All Obituaries

Bruce Elniski of Lethbridge, beloved husband to Joanne Lavkulich, passed away unexpectedly at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary on Thursday, April 24, 2025 at the age of 73 years.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

A Celebration of Bruce’s Life will be announced when completed.

EMILY LENZ (Vrecko), our beloved mom, grandma, great grandma, aunt, and friend passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at the age of 86 years.

Emily was born May 3, 1938, in Calais, Alberta. She was ten years old in 1949 when her mother moved the young family to the current farmstead near Diamond City. Emily went to school in Barrhill, in Diamond City, and graduated from Picture Butte High School. After graduation, she attended Garbett Secretarial School in Lethbridge.

Along the way, Emily met handsome Harry Lenz at a dance. On Christmas Eve, 1956, Harry proposed to Emily on a roadside turnout half a mile from her home. They were married the following year on April 5, 1957. Emily and Harry lived in Lethbridge for a few years. While living in the city, Emily worked at BC Trust and Forster Agency before starting a family.

Baby Cindy came along in the fall of 1959. A year later, Emily, Harry and Cindy moved to the current family farmstead (where Emily continued to reside until her passing). As Cindy started school, the Lenz family grew over the next ten years with the addition of Lisa, Lorne, Mark and an assortment of dogs and cats.

Emily kept busy raising her young family as a stay-at-home-mom while also tending to a vegetable and flower garden, milking a couple of cows and selling cream to make extra money, babysitting neighbourhood kids, gathering fresh eggs from her chickens, raising piglets to sell at market, driving the tractor to assist in the field, changing irrigation hand pipes, and greeting her kids after school with fresh baked cookies and home-canned fruit.

Emily and Harry opened “Harry Lenz Auction Service” in September 1976 and the entire family began working at the regular “Bid ‘n’ Buy” Tuesday night auctions (the tradition continues with some family members working on sale nights). From day one, Emily rarely missed a day in her role as clerk, secretary, and all `round doing-what-needs-to-be-done-person. Even at age 86 (almost 87), Emily continued to work on a regular basis. Sadly, she was physically absent from the last three Tuesday night auction sales of her life -- Tuesday, April 8th she was waiting in emergency for admittance into the hospital, Tuesday, April 15th she watched the auction sale by cell phone, and Tuesday, April 22nd she passed away shortly before sale time and was able to observe the sale from Above.

Life, outside of family and auctions, was filled with the little things of life that contributed to making Emily the caring and giving, (yet strong and stubborn) individual everyone knew. As for some of “the little things” … Emily was known to be an avid collector of “this, that, and the other”; she kept a “Daily Diary” for almost sixty years; she read The Lethbridge Herald daily and if she found mistakes she would circle them with pen; she loved to visit, share stories and advice, and measure her height back-to-back with her grandkids whenever they stopped by; she would wave to the occupant(s) of every vehicle entering or leaving the yard; she enjoyed listening to the news and talk-radio shows on her old-fashioned AM/FM radio; meeting, visiting, sharing ideas and experiences with her weekly auction family members were important motivators in her decision to continue working; she could wiggle her ears and touch her nose with her tongue; her sweet tooth loved black forest cake, a vanilla slice, chocolate rolls, and poppyseed bread; she never tired of Luigis North Baked Chicken Fettuccine; she regularly completed word searches to exercise her brain; her strong hands and nimble fingers stitched MILLIONS (really) of stitches-with-love on her crochet projects and her knitted socks; she enjoyed snapping bubble wrap to relax; while reading before bedtime, she nibbled on colourful Halloween “Rocket” candies; she planted beautiful flowers in her yard each spring (morning glories, geraniums, and begonias) and nurtured an array of houseplants; she would sip on one can of Pepsi for five days; she patriotically hung a Canadian flag in the yard and used it as a weathervane to predict the weather; she enjoyed snooping and scooping up treasures and clothing in Thrift shops; she gently set bugs out of the house instead of squishing them; she called friends on their birthday; she made family favourites of creamed eggs, paprika chicken, and graham wafer cake; she baked bread and cinnamon buns to share with others; she often treated herself to the Dairy Queen 3-Piece Chicken Strip Meal Deal after a Tuesday night sale; people-watching was a favourite activity whenever she went someplace; and she was known to have a splash of instant coffee with her morning cream and sugar. As for some of “the little things” …

