Obituaries
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Albert George Thacker, beloved husband of Theresa Colby, passed away in Lethbridge on Tuesday, July 27, 2010 at the age of 76 years. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, July 29, 2010 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Friday, July 30, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Sandra Riddell officiating. A private family burial will follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Besides his loving wife Theresa, Albert will be forever remembered by his four children and seven grandchildren, Debbie Waters of Coutts and her son Matthew (Bre); Sharon (Don) Cackett of Jasper and their children Joseph and Amanda; Patricia Thacker of Lethbridge and her children Anthony (Britney) and Melisa; Marilyn (Corwynn) Barrows of Coutts and their daughters Kimberly and Kendra. Albert will be fondly remembered by Theresa’s children and grandchildren, Dwayne (Teri) Colby of Taber and their children Sharon (Derek), Candice (Ryan) and Justin; Larry (Jamie) Colby of Surrey and their son Leslie; Joe (Rhonda) Colby of Taber and their children Courtney (Cody), Kelcie and Ryan; Darren (Adele) Colby of Lethbridge and their children Craig, Scott and Kaitlyn as well as by four great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother-in-law Dyson Gaudet of Powell River, British Columbia, sister-in-law Dorothy Thacker of Burdett as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Edra (nee Keyes) & George Thacker Jr. and his first wife Violet Thacker, sister and brother-in-law Bertha (Robert) Corraini, sister Delores Gaudet and brother Walter Thacker. Albert was born May 30, 1934 in Bow Island and received his schooling in Bow Island and Burdett. He married Violet Beigler April 9, 1956. In 1959 they moved to Texada Island, British Columbia where he was employed in the mining industry. In 1997, Albert and Vi retired to Taber. After Vi’s passing in 2002, Albert met Theresa Colby. They were married June 22, 2005 and have resided in Lethbridge since. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Albert’s name may be made directly to St. Michael’s Health Centre, 1400 - 9 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V5 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7.
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Michael Tuchscherer of Bow Island, beloved husband of Laura Tuchscherer, passed away at The Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Thursday, June 24, 2010, at the age of 84 years. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 1113 - 1 Street East, Bow Island on Sunday, June 27, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 1113 - 1 Street East, Bow Island on Monday, June 28, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Fred Monk Celebrant. A private family burial will follow at the Bow Island Cemetery. Mike is survived by his five children, Lyle (Bonné) Tuchscherer of Bow Island and their children Andrea (Eric) Lodders, Richele (Jeff) Staseson; Wendy Torscher of Milk River and her children Stephen (Suzanne) Torscher, Ryan (Kelly) Torscher; Glen (Cynthia) Tuchscherer of Bow Island and her children, Wade (Sarah) Bradford, Melanie (Marc) Bradford; Lloyd Tuchscherer of La Crete; and Laurie (Roy) Matz Grassy Lake and their children, Owen and Megan; as well as ten great grandchildren. He is also survived by one brother, Sam, and one sister-in-law, Leona Dutcher as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Mike was predeceased by his parents John & Elizabeth, brothers Jack, Tony, Conrad, Tom, Stanley, sisters Mary Byam, Katie Shearer & Magdelena McLennan. Mike was born in Portreeve, Saskatchewan on March 13, 1926. On June 10, 1953, he married Laura Baesen and resided in Calgary until moving to the Bow Island area to farm. In 1990 Mike retired from farming and they moved into town. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and former District Governor of the Lions Club. His hobbies included playing cards, fishing and woodworking. Family was very important to Mike and he will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all of them. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Mike’s name may be made directly to the Bow Island Emergency Services, Box 1127, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0.
Elizabeth “Betty” Tomcala of Taber, beloved wife of the late Josef Tomcala of Taber, passed away peacefully in the Palliative Care Unit of the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 just weeks after celebrating her 90th birthday. She will be dearly missed by her children Annie of Medicine Hat; Mary Jane of Calgary; Frank (Laurie) of Canora, Saskatchewan and “Baba’s” dearest grandchildren Ryan, Gregory, Chelsea, Andrew, Bryce, Olivia and Elley. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Gajdostik, Margaret McMillan, Zita (Frank) Tinordi, Anne (John) Hrycoy all of Lethbridge and brother Albin (Ellen) Prus of Taber; sisters-in-law Ida Prus of Port Alberni, British Columbia, Maria Prus of Ruskov, Slovakia and many cousins and their families in Slovakia. Aunty Lizzie (Betty) will be missed by nieces and nephews near and abroad and by neighbours and good friends. She was predeceased by her loving husband Josef of 55 years; parents Michael and Elizabeth Prus of Taber; Brothers Carl and Ladislav and sister Jolana; her first husband Ondrej Molotoris and their infant daughter Jolana. Betty was born Alzbeta Prus January 29, 1920 in Nizna Mysla, Czechoslovakia, the eldest of nine children. She had to grow up quickly when her father left for Canada in 1927. In 1934 her mother and three siblings went to join him. At age 14 with help from her grandparents, she began to support herself and brother Laci; first by being a domestic and later as nanny for many families near Kosice, Slovakia. She married Ondrej Molotoris in 1940. They lived in Blazice, Slovakia where they began to raise a family. The loss of Ondrej, and soon after her daughter during WW II left her devastated. She continued to make ends meet by doing custom sewing and weaving and prayed that she would be reunited with her family in Canada. In 1948 her dream came true. She adjusted to living on the prairies quickly by making new friends, helped her mother with younger siblings, dress making and handicrafts. At a church picnic she met Joe Tomcala, the neighbor who farmed down the road. They were married on November 21, 1950. Together they farmed northeast of Taber. Mom had to multitask as her days were filled with raising the family and daily chores including milking cows, caring for chickens, pigs and geese and preparing meals. There was always a variety of extra work in the fields and barn all year long; in addition to growing a beautiful flower and vegetable garden. When time remained she enjoyed sewing, embroidering, crocheting and loved to read stories from the Hlasatel Kalendar. It was a tradition for her extended family to gather at Betty’s for holiday feasts. This continued until her health declined. She liked exploring Alberta on day trips, and traveled throughout Canada, USA and Europe, with Joe and her daughters. The four visits to Czechoslovakia were the most memorable. She loved showing her Canadian home when family from Europe came to visit. Mom lived life ruled by her faith and trust in God through prayer. Family and church meant everything, encouraging her children and especially her seven grandchildren to become who they are. Baba loved to spoil them by baking their favorite cinnamon buns, kolachy, honey cookies and ensured that they have opportunities to further their education. When she retired from the farm she was happy to play cards with good neighbors, friends and family, read books, enjoy her new home, watch her garden grow and to visit with all who dropped in. She longed to be near her son and his family especially after they relocated. Since 2007 Mom lived in Medicine Hat with her daughter but Taber was always home. We would like to thank the home care providers for their continued support and Dr. Beckie and Dr. Jeraj and the entire Medicine Hat Palliative Care team for their outstanding care for Mom. Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, March 15, 2010 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Patrick Furtado SAC, Celebrant. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Elizabeth’s name may be made directly to the Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society, Suite 136, 440 - 10816 Macleod Trail, Calgary, Alberta T2J 5N8. Note: Here is a Slovak translation provided by Elizabeth's cousin Helen, who is a translator by profession in Europe. Alžbeta (Elizabeth) “Betty” Tomcala z Taber, milovaná manželka zomrelého Jozefa Tomcalu z Taber, nás v tichosti a v pokoji navždy opustila v stredu 10. marca v Paliatívnom dome Regionálnej nemocnice v Medicine Hat, len niekoľko týždňov po tom, čo oslávila svoje 90.narodeniny. Bude nám veľmi chýbať, zvlášť svojim deťom Annie z Medicine Hat; Mary Jane z Calgary; Frankovi (Laurie) z Canora v Saskatchewan a “babkiným” najdrahším vnúčatám Ryan, Gregory, Chelsea, Andrew, Bryce, Olivia and Elley. Takisto bude chýbať aj ešte svojim žijúcim sestrám Mary Gajdostik, Margaret McMillan, Zite (Frank) Tinordi, Anne (John) Hrycoy, všetkým z Lethbridge a bratovi Albinovi (Ellen) Prus z Taber; švagrine Ide Prus z Port Alberni v British Columbia, Marii Prusovej z Ruskova na Slovensku a mnoho ďalším sesterniciam a bratrancom a ich rodinám na Slovensku. Teta Lizzie (Betty) bude chýbať svojim neteriam a synovcom, ktorí sú zblízka aj zďaleka (zo zahraničia) a tiež susedom a dobrým priateľom. Do večnosti ju predišiel jej manžel Jozef po 55 rokoch spoločného života, jej rodičia Michal a Elizabeth Prus z Taber, bratia Karol (Carl) a Ladislav, sestra Jolana, jej prvý manžel Ondrej Molotoris a ich dcérka Jolana. Betty sa narodila 29.januára 1920 v Nižnej Myšli v Československu, ako najstaršia z deviatich detí. Musela rýchlo dospieť, keďže v roku 1927 jej otec odišiel do Kanady. V roku 1934 jej mama a traja súrodenci ho nasledovali. Ako 14-ročná s pomocou svojich starých rodičov, začala sa starať o seba a o svojho brata Laciho; najprv tým, že slúžila v domácnostiach a neskôr robila pestúnku v mnohých rodinách v okolí Košíc na Slovensku. V roku 1940 sa vydala za Ondreja Molotorisa. Bývali v Blažiciach na Slovensku, kde si chceli založiť rodinu. Počas 2.svetovej vojny strata Ondreja, a čoskoro na to ich dcérky, ju hlboko poznačila. Aby prežila začala šiť a tkať miestne kroje (oblečenie) a modlila sa, aby mohla ísť za svojou rodinou v Kanade.V roku 1948 sa jej sen splnil. Rýchlo si zvykla na život v stepiach, našla si nových priateľov, pomáhala mame s jej mladšími súrodencami, šila im šaty a robila rôzne ručné práce. Na pikniku pri kostole sa stretla s Jozefom Tomcalom, susedom z vedľajšej farmy. Zosobášili sa 21.novembra 1950. Robili spolu na farme severovýchodne od mesta Taber. Mama mala množstvo úloh, pretože jej dni boli spojené s vytvorením rodiny a každodennými prácami vrátane dojenia kráv, chovaním sliepok, svíň a hus a varením. Počas celého roka vždy sa našli rôzne ďalšie práce na poli a v stodole; k tomu aj práca v krásnej záhradke s kvetinami a zeleninou. Keď si našla nejakú voľnú chvíľu, vtedy rada šila, vyšívala, háčkovala a čítala príbehy z kalendára Hlásateľ, ktoré tak veľmi milovala. Bolo tradíciou, že sa u nej schádzala širšia rodina na známe Betkine letné hody. Trvalo to až dovtedy, kým jej to dovolilo zdravie. Rada spoznávala Albertu počas krátkych výletov a s manželom Jozefom a dcérami precestovala Kanadu, USA a Európu. Jej štyri návštevy v Československu boli nezabudnuteľné. Bola rada, keď návštevám z Európy mohla ukázať svoj domov v Kanade. Mama žila život sprevádzaný vierou a dôverou v Boha, s ktorým sa spájala prostredníctvom svojich modlitieb. Rodina a cirkev znamenali pre ňu všetko, povzbudzovala svoje detí a zvlášť svojich sedem vnukov a vnučky, aby zostali takí akými sú. Baba ich rada rozmaznávala tým, že im napiekla ich obľúbené buchty so škoricou, kysnuté koláče, medovníky a uisťovala ich o tom, že stále majú možnosť zabezpečiť si dobré vzdelanie. Po odchode z farmy do dôchodku, bola šťastná, keď si mohla zahrať karty s dobrými susedmi, priateľmi či rodinou, prečítať si knihy, tešila sa zo svojho nového domu, zo svojej záhradky a mala radosť, keď ich niekto navštívil. Túžila po tom, aby bývala blízko svojho syna a jeho rodiny zvlášť po tom, keď sa presťahovali. Od roku 2007 mama žila u svojej dcéry v Medicine Hat, ale jej domovom zostal vždy Taber. Radi by sme poďakovali tým, ktorí jej zabezpečili domácu starostlivosť a stálu podporu a veľmi ďakujeme Dr. Beckie a Dr. Jeraj a celému tímu paliatívnej starostlivosti v Medicine Hat za ich vynikajúcu starostlivosť, ktorú poskytli mame. Pozývame príbuzných a priateľov k modlitbám do kaplnky Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, v Taber v pondelok, 15.marca 2010 o 19:00. Pohrebná svätá omša bude odslúžená v Rímskokatolíckom kostole sv.Augustína, 5009 - 48 Avenue, v Taber v utorok, 16.marca 2010 o 11:00 hod.. Svätú omšu bude celebrovať dôstojný pán Patrick Furtado SAC. Pohrebné obrady budú po sv.omši na cintoríne v Taber (Taber Memorial Garden). Svoju úprimnú sústrasť a spoluúčasť môžu priatelia vyjadriť na Elizabethine meno priamo v Calgary Firefighters Burn Treatment Society, Suite 136, 440 - 10816 Macleod Trail, Calgary, Alberta T2J 5N8.
After a long life of bringing music to many, Hilda Thiel passed on to be re-united with her parents Anna and Peter Thiel and sisters Margaret Skretting, Beulah Pierson, Leona Lennox and Viola McCarthy. Hilda was born in Sweet Valley, close to Lomond on June 8, 1912 and passed away peacefully in Taber at the age of 97 years on Thursday, October 22, 2009 with her daughter Cecilia Oakley and niece Linda Andruschak at her side. She is survived by her daughter Cecilia (Roger) Oakley of Hudson, Ontario; grandsons Mark and Dale Oakley; great granddaughter Julieanne Oakley as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Relatives and friends are invited for Prayers at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, October 27, 2009 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, 324 - 2 Avenue North, Vauxhall on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Patrick Furtado SAC Celebrant. Burial to follow at the Vauxhall Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Hilda’s name may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society for Lethbridge and Area, 402, 740 - 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0N9.
