Obituaries

In loving memory of Jacques (Jack) Joseph Armand Robinson born on July 20, 1958 in St. Paul, AB and passed on June 30, 2020 in Brooks, AB. Jacques was born to parents Henri and Pierrette Robinson and was the 3rd eldest child of a family of 9 children.  His siblings being Laurette Perren (Mark), Jean, Gerald (Wendy), Lorraine, Lucie, Lise, Line and Marc.  Nephews- John, Ryan, Samuel, Daniel, Marshall, Jordan, Nigel and Joel.  Nieces – Chantal, Maria, and Ashley. Jacques grew up on the family farm near Lafond, Alberta and enjoyed the wholesomeness that came from his upbringing.  Jacques had many talents; he had many artistic abilities and loved to draw and paint in his earlier years. He had a passion for music and loved to share with anyone who would listen. Jacques was an entrepreneur and had the pleasure of growing a one-acre market garden on the family farm where his mom and brother Jean helped in planting, weeding, and harvesting.   Jacques was not a stranger to hard work, he worked in the oil patch, picked fruit in Osoyoos, BC and hauling it to Alberta to sell in the St. Paul area and worked in the plumbing and draining industry. Jacques’s bond with his mom was strong and special.  He phoned her every Sunday and always came to Alberta to celebrate Christmas and her birthday on July 1.  I guess he wanted to join her in Heaven for her birthday this year. Jacques was drawn to the mountains and had made Vancouver home.  Jacques attended and volunteered at Potter’s Place Mission in Vancouver. At Potter’s Place, Jacques truly had experienced a healing journey of pain, suffering and tears: from death to new life in Christ Jesus. Jacques was predeceased by his father Henri, his mother Pierrette and his brother Jean-Marie. Jacques will be dearly missed by his siblings, his nephews and nieces, and great nephews and nieces, aunts and uncles, and numerous cousins and friends. Those who wish to make a memorial contribution in Jacques’s memory can make it to Potter’s Place Mission, 21 Hastings St E, Vancouver, BC V6A 1M9 or Haying in the 30’s Cancer Support Society, Box 35, Mallaig, AB  T0A 2K0. “Eternal rest grant onto him O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, by the mercy of God, rest in Peace, Amen!” Graveside Services were held at 11:00 am on July 4, 2020 at Brooks Cemetery. For further information or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Mary (Van Bergen) Burkholder

October 27, 1943 ~ June 27, 2020 (age 76)

Mom grew up in Gem and had many wonderful memories of the 2 homesteads there. She & dad married in Gem August 4, 1962 and moved to Duchess to raise their family. Mom was an amazing mother and kept busy with the hotel & restaurant industry where she met many people. Besides her family, her interests were incredibly diverse from her wonderful cooking and preserving which she unselfishly shared; gardening (she always had a huge garden to supply food for the table); to photography that included part of the record keeping for family, church and the community. She was a master genealogist and spared no effort in her researching, cataloguing, writing articles and unselfishly shared the fruits of her labours with many organizations and the community. She was instrumental in the building and organizing of the Duchess Mennonite Church archives and spent much time with the Alberta Genealogical Society where she achieved a lifetime membership. She gave comfort to many in need and gave her time selflessly to try to make their lives easier. One of the last meals mom was able to enjoy was her favourite: liver and onions. Lovingly remembered by her husband Harold & her 3 children, Raymond, Gloria (Ken), Arnold (Laurie) & her 5 grandkids & 2 great grandkids & her sisters Betty, Dorothy & Martha. She was predeceased by her son Marvin, her parents John & Phyllis & her brothers David & Billy. Many thanks to the amazing staff at the Brooks Hospital & St. Joseph’s Carmel Hospice for their wonderful and compassionate care of our mom. In her memory, a donation to the Alberta Genealogical Society would be gratefully appreciated. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm on Thursday, July 9 at the Duchess Mennonite Church. For further information or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

McNally- Mrs. Esme Gertrude McNally (nee Gaff) of Rolling Hills and beloved wife of the late Clayton McNally, passed away in Brooks on Sunday, June 28^th, 2020 at the age of 91 years. Gertrude was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan on July 11^th, 1928 to Dennis and Vienna Gaff. Gertrude received her schooling in Maple Creek.  She married Clayton on July 11^th, 1953 and farmed near Excel, Alberta until 1961.  In 1961 they moved to Rolling Hills to continue farming, bringing with them 6 children and another on the way.  After Clayton’s passing in 1996, she continued to farm in Rolling Hills up until 2011, when she moved to Brooks.  Gertrude is predeceased by her husband Clayton and a son Dean.  She is survived by 2 sons, Brent and Jim; 4 daughters, Elaine, Sherrie, Della and Lori and numerous descendants thereof.  No public services will be held.

