Obituaries

“The idea is not to live forever but to create something that will”

Cotton – On Monday, December 23^rd, 2019 heaven received another angel, Elizabeth “Hazel” Cotton. For 94 years she was the light of our lives, she has shown us strength, love and how to live life to the fullest, she will be greatly missed by all. Hazel was the fifth child of six born to Alfred and Beatrice Morrison, she was born in Cardston, Alberta on September 19^th, 1925. The family moved to Medicine Hat and later to the Clancy District where Hazel attended the Clancy School driving a horse and buggy to school. Hazel married the late Raymond “Ray” Cotton on November 12^th, 1944 at the home of Don and Jean Grainger by Rev. Allan Dixon. Their first home was a three-bedroom house in the Clancy District; they built a new home in October 1950 and traded their first house to Hank Charlton for an electric stove, fridge and deep freeze. They lived and raised their five children on a mixed farm where working in the fields and feeding cattle required everyone’s help. When the first cutting of hay was up, they found time to take the family camping to Wasa Lake in B.C. In 1977 Ray and Hazel built a home in Duchess and lived there for many happy years, finding time to travel and visit family. While raising her family she also worked off the farm at the Plains Motel in Brooks, then the Duchess Café and Old Dutch potato plant. Hazel served her community as a member of the Royal Purple in Brooks and on the Duchess Homecoming Committee. She had a love of cross-stitch, needle point, and embroidering passing these skills onto grandchildren. Hazel moved to a condo in Brooks and lived there until December of 2012, at which time she moved to the New Brook Lodge where she lived till her passing. Hazel is survived by her five children; Donna (Gene) Nichols, Beatrice (Alfred) Dietz, Gladys Gaudet, Dollie (Ken) Link and Raymond Cotton; as well as, 15 grandchildren 30 great grandchildren and 5 great-great grandchildren. Hazel was pre-deceased by her husband of 62 years, five siblings, grandsons Chris Self and Darren Coyne, granddaughter Antonia (Toni) Nielson, daughter-in-law Connie Cotton and son-in-law Brian Gaudet.

Another year, another page.

A million moments melt away.

The ticking-tocking hands of time,

what’s found and lost, remains sublime,

The details that we hold so fast,

are nothing more than memories past.

For love is all that lingers true,

The bond that ties my heart to you.”

–          Jann Arden (2013)

–

A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, January 25^th at 2:00 PM from the Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Hazel, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Newbrook Lodge (Newell Foundation), 500 – 3^rd Street East, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1P6.

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”

Helen Margaret Krahn

March 29, 1935 – December 18, 2019

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Helen Margaret Krahn (nee Isaac).  Helen was born on March 29, 1935 in Duchess, Alberta and passed away on December 18, 2019 in Grande Prairie, Alberta.

Helen is survived by her daughters Rhonda (Tom ), Sharon  (Mike), and Sheila, and  her sisters, Mary and Beth, grandchildren, Lauren (Ashley), Randi (Jim), Megan (Joe), Garret, Kyle, and Dylan, and great-grandchildren Jaxen and Piper.

She is predeceased by her husband, Pete, sister Elizabeth, parents Henry and Elizabeth, brothers Jake and Hank and great granddaughter, Emarsen.

A private Celebration of Life for Helen will be held in the early spring.

