All Obituaries

Michael Robert David of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Pam David, passed away on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the age of 65 years.

Michael was born in Eastend, Saskatchewan and raised on a farm in that area. He was employed by AG Canada (Research Station) for 30 years. He and Pam enjoyed many years of camping with family and friends. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting and making homemade sausage.

Left to celebrate Michael’s life are his loving mother, Maryanne; sisters Kathy David (Bob Reum), Sharon (Lonnie) Thorson, Tammy (Keith) Ekman. Also mourning his passing are Pam’s sisters Emma Kerner, Delores McMullan, Val Vucurevich; brothers Randy Garrecht, Rob (Darlene) Garrecht as well as sister-in-law Dianna Garrecht and numerous nieces and nephews; and his fur baby Dixie.

He was predeceased by his father Stanley David; mother-in-law Florence Garrecht; father-in-law George Garrecht; and brothers in law Harvey Garrecht, Nick Vucurevich, Cecil McMullan and Andy Kerner.

A Celebration of Michael’s Life will be held from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, December 7, 2024, at LUIGIS STEAKHOUSE, 1119 MAYOR MAGRATH DRIVE SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, Marguerite Hunt, on November 28, 2024, at the age of 96. She is now in the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and that brings us all a sense of peace.

Mom was born on August 17, 1928, to James Gordon and Lottie Amanda (Dot) Miers (nee Dafoe) at the Van Haarlem Hospital in Lethbridge. She attended Fleetwood Elementary and Lethbridge Collegiate Institute (where she loved to play Tennis and Basketball) and was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church, being baptized in April 1940.

In 1947, Mom went to the Royal Alexandra Hospital School of Nursing in Edmonton for 3 years of training and then returned to Lethbridge to marry her “Ardent Admirer”, Norman Hunt, in 1951. Shortly after returning to Lethbridge, she began working for Dr. Campbell at the first Campbell Clinic downtown.

In 1953, Mom left work to raise her children and instill in us good family values and a strong sense of Faith. Throughout her life she was devoted to and involved with First Baptist Church in many ways…greeting newcomers, singing in the choir, leading CGIT, teaching Sunday School, doing Meals on Wheels (and occasionally with Joanne), praying on the Prayer Chain, and working in the Soup Kitchen to name a few. In 1972, she returned to work as the Head Receptionist at the “second” Campbell Clinic on Mayor Magrath Drive and walked to work every day until 1986. Mom always made everyone she knew and met feel special with her quizzical nature and genuine keen interest in their answers. She was the light of our family, and her smile made everyone feel welcomed and loved. 2 Timothy 4:7-8

Left behind to miss her smile are her daughter, Joanne (Jim) Sherwin of Seattle; 3 sons, Gordon (Julie) of Lethbridge, Ross (Lynda) of Calgary, Lorne (Tracey) of Lethbridge; 10 grandchildren; 11 great grandchildren; sister, Jean Millman of Kelowna, and numerous nephews and nieces.

She is now reunited with her husband of 70 years; her parents; her sister, Betty Ann Webster, and many brothers and sisters-in-law.

Mom, and all of her family, are very grateful for the dedicated and respectful care she received from the staff at St. Therese Villa and the Chinook Regional Hospital.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, at First Baptist Church, 1614 5 Ave S, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Rev. Mark Archibald officiating.

The Service will be live streamed by clicking on LIVE at http://www.youtube.com/@firstblethbridge4391

Flowers are gratefully declined. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to the MS Society of Canada mscanada.ca or Canadian Baptist Ministries cbmin.org.

Our hearts are broken with the peaceful passing of our beloved, Don Donison, on November 26, 2024, at 71. Don was at home surrounded by his loving family.

Don leaves a legacy of life and love to his beloved wife and soul mate, Heather, our so loved children Angela (John) and their daughter Taylor (Dylan) and soon to be great grandchild, Lucas (Sara) and Sicily; Don (Trish) and their children Wesley, Walker, Chloe and Shaylee; Melissa (Rich) and their sons Cameron and Jasper; Lindsay (Nigel) and their daughter Bexley; siblings Karon Blaylock, Alice (Larry) Funnel, Barb (Allan) Hunt, Wayne (Leanne) Donison; by many nieces and nephews and by his bonus Belisle/Thompson family.

