1924 ~ SOMMERSTAD ~ 2016
Wilma "Florence" Sommerstad of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late George Sommerstad, passed away on Saturday, July 2nd, 2016 at the age of 92 years. Florence leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Donald of Red Deer and David (Donna) of Medicine Hat; four grandchildren, Shauna (Greg) Murray and their children Ashlee and Cody, Steven (Jessica) Sommerstad and their daughter Piper, Sara (Devin) Stenhouse and their children Jada and Abby, and Peter Sommerstad; one sister, Ann Jorgenson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Florence was predeceased by her husband, George on November 25th, 2014; her parents, Hans and Carrie Langeland; her daughter-in-law, Brenda Campbell; and four sisters, Ruby Smith, Edna Hunter, Hazel Young, and Lila Holton. Florence enjoyed playing cards and especially loved spending time with her family. She will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by all those who knew and loved her. A Come and Go will be held at SAAMIS CREEKSIDE CENTRE, 1 Dunmore Road SE, on Thursday, July 7th, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. with Gary W. Goran officiating. A Private Interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Florence's memory may be made to the charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Florence Sommerstad. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park", locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599
1928 ~ GARDINER ~ 2016
With sincere gratitude for his well lived, 88-year life, we salute the family pride and commitment Grant Rowbotham Gardiner shared with us all. Along with Barb, his amazing wife and steady ally of 44 years, they built an impressive foundation of strength, integrity and connection for their immediate family:
Gary (kids Greg, Shannon), Catherine (kids Robbie, Jordyn, Andrea), Bruce (Michele; kids Brooke, Drew), Debbie (Albert; kids Carlye (Wacey), Jay, Blake), Bob (Kandi; kids Jenn, TJ (CJ) with great grandsons Wyatt, Grayson), Susan (Mike; kids Connor, Colby, Grant), and Lori (Harlan; kids Sydni, Caiden).
Grant was predeceased by his wife, Barb (2014) as well as his infant granddaughter, Erin Gardiner; great nephew, Will Bouchard; and first wife, Marilyn (nee Gray).
The eldest son of Robert (aka Dick) Gardiner and Hester Sproule, Grant was brother to Helen and Bill (Judy) and self-appointed foreman to his younger cousins in the very tight, fun-loving Sproule family. Grant embraced in-laws Ed and Ev Deering (now deceased), sister-in-law Marlene (Vern) Ruff and family, and the Grays.
The practical perfectionist (!) and talented carpenter, Grant mastered the mix of hard work, good cooking, legendary turkey dinners, the ‘just right’ cocktail, and fun. Grant treasured the places in his life that brought his favourite people together: his home in Medicine Hat, the Gull Lake cabin, Elkwater campgrounds, Estuary Hunting Lodge and The Farm in Bashaw.
Still top of Grant’s list was the broad circle of valued friends he enjoyed and travelled with through business (Ogilvies, Engineered Homes, Gardiner Agencies, MH Real Estate Board, CREA), community (Kinsmen, K-40s, Masons, Shriners, Shrine Band, Jesters, etc.), goose hunting, as well as the extended families and friends of pretty much everyone he knew. Great meals, hearty laughs, Sargent’s orders and well- defended stories were just the norm.
With his characteristic strength and still not a hair out of place, Dad passed away June 30, surrounded by the same unconditional love he so easily gave to us. In celebration of the end of this revered era, we toast the man we proudly called Dad, grandpa, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, and friend. He was a helluva guy!
