OBITUARIES -
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.
1950 - Anita Caffet - 2023
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Anita Simone Leona Caffet, AKA Neetz, P, Chicken, Anita Vacation, Mama, & Ladybird, on September 27, 2023 at the age of 73. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter, Shari (Jean-Paul); grandson, Cohen of Red Deer, AB; sisters, Jeanette, Paulette, Delphine, Carol, and Sylvia; brothers, John, Robert, and Roland; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Anita is predeceased by her parents, John and Mary, and sisters, Lucy and Jackie. Anita was born in Spiritwood, SK on July 30, 1950, the seventh of eleven children. As a young teenager, she used to spend her babysitting money on new clothes or toys for her younger siblings, rather than herself. As a young adult, she lived in the Northwest Territories, Ontario, and Alberta, where she worked as a telephone operator. After having her daughter, Anita eventually moved to Regina, SK, where she was employed by the province’s power corporation, a company she remained with for the rest of her career. Anita worked hard for everything she ever had and was always able to handle whatever life threw her way. Her work led her to Kindersley, Swift Current, Saskatoon, and eventually back to Regina. In addition to her career, she worked tirelessly on several projects, crafts, and hobbies, serving on numerous committees, and serving her community as a volunteer in several ways over the years. A dedicated organizer and lifelong learner, Anita managed to plan numerous class reunions, projects, took several university courses, and conducted extensive family ancestry research, culminating in a trip with sisters Delphine and Carol to Belgium and France. Despite a comically poor sense of direction, Anita was well-travelled, taking numerous trips to several Asian countries. Finally, upon retirement, Anita moved to Medicine Hat where she remained until her passing. Unfortunately, Anita’s life was not easy. She was unfairly afflicted with a severe case of bipolar disorder, which greatly affected her personal and professional life from the time she was a teenager. Nevertheless, she was resilient, rebounding time and time again, pulling herself out of so many personal disasters, to ensure her only child was always loved and provided for. As a result of decades of taking the medication needed to manage this disorder, Anita’s kidneys were permanently damaged, and she required painful, regimented dialysis treatment for the last years of her life. As if that weren’t enough, as soon as she was able to retire and enjoy her life as a grandmother, she was struck with Alzheimer’s Disease. However, to see her, you would have no idea she had any ailments at all, as she was one of the happiest, most joyful, and funny people one could ever meet. Children and animals especially loved her. Nieces and nephews could never get enough of her old ‘Hazel’ and Dickie Bird routines, or when she would pull her teeth out and do ‘Popeye’ faces. She was always wanting to care for and help others and would find humour in almost any situation. The inside jokes and hilarious anecdotes are endless. She had even laughed at the above photo of her, noting it would be great for her obituary. Her family has more than a lifetime of loving, joyful memories of her to treasure. We will miss her terribly, but we are so grateful and happy that her suffering is now over. The family also extends a special thanks to every single one of the staff at Good Samaritan’s South Ridge Village for the care and love they provided Anita for the past two years, as well as the support of the Hemodialysis Unit at the Medicine Hat Hospital. A service honoring Anita’s life will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE Medicine Hat, AB on Thursday, October 12th, 2023 at 11:00 am with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in Anita’s name can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Saskatchewan, 301-2550-12th Avenue Regina, SK S4P 3X1. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Anita Caffet. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
Heather Robbins 1967 - 2023
Heather Robbins passed away on Saturday, September 30, 2023, at the age of 56 years, beloved wife of Kelly Robbins of Redcliff. She also leaves to cherish her memory five children, Natashia Lee, Chayleene Robbins, Lucas Robbins, Vontana Robbins and Royce Robbins; six grandchildren, Jaxson, Lexxton, Kedden, Luna, Asher and Koda; two brothers, Jim (Cindy) Bruno and John (Shannon) Bruno; two sisters, Judy (Randy) Sonstelie and Monica (Cory) Kallis; brother- in- law Neil (Gloria) Robbins; sister-in-law Donna Rode as well as numerous nieces, nephews and extended family. Heather was predeceased by her parents Shirley and John Bruno Sr.; two sons, Wallace and Charles; brother J.D. Bruno; three sisters, Darlene Ann, Christine and Barbara. The funeral service will be held in PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Friday, October 6, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with Life Celebrant, David Townsend officiating. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com and select live streaming, then select the youtube (arrow). A private interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
Gloria Nielsen 1946 - 2023
Gloria Jean Nielsen passed away on Monday, September 18, 2023, at the age of 77 years, beloved wife of Finn Nielsen of Medicine Hat. Funeral arrangements will be announced when completed. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
Herta Link 1930 - 2023
