Obituaries

Regehr – Dirk Regehr of Rosemary, beloved husband of Deborah and father of Kierstyn and Mason, passed away suddenly near his home, on Thursday February 28th, 2019 at 52 years of age. Dirk was born on March 18th, 1966 in Brooks. He grew up and went to school in Rosemary, where he made lifelong friends. After graduating from high school, he went to college in Olds, upon completing his schooling he returned to Rosemary, where he started farming. He eventually met his wife Deborah Melnyk and was married on November 13th, 1999, soon after they started a family. In 2001, they took over the family farm from his father Karl. Even though farming was his number one passion, he loved spending time with his family and bragging about his children’s accomplishments. Dirk enjoyed spending time with his family and friends – golfing, camping and fishing, and discussing politics. He joined the volunteer fire department in Rosemary. Dirk took the job seriously and enjoyed the time he spent with his fellow volunteers. He is predeceased by his father Karl. Dirk is survived by wife Deborah and children Kierstyn and Mason all of Rosemary; mother Frieda of Innisfail, Alberta; brother Gordon and his wife Jeanette, children Derek, Sydney and Kurtis of Red Deer, Alberta and brother Norm of Calgary, Alberta. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, March 7th at 2:00 PM from Trinity Lutheran Church, Brooks. Rev. John Theiss and Pastor Maggie Theiss officiating. In memory of Dirk, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to STARS, Suite100, 1519 – 35th Avenue East, Edmonton International Airport T0E 0V6.

Cremation is entrusted to Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks.

Balaneski – Barbara Lynne Balaneski of Brooks, beloved wife of Sam Balaneski, passed away peacefully in the arms of loved ones on Friday, February 28th, 2019, at the age of 71 years. Barbara was born in Calgary, Alberta on June 9th, 1947 to Clarence Morrison and Macy Morrison. She attended school in Calgary and graduated from Montgomery High School. Barbara married Sam Balaneski on July 25th, 1970 and they shared 48 wonderful years of marriage together. She was employed in the Financial Industry for 30 years and then was a retired homemaker and caregiver to her grandchildren, which were her pride and joy. Barbara enjoyed camping with her husband Sam and playing bingo with her friends. She will be remembered for her loving heart and happy, go lucky spirit for life. Barbara was kind, humble and the ”Best Mother in the World”. She was predeceased by her parents, Clarence and Macy Morrison. She is survived by her loving husband Sam Balaneski; children, Kevin Balaneski and Bonnie Krauss; grandchildren, Cale Krauss, Courtney Krauss, Kylee Balaneski, Kolton Balaneski, Karissa Balaneski and Kiara Balaneski. Barbara’s family would like to thank Dr. Grobbelaar and staff for the outstanding care and love they showed. Funeral services will be held on Friday, March 8th at 2:00 PM from Smith Memorial Chapel. Rev. John Theiss officiating. Luncheon to follow at Heritage Inn and Convention Centre. In memory of Barbara, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Canadian Cancer Society, #200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 2P5 or Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B3.

Cremation is entrusted to Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks.

Baksa – Elizabeth Baksa of Brooks, beloved wife of the late James Baksa, passed away in Brooks on Sunday, March 3^rd, 2019 at the age of 88 years.

For updated Funeral Service announcements please visit   www.sfh.ca

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”

HAGG – Guy “Joe” Alan Hagg passed away on Thursday, February 28, 2019, at the age of 67 years.  He leaves to cherish his memory his loving partner Montse Ferre; his children, Larry (Allison) Hagg and their children Sophia and Hazel; Brandy Hagg (Rob Hagen) and their children Jaydan and Kya; Montse’s son Trevor Smith and his daughter Aislin; his mother Betty Smith; four brothers, Roy (Ida), Steve (Penny), Rob (Nicole) and Ron (Melissa); three sisters, Terry Tiffin, Chris (Ron) Tait and Vicky (Roger) Williams; his mother-in-law Encarnacion Ferre as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his father Larry Hagg in 1967, and his father-in-law Michael Ferre in 2019.  Guy loved his job and all the friends he made along the way.  He enjoyed camping and spending time with family and friends.  To honour Guy’s request no funeral service will be held.  As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Unit 100, 119-14 Street N.W., Calgary Alberta, T2N 1Z6.  To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Guy Hagg, 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.

