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.
Josie Comeau Nov 9, 1944 - Dec 15, 2025
Josephine Rose ‘Josie’ Comeau of Medicine Hat passed away on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the age of 81 years. Josie was born on November 9, 1944, in Indian River, PEI. She leaves to cherish her memory: children, Tina (Steve), Joe (Charlene), Gerald (Christina), Lorraine and John; beloved grandchildren, Nick (Kristie), Mason (McKenna), Cody, Marissa (Justin), Keandra (Doug), Bradley, Ethan, Ryan and Alanna; much loved great-grandchildren, Alexi, Myah, Nikko, Kapri and Everet. She is also survived by her siblings, Edward, Bill (Tonia), Elly (Gus), Marion (Wayne), Leonard (Marilyn) and Ron (Shelley) as well as numerous nieces and nephews who adored her. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Joe Comeau; mother, Margaret Ball and siblings, Les, Marjorie, David and Lillian. Josie enjoyed bowling for many years, receiving numerous awards and trophies. She also loved going to bingo on a regular basis. Josie was well known in the crafting community through her company, Carosel Crafts and later Doodle Dud’s where she loved attending craft sales and interacting with friends and customers. Josie will live on in the memories of all who knew and loved her. Dignified cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Josie’s life will be held at Reflections, 937 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. The celebration will be live-streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience Josie’s service may visit the Cook Southland website and select the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. Those wishing to remember Josie are encouraged to do so through donations to the charity of one’s choice. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
EVELYN “EVIE” LOUISE DANIELS Mar 2nd, 1935 - Dec 14th, 2025
Evelyn Daniels passed away on December 14th, 2025, at the age of 90 years. For full obituary and life story, please visit http://www.gracememorial.com. A Celebration of Life will be held on December 30th, 2025, at 2:00pm at Crossroads Church. Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by
Patricia "Pat" Swinton March 20, 1957 - Dec 22, 2025 (Age 68)
Pat Swinton passed away on December 22nd, 2025, at the age of 68 years. She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Doug Swinton; daughter, Laura Jane Swinton; son, Dougie Rae Swinton; brother, Ric Rae; sisters, Marilyn Rae and Kelly (Larry) Rae-Kost; sister-in-law, Frances (David) Robertson; brother-in-law, Robert (Jennifer) Swinton; nephew, Michael (Michelle) Rae; niece, Michelle (Howie) Switzer; nephew, Ryan (Sherry) Rae; nephew, Cody Rae; niece, Leanne (Neil) Weir; niece, Mhairi Swinton; niece, Kirsty Swinton; as well as other numerous nieces and nephews. Condolences may be made at http://www.gracememorial.com. Arrangements are made by
1943 - Michael (Mick) Devonshire - 2025
Michael (Mick) Devonshire of Medicine Hat, passed away on Sunday, November 16, 2025, at the age of 82 years. A memorial service will bel held at SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL CHAPEL, on Monday, December 29, 2025 at 2:00 pm. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Michael Devonshire. Funeral arrangements are intrusted to
Peggy Bengert 1953 - 2025
It is with tremendous sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, Peggy Bengert, on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the age of 72. Peggy will be forever loved and deeply missed by her husband of 51 years, Jim; daughter, Christina (Willie) Glasgo and son, James Bengert. The lights of her life, her grandchildren: Olivia, Max, Wyatt, and Jordyn will miss her terribly. Peggy is also survived by her brother, Wayne (Melanie) Liboiron and her sister, Diana (Paul) Norris along with many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Peggy was born in Medicine Hat on January 30, 1953. She attended St. Patrick’s Elementary School, St. Mary’s Junior High School and McCoy High School. She later attended SAIT in Calgary where she studied hairdressing. Although she chose a different career path, Peggy spent much of her working life helping to establish the casino in Medicine Hat. She played an integral role in its success and formed many lasting friendships with colleagues during that time.
Peggy was passionate in all that she did, but her involvement in the theatre community stood above all else. Her love for live theatre was a constant throughout her life, and she contributed to every facet of the art form, working backstage, performing onstage, and most especially, directing. The productions she directed were consistently well received and many considered her the finest director the community had ever known. Her passion for theatre extended to her family, with her husband and children each becoming involved in their own way.
Peggy met the love of her life, Jim, at a cabaret at the Park Lane in September of 1973. Their connection was immediate, and they became engaged just two months later at the Ming Tree. Peggy and Jim were married on July 6, 1974. They welcomed their daughter, Christina, on August 22, 1979, and their son, James, on June 26, 1982. Peggy’s children were the greatest joy of her life, and family trips, gatherings and celebrations filled their home. While she loved being a mother, her favourite role was being a grandmother. Olivia, her “Angel Bug,” was the first, followed by Wyatt, Max and most recently, Jordyn.
Peggy had a true zest for life, with a special love for golfing, especially when it involved friendly bets and rounds with her grandsons. Living in Elkwater filled her soul and brought her great joy. Peggy and Jim also spent 17 winters in Roswell, New Mexico, where they escaped the cold and soaked up the sunshine. During their time there, they formed many lasting friendships and grew to love the community deeply.
