May 17, 2024 - Medicine Hat News (2024)

By Obituaries on May 17, 2024.

JAMES DEE
JAMES DEE James (Jim) Dee passed away on April 23, 2024 at his home in Thunder Bay, Ontario; just one day before his 61st birthday. James is survived by his brother Fred Dee of Medicine Hat, AB and his son Kevin Dee of Lumby, B.C. James was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Lillian Dee. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.

SHEILA HELEN CHURCH
SHEILA HELEN CHURCH August 26th, 1954 – April 11th, 2024
“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

A Celebration of life and a casual come and go will be held at the Seven Persons Community Hall, Monday, May 20th, 2024, from 1pm to 4pm. Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by

Grace Memorial Affordable
Burial & Cremation
1924 10th Ave N.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5
http://www.gracememorial.com
403-905-0440

SHIRLEY MOSS
SHIRLEY MOSS 1935 ~ 2024 Mrs. Shirley Dawn Moss, beloved wife of the late Mr. Ralph Moss, passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the age of 88. Shirley’s memory will be forever cherished in the hearts of her family: son, Robert (Karin) Moss; daughter, Margaret (Scott) Hennes; grandchildren, Megan Hennes, Lauren (Peter) Gil, Ethan (Emily) Hennes; great-grandsons, Moss and Owen; sisters, Ardith (Wayne) McLaughlin and Phyllis (Charles) Connell; sister-in-law, Ilse Fenwick as well as numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service is planned for July 19, 2024, with further announcements closer to that date. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
http://www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”

STANLEY FLAIG
STANLEY FLAIG 1930 – 2024 Stanley Ralph Flaig passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 94 years, beloved husband of Irene Flaig of Medicine Hat. Stanley was born on February 25, 1930, in Medicine Hat, Alberta to George and Tillie Flaig. He married Irene Vollhofer and together they spent their lifetime farming south of Dunmore. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and RVing. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Monday evening from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. A private graveside service will take place at Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Stanley with a donation, may do so to A.J.’s Loan Cupboard (Alan Joys Memorial Fund Society) Box 45006, McKenzie Postal Outlet, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7H3. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2

ILENE PETTYJOHN
ILENE PETTYJOHN 1945-2024
Ilene Pettyjohn beloved wife of Don Pettyjohn passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s home on May 13, 2024, with her family by her side. She leaves to cherish her memory her two sons Shane (Shawna) Cole and their children Luke and James, Joey Pettyjohn (Krista) and their children Jordyn and Payton. Her grandchildren Matthew Cole (Marina) and their children Makayla, Maverick and Marshall. Eric Cole (Kali Sprott) and their child Myren. She also leaves behind her dear sisters Lela (Ed) Ellingson and Sherron (Donnie) Holmberg. She sadly lost two sons Kurt and Lorne Cole (Adele) which she loved and cared for them. She is predeceased by her first husband Clark Cole and parents Frank and Elvira Duke and her two brothers Fred and Glen Duke.

Ilene was born on September 26, 1945, in Eastend, Saskatchewan. Ilene was a beacon of love and kindness throughout her life. She graduated from Regina’s Teacher College and began her teaching career in Webb, Saskatchewan, where she nurtured and inspired young minds. In Medicine Hat, Ilene worked as a Teacher’s Aid at St. Mary’s School. She later worked at Hudson Bay for 24 years, touching countless lives with her warmth and dedication.

Ilene had a passion for life and a heart full of love. She found joy in spending time with friends and family at the lake and going on numerous Vacations. Her home was a haven of warmth and hospitality, always open to friends and family. Ilene’s generous spirit extended to her community through her work with the Junior Forest Wardens and her volunteer efforts for the Canadian Cancer Society and Alberta Heart and Stroke.

Family and friends will gather to celebrate Ilene’s life at a prayer service on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE, led by Fr. Iqbal Khurshid. The funeral service will be held in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, May 24, 2024, at 2:00 pm., officiated by Life Celebrant David Townsend. The service will be live-streamed. Please visit Ilene’s obituary page at pattisonfuneralhome.com for the link and to leave condolences.

