Obituaries

Orlita – Our Dad, Mike Orlita, beloved husband of Elaine, passed away peacefully in Brooks, on November 27, 2021, at the age of 90 years.  Dad was born in Regina, Saskatchewan on May 9, 1931, to Anthony and Stella Orlita.  The family had emigrated from Poland and was farming in Dysart, Saskatchewan.  In 1945 the family moved to the Millicent area, where Dad grew up.  Dad met the love of his life, Elaine Fleury, in 1953 through friends.  They dated 1 or 2 times a week, enjoying Friday night dances at the Elks Hall.  He instantly knew he wanted to marry Mom.  He owned a 3 ton truck that he would haul grain or cattle in, for farmers in the area.  He saved $100 cash, went to “Ellik’s Jewelery”, in Brooks, bought a diamond ring, and proposed to Mom before the Friday night dance.  Mom accepted and they were married seven months later, June 21, 1954.  They celebrated their 67^th anniversary, this year.  Dad loved to work, starting on the farm with his Dad, at 8 years old.  Grandpa Orlita would sit Dad on the tractor so he could steer it, while his Dad would be behind him on a seeder or another implement.  There would be a rope around Dad’s waist and his Grandpa Orlita would yank the rope, sometimes to wake Dad up, or to steer to the right or left.  Dad developed a strong work ethic and a love of the land.  After Dad and Mom married, they worked on the farm in Millicent with Dad’s parents for a year or so.  Dad loved that Mom too was a hard worker and always took part.  Thus started Dad’s journey of always having a “hobby”, which meant a second job to go to at the end of the day.  In 1955 Dad worked selling parts, as well as building quonsets, with his brother-in-law Jesse, for farmers and businesses.  In late 1958 Dad opened a Royalite Service Station and bulk gas sales. During this time he also tried his hand at building houses, even helping build their own home, in his spare time.  They still reside in that same home, 58 years later.  In 1968 Dad went to work for the Martin family at Evergreen Implements, in the parts department.  He knew every piece of John Deere equipment and every part that made them run.  He loved to visit with the farmers and often their wives, who were sent in for parts during seeding or harvest.  He would be the first one to arrive, at the shop, and put the coffee on for decades, even after he retired.  Those morning visits were dear to him.  Of course, Dad needed a “hobby” while working at Evergreen, so he started a honey bee keeping business. Learning from his brother-in-law, Eric, he ran about 400 hives from 1968 to 1976.  This was a family business and everyone took part.  From April 1 to late October, evenings and weekends he and Mom provided a learning experience for their children of hard work and cooperation.  After Dad’s retirement, from Evergreen Implements, he went back to his roots and his love of the land and purchased a quarter section of farmland.  His son Len joined him and they bought two more quarter sections and formed Orlita Farms.  Dad passed his love of the land on to Len and the two of them became inseparable.  They proceeded to rent numerous acres and create a highly respected quality of crop farming.  Dad’s favorite place to be on earth was in the seat of a John Deere tractor out on the land.  He was blessed to continue doing just that until well into his 80’s.  Dad would start each day scoping the “Weather Network” on the iPad, in the early hours of the morning, to get an idea of what he and Len might accomplish that day.  Dad and Mom were very involved in their Catholic Church community.  Dad belonged to the Knights of Columbus.  They developed a tradition, starting with Mom’s family to join in a meal following mass.  The location would rotate with Mom and her sister Theresa hosting.  As the kids got older and started families of their own, the tradition would take place in a restaurant for brunch. Any family and grandkids available were always welcome to attend.  Through this they met, Bernice and John, who did the same thing, every Sunday after church.  Over 25 years of brunches, Bernice and John, became a part of the Orlita family.  Dad and Mom’s children and grandchildren continued to join in, when they could, with Grandson Mike being the fifth wheel for over a decade.  Dad loved sports, both live and on TV.  He was an avid baseball player in his teens and twenties.  He played for the Millicent Young Liberals.  He would speak of the men that took him under his wing and welcomed him to play, when so young.  “We were all just a group of farmers.”  Dad was tall and had long legs, so he was a fast runner.  He loved stealing bases and was good at it.  He was very competitive and was even invited to try out for a US team but decided against it. He was an NHL referee and a baseball umpire for countless games, right from his own living room arm chair.  His competitive spirit transferred to card playing when Mom’s parents taught them to play duplicate bridge.  They belonged to the Brooks Duplicate Bridge Club but played everywhere they went, even Hawaii.  The four of them would travel around to tournaments all over Alberta and Montana.  Dad and Mom had the good fortune to travel to Honolulu for two weeks every February for many years.  They often went with Mom’s parents and other family. They loved to share their favorite places.  Dad was a soft hearted, generous guy with a great sense of humor.  Tears would come easily whether he was watching “The Sound of Music” or just sharing a story.  He would surprise those around the table with a slap on the cheek with his bologna before he put it on his plate. He loved people and would never turn down an opportunity to just sit and chat.  As a family, we always had a two week camping trip, our favorite spot being Fairmont Hot Springs.  Dad loved the hot springs and could sit in that water for hours and visit with “new friends”.  Whenever Dad and Mom would get sentimental, they would turn on the iPad and look at pictures of their Great Grandchildren.  That would always make them smile.  Dad and Mom have been blessed to have loving caregivers in their home for the past ten years.  Dad was especially grateful for their care since last March and when asked at the hospital what he preferred to be called, his reply was “Grandpa”.  That’s what my caregivers call me at home.  Dad was predeceased by his parents Anthony and Stella; his three sisters Vera, Mary and Isabelle and their spouses; Mom’s parents Cliff and Alice Fleury; brothers-in-law Robert Fleury and Laurier Fleury.  Dad is survived by his wife Elaine, his four children and families – Sherri (Eric) Strauss, Danielle (Justin) and Jaclynn (Ryan); Debra (Michael) Courtney, Jennifer (Brad) Mehalko, Shaun (Kayla), Eligh and Becker; Len (Brenda) Orlita, Brittany and Tate; Leanne (Ken) Mandeville, Keith (Jill), Mike, Tracy (Richard) Dupre, Tucker, Nash and Leo; numerous nieces and nephews.  Several days after becoming incoherent and three days before his passing, Dad clearly led his family and Priest, in praying The Lord’s Prayer aloud.   “His faith carried him home.”  In memory of Dad, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B3.  A Family Prayer Service will be held on Wednesday, December 1 at 4:00 PM from St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  A Family Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 2 at 10:30 AM from St. Mary’s Catholic Church.  Rev. Marino Infante Celebrant.  Interment to follow at Brooks Cemetery.  Live Streaming will be available for both the Prayer Service and Mass Service via St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Brooks’ Facebook page.