Don was predeceased by his parents Audrey and Wesley Donison, his sister and brother-in-law Glenda and Dale Dyck and by his parents-in-law Jack and Irene Thompson.

Don was recently honored with a Legacy award by Overhead Door Corp. for exemplary contribution to the Ribbon brand for which he has been the Lethbridge and Southern Alberta distributor since 1975. Don was also the past President of the Homebuilders Association, a past member of the Exhibition Board, a Kinsman and K40 member and he is a long-time member of the Lethbridge Country Club. Don worked tirelessly at building a successful business for his family and his work family. Don’s dedication and passion for his family was evident in everything he did.

Don’s has been a life well lived and he has touched and helped many on his journey. He faced his illness with the same stoicism, practicality and acceptance as he did all things in his life – a gift and legacy that he gives us all. Hold your loved ones close and spoil them with love and time.

At Don’s request there will be no funeral or memorial service. As we cherish our time, love and memories of Don and keep him in our hearts we hope for good memories for those of you whose lives he touched.

In lieu of flowers, if so you wish, please honor Don’s memory with a donation to Pancreatic Cancer Canada, https://pancreaticcancercanada.ca/, the Canadian Neuroendocrine Tumor Society,  https://cnets.ca/,  or the Canadian Liver Foundation, https://www.liver.ca/

Our beloved Father, Grandfather, and Great Grandfather, Michael (Mike) Vaselenak (92) of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at Chinook Regional Hospital. We will miss him so very much.
 Mike was born to Michael and Mary Vaselenak in Lethbridge on April 21,1932. He got his first job in grade 6 at Mihalik's Grocery in Lethbridge. He loved playing baseball and broom ball with his brothers and friends. In the 1950s, Mike played baseball with the Lethbridge Miners and the Lethbridge Cubs. He enjoyed feeding the birds and has a Crow friend who returns every year.

In 1957, Mike married Freda Davies, and they had 3 daughters, Sharon, Dianne, and Lisa.

In 1968, Mike started as Assistant Manager and Manager of Loblaws stores in Lethbridge.

After that, "Big Mike" became the Manager of Bert's Grocery in Picture Butte until his retirement at age 65. (He had a great time working there with Bert, Al, Monika, Rita, Donna, Murray, Rick, Mike T, Sheri, etc... along with the fun Associated Grocery trips they would take, he would talk fondly about that time often). Mike was also on the Board of Directors of Lethbridge Central Savings and Credit Union.
 After his retirement, Mike enjoyed gardening (his specialty was growing tomatoes and cucumbers), doing the WonderWord game in the Lethbridge Herald every day, reading John Grisham books, listening to his classic country playlist every evening, cheering for the Toronto Blue Jays & the Edmonton Oilers, and going for coffee, to the casino, & golfing with wonderful friends Ron, Margaret, John, Bob, Felicia, Marie, Ian, Anne, Ted, Dick, Clark, Lorraine, Blanche, Shirley, George S., etc...)

Mike also loved to cook. Some of his favourite things to make were lazy-man cabbage rolls, scalloped potatoes, apple sauce (from the apples off the tree in his yard), his mother's recipe for turkey stuffing, peanut butter cookies, breaded pork cutlets, cinnamon buns, lemon pie (he loved anything lemon),

chow mein (a dish he started making last year), pork tenderloin with mushroom gravy, and beef stew. He was really looking forward to trying his hand at making elephant ears (his most-treasured treat at Whoop-Up Days).
 Mike made many cherished friends over the years through work, sports, the singles club,

the Credit Union, and the neighborhoods he lived in. Some, like Jim Cattoni, were life-long friends.

Mike loved his family and treasured the time spent with them.

 Mike is survived by daughters Dr. Sharon Vaselenak (Dr. Glen Zenith), Dianne Vaselenak, and Dr. Lisa Chater (Mark); grandchildren, Dr. Mila Zenith (Peter Dushenski), Laura Zenith (Fred Punter), Michael Zenith (Olia), and Kathleen Zenith; great grandchildren, Niko and Ari Dushenski, Julian and Maxim Zenith, and Bradley and Hayley Punter-Zenith; ex-wife & good Friend, Freda Davies Wapple; nephews Larry Rasmussen, Steven Raben, Curtiss Vaselenak, and Rory Vaselenak; nieces Lorna Rasmussen, Linda Rasmussen, Cari MacLean, Cindi Vaselenak, Monique Raben-Struik, and Shannon Doyle. Mike is also survived by beloved dog, Rigby, and loving cats, Zedd, Marty, Luke, and Neo.

