SKOMAR Joanne Edna
July 13, 1961 - October 26, 2013

It saddens our hearts to have to announce the passing of my loving daughter, our sister Joanne who slipped away suddenly on October 26, 2013 at 8:20 p.m. in the Emergency Room at the Drumheller Hospital in the company of her sister Janice. Joanne was born on July 13, 1961 in the Drumheller Hospital. She lived in East Coulee until 2012 at which time Joanne and her mother moved together to Drumheller. Joanne schooled in East Coulee until Grade 3 then finished her education in Drumheller. She worked numerous jobs including the Co-op Cafeteria, the East Coulee School Museum with Toni and Andy and with Canalta Hotels for the last twenty years. Joanne enjoyed life. She spent her free time rug hooking, taking photos, walking her dog, drinking coffee, visiting with her many friends and spending quality time with her family. Joanne was predeceased by her father Fred Skomar, her grandparents Robert and Emily Ellis, her dear nephew Jarrett Bosch, two aunts, Joan Albright and Grace Stewart, an Uncle Neil Stewart and cousins Linda and husband Wes Selby. Joanne leaves to mourn a devoted mother Joyce Skomar, a loving sister Janice and her husband Richard Bosch of Drumheller, a wonderful nephew Connor Bosch of Drumheller, her youngest sister Julia and her husband Lucien Perrault of Kindersley, SK, and the love of her life her dog Sparkie. Joanne will be fondly remembered by her Uncle Raymond Albright, her cousins Robert (Louisa) Albright, Ryan (Christine) Albright and special cousin Emily Fleming and son David all of Calgary, AB and many Aunts, Uncles and cousins throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan. Joanne leaves behind her bestest friend Leona and her husband Jamie and their two sons Peter and Johnny Ehrman and many dear friends. Joanne’s family would like to give a heartfelt thank-you to Dr. Olfert for doing his best to save her and to Cindy Gerodo and to a nurse Janice for being there for us at the hospital. Joanne requested a private graveside service which took place on November 2, 2013. Thank-you to Courtney-Winters Funeral Home and especially to  Lisa for all her care and concern. Instead of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to Drumheller SPCA/Humane Society.

GUIDOLIN (STROMONIO), Josephine
March 19, 1917 - October 31, 2013

Josephine Guidolin (Stromonio) of Drumheller beloved wife of the late Ricardo Guidolin passed away peacefully, on October 31, 2013 at the age of 96 years. Born in Italy on March, 19 1917, Josephine Stromonio then immigrated to Canada in 1948, landing in Drumheller, where she then resided. Josephine Guidolin is survived by numerous nieces and nephews and their families. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 2:00 PM, on Thursday, November 7, 2013, at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church, 151 3rd Street W Drumheller, Alberta, with Father Fernando officiating. Interment will follow in the Drumheller Municipal Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, Memorial Donations may be made to The Sunshine Lodge 696-6TH Avenue East, Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y5, or the Palliative Care Unit, Drumheller Area Health Foundation 351-9th Street NW Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y1. Courtney-Winters Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements (403 823 2666).

HOLDEN, Grenville Francis
1941 – 2013

Coal Miners Son

Surrounded by his loving family, Our Heart, Our Rock passed away October 31, 2013 after a brief but fierce battle with cancer.  Gren is survived by his wife and only sweetheart Danna; sons Russel (Kym) and Michael (Mandi); his Grandchildren and greatest joys: Derek (Jenn), Curtis, Nate and Danicka. He is also survived by his sisters: Barbara (Paul) Calon, Marina (Bruce) Glennie, and Linda Wilson as well as many loving nieces and nephews.  Gren was predeceased by his parents, Rose and Walter; and sister, Cora Ripper. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Stollery or Stars if so desired. A Celebration of Gren’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at Appel Funeral Home, 10530-116 Street, Edmonton, AB.

