Westminster United Church

Dorothy was born on July 7, 1911 in Medicine Hat, a daughter to William and Mary Cousley. Her parents became one of a group of people who wanted a church on the hill. They had built a house on the hill by then. This finally happened and the original Westminster Presbyterian Church was built.

Matilda Pfeifer

October 27, 1909 - February 22, 2006

Matilda was born in Lehr, North Dakota. As a young girl she came to Canada with her parents and she was raised on a homestead in Josephsburg. Being one of the older children Matilda worked outside on the farm with her father. On March 29, 1929 she married Jacob Pfeifer and together they farmed 12 miles south of Walsh on his parents homestead. They later farmed at Bowell and East of Medicine Hat before making Medicine Hat their home in 1953. She worked as a custodian at Riverside School and at different office buildings. Matilda enjoyed gardening and especially loved to babysit her grandchildren and great grandchildren whom she would spoil with her treats.

Ronald Edward Kornelson

August 21, 1957 - March 20, 2006

Ronald was born on August 21, 1957 in Empress, Alberta to Ed and Doris Kornelson. He was a cherished part of the Alfred Egan Home family for the past twenty years and will forever be held in the hearts of his family of caregivers and residents.

Konstantin "Kayo" Maser

- April 8, 2006

Kayo was born and raised in the Irvine district where he met and married Martha in September 1945. He farmed the home farm, drove school bus and worked at Medicine Hat College until retiring in 1987. Great enjoyments for him were his grandchildren, shuffleboard, cards and board games. He was always a jokester and remained so to the very end and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Olga "Ollie" Cotten

April 18, 1935 - April 9, 2006

Ollie was born on April 18th, 1935 in Arran, Saskatchewan where she was also raised and educated. In 1950 she moved to Southern Ontario and spent five years there before returning to Saskatchewan in 1955. Ollie was married in 1956 and in 1963 she moved to Flin Flon, Manitoba and then to Winnipeg. From 1964 to 1985 she resided in Brandon, Manitoba and finally, in 1986, returned to Medicine Hat. On June 16th, 1989 Ollie married Russell Cotton and they continued to make Medicine Hat their home. Ollie was a member of the Medicine Hat Moose Lodge and enjoyed dancing.

Hulda "Hilda" Arndt

June 11, 1918 - April 9, 2006

Hilda was born in Walsh, AB. At the age of 6, her family moved to the Lavoy. She contacted the flu as a baby (one that took so many lives that year). As she was weaker than the rest of her sisters, she wasn't made to do any chores. She often told the stories of how some of her sisters and herself rode the racetracks, bareback on horses at a lot of the surrounding stampedes and came in first often.

In 1938 she married Ben Arndt in Edmonton AB. In 1939 Bernice was born and in 1940, Gordon. They farmed in the Viking district until 1949 when they moved to BC. They lived in many different places in B.C., Kimberly, Cloverdale, RiverRoad, New Westminster, Walley, Campbell River, and Prince Rupert. Hilda worked in fish canneries, picked pole beans, and did laundry in a laundromat to help bring in an income. In 1955 they moved back to Golden Prairie where Ben's parents and most of his siblings lived. Hilda helped Ben in whatever he ventured to do. looking after his bulk fuel station and helping him as custodian of the schools.

When her first grandchild Lynette came along, Ben dubbed her Granny. She became granny to everyone in the area. She did a lot of crocheting for a pastime. Hilda loved to play cards, especially if there would be a few nickels involved.

After Ben passed away in 1986 she remained in Golden Prairie until 1989 when she moved to Medicine Hat to be closer to Bernice & her family. She led quite an active life, going to bingo's and playing cards. She went on a few bus tours with friends, to Anaheim California, Tijuana Mexico, to Winnipeg & North Battleford. In 1990 she traveled to Europe and saw a few countries. Every summer she went to Prince George for a visit with Gordon and his family. In 2004, she decided to move into St. Joseph's Home as she was tired of cooking for herself. She enjoyed her stay there very much. Towards December of 2005 her health started to fail and in March moved into Riverview Care Centre where she passed away shortly after.

