Obituaries

EVANS
Shirley Evans
(January 12, 1945 – August 22, 2021)

Shirley Evans passed away on August 22, 2021 after a short battle with cancer. She was born to Pete and Irene Penner on January 12, 1945 in Bassano, Alberta, Canada. She worked in Calgary and Vancouver and met her husband Larry who was a U.S. citizen. Shirley moved to the U.S. where her and Larry were married.

Shirley worked as admin for Larry in his business in California and pursued real estate for 20 years. Then, they moved to Nevada where she worked in the office at the Eldorado in Reno. Her husband, Larry Evans, died of cancer in 2006. After that, Shirley decided to go on the move by purchasing a motorhome and being a work camper in various places; Texas, Arizona, and South Dakota.

Shirley leaves behind two sisters, Bonnie (Terry) Neigum and Diana McKinnon; one brother, Dale Penner; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 38p

Astley – Norma Edith Astley, passed away peacefully Sept. 12, 2021 at the Brooks Long Term at the age of 103 years.  Norma was born to Tom and Mable Lee on Feb. 20, 1918 in Benmiller, Ontario and was the youngest of three siblings.  Norma was raised in Benmiller and after moving to Goderich, where she worked in a live in home as housekeeper and met her first husband, Jack Love.  Norma and Jack were married in November of 1938.  In 1942, along came Joan, their only child. Norma did take in laundry to help with the household expenses, and Jack had a gravel hauling business.  Around 1950, they decided to move to Delhi, Ontario and purchased a small grocery store, known as Jack’s Grocery and was in the tobacco belt of Ontario.  Norma worked in the tobacco industry when harvest came.  They both developed allergies so decided they would move to northern Ontario.  They moved to Huntsville, Ontario in the spring of 1956, buying 10 cabins with gas pumps and a restaurant. They lived upstairs of the restaurant, while Jack proceeded to build a small bungalow.  Jack passed suddenly on Sept. 10, 1956 thus leaving Norma to undertake learning how to drive, manage a business all alone. She took on the challenge and about 8 years later Harvey Astley dropped in for coffee and that was the end of that.  She sold her business and they were inseparable. They travelled back and forth to the west and then finally decided to settle down in Brooks. They got married in Bassano in July, 1966.   Harvey went to work for Coleman Plumbing and mom took on the BA Restaurant, on the Highway #1, where she managed, cooked and baked and fed many a person locally and off the highway.  She earned her reputation, if you want a good meal head out to the BA. After managing the BA her next challenge was the Brooks Trading Post, owned by Harvey and Wally Wells, where they bought and sold antiques.  Harvey was a plumber and gun smith.  Also about this time they had bought an acreage and Mom would take such pride in her big yard, cutting her own grass, then Harvey retired and along came a ride on lawnmower.  Mom of course loved to cook, so she would feed Harvey very well and then decide he should be on a diet, but fed him pie for desert.  He couldn’t lose weight.  Harvey’s health started to decline in about 1999, so he decided he should sell the acreage and get his Norma into town.  Things would be easier with garbage and water for her, when he would no longer be around. Oh I remember that day, Mom had a lot of pressure on her and didn’t want Harvey to know as he was in the hospital, and Mom was in the kitchen ironing and along came TJ with the banjo crew to move.  She was tight lipped so as not to cry, just kept on ironing, the boys started moving stuff out and she never said a thing. Finally it was done, she was moved, and it didn’t take her long to settle.  Mom lost her dear Harvey on April 11, 2001 after 30 years of being married.  We all watched her go downhill and we all predicted she would be right behind her dear Harvey.  No not Mom, we got her a cat, his name was Cookie and he was the biggest black and white cat going, just a very big boy.  Well it was like he was on a mission and knew what he was there for and he did a great job fulfilling his duties and keeping mom company and not lonely.  Whenever LeRoy would call and say, “Hey Norma are you ready?”  She was, as she knew that was a trip to the casino and she loved to go there.   Mom had sat at our kitchen table many years ago and said to LeRoy and I, “You put me in a home and I will haunt you the rest of your life.” Things went along smoothly until she fell, had to be hospitalized etc. so there came Life Line. Well it works if she would push the button. So then came the one that if she fell it would automatically call me. Mom spent her 99 birthday at her own home and then in March had a fall and that ended that, she needed surgery and ended up going to the Brooks Health Centre – Long Term Care.  Well she still had it in her head she was going home so against everyone wishes she got a pass to go home for 3 days. She lasted 10 hours and wanted to go back to her new home.  In Long Term Care there is a sign that says: OUR RESIDENTS DO NOT LIVE IN OUR WORKPLACE, WE WORK IN THEIR HOME.  Well Mom adjusted to long term care very well, of course there was some people in there that she knew, had fed in the restaurant etc.  She thrived on the attention the nurses gave her and in return she kept them busy listening to her stories and her songs.  If she had that flirty wink you knew we were in trouble, no telling what would come out of that sometimes potty mouth. Mom loved nothing better than to make a person blush and Santa Claus was no exception.  Norma, my dear Mother, which I was blessed to have had  for 79 wonderful years, is survived by myself Joan Rhodes and my husband LeRoy; grandsons, Miles and his children, Mak, Kayden and Maysie,  TJ and his sons, Nicholas and Sandy; sister-in- law Eileen McFadyen of Huntsville; brothers- in-law Wayne (Pat) of Sprucedale, Ontario and Claire of Toronto and numerous nieces and nephews, Don (Betty) Lee of High River, Fred (Noreen) Hamm of Sundridge, Ontario, Bev McDonald of Clinton, Ontario, Norma (Dwight) Porter of Goderich, Ontario and Sharon (Elmer) Merritt of Burlington, Ontario.  Her extended family, all the girls at the Brooks Health Centre Long Term Care, which she loved all of you so much.  Her best friend Jean, whom she often called her second daughter and husband Struan Vaughan.  She loved it when Struan would sing her the song “On The Road Again” and speaking of on the road again, Norma and Harvey will spending their last Christmas in Brooks and then will be heading to Sprucedale, Ontario, where they will be taking up residency at the Astley family plot.  Adios to all until we meet again.  A Family Service will be held 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”