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”

Larson – Ronald William Larson of Brooks, passed away in Brooks on Thursday, November 25^th, 2021 at the age of 58 years. Ron was born on March 14^th, 1963 in Calgary, Alberta to Norman and Joan Larson. He was a skilled tradesman, serving the Brooks area for many years as owner/operator of Brooks Restoration. Ron loved golfing, even sneaking in a couple rounds of golf on his way back from his cancer treatments. He loved spending time with his kids and grandkids and watching his granddaughters play hockey. Ron was a Toronto Blue Jays fan and he loved music. He was predeceased by his partner Lavone Lussier and his father Norman. Ron is survived by his sons, Brandon (Valley) Larson of Airdrie, Alberta, Nick (Elicia) Larson and Morgan Larson  of Calgary; mother Gladys Larson of Lethbridge, Alberta; stepdaughter Natasha (Troy) Caverly of Brooks; grandchildren, Traiya and Trinity Caverly of Brooks and Reign and Onyx Larson of Airdrie; siblings, Terri (Jeff) Phillips of Raymond, Alberta, Nathan Smith of Calgary, Norm (Terry) Larson of Calgary, Dan (Debra) Larson of Courtney, British Columbia, Patti (John) Kloppenburg of Cremona, Alberta, Chuck Smith of Calgary, Debbie (Barry) Cherniawsky of Calgary and Rick (Lyn) Larson of Riviera Nayarit, Mexico and numerous nieces nephews and friends. At Ron’s request there will be no formal service. In memory of Ron, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Canadian Cancer Society 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta   T2E 2P5.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by

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

Sonny Ohama

1926- 2021

Mr. Sonny Ohama of Lethbridge, treasured companion and friend of Judy Fukushima and beloved husband of the late Mrs. Jene Ohama, passed away peacefully at Extendicare Fairmont on November 21, 2021 at the age of 95 years.

Besides his loving companion Judy, Sonny is survived by his son Vincent (Adele) of Red Deer.

He was predeceased by his parents Kinzi and Kimi; brothers Toss, Tona, George, Albert, Kingo and Charlie; sisters Mae and Mary; and infant son David.