The Funeral Service will be held at FIFTH AVENUE MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH, 476 – 4 Street SE, on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. with Pastor Dave Pollard officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial gifts in Grant’s memory may be made to the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, 666 – 5 Street SW, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 4H6, or to the Shriner’s Hospital for Children – Canada, 1003 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, H4A 0A9. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Grant Gardiner. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL CREMATORIUM & RECEPTION CENTRE, "The Chapel in the Park", locally owned and directed. Should you wish any additional information, please telephone (403)528-2599
ALVIN SIEGERS
1959 ~ 2016
Albert Vincent (Alvin) Siegers of Medicine Hat passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 3, 2016, at the age of 57 years, after a long battle with MS. Alvin leaves to cherish his memory one brother, Adrian (Darnelda) of Sechelt, B.C., two sisters, Alice (George) Theofan of Medicine Hat, Corinne (Tyler) Johnson of Newmarket, ON. and sister-in-law, Brenda Siegers of Medicine Hat as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves behind one aunt, Ansje van Cuyk and one uncle, Sietse Siegers, both of the Netherlands. Alvin was predeceased by his parents, Egbert and Adriana “Jeanne” Siegers, one brother, Bert and one niece, Janine. Alvin was born in Medicine Hat but also lived in Brooks, Lethbridge and Regina, returning to Medicine Hat where he lived for the past 9 years. Alvin had a flare for humour, a brilliant mind and a passion for music with the ability to play any instrument he put his mind to. His quick wit and banter with his family and friends will be fondly remembered. As his health declined, he kept in contact with the world through the internet and embraced technology to keep his mind active. In honouring Alvin’s request, no formal funeral service will be held. Family extend their heartfelt appreciation to the care givers, his extended family at Haven View Nursing Home. Your exceptional patience and compassion with Alvin was obvious during the years he was privileged to reside with you. You were a comfort to us all during his last days. Private Interment will take place in the family plot at Hillside Cemetery. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, Memorial donations honouring Alvin’s memory may be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 101 – 1201 Kingsway Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 2Y2. Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455
BEIERBACH
Rose Beierbach, beloved wife of the late Chester Beierbach, passed away peacefully at St. Joseph Carmel Hospice on July 1, 2016 at the age of 91 after a brief battle with cancer. The funeral mass will be celebrated in St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (238 2nd Ave N.E.) on Monday, July 11, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations would be greatly appreciated to the Carmel Hospice (St. Joseph’s Home) c/o 156 – 3 St. NE, Medicine Hat, T1A 5M1. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Rose Beierbach, or you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.
Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
BERYL ANNE LAY
(April 19,1937 – July 3, 2016)
It is with great sadness the family announces Beryl Lay's passing, mother of three sons Terry (Melanie), Brad (Marlene) and Mike (Becky) Lay and grandmother to Chloe, Tessa, Olivia, Cameron, Kirsti, Kristian, Ryan, Mariah and great grandchild Makena. Mom was predeceased by her husband Don Lay, parents Oliver and Vera Reed, sister Olive (Harry) Burton, brother Bob Reed and grandson Brandon Lay. Mom was born at Loon Lake, Saskatchewan and was raised at Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan where she married Don, they raised their boys, and she helped him in the start up of Lay's Transport. Beryl loved figure skating, curling and volunteering for the Greig Lake Water Ski Club. It was at Greig Lake where Mom and Dad would show their hospitality inviting kids from all over Saskatchewan to stay at their place and learn to waterski. Mom left Meadow Lake in 1980, to care for Michael while he played junior hockey for the Medicine Hat Tigers. She enjoyed billeting many Tiger hockey players. In 2002, Mom started suffering from dementia and battled this disease at Club Sierra until her passing. The family at this time would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Club Sierra for the wonderful care they gave our Mom over the 12 years she was there. They treated her with patience and dignity throughout her stay. We can not say enough for the great care she received. A private family memorial will take place at a later date. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Beryl Lay, or you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.
Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
BRENDA HOLYLAND
July 12, 1948 – Jul 1, 2016 Brenda Holyland of Medicine Hat, Alberta passed peacefully Friday July, 1st surrounded by the love of her family. Brenda was born in Newtownards, Northern Ireland July 12th 1948. She immigrated to Canada in 1974 eventually settling in Medicine Hat in 1979. Over the years she made many close friends, and brightened the day of hundreds. She will always be remembered as the life of the party, with a fantastic sense of humour. Known for her contagious smile and kind and gentle manner, she was known as "Auntie Brenda" to many of her young co-workers whom she mentored, counselled and loved. She loved deeply and was deeply loved.