It is with the deepest sadness that the family of Gordon Keith Tudor share in the heart breaking loss of their dear husband and most wonderful father. On Sunday, October 18, 2009 our dear Gord was unexpectedly taken from us at the young age of 51 years. To love and forever cherish his memory, remains his loving wife Terry; their two special children Brad and Ryan and our precious little dog Princess all of Coaldale. Gord will be sadly missed and forever cherished by his sisters Kathy (Dale) Setoguchi, Susan Bergen (Rudy Kleiner) and Nancy Tudor and her friend Rob Peterson and their families all of Taber; in-laws Harold and Helen Deal and Bev Wallace and family all of Lethbridge as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, co-workers and dear friends. He was predeceased by his father Lewis Tudor in 1996 and his mother Shirley Tudor in 2008. Gord was born in Lethbridge on January 2, 1958 to Lewis and Shirley Tudor of Wrentham. He was the second oldest of their four children. Gord was an active young boy who loved and enjoyed playing the sports of baseball and hockey while growing up in Wrentham and always dreamed of becoming a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He received most of his elementary and high school education in Wrentham and Raymond. In 1976, Gord attended the Lethbridge College, graduating in 1978 from their law enforcement program. It was during this time that Gord and Terry began their special journey together. On April 8, 1980 Gord began to live his childhood dream as he was sworn in as a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Lethbridge. His first posting was Porcupine Plain, Saskatchewan and in 1981 he was transferred to Ponteix, Saskatchewan. On August 21, 1982, Gord and Terry married and began their life together. They lived in Ponteix, Kindersley and Carlyle all located in Saskatchewan. On January 20, 1989, they were blessed with the safe arrival of their first son, Brad and their second blessing Ryan arrived on September 15, 1992 to complete Gord’s special family. Gord was a dedicated and deeply loving husband and father. He always worked hard to support his family and always thought of us, and put us before himself from the start of our lives until the end of his. In 1993, we were transferred to Bassano where we spent endless days raising our two precious children. Gord coached and supported both of his sons while they played soccer, hockey and various other sports. He was a wonderful parent volunteer during their elementary school years and was known by many of the students and teachers of Bassano School. Gord served on a number of boards and was always there with his tender helping hands. After fourteen amazing years in Bassano, we were transferred to Lethbridge and purchased our dream home on the golf course in Coaldale in July of 2007. Gord was promoted to Corporal in 2001 and in March of 2009, he was promoted to Sergeant during his final post in Lethbridge. Gord loved his job, he gave so much and asked for so little in return. He was so proud and so willing to give his best each and every day of his service. His kindness and compassion for those he served during his twenty nine year career was felt and shared by many. Gord was involved in many different areas of the R.C.M.P. and was humbly honored many times throughout his career with numerous medals and recognitions. Gord was also a long standing member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Masons. Gord love sports. He played table tennis, golf, baseball, hockey and curled for many years. He loved the NHL and was so excited once the boys were old enough to share his love and passion for the game. He was a huge Montreal Canadians fan and later a Flames fan up until the time that his nephew, Devin Setoguchi became a member of the San Jose Sharks. The NHL will be one voice quieter without his supportive cheers. Another favorite pastime of his was sitting down and playing crib with his mom or father-in-law, his two favorite players, this is a game that we all grew to love playing with him and watching him play. We spent countless hours playing all sorts of board games together and will continue to include him where we can. He truly loved the times we spent playing these games and the time we were just there for each other. He loved the outdoors and was happiest when he was either involved in some activity with his family or outside “tinkering” in our yard. He enjoyed camping and loved to spend time in his favorite spot of Waterton Lake. The Funeral Service will be held at the College Drive Community Church, 2710 College Drive South, Lethbridge on Friday, October 23, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Gary Noble officiating. Burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Gord’s name may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, Box 2211, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4K7, in honor of a man whose heart was so big and filled with so much love and compassion.
Else Tiede passed away peacefully in Calgary at the Bethany Care Centre on Sunday, October 4, 2009 at the age of 97 years. Elsa is survived by her loving sons, Gerhard Tiede of Taber and Helmut Tiede of Coaldale; her loving daughter Holde (Oskar) Schneider of Calgary; grandchildren Gordon, Robert, Sylvia, Annett, Thomas, Barbara, Pamela and seventeen great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Leontine (Julius) and brother Emil (Helena) both of Germany. She was predeceased by her husband Johann Tiede; sisters Adelena, Olga, Herta and a brother Hugo. Else was born in Alexanderfeld, Bessarabien on April 20, 1912 and immigrated to Canada in 1955. She was a loving mother and was especially fond of all her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She enjoyed gardening and always had a beautiful garden and fruit trees in her yard in Taber. The Funeral Service will be held at Peace Lutheran Church, 4619 - 56 Avenue, Taber on Friday, October 9, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Carl Bogda officiating. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
It is with great sadness that the families of Shirley Jean Tudor share in the heart breaking loss of their dear mother. On Friday, December 26, 2008, mom lost her courageous battle with cancer at the age of 72 years. At the time of her passing, she was surrounded by her four children and her daughter-in-law. To love and cherish her memory are her children, Kathy (Dale) Setoguchi of Taber, Gordon (Terry) Tudor of Coaldale, Susan Bergen and Nancy Tudor both of Taber. She will be fondly remembered by her nine grandchildren, Dione & Devin Setoguchi; Brad & Ryan Tudor; Joe Bergen & Kristi (Dan) Desjardins; Rob Larsen, Stacey (Nigel) Harris & Joni Larsen as well as three precious grandchildren, Paka & Teya Harris and Ally Desjardins. She is also survived by her sisters, Alice (Bruce) Colwill of Ottawa, Trudy Newinger of Lethbridge, Rose (Lloyd) Munro-Graham of Vulcan, Cecilia Minion of Warner; brother-in-law Marvin Christensen of Taber and by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by her husband Lewis Tudor in 1996; her parents John & Frida Bachman; her sister & best friend Louise Christensen in 2001 and by three brothers-in-law, Mervin Newinger, Evan Munro and Lee Minion. Shirley was born in Lethbridge on June 22, 1936. She was the fifth of six girls born to John & Frida Bachman of Warner. Shirley’s pride and joy was the love between her and her family. She enjoyed endless hours creating the special memories that we all hold so dear. She was an amazing cook & baker and was known for the best tasting dill pickles in all of Alberta. Shirley loved to work in her garden and raspberry patch preparing jars filled with all of her delicious preservatives for family and friends to enjoy. She loved life and kept busy with her many hobbies including jigsaw puzzling, knitting or crocheting various items for her family and friends, and she had a strong faith in God. Shirley loved sports and enjoyed curling and bowling for many years. As she got older, nothing gave her more enjoyment than watching her children and grandchildren play soccer or baseball. She loved the game of hockey and spent countless hours traveling to support and watch her grandchildren. Shirley had a special love for children throughout her life and shared this for nearly fifty years, working as a school bus driver in the Wrentham and Taber school districts. For over twenty years, she worked as an avon lady who enjoyed selling the products and visiting with the numerous customers who often became good friends with her. Shirley was involved with many service clubs in Taber and enjoyed her volunteer work with the Taber Senior Centre. She was always ready and willing to lend a helping hand to those in need, especially the four children that she sponsored through World Vision for a number of years. Shirley was a special person who touched each one of us in her own special way. Relatives and friends are invited to prayers & tributes at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Monday, December 29, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Gary Noble of the Taber Church of Christ officiating. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Shirley’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7.