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

van Nieuwkerk – Dirk “Dick” van Nieuwkerk

Dirk van Nieuwkerk, resident of Grande Prairie, AB, passed away on Friday, November 22, 2019, at the age of sixty-seven years.
Dirk (also known as Dick) was born on March 18, 1952 in Bassano, AB and was raised in the Tilley area in southern Alberta and also in Ontario. He was educated mostly in the County of Newell in Brooks area and graduated from high school in 1970. Dick loved Carpentry and attended Southern Alberta Institute of Technology to receive his Journeyman Carpenter designation. He graduated in 1975 with the highest marks in southern Alberta in Fourth Year Carpentry.
He began his career working with concrete. Eventually, through forming his own company, Satellite General Contractors Ltd., he followed his passion into residential framing. Working in Medicine Hat, central Alberta, and then in the Grande Prairie area for forty-three years, he loved the variety of work available. He and his brother, Art, worked together for twenty-five of those years.
He also loved volunteering in ministry to children at Grande Prairie Alliance Church, and especially in passing along his passion for building to the preteens.
Dick was a quiet guy with a twinkle in his eye and a smart remark for most situations. You could be guaranteed that his welcome would be warm and teasing. His strength of character was a comfort to many over the years.
Dick will be sadly missed by his wife Colleen (nee Scheuerman) of forty-six years; children: Jason (Michelle), Jeremy (Chrystale), and Joshua (Jessica); grandchildren: Rylie (Mckayla) who are expecting our first great-grandchild, Tyler, Zachary, and Spencer; Maia and Hendrik; and Felix, Pepper, Atticus, and Grandson #8 arriving in January; brother Art (Darlene); sisters Linda (Orval) and Cathy; father in-law Laverne Scheuerman; in-laws Bernice (Rod), Terry (Eileen), Ken (Reta), and Michael (Rym); as well as numerous nephews and nieces, and many friends.
He was predeceased by his parents Hendrik and Maartje van Nieuwkerk, and his mother in-law, Della Scheuerman.
The Funeral Service was held on Saturday, November 30, 2019 at 11 AM at Grande Prairie Alliance Church (15502 102 St.).
Memorial donations may be made to Grande Prairie Alliance Church Building Fund (15502 102 St., Grande Prairie, AB, T8X 0J6) or Rising Above Ministries (11007 106 St., Grande Prairie, AB, T8V 2Z3).

Condolences may be sent by visiting

REEVES, Cecil Edward
March 3, 1920 – Medicine Hat, Alberta
December 14, 2019 – Calgary, Alberta
Cecil Reeves of Calgary, Alberta, passed away on Saturday, December 14, 2019 at the age of 99 years. He was surrounded by his companion, caregiver, children and grandchildren. Having survived the hardships of the Great Depression as a child, Cecil went on to live an exceptionally long, healthy and happy life.
Cecil was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, the fourth child of
Ozro Fitch Reeves and Annie Laura Collett. He and his six siblings were orphaned at an early age, losing his mother in 1932 and his father in 1933. The family was held together in difficult circumstances when Fitch’s brother, Edgar assumed guardianship of the children and the family farm. Cecil left the dryland country of Box Springs in the Redcliff area in 1945 when he moved with Uncle Ed (“Pop”) and his brothers Stan and Max to a farm and ranch operation in Scandia, Alberta.
In 1955, he married Edna Bullock whose sister, Marjorie had married Cec’s cousin, Roland Bradley as an English war bride. Edna’s good care and hard work enabled Cecil to make the ranch a successful enterprise and the farmhouse a welcome place to visit for so many.
Having married in their 30’s, Cecil and Edna were thrilled to have four children who enjoyed a wonderful childhood on the ranch amidst cattle, horses, dogs and cats. Cecil was continually amazed by the wonders of nature. He loved all animals and treated his cattle with great care. He and Edna faithfully cared for Cecil’s brothers and sisters and their families and provided a wonderful home for Edna’s mother, Winnie as well as Pop into their old age.
A hard and conscientious worker, Cecil was always happy to have his children, and later his grandchildren, accompany him in the fields to watch him tending to his cattle and performing the intricacies of manual crop irrigation.
Cecil and Edna moved to Dreamview Village in Calgary in 1996, although he continued to farm part-time for several more years. In retirement, Cecil and Edna enjoyed the social life at their condominium. As Edna’s health deteriorated, Cecil again assumed the role of faithful caregiver; losing Edna to a stroke in 2006. He was fortunate to find love in his later years, meeting his sweetheart, Bernice Heppner in 2007. Cecil credited Bernice with giving him more than ten extra years of life, filled with happiness and companionship.
Cecil was a true joy, a blessing and a role model to so many. He leaves behind his beloved companion, Bernice, his children, Judy MacIntyre, Pam (Joe) Murphy, Marj (John) Jorgensen, and his son, Brian Reeves; his grandchildren, Alyson (Andy) Harms, Bradley Jorgensen, Aden Murphy, Liam and Rosaimee Murphy, Kieran Murphy, Veronica, and Julia Reeves; his great-grandchildren, Evangeline, Jameson and Scarlett Murphy; and many beloved nephews and nieces, friends and admirers.
A Celebration of Cecil’s Life was held on Friday, December 20, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Bow Valley Christian Church, 5300 – 53 Ave. NW, Calgary. A reception followed. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Cecil’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in honour of Cecil can be made to the Canadian Wildlife Federation, 350 Michael Cowpland Drive, Kanata, ON K2M 2W1, www.cwf-fcf.org or to the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 – 11 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 0X5 Telephone: (403) 269-1319, www.theseed.ca.

