Obituaries

ALBERTS, William “Bill” Benton

March 19, 1954 – May 20, 2019

It is with great sadness the family of Bill Alberts announce his passing at the age of 65 years, after a brief illness. Bill will be lovingly remembered and missed by his wife of 37 years, Janice, and their children Mark and Michelle. Bill is predeceased by his father, Ben Alberts. He is survived by his mother, Pauline, sisters Betty Kelly, Mary Wilson, Candy Scott (Duncan) and Dixie Platt (Doug), brother-in-law Don Woolley (Pai), sister-in-law’s Diane Byram-Braun (Rudy), and Sharon Bitz and many nieces and nephews. Bill was born in Brooks and spent most of his life working together with Janice on their farm outside of Brooks. After farming season, Bill and Janice spent their winters travelling to warmer climates, often joined by Mark and Michelle, along with other family and friends. Bill had a gift for making everyone feel special and lived life with passion, integrity and a contagious sense of humour. A gathering for family and friends will be held on Monday, May 27^th at 2:00 PM at the Duchess Community Hall, 255 Margaret Avenue, Duchess, AB. If desired, in memory of Bill, donations may be made to the Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, AB T1R 1B3.

Cremation is entrusted to Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

Obituary for Raymond Blanchard and Elizabeth Blanchard

It is with a happy heart full of gladness that I tell you, my grandmother, Elizabeth Anne Merchak Blanchard, born Feb 20th 1938 in Tilley Ab, received a very important call on Nov 25th 2018. She had made reservations quite a few years ago to a really fancy place. It’s a gated community with streets made of gold. Her name was written in their book and they had an opening for her, she left without hesitation. Known as Lizzie when she was younger, my grandma loved gardening, butterflies, Yahtzee, selling Mary Kay, entertaining company and making us peanut butter and banana sandwiches. Not only was she a great friend, daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she was a proud Christian. My grandfather, Raymond Gerard Blanchard, born May 16th 1934 in Gravelbourg Sk, who always dreamed of winning the Lotto 649, was known for his fashionable suspenders and inviting everyone over to his famous backyard BBQ’s. When he wasn’t working for Nowsco Well Service, you could find him in his comfy chair watching Stampede Wrestling, Hockey or Dancing with the Stars if grandma got the remote! After missing my grandma Liz for a few months he inquired about his own reservations. Sure enough they found his name written in the Lambs Book of Life as well. On April 13th 2019 he won the Heavenly jackpot and is now living large.

This wonderful couple were loved, are missed, and will always be cherished. They are survived by: Son Lance, sisters Helen and Deloris, brothers Morris, Richard and Louie, grandchildren Tasha, Tyronne, Tyrell, and Tom, as well as numerous other family and friends. Following their wishes we will be meeting on August 3rd 2019 for lunch, to celebrate their 56 wedding anniversary. Then whomever wishes, may join the family in the spreading of their ashes, where they first met. To honor my grandparents’ memory please make a Donation to Aglow Canada, or to their Estate to help the family with costs.

For more information please e-mail Tasha Brown at: therealtasha@outlook.com. For further information, to light a virtual candle, or to leave a message of condolence, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Jacqueline Alexis Margaret Avery

March 1, 2002 – May 8, 2019

Jacqueline Avery of Irricana, Alberta passed away suddenly on May 8^th, 2019 near Airdrie at the age of 17 years old. Jacqueline is lovingly survived by her parents Jennifer and Kelvin Avery; brothers Alex and Scott Avery; Great-Grandparents, George and Margaret Dupré, Martha Haywood; Grandparents, George and Lorraine Haywood and Victor and Kathleen Avery; numerous aunties, uncles and cousins; she will be fondly remembered by her countless friends, teammates, teachers and her cat Boots.

