Obituaries

BEV SLATER (NEE:  GORDON & WEITZ)

Beverly “Bev” Ann Slater passed away at home on Thursday afternoon, June 13, 2019, at the age of 79 years, beloved wife of Jonathan “John” Slater of Medicine Hat.  She leaves to cherish her memory her daughter, Marcy Friend and her children Zachary, Josh and his daughter Lilah, Harmony (Jason) and their daughter Sienna Rose, Jacob (Emily), Aaron; John’s children, Jonathan (Robie) Slater and their children Angela and Jonathan Ray, David (Carol) Slater, and Stephen Slater; her brother, George (Connie) Gordon and their children Cindy (Greg) and their family, Scott, Darren (Laurie) and their family; and one sister-in-law, Catherine Hand and her daughter Karen (Bruce) and their daughter Ava. She was predeceased by her parents, Edna and Edward “Ed” Gordon and John’s son, Christopher.

Bev was born on February 1, 1940 in Hanna, Alberta followed by brother George on October 28, 1941 in High River, Alberta. They lived in Longview, Alberta and after a few years of teaching, Ed moved the family to Brooks, Alberta where he opened a car dealership. Bev excelled in school graduating from Brooks High School in June 1958. Bev enjoyed playing the clarinet in the school band and participating in the various parades. She also won the Miss Teen Contest as well as the Teen’s Driving Contest.

After one year at University of Alberta in Edmonton, Bev completed one year at the Fine Arts College in Chicago Illinois, USA in Interior Decorating Design which led to a job at the Hudson Bay Store in Calgary in home & office decorating for a few years. Bev then decided to return to university getting a Bachelor of Education Degree from University of Calgary in 1968. This led to an interesting teaching position as travelling arts teaching with Calgary School Board. In 1980, Bev moved to Medicine Hat, first teaching at Connaught Elementary and then in 1987 at Crestwood School where she enjoyed teaching the Grade 6 subjects of Fine Arts, Language Arts and Social Studies. After retirement in 1998, Bev continued to sub at Crestwood School until 2004. Bev and John were married July 29, 1989. They enjoyed cycling, camping and travelling to visit family in Niagara Falls and BC as well as relatives in Australia, New Zealand and the UK. Bev enjoyed artistic design making stain glass pieces and a large window insert above the front door of their current home. She also enjoyed refinishing furniture.   Women’s Ministry at Hillcrest Church, City Aquafit program at Crestwood Pool, and helping International Students and Immigrant families with ESL were happy activities for her.

The family wishes to thank the following; Medicine Hat Region Hospital Cancer Clinic and Day Medical, Dr Marc Trudeau of the Cancer Survivorship Clinic, Alberta Health Services, Medicine Hat Home Care, Drs. Matt Pyatt and Ryan Best at the Pyatt Health Centre in Calgary, and many family and friends for prayers.

The funeral service will be held in the Hillcrest Evangelical Missionary Church on Saturday, June 22, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Jamie McDonald officiating.  In lieu of flowers as an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation, 39 Somerset Dale SE, Medicine Hat, AB, TIB 0G9,

or to the charity of your choice. As an artist, Bev loved colour, so to honour her, if you wish, wear something bright and colourful. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Bev Slater, or you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.

Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE,  Medicine Hat T1A 2V6.  Please call 1-866-526-2214 for further information.

