Obituaries

Franz – The passing of Marie Matilda Franz of Brooks, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt, who passed away in Brooks on Monday, November 18^th, 2019 at the age of 92 years, has left us to reflect as a family on our time together with her and on those who have helped and cherished her on her journey. The daughter to Adam and Bertha Hammer, Marie was born on January 21^st, 1927 in Coleman, Alberta, where she lived for the next 87 years, before moving to Brooks to be closer to family. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 64 years, Bobby Franz and brothers, John, Norman, Ken and Bill. Left to cherish her memory are her sisters, Mae (Johnson) and Irene (Puchko); sister-in-law Eleanor (Hammer); son, Robert and his wife Grace; grandchildren, Kyle and Meghan (Doherty); great grandchildren, Violet and Tayin and many nieces, nephews and friends. A private family interment will take place at a later date. In memory of Marie, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to a charity of choice.

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”

Orich – Nola Gail Orich of Brooks, beloved wife of Reg Orich, passed away in Brooks on Thursday, November 14th, 2019 at the age of 71 years. Prayer services will be held on Friday, November 22nd at 7:00 PM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rev. Marino Infante officiating. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 23rd at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rev. Marino Infante Celebrant. In memory of Nola, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Box 578, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B5 or to Brooks Animal Protection Society, Box 86, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B2.

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”

BLUNDON –

Wendy Blundon of Brooks passed away at Brooks Health Centre on Wednesday, November 13^th, 2019 at the age of 57 years. Wendy was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland on October 12^th, 1962. She dearly loved her family and cherished her grandbabies. Wendy enjoyed completing puzzles, fishing and camping. She will be loved and remembered by all. Wendy was predeceased by her father Fred Fowler and grandmother Dorothy Lewis. She is survived by her loving family, 3 children Darcy Anthony (Crystal Stokes) and their children Alanta and Marcus, Wendy (Nick) Armstrong and their children Brody, Steven, Keisha, and Kaylie and Robert Anthony, and great grandson Blaine; special loved ones Dwayne Phillips, Dallas (Emmett), Dustin, Samantha, Jordan (Rolanda) and children Chloe and Tucker; special dear friend Jasmine (Kyle), mother Joyce (George) Allen and aunt Jean (Jim) from Newfoundland and numerous other relatives and friends.  Funeral Services were held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, Nov. 17^th from Thom’s Funeral Home. Honorary Pallbearers were Darcy Anthony, Robert Anthony, Nick Armstrong, Brody Armstrong, Steven Armstrong, Marcus Anthony, Dallas Phillips and Kyle Ost. Funeral services were held at Thom’s Funeral Home on Nov. 17 at 2 pm. In Memory of Wendy, if family or friends’ desire, donations may be made to STARS Air Ambulance at www.stars.ca. For further information, to light a candle in memory of Wendy or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Pound – It is with great sadness the family of Phyllis Isabella Mary Pound (nee Sunstrum) of Calgary, announce her passing in Calgary, with her family by her side, on Tuesday, November 12^th, 2019 at the age of 95 years. Phyllis was pre-deceased by her husband of 65 years, Harold Delmar Pound on December 6^th, 2013. Phyllis will be lovingly remembered by her sons, Ted (Jennifer) and Jim (Monica); her grandchildren, Lisa (Justin), Darin (Ronaele), Robert (Jennifer) and Thomas (Josee). She will also be fondly remembered by her seven great grandchildren, Sophie, Andrew, Carson, Grace, Graham, Ethan and Avery. Phyllis will be forever remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews and dear friends. Born December 28^th, 1923 near Emerson Crossing, Alberta, Phyllis was the last of a generation whose parents settled and homesteaded in southern Alberta in 1911. A beautiful lady whose sense of humor, kind heart and gentle soul that will be remembered for a grace that brought smiles to all who knew her. The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to the staff at Lake Bonavista Retirement Community, Calgary for their loving companionship and care extended to her these past 5 years. Funeral Service celebrating Phyllis’s life will be held at Smith Memorial Chapel, Brooks, Alberta on Wednesday, November 20^th at 1:00 PM. Rev. Esther Crews officiating. Interment to follow at Brooks Cemetery. In memory Phyllis, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, #200, 325 Manning Road N.E., Calgary, Alberta   T2E 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