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”

Sharron Kuiper Sept 1948-June 2020

It is with saddened hearts that we announce the passing of Sharron Kuiper. Sharron was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her kindness, compassion and zest for life will be missed. Sharron is survived by her husband Phil, 3 children; Klint, Klay, and Misty-Dawn. 8 grandchildren; Dylan, Téa, Dreyson, Kyrsten, Kolton, Khlöe, Aries and Raemi, and 2 great-grandchildren; Raelan and Boston.

Papadopoulos – Dr. Dennis Fotis Papadopoulos, M.D. F.R.C.P. of Brooks, Alberta, beloved husband of Iris Papadopoulos, passed away in Brooks on Thursday, June 25^th, 2020 at the age of 94 years. Dennis was born in Krouni, Greece to his loving parents Christina and Fotis Papadopoulos on March 10^th, 1926. He entered the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Athens and graduated with his M.D. in 1952. Dennis then served in the Greek Army as a Second Lieutenant in the Medical Corps for 3 years. He immigrated to Canada in 1956 and completed a 2 year internship at the Reddy Memorial Hospital in Montreal, Quebec, then moved to the U.S.A, where he completed 5 years of residency in Internal Medicine at 4 University affiliated hospitals. Dennis returned to Canada in 1964 and practiced Internal Medicine in Brooks, until his retirement. It was here in Brooks that he met his beloved wife, Iris Margaret Campbell and they married in 1975. Dennis was an avid cyclist and loved to travel, always with his wife. He is survived by his loving wife Iris Margaret, nephews Fotis (Gayle) Papadopoulos and his great nieces Vicky and Christina in Florida and many relatives in Greece. A Funeral Service will be held at a later date. Interment will be held at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Dennis, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to either Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B3 or 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”

BUCK – Mary Agnes Buck (Nee Husty)
1929 ~ 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mary Buck, age 91, on June 11, 2020 in the Hanna Nursing Home.
Mary was born February 14, 1929 at Raymond Alberta. At a very young age Mary’s parents, Frank and Marie Husty moved to the Duchess area to set up farming and Mary took all her schooling in Duchess.
It was in Duchess that Mary met the love of her life, George Buck. The two were married on August 31, 1947. They were blessed with 4 children: Elmour, Marlene, Earl, and Byron.
George and Mary had their family farm just outside of Duchess where they raised their children. Over the years Mary had a passion for sewing. She was very meticulous and would sew beautiful outfits for herself and daughter, Marlene. The boys were not left out either because she would sew them their shirts. George and Mary enjoyed traveling and many other activities, but their passion was playing cards, especially a good game of crib.
Mary is survived by her sons: Elmour (Donna), Earl (Georgette), Byron (Susan); daughter Marlene; five grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; her sister Francis Loewen and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Frank & Marie Husty; husband George Buck; brother Stanley and son-in-law Allan Lamson.
Graveside service will be held June 19 at the Brooks Cemetery.
Donations may be made directly to the Hanna Ladies Auxiliary, Box 23 Hanna Alta., T0J 1P0.
Hanna Funeral Services Ltd. entrusted with the care and arrangements.
Condolences can be sent to the family at www.hannafuneral.ca

