Obituaries

Borkent – Jenny Borkent of Brooks, beloved wife of the late Evert Borkent, passed away into the arms of her Savior on January 5^th, 2019 at the age of 92 years. Jenny was born in deWijk, The Netherlands on August 6^th,1926 to Jan and Lammy Slomp. She immigrated to Canada in 1951 to join the rest of her family, who had immigrated the year before to the Picture Butte area. It was there that Jenny married Evert Borkent on November 16^th, 1955 and moved to Brooks, where he worked and lived at the Horticultural Centre. She kept busy gardening and raising her children. After Jenny raised her children, she volunteered at the nursing home and hospital. She was also active in her local church. Jenny later worked as a bookkeeper at Brooks Industrial Metals, until her retirement in 1991. After retiring, she and her husband made trips to Australia, New Zealand, Florida, Israel, Mexico and Holland, and also enjoyed a couple of cruises. Jenny took an active interest in her nieces and nephews and would visit most of them at least once a year. She moved into Newbrook lodge in 2004 because of her husband’s health and to Sunrise Gardens, in 2017. Jenny was predeceased by her husband Evert; brother, Tieme; sisters, Grace Deunk and Hennie Dronkelaar and her parents Jan and Lammy Slomp. She is survived by her children; Amy Borkent(Pete VanderBeek) and Harry (Rose) Borkent; grandchildren Kristina and Glen; great grandchildren, Kida, Kaid and Shayla; brothers, John (Agnes) Slomp, Henry (Willhelmien) Slomp; numerous nieces and nephews, grandnieces and nephews and a few great great grand nieces and nephews. Funeral services will were on Wednesday, January 9^th at 2:00 PM from Brooks Christian Reformed Church. Rev. John Vanderburg officiated. In memory of Jenny, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Newell Christian School, Box 2063, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1C7. The family would like to express heartfelt thanks to the staff of Sunrise Gardens, and the staff of the Brooks Hospital for their kind and compassionate care of our mother.

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”

Mullings – Bernard Robert Mullings of Tilley, Alberta, beloved husband of the late Peggy Mullings, passed away in Brooks, Alberta on Saturday, January 12^th, 2019 at the age of 88 years. Bernard was born in Hendon Midox, England on January 5^th, 1931. Bernard was predeceased by his son, Bruce. His is survived by his sons, Brian and his wife Beverley of Tilley, Alberta and Keith and his life partner Paul of Toronto, Ontario; grandchildren, Nicole of Calgary, Alberta and Steven, Marie and Eve of Tilley; great grandson Ethan of Tilley; siblings, Wendy (Kim), John and Brett of Queensland, Australia and many nieces, nephews and other family members and friends in England, Australia, Canada and USA. In memory of Bernard, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta, 10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta   T1A 0K7. A memorial will be announced at a later date.

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”

SAWATSKY – Raymond John Sawatsky passed away Jan. 8, 2019 at the age of 77 years. Ray was born Sept. 1, 1941 in Waldheim, Sk. to Henry and Helen Sawatsky. He is survived by his three children:

Kelly (Tom) Wallace, of Brooks, Ab., Marty Sawatsky of Regina, Sk., Janet Sawatsky (Chris Burns) of Calgary, Ab and his grandchildren; Joshua Sawatsky, Keaton Wallace, Taryn Wallace, Martina Sawatsky, and Mhairi Burns.

