We would like to extend our condolences to those in the community who have recently lost loved ones.  If you Cannot Make It To a Funeral you can send A Condolence E-mail By Clicking on The Highlighted E-mail Link for Each Obituary.

1928 - DANIEL HOFFART - 2020  

It is with a heavy heart that Julia announces her beloved husband, Theodoseus ‘Daniel’ Hoffart, passed away at South Country Village in Medicine Hat on Saturday, August 1, 2020, at the age of 92 years. Along with Julia, left to cherish Daniel’s memory are his children, Rosealie Payne, Shirley Campbell, Michael Hoffart (Pat Turigan) and Allan Hoffart; grandchildren, Darcy Brown, Dale Brown (Colby, Keira), Kassidy Visser (Jess), Sean (Amanda), Daxon and Knox Campbell, Andrew (Sasha), Liam and Rylie Campbell, Brian (Allyson) (Natalie, Zoey and Josh) Campbell, Alex Hoffart, Trevor (Tieghan) Hoffart, Richard Hoffart (Tiana) Amara, Layla and Ashley Hoffart, Brady Hoffart and Dustin Hoffart; siblings, Anna Mary Puckett and Frank Hoffart as well as many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Daniel was predeceased by his parents, William (Amalia) Hoffart; son, Danny Hoffart; granddaughter, Jeanette Brown; grandson, Richard Hoffart; siblings, Pete (Mary) Hoffart, Tony (Katie) Hoffart, Johanna Hecht, Amelia (Otto) Schmidt, Tillie (Frank) Merkl, Lawrence Hoffart and Charlie Hoffart; son-in-law, Jim Payne; daughter-in-law, Terry Hoffart as well as Julia’s parents, Alexander (Julia) Soltesz. Daniel was born and raised in Fox Valley, SK., and attended Snowdown School. He married Julia Soltesz on November 25, 1950, at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church in Taber. They were faithful members of Holy Family Parish. In 1959, they bought a farm in Castor, AB and in May of 1962, Daniel moved the family from Taber to Castor where they farmed until May 1995.  Daniel loved laughing (he was known as laughing Dan), fishing, watching Stampede Wrestling, going to rodeos, going for drives, berry picking and picnics, but his greatest joy was music, music, music. He was a fun loving, hard working man who had a heart of gold and was a good provider for his family. Daniel was skilled in many areas including playing the accordian, which was self taught, but was a farmer at heart and grader operator in his later years. He loved people, but his family was most important to him. Daniel’s greatest achievement and joy were his children and grandchildren. Another achievement, was winning an award at the Kimberley Accordian Festival. He loved Julia dearly, celebrating almost 70 years of marriage. Daniel will be missed by all those who knew and loved him! Those wishing to pay their respects may do so starting one hour prior to Vigil Prayers which will be recited at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at 7:00 p.m.  The Funeral Service will be celebrated at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel on Thursday, August 6, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. As a courtesy, due to COVID-19 restrictions, those wishing to watch the service via the live stream are encouraged to visit www.cooksouthland.com and click the view broadcast button on the homepage at service time. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery. Memorial donations in Daniel's name may be made directly to Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1B 4V3. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is

LEONARD (LEN) LANZ           April 18, 1935 – Medicine Hat, Alberta.  August 1, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta.

