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SPENCER -- James (Jim) Ernest November 16, 1925 - August 12, 2008
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of James Ernest Spencer (Jim) on August 12, 2008 at the Agape Hospice, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 82. Jim left us peacefully with his loving companion and caregiver Bonnie Baynes by his side. Jim was born and raised in Drumheller and joined the Navy at age 17, serving several tours of duty on the HMCS Royal Mount. He met June Schaffer Monbouquette in Sydney, Nova Scotia, while stationed in Halifax during World War ll. They were married in Calgary on March 1, 1946 and made their home in Drumheller until 1951 when they moved to Calgary. Jim and his wife moved to a ranch north of Cochrane in 1979 and moved back into Cochrane in 1992. Jim lost his wife in late 1998 after 53 years of marriage and continued to live in Cochrane until his passing. He was a master painter and decorator for over 40 years, 30 of those years owning his own business. He was also very adept at a variety of trades but excelled at wood working. He loved hunting and most of all his hunting dogs. He enjoyed his time spent with his friends at the Cochrane Legion and at various senior outings, going to Stage West, playing Crib and in typical Jim fashion, cracking jokes. He was a wonderful caring person who just loved life, his friends and family and made everyone laugh with his humor and quick wit. “Jim, you were a good man” and will be dearly missed. Jim was predeceased by his wife June, mother Mattie, father Ernie, and two sisters; Joan and Sena. He is survived by his son Donald Spencer (Cheryl), grandchildren Derek and Blaire, nephew Jim Clark (Kelly), niece Melody Sheddy (Ossie), niece Kathy Roth (Faron) and their daughter Sydney and numerous other relatives. A celebration of Jim’s life was held at the St. Andrew’s United Church, 128 - 1 St. E., in Cochrane, Ab on Monday, August 18 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception at the Cochrane Royal Canadian Legion. If friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and also the Agape’ Hospice. Many thanks to the nurses and staff at the Foothills Hospital - Special Services Unit 46 for your loving care and the nurses and volunteers at the Agape Hospice, who made Jim’s final days as peaceful as possible. Your acts of kindness and exceptional care will be truly remembered and are greatly appreciated.
Armitage -- Joan Mary Ann July 03, 1945 - September 09, 2008
Joan Armitage passed away at the age of 63 years at Three Hills Hospital after a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer. Joan was born in Winnipeg and was the only child of Henry and Mildred Smith (Gable). She started kindergarten and attended grades one and two at Margaret Scott School. At the age of eight her family moved to a different house about nine blocks away and she started grade three at another school just around the corner and attended until grade six where she met two of her dearest friends Marge and Phyllis and after 50 plus years they are friends to this day. When finishing elementary school Joan went to Aberdeen Junior High and then to Sisler and St. Johns High Schools. Joan met Wayne in June 1960 and became “an item“. They were married at St. Johns United Church in Winnipeg in March of 1964. They had four children, Randy and Brenda born in Winnipeg, Patrick born in Flin Flon, Manitoba and Kelly born in Lynn Lake, Manitoba. They moved to Lynn Lake in June 1968 where Wayne worked in the mine until he got an electrical apprenticeship. They lived in Lynn Lake (sometimes called heaven) until the summer of 1974 when they moved to Fort McMurray, Alberta where they worked and raised their children. While in Fort McMurray, Joan worked at St. Paul’s Elementary School for 19 years as a librarian. They moved to Three Hills in June of 1995. All the children had left home by then so they had a big house and no kids. Upon arriving in Three Hills she took a position at Greentree Elementary School in Drumheller and drove back and forth for almost ten years. After leaving Greentree Elementary, Joan met several new friends that she wasn’t able to do while spending long days in Drumheller and then driving home. She also had some great friends in Drumheller but found it difficult living in one town and working in another. You could never spend the time doing “friend” things in either place. When Wayne and Joan moved to Three