Jacqueline’s spunk, vibrant attitude and protector mentality was evident from a very young age, showing that she would not be a pushover. She could always be found singing, making it a priority to annoy her brothers with her voice, specifically Scott. Lately, you could be sure to find her singing Baby Shark while doing the actions; we are sure she sang this song just to get in stuck in the heads of others. At home Jacqueline was a cleaner and the mother hen when Jennifer was not around, as well as within her friend group. She was a caregiver to everyone, showing compassion and love for those dear to her heart. It is for this reason her friends gave her the nickname “Mama J”. Jacqueline has had several other nicknames, on the volleyball court she was known as Jackie and at home you could hear us calling her Jama Princess, Princess, and Sweet Pea. She also loved to play board games especially marbles, and could always be seen loving, playing and cuddling with her cat Boots.

Throughout Jacqueline’s life, life away from home was nothing short of busy. Over the years Jacqueline has been involved with a large amount of organizations as well as many volunteering opportunities in the community. Jacqueline has been able to give back to the Town of Irricana, Village of Beiseker and the City of Airdrie in countless ways. Jacqueline was always willing to go the extra mile with anything she did, sharing happiness, love and respect along the way. She also had a deep love for sports. Jacqueline played school sports at George McDougall High School, and École Airdrie Middle School. She was a great multi-sport athlete competing in volleyball, basketball, badminton, curling, and track and field. Volleyball was Jacqueline’s passion and her love for the game was evident to every single individual she came across, on or off the court. She played her club volleyball with both SAVC and ACVC building incredible friendships and a drive to be the best player on the court at all times. She also played a couple years of club badminton with RVBBC.

In her younger years Jacqueline was heavily involved with the 1^st Irricana Scouts, this is where her passion for the outdoors, and survival skills came to be. On her 12^th birthday Jacqueline was finally old enough to join Air Cadets with her brothers. Her cadet career began with the 88 Airdrie Lynx Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, eventually transferring to 538 Buffalo Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron, where she was recently promoted to the rank of Warrant Officer 2^nd Class, a very significant achievement for such a young girl. With this achievement it demonstrated her determination to lead and her drive for success not only in cadets but also in life. She was planning to staff either Basic Survival or the Survival Instructor Course in Cold Lake, Alberta for the summer of 2019.

Jacqueline will forever be missed. Her humour, kindness, enthusiasm, loving and caring personality shone through even on the darkest days, making the bad days good, and the good days better. Jacqueline had a contagious smile, that forced others to smile based on the pure beauty and happiness within in it, brightening the days of countless people.

Jacqueline, Rest in Paradise until we meet again. Love forever,

Mom, Dad, Alex, Scott, and Boots

A Celebration of Jacqueline’s Life will be held on Saturday, May 25^th at 1:00 p.m. at the Calgary Flying Club at the Springbank Airport. 155A Maclaurin Drive, Calgary, AB, T3Z 3S4.

If friends and family so desire, in lieu of flowers please make donations cheque payable to “George McDougall High School – Re: Jacqueline Avery Memorial Sports Fund”. 412-3^rd Ave NE, Airdrie AB, T4B 1R7.

To send condolences and view Jacqueline’s Tribute Page please visit www.lylereeves.com .  Caring for the family is Lyle Reeves Funerals of High River (Craig Snodgrass) 403.652.4242.

Peter Krahn

December 26, 1932 – May 9, 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Peter (Pete) Krahn. Born on December 26, 1932 in Tugaske, Saskatchewan, he passed away May 9, 2019 in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

Pete is survived by his wife, Helen, his daughters Rhonda (Tom), Sharon (Mike), and Sheila, grandchildren, Lauren (Ashley), Randi (Jim), Megan (Joe), Garret, Kyle, and Dylan, and great-grandchildren Jaxen and Piper a sister Helen and a brother Henry.

He was predeceased by his parents, John and Maria, his siblings, John, Jake, George, Annie, Marie, and Susan, and his great-granddaughter, Emarsen

He will be sorely missed.

A Celebration of Life for Pete will be held on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at 3pm, at the Bezanson Community Church, Bezanson.

If desired, donations in memory of Pete may be made to The Parkinsons Association of Alberta, #103, 10901 100 Street, Grande Prairie  AB T8V 2M9.

