Obituaries

Noronha – Alvaro Augusto Areias Noronha was born in Ribeira Seca, Sao Jorge, Acores, Portugal on July 9^th, 1934, and was the youngest of 13 children. Dad was born into a rural lifestyle and after attending school, along with helping his parents with all the farm work, he began to purchase and accumulate a herd of dairy cattle. He soon decided that he was limited on the small island, and he decided that Canada would hold the greatest opportunity for his future. On April 9^th, 1957, Dad arrived in Montreal and boarded a train heading west with the promise of a year contract to work for the CPR. He stayed on the train until the last stop in Lathom, where he began his employment. It was a steep learning curve, not knowing any English and figuring out daily activities by trial and error, but gradually everything got easier. Weekends were spent doing different jobs to supplement his income, such as loading box cars, building corrals and stooking. In 1959, Dad worked for the LK Ranch during the winter and then returned to the CPR in the spring. That fall, Dad began working for a local rancher, never to return to the railroad. In 1960, the ranch was sold to the LK and Dad stayed on for the transition. In 1961, Dad returned to the Acores and was married to Maria Amorim. Upon returning to Canada, he spent another year working for the LK Ranch. Although the work was often hard and the days were long (“put an apple in your pocket boys cause it’s going to be a long day”) some of Dad’s most cherished memories were from this time. Colourful characters, trailing cattle in blizzards, frost on the inside of the bunkhouse, run away teams, and broncy saddle horses, were from this era of living the cowboy’s dream on the vast, open land. He never strayed from the prairie life and often said it was the best place to be. A couple of years after marriage, Dad bought the farm in Rosemary and in addition to the farmland, began to build his own cattle herd. Dad loved cattle; farming was a necessity. He thoroughly enjoyed raising his children in the ranching lifestyle and especially enjoyed teaching us about cattle and horses. Every lesson would circle back to relate to cattle in some form or another. Dad especially enjoyed children and was a proud grandfather. He was always interested in what his grandkids were doing and loved hearing about all their adventures. In later years, Dad worked for various local ranchers, still riding horses into his 80’s. Dad loved visiting and meeting new people, and always had the fortune of being surrounded with very good neighbors. Alvaro passed away after a brief illness on September 28, 2021. Dad never wanted to live in town and cherished his acreage in Millicent with all his pets. He had a definite soft spot for animals of any kind and would care for any stray that made their way to his doorstep. Alvaro leaves to cherish his memory, his son; Fernando (Charlotte) Noronha, daughters; Teresa (Kevin) Slorstad, Rosalia Noronha, Lucinda Noronha, grandchildren; Corey, Vicki, Thor, Abbey and Zac, great grandchildren; Summer and Sage and numerous relatives and dear friends.  A private interment will be held at the Patricia 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”

Schnieder – It is with great sadness that the family of Walter “Walt” Schnieder passed away on September 20, 2021 after a battle with dementia, at the age of 93 years 93. Born in Medicine Hat to Rebecca and Gus Schnieder he resided in Brooks and County of Newell most of his life.  During the 1960’s and 1970’s Walter Schnieder Trucking was formed, hard work and dedication took Walt away from his family to provide for his family, but farming was his life passion. Walter married his loving wife Francis “Francie” in 1972 and welcomed their son Cory.  Sadly, Francie predeceased Walt December 19, 2018. After leaving the farm Walt and Francie retired to Redcliff in 1999.  His passion for gardening was evident in their yard.  They relocated from Redcliff to Cypress View Lodge Sept 2017.  As Dad’s dementia progressed he resided at Good Samaritan South View Village in Medicine Hat.  Care provider for Dad while in Medicine Hat was Ralph ( son ) Schnieder and wife Patty.  After Ralph’s passing (March 4, 2021) Dad was relocated to Sunrise Gardens in Brooks for a short period to be closer to family.  As his dementia progressed significantly “Masterpiece Southlands Meadows”, Medicine Hat was Dad’s final destination before passing.  Thank you Masterpiece for providing Dad with exceptional care during his short stay. Loved ones who cleared the path for Walt were his wife of 46 years Francie, Donald Schnieder ( son ) 2019, Ralph Schnieder (son) (Patty) March 2021, Jeff Riddel (stepson) 2020, Michael Riddel (stepson) 2005, numerous brothers and sister. Walt is survived by his son Cory Schnieder ( Jane), Bev Tedford (daughter), Doug Schnieder (brother), his stepchildren Rob (Terri) Riddel, Carol (Barry) Wilson, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, as well as great great grandchildren. Internment of Dad’s remains will take place Spring 2022 at Brooks Cemetery.  Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date.