Lester – William Gordon Lester of Rolling Hills, Alberta, beloved husband of Irene Lester, passed away on Friday, September 10^th, 2021 at the age of 89 years. Bill was born in Bracken, Saskatchewan to Dave and Mabel Lester. He was the youngest of 3 sons. The family moved from Bracken to Rolling Hills in 1940 to be part of the new irrigation project. Bill received most of his schooling in Rolling Hills. His love for hockey took led him to Brooks in Grade to and then Medicine Hat for Grade 11, where he went to school and played hockey. Bill married Irene Stonehouse in 1956 and together they raised two children, Leroy and Debbie. They lived in Calgary for two winters while Bill worked as a long haul truck driver with Lionel MacKinnon and then settled on the family farm in Rolling Hills with Bill’s parents, two brothers and later Leroy. Throughout the years Bill was very active in sports, playing hockey, baseball, curling and golf. He was a lifelong Toronto Maple Leafs fan and in later years cheered for the Calgary Flames and Stampeders. Bill and Irene loved to travel, enjoying many trips to Hawaii, first with friends and later with family. They spent several winters as snowbirds, travelling to Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona. Visiting family in Ireland was a treasured experience and Bill fulfilled a lifelong goal with a day spent touring Juno Beach. They enjoyed a timeshare in Fairmont, British Columbia for many year, where their 6 grandchildren learned to ski. Bill’s passion was his family and community. He was always up for a good visit with “Old” and “New” friends. He adored his grandchildren and share a special bond with each of them. Bill was predeceased by his parents Dave and Mabel Lester, brother Jack Lester, sister-in-law Joan Lester, father-in-law and mother-in-law Eddie and Hazel Stonehouse and brother-in-law Larry Stonehouse. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 65 years Irene; children, Leroy (Bonny) Lester and Debbie Lavender; grandchildren, Tar, Matt (Annie), Brett (Michelle), Ryan (Olivia), Katy (Chris) and Carly; great grandchildren, Anna, William, James and Tayo and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear, lifelong friends. A Memorial Service will be held at a later date. In memory of Bill, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to either Rolling Hills Golf Club, 100 – 3rd Avenue, Rolling Hills, Alberta   T0J 2S0 or Rolling Hills Community Centre, General Delivery, Rolling Hills, Alberta    T0J 2S0.

