Obituaries

John R. Grove of Duchess, Ab passed away peacefully on April 27, 2020 at the age of 92 after a short illness. John was born in Ringwood, Ontario on September 8, 1927, where he grew up on the family farm. In 1948 at the age of 21, he and two friends headed out west in his 1930 Model A. He landed at Duchess, Ab where he went to work and soon met his future wife Melita Friesen. They were married in October 1950 at the Duchess Mennonite Church where John remained a lifetime member. Four sons and a daughter followed. John worked at the Duchess Garage in the fifties, later farmed, and was employed at the Brooks Hospital. In the 1970’s John served on the board for Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Disaster Service for a total of eleven years. In 1977 John and Melita volunteered with Mennonite Disaster Service working Big Thompson Canyon Flood Recovery in Colorado. After this they served at Grace Children’s Hospital in Haiti with International Child Care. He also started Grove Construction. He mostly enjoyed building churches; eight in total. In 2003, they moved to Medicine Hat Chinook Village. After 61 years of marriage, in January 2012, Melita went to be with Jesus. In 2013 John moved to Newbrook Lodge in Brooks, then to Sunrise Gardens until his passing. He enjoyed the friendships developed in these retirement homes and was grateful for the care. John enjoyed working hard, gardening, and serving those in need. He had a steadfast, unwavering faith in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. John was predeceased by parents Ezra and Susanna Grove, son Joe in 1972, and daughter Debra Lantz in 2001. John is survived by his brother Albert Grove (Judy), sisters Ellen Burkholder and Anne Mason, all of Ontario; sons Gordon(Karen), Albert (Susan), and Tom(Joanne); grandchildren Shane, BJ, Janna, Daryl, Trevor, Joe, Karla, Chase, Destinee and many great grandchildren. A Memorial Service will be announced at a later date. For further information, to leave a message of condolence or to send flowers please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Robertson – David George Robertson, of Brooks, Alberta, passed away in Brooks early on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at the age of 75 from cancer.  He was born August 19, 1944 in Calgary, Alberta to John Hardy and Jeanne Louise (Clarke) Robertson.  Six months later, he became a resident of Brooks for life.  On August 23, 1969, he married Jocelyn Johnson, daughter of Cyril Orton and Evelyn Harriet (Grant) Johnson in Taber, Alberta.  David was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in many areas.  David spent his career working for Alberta Government Telephones (AGT)/Telus. After “retiring” he worked for RedAlta doing line locates.  Not content to be idle, he spent the last few years driving taxi for Brooks Taxi (possibly so he could have a captive audience to test out his corny dad jokes).  David loved the outdoors, especially camping and kayaking, and was involved in Scouting for 50+ years.  Though he wasn’t a scholar, David knew a lot about a wide variety of things (even before the internet) and could fix or build just about anything he or his wife could imagine.  Becoming a sewing machine repairman was a natural transition in his retirement years.  Family was everything to David, whether living or dead, and he would do anything for his wife, kids, or grandkids, no matter how tall the order.  He was very generous with his time and was quick to help others in need (usually without complaint, but with a lot of jokes).  David is survived by his wife, Jocelyn, Brooks; his children: Lara (Dwayne) Ellis, Calgary; Alan (April) Robertson, Brooks; Mardi (John) MacFarlane, Prescott, ON; and Jayci (Drue) Crapo, Lethbridge; his brother Brian Robertson, Calgary and 9 grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and 1 niece.  Due to the virus pandemic at this time, there will be no funeral service.  Only immediate family will be gathering at the gravesite.  Interment will be at the Barnwell Cemetery in Barnwell, Alberta.  A memorial service may be held for David at a future date once restrictions have been lifted.

