Obituaries

Erion – Violet (Nee Graumann) Erion casted off her earthly body, to receive her perfect heavenly body and join her husband Victor for a banana split in their eternal home, on Monday, September 16^th, 2019 at the age of 84 years. Violet was born near Hanna, Alberta to Oscar and Louise Graumann, on December 3^rd, 1934, a sister to Lawrence. Ivan and Gary followed to complete the family. She attended school south of Hanna and then Berean Bible College in Calgary. Violet’s father Oscar lost his hired hand, but gained a son-in-law when Violet married Victor Erion on October 30^th, 1956.  They left the farm in Hanna and moved to Calgary in 1958, starting their family of five girls in 1960. Violet and Victor left the city behind in 1975 to build their dream home in Brooks, a town none of the girls had ever heard of and were none too fond to be moved to. What was that smell?! If raising five girls wasn’t challenging enough, Violet decided to surround herself with more children, driving school bus, starting with Cardinal Coach Lines in Calgary and continuing with the Brooks School District for many years. She became the bus driver every kid hoped they’d get for the many field trips she did with the school. Mom will be remembered for her beautiful garden; her inviting home, with the smells of wonderful cooking; her involvement at the Brooks Evangelical Free Church with Pioneer Girls, Lydia Circle, and children’s programs; and her hosting friends, families, and anyone in need for a home cooked meal or a place to lay their head. In 2014, due to failing health, it became necessary for Violet and Victor to move into Brooks.  Thank you to Newbrook Lodge and Sunrise Gardens, Dr. Coetzee, Dr. Moolman, and all the staff at the Brooks Health Centre for caring for mom in her final years. Violet was predeceased by her loving husband Victor, parents Oscar and Louise Graumann, and brother Lawrence. She is survived by her daughters, Cathy (Stewart) Larsen, Cheryle (Cal) Olive, Dianne (Dave) Crockett, Debbie (Rob) Sawyer, and Heather (David) Clyne; grandchildren, Katie (Tim), Becky (Brett), Justin, Brandon (Amy), Samantha, Alison, Grant (Mikayla), and Hayley (Mark); great grandchildren, Aven, Cayley, Ryland and Landon; brothers, Ivan (Joyce) Graumann and  Gary Graumann and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, September 30^th at 2:00 PM from the Brooks Evangelical Free Church.  Pastor Garth Everett officiating. Interment in Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Violet, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Brooks and District Health Foundation for Palliative Care, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B3.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

Lawrence Bouchard

1954-2019

Lawrence Ralph Bouchard passed away at home on August 24, 2019 at the age of 64.

Lawrence was born in Redvers, Saskatchewan on December 18, 1954 to parents Rose and Cyril Bouchard. He began his young adult life in Saskatchewan with his many brothers and sisters. After graduation and working in the tire business for several years, Lawrence then decided to venture off to Alberta where he began his long and successful career in the oil patch. Lawrence moved the family north to Fort St. John in 1995, where they spent the next 12 years. In 2007 the work had moved back to the Alberta side, so the move to Gordondale happened. He purchased a quarter section of land and built a house. He loved living out in the country and would tell everyone that this is where he would stay.

Along the way, Lawrence had four children, all boys in which he was very proud. Lawrence also spent the last 29 years with his loving wife Denise. Lawrence enjoyed the simple things in life. Spending time with his family was number one on his list. He also enjoyed camping, quadding, and the occasional golf game.

Lawrence is survived by his wife Denise, children Chris, Conrad, Cole (Sydney), and Brandon (Leslie), his beautiful grandchildren Emylie, Nate, Grace, and Abby, as well as many brothers, sisters, nieces, and nephews.

Lawrence was predeceased by both his parents Rose and Cyril Bouchard, in-laws Doug and Milissa Potter, and Ken Reuer.

A funeral service was held August 31, 2019 at the Bergeron’s Chapel in Dawson Creek, BC with cremation following. Expressions of sympathy may be made by donation to the British Columbia Heart & Stroke Foundation, 200-1212 West Broadway, Vancouver, BC, V6H 3V2.

He will forever be missed and loved.

For more information or to leave condolences for the family, please go to www.bergeronfunerals.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Bergeron Funeral Services & Crematorium Ltd.

DORTCH, Richard Bruce (Dick)
Dick was born on August 20, 1958 in France and crossed the black and white checkered flag peacefully in Arrowwood, AB. on September 3, 2019 at the age of 62 years.
Dick had a very colorful and exciting life working all over the world. Oh, the stories he would tell!
Russia and the Southern States were very special places for him.
All things NASCAR were Dick’s passion, from being at Daytona to collecting any and everything NASCAR especially #88 (Go Jr.).
In 2002 Dick moved to Arrowwood, AB. for work and resided there until his passing. There he acquired some very amazing friends. His big laugh and endless humor will be missed by all of his friends and family.
On September 30, 2019 we will be celebrating Dick’s life at 2 pm at the Bassano Cemetery followed by refreshments and lots of reminiscing at the Elks Hall.

