Obituaries

ELLINGSON – Arnold (Swede). April 17, 2021.

Arnold (Swede) Ellingson passed away peacefully at his home in Brooks, AB on Saturday, April 17, 2021. His wife and one-and-only of 60-plus years, Barbara (nee Snell), was holding his hand as a tender Willie Nelson song coaxed him to rest. Together, they overcame hardships to create a beautiful life full of family, joy, adventure and comfort. In December 2020, they celebrated their 60^th wedding anniversary.

Arnold, was born 1937 in Watson, SK. His parents, Lloyd and Ruth Ellingson, and extended family members, farmed in the region until moving to the Elkhorn, MB area in the 1950s where they remained for many years. One year during his mid-teens when the family experienced a devastating crop failure, he and his parents migrated to Regina to find temporary work in the Simpsons (Sears) distribution centre. Some of his fondest memories were from childhood, such as when his grandfather made him homemade pancakes, watching his mother stooking wheat by hand, riding his horse and buggy to school and visiting neighbours.

His incredible work ethic was forged during this time and set the course for a productive, meaningful life that set an example for his children, grandchildren and many people who worked with him and considered him a generous mentor.

Swede, as he was known to most, worked in the petroleum industry for over 60 years, having started as a 16-year-old drilling rig hand around Virden, MB. This is the time when the nickname, Swede, took root, although his family heritage is fiercely Norwegian. Before starting this life-long career and passion, he worked very briefly in a gold mine in Red Lake, ON.

By the time he retired at 77-years-old in 2015, he had witnessed no less than six oil boom-and-bust cycles. He loved his work and never stopped being fascinated by this industry and, as an avid reader of the daily news, business overall. He started his career in the 1950s in southwest Manitoba, and followed the cycles west, first to Estevan, SK in the 1960s and then to Brooks, AB in the early 1970s, where he, Barb and their then young family settled, and where the loyal pair made it their home for nearly 50 years.

From his early days working on the drilling rigs to establishing successful local divisions for leading midstream service companies, such as Site Oil Tools and Cardium-Weatherford, to consulting on downhole tool installations during his later years, there was always one constant: Swede made lifelong relationships everywhere he worked. He valued the stories they had in common or built together, and easily reconnected with friends as if no time had passed between their visits.

What he valued above all else was his family. Barbara and Arnold were married in Virden, MB in 1960 and shortly thereafter started their family with the arrival of Ken and then Keith 14 months later. In 1966, he began working for Haliburton which he always said was his education to prepare him for a career in the oil patch. Swede later transferred to Estevan, where he coached a number of their hockey and baseball teams while they were young boys, and it was here when Krista was born.

He was very proud of Ken and Krista, and thoroughly enjoyed his grandchildren, MacKenzie, Sarah Jane and Robert, as well as his step-grandson, Jody and his son Kaylib. He imparted his determined work ethic and love of storytelling and laughter to them, as he did to Ken and Krista.

The loss of his much-loved son, Keith (1981), and then grandson Jody (2009) were rarely spoken heartbreaks. Arnold was also predeceased by his father, Lloyd (1966) and mother, Ruth (1987).

Swede prided himself on taking care of his good health, and was fit and active until his recent, surprising diagnosis with esophageal cancer. He was frequently seen walking to the Brooks Museum to Cassils Road and back home, sometimes twice daily, blowing snow from his or a neighbor’s sidewalk in winter or golfing 18 holes before noon in summer.

He will be deeply missed by Barbara, Ken and his wife, Susan, Krista and her spouse, Colin, his grandchildren, his sister, Marlene, and numerous friends and family; and he will be remembered always.

The family intends to host a large gathering when it is allowed to happen.

If you have a message for Barbara and her family, please visit    www.sfh.ca

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in his name to the Canadian Cancer Society.