Hills, they also moved both their mothers from Winnipeg. Wayne’s mother is in Trochu and Joan’s mother is in Three Hills. Joan learned that she really enjoyed golfing and one of her favorite times was camping and golfing at Rosebud. She also did a little curling when she was able and at both the curling and golf clubs she made even more friends and acquaintances. Gardening was also one of her passions and she took pride in having her yard look nice. Over the years she volunteered as a secretary to the home and school in Fort McMurray, coached power skating, helped with the Junior Forest Wardens, and acted as secretary for the Fort McMurray Hospital Auxiliary and volunteered in Three Hills on the Library Board. She enjoyed doing crafts, woodworking, tole painting, and was extremely talented at all of them. She was a very organized and creative woman. Joan was an only child and for her the very absolute most important thing in her life was her family which included her dog “Murphy.” Joan was predeceased by her father Henry in 1958, and son-in-law, Scott in 1992. She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Wayne, son Randy (Kelly) of Ottawa, daughter Brenda of Ottawa, son Patrick (Cathy) of Grande Prairie, and son Kelly (Shaunna) of Calgary, and her mother Mildred. She is also survived by 11 Grandchildren. The interment of Joan’s ashes took place at Three Hills Cemetery and her Memorial Service took place Monday, September 15, 2008 at 2 P.M. at Knox United Church in Three Hills. She will be deeply missed by her family and friends. As a tribute to Joan, a tree will be planted at Three Hills Golf Course. Arrangements in care of SUNSET FUNERAL SERVICE, Linden, AB, 403-546-3903.
CUNNINGHAM -- Patricia Lynn 1958 - 2008
It is with great sorrow and heavy hearts we announce the recent passing of our daughter Patty on August 31, 2008 in Duncan, B.C. a place she called home for many years. Her funeral was held in Duncan on September 3. If friends so desire a memorial tribute will be held on Saturday, September 27 at 2 p.m. in the Rosedale Hall to celebrate her life.
Don, Flora and family.
KIPLING -- Clarence Emmit
passed away quietly, at peace, on September 16, 2008, twenty days shy of his 94th birthday at the Health Centre in Drumheller, Alberta. Beloved husband of Ethel Irene (2004) since their marriage on January 6, 1937. Clarence leaves three sons, one daughter and ten grandchildren to mourn his passing; son Gerald (the late Thelma) of Hudson Bay, and grandchildren, Denis (Donelda) and Bonnie (Norman Belchamber); son Lloyd (Karen) of Drumheller and grandson Jasen (Kera); son Dwaine (Betty) of Drumheller and grandsons Terry (Heather) and Bille (Jenn) daughter Lynn (Scott Morphy) of Saskatoon and grandchildren Darcy (Kimberly), Sarah, Candace (Eric Horner), Daniel and Allison. Clarence was blessed with nine great-grandchildren, Mark, Landon, Rebecca, Xander, Raiden, Connor, Hayley, Tyson and Chloe. Clarence arrived in this world on October 6, 1914, on the Melfort-area family farm in Saskatchewan. He was born to Frank and Geneva, with four brothers (Archie, Lloyd, Elmer and Jim) and one sister (Marie), all of whom predeceased him. Growing up on the family farm in Melfort, farming became a treasured way of life for him, continuing on into his adult years at Weekes until his retirement. Clarence was much more than a farmer and had stints as a trucker, owner of a pool hall and a restaurant. His love for the outdoors ran deep, enjoying hunting, trapping, fishing and, in later life, riding his quad in the woods. He was a handyman, loving to repair things and never letting anything go to waste. His carbon footprint was very small indeed. Clarence will be dearly missed by his family and friends. He was an interesting storyteller with a memory full of humorous tales that he loved to share with all. He was an avid pool player, as well as card player, and spent his time with Ethel enjoying the companionship of the Pioneer Centre since their move to Drumheller in 1996. His final years were clouded by the loss of Ethel, but he is at rest now that he has joined her. So long Dad, and until we meet again. Special thanks to Dr. Graham and the excellent staff at the Drumheller Continuing Care Centre for their kind attention. (A memorial service and interment of ashes will be held for both Clarence and Ethel at 1 p.m. on September 27, 2008, at the Cemetery in Melfort, Saskatchewan, followed by a get together at the Royal Canadian Legion.)