You will be greatly missed Dad, but we know you are with us still.

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”

ARTUS – On September 30, 2021 Marion Pansy Artus peacefully passed away in her sleep at Sunrise Gardens in Brooks, Alberta.  She is survived by her three sons:  Shawn Artus of Victoria, Mitch Artus and his wife Maryanne, granddaughter Jacqueline and grandson Ryan all of Perth, Australia and Patrick (Rick) Artus and fiancé Linda of Calgary.  She was predeceased by Michael, her husband of 52 years in March of 2007 and 3 bothers and one sister.

Marion Pansy Artus was born on February 20, 1934 in a small farmhouse in what is now Forest Lawn, Calgary.  Marion was born premature, weighing only 4 pounds and was delivered by the neighboring midwife.  Marion spent the first weeks of her life nestled in shoebox in the warming oven.  She proved to be a fighter and against all odds survived and thrived in her long and active life. Devoted to her family, Marion was the foundation of her family, working tirelessly to support their schooling, sports, and careers, while working full time.  There is a special place in Heaven for a mother of three boys. Marion went to Henderson College and then worked at Home Oil and later at the St. Francis High School in Calgary for almost 20 years.  She knew almost all 1,200 students by named and to this day she is fondly remembered by many past students.  She was an exceptional wife, mother, sister, spousal curling supporter, hockey mom, social planner, grandmother and friend.  She was an amazing cook and baker extraordinaire.  Her dinners for family and friends were hearty and delightful, her pies, homemade jams and relishes were delicious and always blue ribbon winners. Her home was the home base for all the neighborhood kids and the door was always open, the food abundant and the welcome genuine.  There was always a family dog and Marion was the most-loved by a wide margin by the family pet.  Marion and Mike retired in 1989, became snowbirds, dividing their time between Yuma, Arizona and Lake Newell in Brooks, Alberta.  They had great friends on both sides of the border and enjoyed an enviable retirement.  Marion was the social planner and entertainment director in Yuma and she was equally busy in the summer at Lake Newell with a great social network of friend and families.  In 1994 Marion donated a kidney to her sister Irene and did so gladly and without hesitation.  She loved watching sports and was a huge tennis fan and avid follower of curling, golf, baseball and the Olympics. Marion made a difference in the lives of everyone she knew and her passing is a great loss to one and all.  In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Retina Foundation of Canada in support of macular degeneration at www.retinacanada.com. We wish to thank the staff at Sunrise Gardens for all their support and kindness during this difficult time. A celebration of life for Marion will be held later due to the pandemic.  Friends wishing to reach out to the family can do so at artus0239@me.com. For further information please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Hattie Alvina Tobler of Brooks, beloved wife of Ken Green, passed away in Brooks on Saturday, October 2^nd , 2021 at the age of 86 years. Hattie was born May 7^th, 1935 in Mendham, Saskatchewan to Mary & Jacob Tobler. She married Ken Green in Medicine Hat on December 28^th, 1957. Their first child, Dwight Neil, was born Apr. 30^th, 1959 with Cheryl Annette following on February 7^th, 1962. Hattie and Ken bought the farm in Rolling Hill on March 31^st, 1962 from Ken’s Uncle Jack. She worked as a teacher for 35 years in the local school. Hattie and Ken spent the majority of their adult lives in Rolling Hills, where Ken farmed and Hattie alternately worked as a teacher and owned the Rolling Hills Store with Ken. She moved into Sunrise Gardens on Dec. 27^th, 2015 and resided there until her passing. Hattie is predeceased by her parents Jacob and Mary Tobler and siblings Ed, Albert, Walter Ella and Olga. She is survived by her loving husband of 63 years, Ken Green: children Dwight and Cheryl and their families, along with many extended family and friends. A Private Graveside Service will be held from Rolling Hills Cemetery. Rev. Debbie Daniels officiating. In memory of Hattie, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta, 10430 – 6st Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta   TY6H 2J3.