Ratzlaff – Alice Emma Ratzlaff of Calgary, beloved wife of the late John Ratzlaff, passed away in Calgary on Wednesday, January 9^th, 2018 at the age of 93 years. Alice was born July 20^th, 1925 in Medicine Hat to Howard and Elsie Moses. They lived on a farm near Simmie and Instow, Saskatchewan, where she received her education. Alice completed grade 9 while learning to sew and helping her parents on the farm and with their threshing business. She received her driver’s license without taking a test and at the age of 13 drove herself and her sisters to and from school. Her mother’s health issues triggered a move to Moose Jaw in November, 1941 where Alice’s brother was training for the service. She married John Ratzlaff on September 28^th, 1946 and moved to Lethbridge, where their son Rick was born. The family moved to Brooks and then Bassano, where John established Ratzlaff Agencies. Alice and John welcomed two more sons, Wayne and Bruce while living in Bassano. They established the Bassano Evangelical Free Church , where Alice would accompany John in his singing ministry. She was involved with the Salvation Army, sponsored immigrant families, taught home making skills and always had an open home and an open heart for others. She lived her faith in action and carried the image of God in all her creativity. Alice was predeceased by her loving husband, John Ratzlaff, parents Howard and Elsie Moses and one grandson by marriage, Grant Batchelor. She is survived by her three sons: Rick (Aggie) Ratzlaff of Sexsmith, Alberta, Wayne (Bonnie) Ratzlaff of Blaine Lake, Saskatchewan, Bruce (Verna) Ratzlaff of Calgary, Alberta; grandchildren, Lisa Ratzlaff of Zambia, Darren (Peggy) Ratzlaff of Nebraska, Wendy (Alex) Lerch, Calgary, Tanis (Perry) Klassen of Stony Plain, Kim (Ernie) Warkentin, Debolt, Lori (Mark) De Witt of Calgary, Jody (Stan) Keim of McBride, British Columbia, Richelle Chambers of Grande Prairie, Alberta, Julie (Ray) Porco of Calgary, Alberta, Sandi (Kent) McKay of Edmonton; 23 great grandchildren; two foster daughters, Hélène Garrett and Lilian Johnson and their families; her older brother Owen (Noreen) Moses of Oregon; sisters Hazel Seibel of Hamilton, Ethel Farthing of Edmonton and many cousins, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Funeral service will be held on Monday, January 14^th at 1:00 PM from Bassano Evangelical Church. Rev. Robert Ratzliff officiating. Interment at Bassano Cemetery. Luncheon to follow at Knox Presbyterian Church CE Building. In memory of Alice, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Alice Ratzlaff Legacy Fund, International Messengers Canada, Box 11022, 1945 McCallum Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia   V2S 0E4.

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

RUST – Richard Melvin Rust of Brooks, Alberta, beloved husband of the late Murry Rust, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday, January 12^th, 2019 in Medicine Hat, Alberta, at the age of 82 years.  Richard was born on July 15^th, 1936 in Hanna, Alberta, the son of David and Helen Rust and younger brother to Ruby.  On October 26^th, 1960 he married the love of his life, Murry Powell also of Hanna.  They settled in Brooks in 1962. During their many years in Brooks, hard work, along with Richard’s ingenuity and resourcefulness led to a variety of business ventures, including M&R Dairy Bar, property development and carpentry.  He was active in the community through the Elks Club, Lakeside Spurs and other social organizations.  Over the years he enjoyed playing his banjo, curling, golfing, travelling the world and socializing with the local coffee crew.  As well as being a loving and dedicated father, he was also known as a businessman, coach, mentor and friend.  Richard always had a gracious attitude and positive outlook on life no matter the circumstances.  Richard was predeceased by his wife Murry, parents David and Helen, stepfather Fred Gall and sister Ruby Sieppert.  Richard is survived by his loving family, children, Craig (Susan) Rust of Calgary, Sherraine (Kerry) Crapo of Brooks and Michael (Michelle) Rust of Calgary, as well as 8 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. We are deeply saddened by our loss, but will always remember his unconditional love and devotion for his wife to the end. We rejoice that they have been reunited and restored in their eternal home.  The family appreciates all the care received over the last several years from the Medicine Hat Kidney Clinic.  We especially appreciate the love and dedication provided by his primary caregivers Joan and Joanne, and especially his loving daughter, Sherraine.  His gracious spirit and positive outlook for life was endearing and will live on in our hearts forever.  Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 19^th at 11:00 AM from the Brooks Evangelical Free Church. Pastor Garth Everett officiating.  Interment at Brooks Cemetery.  In memory of Richard, memorial tributes may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Southern Alberta Branch, 6007 – 1A Street S.W., Calgary, Alberta   T2H 0G5.

