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JOHN WITHERSPOON
2008
On the morning of Sunday, August 10, 2008, John Craig Witherspoon passed away with his wife by his side. John courageously fought a 10 month battle with cancer.
John is survived by his wife Gail; family Michael and Lynette, Heather and granddaughters Chloe and Ellary.
John was born in Portage la Prairie. He grew up in Estevan and Regina, Saskatchewan before joining the RCMP in November 1967. Graduating with Troop 23 in the spring of 1968, John’s first posting was in Claresholm, Alberta where he met the love of his life, Gail. He had 8 further postings across the country, ultimately returning to Lethbridge, Alberta where he retired in 2005. During his 37.5 year career with the RCMP, he received many awards and medals recognizing his accomplishments and the respect he had with the police force.
As an active Lions member for 30 years, John maintained various roles and responsibilities through numerous districts. He ended his commitment with the Lions as the MD37 Secretary-Treasurer. His main focus with the Lions was with the Dog Guide’s School in Ontario and the Sight First Campaign. John’s commitment to the community and his goodwill to fellow citizens will echo for years to come.
John was a beloved husband, father and grandpa. Married to Gail for 38 years, their love and strength grew stronger with each passing moment. He exemplified unconditional love as a father and was dearly loved by his granddaughters as “Papa”.
A funeral service will be held at the FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH, 1614 – 5 Avenue S, Lethbridge, Thursday, August 14th at 10:30 am with Pastor John Dozois officiating.
In lieu of flowers, blood donations may be made to any Canadian Blood Service. Donations may also be sent to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, 480 University Avenue, Suite 1502, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 1V2 or Lions Foundation of Canada Sight First Campaign II, 152 Wilson Street, Oakville, Ontario.
LYLE WARD-SHADE/ALYSSHA CROSS CHILD
1980 - 2008 1985 - 2008
It is with heartfelt sadness that the families of LYLE (SWIFT HAWK) ROBERT WARD-SHADE and ALYSSHA JUSTINE CROSS CHILD announce the sudden passing of their children on Sunday July 27, 2008. They leave behind their precious children Kenzy Madison and LaDainian Bren whom they cherished and loved dearly.
Lyle was born in Calgary on January 24, 1980 to the parents of Robert Shade and Arlene Ward. He spent his first few years living in Calgary and then moved to his Paternal Grandparents home on the Blood Reserve where he was given the opportunity to grow up with his extended family. At the age of twelve, he moved with his parents to Albuqurque, New Mexico. Although it was difficult to move from his family and friends, he took this experience as an adventure. He moved home when he was about to enter high school and received his education at both Kainai and Cardston High Schools. Lyle had aspirations to pursue post secondary education in the field of Import Automotives. He delayed his educational plans to devote his time to raising his children which he considered his priority. In 2004 he returned to Calgary, where his family life began, and where he continued to reside until his passing.
Lyle leaves behind his parents, grandparents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and many friends too numerous to mention.
Alyssha was born at St. Michaels Hospital in Lethbridge on March 18, 1985. She was the youngest daughter to Larried Cross Child and Judy Crazy Boy (Evan Melting Tallow Jr.), sister to Tashina (Keith), and Kristy (Barney), and brothers Jules and Brent (Jennifer) Smith, Grandparents William and Justine Cross Child and Anna Mad Man of Browning, Montana, Uncle and Auntie Dusty & Beulah Smith whom she took as her parents and their children Frank, Ben and Dustin (Jenny) Smith.
Alyssha attended K5 in Standoff where she was crowned the K5 Princess. She attended school at WA Day, St. Patricks and Father Van Tighem Schools. Alyssha completed her high school at Catholic Central High School where she graduated in 2003 with Lyle as her escort. It was at this time that Alyssha began her loving relationship with Lyle. Alyssha and Lyle moved to Calgary where she took on multiple employment and began her family life with Lyle until her passing.
The Family Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB. on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 5:00 P.M.
The Wake Service will be held at OLD AGENCY HALL, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, August 5, 2008 and commencing at 7:00 P.M. and continuing through the evening.