Margaret Tverkutes, beloved wife of the late Anthony Tverkutes, passed away in Taber on Thursday, August 28, 2008 at the age of 90 years. Margaret was born on the farm at Vibank, Saskatchewan on November 30, 1917. She loved animals, enjoyed a big garden and loved cooking and baking. Margaret is survived by her children Bill (Karen) Tverkutes and Reta Schmidt both of Taber and Diana (Tom) Mason of Vancouver; grandchildren Gregory, Rodney, Laureen (Greg), Jeffory (Jody) and Tamara (Aaron); great grandchildren Kara, Donovan, Austyn, Alyssa and Julia; brothers and sisters Johanna (Claude) LaBelle of St. Catherine’s, Ontario, Caroline (Felix) Kraft of Regina, Saskatchewan, Jean (Frank) Selinger of Regina, Loretta Poile of Calgary, Delores (Roland) Perras of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Michael Young of Weyburn, Saskatchewan, Elmer (Shirley) Young of Regina, Albert (Rosemarie) Young of Edmonton, Robert (MaryAnn) Young of Regina, Gordon Young of Alberta Beach, Alberta; a sister-in-law Anita Young as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Tony, brothers Chris and Edward, sisters-in-law Barbara, DeElla and Doris, son-in-law Lawrence Schmidt and brother-in-law George Poile. Relatives and friends are invited for Prayers at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006-48 Ave., Taber on Thursday, September 4, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009-48 Ave., Taber on Friday, September 5 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Mariusz Sztuk Celebrant. Burial to follow in the Taber Memorial Garden. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Margaret’s name may be made directly to the Taber Hospital Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9.
Peter Antone Torscher passed away at the Bow Island Health Centre surrounded by his family on Tuesday, July 22, 2008 at the age of 84 years. He left to mourn, his loving children; Cheryl (Norman) Prestage of Camrose, Joe (Claire) Torscher of Bow Island, Whendlin (Joann) Torscher of Lethbridge, Theresa (Warren) Campbell of Bow Island and Burke (Tami) Torscher of Taber. Also left to miss their grandpa; his fifteen grandchildren, Hali (Armand) Gagnon, Nicole (Cody) Barnett, Michael, Renée and Andrew Torscher, Stephen (Suzanne) Torscher, Ryan (Kelly) Torscher, Rose and Jesse Neary, Kelli-Ann (Glen) Nixdorf, Tara (Dale) Lindsay, Kendra Campbell, Blake, Logan and Carson Torscher; seven great grandchildren, Dustin, Katie, Daniel, Alexis, Chloe, Alexandrya and Ava. Peter also leaves to mourn his sisters Katherine Einarson and Dorothy (Whendlean) Kambeitz; sister-in-law Sheila Torsher. He was predeceased by the love of his life Lorraine; his parents Leo and Julia; brothers Joe Torscher and Ed Torsher; brother-in-law Arne Einarson. Peter was born in Burdett on June 2, 1924. He was raised on the family farm south of Burdett. He attended Samson School and graduated from High School in Bow Island. He took over the family farm when his older brother Joe went to serve his country in the Second World War. He met Lorraine Bourque on a blind date and it was love at first sight. They were married May 24, 1952 in Calgary. Together they worked on the farm and raised five children. After hardship on the farm, Pete and Lorraine decided to leave the farm and moved into Bow Island in the fall of 1972. Pete went to work with the Alberta Pool Dwelling Crew and Lorraine continued to work as a Licensed Practical Nurse at the Bow Island Hospital. He retired from the Alberta Pool in 1984 and then helped his brother Ed on his farm until Ed’s passing in 1996. He was an auxiliary member of the Royal Canadian Legion, a member of the Elks Club and a lifetime member of the Knights of Columbus. In his retirement years, he enjoyed gardening and spending time with his family and friends. He especially enjoyed visits with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Pete was a man with strong faith in his church and will be sadly missed by all who knew him. Relatives and friends are invited for Prayers at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1 Street East, Bow Island, on Thursday, July 24, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1 Street East, Bow Island, on Friday, July 25, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Fred Monk Celebrant. Burial to follow at the Bow Island Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Peter’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 210D - 12 ‘A’ Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 2J1.
Helen Franz Thiessen, beloved wife of the late Jacob Thiessen, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at the age of 98 years. She leaves to mourn her passing her daughter Erica Peters of Hepburn, Saskatchewan; son Arthur (Linda) Thiessen of Vauxhall; grandsons Bruce (Shannon) Thiessen of Duchess and their children Lauren and Emily; Brian (Angie) Thiessen of Sherwood Park and their children Rachael and Lukas; sister Katie (Henry) Klassen of Drumheller as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors who faithfully visited her throughout the years. She was predeceased by her husband Jacob Julius Thiessen; son-in-law Clarence Peters; grandson Kevin Thiessen; parents Franz and Margaret Friesen; brothers and sisters-in-law Frank (Mary) Friesen, Jacob (Elsie) Friesen, Peter Friesen and Bernard Friesen; brothers-in-law Dietrich (Mary) Thiessen, John Poetteker, Henry Wall; sister-in-law Emma Thiessen. Helen was born January 2, 1910 in Russia. She married Jake Thiessen on November 18, 1932. They lived in various locations during their married life. They eventually settled in Vauxhall in December of 1948, calling it “home”. Helen resided on the farm in Vauxhall until the age of ninety three when she moved to the Sunny South Lodge in Coaldale as a result of failing health. Here she enjoyed five and a half years of good friendship and loving care from the staff at the lodge. Presently Helen was residing in Taber extended care at the time of her passing. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, June 22, 2008 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 - 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Monday, June 23, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Leo Siemens and Gerhard Reimer officiating. Burial to follow at the Vauxhall Mennonite Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Helen’s name may be made directly to the Sunny South Lodge, 1122 - 20 Avenue, Coaldale, Alberta T1M 1L4
William F. Thompson, beloved husband of Donna Thompson of Lethbridge, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, May 3, 2008 at the age of 75 years. Besides his loving wife Donna, he is survived by his children Shannon (Randy) Miller of Taber and their children Scott (Michelle), Blair, Shane (Amber) and Ashley; Joanne (Rod) Bakker of Fort McMurray and their son Cory Sivell; Karen Thompson of Lethbridge and her children Riley Green and Taylor Thompson; Andrea Thompson of Lethbridge and her children Jeremy, Devon and Breeanna; Will (Carrie) Thompson of Lethbridge and their children Madison and Owen; five great grandsons Jeff, Tristan, Nicholas, Parker and Spencer. He is also survived by a step-brother James A. (Clara) Ross; nephews Bruce Ross, Jimmy (Grace) Ross and Terry (Lorraine) Seely and their families; niece Valerie Ross and her family as well as by Donna’s brothers, sisters and their families in Quebec and Ontario. He was predeceased by his mother Elizabeth Ross; step-father J.B. Ross; stepbrother, cousins, uncles, aunts and nephews. Bill was born December 8, 1932 in Medicine Hat. He was raised in Vauxhall where he attended school. Bill married Donna Leclaire in Calgary on February 9, 1955. He spent many years farming and ranching. Bill was also employed as an agricultural coordinator for Mataki Farms, a crop insurance adjuster for A.F.S.C and most recently a commissionaire. In his spare time Bill enjoyed restoring antique vehicles and tractors. In his earlier years he enjoyed playing softball. He loved animals. Bill was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Lethbridge Shriners (Desert Corp.) and the Royal Canadian Legion. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his family and many friends. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, May 8, 2008 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320 - 9 Street North, Vauxhall on Friday, May 9, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Alana Johnson of the Parkview United Church in Vauxhall, officiating. Burial to follow at the Vauxhall Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bill’s name may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, #207, 542 - 7 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2H1.