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”

Rocke McLean Parker was born in Brooks, Alberta on March 30, 1950 and passed away peacefully from complication of emphysema on September 5, 2021 in his home on an acreage near Brooks, Alberta. Rocke took his formative years of schooling in Rosemary, Alberta and later attended College in Provo, Utah, USA. Rocke had many diverse interests. He successfully completed auctioneer training soon after high school, was a partner in KCR Energy House in Calgary, and owned Brookside Trucking in Brooks, Alberta.  In his later years Rocke was a very successful farmer near Rosemary, Alberta.  Rocke was a friend to all, a very generous man who, without hesitation, would help friends or family if he saw there was a need.  He loved rodeo, ice fishing, and a big meal with friends and family followed by a competitive game of cards. Rocke was predeceased by his parents Stanley and Jean Parker and his nephews Troy Eastman and DJ Seidel.  He leaves to morn his large extended family, numerous nieces and nephews, five siblings; Brook Parker of Brooks, Alberta, Peggy (Klaus) Seidel of Calgary, Alberta, Sandy (Allan) Eastman and Tom/Pete (Tammy) Parker of Rosemary, Alberta, and Jill (Marvin) Adams of Duchess, Alberta as well as his two children Darwin Parker of High River, Alberta and grandson, Duncan and Roxanne Parker of Drumheller, Alberta and grandson Brock. Rocke was loved by many and will be greatly missed.  Funeral Services were held at 2:00 PM on Sept. 11, 2021 at Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, Rosemary, Alberta. Graveside Services followed at Rosemary Cemetery. In memory of Rocke, memorial tributes may be made to a charity of choice. To leave a message of sympathy please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Yvette Michelle Jennissen

1963 – 2021

Yvette passed away on Thursday, September 9^th, 2021 at the age of 57 years at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. She leaves to cherish her memory her partner, Dennis Snyder; brothers, Greg (Maureen) Jennissen and Kirk (Nicole) Jennissen; sister, Tammy Jennissen; numerous nieces and nephews.

Yvette was predeceased by her parents, William and Adele; sister, Judy Reid.

She was born in Brooks, Alberta on October 21^st, 1963. Yvette met her partner, Dennis in 1987.

Memorial gifts in Yvette’s name may be made to the Cancer Society. Condolences can be made at www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by GRACE MEMORIAL AFFORDABLE BURIAL & CREMATION  1924 10^th Ave NW, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5 403-905-0440 info@gracememorial.com.

Terry Green

1953 ~ 2021

Terry Lee Green passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Saturday, September 4, 2021, at the age of 68 years. Terry was born  on April 28th, 1953. His time on earth involved so many adventures as he always had stories to share about his experiences. He was a man of integrity with great loyalty to everyone he cared about. Most  children tell you their Dad was their hero, and ours was. There was never a time you called him and he wasn’t there to pull you out of whatever situation you got yourself into. That is what heroes do. Thank you for being our hero. You are so loved and missed. Hope you are soaring with the eagles, at peace and free of any pain. Your fight is over but your memory forever lives on through your friends, family, your four children and four grandchildren. Again, We love you Dad! A small service to celebrate his life will be held at a later date in spring 2022. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 403-527-6455