Tjeerdema –

Ulbe Tjeerdema of Brooks, beloved husband of Sylvia Tjeerdema, passed away in Brooks on Thursday, June 6^th, 2019 at the age of 90 years. Ulbe was born In Achlum, Netherlands on April 9^th, 1929 to Jan and Trijntje (Porte) Tjeerdema. He married Sylvia DeVlugt on August 13^th, 1952 and they immigrated to Canada. Ulbe worked as a farm laborer in Picture Butte, Scandia, Rolling Hills, Tilley and Iron Springs. He then bought a farm in Tilley and delivered milk for 3 years. They then moved to Brooks and started a janitorial service, which he ran for 42 years. Ulbe loved gardening and camping. He returned to Holland a few times to visit family there. Ulbe was predeceased by his parents Jan and Trijntje Tjeerdema; sister Grietje Dotinga and her husband Eleberthus Dotinga and daughter-in-law Margaret Tjeerdema. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Sylvia; children, Doreen, John, Grace, Tina and Jack; nine grandchildren and fifteen great grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 14^th at 2:00 PM from Brooks Christian Reformed Church. Rev. John Vanderburg officiating. Interment at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Ulbe, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Operation Smile Canada, 375 University Avenue, Suite 204, Toronto, Ontario   M5G 2J5.

ALBERTS, Donald. K
May 14, 1947 – Brooks, Alberta
June 3, 2019 – Brooks, Alberta

On Monday, June 3, 2019, Donald Keith Alberts, age 72, died suddenly in a vehicle accident near Brooks, Alberta. He is survived by his wife of forty-eight years, Louise (Charlton); his daughter Frances Wipf; son Jeffery (Victoria) Alberts; son-in-law Joe Wipf; and grandchildren AJ Wipf, Dallas and Minnie Alberts. Don is also survived by his two brothers, Richard (Dixie) Alberts, Kenneth (Patricia) Alberts; his three sisters-in-law Patsy (William) Dau, Donna (Bud) Reed, Linda (John) Descoteau; aunt Pauline Alberts; and numerous cousins, nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his parents James and Marion Alberts.

Don studied grade one in Wynona, Washington, completed grades two – ten in Brooks, Alberta; studied grade eleven in Medicine Hat and then began an Agriculture Diploma program at Olds College instead of finishing grade twelve. He also completed a diploma in Agricultural Mechanics from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. He was a lifelong learner who also learned the Convenience Store Business, Restaurant/ Deli/ Pizza Business/ the Hotel Business and Coffee business.

Don was a businessman at heart. During his lifetime, he developed and operated several different types of businesses including the farm and feedlot operation, hotels, a convenience store and gas station, a pizza joint, and a restaurant. He taught his kids to work hard and always look for opportunities to be innovative. He helped his oldest grandson to start a business at the age of nine and took a lot of pride in mentoring him.

In addition to business activities, Don was very involved with his community. He served on the boards of the Eastern Irrigation District, the Alberta Cattle Feeders Association and the Northwest Conference of Mennonite Churches; and in numerous roles at the Duchess Mennonite Church. In recent years, Don was active in raising funds to support a number of charitable causes in Israel.

Don loved driving, making deals, smoking meat and his family. He spent a lot of time with his children and grandchildren and never missed an important event for one of his grandkids. He passed away en-route to his grandson’s piano recital. We all miss him tremendously.

Memorial Services for Don will be held as follows:

Saturday, June 22, 2019, 2 PM at Mount Olive E V F Church, 705 6 Ave S, Three Hills, AB.

Saturday June 29, 2019, 2:30 PM at Duchess Mennonite Church, 204 3 St E, Duchess, AB.

In lieu of flowers, friends may contribute to Stars Air Ambulance Society on their website. https://foundation.stars.ca/AB-tributegift

In living memory of Don Alberts , a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

It is with heavy hearts  that the family of Ford  Albert  Workes  announce his passing in Taber, on Tuesday June 4, 2019, at the age of 92 years.  He will be forever remembered by his beloved wife Ruth of 70 years and his two children Dixie (Winston)Seaman  and Mario (Leanne) Workes, 5 Grandchildren –  Mel,  Christine (Colin) , Danielle( Corley) , Michael (Brooke) , Tara (Tony) and 11 Great Grandchildren – Alanna, Nolan, Kiersten, Katana, Camden, Bradlee, Matthew, Kaiden, Caris, Zoey and Dylan.

