- Canada, Newspapers.com™ Obituary Index, 1800s-current -
- Shop now for incredible insights into your wellbeing -
Heather Smith
Passed away: June 11, 2009
Heather Gail Smith succumbed to her eight year battle with cancer on Thursday, June 11, 2009 at Medicine Hat, AB. She leaves to cherish her memory her best friend, Joe Weimer; her mother, Jean Smith; her sisters, Norma (Ralph) Stock, niece Vicki, and Joyce (Dale) Peterson, niece Jaime (Cleve) Erickson and their daughter Kate, and nephew Tanner Peterson (Brandi Wagman). She is also survived by Joe’s family, Emilia Wiemer, Harvey (Diane) Weimer, Martin (Mary Ann) Weimer, Rose (Jim) Sulz, Tilley (Reg) Liebel, Liz Rainey, Debbie (Kelly) Thome, Scott (Amber) Thome, Irene (Tim) Rissling; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her father; a nephew; and Joe’s father. Heather was born on January 25, 1965, to Norman & Jean Smith. She was the youngest daughter with two older siblings, who took great pride in teaching her the ropes of life. Heather was involved with brownies, and 4-H, where she won many awards and traveled to Nova Scotia. After graduating Grade 12 from Abbey High School, Heather took hairdressing at Marvel in Moose Jaw. Her first salon, Silver Scissors, was in Abbey. Heather and Joe moved from Saskatchewan to Medicine Hat in 1986. She worked for and managed salons in the city before owning and operating her own, until health reasons prevented her from doing that. She won various awards as well as trips to places such as Switzerland and Spain. Even her health did not keep Heather from being Joe’s right hand helper and doing the things she enjoyed such as camping and spending time with her family and cat, Smokey. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 1:00 pm from the Abbey Community Hall, Abbey, SK with Rev. Catherine Christie officiating. The pianist for the service was Marilyn Buck. “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and “In the Bulb There Is a Flower” were sung by the congregation. The eulogy was shared by Sharlene Higginson with readings read by Sylvia Smith and Robin Mandel. The ushers were Neil Watson and Dave Davis. The Private Family Interment Service was held at the Abbey Cemetery, Abbey, SK with the following serving as urn bearers, Tanner Peterson, Scott Thome, Jaime Erickson and Vicki Stock. In memory of Heather Smith, donations made to the Charity of the Donor’s Choice would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Elizabeth Weinbender
Passed away: January 21, 2010
Weinbender, Elizabeth Mary (nee Balazs), passed away peacefully with family, in Herbert Nursing Home on Thursday, January 21, 2010, at the age of 73 years. Elizabeth was born on August 5, 1936, in Rosetown, SK. She received her education at Morse School. She then attended and graduated from Regina Grey Nun’s Hospital as a Registered Nurse. She worked at the Herbert Morse Union Hospital and became Director of Nursing until her retirement. She loved her career and took great pride in what she did. She dedicated her life to the care of others and often received kind words of appreciation for her gentle approach. She developed lifelong strong bonds with the health care professionals she worked with everyday. Elizabeth suffered a stroke in July 1996, and was living at the Herbert Nursing Home until her passing. Elizabeth loved life on the farm and enjoyed caring for animals. She always had a house cat curled up with her and a dog nearby. She also loved sports, from playing them growing up, supporting her children in their endeavors, cheering on local teams and watching them on TV, but especially the Olympics. Many evenings she could be found keeping her own scorecards as she rallied on the Blue Jays. Elizabeth was an avid reader and had an extensive library. Often her knowledge would be called upon to help settle arguments on a wide variety of topics. She watched the yearly Telemiracle fundraiser and would often have a house full of company over the entire weekend. She enjoyed summer trips to Waskesui and