Ethel Mary Jackson

January 21, 1898 - December 31, 2002

Born in Oldham, Lancashire, England in 1898, she received a Labor Certificate on January 11, 1911 which enabled her to work in England. Her family moved to Canada in January of 1912 to the Gull Lake, Sask. Area. She worked for various families as a housekeeper. Ethel married Bill Jackson November 5, 1931 in Redcliff. They farmed in the Verlo, Sask district, residing on the farm until the late 1940s, when they moved to Verlo. When Bill died in 1956 Ethel spent that winter in Swift Current, and then nine months in Anaheim, California. She lived alone until the age of 98, first in Medicine Hat, where she kept a big garden and flowers. At 95 years old she moved to Luther Manor.

I Have a Place in Heaven

Please don't sing sad songs for me, forget your grief and fears, for I am in a perfect place, away from pain and tears...I'm far away from hunger, and hurt and want and pride, I have a place in heaven, with the Master at my side, my life on earth was very good, as earthly lives can go, but paradise is so much more, than anyone can know...My heart is filled with happiness, and sweet rejoicing, too. To walk with God is perfect peace, a joy forever new.

George Allan "Cactus" Lapp

January 30, 1916 - December 26, 2002

George was born on the family homestead on July 30, 1916. From a very young age, he became interested in ranching. George bought his dad’s place in 1942 and ran a top cow/calf operation until he passed away. George was respected by many as a good cattleman and stockman. He had a great compassion for all animals. Cattle, horses, and rodeo were his "life". George was a founding member and avid competitor of the Medicine Hat Roping Club. He was a also a sponsor of Box Springs Rodeo.

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Anne Torgerson

January 15 1918 - January 1, 2003

Anne was born in Whitehaven, England in 1918, immigrating to Canada in 1945.

Do not stand at my gave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on the snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn's rain. When you waken in the morning's hush, I am the gentle uplighting rush of quiet birds in circled flight, I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I did not die.

Evelyn Edith Ahner

January 6, 1921 - January 24, 2003

Evelyn passed away peacefully at Sunny Side Care Centre after suffering a severe stroke in September 2002. Evelyn was born at Salvador, Saskatchewan on January 6th, 1921 to Fred and Ruth (May) Holton and was the youngest of five children. She took all her schooling at Salvador and then attended Normal School in Saskatoon. She began her teaching career at Wapashoe. Over the years, she also taught at Golden Prairie Rural, Prairie Star, Hatton and Golden Prairie Elementary. She married Fred Ahner on June 26th, 1941 in Medicine Hat. They took up farm life, moving around in the community, until they took up permanent residence on SW 16-13-25 W3rd. She became an active member of the Big Four Homemakers, and began raising their family while growing a large garden, raising chickens, sewing children's clothes and helping when needed with farm activities. Evelyn was one of the Charter Members of the Maple Creek Credit Union and served on the Advisory Committee for many years. Evelyn retired from teaching in 1982. She became a member of the Royal Purple and was a Rebekah. She was one of the original members of the CHIC club, a group which was organized to run the Golden Prairie Hall. She was also a committed New Democrat. Upon retirement, Evelyn began to indulge her passion for handwork, creating afghans and quilts for each member of the family. She and Freddie spent a lot of time at the family cabin at Cypress Hills Park. In 1989, they moved to Medicine Hat where their house became the gathering place for family and friends.

Rodney Lawrence Carlier

June 20, 1959 - February 1, 2003

We may gamble on out smarting the law;

we may even gamble on the leniency of man

and the mercy of God - but no man

ever won a gamble with his own conscience.