Innes – Wilma Innes of Brooks, Alberta and beloved wife of the late Joseph Innes, passed-away peacefully, in Brooks, surrounded by family after a brief, but courageous battle with cancer on Tuesday, June 9^th, 2020 at the age of 77 years.  Wilma was born in Glasgow, Scotland on March 4^th, 1943.  As a youngster she was full of life, mischievous and bright.  She met her loving husband, Joseph, and married in 1964.  In 1975, they emigrated with their three young children (9,6,4) to Brooks.  Wilma resided in Brooks ever since, building a life for her family, and bringing joy to others along the way.  Wilma retired from the Brooks Health Centre in 2002 after 23 years.  She enjoyed her retirement tremendously by travelling with family, walking her beloved dogs, Bobby and Buddy, and having Saturday tea with all her family.  All the while sharing her words of wisdom and discussing politics with passion.  She also enjoyed weekly coffee with her friends where lots of laughs and camaraderie were had.  Wilma will forever be remembered for her sense of humour and quick wit, her positive outlook, her strength, resilience, complete selflessness, and love of her family.  Wilma understood what was important in life and she was forever grateful for all she had.  She was an inspiration to her family and all that knew her.  Her personality, smile and laughter lit up a room.  She was an amazing woman with an amazing story, never to be forgotten.  She will be lovingly remembered by her three children, Peter (Natalie), Marie (Darwin) and Susan (Vic); her 8 Grandchildren, Brent (Teah), Mitchell (Saraya), Megan (Justin), Kevin (Adrienne), Brendan, Jason (Savanah), Ethan, and Eric (Carol-Anne); and her great-grandson, Brooks.  She is survived by her brother, Ronnie; her sister Margaret and her brother and sister-in-law Norman and Susan as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  She was predeceased by her parents William and Mary and her husband, Joe.  Due to current circumstances and Wilma’s wishes, a private ceremony will be held at a later date.  Interment at Brooks Cemetery.  All those wishing to make donations in Wilma’s name may do so directly to the charity of their 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”

Wayne Friskie, husband of Val Friskie, passed away of lung cancer at the Saanich

Peninsula Hospital in Saanichton BC at the age of 77.

He is survived by his daughter, Kari (Stacey Sanders), son Kevin , Grandchildren Kyle and Ali Sanders, Kira Friskie, sisters Elaine (Hugh Hill), Sherolyn (Brian Pegg),

Trevis (David McCabe) Charlene (Gary Kuzek), brother in law Russel Kuzek,  brother in law Gary Christensen (Maxine) and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Elizabeth Friskie, his youngest sister Cindy (Russel Kuzek) and Val’s parents, Gladys and Cal Christensen.

Wayne was born in Yorkton Saskatchewan on October 1 1942.

He left Carragana Sask at a young age and had various jobs before starting work for Schlumberger from 1964 to 1974 working in Zama Lake, Edmonton, Red Deer and Brooks.

He left Schlumberger in 1974 and became President of Plains Perforating with two other partners until selling out and moving to Sidney, BC in 1989.

He stayed involved in the oilfield until his passing.

His family and friends will lovingly remember Wayne as a gentle man with a big heart. He had a passion for fishing and a good game of crib.

As per his request, there will be no funeral.

In lieu of flowers a donation can be made to a charity of your choice.