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”

Kasdorf – Henry Kasdorf of Rosemary, beloved husband of Laura Kasdorf, passed away in Brooks on Wednesday, April 29^th, 2020 at the age of 80 years. Henry was born on January 3^rd, 1940 in Rosemary to Dave and Helen Kasdorf. He spent most of his life in the Rosemary community farming, ranching and raising his family. Henry was an avid sportsman, who played hockey, curled, hunted, fished and loved travelling. He was very involved in the community and served on the Rosemary Community Lease Board for years. Henry organized bonspiels, was involved with 4H for eleven years, served on Town Council and shared many mornings with neighbors at the Rosemary Bakery. His biggest pride was his family. His wife, Laura and their three children will miss him dearly, son, Mark and his wife Krista and their children Miranda, Britney and Brandon; daughter, Brenda Kam and her husband Richard and their children Jordan (Jalaina and their son Waylon) and Jenna; son Jason and his wife Mercy and their daughter Michelle. Though we are grieving we have many happy memories. A private Family Committal Service will be held. Thanks to the Staff at Sunrise Gardens for their great care and kindness for the last 4 ½ years. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In memory of Henry, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to Newell Food Grains Growing Project, Box 294, Rosemary, Alberta    T0J 2W0.

Our Family circle has been broken, but we will remember the life we shared.

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”

Clara Wylie (nee Schlenker) died unexpectedly on April 16, 2020.

Clara is survived by her son, Guy, daughter-in-law Lynda, grandsons Garret and Gavin of Calgary; her daughter, Heather, of Calgary; and her sister, Elsie (Gord) Kosmick, of Medicine Hat. She will also be dearly missed by many beloved nieces, nephews, and friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Ed; her parents, Edward and Lydia Schlenker; and siblings Rose Filan, Al, Jack, Matt and Frieda Schlenker.

Clara was born and educated on a farm near Medicine Hat, the first in her family  to be born in Canada. She moved from the farm to Medicine Hat to attend Alexandra High School, and during those years she worked at the Chocolate Shop. After secretarial school, Clara worked several jobs until she married, the longest as the receptionist at the Medicine Hat dental clinic.

Clara and Ed were married in 1962, and over the next 5 years the couple welcomed their children. After living several places in Alberta in the first 10 years of their marriage, the family returned to Medicine Hat in 1972 to raise their children closer to family. Eventually, Clara and Ed followed their grown children to Calgary.

Clara was a vibrant and active member of her community, and lived a full life right up until her passing. She was a faithful member of Southwood United Church, and sang in the church choir. Over the years, she volunteered for many organizations, the Calgary Foodbank, the Calgary Public Library, the Rockyview and Carewest Glenmore Park gift shops, to name just a few. She was also an active member of the Southside Seniors social club.

Clara loved music, loved to sing and dance, she was an avid reader, she loved history and travelling, she lived a curious and expansive life. Clara was dedicated to Ed and her children, and an adoring grandmother to Garret and Gavin, always looking for new and fun activities we could share as a family. She was also a caring and dedicated daughter, sister and aunt throughout her life. She is remembered as the family memory-keeper and storyteller, and these memories and stories will sustain us through this time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Inn From the Cold, or your local foodbank, both causes Clara valued highly.

A private family graveside service will be held at the Hillside Cemetery. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. To share memories of Clara and express your condolences please go to: pattisonfuneralhome.com.

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.

WHITESIDE, Frederick “Fred”  Joseph  

August 31, 1940 – April 18, 2020

It is with great sadness that our family announces the sudden passing of Fred Joseph Whiteside. Fred passed away with complications due to Parkinson’s on April 18, 2020 at the Calgary South Health Campus Hospital at the age of 79. He is survived by his loving wife Maryann and his three children Shelly, Blaine (Cathy), Brent (Robin), his 6 grandchildren and 1st great grandchild.

Fred will be remembered for his love and devotion to his family, colleagues, & many lifelong friends. His infectious and witty sense of humor was loved by many whom had been in his presence.

Fred had a passion over the years watching his family grow up being very active in many sporting activities, seeing the inside of many ice rinks in western Canada! Some of Fred’s other areas of passion were snowmobiling, boating, & combining which always involved many gathering of family and friends.

One of Fred’s strongest personal passions was being around his home where he had a love for working and fixing things around his home and acreage, everything he touched was meticulously cared for.

He was a friend and mentor to many those who he worked with in his 45 year career in the oilfield. He developed many lifelong friends through these years which were some of his fondest memories.

Fred was a committed and devoted family man. He loved to visit and reminisce about the old days. Fred leaves us all with lasting memories that will follow us into eternity. Can’t wait till we meet again, Love you more than you will ever know. Rest in Peace Fred you will be greatly missed!

