Obituaries

VARGA  Chris

July 22, 1979 –  October 27, 2019

Christopher John  Varga of Brooks,  Alberta passed away tragically at the age of forty years in Calgary on October 27, 2019.

Chris is survived by his son, Tristen Hunter and his mother, Karen L. Schmitke of Brooks along with his grandmother Jean Ahlstrom of Westlock. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles and cousins.

There will be a celebration of life November 9, 2019 between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. at the Royal Canadian Legion in Brooks, Alberta

Family and Friends can share memories of this beloved soul to remember what a joy he was.

To my son, the joy of my life and the other half of my heart. You are kept safely behind one of my windows to my soul and are desperately missed by many. It calms me during this trying time knowing that you are looking down on all of us, watching and smiling, now that you are in a better place. Westlock Funeral Home & Crematorium Ltd. (780-349-3474)

Love you my Son, Mom

BAUER – Eleanor Arlene Bauer, beloved wife of John Penner passed away at the Brooks Health Centre on Thursday, October 24, 2019 at the age of 79 years. Ellie is also survived by her children Doug (Rose) Bauer, Darlene (Roger) Stein and grandson Sylvan as well as many extended family members, whom she loved dearly. Ellie, the youngest of seven children, was born July 17, 1940 to Christy and Florence Tiegs and grew up on the family farm just east of Brooks, Alberta. Educated in Brooks she began her working life at the Brooks Bakery, next at AGT as a telephone operator where she met her husband Don Bauer. After the children started school, Ellie continued at AGT and later secretarial work at the Provincial Building, Asgrow Seeds, Modern Auto Service, Farmstead Builders and finally at the Royal Bank in Calgary. Retiring in 1996, Ellie and John became full-time RVers, travelling extensively throughout Canada and the US and wintering in Arizona. In later years, Ellie and John kept a home base, often relocating, but Brooks would always be called home. Socializing with family and friends made Ellie very happy. She enjoyed playing her accordion, gardening, sewing, camping, fishing, playing cards, cooking, baking and especially watching her beloved Blue Jays. In her younger years she was a member of the OORP and enjoyed horseback riding, bowling and playing softball. Ellie will live on in our hearts always! Ellie was predeceased by her parents, Christy and Florence Tiegs and her siblings Joyce, Alan, Ken, Art, Don and Lois. Special thanks go out to the Doctors and staff at the Brooks Health Centre for the care Mom received in her final months. A celebration of life for Ellie will be held at Thom’s Funeral Home and Reception Centre on Friday, November 1, 2019 at 1:00 PM. In memory of Ellie, donations may be made to the Prairie Rose Hospice Palliative Care Society. Address: Bag 300, 440 3 St. East Brooks, AB T1R 1B3 www.prairierosehospice.ca. For further information, to leave a message of condolence or to light a candle in memory of Ellie, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Hofer – It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our Nana, Mother, Sister, Wife and friend, Isabel Lorriane (Murray) Hofer on October 24^th, 2019 at the age of 68 years.  Isabel was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan in 1951 and was raised on South Hill where she developed lifelong relationships with her Moose Jaw friends which she cherished her whole life.  In 1966 her family moved to Brooks, AB which she would call home for the next 53 years.  It was here that Isabel met John, the love of her life and they were married on October 3^rd, 1970.  They just recently celebrated their 49th Wedding Anniversary.  Isabel loved visiting and entertaining with friends and family with the Hofer household the central hub for many family and friend gatherings.  In her younger years she loved nothing more than to listen to music, sing and dance.  Her and John would frequent Blood Indian to camp and fish on the weekends as long as John would worm her hook and remove all the fish she would catch.  She was an active member of Ben’s Bowling and passed this activity onto her children.  Isabel loved traveling and the time spent with John the most.  With summer camping trips to the mountains when the boys were young; the wild and adventurous trips to the Okanogan; long haul trucking with John when the kids got older; and in retirement, pointing the motorhome south and wintering in Arizona and Mexico with close friends and family. Isabel could always be found reading a book, was an avid card player, and loved her flowers and backyard which John would maintain and take orders for.  Isabel cherished the arrival of her grandchild and time with all her family members.  Isabel suffered from Rheumatoid Arthritis for most of adult life and consciously choose to be grateful and happy despite the countless pain and suffering she endured.  Isabel was loyal to a fault and taught her family to be patient, to love unconditionally and how to find joy and peace even in the darkest of moments.  The family has been so moved and appreciative of the love, care and support from Isabel’s close friends, her Moose Jaw connection, extended family and the medical services provided by Dr. Martin (rheumatologist), Dr. Thompson (family doctor), and the staff at Peter Lougheed Centre and the Brooks Health Centre.  Isabel is survived by her loving husband John and their children Jaret and his spouse Kami (Cobey, Cali, Ella and Parker), Jason and his wife Candace (Brayden), Joe (Chase).  Her step sisters Cathy and Ginny, Judy, Tracy, Natalie, Raye, and Toni, step brother Laird, and her nieces Christy, Vicki, Sonya and families.  She was predeceased by her mother Dorthy and step-father Jake Enns, her step-mother Betty Enns, brother Walter Murray, sister-in-law Marlene Neal and step brothers Chris Enns and Barry McMillan.  A Memorial Service will be held at Cassils Community Centre on Sunday November 10^th, 2019 at 2:30 PM with a Celebration of Life to follow in Hofer style with food, drinks, music, stories and laughter.  In memory of Isabel, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks, Alberta   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”

