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Johnston/Steel -- Dorothy (Dot) Irene 1922 - 2004
It is with great sadness that the family of Dorothy Irene Johnston/Steel announce her passing on July 30th, 2004 her home in the Red River Health Care Facility, Emerson, Manitoba. She passed away as she lived her life, with dignity, courage, humor and a concern for others. Dorothy was a native of Emerson, Mb., born in Winnipeg at the Grace Hospital on August 1st, 1922. She graduated in 1939, and then trained at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg, receiving her Registered Nursing diploma in 1945. Dorothy met her first husband, Robert Steel in 1947, and raised four sons in various towns all over southern Manitoba. Dorothy and Bob moved to Drumheller in 1962, where Dorothy continued full time nursing before moving to the Drumheller Public Health Unit for the last 17 years of her career, retiring in 1983. Dorothy was lured back to her home of Emerson Mb. in 1989, and re-married her childhood and lifelong friend, Lorne Johnston, where they have since resided. Dorothy adopted and embraced Lornešs family and also became Grandma to all Lornešs grandchildren. Dorothy and Lorne enjoyed their twilight years together. Dorothy is predeceased by her first husband, Robert Steel, and two sons, Rob and Christopher. She is survived by two sons -- Tom (Drumheller), and the youngest son, Jon (Airdrie), (Cheryl), and Grandchildren, Haley and Tyson. Dorothy is also survived by her second husband Lorne. Dorothy was a chartered member of the Eastern Star since 1951 and a member of the United Church since 1939. Dorothy was a dedicated, caring, giving, sincere person, and people always seemed to remember her. She was a loving mother, and a doting Grandmother. She loved music and playing the piano, but mostly, she loved people. She was one of those few people who truly make the world a better place. She will be missed and remembered. Although the Memorial Service is in Emerson Manitoba, friends are welcome to attend a brief graveside interment service at the Drumheller Cemetery on Saturday, August 07, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. Friends of the deceased may make a contribution to -- 1.) The Alberta Cancer Foundation c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 29 St. SW, Calgary, Ab,T2N 4N2 or 2.) The Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1825 Park Road SE, Calgary, Alberta, T2G 3Y6. Arrangements in care of Jon Steel (403) 948-6854.
Mraz -- Mike - March 22, 1930 - July 26, 2004
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mike Mraz Sr. at the age of 74 years. Mike was born and raised in Drumheller. He farmed 7 miles west of town with his wife of 48 years Olga. He was an avid hunter, fisher and a great gardener. Mike leaves to mourn his children Mike (Nicole), Darlene (Alan), Gordon (Tina), Gary (Debbie), and Joyce (Tom). He also leaves numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mike was predeceased by his loving wife Olga, his father John, his mother Anna, his sister Anne Sugden, his brother John and grandchild Derek. He is survived by his brother Andy (Barb), sister Mary (Larry), brother Joe (Carol), and sister Margaret (Nick). Funeral services were held at St. Anthony's Catholic Church on Friday, July 30 at 2 p.m. Courtney-Winter's Funeral Chapel were in care of all the arrangements.
Bigford -- Floyd 1921 - 2004
Floyd Bigford passed away in Drumheller hospital on September 14, 2004. Floyd was born in Quinton, SK on October 6, 1921. He moved to Drumheller as a young man with his mother, father, and brothers and sisters. Floyd enlisted in the army (Calgary Tank) in 1941 and served overseas until 1946. He achieved the rank of Sergeant, and along with his service medals, he received a personal commendation from Field Marshall Montgomery. Floyd was predeceased by his wife Dorothy in June 1997. They had 53 happy years together, and had two children, both surviving; Michael Bigford of Surrey, B.C., and Sharon Torgesson of New Westminster, B.C. Floyd and Dorothy also adopted and raised two daughters; Loreena Meers and Denise Bigford. Floyd was also predeceased by two sisters Dorothy Zima and Eileen Forbes, and older brother, Raymond Bigford, all of Drumheller. His only surviving sibling is brother Ivan Bigford of Lethbridge. After the war, Floyd worked in the coal mines in Drumheller for 12 years and then took a plumbing apprenticeship, and was at the top of his class when he completed it in 1958. He was then a partner in a plumbing business for nine years, then he went to work for Correction Services of Canada in 1967, when he retired at age 65 after 19 years of service. After retirement he worked part-time as a guard for the R.C.M.P. from May 1983 to May 1988. Floyd was very active all his life with the Royal Canadian Legion, and held several positions with them including past president. He was always there when needed, and was more than happy to give his time and energy at various events and fundraising. Funeral services were held at the Alliance Church in Drumheller on Saturday, September 18, 2004 at 11 a.m. Floyd's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped him during his health difficulties.
