- Alberta, Canada, Marriages Index, 1898-1944 -
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DES ROSIERS
DES ROSIERS - Hector Clifford “Cliff” Passed away peacefully April 10, 2004, in Kelowna, B.C. aged 83. Cliff was born in Willowbunch, Saskatchewan, July 24, 1920, and moved to Brooks in 1965. He was predeceased by his beloved wife Margaret, sister Florence, and brother Charles. Survived by his three children, Judy (Mike) Yanosik of Taber, Meg (Michael) Shaw of Kelowna, Dwight Des Rosiers of Brooks, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his special friend Phyllis Barber of Brooks. Interment in Brooks Cemetery. Cliff was loved by his family and many friends, and will be sadly missed.
CARLSON, RICHARD MYRON
Richard Myron Carlson P. Eng. passed away peacefully on Monday, April 12th, 2004 at the age of 57 years. Richard is survived by two sisters; Edna (Bruce) Moffat of Lethbridge, Betty (Bill) Zibell, two nephews Bill Jr. (Dallas) Zibell, Brad Zibell, all of Bassano and grandnieces Kayla Zibell,
Hailey Zibell. Also remembered by his special friends; Anita Hansen, Nadene Rogers, Soleiha Mahrcell and Dorothy Cook. He was predeceased by his father Myer Carlson (1951) and his mother Hazel Carlson (2002). Richard was a kind
and gentle man who gave freely of himself to all he called friend. He will be deeply missed. At Richard's request, there will be no Service. If friends so desire, memorial donations in Richard's memory may be made directly to Engineering Endowment Fund Faculty of Engineering, University of Calgary (2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1N4).
Arrangements and Cremation in care of FIRST MEMORIAL FUNERAL SERVICES.
AIRTH, PHYLLIS CHRISTINA
Phyllis Christina Airth was born on November 22, 1942, at Bassano, Alberta. Phyllis passed away in the Maple Creek hospital, after a battle with cancer on Tuesday, April 13th at 61 years of age. She is survived by her mother Elsie Airth, her daughters Jean Tinney and Debra Snover and son Jack Tinney, Debra’s husband Bruce Snover, their sons Matthew, Daniel and Paul, her brothers Jock and David Airth, Jock’s wife Linda, their son Shawn and daughter Shawna, David’s wife Kathleen and their son William. Phyllis was raised on the farm near Brooks and spent a lot of time with her grandmother, Christina Sunstrum. Phyllis attended grade one in Brooks, but went to grade two at One Tree School, riding her pony Biscuit 4 miles each way. At the end of the school year, the country schools were all closed and buses were put in place to transport all nearby kids to Brooks, where Phyllis completed the rest of her schooling. All throughout her life, Phyllis had a tremendous love of animals, especially horses, sheep and dogs. She took equestrian lessons at Stan and Lenore Wilson’s west of Calgary one summer and impressed the Wilsons by halter breaking a young colt, just to show that she could. Later on, she bought an Arabian stud from Wilsons to put with her mares, but unfortunately not one colt was produced. A local veterinarian commented years later that if that stud had worked better, she would have never gotten married. Her love of horses was matched by her affection for dogs. Her father Andrew always owned many hounds for hunting use and Phyllis could often be found in her favorite place under the step with the dogs. After high school Phyllis attended Garbutts Business College where she completed the 2 year program in 1 year, graduating in 1963. After graduation she worked at the Newell Veterinary Clinic in Brooks, Alberta until her marriage a couple of years later. Phyllis married Earl Tinney in 1965 and moved to North Battleford, Saskatchewan. She had 3 children, Annie Jean in 1965, Jack Clifford in 1967 and Debra Faye in 1969. She stayed home with her children until they were all in school and then began working at the North Battleford swimming pool, where she stayed for 19 years. She earned her Life Guarding Certificates and taught swimming lessons as well as becoming the pool supervisor. She helped kids and grownups overcome their fear of the water. Towards the end of her pool career her lifeguard teams won Provincials a couple of times beating teams from the Universities in Saskatchewan. They also placed well at the Nationals and at the Expo 86. While at the pool Phyllis worked with individuals with spinal cord injuries, teaching them how to swim. She trained Clayton Gerein for the Wheelchair Olympics in the breast stroke and traveled throughout North America and Europe with him to compete. Clayton won many swim meets and also went on to become a world champion wheelchair marathoner. Clayton was inducted into the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame