- Alberta, Canada, Marriages Index, 1898-1944 -
- Alberta, Newspaper BMD Index, 1889-2012 -
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Eskeland -- Sharon Louanne
Eskeland, Sharon Louanne passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family at the Peter Lougheed Hospital in Calgary on September 1, 2008. Sharon was born in Grande Prairie on February 24, 1941. Her family moved several times throughout her childhood to Calgary, Prince Albert, Edmonton, and finally settling in Drumheller where Sharon completed her High School Diploma. After graduation, Sharon stayed in Drumheller to work as a court stenographer for the Provincial Court House. She married Ed Eskeland in 1961 and moved to the family farm in the Churchill area. In addition to being a farm wife and excellent bookkeeper for two family companies, Sharon enjoyed working casually at the Royal Tyrrell Museum, was involved with the Knox United Church, painted, and was an avid bird-watcher and nature lover. Sharon was devoted to her family and friends, and always made time for them no matter how busy her day. Sharon was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Pat Davies. She is lovingly remembered and missed by her husband Ed Eskeland; her children and grandchildren Joanne (Jim) Hodgson, Eric, Coleman, and Chrissy Hodgson; John (Ilona), Ben and Jenn; Jason; Jim (Julie), Owen and Elena; Kelly (Bob); her sister Maureen (Art) Russell; her brother Jim (Juanita) Davies; her sister-in-law Ella (Art) Hoehne, and numerous nieces and nephews. A “Celebration of Sharon’s Life” was held on Friday, September 5, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at the Knox United Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Herd -- Luella 1937 - 2008
It is with great sorrow that we announce the recent passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, sister and friend. Lue passed away on September 2, 2008 at the Foothills Hospital. She is survived by her sons Wally (Lana) and Ian (Dawn), grandchildren Thomas, Mitchell, Emma and Marcus, sister Tyra, and several nieces, nephews and extended family. She was predeceased by brothers Roy, James and Tom, and her sisters Beulah and Elsie. Lue was a proud mother of her two sons who she raised as a single mom with the help of her family. Loving grandmother to her four grandchildren who she loved with all her heart and cherished her time with. She was an involved community member and always volunteering her time with the Bow Cliff Seniors. She was also a game player of all sorts and she also enjoyed calligraphy. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (100-119 14 Street NW Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6) in honour of our beloved Lue. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting www.leydens.com. A Celebration of Luella’s Life was held on Monday, September 8, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. at Leyden’s Chapel of Remembrance (corner of 17 Avenue and 2 Street SW, Calgary). Interment will be at the Rumsey Cemetery at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, September 12. Tea to follow at the Rumsey Community Hall. Arrangements entrusted to LEYDEN’S FUNERAL HOME, RECEPTION AND CREMATION CENTRE 304 18 Avenue SW, Calgary. Tel -- 403-228-4422.
Leonhardt -- Margaret Sommerville
Margaret Sommerville Leonhardt was called home to be with her Savior on September 5, 2008 at the age of 76 years. Margaret was born on December 28, 1931 in Drumheller to John and Annie Strachan. She married Carl Alexander Leonhardt on March 24, 1956, at Grace Lutheran Church and they were blessed with three children. Margaret is survived by one son Blaine (Kathy) Leonhardt and two daughters Anita (Brad) Mepham, and Heather (George) Sharpe, all of Drumheller; eight grandchildren, Tina and Deanna Mepham, Jennifer, Lindsay, Randy and Lexie Sharpe, Janelle and Joshua Leonhardt, one great granddaughter Hannah Mepham, one sister in law Helen (Joe) Klimek of Drumheller, and many nieces and nephews. Margaret was predeceased by her parents, her only brother Jack, and her husband of 34 years. For many years Margaret was actively involved with her community and her church which gave her much enjoyment and fellowship. Margaret will be remembered for her selflessness and her dedication to her family, who will miss her dearly, along with all those who knew her. Funeral services for Margaret were held Tuesday September 9, 2008 at Grace Lutheran Church with Pastor Curtis Boehm officiating. Interment followed at Mountain View Memorial Gardens in Calgary. If friends so desire donations may be made to Grace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund.