Cowan -- Reverend Alex F.
Peacefully in the presence of his family, at Peel Manor in Brampton, ON on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Elva Cowan (nee Lidstone) for 61 years. Loving father of Susan Galley (John) and Joan Tadman (Grant). He will be sadly missed by his grandsons Robert and Ian Galley. Reverend Cowan began his ministry in 1943 in Alberta at Rowley, Rumsey and Big Valley. Later he moved to Rosebud and Rockyford. In 1948 he became Assistant Minister at Runnymede United Church in Toronto. In 1949 he went to Norval, Glen Williams and Home Church. He moved to Centre St. United in Oshawa in 1952. In 1957 he took over the congregation of Westside United in Owen Sound until 1967. From 1967 to his retirement in 1982 he served as a
district secretary for the Canadian Bible Society. Up until 2003, he had been a faithful member of Islington United Church. This year he was proud to be recognized by the United Church for his 61 years of ministry. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas Street West (between Islington and Kipling Aves.) from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Funeral Service was held at Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Etobicoke on Friday, September 17, 2004 at 11:00 o'clock, Reverend Mark Aitchison officiating. Cremation to follow. If desired, remembrances to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.
Miller -- Charlie
Charlie Miller, formerly of Rockyford, Alberta passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 in the Vulcan Extended Care Center at the age of 93 years. He is lovingly remembered by his children, one son Dale (Leona), and three daughters, Carol Mauch, Darlene, Dot Howden and Sandra (Latif) Bensar,i all of Calgary. He is also survived by eight grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, one sister Frances Lerner of Medicine Hat, numerous relatives, nieces and nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Esther, parents Efenius and Ottilia Miller, three brothers and five sisters. Charlie was born in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan on August 20, 1911, later moving to the Beiseker district where he met Esther Meidinger and they were married on June 30, 1942 at Rockyford. Together they farmed and raised their family in the Rockyford area before retiring to town. Charlie was a member of St. Ritašs Church, an active member of the Rockyford Knights of Columbus, the Lionšs Club, and the Seniors Club. He participated in baseball in his younger years and greatly enjoyed curling every winter with friends. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, September 17, 2004 at St. Rita's Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m. Interment followed at St. Ritašs Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association (#105, 7500 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary, T2H 0L9).
WHEATLAND FUNERAL HOME LTD. (Strathmore) in care of arrangements. 934-5666
Stanger -- Thomas Spence (Tom) 1936 - 2004
Thomas Spence (Tom), born May 6, 1936 in Drumheller, AB, passed away peacefully on July 15, 2004 in Vancouver, B.C. Tom is survived by his loving companion Margaret; his children, Tom (Pattie), Phillip (Debbie) and Maureen (Randy) and their mother Brenda; grandchildren, Travis, Zachary and Stephanie; sister Liz VanDeRyse and her family of Drumheller, AB; also Margaretšs family and many nieces, nephews and friends. A memorial service was held on Thursday, July 22 at 1 p.m. from the Chapel of Burnaby Funeral Directors, 4276 Hastings Street, Burnaby. For those who wished, a viewing was held prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the B.C. Cancer Foundation would be appreciated.
Ridley -- Eleanor 1921 - 2004
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eleanor Ridley on July 16, 2004 at the age of 82 years. She will be dearly missed by her family. Eleanor was born in Napinka, MB on December 28, 1921. She later moved to Vancouver, BC with her family, where she worked until meeting and marrying Bert Ridley. They moved to their farm in the Morrin District, where they spent the next 34 years before retiring to Drumheller in 1986. Eleanoršs enjoyment of knitting and crocheting had her making many projects for family and friends over the years. Also, she loved to work with her flower garden and house plants, but her greatest pleasure was spending time with her family and friends. Eleanor leaves to mourn her daughter Janet, granddaughter Jennifer (Jeff), sister Virgie Fennell of Winnipeg, MB, sister-in-law Mary Lee of Kamloops, BC, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Bert in 1998, son Thomas in 1955 and brothers Lloyd, Everet and Henry Cosgrove. As to Eleanoršs wishes, a Graveside Service will be held on Thursday, July 22, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. at Mountain View Memorial Gardens, in the Garden of Apostles. A luncheon will follow in the Arbor Lounge at Mountain View Funeral Home. If so desired, memorial donations may be made in Eleanor's name directly to District Foundation Drumheller Sunshine Lodge (698-6 Ave E., Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y5) or the Drumheller Pallative Care Unit (P.O.Box 4500, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y0). Arrangements entrusted to MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY, 17 Avenue SE at Garden Road, (1.5 km east of 84th Street SE ) Telephone (403) 272 - 5555.