Herta Link of Medicine Hat passed away on Wednesday, September 27, 2023 at the age of 93 years, beloved wife of the late Waldemar Link. She also leaves to cherish her memory three children, Roy Link, Monica (Bob) Sanderson, and Beverly Link; four grandchildren, Michelle Sanderson (Francois), Jennifer (Andrew) Boyle, Sofie Link, and Stefan Link; five great grandchildren, Chloe (Kahden), Regena, Declan, Alex, and Elliot; two brothers, Gus (Joyce) Leis, and Adolf (Bonnie) Leis as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Gustav and Emilie Leis; her husband, Waldemar Link; her son, Fred Link and two brothers, Dieter Leis and Emil Leis. Our dearly beloved Mom took her last breath on earth, Wednesday, September 27, 2023. Her departure was very peaceful, with family by her side. Herta was born September 4, 1930 in Poland. On January 19,1945 during WWII, Herta along with family had to flee from their home to northern Germany; where they lived until 1950, in what had been a War prison Camp. In 1950 Herta immigrated to Canada, and in 1951 she married Waldemar, in Toronto. Together they built their life, worked very hard, and had their family. She was a member of her Church for many years which she so loved, as well as singing in the German Choir and being a part of the Frauenverein. Herta loved her family very much and it gave her great joy and happiness whenever there were family gatherings, especially when the Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren entered the picture. She was an early morning swimmer for many years which was just as much about the friendships that she developed at the pool. She was an excellent seamstress, knitter, crocheter, embroiderer, baker, and cook. Herta loved to travel, and was always open to having fun and new adventures. She was a very kind, gentle loving beautiful soul with a great sense of humor, wit and wisdom. Herta had a strong, abiding, enduring, and unshakeable faith in God, which sustained her all her life, no matter how extreme, dire and adverse the situation or circumstance was. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. as well as one hour prior to the service. The funeral service will be held in St. Peter Lutheran Church (758 - 8th Street S.E.) on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Herta with a donation, may do so to St. Peter Lutheran Church, A.J.’s Loan Cupboard (Alan Joys Memorial Fund Society) Box 45006, McKenzie Postal Outlet, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7H3, or a charity of your choice. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca
LORNA & LEONARD SCHWABE
On Friday October 6, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. you are invited to attend the graveside funeral service in memory of Lorna Lorraine (October 9, 2021) and Leonard (December 9, 2022) at Prairie View Cemetery. Pastor Roland Weisbrot will officiate. A reception will take place in the Redcliff Harmony Hall at 3:00 p.m. They left to cherish their memory three children, Lorraine Mary Louise “Lou” Haag, Leonard Benjamin Sidney “Sid” Schwabe (Tracy Laubenstein), and Rhonoda Lee “Ronnie” Melnyczuk; six grandchildren, Lindsey (Lonnie) Gebhart, Nikki (Denny) O’Connor, A.J. Schwabe, Melory (Matty) Byers, Megan Melnyczuk (Greg Heukshorst), and Wasyl Melnyczuk; nine great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
1972 - JOE RONDEAU - 2023
On Tuesday, September 26, 2023, Mr. Joseph Gerald Rondeau passed away suddenly at home in Medicine Hat at the age of 51 years. Joe will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Leanne; seven children, Emma Rondeau (Jonathon Kohlman) and their three children, Phoenix, Elijah and Ares, Kyler Stone, Tessa Rondeau (Tanner Preston), Sara Rondeau (Nathan Fowler), Keldon Stone, McKenna Rondeau (Kevin Usuanlele), Tanner Stone; parents, Maurice and Alice Rondeau; sister, Colleen Rondeau (Edwin Soll); as well as numerous extended family and many friends. Dignified cremation has taken place, with a family organized memorial to be held at a later date. An update with details will be made to this obituary webpage as well as on social media once a date has been chosen. Thank you for your understanding it this difficult time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com)
MIRIAM GARDNER July 8, 1932 - Sept 29, 2023
"Berta"
Heaven has gained a beautiful angel and a wonderful woman, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and aunt. Miriam Alberta Gardner, beloved wife of 72 years to the late Fred Gardner, passed away at the Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary on Friday, September 29, 2023, at the age of 91 years. A Celebration of Berta’s life will be held in the spring of 2024. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
1957 - MANFRED MEAKES - 2023
Manfred James Meakes of Maple Creek, formerly of both Schuler and Medicine Hat, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at the age of 65 years. Along with his beloved wife, Myckee, Manny leaves to cherish his memory: daughter, Ashley (Brandon) Norlie; granddaughters, Adelyn Norlie and Emelyn Norlie; grandson, Joel Madill and his mother, April Madill; brother, Al (Linda) Meakes as well as his nephew, Matthew Maier. He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Margaret Meakes as well as his brother, Doug Meakes. Manny will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. A Celebration of Manny's life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Thursday, October 5, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Charlie Bowen officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes in Manny's name may be made directly to: Doctors Without Borders/ Canada, 551 Adelaide Street West, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 0N8, or online at www.doctorswithoutborders.ca. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