John Neigum

March 4, 1935 ~ August 30, 2021

John  Peter Neigum, beloved husband of Rose Neigum (nee Kurtz), passed away at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Monday, August 30, 2021, at the age of 86 years. Along with Rose, left to cherish John’s memory are his children:  Terry (Bonnie) Neigum, Wes (Vicki) Neigum and Marsha Neigum (Gord Elgie); grandchildren, Jamie (Craig) Matisho, Daron (Candace) Neigum, Damon Elgie, Emily Neigum, Ronald Witzke, Ben Witzke, Abi Neigum, Em Elgie and Nicole (Joel) Nichols as well as great-grandchildren, Jett Matisho, Myles Matisho, Shylo Brown, Kelsey Shaw, Sheldon Shaw and Hazel Elgie. He is also survived by his sister, Annie Lamare and sisters-in-law, Joyce (Jake) Neigum, Martha (Sam) Neigum, Caroline (Larry) Busse, Gladys Jolicoeur, Brenda (Wayne) Radis and Marlene (Stan) Stimson; brothers-in-law, Clarence Kurtz, Jim (Gail) Kurtz, Art (Danielle) Kurtz and Allen (Yvonne) Kurtz. John was predeceased by his son, Roger; parents, George and Elizabeth; parents-in-law, Vincent and Margaret Kurtz; sisters, Caroline, Elizabeth, Johanna, Julia, Maggie and Katie; brothers, George, Sam, Jake, Tony, Fred and Nickie; sisters-in-law, Jenny, Theresa and Lorena as well as his brother-in-law, Gordon. John was born in Burstall, SK. to George and Elizabeth Neigum, the 11th of 14 children and was raised in Mendham, SK. He met his wife, Rose and they were married on June 1, 1954. John started his career with Alberta Gas Truckline in 1963, and he obtained his millwright certificate while working there. He retired as a supervisor for Nova in 1993, and following retirement, he kept busy by working in a small engine repair shop from his garage. He was known to be the ‘fix it man’ as he could fix anything. He was an avid fisherman who also loved hunting and playing cards with his family and friends. Telling stories of his experiences and making people laugh made John one of a kind.  He had a passion for helping others. One of his greatest memories was building a pipeline in Australia. John loved spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren as he never missed a family celebration. In honouring John’s wishes, his life will be silently remembered without the proceedings of a formal service. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com)  If friends so desire, memorial donations in John’s name may be made directly to Covenant Health – St. Joseph’s Home, 156 – 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4V4. Telephone 1-877-528-6455

Hallman – It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Gilbert Dean Hallman announce his passing on Thursday September 2^nd, 2021 at Brooks Health Centre, after a battle with cancer, at the age of 59 years.  Dean was born on May 13^th, 1962 in Stettler, Alberta, later moving to Rainier, where he attended Alcoma School.  He completed Trade School in Medicine Hat and a 4 year Avionics Program at SAIT.  After graduating from SAIT, Dean worked for Air Canada in Winnipeg for 22 years.  He moved to New Zealand and worked 3½ years, before returning to Brooks, after the passing of his father.  Dean worked for Sly Steaming in Brooks then moved to Abbotsford, B.C. to work for Cascade Aerospace.  He spent 10 years in Abbotsford enjoying life to the fullest.  Upon his cancer diagnosis, Dean returned to Brooks to be closer to his family.  Throughout his career he worked on over 20 different types of aircraft.  Dean’s passion was electronics and computer programming and spent many hours creating his own, unique programs.  Dean’s other hobbies included canoeing, fishing, camping and relaxing at Harrison Hot Springs.  He loved spending time in nature, collecting different rocks and fossils and was an avid traveler, visiting many different countries.  Dean had an appreciation for life and a wonderful sense of humor, which he carried through to the end.  He was predeceased by father Ron Hallman, grandparents, and several aunts and uncles.  Dean is survived by his mother Anne Hallman; brother Don (Vivian) Hallman; sister Donna (Ray) Bobinski; nieces, Ashley, Michelle and Cheryl; nephews, Chad and Jeff and six great nieces and nephews.  A Private Family Service was held at Rainier Cemetery.  Rev. Esther Crews officiatied.  Interment followed at Rainier Cemetery.  In memory of Dean, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Rainier Community Hall, Box 68, Rainier, Alberta   T0J 2M0.

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”

Jens Christian Jensen

(August 26, 1932 – August 22, 2021)

Jens Christian Jensen of Camrose passed away on Sunday, August 22, 2021, four days shy of his 89th birthday. He was predeceased by his first wife of 43 years, Mavis in 1997, and then by Ingrid in 2018, whom he married in 2000; his parents, Semine (Minna) and Christian (Chris) Jensen, and a brother, Andreas. He is lovingly remembered by his four sons: Dan (Helga), Gordon (Brenda), Grant (Kathleen), and Alan; and by grandchildren Aaron, Jason (Dezy), Jonathan (Anna Clara), Graham (Jannaya), Lesley (Tony Diep), Robyn, Eric (Sydney); along with three great-granddaughters: Solveig Lilja, Sylvan, Maren; and four siblings, Anna, Ken, George and Elisabeth; and countless other relatives and friends.