WILTON -- Elisabeth Ann September 6, 1937 - September 3, 2008
On September 3, Ann’s journey in this life was completed and at the age of 70 she was promoted to Glory to begin a new journey of life in Heaven. Born in Glasgow, Scotland, Ann received her formal education there before moving to Canada in 1957 and to Drumheller in 1958. Ann worked at various occupations early in life and always yearned for and tried new things. Her first job in Drumheller was at the local radio station, CJDV (now Q91) and it was during that job that she met her husband Bill and they were married on April 4, 1959. Along with her most important roles as a wife and mother, Ann also worked for the Big Country News and Kergan & Aagaard while working toward her goal of becoming an accountant and eventually opening her own accounting practice. Ann became a CMA in 1978 and while running her own accounting office her pursuit of higher education again got the best of her, and she went back to school in order to earn a law degree at the age of 50. She graduated from the University of Calgary in 1987 and after passing the Bar she opened her own law firm and accounting practice. Ann was very much involved in the community. Some of that involvement included being Corp Treasurer for the Salvation Army for 34 years, area governor for Toastmasters, serving 2 terms as a Town of Drumheller councilor, being on the start-up committee for DCTV and Ploeg Street Productions and volunteering at the Royal Tyrrell Museum. Ann had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed a good joke or story. Many will remember her ability to create and tell riveting stories whether it was during Sunday school teachings or on a road trip. Ann had a number of hobbies and favorite pastimes. The highest on her list was spending time with her grandchildren and others included, reading books, doing puzzles, doing research on different places and countries to travel to (learning Spanish for one trip), photography, scrap booking and knitting. Ann was a member of Mensa and loved science fiction, Harry Potter and was a Star Trek trekkie. Ann was adventurous in the kitchen and not afraid to try something new. She was one of those cooks people love to hate. Ann could take anything and add some of this and a little of that plus a pinch and a dash or so and it would always turn out great. Whether it was a meal for two or one of her many dinner parties, she made it seem so effortless and easy. In 1999, Ann suffered a stroke which eventually led to her having to close her Law and Accounting office. With complications from that stroke she persevered, but 3 years ago moved to the Drumheller Continuing Care Centre where she received excellent care and encouragement from the nurses and staff there. Recently Ann was diagnosed with cancer and after a brief and courageous battle moved to her mansion in the sky. She will be sadly missed and forever in the hearts and thoughts of her husband Bill, daughter Jill Dyck, son Mark and grandchildren Stephanie (Nik), Jessica and Jonah & all of her family and friends. Ann was predeceased by her parents Ned & Connie and younger brother David. A service to celebrate Ann’s life, to reminisce and reaffirm our faith that we will one day meet again will be held at the Salvation Army Church, 242 - 1st Street West in Drumheller on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Drumheller Continuing Care Centre or The Salvation Army in honor of Ann’s memory.
BURSKOV -- Phyllis Olga
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Phyllis Burskov on September 12 at the age of 94. Phyllis was born on February 19, 1914 to Ernest and Maude Severns at Acme, Alberta. She was one of eight children. Phyllis had many joys in her life. Her family meant the world to her. She also enjoyed her many friends, bridge, trips and crocheting. She will always be remembered for her many stories and truly was a wealth of knowledge. Phyllis will be missed dearly. Phyllis was predeceased by her loving husband Chris, her parents and six brothers and sisters. She is survived by her two sons Norman and Allen (Donna), grandchildren Craig (Shawna) and Sarah, one sister Helen along with numerous nieces, nephews and special friends. Funeral services for Phyllis Burskov will be held at Mountain View Funeral Home, 17 Ave S.E. at Garden Road, Calgary Alberta on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada or the Arthritis Society of Canada. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel of Drumheller in care of arrangements.