TREACY -- Willard Clark August 7, 1942 - September 16, 2008
Bill Treacy, beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away at the Drumheller hospital on September 16, 2008. He is survived by Elsie Treacy, his wife of 46 years, daughter Shelley (Jim) Keough, sons Calvin (Oksana) Treacy and Mitchell (Rhonda) Treacy, and seven grandchildren -- Emily and Madeline Keough; Samantha, Alex and Melissa Treacy; Cade and Abbey Treacy; Tim Mandel, who was like a son to him; sisters Darlene (Leroy) Fandry, Gwen (Ralph) Hodgins, Connie Leroy, Val (Elmer) Keats and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Jim and Margaret Treacy. From early childhood, Bill was wholeheartedly committed to farming. He married his high school sweetheart, Elsie, and together they dedicated their lives to raising their crops and their family on Indian Springs Farms in the Wintering Hills area. Bill’s successful farm and family were his pride and joy. Bill was humorous, sociable and outspoken. He accumulated many friends and enjoyed the fellowship of the Big Country Shrine Club. After many years of hard work on the farm, Bill and Elsie had recently spent winters in their motor home in Arizona, golfing and entertaining many old and new friends. Bill was a passionate man, who took to golf late in life with the same determination that he applied to farming and everything that he did, including his battles with cancer. During his illness, he especially cherished the simple pleasure of his grandchildrens’ company. Bill’s family would like to thank Dr. Racz and the many compassionate and supportive volunteers, nurses and doctors who cared for him. A “Celebration of Bill’s Life” was held at the Hussar Community Hall on September 22, 2008 at 2 pm. Memorial donations may be made to Hussar Cemetery Fund (Box 100, Hussar, AB T0J 1S0) or the Drumheller Community Cancer Centre (351 9th St. N.W., Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y1). Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel of Drumheller entrusted with arrangements.
Mandziak -- Doreen
On September 23, 2008 at the Drumheller Hospital, Doreen’s struggle with cancer ended. Doreen was predeceased by her husband Nick. She is survived by her children Laura-Jean (Nordal), Barry, Darcy and Glenda (Todd) Rutter; her grandchildren Jennifer, Robert, Noah and Nicholas; great-grandchild Justice; sister Shirley and nieces. A service was held on September 29, 2008 at Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Drumheller Hospital Palliative Care -- to continue to support families in the future. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel of Drumheller entrusted with arrangements.
The Saunders family would like to thank you for your thoughts and prayers. A private service will be held for Richard at a later date. The family have asked you to please respect their privacy at this traumatic time. Rest in peace.
HOPE -- Muriel Elaine
Muriel Elaine Hope (nee Peterson) passed away peacefully in her home, at the age of 81 years, on Monday, October 6, 2008. Muriel Elaine Hope was one of four children born on the family farm to Jane and Ernest Peterson. She attended a one room schoolhouse in Hesketh and completed grade 12 by correspondence. She also attended Olds Agricultural College. In 1948 she moved to Calgary where she worked in the Eaton’s department store, and it was there that she met Derek Hope. They were married in 1951 and moved to Edmonton where they lived for 12 years and had five children. Then in 1963 they moved to an acreage near DeWinton and the following year moved to Calgary. She worked for many years with children in a Day Care centre. In 1976, after the death of her husband, Derek, she began University, completing a four year Bachelor of Education degree in a little over three years. She then taught at Christopher Robin School, a private school, for 14 years. She was a very dedicated teacher and poured many hours and much energy into the development and advancement of her students. After retirement she moved to Drumheller in January of 2002. She was presently residing in Maple Ridge Manor II, at the time of her death. She was predeceased by her husband Derek, her son Geoffrey, her daughter Rachel and her granddaughter, Melinda Heffernan. Muriel is survived by her daughters Susan (Dennis) Berdahl of Hesketh, Linda (BJ) Sauer of Penticton, BC, her son Stephen (Anju) Hope of Airdrie, eight Grandchildren and nine Great Grandchildren. Muriel is also survived by her brother Jack (Robina) Peterson, sisters Rita Stewart and May (Ellis) McClure. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fellowship Baptist Church for the Shoe Box program, which was very dear to her heart. The Funeral was held at Fellowship Baptist Church on Friday, October 10, 2008 at 1:30 pm.