Sonny was born in Norfolk, Alberta on September 30, 1926 and attended school in Surrey B.C and Raymond AB. He loved sports and competed in track, baseball and basketball.

In 1942 the family settled in Rainier, AB working the land and becoming an important part of the farming community. He married Jene Endo on November 4, 1961 and was a devoted husband until Jene’s passing in 1997. During this time in Rainier, he continued to farm and raised his family. He loved to spend time with his family and friends while fishing camping and traveling. After retiring to Lethbridge, Sonny became a part of the areas golf and curling community. It was after a senior curling game in 2005 that he met Judy and for the next 16 years they shared their lives together.

Friends and family will have many fond memories of Sonny out at the farm or fixing this or that, building some new project, having a fishing line in the water or having a golf club or curling broom in his hand.

Sonny will always be remembered for his generosity, kindness and soft-spoken manner. A man truly beloved by all, he will be deeply missed.

A private family Funeral Service was held at Martin Brothers Riverview Chapels.  Interment took place at the Brooks Cemetery.

To watch Sonny’s Funeral Service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Sonny-Ohama and scroll to the bottom of the obituary.

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories.

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

HUMPHREYS – PATRICIA ROSE HUMPHREYS was born in Calgary on September 29, 1944 and was adopted by Clara and Alex Johnson. When Pat was a young girl her father died in a drowning accident. Her mother Clara married Charles Neil James McKay and before Charlie passed away he set in motion to adopt Pat and she received the confirmation of the adoption a few days after his passing. She was very close to him and was so pleased that he officially adopted her. She was also pre-deceased by her mother Clara, her brother Eugene (Bud) Johnson and her grandson Brad Burbank.
Pat married Don Firth in 1963 and they had four children; Robin, Gary, Karen and Craig. Pat and Don separated and went their separate ways in 1975.
In 1986 Pat met and married Don Humphreys and they enjoyed 36 wonderful years together. Pat is survived by her loving husband Don; her daughter Robin (Dan) Burbank and their children; Brandi, Brett, Ashley, Mark, Brad, Naomi and Hannah; her son Gary Firth, daughter Karen Cox and son Craig Firth and his children Nigel and Arron. She is also survived by 12 great grandchildren.
Pat taught at Brooks Campus and Medicine Hat College, first as an instructor for 11 years, then five years as the Manager of the Brooks Campus and finally back to teaching for another 8 years, before she retired. She taught in the business department and the office technology area. She loved to learn and spent many weeks taking summer courses throughout her long career. Some of the places included the University of Calgary, Oklahoma and Indiana. Pat was a very dedicated teacher and an excellent manager at the College. She was passionate about what she did and always wanted what was best for the Brooks Campus. Her work ethic was amazing which was evident when, as a single mother, she earned her Bachelor of Education Degree. As well, she earned her Masters Degree in Business.
She enjoyed lively discussions about politics as well as holidays spent camping and fishing with Don and the family. She was a voracious reader of widely varying genres. Pat was a great cook and she loved her beautiful yard and could talk at length about the many trees, plants and flowers that added such joy to her life. Pat and Don travelled a lot and had visited many far away places, including China and the British Isles. They also had many relaxing trips to Mexico. Pat was game for anything. She and Don went skydiving with friends and upon her retirement some of the College retirees formed a group called the “Gasbags”. This group had lunches, coffee dates, Christmas Parties and travels around Southern Alberta to visit many historic sites. Her grandchildren gave her a lot of joy, but time spent with the great grandchildren was fantastic. Pat lived a very full life and touched all those around her. She will be greatly missed.
A Private Funeral Service was held on Thursday, November 18, 2021.
To view a recording of the Service, please visit the Salmon and Sons website.
A Green Burial was held at the Royal View Cemetery in Lethbridge.
To send a condolence, please visit
www.salmonandsons.ca

