Obituaries

Neely – Arthur “George” Neely passed away at home on Monday, May 16^th, 2022 at the age of 81. Born on Jan. 5^th, 1941 to James and Marion Neely in Calgary. George spent the rest of his life in the Steville/Imperial Colony area. He married his soulmate Gail Zeer on May 1^st, 1964 and together they raised their family and built a thriving cattle operation. George greatly enjoyed company and their house was always busy with friends and neighbors coffee’ing or card playing. Being a Grandpa became a major part of George’s world as life progressed and close bonds were formed with his grandchildren. He taught them and his children by example to be generous with their time and resources in helping others as he quietly provided whatever assistance people needed. His work was also his playground and he remained active in it to the very end spending his last day checking grass conditions and cattle while enjoying the green grass, young calves and blossoming trees. He was predeceased by wife Gail, sister Kay Blonjeaux, sister/brother-in-law Sharon and Roy Cody, as well his parents, mother and father-in-law, and a grandson Matt. George is survived by his daughter Rhonda Anderson and her children Cheyenne (Dusty) and Chase; son, Jim (Sherri) their children Rae (Flavio), Logan and Cole (Brittanie and their daughter Tenley); other survivors include close family friends, Bob (Sharon) Lane; siblings, Sheila (Norman) Musgrove and Stewart Neely; brothers-in-law Blain (Gayle) Zeer and Darryl Blonjeaux and many nieces and nephews. At George’s request there will only be an immediate family inurnment. His family hopes you remember George for doing it not talking about it!

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at

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”

Konschuh –

Vivian Clair Konschuh of Brooks, beloved wife of the late Ken Konschuh, passed away in Brooks on Saturday, May 7^th, 2022 at the age of 80 years. Vivian was born in McMurdo, BC to Charles and Betsy Arkinstall; 1 of 12 children. Many fond memories of the draft horses used by Charles and the older boys logging in the mountains around Golden, BC. Betsy maintained a large garden and the fruit picking stories were abundant. Every one of the girls helped with the cooking, cleaning and canning, while the boys were hard working and successfully hunted and provided for the family. After schooling was completed in Golden, Vivian was drawn to the big city lights of Calgary. While cooking at A&W, she introduced her creamy coleslaw and apple turnovers to the chain at great success. This is also where she met George E. Broeffle. They had 3 children: George E. Broeffle Jr, Ida M Musgrove, and Patsy E. Broeffle. From there, Vivian moved to Standard, AB and while cooking at Cluny Hilltop she met Kenneth Konschuh and the family added Russell Konschuh and Tracy Konschuh. They ranched and grew a large garden, then along came David Konschuh and the next year Shannon Konschuh. What fun we had on the creek at Cluny. Ken and Vivian then moved to Valleyview, AB, where they farmed until their retirement. Vivian also owned and operated a greenhouse and flower shop in Valleyview. After retirement they spent the summer in Jenner, AB, then purchased a farm in Millicent, AB, and finally purchased a house in Brooks, AB. Many great times were had around their kitchen table. Vivian lost Ken March 10, 2021, as well as most of her family but, she is survived by her children, son George (Colleen) Broeffle; daughter Ida (Eric) Musgrove and their children, Yvonne (Jason) Hansen and their children Avery, Piper, and Ella; Amy (Dwane) Kooy and their child Kylie; Jennifer (Tyrone) Maines and their child Mesa; Erika (Cody) Baron and their children Jonathan, Madison, Jackson; daughter Patsy Broeffle and her children Christopher (Kristi) Reimer and their child Kendra; son Russell (Michele) Konschuh and their child, Luke; daughter Tracy (Terry) Bellward and their children Jesse and Amanda; son David (Rachelle) Konschuh and their children Jovi, Maxim and Alexander; daughter Shannon (Harvey) Peterson and their children Kennedy and Ian as well as nieces, nephews and cousins, too numerous to mention. She loved us all. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 21^st at 2:00 PM from Smith Memorial Chapel.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at

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”

JOHN George CALPAS

(BSc Ag. MAg.Ed. P Ag.)

1932 – 2022

        John Calpas of Lethbridge, Alberta, beloved husband of the late Juli Ann, passed away peacefully on May 5, 2022, at his Martha’s House residence at the age of 89 years.
John was raised on the family farm in Tilley, Alberta.  He was very dedicated to his career in agriculture. After obtaining a degree at the University of Alberta, he became an Agrologist in 1956.  His 31-year career with Alberta Agriculture saw him progress from District Agriculturist in Taber to Regional Director in Lethbridge, then to Edmonton in the position of Director of Extension for Alberta Agriculture.  His career took him back to Lethbridge in 1985 as the Director of the Irrigation Division. In 1990 John moved to the Lethbridge College as Agricultural Program Administrator for ten years.  Finally, he spent three years at the Lethbridge Research Centre.