and cited Phyllis as the most influential person in his life. This comes as no surprise to those of us that knew Phyllis. For her tireless contributions to organizations for the Mentally Challenged, to the Red Cross, to the Royal Lifesaving Society and to many others she was bestowed the Saskatchewan Award of Merit for her exceptional contributions to Saskatchewan Society, in 1996. Phyllis was a loving and giving person who always gave more of herself than she really had time for. For years she participated in all her children’s activities, taking Jean to dance competitions Jack to judo and motocross competitions and Debbie to baton twirling events both near and far. Being good at sewing, she was always sewing costumes for the girls, and was always available for driving groups of kids. The kids were always bringing home stray kids for loving and home cooked meals and sometimes stray adults would show up for meals at all times of the day or night. Phyllis was always happy to help people in need and was always happy when a big meal got eaten. Every holiday and birthday was an event and an excuse for a big party. Every Valentine’s Day started with heart shaped pancakes and every Easter with Easter egg hunts. Halloween included a party complete with scary decorations and music, bobbing for apples and popcorn balls. Christmas never went by without a polka around the Christmas tree to Jim Reeves, and a big feast. For the kids’ birthdays each cake was tailored to the activities they were doing at the time. Each cake she made was a masterpiece and no two alike. Phyllis loved the outdoors and wanted her kids to love the outdoors. From the time her children were small she took them on camping trips every year. She enjoyed teaching them how to cook on open fires, paddle a canoe, and pitch a tent. Vacations for Phyllis always included the entire family and camping gear. Starting in the late 70’s, summers were spent at a cabin at Attons Lake where Phyllis taught swimming lessons and spent time picking Saskatoon berries with the kids. True to her giving nature Phyllis also worked at different times for the Young Offenders Correctional Centre and for Regional Care as a Special Care Aide. The family was never without a dog and when Debbie got old enough she wanted a Golden Retriever. This opened up a world of dog breeding and dog shows for Phyllis. Phyllis began teaching dog obedience classes in North Battleford and Maple Creek. The family then moved from North Battleford to the Prongua area where they bought a home quarter. Phyllis started the Galawater kennels there in 1987, named after a district near Edinborough, Scotland where her ancestors came from. This brought a new level of “busy “ to her already extremely busy life. All dogs were welcome at Galawater, from the pampered poodle to the working RCMP German Shepherd. At holiday times you could be greeted at the door by up to 50 dogs, and Phyllis felt if they were a “house dog” at their home they would be one at her house too. It’s no wonder that most dogs who were regulars at Galawater were much more excited at the beginning of each visit than they were when it was time to go back home. In 1991 an abused and abandoned Border Collie wandered into Galawater kennels and into Jean’s heart. Phyllis had of course taken the dog in and insisted on buying sheep to train the dog with. This was the beginning of a lasting relationship between Phyllis’ Border Collies and sheep. In 1995 Phyllis moved to the Maple Creek area and learned more about training sheep dogs from Dale Montgomery. Shortly thereafter she and Earl divorced and Phyllis bought a home in Piapot. She worked at the Maple Creek District Opportunities with Mentally Challenged individuals. She also drove school bus for the Piapot School. She was a project leader with the High Country 4H Multiple Club. She felt strongly that all children should have experiences with animals and made sure that any child who wanted to could participate in any of the events. She taught obedience, agility and stock dog training. She also organized and hosted stock dog clinics and a trial in 2003 at her house in Piapot. She was on the Board of Directors for the Sask. Stock Dog Association and a member of the Maple Creek Stock Dog Club. She offered boarding and custom training in Piapot as well. Her door was always open to anyone who needed help or advice with dog training dilemmas. Phyllis spent five summers working as a shepherd in the mountains of Northern B.C., controlling vegetation on cut blocks by using 2 or 3 of her dogs to move thousands of grazing sheep. This was in her late fifties, hiking up and down grizzly bear