Funeral Mass will be Celebrated at OLD AGENCY HALL, Blood Reserve on Wednesday, August 6, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Bernard Pinsonneault Celebrant.
Interment to follow at Our Lady of Fatima Cemetery (Cross Child Family Plot) located on the Blood Reserve.
JUDITH WILLIAMS
2008
JUDITH LEA WILLIAMS, beloved wife of Dennis Williams, of Lethbridge passed away at home on Friday, July 25, 2008 at the age of 61 years.
Besides her loving husband, she is survived by her children; David (Sheri), Denise, Mark and Orin Williams, two grandchildren Brynn & Braith, her mother Joan Jessop, and aunt and friend Violet Addison.
She was predeceased by Bill Taylor (father) and by George Jessop.
Judith Lea Williams was born and raised in Calgary It was there that she met her husband Dennis and they raised four children. Judy couldn’t wait to have grandchildren. She looked forward to her turn to say yes to everything and spoil them. Judy accomplished this in “Spades”. She was an amazing grandmother, second only to her outstanding job as a mother. Judy was surrounded by her husband and children at the time of her death and will be missed by everyone.
At the request of Judy, there will be no funeral service.
In memory of Judy Williams, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, Thrift Store, 1249-3rd Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 0K1.
CRIGHTON WATERFIELD
1963 - 2008
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Megan Louise Crighton Waterfield, on Wednesday, July 2, 2008.
Megan was born on February 18, 1963, in Lethbridge, Alberta. She was the chosen daughter of Marolyn and Tom Crighton.
Megan leaves to mourn her passing, husband David Waterfield, son, Shawn Sibbet, daughter, Natacha (Gordon Kindt), son, Brandon Nyquist, granddaughter, Savanah Megan Kindt, and mother, Marolyn Crighton all of Lethbridge, three sisters Debra (Rod Semenchuk), Calgary, Lisa (Keith Holmes) and Michelle Crighton (Sandra Strangman), Edmonton, plus numerous nieces and nephews.
Megan was predeceased by her father, Thomas Crighton and by her grandparents Thomas and Gladys Crighton and Gerald and Lisbeth Snow.
Megan had a wicked sense of humor and an amazing artistic ability. Megan loved people and music. But Megan’s shining star was the birth of her only grandchild Savanah Megan, her namesake.
Rest in Peace Megan.
A Celebration of Megan’s Life will be held at Cornerstone Funeral HOME, 2800 Mayor magrath Drive south, Lethbridge on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at 1:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Foothills Fetal Alcohol Society, #103 309 1st Street SW, Box 5146, High River, Alberta T1V 1M3.
LYNN WENSVEEN
2008
It is with great regret and sorrow we announce the sudden passing away of LYNN LARAE WENSVEEN, beloved wife of Richard John Wensveen, mother of Justin Richard and Jordan Lynn of Milk River and step-mother of Chelsey Renee Wensveen of Lethbridge in Milk River on Tuesday, June 24, 2008 at the age of 37 years.
Lynn was the “sunshine” in the lives of her family. Her smile and upbeat nature was a true wonder in life that she brought to all who knew her. Born and raised in Milk River, she enjoyed her farm up bringing a great deal. The youngest child of three, she excelled in keeping pace with her beloved brother Robert and Sister Kathy. She was always ready and willing to help out on the farm and in any task anyone asked of her. Lynn had a genuine love of animals, especially dogs. She was a member of the Milk River 4H Beef Club from 8 to 18 years of age. She attended elementary and high school in Milk River, excelling in sports, especially volleyball which she enjoyed playing very much. After graduation she attended Lethbridge Community College- Communication Arts Program. This set the stage for a 10 year career in the Brokerage industry, most recently working as a U.S. Customs Broker and Manager of Livingston International. Lynn had many friends in the brokerage industry and at United States and Canadian Customs. She was well respected by her co-workers and peers. During her time living in Sunburst, Montana she enjoyed working as a Girl Scout leader. This allowed her to explore the outdoors even more. Her love for camping was one way she experienced the wonder of God through creation. She was an awesome wife and mother and enjoyed taking care of her family a great deal. She received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and her whole life excelled to a level seen in few individuals. Her faith and “Church Family” were a center point in her life. She will be missed immensely by her loved ones. Lynn will always live in our hearts.