Boldick – Vi Boldick passed away on October 23^rd, 2019 at 94 years of age, in Brooks, Alberta. She was born May Violet Richardson in Assiniboia, Saskatchewan in 1925. She married Vernon LeRoy Boldick (deceased) in 1944. Vi served in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps in WWII. Throughout her life her focus was her family, but she was also active in the Royal Canadian Legion and the Rebekahs. For years she worked side by side with her husband Vern in the family pharmacy. She lived and worked in Maple Creek, Wilkie, and North Battleford, Saskatchewan, and Camrose, Medicine Hat and Brooks, Alberta. Vi is survived by her sons George Boldick (Maggie), Vern Boldick (Susan) and Bob Boldick (Cindy) and her daughter Kate Nonesuch (Evelyn Battell); eight grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and several beloved nephews and nieces. Funeral services were held on Monday, October 28^th at 2:00 PM from the Brooks United Church. Rev. Esther Crews officiating. Interment followed at Brooks Cemetery, Field of Honour. In memory of Violet, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

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”

CASTLE – James Rennie Castle
February 14, 1943 – October 3, 2019

James Rennie Castle, born February 14th,1943 passed away on October 3rd, 2019 at the age of 76, peacefully at Trillium Hospice in Parksville, BC after a courageous fight against Cancer. Dad spent a good part of his life in Brooks, AB, working in the oilfield and raising a family, playing hockey with the Brooks Old and Cold, volunteering for the 1989 Summer Games and hauling kids all over the province to swim meets and hockey games. After retiring in Parksville, BC he became involved in the Schooner Cove Yacht Club where he was also named Commodore of the Yacht club. He was known for his vibrant sense of humour, kind heart and sense of fairness. He loved his family and friends. He immensely appreciated the care he was given from all the healthcare professionals at Island Health and BCCA and expressed his gratitude every chance he got. He was the best dad, brother and friend. He is survived by his daughter Robin Castle, son Graeme Castle and granddaughter Mila Castle, mother of his children, Donna Johnson (Garry), brothers Herb Castle (Ashley), Verne Castle (Gladys). You are in our hearts. There will be no funeral service, but a celebration of life at a later date.

To send a condolence to the family please visit www.yatesmemorial.ca
YATES MEMORIAL SERVICES
250-248-5859
“Lives Cherished and Celebrated”

