Ena Leppard

January 20, 1914 - January 8, 2002

Ena Leppard, born on January 20, 1914, was a lifetime resident of Medicine Hat. She was predeceased by her husband Harold, a brother Gordon and three sisters Lelia, Florella and Opal. 

A Mother’s Farewell To Her Children

When I must leave you for a little while, please do not grieve and shed wild tears

And hug your sorrow to you through the years, but start out bravely with a gallant smile;

And for my sake and in my name, live on an do all things the same.

Feed not your loneliness on empty days, but fill each waking hour in useful ways.

Reach out your hand in comfort and in cheer and I in turn will comfort you and hold you near;

And never, never be afraid to die, for I am waiting for you in the sky.

Herbert Kenneth Zollner

September 10, 1936 - January 18, 2002

Herb was born near Hatton, SK, and lived for many years on the family farm in the Richmound/Golden Prairie area.  Upon retirement form farming, he and Jeannette moved to Medicine Hat in 1990 where his acreage became his favorite pastime.  He also owned and operated H20 Water Hauling for several years.  He enjoyed hosting many roping events, the Saamis barrel racing club, and stew parties.  He could also be found down at the chutes at local rodeos and auction sales.  He was an avid calf roper, team roper, and all-around horseman, and was actively involved in trail rides, 4-H, and participated and placed in countless competitive rodeo events.  Many hours were spent on his welding and building projects, watching Wheel of Fortune, playing solitaire and free cell on the computer, coffee row, and he especially enjoyed spending time with his young grandchildren.

He struggled tireless with his health for many years, and tried very possible treatment available.  We are thankful for the years we shared with him, and will miss his kind heart and his generous, gentle nature.

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Helen "Selma" Bruins

October 6, 1907 - January 22, 2002

Selma was born  in Pelican Rapids, Minnesota.  She came to Canada with her parents in 1910, at the age of two years.  She married Peter Bruins on December 10th, 1930, and together they farmed north of Seven Persons, retiring to Medicine Hat in 1959.  Selma spent many happy hours knitting, crocheting, quilt making and all her family and many friends enjoyed the fruits of her labors.  Family and friends were always welcomed with grace, hospitality and generosity.  She was a quiet caring person, devoted to her family and she will be missed by all who knew and loved her gentle ways.  Selma was an active member of Westminster United Church.  In 1995, she and Peter celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary.  For the past two years, she has been a resident of Central Park Lodge. 

Arthur L. (Art) Millington

May 10, 1941 - January 24, 2002

Art was born on May 10th, 1941 in Medicine Hat, and was raised on the Millington Dairy Farm, which is now known as Echo Dale Farm.  He received his education in Medicine Hat and upon completion he worked up north.  Art married Linda Dubeau on June 6th, 1968 in Medicine Hat, where they continued to make their home.  For a number of years, Art owned and operated his own backhoe and trucking service, and from 1979 to 1995 he was a partner with Stan Hoffman in Gas City R.V.  Due to failing health, Art retired in 1995.  In his younger years he was an avid trap shooter and very active in the rodeo circuit.  Art remained a dedicated hockey and rodeo fan and enjoy having coffee with his coffee shop gang. 

Alfred Edward Gibson

January 13, 1919 - February 13, 2002

Alfred Gibson was born on in the Grey Municipality in Manitoba and was raised in that area. He married Doris Deda on November 21, 1942 in Portage La Prairie, Manitoba. They moved to Medicine Hat in 1956 and have resided here until the time of his passing. Alfred worked as a mechanic at Lyndon Construction, Jack Stephanson’s Pontiac Buick and Zelmore Automotive until retiring at the age of 66.

Burnetta Gower

August 2, 1917 - February 25, 2002

Burnetta was born in Waldeck, Saskatchewan on August 2, 1917.  She married Alex on August 28, 1945 in High River after he returned home from World War II.  In 1956 they settled in Medicine Hat and made it their home.  Burnetta was a loving mother and grandmother, devoting her life to her family. 

Frieda (Bennis) Trekofski

May 18, 1918 - March 19, 2002

Frieda was born in Hilda and lived in the Medicine Hat area until 1979 when she moved to White Rock, BC.  After the passing of her second husband John, in 2000, she moved back to Medicine Hat.  She had a profound love of music and people and had a very positive attitude towards everything.  In earlier years she was the organist and choir director of Memorial Salem United Church.  After moving back to Medicine Hat she was an active member of Westminster United Church Choir, the Veiner Centre Choir and the United Church Woman's Group.  Frieda's positive attitude and resilience conquered two serious bouts of illness.  Only a few days before her passing she was still convinced she could win again. 