KERIK, Michael E.
September 23, 1923 - November 8, 2013

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Michael E. Kerik announce his passing on November 8, 2013 at the age of 90.  Michael was born in Manfred District, Alberta on September 22, 1923.  Michael leaves to mourn and is sadly missed by the love of his life, Dora, his wife of 64 years.  His children: Janice (Jim), Robert (Star), Debra (David), Brian (Lorraine), Kevin (Brenda) Darren and numerous loving grandchildren and great grandchildren.   Michael also leaves to mourn his siblings: Martin (Thelma), Albert (Vimy), Patrick (Deanna), Jeannette (Beverly), Donald (Lynn), David and Claude (Marilyn) along with many special nieces and nephews.  Michael was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Eleanor, his brothers Charles, John (Bobby), Thomas Jr., Alfred and sisters Anna, Marjorie and Shirley.  Michael will be greatly missed by all that knew and loved him; a heartfelt Thank You to Michael for being such a special influence in each of our lives and blessing us with a lifetime of precious memories.  A private family graveside service will be held at the Bashaw Cemetery on Friday, November 15, 2013 followed by a Memorial Reception for family and friends at the Bashaw Agricultural Society Hall.  Donations on behalf of Michael can be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta or the Canadian Cancer Society.   To express condolences to Michael’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.  Arrangements Entrusted To Wetaskiwin Funeral Home & Crematorium ~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~

HAMILTON, Sylvia May
September 27, 1948 - November 3, 2013

Born September 27, 1948 in Calgary. Sylvia passed away November 3, 2013 at the age of 65 years. I would like to thank the many people of Drumheller who loved and cared about my Auntie Sylvia.  A special thank you to Cheryl Rowan, Doneal Kasie, Isabella,The Salvation Army, Kristina Lauriden, the staff at 7-11 and Sylvia’s Handi bus driver. Sylvia leaves her precious little dog Angel in the loving care of Doneal. In the spring, Sylvia will be placed with her beloved sister Ethel whom she mourned for 39 years. If friends so desire, donations to the local Food Bank or Animal Rescue would be something that would have made Sylvia happy.

DOW, Elsie May
May 15, 1919 - November 13, 2013

Mrs. Elsie May Dow passed away November 13, 2013 at Hanna Continuing Care, Hanna, Alberta, at the age of 94 years. Elsie was born May 15, 1919 in Hal, Yorksire, England to Edward and Annie Hunter. Elsie is survived by two stepsons, Ronnie Dow of Ottawa, Ontario, Wayne Dow of Gull Lake, Alberta,  daughter, Donna Halliday of Drumheller, 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren, and 1 great great granddaughter. Elsie was predeceased by her husband, Donovan Dow in 1977. A family graveside will be held in Claresholm at a later date.  If friends so desire memorial donations may be made in memory of Elsie to the Hanna Continuing Care, Hanna, Alberta, or the Sunshine Lodge, Drumheller, Alberta.  Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements.

CHRISTIANSON, Lawrence Walter “Chris”
July 1, 1931 – November 16, 2013

Chris is survived by his wife Virginia Christianson; brother Lloyd; sister Gloria Ataide; sons Cameron (Sharlene) and Rory (Lana); grandchildren Brooke (Stephanie), Blair (Kylee), Crystal (Jesse), Chelsy (Jodie), Rory Jr., Kendra, Braden and Rayna; great grandchildren Avery, Holden, Weston, Maddox and Parker. A celebration of life will be held on Monday, November 25, 2013 at 2:00 P.M. in the Heartland Chapel of Stettler Funeral Home, Stettler, Alberta, 4707-70th Street. Care and funeral arrangements entrusted to Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium, Box 1780, Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0, 403-742-3422. To send or view condolences to Chris’ family, please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com   