Doris Ferris

Passed away in 2003

Susan Margaret Hubbard

February 21, 1947 - February 28, 2003

Susan was born on February 21, 1947 in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan and was raised and educated in Gravelbourg, Saskatchewan. She met Jack Hubbard and they were married on February 10th, 1965. In 1975, they moved to Redcliff and resided there for twenty-four years before moving to Brooks in 1991 where they lived until her passing. Susan worked in the service industry most of her life, most recently working for the Super 8 in Brooks as supervisor of housekeeping. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends especially her grandchildren. Susan enjoyed crafts and needlework of all sorts, doing puzzles, helping friends and her dogs, Ajax and Buster.

Myrtle Luella Allen

October 7, 1907 - March 13, 2003

Myrtle was born October 7, 1907 in Brownlee, Saskatchewan and was educated there as well as in Moose Jaw and Regina. She began teaching at a rural school in the Maple Creek area in 1927 prior to her marriage to Clifford Maxwell (Dooley) Allen on January 2, 1929. They ranched most of their lives in Southern Alberta and for several years at Beachy, Saskatchewan, retiring to Medicine Hat in 1974. She was a lifetime member of the United Church active in various community organizations for many years. We give thanks for the person she has been, for the caring warmth of love she shared with her family and friends, her quiet, unselfishness nature that was shown to all that came to know her.

Samuel Carlyle "Lyle" Fee

June 16, 1923 - April 28, 2003

Samuel was born on June 16, 1923 at Empress, Alberta. On October 17, 1955 he married Shirley McDonald in Hanna. Together they farmed in the Bindloss and Craigmyle areas for many years. Samuel loved livestock especially horses and was an amateur calf roper. He loved to cook and bake, play crib with his grandsons, watching sports and participating in curling and bowling.

Alice Louise Bitz

Deceased May 11, 2003

Alice passed away on May 11, 2003 at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, at the age of 83. She was employed by Redcliff Greenhouses Ltd., then by Dom Glass Ltd, for approximately ten years, following that she was employed by Wahl Builders Ltd until her retirement in 1979. Alice had many interests and she will be missed by her many friends and family.

Leslie Lawrence Welling

October 22, 1907 - May 28, 2003

Les was born in Shediac Cape, NB and moved to Medicine Hat with his parents in 1913. On March 12, 1932, Les married Hilda Tonberg. They celebrated their 71st wedding anniversary this year. After spending the depression years farming near Seven Persons, Mr. Welling was employed at the Medicine Hat Brick and Tile Co. from the early 1940's until the early 1950's when he became a beekeeper and spent many years producing honey and enjoying his 40-acre farm southwest of Medicine Hat raising horses and growing hay.

Richard Frank Czember

September 6, 1935 - June 1, 2003

Richard was born in Medicine Hat, from a tender age he worked alongside his father, Frank, to build up and eventually become owner-operator of Valleydale Greenhouses Ltd. and more recently the Health Products Centre, founded by his mother Elsa. He was a founding member of the Red Hat Co-op in Redcliff. Richard’s success as a grower was matched by his natural abilities as a salesman and a businessman. An avid outdoorsman, Richard was an enthusiastic and skilled hunter, fisherman, trapper and guide. His outdoor adventures led to many life-long friendships. We thank Richard for sharing his love of nature and teaching us to "see". On the river, in the mountains, on the prairies, or in the yard, Richard always found and pointed out the eagle’s nest, the family of red foxes, even a newborn antelope, still wet and shaking, and always capturing as much as possible on film. Richard was always in motion - he had "second" homes in Suffield, Brooks, Elkwater, Calgary and B.C. - wherever good friends were found. Richard touched so many hearts ... his good nature, love of life and gentle, generous spirit will be missed dearly by his family and many friends.

Roy Julius Carstensen

June 7, 1931 - June 13, 2003

Roy was born on January 7, 1931 in Bassano. Roy was raised in Hanna, Alberta and attended school there until 1946 when his family moved to Red Deer. Roy quit school and went to work for his father in construction. Roy was first married in 1950 and had one son, Kenneth. In 1952 Roy moved with his family to Abbotsford, BC. He continued working with his father for some years and then worked in the RV business. In 1974 Roy moved to Medicine Hat and continued to work in the RV industry until he retired. Roy met and fell in love with Connie and they were married about 10 years ago in Medicine Hat. Roy was a hunter and a fisherman. Roy didn’t travel much; he was just a quiet, stay-at-home kind of guy.