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”

Muschiol – Gertrud Maria Muschiol of Tilley, beloved wife of the late Harry Muschiol, passed away peacefully at her home on Thursday, January 3^rd, 2019 at the age of 88 years. Gertrud was born on February 5^th, 1930 in Augustfehn, Germany to Johann and Gretchen Schulte. She was the only daughter growing up with five brothers. Her early years were spent riding bikes, playing soccer and skating on the canals in their little town. WWII changed their lives drastically with food rationing, almost nightly trips to the bomb shelters and the loss of one of Gertrud’s brothers. However; her parents were very resourceful and always managed to find food for their family during hard times. This skill that Gertrud learned from them became valuable during her early years in Canada. After the war, Gertrud convinced her parents to grant her permission to go to Great Britain where work was available. In Scotland, she worked for a family as a nanny. She met Harry who was working on a neighbouring farm and they soon discovered they had each found the one with whom they wanted to grow old. They were married in 1950 and their first two children, Monica and George were born there. In October of 1956 they returned to Germany briefly before boarding the ship “Arosa Sun” on May 1^st, 1957 to pursue a new life in Canada. As Gertrud was carrying a baby due in less than two months, the trip was a difficult one with most of it spent being seasick. They landed in Montreal and travelled by train to Lethbridge and then to their new home in Cranford where they would work in the sugar beet fields, renting farmland for the next seven years. Ralph and Carolyn were born during their time in Cranford. They bought and moved to the farm in Tilley in February 1964 where Gertrud and Harry lived a wonderful life raising their family. Gertrud was predeceased by her loving husband Harry (November 2018), her parents Johann and Gretchen; brothers Franz, Josef, Heinrich, Rudolf and Guenther and a sister also named Gertrud who died prior to Gertrud’s birth. She will forever be remembered with love by her four children, Monica (Bill) Elder, George (Szandra) Muschiol, Ralph Muschiol, and Carolyn (Ken) Bain; grandchildren Jonathan (Faye) Muschiol, Marie (Cam) Weitz, Jordan Bain and Darin Bain; great-grandchild Lincoln Weitz; sisters-in-law Maria Schulte, Martha Schulte, Liesbeth Schulte; brother-in-law Joachim (Hildegard) Muschiol; nieces and nephews in Germany as well as special family members from Mexico and Japan. Gertrud and Harry loved to travel. They spent time in various countries in Continental Europe and the British Isles as well as Mexico and Guatemala. Gertrud was an integral part of the Tilley community. She held many roles in the St. Jude’s Altar Society. She enjoyed being a member of the Tilley Seniors Society and Tilley Country Club, and greatly valued the friendships she found there. Attending Bethany Lutheran Church gave her spiritual fulfillment. Life on the farm gave Gertrud great satisfaction, from milking the cow to collecting eggs, weeding the garden, and pickling and canning. Gertrud was an avid vegetable gardener and loved to plant and care for flowers. Above all, Gertrud was known for her hospitality, kindness, and caring to everyone she met, whether it be friends or complete strangers. She enjoyed socializing with friends and neighbours and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Family was always Grandma’s priority. She especially treasured family occasions and some of her favorite times were those spent with her grandchildren and great grandson. Gertrud could always be found baking bread or sweets. If you dropped in she invariably had a bag of goodies or delicious buns for you to take home. She will be sadly missed by everyone whose lives she touched. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, January 12^th at 2:00 PM from Bethany Lutheran Church. Rev. Les Skonnord officiating. In memory of Gertrud, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to a 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”

Till – Matilda Till of Brooks, beloved wife of the late John Till, passed away peacefully in Brooks, with her family at her side, on Wednesday, December 26^th, 2018 at the age of 84 years. Matilda was born on May 27^th, 1934 in Lestok, Saskatchewan to Joseph and Kathleen Baksa. Throughout her youth she lived in a number of locations in Saskatchewan and Ontario, until finally settling on a farm in the Tilley area. Matilda married John Till on February 20^th, 1956 and together they farmed the Tilley and Duchess areas and also owned a market garden in the Brooks area. She also drove school bus and worked at IGA. Matilda loved her family and delighted in her flower and vegetable gardens. She is survived by her children, Bob (Laurie) Till of Brooks and daughter Karen Scott of Calgary; 6 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, January 8^th at 2:00 PM from Smith Memorial Chapel. Rev. John Theiss officiating. Interment to follow at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Matilda, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Parkinson’s Society of Alberta, #201, 5635 Burbank Crescent SE, Calgary, Alberta   T2H 1Z6.

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”

BAHR

FRANK GARFIELD BAHR, beloved husband of Lori Etheridge, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family, at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, on Saturday, December 15, 2018.