Kinuko “Kay” Tanaka (nee Ohashi), passed away peacefully in the presence of her brother and sons, in Edmonton on Tuesday, April 22, 2008 at the age of 80 years. Kay is survived by her sister Margaret Sameshima of Richmond; brother Ken (Bonnie) Ohashi of Edmonton; sister-in-law Alice Ohashi of Taber; her sons Keith (Jane) Tanaka of the Crowsnest Pass, Gerry (Mary Ann) Tanaka of Edmonton, Harvey (Sandy) Tanaka of Calgary, Alan (Margaret) Tanaka of Calgary, and Brent (Karen) Tanaka of Edmonton. She is also survived by her grandchildren, great grandchildren as well as by numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Ito and Kanshiro Ohashi; her brothers Mike and Joe Ohashi; sister-in-law Hisaye Ohashi and brother-in-law Kuni Sameshima. A service for Kay was held in Edmonton on Sunday, April 27, 2008. A private family service will be held at the Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber on Saturday, May 3, 2008 with Reverend Y. Izumi officiating. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. If friends so desire, in lieu of koden, memorial tributes in Kay’s name may be made directly to Osteoporosis Canada, 1090 Don Mills, Suite 301, Toronto, Ontario M3C 3R6 (
Laurits Bertin Tellevik Jr., beloved husband of Shelly Tellevik of Taber, passed away on Thursday, February 28, 2008 at the age of 51 years. Besides his loving wife Shelly, he is survived by his sons Chris and Adam Tellevik; grandchildren Ginger, Justice and Kash; mother Anna Tellevik; brothers Wayne Pelttari and James Tellevik; sister Charmaine (Bill) Cymbala; father and mother-in-law Gerry and Gayle Muyser and family. A private service was held at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, March 3, 2008 with Reverend Mariusz Sztuk SDS officiating.
Daniel Tkaczyk, beloved husband of Regina Tkaczyk, passed away surrounded by his family on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 at the age of 83 years. Daniel is survived by Regina, his loving wife of 52 years, his son Danny Tkaczyk of Taber and Danny's fiancé Levy who is currently in the Philippines; daughter Deb of Taber and her children Dominique and Danika; son Dragon (Maria) Sajinovic of Taber and their children Sasha (April), Regina (Dave) and David (Carla); three great grandchildren Kassandra, Keven and Tyler. He is also survived by his brother-in-law Roman (Emma) Pek of Osoyoos, British Columbia, sister-in-law Teresa Janaszak of Vauxhall, nieces, nephews and by his family in the Ukraine. He was predeceased by his parents Walter & Theodoria Tkaczyk and brother-in-law Cash Janaszak. Daniel was born in Mochnaezka, Poland on March 2, 1924. In 1945, after leaving Poland/Italy and serving in the war, he came to Canada. He married Regina Pek on May 28, 1955. Dan was a handy person, a "jack of all trades". He built their home and farmed for many years. In 1971, they opened the Rex Cafe in Taber where friends and family spent countless hours enjoying his gentle spirit. Dan is in our hearts and will be forever loved and sadly missed. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, December 3, 2007 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929-50 Ave., Taber on Tuesday, December 4, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Frank Lewis officiating. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. If friends so desire, in honour of his love of animals, memorial tributes in Daniel's name may be made directly to the Lethbridge & District Humane Society, P.O. Box 783, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 3Z6 or to any organization associated with the rescue of animals of any type.
