Obituaries

LYNDA ANTKOWIAK

Lynda Louise (Sparrow) Antkowiak, beloved wife of Henry Antkowiak of Medicine Hat, passed away on Thursday, August 8th, 2019.  Lynda also leaves to cherish her memory one daughter, Sonya (Tim) Maerz; one son, Adam Antkowiak; one grandson, Max Brierley; one brother, Hal (Sherley) Sparrow; one sister, Bea Sparrow; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Lynda was predeceased by her parents.

God saw you getting tired

when a cure was not to be.

So He closed His arms

around you and whispered

“Come to Me”

You didn’t deserve what

you went through,

so He gave you rest.

God’s garden must be beautiful

He only takes the best.

And when we saw you sleeping

so peaceful and

free from pain,

we could not wish you back

to suffer that again.

A Private Family Time of Remembrance will take place.  The family would like to thank the Doctors, Nurses and Staff of the Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home for their compassion and care of Lynda.  Memorial gifts in Lynda’s memory may be made to the Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1.  Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Lynda Antkowiak.  Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, CREMATORIUM AND RECEPTION CENTRE, “The Chapel in the Park”, locally owned and directed.  Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 403-528-2599.

ELSBETT
Shirley Rose

November 7, 1944
– August 2, 2019

Shirley Rose Elsbett (nee Conners) of Drumheller, AB, passed away peacefully August 2, 2019 at the age of 74 years.
Shirley was born November 7, 1944 in Brooks, AB.
Shirley worked at the Drumheller Tourism Booth. She then completed her teachers assistant certi cate to become a teachers aid at the Greentree School. Mom later worked at Co-op service centre and Extra Foods.
Mom was an avid gardener and quilter. She loved her dogs and cats and enjoyed bird watching.
Shirley is survived by her daughter Donna (Paul) Brink; sons Ken (Cathy) Elsbett and Doug Elsbett; grandchildren Sydney (Steve) Ross and Travis Brink; sisters Dorothy Osadczuk (Cleo), Betty Dickhaut, and Mary Conners; brother Fred (Judy) Conners; sister-in-law Ella Conners.
She is predeceased by her parents William in 1973, Nan in 1986 and her brother Bill Conners in 2001.
As per Shirley’s request, no formal service is being held.

GALBRAITH, Robert (Bob) Charles
January 18, 1940 –Brooks, Alberta
August 2, 2019 – Airdrie, Alberta

Robert Galbraith of Irricana, Alberta, passed away on Friday, August 2, 2019 at the age of 79 years. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
A Celebration of Bob’s Life will be held at the Irricana Community Hall (300 1 St, Irricana, Alberta) on Saturday, August 17, 2019 at 2:00 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com.
In living memory of Bob Galbraith, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Airdrie, 300 TOWERLANE DRIVE, AIRDRIE, AB. Telephone: 403-948-1100.

Doerksen – Anne Doerksen, a most excellent mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, friend and loving life partner to Jake Doerksen for 64 years, passed away August 1^st, 2019 after a three month struggle with pancreatic cancer. Anne lived a full life, demonstrating almost limitless energy, sharing her amazing gifts of hospitality, cooking, caregiving, a warm sense of humour and inclusive love with her family, friends and countless guests in the communities where she lived and served.  Anne’s strong faith in God and love for others guided her life decisions as she provided essential support and encouragement for family, farming, community and church ministry.  Anne loved her family, Oceanside strolls, vacations, flowers, welcoming new and known people into her home, taking photos, family history, singing, playing music, whistling, beautiful sunsets and vast landscapes. She enjoyed collaborating with others, including editorial roles for Gem history books. Anne’s presence will be fondly missed by her husband Jake, her five children and spouses, Ken (Sharon); Arno (Wanda); Cheryl Hildebrand (John); Gerry (Donna); Tim (Yvonne), her 12 grandchildren and seven spouses, her 11 great grandchildren, Anne’s remaining siblings and extended families and all who have shared at her table. Anne was born December 24^th, 1931 in Cereal, Alberta to David and Anna Wiens.  Her childhood was spent in East Coulee, Alberta, and she completed public school in Gem, Alberta. Before marriage in 1955, Anne studied in Calgary and worked as a Nursing Aid in Bassano, Gleichen and Brooks, and attended Bible School in Coaldale.  Anne and Jake lived and farmed in Gem until 2012, when they retired to Strathmore, where they engaged with their condo and church communities, and soon had many new friends. Anne was predeceased by parents, David and Anna Wiens, brothers John Wiens and George Wiens and great granddaughter Madison Rose Doerksen. We would like to thank Anne’s doctors and medical staff and the staff of Prince of Peace Manor (Calgary) where Anne and Jake have lived since May for the excellent care that Anne received. Memorial services were held on Friday, August 9^th at 11:00 AM from Strathmore Alliance Church. Rev. John Duerksen officiating. A private interment was held at the Gem Cemetery. In memory of Anne, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Camp Evergreen, Box 492, Sundre, Alberta   T0M 1X0 or Charity of Choice.