Anyone who met Peggy knew her love for life and her infectious laugh could light up a room. Her jokes would put a smile on anyone’s face. She touched the lives of so many, and she will be deeply missed. As her favorite song lyrics remind us, “What a Wonderful World.”
A celebration of her life will be held at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road S.E., Medicine Hat on Tuesday, December 30, 2025. Her daughter will deliver a eulogy before mass at 2:45 p.m., with the mass beginning at 3:00 p.m. All of Peggy’s relatives are invited to meet in the Faith Room at Holy Family prior to walking in together at 2:40 p.m. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting the funeral home’s website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Mary Louise Haugan Jan 10, 1937 - Dec 17, 2025
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mom, Mary Lou Haugan, on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, at the age of 88 years. Mary Lou is survived by her children, Pam (Phil), Byron (Sheila), Lyndon (Karin) and Arden (Diana); 13 grandchildren, Kendra, Nevin, Colin, Courtney, Brodie, Alexa, Charlotte, Delaney, Martie, Everett, Nickola, Karli and Erika as well as 7 great-grandchildren, Neve, Ailish, Brooks, Sasha, Raya, Remy and Millie. She was predeceased by her grandson, Tate, in 1994 as well as her husband, Henry, on October 8, 2023. Mary Lou was born January 10, 1937, to Arthur (Art) and Josephine (Joey) Peters and was raised on her grandfather Peters’ Homestead north of Elkwater, AB. Predeceased by her parents and her youngest brother Dick and his wife Leona; survived by her older brother Tom (Cathy). She received her education at Montgomery School, Elkwater until grade 9 then went on to Medicine Hat High School for grades 10 to 12. She then boarded at the Division 4 Dormitory for rural high school students. Her courses were in Secretarial Training and her first job was as Office Secretary at the Crystal Dairy in Medicine Hat.
It was at a Dairy bowling party that she met Henry Haugan. Mary Lou always vowed that when her first kiss happened, she’d know that she had found that special love that she was looking for.
Henry and Mary Lou were married October 23,1955, at 5th Avenue Memorial United Church in Medicine Hat, with the reception held in the original Elkwater Community Hall.
Together, over the next 60 years, Henry and Mary Lou worked hard to expand the farms land base. They shared a life of accomplishments with devotion to each other. They worked hard balancing busy lives and supported each other as they raised their 4 children. Mary Lou would often go out and help Henry feed the cattle in the winter. There were many hot, delicious meals served in the fields to Henry and his dad Lars as well as the farm hands during the months of haying and harvest.
Mary Lou also took great pride in their farm yard and could be found on her tractor mower keeping the grass tidy. Along with caring for the yard and gardens, she took on the job of scraping and painting all of the farm buildings and the picket fences until her heart arrhythmia kept her off of ladders and the bucket of the frontend loader (which she stood in while painting the barn). Proudly, Mary Lou always had large vegetable gardens and developed a yard of beautiful flowers both of which she tended with a great deal of energy and devotion; including carrying hoses/pails around to get the precious water to all in the heat of the summer! Her crops were bountiful and her children and grandchildren all took part in the picking of peas, beans, corn, raspberries and more!
Her kitchen during the summer was filled with canning fruits and freezing vegetables while baking bread, cakes and other treats. She often entered her baking in fairs along with her sewing. Mary Lou sewed clothes for her 4 kids while they were growing up and then moved on to sew her own square dance outfits. Next came many beautiful quilts which her children and grandchildren now cuddle under remembering her.
Mary Lou and Henry were active members of the Orion Community Association and Mary designed and made many beautiful posters for the events that were scheduled for the Hall. She took part in the Women’s Institute, the SE Agricultural Society, the 4-H Sewing Club as an active participant and often as a Leader. Henry and Mary Lou also experienced a variety of travel destinations, some of which included Nashville, Norway, New Zealand, and the Philippines. They loved to social dance – a fun chapter for them were the 8 years they spent square dancing. Through the years she helped to plan family reunions, Christmas pot lucks in Elkwater at the Community Hall with her cousins who she remained close to and who always, always gave us a good laugh!
In 2019, Henry and Mary Lou retired to their condo in the Cotton Wood Coulee Villas in Medicine Hat. Mary Lou was so thankful for the comfort, serenity and special view across the coulee and of the golf course below…… with her pet Pheasant. A small sense of the prairie. Mary Lou enjoyed family and friends stopping by to say ‘Hello’. She was thankful for her various caregivers Brenda, Shirley, Gord, Maria and Aimee Rose. She felt blessed for a wonderful life!