McBride – James Alfred McBride of Cessford, beloved husband of Tressa McBride, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 24^th, 2021 in Medicine Hat, with his family by his side, at the age of 82 years. Jim was born in Hanna, Alberta on August 19^th, 1939, the youngest child to Walter and Lena McBride of Cessford, Alberta. He married Tressa Pierson in 1967 and spent all but 9 years of his life on the family homestead at Cessford. The other 9 years were still spent in the local area, where Jim worked operating the Steveville Ferry and working with his brother Albert. Jim and Tressa purchased the McBride homestead in 1971 and moved onto the property in 1976, where they have lived ever since. He worked odd jobs off of the farm occasionally, including the school garage, driving school bus and pipelining. A prairie boy at heart, Jim never wanted to live anywhere else. In later years, as he transitioned into an easier way of operating the farm, he could often be spotted travelling the back roads in his old “4 – by”, just checking things out. Jim enjoyed hunting and riding his sled and ATVs. As a couple, he and Tressa enjoyed travelling, attending concerts and hockey games and camping. Most of all he enjoyed spending time with his family, watching Lee-Ann’s swimming competitions and the granddaughter’s dance festivals and other sports they were competing in. Jim was predeceased by his parents Walter and Lena; brothers, Elmer (Jean), Edwin and Albert (Beatrice); sisters, Evelyn Campbell, Marie McBride, Aggie (Ed) Finkbeiner and Peggy (Bill) Stockwell. He is also survived by his loving wife Tressa; children, Darren McBride and his wife Shannon and Lee-Ann McBride; granddaughters, Ainslie and Arianna; brother-in-law Terril Pierson and his wife Linda and many nieces and nephews and other family members. A Private Family interment will be held at Cravath Corner Cemetery. In memory of Jim, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to either Hanna Dance Association, Box 1989, Hanna, Alberta T0J 1P0 or Brooks Special Olympics, Box 94, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B2.

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”

ROBINSON – Dean passed away peacefully on September 28, 2021 at Brooks Long Term Care. He was born on November 15, 1954 in Brooks.  He was predeceased by his Father, Marvin Robinson and Mother, Violet Robinson.  He is survived by two brothers, Randy Robinson and Brent Robinson, and two sisters, Carol Robinson and Shirley Kobitz, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He grew up in Brooks and lived here most of his life.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and anything outdoors.  He was also an avid pool player, bowler, and poker player in his earlier years.  We all lost our allowance to him many times.  He will be missed dearly by all his family and friends.  A private family service will be held.  In memory of Dean, memorial tribute may be made to the Brooks and District Museum or charity of your choice.

Thorbjorn “Tom” Nosterud

1928 – 2021

Dad was born, Thorbjorn Nosterud, to Lauritz and Aarny on May 29^th, 1928, near Brooks, Alberta. He spent his early years on farms in the Brooks and later the Tilley district. He became known as Tom, thanks to his first-grade teacher who decided to give him an English name. It was in Tilley that Dad was introduced to the Lutheran Church, and he was confirmed there as a teenager. He was a life-long member in the church and served in many roles there as a Sunday school teacher, choir member, deacon, and usher. It was a sad day for him when he had to give up his position assisting with communion to let the younger generation take over.

Dad’s dream was to own a farm and he worked many jobs in the winter season to make this happen. In 1962, he was finally able to buy land in Tilley and here he set up a home for himself and his parents. A few years later, he met Mom and they married in 1966. On the farm, the family grew to four children and a second house was built to give his parents their own home. In 1998, the farm was sold, and Dad and Mom retired to Seven Persons where they have continued to live to the present.

