with family by his side, on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 at the age of 82 years.
A Celebration of Vince’s Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at 2:00 P.M. The Celebration of Life will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Vince’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

ELLERT, Dean ELLERT DEAN FRANKLIN ELLERT, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Diane Ellert, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the age of 73 years.
A Prayer Vigil will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 301 Main Street NW, Milk River, AB, on Saturday, July 6, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Dean will be laid to rest in the Milk River Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

BERESNAK, Margaret BERESNAK MARGARET HELEN BERESNAK, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at Cedar Creek Adaptacare, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at the age of 95 years.
A Funeral Divine Liturgy will be held at Ss. PETER AND PAUL GREEK CATHOLIC CHURCH, 643 – 12B Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, July 4, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Gary Sedgwick celebrating.
Following the Funeral Divine Liturgy, Margaret will be laid to rest in Mountain View Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

SEILLER, Teresa SEILLER TERESA SEILLER, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at the age of 84 years.
A Graveside Service will be held at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, 1210 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. with Pat Siedlecki officiating. All who wish to attend are asked to gather at the main cemetery entrance at 9:50 A.M.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

ROWNTREE, Donna ROWNTREE DONNA FAYE ROWNTREE (nee Witwicki), born on April 24, 1947 to John Michael Witwicki and Dorene Saccardo Witwicki Hammell, passed away peacefully at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit on June 23, 2024 with family by her side. She left behind her husband of 57 years, Alan James Rowntree, her daughter, Shauna (Tim) Armstrong, her two grandchildren Logan and Kira Armstrong, and her sister Sherry Smeltzer.
Mom and Dad were married in Lethbridge on February 4, 1967 and had one daughter, two years later. After losing her father in 1967, she gained a new family in 1972 when her mother married Harold Hammell of Calgary. Together, there were now four more siblings, three stepsisters; Claudia (Doug) Norris, Harlene Day, Debbie (Ed) Sweep and one step brother; Clint Hammell.
Mom had a long career as a lab tech at the Lethbridge Municipal Hospital before becoming the Lab Manager and eventually, the Administrative Coordinator at the Chinook Regional Hospital. Always striving for further education, Mom returned to the University of Lethbridge and received her Management Certificate in 1991, all while continuing to work full time. She retired in 2002 at the age of 55 after putting in over 34 years at the hospital.
After retirement, Mom and Dad promptly bought a place down in Palm Springs, escaping the winters of Alberta for over 20 years. She loved the heat and the sun and spent her days hiking the trails in Palm Springs, walking everywhere she could and golfing. They made many friends down there and truly enjoyed their retirement years.
When they weren’t down south, Mom devoted all of her time at home with her daughter ‘s family, helping whenever she could and being the best grandma to her two grandkids, her pride and joy. She also enjoyed walking for hours or being on the golf course with the girls.
Another love of Mom’s was running, she belonged to the Runner’s Soul Marathon Club for many years, and completed numerous runs of all distances ranging from 5K to 50K, including the Boston Marathon in 2003. She made many friends in the running community over the years and thoroughly enjoyed running in the coulees with the “group” (you know who you are).
We lost a beautiful soul this week. She was my best friend, a loving wife, mother and mother-in-law, and the best grandma around. Rest peacefully Mom.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Ovarian Cancer Canada (ovariancanada.org) or any organization of your choosing.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

WALKER, Harold WALKER HAROLD WALKER, beloved husband of Maureen Walker, passed away on Friday June 28, 2024 at the age of 86 years.
A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday July 6, 2024 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, LETHBRIDGE STAKE CENTRE 2410 28 St S, Lethbridge.
Friends are welcome to meet with the family on Saturday July 6, 2024 from 12:00 to 12:45pm prior to the Service at the Church.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

YIM, Setsuko SETSUKO FAITH YIM Feb 10, 1933 – Aug 20, 2023 Setsuko Faith Yim, of Princeton, NJ, passed away peacefully on August 20, 2023, at age 90.
A Graveside Service will be held July 4, 2024 at 10:00AM at TEMPLE HILL CEMETERY, Raymond, AB.
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.salmonandsons.ca