Kaiser -- (Mitzel) Rita J. (Sept. 10, 1939 - Aug. 15, 2004)
Kaiser, Rita J. (nee Mitzel) born September 10, 1939 at Foremost, Alberta died quietly and peacefully in Drumheller, August 15, 2004 after a lengthy battle with cancer. She is survived by her husband Sonny Kaiser of 37 years, sons -- Craig and fiancé Kooter, Barry and LeeAnn, grandchildren -- Mackayla, Sydnie & Payden Kaiser. She will be missed by her sisters in law -- Toni Schrenk, Margaret Simpson, Mary Kaiser, Baya Kaiser and her brother -- Lawrence & Marlene Mitzel & family, her sister -- Karen & Wesley Fisher & family. Rita is also survived by many loving nieces & nephews & friends. She was predeceased by her father, Leo L. Mitzel (1948) and mother Esther G. Mitzel (1996). Rita touched the hearts of many. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. A Private Family Service will be held at the Hussar Cemetery on Thursday August 19, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. Friends are asked to join the family for a Celebration of Ritašs Life, at the Hussar Community Hall from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Courtney-Winter's Funeral Chapel of Drumheller entrusted with the arrangements. 403-823-2666.
Kipling -- (Ethel)
A reminder to all of Ethel Kiplingšs friends and acquaintances; you are invited to attend a memorial tea at the Drumheller Legion (Normandy Room) Friday, August 20th, 2004 at 2:00 p.m.
Kolenz -- Frank
In loving memory of Frank Kolenz who suddenly passed away on August 9, 2004 leaving behind his beloved wife Edna, two sons Larry (Mary) Kolenz of Calgary, Randy (Susan) Kolenz of Drumheller, and three daughters Joyce (Richard) Albright of Drumheller, Deb (Bruce) Reeds of Kamloops, Marilyn (David) Franchuk of Strathmore, 12 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. Frank was an avid fisherman and loved the outdoors. He will be sadly missed by all. Funeral services were held at the Knox United Church on August 14, 2004. Arrangements entrusted to Courtney-Winteršs Funeral Services.
Tupper -- Jane Elizabeth (Forsyth) 1929-2004
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother on July 13, 2004 at the age of 75. She had a long term illness at home and a brief stay in the Drumheller Hospital. Jane was born in Edmonton, Alberta to John and Margaret Forsyth on February 18th, 1929. She leaves to mourn her husband Calvin of 57 years, her 5
children, Kathyrn of Drumheller, Robie (Deanna) of Cranbrook, B.C., Kevin (Kate) of Leduc, Glenn of Drumheller, Colleen (Dave) of Woodville, Ontario. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Brent Rowell, Lisa Steward, Carrie Rowell, Micha Smith, Amber Tupper, Megan and Collette Tupper, Kalvin, Kyle and Halye Blake and her 3 great grandchildren, Natasha and Britanie Steward, and Jesse Lavine She is survived by her brother Jim Forsyth (Lee) of Invermere B.C. and her sister Margaret OšHandley of Agassiz, B.C. as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Jane was predeceased by her father John, her mother Margaret, brothers David, Peter, Ron, Jack and sister Annette. She was loved and admired by all that knew her. There was a presence of warmth whenever she entered a room. Her friendship was one to be treasured and remembered. She enjoyed life to the fullest, took each day as it came, treasured it until her illness. She loved her family unconditionally and devoted all her time and energy into keeping us close. We will miss her, treasure our memories and we will honour the legacy left always. Jane was raised and took her schooling in Lethbridge. She worked in a cannery at 13 and at 15 worked in a Metropolitan Store. In 1947 Jane moved to the Crowsnest Pass with her family and there she met Calvin. After a short courtship they were married in 1948 at Belleview. In 1953 they moved to East Coulee, the mines brought them there. Mother worked as a cashier at Louie Lengal grocery until their move to Drumheller in 1957. Jane operated Drumheller Transport in the 60šs. She was a grocery store cashier for many years at Jimmie and Vickers Supermarkets. She could frame and lay flooring as well as anyone. Jane loved poetry and wrote many poems. She ran Janie's Greenhouse for 9 years. Jane went back to school at 54 and completed her Grade 12. A Service of Remembrance was held at Courtney-Winter's Funeral Chapel on Saturday, July 17, 2004. If desired, donations may be made to the Tom Baker Cancer Foundation. Courtney-Winter's Funeral Chapel was entrusted with the arrangement.