Emily has gone to be with Harry, her husband of almost 62 years (who predeceased her in 2019). She is remembered by her children Cindy Block (Tom), Lisa Lenz-Hofer (Ben), Lorne (Emma), and Mark (Susan); her grandchildren Jennifer (Rob), Nathan (Lisa), Derek, Sarah (Nathan), Amanda (Kyle), Ryan, Jeffrey (Sheila), and Michael; her great grandsons Carter and Jackson; numerous nieces, nephews, and their families; as well as many loyal and dedicated individuals that have been adopted into Emily’s extended auction family throughout the past 49 years.

The family wishes to express their appreciation and gratitude to the nurses and doctors who treated Emily with respect, empathy, and dignity during her two weeks stay in hospital following her surprising cancer diagnosis. Emily spoke highly of the special care and supportive words of comfort that you continually offered her. Thank you.

Emily did not want a funeral. For those who wish, memorial donations may be made to her favourite charities (The War Amps and STARS), or take a moment to do a kind act in memory of Emily, or simply see if YOU can touch your nose with your tongue ...

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Dr. William “Tim” Myers of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Annette Myers, passed away at Piyami Place in Picture Butte, on Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the age of 89 years.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

     Mr. James "Jamie" Lawrence Hartwick, beloved partner of Nancy Van Deurzen and their fur baby, Katie, passed away at Foothills Hospital in Calgary on April 12, 2025, at the age of 51 years.
    He is survived by his daughter, Bailey (Rob), his sons, James and Bradin, and his grandchildren, Lyla, Declan and Rohnan. He is also survived by his brother, Ryan and his sisters Tina and Shannon.
    Jamie was born in Calgary on November 10, 1973, and lived there until he moved to Lethbridge. He worked as a sider, roofer and truck driver. Lately, he worked as a recovery coach at SAMS (Southern Alcare Manor), an addiction recovery residence.
    Jamie was known as a quiet man but had a wonderful sense of humor.
He was a devoted family man and loved being with his children and grandchildren. Riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle especially in the mountains was his passion. He also enjoyed video gaming.
    Jamie was a Mr. Fix-it and was also very technology savvy. He got much joy out of helping others.
    He was predeceased by his parents, Judy and Jimmy, and by his grandparents, Frances and Ronald Hartwick.
    A private celebration of life for family and friends will be held at a later date.
    Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers.

Elli (Brenner) Schimanski was born August 7, 1933, in Steinhausen,Warthbrücken, Poland. She married Eduard Brenner in Germany and immigrated to Canada in 1954.

In 1998, she married Gary Schimanski and resided in Lethbridge until her passing on April 12, 2025, at 91 years of age.

She was an excellent seamstress, loved needle work, a fabulous cook, and loving Oma to her twelve grandchildren, twenty great grandchildren, and five great, great grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her parents Heinrich and Nathalie Ankermann; sister Wanda (Hubert) Schoenbrunn; brother Ervin Ankermann; and her loving husband Gary Schimanski.

She is survived by her children Arnold Brenner of Calgary, Klaus (Jane) Brenner of Taber, Monica Gibb of Cardston, and Kurt Brenner of Lethbridge; and brother Walter (Ann) Ankermann of Picture Butte.

Mr. John “Salty” Moreland of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Mrs. Margot Moreland, passed away after a long and courageous battle with ALS on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the age of 66 years.

He leaves behind a legacy of love, loyalty and servitude. As a veteran with 23 years of service in the Canadian Armed Forces, a dedicated community charity volunteer and, most of all, a devoted husband, father and papa, he will be remembered lovingly by everyone whose life he touched.