Leonard Lanz, of Calgary, AB passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 1, 2020 at the age of 85 years, at the Agape Hospice in Calgary after a brief battle with cancer. He was predeceased by the love of his life Marlene Lanz in 2018. Her death left a broken heart that would never forget.  Len was born in Medicine Hat, AB on April 18, 1935 to Christian Adam Lanz (1885-1954) and Gertrude Philomene Lanz (nee Lavoie) (1903 - 1987)  and grew up on the family farm close to Etzikom, AB where he went to school. Len had 15 siblings and is survived by Eva Adams and Gertie Heitrich.  Marlene and Len met at the Canada Cafe in Medicine Hat where Marlene was a waitress and Len would play pool in the pool hall in the basement. They were married on August 28, 1965 in St. Patrick’s church in Medicine Hat, and are survived by their two children, Lorelei Lanz and Greg Lanz. Len and Marlene raised their children in Medicine Hat and Redcliff.  Len had a variety of jobs from chauffeur, to working on road crews but finally settled on becoming a Millwright and obtained his journeyman certification while working at Western Cooperative fertilizer plant from 1959 until its final closing in 1987.  They moved to Peace River, AB in 1989 after Marlene graduated from college and started working with the Métis Nation. They soon moved to their forever home in Calgary, AB with the birth of their first grandchild, Brett Chernow. They were there for the arrival of their second grandson, Jason Chernow. Family was everything to them.  Len was an avid reader and children and dogs always gravitated to him. He was always up for entertaining them. Len will be remembered for his gentle demeanour, his laugh and smile, and being a cribbage master.  Len spent his final days, surrounded by the comfort and familiarity of family. Lorelei, Greg, Brett and Jason provided round the clock care.  A Graveside Service will be held in Big Prairie, AB, later this month, where Len will join his wife in their final resting spot. A friends and family, come and go, backyard gathering will be held on Sunday, August 9, 2020 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Len’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com.  In living memory of Leonard Lanz, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Chapel of the Bells, 2720 CENTRE STREET NORTH, CALGARY, AB T2E 2V6, Telephone: 403-243-8200.

1948 - Irene Shirley Orge (Stefanyk) - 2020

Irene Orge of Medicine Hat, passed away on Saturday, August 1st, 2020  at the age of 72 years.  Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Irene Orge.  Arrangements will be announced when completed by

December 6, 1940 - Lee Francis - March 1, 2020 

Leila “Lee” Elizabeth Francis passed away on March 1, 2020.  She leaves to cherish her memory her son James Russell Quiding as well as her stepchildren, Leonard (Lisa) Francis, their children Kaitlyn and Matthew; Gordon (Evett) Francis, their children Jessica and Jeremy; Judith (Blake) Gertner, her children Brittney and Dalton.  Lee is also survived by her brother Leighton (Jonnette) Smith, brothers-in-law, Frank Francis and Norman Francis as well as numerous nieces and one nephew.  Lee was predeceased by her parents John Smith (1999) and Wilma Smith (2019); her mother-in-law Marle Francis (1982), father-in-law John Francis (1996) as well as her beloved husband Barry Francis (2006).  Lee graduated as an RN from the Moose Jaw Union Hospital in 1962, and continued her career in the ICU in Edmonton, the Drumheller Penitentiary, Continuing Care in Medicine Hat, finally retiring from Day Surgery in Medicine Hat in February of 2013.  Lee was independent and hard working letting nothing hold her back including breast cancer over three decades ago.  Lee enjoyed adventure and over the course of her life achieved many of those goals such as getting her single engine pilots license (1976).  She had a long list of hobbies and activities.  She enjoyed life to the fullest, was creative accomplishing beautiful work with her crafting, knitting and crocheting as well as many other projects.   Lee played league darts making  a lot of friends at tournaments in both Canada and the U.S.A.   Camping, travelling, motorcycles, cribbage and throwing on a meal for family or friends brought her great joy.  She made the best homemade soups.  Lee was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 37 years, the Moose Lodge for 30 years and the Eagles Club.  When you think of Lee you think about her being thoughtful, kind, giving and always willing to lend a helping hand.  It is the family’s wish to reunite Lee with Barry on what would have been their 40th wedding anniversary.  The graveside reunion will be held on Saturday, August 8, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. in Hillside Cemetery.  Those who wish to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the main gate to the cemetery at 1:45 p.m. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com  subject heading: Lee Francis, or you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com  and leave a message of condolence. 