CUNNINGHAM -- Henry Walter October 13, 1930 - September 11, 2008
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Henry Walter Cunningham (Hank), who passed peacefully in his sleep on September 11, 2008. Hank was born in Wayne, Alberta on October 13, 1930 to Walter and Maria Cunningham. He was the first born son in a family of 10 children. In his early years, Hank was a promising semi-professional baseball player, and was well-known throughout South Eastern Alberta in the early 1950’s when he played for local teams such as the Rosedale Aces and the Brooks Buffalos. Hank joined the military in 1954 and completed 21 years of service, earning the rank of sergeant. He then joined the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede as the Operations Manager, and retired in 1992. During his retirement, Hank volunteered for many organizations including -- the Metis Nation of Alberta, Alberta Children’s Services, Drumheller Rodeo, and the town of Wayne. Hank loved horses and the cowboy life, and was a regular spectator and/or volunteer on the local Rodeo circuit. Hank moved back to Wayne in 1997, where he chose to live out the rest of his life with his loving partner of seven years, Kathleen Ness, who will miss him dearly. Hank is predeceased by his father Walter (1982), and mother, Maria (2004), brother Glenn (1942), sister Theresa Davies (1990), and brother Roy “Sykes” (2000), daughter Judy Mae (1966). Hank is survived by five children -- Art, Alan (Debbie), Karen, Dean (Sandy), and Bonnie Plett (Cameron). He is also survived by his siblings -- Robert (Gertie), Chester (Elzaida), Reva Ziegler (Alec), June Remi, Leonard (Kim), and Kenneth (Kathy). Hank will also be missed by his step son, Rhett, eleven grandchildren, six great grand children, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Prayers will be held at Courtney Winter’s Funeral Home on Thursday, September 18, 2008 at 7:00 pm. A celebration of Hank’s life will be held at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church on Friday, September 19 at 11 -- 00 am. Reception will follow at the Wayne Community Centre. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wayne Community Association -- Box 862 Rosedale, Alberta T0J 2V0. Courtney Winter’s Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements.
FOX -- Lillian “Lily”
Lillian “Lily” Fox, originally of Carbon, AB, passed away at the Drumheller Health Care Centre on September 9, 2008, at the age of 90 years. Lily will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Carol Ann and numerous other family members and friends. She was predeceased by her husband Alfred in 1997. Lily was born and raised in the Carbon area. She married Alfred in 1951 and continued to reside there where they raised their Daughter Carol Ann. Lily moved to the Drumheller Health Centre in 2003 and was an active participant in the various activities offered such as painting, cooking, music and outings. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Marie Potter and the nursing staff at The Care Centre for their care and compassion of Lily over the last five years. A Celebration of Lily’s Life was held in the Chapel of MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERAL HOME, Calgary, AB, on Friday, September 12, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. Arrangements entrusted to MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY, 1605 - 100 Street SE, (17th Ave SE and Garden Rd) Calgary, AB. Telephone (403) 272 - 5555.
GOGOL -- Nicholas
Nicholas Gogol was born Melville, Sask. on September 26, 1919. He is survived by his wife Irene of 65 years, son Gerald (Peggy) Gogol, Lucille (Terry) Hampton, Sharon (Ed) Bremer, Leon Gogol, Grandchildren Darren (Tamara) Gogol, Lisa (Greg) Anderson, Lyle (Brandi) Hampton Shawna Bremer, Kari (Trevor) Holder, and Karli Gogol, and great grandchildren Jeffrey and Amber Anderson and Grace and Sara Gogol. He is also survived by his sisters Helen (Hugh) Carpenter, Lillian (Floyd) Anderson, and Carol (Larry) Kohsel. Predeceased by his brother Felix. Nick started school at Amsterdam, Sask. With all the moving his family did he also attended school at Bassano, Parkland, Rowley, and Rumsey, Alberta. In 1940 he went to Camrose for basic training in the army. Later, he worked on a farm at Indus which is where he met his wife. They came to the Rumsey area to farm in 1944. Nick served as a councillor for the M.D. of Starland for two terms and also was a life member of the B.P.O.E. No. 147, Big Valley Lodge. Being with family and friends was always very important to Nick. We will all miss him dearly. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Drumheller Continuing Care Centre in honour of Nick’s memory. A memorial service will be held at the Rumsey Hall on Wednesday, September 17 at 11:00 a.m.