Ferguson – On November 18, 2021, Ruth Irene Ferguson, loving wife and mother, passed away in Brooks at the age of 80. Ruth was born in Cardston, Alberta on December 16, 1940. She grew up in Del Bonita on the family farm where she excelled in 4-H, winning several Grand Champions. She started her nursing career in Calgary and moved to Cardston, where she met Roy. They were married November 1, 1963. Ruth and Roy lived in Cardston, Foremost, Bow Island, and Brooks, where they retired. Ruth was very artistic she enjoyed (and mastered) many different crafts. She taught ceramics, painted, and even made flies for fly-fishing. She loved camping and fishing in the backcountry of the Alberta Rockies. Some of her and Roy’s best memories are from camping with friends up at Dutch Creek. Ruth was also an avid golfer. She and Roy spent many an afternoon at a variety of courses in southern Alberta. Ruth is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Roy; her son Garnet; daughter Jacquie (Rob); granddaughters, Kaitlyn (Michael), and Kourtney (Jeff); grandson Cole; and great granddaughters, Kalista, Waverly, and Kamille. She also leaves behind her sister Janet, and sisters-in-law Barb, Kaye, Ruth, and Marj as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Glen and Grace Powlesland; her in-laws Daisy and Dave Ferguson; her brother Bernie Powlesland; brothers-in-law Art, Scotty, David, and Richard. Ruth was an amazing wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Her passing leaves a hole in our hearts and she will be missed dearly. There will be no funeral by request. Ruth’s ashes will be scattered at a later date.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by

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”

Hofmann – Harvey Hofmann left this life Nov. 13, 2021 as the sun rose on a beautiful morning. He left as he lived with his heels dug in and determined to be “the boss!” Life for Harvey began July 11, 1950. He was brought home to Scandia to a beautifully built new house full of loving older sisters, Roxsyna, Eileen, Lorraine, Linda and brother, George. A younger sister Virginia would complete Earl and Virginia Hofmann’s family a few years later. Harvey excelled in school but his memories seemed to have their happiest place in working on the farm as a child…..everyone worked, siblings, cousins, brothers-in-law! Far before Harvey’s feet could reach the clutch of the tractor, his brother George would put it in gear, jump off and stook bales as Harvey steered, then chase the tractor down when it needed to be stopped. Harvey farmed that same land for seven decades and loved his land and his cows. Music was a highlight of the Hofmann household. The family played in “Norman Oberhamer’s band,” practicing throughout the winters and marching in parades throughout southern Alberta every summer. Earl counselled his son that if he didn’t quit hanging around that girl, he would end up married to her. Harvey and Marlene Hofmann were married and “hung out” together for 48 years. And then there are his children! His first born, Sandra. His singing “cow” girl ….Sandra can you come over and sew up this prolapse up for me? Steve….Dad, if you’re going to drive in the city, you’re going to have to be far more aggressive! Then Kyle his bale stacker, car fixer, lawyer! And of course the baby, Blaine. His hard working, shot gun rider of trips to the Oasis for Dr. Pepper. Steve’s death in 2003 was an event that Harvey would never truly recover from. And some call them our “second litter!” The children of our old age, Ashley and Trayden. They gave laughter to our life on a daily basis. Ashley a talented musician and wonderful young mother. Trayden, he rescued you from roping the cow through the feed bunk as a baby and got to see you become a “hand” in the branding pen. The children-in-laws gifted to us are the finest. Jace Thiessen (Sandra), Joanne (Kyle), Jessica (Blaine) and Paul Doig (Ashley). Harvey always said he had two #1 daughters-in-laws, he loved you sweet girls. These unions blessed us with 5 grandsons: Zane Kubik (fiancée Morgan Pals), Westyn and Asher Hofmann, Dallin and Riley Doig. Harvey is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints. He quietly served his fellow man. It would be amiss not to mention music in our home….Harvey played the guitar. He and Marlene were a country music duo “Sweet Country Rain” playing for dances for many years. Often with friends and family, people would move from the dinner table into the living room where instruments were brought out and the “good songs” sung! Life is good, not always easy and we were so far from perfect but I am so grateful to have travelled this road with you, my Harvey. He wanted to take care of people, if it be your desire please donate to your local food bank. Funeral Services were held on Friday, November 19^th at 2:00 PM from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Brooks. Bishop Greg Graham officiating. Interment was held at Scandia Cemetery.

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”