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”

Engelbrecht –

Valerie Caroline Engelbrecht, nee Bain, of Brooks passed away at Sunrise Gardens, Brooks on Tuesday, August 6^th, 2019 age of 85 years. She was born in Somerset East, South Africa on February 2^nd, 1934. Valerie was a beloved mother, grandmother and friend. She was a great secretary in the publishing industry, and an amazing, caring and generous mom. Her love and gift for playing the piano brought joy not only to Valerie, but anyone that has ever had the pleasure of sharing time by the piano with her. Valerie not only had a passion for dancing, art and cooking, but was very gifted in these areas. Above all Valerie will be remembered for her strong faith, compassion and love for her God. She married Robert Engelbrecht on February 16^th, 1957 in Pretoria, South Africa and in 1985 they settled in Mossel Bay. They immigrated to Canada in 2001 and lived in Calgary with their son, Robert and daughter-in-law, Mary Ann and then relocated to Brooks in 2003, where she resided since. While in Brooks, she volunteered at the Brooks Food Bank. Valerie was predeceased by her parents, husband Robert, son and six siblings. She is survived by her son Robert and his wife Mary Ann of Calgary; her daughter Theresa Nagel, a Missionary Teacher in the Philippines and 2 granddaughters Clarissa and Jacqualine of Lethbridge, grandson Sean and great-grandson Cayden of Australia and granddaughter Michelle and great-grandchildren Kristen and Samuel of South Africa. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, August 13^th from the Brooks Christian Reform Church. Rev. John Vanderburgh officiating. Interment at Brooks Cemetery. ln memory of Valerie, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Canadian Alzheimer Society, online at:

https://alzheimer.ca/en/Home/Get-involved/Ways-to-donate or Call toll-free 1-800-616-8816

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”

Roberts – Ruby Marion (Knutson) Roberts of Brooks, Alberta, formerly of Rosemary, Alberta and beloved wife of the late Les Roberts, passed away in Brooks on Saturday, August 3^rd, 2019 at the age of 97 years. Ruby was born on July 18^th, 1922 at home on the farm in Iddesleigh, Alberta. She was one of eight children born to Gustav and Inga (Swinland) Knutson. All eight children were born on the farm, with Mrs. Inger (Hans) Stegen as Midwife. Ruby attended school in Iddesleigh, which was held in the U.F.A. Hall at first, until the Rainy Hills School was moved to town in 1942. Growing up through the depression years meant hard and difficult times. Ruby was only sixteen years old when her daddy died, in 1938, leaving her mother with eight children ranging from seven to nineteen years. In May, 1947, Ruby married Roland Munger and had one son, Douglas on July 25^th, 1948. Roland died on August 3^rd, 1956 and Douglas died on July 21^st, 2011. In January of 1957, Ruby married Les Roberts and had one son Allan, on March 11^th, 1958. Les worked on the C.P.R. at Burstall, Saskatchewan and Bindloss, Alberta. In 1960, they moved to Rosemary and bought the little white house on Tulip Street, where they resided for many years. They loved it there and enjoyed tending to their beautiful flowers and yard, along with planting and growing a huge garden every year. Ruby was predeceased by her husband Les Roberts, son Douglas Munger, sisters Doris Munger and Gloria Olson and brothers Victor Knutson and Alvin Knutson. She is survived by her son Allan Roberts and his wife Chris of Seba Beach, Alberta; sisters, Emily Riste of Brooks and Clara Olson of Stettler, Alberta; brother Manley Knutson of Medicine Hat; grandchildren, Loren (Emily) Roberts of Surrey, B.C., Rorie Roberts (Brad Harnack) of Blackfalds, Alberta and Shayne, Diana and Wes Munger; great grandchildren, Brendon and Colton Harnack and Hudson and Lucas Roberts. Funeral services were held at Rainy Hills Cemetery on Saturday, August 10^th at 12:00 PM. Michele Olson officiating. In memory of Ruby, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Iddesleigh Ladies Aid, Box 235, Jenner, Alberta   T0J 1W0.