Lloussa Linnea (Lena) Butterworth

July 27, 1914 - June 24, 2003

Lena was born on July 27, 1914, in Holden, Alberta. She moved to Vancouver, B.C., at an early age. Lena met Eric Butterworth, and together they were married on April 17, 1941. After getting married, Lena and Eric settled in Medicine Hat. When her children were young, Lena was involved with the Girl Guides Of Canada. She was also actively involved at Westminster United Church, as well as the Ladies Auxiliary of the United Transportation Union. When her children became older, Lena worked at several women’s clothing stores. She was an avid card player, and thoroughly enjoyed spending time at the Veiner Centre. In January, 1999, Lena moved to the Teoda Lodge, where she resided until her passing. Although her passion for gardening was strong, nothing was more important to Lena than spending time with her children and grandchildren.

Robert James (Jim) Reidy

May 2, 1943  - June 27, 2003

During his lifetime in Medicine Hat, Jim worked with his father, Bob, at Reidy Ford. He will be remembered for his fondness of Medicine Hat and southern Alberta; his love and extensive knowledge of automobiles and airplanes and his keen interest in films, particularly, comedies. Jim was extremely well read and well versed in history and current affairs. He possessed a dry wit and great sense of humor, which he readily attributed to his Irish heritage. We wish to thank Jim's lifelong friend, Bob Wallace, for his help and caring over the years.

Lillian Renke

December 10, 1918 - June 29, 2003

Lillian Renke of Oyen passed away on June 29, 2003, at the age of 85 years. She was predeceased by her parents Ottelia and Frederick Renke.

Beatrice May Maynard

March 2, 1917 - July 16, 2003

Miss Beatrice May Maynard passed away in Magrath, Alberta on Wednesday, July 16, 2003, at the age of 86 years. She leaves to cherish her memory one brother Edward Maynard of Newmarket, Ontario; one sister Bessie Robertson of Calgary, Alberta.

Wheta Chow

October 4, 1901 - July 21, 2003

Wheta passed away on Monday, July 21, 2003, at the age of 104 years (Chinese calendar). Wheta was born October 4, 1901 in the village of Koo Ben, District of Hoy Ping, China. at the age of 19, she married Chow Park Lain on December 27, 1920, and later immigrated to Canada. On October 4, 1921 she arrived in Vancouver to begin her life in Canada. She and her husband began their life in Canada at a small town called Michel-Natal, BC where together they opened Chow’s Restaurant. In 1925 a forest fire destroyed their restaurant and home. The family then moved to Cranbrook, where she and her husband farmed and raised their family. In 1945 the family moved to Medicine Hat where she lived until her passing. Wheta at 100 years old lived by herself doing what she loved to do best, gardening, knitting, crocheting. Early in 2002 a fall put her in the hospital and on June 13, 2002 she entered Central Park Lodge where she lived until her passing.

Lila "Edna" Nickel

February 3, 1909 - August 2, 2003

Edna was born in Outlook, Sask., on February 13, 1909. She moved with her parents to a homestead on a closed in hay rook on sleighs, pulled by horses called a Prairie Schooner to the Acadia Valley district. In 1927 she moved to Empress and then to Medicine Hat in 1960 where she has resided until her passing. On the farm she enjoyed working with the horses. She loved farm life and often spoke about her growing up years. During her life in Empress, she kept busy helping at the boarding house and with the large garden she tended for years. She was a perfectionist with crocheting, embroidery work and quilt tops which took a lot of her time. She was also known as a good baby sitter for many years.