Josef “Joe” Tomcala, beloved husband of Elizabeth Tomcala, of Taber passed away at the Taber Hospital Palliative Care Unit on Friday, September 14, 2007 at the age of 86 years. Along side his loving wife Elizabeth of more than 56 years Joe will be remembered by his children Annie, of Medicine Hat; Mary Jane, of Calgary; son Frank (Laurie) and their children, “Dedo’s” precious grandchildren, Ryan, Greg, Chelsea, Andrew, Bryce, Olivia, and Elley of Canora, Saskatchewan. Joe will also be fondly remembered by his very close and dear brothers and sisters-in-law, numerous nephews and nieces in both Canada and Czechoslovakia, neighbours and friends. Joe was predeceased by his parents George and Marie Tomcala of Taber; sister Anna (Jaraoslav) Matejicek, and brother Martin (Maria) Tomcala both in Czecholslovakia. Joe was born, January 5, 1921, in Suchov, Czechoslovakia. After completing his schooling he accompanied his mother, and immigrated to Canada in August 1938 to join his father who had already settled in the Barnwell/Cranford area. He arrived just in time to help with the harvest. This began his love and passion for the business of irrigation farming and raising cattle. In 1940 he broke farmland just northeast of Taber. In 1950 he married Elizabeth Prus and together with his family he continued to farm. Throughout the years Joe worked hard to advance his farming and cattle operations. In 1988, it was time to slow down so Joe and Elizabeth moved into the town of Taber, retiring from active farming in 2001. He relished in watching his grandchildren grow, was supportive in their many activities and education, and dearly loved having them near. Joe enjoyed the adventure of traveling with his family to many parts of Alberta, Canada, and the US. He fulfilled a promise to return to his homeland, and so in 1983 he was finally able to visit with his family and reconnect with many friends. Dad and to many “Uncle Joe” was a gracious host to all visitors and he enjoyed sharing stories of life’s experiences. Many marveled at his ability to recall the details. Dad cherished all get togethers with his family and friends. He was proud to be a member of the Czech-Slovak Club treasuring the cultural traditions by attending many besedas, picnics and dances. In recent years he took care of the garden, drove to check out the farm, took care of the errands for Mom and stopped at the Seniors Centre to enjoy a round of cards and conversation with friends. Dad enjoyed everyday; everyday was a good day. Relatives and friends are invited for Prayers at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 7:00 P.M. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 at 10:30 A.M. with Reverend Mariusz Sztuk SDS Celebrant. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Joe’s name may be made to the Taber Hospital Foundation 4326 – 50 Ave Taber, AB T1G 1N9. Note: Here is a Slovak translation provided by Elizabeth Tomcala's cousin Helen, who is a translator by profession in Europe. Josef “Joe” Tomcala, milovaný manžel Elizabeth Tomcalovej z Taber, zomrel v Nemocnici paliatívnej starostlivosti v piatok 14.septembra vo veku 86 rokov. Okrem jeho manželky Elizabeth, s ktorou prežil v manželstve viac ako 56 rokov, Joe zostane v pamäti svojich deti: Annie z Medicine Hat; Mary Jane z Calgary; syna Franka (a jeho manželky Laurie) s deťmi, “dedovými” milovanými vnúčatami, Ryanom, Gregom, Chelsea, Andrewom, Bryceom, Oliviou, and Elley z Canory, Saskatchewan. Na Joe takisto nezabudnú jemu veľmi blízki švagrovia a švagriny, mnoho synovcov a neterí v Kanade aj v Česko-Slovensku. Josefa predišli do večnosti jeho rodičia Juraj a Marie Tomcalovi z Taber, sestra Anna (Jaroslav) Matejičkovci a brat Martin (Maria) Tomcala, obaja z Česko-Slovenska. Joe sa narodil 5. januára 1921 v Suchove v Československu. Po skončení školy odišiel so svojou matkou do Kanady v auguste 1938 kde nasledovali svojho otca, ktorý sa usadil v oblasti Barnwell/Cranford. Prišiel práve včas, aby začal pomáhať so žatvou. Tak začala jeho láska a oddanosť k práci na farme a k chovu dobytka. V roku 1940 získal pôdu severovýchodne od mesta Taber. V r.1950 sa oženil s Elizabeth (Alžbetou) Prusovou a spolu s jej rodinou pokračoval v práci na farme. Počas mnohých rokov Joe tvrdo pracoval, aby zlepšil poľnohospodárske práce a chov dobytka. V r.1988 nastal čas spomaliť a Joe s Elizabeth sa presťahovali do mesta Taber, a aktívnu prácu na farme ukončil v r.2001. S radosťou sledoval ako rastú jeho vnúčatá, ktoré podporoval v mnohých aktivitách a vo vzdelaní a veľmi sa tešil ich blízkosti. Joe veľmi rád cestoval so svojou rodinou do mnohých častí provincie Alberta v Kanade a do USA. Splnil svoj sľúb, že sa vráti do svojho rodiska a tak konečne v roku 1983 sa mu podarilo navštíviť svojich príbuzných a skontaktovať sa s mnohými priateľmi. Tata a pre mnohých “strýko Joe (Jozef)“ bol vďačným hostiteľom pre všetky návštevy a veľmi rád sa podelil so životnými príbehmi a svojimi skúsenosťami. Mnohí žasli nad jeho schopnosťou spomenúť si na rôzne detaily. Mal rád všetko čo spájalo jeho rodinu a priateľov. Bol hrdý, že je členom Česko-Slovenského klubu, zachovával kultúrne tradície a navštívil mnoho besied, piknikov a zábav. V posledných rokoch sa staral o záhradu, išiel autom skontrolovať farmu, staral sa o mamine záležitostí a rád sa zastavil aj v Seniorskom centre na partiu kariet a porozprávať sa s kamarátmi. Tata mal rád každý deň a každý deň bol pre neho dobrým dňom. Pozývame príbuzných a priateľov k modlitbám do Domu smútku (kaplnky) Southland, 5006-48 Ave. v Taber, v utorok, 18.septembra, 2007 o 19:00 hodine. Pohrebná omša sa bude slúžiť v Rímsko-katolíckom kostole sv. Augustína, 5009 - 48th Ave, v Taber, v stredu 19. septembra, 2007 o 10:30, omšu bude celebrovať Mariuiz Sztuk SDS . Následne bude pohreb v Taber Memorial Garden. Priatelia, ktorí chcú vyjadriť svoju spoluúčasť, môžu tak urobiť na Jozefove meno v Taber Hospital Foundation 4326 – 50 Ave Taber, AB T1G 1N9.
Winifred May Tonneson, beloved wife of the late Harold Tonneson, passed away in Taber on Monday, June 18, 2007 at the age of 89 years. Win was born December 8, 1917 in Glasgow, Scotland. She served as a personnel officer in an ammunition factory during war time in Scotland. In 1946 she came to Canada as a war bride and resided in Enchant with her husband Harold where they raised a family of five children. Grandma was proud of her children and grandchildren and was in tune with their lives and accomplishments. She was very involved in the Enchant community until Harold retired and they moved to Taber where she continued to be involved in many church activities, senior clubs in both Taber and Vauxhall, and the War Bride Association. Win loved to travel and would pack and go at the first suggestion, with travels that took her across Canada to many parts of the U.S., as well as “going home” to visit in Scotland. She was predeceased by her loving husband Harold, after 49 years of marriage, a brother Alister, sister-in-law Margaret and only niece Anne in Scotland, brothers-in-law Norman, Roy and Leonard. Win is survived by her beloved children Marion (Philip) Feist of Taber, Irene (Alan) Wolcoski of Shaunovan, Saskatchewan, Ken Tonneson of Lethbridge, Bruce Tonneson of Taber and Arlene (Gary) Wheeler of Lethbridge; ten grandchildren Karen (Colin), Jeff (Kate), Jason (Renee), Wade; Chris (Mij), Mark, Angela (Tim), Sheena (Steve), Maran (Jordan) and Adam (Emily); ten great grandchildren and five nieces and nephews. Relatives and Friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, June 21, 2007 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the Peace Lutheran Church, 4619 - 56 Avenue, Taber on Friday, June 22, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Carl Bogda officiating. Burial to follow at the Enchant Cemetery.
