Obituaries

Edington – Kent Milfred Francis Edington of Brooks passed away suddenly in Brooks, on Thursday, November 19^th, 2020 at the age of 78 years. Kent was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan to Miff and Ellen Edington. He grew up in the Dinsmore, Saskatchewan area. After completing High School, he attended Trade School in Saskatoon, earning his Canadian Interprovincial Red Seal in Carpentry.  Kent was a talented Carpenter and spent his career in Rosetown, Saskatchewan and Brooks. After Kent completed his schooling, he lived and worked in Rosetown, where he and his then wife were blessed with four children. The family moved to Brooks in 1980. Kent married Barbara Clark in February 1990. They spent the majority of their time together in Patricia, Alberta. Kent moved to Newbrook Lodge in Brooks in 2019, where he made many new friends. He loved the Saskatchewan Roughriders, as well as laughing and telling jokes. Kent also loved country music as well as music from his teenage days. His greatest love though, was to spend time with his family and friends. Kent enjoyed Happy Hour, playing board games and cards, sharing a meal and enjoying the mountains with all of them. He is predeceased by his wife, Barb, parents, Miff and Ellen Edington and stepson Ed Clark. Kent is survived by his children, Deanna, Coral, Brent and Troy; stepchildren, Deb, Harold, Rose and Pam; siblings, Arlene and Phil; his Aunt Fern; 12 grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren as well as numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins. In memory of Kent, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Prairie Rose Hospice Palliative Care Society, Bag 300, 440 3^rd Street East, 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”

Wells – Marian Wells died at home On December 17, 2020 at the age of 88, having lived a rich and full life. A life filled with love and loss, family and friends, music and worship.

Marian was born to Genevieve and Albert Johnson in the deep of “The Depression” in Mrs. King’s home for birthing mothers in Brooks. Her early life in Scandia revolved around the sheep ranch: lambing, shearing, dipping, sheep dogs & their puppies, sheep herder’s and their camps and the big prairie to the east. Her family later moved to Brooks and focused on cattle. Herefords, of course.

After finishing High School in Brooks, she completed nursing school at the U of A in 1954 and got her first job at Brooks Municipal Hospital. There, a certain young Wally Wells, a rancher who came from a construction family in Saskatchewan, was dating the nurses. He saved the best for last and they wed in 1955.

The next years were busy on the ranch in Scandia.  Caring for their six children, feeding the hired men, homemaking as well as church and community activities filled her days start to finish.  In 1967 Wally received an offer to manage a cattle ranch in Hawaii.  The way Marian heard about it was as follows: a phone call came from a George Murphy in Hawaii.  She drove out to the field to tell him, thinking it was a mistake.  With a bit of an abashed look Wally said, “I guess I haven’t told you about that yet”.  Many lifelong friendships and memories were formed during their time on Molokai. The family eventually settled back in Brooks and it has remained their home base since.

Marian was predeceased by her husband Wally and daughter Bonnie, as well as many beloved relatives and friends.  She will be dearly missed by those she leaves behind, children Bill (Dina), Janet, Joanne, Jim and Linda (Dave); grandchildren Amanda (Mike), Max & Emma; brother Burton (Wanda) and countless extended family and friends who she loved like her own.

Being a grandma was a role Marian cherished. She was an integral part of the upbringing of her three grandchildren, Amanda, Max and Emma. They all enjoyed the pleasures of playing tag, gardening, music, baking and sheep tending with Grandma. They knew no other babysitter. She often declared that she was the luckiest grandma in the world to see and play with her grandkids every day.

Marian was a lifetime volunteer. She was an active member of the Brooks United Church for over 60 years. She gave generously to all facets of her community and built countless friendships through her involvement. She cared equally for all, from shiny new babies to the those weakened by sickness or age.  She was a voracious reader of all forms of literature.  She played the piano by ear and with obvious joy and was providing music therapy long before music therapy was a thing.

Mom valued her independence and always enjoyed good health. At age 88, she was ready to hang up her walking shoes. She approached her death with her customary grace and fortitude.

She will be deeply missed.

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”

HEMMELGARN – Paul Raymond Hemmelgarn (1944-2020)
Paul passed away on December 16, 2020 at the age of 76 years. Paul leaves behind to cherish his memory; wife Verna, sister Marg Durda, sister in-law Eileen Hemmelgarn, step children Mike & Barb Konotopsky – Lana & Jack Sehn, Brent Konotopsky, lots of nieces and nephews, eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Paul lived his life in St. Walburg, Saskatchewan receiving his education there, until he went out to work. He was a professional truck driver and worked many years in the bush hauling logs. Afterwards he started his own business with a gravel truck and back hoe and on weekends he had his horses and chuck wagon that kept him busy. When he met Verna his life changed as he was then a husband, and grandfather to a family who now misses him dearly. In memory of Paul, memorial tributes may be made to Parkinsons Society. A private family service will be held this summer in Saskatchewan.