inhabited mountains, with the nearest town hours away. And Phyllis loved it - the outdoors, the mountains, her sheep, her dogs and for two summers working with her daughter Jean. Phyllis’ last year of summer herding was a prairie project near Regina. Recently, Phyllis started enjoying scrapbooking and became a Creative Memories consultant. She taught people how to beautifully preserve their lives with pictures. She was very happy volunteering at the Piapot School teaching children how to preserve their memories. She received many cards while in the hospital from kids thanking her for this, and telling her she was the best bus driver they’d ever had. This always brought a smile to her face. Phyllis also worked at Maple Creek Cowtown Livestock Exchange as an “alley rat.” Many co-workers have commented on how she could work harder than many of the younger guys, but always had time to greet you with a smile. She enjoyed working the Tompkins Sheep sale every year and last summer worked for the Dept. of highways on the last of the Trans-Canada Twinning project. One of Phyllis’ joys was spending time with her grandchildren, Matthew, Daniel and Paul. She loved going on many hikes with them and on one of her many trips to Texas Phyllis carried 3 year old Matthew on her shoulder to the top of “Enchanted Rock” about an 800 foot climb. This was no ordinary 58 year old lady. In recent days 6 month old Paul could always bring a smile to Phyllis’ face no matter how bad she felt. Phyllis always said it’s not the years in your life, but the amount of life you put into your years, and she did pack a lot of living into her years. She had a super human work ethic, and always put the needs of others ahead of her own. She was devoted to her community, her friends, and her family and she will be missed by all who knew her. Her life is an inspiration to us all. The funeral service was held from the Piapot Legion Hall, Piapot, Saskatchewan Saturday, April 17 with Pastor Bob Dove officiating. Interment followed in the Piapot Cemetery. Pallbearers were - Gerald Sanderson, Ray McDougald, Lorne Smith, Dale Montgomery, Terry Knodel, Mike Gillas. Those who so wish may remember Phyllis with a gift to the Piapot School or to Maple Creek and District Opportunities Inc. Binkley’s Funeral Service of Maple Creek and Leader was in charge of arrangements.
JACKSON, VIOLET ELIZABETH
Violet Elizabeth Jackson, a resident of Brooks for over 60 years, passed away in Brooks on May 24th, 2004 at the age of 91 years. Vi’s parents (Kemp) met and married in Strathmore and moved by ox cart to a homestead at Berry Creek where Vi was born on 22nd September 1912. At age three, her family moved to Richdale and shortly thereafter to Trochu where she spent her school years. In her late teens Vi moved to Okotoks and was employed as a telephone operator with AGT. There she met Bill, was married in 1931 and moved to the Turner Valley Oil Fields district where they stayed until buying the land north of Brooks known as the Stafford place in 1939. They farmed there for 20 years before retiring into Brooks. Long-term residents may remember the Jackson farmhouse that they built where the Greyhound Bus Depot now stands, and the Brooks-Duchess road went by the front door as part of the Trans-Canada graveled highway. Vi’s sister, Ivy Hallman, raised ‘broad-breasted-bronze’ turkeys on a farm 4 miles north, just beyond the JJ Bowlen farm managed by Mario Angelo (Buck) and Lois Valli. After living on 6th St. West for 24 years, declining health prompted a move into Plaza Apartments where Vi resided from 1983 to 1997. She then went to Newbrook Lodge where she stayed until transferring to Brooks Health Centre Continuing Care in April of 2002. Vi was an active member of St. Alban’s Anglican Church, a life and charter member of the Royal Purple (past Honoured Royal Lady) and a member of the Daughters of the Nile. She was predeceased by her husband Wm. F. (Bill) in 1985 and her sister Ivy Hallman in 1981, and leaves to mourn one son Wm. A. (Bill) and wife Carol; two grandsons Wm. R. B. (Ric) and wife Mary Ann; and Charles C. (Cameron); also 3 great grandchildren Trevor, Karen and Heather all reside in the Victoria area. Funeral services were held at 2:00 PM on Friday, May 28th from Smith Memorial Chapel. The Venerable Ken Wells officiated. Active Pallbearers were Bill Jackson, Ric Jackson, Cameron Jackson, Trevor Jackson, Bill Kennedy and Dale Smith. In memory of Vi, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to either St. Alban’s Anglican Church, Box 514, Brooks T1R 1B5 or Alberta Lung Association, Box 4500, Edmonton T6E 9Z9. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME.