KADING – Gladys Alene Augusta Kading passed away peacefully on June 4, 2020. Alene was born on March 17, 1931 to Lillie and Augustus McLean of Sunnynook. She was the youngest of the five daughters; Freda, Marguerite, Una Dorothy, Elsie and Alene. She received her grade twelve education by attending the one room schools at Sunnynook. After grade twelve she stayed to help out on the farm, after the death of her Mother in the spring of 1950, that fall her Dad sold the farm to a neighbor.They joined Una and Elsie in Calgary. Alene attended the Garbutt Business College and later worked at the East End Branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia and later for the Jr. Chamber of Commerce. On April 20, 1954 she married her best friend Verlin Kading of Cessford. Together they raised three children and enjoyed over 60 years on the farm. Alene enjoyed working both inside and outside. She was always ready to volunteer to help any organization if it was needed. She was a member of the Berry Creek Community Club, Pollockville Ladies Curling Club, Home and School, Women of Unifarm, Berry Creek Historical Society and the Ella Jane WI for over 60 years. She was a Charter member of the Ella Jane WI and received her golden book award in 2013. Other community activities included fundraising for a new hall, community club trail rides, working at the Sandhill’s Roping Club, cooking for dinner theatres, graduations and weddings, helping at the Cessford and Sunnynook home comings, community bingos, dances and helping make pies. Some of her interests and extra activities included reading, further education courses, playing softball, riding horses, leather working, and painting. Above all she enjoyed having her family settle close to the home place, family was extremely important to her. When her children were younger, Verlin and Alene would take them skating, hockey and 4-H and later she would attend any and all activities that her grandchildren and great grandchildren were involved in, whether it was hockey, school sports, school plays, rodeos, dance, music recitals, rodeo queen activities, 4-H or tobogganing in the winter.  She loved the baby calves in the spring and her horses, dogs and cats. She was predeceased by her loving husband Verlin in June of 2018; her parents Lille and Augustus; mother-in-law, Laura Kading; sisters Freda, Marguerite, Elsie and Una. three nephews and a niece; John Seefeldt, Allan Melnechuck, Ted Bullock and Michelle Melnechuck, brothers in-laws; Art Evans, Mike Melnechuck and Ken McKay. She is survived by her children: Earl, Lila (Larry) Bird, Lowell (Vione), grandchildren; Krista Kading, Erika (Robin) Lacelle, Monique (Jason) Conners, Logan Bird, Charmayne (Treveor) Toole, Stacey (Logan) Girletz, great grandchildren: Addison, Lydia, Gauge Lacelle, Ember, Lillie and Clara Conners, Lexi Bird, Lena Girletz, brother in-law Fred Seefeldt, numerous nieces, nephews and extended family and friends. A private family celebration and interment at Cravath Corners will follow at a later date. In Lieu of flowers, memorial donations in memory of Alene may be made to Hanna Hospital Ladies Auxiliary or Hanna Long Term Care Recreation Department by mail to 904 Centre Street North, Hanna, Alberta T0J 1P0, Halo by mail to, #12 – 49 Viscount Ave SW, Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 5G4, Stars Air Ambulance at www.stars.ca or the CNIB (Medicine Hat) at www.cnib.ca. Further information or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

NETTER, Reverend Werner Franz (Frank)

1941 – 2020

Reverend Werner Franz (Frank) Netter passed away after a long struggle in the hospital with Alzheimer’s, urosepsis and multiple complications at the Southwood Hospice on April 3, 2020 at the age of 78 years. He will be sadly missed by his daughter Lori Berarducci (Shane); grandson Mathieu; granddaughter Darian Netter (Trever); great-granddaughter Adalynn and new great-granddaughter expected in July; son Jonathan and Rasha Netter; grandchildren Jack and Sophie; son Tim and Kamala and grandchildren Ben and Megan. He is also survived by Joan; sister Bertha (Don) Brooks; brothers Bob (Linda) Netter and Fred (Theresa) Netter and many other relatives. He was predeceased by his parents Nellie and Ben.

Born in Oregon City, Oregon, he loved telling wonderful stories of his life growing up on the family farm and the fun he had with his brothers, sister and parents. He received his Bachelor of Arts from Pacific Lutheran University and then his Masters of Divinity from Wartburg Theological Seminary. He received his calling to do the Lord’s work and began his life’s work in Scandia, Alberta in 1968. In 1972, he moved to Kindersley, SK with his family where they lived until 1991 when he and Joan moved to Cold Lake, AB until 2002. From there, they moved to Hanna, AB until his retirement in 2007 from the ministry. Dad moved to Calgary in 2007 and lived with his daughter Lori and family until his passing. Dad’s life was full of wonderful memories of his hiking and backpacking days with his Wilderness Hiking Camp, his beautiful woodworking and his amazing ability to talk to anyone and his compassionate and kind spirit.  He created lifelong friendships everywhere he went. His was a life full of love for everyone and everything. His family and especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren gave him so much joy and he found joy in everything, from the birds he loved watching or his woodworking. One of dads favorite sayings from Mary Poppins, “I love to laugh, loud and long and clear.”

Many thanks to the wonderful staff in Unit 41 and 52 at the Peter Lougheed Hospital and to the amazing medical and nursing staff at Southwood Hospice who were so wonderful to Dad and Lori in his last weeks.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

If friends so desire, the family would appreciate donations being made in Frank’s memory directly to the Alzheimer’s Society or to the Calgary Wildlife Rehabilitation Society.

Messages of remembrance may be left for the family at www.southcalgaryfuneralcentre.ca

SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE and

CREMATORIUM (at Lake Fraser Gate)

Telephone:  403-297-0711

Honoured Provider of

Dignity Memorial