1930 ~ BILL MIDDLER ~ 2019

With Great Sadness and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather and Friend William (Bill) John Middler, with his youngest Daughter Heather by his side.  On October 21, 2019, 3 months shy of his 90th birthday, Bill lost his long battle with Cancer and was reunited with his beloved wife Leola and other loved ones who had gone before him.  Bill is lovingly remembered by his Daughter’s Mandy (Jim), Linda (Rocky), Heather, his Grandchildren, Sheila (Richard), Lance (Jessyca), Tyler (Hilda), Nathaniel, Anthony, Justin (Camilla), Stephanie, Staci, Mitchell (Linz) and 10 Great-Grandchildren, as well as many friends and family members in Scotland.  Bill was predeceased by his parents, numerous family members from Scotland, but most significantly the love of his life Leola Reinhardt and his Granddaughter Jennifer Evans.  Bill was born January 26, 1930 in Belhelvie, Scotland to George & Helen Middler.  At age 2 Bill’s mother Helen passed away, he and his 2 siblings were placed in an Orphanage.  At age 8 Bill’s father remarried, he and his siblings returned home and 8 more siblings were born into the Middler Clan.  Growing up Bill was quite the adventurist and, in his adventures, he traveled to Canada via ship in the late 50’s.  After his return to Scotland he met and married the mother of his 3 children.  In 1966 Bill immigrated to Canada with his wife and 2 daughters Mandy and Linda.  In 1968 his 3rd daughter Heather was born in Brooks, Alberta where he resided for Many Years.  In 1971 Bill’s wife left, leaving him to raise 3 girls on his own.  Through the years Bill worked with the EID in Duchess, Ed’s Construction in Brooks, Hat Pipeline in Medicine Hat and finally in the Early 80’s he fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning his own business Bill’s Backhoe Service.  Bill was known all around Alberta for his meticulous work and his unique way of loading his backhoe onto his 3-ton truck, no ramps required.  Over the years his girls would be employed by their dad as either swamper’s or mechanics in training.  It was customary on road trips that if the car broke down the girls would assess the problem and the correct answer would see that daughter out with the aid of their dad repairing the car.  His moto to the Girls was “If you drive it, you need to know how to fix it”.  In 1996 Bill met the love of his life Leola Reinhardt and inherited 3 boys Rodger, Kenny and Randy and their families, who he loved like his own.  He moved lock stock and barrel to Calgary, Alberta to be with his love until they relocated to Medicine Hat in 2014.  When his beloved Leola passed away in June of 2018, a part of him was missing, never fully recovering from her loss.  Bill’s greatest achievement in his life was his family, biological or not.  Always there if someone needed a hand, giving even strangers a small piece of the biggest heart, we’ve ever known.  We will miss that contagious smile and the boyish twinkle in those beautiful blue eyes.  We will hold him close to our heart until we meet again.  The Funeral Service will be held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, on Monday, October 28th, 2019 at 1:30 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating.  Memorial gifts in Bill’s memory may be made to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, Alberta, T3B 6A8 or to the St. Joseph’s Home, 156 – 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1.  Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bill Middler.  Funeral arrangements are entrusted to SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL AND CREMATORIUM, “The Chapel in the Park”, Medicine Hat, Alberta.  Should you wish any additional information, please telephone 1-800-317-2647.

Tomlinson – Cody Allen Tomlinson of Redcliff, beloved son of Gene and Deanna Tomlinson, passed away in Redcliff on Sunday, October 13^th, 2019 at the age of 36 years.  Cody was born on June 7^th, 1983 in Brooks, coming into the world early and then spending time in the neonatal unit at the Foothills Hospital.  This never held him back as he grew to over 6 feet tall and strong enough to sling bales or haul landscape stones with one arm.  Cody grew up on a farm outside Brooks, with a passion for sports, passing time with competitive swimming, playing ringette, since he was dragged along for his sister’s games anyways, baseball and soccer, golf, skiing and snowboarding.  The sport he was most passionate about was hockey, playing at the highest level through the winter and summer, even trying out for multiple WHL teams.  In high school the coaches finally convinced him to try out for the football team, it was another sport he excelled at, again making it to the highest level before a knee injury ended his dreams of going further with hockey and football.  While Cody had many passions, the one he threw himself into was becoming an EMT.  He loved every moment of the training and his time on the ambulance, eventually taking on the task of training new EMT students.  Cody’s love of the outdoors led to him changing careers and for the last five years he enjoyed creating amazing outdoor spaces in the Medicine Hat area, with his closest friends and crewmates.  For those who knew him, he was always there to help a friend in need, whether it was with a place to crash, a ride or with a project of some sort.  He also had a soft spot for animals, constantly taking in strays, however the animal that held his heart was Tigra, wherever Cody went she was never far behind, even if meant she was tucked into his jacket for a ride on his motorcycle.  Cody is survived by his parents Gene and Deanna Tomlinson, sister Laramie Tomlinson and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and close friends.  Funeral services were held on Monday, October 21^st at 2:00 PM from Trinity Lutheran Church.  Pastor Maggie Theiss and Rev. John Theiss officiating.  In memory of Cody, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to HALO, c/o Medicine Hat and District Health Foundation, 666 – 5^th Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta   T1A 4H6.

