Obituaries

Phillips, Guy Dean                                                                                                          1966 – 2019

53 years

Guy Dean Phillips passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on the 26^th day of April, 2019. Friends and family are invited to join in a celebration of Guy’s life Friday, May 3^rd, 2019 at the Murray Okotoks Arena (99 Okotoks Dr, Okotoks, AB) at 11:00 am. For further information and to express condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

SMITH – Richard Earl Smith of Brooks passed away in Red Deer on April 26, 2019 at the age of 58. Ricky was born on December 30, 1960, the fifth child of Robert and Arlene Smith. He was a busy child, a gifted athlete and he loved to play hockey. Ricky also enjoyed music, and played the drums in the family band, and he loved to dance and was a member of the Enchant 4-H beef club. Ricky loved to laugh and you could always depend on him to lighten the mood in any situation. His laugh was unique to say the least and we will dearly miss that sound. He started school at Agnes Davidson School in Lethbridge and when the family moved he continued his education in Enchant and Vauxhall. Ricky was a spiritual man and had a deep faith. His first wife was Laurie McKinnon, several years later he married Leslie Smith and was later married to Heather Adams. “ I have not heard your voice in years, but my heart has conversations with you everyday”. Ricky leaves to mourn his passing his beloved children Geoffrey Smith, Nicole Smith and Caitlyn Smith. Ricky is survived by his loving parents, Robert and Arlene Smith. He was brother to Kathy (Frans) Verhoef, Gordon (Vivian) Smith, Connie Waddle, Cindy (Rick) Severtson Candace (Robert) Petek and Stewart Smith. Ricky was Uncle to many nieces and nephews, and will be fondly remembered by Uncle Kelly and Uncle Leo, and many cousins. He was predeceased by his Aunty Zelma and brother in law Dean, Grandparents Velma Booth (Cliff), Robert and Mary Smith Sr. and his Uncle Walter and Aunty Jean. Funeral service details will be made available online at www.thomsfuneralhome.com and on social media. To light a candle or to leave a message of condolence. For further information, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

HINGLEY – Gwen Donalda Hingley of Rolling Hills, beloved mother, sister, grandmother and friend, passed away on April 14, 2019 at the age of 75 at the Brooks Health Center. She is survived by her son Len (Heather) of Rosemary, AB and their 3 children Erika, Gabe, and Jack, and son Jason of Calgary, AB; as well as brother Blaine (Edna) Russell of Halkirk, AB, sister Ruth Horvath of Creston, BC, brother Ron (Joan) Russell of Portage La Prairie, MB, sister Jan Braun of Vancouver, BC, sister Bonnie (Dennis) Ressler of Calgary, AB, brother Gordon (Jackie) Russell of Sperling, MB, sister-in law Kathy Russell of Carman, MB, and many more nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents Webb and Alice Russell and her siblings Faye, Garry, Jim and Dale.
Gwen was born on March 8, 1944 in the farming community of Carman, MB. She was the middle child in a large family of 11 children. The importance of family was ever-present in the Russell clan and Gwen loved spending time with all her family throughout her life. Gwen moved to Turner Valley, AB to stay with her Uncle Jim and Aunt Ethel McInnis when she was in the 9th grade where she excelled in sports, continuing a life-long love of physical activity and the value of sport. After high school, she became a teacher, married Dave Hingley in 1971 and had two sons.
Gwen first came to the town of Rolling Hills in 1981 with her two boys in tow when she got a job as a teacher here, and she has had a lasting impact on this community since. She loved her home in Rolling Hills and loved gardening and doing home renovations; she always had projects on the go.
She was an avid golfer and curler and had many lasting friendships that began with these interests. She was one of the first members of the Rolling Hills Golf Club (founded in 1992) and has supported it throughout the years with her continued membership, tournaments and junior golf programs. Gwen’s involvement in the community didn’t end there as she was also a part of the community club, volunteered at the senior’s centre and helped in many other ways too numerous to count.
Gwen had a passion for teaching. In her later years as a substitute teacher she was known for remembering the names of all the kids she taught, even outside the classroom. She had a way of always being positive, respecting all students and taught with compassion. These traits made her a much sought after substitute in the Grasslands school district for many years.
Gwen will be most remembered for her infectious smile, her positivity, her love for her family and friends, and her love for teaching, golf and curling. If she saw someone she knew, she would always say hi; she loved people and she loved life.
Gwen was a beacon of light to those she came in touch with and the physical world just got a little dimmer with her passing. But she will live on forever in our memory, for all the love she gave will continue to influence everyone she touched. She will be dearly missed.
Celebration of Life service was held on April 18, 2019 at the Rolling Hills Community Hall with Debbie Daniels officiating. In memory of Gwen, memorial tributes may be made to the Prairie Rose Hospice Palliative Care Society, Brooks (Bag 300, 440 3rd St East, Brooks, AB T1R 1B3). For further information, to leave a message of condolence or to light a candle in memory of Gwen, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call us at (403) 501-1010.