Mike was pre-deceased by his parents, Michael and Mary Vaselenak; his sister, Mary Raben; and brothers, George Vaselenak and John Vaselenak.
 Mike's family wishes to thank the wonderful home care givers, nurses, and Doctors, who helped Mike over the years, along with his amazing Neighbours. Angels on Earth.
A special thank you to the family and friends who visited Mike in the Hospital, you cheered up his spirits and brought him such joy.

A Celebration of Mike's Life will be held in Spring 2025. An announcement will be made closer to that date.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Last Chance Cat Ranch Rescue, https://www.thelastchancecatranch.com/, Misty Creek Dog Rescue, https://mistycreekdogrescue.com/, the Food Bank,  https://lethbridgefoodbank.ca/or
a Charity of your choice.

Please share any stories or memories that you may have of Mike in the comments. Mike's family will treasure those.

Mr. Edgar Tietz of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Frieda Tietz, passed away at the Foothills Medical Centre, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the age of 88 years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Pastor Harold Martin of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Ella Martin, passed away at Cedar Creek Adaptacare, on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at the age of 94 years.

A Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday, November 28, 2024, at the CHRIST TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 416 12 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta. Interment to follow at Royal View Cemetery.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers for those who wish, donations can be made to the Christ Trinity Lutheran Church.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ray McDonnell on November 19, 2024, at the age of 87 years.

Ray was born on April 4, 1937, in Vancouver, BC to parents Leo and Katherine (Skipper) McDonnell. He grew up in Vancouver and eventually settled into a lengthy career on the Vancouver waterfront. Beginning as a long shoreman, working with Canadian Stevedoring he became a manager in the general cargo operations with BCR Marine. His many stories of working on the waterfront and various ships both fascinated and wowed us all.

He was passionate about all things sports related, especially hockey and baseball, he was a devoted Canucks and Blue Jays fan. Ray loved to play golf, curl, bowl and fish, a true sportsman to the end. Ray was also a master of the grill and prepared many a fine meal for family and friends.

Ray will be remembered as a sweet generous soul to all who knew him. An enormous heart and a witty dry sense of humour were two of his finest traits. He loved to sing and was never shy to share a song or two at the table. His rendition of “Danny Boy” was always a favorite as was anything Harry Belafonte!

Ray is survived by his loving companion and partner of forty years, Betty; stepdaughter Melody (Tom) Howell; stepson Mike Vandenameele, as well as a large family of nieces, nephews and friends.

His memory will live on with all who knew and cared about him, his was a life well lived.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Mr. Brian Preddy of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Carolyn Preddy, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at the age of 82 years.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels. 

Anne Helena Kaupp of New Dayton, beloved wife of the late August Matthew Kaupp, passed away on November 16, 2024, at the age of 97 years.

She was born on October 7, 1927, to Joseph and Sophia Surina on a homestead at Shutty Bench near Kaslo, BC.  Anne was the 3rd youngest of 10 children. She grew up working hard on the family farm in Shutty Bench.

In 1951, Anne met the love of her life, August Kaupp at a family wedding in Kaslo. They were married on August 15th, 1953, at the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Kaslo, BC. Anne and August travelled back to New Dayton where they began their life together, a life of farming, family and faith. Anne was a pillar in her community and well loved by all who knew her. Together, they supported their community in as many ways as they could, including but not limited to cooking meals at the soup kitchen, delivering Meals on Wheels, driving seniors to mass, delivering communion, parish picnics, high school catechism classes and conducting prayer services at senior residences each weekend. Anne was involved in the CWL for 74 years. She was a greeter at the church and supported the music ministry by playing the organ and piano. Anne gave all of herself to her family, friends and community.

Anne and August built a shrine for the blessed Virgin Mary in their backyard with the help of their family. On August 15th, 1988, they hosted the first pilgrimage to the Holey AA Marian Shrine which would grow to be an annual beloved community event, attended by visitors from all over the world.  Anne and August continued hosting these celebrations for more than 30 years. Anne enjoyed all aspects of being a mother, whether it was caring for her children, growing a beautiful garden or baking her famous homemade buns and spudnuts.  Above all she loved her family and cherished all events that brought them together whether it was sausage making or family reunions.