Ilene’s legacy of love, kindness, and generosity will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew her. Her memory will be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who were fortunate enough to have her in their lives.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2

ROBERT “BOB” WATSON
ROBERT “BOB” WATSON 1960 ~ 2024 Robert “Bob” Watson of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 at the age of 64 years. Robert leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Marilyn Edwards; children, Derek Watson, Jen Bunting and Steph (Derrick) Hinks; brother, Charles Watson (Katherine); sister, Penny Thompson; brothers-in-law, Gerald Kruger and Gordon Kruger; sister-in-law, Carla (David) Lerner; his fur babies; as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Robert was predeceased by his parents Ronald and Joyce Watson; brothers-in-law, Barry Thompson and Robert Kruger; mother-in-law, Rosie Kruger; and father-in-law, Emil Kruger. Bob was in the Canadian Regular Force from October 27, 1978 until August 15, 1995 when he then joined the Reserves at Southern Alberta Lighthorse until September 2, 2012. He served in two UN tours one in Cypress from September 1984 until March 1985 the second in Goland Heights December 1987 until June 1988. He also was an Akela for two different cub troops. He worked at Shamrock Bottling and Pride beverages working his way up to Material Manager. Bob was a huge Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan. He loved to travel and his travels included; Mexico twice, Disneyland, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. He always said, ‘they were not the best trips, they were phenomenal”. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Friday, May 17th, 2024 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm and on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Bob’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Memorial gifts in Bob’s memory may be made to the Vets Canada, Box 214, 53 Queen, St. Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 3Y3. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Robert Watson. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
http://www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
Locally owned and directed
CGR Holdings Ltd.

JOHN VALENTINE THORBURN
JOHN VALENTINE THORBURN August 17, 1923 May 9, 2024
John Thorburn passed away on May 9, 2024, three months shy of his 101st birthday. He was blessed to the end with a sharp mind, excellent memory, and sense of humour. Born to Rosalie (Rogoschewsky) and Valentine Thauberger of Abbey, SK, John was raised on the farm with his five older sisters. It was there he developed a strong work ethic and learned to take pride in a job well done, character traits which never left him. One by one his sisters left home, but John had a strong affinity for the land. He began farming alongside his father, then later on his own, and finally with his sons. He radiated with pride in 2010 when the Government of Saskatchewan presented him with a Century Family Farm Award recognizing that his family had been farming the land continuously for 100 years. John married Elda Valentine of Pennant, SK on July 20, 1949. Together, they raised a family of nine. Throughout their marriage, John and Elda worked side by side on the family farm east of Abbey raising their family, nurturing friendships and giving back to the community. John served as RM Councillor and Reeve for many years. To help pay the bills, John drove the school bus for 25 years. In the early years, he often told his wife, “We are rich, and maybe someday we’ll have money!” In their retirement years, John and Elda left the farm and transitioned to life at the Southview Grand Condominium in Medicine Hat. They met many welcoming people there and were honoured by the new friendships they made. During weekly card nights, John enjoyed many games of Whist and Crib (to his very last day, he could count a hand of points quicker than any), and he learned for the first time to play Bridge. John served on the condo board for several years where he was admired by many for his attention to detail and at times garnered a grudging respect from others for his persistent nature. John leaves to cherish his memory a large and loving family including his children, Doran (Lois) of Olds, AB; Larry (Judy) of Assiniboia, SK; Dale (Sandra) of Abbey, SK; Marion (Wayne Murch) of Lancer, SK; Dennis (Rita) of Burstall, SK; David (Helen) of Leader, SK; Paul (Crystal) of Ardill, SK; Charlotte (Kent Powell) of Edmonton, AB; and daughter-in-law, Joanne of Ft. Saskatchewan, AB. They will always remember the centenarian who shaped the way they navigate their lives. Also, left with a trove of happy memories, are 19 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren who recall the hours of fun they had playing card games, table tennis (known always as ping-pong), pool, ladder golf, and shuffleboard with their grandpa. They will never forget the many home-made toys grandpa crafted for them, or the cash which was slipped quietly into their open palms so they could “buy ice-cream on the way home.” He was predeceased by his loving wife of 68 years, Elda Thorburn, in 2017; his son and daughter-in-law, Neil and Ellaine Thorburn of Red Deer, AB; and his precious great-grandson, Garrett Delorme of St. Victor, SK. A celebration of John’s life will be held on Monday June 24, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church in Lancer, SK. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Canadian Kidney Foundation at Southern Alberta Branch, 6007 1A Street SW, Calgary, AB T2H 0G5 or online at Kidney.ca or to AJ’s Loan Cupboard at 602A Clay Ave SE Medicine Hat, AB T1A 3K2. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading John Thorburn. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
http://www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
Locally owned and directed
CGR Holdings Ltd.

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