JONES -- Al
Al was born on Valentine’s Day in 1921 In Nova Scotia. He passed away August 20, 2008. Memorial service, Monday August 25, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Sherwood Park United Church.
After spending the morning with his son, Bob and the afternoon with his best friend, Dorothy, Al died in his sleep on Wednesday, August 20, 2008. Al spent twenty years in the Navy then worked for AGT for as many years again. Up until very recently he lived a good life full of activities with good friends and family. He was a good man and was loved by many. Al was predeceased by his loving wife, Claire and his sister, Beth. He is survived by his sons, Wayne (Peggy), Bob, Greg (Gail) and Terry (Marilyn); seven grandchildren; Tony, Carrie, Mark, Craig, Andrea, Nikki and Ali; four great grandchildren, Mitchell, Noah, Joel and Camryn. Albert is also survived by his sister Annie Russell of Drumheller; cousin May Quinn and the Hutchinson clan back home. In lieu of flowers, people are asked to donate to their favorite charity.
POWELL -- Douglas George
Long time valley resident, Doug Powell, died in Drumheller at the age of 68 years after a lengthy illness. Doug was born and raised as one of 8 siblings of a coal mining family in Midland. In 1960 he joined the army with aspirations to see the world and was sent to Germany where he solidified great life-long friendships with the “Army Buddies”. His time overseas was prominent nostalgia material all through his life and the adventures there painted the picture of a man who was not only a good soldier, but a student of the world. Doug worked every type of job in the book and was prized for his hard work, work ethic and loyalty. In 1965, at a fateful dance in Jenner, he met the woman he would marry. Jean caught his eye as a spinsterly school marm with one heck of a sense of fun. He was hooked! They married in 1966 and settled in Drumheller, which Doug always claimed was the most beautiful place on earth. They brought about two children, Craig and Carla, who were the objects of tons of love, affection and play from a proud dad. Doug’s focus was always on family and he worked more than he should have to ensure his kids got the education that he never had and were set to take on the world. Doug was trained as a floor layer and together with Jean, they opened their own business. Through their life together, they owned two businesses, DJ Decorating and DJ Fashions Ladies Wear. He was also a familiar face around Macleod’s and the consortium, where he worked until his retirement. Doug was known for his love of flowers and spent many an hour cultivating his backyard paradise. He enjoyed camping with his family and long fire-side chats, playing ceaselessly with his children, going for Sunday drives and ice cream and visiting with friends. In the past few years, Doug found a special camaraderie with the ‘boys’ at the Legion, who are sure to miss all the baking that he plied on them, and also with his cousin Ronnie who was an almost daily companion in the garden and around town. Doug was a bit of a medical miracle and survived 16 years beyond his first prognosis and many years beyond his 2nd, 3rd, 4th , etc prognoses! If we live our lives with one tenth of Doug’s will to live, we will never die. Doug’s final day was spent shopping and puttering in the garden; he was fine and happy. That night, he died in his daughter’s arms, safe and loved, and simply. His gentlemanly ways, sweetness, sense of humour, generosity, wisdom and guidance will be sorrowfully missed by his daughter Carla. Douglas will be missed by his two remaining brothers, John (Margaret) and Richard (Pierrette) as well as many friends and relatives. There is a hole left in Drumheller that was once filled by a brood of Powell’s. This was Doug’s town and the valley walls have taken on a different sheen with his passing. He was predeceased by his wife Jean and son Craig who were sure to be waiting for him on the flip-side. Funeral services were held at Knox United Church on September 15th. In lieu of flowers, charitable donations may be made to the Royal Canadian Legion #22, Box 147, Drumheller, AB, T0J 0Y0.