A Celebration of Mary Lou’s life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Murray Jaster officiating. Fellowship will follow thereafter in the Reflections Reception Facility. The Celebration will be live-streamed. Those who cannot attend but wish to experience the service should visit the funeral home’s website and select the View Broadcast button on the homepage at service time. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
1938 - William Hans Wannamaker - 2025
William (Bill) Hans Wannamaker of Medicine Hat, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, at the age of 87 years. A funeral service to celebrate Bill’s life was held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB on Saturday, December 27th, 2025. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Covenant Foundation in support of St. Josephs Home, 156 3 Street NE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 5M1; in recognition of Katie’s passion for her work there. Condolences may be sent to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Bill Wannamaker. Funeral arrangements are intrusted to
Keith McDougall
With the family in our thoughts and on their behalf, we respectfully announce the passing of Keith McDougall. Keith passed away at the River Ridge Seniors Village on Friday, December 19, 2025, at the age of 67 years. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Loral Reiling 1946 - 2025
Loral Elroy Reiling, beloved husband of Pearl Audrey Reiling of Medicine Hat, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the age of 79 years.
Loral was born on July 8, 1946, in Horsham, Saskatchewan to Philip and Alice Reiling. He attended the University of Calgary where he received his HVAC ticket and his Red Seal Ticket, coming in first in his class. He was offered a teaching position at the University, but he turned it down so that he could raise his family in Medicine Hat. Loral apprenticed at Starks Plumbing and Heating. When his apprenticeship was through he continued in the trades for seven years, eventually feeling that a shift was needed due to the seasonality of the work. He went on to a career at Alberta Western Beef as a Maintenance Supervisor, and within a year and a half, he was promoted to the superintendent of over 100 people. He stayed at Alberta Western Beef for ten years until the company closed the local plant. He was then offered a job in Edmonton at the head office, but he declined as he wanted to stay in Medicine Hat. Loral then went on to a management career at L&G Concrete which was owned by a neighbour. They were responsible for setting up portable concrete plants to build grain elevators. He stayed with the company until he retired.
Besides his loving wife, Pearl Reiling, Loral is survived by his two children, Kathleen (Jeffrey) Amos and Michael (Megan) Reiling; his three grandchildren, Justin Reiling, Evan Amos and Tyson Reiling; two sisters, Diana Wenzel and Lola (Jack) Bennett and three brothers, Vernon Reiling, David Reiling and Murray Reiling. He was predeceased by his parents, Philip and Alice Reiling and his brother, Kenneth Reiling. A private service was held in the Pattison Funeral Home & Celebration of Life Centre. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
Darlene Ensz 1941 - 2025
It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of Darlene Karen Ensz (Morden), she passed peacefully with her family by her bedside at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Sunday, December 21, 2025, shortly after her children wished her a happy 84th birthday. Darlene is survived by her five children, Kelly Smith (Bob); her sons, Warren and Nathan (Leeann), James (Karen) Ensz and his children, Sydney (Michael) Mitchell, Jesse and Madison (Kyle), Tracey (Taf) Hatter and their children, Leigh-Ann (Dominic) Doughty, Laura Sadler, Emily (Glen) Wallin and Abbigale (Tanner) Reimer, Tena (Frank) Schneider and their children, Montana (Royce) Lodoen, Derry (Jill) Schneider, and Cooper Schneider, Walter Ensz and daughter Chloe; 16 Great Grandchildren, Tori (Nihall), Jada, Kylie, Truman, Olivia, Maci, Dane, Ava, Evie, Gemma, Rhys, Addy, Lola, Jocelynn, TJ and Ben; two brothers-in-law, Wayne Kemp and Larry Folk as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Darlene was predeceased by her loving husband, Morley, her mother, Laura Bell Morden; her in laws, Walter and Ruby Ensz; her twin sister, Marlene Cordick; sister, Marjorie Kemp; brothers-in-law, Gerald and Harvey Ensz, Jack Cordick; sisters in-law, Myrna Folk, Pat Ensz; grandson, Chris Hatter and grand daughter, Tarra White. Darlene was born December 21, 1941, in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Darlene had fond memories of the Hilda Ladies Club, cooking for big community functions, doing puzzles, watching the Blue Jays games and spending time with her family. A celebration of Darlene's life will take place in the spring of 2026. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to South Country Village (1720 Bell Street SW). Special thank you to all the nursing staff on 5th west, you are truly appreciated. Cremation has been entrusted to the Pattison Funeral Home and Crematorium. To leave a message of condolence you may visit www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
Don Foster 1946 - 2025
Donald Edward Foster passed away at Sunnyside Nursing Home in Medicine Hat on Monday, December 22, 2025, at the age of 79 years. Left to cherish Don’s memory are his two sons, Brad Foster and his children, Ethan, Sophia and Clara; Blair (Christa) Foster and children, Kailyn, Emily † and Adelynn; the mother to his children, Lyla; siblings, Jim (Judy) Foster, Diane Dewalt, David (Marilyn) Foster, Chuck (Gail) Foster, Stephen Foster and Janis Entem as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Don was predeceased by his parents, Elmer and Viola Foster; brother, Michael; granddaughter, Emily and brother-in-law, Sam Dewalt. A Private Graveside service will be held at a future date. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial tributes in Don’s name may be made directly to the Canadian Mental Health Association, #105, 1040 - 7 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB., T2P 3G9. Honoured to serve the family is