Predeceased by her mother and father Margaret and Robert Irvine. She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her loving children, Julie Murphy (Dereck), Gary Oliver and the lights of her life her three grandchildren Cole Murphy, Camryn Murphy, and Justin Oliver. Her Brother and Sister Roy Irvine (Elizabeth) Rita Peacock (Samuel) in Northern Ireland.
A special thank you to the staff at the Cross Cancer Institute and Leduc Community Hospital for their exceptional compassionate care and those that surrounded us with love at this most difficult time.
A Memorial Service will be held at St. David's United Church 4614-48 St. Leduc, Alberta at 2:00 Wednesday July 6th. A celebration of Brenda's life will be held in Medicine Hat, Alberta with date to be announced.
Arrangements entrusted to Hainstock & Son Funeral Chapel, Leduc. To leave condolences please visit our website at http://www.hainstockleduc.com.
DOROTHY CARDLE
1925 ~ 2016
Mrs. Dorothy Cardle (nee Harrison), beloved mother of Kaye (Paul) Wilde, of Edmonton, AB., and Richard (Rita) Cardle of Spruce Grove, AB., passed away peacefully at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton on Saturday, June 25, 2016, at the age of 90 years. Mrs. Cardle leaves to cherish her memory eight loving grandchildren, thirteen great-grandchildren and two great-great- grandchildren, as well as several nieces and nephews. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Jim Cardle on December 25, 1992 and granddaughter, Cindy Wood on June 14, 2005; her parents, Dorothy and Charles Harrison and six siblings. Mrs. Cardle was born on September 24, 1925 in Blairmore, AB., where she received her education and worked at Thompson’s General Store until marrying, Jim Cardle on November 8, 1944. In 1952, Jim began working in the Oil and Gas Industry throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan, resulting in moves to Chauvin, AB., Estevan, SK., and to Medicine Hat in 1959; finally relocating to Edmonton in 2012, to be closer to family. She was a member of the Chauvin Elks, the Blairmore Legion #7 and a member of the Chauvin and Medicine Hat C.W.L’s. Dorothy was very devoted to her family and will truly be sadly missed. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road, S.E., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, July 6, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Father Albert Sayson celebrant. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Dorothy’s name may be made directly to the charity of one’s choice. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455
HELEN SCHMIDT
1925 – 2016
Helen Margaret Schmidt (nee Gross), beloved wife of the late George Schmidt, passed away in Bow Island on Thursday, June 30, 2016 at the age of 90 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1113 – 1 Street East, Bow Island, on Thursday, July 7, 2016 at 7:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1113 – 1 Street East, Bow Island, on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 11:00 A.M. Private burial to follow at the Bow Island Cemetery. To view the complete obituary notice or to send condolences, visit our website at http://www.southlandfuneral.com.