Care entrusted to Bear Creek Funeral Home 780 830 7742 www.bearcreekfuneral.com

Tiffin – Raymond Dale Tiffin of Brooks, beloved husband of Debra Tiffin, passed away in Brooks on Tuesday, May 7^th, 2019 at the age of 68 years. Raymond was born in Decker, Manitoba on February 20^th, 1951 to Stan and Margaret Tiffin. He married Debra Maureen Armstrong on June 18^th, 1982 in Red Deer, Alberta. Raymond worked for Carnwood Wireline Company in Brooks. He enjoyed camping, walking, cooking, barbeque, puzzles and playing horseshoes. He will be fondly remembered for being a wonderful person, great father and his willingness to help anyone in need. Raymond was predeceased by parents Stan and Margaret Tiffin and in-laws C.E. and Anne Armstrong. He is survived by his loving wife Debra; children Lindsay, Sean and Cathy; siblings, Ron, Terry, Steve, Jim, Lois, Patricia, Moira, Laurie, Linda and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In memory of Ray, If friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta   T1J 4K7 or Brooks and District Health Foundation for Palliative Care, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B3.

Cremation is entrusted to Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks.

For updated Funeral Service announcements please visit   www.sfh.ca

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”

Loke – It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving husband and father, William (Bill) Dennis Loke on Friday, May 10^th, 2019 in Calgary, with his family by his side, at the age of 70 years. Bill was born in Toronto, Ontario on November 12^th, 1948 to William and Verna Loke. He married Madonna Johnson on March 13^th, 1982. Bill worked as a miner for 30 years in Thompson, Manitoba. He was an avid hockey fan and enjoyed watching the Brooks Bandits. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was always involved in work functions and following his retirement he helped out on the Brooks Safe Communities Committee. Bill was predeceased by his parents William and Verna Loke. He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Madonna; children, Kristina Harrison, Sam Johnson, Ryan Loke (Megan), Nicole Loke (Robert); grandchildren, Chantelle, Riley, Landen, Chance, Trycestan, Jessalynn, Katie and Kara; brothers, Al (Yvonne) Loke, Jimmy Loke, Vernon (Betty Jean) Jarvis and Marty (Mary) Jarvis and numerous other family members and friends. Celebration of Life was held on Thursday, May 16^th at 2:00 PM from Heritage Inn and Convention Centre. In memory of Bill, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Canadian Cancer Society, #200, 300 Manning Road NE, Calgary, Alberta   T2E 2P5.

Cremation is entrusted to Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

Maloney – With grieving hearts the family of William (Bill) Thomas Maloney of Bassano, wish to announce his passing on Thursday, May 9^th, 2019 in Calgary, from a terrible case of pneumonia, at the age of 76 years.  Bill was born on October 13^th, 1942 to parents George Patrick (Paddy) Maloney and Helen Richmond Maloney in Halifax, Nova Scotia.  After graduating from school, he joined the Royal Canadian Navy and spent a good deal of his career off the East Coast as a radio tech.  He met Jill Christensen and after marrying her in 1971, they both left the Navy and Bill took a job with AGT as a microwave/toll technician.  They started out in Calgary then moved to Beiseker, where Christian was born.  A position became opened in Edson so they moved there in 1974.  Bill became very handy with a chainsaw a built a lovely log home that they filled with three more children, Donna, Jackie and Brian.  When Jill”s Dad became sick they packed up and moved to Bassano to the west corner of Walt and Lee Christensen’s place.  After retiring, Bill held part time fun jobs at the school as the “garbage teacher” as one kindergarten student called him, ran the concrete truck for Eddie Marquardt, swung a hammer for Doug Barlow and Lee Lunseth and finally for seven years as the part time maintenance man of the Bassano Hospital.  He also had a little side business called “Buzzin Bill”, where he did some beautiful woodworking and carpentry.  Bill loved to stay home and putter around or go to hockey games to watch his beloved grandsons.  He was fondly called “The Hermit on the Hill” by his friends.  He is survived by his wife of 3 weeks short of 48 years, Jill; a son Jim, of Ft. Mac, from a previous marriage Donna and Gary Clark of Calgary, Chris and Sandra Maloney of Bassano, Jackie and Cliff Peterson of Bassano and Brian and Jackie Maloney of Chilliwack, BC; five amazing grandchildren, Hannah, James, Nathan, Evan and Isla.  Also sadden by this loss, his in-laws, Patricia Block of Abby, SK, George and Barb Christensen of Vancouver and Diane (Mickey) and Tuan Nguyen of Edmonton.  Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, May 15^th, 2019 at 2:00 PM from Knox Presbyterian Church. Rev. Peter Baek officiating. In memory of Bill, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Knox Presbyterian Church, Box 566, Bassano, Alberta   T0J 0B0 or Bassano Centennial Arena, Box 299, Bassano, Alberta   T0J 0B0.