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, & if friends or family so desire donations in memory of Fred can be made to the Parkinson’s Association of Alberta.

To email condolences please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements in Care of Snodgrass Funeral Home Okotoks 403-938-3111.

In loving memory of Pierrette Marguerite–Marie Robinson (nee Theroux), born July 1, 1938 passed away April 18, 2020 at Peter Lougheed Hospital, Calgary. Pierrette was born in Vegreville, Alberta to parents Armand and Therese Theroux, and was the eldest of 5 children, siblings being Maurice, Roger, Yvette and Denise. She went to convent school, then married Henri Victor Robinson on November 19, 1955 and they lived on the family farm near Lafond, Alberta. They had 9 children; Laurette, Jean, Jacques, Gerald, Lorraine, Lucie, Lise, Line and Marc. Henri and Pierrette retired to Brooks in 1999. The mainstay of Pierrette’s life was the practice of her Catholic Faith, which she lovingly passed on to her children. She worked very hard all of her life and was known for her goodness and generosity of time, talents and treasure. She was a devoted and loving wife and mother, and family held the central place in her life. She was an accomplished cook and seamstress, sewing most of the clothing for the children, as well as quilting and knitting. She maintained a large garden, raised chickens, milked cows and was a very busy farm wife. Pierrette was an active member of MFC (Mouvement des Femmes Chretiennes) and the CWL (Catholic Women’s League). Pierrette was always a gracious hostess and was also known for her open ear to any in need. She enjoyed reading, singing, watching cooking shows, and playing cards and board games, especially “Paradis”, and even learned how to use the iPad. She was quick witted and loved seeing people smile and always made people feel welcomed and loved. Her gift of welcoming people spoke of her character and compassion for others. She was always willing to lend a helping hand. She also had the most beautiful penmanship and would scribe cards for all her children’s and grandchildren’s birthdays and celebrations. Pierrette was the matriarch of the family, and she had an incredible impact on each of the family members. She will live on in our lives and we are thankful for the gifts and blessings she has shared with the world. While mostly staying at home, Pierrette did enjoy travelling to BC to visit Henri’s sister, to weddings of the grandchildren, and even to Branson, Missouri, Mexico and Costa Rica. Pierrette was predeceased by her parents Armand and Therese, her beloved Henri in 2001, her brother Roger in 2012 and her son Jean-Marie in 2015. She will be dearly missed by all, especially her siblings, children, grandchildren (11) and great grandchildren (8 and one due soon), nephews, nieces and many friends. We will all remember her forever. Memorial Mass and internment of her ashes will be held at a later date after the Covid 19 restrictions are lifted. The family is forever grateful for the wonderful and compassionate care Pierrette has received and wishes to thank all the doctors, nursing and support staff at the hospitals in which she was treated.

“Eternal rest grant unto her O Lord and may perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace, Amen!” In memory of Pierrette, memorial tributes may be made to St. Vincent De Paul, Box 578 Brooks, Alberta  T1R 1B5. To light a candle, to leave a message of sympathy or for further information, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Casey Philip Ingram
April 2, 1975 – April 7, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Casey Philip Ingram.
He was born in Edmonton, Ab and spent most of his life in Duchess.
Casey loved to cook & had a love for the outdoors; hunting, fishing & riding his Harleys. He
was a free spirit and respected the Native culture. His immense & unconditional love for his
family will be cherished, he will always be remembered for his huge heart.
Casey has now reunited with his parents, Phil Ingram & Heather Smith and as one his favourite
musicians Willie Nelson would say, “He now has the freedom of an eagle when he flies.”
He is loved & missed by his daughters, Carley, Teagan and Chelsea; sisters, Haley Pacaud
(Phil, niece & nephew, Charley & Caden), Keltie Robertson; Ed Smith, Bob Robertson,
Grandparents Bill & Muriel Greig, Uncle Scott, Auntie Laurel, Uncle Chris, cousins; Jennifer
Greig (Corey), Rylend, Brodan (Madison), Connor (Mackenzie). Uncle Arnie (Joyce), Uncle Dana
(Darlene), Auntie Karen (Todd), cousins D’Arcy, Cori, Erin, Meaghan, Dylan, Brett, Austin &
Ryan.
A Celebration of Casey’s life will be held at a future date.