William Noboru Taniguchi, beloved husband of June Taniguchi of Coaldale (formerly of Taber), passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Sunday, April 22, 2007 at St. Michael’s Palliative Care, Lethbridge. Besides his wife June, he is survived by his children, Peggy (Don) Kenyon of Coaldale and Chris (Don) Span of Taber; six grandchildren Jason (girlfriend Kerri), Jeremey and Jamie Kenyon, Ryan (Terri) and their son Merik and Cody and Landon Span. He is also survived by his sister Flo Sameshima of Richmond, B.C. and Lily (Tom) Kaga of Taber, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Kinzimon and Moi Taniguchi, sister and brother-in-law Sally and Yagi Kaga, nephew Keith, niece Carol Kaga, brother-in-law Sammy Sameshima, mother and father-in-law Michiko and Hideo Konno and brother-in-law Tad Koyanagi. Bill was born April 10, 1934 in Ruskin B.C. His family moved to the Picture Butte/Iron Springs area and later to Taber, where he spent the majority of his life. He had a passion for sports and took special pride in being part of the Junior Baseball team. He also spent his time watching his grandsons in their baseball and hockey, always offering tips and honest feedback. Bill was a honest man with a kind heart and good sense of humor. He could make people laugh with his antics. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, April 24, 2007 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Aldeen McKay officiating. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bill’s name may be made directly to St. Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care, 1400 - 9 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V5 or to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7.
Mr. Herbert Thacker Jr., beloved husband of Mrs. Merle Thacker of Bow Island, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 15, 2007 at the age of 91 years. He was born November 15, 1915 in Staffordshire, England and at the age of three he immigrated to Canada. Herb married Merle Campbell on November 11, 1940 and they lived on the family farm west of Burdett. To Herb, family came first. Every member of his family knew that he had great pride in all of their accomplishments, no matter how large or small. He will be remembered as a fair, honest and outgoing man who always had time for a “chat” with everyone, friends or strangers. Herb was an avid sports fan. His love was baseball but he also enjoyed golf, hockey, curling, hunting and fishing. Herb and Merle traveled world wide, including a trip to Russia to attend the Canada verses Russia Summit Series in 1972. He was a life member of the Bow Island Elks Club and a Mason. Herb’s love of farming showed throughout his life, in his later years Herb became the “inspector” as he and Merle always went for a drive around the countryside to check the crops. He enjoyed trips to the farm to see what was happening. Besides his loving wife Merle, he is survived by five children Jerry (Frances) Thacker of Burdett and their children Marcie (Harty) Hartwig (children Tyler and Alia), David (Rhona) Thacker (children Andrew, Daniel and Jalissa), foster son Brent (Shannon) Kosolofski; Dennis (Heather) Thacker of Burdett and their children Burk (Tracey) Thacker (children Molly and Quinn); Jeff Thacker; Linda (Don) Newton of Skiff and their children Tara (Dwayne) McLaren (children Brooke and Kacie), Robyn (Kevin) Todd (their daughter Kora); Wendy (Nick) Keam of Canberra, Australia and their children Lauren (Adam) Kaminski (children Mikka), Lachlan Keam and James Keam; Cathy (Stuart) Murray of Whitla and their children Dale, Eric (Karen) Murray and Logan Murray (Ashleigh Wray). He is also survived by one brother George (Florence) Thacker of Bow Island and by three sisters Ivy Corns of Grassy Lake, Elsie Reber of Grassy Lake and Clara (Don) Fraser of Bow Island as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Clara and Herbert Thacker Sr., brother and sister-in-law Joe and Loraine Thacker and brothers-in-law Harvey Corns and Orville Reber. A private family Graveside Service will precede the Funeral Service at the Burdett Community Cemetery. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Andrew’s United Church, 139 - 2 Avenue West, Bow Island on Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 2:30 P.M. with Marie Barr LPMiT, of the Foremost United Church officiating. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Herbert’s name may be made directly to the Bow Island and District Health Foundation, Bag 3990, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0.
Mr. John Tamtom, beloved husband of Mrs. Maggie Tamtom of Taber, passed away in Taber on Sunday, August 13, 2006 at the age of 77 years. John was born in Sockolovac, Yugoslavia on October 7, 1928. He immigrated to Canada in 1948, along with his parents and sister, settling in Barnwell. On November 20, 1950 he married Maggie Tumpek. In 1952 they began farming in Barnwell and in 1962 purchased a farm northeast of Taber. They retired to the Town of Taber in 1995. Besides his wife Maggie of Taber he is survived by three children; Maggie (Jim) Lorence of Beaumont, Alberta, Steve of Taber and George of Medicine Hat; a sister Regina of Vancouver; five grandchildren Alana (Frank) McMorrow, Jessica Tamtom, Jarrid Tamtom, Jayna Tamtom and Jaden Tamtom. John was predeceased by his two brothers Steve and Geno. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber on Thursday, August 17, 2006 at 11:00 A.M. with Rob McCoy officiating. Interment to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in John’s name may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 209, 542 - 7th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2H1.
Jacob “Tiny” Ronald Thiessen of Vauxhall, beloved husband of Lynn Thiessen, passed away in Lethbridge on Tuesday, August 8, 2006 at the age of 63 years. Jake was born in Steinbach, Manitoba, on November 13, 1942, the son of Jacob J. and Esther Thiessen. He moved to the Vauxhall area with his parents and sister Vera in 1946. Jake received his schooling in Vauxhall and later worked on the Community Lease for the Vauxhall Grazing Association. He married Lynn Sangster on November 3, 1969 and following their marriage worked at the Taber cannery. Jake and Lynn farmed the family homestead for 31 years and were in the process of retiring. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, his horses and cattle but most important to him was his family. He had a special love for the rodeo, especially roping and team roping. He participated in the rodeo with his children and they referred to him as “Rodeo Dad”. Besides his loving wife Lynn, he will be forever remembered and sadly missed by his two children Carey and her daughter Nevada and Jace (Sandra) and their son Zane; nephews Rod (Mary) Lowen, Ron (Jeanne) Lowen and Doug Lowen and a brother-in-law John Lowen. Jake is also survived by Lynn’s family Bill Sangster, Norma Sangster, Ian (Sandy) Sangster, Cathy (Doug) Odland and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Esther, a sister Vera Lowen and his father and mother-in-law Bill and Joan Sangster. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006-48 Ave., Taber on Friday, August 11, 2006 from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at the Vauxhall Mennonite Brethren Church, 320-9 Street North, on Saturday, August 12 at 2:00 P.M. Interment will follow in the Vauxhall Mennonite Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jake’s name may be made to S.T.A.R.S.,1441 Aviation Park N.E., P.O. Box 570, Calgary, Alberta, T2E 8M7.