Margaret Ellen Dixon

April 1, 1922 - August 4, 2003

Margaret was born on April 1, 1922, in Medicine Hat. She attended Montreal Street School and later Alexandra High School. Margaret worked as a purchaser at Fleming’s Women’s Fashions. After he returned from World War II, Mel and Margaret were reunited, and together they were married on September 10, 1947. Following their wedding, she dedicated her life to raising her children. Margaret had a great love for sports and art, but it couldn’t compare to the love she had for her grandchildren.

Marg also took part in the painting of the mural in Westminster's front hallway. A photo of her with the mural can be seen by clicking here.

James Gordon Cantwell

February 29, 1924 - August 13, 2003

James was born in Brigus Newfoundland

Catherine Wilson

April 30, 1913 - September 18, 2003

Catherine was born in Hayes Montana.

Pearl Muzzetta Stewart

July 3, 1921 - September 17, 2003

Pearl was born to Robert and Elizabeth Wilson on July 3, 1921, in Unity, Saskatchewan. It was in Unity where Pearl was raised, educated, and met her husband to be, Jack Stewart. They were united in marriage in Victoria, B.C., on January 17, 1942. Together they raised their family in numerous locations until moving to Medicine Hat in 1966. Pearl was an avid gardener, sports fan, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She loved to share snacks and play cards with the many friends she made.

Henry Harm "Harmy" Bruins

December 5, 1916 - September 24, 2003

Harmy was born on the family farm at Seven Persons on December 5th, 1916 and received his schooling at the Amos School in that district. His teenage years were spent working at farms and ranches in the Seven Persons area and south of Calgary. He met Norma Stewart while trucking in the Edmonton area and they were married on May 15th, 1940. He served in the Canadian Army during the Second World War. Harmy and Norma had four children, moving back to Medicine Hat after the first two were born. Harmy owned and operated a trucking company in Medicine Hat before starting a new career in sales, first in Insurance and then with Beny Motors. He was very successful at his position, setting many sales records with General Motors. In his later years, he joined in partnership with his sons, Phil and Randall, with Robo Car Wash and the Shell Travel Center. Randall and Harmy went on to build the Kingsway Auto Village and Harmy was proud to have worked until he was in his 80's. He was very interested in his community and was an active member of the JayCees, the Kinsmen and K-40 Clubs, the Elks and the Moose Clubs, during his lifetime. He had a very competitive spirit and loved to play cribbage, cards and pool with his family and friends. During his younger years he enjoyed curling. He loved to dance and was an excellent partner. His grandchildren will remember the many wonderful times they had with their 'Papa'.

Mary Anne Deering

March 30, 1912 - October 5, 2003

Mary was born on March 30, 1912 in Medicine Hat. She received her education in Medicine Hat and then continued on to Normal School in Calgary. Following Normal School she taught school in the rural areas of Medicine Hat for numerous years. She married Jim Deering in December of 1939. Along with her husband, she farmed in the Irvine area until her retirement to Medicine Hat in 1968. From her home she moved to Chinook Village in 1999. Mary was very active in a variety of groups in Medicine Hat which included the Co-op Women’s Guild, Women of the Moose, The Fraternal Order of the Eagles and the U.F.A. Women’s Chapter. In her leisure time she enjoyed bowling, playing bingo, crossword puzzles and was an avid reader.

Gordon Wayne Groft

November 25, 1944 - October 16, 2003

Gordon was born in Medicine Hat. After attending Medicine Hat High, he joined the air force and was with the military police until 1963. In 1963 Gordon was employed with Eatons in the men's department. In the summer of 1965, Gordon first saw the love of his life, Joan. they were married on May 14th, 1966. Gordon joined the Medicine Hat Police Service in February of 1967 where he was employed until his retirement in 1998. During his time as a police officer, Gordon loved his role in the traffic department. He drove the Harley Davidson motorcycle and was always teased that he was the biggest float in the stampede parade. Gordon also played hockey with his brothers-in-law Joel and Jim who managed to toughen him up. Gordon was also a non-com Lt. officer with the Air Cadets for several years. He played the bass drum in the South Alberta Light Horse Pipe Band and was a member of the Lions, the Masons and served on the Appeal Panel. Gordon was an avid golfer spending many hours happily on the golf course. He was a member of the Alberta Golf Association for ten years serving as president of the AGA in 1999. Whereas he spent many a happy day golfing the courses of Alberta. Gordon loved to travel with his wife.