John has been recognized for his contributions to the province’s agriculture industry with several awards and, always working closely with farmers and agri-business leaders, has a legacy of highlights.  He was proud of the many international agricultural tours he organized and guided.  John was a long time Knights of Columbus member as well as an active community member.  In retirement he enjoyed being part of organizing over ten vacation/cultural trips to China.

John was especially devoted to his wife, Juli.  They married in 1960 and his studies, work, vacations, and adventure took them both to many places around the world.  The trips very often involved farm tours!  He was an avid casual photographer and enjoyed landscaping and gardening.  With five boys, they were also very busy supporting various school and sports activities.  John loved talking about farming and spent time back on the family farm whenever he could.

John was predeceased by his loving wife of 56 years, Juli Ann;  parents George and Apolonia Calpas; brothers Lukas, George, and Joe; and sisters Ann and Victoria.

He is survived by sons Greg (Suzanne), Loren, Ron, Ken, Bryan; and granddaughters Madison, Alexandra, and Sydney.
A Catholic Prayer Vigil will be held at 6:00 pm on Thursday, May 12, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/John-Calpas and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page to find the link.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, May 13, 2022 at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12 Ave SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta with Father Derek Remus, celebrant. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/John-Calpas and scroll to the bottom of the obituary page to find the link.

A Reception will follow in the church hall.

Flowers are gratefully declined.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Covenant Foundation, 1400 9 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1J 4V5.

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

Hnatiuk – Irene Clara Hnatiuk (Babe Zebedee) of Brooks, beloved wife of the late David Michael Hnatiuk, passed away peacefully at the Brooks Health Centre on Friday, April 22^nd, 2022 at the age of 94 years. Irene was born in Calgary on January 29^th, 1928 and lived in Nanton, Alberta until moving to Brooks as a Telephone Operator for AGT. Along with her husband Dave they started Allied Distributors in 1964. Upon retirement they enjoyed many winters in Yuma, Arizona. They moved into the Newbrook Lodge in 2013 and she remained there until her passing. She is survived by her son David and his wife Laurie and their children Kendra and Madison; daughter Kathy Chudleigh and her husband Kent and their son Jordan and his wife Tina and their son Luca; as well as a sister Mag of Edmonton. Many thanks to those who lovingly cared for Gram at the Brooks Health Centre, sub-acute care and Newbrook Lodge. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at

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”

Brian Lee McElroy

1948 – 2022

Mr. Brian Lee McElroy of Tilley, AB passed away peacefully on April 25, in Medicine Hat, AB after a lengthy battle with cancer.

Brian was born in Lethbridge AB Nov 17, 1948, to Gerald and Esther. Was raised in Lethbridge, became a cattle buyer, later worked for Balog Auction. He retired moved to Pincher Creek, later moved to Tilley, AB

Brian leaves to mourn his niece Paula and nephew Mitch. Plus many friends. He was predeceased by his parents Gerald and Esther, also his brother Wayne.

At Brian’s request there will be no funeral.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brother’s Lethbridge, AB.

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.

Caverly – It is with deep sadness that the family of Larry Mills Caverly of Brooks, announce his peaceful passing on Sunday April 24^th, 2022 at the Brooks Health Centre with his wife Carol at his side at 78 years of age. Larry was born on December 21^st, 1943 and raised in Meadow Lake, Sk. He graduated from Carpenter High School in 1962 and later graduated from Teacher’s College in Saskatoon. Larry started his career at Central School in Battleford, Sk. In 1966 he married Carol Neufeld. Larry then graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon in 1968, with a Bachelor of Education Degree. He went on to teach at the Rocky Lane School in Fort Vermilion School Division in northern Alberta from 1968-69. Due to his father’s poor health, Larry returned to teach in Meadow Lake, so that he could be close to help. In 1972, Larry and Carol bought his parent’s farm and he retired from teaching in 1974 and went to full time farming. Over the years the farm expanded to a 200 cow/calf/grasser operation. Larry and Carol retired and sold the farm in 2020 and moved to Brooks, to be close to family. Larry was a sensitive, loving and caring son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He was a hard worker and also enjoyed the outdoors, loved to dance and play cards. Larry also loved to visit with family, friends and neighbours. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Larry was predeceased by his parents, Mills and Ruby. He will be missed and forever in the hearts of his loving wife Carol; loving son Troy (Natasha) and their children Traiya and Trinity; loving son Orin (Farrah) and their children Alyssa and Ty; loving sister Gloria (Harold) Evans and their son Blaine and numerous other nieces and nephews. His cremains will be placed with his parents in the St. Cyr Lake Cemetery, Saskatchewan, when Carol joins him. In memory of Larry, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to either the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, 16^th Floor, Toronto, Ontario   M4R 1K8 www.alzheimer.ca or Hydrocephalus Canada, 16 Four Seasons Place, Suite 111, Toronto, Ontario   M9B 6E5 www.hydrocephalus.ca