He was predeceased by both his parents and three sisters and one granddaughter Nicole Seaman.  Ford was born in Sunnynook AB. to Berna and Merlan Workes in 1927.  He attended school in Cassils, Alberta.  Upon finishing school  he worked winters in Montana and farmed back home in the summer.  He met Ruth Sanderson during one of these summers in Brooks, AB.  They were married in 1949. They settled  on the family farm in Cassils where Ford was brought up to start a new life  of their own.

Ford was involved in the cattle industry as well as owning and operating two Tire shops.  He was a man who valued honesty, integrity and hard work.  His word was his bond.  He was a most generous and caring man.  Ford was active with many interests including being a Councilor for 3 years and the Reeve  for 6 years for the County of Newell .

He loved playing softball, horseshoes, cards, golf and curling.  Ford also played the accordion and loved to sing.  He entertained kids and  grandkids alike whenever he would break out into

one of his jingles or poems.   One never quite knew if the songs and poems were legit or if he just made up the words.  He was well known for his sense of humor and arsenal of jokes he always seemed to have on hand.

Above all else he loved God and his family.  He often talked about how someday  we’d all be together again with our Heavenly Father.  We rejoice knowing he is now with Jesus.

The memorial service to celebrate Ford’s life will be held at the Brooks Evangelical Free Church at 625 8 St. West Brooks AB. at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday June 11, 2019. If friends  so desire,  in  lieu of flowers donations can be made to S.A.B.C. at Box 99 Lomond, AB T0L 1G0 or at www.sabc.ca/donate

Arrangements in care of Smith’s Funeral Home, Brooks.

Corbiell – On May 30^th, 2019 Joseph Gabriel (Gabe) Corbiell passed away peacefully in the Strathmore Hospital from complications brought on by dementia (age 92).  He is survived by Loretta, his loving wife of 61 years, son Wade (Shirley) of Edmonton, daughter Fay (Marcel) of Airdrie, granddaughter Rowena, grandson Dustin and great granddaughter Quinn.  The only child of Frank and Odila Corbiell, Gabe grew up on a farm north of Cluny, AB.  Gabe moved his family to Brooks in 1969, where he had a career as a commercial driver, finishing his career at his dream job – operating a small tour bus company. He & Loretta then spent the next 15 years traveling to Arizona each winter. In Dec. 2016 he & Loretta moved to Sagewood Seniors Community when his health deteriorated.  A Celebration of Life will take place on Wednesday, June 12^th, 2019 at Hope Community Covenant Church, 245 Brent Blvd., Strathmore, AB at 2:00 PM.  In memory of Gabe, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Alzheimer’s Society of Canada, 20 Eglinton Avenue W., 16^th Floor, Toronto, Ontario   M4R 1K8.

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”