Dad has always been a master storyteller. Some of us recall our small children climbing up onto Grandpa’s lap to hear about his antics growing up on a dairy farm outside Cochrane, Alberta. He also recorded the farm tales on cassettes for the grandchildren living far away. All would listen attentively as he regaled them with tales of how he teased a bull, performed acrobatics on the windmill, built human-bearing kites, and other adventurous stories.

He was always creating stories, even as a blacksmith, a welder, and a machinist. When he built things, he built them extra strong, meant to last … and last … and last. When Mom wanted new kitchen cabinets, he wanted to make them out of steel plate so they would never need replacing. We teased him that there was more metal plate on his property than in the whole Canadian navy. And Dad was also an inventor. This led to the filing of many patents at the pipe mill where he worked and his own personal patent for a hot-water tank shut-off. His inventions came about because of his natural curiosity, always asking himself, “why?” or “what if?” or “suppose …” He loved to read and learn. He also had a great love for the Donalda coulees and often “camped in the hills.”

The celebration of Jens Christian Jensen’s life and faith was held on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. at Messiah Lutheran Church, 4810 50 St, Camrose, AB. Inurnment of ashes has taken place at the Edberg Cemetery.

A special thanks to all the staff at St. Mary’s hospital for their wonderful care and support for dad in his journey. Thanks also to Jim Brager for the artwork, and Harvey and David Vikse, Jeff Fox of Evraz, and Dennis Hale of Pioneer Crane for fabricating the urn.

Donations to commemorate Jens’ life can be made to the Habitat for Humanity, the Canadian Lutheran World Relief, or the Canadian Cancer Society. To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com.

Burgar Funeral Home Camrose & Daysland (4817 51 Ave, Camrose, Alberta T4V 0V4) in care of arrangements.  780-672-2121.

Thorn – Henry Sorensen Thorn of Brooks, beloved husband of the late Catherine Thorn, passed away in Brooks on Sunday, August 29^th, 2021 at the age of 99 years.  He was born in Guldbaek, Denmark on May 1^st, 1922, to Anton and Kristina Laura Thorn.  Henry believed in hard work, cleanliness, saving and always doing your best.  He immigrated to Canada in 1951, when the requirement was to work on a farm for the first two years.  Henry worked for his uncle, Soren Petersen, in Tilley and later at a farm in Airdrie.  Following this, he moved to Calgary and worked for a Danish construction company.  After many years in construction, he became a janitor for The Calgary School Board.  Henry was an avid gardener and also enjoyed knitting and doing needlework.  He was very proud of his many needlepoint pictures.  Never wasting a minute, he knit many toques, mitts, scarves, socks and slippers, which were donated to charities, not to mention those given to family.  Henry’s yard, including the alley, resembled a park which strangers would stop to admire.  His home was always immaculate.  Henry was often referred to as “Speedy” since he always walked at such a fast pace.  At the age of 65, Henry surprised everyone by getting married to Kaye Huck.  Together, they enjoyed square dancing, bowling, going on senior bus trips and eating Swedish meatballs at Ikea.  They especially enjoyed their many trips to Hawaii.  Several years after Kaye’s passing, Henry moved to Newbrook Lodge (March 24^th, 2016) to be near his cousins, who were his only relatives in Canada.  Henry was predeceased by his wife Kaye, his parents, sister Signe, his uncle Soren (Dagmar) Petersen, cousin Elsie Ostensen and relatives in both Canada and Denmark.  He is survived by four step-children and many nieces and nephews in Denmark.  Henry will be sorely missed by his cousins, Peter Petersen, Dennis (Inga) Petersen and Doreen (James) Burton and their families.  At Henry’s request, a private family burial will be held at Mountain View Cemetery, Calgary.  Pastor Garth Everett officiating.  If desired, memorial donations in memory of Henry, may be made directly to Newbrook Lodge, c/o Newell Foundation, 500 – 3^rd Street East, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1P6 or charity of 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”