Bunney –

Elsie Bunney of Brooks passed away in Brooks on Monday, November 15^th, 2021, with her family by her side, at the age of 90 years. Elsie was born in Liebenthal, Saskatchewan on April 30^th, 1931 to Dennis and Frances Frolich, the youngest of 6 children. She left the farm in 1948 and moved to Medicine Hat, where she stayed with her sister Josie and her husband Frank. Elsie’s first job was at Medalta Pottery where she was paid $0.55 an hour and she would send money out of each paycheque home to help her parents. In 1951 she moved to Ralston, Alberta where she managed the Army Base Canteen and she was charged $6 a month to rent a sleeping room. Elsie moved to Brooks in 1955 and worked for Cy Campbell at the Phoenix Restaurant (now Studio Elle) until Cy sold the business to a Chinese family. At this time Brooks had a population of 2500 people and 3^rd street east was the end of town. She worked with Martha Jackson and Ruth Doble at the Newell Hotel restaurant from 1956 – 1967, which at the time was owned by the Calgary Brewery and managed by a man named Streak, who leased the restaurant and was always dress in white from head to toe. Elsie trained many of the teenagers in Brooks how to waitress and her main rule was “Don’t show up with any part of your uniform wrinkled or you will be sent home to iron it.” Elsie went to work for Mas and Joan Nakamura at Dinny’s, aka the Shell station on the #1 highway, who also owned the local Kentucky Fried Chicken franchise. It was the busiest place she had ever worked at, it was truly nonstop work.  Elsie worked with Bud Betz, Grandma Kozma, Agnes Laux and many Rosemary girls. She stayed at Dinny’s until the business was sold to Gus the Greek and Elsie moved on when the business started to slow down. She worked for Liz Nemeth at the Country Kitchen until 1972, when the new Legion was built. At the time, the Legion was the finest dining in Brooks and she worked with Adeline Doble, Bertha Scott, Lee Pi, Marie Elsbett, Stella Pozzo and Betty Anderson, her favourite girls being May, Patty, Della and Diane. There was definitely some fun times and great friendships started there. In approximately 1980, Elsie and Adeline Doble decided to go to work for Tom Nevison at the new Gulf restaurant on the #1 Highway. This was a 24 hour restaurant and unlike anything they were used to. Can you imagine how horrifying it was for Elsie once she found out they were serving instant potatoes and fake gravy! In 1981 the Brooks Curling Club was looking for a manager and Elsie took on this new adventure, serving both food and booze. This was a seasonal job which freed up her summer months. Elsie was approached by George Koza in 1992 about taking over the Kitchen at Bow Slope Shipping, working both jobs until eventually giving up the Curling Club. Family says that Bow Slope was Elsie’s dream job and may have something to do with the scenery, she always loved a man who wore Wranglers. Her #1 girls at Bow Slope were Bernice McKenzie, Gwen Sinclari and Patty Hale. She stayed at Bow Slope until it was bought out by Charlton’s in 2000. Elsie was now officially retired! That lasted about 4 minutes because she began volunteering at Tuck, the shop in the Brooks Hospital, as well as unofficially taking on the role of funeral coordinator at the Legion, as well as other volunteering that eventually led to a paid position helping at the Legion Canteen. She worked there until the youthful age of 81 years. Elsie loved playing crib and darts. The Legion became a second home for Elsie, where she would gather with all of her best friends. She was predeceased by her husband Reg in 1975, son Garth in 2019 and siblings Josephine, Margaret, Marian, Kay and Lloyd. Elsie is survived by her daughter Penny Thompson and her husband Tim; grandchildren, Tanya and Richard Renard and Dustin and Lorelei Thompson; great grandchildren, Ryder Moorhead and Rein, Brooks and Hayes Thompson; lifelong friend Lorraine Elishen and many special nieces and nephews. “I hope the dining room is open when she arrives so she can visit with all her family, friends and customers over a glass of beer and clam. Enjoy your rest Mom, it’s now your turn to be served…” A Family Graveside service will be held at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Elsie, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to either the Royal Canadian Legion Auxiliary, 235 – 3^rd Street West, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 0S3 or Brooks Animal Protection Society, Box 86, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B2.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by

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”