Humphrey – Jean Mary Louisa Humphrey (Reesor), age 74, of Brooks, Alberta passed away peacefully on May 26, 2019. She was born to Robert (Alan) and Helen (Harrison) Ressor, on February 20, 1945 in Salford, England. Jean was a hard-working woman who loved her family (near & far), respected all creatures on mother earth and gave praise to God daily. When she put her mind to something, she accomplished it. Like travelling to England when she was a teenager to visit relatives with whom she’s kept a lifelong connection with. Walking in her grandmother’s shoes as a Nurse’s Aid was an accomplishment, she was proud of and used all her life. When Jean met Harry Humphrey there was a spark and she knew she had met the love of her life. They were married in Calgary. He taught her how to drive and gave her a family to take care of. They travelled many places and loved taking photos and collecting little memorabilia. Jean and Harry loved camping and rescuing dogs. She took great pleasure in helping others, giving hugs, praying, feeding and even taking part in a seed preservation movement for future generations. Jean loved helping with Catholic Church, knitting, gardening and keeping in touch with cousins in Canada and Across the Pond. She also loved taking the kids in her family and numerous children she babysat to the Calgary Zoo and different places around Calgary. She is survived by her sister Barbara Peggie of Brooks, Alberta and brother Alan Ressor of Saskatchewan, four step children, numerous nieces and nephews and Fur Babies (Dogs) Becka and Echo and two Budgie Guards. She is predeceased by her husband Harry Humphrey, her parents Alan and Helen Ressor, and Sister Peggy (Reesor) Hanson. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church (511 4 St W, Brooks, AB) on Thursday, June 6, 2019 at 11:00 am Mass with reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Brooks Animal Protection Society (BAPS). For further information, to leave a message of sympathy or to light a candle in memory of Jean, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Hauck – Sherry Lynn (McDonald), age 64, of Bassano, Alberta passed away late in the evening May 29, 2019 at Brooks Health Centre in Brooks Alberta. She was born to Jack (John) Robert McDonald and Rosemarie Williams on October 21, 1954 in Medicine Hat – Alberta. Raised in Medicine Hat, Sherry then went on to live in Fort Nelson – British Columbia, Quesnel – British Columbia, and finally Bassano – Alberta. Sherry loved people, her greatest opportunity in life was her giving of unconditional devoted encouragement to everyone she knew, and absolutely blessed in return by those she touched; family, friends, and colleagues. Sherry married Lyle Albert Hauck of Cypress Hills on November 4th, 1972 at Westminster United Church in Medicine Hat, Reverend Brown officiated and their wedding was witnessed by Norman Giffen and Faye Day (Hauck). She was a full time mom to her three children until 1982 when she started her to be lifelong career at Bassano School. She was passionate about all of her friendships with the children and people she was in contact with every day. Sherry is survived by her love, Barry Nelson of Alabama USA, her two sons; Cole Hauck and Tracy (Newton), Kirk Hauck and Tammie (Rothnie), and her daughter Stacey Hauck and Heath (Dixon). She is survived by her grandchildren; Emma Marie Hauck (Cole) and Abby Gail Hauck (Cole), her siblings; Ron McDonald, Jean Miller (McDonald), Kathy Meier (McDonald), Brian Krassman, Pat Krassman, Shelly Rath (Krassman), and Roger Colbe. Sherry is also survived by numerous nephews, nieces, extended family, good friends, and of course her beloved dog, Charlie Brown. She is predeceased by her late husband Lyle Hauck – August 3, 2013. A time of remembrance and her life’s celebration will be held in Bassano in September of 2019. An announcement with further details from the family for this will follow. Sherry will be laid to rest in Bassano Cemetery Columbarium. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sherry’s name directly to the Alberta SPCA (Animal Protection Organization – 17904 118 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5S 2W3). ‘Loved With No Regret’. For further information, to leave a message of sympathy or to light a candle in memory of Sherry, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Christianson – Karol Jean Christianson of Pollockville, beloved wife of Harold Christianson, passed away suddenly at home, in Pollockville on Thursday, May 23^rd, 2019 at the age of 70 years.  Karol was born on January 22^nd, 1949 in Olds, Alberta to Donald and Louise Kinsman. As a child, Karol moved around quite a bit and had lived in Sundre, Gull Lake, Weyburn, Edmonton, Hinton, Calgary and Hanna.  While in Hanna, she met the love of her life, Harold Christianson.  They were married on July 2^nd, 1966 and moved to the farm at Pollockville, where they set up house and continued to live until her passing.  Karol was a very talented seamstress and loved to sew.  Above all, Karol loved to spend time with her family.  She had a wonderful sense of humour that could entertain a crowd and a smile that could light up a room.  Her kind and thoughtful nature was always present for everyone.  Karol will be missed every minute of every day by those she left behind.  Karol was predeceased by her parents Don and Louise (Christopherson) Kinsman, brother Delvin Kinsman and sister Sharron (Ken) Holmes. She is survived by her husband, Harold; three children, Kathy (Darcy) Miller, Wes (Michele) Christianson, and Clinton (Colleen) Christianson; six grandchildren, Vaylene (Matt) Fuller, Mathew Miller, Adam Miller, Lacey (Jas) Purewal, Dustin (Lisa) Christianson and Taylor Christianson; two great grandchildren, Asher Fuller and Peyton Christianson; siblings, Marvin (Terri) Kinsman and Ronda (Dwaine) Pike, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and aunts. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, May 30^th at 2:00 PM from Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. John Theiss officiating. In memory of Karol, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta   T1J 4K7, HALO Project c/o Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 – 5^th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta   T1A 4H6 or Alzheimer Society of Alberta, 14925 – 111^th Avenue NW, Edmonton, Alberta   T5M 2P6.