Martin – Donald “Butch” Victor Martin of Brooks, beloved husband of Marian Martin, went home to be with his Lord and Saviour on Tuesday, February 26^th, 2019 at the age of 73 years. He was born on December 8^th, 1945 at Duchess, Alberta, where he was raised. Butch grew up on a Dairy farm and started milking cows as a young boy. He later got in to driving trucks and the trucking business at the age of 17 and drove many cattle loads all around the country day or night. He later moved to own his farm/feedlot on the outskirts of Brooks. Butch raced stock cars and we enjoyed hearing stories about his adventures. He then went on to buy Brooks Livestock Auction, which he own and eventually built a new auction market. Butch owned and operated this for 20 years, He later sold the Auction Market and went into running his feedlot, cattle buying and farming. This is what he did up to the time of his passing. Butch liked going to cattle sales and teaching his boys/grandsons about the cattle market. He had an eye for buying cattle and enjoyed it. Butch enjoyed working along with his kids and grandkids. He met Marian Yoder and they were married on May 30^th, 1970. They have 3 children, Darcy, Dallas and Candy. Butch will be remembered for his stories, kindness, generosity, love for his family and his love for his Lord and Saviour. Many days you would find Butch out driving tractor or truck in the field, working cattle in his feedlot or just outside enjoying God’s creation. Butch was a hardworking man and instilled that into his children and grandchildren. He was a fun loving, he loved to joke and laugh and his laugh could be heard from a long distance away. Butch leaves his wife Marian, son Darcy and his wife Karene of Langdon, Ab., son Dallas and his wife Shannon of Duchess, and daughter Candy Stein and her husband Stacy of Brooks; 9 grandchildren; 2 great grandchildren and numerous other family members.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Revelation 21:4

Funeral services were held on Saturday, March 2^nd at 3:00 PM from the Victory Church of Brooks. Rev. Jordon Fuller officiating. Interment at Duchess Cemetery. In memory of Butch, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Victory Foundation, 7012 Ogden Road SE, Calgary, Alberta   T2C 1B4. www.victoryfoundation.ca

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”

Stewart, Walter James

June 19, 1945 – February 21, 2019

Walter James Stewart passed away on February 21, 2019 at Red Deer Regional Hospital after battling bile duct cancer since May 2017.

Walter is survived by his wife Betty of 27 years; daughters Mellanie, Sarah (Cam); sons Wally, Mike (Sandy), Jaron (Dawn); 14 grandchildren, sister Roberta; brother Kim; cousins Evelyn (Bryan) as well as many extended family and friends.

Walter is predeceased by his parents Robert and Ellen.

He was a gentle, loving husband, father and grandfather who loved to go camping, golfing, fishing and spending time with his family.

Service were held Sunday, March 3, 2019 at 2:30p.m. at Red Deer Funeral Home, 6150 67 Street, Red Deer, Ab.

The family is grateful to the staff at the Red Deer Regional Hospital for his care in the last couple of years.

Memorial donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Central Alberta Cancer Centre 3942, 50A Ave, Red Deer or the Red Deer Regional Health Foundation.

Condolences can be left for the family at www.reddeerfuneralhome.com.

Terrance (Terry) Orville Shane Smith of Bassano, Alberta passed away peacefully on February 20th surrounded by his loving family at the age of 61, after a 2-year vicious battle with cancer. Terry, the baby of the family as the 7th child, was born in Arnprior, Ontario on October 28th 1957. He completed his schooling in Arnprior and later attended college, majoring in drafting. As a young adult he held various jobs such as a pin setter at the local bowling alley, tree trimmer and a stable hand at the race track. Terry’s first daughter Angela was born on May 7^th, 1979. He then moved his small family to Bassano in 1980 where he began his 38-year career with Eastern Irrigation District as a heavy equipment operator. Throughout his career he earned several awards for his work, which he took great pride in. Terry met Carleen in October 1985 and were married in August of 1989. To this reunion, his daughter Kayty was born on February 11^th, 1991. The years following were spent acting as a second parent to many other teammates and friends during the countless hours of travelling to and from multiple sporting events throughout her entire life. From 1994-2007 his title included team manager and “water guy” for Kayty’s ringette team. Whatever sport it was, Terry was in tow. He liked to spend his time fixing things around the house (although, not always to completion), but always to perfection if it was at someone else’s house. He also enjoyed bowling, playing slow-pitch, camping, riding his motorcycle, travelling back East to see family, and was a master at harassing friends and family to no end. At the same time, he was the most sensitive, caring, protective and loving husband, father, uncle and brother. He was a trusting and loyal friend to all who knew him. Terry was predeceased by his parents Orville and Mona Smith. He is survived by his loving wife Carleen (Banga) Smith of Bassano, daughter Kayty Smith (Tyler Leidal) of Medicine Hat, and daughter Angela Patenaude and grandchildren Keenyn, Avery and Hudson, of Arnprior, ON. His brothers Donald Smith (Mary – deceased), Robert Smith (deceased) and Velma. Sisters Betty Amos ( Gord – deceased) Nancy Tessier (fiancé Chris Mandin) (Donald Tessier – deceased), Penny Curnock (Willam) and Wendy VanDusen (Pete – deceased). As well as many loving nieces and nephews on both sides of the family. A celebration of life will be held in Bassano, Alberta at the community hall on March 2nd at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be forwarded to the High River District Health Care Foundation, Cancer Center, 560 9th Ave SW High River AB T1V 1B3. Donations can be made by mail, phone or online. For further information, to leave a message of condolence or to light a candle in memory of Terry, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call 403-501-1010.