GREEN, Diana GREEN (Kanigan) 1956 – 2024 It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of DIANA LYNN HELEN GREEN (nee Kanigan), beloved daughter of the late Lola Lonsdale (nee Queener), at her home in Lethbridge, on Monday, June 24, 2024 at the age of 68 years.
Di is survived by her half-sister, Deb Panczak, nephew Trevor (Amber) Panczak, her niece Shauna Panczak (Dustin Gruninger) and her great nephews, Nash, Colter and Braxton. She is also survived by her dear friend Trish Mehrer and her family, as well as numerous relatives and cousins.
She was predeceased by her estranged father Samuel Kanigan, her beloved mother Lola Lonsdale (2016), husband James D. Green (1990) “favorite” brother-in-law Johnny Panczak (2003) and her cherished friend Carol Beluch (2020).
Di grew up in the Warner area, went to school and graduated there. She got her Dietary Certification and worked at St. Michaels Hospital and the Lethbridge Regional Hospital for many years. With her cheerful, spunky and creative side, she brought a lot of joy to those around her. For instance, she was always one to dress up for occasions like Easter and Christmas and bring treats to staff and brighten the days of her colleagues and patients alike.
After retiring from the hospital, she went to work as a personal care attendant for Carol Beluch, who had severe Cerebral Palsy. Carol simply became part of the family. There’s no doubt that from the loving, heightened level care that Di provided and the friendship that developed between them, Carol’s life was extended dramatically. She went on to live decades longer than expected. Di and Lola looked out for each other always. Di took care of Lola as she became elderly. They were close and losing grandma really affected her. She wouldn’t have traded the experience because that’s just part of who Di was in life, a caregiver. It takes a special kind of person to be in that field or have that mind set and Diana was extraordinary at it. She brought light into the dark and with her cool and quirky ways could make the saddest person smile and forget their troubles for a while.
Di loved animals. She had turtles, fish and throughout her life, she was rarely without a dog. Big Red, Sage, Murphy, Spiker, Simon, and Hardly all felt the love that Di was so willing to give. Di loved to dance. She loved music. She was folk, rock and country. She was talented and shared it with those she cared about most. She loved photography and videography. She was a prankster. She was humorous. She enjoyed card and board games and sharing or hearing clean or dirty jokes with others. She had a laugh all her own. She was crafty. Di was handy. She was like a girl MacGyver. She could fix stuff most people would throw away. She was adventurous. She was the cool aunt. She could sew. She could bake. She could cook. She was beautiful and had long flowing blond hair that she grew down to her waist for many years. She had her opinions, and wouldn’t take anyone’s guff. If she made her mind up about something, there was no shifting it. She had a spark to her. She supported the underdog. She was patriotic. She was smart. She was loveable and wanted to be loved.
In her final years, her health deteriorated and she lost a lot of her mojo. But not enough that she wouldn’t say to her trusted neighbours, “Hey, if you don’t see the curtains open/close it probably means I croaked.” She felt comfort in knowing she had some good neighbours that would check in on her. She passed alone at home but was found soon after and received love and prayer from the people closest to her. She will be missed, cherished and will continue to be loved as the years pass by.
A public Graveside Service will be held, where Di will be laid to rest with her late husband Jim Green in MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY, 1210 – Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, July 8, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Patrick Siedlecki officiating. For those who wish to attend the Graveside Service, please meet at the front cemetery gates at 10:50 A.M.
In memory of Diana, donations may be made in her name to The Salvation Army (donate.salvationarmy.ca) or Cerebral Palsy (cpalberta.com/donate-now)
To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

HARTMAN, Gerhardt HARTMAN GERHARDT HARTMAN, of Coaldale, beloved husband of the late Patricia Hartman, passed away suddenly at home after a brief battle with cancer, on Saturday, June 22, 2024 at the age of 83 years.
Gerhardt Hartman was born in Lafleche, SK on September 4, 1940, the third child of Joe and Margaret Hartman. Gerhardt was raised on the farm in Flintoft, educated with his siblings in a one room school house and/or by correspondence until high school, when he moved to Assiniboia to live with his Grossmutter Hartman. He graduated high school a year early and then attended the University of Saskatchewan, earning a degree in engineering. While in university, he met his wife, Patricia. They married in 1963 and settled in Lethbridge, AB and very soon welcomed their first daughter, Shelley in 1964, with Juanita 19 months later. In 1965, they relocated to Medicine Hat and Michael was born in 1969. After seven years in the ‘Hat, they moved to Sherwood Park for about three years, moving back to southern Alberta in 1976 and settling in Coaldale. Gerhardt finally got the government job that lasted until his premature retirement, after a car accident that ended his ability to get around easily and prevented him from being Irrigation Secretariat to the best of his ability. He then turned even more of his attention to his community, parish and family. He and Mom built their special home in 2002 and both were able to stay in it until their passings. Wherever Gerhardt lived, he made lifelong friends and many were considered family to him. He brought music, dancing, jokes, puns, and good grammar to a higher level. Doing his best to be the best in whatever he did.
He is survived by his children, Shelley (John) Lohues, Juanita Hartman, Michael (Crystal) Hartman, and “extra daughter” Elsie Friesen; his grandchildren: Shaun (Christina) Lohues, Kathleen (Lance) Rosen, James (Basia) Lohues, Isabelle Lohues, Brandon Erdos, Tara (Zach) Palychuk, Christina (Shane) Eyre, Corey (Cheyenne) Erdos, Evan (Chelsea) Hartman, Eli (Tyler) Hartman, Dallas (Shaun) Hebert, and Kendra (Brandon) Ensign; and 15 beloved great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Leon (Annabelle) Hartman; sisters Marlene Tait and Theresa (Gerry) Seidle; sisters-in-law Melba, Beverly, and Delores and by many much, much loved nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Patricia, parents Joe and Margaret, sister Trudy, brother-in-law Charles, and his in-laws Jack and Florence, Faith, Patrick and Dorothy, Lonnard, and Paul.
Gerhardt’s priorities in life were his faith and church, his family and friends, and his community. He was instrumental in the formation of the St. Ambrose Knights of Columbus and was proudly a Fourth Degree Knight. He was volunteer minded and believed in making his community a better place. With that in mind, we would like you to make donations to the Food Bank of your choice in lieu of flowers. PTL!
A Prayer Vigil will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825-32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 at 7:00 P.M. with Deacon Brian Kinahan officiating.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. AMBROSE CATHOLIC CHURCH, 1513-23 Avenue, Coaldale, AB, on Wednesday, July 3, 2024 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Ian Gagne celebrating. Both the Prayer Vigil and Funeral Mass will be live-streamed and may be viewed through Gerhardt’s obituary on the Cornerstone website.
Following the Funeral Mass, Gerhardt will be laid to rest with his beloved wife Patricia in the Coaldale Community Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit http://www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

NATE, Joanne JOANNE NATE 1943 – 2024 Mrs. Joanne Nate of Coutts, beloved wife of Mr. Ken Nate, passed away peacefully at the Milk River Long Term Care Facility on Thursday, June 27, 2024 at the age of 81 years.
Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.
Visit http://www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

<5