ENGEL, Egon

1944 – 2019

Mr. Egon Ewald Engel of Red Deer, Alberta passed away on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at the age of 74 years. He was born on November 27, 1944 in Brooks, Alberta. Egon will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Bea; his son, David (Robyn) Engel; his daughter, Shannon (Michael) Hazuka; and his grandchildren, Avery King and Ethan Hazuka. He will also be sadly missed by his sister, Marilyn (George) Dell; as well as his extended family and many friends. A Celebration of Egon’s Life was held at Parkland Funeral Home, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Thursday, September 19, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. If desired, Memorial Donation’s in Egon’s honour may be made directly to the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation at www.rdrhfoundation.com. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

LEA – Richard (Rick) Lea of Brooks, beloved husband of Debbie passed away at Brooks on Friday, September 13, 2019. For further information, to leave a message of sympathy or to light a candle in memory of Richard, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Pauline Alberts (nee Malakoff)

October 30, 1923, Kelvington, SK

September 10, 2019, Calgary, AB

Mrs. Pauline Alberts, affectionately known as Gummy by family and friends, passed away on September 10, 2019 at the age of 95.  Her oldest grandson decided she would be called Gummy when he was a toddler.  Gummy taught school for many years in Brooks, AB and Calgary, and ended her career proudly as an instructor of Physical Education at the University of Calgary.  She was very involved with the Girl Guides and volunteered many hours of her time teaching children’s dance classes when she lived in Brooks. After she retired, she was passionate about instructing and adjudicating ballroom dance for the Canadian Dance Teachers Association.  Pauline was predeceased by her husband, Ben, in 1988 and her son, Bill, in 2019.  She is survived by her daughters, Betty Kelly, Mary Wilson, Candy Scott (Duncan), Dixie Platt (Doug); daughter-in-law Janice Alberts; sister Ginger Webster; ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  The family would like to thank the staff and doctors at Intercare Brentwood Care Centre and Foothills Medical Centre for their kind care. There will be a small gathering for family and friends at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to Alzheimer Society of Alberta & Northwest Territories – www.alzheimer.ca (#306, 10430 – 61 Ave. Edmonton, AB, T6H 2J3) or the Heart & Stroke Foundation – www.heartandstroke.ca (100 – 119 14 St. NW, Calgary, AB   T2N 1Z6).  To send condolences and  view Pauline’s Tribute Page please visit www.lylereeves.com . Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

Dale Wayne Hart of Lomond, passed away at home on August 28, 2019 at the age of 63 years.

Wayne, as he liked to go by, was raised and spent the vast majority of his life in the Lomond community. He was interested in sports at a young age and spent much of his teenage years very involved in hockey. He was proud to be a farmer in the Lomond community until health issues prevented him from continuing.

Wayne leaves behind his two sons – Joshua (Sherri) Hart and Jeremy

(Keira) Hart, both of Lethbridge, three grandchildren – Tristan Hart, Everett Hart and Danika Malm, four sisters – Elaine (Sam) Ramirez of Los Angeles, CA, Susan (Malcolm) McIlroy of Red Deer, AB, Carol (Ron) Birch of Lomond and Lorna (Daniel) Soltesz of Brooks, one brother – Ken (Tuny) Hart of Claresholm, numerous nieces and nephews and extended family. He was predeceased by his parents Oliver and Doreen Hart. He was well loved and will be greatly missed.

A Graveside Service and Inurnment to honor Wayne was held at the Lomond Cemetery on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 1 pm.

Any tributes in Wayne’s memory can be made to the Lomond Arena Building Fund (L.C.C.A.S), Box 264, Lomond, AB T0L 1G0.

Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home.  Telephone 1-403-485-2633.

E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.

