Obituaries

Ono – Fusaye “Marie” Ono of Brooks, beloved wife of the late Hideyasu Ono, passed away in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta on Sunday, July 7th, 2019 at the age of 93 years. Marie was born in Woodfibre, British Columbia on June 1st, 1926 to Yutaka and Fujiyo Nakarmura. She married Hideyasu Ono in New Denver, British Columbia on January 22nd, 1955. Marie lived in New Denver for several years, then moved to Brooks where she resided for most of hear life. For the past 6 years she lived at the Clearwater Centre in Rocky Mountain House, Alberta. Marie worked as a cook in several restaurants including the Country Kitchen and Crystal Café. She will be remembered for her cooking, making of Munju and sushi, Teriyaki Chicken, her enjoyment of sweets. Marie enjoyed gardening and all things purple. She will be fondly remembered for her kind and polite manner that made her a favorite at the Clearwater Centre and with all the staff in Memory Lane. Marie was predeceased by her husband Hideyasu Ono in January, 2010. She is survived by her daughter Vivian Hidemi (Ono) Smith and her husband Terrance Smith, granddaughter Amy Marie Dobbin and her husband Cory and their son Brayden. A private family interment was held and Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Marie, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Good Samaritan Society Clearwater Centre, 5615 – 60th Street, Rocky Mountain House, Alberta T4T 1W2.

Cremation is entrusted to Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks.

GRIMSON – Ray Grimson
1944 – 2019
Raymond Einar Grimson, beloved husband of Alexis Grimson of Brooks, passed away in Calgary on Wednesday, July 3, 2019 at the age of 75 years.
The service in celebration of Ray’s life will be held at the Heritage Inn Hotel & Convention Centre, 1217 – 2 Street West, Brooks, Alberta on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at 2:00 P.M. A private committal service will be held at the Brooks Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.
Besides his loving wife Alexis, Ray is survived by his sons Gavin (Angelina) Grimson of Calgary and their children Alissa and Austin; Corby (Terri) Grimson of Taber and their children Erik and Jayna; sisters Marilyn (Ernie) Rowein of Sundre and Gail Grimson of Sylvan Lake as well as numerous brothers in-law, sisters in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was predeceased by his parents Fred and Doris Grimson; in-laws Alex and Thelma Ray.
Ray led a full life, both personally and professionally. He attended school at Burnt Lake, a one room facility near Sylvan Lake. Scholastically, Ray excelled, skipping grades and entering the Department of Agriculture at the University of Alberta at the age sixteen. By twenty two, he had achieved his Bachelor of Science and Masters of Science in animal nutrition. Through university and work he met many lifelong friends. He cherished these relationships throughout his life.
In 1968 he married Alexis Ray whom he had met four years earlier while working in Beaverlodge.
His career started in Saskatoon for Federated Coop. In 1973, he became a nutritionist for Lakeside Feeders in Brooks and remained employed there for many years. While working at Lakeside he participated in projects with the Government of Canada and Alberta Agriculture, consulting on livestock husbandry, nutrition and economics. He finished his career as manager of operations for Lakeside retiring at the age of sixty three.
Ray was an avid outdoorsman: in his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He was a true Norseman and loved the water. Ray always had a boat. For a number of years he and Alexis would travel to Kaslo, British Columbia where he kept a boat, pursued large rainbow and was surrounded by numerous family and friends.
Ray was blessed with four wonderful grandchildren Erik, Jayna, Alissa and Austin, whom he loved with all his heart. They gave him great joy.
Ray was an avid reader of history and politics. He had great wit and a head full of knowledge.
Ray was proud of his heritage and held his father in great esteem. Being the son of a farmer, welder and blacksmith was a great source of pride for him. As a child he was eager to learn from his father and acquired many of those skills.
Ray passed on July 3 with his wife and sons by his side. His favourite music, the Sons of the Pioneers, played throughout his last few hours. He passed peacefully and surrounded with love and though we are grieving, we have so many good memories of this wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ray’s name may be made directly to the Brooks and District Health Foundation, 440 – 3 Street East, Brooks, Alberta T1R 0X8 or to STARS, 1441 Aviation Park NE, PO Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7 (www.stars.ca).
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.

Straub – It is with heavy hearts that the family of Erna Straub announce her peaceful passing in Brooks on Thursday July 4^th, 2019 at the age of 81 years.