down to Colorado to visit her sister and go sightseeing. She always enjoyed hearing of others travels. Elizabeth had a great sense of humor, a soft heart and an understanding nature that had many visitors popping in to have a chat. Elizabeth was predeceased by her father, Louis Balazs. She leaves to mourn her mother, Elizabeth Balazs, of the Herbert Heritage Manor; her son, Tim & Bonnie, their children, Ashlynn, Clark and Madison, of Morse, SK; her daughter, Beth, of Saskatoon, SK; and her sister, Kathleen (Mike) McInaney, of Grand Junction, Colorado. The Funeral Service was held on Tuesday, January 26, 2010 at 1:30 pm from the Morse Community Hall, Morse, SK with Pastor Mike Fedunec officiating. The sound man for the service was Gordon Weinbender. The special music was a chosen song on cd, “I Will Remember You”. The ushers for the service were Larry Redekopp and David Cornea. The Interment was held at the Memory Lane Cemetery, Morse, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Barry Haidt, Bob Wilson, Harold Weinbender, Ian Curry, Mark Wilson and Mike Heschel. In memory of Elizabeth Weinbender, donations made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation or to the Herbert Hospital Auxiliary would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Pauline Wilson
Passed away: January 13, 2010
WILSON, Pauline passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in the Herbert Nursing Home on Wednesday, January 13, 2010, at the age of 88 years. Lena was born on March 22, 1921, on the “Spring Coulee” homestead south of Morse, SK. She received her education at YorkshireSchool and on June 21, 1945, married Earl Wilson. They farmed east of Morse until moving to town in 1978. Lena once said, “There’s no place like home in a small town where you know everyone and never need to be lonely.” She took great pride in her home, fervently dusting, vacuuming and tending to the yard and garden. Lena was active in many community organizations, including Eastern Star and Royal Purple. She will be fondly remembered for always having the coffee pot on and a little lunch readily available for anyone who might drop by for a visit. She loved having company, especially her grandchildren and ensured that no-one ever left hungry. In 2000, she relocated to Swift Current and lived there until 2006, when she moved to the Herbert Heritage Manor. Following deteriorating health, Lena moved to the Herbert Nursing Home in December 2009, where she remained until her passing. One of Lena’s greatest passions in life was music and she looked forward to gathering around the piano with friends, singing hymns in church, or a visit from “Archie and the Boys”. Lena encountered a number of health issues in her life, including a knee replacement, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, macular degeneration and stroke, battling each one with courage, determination and never a word of complaint. She has provided all of us with hope of how a strong will, positive attitude and faith in God can help overcome the challenges in life. Lena was predeceased by her parents, Jacob & Anna Leisle; her husband, Earl; a son, Rick; a daughter-in-law, Karen; great-grandson, James; brothers, Henry, Jake and Fred; and sisters, Mary Maurer and Annie Spate. She leaves to mourn her sons, Steven of Medicine Hat, AB, Tom (Terry), Mark (Lori) both of Morse, SK; her daughter, Elizabeth (Bob) Kennedy of Russell, ON; a daughter-in-law, Goldie Wilson of Airdrie, AB; her 12 grandchildren; her 16 great-grandchildren; brothers, Alex, Walter (Agnes) and Dave (Beatrice); and sisters, Molly Ponsford and Martha Carlow. The Funeral Service was held on Monday, January 18, 2010 at 1:30 pm from St. Olaf Lutheran Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Linda Hall officiating. The musician for the service was Arlene Olson. The eulogy was shared by Todd Wilson with Scott Wilson reading the obituary. The ushers in the church were Glenn Leisle and Earl Leisle. Donations in her memory, made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Herbert Heritage Manor would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