Sylvia Tokarek           1940 - 2020

Beloved mother and grandmother, Sylvia Zonia Tokarek passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 28, 2020, in Medicine Hat at the age of 80 years. To the very end she was generous, selfless, and devoted to her children and grandchildren. Sylvia was born on April 20, 1940 in Radway, Alberta. She always had a passion to help others and decided to pursue a career in nursing. Sylvia received her associates degree in nursing from the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton and worked there until she started a family. During that time, she was driven to continue her education and received her B.Sc Nursing degree from the U of A. She raised four children as a single mother and returned to work as a nurse at the U of A Hospital. Sylvia would do everything in her power to provide for her children and would make any sacrifice for them. At work, everyone wanted to work with Sylvia as she not only tried to help every patient, but was a teacher and role model for new nurses. Sylvia is survived by her children: Carl, David, Paul and Karynne; grandchildren, Alex, Anna, Mila, Mason, Madison, Jackson, and Lexie as well as her loving partner, Don Ruckman. She is smiling down, telling us not to worry about her with her parents, Paul and Stella Holubisky and her brother, Ron. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so starting one prior to the celebration of Sylvia’s life which will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, August 5, 2020, at 10:00 a.m. with Murray Jaster  officiating. Interment will follow at Prairie View Cemetery.  (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com)  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sylvia’s name may be made  directly to AJ’s Loan Cupboard, Bay 4 - 602A Clay Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 3K2.  Honoured to serve the family is

1984 - RYAN PANCOAST - 2020

​

Ryan Cole Pancoast, loving husband of Jordan and adoring father to Asher and Dylen, passed away in Medicine Hat on Friday, July 31, 2020, at the age of 36 years. Along with the love of his life, Jordan, Ryan will be forever remembered in the hearts of his parents, Milton and Barb Pancoast; sister, Leesa (Royce) Bert and their children, Deegan and Keyana; grandma, Velma Pancoast and Oma, Ingrid Kitzler. He also leaves to cherish his memory Jordan’s family: parents, Lee (Cindy) Porter; brother, Hayden; grandma, Donna-Lee Porter as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Ryan was predeceased by his grandpa, Lindsay Pancoast and Jordan’s grandpa, Bob Porter. Asher and Dylen were Ryan’s pride and joy and he was their biggest fan. He coached Asher in hockey and was at every dance recital of Dylen’s. He loved dirt biking, camping, wake/snowboarding, hunting and learning to play the guitar with Asher. Ryan and Milt went on a trip of a lifetime hunting caribou and dahl sheep last summer; a trip both of them cherished. He was a kid at heart and his true inner child came out when playing and laughing with his children, niece and nephew and all of his friends children. Ryan was always the life of the party and the bright light in every room. The time spent being surrounded by his family and friends was one of Ryan’s greatest joys. He was always one to have a beer with the boys and have a good time. Ryan took over ownership of the family greenhouse and was    honoured to run this business, making his family proud. He cherished his  family most of all and will always remain in their hearts! Due to COVID 19 restrictions, the Funeral Service will be by invitation only.  The Funeral Service will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, August 7, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. Those wishing to watch the service via the live stream are encouraged to visit www.cooksouthland.com and click the view broadcast button on the homepage at service time. Friends and colleagues are welcome to gather at the Greenhouse by 12:45 to watch the service via live stream.  The celebration will continue at the Chinook Greenhouse, 1431 Bridge Street S.E., Medicine Hat from 2:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the  family is

1947 - Brian Galbraith - 2020  

​

Brian Ernest Galbraith of Medicine Hat passed away on Monday, July 27, 2020 at the age of 73 years.  If anyone has any information regarding Brian or members of his family please contact Pattison Funeral Home.   To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: office@pattisonfuneralhome.com  subject heading: Brian Galbraith, or you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com  and leave a message of condolence. 

Marlene  Weisschadel          1942 - 2020

Marlene Weisschadel passed away in Medicine Hat on Sunday, July 19, 2020, at the age of 77 years. She leaves to cherish her sister-in-law, Elsie as well as numerous nieces and nephews. In honour of Marlene’s wishes, her life will be silently remembered without the proceedings of a formal service.  (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com).  Honoured to serve the family is