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

Huggard – Ryan Wesley Huggard beloved son of Larry and Kristine Huggard, passed away on Tuesday November 5^th, 2019 in Duchess at the age of 34 years. Ryan was born on September 20^th, 1985 in Red Deer, Ab. Ryan grew up on his Grampa Pete’s ranch in Lathom, Ab. Ryan attended elementary school in Bassano until grade 5, then moved to St Joseph’s Collegiate in Brooks, where he graduated grade 12. While in Jr./Sr. High School Ryan, found his love for music playing in the school band, playing basketball, junior high football with the Roadrunners and 1 season with the Buffalo’s, indoor soccer in Duchess, Ryan also loved and excelled in karate for many years. He was also involved in 4-H with both Bassano and Brooks 4-H Clubs for many years. After high school, Ryan worked various jobs in the oil industry and welding shops working towards his welding apprenticeship. He also spent a few years back at the family ranch in Lathom. Recently Ryan was starting a small business using his welding skills to create artistic metal art out of horseshoes and barb wire. Ryan was predeceased by his Grandparents Peter and Francis Steinbach. He is survived by his sons, Dante and Cayden of Kindersley, Sk; parents, Larry and Kristine Huggard of Duchess; sister Jessie (Blane) Langdon and their daughter Kyra of Edson; brother James Huggard of Brooks; sister Kylie Huggard son Mason and fiancée Terence Eckes of Brooks; grandmother Alice Huggard of Calgary; grandparents Bob and Pat Kent of Calgary and their son Rob (Michelle) and their children Taylor and Tyson of Lacombe, Ab. and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. A Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, November 14^th at 2:00 PM at the Duchess Mennonite Church. Rev. Alvin Penner officiating. In memory of Ryan if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of one’s 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”

Anhorn – Anthony Anhorn of Brooks, beloved husband of Mona Anhorn, passed away peacefully in his sleep, in Brooks on Sunday, November 3^rd, 2019 at the age of 84 years. Tony was born 18 miles outside of Walsh, Saskatchewan on May 10^th, 1935 to Gottlieb and Maria Anhorn, into a large family of 11 brothers and sisters. He moved to Calgary, where he met and married Mona Bloomberg and they started their family. Tony worked at the Union Packing Plant for 10 years and then began a 33 year career with MacDonald’s Consolidated, retiring in 1998. He moved to Brooks in 1999, to be closer to his family and grandchildren. Tony loved music and playing the accordion, which he taught himself to play and loved to entertain his family and grandchildren. He had a big heart and lived life to the fullest. Tony was predeceased by his parents Maria and Gottlieb in 1969, son Darrell in 1987 and son-in-law Charlie in 2002, as well as many of his brothers and sisters. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Mona; daughters, Debbie (Ernie) Shuttleworth and Terry Anhorn; grandchildren, Morgan, Cameron, Mackenzie and Sydney and brothers Eddy and Elmer Anhorn. The family wishes to thank Dr. van der Linde for his kindness and compassion, as well as the nurses at the Brooks Health Centre. As per Anthony’s wishes there will be no funeral service. In memory of Anthony, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the 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”

Taylor – It is with great sadness that the family of Brian George Taylor, beloved husband of the late Vicky Taylor, announces his peacefully passing in Medicine Hat, AB. on Wednesday, November 6^th, 2019 at the age of 71 years. Brian was born on November 7^th, 1947 in Claresholm, Alberta to Alvin and Dorothy Taylor. He spent the majority of his life living in Brooks, with his loving wife Vicky. He supported his family by working as a heavy duty mechanic at Smith Brook Trucking. Brian enjoyed spending his time fishing and camping with his family. He was very involved with his church and the community around him. Brain and Vicky had 3 wonderful children, Belle Taylor (Pete Wollman), Bess Sveum (Kyle Tokamp) and Vernon Taylor. He also was blessed with 5 grandchildren, Denelle Tremblay, Aaron Tremblay (Mikayla Tremblay), Jeffery Sveum, Brandon Sveum and Chelsea Taylor and two great grandchildren, Alyssa Jasman and Kash Jasman. Brian was a very patient, caring and selfless man. He will always be remembered and missed by many. A Funeral Mass was Celebrated on Tuesday, November 12^th at 10:00 AM from St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Rev. Marino Infante Celebrant. Interment at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Brian, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to St. Vincent de Paul, c/o St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Box 578, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B5.