John Furman
Passed away: November 21, 2009
John Furman, age 64 years, passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2009, at the Pasqua Hospital, Regina, SK. John was born on May 3, 1945 in Edmonton, AB, to Fran & Carl Furman, of Meeting Creek, AB ( a close knit farming community in Central Alberta). He was in the middle of the family with an older brother, Bob, and a younger sister, Verna. He also lived near grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. He finished his high school in Meeting Creek and at the age of 18, went to Edmonton and began training and working at the University Hospital as a Nursing Orderly. There he stood out with his ability, skill and professional attitude. John met Carol, while they were working an evening shift together, and there was never anyone else after that. They were married on December 10, 1966, and soon moved to their first house in St. Albert. Their most precious gifts were their children, Cory born in 1970 and Amy born in 1973. John began a new career in plumbing and was a service manager with 2 companies in Edmonton. He hoped to have something more of his own to run and moved to Brooks, where he managed a Shell Bulk Fuel Plant and started an oilfield company on the side. After a few years, he was offered management of an American Trucking Company in Calgary that seemed interesting enough to make the move. Their home was made at High River, another beautiful place with new friends again. He worked for a time with the trucking company and then became a service rep for Eaton Corporation (Eaton axles & transmissions) and had Western Canada and the NWT for his service territory. The work was exciting but the constant travel was difficult. Their last great move was made in 1983 (when the last boom went bust in Alberta). They bought the Gulf Bulk Fuel Plant in Swift Current. John wanted to try living in the country and found an acreage near Rush Lake with “great potential”. Everyone moved in June, when school was done. He fulfilled that “great potential” by redesigning the one room schoolhouse into a cozy home and then work on the yard. After many years of work, it became our own little “heaven on earth”. Through the years in Swift Current, John built up the Gulf Bulk Fuel Plant into a thriving business, with the help of great staff. When Gulf was bought out by Petro Canada, he managed that company for a time. After selling out, his entrepreneurial spirit was prodding him to something new. He began a Wholesale Veterinary Supply Company which branched out into a Biotech Company with more new ideas, products and people to work with. This also brought some International travel into their lives. After several years, the Vet Supply Co. was sold into Ontario. It was now time to start working on something he had been dreaming of for awhile, but needed to wait until computer technology had advanced, and Con Fleet was begun. This company was especially for small trucking companies to enable them to buy fuel and other products at wholesale prices.
The past years have been filled with growing family. Amy’s marriage to Darrel and the addition of their girls, Tayshia, Victoria and Dawnella and Cory’s marriage to Tammy and the addition of their little Clark. With many good times and grandchildren, who were the sunshine of his life, there has always been much to be thankful for. We are so grateful for the family, friends, neighbors, medical staff co-workers and even the kindness of strangers who supported us through John’s illness. The hugs, caring, prayers and food strengthened and held us. Except for the one hard thing - all was good and love. And our hope is as ‘Nella’ said, “It’s okay - Papa’s home now and he’s healed!”
We seem to give him back to Thee, dear God,
Who gavest him to us.
And as Thou didst not loose him in giving,
So we have not lost him in his return.
For what is death, but a horizon,
And what is an horizon, save the limit of our sight.