Alexander -- Eva Margaret 1910 2004
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother on July 20, 2004 at the age of 94. She was a resident at the Drumheller Regional Hospital, Continuing Care Unit. Eva was born at Carleton Place, Ontario on February 25, 1910. She was predeceased by her husbands Stanley Alexander on October 5, 1979 and Thomas Shier in 1948. Eva leaves to mourn her loss two sons, Reginald (Irene) Shier of Harrowsmith, Ontario and Frederic (Kathleen) Shier of Kingston, Ontario; and two daughters, Colleen (Boris) Nahornick and Lynne (Blaine) Zacharuk of Drumheller; as well as eight grandsons, David Shier, Timothy Shier, Christopher Shier, Richard Shier, Thomas Shier, Byron Pliva, Darryl Weatherly and Darcy Weatherly; as well as three great grandsons, Adam Shier, Kenneth Weatherly and Cameron Weatherly; as well as four great granddaughters, Christine Shier, Larrisa Shier, Sara Shier and Katelyn Shier. Eva was predeceased by her sisters Alice Devlin and Beatrice Bronson as well as her brother Fred Harness. She was loved by all that knew her and had many friends as well as many nieces and nephews. Eva was married to Thomas Shier until his passing in 1948. She remarried in 1950 and moved to Alberta where she remained until her death. Eva traveled extensively to England, Hong Kong, China, the far east and the USA. Memorial Donations may be sent to the Drumheller Area Health Foundation (351 9 Street NW, Drumheller, Alberta, T0J 0Y1). Memorial Services were held at Courtney-Winter's Funeral Chapel, Saturday, July 24, 2004 at 11:00 AM. Courtney-Winter's Funeral Home entrusted with cremation. Interment to follow at Christ Church, Tamworth, Ontario at a later date. Special thanks to all the nurses and staff at Drumheller Continuing Care Unit as well as Doctor E. Racz and special thanks to Doctor Boris Nahornick.
Derhousoff -- Michael William 1920 - 2004
Michael William Derhousoff, husband, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 4, 2004 at the Foothills Hospital. His remarkable determination, strength and courage were bolstered by the love and devotion of his children, who remained at his side throughout his brief, but insurmountable illness. Born in Kamsack, Saskatchewan on December 25, 1920. Mike lived a long and fulfilling life. His greatest accomplishments and source of pride and enjoyment were his children, their families and his many friends. He will always be fondly remembered for his hard work, strong commitment to his family, unique perspective on life, and wonderful sense of humour. His memory will live on in the hearts and minds of his children Maureen (George) Kashuba, Judy (Brian) Sherman, Bev (Ken) Hubert, David Derhousoff, Kathy (Jeff) Demott, Terri (Andrew) Beattie; and his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Mike is survived by his wife, Ingeborg Derhousoff of Wayne, Alberta. A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 9 at 2 p.m. at the Elks Club in Drumheller, Alberta. "Dad, if love could have saved you, you would live forever."
Gerodo -- Joseph Alvin February 9, 1923 - March 8, 2004
Joe Gerodo, a long time resident of the valley, passed away peacefully at his home in Midland. He was born in Ardley, Alberta and moved to Drumheller in 1941. He was employed in the mining and oil and gas industry until his retirement in 1981. He is survived by his devoted wife of 59 years, Elizabeth; sons Joe (Hazel), Gary (Cindy), Alvin; and daughter Wendy Sisson. He also leaves to mourn his passing, ten grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. A son, Dale, predeceased him in 1976. A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, March 12 at the Midland Community Hall at 1:30 p.m.
Kievit -- Emma 1918 - 2004
Emma Kievit of Drumheller, Alberta passed away on March 6, 2004. Emma was born on December 5, 1918 in Odessa, Russia. Emma left for Canada in May of 1928 with her parents -- John and Rose, brother Rudolph, sisters Lydia and Katie. Their final destination was Delia, Alberta. In August of 1931, Emma's youngest sister Ann was born. On February 13, 1940 Emma married Sybrand Kievit and they shared 58 wonderful years of marriage until Syb's passing on April 25, 1998. They farmed in the Delia-Majestic area until they retired to Drumheller in the fall of 1975. Emma leaves to mourn her sisters, Lydia, Katherine (Ted), Ann (Bill), and numerous nieces and nephews. She will be sadly missed by her special friend and caregiver Marlene (John) Allen. Emma had a kind heart and was always there to lend a helping hand. Many a bride had her wedding cake decorated by Emma. She belonged to the Women's Institute, The Pioneer Singers, and The United Church Women. The Funeral Service for the late Emma Kievit will be held on Friday, March 12, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. from the Knox United Church in Drumheller, with interment to follow in the Drumheller Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Drumheller Nursing Home. Courtney-Winter's Funeral Chapel of Drumheller was entrusted with the arrangements.