Leonard Miles Tofin Jr., beloved husband of Derine Tofin of Burdett, passed away at the Bow Island Health Centre on Wednesday, March 1, 2006 at the age of 52 years. Len Jr. was born in Medicine Hat on December 26, 1953 to Leonard and Loretta Tofin. He was raised on farms at Bow Island and Dunblane, Saskatchewan. Len continued his schooling at Rocanville, Saskatchewan and Calgary where he received his Journeyman carpenter at SAIT. Len and Derine (nee Larson) were married May 17, 1975 at Rocanville, Saskatchewan. They raised their children in Burdett. Len had his own company and worked for numerous other construction companies throughout his life. Len held executive positions with the Burdett United Church and maintained the Church for many years. He enjoyed reading, sports, camping, fishing, hunting, coaching his son's hockey and baseball teams, and loved to watch his children's sports events. He made friends easily and loved to tease. He was known as the kindest, gentlest man ever. While he will be dearly missed, he will be fondly remembered by all whose lives he touched. His greatest joy was always his family. Len leaves to cherish his wife Derine, daughter Talena (Doug) Clavier, son Len and daughter Brianne; his parents Leonard and Loretta Tofin; sisters Sherry (the late Randy) Rainsforth, Kelly (Brad) McNeely, Nancy (Lindsay) Nelson; sister-in-law Lorna (Pat) Tourond; aunts, uncles, nieces nephews, cousins and friends. The Funeral Service will be held at the Burdett United Church, Burdett on Monday, March 6, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Sandra McMillan officiating. Interment to follow in the Burdett Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Len's name may be made to the Bow Island Health Centre, Bag 3990, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0.
Leonard Nelson Tonneson, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, February 27, 2006 at the age of 75 years. Leonard was born on April 2, 1930 in Enchant, Alberta where he grew up and spent most of his early life. For the past eleven years he has been a resident of Lethbridge where he enjoyed making the rounds collecting bottles and visiting around the neighbourhood. He leaves to mourn his passing his caregiver and companion Sharon Goss and her daughter Tammy and family; sister-in-law Win Tonneson of Taber; nieces Marion (Philip) Feist of Taber, Irene (Alan) Wolcoski of Shaunavon, Saskatchewan and Arlene (Gary) Wheeler of Lethbridge; his nephews Bruce Tonneson of Taber and Ken Tonneson of Lethbridge; ten great nieces and nephews and numerous great great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and three brothers Harold, Norman and Roy. The Funeral Service will be held at the Enchant Community Hall, Enchant on Thursday, March 2, 2006 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Dale MacFarlane officiating. Interment will follow in the Enchant Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to Leonard's favorite coffee spot, the Lethbridge Soup Kitchen, 1107-2A Avenue North, Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 0E6.
Jeannette Wilma Mary Tychsen (nee Cox) of Taber, passed away peacefully after a long, hard battle with cancer at the Taber Hospital on the morning of Thursday, October 20, 2005 at the age of 57 years. She is survived by her loving son Gordon Tychsen, her mother Hendrika Cox (nee van de Kolk), her brothers Charles (Karen) Cox, Bill (Eileen) Coster, her sister Caroline (James) Haiav and her nephews Philip, Dylan, Jeremy, Jason and Kalvin; as well as numerous extended family members; and all the friends she made throughout her life. She was predeceased by her father, Charles Melvin Cox in 2000. Jeannette practiced nursing as a RNA in various Southern Alberta hospitals for many years and took great pride in her work. She enjoyed crafting and made many beautiful crocheted and cross stitched keepsake ornaments such as wedding cake tops and Christmas ornaments. She liked spending time in her yard doing landscaping and gardening. She loved to build and create new and unusual things and was a wonderful seamstress who made anything from elegant doll clothes to wedding gowns. With her big heart and caring personality she was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew her. The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, October 26, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Jim Lochhead officiating.
Katherine Turnbull (nee Chistie) of Grassy Lake, peacefully passed away at the Taber Hospital on Friday, October 7, 2005 at the age of 95 years. Kate was born at Grassy Lake on February 24, 1910 to Angelo and Maria Chistie. The family moved to the area known as the sand hills northwest of Grassy to try homesteading along with countless other families. Over the next ten years they moved various times and finally settled three miles northwest of Grassy where she attended Antonio school. In her early years she helped her father and brother farm and in the winter worked cooking at places like the Continental Coal Mine, Grassy Lake Hotel, Holtman Ranch, and Taber Hospital. In her later years she would tell of the hard times growing up but also of the fun she had going with friends to the many Saturday night dances. In 1949 she married local resident Bruce Turnbull and together they would work at the family farm east of Grassy in the summer, and in the winter at the Holtman Ranch at Skiff. Over the years they moved into raising cattle and chickens, and up to a few years ago sold eggs from the farm. Her love of farming never diminished and after the passing of her husband, she continued to farm with the help of her son and loved to help with the harvest each year. She kept active working up until a few years ago when her health began to decline. Katherine was predeceased by her parents Angelo and Maria Chistie, husband Bruce Turnbull, sisters Irene (Art) Stoke, Victoria (Ray) Kinkaid, Ann (Marion) Witbeck and one brother Otto Chistie. She is survived by her son William Turnbull of Grassy Lake and sister-in-law Katie Chistie of Creston, B.C. along with special relatives Doug and Joan Hazell and other brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces and nephew. Because Katherine chose no memorial service, her family asks that friends and relatives reflect back on the many times with her at community functions, family reunions, dances, Saturday night parties, Sunday and holiday meals, visits when people stopped by to buy eggs, and the countless cups of tea and sweets she served to anyone visiting. Her urn will be placed with her parents in a private interment on a later date at the Taber Memorial Garden. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Katherine's name may be made directly to the Taber Hospital Foundation, 4326-50 Ave., Taber T1G 1N9.
Mrs. Dora Irene Turnbull, beloved wife of the late Mr. James Earl Turnbull, passed away at home on Thursday, September 8, 2005 at the age of 80 years. Dora was born in Taber on August 4, 1925. She moved to Grassy Lake, Alberta in 1928 where she received her schooling. On December 26, 1943, Dora married James Earl Turnbull in Grassy Lake. She was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. She will be remembered as a strong willed woman who loved her family and made caring for them her top priority. Dora served on the Aggressive Tourism Action Council, the Prairieview Cemetery Revitalization Committee, with the Seniorąs Club and also the Relief Society. She enjoyed gardening, quilting, reading and playing cards. Dora is survived by her five children Lorna (Ron) Lloyd, Sandra (John) Braun, Linda (George) Dumont, Jim (Jill) Turnbull and Sharmaine (Richard) Nevil; grandchildren Ron (Louise) Lloyd, Teri (Darwyn) Hansen, Sharla (Darryl) Capner, Kelly Jacobson, Michelle (Jerry) McKenzie, Clint Turnbull, Melissa (Frank) Drader, Shannon Dumont, Jason (Kandace) Dumont, Kyla-Dawn Nelson, Cory Nevil, Cody Turnbull, Jamie Turnbull, Justin Turnbull, Shawna Nevil, Donald Nevil and twenty great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Gordon (Freda) McPhee, her sister Lorna Seafoot as well as her extended family. Dora was predeceased by her husband James Earl Turnbull, her son Donald Earl Turnbull, her grandson Kyle Alan Nelson, her brother Donald McPhee and by her parents Sandy and Mabel McPhee. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the church prior to the funeral service on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 from 9:30 A.M. to 10:40 A.M. The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, September 13, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. with Bishop David Torrie conducting. A private family interment service will follow at the Prairieview Cemetery, Grassy Lake. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Dora's name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7.