Erna is lovingly remembered by her husband John of 58 years; by her children Robert (Wendy), Susan (Michael), Gary (Rhonda), and Karin (Ellard); grandchildren Melissa (Brent), Matthew, Bjorn, Lucas, Logan (Shayna), Jonathon, Zachary, Nicole, Cassidy, Tom, Tyler and Taryn as well as great granddaughter Tayla; adoptive daughter Jacky (Bob); four sisters; two brothers and two sisters-in-law as well as many nieces and nephews.

Erna was an active member of Bethany Lutheran Church and served on the Ladies Committee as well as sang on choir for many years.  Erna will be remembered for her love of her family, farming, gardening, music/dancing, cooking and baking and laughing until she cried.

A celebration of her life was held at Bethany Lutheran Church in Tilley on Monday July 8^th, 2019 at 2:00 PM.  Rev. Les Skonnord officiating.  Interment followed at Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery.

SPARLING – John “Bryan” Sparling of Duchess, AB. passed away in the comfort of his own home on June 26^th, 2019 at the age of 86. Bryan was born on Aug. 17^th, 1932 in Cleckheaton, North Bierley, West Yorkshire, England to Charles Frederick Sparling and Mary Heaton. Bryan married Marjorie Edith Wagstaff on Dec. 4^th, 1965 in Guiseley, County of York, England and immigrated with his family to Canada in 1975. He is survived by his loving wife Marjorie, sons Russell and Nigel (Cindi) and daughter Lorraine (Wilf) Bouwman. Always making Bryan smile were his grandchildren Kerrie, Tania, Kolten, Haille, Amy, Hannah and Brieann. Bryan was predeceased by his brothers Derek and Peter. In memory of Bryan, if family or friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Shepherd – The last few years mom cried out and wanted to be free, the Lord looked down and said you’re not ready.  Her mom and dad wait for her there, and Jesus Christ prepared a home with great care.  Now is the time, there are no bags to pack.  Come my daughter, there is no turning back.  Mom’s last message to all that grieve, the Lord Jesus will save you if you just believe.

Loraine (Lori) Ione Shepherd, beloved wife of Pat passed away in Brooks on June 22, 2019 at the age of 70 years. Lori was born in Brooks on May 7, 1949 in Brooks to Robert and Florence Brodie. She enjoyed being creative with photography and was known for her incredible oil paintings. Lori was a homemaker and spent her spare time gardening and feeding birds and creatures. She grew up riding horses and often rode bareback across the open prairie. Although Lori had a fiery spirit, she had a big heart for others and will be remembered for her kind and loving way. She enjoyed being at home tending to the house and especially loved spoiling her grandkids. Lori was predeceased by her parents, her brother Robert Brodie and his son little Bobby. She is survived by her loving husband Pat, 2 sons; Todd Lintott and Scott Lintott (Crystal) and their children Lexus and Saffron, 2 step-sons Shane Shepherd (Kim) and their children Carly and Carson and Larry Shepherd (Nicky) and their children Howie and Sophie. In memory of Lori, if family and friend’s desire, memorial tributes may be made to Newell Christian School. Funeral Services were held on Saturday, June 29 at 11:00 am at Thom’s Funeral Home and Reception Centre with Graveside Services at Brooks Cemetery at 2:30 pm. Pastor Daryle Fox Officiating.  For further information, to light a memorial candle or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Dyck – Frieda Elaine Dyck of Rosemary, beloved wife of Erwin Dyck, passed away peacefully at the Brooks Hospital on Friday June 28^th, 2019 at the age of 60 years. Frieda was born on August 16^th, 1958 in Brooks, Alberta to Henry and Helen Lepp. Frieda attended school in Rosemary, then went to Bible School in Swift Current, Sask. She was baptized in the Rosemary Mennonite Church. Frieda and Erwin were married on February 11^th, 1978. They lived in Rosemary until 1980, when they moved to the farm. There they raised Byron, Murray and Pam. Frieda drove school bus for many years and helped on the farm as needed. She loved quilting for herself and many others, enjoyed singing and directing choirs. Above all else she enjoyed family gatherings and her grandchildren were the light of her life. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and loved to entertain. Frieda was predeceased by her dad, Henry Lepp, mother-in-law Katrina Dyck and a niece Melissa Loewen. She is survived by her husband Erwin of 41 years; children Byron, Murray (Courtney) and Pamela (Kenny) Knaap; grandchildren Brady, Halayna, Mason, Kylee and Riley; her mom Helen Lepp and father-in-law Peter Dyck Sr.; siblings, Sharon (Glen) Roney, Robert (Liz) Lepp, Glenda (Jim) LeRossignol and Kenneth Lepp. Frieda is also survived by her in-laws Peter Jr. (Beth) Dyck and Lori (Harold) Loewen, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. Funeral Services were  held on Wednesday, July 3^rd, 2019 at 2:00 PM from Rosemary Mennonite Church. Pastor Alvin Penner officiating. Interment at Rosemary Cemetery. In memory of Frieda, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Newell Foodgrains Growing Project Box 294 Rosemary, Alberta, T0J 2W0.