200, 325 Manning Road, Calgary, Alberta   T2E 2P5: https//cancer.ca

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”

Suhai – Sherry Lee Suhai of Calgary, beloved mother of Madysen Lloyd and partner of Matt Carley, passed away in Calgary on Friday, April 16^th, 2021 at the age of 50 years. Sherry was born in Brooks on May 13^th, 1970 to John and Rene` Suhai and graduated from the Tilley High School. Sherry worked at Wright’s Jewelry, Brooks and Global Thermal Electric, Bassano. She enjoyed cooking, crafts and flowers. Sherry’s family and friends will fondly remember her laughter, stubbornness and kind heart. She enjoyed spending time with her family and close friends and could be counted on to be a pillar of love and kindness, even when life dealt her difficult obstacles. Sherry was predeceased by her grandparents, Bob and Betty Anderson and Matilda and Frank Suhai. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter, Madysen Lloyd (Tanner Tymko); partner, Matt Carley; parents, John and Rene` Suhai; siblings, Denise (Wellington) Evans, Kevin (Deanne) Suhai and Wes (Candace) Suhai; nieces, Kaitlin, Hanna and Callie Suhai; nephews, Kyron and Austen Evans, Jack, Maxx and Andie Suhai and Kace and Jeff Richardson. A private Family Service will be held at the Brooks Cemetery. Rev. Ken Wells officiating. In memory of Sherry, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta   T1J 4K7.

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”

May 18, 1966 – April 11, 2021

Carlson – Graeme was welcomed as a gift, arriving on his dad’s birthday and beginning a tradition of shared celebrations on May 18^th for years to come.  Born in Vulcan, Alberta, Graeme was the first member of the fourth generation raised on the family farm and homestead east of Champion, Alberta.  Graeme’s childhood was full, there was always work to be done on the farm, raising crops in the summer and calving in the winter.  He was his dad’s helper from the time he could reach the pedals on a tractor or a truck.  Hockey, 4-H, music, motorbikes and friends filled his spare time.  Graeme stayed on the farm for a few years after graduation but other interests called him away.  He continued in agriculture, attending Lethbridge College.  After graduation he worked in the industry with Pioneer Grain and Feedrite.  In 1988 he was lucky enough to meet the love of his life, Tammy Dyck right there in his hometown of Vulcan, where she had recently moved.  They married in 1991 and began their life in Lacombe.  In 1995 Graeme and Tammy welcomed their daughter Kaylin.  In 1997 Graeme took on a new role with Tirol International.  This job took them to Brooks where Graeme resided until his passing.  Graeme and Tammy embarked on a new challenge in 2000 when they purchased Sportside Source for Sports.  Graeme grew up in a community minded family, this upbringing and the store ownership saw him become an integral part of Brooks.  He was a member of the Brooks Legion, Brooks and Stavley Elks Clubs and Brooks Masonic Lodge.  He and Tammy were strong supporters of the local AJHL team, the Brooks Bandits.  The championship performance of the Bandits carried him through many years when his Calgary Flames and Boston Bruins were not performing as he wanted.  Graeme made connections and friends wherever he went.  From family camping trips, men league golf and tournaments, visiting at Elks Lodges and Legion Halls on road trips, buying shows for the store and time spent with friends and family from childhood to present – many called him a friend.  He liked to put on a gruff exterior sometimes but he actually had a deep loyalty for those he loved.  He was so grateful for the love of his amazing wife Tammy and proud of all his daughter Kaylin’s accomplishments in 26 years.  He was looking forward to retirement in the place he loved most, Qualicum Beach where he and Tammy purchased a home and were making plans for the future.  Although those plans will be different now, he would want all of us left grieving to go on and enjoy life, connect to your community and not take anything for granted.  Left to grieve are his wife Tammy, daughter Kaylin, mother Ann, sister Lorna (Lloyd), Aunt Ruth (Gord), cousins Kent and Dana (Cheryl) Karapita, mother-in-law Linda and numerous family members and friends from Alberta, BC, Ireland and the USA. Graeme was predeceased by his brother Garth, his father Gordon and his father-in-law John.  Thank you to so many near and far who have reached out with support in many ways, for all of us, during this unexpected time.  The kindness and professionalism shown by the staff at the Brooks and University of Alberta Hospitals was appreciated.  A Celebration will be held this summer, when COVID restrictions allow for hugs and handshakes.  Graeme would want us to all be able to be together and share some laughs and tears.  Donations can be made in Graeme’s name directly to the Brooks Health Foundation (brookshealthfoundation.ca), Bag 300, Brooks, T1R 1B3, The Vulcan County Health and Wellness Foundation (vchwfoundation.com) or your local Masonic Hall or Elks Lodge.

