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.
RICHARD KIPTA Mar 5, 1949 - Dec 10, 2025
It is with a broken heart that Carol announces the passing of her loving husband, Richard John Kipta. He passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Wednesday, December 10, 2025, at the age of 76 years.
Along with Carol, his beloved wife of 59 years, Richard leaves behind his two children: son, Ricky (Wendy) Kipta and their children, Brandon and Miranda (Colten) and their daughter, Lily; daughter, Tamara (Ray) Stuber and their children, Dairian and Tyler (Shelby); sister, Eunice (Jim) McKay; brother, Donald (Sharon) Kipta; sister-in-law, Shirley (Merl) Westergreen; brother- in-law, James (Evelyn) Seip as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Richard, born on March 5, 1949, in Brooks, lived a life grounded in hard work, friendship and deep devotion to the people and things he loved. After beginning his career as a sheet metal mechanic, he spent an impressive 27 years in Engineering with the Department of National Defence in Suffield, where his skill, reliability and “jack-of-all-trades” nature made him respected by all who worked alongside him.
Richard cherished the simple pleasures that shaped his days—especially his mornings spent with “the boys” over coffee, sharing stories, laughs and the kind of easy companionship he valued so much. He loved his dogs and cats dearly, always making room in his heart for each one. Classic cars sparked a lifelong passion in him and the Tigers had no bigger fan.
Among his greatest joys was his family but he especially loved doting on his great-granddaughter, Lily, whose presence brought a bright spark into his life.
Whether golfing with friends, lending a helping hand or putting his many talents to use, Richard lived fully, humbly and with a quiet generosity that will be deeply missed.
A private family time of remembrance will be held. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Rena Reid Jan 10, 1926 - Dec 7, 2025 (Age 99)
Rena Mae Reid of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of the late H.C. Reid, passed away on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the age of 99 years. The celebration of Rena’s life will take place in the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Kristy Reimers-Loader celebrant. The service will be live streamed. Those who wish to attend virtually, please go to this link, closer to the date of service. Interment will take place in the Memory Garden Cemetery, Swift Current, Saskatchewan at a later date. Those who wish to remember Rena with a donation, may do so to the charity of their choice. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
GERALDINE ANNETTE HENDRICKSON 1936 - 2025
Geraldine Annette Hendrickson (McLean) beloved daughter of Lillie (Norman) Liefso and George McLean passed away on December 2, 2025, in Calgary at the age of 89 years.
Predeceased by her husband, Henry (2013); she leaves her memory to be cherished by her three children, Kelly of Calgary, AB, Wendy of Moose Jaw, SK and Shane (Kim) of Maple Ridge, BC.; grandchildren, Rebecca (Jason) and their children Logan, Krystoff, Atticus and Marlow, of Saskatoon, SK, Katherine (Jason) of New Westminster, BC, Michaela and Willa of Maple Ridge, BC. Gerri was born in Maidstone, SK and shortly after moved to southern Saskatchewan when her parents contracted TB. When she was 13, she moved with her mother and stepfather to Crane Valley, SK. Gerri finished high school in Crane Valley, they then moved to Weyburn where she took two years of psychiatric nursing training. She returned to Crane Valley and married Henry in 1956, the day before her 20th birthday. She liked to tell people that she aged a year on her wedding night. Gerri was very active in the community of Crane Valley as a member of the Community Club, Lady’s Aide, 4-H leader, member of the Order of the Eastern Star, as well as keeping up with her three children and all they were involved in. She also enjoyed taking classes offered such as photography, painting, naturopathy and taught a yoga class. In 1997, they retired to Medicine Hat, AB until shortly after Henry’s passing. In 2014, she moved to a Seniors residence in downtown Calgary, AB where she thrived and enjoyed every moment until contracting a blood and spine infection in 2023, at which time she was moved to a care home where she lived until her passing. A private family service will be held in the spring of 2026. Memorial gifts in Gerri’s memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, 101-1201 Kingsway Avenue SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2Y2 or your local Humane Society. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Gerri Hendrickson. Funeral arrangements by
JANIS PRITCHARD 1953 - 2025