KAUTZ, Willie Ervin
March 3, 1937 - November 8, 2013

Willie Ervin Kautz was born March 03, 1937 in Hanna Alberta and passed away November 08, 2013 in Red Deer, Alberta. Willie was the youngest of three children born to August and Julianna Kautz. He took his schooling for grade school at Alpha school and Elmer school. He then went to and graduated from Concordia Lutheran College in Edmonton, Alberta. He worked for a short time for Northern Asbestos and Alberta Paint and Glass in Calgary.  He married Lois Barker on November 20, 1959 and shortly thereafter they moved to the Hand Hills to begin his life long career of farming. Together they were blessed with three children, Allen, Belinda and Wendy. Willie drove school bus for several years, and was a Boy Scout leader. He was an active and faithful member of St Paul’s Redeemer Lutheran Church in the Hand Hills until his passing. The pride and joy of his life was family, his grandchildren and great grand children. He was “Grandpa” to everyone. He always had a pocketful of suckers to hand out and was a joyful recipient of many hugs. His presence and wisdom will be sorely missed by all of us. Willie was predeceased by his Parents, August and Julianna his wife Lois and brother Helmut. He is survived by his sister Freida (Lorne) Hunter, children; Belinda (Lawrence) Haugen, Allen (Sarah) Kautz, and Wendy Tucker, ten grandchildren; Kelly (Adam) Montgomery, Shauna (Preston) McAfee, Carmen (Daniel) Dowdell, Tejay (Deanna) Haugen, Jeanne Kautz, Maria Kautz, Kari Kautz, Garth Kautz, Katie Kautz and Amanda Tucker, thirteen Great grandchildren; Rylan, Reece, Raya, Zachary, Weston, Kirsten, Aiden, Jaylinn, Jordon, Spencer, Hunter, Gavin and Jayden. Funeral service was held Thursday November 14, 2013 at the Hand Hills Community Hall with Pastors Curtis Boehm, Richard Klein and Lloyd Huber officiating. Interment followed in the St Paul’s Lutheran Cemetery. If friends so desire donations may be made in Willies memory to Alberta Heart and Stroke Fund #101, 5208-53 Avenue Red Deer, Alberta T4N 5K2 or ABC District Missions, 7100 ADA Blvd. Edmonton, Alberta T5B4E4 or the charity of one’s choice. Cathy Watts of Heartland Funeral Services Ltd. was entrusted  with arrangements.

RONDIAK, Walter
November 11, 2013

With sadness, the family of Walter Rondiak announces his passing on Monday, November 11, 2013.  Born in the Ukraine, he immigrated  to Canada at an early age. Walter lived and worked in Rosedale and Drumheller, the remainder of his life.  Predeceased by his beloved wife, Kay, parents Rozalja and Teodor, brothers Leo and Teodor (Fred), and sister Anna Kuran, Walter is survived by his daughter Bonnie Rondiak, brother Morley  (Cecile), and numerous nieces and nephews.  Prayers  Saturday, November 23 at 1:00 p.m.  Courtney Winters Funeral Home Chapel, with interment immediately following. 

BURSTON, Eileen Edith
November 7, 1924 - November 15, 2013

Eileen was born in the Drumheller Hospital to Percy and Nellie Robinson of Morrin, Ab. She passed away at Cranbrook, B.C. 1 week after her 89th birthday. Predeceased by her husband Al, Grandson Jesse, siblings Gertrude, Leila, Cecil and Earl. She will be sadly missed by her family, daughters Donna (Gary) Hammel of Calgary, Linda Burston of Lethbridge, Joanne (Doug) Botterill of Marysville, B.C. and son Kim (Tracey) Burston of West Kelowna, B.C. 9 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren. Also mourning her passing, brother Verne Robinson, sisters Vera See, and Marg (Dalton) Jeffrey. Sister-in-laws Lorraine Stanger and Arda Robinson. Several nieces and nephews. In honour of Eileen’s wishes there will be no funeral services. Interment will be at the Morrin cemetery at a later date. GONE BUT NEVER FORGOTTEN.