One of Dad’s joys was his wood-working shop both on the farm and later in the garage at Seven Persons. He spent many hours creating things out of salvaged pieces of wood, most of which were given away to family and friends from all over. The Bow Island Lutheran Church VBS program was also a beneficiary as he created projects for the children to make for themselves.

Dad was also an avid lover of music. When he was young, there was no money for instruments but as an adult, he purchased his first button accordion which he taught himself to play. With this, he liked to entertain family and friends, as well as at the nursing home in Brooks and the kindergarten class at Tilley school with daughter, Wendy on the piano accordion.

Another joy of Dad’s was travel. He and Mom took many trips together, including 4 trips to Disneyland and once to Disneyworld. I am sure if the kids or grandkids had announced they were going, he would have rallied himself to go again, too. He also made his dream trip to Norway to visit family there and see where his parents grew up.

Dad also enjoyed reading many different subjects. He was the only person I know who read and entire set of encyclopedias from A to Z. Some of his favorite material was theology and WW2 which he liked to discuss with whoever would listen.

Dad’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren were a great pleasure to him as he watched them play and grow up.

Dad is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sarah; daughter, Wendy (Don Barg); grandchildren, Tabetha (Dean Hystad) and Crystal (Kyle Welz); great-grandchildren, Callum and Annika Hystad and Levi Welz; son, Thomas (Karen) and grandchildren, Adam, Katriel, Matana, Ava, Shira, Joelle, Erella, Tova, Renisha, Andrew; daughter-in-law, Kathy and grandchildren, Micheal, Aiden and Bryce; daughter, Charlene (Dennis Mytrunec) and grandchildren, Jonas, Kristopher, and Megan; sisters, Karen and Elsa (Dean Hendricksen); brothers, Leif (Joan) and Rolf (Grace); as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents; son, Jerry; infant sister and brother-in-law, Ove Pederson.

A Graveside service will be held on October 2^nd, 2021 at 2pm at the Bethany Lutheran Church Cemetery, Tilley, Alberta. Condolences may be made at www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by GRACE MEMORIAL AFFORDABLE BURIAL & CREMATION 1924 10^th Ave NW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5 403-905-0440 info@gracememorial.com.

WOOD – Richard Vincent Francis Wood (90) was born May 30,1931 in Toronto, Ontario and passed away on September 22, 2021 while residing in Brooks with his wife Margot Adams Wood. He is survived by his son, Chris Wood, his daughter, Sharon Wood and numerous nieces and nephews in the greater Toronto area. Richard’s early years were spent playing hockey and working at a flower shop. He eventually purchased this shop and furthered his horticulture career designing interior landscapes for malls and commercial complexes. Richard’s dad influenced his love of horses; boating and fishing became passionate outdoor activities. In his later years, he acquired the love (and the skill) for painting and eventually became a co-founder of the Sagebrush Art Society. Upon his retirement, he ventured westward to seek new experiences and adventures. Settling in Brooks in 2005, he became active in various organizations including the Diabetes Festival of Trees and the Communities in Bloom Commemorative Forest. Richard’s strong belief was that the giving of one’s self thru volunteering improved your outlook on life and that the physical and spiritual rewards would always follow. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Wednesday, September 29, 2021 at 10:00 AM. Father Marino Infante Celebrant. In memory of Richard, if family or friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Brooks and District Diabetes Association, Brooks Communities in Bloom or a charity of choice. For further information or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