Harold Arthur (Peanuts) Graham

September 23, 1922 - May 2, 2002

Harold was born in Bienfait, Saskatchewan.  He graduated from Alexandra High School and began a career as a hockey player.  He played Memorial Cup Hockey and was recruited to the Quebec Aces of the Quebec Hockey League in 1955.  Due to a knee injury, he returned home after a year and worked for the CPR until his retirement.  Friends will remember his gentle ways and his passion for hockey.  He was a true gentleman.

Mildred McLennan

May 10, 1911 - May 3, 2002

Mildred was born in Montreal. She moved with her parents to Medicine Hat in 1913 and to a farm in Bindloss in 1914. She obtained her Second Class Teacher Certificate in 1929 and taught school in Empress from 1929-34. After further schooling she obtained her First Class Teaching Certificate in 1935 and taught school in Scandia for three years and in Duchess for three years where she was active in community activities with both her students and their parents. Mildred lived and taught school in Calgary in 1941 and 1942. In 1942, she also married Willis McLennan and moved to the ranch at Bindloss. Their four children Glenda, Don, Jack, and Archie were born in Empress and were raised on the ranch. Her life on the ranch was good, but busy. In addition to raising four children including the preparation of lunches for school, and meals for the hired men; she always had a large garden; she was the school’s substitute teacher for several years. Mildred was a big supporter of the Bindloss United Church; she started the church Sunday School program, the church choir and helped out with Explorers and CGIT. Mildred and Willis sold the ranch in 1966 and moved to Medicine Hat. Mildred continued her interest in volunteering for the community. She was area chairman for the Heart Fund for several years and canvassed for the Cancer Society for many years; she was a leader and an organizer for the Westminster United Church, both as an elder and as a member of the UCW where she was at different times over the years a social convener and flower convener. During a period of time, while she dealt with cancer herself, she started a support group, for women with cancer, which eventually lead to the establishment of the "Reach for Recovery" support group in Medicine Hat. She will be remembered for her friendliness, her kindness and her willingness to give to others. Her faith helped her to survive many hurdles in her life, it also helps to explain her love and compassion for others. From her perspective she "Received by Giving".

Werner (Verne) Schmidt

March 22, 1933 - May 15, 2002

Verne was born in Sardis, British Columbia.  Upon graduating from high school in Agassiz in 1951, Verne started working for his dad in an electrical contracting business. In his youngest days Vern was the kid who played with mechano sets; took apart and put together electric motors, bicycles and anything that had nuts, bolts or pulleys.  In 1955, Verne married Shirley Smith in New Brunswick. Garage Mechanics, logging, CPR Fireman, RCAF electronics and communications, Corporate Electronics, Alberta Telephone moved Verne from Agassiz to Field to Trenton to Europe to the Maritimes, Baffin Island to Edmonton and finally to Medicine Hat in 1973 to teach electronics  at Medicine Hat High School. He retired from teaching in 1988, at which point Verne and Shirley spent five months each year in Arizona.

Frances Stolz

June 29, 1920 - June 20, 2002

Frances was born at Burstall, Saskatchewan on June 29th, 1920.  Her family moved to Richmound, Saskatchewan where she was raised and educated.  On June 15th, 1943, she married Reinhold “Ray” Stolz in Medicine Hat.  Frances and Ray worked in various occupations and were self-employed in several businesses throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan.  Leaving Mendham, Saskatchewan, where they owned and operated a general store and farm, they moved to Medicine Hat, which became their final home.  Frances enjoyed sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlework and paper tole; consequently, she has left many treasures over the years with family and friends.  Business and sales were a large part of her working years, but retirement was spent enjoying her family and grandchildren.  An additional specialty of hers which continued throughout most of her life was gardening.  In her family’s heart she will be sadly missed and remembered forever. 

Kathleen (Kay) May Romeike

January 20, 1919 - July 4, 2002

Kay was born at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, and spent the majority of her life on the Romeike Family farm south of Seven Persons. As a young woman while working at Medalta Pottery, she met Frank and they were married April 4, 1942.