Lynn is survived by her parents Bob and Linda Thompson of Milk River, sister Kathy (Leonard) Halmrast and daughter Airieanna of Calgary, brother Robert (Linda) Thompson and their sons Anthony and Michael of Warner, grandmother Ethelena Thompson of Milk River, and many uncles, aunts and cousins. She is also survived by her parents-in-laws John and Margaret Wensveen and family.
A Funeral Service will be held at ST. PETER’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 309 Main Street, Milk River on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Pastor Keith Dangerfield officiating.
Cremation to follow.
GILBERT WOLF PLUME
2008
The Creator called home GILBERT FRANKLIN WOLF PLUME suddenly on Thursday, May 6, 2008, in Calgary, AB.
Gilbert, who chose his grandfather’s name, Makoyiisaapo’pa, was a caring and kind-hearted person who would give the shirt off his back to people who asked. He was a man who took on many challenges in his all-too-short 53 years of life. In his younger years, Gilbert had many accomplishments including the sport of boxing. He fought in both Canada and the USA in representing the Blood reserve. His fighting spirit deeply reflected his namesake: Wolf Plume. Like the wolf, whose plume rose when angry or defending those within its circle, Gilbert fiercely defended his sisters, and later his own family, but he also had another side to him of that of an extremely compassionate, humble and generous man. His devotion to his family, relatives and friends was felt when Gilbert attended picnics, birthdays and other family gatherings. His teasing and joking always went back and forth with members of his family and friends. One time, at a powwow in Peigan, Gilbert was walking with his hands in his pockets and he kicked at what he thought was a clump of mud, but it was a rock, and he fell to the ground with both hands still in his pockets. A group of young Piikuni children who saw him fall ran to him, concerned, and asked: “Are you okay grandpa?” Gilbert never heard the end of that experience. He would laugh and just say, “Haa-iiyaa.”
In his later years, Gilbert decided to return to school. His educational achievements already included an advanced High School Diploma in 1993, and a certificate of achievement in 1993 from Red Crow Community College. In 2001, Gilbert walked to the podium at the University of Lethbridge’s Convocation ceremonies, and with an eagle feather in his hand, proudly accepted his Bachelor of Arts & Sciences degrees in Psychology and Native American Studies. He was currently in the process of pursuing a Master’s degree in Psychology. His need to understand the feelings of people was evident through his strong compassion for those who stayed in the shelters and other places. Gilbert would be among them and would always be counted on to provide for them. His prayers always included his friends. He also was employed with a law firm who were seeking closure on the many residential school cases both on-and-off the Blood reserve.
Gilbert danced with his many brothers and sisters at the late Morris Crow’s Sundance. Gilbert always said he felt at home when he danced at Morris’s. Gilbert helped out in any way he could and was one of only a few to dance the four directions piercing ceremony four times. His last dance was dedicated to his Sundance mother, Delma Chief Moon, and to his many family and friends.
Gilbert was predeceased by parents Frank Wolf Plume & Louise Bird; Jenny & Josephine Wolf Plume; Gloria Black Plume, Delphine Yellow Old Woman, Doris Bird; Stepson Stanford Ross Tallow and numerous other family and relatives.
He is survived by his loving wife Patsy Tallow, sons Shane Gilbert (Angel) Panther Bone, Gillian Morris Wolf Plume, Daughter Mary Bull Child & step-daughter Neisha Panther Bone, sisters Paula Steinhauer and Lorna Bird (Clarence), half sisters; Diane Bird (John) and Carol Bird (Henry), adopted parents Rosanna Many Fingers and Lena Russell, step-children and numerous family, relatives and friends.
Our brother, uncle, cousin, father and grandfather, and loving husband to Patsy, will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He genuinely loved his children, grandchildren and family and always talked about each of them. He was so proud of his sons and said he never had to worry about Shane because he had such strong work ethics.