BOBBY GENE HOOD April 29, 1929 - Sept 15, 2023 (Age 94)
Bobby Gene Hood passed away on September 15, 2023, at the age of 94 years. He is survived by his loving wife Barbara; his daughter, Kay Swarthout; his son, Trevor (Megan) Hood; as well as many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his brother-in-law, Ed Grant; and Barbara’s children, Gary, Susan, Rick and Patricia. Bobby was predeceased by his parents, Adron and Ottie; two sons, Herbert ('Butch') and Aaron; and sister, Wanda. Bobby was born in Sudan, Texas on April 29, 1929, to Adron and Ottie Hood. His early years were spent helping his father in the cotton fields and riding with his mother in the horse and buggy as she shared in the ministry as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. While still in his teens, he knew he didn’t want to keep picking cotton, so he walked to town getting his first ‘real’ job at a creamery. It was also at this time that he was baptized as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses on April 29, 1944, at the age of 15. Being industrious, Bobby had numerous occupations; roofing, mining, selling cars, becoming an electrician and even building and owning a restaurant. All his experience in life led him to share in something he loved, helping build Kingdom Halls from El Paso, Texas to Olympia, Washington. He loved to share these experiences with his friends and family. As Bobby’s family grew, he enjoyed hunting and also fishing with his boys, and over the years, he became a collector of different items; rocks and lighters to licence plates. He eventually moved to Wellton, Arizona, where he later met and then married Barbara in July 2011. After a couple of years of marriage, he moved to Canada. Bobby enjoyed travelling and exploring western Canada with Barbara and spending many weekends at the lake. He always looked forward to visiting with family and friends at gatherings and those special zoom calls with his son, Trevor, and granddaughter, Jordan. His final years were spent in Medicine Hat, AB, where he enjoyed sharing his faith in God’s Kingdom and teaching others that God’s name is Jehovah. A memorial service for Bobby will be held on Tuesday, October 10, 2023, at 2:00p.m. at 62 Valleyview Dr SW the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Medicine Hat, AB. The service will also be live streamed via Zoom; Mtg ID# 556 908 4790, Password 730256. Condolences may be sent thru www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements by
Jennifer Cobler Nov 29, 1979 - Sept 28, 2023 (Age 43)
Jennifer was born to Dwayne and Wendy Cobler in Medicine Hat, AB, on November 29th, 1979. She passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle on September 28th, 2023, at the Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat. She is survived by her parents, Dwayne and Wendy Cobler; her daughter, Gillian Ellery Cobler; her son, William Michael Cobler-Thompson; Mike Thompson; Monty Weinbender; her niece, Shae-Lee Jassman and her nephew Colton Cobler; as well as numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. She was predeceased by her grandparents, Frank and Phyllis Lewis; Bill and Ellery Cobler; brother, Cory Cobler; aunts Gwen Fraser and Darlene Hagen; uncle, Eric Lewis; cousin, Jordan Cobler. In Jenn’s 43 years, she never missed an opportunity to live life to the fullest. Her beautiful children truly were her pride and joy. She also loved any chance to travel, go camping or spend time in her craft room. Spending time with her close friends and family brought her so much happiness. She was a force to be reckoned with and will be dearly missed by everyone who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Jennifer’s Life will be held at Cypress Center in Medicine Hat, AB on October 7, 2023 at 3 pm. A social gathering will be held at the Silver Buckle at 5 pm for those able to join. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jenn’s memory to the Medicine Hat SPCA by visiting www.medhatspca.ca or the Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home by visiting www.covenanthealth.ca/donate. Condolences may be forwarded thru www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements by
1942 - MARILYN PACHAN - 2023
Marilyn Joyce Pachan, beloved wife of 56 years to Heinz, passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at the age of 80 years. Along with Heinz, Marilyn’s memory will also be cherished by her daughter, Joanne (Richard) Lavoie; grandchildren, Dillon and AJ as well as a sister, Jean Wingenbach. She was predeceased by her granddaughter, Cassandra Lavoie as well as her parents, Alvin and Minnie Everson and one brother, Donald Everson. Marilyn and Heinz lived in Grande Cache for 32 years, having moved there in 1970 for work at the coal mine. They retired to Redcliff in 2001, where Marilyn enjoyed each opportunity to play some cards with the others at the Senior’s Centre. A Celebration of Marilyn’s Life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, October 6, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Murray Jaster officiating. A time of fellowship will follow immediately thereafter in the Cook Southland Reception Facility. (Condolences may be expressed through visiting www.cooksouthland.com) If friends so desire, donations in memory of Marilyn may be made to St. Joseph’s Home - Carmel Hospice, 156 - 3 Street N.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. Honoured to serve the family is