The Graveside Funeral Service was held on Friday, November 27, 2009 at 2:00 pm from the Rush Lake Cemetery, Rush Lake, SK with Dennis Laing officiating. The piper for the service was Neil McCrie piping, “Amazing Grace” for the processional and “The Skye Boat Song” for the recessional. “The Rose” and “Rose of My Heart” were the special songs on CD for the service. Psalm 23 was read by Darrel Rude with Cory Furman sharing the eulogy. “The Old Irish Blessing” was read by Amy Rude. The Interment was held at the Rush Lake Cemetery with the following serving as pallbearers, Eric Haug, Bernie Haug, Gary Haug, Dana Perry, Stuart Wall and Dan Gates. In memory of John Furman, donations made to the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic, 4101 Dewdney Ave., Regina, Sask. S4T 7T1 would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Haley Martens
Passed away: January 14, 2010
Haley Brianna Martens was born on January 4, 2006, and passed away on Thursday, January 14, 2010. Haley was born at the Cypress Regional Hospital to Hugh and Tanya Martens. Haley was the happiest, most joyful, smiley child. She had a smile for everyone. She loved being around her family. Spending time with Mom & Dad, whether it be sitting and cuddling or roaming the countryside in the truck. She loved toddling and running after her big sisters and attempting to do everything they did. Haley was Hannah’s shadow and Tacey’s sidekick. Haley enjoyed going to Nana & Papa’s house. Being with Nana in the garden or making cookies. She loved to cuddle on Papa’s lap and be tickled, with her laughing out in glee. She loved to tell stories with her Aunties and playing with her cousins. She was always asking, “When’s Josie going to be here?” and, “Where’s Jaedon?” Haley spent a lot of time with Grandpa Gordon. Talking with him or gopher hunting was an enjoyable pastime. Haley stole the heart of Grandma Maureen and kept Grandma Sonya in her heart. She always had stories of Auntie Nancy, Uncle Armand, Destiny and Brock and the enjoyable times she spent with them, always smiling as she told her stories. Haley loved her family, whether it was the two-legged ones or the four-legged ones. Puppies, kittens and horses were a major part of all our conversations. Haley is up in Heaven with her Grandma Sonya and other Great-Grandparents and family who went on before her, bringing her joy to them as she did to us. Haley will be sadly missed by her parents, Tanya & Hugh; her sisters, Hannah and Tacey; her Grandparents, Doug & Linda Welsh and Gordon & Maureen Martens; her Aunties, Jennifer Welsh (Aaron), Laura Welsh and Nancy Lemay (Armand); her cousins, Jaedon Welsh, Destiny and Brock Lemay, Josie Thue and Brooklyn Schnor. Her special Aunties, Uncles and cousins will also remember Haley with the fondest memories. Haley always enjoyed life and spent many hours telling stories of Jesus. It’s a blessing knowing that she sits on Jesus’ lap, enjoying his friendship. She will be up in heaven (waiting for us) picking flowers and enjoying her time singing with the angels. Be at peace Haley. Know that our love for you will never fade, as we hold you close in our hearts and our thoughts. In Memory of Haley, donations to the WestBank Bible Camp would be appreciated by the family. The Funeral Service was held on Thursday, January 21, 2010 at 2:00 pm from the Church of the Open Bible, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Rob Cochrane officiating. The pianist for the service was Wendy Cochrane. Scripture was read from Mark 10:13-16, Lamentations 3:32-33 and Psalm 34:17-18. “Jesus Loves Me”, “Jewels” and “God Will Take Care of You” were sung by the congregation. The eulogy was brought by Kevin Yates with a poem read by Jennifer Welsh. Special Music was brought by Julie Chickoski, Kerri & Sheila Braun singing, “Butterfly Kisses”. A word of Thanks & Appreciation was shared by Hugh Martens. The ushers in the church were Robert Klassen, Stan Klassen, Tony Martens and Chad Martens. The Honorary Bearers were “Family, Friends and Searchers”. The Private Interment Service was held at the Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with the following serving as pallbearers, Cpl. Greg Doell, Cpl. Kent MacInnis, Jerry Funk and Tom McCullough. In memory of Haley Martens, donations made to WestBank Bible Camp would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Christopher Kowalsky
Passed away: July 14, 2009