NAKAMURA, Masato (Mas)
May 18, 1923 – Woodfibre, British Columbia
April 16, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta
Mas passed away peacefully, on April 16, 2019 with his wife Joan at his side.
The oldest of seven children, Mas was born in Woodfibre, BC, spent his early years in Haney, BC, and was in the interior of BC during the war, helping build the Hope-Princeton Highway. After the war, his family moved to Rosemary, AB where they had a potato farm. Mas married Joan in Calgary in 1954. He decided he wanted to be a restauranteur, and together with his wife Joan, ran three successful restaurants and a beloved KFC take-out, catered many of the social events in Brooks, and provided nourishing meals to students at the Brooks Composite High School and Medicine Hat Community College Brooks branch after he retired from owning the take-out. Mas enjoyed travelling, whether it was road trips, or flying to another continent; whether it was just Joan and him, or going with friends. He was a member of the Brooks Masonic Lodge, the Brooks Chapter of the Order of Eastern Star and the Southern Alberta Al-Azhar Shriners. He was also a former member of the Canadian Restaurant Association, the Brooks Lions Club and Brooks Kinsmen. Mas leaves behind a legacy of love, generosity, grace and laughter.
He is survived by his wife Joan, his daughter Becky, his grandchildren, James and Sakura (Tobias); his sisters, Marie Ono, Nora (Karl) Bremmerman, and Joyce (Roy) Yokoyama; his brother Dennis (Gloria); brother-in-law Lido Kondo; sisters-in-law, Nancy Takeda, Nancy Kondo, Lucy Nakashima and June (Bill) Terakita, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. Mas was predeceased by his brothers, Henry and Shig Nakamura.
Funeral services were held at MCINNIS & HOLLOWAY (5008 Elbow Drive SW) on Tuesday, April 23, 2019. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made at the charity of their choice. Condolences may be forwarded through www.McInnisandHolloway.com
In living memory of Mas Nakamura, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

SEWALL – With great sadness we wish to tell you of the passing of our wife, mother, auntie, grandma, and friend to all, Joyce Lynn Sewall. She left us peacefully April 16, 2019 at the age of 69 years. Joyce was born in Brooks on April 13, 1950 to Bertha and Percy Smith. She grew up on a farm in Rainier and Joyce was the fourth of seven children. Her father passed away unexpectedly when she was a teenager, so Bertha and the kids made the best they could with powdered milk, hand-me- downs and lots of family get togethers with the Ragans’ and the Smiths.’ She learned as a child how important family and hard work is and carried it throughout her life.
Joyce and Cliff got married in Kalispell on a holiday to Montana on July 23, 1969. They lived in Brooks for awhile, then bought a place in the Antelope Creek area where they had three kids …… Jody, Bill and Julie. Joyce was a devoted mother who put her kids first. She was a strong empathetic woman who cared for everyone around her and Joyce made anyone who was sick feel better. She taught her children to work hard and find a way out of problems. She let us fall, and then learn how to pick ourselves up.
Joyce’s life was full of family, parties, dancing and singing into spoons. She had so many friends and family to laugh and share holidays with. She was a full-time mom, farmer and teacher’s aide at the Primary School in Brooks and later owned her own business running an antique shop. Her ‘after work passion’ was in the yard. Joyce planted hundreds of trees, lovingly watering them with endless hose and sprinkler moves, setting up a beautiful yard long before her and Cliff built a new home. She was the glue of our family and hosted many many family functions with endless energy and joy.
Throughout her life she took care of so many people, starting with the kids’ friends and people that had no where else to go, to taking care of her mother, step father Tunney and grandpa Jock’s in palliative care. This led to keep volunteering at long term care for many people who had no one else. Her determination to help people was part of who she was. She found endless love and joy in her life when she became a grandmother. She did all she could to make every day magical and fun for her beautiful grandchildren. She gave her grandchildren the gift of a paradise in her yard and her heart. Nolan, Ethan, Benen, Liam, Emmett, Tayven, Sarah, Tessa meant everything to her. They were her shining stars who could do no wrong.
Near the end of her life she had many angels looking out for her. Living a life of sacrifice and caring made sure that friends and family always came and made sure she was ok. Joyce was a fighter and the bravest person we know, teaching all of us to never give up. Rest easy Joyce and know you left the world a much better place. A celebration of life will be held for Joyce on April 26, 2019 at the Cassils Community hall at 2pm. In lieu of donations the family would ask all to consider kindly signing an organ donor card.