“A limb has fallen from the family tree that says grieve not for me.

Remember the best times, the laughter, the song the good life I lived while I was strong.”

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at

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”

Lawrence – Julie Lynn Lawrence of Brooks, passed away in Brooks on Thursday, April 7^th, 2022 at the age of 38 years. Julie was born in Kitimat, British Columbia on November 8^th, 1983 to parents Richard Lawrence and Debbie Breadner. She moved to Brooks in 1997 and lived with her mom, 3 siblings and step-dad, Brad Breadner. In 2002, Julie attended Hair School in Medicine Hat, Alberta. She was a brilliant hairstylist with many clients. Julie lived the life of a traveler, starting off in Grande Prairie, where she worked at Chatters Salon and at a nightclub, making many wonderful friends along the way. She lived life to the fullest, had a beautiful smile and a great sense of humor. Julie enjoyed time spent with friends and family. She loved being an Auntie to her nieces and nephews. In 2019, Julie settled down in Brooks, where she had her daughter, Tyler, on Easter Sunday, 2020. She was a proud and wonderful mother. She is survived her beautiful daughter, Tyler; parents, Richard Lawrence (Sheri) and Debbie Breadner (Brad); siblings, Karen, Craig (Marina) and Chris Lawrence; niece, Jayda and nephews, Kesler, Linkyn, Declan and Cayden.  Thank you to everyone who attended Julie’s Celebration of Life and brought food, flowers and gifts for Tyler. Your generosity will never be forgotten. “If love could have saved you, you would still be her today. Gone too soon, but never forgotten.” In memory of Julie, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to deblaw40@hotmail.com, to be put into an RESP for Tyler.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at

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”

John William Ostafichuk was born at his family homestead along the Red Deer River on April 19th, 1930. He was baptized in Patricia, AB, in line with traditional Ukrainian Catholic customs. John was educated in both Patricia and Berry Creek, with the latter being his preferred school because in the winter time he was able to cut across the frozen river rather than having to take the ferry to get across. The final location that John attended school was closer to home, in a one room school house at Imperial Colony. John’s role as a provider began quite young, and he spent his childhood working on the farm and caring for his parents and siblings. On the rare occasion he was able to slip away for some fun, John would enjoy river skating parties, as well as hunting and fishing with his best friend Pat Conners. However, even his hobbies were centered around caring for his love ones, as he would often fish to feed his family. John met his future wife, Eileen Riste, at a dance in Iddesleigh, waiting eight years before marrying. John wanted to ensure he was able to provide Eileen and his future family with all they deserved, including Eileen’s dream house that he built with his own two hands. Upon completion of their home, John and Eileen were married on October 27, 1962 in Brooks, AB at the United Church. It was a beautiful autumn day, and Eileen’s father, Ollie, paid the band extra to play well into the night. John regularly spoke of how grateful he was for the love that his father-in-law showed him over the years; a love that was multiplied by John in his interactions with his wife, children, and grandchildren. John and Eileen welcomed their first child, Susan Eileen in September 1963. Sonja Marie followed shortly after in January of 1966. John was a loving father who never got mad, and seldom raised his voice—even when the girls might have deserved it. He was always involved in his community in some capacity. In his younger years you could count on him to be at your branding, and he was one of the first to lend a hand if his neighbors were in need of a little extra help. He loved watching rodeo when he could, whether it be in person or on the Cowboy Channel, and was a passionate chuckwagon enthusiast. John was a social man, and if you knew him you knew that he could tell a story second to none. Over the years he attended many Calgary Stampedes, and attended the Calgary Bull Sale for 45 consecutive years. As John got older, he wasn’t able to venture out quite as far, but you could count on him to be sitting around the table for the midday coffee at the Patricia Fire Hall. John also enjoyed spending time alone, and could be found out on his land checking on his cows, or in his garden with his dog and a shovel (to ensure every inch of that land was irrigated). Above all, though, John loved his family fiercely and unconditionally. If you would have asked him what his greatest accomplishment in life was, your question would have been answered without a moment of hesitation: his granddaughters. Papa O was the loudest supporter in the stands while we ran our barrels and competed in basketball games, he held onto every single 4-H ribbon we ever brought home, and he always made sure our fridges were filled with garden veggies and Hutterite eggs. He was, and always will be, the voice in our head when we get into a vehicle: don’t forget to snap in. John and Eileen lived in the home he built them for nearly their entire 59 year marriage. They moved to Brooks together in 2019, and then eventually to Medicine Hat. John passed away on April 22nd, 2022 at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, surrounded by his family. He was predeceased by his eldest daughter, Susan Wigemyr, brother Mike Ostafichuk, and both his parents. He is survived by his wife Eileen, daughter Sonja Schock (Tracey), son-in-law Blaine Wigemyr, granddaughters Nicole Magnuson (Jordan), Maddison Drader (Ryan), Paige Schock (Baxter), and Brooke Schock. There will be a Final Farewell for Johnny O. at the Patricia Hall on Tuesday, May 3rd at 2:00 PM. The family asks that in lieu of flowers you make a donation to the Alberta Diabetes Foundation in honor of both John, and his daughter Susan. For further information, or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneral home.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Jarmila Mary “Jerri” Schindeler