Larry Faulkner            1940 - 2020

Armand ‘Larry’ Faulkner passed away at the Lynn Valley Care Centre in North Vancouver, BC where he had lived for over six years, on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at the age of 80 years. Larry is survived by his five children, Darryl, Laurie, Lana, Tracey and Larry James; numerous grandchildren; great-grandchildren as well as his siblings, Lois, Rita and Bruce. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe Faulkner and Jewel Chambers; step-parents, Vi, Florence and Milton as well as his brothers, Raymond and Roy.  Larry was born on June 24, 1940, in Gull Lake, SK., to Joseph and Jewel Faulkner (nee Piffer). He was named Armand after a good friend of his father’s but has always been called Larry by friends and family. Joe also taught Larry to be a meat cutter while living in Maple Creek as a teenager and this was his career for most of his life. He attended school in Redcliff and Medicine Hat and  was confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He was a believer. During his adult life, Larry lived in various places in BC., SK., and AB. About 16 years ago, he moved back to BC and settled in Squamish. Here he made a good friend, Lorraine Bancroft. Larry was eventually placed at Lynn Valley Care Centre due to his dementia.  He really enjoyed gardening, fishing and playing cards as well as strumming the guitar which was probably an influence from his first wife, Mickey. He didn’t have much, but he would share what he had and was very kind with a good sense of humour. A private graveside service will be held. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com)    Honoured to serve the family is

SHAWN DAVID SCHAEFFER           April 30, 1974 - July 7, 2020

It is with heavy hearts the family announce the passing of Shawn at the MHRH. Left to mourn him are is children Tristin Preston and Tanner Preston and grandson Hayden Preston. His partner Tanya Weppler and her children Mikayla Weppler, McKenzie and Shayne Blasing; his father Robert (Carol) Czech Schaeffer, four sisters Misty Diamant, Megan (Mike) Meyer, Kaitlyn Perreault and Jeana (Chris) Baker and two brothers Tim and Landon Czech Schaeffer. Along with two grandmothers , numerous nieces nephews Aunts Uncles and cousins. Shawn was predeceased by his mother Joanne Perreault in 2011. Shawn was born and raised in Medicine Hat AB, although he had a troubled childhood he turned his life around in adulthood. He enjoyed spending time with family whether it was going for coffee or camping. He enjoyed going to the mountains with "the boys" snowboarding in winter and more recently dirt biking in summer. Going for motorcycle rides was a favourite past time. Going to grandpa Shawns was one of Haydens favourite places. Shawn will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. The Preston family would like to thank everyone for their condolences. There will be a celebration of life for Shawn at Strathcona Park on Aug 8,2020 between 1-4pm

PHILLIP RAYMOND BYAM

Devoted Father, Loving Grandfather, Humble Friend - Jan 17/1951 - June 10/2020

We can shed tears that he is gone, 

or we can smile because he lived.

We can close our eyes, 

and pray that he'll come back.

Or we can open our eyes, 

and see what he has left.

Love lives on, he may be gone, 

but will never be forgotten.

​

A Celebration Of Life will take place on Saturday, August 8th, 2020 from 12 PM to 5PM at Redcliff Baden Powell Center, 202-1st St SW, Redcliff, AB.  Open to all family and friends.  Phil's family thanks you for your kind words and well wishes.

Mary Geiger          June 28, 1924 - July 30, 2020 (age 96)

​

Mary Geiger passed away in her 97th year on July 30, 2020 at the Western Seniors Home in Leader, SK.  Mary was predeceased by her parents Hieronymus and Francis Geiger, her brothers Adam, Jack and Mike, her sisters-in-law Catherine Geiger and Rose Geiger, her sisters Ann Geiger, Rose Schlosser, Monica Gutfriend, Ethel Weinberger, and Tillie Wist, her brothers-in-law Peter Schlosser, Leonard Gutfriend, Philip Weinberger, and George Wist.  Mary was the last surviving member of all her siblings and in-laws. Its difficult to fathom that the time between the passing of the first sibling (Ann) and the last sibling (Mary) was 107 years.  Mary spent most of her life on the farm near Liebenthal, SK, looking after her parents until their deaths, assisted Mike with farming, and eventually retired in Leader.  Mary’s second family was the Ernie and Lillian Weimer family. Their children were the grandchildren Mary never had.  Mary is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.  An urn interment will be held at a later date.  (Binkley's Funeral Service Ltd.)