Blanchard – Raymond Blanchard of Brooks passed away in Brooks on April 13, 2019 at the age of 84 years. For further details, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

ORCUTT – Stella Louise Orcutt
December 24, 1936 – April 1, 2019
On Monday, April 1, 2019, Stella Louise Orcutt of Lavoy, Alberta passed away at the age of 82 years.
Stella is survived by her loving family, children Ken (Linda), Casey (Gail), Connie (Lyle) and Peggy (Darryl); along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, half brother Richard (Carol); half sister Della (Tony); also numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Stella was predeceased by her husband Allan E. Orcutt.
Mom loved to come out to the ranch and help with the cattle; cook at the branding and she loved to go Saskatoon picking. She was always known for her love of animals, especially her cats.
Cremation has taken place and a private service for her family will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta.

HINGLEY – Gwen Hingley of Rolling Hills passed away in Brooks on April 14, 2019 at the age of 75. For funeral service details, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Lavone Lussier passed away suddenly, in Brooks, AB, on March 31, 2019 at the age of 65, with her loving husband Ron by her side. She is survived by her loving husband, Ron Larson (Brooks, AB), her daughter Natasha (Troy) Caverly (Brooks, AB), her granddaughters Traiya and Trinity Caverly and grand puppy Lucky (Brooks, AB), her stepsons Brandon Larson (Valley) of Airdrie, AB, Nick Larson (Elicia) & Morgan Larson (Desiree) of Calgary, AB, her grandson Reign Larson of Airdrie, AB, her brother Danny(Kathy) Preston (Calgary, AB), her sister Francine Preston (Kamloops, BC), sister Leah (John) Jespersen (Taber, AB), sister Tina Dey (Langley, BC), brother Barry (Deborah) Brassington (Duncan, BC), brother David (Angela) Knight (Langley, BC) and numerous nieces & nephews.  Lavone had been given a second chance at life and was living it to the fullest. She was fun loving and full of life. Lavone was a horse lover and had grown up riding and breaking them. She was so excited to be marrying her love of 20 years, Ron, in June. One of her favourite things to do was to watch her granddaughters play hockey…she was their biggest fan.  She loved her family fiercely. Family was the most important thing in her life. She loved getting back into her art and was excited to be working as a volunteer at Brooks Health Centre. We, her family, would like to thank all of the physicians, nurses, and support staff at Brooks Health Centre for all they did for Lavone. We would like to thank the paramedics and firefighters who fought so hard to save her…you are all heroes to us. Lavone & Ron’s wedding was to take place on June 29, 2019 here in Brooks. We, her family, have decided to keep that day as her day. We will be hosting a Celebration of Life for her at the Kinsmen Hall starting at 5 PM. Everyone is welcome. There will be food and dancing, so bring your dancing shoes… mumma loved to dance. For further information, to light a memorial candle, or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Neitz – Elsie Bernice Neitz, beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother and Great Great Grandmother passed away unexpectedly in Brooks on Thursday, April 4^th, 2019 at the age of 90 years. Elsie was born in Latties Brook, Nova Scotia on August 3^rd, 1928 to Stanley and Clarissa Burton. She moved to Calgary in 1955 to Rolling Hills in September, 1968 and after marrying Andy Neitz they moved to Brooks in 1996. Elsie moved into the New Brooks Lodge, after Andy passed away in 2006, and had resided there since. She was very active in the lodge, attending all the functions they offered and LOVED to play the games they had. Elsie was a huge fan of the Toronto Blue Jays and never wanted to miss a game on TV. She loved to knit and created hats to donate to the new babies born in the Brooks Hospital, as well other items for her family and the craft sales at the lodge. Elsie was a devoted mother and loved her family. Her faith in God was strong. She was predeceased by her loving husband Andrew (Andy) Neitz; parents, Stanley Burton and Clarissa Lantz Burton; daughter Joan McGivern; son Burt Drysdale; daughter-in-law Lynda Drysdale; son- in-law Brian McGivern and granddaughters, Amber Baksa and Francine McGivern. Elsie is survived by her loving children, Richard (Nedra) Drysdale, Patricia (Bernie) Klassen, Ken Drysdale, Susan (Mike) Baksa, Shirley (Dale) Akitt, Dixie (Earl) Heizelman, Barbara (Wally) Drysdale, Gordon Neitz, and Jennifer (Darcy) Morrow; daughter-in-law Patsy Drysdale; 16 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; sisters, Luella Hennigar and Marie Harmon and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Friday, April 12^th at 2:00 PM from Smith Memorial Chapel. Rev. Debbie Daniels officiating. Interment to follow at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Elsie, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Canadian Red Cross, Alberta/N.W.T Division, Box 4050 Station C, Calgary, Alberta   T2T 9Z9.

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

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