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”

Janke – Jacob (Jack) Janke of Brooks, beloved husband of the late Adeline Janke, passed away in Medicine Hat on Sunday, July 28^th, 2019 at the age of 93 years. Jack was born in Walsh, Alberta on May 15^th, 1926 to Jacob and Lydia Janke. He married Adeline Deoring on April 2^nd, 1949 in Medicine Hat and resided in Brooks. Jack had many different jobs during his working years. He worked on a threshing crew in Hanna, farmed in Antelope Creek as well as worked in the pottery industry in Medicine Hat. Jack also worked at the Ogilvie Flour Mill in Medicine Hat and at the Bow City Coal mine, as well as Charlton’s Cattle Auction, Bow Slope Shipping and Diane’s Interior in Brooks. He also drove school bus in Brooks, did the mail run in Rainier, Scandia and Bow City and was an established carpenter in the Brooks Area. Jack will be fondly remembered for his love of music, many family members as well as residents of Brooks received a tape or CD that he had recorded and he played at many functions in the area. He was part of the Volunteer Outreach in Brooks. Jack was predeceased by his loving wife Adeline; parents Jacob and Lydia Janke and siblings Art, Emil, Rueben, Alfred, Gustov, Christina and Irene. He is survived by his 4 children; Leona Damsgaard of Medicine Hat, Marion (Ken) Onheliger of Medicine Hat, Ron (Sharee) Janke of Brooks and Sandra Janke of Brooks; grandchildren, Norma Damsgaard, Terry Damsgaard (Kevin), Rhonda (David) Hochheimer, Jason Onheliger (Dixie), Dustin Janke and Jennifer Janke; great grandchildren, Thomas, Kayla, Courtney, Tanisha, Kade, Danika, Chase, Austin and Ruby; great great grandson Benjamin; sisters in law, Freda and Evelyn Janke of Brooks and Grace Yanke of Medicine Hat and many nieces and nephews.Funeral services were held on Friday, August 2^nd at 2:00 PM from the Brooks Evangelical Free Church. Pastor Garth Everett officiated. Interment followed at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Jack, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Alzheimer Association of Alberta, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta   T1A 0K7.

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”

Bell – Barry Alexander Bell of Bassano, beloved husband of Karen Bell, passed away in Bassano on Friday, July 26^th, 2019 at the age of 81 years. Barry was born in Empress, Alberta on October 24^th, 1937 to William and Kathleen Bell. He married Karen Telford on July 17^th,1959 in Cluny, and they recently celebrated their 60^th  wedding anniversary. Barry had many jobs over the years, including dairy farmer, equipment operator, many jobs with LK and XL, truck driver and, of course, Two Bell Ranches. He enjoyed golf, curling, trap shooting, fishing and being around cows. Not many people knew Barry had his pilot’s license and he was one of the original members of the Bassano 4H club. He coached many hockey teams making an impression on many young men in the area. Barry and Karen could be found in a gym or a hockey rink following kids or grand kids. We will all miss his sharp wit, pet names and good conversations. Barry was predeceased by his parents Bill and Kay Bell; brothers, Bert and Ken; nephews, Bruce and Bob and great grandson Q. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Karen; children; Tracey (Mark) and Scot (Loralee); grandchildren, Jamie (Bosque), Tyler, Kayla, Casey and Mason; great granddaughters; Mhyr and Nautica; brother Dan (Louisa); sisters in law, June Bell and Sandy Bogstie; brothers in law, Bob (Gale) Telford and Kim (Cheryl) Telford and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, August 8^th at 2:00 PM from the Bassano Community Hall. In memory of Barry, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Bassano and District Health Foundation, Box 120, Bassano, Alberta   T0J 0B0 or a Charity of  Choice.