Besides his beloved wife Margot, John is survived by his 3 daughters Erica (Ian) Harris, Sari (Bryan) Jory and Stephanie (Derek) Wisniewski; John’s parents Bob and Jean Carney; grandchildren Grace, Parker, Lennon, and Wilder; sister Maureen (Ron) Coshall; 4 brothers Lonnie (Annette) Moreland, Robert (Joanne) Carney, Sean (Deanna) Carney, and David (Shirleen) Carney. John is survived by many nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents Douglas Moreland and Adela (Herb) Van Schyndel; sisters Joan Johnston and Patricia Thorner.

A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at a later date.

Flowers are gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to a local animal rescue of your choosing.

Mr. Neil Barrows of Milk River passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Friday, April 11, 2025, at the age of 67 years.

Neil was a very kind man, affable, attentive to others, and a dearly loved brother and brother-in-law. He grew up on the family farm east of Milk River, where his ashes will be spread per his wishes. Neil attended high school in Milk River. He was first trumpet in the school band and was noted as a strong basketball player. At Neil’s graduation ceremony, the school principal said Neil was famous for expressing his hatred of mathematics but insisting on taking every math course available.

After graduating in computer programming, Neil worked for several years in the technology field in Calgary, which became his home. In later years, he managed a large storage operation in Calgary.

Neil was predeceased by parents Leslie and Kathleen, and sisters Mary Anne Price and Helen Dowson.

He is survived by his older brothers Byron of Milk River and Gil of Ottawa, as well as a sister-in-law, nieces and nephews.

Neil struggled with health problems for many years. The family wishes to express their gratitude to the long-term care staff at the Milk River Health Centre.

At Neil’s request, there will be no formal funeral service. The family will gather to commemorate him and spread his ashes at a future date.

We are sad in our hearts to announce our beautiful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and best friend passed away at Fairmont Extendicare on Friday, April 11, 2025, just two days before her 101st birthday.

She was born on April 13, 1924, in Goddard, Alberta to Inez and James Hollihan and was the oldest of eight siblings all of who have pre-deceased her except Doris, her youngest sister.

Bernice met Richard Losey at a dance, and they married in Lethbridge on March 28, 1942 and had a happy 52 years together prior to his passing.

Bernice is survived by her children Donna (Lorne Coyle) Karl, Gail (Roy) Hummel, Alyce Miller, Alan (Diane) Losey, Keith (Peggy) Losey, Lyle (Lois Spitzer) Losey; 21 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren; sister Doris Gordon; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

Besides her loving husband Richard, Bernice was predeceased by her parents; 4 brothers and 3 sisters; daughter Carol Knox; grandson Bradley Karl; son-in-laws Greg Miller and Paul Knox.

Mom was a true farm wife and employed all the aspects of helping with the farm business. She showed love to friends and family with food, and no one ever left her table hungry.

Bernice and Richard retired to Milk River in 1975 where they moved into a new home and Mom was able to continue with growing beautiful flowers and bountiful gardens. Volunteering became her passion and entertained her friends on every occasion.

Mom had resided in Extendicare Fairmont for eight years and was loved by the staff where her care was exceptional.

A Celebration of Bernice’s Life will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 – 15 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta with Reverend Trevor Potter, officiating. To watch the service via livestream, please to go to https://www.youtube.com/live/Xs13DGhaxdw 

For those who wish, memorial donations in Bernice’s name may be made to Extendicare Fairmont Park Resident Council, 115 Fairmont Blvd. South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 5V2 or to a charity of your choice.

Magnus “Maggie” Egeland passed away peacefully on April 8th, 2025, with both of his children (Darcy and Denise) by his side.

He was born in Bassano Alberta on February 3, 1935, and was the fifth of ten children.

Maggie is survived by his sons Darcy (Cheryl), and their family Kyle (Stacey) with son Jared, Kayla (Aaron) with daughter Oriana, and Kathleen; daughter Denise (Dave) Breanna (Aaron), Noah (Elle), and Bek; three sisters Taletta, Alma, and Gladys; As well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.

He was predeceased by his six brothers Carl (1975), Olai (2022), Arthur (2010), Otto (2018), Gordon (2024), Butch (2022).