His sly grin, his walk, his teasing and his words of wisdom will remain with us forever. Gilbert, watch over us and protect us. It was truly an honor to be a part of your life.
A Wake Service will be held at CHIEF MOUNTAIN FUNERAL CHAPEL, Moses Lake on Friday, May 9, 2008 from 5:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at SENATOR GLADSTONE HALL, Blood Reserve on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Archdeacon Sidney Black officiating.
Interment to follow at St. Paul’s Cemetery.
SHARON EAGLE CHILD (nee Williams)
December 11, 1963 - April 14, 2008
“Sometimes in the evening I sit, looking out into the Belly Buttes. The sun sets and the dusk steal over the ridges. In the shadow I see again our Sundance Circle Camp, with smoke curling upward from the painted teepees and the villagers enjoying their surroundings, in the distance I hear the old songs and yells of our famous warriors and the laughter of little children of old. I was born upon the prairie where the wind blew free and there was nothing to break the light of the sun. I was born where there were no enclosures and where everything drew a free breath. I want to die there, and not within walls.”
SHARON EAGLE CHILD (nee Williams), beloved wife of Darcy Eagle Child, passed away peacefully at home in Standoff on Monday, April 14, 2008.
Sharon was born and raised on the Blood Indian Reserve and was a member of the Many Children Clan. She spent her entire life among her extended families and relatives. She was the 10th child of the late Victor and Alice Williams. She attended schools in Standoff Elementary, G.R. Davis, Lethbridge Collegiate Institute and Fort Macleod W.A Day Junior High. After leaving school, she met the love of her life Mr. Darcy Eaglechild. Together they raised four children: Cheyenne, Lyle, Kyle and Chad. She also tended and cared for her grandchildren Shalize, Arrain and Shazlen, which she enjoyed and cherished. Sharon maintained her determination, bravery and humor throughout her illness and never complained about her pain and suffering.
Sharon’s hobbies and interests included: cooking, sewing, playing cards, attending bingos, rolling for big cash at our local casinos, preparing meals for family and friends at Bar-B-Q’s, reading a good novel and visiting with her many friends. She also liked to participate in sports such as basketball and swimming.
She leaves to mourn her husband, children and siblings: Hilda (Ralph), Linda (Husky), Calvin (Ernestine), Karen (Slam), Lionel (Jessica) and Norma (Glen), her adopted sisters: Demetri Blackwater and Wendy and Colinda Rabbit. She also leaves many uncles, aunts, cousins, nephews and nieces too numerous to mention.
Sharon was predeceased by her parents, sisters; Teresa, Peggy and Aurbina and younger brother Steven at birth.
We would like to acknowledge the extended families of the Black Horses and Bad Arms.
A Wake Service will be held at WHITE CALF CHAPEL, Standoff on Friday, April 18, 2008 from 7:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M. with Martin Eagle Child officiating.
A Funeral Service will be held at WHITE CALF CHAPEL on Saturday, April 19, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz officiating.
Interment to follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery.
ELLIOT WHEELER
2008
ELLIOT WHEELER, beloved son of Grieg & Cheryl Wheeler and best friend and brother of Eric, passed away suddenly at his home on Sunday, April 6, 2008 at the age of 24.
He will be missed terribly by grandparents Allan and Kay Wheeler of Lethbridge and Ivy D’Cunha of Taber, many aunts, uncles and cousins, his girlfriend Ashley Costigan and countless friends.
He was predeceased by his grandfather Ken D’Cunha.
Elliot was caring, carefree, humorous, adventurous, enthusiastic and above all, thoughtful and loving. He had a passion for life and lived every day to its fullest.
He thrived in the outdoors, loved nature and gave back to it as a top tree planter, planting over a million trees during his summers away from school. He bested a grizzly attack, huge rolling logs, swarms of biting insects among other severe hardships during his work in the forest, which worried his family but added to his inventory of life experiences. His spirit will live eternally through the growth of his forests.