Lyle Alfred Smith

April 23, 1924 - April 26, 2006

Lyle was born in Admiral SK the only child of Lloyd and Julie Smith. At an early age, he and his parents moved to Verlo SK and in a short time his family joined by other relatives traveled in horse drawn wagons to start a new homestead in Mervin SK. The family moved to Portreeve SK in 1942 where Lyle completed his High School education. It was there he met his future wife, Margaret. They attended Moose Jaw Normal School and following their graduation were married and took up teaching duties in rural schools near Tompkins SK. Five weeks after he started to teach, Lyle was admitted to Fort San SK, for medical treatment where he spent the next five years. In 1950 Lyle and his family moved to Eureka California but they returned permanently to Medicine Hat in 1957 where Lyle established Western Products (a fire Alarm company). Lyle was a musician of note and enjoyed many years playing with friends wherever he traveled. He played with many bands and always enjoyed the music and his new acquaintances. He was a saxophonist and in recent years performed with the Swinging Seven. He was an avid sports fan and particularly liked to cheer on the local youth . He loved to play bridge.

The Saxophonist

by Phyllis Sinclair

He picked up his Saxophone and held it to his side

He blew the valves to clear them out, His thoughts he couldn't hide

He said just four days short of 60 years of married bliss she died

Tow weeks as a single man how would he survive?

He said she was the only girl who ever shared his bed.

Loved her dear before and since the day that they were wed.

He called her name the other night but there was no reply

Now it's just his saxophone that keeps his world. Alive.

And he played, and he played and he played, and I cried.

The notes he played were clear and strong he blew us all away

For a man of nearly 80 years, my how he could play

Jazz, Blues, Ragtime, Rock, Latin, Folk and Pop.

Played them like he'd composed them all, He didn't want to stop

His appearance changed when he blew that sax to a man of youthful days

Like magic from a genie's lamp, He played with style and grace

His face lit up his back was straight he aged fingers quick.

His eyes were bright, his lungs were strong. he didn't miss a lick

And he played, and he played and he played, in perfect time..

When the music stopped at evening's end and we put our things away,

I couldn't help but notice there, inscribed upon his case

Play this the way you love me dear and I will always be

Close to your lips and in your arms just play and you will see.

It was there that I understood the value of a gift,

It warms the heart of the one who gives imparts their soul a lift

But it's at the point when the one who takes that the gift is given birth,

When the love and thought is recognized the gift is given worth

And he played, and he played and he played, and I smiled.

When I went home that night I thought about the man

And the sax he played with passion, and how it all began

And I realized that a gift of love gives much more than some hype.
It gives the gift of keeping on, it gives the gifts of life

And he played, and he played and he played, in my mind.

Kai "Hon" Wong

August 2, 1932 - May 30, 2006

Hon was born in Taipan Village, China where he was raised and educated. In 1950, he came to Canada to the Vancouver area and then moved to Regina for three years, and Medicine Hat for five years. He then returned to China to marry Lois and on July 25, 1958 they returned to Medicine Hat. Together they opened Foodland I.G.A. in 1961 on North Railway Street and in 1971 they moved the store to Maple Avenue, retiring in 2003. During his retirement he enjoyed travelling and spending time with his grandchildren.

Lucy Renner

January17, 1917 - June 4, 2006

Lucy was born in the Schuler area where she was raised. She married Frank Werre on April 20, 1935 and they moved to Golden Prairie where Frank worked and Lucy stayed home with the children. The family moved to Medicine Hat in 1946 where Frank was a salesperson for Septs Garage on North Railway. Following the death of her first husband, Lucy married Henry Renner on December 28, 1974. When her children left home, Lucy took in boarders, whose company she enjoyed, and indulged them with her love of cooking and baking and she always had a big garden. She attended WA at the original church and has been a member of the UCW and Westminster United Church throughout the years and the Veiner Center. Lucy had been a resident of Central Park Lodge for the last two years

Josephine "Jo" Frances Fawns

April 6, 1928 - June 18, 2006

KERRIE'S PRAYER

Lord, Let me know your peace. In you I hope give me strength for each day, Amen.

"Death is nothing at all.

I have only slipped away into the next room.

I am I, and you are you.

Whatever we were to each other, that we still are.

Call me by my old familiar name,

speak to me in the easy way which you always used.

Put no difference in your tone, wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow.

Laugh as we always laughed at the little jokes we enjoyed together.

Pray, smile, think of me, pray for me.

Let my name be ever the household word that it always was.

Let it be spoken without effect, without the trace of a shadow on it.

Life means all that it ever meant.

It is the same as it ever was; there is unbroken continuity.

Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight?

I am waiting for you, for an interval,

somewhere very near, just round the corner.