1929 – Colette Olson – 2021

Colette Dorene Olson of Medicine Hat, passed away on Friday, November 12, 2021 at the age of 92 years, beloved wife of the late Ken Olson.  She leaves to cherish her  memory three children William (Ann) Olson and Robert (Yvonne) Olson all of Medicine Hat, Wendy (Dale) Riste of Jenner; thirteen grandchildren and their families; one sister Helen Beglaw of Medicine Hat as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  Colette was predeceased by her parents Eva and George Brassard; her husband Ken on January 30, 2009; one daughter Denise Earl; son-in-law Gord Earl; one brother Del and two sisters, Lorrie (George), Frankie (George).  Colette was born on September 17, 1929 in Bowness, Alberta.  She was raised at Atlee, Alberta where she received the first nine years of schooling at the Atlee School before attending high school in Calgary.     She worked as a cook on a ranch for five months before helping her parents with the General Store and Post Office at Indus.  She married Ken Olson on March 25, 1950 in Calgary.  She then worked as a switchboard operator, teacher’s aid and a security guard for a gate on the British block.  Ken and Colette bought the Gunderson farm, south of Jenner and farmed it until 1988 when they retired to Medicine Hat.  Colette enjoyed knitting, crocheting, sewing and reading.  Her grandchildren were very special to her and spending time with them was important.  Colette worked with Victim’s Assistance for three years, which she really enjoyed.  She also enjoyed travelling and did so extensively.  Ken and Colette moved to the Wellington Senior Residence in December of 2005.  Colette continued her \fs24softlinecommunity service there.  She helped with the Social Club and serving lunches for the bands.  She loved her fellow residents and was so grateful for the love, care and respect she received from the staff.  Her daughter Denise, had also provided much of Colette’s care until she passed away in June.  A private graveside service has taken place at Hillside Cemetery on Thursday, November 18,  2021 with Life Celebrant, David Townsend.   The graveside service will be recorded and available on the Pattison Funeral Home Youtube page following the service.   Those who wish to remember Colette Olson with a donation, may do so to the Medicine Hat Victim’s Assistance (mhps.ca).  To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com  subject heading: Colette Olson, or you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com  and leave a message of condolence.

Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE,  Medicine Hat T1A 2V6.  Please call 1-866-526-2214 for further information.

SUZANNE WILKINSON

February 15, 1943 – November 12, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Suzanne Wilkinson (Brunsden) announces her peaceful passing Friday, November 12, 2021, at the age of 78 years young in Brooks, Alberta.
Knowing that Suzanne will be joining her late, beloved husband George Wilkinson brings her family great relief and eases the pain of her passing. She leaves to cherish her memory two children Kathy Nyberg and Robert Wilkinson, brother Ed Brunsden, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as many friends. Suzanne will be remembered for her sense of humour, love of animals and youthful style. Her strength was steadfast and her support for her family and those who struggled was unbreakable. I love you more than yesterday, less than tomorrow.
To light a candle, to leave a message of sympathy or for further information, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Marlene Martha (Rogalsky) Siemens went home to be with her Lord on November 4, 2021. She was blessed with 78 years, 6 months and 23 days. She was the oldest daughter of the late David and Elizabeth (Walde) Rogalsky, born on April 12, 1943 in Bassano, AB.
She is survived by her husband, (Walter) Jonathan Siemens of Lethbridge, AB; four children, Sharlene (David) Schapansky, of Lethbridge, AB; Marilyn (David) Martin of Cheyenne, WY; Darryl (Sharon) Siemens of Bethel, PA; Wanda (John) Dyck, of Salmon Arm, B.C; 27 grandchildren, and 28 great-grandchildren; two brothers Alex (Lillian) Rogalsky, Abbotsford, B.C; Wally (Judy) Rogalsky of Keremeos, B.C; and three sisters, Lorena (Ralph) Siemens of Innisfail, AB; Elvira (Harold) Boldt of Chestermere, AB; and Kathy (Rudy) Wiebe, of Spruce Grove, AB.
Marlene grew up in Gem, Alberta, helping her parents who were busy with a farm, a store, and raising a family. She attended school in Gem and then later high school at Duchess. As a youth she gave her heart to the Lord and was later baptized in the Duchess Mennonite Church. Here she met the young man who would become her husband on June 3, 1961. Together they shared 60 years and were blessed with four children. When Jonathan was ordained deacon at the Duchess Bethel Mennonite Church at Duchess, she became a faithful helpmeet as he fulfilled his responsibilities in that office. Together they took care of the market garden, farming, custom haying, and in later years the spruce tree farm. In the spring of 2006, they relocated to Lethbridge where they would be closer to family.
In her lifetime she made many friends, reaching out to help in any way she could. She very much enjoyed the visits from her grandchildren and in recent years, her great-grandchildren. They were often blessed with a little gift at birthday time.
Mom loved the out-of-doors, tending to her many flowers and plants. This summer was a challenge as she watched others care for them. The week she took sick, she was out raking leaves and bringing in plants “to get ready for winter.”
Although she faced many health challenges in her life, God’s grace was always sufficient. We will miss her, but are thankful for her release from pain.
Oh beautiful sunrise, oh glorious morning!
Public viewing to be held on Nov.11 at 6:30-9:00 PM at Bethesda Mennonite Church, 85006 Hwy. 845 Coaldale AB. Private family service will be held.