Although she experienced hardships such as losing her home through fire at age 11 and the loss of Frank at an early age, the majority of her life was filled with many joyous events.  Family gatherings, music, dancing, flowers, gardening, farming, the Church, even threshing and brandings were things Mom truly enjoyed.  Despite its being a lot of work, cooking for these occasions was also her passion.  "More is better" was one of her standard cooking terms.

Both Kay and Frank were committed to education and community as is exemplified by Frank's long service on the County of Forty Mile Board of Education and Kay's longs service as a school bus driver. Grandchildren were an integral part of her life.  Whether it was music, education, or an extra-curricular activity, she was always supportive of them.

Her love of music and skill as a pianist were widely appreciated.  She played for Church in Etzikom and organist at Ebeneezer Church, south of the Romeike homestead, as well as numerous Christmas concerts at Bullhead Butte and Conquerville Schools, her UCW Electra Unit and for singsongs and Church services at Sunnyview.  Accompanying her family, particularly her grandchildren, was her greatest joy.  The gift of music which she imparted to them will live forever. 

Kay retired to Medicine Hat in October 1993 to Riviera Towers and in October 2000 moved to Sunnyview where she resided until her passing.

Cecilia "Sis" Diamond

April 30, 1943 - July 25, 2002

Cecilia was born on April 30, 1943 in Summerville, Newfoundland. She met Calvin, married, and started a family in Lethbridge, Newfoundland where they resided until 1992. Shortly after, Cecilia moved to Medicine Hat and worked at what she loved doing at C.F.B. Suffield until her passing. Everyone who knew Cecilia, knew she was a loving, caring, and giving person who enjoyed spending time with her three children, two granddaughters, and many friends.

My Newfoundland Heart Written by Frank Pavlick

 They can take this Newfoundlander, from the place I got my start,

But there’s one thing they can NEVER take, my Newfoundlander heart.

 A little poem like this one helps, My heart to take a stand,

To say – though I am somewhere else, My heart’s in Newfoundland.

 No disrespect intended for, my home away from home,

But Newfoundland is where I’m from, no matter where I roam.

Sometimes it’s only once a day, quite often it is more,

My heart drifts back to Newfoundland, and thoughts of life before.

And so I hope the world at large, will try to understand,

It’s fine in other places but, my heart’s in NEWFOUNDLAND.

Gayle Edith Copeland

February 29, 1937 - August 10, 2002

Gayle was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and spent her school years in the Claresholm area.  She married Dermy Copeland in Pincher Creek and they moved around with Dermy's job settling in Medicine Hat in 1956 where Gayle worked at the Riverview Nursing Home.  Around 1982 they moved to Lethbridge and Gayle was employed with the Southland Nursing Home for about 18 years when she retired.

Thomas Kenneth (Ken) Kinvig

February 2, 1916 - August 31, 2002

Ken was born in Medicine Hat. He lived his entire life in Medicine Hat, working 25 years at Alberta Clay Products. He then moved on to employment at Goodyear where he continued to work until his retirement. Ken was residing at the Meadowlands Retirement Residence until his passing Saturday. He enjoyed many things in life, especially hunting, fishing, and camping with friends and family. His memory will be cherished by all who knew him.

Mary Scriven

March 15, 1916 - August 31, 2002

Mary was born on the homestead at Consul, Saskatchewan, the youngest child born to Neil and Sarah Rittenhouse Johnson. She married Ralph Scriven on February 20, 1937. They lived in Trail, BC, Innisfail and Olds, Alberta and Swift Current, Saskatchewan before settling in Medicine Hat in 1963. Mary was an active United Church member who always gave freely of her time and energy. She and Ralph enjoyed a wide circle of friends and family. Mary loved to laugh and visit with all of them. Her family was the mainstay of her life and she cherished each one of them.

Gilles Raymond Duhaime

June 3, 1947 - September 9, 2002

Gilles was born in Duvall, Quebec. He married Leonie Fournier on August 9th, 1969 in Ottawa. For the past seventeen years Gilles has owned and operated Busy Bee Auto Salvage/Diamond Motors Repairs. He was a proud sponsor and volunteer for many years of the Medicine Hat Stock Car Association.