TOSHACH -- Mary Jane 1928 - 2008
On September 7, 2008 Jane Toshach of Brentwood Bay passed away at the age of 80 years, her husband Ean predeceased her in 2001. She will be lovingly remembered by her twin brother Ian of London, England and a sister, Anne of Cornwall, England; her children, all of Edmonton, Ann (Greg), Jill (Orest) and Eric (Dawn) as well as four grandchildren, Jennifer, Jason, Ian and Bryant. The family would like to thank Kelly, her caregiver, as she was like a daughter to Jane and Dr. J. Forster who was a good friend and a devoted physician. Service of remembrance was held at Sequoia Gardens Memorial, 4665 Falaise Drive, Monday September 15, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Sequoia Gardens Memorial 250-658-6202.
BREAKEY (Pete) Frank Keam April 9, 1918 – July 10, 2008
On July 10, at 1:00 a.m. Frank (Pete) Keam Breakey peacefully passed away at 90 years of age. He is survived by his three daughters, Bonnie (Childs), Beverly (Deschenes), and Brenda (Johnson). He was predeceased by his wife Edith (Agnew) of 53 years of marriage and his brother Al. Pete was born in Toronto, Ontario and received his education in Napinka, Manitoba. He farmed in Manitoba and later moved to Edmonton, Alberta in 1952 to raise his family and became a successful realtor/businessman. In 2001, he retired to Drumheller, Alberta. Pete served in World War II as a Company Sergeant-Major with the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders. He was a highly decorated war hero with his highest award being the DCM (Distinguished Conduct Medal for Bravery) received for his role in the Battle of Normandy. He was a deeply devoted man who always put his family first and cared for his wife tirelessly until her death. He will be lovingly remembered by Bonnie, Beverly and Brenda and their respective families and friends. The family would like to thank the continuing care staff at the Drumheller Health Centre for taking such good care of our Dad in the later stages of his dementia. We would also like to thank Charolotte Chernoff for all the kindness, teas, and baking, but most of all the time she spent with him. A Celebration of Pete’s Life will be held at Drumheller United Church, 3 Avenue and 3 Street, Drumheller, AB on Saturday, August 23, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Queens Own Cameron Highlanders of Canada Museum, Minto Armoury, 969 St. Matthews Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3G 0J7 or Alzheimer Society of Alberta & NWT, 10531 – Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 4K1. FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM. Telephone -- 403-297-0888. Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial.
KIMMELRaymond Fred November 8, 1927 - August 16, 2008
Ray was born in Acme, Alberta, the firstborn of seven siblings to Fred and Lydia Kimmel. He grew up on his parent’s farm near Three Hills and worked for farmers until he was 21. He then married and in 1948, moved to Drumheller, working for the CPR section, and the mine in East Coulee, while building his first farm. When the mine shut down in 1957, he moved with his family to the Brooks area and purchased ½ section of land. While working in the elevator in Millicent he was building up his second farm. When the elevator shut down he was finally a full time farmer. His first wife Charlotte passed away in 1981. He then married Lillian Schmidt and after 30 years, sold his second farm and moved to the Nightingale area, starting over, building yet another smaller farm of 5 acres. He was predeceased by his mother, father, brother Bob, sister Dorothy Viola, an infant son Kenneth Jerald in 1951, his first wife of 32 years, Charlotte, daughter Teresa Louise McQuaker in 1998, and daughter Donna Charmaine Walter in 1999. He is survived and sadly missed by his loving wife Lillian, of 27 years, three brothers, Gordon of Strathmore, Lloyd (Wally) of Camrose, Dennis (Rosemary) of Airdrie, one sister, Beatrice Schaffer of Bassano, three stepsons, Terry of Calgary, Bob (Lois) of Millicent, Darryl (Darlene) of Medicine Hat, two daughters and two sons, Bev (Rob) Callow of Bragg Creek, Nadine (Dave) Young of Penhold, Howard (June) of Magrath, and Harvey of Medicine Hat as well as many nieces and nephews, twelve grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. He will be remembered as a hard working man full of compassion, patience, honesty and love for his wife Lillian especially, his family, his farm and animals. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, August 20, 2008 at Lord Of All Lutheran Church (Strathmore) at 2:00 p.m.
POZZOLO -- Douglas Leonard November 24, 1957 - August 18, 2008
Services to be held at a later date.