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”

Prus, Shirley Mae (Nee Bamford)

June 9, 1939 – Foxwarren Manitoba

June 29, 2019 – Brooks Alberta

It is with great sadness that Shirley’s family announces her passing on the morning of Saturday June 29^th, 2019 in Brooks while in the company of her loving family after a courageous fight with cancer.

Shirley was born on the family farm 5½ miles from Foxwarren, Manitoba to Percy and Ottie Bamford. Growing up on the farm were the best of times for Mom, reminiscing about those times with great jubilation to her dieing days.

Mom loved growing up there so much that any time she returned to Manitoba for reunions, family functions, or special events she would return to her roots and talk about it as if she was reliving her youth. “Those were the Good Old Days” we would repeatedly hear. Mom did all her schooling at nearby Foxwarren School, taking the “School Van”, which was a horse drawn enclosed sleigh, with older sister Joyce, younger sister Beverley and Mom’s cousins whom lived on the adjacent farm.

From a young age Mom enjoyed knitting, figure skating, track and field, especially running, CGIT (Canadian Girls in Training), and going to dances at the nearby towns. Especially dear to Mom was her very own one-acre parcel of land on the farm and cultivating the land with Grandpa. At age 17 Mom went to work for Manitoba Telephone Systems in nearby Shoal Lake, Manitoba. It was during this time that she met and began courting the local doctor in the community.

Mom and Dad were married on August 22^nd, 1959 in Shoal Lake, and began to raise their family there. Holly arrived in 1960, Heather in 1962, and Robbie in 1966. During this time Mom taught figure skating, enjoyed camping, boating, snowmobiling, curling, and even hunting with Dad. Canning and freezing the harvest from the enormous garden was of paramount importance as Dad was often paid with chickens and other food or not at all.

In 1969 the family relocated to Parry Sound, Ontario where Mom continued her love of crafts and snowmobiling. The family moved west to Brooks, Alberta in 1970. Mom was very busy doing macramé, ceramics, cooking classes, needlepoint, crafts, knitting and sewing all while raising the family. After Robbie began school Mom had time for tennis, golf, biking, puzzles, crosswords, reading and painting. Thursday was “Hair Day” and Mom did not want to go anywhere without her hair being done. Mom’s hair was always impeccable.

Volunteer work was always important to Mom as she gave back through the Alter Guild, judging figure skating, being a Girl Guide Captain, and many other endeavours.

Mom loved the cabin at Lake Newell spending summers there after acquiring it in 1971. Mom and Dad moved to the cabin full time in 1996, with Mom saying, “They will have to take me out of here feet first I don’t want to be anywhere else.”

Shirley was predeceased by her Dad Percy Bamford 1979, Mom Ottie Bamford 1999, husband Dr. Robert Prus 2002, nephew Curtis Haliuk 2007, daughter Holly Prus 2016. Shirley leaves to mourn, daughter Heather (Kevin), son Robert (Trudy), grandsons Jeff and Kevin, and granddaughter Meagan.

The family is extremely grateful to all the health care professionals for the excellent and compassionate care given to Shirley throughout her illness. If friends so desire, memorial tributes, may be directed to Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B3 in recognition of the superlative care she received there.

Funeral Service were held on Friday, July 5^th at 2:00 PM from St. Alban’s Anglican Church. Rev. Ken Wells officiating. Interment at Brooks Cemetery. A reception followed at the Heritage Inn Hotel and Convention Centre. Condolences may be forwarded through Smith Funeral Home Ltd., Brooks   www.sfh.ca.