LENZ -- Laurie Karen April 5, 1950 – October 3, 2008
It is with deep sadness that we inform you of Laurie’s passing after a long and courageous battle with cancer. While our grief is great, our appreciation of her many qualities and the positive influence she had on the lives she touched is equally as great. Laurie was born in Calgary on April 5, 1950 and passed away in Calgary on October 3, 2008. She is survived by her daughter Jennifer Worman (Jamie), grandson Aiden, son Jamie Worman, father Jim Lenz, stepmother Bernice Lenz, and brother Ron Lenz (Arlone). She was predeceased by her mother Flora Merrill Lenz, infant brother Gregory Mark Lenz, grandparents, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Laurie attended the University of Calgary studying and graduating in Education and Social Science. After a brief time in the teaching profession, she became a counsellor for AADAC in Drumheller helping many clients. Her last occupation was Parole Officer with Corrections Canada at the Drumheller Institution. Laurie was a lover of the arts; literature, poetry, music, and art. She loved the beauties and wonders of Nature and the joy and rewards of gardening. Laurie was a devoted daughter, sister, parent, grandparent, and friend to many whose lives she touched. During the last months, her spirits were lifted to lofty levels because of her relationship with her grandson Aiden. “I could tell where the lamplighter was by the trail he left behind him.” H. Lauder. Laurie’s trail is strewn with everlasting beauty and goodness. We appreciate the care given to Laurie by medical personnel over the long period of her courageous battle. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 - 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone -- (403) 521-3433 or to a charity of the donor’s choice. A Memorial Service will be held at the East Coulee School Museum on Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. To email expressions of sympathy -- ccl@hffs.com, subject heading -- Laurie Lenz. HERITAGE FUNERAL SERVICES “Calgary Crematorium Chapel” Telephone -- (403) 299-0111
Vockeroth -- Ted May 3, 1936 – October 6, 2008
We are saddened to announce the unexpected passing of Ted Vockeroth. Born in Drumheller, Alberta, Ted moved to Rossland, BC in the late seventies to work with his brother Don at Red Mountain and later became well known there for his construction and roofing work and involvement in Rotary. A lifelong scholar, he could often be found curled up with a good book and a piece of baking. He enjoyed life through his university studies, mountaineering and skiing, the outdoors and reading. We will remember him most for his kind and gentle soul. He is survived by his loving partner Joan Scholz of Montrose, children Sandy (Steve), Kerrie (Darren) and Chris (Meagan) on Vancouver Island, brothers Don (Sheila) of Rossland, Wayne (Jackie) and Terry (Peg) in Alberta, numerous nieces and nephews throughout Alberta and BC. He was predeceased by brother Larry (Kathy) and son Rod. A celebration of Ted’s life will be held at the Montrose Community Hall on Sunday, November 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. Bill Clark of Personal Alternative Funeral Services is entrusted with arrangements. Joan said it best for us all -- “We had a good life but it was too short.”