A tree will be planted in living memory of Cecil Reeves. McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.

Pillibeit – Mrs. Ulrike Christiane Pillibeit (Mühlbradt) of Medicine Hat, wife of Rev. Jakob Pillibeit, passed away with her family by her side, 15 months after her diagnosis of pancreatic cancer at St Joseph’s Hospice, Medicine Hat on Tuesday, December 17^th, 2019 at the age of 66 years. Ulrike was born in Hannover, Germany to Frieda and Ulrich Mühlbradt. She grew up in Hannover’s suburb of Misburg, where she went to school. She studied and passed the entrance exams for high school and university, the first of her family to achieve this. She was accepted to Göttingen University, where she studied Economics. Taking advantage of the University owned swimming pool, she continued to be a regular swimmer. In 1975 she met Jakob, a member of the University competitive swim team. Jakob and Ulrike later married on Oct. 22^nd, 1976 and Ulrike continued with her studies to receive her Masters in Economics. Following University, Ulrike completed a banking apprenticeship with Deutsche Bank. In 1980, Jakob and Ulrike made the decision to move to Canada, beginning their life together in Pembroke, Ontario. By 1988 Jakob and Ulrike moved to Montreal and had three children: Jakob Jr, Christiana, and Daniel. Dictated by Jakob’s work, Ulrike and her family moved to White City, Saskatchewan, before finally settling in Medicine Hat, in 1992. Here Ulrike felt she could put roots down and made Medicine Hat her home. Over the years she made several close friends through her varied interests: swimming, cooking, technology, and history. Ulrike’s desire to connect and share with people led her to keep the doors of her home open for all, even during her illness and chemotherapy. Her internment was held on Friday, Dec. 20^th, 2019 at 2:00 PM at the Scandia Cemetery. The Memorial Service was held at 2:30 PM at Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church in Scandia, Alberta. Her family does not wish to receive flowers or gifts in her memory, and instead ask friends and family to donate to St Joseph’s Hospice, 156 – 3^rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 5M1, if they feel it is right for them.

In Ulrike’s memory, the doors to her home are always open.

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) 362-465

“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

Wheeler – Carol Yvonne Wheeler of Brooks, passed away in Brooks on Sunday, December 15^th, 2019 at the age of 79 years. Carol was born in Craig, Saskatchewan in October 18^th, 1940 and received her education in Colgate, Saskatchewan. Carol worked in the Weyburn Mental Institution and Weyburn General Hospital. She loved reading, swimming and playing bridge. Carol was a member of the Oil Wives for over 30 years and was one of the founding members of the Brooks and District Diabetes Association. She loved volunteering at St. Alban’s Anglican Church and with the Diabetes and Cancer charities and in the community. Carol was predeceased by her first husband, Leonard Klus, son Kevin Wheeler and daughter Robin Closs; in-laws, John and Rose Klus and George and Marion Wheeler; sisters, Anita Goodwin, Jean Truber and Lavern Braden and her husband Gerome; sister-in-law Gladys Krochak; brother-in-law Bob Casbolt and niece Shawna Casbolt. She is survived by her children, Terry Klus and his children Camille and Jamie and grandson Zachery White; 2 daughters, Jackie Wheeler and her son Calib and Candace (Wes) Suhai and their children Kaitlin, Hanna and Callie; son-in-law Shawn Closs; siblings, Lorraine Casbolt, Lilas Thomson and Clinton Truber; brothers-in-law, Melvin and Gerald Klus and her 2^nd husband Arthur Wheeler (separated). Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 21^st at 2:00 PM from St. Alban’s Anglican Church. Rev. Ken Wells officiating. Interment followed at Brooks Cemetery. In memory of Carol, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either Brooks Animal Protection Society, Box 86, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B2 or Cantara Safe House, Box 1045 Station Main, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B8.