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

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”

Kirwan – Peter James “Jim” Kirwan of Bassano passed away on Wednesday, July 24^th, 2019, after a brief struggle with failing health, at the age of 86 years.  Jim was born in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan on October 30^th, 1932, he was the 9^th of 10 children to Joseph and Amy Kirwan. He came to Alberta in 1948 to work for Clint Haven at Duck Lake, Alberta.  Jim worked various jobs before settling down in the oil patch for 32 years.  He was a generous man and held high standards for his family and his community, which was evident by the positions he held in Lions, Elks and volunteering where ever he was needed.  Jim coached his boys in baseball and hockey and also coached the women’s softball teams.  He was the secretary of the curling club, a volunteer fire fighter and sat on council in Rainbow Lake.  Following his retirement from his paying jobs he stayed committed to his town by sitting as Mayor of Bassano for 12 years then actively participating as a member of the Palliser Economic Partnership board.  Jim and Darlene ran the kitchen at the Golf Course for a couple of years and he in his spare time he made the best golf clubs.  He was predeceased by his parents, 3 brothers, 5 sisters, father and mother-in-law (Ed and Rose Schaffer) and 2 brothers and 2 sisters-in-law.  Jim is survived by his wife of 65 years Lois Darlene.  They have 2 devoted sons, Donald (Joan) of Calgary and Gordon (Donna) of Medicine Hat.  He was also blessed with 6 beautiful grandchildren and 6 exceptional great grandchildren.  He is also survived by his sister Teresa Treiber.  Jim had a loving heart, willing to assist anyone who needed a soft place to fall when life got hard.  He was a beautiful person who supported others with a dignified and graceful spirit.  He enriched, inspired and touched the lives of so many people – stayed late to clean the kitchen as it was just something that needed to be done.  His legacy of service and compassion will live on in our hearts forever.  May God bless and keep you Dad, in this urn made especially for you by your son Gord and his wife Donna and the beautiful cross by his granddaughter Mandy.  Until we meet again.  We love you.   Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, July 30^th at 11:00 AM from St. Columba Catholic Church, Bassano.  Rev. Long Vu Celebrant.  Interment at the Bassano Cemetery.

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

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”

GODFREY – Richard William (Dick) Godfrey………Nov. 02, 1939. – July 17, 2019.
Born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Nov. 02, 1939. Passed away in Brooks at the age of 79. Beloved husband of Jo-Lee (Anderson) Godfrey, father to: Guy (Terry) Groves, Duane (deceased) Kathi, Jimmy-Jo Groves, J.B. Groves, Christie Godfrey, Travis (Shantelle) Godfrey. Seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Sisters, Sandra (Ken) Knutson, Noreen (John) Woitenko. Brother-in-law’s, David (Deb) Anderson, Ross (Rose Marie) Anderson and several nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by his parents, Jennie and Bill Godfrey and son, Duane Groves.
Dick (also known as Dirty Dick and The Governor) began his life in Carrot River and Moose Range Saskatchewan which made him a life long Roughrider Fan. Moved to Duchess when he was five, where he never forgave Kendall Sisson for stealing his beanie hat.
Attended school in Duchess and now finishing his education at the University of Calgary in the Medical Dept.
Dick started his career as a machine operator with the E.I.D. He also worked for the Dept. of Public Works in Calgary as well as the Tube Plant and Twin R Oilfield in Brooks.
In 1971 he went on his own…..(Richards Backhoe Services). There was not much he couldn’t do with the backhoe. He went back to the E.I.D. In 1990 to finish his career, retiring in 2004. Dick spent the next couple of years, with his dog Stitch riding shotgun, delivering veggies for the Thomas’s.
Dick had a love for outdoors, sports, baseball, golf, curling (two eight Enders) fishing, camping, hunting and traveling (when he and JoLee were not enjoying their winters In Yuma, they were off to foreign countries; Scotland being the last adventure).
Dick was a dear heart and gentle people person. Giving his time and energy to the community. He was Fire Chief, as well as helping to build the Curling Rink, Hall and Arenas. Coached and umped many baseball games, but MOST of all……enjoyed his activities with his children, grandchildren and friends.
A Celebration of life will be held at a later date, after his journey with the University.
Memorial tributes may be made to charities of your choice or COPD & EMPHYSEMA (The Lung Assoc. Alberta & N.W.T. @ Box 4500 Station South, Edmonton, AB. T6E 6K2