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 Gerald Gilborn, born March 23rd 1942, passed away at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital on Nov 2nd, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
He is survived by his daughter LaRae (Wayne) Murphy of Duchess, grandchildren, Brett, Kasey, Leah (Caleb), daughter in-law Karen Gilborn, grandchildren, Madison, Shelby, Jonathon of Duchess, sister in-law Neva (Robert) McNab of Lethbridge, sister Beryl Sudo (Bob), brothers Garry Gilborn (Diane), Rick Gilborn, (Ilene), Brian Gilborn, and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Gayla, son Layne, parents Dan and Eva.
My feisty father lived a full life, married 52 years to his greatest love, Gayla. When mom passed away in 2016, this left an unimaginable and at times unbearable hole in his heart. Friends and family visiting were his salvation. He had many lasting, loyal friendships, people who kept in touch over time and great distances as he was a great conversationalist, with endless funny sayings and stories we will always cherish.
Dad was an avid sports guy; fastball, fishing, and curling kept him active and connected socially. Summers were meant for camping with extended family, Lake 5 being a favorite. Golfing in Palm Springs provided a winter break. He reminisced often about his basketball days growing up in Coutts; perhaps this is why he chose a career teaching Phys Ed, leaving a better paying job at Lethbridge Brewery to return to University. Supporting his young wife and two children while at school fulltime, was not easy. His work ethic and commitment to both: admirable.
His teaching career spanned 31 years, with many moves and a final stint at University to get his Masters, settling in Brooks in 1979 as Principal of the new Griffin Park School. Our home was the focus of many staff parties and family get-togethers; he could whip up an excellent prime rib and French onion soup! He had a huge heart when it came to youth, none being more important than his own children and later grandchildren. Griffin Park became the hub of fundraising efforts for the Children’s Dreams Foundation. He was so proud of Brooks and the surrounding community for their generous support of these auctions. Always community-minded, Dad was a long time Kinsmen member, serving on City Council and – from the look of his resume – Chaired and Directed everything. He supported many local fundraisers, especially Ducks Unlimited, as he loved pheasant hunting.
Dad retired from teaching in 2000, working alongside his son Layne in house construction until relocating to Lethbridge; a move for Mom, he would say. As he slowed down, reading a book a day was not uncommon, but he always preferred a phone call or visit and looked forward to outings and company. Not one to mince words, ferociously independent to the end, and steadfast in his beliefs, he respected integrity and intelligence. He believed in giving back and pulling one’s weight. To a life well-lived, Dad – Rest easy.
A family service will be held Nov 18th in Lethbridge. In lieu of flowers, dad would love if you helped a child or children’s charity or, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 – 10th St. South Lethbridge, AB T1J 2M7 – http://www.cancer.ca, would be appreciated.

Cornelius Plett, of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Ramona passed away peacefully on Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019 at Good Samaritans Society (Park Meadows Village) in Lethbridge at the age of 84 years; 3 days short of his 85th birthday. He is survived by his son Neil Plett of Lethbridge and numerous, brothers, sisters and other family members. Funeral Services will be held at Gem Mennonite Church on Friday, Nov. 8 at 2:00 pm, with graveside services to follow at Gem Cemetery. Pastor Lawrence Hiebert Officiating. In memory of Cornelius, if family or friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either STARS Air Ambulance or Alberta Diabetes Foundation by mail at 8602 – 112 Street University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, T6G 2E1. For further information, to leave a message of condolence or to light a candle in memory of Cornelius, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Hofmann – Garry Jerome of Wardlow, Alberta, beloved husband of the late Carol Hofmann (Smith), passed away suddenly at his home in Wardlow on Tuesday October 29^th, 2019, at the age of 74 years. He was born and raised in Scandia, Alberta on August 28^th, 1945 to Jerome and Jean Hofmann. Garry shared his life with Carol in businesses that took them from the Alberta hay fields to construction, shipping in the Arctic and the ice road adventures in the Northwest Territories then back to the Alberta Oilfields. Garry’s love for the north runs richly through his veins. Garry was predeceased by his wife Carol; their daughter Rhea Elody; his father Jerome and brother Aloise. Left to cherish their memories of Garry are his mother Jean; his daughters, Melissa (Wayne), Natel (Tim) and Jackie; his beloved grandchildren, Jaedan, Danae, Makenna, Adison, Ryder, Trystan, Emersyn, Ryann, Harper, Jordan, Jeremy, Jacob and great granddaughter Brinley; his siblings Richard, Mable, Jeanette (Hayward), Anita, Brian (Jerry) and Ramona (Phil), many brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday November 6^th, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Cassils Community Centre. In memory of Garry, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta   T1J 4K7 or Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, 666 – 5^th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta   T1A 4H6.

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