1931 ~ Ronald James Cyr ~ 2020

Ronald James “Ron” Cyr of Medicine Hat, beloved husband of the late Jennie Cyr, passed away on Monday, November 30th, 2020 at the age of  89 years.  Ronald leaves to cherish his memory his daughters; Donna Dueck of Beaverlodge, AB, and Holly Cyr (Ken) Morrison of Edmonton, AB; and grandchildren, Koby, Kira, Rachael, and Quinn.   Ronald was predeceased by his wife, Jennie; parents, John and Emilie Cyr; and daughter, Terry Van Der Kaaden.  Ron was born in Brooks, AB, July 22nd, 1931, where he grew up and attended school.  Following high school, he began working as a power linesman for Calgary Power and then for Sask Power.  In 1959, he started his own business in Medicine Hat that provided well servicing and hot shot services. He also trained as an instrument technician and was able to utilize his skills to work in compressor stations.  Ron retired from  full time business in 1996, but continued to drive bus from Medicine Hat to the Suffield base for some time.  During his leisure time,  Ron enjoyed travelling throughout Canada, the United States, and Asia.  He was especially fond of the time he was able to vacation in Japan, China and the Philippines.  At home,  Ron was an avid RC aircraft enthusiast.  He particularly enjoyed planning and constructing his own model aircrafts as well as flying them.  Ron was proud of his family and enjoyed spending time with them and he will be deeply missed.  A private family Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5, on Thursday, December 3rd, 2020 at  10:00 am with Gary W. Goran officiating.  Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.  Family and friends are invited to view the service by live streaming at www.saamis.com through the webcast link shown on Ronald Cyr’s obituary page.  Streaming will begin at 9:55 a.m. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Ronald Cyr.

Fleury – Eric Fleury of Brooks, beloved husband of Annie Fleury, passed away after a brief illness at the Brooks Health Centre on Saturday, November 28^th, 2020 at the age of 89 years. Eric was born in Ottawa, Ontario on May 3^rd, 1931 to Phillip and May Fleury. He ventured out to Alberta at a young age with nothing but a pocket full of dreams. Eric met the love of his life, Annie (Ann) Starosta and were married on February 14^th, 1953, and shared a remarkable life for 67 years. His employment took his family to all three of the Prairie Provinces. When Eric and Ann were transferred to Brooks, they put down roots and Brooks became their home and community. They were active in business together until their retirement in 1995. Eric believed in serving his community. His involvements included School Trustee, Town Councillor, Mayor of Brooks and community service groups. Eric was an active member of the St. Alban’s Anglican Church community as well. Family was, by far, the most important part of Eric’s life. His greatest love was to be surrounded by family. We gathered several times a year to celebrate special occasions, holidays, or just to be together. Eric certainly fulfilled his life’s dream. His door was always open to family and friends. Hockey was also an integral part of Eric’s life, this passion was passed on to his sons. His other passion was gardening, he proudly harvested and shared his bounty. Eric was a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather and great grandfather. He was predeceased by his great-grandson Ryder, his special angel. Eric is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Ann; children, Joan (Tim), Barb (Dave), Ric (Patti) and Ken (April); grandchildren, Cole, Larissa, Kristin, Ashley, Will, Natalie, Elise and Karli and their spouses; great-grandchildren, Liam, Kassie, Selah, Midori, Evangeline, Ezra, Havilah and Hayes. Rest peacefully, we will love and miss you eternally. Our family would like to thank the staff at the Newbrook Lodge, Brooks Health Centre and Dr. Folton for their exceptional care. A Private Family Graveside service will be held. Rev. Ken Wells officiating. Interment at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Eric, 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”

In loving memory of Thomas Dwight Lindsey born on August 17, 1945 in Wetaskiwin, Alberta and passed away on November 20^th, 2020 in Medicine Hat. Thomas was born to parents Glen and Clara Lindsey. He is survived by his children Tym (Sabrina) and Travis Lindsey, grandchild, Julia, sister Lorette and numerous cousins and relatives. Thomas attended Falun School and worked in the oil field and construction. He will be remembered for so many wonderful qualities…most of all his kind and giving spirit. Thomas shared what he had with anyone who asked and most times before being asked.  He loved Bingo and was great at trivia.  Thomas had a deep faith.  He was seen often reading his Bible, and his devotionals ready to engage in conversations.  Thomas loved taking his music with him wherever he went.  Often he sat outside on the bench in the sun with the radio playing and a smile on his face.  He loved his guitar and made every effort to play it even though his injured thumb didn’t cooperate.  A leather vest, snap button western shirt, and Wrangler jeans with a fresh haircut was his signature look. He tackled any project with vigor.  If anything was broken, he was resourceful and persistent to bring it back into working order.   If he felt that he needed to learn something, he took books from the library and also researched going back to college as a senior. Thomas’ use of a notebook to keep straight his info that his memory couldn’t contain served him well and spoke to his can do attitude to overcome any adversity. Thomas was predeceased by his father Glen, his mother Clara, his brothers Barry, Marvin and Kirby. Thomas will be missed by all the friends he has made through his travels. Services are planned for Thursday December 4, 2020 at 2:00pm at Duchess Mennonite Church, internment to follow at Duchess Cemetery. For further information, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