WILTON -- Douglas Arthur May 8,1931 - October 1, 2008
Doug Wilton passed away on Wednesday, October 1 in Kelowna General Hospital at the age of 77 years. Doug was born and raised in Drumheller. He received his schooling in Drumheller. Doug worked in the trucking industry for many years. He was involved in many sporting groups and was a member of The Drumheller Miner’s Hockey Team, taking the part of trainer and equipment manager very seriously. One of the highlights of Doug’s life was being able to attend the induction of his beloved Miners into the Alberta Hockey Hall of Fame in June of 2008. Doug and Doris moved to B.C. in 1980 where he became very involved in community organizations. He was an avid Lake Country Lions Club member. He served in many roles in the club including two terms as President, and was chosen ‘Lion of the Year’. His most coveted honour is the Judge Brian Stevenson award for service to his community. This dedication made Doug a very special person to the people and his community. No job was too big or too small for Doug to take on and see through to the end, with great ambition. Doug and Doris were also very involved in the Horseshoe Club and won many awards at local, provincial and national level. They were always happy to arrange the Horseshoe tournaments at family reunions and made sure everyone who wanted to play were able to do so no matter what age. Doug leaves behind to mourn his loss, his wife Doris; children, sons, Ken, Dale (Allana), Rob (Kathy), Lonnie (Debbie), Pat (Joanne) and Shane (Lynn) and daughter Julie; his brothers, Jim (Frances), Bill, Ken and Gord (Shirley) of Drumheller and Bob (Marie) of Kelowna, B.C; sister, Barb Campbell of Drumheller; nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild and numerous nieces and nephews. Doug was predeceased by his parents, Mabel and Bill; and sister Bonnie Smith. A Celebration of Doug’s life will be held on Saturday, October 25 at 1:00 p.m. at the Senior Center in Winfield, B.C.
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.
SPENCER -- James (Jim) Ernest November 16, 1925 - August 12, 2008
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of James Ernest Spencer (Jim) on August 12, 2008 at the Agape Hospice, after a courageous battle with cancer at the age of 82. Jim left us peacefully with his loving companion and caregiver Bonnie Baynes by his side. Jim was born and raised in Drumheller and joined the Navy at age 17, serving several tours of duty on the HMCS Royal Mount. He met June Schaffer Monbouquette in Sydney, Nova Scotia, while stationed in Halifax during World War ll. They were married in Calgary on March 1, 1946 and made their home in Drumheller until 1951 when they moved to Calgary. Jim and his wife moved to a ranch north of Cochrane in 1979 and moved back into Cochrane in 1992. Jim lost his wife in late 1998 after 53 years of marriage and continued to live in Cochrane until his passing. He was a master painter and decorator for over 40 years, 30 of those years owning his own business. He was also very adept at a variety of trades but excelled at wood working. He loved hunting and most of all his hunting dogs. He enjoyed his time spent with his friends at the Cochrane Legion and at various senior outings, going to Stage West, playing Crib and in typical Jim fashion, cracking jokes. He was a wonderful caring person who just loved life, his friends and family and made everyone laugh with his humor and quick wit. “Jim, you were a good man” and will be dearly missed. Jim was predeceased by his wife June, mother Mattie, father Ernie, and two sisters; Joan and Sena. He is survived by his son Donald Spencer (Cheryl), grandchildren Derek and Blaire, nephew Jim Clark (Kelly), niece Melody Sheddy (Ossie), niece Kathy Roth (Faron) and their daughter Sydney and numerous other relatives. A celebration of Jim’s life was held at the St. Andrew’s United Church, 128 - 1 St. E., in Cochrane, Ab on Monday, August 18 at 1:00 p.m. with a reception at the Cochrane Royal Canadian Legion. If friends so desire, memorial tributes can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society and also the Agape’ Hospice. Many thanks to the nurses and staff at the Foothills Hospital - Special Services Unit 46 for your loving care and the nurses and volunteers at the Agape Hospice, who made Jim’s final days as peaceful as possible. Your acts of kindness and exceptional care will be truly remembered and are greatly appreciated.