Anne is survived by her children David (Ann), Bernadette, Joseph, Anita (Warren), Stephen (Michelle), and Bradley, (Cheryl).  Anne's grandchildren include Travis (Ana), Shawn (Tayler), Matthew, Chelsea (Daniel), Paul, Scott (Dana), and great grandchildren Kiana, Dean, Mason, Hayes, Conrad, Wren, and Mabel. She also had numerous nieces, nephews, and foster children.

Anne was predeceased by her beloved husband, August, and her daughter Theresa.

Anne was a loving wife and mother, a good and faithful servant of the Lord, a woman after the heart of Jesus.  She led by example and will be greatly missed by all.  Our blessed lady Mary, mother of Christ, held a special place in Anne's heart.  We know that our blessed mother Mary was there to welcome Anne into the loving arms of Jesus Christ.

A Prayer Vigil Service will be held at 6:00 PM, on Thursday, November 21, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. To watch the service via livestream, please go to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Anne-Kaupp

A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, on Friday, November 22, 2024, at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 12 Ave S, Lethbridge, AB T1K 0P4. The Mass will be recorded and will be available to watch at https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Anne-Kaupp. Inurnment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

Mrs. Diane Bennett of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. Michael Bennett, passed away on Friday, November 15, 2024, at St. Michael’s Health Centre, at the age of 85 years.

On October 17, 1939, Diane was born, raised, and educated in Ottawa, Ontario. She moved to Edmonton in 1961 where she taught at McTavish Business College. In 1963, Diane moved to Lethbridge where she worked as a home maker raising her family. She was also an active volunteer and later a conference coordinator at the University of Lethbridge. In her retirement, Diane enjoyed travelling, golfing, volunteering, and enjoying her time at the Nordbridge Senior Center, she also enjoyed her time with her grandchildren and great granddaughter.

On March 30, 1964, Diane was married in Edmonton to Mr. Michael Bennett.

Diane is survived by her loving husband, Michael Bennett; daughter Susan Bennett of Lethbridge; Robert (Melanie) Bennett of Lethbridge; brother Terrence Leahey of Victoria, British Columbia; brother-in-law Edward Truelove and their children Debra (Sajid) Ravosia, Darren Truelove, and Cheryl Truelove; four grandchildren Amy, Samantha (Brad), Danielle, and Michael; great granddaughter, Annabelle.

Diane has been predeceased by her parents Alfred and Evelyn Leahey; parents in law Arthur and Eva Bennett; sister-in-law Delma Truelove.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers for those who wish, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:00 PM, Thursday, November 28, 2024, at ARCHMOUNT CEMETERY, 2710 WESTSIDE DRIVE WEST, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.

A Celebration of life will be held in the new year. 

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and wife, Cathleen (Cathy) Rose Littler of Lethbridge, Alberta, on Thursday, November 14, 2024. After a brief but difficult battle with cancer, Cathy passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family.

Born in Calgary on February 9, 1962, to Dennis and Vivian Littler, Cathy was raised in Okotoks, Alberta. She built a remarkable career as both an Accountant and a House Builder in Southern BC and Alberta. 

Cathy was intelligent, honest, loving, an accomplished seamstress, fabulous cook, avid golfer, and prolific gardener. Her garden truly flourished this year, with over 250 tulips alone and carefully chosen flowers set to bloom in succession all summer, in order to feed the bees. Cathy’s brilliant mind was always seeking to learn and grow. She truly seized the day, every day, embodying the spirit of Carpe Diem – a phrase she proudly lived by. A fashion enthusiast, Cathy took great pride in her wardrobe and always looked like a million bucks. She was a loving mother and wife and cared deeply about her family.

Besides her loving husband, Dale, Cathy is survived by her two daughters, Trish Martin and Liz Yanke; two brothers, Mike Littler and Dave Littler; sister, Dawne Raugust; and her stepsons James, and Scott Hunter, Geoff Hunter (predeceased), and their families.

She will be deeply missed. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM, on Friday, November 22, 2024, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Cathy’s honor may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, https://cancer.ca/en/