FLANAGAN – Wallace Flanagan
October 8, 1936 – April 8, 2020

Wallace John Flanagan, age 83, passed away on April 8th, 2020.
Wallace was born in Bassano, Alberta on October 8th, 1936. He lived there until his late teens. After the death of his brother Donne, he boarded in Calgary and went to Mount Royal School.
Wallace grew up working in his father’s store, Flanagan Brothers Hardware, in Bassano. He subsequently worked in hardware warehousing in Calgary after graduation.
He’d met his future wife, Marjorie, through a mutual friend when she was in training to be a nurse. He renewed his acquaintance after she moved to Calgary. They started dating and married in April of 1962.
When his father’s health was failing, Wallace and Marj moved to Bassano so he could take over the store. They started a family in Bassano and had two children.
Later, Wallace retrained to become an insurance broker, sold the store, and became a partner of “Green, Flanagan & Maguire” Agencies in their hometown.
Later he sold his share and worked for Wild Rose Agencies in Brooks. There he met his future business partner, Leo Piche.
In 1985, Wallace and Leo bought Claresholm Agencies. The business grew and became even more successful under Wallace’s stewardship.
Upon retirement, he sold the agency, and he and Marj spent many enjoyable winters in their place in Tri-Palms Estates in Thousand Palms, California.
Wallace was more complicated than he seemed to many. He was involved in his community, especially his local golf club. Wallace was an avid golfer and hit a hole-in-one more than once on the local course.
He also was a talented stained glass artist, antique collector, and loved learning about Canadian and local history. He was an avid reader of history and crime fiction.
Wallace loved to joke around. He was a worrier. He was a successful businessman who fostered great relationships. He was intelligent, informed, and cared deeply for others. But above all, he was a dedicated husband.
Besides his wedding ring, his most prized possession was a gift from his wife. A pendant of two hands enclasped, with the words “Always we will walk hand-in-hand.”
Marjorie predeceased him in March of last year. He tried to carry on, but with major health issues and without his partner of almost 57 years, it was a daily struggle.
Wallace is also predeceased by his son Donne, father Wallace, mother Isabelle, brother Donne, sisters Margaret and Dorothy.
He is survived by his daughter Jill, daughter-in-law Deirdre, granddaughter Eilene, grandson Kieran, and nephew John.
His family would like to thank the staff of Cottonwood, Home Health Care, and the team at Claresholm General Hospital. Wallace was blessed to have so many people care for him.
The graciousness and kindness shown to him and his family, especially during the COVID-19 crisis, was unsurpassed, and we thank these services and facilities from the bottom of our hearts.
The Flanagans have always been strong proponents of health care funding. Please consider a donation to the Claresholm & District Health Foundation in Wallace’s memory.