Elliot accomplished so much during his short lifetime that it is hard to list everything. He recently completed his combined degrees - Bachelor of Science (Geography) and Bachelor of Management at the University of Lethbridge, and was preparing to convocate this spring.
He attended both Catholic Central High School and Lethbridge Collegiate Institute, graduating from LCI with university-entrance scholarships and other academic awards. Elliot was a gifted and recognized athlete and excelled at almost everything he tried whether it was gymnastics, track and field, judo, team sports, or golf he was a force to reckon with. He had many passions: skiing, fishing, playing cards, but nothing came close to how much he loved spending time with his many friends.
Elliot was a very hard worker, at 16 he had to get his drivers license for his first job, driving heavy farm machinery for Lucerne. He also worked his way through university planting trees and was a well-known bartender and server in Lethbridge. In addition to helping him fund and complete his education, this enabled him to own a home and buy his dream car, of which he was extremely proud.
A Viewing for family and friends will take place at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Thursday, April 10, 2008 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
A Memorial Service to celebrate Elliot's life will take place at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 – 15th Avenue South, Lethbridge on Friday, April 11, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Cathy Coates officiating. A reception will follow.
In lieu of flowers and other gifts to the family, please send contributions to the Elliot Wheeler Memorial Fund at the University of Lethbridge, c/o University Advancement, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Drive, Lethbridge, AB, T1K 3M4.
TRUDY WOOD
2008
JESSIE GERTRUDE “TRUDY” WOOD, beloved wife of the late Philip Wood, passed away peacefully with her daughters by her side at the Edith Cavell Care Centre on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 at the age of 82 years.
Left to mourn her passing are her seven children: Angela (Donny) Dorais of Langley, B.C., Karen (Jerry) Clark of Lethbridge, AB, Glenda (Albert) Lober of Calgary, AB, Brian (Sandy) Wood of Grande Prairie, AB, Clifford (Denise) Wood of Barrie, ON, Murray (Debbie) Wood of Okotoks, AB and Ellen (Steve) Brimmell of Victoria, B.C. as well as 8 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren. She will also be sadly missed by her brother Walter (Esther) Steel of Edmonton, her dear sister Sylvia (Dick) Anderson of Parksville, B.C. and her sister-in-law Donnie Steel of Victoria, B.C. as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their children, included too are many dear friends old and new and the very kind caregivers of the Edith Cavell Care Centre.
Trudy was predeceased by her husband Philip Wood (1997), her father William Robert Moore Steel (1962), her mother Selina Coull (1970), her young sister Alice “Lallie” May Steel (1933), her brother John William Steel (2001) and his wife Beatrice Catherine Steel (2002).
Trudy will be long remembered for her gentle spirit, ready smile and delightful sense of humour as well as her cheerful, appreciative and uncomplaining personality. She will also be remembered for her creative and artistic gifts, her innovative baking and sewing, her quilts and storytelling, also her love for swimming and dancing. She was a patient teacher and loving mother. She also loved her Creator, Jehovah God and to the best of her ability imparted a love for and knowledge of Him to her children and others.
The family wishes to thank the Edith Cavell Care Centre for the wonderful support given them during this difficult time along with the kind and loving care given to our precious mother, grandmother, sister and aunt to ease her passing. We are deeply grateful also to Dr. Collins for his compassionate help and care in our time of need.
A Memorial Service will be held at the KINGDOM HALL OF JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES, 2822 – 2nd Avenue South, Lethbridge on Saturday, April 5, 2008 at 2:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edith Cavell Care Centre, 1255 – 5th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0V6.
JUSTINA WILLMS
2008
JUSTINA WILLMS, beloved wife of the late Dietrich Willms, passed away at the Coaldale Health Centre on Tuesday, March 25, 2008 at the age of 96 years.
She leaves to mourn her nieces Netty (Allen) Voth and Anne (Abe) Penner, nephew Bernie (Shelly) Warkentin, Rose Willms as well as two nieces in Germany and their families.
She was predeceased by her husband Dietrich, parents, 5 brothers, a sister and nephew George Willms.
Private family services will be held at a later date with Gerald Klassen officiating.