Janis Pritchard, beloved wife of Malcolm Pritchard of Medicine Hat, passed away unexpectedly while on vacation in Mexico on Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the age of 72. She also leaves to cherish her memory three children, Jennifer Pritchard (Ryan Norton) and their children, Madeleine and Liam, Matthew Pritchard (Lauren McGruthers) and their children, Celia and Aesa, Hilary Pritchard (Reginald Miller) and their children, Sarah and Elsie, as well as her siblings and siblings-in-law. A come and go celebration of her life will be held in the Reception Gallery at Medalta, in The Historic Clay District. (713 Medalta Ave SE, Medicine Hat) on Saturday, January 3, 2026, from 2-5 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations in honour of Janis be made to the following charities: Alberta Cancer Foundation, Arthur J.E. Child Cancer Centre 3395 Hospital Drive NW Calgary, Alberta T2N 5G2 or the Stephen Lewis Foundation https://stephenlewisfoundation.org/ (area of Support: Grandmothers) or to the Malcom and Janis Pritchard & Family Fund at the Community Foundation of Southeastern Alberta to support a lasting legacy in her honour: Rm # 104, 430 6 Ave SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 2S8. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
EVELYN AUSTIN 1936 - 2025
Evelyn Diana Austin, beloved wife of the late Gilbert Charles Austin, passed away peacefully in Medicine Hat on Friday, December 12, 2025, at the age of 89 years. She will be forever remembered and loved by her three sons, Jim, Terry and Randy Austin as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Along with Gil, Evelyn was predeceased by her parents and a daughter, Wendy Heidinger. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, December 15, 2025, between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Dignified cremation will follow and private interment will take place at a future date. Those wishing to remember Evelyn may do so through donations to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta, 412 – 3 Street S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 0H1. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Claude Lee Van Buskirk Oct 7, 1954 - Dec 6, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Claude Lee Van Buskirk on December 6th, 2025, at the age of 71 years, at one of his most cherished places, the Black Ranch. Lee was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend to so many. He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife of 36 years, Susan Elizabeth Van Buskirk; daughters, Jessica Van Buskirk (Daniel McNeil) and Shannon (Justin) Kurtz; grandchildren, Rowdy Lee, Ethan, Brayden as well as another grandchild expected in February. He is also survived by his mother, Donna Lee Erdmann; brothers, William (Venyce) Van Buskirk, Richard (Debbie) Van Buskirk and Patrick (Shelley) Van Buskirk as well as many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Lee was predeceased by his father, William Lee Van Buskirk; stepfather, Keith Middleton Erdmann; cousin, James Robert Black and his niece, Emalee Jane Van Buskirk.
Lee, the eldest son of William Van Buskirk and Donna Lee Erdmann, was born on October 7th, 1954, in Lethbridge, AB, where he spent his early years. He attended Patterson Elementary, Lakeview Elementary, Allan Watson and Hamilton for junior high and LCI High School. After grade 10, he left school to move to his cousin Bob Black’s ranch in Consul, SK. He spent much of his teenage and young adult years there, learning from his cousin and many others. Lee loved ranch life and had countless stories from his time there. He continued returning to the ranch to help with weaning, brandings and winter work whenever he could, right up until his passing.
When Lee met Susan, he was working for Art’s Excavating. He then began his career in the oil field in Manyberries, AB, where he and Susan raised their family. Lee worked in the oil and gas industry for many years as an operator and eventually a production consultant throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. He was known across the industry for his work ethic, integrity and wealth of knowledge. He also spent years long-haul trucking with some of his best and lifelong friends and later co-founded L & S Trucking. Lee and Susan spent their last few years together in Claresholm, AB, where they could be close to their daughters.
Anyone who knew Lee knew he rarely sat still. When he wasn’t working, he could be found tinkering in his shop, cheering on his daughters at their sports, rodeos and 4-H events, or travelling on his Harley. He was always ready for a road trip and a good long visit. Lee will always be remembered for his kindness, generosity and the friendships he built everywhere he went. He will be dearly missed by so many, but the life he lived, though far too short, was lived fully, wholeheartedly and without reservation.
A Celebration of Lee’s life will be held at Hillcrest Church, 3785 - 13 Avenue S.E., Medicine Hat on Monday, December 15, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor George Mills officiating. The service will be live-streamed. Those wishing to attend the service virtually may do so by visiting https://www.hillcrestchurch.net/funerals (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