Cremation is entrusted to Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:

SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM

BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through   www.sfh.ca

Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

BARTMAN, Chase Russell

It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we say goodbye to our Chase. He was born in Brooks, Alberta on November 15, 1984 and grew up on the farm near Bassano. He took all of his schooling in Bassano and Rosemary, graduating in 2002. He obtained his Journeyman Certificate for Heavy Equipment Technician in September 2006. This became his career and passion, which he continued to pursue. He purchased a small farm near Hussar in 2006 and spent many hours working on vehicles there. He was a dedicated Dad to Chance and Carley and enjoyed spending time with his nieces and nephews. He was a member of the Bassano 4-H Light Horse Club and the Hussar Lions Club, enjoyed hunting, mud bogging, his Harley and hotrods, snowmobiling, and was a two-time ice racing champion – a “Redneck Gearhead” through and through.
Chase is survived by his best friend and partner, Brianne Bancroft; his children Chance and Carley (and their mother Charlotte); father Marty Bartman (Darlene); sister Shalyn Bartman (Brad) and their children Jessie and James; step brothers Cody Thompson (Traci) and their children Riley and Scott, and Tyler Thompson (Riley); grandmother Mary Bartman; grandparents Ken and Angele Stewart; aunt Shelly Bartman (Dave), aunt Lynn Penner (Don); uncle David Russell (Connie) and their daughters Amanda Russell (Steve), Shannon Russel (Mark) and their children; Rob and Dawn Bancroft; his closest buddy Paul Bentley (Trish); and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
Chase was predeceased by his mother Faye Bartman (nee Russell) in 1994; grandparents Cecil and Margery Russell; and grandfather Don Bartman.
A Celebration of Life was held on Monday, May 13, 2019 at the Hussar Community Hall at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Hussar Lions Club (Box 8, Hussar, AB, T0J 1S0).
To send condolences, please visit Chase’s obituary at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.

Friesen – Walter Herman Friesen, age 88, of Medicine Hat, Alberta passed away peacefully on April 30, 2019, surrounded by family. He was born to Bernhard M and Katherina (Boschman) Friesen, on March 7, 1931 in their farmhouse near Rosthern, SK with his maternal grandmother as the midwife. Walter grew up surrounded by twelve siblings and a large extended family that he loved dearly. He attended Eigenheim Mennonite Church where he began his lifelong relationship with God. Education was important to him and he completed degrees in Agriculture, Psychiatric Nursing and Teaching, eventually earning his Masters of Education. While attending summer school at the University of Saskatchewan, Walter met fellow teacher, Margaret Melashenko. They were married in 1967 and taught together in Edmonton and the Cayman Islands. Eventually they moved to Brooks, AB where they taught and lived for almost 50 years, and raised their three children. Walter was fascinated with God’s creation and passed on his love of nature to his Biology students, and to his family as they hiked and camped together during summers. He loved to travel and at a young age explored Europe alone on a motorcycle. Walter and Margaret also travelled to many countries. Their favorite destinations were Germany, Russia, Israel and Greece. Getting together with extended family was a priority and they drove many times to Saskatoon area to enjoy gathering with relatives. He is survived by his wife, Margaret and his children & grandchildren: Sheryl (David), Kenaniah & Kayley Schnare; Bruce (Lucia), Lucas & Anna Friesen; Laurie (Arnold), Kiera & Garrett Burkholder. He is predeceased by his parents, numerous extended family members and his grandson, Kristopher Schnare. The Funeral Service will be held at the Brooks Evangelical Free Church (625 8th Street West, Brooks, AB) on Friday May 10 at 2:00 PM. There will be a Memorial Service on Saturday June 1 at 2:00 PM at Chinook Village (2801 13th Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB) in the Terrace room. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada at www.evangelicalfellowship.ca (1-866-302-3362), or the Medicine Hat & District Health Founda-tion at www.myhealthfoundation.ca (designate to Geriatric Unit 2 North). For further information, to leave a message of sympathy or to light a candle in memory of Walter, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