Gordon William (Pete) Findlay

October 4, 1920 - September 25, 2002

Pete was born in Penticton, BC and his family settled to Red Deer in 1921 where he was raised and educated. Pete joined the Royal Canadian Air Force on September 14th, 1940 and went overseas in July of 1941. In September of 1942 he was shot down and was a POW until May of 1945. After Pete's discharge in November of 1945, he returned to Red Deer. On December 27th, 1945 Pete married the former Beth Orme in Red Deer and together they moved to Toronto where Peter attended the University of Toronto - College of Optometry from 1946 - 1949. They later returned to Alberta settling in Medicine Hat in 1952, where Pete opened his practice until retiring in December of 1986. Pete was the past president of the Shrine Club, and a member of K40, Canadian Legion Robertson Branch #17 and RCAF POW Groups of Calgary. Pete enjoyed traveling, spending time with family and having coffee with friends. He was also an active long time member at the Cypress Club.

Robert Alden Smith

August 19, 1922 - October 13, 2002

Esther Zral

December 21, 1915 - October 13, 2002

Esther was born in Nanaimo, BC and lived on the west coast until 1963 when she moved to Medicine Hat with her family. She was predeceased by her husband Duff later that year. Many will remember Esther from Woolworths where she managed the shoe department for many years. She made many friends as a long-time member of the Quota Club, the Business and Professional Womens’ Club, the Royal Purple and the Ladies Auxiliary to the Royal Canadian Legion. Over the years, Esther enjoyed her travels with her friends to Hawaii, England, Australia and her frequent visits to family within Canada.

Sherry Lyn Carstensen

October 2, 1960 - October 22, 2002

Sherry was born on October 2nd, 1960 in North Battleford, Saskatchewan. Sherry loved the outdoors and although she had been in ill health for a number of years she was still able to enjoy many outdoor activities; painting and installing bird boxes, taking care of goose nests, trap shooting, as well as hunting and fishing.

Raymond "Ray" C. Clark

December 16, 1910 - October 22, 2002

Raymond was born to Ira and Lottie Clark in Mondamin, Iowa on December 16th, 1910. At the age of two, his family left Iowa to homestead at Empress, Alberta. In June of 1975, he married Stella and in 1980, they retired from farming and moved to Medicine Hat. As his health failed, he spent the last two years residing at Meadowlands retirement residence. He was predeceased by Stella in 1999 and all his brothers and sisters. Ray was a member of the Masonic Orders, Shriners, Golden Kiwanis, Westminster United Church and was a 50-year member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Raymond was a generous, gentle, caring man. His love for the land, growing grain and tending vegetable and flower gardens gave him many hours of pleasure.

James Arnold Kislanko

September 1, 1925 - November 3, 2002

James was born in Maple Creek, Saskatchewan. He came from humble beginnings and remained a humble and honest man to the end of his life. James never did things the easy way but things were done to perfection. In 1942, at the tender age of 17 years, he joined the Navy, taking his basic training in Regina and began his naval career in the H.M.S. Queens. He spent time in Halifax and Vancouver picking up war ships and moving them to the coast of Spain and the Azores. Being a "Gunner" he witnessed many of his buddies losing their lives. After returning from the service in 1945, he farmed and owned a feedlot in the Consul, Saskatchewan area. In 1952 he was employed by the C.P.R. and worked in various places, including Empress, where he met and married, Bernice, in 1960. We moved to Medicine Hat, where he continued with the C.P.R. until ill health forced him to retire in 1986. James was a member of Preceptory, #2 Lodge, Grand Chapter of Royal Arch Masons, Al Azhar Shrine Club and a retired Band Member. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the Royal Canadian Legion. His strong faith in God enabled him to fight this horrible illness.

Philip Kobitz

March 22, 1918 - December 10, 2002

Philip Kobitz of Medicine Hat passed away on Tuesday, December 10, 2002, at the age of 84 years, beloved husband of the late Marie Kobitz. Philip was born in Maple Creek, SK on March 22, 1918.

Randall Lynn Bruins

August 12, 1951 - December 13, 2002

Randall was born on August 12th, 1951 in Medicine Hat, where he was raised and educated, graduating from McCoy High School. On June 23rd, 1973, Randall married Barb Dorohoy in Medicine Hat. At an early age, Randall entered into business and was the recent owner of Kingsway Auto Village and was in a present partnership at Sun Country Nissan. He was well-respected businessman in the community, and he had a straightforward and sincere manner in which he approached all his business matters. Common sense and logic were keys to his success. Randall was a member of the Kinsmen, K-40 and the Connaught Golf and Country Club. He was also a past President of the Motor Dealers Association. Randall's family was his #1 priority. He enjoyed travelling to various areas of the world, especially White Fish. He had a passion for cars and enjoyed golfing.