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”

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Albert Richard Gosling of Irma, Alberta, formerly of Brooks, passed peacefully in Viking, Alberta on Friday, March 26^th, 2021 at the age of 87 years.  Albert was born the youngest son to Sidney and Annie Louise Gosling who immigrated from England and settled in Latham, Alberta.  He was raised on the family farm, where he learned the value of hard work and determination.  After leaving the farm in 1947, Albert picked up work with the neighbors, where he quickly began his lifetime network of good cattlemen in the rural community, which would help him make his dream of having his own place and heard of cattle a reality.  With this in mind, Albert maintained several different jobs, which offered him the resources to start his own heard.  He married Francis Kay Greenwood in 1956, and had three children Alan, Glen and Shannon.  They bought their first half section of land at Antelope Creek in 1960 and moved the 40 Herefords they managed to build up, home to their very own ranch.  Albert had a certain kind of romance with the prairies that helped him grow his heard of 40 Herefords many times over.  He was happiest when he had a good horse under him and the open range to tend his own cattle.  He enjoyed seeing his children grow up with all that farm life had to offer them and was thrilled to be able to achieve many roping buckles with Alan.  After circumstances took him away from the ranch to reside in Brooks, he continued to buy and sell hundreds of cattle for his vast network of friends and associates.  Albert enjoyed just riding through any heard of cattle and having the time to stop and visit with friends.  You could always count on his support for just about anything from helping with the branding or the round up, to being the cheering sections of numerous community events.  He always had a kind word to say or a candy in his pocket to share.  He was a loving caring man that is going to be terrible missed by many.  Albert is predeceased by his parents, Sidney and Annie Louise; ex-wife Francis Kay; son Glen; daughter Shannon; brother Sidney; sister Edith; brother Fred; sisters, Mary, Marie and May from England as well as some nieces and nephews.  He is survived by his son Alan; granddaughter Shaniece; grandson Riley; granddaughter Kassidy; great grandson Waylon and numerous nieces and nephews.  There will be a small family grave site service.  We also, plan to have a Celebration of Life at a later date, when health restriction are eased.  So that all of Albert’s vast network of friends and family may be together, to remember and share our memories of this wonderful man.

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”

DAY

JOHN MERVIN DAY passed away on April 8, 2021 at the age of 71 years.

He was born to parents Ivan and Wilma Day and grew up on a family farm near Dand, Manitoba.  He won the 4-H Harrison Shield (4-H provincial public speaking championship for Manitoba) and was runner-up in the Manitoba provincial school system.  He attended Red River College in Winnipeg and became a Civil Engineering Technologist.  He then worked in Louisiana on rigs as a Mud Man.  In 1974 he married Sandra. They lived in Salvador, Brazil for two years where John worked on off-shore rigs and then came back to Canada to Brooks, Alberta.  John continued his oil patch work and later started his own business. His love of life was his sons and their families and he was always ready to advise or help if at all possible. One of the main highlights of raising the boys was the many hours playing ball with them, attending baseball games and doing some coaching.  He taught them to fish and hunt.  In 2017 he and Sandra moved to Lethbridge. He will be sadly missed by his loving family; Robert (Kelly), Michael (Kacey), Timothy (Jennifer). Grandchildren Chloe, Ruby, Nancy, Jocelyn, Lila, Daniel and Benjamin; brothers David (Claire), Garfield (Evelyn), sisters-in-law Carol Billan, Marion (gil) Raineault and all his nieces and nephews.

A Private Graveside will take place at the Royal View Cemetery at a later date.

Memorial Donation can be made to Alberta lung association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation

To send a condolence, please visit
www.salmonandsons.ca

1921 ~ Alice Johnson ~ 2021

Alice May Johnson passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa in Lethbridge on April 1, 2021. She was born and raised in Redcliff/Bingville, AB to John and Belle McLachlan. She is survived by her children, Cliff Johnson of Calgary, Audrey (John Wilson) Reti of Lethbridge, Gene (Mary Joan) Johnson of Iddesleigh; three grandchildren, Dr. Sandra (Jim) Davidson of Calgary, Heather (Eldon) Petherick of Kemptville ON, and Zack (Samantha) Johnson of Iddesleigh; four great grandchildren, Matt and Natalie Petherick of Kemptville, ON and Korben and Eva Johnson of Iddesleigh; as well as numerous dear nieces and nephews in BC, Alberta, Ontario and across the US; one sister, Lucille (H.A Bud) Olson of Calgary; predeceased by her husband, Mel in 2008; brothers, Hugh, Alex and Bill McLachlan, and her sisters, Marg Oaks, Isabel Bergdahl and Verna Brown.  She married her fabulous husband, Melvin (GM) Johnson in 1943 and moved onto the family farm in Iddesleigh.  There they raised their three children, Clifford, Audrey, and Gene and continued to add on to the size of the original farm…enjoying every year regardless of what weather or life threw at them. They retired to Brooks and then to Medicine Hat and finally settled in Lethbridge for the last 17 years to be close to their daughter, Audrey and family. Mom was a fantastic cook, baker, superb gardener, talented seamstress, knitter and hardanger, “jack of all trades”, she supplied meals to the field at harvest, drove grain trucks, helped out at brandings and weaning. She volunteered with the Red Cross for over 30 years as a canvasser, etc. and received a commendation plaque. She was dedicated member of the Iddesleigh Ladies Aid for decades. Mom had a ‘special’ birthday…Halloween Oct. 31, so many happy memories around that date! Mom and Dad travelled extensively to Europe, New Zealand, Alaska, Hawaii and almost every state in the USA and across Canada as well, they were great fans of Las Vegas (Dad more so than Mom) but she was a trooper because she knew Dad enjoyed it!!  A tremendous “Thank you” is extended to all the caring staff at Columbia Assisted Living and at St. Therese Villa in Lethbridge, and Dr. Logan Steed who have been her dedicated caregivers for the past 13+ years…keeping her safe through this COVID pandemic. Our hearts go out to you all who have been so professional in your care for our Mom, Alice. And last but not least she would want to thank the chefs and kitchen staff and the fabulous hairdressers, Elsie Wither-Sully at Columbia and Dawn Lapointe at STV, she loved having her meals provided and looked forward to her hair appointments each week…she held you all in high esteem!!

All in all it has been a long life lived well, and she would often say…”I don’t feel this old and I don’t have any pain”… it doesn’t get any better than that!  Enjoy your next adventure Mom and catching up with Dad!! A private family service was held on April 8, 2021 with interment in Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Special Thank you to Nathalie Lawrence for her exemplary service. Memorial gifts in Alice’s name may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, 6007 – 1A Street SW, Calgary, AB, T2H 0G5.

Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Alice Johnson.  Funeral arrangements by

Gammon – Dr. Michael Lee Hurrell Gammon or “Doc” as he was referred to by those who knew him best passed away in Brooks on March 23^rd, 2021. Just as he dealt with experiences in life, he made sure it was on his terms. Born in Red Deer and raised in Grande Prairie, he went on to complete a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy and certification in Family Medicine at the University of Alberta. Doc was a proud, well-respected man who gave so much to those around him and served the Brooks community since 1972. As a local doctor, he delivered generations of babies to families in Brooks and the surrounding areas. In addition to his work in the local community, Doc was a part of the College of Physicians and Surgeons of the Province of Alberta, The Medical Council of Canada, and Chief Medical Examiner. There was nothing he loved more than his family and friends and you could see how being around those closest to him brought him so much joy. Doc had a passion for golf, pheasant hunting and his German Short Hair Pointers, so you always knew where to find him in the summer and fall. Always willing to go the extra mile Doc was an active member of the Kinsmen Club, Brooks Golf Course, and spent many hours driving his daughters and teammates to sporting events throughout Alberta. He was a loving husband to Holly, an amazing father to his daughters, Kira (Pete) and Tanis and adored his grandsons, Harris and Sawyer. Rest in peace Doc, you will be missed and always in our hearts. In June of 2010 Doc was involved in a serious car accident just west of Brooks that required transportation to Calgary by STARS Air Ambulance.  We ask that in memory of Doc, memorial tributes be made directly to STARS at 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 8M7. We would like to extend a special thanks to the amazing staff at Brooks Homecare, Sunrise Gardens and the Long Term Care Unit in the Brooks Hospital. A celebration of Doc’s life will be arranged 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”