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”

Kenny – Donald David Kenny of Brooks, beloved husband of Tracy Baksa, passed away in Brooks on Wednesday, December 11^th, 2019 at the age of 68 years. Donald was born in Seattle, WA on April 13^th, 1951 on vacation, returning to Medicine, AB with his mother and brother, where he received his education and spent the majority of his life. Donald moved to Brooks in 2014, to the family farm with Tracy, where they raised Highland Cattle, and continued working together for Loomis Express. In early 2019, Don returned to the trucking lifestyle putting his truck on with Roberge Transport. Hauling cattle gave him a renewed spark for life, Don was an amazing truck driver and courier. He was a wonderful loving and caring generous spouse. Don will be remembered for his bright-flashy western shirts and appearing to be being rough around the edges. Don was an amazing man, loving husband, father and grandfather. He was predeceased by his mother Emma Bedker; brother Herb Kenny; sister-in-law Catherine Kenny; mother-in-law Angela Valli and nephew Kevin Kenny. Don is survived by his wife Tracy Baksa of 30 years; sons, Colin (Nicole) Kenny, Daniel Kenny, and Flynn Kenny; grandsons, Everett Kenny and Bowen Kenny; sister Carol (Alex) Syminton; sister-in-law Terry Baksa; brother-in-law Ces Valli and numerous nieces and nephews. A family service will be held. In memory of Don, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to STARS, Suite100, 1519 – 35^th Avenue East, Edmonton International Airport    T9E 0V6.

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”

Plumer -It is with great sadness that we share that Ben Robert Plumer has passed away. He passed away peacefully in his sleep December 12, 2019, a few weeks shy of his 69^th birthday. So cherished by his wife Indira, children Robert (Pawan), Marie, Katherine (Gerhard), Benjamin (Joelle), grandchildren, siblings, vast extended family and friends. Our hearts are broken for the loss of our beloved, but we are comforted in knowing that he is with his Lord and Saviour. Ben was raised in Duchess, Alberta by Ben and Kathryn Plumer and lived on the family homestead with his parents and seven siblings. He always had a love of learning and reading and graduated university with a biology and law degree. He practiced law for forty years, with a few sabbaticals to spend time with his family. He was a man of love, selflessness, wisdom and humility. Ben always considered others needs before his own and had a heart for the underdog. With his vast amount of life experience and knowledge, he was able to relate to others and spark a conversation with nearly anyone. He will be dearly missed by many, but will leave a legacy for his descendants in the generations to come. Ben’s Celebration of Life will be held Friday December 20^th, 2019 at 1:00 pm at Duchess Mennonite Church in Duchess, Alberta. Reception to follow in the Duchess Mennonite Church basement. For further information, to leave a message of sympathy or to light a candle in memory of Ben, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