All is well"

Henry Scott Holland (1847‑1918) - Canon of St. Pauls Cathedral

Bertha Thelma Lockhart

January 17, 1919 - June 22, 2006

Bertha was born in Hatton, SK

We are grateful for the goodness and joy, the laughter and kindness she brought to all of us. We treasure the beauty of her life and the way she shared it with others. She will always be a precious part of our lives...

Ruth Cordelia Bruins

March 17, 1913 - June 27, 2006

Ruth was born on the family homestead north of Seven Persons, AB where she spent her pre-school years. A few weeks later, she moved into Medicine Hat to help her grandparents and attended Toronto Street, Earl Kitchener, Connaught and Alexandra High Schools. Ruth continued residing there until her grandmother's death in 1934. In recognition of her years of devoted care for her grandparents, Ruth's Uncle Oscar Sederberg and family took her on a trip to Minnesota and to the Chicago World's Fair and were hoping she would take up residence with them in Minneapolis. Ruth had other plans and returned to Medicine Hat where she married Gunster Bruins on March 21st, 1935 at St. Paul Lutheran Church. They farmed in the Holsom area until 1944 when they purchased a farm north of Seven Persons. They moved to Medicine Hat in 1954 but Ruth continued to spend summers on the farm until they retired in 1975. She was a quiet person but was always busy with gardening and handicrafts. Ruth was an active member of Westminster United Church and a life member of the United Church Women. She enjoyed traveling, the company of family and friends, and was best known for her baking and generous meals. Ruth would never let you refuse that extra helping. She will be sadly missed by those who knew and loved her.

Glenn Eldon Marr

July 17, 1930 - July 18, 2006

Glenn Eldon Marr passed away after a short battle with cancer on Tuesday, July 18, 2006, at the age of 76 years. Glenn was well known in the Medicine Hat area by people of many walks of life. He was a valued Elder of Westminster Church and lived One Day At A Time with God, his valued friend. As an expression of sympathy donations may be made to the Medicine Hat and District Food Bank, 532 South Railway Street SE, Medicine Hat, T1A 2V6.

Frank Asa Yeast

July 29, 1914 - August 17, 2006

Frank was born in Lincoln, Nebraska. He came to Canada as an infant and his family settled in Manyberries. They lived there for two years before moving to the Millie Ranch and then to the Yeast Ranch in Fox Valley. Frank married Hazel Edith Halverson on November 21, 1939 and they resided at the Yeast Ranch until 1986 when they relocated to medicine Hat. Frank enjoyed ranching, rodeo, and auction sales. He collected antiques all of his life and had a museum at the ranch where friends, tourists and hunters were always welcome to visit. Frank's hospitality was well known to his friends in Canada and the USA. Frank will be greatly missed by his family and many friends.

Ellen May Roth

September 26, 1936 - September 2, 2006

Ellen was born in Maple Creek, SK. She was raised in Golden Prairie where she married Delmar Roth on July 3, 1953. They lived on a farm, but later moved to Fox Valley when Delmar began working at the Sodium Sulphate Plant. Ellen and Delmar eventually retired to Medicine Hat. Ellen enjoyed working with animals, but music was one of her greatest passions. She was an excellent rhythm player and when Delmar would play lead guitar, Ellen would sing. Together, they entertained at many dances all over the country. Ellen will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Florence "Flo" Jean Dale

March 8, 1916 - August 22, 2006

Flo was born in Moosomin, SK. At an early age she moved to Medicine Hat where she spent most of her life. She received all of her education in Medicine Hat and graduated with her R.N. from the Medicine Hat Hospital with a Gold Medal in surgical nursing. During the last war, she served as a Lieutenant Nursing Sister in Gander NFLD. After the war, her duties took her to Vancouver, Los Angeles and Beverly Hills where she spent eight years in a specialized eye clinic. Flo returned home and continued with her nursing career with the medicine Hat Health Unit. This provided the opportunity to travel extensively to the country dispensing medical care to newborns, school children and adults. She was a very active member of Westminster United Church and generously donated several stained glass windows in memory of her mother, Annie and her brother, Hector.

Andrew Mehrer

April 9, 1918 - September 3, 2006

Andrew was born during WWI on the family farm at Buffalo Head, SK. He was educated in the Progress Country School and received his high school education by correspondence. In 1941 Andrew joined the Army and was discharged in 1946. He worked in Calgary before returning to the home farm. He actively farmed for forty years until his accident in 1988. He continued to farm from his arm chair.