Martinyak
Helen Martinyak, widow of the late Joe Martinyak, passed away in Brooks on December 15th, 2003 at the age of 92 years. Helen was born at Vajkovce, Slovakia on April 15th, 1911 and came to Canada in 1938 to farm with her husband in the Millicent area. They retired to Brooks in 1973. Helen will be remembered for her love for her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren; for her beautiful flower garden and for the fact that when you visited at Helen's place you never left without a meal. She was predeceased by Joe on March 28th, 1976, son Zoltan on May 12th, 1971 and son-in-law Dick Gauggel on February 19th, 1984. She is survived by her loving family - son Joe of Calgary; daughter Margaret Gauggel of Brooks; daughter Helen Blower and her husband Alan of Kelowna; daughter Kathy Rieth and her husband Walter of Brooks; 9 grandchildren Sandra Van Vliet (Bill), Teri Merkley (Darren), Nicole Jennissen (Kirk), Darren Blower (Clara), Alana Price (Jerry), Farrah Blower, Jennifor Bickmore (Fred), Byron Rieth and Todd Rieth; 11 great grandchildren and family in Slovakia. Prayer services were held at 7:00 PM on Thursday, December 18th from Smith Memorial Chapel. Deacon Bob Wilson officiated. Funeral Mass was celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday, December 19th from St. Mary's Catholic Church, Brooks. The Very Reverend Bryan Frank Celebrant. Pallbearers were Bill Van Vliet, Darren Merkley, Kirk Jennissen, Byron Rieth, Todd Rieth and Josh Van Vliet. In memory of Helen, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to Brooks and District Health Foundation, Bag 300, Brooks T1R 1B3. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME, Brooks.
PERRY
Jeffrey Scott Perry, beloved husband, father and son, passed away suddenly on December 12th, 2003 near Brooks at the age of 39 years. Born in Brooks on January 5th, 1964 Jeff received his schooling in Rainier and Brooks. He started working in the oil field at age 17 with Hatco Oil Field Services and various other companies before starting Lonewolf Oil Field Company in 1999. Jeff and Michele were married on February 14th, 1995 in Brooks and had resided here since. He loved his family, socializing and hockey. Jeff will be remembered for his laugh, his smile and for living life to the fullest. He is predeceased by a brother Darcy and his grandparents Bert and Estelle. Jeff is survived by his loving family, wife Michele; 3 children Stacey, TJ and Justin; parents Bert and Jean Perry of Medicine Hat; brother Randy and his wife Shirley of Scandia and their children Mike (Mandy) and Kathy (Jerry); parents-in-law Ron and June Kube of Brooks and other family members. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 18th from the Evangelical Free Church, Brooks. Rev. John Theiss officiating. Honorary Pallbearers are all of Jeff’s family and friends. Active Pallbearers are Kevin Mowat, Collin Burton, Glen Smith, Gene Aebly, Lloyd Aleman and Carl Smith. In memory of Jeff, if friends desire, memorial tributes may be made to STARS, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Box 570, Calgary T2E 8M7. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME.