REINSON – Allan Martin Reinson passed away peacefully on December 9, 2019 at Brooks Hospital ( Long Term Care unit) at the age of 70 years. He was born in Melville, Sask on December 18, 1948. Allan and his wife Diane moved to Calgary, Ab in 1971 where he started his business with a high school friend Laurie Hague. They developed a carpentry business “ Fre-Mart Homes” and worked in Calgary as well as Morley AB, where they started building homes. When the boom of new housing started in Brooks, AB he packed up his family (wife Diane and son Travis) and moved to Brooks in 1974. Allan continued building homes as well as cement work, cutting, roofing, and eavestroughing until Allan became ill this past year. A combination of Parkinson’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia and Asper Pneumonia which gradually took his life. Allan leaves behind his wife Diane, son Travis and two grandsons Cole and Tyler Reinson. A brother, Dave (Linette) Reinson of Vancouver BC; sisters Edith (Dee dee) Smith of Melville, Sask and Marjorie (Stan) Frank of Regina, Sask; brother in laws Clifford Sawa and Gordon Sawa both of Regina, Sask; a sister in law Joyce Turner of Kamloops BC, plus numerous nieces and nephews and many friends he made along the way in Brooks and surrounding areas. Allan was predeceased by his parents, mother Edith Reinson and father August Reinson as well as a sister Beulah Gurin. Allan will be remembered as having a kind, gentle soul and everywhere he went people fell in love with him. He was always joking, had a great sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. Allan worked continuously, there wasn’t a day that he was not swinging a hammer, cutting wood, repairing his rentals or just being busy doing what he loved. He would periodically stop for special occasions, but even then was for a short while. As per Allans’ wishes there will be no funeral service. Cremation will be provided by Thom’s Funeral Home in Duchess, AB. At the request of the family, donations can be made for research to Parkinson’s Disease and Dementia. For further information, to light a candle in memory of Allan or to leave a message of sympathy, please visit www.thomsfuneralhome.com or call (403) 501-1010.

Williamson – We are profoundly saddened, but celebrate the life of an amazing mom, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend who passed away Dec. 10^th, 2019.  Our Mom, Kathleen Doris (Andrus) Williamson was born Aug. 24^th, 1924 to Marcus and Lisle Andrus in Carmangary, AB. and grew up and attended school in Armada, northeast of Lomond.  Mom was the oldest of eleven.  Her role was to ensure all her siblings were cared for throughout their lives.  Mom worked for various families in the Lomond area to help her family financially, as growing up in the dirty thirties was a hardship on everyone.  She frequently talked of going to Calgary and working as a maid for the Aberhart family, who was the Premier of Alberta in the 40’s.  Working at the Blue Willow Inn restaurant in Lomond, in 1954, mom met our dad Jack Williamson.  They were married shortly after and moved into the old Asseltine house east of Lomond.  The house had been used as a grainery before mom and dad made it their home – so there were some “obstacles” to overcome.  A few years later, Dad built a house for them a few miles away.  Mom always referred to living “way out there” as Gods Country — because only them and God could live there.  Neighbors were few and far between.  A tight bond was formed amongst those that farmed there and as time passed, new neighbors were welcomed.  Being the oldest of eleven, mom was destined to become a great wife and mother.  Her cooking, gardening, crocheting, sewing and baking skills were honed to perfection.  Mom loved and was loved by many.  In 1992 Mom and Dad retired to Brooks.  We are very thankful to her neighbors and friends who, by their kind gestures, ensured mom could remain in her home until 2018 when she moved to Orchard Manor.  Although she really (REALLY) missed her days in the sun on her own deck and many (MANY) 5:00 Wine Times with her neighbors, she embraced life in Orchard Manor, where she was treated with respect and dignity.  Those left behind grieving her departure, but cherishing the memories of this caring, fun loving amazing women are: Norma and Glen Lundin, Mel and MaryAnne Williamson, Marie and Barry Pakarno and Dan Williamson; grandchildren: Robert and Kimiko, Jay and Evan, Megan, Curtis and Tracey, Jackie and Russel, Justin, Colby, Marcus and Danielle; great grandchildren: Olivia and Hannah; siblings: Cliff and Rita Andrus, Ruth and Henry Domolewski, Glenn Andrus, Leslie and Betty Andrus and many nieces and nephews on the Andrus and Williamson side.  She was predeceased by her husband Jack Williamson (2005) and her granddaughter Angie Williamson (2012) also members of the Andrus and Williamson families.  Special thanks to the staff from the Brooks Health Centre who showed her much kindness and care in her final days.  A family Graveside Service will be held at the Lomond Cemetery at a later date.  We all will miss you mom.  In memory of Kathleen, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to the EID Legion, 235 – 3^rd Street West, Brooks, Alberta   T1R 1B8.

I am going to a city, where the streets are golden laid,

where the tree of life is blooming, and the roses never fade.

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”