Maggie “Gramps” loved his grandchildren and was so thrilled to be alive to hear of the birth of his first great granddaughter a few weeks ago and to see her on a video call. Every week he went out for lunch with three of his grandkids who lived locally for lunch. He was so proud that his grandchildren wanted to hang out with him and included him in everything. His presence will be sorely missed.

A Funeral Service will be held at 12:00PM, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 16, 2025, AT EVANGELICAL FREE CHURCH OF LETHBRIDGE, 4717 24 AVENUE SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.

To watch the Service via livestream, please use the "click here to access the video" on the left side of the screen. 

The family of Howard Dennis Dunn are deeply saddened to announce his passing on April 7, 2025, at the age of 91 in Calgary, Alberta.

Howard was born on the family farm in Turin, Alberta, on November 29, 1933, to Bert and Anne Dunn. He was born prematurely and loved to tell the story of being placed in a shoebox, then into the wood-burning stove where he would be kept warm. He never grew to be a large man, but what he lacked in size, he made up for with his big heart, compassion and consideration for everyone around him. He was a “people” person and made friends everywhere he went.

Howard had an adventurous spirit. One of his biggest adventures was sailing to Italy in his early twenties. He always returned home to the farm though and eventually settled down to dedicate his life to his land until his retirement. In 1965, he married the love of his life, Louise Haines. Together, they raised three children. Many wonderful memories were made through fishing trips, camping trips and vacations to Disney Land and Hawaii.

In 2011, Howard and Louise retired to Coaldale. In 2019, he moved to a retirement home in Lethbridge where he resided for 5 years. After his son’s passing in 2024, he moved to a retirement home in Calgary to be closer to his daughters.

Howard’s first passion was farming but he also enjoyed camping, curling, the casino and coin collecting. He worked diligently throughout the years on coin albums for his grandchildren and he loved nothing more than looking through the albums with them. He also enjoyed a good game of crib. He taught his children and grandchildren the game at young ages and there would always be a rowdy crib tournament during family gatherings.

Howard leaves behind his daughters Dona (Rob) Moriyama and Debra Dunn; grandchildren Colby (Caitlin) Moriyama, Kenzie (Dylan) Moriyama, Amber Dunn, Jamey (Courtney) Dunn, and Devin Smale; six great-grandchildren; sister Mel (Dennis) Cleland; brother-in-law John (Wendy) VandenBroeke; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He has been predeceased by his wife, Christine Louise; son Darren; brothers, Herb and Harold; sister Maxine Mehalko; and stepsisters, Myrt, Myrle, and Merlene.

All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Howard’s Life, which will be held at 2:00PM, SATURDAY, APRIL 26, 2025, AT THE GERMAN CANADIAN CLUB, 902 – 6 STREET NORTH LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.

Mrs. Constance “Connie” Thompson of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Mr. David Thompson, passed away at St. Michael’s Health Centre on Monday, April 7, 2025, at the age of 76 years.

In keeping with her wishes, Connie was privately remembered by her family and friends. Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Patricia Hancock passed away surrounded by family on April 5, 2025, at the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge at the age of 71 years.

She is survived by her mother Sadie Hancock, brother Royce Hancock, sister-in-law Yvonne Hancock, sister Gloria Hancock, and brother-in-law Gary Creasser. Patty was predeceased by her father Vincent Hancock in 1996.

Patty's early life started in Grassy Lake, Alberta, where she was inseparable with younger brother Royce. Sister Gloria arrived when Patty was 6 1/2 years old. As a child, Patty was always very active, curious, and smiling.

Patty spent six years in the Michener Center in Red Deer before coming back to reside with family in 1968 at the age of 15. She attended Dorothy Gooder school for three years until age 18.

Patty resided in group homes with Edenbridge, and, for the last six years, Bluefox was her home and second family.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00PM, SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2025, AT MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 STREET SOUTH, LETHBRIDGE, Alberta.

To watch the Service via livestream, please visit https://youtube.com/live/ARKf33SnXGM

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Patty's memory to the Bluefox Association, 232 22nd Street North, Lethbridge T1H 3Z7.