VALLI – We are all saddened to learn of the death of Dr. Victor E.O. “Ted” Valli, who served with great distinction as the 5th Dean of our College of Veterinary Medicine from 1990 to 2001.
I was fortunate to have served as a faculty member during most of Dean Valli’s tenure. Ted was a great storyteller, and his stories always started with a warm twinkle in his eye. He was very generous with his time and cared deeply about our students. When I think about passion, a long-standing memory for me is the joy that Ted conveyed while doing a bone marrow aspirate on a dairy cow suspected to have lymphosarcoma, or discussing a blood smear on a heifer with a lymphoproliferative disorder. Dean Valli was a world-renowned expert on the hematopoietic system of domestic animals and was a long-term contributor to the standard textbook Pathology of Domestic Animals. It is this textbook that he is holding for his portrait in our Deans Conference Room.
Dr. Valli received a DVM degree from the University of Toronto as well as master’s and PhD degrees from Ontario Veterinary College, where he also chaired the Department of Pathology and served as Associate Dean of Research.
During Dr. Valli’s time as Dean at the University of Illinois, College of Veterinary Medicine, the college benefited from nearly $6 million in state funding through a new Venture Technology program. Both the Medical Scholars joint degree program and the Clinical Medicine PhD degree were established. He will be remembered for these outstanding accomplishments and so much more.
He leaves a legacy of mentorship, unwavering commitment to students, and advancing veterinary medicine. His knowledge and scholarship, passion, experience, enthusiasm, and leadership make for a unique and compelling combination that inspired and influenced so many.
“Ted Valli was a significant mentor of mine who was instrumental in my success. A classy guy, courageous administrator, and always gracious and welcoming. He loved life and people and will be dearly missed.” Joe DiPietro, President Emeritus, University of Tennessee.
Dr. Larry Firkins, Associate Dean Public Engagement attributes his career growth to Dr. Valli. “Dean Valli was instrumental to my career and continued growth. He hired me and made it possible for me to obtain my MBA. I’m grateful for how he invested in me personally and regularly provided opportunities that demonstrated his faith in my abilities.”
Dr. Valli fostered strong connections with the professional students by hosting welcome and graduation events in his home and by lecturing in histology. Dr. Anne M. Barger, clinical professor at the Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine and section head for Clinical Pathology in the college’s Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory fondly remembers his leadership, “He was such an enthusiastic teacher. He was funny, practical, and brilliant, a wicked combination for an educator.”
In 2017, the American College of Veterinary Pathologists (ACVP) bestowed its highest honor, Distinguished Member, on Dr. Victor E.O. “Ted” Valli for his contributions and exemplary manner to veterinary pathology.
Service arrangements are pending and will be shared upon their release.

SASS

ADOLPH SASS, of Lethbridge,  passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital Monday, September 2, 2019 at the age of 84 years.

Adolph is the loving father of James (Janice) of Spruce Grove and Rhonda of Lethbridge. He is also survived by his sister Emma Kuehn, nephews Lawrence (Dianne and family) Kuehn and Leonard (Marlene and family) Sass.

He was predeceased by his wife Caroline (née Winter), parents Ludwig and Emily, brothers Freddie (Noreen) and Ferdinand.

Adolph was born in Morris, MB. He lived on the farm for many years until he moved to Winnipeg, where he met his bride Caroline. Adolph was a heavy equipment operator for the highway department in MB, AB and BC. He finished his employment with Safeway until his retirement.

Adolph had many passions in life including woodworking and fishing, which he shared with his son James.

Adolph moved in with his daughter Rhonda in the later years, where he was able to pass on his woodworking skills to her as well. He later moved into St. Therese, where he called his home for over five years and touched many lives of those who came in contact with him. He entertained them with his witty stories and beautiful music that he played on the harmonica and accordion. He will be greatly missed by all.

The family would like to thank the staff of St. Therese Villa for the years of care they so dedicatedly provided.

A Graveside Service will be held in Brooks at a later date.

In memory of Adolph, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, #200, 119 – 14 Street N.W., Calgary, AB, T2N 1Z6.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

KARAKI, Gene Shokichi

1941-2019

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Gene Karaki in Lethbridge, Alberta on Monday, September 2, 2019 at the age of 78 years.

Gene is survived by his brothers George (Geraldine), Gordon (Mihoko), Victor (Roxanne), sister-in-law Etsuko (Melvin), sisters Joy (Stewart) Lang, and Linda (Wayne) Finkbeiner. Uncle Gene is remembered fondly by his many nieces and nephews.

Gene was pre-deceased by his parents Mitsuo and Sachie (Iwaasa) Karaki and brother Melvin.

Gene was born April 1, 1941 in Raymond, Alberta. The family moved to Cassils, Alberta where he continued school there and in Rosemary, Alberta. He participated in many sports including football, basketball, boxing and judo.

His career in the Alberta oil fields took him to many countries including Thailand, the Philippines, and the Baltic Sea in the Arctic.  He retired to the Kootenay Lake area where he enjoyed fishing, quading and picking huckleberries.

The Funeral will be held on Saturday, September 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints NORTH SIDE CHAPEL (2223 6 Ave N, Lethbridge Alberta).  Friends may meet the family from 10 to 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Koden is gratefully declined.

To send a condolence, please visit www.salmonandsons.ca