Koch – Harold Alexander Koch of Glendon, Alberta passed away, surrounded by family, in Edmonton on Monday, February 11^th, 2018 at the age of 66 years. Harold was born in Medicine Hat on August 26^th, 1952 to Rudolph and Ramona Koch. When he was 2 the family moved to Brooks to farm in the One Tree area. Harold attended school in Brooks, then drove water and gravel trucks until he moved to Glendon in the 1980s to help his father on the farm. He bought land as well and raised cattle. When his parents retired and moved to Medicine Hat, he purchased their farm and continued farming until his passing. Harold always enjoyed visiting with family and friends. He started raising dogs in the past few years, a Greyhound and Irish Wolfhound cross. Harold enjoyed talking about them and showing people pictures of them on his phone. He was predeceased by his parents, Rudolph and Ramona Koch and brother-in-law Darrell Smith. Harold is survived by his siblings, Kathy (Darrell) Smith of Brooks, Marilyn (Rockley) Fardoe of Medicine Hat and Richard (Pat) Koch of Grand Centre; nieces, Brandy (Shawn) Gleisner, Jody Smith and Dawn Fardoe (Mark Therrien); nephews, Darcy (Stephanie) Smith and Sean Fardoe (Janice Klassen) and numerous great nieces and nephews. Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday, February 26^th at 2:00 PM from Heritage Inn and Convention Centre. Rev. John Theiss officiating. In memory of Harold, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta   T1J 4K7.

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”

Janko –

Calvin Louis Janko of Brooks, beloved husband of Sherry Janko, passed away in Medicine Hat, Alberta, on Sunday, February 17^th, 2019 at the age of 67 years. Calvin was born in Red Deer, Alberta on September 3^rd, 1951, where he lived for many years. He also resided in Calgary, Lethbridge, before settling in Brooks. Calvin married Sherry MacLeod at their acreage outside of town in 1997. Calvin worked in the automotive industry for forty years, working with family for most of that time. He was later employed at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park, as a Maintenance Supervisor. Calvin enjoyed the outdoors and was a fan of hunting, fishing, gardening, golfing, and skiing. He loved to cook and attend gatherings with family and friends. Calvin will be remembered for his kindness, selflessness, and happy disposition. He is predeceased by parents Louis and Audrey (Lind) Janko, and brother Denis Janko. Calvin is survived by his wife Sherry (MacLeod) Janko; children Jaime (Terell) Stafford of New Jersey, Elliot (Katy) Janko of Brooks, and Rebecca Janko of Brooks; grandchildren Peyton, Rachel, Ryan, and Mia. Funeral services were held on Monday, February 25^th at 2:00 PM from Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. John Theiss officiating. In memory of Calvin, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to a charity of choice.

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”

JOHNSTON, LANCE (GORDON)
January 23, 1962 – February 10, 2019
It is with heavy hearts the family of Gordon Lance Johnston, announce that angels came to take Lance home to the lord at the age of 57. Lance leaves behind to cherish his memory, wife of 29 years Terry Lynne Johnston, son Lowen ( Erica ) Johnston, son Landin Johnston, son Teigan Johnston. His parents Richard ( Alice ) Johnston and Judy ( Stephen ) Stockwell, sister Nadine, sister Sheri, brother Todd, and numerous Aunts, Uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless good friends, many he considered family. Lance so wanted to see Lowen and Ericas baby boy be brought into the world, it was the thing that kept him going, trying to hang on to meet his first grandchild. But the Lord called him home, even though he fought hard to stay with us.
Lance was born in Mayerthorpe Alberta, raised in Whitecourt, Alberta. Then moved to Duchess, Ab at the age of 13 . In 1987 he met the love of his life Terry and was married in Hawaii Dec 1, 1989. He and Terry raised their boys in Whitecourt till 2005 when the west coast lured them with its beauty to Gibsons, BC, land of the beachcombers. Lance worked in Carpentry and instrumentation. In Whitecourt he had his own carpentry company and then obtained his instrumentation ticket and worked for various companies including Titan and Syntec. In Gibsons he worked at Howe Sound pulp and paper for several years and then worked at various jobs including the oilfield in AB and lastly the Delta LNG plant. He loved the simple things in life, a walk along the beach, music and dancing with friends, making people laugh ( all his jokes ), fishing and just spending time with his family. Lance made many great friends along the way, and he wanted me to thank everyone for being there. You all made him smile and feel loved. Thank you for all the visits, calls and texts, and for all the meals and help. Grateful always, your kindness brought us to tears many times, and made a big difference.
There’s and ache in my heart that will never go away. You will always be with me and we will be together soon in God’s Kingdom. Till then, know you are the love of my life and I know I have been very lucky to have found this kind of love. Thank you xo —- Terry
Condolences can be sent to the family at beachbums1632@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Canadian Cancer Society
Celebration of life will be held at Chaster House at a later date, when the weather warms up.