HELENE TARNASKY
1935 ~ 2016
It is with sadness that the family of Helene Josephin Tarnasky announce her passing at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Sunday, July 3, 2016, at the age of 80 years. Helene was the beloved wife of Raymond Tarnasky; mother of Barry Tarnasky and Joyce (Rick) Hyde and grandmother to Cyndra. Funeral arrangements will be announced upon completion. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455
NEIL BALMER
1984 ~ 2016
With heavy hearts the family of Neil Balmer announce his passing in Medicine Hat on Friday, July 1, 2016, at the age of 31 years. Neil was born in Medicine Hat on November 13, 1984. This is where he grew up, graduating from Monsignor McCoy High School in 2002, later attending Medicine Hat College. Neil worked for a number of years with DRC Construction where he truly valued the support and guidance of his employer. Most recently he was employed with the City of Medicine Hat. From a young age Neil was enthusiastic about graphic novels and was fascinated by the superheros that lived in the pages – Batman in particular. Over the years he attended ‘Comic Cons’ and once snuck into one of the conventions! He liked to go camping with family and a trip to Mexico was one that he really loved. Neil was talented in many ways… he was very artistic and and was known for the random sketches he would leave when he visited. He was also quite the skateboarder and wasn’t afraid to test his skills on the half pipe or off the garage roof! Neil was a naturally pleasant young man who got along and was well liked by all different kinds of people as he connected with everyone he met. He had a great sense of humor with a quick wit to match and people were simply drawn to him. While he had everything going for him, mental illness and an addictive personality eventually diminished the character that was Neil. As his mental health weakened, his addictions grew stronger and his life became unstable. Although there were some negative aspects to his life, there were also a lot of postives and he will always be lovingly remembered by his parents; father, Russell (Laura) Balmer, mother, Kym (Kevin) Porter; sisters, Erica Balmer, Grace Porter and Coreen Riley as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Neil was predeceased by grandpa and grandma, Smith and grandpa and grandma, Balmer. A Celebration of Neil’s Life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901- 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Thursday, July 7, 2016, at 11:00 a.m. with Life Celebrant Gerry Getz officiating. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in Neil’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 204, 1865 Dunmore Road S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 1Z8. Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13th Street S.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4 Phone 403-527-6455
SAILER
Mary Sailer passed away on Friday, July 1, 2016, at the age of 86 years, beloved wife of the late William Sailer. She leavs to cherish her memory her three children, Bill (Val) Sailer Jr. of Fernie B.C., Lynda (Don) McCrimmon of Bonshaw, P.E.I. and Bob (Lynda) Sailer of Medicine Hat; three grandchildren, Ken (Joanne) Wright, Jared Sailer (Shannon Whalen) and Tenley McCrimmon; her great granddaughter Hope; her brother Balzer (Dorothy) Heilman and two sisters Margaret (Peter) Deringer and Lorraine Bowes as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband Bill on February 8, 2009, five brothers and three sisters. Upon moving to Medicine Hat in the 1940's Mary’s work life started at Medalta Potteries. From there, she worked in Women’s fashions for over 20 years. Mary then worked at Green’s Tuck Shop for several years where she was a friend to many. Mary was a long-time member of the Connaught Golf Club and was awarded a Life Membership. Mary was also an avid curler and bowler in her younger years. She was a twenty five year local volunteer with the Legion, calling bingo and working the weekly card games. Mary devoted her entire life to others – her family, her friends, her charity work and her community. Mary will be greatly missed by all those who knew her. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON CHAPEL on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at 1:30 p.m. with Life Celebrant David Townsend. A private family interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Mary Sailer, or you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.
Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
SAWATZKY
Joyce Adair Sawatzky passed away on Sunday, July 3, 2016, at the age of 62 years, beloved wife of Dan Sawatzky of Redcliff. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT & NU, 100 – 119 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 or to Canadian Diabetes Association, Medicine Hat and District Branch 102 73 7th Street SE, Medicine Hat. T1A 1J2. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Joyce Sawatzky, or you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.
Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
SCHLENKER
Mrs. Gladys Schlenker passed away on Friday, July 1, 2016, at the age of 84 years, beloved wife of the late Elmer Schlenker. She leaves to cherish her memory her four children, Marilyn (Jim) Gill, Gary (Jo) Schlenker, Janice (Clay) Wilson and Carla (Reese) Klaiber; nine grandchildren, three great grandchildren, one brother; one sister and one sister-in-law. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME on Thursday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held in the Westminster United Church (101 6th Street SE) on Friday, July 8, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Chelsea Masterman officiating. A private family interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, donations may be made to the charity of your choice. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: pattfh@telusplanet.net subject heading: Gladys Schlenker, or you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and leave a message of condolence.
Funeral Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 4C2