ELLEFSON – Laura Victoria Ellefson was born Feb. 3, 1925 in her grandparents’ home, delivered by her grandmother, next to her parents’ farm north of Athabasca, AB. She passed away Sept. 26, 2021 in Brooks AB. Laura was the oldest of 6 children born to Nannie and Lawrence Devlin and left school before completing high school to help support her family during WW11. Laura met her future husband Roland (Slim) Ellefson when he and a cousin “crashed” a private dance she was attending. They eloped to Edmonton in May, 1945 to get married as she knew there was no money for a wedding. However, as she was not yet 21, she had to get parental permission, which involved calling a neighbor since her family did not have a phone. Despite these somewhat shaky beginnings, they developed a strong marriage based on their love for each other and an enduring faith in God. They wintered in Edmonton for several years while Slim obtained a degree in Electrical Engineering. Summers were spent at the Ellefson logging and lumber camp. Due to his father’s ill health, Slim took over the management of the business, expanding it and moving first to Smith, then Calling Lake. Laura was his right-hand woman both in the home and the business. As the nearest available doctors and hospital were 50 miles away over a sometimes nearly impassable road, Laura took a First Aid course to provide some preliminary emergency care to their employees in case of accidental injury. Had life circumstances been different, Laura would have made an excellent nurse. When Slim made a career change to teaching in 1967, Laura became his at home assistant in prep and marking, as well as the main operator on their farm in Driftpile, logging many hours on tractor, swather, baler and combine. Laura had many interests: playing softball (catcher), creating art in many forms, gardening, reading, bowling and, in her later years, garage sale-ing and singing in a Seniors’ Choir with her sister Anna. She taught Sunday school for many years and volunteered in other ways in the churches where she was a member. Laura and Slim retired to Duncan, BC in 1996 to be closer to her siblings. After his death in 1998, Laura remained in their condo, enjoying her activities with her siblings and her church family. In 2011, with her eyesight failing and her Island siblings passed on, Laura made the difficult decision to move to Brooks to be closer to her daughter. She spent 6 years in Newbrook Lodge, 3 years at Sunrise Gardens and 5 months at the hospital in LTC. The family is grateful to the staff of these facilities for the care and assistance she received. Laura was predeceased by her husband and all of her siblings. She is survived by: 2 daughters; Linda Asato (Clearwater FL) and Wendy (Gerry) Martin of the Duchess area; 6 grandchildren; Angela (Michael) FL, Robin (Cynthia)MO, Brendan (Teasha) Rosemary AB, Travis (Jen) Nelson BC, Tyler (Tracy) Calgary AB and Lindsay (Matthew) Edmonton AB; 15 great grandchildren, 5 great-great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Laura will be greatly missed but we are comforted knowing she is pain-free and enjoying her reward in heaven. Service to be held in Athabasca where Laura will be laid to rest beside her beloved “Slim”. In memory of Laura, if friends desire, donations would be welcomed to one of Laura’s favorite charities: Operation Smile, 375 University Ave Suite 204, Toronto ON, M5G 2J5 . For further information or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Dunlop – With heavy hearts, we share the sad news that on September 25^th, 2021, Francis Ross Dunlop passed away after a lengthy illness.  Francis was born in Carbon, Alberta on August 28^th, 1939.  He was the oldest child of Ross and Jean Dunlop.  Francis grew up in Drumheller, Alberta, and at the age of 17 met the love of his life, Velma Jean Winslow.  They married on February 4^th of 1961 and started their family soon after, welcoming sons Don and Tom.  In 1964 they moved to Brooks and youngest son Mike joined the family 2 years later.  Francis moved to Brooks to work at Ingram’s Dept. Store.  Other jobs followed, Brooks Tube Plant, Case Power Equipment and the Town of Brooks as Park’s Foreman.  Even after he retired he continued to work, doing his favourite job delivering and picking up cars for various local dealerships.  Francis believed in giving back to his community.  He served in the Elks Club, coaching sports, and his favourite, volunteering for the Brooks Fire Department for 30 years, serving as both deputy and acting Fire Chief.  Francis had many passions, fishing, cars, ball, hockey, camping, visiting with friends and most importantly, his family and grandchildren.  Francis was predeceased by his father Ross and mother Jean.  He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Velma; sons, Don (Joan), Tom (Wendy) and Mike (Shauna); grandchildren, Brittany (Lance), Trevor (Breanne), Breanne (Duncan), Gabriel, Winslow and Haven; great-grandchildren Zoey, Carson and Ryley; brothers, Ernie (Jackie) and Brian (Gail).  A Private Family Service was held at Smith Memorial Chapel. Rev. John Theiss officiating.  In memory of Francis, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Brooks and District Health Foundation for Palliative Care, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B3.

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”