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”

BURTON – Edna Ruth (Hill) Burton, beloved wife of the late Arthur Thomas Burton of Brooks, passed away on May 18^th, 2019 at the age of 97 years.  She was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta on July 31, 1921 to Andrew and Daisy Hill.  She lived in Alderson, Tilley and Brooks.  On March 1, 1939 she married her best friend, Art, and she moved to Tilley to start a life of farming.  They farmed in Tilley for 50 years before moving to Brooks in 1998.  They were married for 64 years and raised two children.  Edna enjoyed, curling, golfing, watching baseball, watching Lawrence Welk, cross stitching and playing cards.  Two years ago she could still beat us at crib almost every game.  She loved a well kept house, garden and yard and worked very hard at this.  She enjoyed having company and making big family meals at Christmas and other holidays.  Above all, she loved her family and spending time with them.  Edna leaves to cherish her memory: her son Donald and wife Jeanette of Brooks, her daughter Diane and husband LeRoy Nelson of Scandia; 5 grandchildren Corinne Burton (Dwayne Bishoff) of Brooks, Lynda (Ryan) Wilkinson of Lethbridge, Scott (Lesley) Burton of Tilley, David Nelson (Deb Grosfield) of Trochu, Todd (Julie) Nelson of Veteran; 10 great grandchildren: Sarah and Sydney Wilkinson, Beth and Emily Burton, Jarret, Greg, Andria and Zach Nelson, Jaydee and Lex Grosfield.  She also leaves a sister-in-law Joanne Hill of Medicine Hat, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her loving husband Art in 2003, two sisters and their husbands, Doris and Allen Marty and Madge and Emil Weiss, one brother, Earl Hill, a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, James and Florence Burton and a sister-in-law, Dorothy Burton, as well as six nieces and nephews.  Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 28^th at 2:00 PM from the Brooks United Church. Rev. John Theiss of Trinity Lutheran Church, Brooks, officiating. Interment at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Edna, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B3.

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”

Wenner – John Hans Wenner. It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of John Wenner on May 18, 2019 at the age of 82. John passed away peacefully with his family at his side.
John was born in Lamperteim, Germany on September 8th, 1936, the first son to Georg and Emma Wenner nee Karb. After the Second World War, John came to Canada in 1952 with his mother Emma and brother Heinz. They resided in Rosemary, AB. Throughout the early years, John worked in mining which took him to Ontario, British Columbia and California for a short stint. John met Trudy and they married on May 1st 1973 in Murrayville, B.C. John turned his focus to the Alberta oilpatch working for numerous oil and gas companies over the next 40 years, Wenner Oilfield, P&H and closer to retirement DaPaJo and DA Welding. In 2001 John retired and moved out to Hillcrest Mines in the Crowsnest Pass where he lived with his wife Trudy until her passing in 2010. Shortly thereafter, John moved back to Brooks to be closer to family and friends.
John was never short of a great story and had a personality like no other.
John was predeceased by his parents Emma and Georg; wife Trudy; brother Heinz; stepson Doug Hackaray.
John is survived by his stepchildren, George Hackaray (Susan), Vicki Vlahos (John), Bryan Hackaray; sister-in-law Pat Wenner; nephew Michael Wenner (Shannon); nieces Dawn Carvill (Justin), Shanna Wenner (Wayne); grandchildren, Jonathan Nesbitt (Gina), Arin Gerbrandt; great-grandchildren, Nate Rossi, Reece, Jackson and numerous friends and family members.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.