Sebastian Giesinger

February 11, 1921 - September 21, 2006

Sebastian was born in Schuler. He married Ida Knoblick in Medicine Hat and as of April 15, 2006 they celebrated 65 years together. Sebastian worked for School District #76 for 36 years as a head custodian. Students and staff enjoyed spending time with him. Sebastian's hobby was upholstering whatever he could for whomever needed anything done. He enjoyed meeting with friends and neighbors over at the Co-op for lunch or just a coffee. Sebastian was especially fond of his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He loved to talk long distance with them to catch up on what everyone was doing.

Deral Clifton Marr

July 20, 1929 - October 18, 2006

Deral trained as a reserve soldier in Wainwright, Alberta. He had a long 43 year career with A.G.T./Telus in Medicine Hat, Drumheller, and Red Deer. He married Jean Fraser in Medicine Hat in 1951 and had three daughters and seven grandsons. He retired in Medicine Hat and spent his final four years at Good Sam's Nursing Home.

Gertrude "Gertie" Ayers

January 7, 1917 - October 29, 2006

Gertie was born the eldest of nine children in Vanguard, SK. She was raised in Gravelbourg, SK and came to Medicine Hat to care for her elderly grandparents. It was here she met her future husband, Daniel Scribner whom she married in June 1942 when he returned from the war. In 1953, they settled their family in Millet, AB. Dan passed away in October of 1966. Gertie then married William Ayers in June of 1968 and they moved to Medicine Hat in 1976 to be near their family. Bill passed away in February 1986; however, Gertie continued to reside in their home until she became ill. She lived for her family and her door was always open and welcoming. She loved her garden and shared the bounty of it with everyone.

Janice "Jan" Joyce Harrison

May 8, 1947 - November 5, 2006

Don't think of her as gone away--her journey's just begun; life holds so many facets--this earth is only one. Just think of her as resting from the sorrows and the tears in a place of warmth and comfort where there are no days and years. Think how she must be wishing that we could know, today, how nothing but our sadness can really pass away. And think of her as living in the hearts of those she touched...for nothing loved is ever lost--and she was loved so much.

Robert "Bob" George Crews

January 21, 1925 - November 15, 2006

Bob was born in Medicine Hat and raised in the Alderson area near Suffield, along the South Saskatchewan River in what was affectionately known as the Pumphouse, where his father provided water for the steam locomotives of the CPR at that time. These boyhood years spent with his best pal and brother, Bill, were among the best years of his life. At the age of 15, he began working for the CPR in Medicine Hat, a career that would span 47 years and take him from painting company outhouses to washing down the old engines, to Fireman shoveling coal on his beloved steam locomotives, to Engineer (Hoghead) on the diesels. Bob proudly served his country in WWII by enlisting in 1943 with the Calgary Highlanders, actively serving in Belgium and the liberation of Holland. His marriage to Clare upon his return took place in Medicine Hat on September 2, 1946 and thus began his years as a family man. Bob was a quiet, private man with a sense of humour, well-liked by friends. He was a member of the Elks and the Legion and he liked to read and follow world events. He was very kind-hearted and generous to others but first and foremost was his love and concern for his family.

Michael "Mike" Raymond Johnson

June 20, 1951 - December 9, 2006

Michael was born in Oyen, Alberta. He lived on the family farm until 1968, when he went to Edmonton attending Alberta College for Grades 11 and 12. His educational achievements included attending the University of Alberta, obtaining his B.Sc. in 1972 and Professional Diploma in Education in 1973. He then received his Ed. Diploma in 1981 and M. Ed. in 1993 from the University of Portland. Michael Married Elizabeth Rivet in 1973. He taught in Youngstown, Cereal and Drayton Valley. He was the principal at Charlie Killam School from 1981 - 1999, and most recently taught at La Loche Community School in La Loche, Saskatchewan. Michael moved to Medicine Hat in 2001, and along with his beloved partner Pat Evans, bought a half section N.E. of Irvine as a retirement residence. He loved the farm where he would spend hours rambling over the fields and tinkering with his old Fargo. Mike will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him.

Home | Contact Us | Site Map

© 2009 Westminster United Church
101 6th Street SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1G7
Phone: 403-526-5247 Fax: 403-526-5983

Email: westminsteruc@gmail.com