Helen "Margaret" McCulley

September 9, 1913 - October 21, 2003

Marg was born in Glasgow, Scotland, on September 9, 1913. After completing school in Scotland, she immigrated to Canada with her mother and sister Ella in 1927. They were later joined in Canada by her brother Harry. Margaret married her first husband, Milford Lance in Medicine Hat, who later lost his life in a train accident. Margaret married Robert McCulley in 1946 and they lived happily for 49 years until Robert’s death in 1995. Margaret worked in a variety of capacities including the Eaton’s shoe department and catalogue sales, and the Co-op. She was particularly proud of her participation in the Moose drill team. She was a spiritual woman and attended church regularly. She enjoyed knitting, sewing and especially spending time with her family. She and Bob enjoyed traveling together. In her later years she was involved with the Hill seniors and the Veiner Center.

William "Bill" Lauder

July 29, 1914 - October 27, 2003

Bill was born on July 29th, 1914 in Medicine Hat where he was raised. He attended high school in Medicine Hat and received his B.A. at the University of Ottawa. In 1937, he joined the South Alberta Regiment receiving the rank of 2nd Lieutenant and then in 1941 he transferred to the Air Force reaching the rank of Flying Officer. Bill loved flying and enjoyed crop dusting and taught the farmers how to fly. Bill married Ruth on February 14th, 1941 in Edmonton and together they made their home in Calgary and Lethbridge, returning to Medicine Hat in 1979. He was employed with CP Express until the late fifties when he joined the Co-op as an adjuster where he remained until his retirement. He volunteered his time with Meals-on-Wheels for twelve years and was an Elder of Westminster United Church. Bill enjoyed golfing with four of his friends, as well as traveling and he and Ruth visited many places together.

Frank Czember

December 8, 1909 - October 26, 2003

Frank was born in the village of Krakau, East Prussia, Germany in 1909. After completing an apprenticeship in Horticulture in Germany, he emigrated to Canada in 1929 at the age of 19, to join his brother Fred who had emigrated a year earlier and settled in Medicine Hat. In 1933 he married Elsa Knodel. Frank was a very ambitious and hard working man. During the 30's while working at the Canadian and Medicine Hat Greenhouses, he also filled his own yard with hothouses and rented vacant lots around the city filling them with onions and vegetables to sell. In 1941 he moved his family out of town along Powerhouse Road and began Valleydale Greenhouses and Florist. He operated Valleydale with his wife and son Richard for 60 years, shipping cut flowers all across Western Canada. He loved to grow whether it be huge chrysanthemums, roses, or cucumbers. He was happiest when he was working at planting and harvesting. He had a passion for growing and loved his work. Over the years he enjoyed the friendships and loyalty of many friends, customers and employees. He was an avid hunter and proud to be a founding member of both the Medicine Hat Lions Club and the Red Hat Co-op.

James M. Bennett

December 22, 1913 - November 10, 2003

James was born on the family farm in Manitoba. He lived in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Orillia, Ontario and Baumanville, Ontario before moving to Medicine Hat in 1973. During his life, James took a barbering course, after which he barbered/hair-dressed for 7 years. James then travelled in Ontario for a Beauty Supply House. He then worked for the Ontario Government buying and appraising property. When he was in Medicine Hat he was in the Real Estate business for 16 years. James has been with his present wife, Ressa, for the past 25 years. He enjoyed playing cards, including solitaire, and had a passion for bridge and going to tournaments. James also enjoyed travelling--especially snowbirding to Arizona. He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Royal Canadian Legion and the Lions Club. James was a wonderful man and will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by his family and friends.