RASMUSON
Raymond Rasmuson, a long time resident of the Duchess and Brooks area passed away peacefully with his family at his side at the Brooks Continuing Care on November 3rd, 2006 at the age of 91 years. Born in Averill, Minnesota April 22nd, 1915 Raymond came to Duchess in 1920 with his parents Annie and Knut Rasmuson and two brothers Clayton and Leonard where he lived and farmed for many years. He was loved and respected by everyone whose lives he touched. Raymond was a humble and honest man who was hardworking, skillful, and talented in numerous ways. He was a man who believed in the Word as much as he believed in his Family. As such, the depths of love allowed him to fulfill his purpose on earth while inspiring others to do so at the same time. Raymond will also be remembered for his love of music and his wonderful dry sense of humour. He will be remembered for being one of the greatest baseball pitchers in the E.I.D, pitching ball for the Duchess Dukes, The Millicent Young Liberals, Brooks Buffalos, and Vauxhall Jets. He was predeceased by his parents Annie and Knut Rasmuson, his first-born daughter, Geraldine Elizabeth, his first wife Mary, daughter Ruth, and brother Clayton, and his dearest late wife Maggie May Rasmuson. Raymond will be missed by his friends and most of all he will be lovingly missed by his family, daughters Karen Wasson, Beverley Michalezski (Nick), Elaine Saum (Judy), and Claudia Murphy (Jim), and sons Leslie and Lawrence Rasmuson, brother Leonard Rasmuson (Rose) and his many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Funeral services will be held will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 14th from Trinity Lutheran Church. Rev. John Theiss officiating. Friends and family are invited to join in a reception to follow in the Church Fellowship Hall. Interment to follow the reception in the Duchess Cemetery at 2:30 pm. In memory of Raymond, if friend’s desire, memorial tributes may be made to Trinity Lutheran Church Landscaping Fund, 811 Cassils Road West, Brooks T1R 0E4. Arrangements in care of SMITH FUNERAL HOME.
MAGUIRE
Kathleen G. Maguire (nee Bond), a long time resident of Bassano,. passed away in Bassano on June 28th, 2003 with family by her bedside. She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Dennis (Olga) of High River, Brian (Marlene) of Bassano, Kevin (Marlee) of St. Albert, Lorene of Medicine Hat and Bernadette of Strathmore. Her 7 grandchildren Brad, Shannon, Jennifer, Marcus, Kelly, Michael and Marin will greatly miss her. She was predeceased by her husband Jim in 1957 and brother Frank Bond in 1988. Kay was born in Vancouver on June 12th, 1913 and moved to Calgary with her parents in 1917. After graduating from St. Mary’s Girls High School (where she was a member of the Calgary Junior Symphony Orchestra) she went to business school and then on to Holy Cross School of Nursing graduating in 1936. After 4 years of nursing, she met and married James (Jim) Maguire in 1940 and moved to Gem where they resided until 1957. While raising her 5 children there she was considered the rural community nurse. Upon the passing of her husband, she moved her family to Bassano and resumed her nursing career and supervised the lab, x-ray and the medical records departments. Throughout her career she found time to be an active member of St. Columbus Catholic Church in Bassano, and served on several community organizations. She was instrumental in organizing the Singing Senior Choir. After retiring in 1978, Kay enjoyed years of golfing and wintering in Arizona. Kay will be fondly remembered for being a very loving mother to her 5 children and an inspiration to her 7 grandchildren. Her humble dignity and positive attitude guided her throughout her life. She was a little lady with a huge heart. Her untiring commitment to her friends and community will leave an everlasting legacy. To celebrate Kay’s life, a Catholic Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, July 4th 2003 from the Knox Presbyterian Church in Bassano. The Very Reverend Bryan Frank Celebrant. In memory of Kay, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Bassano and District Health Foundation, Box 120, Bassano T1R 1B4. Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, Brooks.