Christopher Kowalsky passed away at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK, on Tuesday, July 14, 2009 at the age of 91 years. Christopher, son of Frederick & Emma Kowalsky, was born on December 15, 1917 at McEachern, SK. Chris attended the Palmer School and completed his Grade 11. Chris & Joyce Cragg were married on November 7, 1948 at the St. John’s Lutheran Church, Mazenod, SK. Together they farmed north of Palmer until 1985, when they moved to Swift Current where they continued their passion of socializing with friends, card games, bowling and shuffleboard. Chris was very community minded. He was the umpire at many Palmer baseball tournaments. He participated in bowling, curling, square dancing and shuffleboard. He served on a number of committees, and was on the Hall Board and was secretary for the School Board. Chris will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his family and friends and everyone whose life he has touched. Chris is survived by his two daughters, Linda Tolhurst (Gary Sylvester) and Loretta (Barry) Mayer; his grandchildren, Cory (Toni) Tolhurst, Michael Tolhurst, Jennifer (Barrett) Mayer-Halkett, Adam Mayer, Roxanne (Wyatt) Hughes, Jeff Sylvester; his great-grandchildren, Preston Tolhurst, Reagen Tolhurst, Lekeisha Halkett, Caleb Halkett, Brandon Hughes and Colton Hughes; his sister, Ida Kowalsky, Vancouver, BC; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, Fred & Emma Kowalsky; his wife, Joyce Kowalsky; his son-in-law, Leonard Tolhurst; and by his sisters, Louise, Sophia and Mary. The Funeral Service was held on Friday, July 17, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. from the Swift Current Funeral Chapel, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Linda Hall officiating. The organist for the service was Arlene Olson. “Amazing Grace”, “Old Rugged Cross” and “I’ll Fly Away” were sung by the congregation. Tributes were shared by Loretta Mayer, Jennifer Mayer-Halkett and Lekeisha Halkett. The family selected “Daddy, You Can Let Go Now” for the special music. The Interment was held at the Palmer Cemetery. In memory of Mr. Christopher Kowalsky, donations made to the CNIB or to the Alzheimer’s Association would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.
Norman Dawson "Sam" Samuelson
Passed away: June 27, 2009
SAMUELSON, Norman Dawson (Sam) aged 74 years of Swift Current, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully after a valiant battle with Emphysema on June 27, 2009. Dawson was a faithful husband, father, Papa and friend. He was known to many as “Papa Sam” and as such was quick to offer his love, a helping hand, and sound advice. He loved the outdoors and even in his last days made every effort to sit outside to enjoy the warm evenings listening to the birds and watching the sunset. Sam loved watching his Calgary Stampeders bring home the Grey Cup this past season and he loved watching NHL hockey and M.A.S.H. He was known as a great outdoorsman who loved his golfing, fishing, hunting, playing old-timers hockey, and camping. Those activities were hard for him to give up but he did so with grace and dignity. Because of his lack of mobility in the last year, we have been blessed by an unknown hidden talent that he had with a brush and watercolour paint. Dawson loved to travel to the ocean whenever he had the chance. His favourite spot to spend time relaxing by the ocean was at Qualicum Beach, BC. One of the recent highlights of his life was the family cruise vacation taken to the Caribbean where he could breath easier at sea level and enjoy so many wonderful memory moments with his wife, children and grandchildren. Dawson always embraced life and lived it to the fullest. Whatever he did was done diligently and with exuberance and wasn’t complete until done properly. Sam was a very private man and didn’t speak openly about his faith in his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. All who knew him saw the change in his life over the past five years that only hope in Christ can bring. Dawson’s living legacy includes his beloved best friend and wife of 44 years, Leona; his children, Melanie (Mike) Kehler, and Ryan (Kim) Samuelson; and his grandchildren, Braden and Amy Kehler and Rone Samuelson with another baby Samuelson due in November. The pride he had in his family overflowed from his heart. He will also be dearly missed by his brothers, Alan (Jean) and George (Shirley); his in-laws, Lenore (Harvey) Wentland, Audrey (Robert) Baillie, Joan Penner (Gordon Stadler), Dolores (Randy) Ens; all his nieces and nephews; and an enormous number of extended family members and friends.
Special thanks to a long-time doctor and friend, Dr. Ibrahim, the nurses in the Emergency and Intensive Care Units at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current as well as the home-care staff members who tended to Dawson’s needs.
A funeral service honouring Sam’s life will be held at the East Side Church of God (Hwy 1 & 4) on Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dawson’s honour to Blue Bronna Wilderness Camp (Box 65, Longview, AB T0L 1H0 or online at www.bluebronna.org.). Arrangements were entrusted to Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK 306-773-8355.