MONTOUR – Cynthia Montour
Cynthia Montour of Patricia passed away in Calgary on November 21, 2020 at the age 76. Cynthia was raised in Medicine Hat, where she received her education. After high school she met William, the love of her life, and they travelled the province following William’s work in the oilfield. They were married in Kamloops, BC on September 1, 1967. When they moved to BC Cynthia worked at a mental health hospital while raising their two children. The family moved back to Alberta in 1981 where they started a contract fencing business. She enjoyed all things outdoors and loved animals. Cynthia enjoyed hunting with Bill, ice fishing, skating and camping. Rodeo and country music were a huge part of her life. She will be remembered for her love of life and family. Cynthia enjoyed cooking and baking and was known as one of the best cooks in the neighborhood. She was a selfless woman who always put others ahead of herself. Cynthia was predeceased by her husband William, brother in law Ross and only recently her mother, Beulah. She is survived by her two children, Darren and Sylvia of Patricia, family pets, Keeper and Patches and her sister, Janice and her children Vicki, Timmie, and Randy of Calgary, and sister Linda of Medicine Hat. For further information please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

December 1, 1947 – November 12, 2020

Heaven opened its gates and welcomed our mom, Carol Anne Kromrey (McCallum), on November 12, 2020.  Carol passed away from complications from cancer, in Brooks, AB.  As everyone knows, Carol was fiesty, stubborn, independent but also so warm and generous.  Carol will forever be remembered by her son, Todd (Angie), and her daughter, Rhonda (Jeremy) and by her grandchildren, Miki, Rain, Sky, Keegan, Kooper. A good friend of mom’s shared this quote with us “For every tear that fills our eyes, a thousand sunbeams wait to shine, for every storm that rolls our way, a rainbow lingers.”  Mom had shared it with her when she needed support and comfort.  Mom, we love you, and miss you…be at peace.  For further information, to order flowers or to send a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Byron Bruce Morden

Byron Morden passed away at Providence Place in Moose Jaw, SK, on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at the age of 79. He was born to Bill and Nellie Morden on April 22, 1941 in Lethbridge, AB. Byron earned a degree in Veterinary Medicine in Guelph, ON. He married his first wife Shirley Hume in Guelph and they moved to the Lethbridge and Calgary area for his work. He later completed a Ph.D. (Vet Pathology) at the University of Saskatoon. Byron dedicated his life to the care and well-being of large and small animals; he worked with Alberta Agriculture (Edmonton) as a vet pathologist in diagnostics, and research. During his long career Byron experienced owning his own clinic and working for the Department of Agriculture both at the Federal and Alberta Provincial levels. His last employment brought him to Brooks, AB, working for the Canadian Food Inspection Agency until retirement. Byron’s love of animals never ceased, and he surrounded himself with many, many pets. Being a nature lover, he enjoyed fishing, golf, gardening, bird watching and traveling. His recreation in the wintertime was skiing and ballroom dancing. He also enjoyed photography both in his private life and at work. Byron was predeceased by his parents and numerous other relatives. He is survived by his wife Lucille and his stepson Clayton (Sherry) and family; ex-wife Shirley (Ray); his sons Blair and Scott and their families; his sister Faye (Dennis) Cox, niece Cathy, nephew Keith and their families. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to Providence Place Foundation, 100 2nd Ave NE, Moose Jaw, SK, S6H 1B8 or to Alberta Veterinary Medical Association, 9452 51 Ave NW #104, Edmonton, AB, T6E 5A6. A Private Family Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In living memory of Byron, a memorial planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Services. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.wjjonesandson.com or www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca (Obituaries). Kelly Scott, Funeral Director.

REISS – John (JR) Michael Reiss of Strathmore, Ab., passed away peacefully at the age of 66, with family by his side on November 21^st, 2020 in Brooks, AB. JR was born September 19^th, 1954 in Mankota, Saskatchewan to Valentine and Noella Reiss. JR worked for farmers in Mankota after leaving home, and also in the Brooks area, until he was old enough to get his Class 1. JR and Diane were married in 1980 and welcomed two beautiful daughters. He worked for many years as a truck driver with Ralore and Trivee covering many miles in all directions. JR’s many interests included golf, football and rodeo, but his number one love was his grandchildren. JR was predeceased by brother Victor in 1988, father Valentine in 1992, mother Noella in 2007 and brother Julius in 2019. He is survived by sister Rose Reiss; daughters, Dana (James) Shepherd their kids Austin and Slade, and Shawna (Arland) Reiss their kids Harper, Nash, Kenzie, Kelsey, Kylee and Broc; mother of their children Diane Reiss.  A Celebration of Life will be held 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”