Along with his wife, he is lovingly remembered by his children, Frank, Serena, Mike and Cody, sisters Mary and Ila, brother Ray and stepdaughter Linda McKenzie as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Frank was born in Brooks, AB on August 1, 1949 to Albert and Veva Bahr. He was raised in the Brooks area and worked most of his life in the Oilfields.

A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held at the ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION, 235-3rd Street West, Brooks, AB, on Saturday, January 19th, 2019 at 3:00 P.M.

Donations in memory of Frank may be made to The Kidney Foundation, 6007-1A Street SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 or online at www.kidney.ca.

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

FISK – Robert Garry Fisk of Scandia, (formerly of Calgary, AB) peacefully passed away in Brooks on Thursday, December 13^th, 2018 at the age of 81 years. Bob was born September 5^th, 1937 in Drumheller and was raised in Calgary. He graduated from Crescent Heights High School in 1957. Bob had a passion for football, which he played in high school and with the Calgary Jr. Broncs. Within a month of graduating, he began his career with Canadian Western Natural Gas. Bob retired 35 years later without missing a single day. He had a wonderful sense of humour and loved to laugh. Bob’s favourite expression was a dry “I’ll decide.”  Bob was a very talented artist and enjoyed painting and making wax candles. He coached many softball and football teams throughout his life. Curling was another sport that he loved and played for many years. Bob will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 57 years, Sharon; his three children, Rob Fisk, Loyal Ratte (Richard), and Echo Chandler (Reece); and his four grandchildren, Cody and Logan Ratte and Talon and Tique Chandler. A Celebration of Life will be planned in the Spring of 2019. In memory of Bob, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, South Eastern Alberta Chapter, #101, 1201 Kingsway Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, Alberta   T1A 2Y2.

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”

Lepp – Alvin Lepp, 86, of Brooks, Alberta, formerly of Rosemary, Alberta passed away peacefully with family at his side on December 30^th, 2018. Alvin was born on December 14^th, 1932 in Namaka, Alberta to Heinrich and Maria Lepp and resided as a youngster with his family in Namaka, Acme, Gem and Countess. He was known to walk the 6 miles of railway tracks between the farm in Countess and Village of Rosemary to diligently attend hockey practice, choir practice, church activities and of course a trip to town would include a stop at Harry’s Café on the way home. On August 12^th, 1956 Alvin married Helen Retzlaff of Rosemary where they lived and began raising their family prior to moving to the farm a few miles northwest of town in the spring of 1966. Alvin farmed in the Rosemary area for many years but also owned and operated a school bus for 17 years, worked with a local utility company to install and maintain the overhead phone lines, worked as a farm hand for the late Mr. George Loewen and also the late Mr. George Penner, sharing many fond stories of his experiences working for them. He was a devoted Christian and active member of the Rosemary Mennonite Church, very much enjoying being a part of the local choir. Alvin had a pleasant song for nearly every occasion, fondly remembered by his children and grandchildren, now being passed on to his great grandchildren. In 1979 Alvin became involved with Native Ministries in the Siksika Nation Region where he built numerous friendships over the years, sharing many experiences and speaking very highly of the many people he met there. Retiring in 1998, Alvin took up golfing, curling and continued visitation and ministry with his countless friends and acquaintances at the Siksika Nation, while always having lots of time to spend with his family and grand-children. Alvin will be remembered as a very kind and caring man of faith and will be deeply missed. Alvin was predeceased by his parents – Heinrich and Maria, 2 brothers Peter and Henry, 4 sisters, Helen, Mary, Alma and Margaret. He is survived by Helen, his wife of 62 years, 4 children, Rudy (Lori) of Magrath, AB., Joyce (Chuck Roth) of Blackfalds, AB., Irv (Wanda) of Rosemary, AB. and Steve (Jan) of Gem, AB. as well as 11 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; 2 brothers, Bill of Calgary, AB. and George (Jacquie) of High River, AB.; sister-in-law Helen Lepp of Three Hills, AB.; brother-in-law Wilf Scheuerman of Medicine Hat, AB. and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services were held on Friday, January 4^th at 2:00 PM from the Rosemary Mennonite Church. Rev. Frank Krulicki officiated. Interment followed Rosemary Cemetery. In memory of Alvin, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of one’s 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”