KOVACS – Alex Mathiew Kovacs Koza, otherwise known as ‘Relic’, passed away peacefully at 70 years of age May 1st, 2019 at Brooks Health Centre. Alex was born March 30, 1949, one of six children, in Brooks, Alberta and raised on the family farm just NW of Brooks. His farming education continued as he hired himself out to larger operations within the County of Newell. Combines and custom combining became just one of his ‘specialties’ here and south of the border. The Horticultural Centre as one of his livelihoods, helped fulfill his appreciation of agriculture. Alex was passionately creative and he enjoyed working as a welder. His own farm [Bar dun Broke] SE of Brooks was his home base that set the stage for many a story yet to come. Here, he could collect and tinker with the John Deere tractors that he was accumulating and planning to restore. He loved a challenge so here he could use his hands to build some of the things that he created in his head – and there were some unique metal creations, no doubt about it. He gained much hands-on knowledge steadily over the years. He yearned to do wood working and antler etching. He dreamed of panning gold in Alaska and so many more things. Forever cheerful and ready to talk about anything at any time, he was known as the ‘go to guy’. He was a spiritual man and was kind, generous and helpful with family, friends and neighbours. It is said of him that he was the best friend and neighbour anybody could ever have. Alex lived his life ‘his way’ – no boundaries. Living his life ‘off the beaten path’ just added to his life story. There were some memorable experiences in Hawaii with close friends and he was particularly fond of travelling down east to visit more of his cherished friends. Alex’ love of Country & Western Music (particularly Bluegrass of yesteryear), never wavered. He kept a guitar and banjo close by just in case somebody dropped in for a visit that could play them. He enjoyed sharing stories of his life in his own particular style telling of his travels and work experience. As a Joke teller, he was known to rattle them off non-stop. ‘Pearls of wisdom’ he always shared with his nieces and nephews which they all gobbled up happily. Alex had no children of his own, but was ‘Uncle’ to ‘all children’. It was the same with ‘all animals’ – lovingly spoiled. With Alex’ health slowly deteriorating in the spring of 2014, he had to tame down his Country rebel ways and settle for a quieter lifestyle which he came to enjoy at the Bassano Playfair Lodge. Here he built new, close friendships and a new passion for card games, horse races and bingo calling. Alex was pre-deceased by his parents Matthew and Margaret Kovacs-Koza of Brooks. Surviving Alex are his three brothers, Tony (Kathy), Ken, Brian all of Brooks; his two sisters, Mary (Ken) Ott of Calgary and Elsie (Art) Kovacs-Koza Cooper of Duchess and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins scattered throughout the province. Alex has requested no formal funeral service. A private graveside committal   will be held at a later date and he will be resting at Brooks Cemetery with his parents. Memorial tributes/donations in memory of Alex may be made to BAPS [Brooks Animal Protection Society], Bag 86, Brooks, Alberta T1R 1B2; or at their facility location of 415 1st Ave. East, Brooks. To leave a message of sympathy or to light a candle in memory of Alex, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.