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”

DYCK, Irvin Victor
September 9, 1943 – June 17, 2019

Irvin Victor Dyck passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat on June 17, 2019. He was born in Domain, Sask. on September 9, 1943 to the late Henry and Sara Dyck. He later moved to Brooks, AB. where he met his loving wife of 38 years, Shirley Jean Kurtz.
Irvin enjoyed spending his time outdoors fishing, hunting, camping and playing hockey.
He leaves to cherish his four children; Victor (Susan) Dyck, Robert Dyck, Bev (Don) Lesperance, Brenda Bourdon. He also leaves to cherish, his eight grandchildren; Jason, Eric, Kyle, Kortney, Sabrina, Kalina, Kayla and Dylan as well as two great-grandchildren Zaiden and Chance. He also leaves his sisters Alice Webster, Gertrude Albright, Margaret Cyers, Rose Meyers and Avilena Rose; his companion, Elaine Heck (her sons Rick and Reuben).
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Shirley Jean Dyck on August 12, 2006 as well as his siblings David, Henry, Susan, Nettie, Annie, Peter, George and Hattie.
As per Irvin’s request, a private family funeral will be held.
Thank you to Kelly at Smith Funeral Home and Saamis Funeral Home.

Franklin William Bear of Duchess, AB, age 65 years, 5 mo. and 25 days, passed away peacefully at home on June 18, 2019.  After  being diagnosed with cancer in 2015, God gave him these 4 more years to be with his family and friends.  Frank was born on December 24, 1953 in Delphos, Ohio to the late     Clarence S. and Mary E. (Brunk) Bear.  He committed his life to Christ at the age of 12 and was baptized on March 26, 1967 in the Sharon Mennonite Church of Elida, Ohio.  On August 25, 1977 he married Judy Mae Friesen at Emo, ON.  They set up house in Tilley, AB where he continued his roofing business.  In 1980 they moved to the Duchess area where he took up farming and resided until his death. He was ordained minister on October 1, 2000 at the Duchess  Bethel   Mennonite Church where he served faithful to his calling as long as he possibly could. The Philippine Churches were also blessed by his service there for two years from 2011-2013.  He is survived and will be greatly missed by his loving wife, Judy and their children: Luanna (Loren Miller) of Philippines; Marvin (Verda) of Cheyenne, WY; Mahlon (Emily) of Duchess, AB; Verlene (Rueben Bueckert) of Danskin, BC; Rachel (Howard Zimmerman) of Vancouver Island, BC; Vernon (Shelly) of Duchess, AB; Nolan (Yesenia) of Duchess, AB; Kayleen (Sherwin    Miller) of Duchess, AB; Sheila and Aaron still at home.  He will be sadly missed by the 25 grandchildren he always took time to pay special attention to. Also surviving him are 3 brothers and 3 sisters.  He was preceded in death by 3 grandchildren and 2 brothers.  His family feels so blessed to have had a faithful husband, Pop and Grandpa for an example to follow. Funeral Services was held at 10:00 am on Monday, June 24, 2019 at Trinity Lutheran Church and a graveside service was held within Duchess Cemetery. Lunch Reception was held at Duchess Community Hall. For further information please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

BARG – Philip Barg

Born March 30, 1948 in Brooks, AB
Died June 17, 2019 in Grey Nun’s Hospital, Edmonton, AB

Phil, born in Brooks, grew up on the farm in the Clancy area. He was part of a large family (9 children) and was predeceased by his parents, George and Helen Barg (Dyck) and two brothers, Milton and Benno. He will be missed by his loving partner of 25 years, Renee Kelly, by his siblings, and by those that called him Dad, Grandpa and Uncle. Phil enjoyed farm activities. After graduating from Duchess High School, Phil completed his pharmacy education at the University of Alberta. After graduation Phil worked in a number of pharmacies and went on to open his own business, Brooks Plaza Drug Mart. He owned this business for close to 30 years. Phil and Renee retired and moved to Rosemary where he enjoyed a quieter lifestyle. After a number of years in Rosemary, Phil and Renee moved to Medicine Hat. They enjoyed several years in Medicine Hat and then moved to Grand Prairie and more recently to Edmonton. A gathering of family and friends was held on June 22 at Thom’s Funeral and Reception Center. Interment in the family plot in Duchess. “A life well lived is marked by the wisdom, friendships and love gathered along the way.” For further information or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.