Evelyn Danielson

January 30, 1918 - November 23, 2003

Evelyn Danielson of Medicine Hat passed away on Sunday, November 23, 2003, at the age of 85 years, beloved wife of the late Daniel Danielson. She leaves to cherish her memory one brother Dobias "Toby" Doering of Medicine Hat. Besides her husband Daniel, she was predeceased by her parents Karolina and Emanuel Doering; two brothers Ewald and Emanuel and one sister Lilly.

Hugh Brown Pringle

November 6, 1917 - November 22, 2003

Hugh was born in Neepawa, Manitoba and raised in Wilkie, Saskatchewan. Although Hugh was an excellent student, finances prevented him from going to University. He started his working career as a gas jockey at a service station. Following his marriage to Olive on March 17, 1941, he was employed as Office Manager of W.C. Wells Construction, a company responsible for building airports and paving roads. After a discharge from the Army where he served in the Signal Corps, the family moved to Lloydminster, Saskatchewan and Hugh worked on the oil rigs and later for the IHC Implement Dealership. In 1951, the family moved to Marshall, Saskatchewan where they built and operated a grocery store. In 1963, Hugh and Olive moved to Saskatoon where he attended night classes to earn an accounting certificate. After working as Office Manager for a lumber company and a nursing home, he finally was able to attend University not as a student but as the Assistant to the Dean of Education. This was the position he held until grandchildren prompted them to move to Medicine Hat in 1975. His motto: "Plan like you’ll live forever and live like you’ll die tomorrow" would be good advice for anyone.

Mark Marion Hoefling

October 22, 1960 - November 27, 2003

Mark was born in Lloydminster and grew up in the Red Deer and Calgary areas.  He began his career in the culinary arts at a young age. He attained his Red Seal Certification by the age of 21.  He and Sharon were married and moved to Terrace B.C. in 1986, where he worked at the Northwest Community College for 15 years.  In 1992 his son Adam was born. Mark became involved in scouting with Adam, sharing his love of nature with him. In 2001 Mark was awarded the Scouts Canada Medal of Merit.   In May of 2001, Mark moved to Medicine Hat where he became executive chef at the Homesteader Restaurant.  In 2002 he and Melissa began their relationship.  On November 26, 2002 Mark was diagnosed with a brain tumour and he fought for life with a positive attitude. 

Dorothy "Dot" Jean Jackson

April 7, 1936 - November 30, 2003

Dot was born on April 7th, 1936 in Swan River, Manitoba, a daughter to Wilbert and Rebecca (Jean) Pattison. Her memory will be forever cherished by her four sons.

To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me

When I am gone, release me, let me go. You have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears. Be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love. You can only guess how much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you each have shown, but now it's time I traveled on alone. So grieve a while for me, if grieve you must, then let your grief be comforted by trust. It's only a while that we must part, so bless the memories within your heart. I won't be far, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will hear all of my love around you, soft and clear. And then, when you must come this way alone, I'll greet you with a smile and say "Welcome Home".

Marion Caroline Howg

April 20, 1909 - December 7, 2003

Marion was born on April 20th, 1909, and passed away on December 7th, 2003, the first daughter and sixth child of George and Maggie Hart. One more brother, two sisters and two half-sisters followed. The family immigrated to Canada in 1910 and settled in the Whitlaw area where Marion went to school and eventually met and married Clyde Scott in 1928. They had two daughters, Alice and Grace. They moved to Medicine Hat in 1953 after Clyde had a heart attack. They lived and worked in the Granada Apartments until Clyde's passing in 1970. Marion stayed on until 1972 when she married Emil Howg and moved to Lethbridge. After Emil's passing in 1994 she returned to Medicine Hat where she resided at the Wild Rose Lodge until August, 2000 and has been in the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital auxiliary since then.