Vanderyagt – William Patrick Vanderyagt of Brooks, beloved husband of Mary Anne Vanderyagt, passed away at his home in Brooks on Saturday, March 20^th, 2021 at the age of 75 years. William was born in Toronto, Ontario on October 17^th, 1945 to Peter and Leonora Vanderyagt. He moved to Fenelon Falls, Ontario with his family at the age of 12 years. William graduated from Fenelon Falls District High School and later received his Diploma in Hotel Management from the Shaw Business School, Toronto. He married Mary Anne Scharf on March 26^th, 1982 and they resided in Toronto and the surrounding area, until moving to Alberta in 2003. William spent 30 years as a member of the Toronto Metro Police, working in the fraud squad and then parking enforcement, until his retirement in 1996. Following the move out west, William worked as a Commissionaire at the Alberta Legislature in Edmonton, Alberta. He loved to paint, work in the garden, do repairs on the house and played a number of musical instruments including the ukulele, flute and dulcimer. William donated his free time to his community, where he was a Scout Leader, member of the Big Brother Association of Toronto and took part in reenactments of the War of 1812. He will be fondly remembered for his kind soul, bright smile, willingness to help those in need and to meet new people over coffee or tea. William was predeceased by his parents, Peter and Leonora Vanderyagt, brother Wayne Vanderyagt and sister-in-law Donna Vanderyagt. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Mary Anne; step children, Dorothy, Janet, Thomas and Bruce; 8 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; brother Peter and his wife JoAnne and numerous other family and friends. In memory of William, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Canadian Cancer Society, 200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta   T2E 2P5.

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”

1958 ~ Thomas Dovichak ~ 2021

Thomas Daniel Dovichak of Medicine Hat passed away peacefully after a battle with cancer on Thursday, March 25, 2021 at the age of 62 years, beloved husband of Tatiana Dovichak.  He also leaves to cherish his memory his children, Jessica (Adam) Ziegler and Adam (Sharrese) Dovichak; two grandchildren, Harlow and Lincoln; three brothers, Albert (Joanne) Dovichak, John (Rita) Dovichak and Michael (Janet) Dovichak; three sisters, MaryAnn Graziano, Ellen (Alex) Zagorsky and Teresa Fillingham; one sister-in-law, Debbie Dovichak; brother and sister-in-laws and numerous nieces and nephews.   He was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Victoria Dovichak; two brothers, Joe and George and mother-in-law, Maria Garaziova.  Due to Covid-19 restrictions, a private funeral service was held in the PATTISON CHAPEL (540 South Railway Street S.E., Medicine Hat) on Tuesday, March 30, 2021 at1:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend.  Those who wish to remember Thomas with a donation, may do so to the Brooks Health Foundation or Canadian Mental Health.  To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com  subject heading: Thomas Dovichak , 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.

Rena Maldaner

1951 – 2021

Rena May Maldaner was born to Karl and Jean Maldaner on May 4, 1951. After a short illness, Rena passed peacefully from us on March 23, 2021.

Rena attended special schools in Medicine Hat and Lethbridge while living with caring families and in group homes.

Rena loved her family, babies, shopping, kittens, dogs, and birthdays, especially her own. It was her job in the last few years to shop for perfect gifts for her great nieces and nephews. Thank you to all of her caregivers and dayworkers who helped make Rena’s life easier and brighter.

Rena was predeceased by sister Ruthie in 1940, her father in 1987, her mother in 2003, and brother Earl in 1997. She leaves behind her brothers: John (Rena), David (Nan), Larry (Shelley), Brian (Barbara), Dean (Eunice), sister Lois (Doug Harrowing), sister-in-law Sally, twenty-nine nieces and nephews and a goodly amount of great nieces and nephews in Canada, Australia, and the Philippines, and a whole lot of cousins.

Her roommates, Jeanie and Alyssa, caregivers, and dear friend Alex will miss her.

Our family appreciates the dedication and compassion of the nurses and doctors of 4C at Chinook Regional Hospital.

A family Graveside Service was held in Coaldale on March 25, 2021, with Reverend Erin Phillips officiating.

Visit www.mbfunerals.com to send a condolence.