Cremation is entrusted to Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium

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”

Joey Mitchell Stearns of Brooks, beloved son, brother and friend, passed away in Calgary on Friday, October 11^th, 2019 at the age of 33 years. Joey was born on September 16^th, 1986 in Brooks. He graduated from St. Joseph’s Collegiate in 2005. After high school Joey took a year to travel Canada with the Katimavik program. After Katimavik, he attended the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology and graduated with a diploma in the Professional Cooking course. Joey worked in multiple professions, had a passion to cook, he loved to travel and enjoyed driving professionally with Chinook Carriers in Taber. Joey was preceded in death by his sister Amy and his grandparents Oliver and Irene Ingram and Norm and Phyllis Stearns. He is survived by his partner in crime Amanda, his parents Jane Ingram and Mike Stearns, his sister Emily and brother Daniel. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday October the 25^th 2:00pm from Smith Memorial Chapel. In memory of Joey, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to a charity of choice.

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

Carratt – Bertha Caroline Carratt was born December 13^th, 1924 in her maternal grandparents’ home north of Morse, Saskatchewan. Bertha was the second child of Fred and Erma Brokofsky of Lucky Lake, Saskatchewan, who were farmers. They became a family of 4 boys and 4 girls. At 15 years old she was taken out of school to live with her paternal grandparents to help care for her grandfather, who was an invalid. About a year and a half later, her Uncle Carl’s wife died and she lived with the family which included 3 young boys. After 6 months, she moved home to help farm wives while their husbands were away at war. On June 29^th, 1944, Bertha married Charles (Charlie) Carratt, a farmer who resided south of Forgan, Saskatchewan. Their first daughter Mabel was born in March, 1947. In early 1948, the family then moved to Hughton, Saskatchewan then in August 1949, they moved to Rolling Hills, Alberta. While living in town, they welcomed 3 more daughters into the fold. Karin was born in April, 1951 and Charlotte and Charlene arrived in March, 1956. Charlie and Bertha bought a farm south-east of Rolling Hills in 1960 and were there until 1975. At that time they moved back to town. While Dad farmed and worked as a mechanic, Mom was busy with farm chores, raising a family and helped Dad run their garage business. Bertha was well known for decorating wedding cakes and for her famous pickled eggs. In 2005, Bertha and Charlie moved to the Newbrook Lodge in Brooks. Several years after Charlie’s passing, Bertha moved into Sunrise Gardens where she stayed for about a year before to Sunset Manor in Innisfail, Alberta in October, 2015, to be closer to family members. Bertha passed away October 13^th, 2019 at the Sunset Manor, two months short of her 95^th birthday.  She was predeceased by her husband, Charlie Carratt, in March 2009. Bertha will be lovingly remembered by her four daughters, Mabel (Bob) Neil, Karin (Bruce) Calder, Charlene (Wayne) Storms and Charlotte (Marvin) Seely.  A Celebration of Life was held on Saturday, October 19^th at 2:00 PM from the Rolling Hills Community Centre. Cal Carratt Emcee. Interment followed at the Rolling Hills Cemetery. In memory of Bertha, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Alberta Children’s Hospital Foundation 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta   T3B 6A8 or Foothills Medical Centre Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, 1403 – 29^th Street NW, Calgary, Alberta   T2N 2T6.

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

We are deeply saddened to announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Bryon Shand of Mulhurst Bay (formerly of Brooks, AB). He will be infinitely missed by his loving wife of 38 years, BJ (Brenda), and daughters Holly Jean (Brandon Semmler), and Kayla Brianne (David Moore). He was Gampy to Brooklyn Sophia and Logan Riley (Semmler), & Jensen Bryan and Savanna Joy (Moore). Bryon was born June 7, 1957 in Provost, AB and grew up on the Bar 4T Ranch in Patricia. After graduating high school, Bryon started working in the oil and gas industry where he remained until his passing. He was a very well respected and trusted family man, friend, and co-worker. Bryon took great pride in keeping his vehicles and everything spotless. Cleaning was his favourite pass time, second only to spending time with his wife, children and grandchildren. Bryon was the greatest Husband, Dad, and Gampy and no words can express the immense loss and sadness that is felt by his family who lost him too soon.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Edmonton. The celebration of life for Bryon will be held on Thursday, October 17th at Hainstock’s Funeral Home 9810 34 Ave Edmonton, AB.