Moeller – Will suffered a massive heart attack and passed away suddenly at his home on Wednesday April 8, 2020 with his wife, Anna by his side. Will was born on October 10, 1955 in Nokomis, Saskatchewan to parents Otto and Marie Moeller. Will lived the earlier part of his days in Nokomis, before his family moved to Regina, Saskatchewan where he continued to reside until moving to Brooks. While living in Saskatchewan, Will worked at various jobs until together with a partner opened a Sand & Gravel Truck business. When business got slow, they sold the Gravel truck business and decided to relocate to Brooks, Alberta. In Brooks, Will worked for Lukye Trucking and soon after that in 1981, returned to Regina when his father fell ill and passed away at the early age of 62. Will was a caring person and loved his family very much. He was a real comfort and help to his mother during her grieving. Since work opportunities were not very plentiful in Saskatchewan, Will decided to move back to Alberta. He worked within the community at various jobs until being hired by his brother at Black Gold Transfer. In 1983, Will met Anna Nielsen and they were later married on August 9, 1985. Together they raised two children – a son, Ryan and a daughter, Pamela. In 1992, Will purchased his own tank truck and was an owner/operator with Black Gold Transfer Ltd. In 2008, he sold his truck and in 2009 started working for Grasslands School Division as a bus driver. Will enjoyed his years of driving school bus as his personality attributed to that being a very patient and kind individual. Will remained employed with Grasslands School Division although due to his diagnosis of bladder cancer in 2019, was forced to go on disability. Will was currently undergoing Chemotherapy treatment and was going to be scheduled for a bladder removal surgery in mid-May. Will was an avid Saskatchewan Roughriders fan and loved to watch hockey as well. He was an active member of the Trinity Lutheran Church in Brooks. The highlight of Will’s day was when he could see his grandchildren. He especially enjoyed seeing his grandchildren each day at school when he was on his bus run. It was a daily ritual for the grandkids to give grandpa a smile and a wave. Sometimes they even got to go inside grandpa’s bus to say hello! Will was just the best husband, father, grandfather and brother that a person could ever ask for. He was such a patient, caring and kind soul. Will was predeceased by both his parents, an older brother, a father-in-law and a mother-in-law. Will is survived by his immediate family – his wife, Anna; his son Ryan; his daughter Pamela Harty (Justin) and two grandchildren Mason and Brielle Harty. He is also survived by 1 brother, Karl Moeller (Jolene); 1 sister, Ursula Penner (Alvin); 7 brothers-in-law; 6 sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews. Will’s family wishes to thank Dr. Coetzee, Janet, the staff at Southshore Medical Clinic,  the staff at the Brooks Health Care Centre, Dr. Alphin, Dr. Yip, Dr. Foley and all the nursing staff at the Medicine Hat Cancer Clinic for the compassionate care they extended to Will throughout his journey in life.  Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the current regulations surrounding social gatherings a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In memory of Will, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to either the Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation for Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, 666 – 5^th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta   T1A 4H6 or the Trinity Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 811 Cassils Road West, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 3K0.

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”

Smith – Leo Daniel Smith of Brooks, AB., passed away with his daughter Sandra by his side on Monday April 13, 2020 at the age of 82 years. Leo was born in Brooks on September 12, 1937 to Robert and Mary Smith, the third of four boys. He spent most his childhood and attended school in Bow City. Leo really didn’t like school and preferred to do jobs for the mine camp. This included delivering milk, hauling water and plowing gardens. Leo began trucking before he was old enough to drive and he never quit. He also completed Auctioneer School in December 1970. Leo married the love of his life, Zelma Holden on January 9, 1959 in Rainier. During the early years of their marriage, Bow City was home or wherever the gravel truck work took them. Leo and Zelma moved to Milo in 1965 and stayed there for 10 years, while Leo hauled grain and made many lifelong friends. They returned to Rainier in 1974 and made it their home. They were very involved with the community and again made lasting friendships. From 1959 until 1970, six children completed their family, Barry, Glenn, Clifford, Cody, Carl and Sandra. Leo was a hard worker and took great pride in every job he did. With his many trucks, he worked on paving crews, hauled grain and hauled many loads of gravel in the County of Newell. He loved to tease his grandchildren and play practical jokes on his daughters-in law. Leo enjoyed showing everyone his many puzzle tricks and he always had a poem to recite. His greatest joy was dancing with Zelma. Leo was predeceased by his brother Ronny, his parents Robert and Mary Smith, his father and mother-in-law Jim and Vera Perry, his brothers-in-law Al Holden, Nephi Holden, Jack Hobson, his sister-in-law Gwen Hobson and his beloved wife Zelma. Leo is survived by his children, Barry (Patsy), Glenn (Helen), Clifford (Dianna), Cody (Tammy), Carl (Lisa) and Sandra (Clint). He is also survived by 13 grandchildren, Dean, Raemona, Naomi, Garrett, Carson, Jennie, Blake, Rachelle, Ethan, Kelsey, Nolan, Will and Lisa. His brothers, Robert Smith (Arlene) and Kelly Smith (Raffaella), his brothers-in-law Art Perry (Janice), Scott Perry (Debbie), his sisters-in-law Susan MacRae (Craig) and Jean Holden. He also had 12 great grandchildren and a very large extended family. Due to the world wide pandemic that has changed everything, there was a private family ceremony held on Tuesday, April 21^st at 2:00 PM from Smith Memorial Chapel. Rev. John Theiss officiating. Interment followed at Bow City Cemetery, Bow City, Alberta. If friends desire, a donation in Leo’s memory may be made directly to the Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B3 or the Prairie Rose Hospice Palliative Care Society, 24 Coultis Court, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 0J8 or the charity of your 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”