(October 25, 1936 – April 15, 2022)

Jerri Schindeler of Camrose, AB, formerly of Brooks, AB, passed away on Friday, April 15, 2022, at the age of 85 years.

Left to cherish her memory are her son Al (Tracy) Schindeler of Stettler; grandchildren Cody Schindeler and Candi (James) Arrowsmith; great-granddaughters Emma and Paige Arrowsmith; and sister Elizabeth (Don) Leitch of Calgary.

Jerri was predeceased by her husband Richard; and brother Joseph Valerian.
The family will hold a celebration of life at a later date.

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Jerri’s memory may be made to the Alberta Lung Association, to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or to the Camrose and Area Animal Shelter Society.

To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com.

Burgar Funeral Home Camrose & Daysland (4817 51 Ave, Camrose, Alberta T4V 0V4) in care of arrangements.  780-672-2121.

“Dedicated service since 1906”

Zahenaiko – Frank James beloved husband of Angeline Alice Zahenaiko (predeceased June 29, 2002) of the Newbrook Lodge in Brooks, Alberta passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 14, 2022. Frank was born April 15, 1931, in Arena, Saskatchewan and later moved to Rolling Hills, Alberta, where he resided until he moved to the Newbrook Lodge. Frank started is schooling in Arena and then Rolling Hills, also completing a 2-year program in Auto Mechanics at S.A.I.T in Calgary. He married Angeline Hellmer of Tilley, Alberta on June 2, 1952. Frank and Angeline worked on the farm raising their 5 children and his nephew. Frank was a jack of all trades, and was especially talented as a musician, playing at many weddings in the County of Newell. He was also a 4-H leader, on the Tirol Gas board, and was involved in the community of Rolling Hills, helping wherever needed. Frank helped bring power to the communities of Tilley and Rolling Hills in 1953. He was a good friend to everyone he knew. Frank will be remembered for his love of his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, farming and the many talents he was blessed with. He was predeceased by a son Ryan on June 29, 1977; his wife Angeline, as previously mentioned; both his parents Thomas and Nellie; brothers and sisters, Mary, Mike, twins Katie and Annie and John. Frank is survived by one sister, Rose Harder of Hurbert, Sask.; as well as children Ron (Dianne) of Vauxhall, David (Elaine) of Rolling Hills, Barry (Marilyn) of Strathmore and Sharon (Russel) of Calgary; grandchildren Delaina (Cory), Stacey (Neal), Scott, Melissa (John), Leslie (Mike), Kristopher, Michele (Ryan), Jason, and Nicole; great grandchildren; Tamara, Josh, Shaylynn, Austin, Jenna, Jase, Kailee, Mya, Erica, Jessa, Nina, Olivia and Blake; nephew Jim (Joyce) of Williams Lake, BC, along with numerous great nieces and nephews, sisters and brothers-in-law. Instead of a funeral, Frank wanted just a small gathering of immediate family in Rolling Hills. In lieu of flowers donations can be made directly to The Newbrook Lodge c/o Newell Foundation, 500 – 3^rd Street East, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1P6.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at

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”