BELL, Margaret Joyce
November 7, 1924 - November 24, 2013

Joyce Bell, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 24, 2013 at the Drumheller Hospital. She is survived by 3 sons; Rob (Natalie), Jennifer and Kevin; Stephen (Chris), Erin and Michael; Les (Cathy), Kirsti Ann, Nathan and Evan; one sister, Margaret from Penarth, Wales; one brother, Ken from Rochester, Minn., and numerous nieces and nephews. Joyce was predeceased by her husband (Gordon) of 50 years in 2003, granddaughter (Carlie) in 2011, mother (Thora) in 1936, father (Johann) in 1948, step-mother (Thelma) in 1988, sister (Greta) in 1999 and brother (Edgar) in 2007. Joyce was born November 7, 1924 in Edmonton, Alberta. She completed all of her schooling in Edmonton. After graduating from High School, Joyce enrolled in nursing at University Hospital in Edmonton and graduated in the class of 1947. Her nursing career included Shawnessy Hospital in Vancouver, company nurse for the Hudson’s Bay in Edmonton, and the Drumheller Clinic. On February 7, 1953, she married Gordon Bell of Drumheller. Gordon and Joyce lived and farmed in the Orkney District for 38 years before moving to Drumheller in 1991. Joyce was an active member of the Orkney Ladies Auxiliary (40 years), Drumheller Nurses Social Club and Class of ‘47 Nursing Alumni. Memorial Services will be held at the Knox United Church on Saturday, November 30, 2013 at 11:00 a.m. in Drumheller, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Drumheller Area Health Foundation, 351 - 9th Street N.W., Drumheller, Alberta, T0J 0Y1 or Valley Bus Society, P.O. Box 2848, Drumheller, Alberta, T0J 0Y0.

CHRISTIANSON, Lawrence
July 1, 1931 – November 16, 2013

Lawrence, known by most people as “Chris” or “Barney” passed away on November 16th, 2013 at the age of 82.  Chris leaves with his passing, his loving wife Virginia, brother Lloyd; sister Gloria Ataide; Sons Cameron (Sharlene) and Rory (Lana); Grandchildren Brooke (Stephanie), Blair (Kylee), Crystal (Jesse), Chelsy (Jodie), Rory Jr., Kendra, Braden, and Rayna; Great Grandchildren Avery, Holden, Weston, Maddox and Parker. Chris was born in Calgary Alberta on July 1, 1931 and grew up in Calgary at the Booth Memorial home along with his brother and sister. Chris was a determined and industrious young man and in his early twenty’s he left Calgary to seek new opportunities, landing a job in Drumheller working for Gulf Oil where he met his wife Virginia. Chris and Virginia were married in 1955 and finally settled in Stettler in 1956. Chris spent 23 years working with Gulf Oil, all the while, managing businesses on the side including the Western Gem Hotel in Drumheller.  Chris finally quit Gulf Oil and went into business for himself in 1971 starting a mobile home dealership and later ventured into real estate and motels where he enjoyed success working along side his family.  Chris was a very charming, social and fun loving spirit and those who knew Chris would always light up at the opportunity to chat with him because a conversation with Chris guaranteed a good hardy laugh.  Chris was everyone’s friend and he was known widely for his good sense of humor. He loved to visit with everyone at social and family gatherings. Chris and Virginia retired in 1989 and spent their winters in Arizona where they lived on a golf course and enjoyed golf and happy hour every day for nearly twenty years.  Summers were spent enjoying his family and grandchildren, following Rory and his family on the race circuit, and puttering around Rory’s shop.  Chris will be dearly missed by his friends and family; Chris’ wonderful spirit, and our memories of him will forever bring inspiration and smiles to us all. Funeral services were held on Monday, November 25, 2013 at the Heartland Chapel of Stettler Funeral Home with Reverend Ross Helgeton officiating. Grandson Blair Christianson gave a loving tribute to those in attendance of the love him and the grandchildren shared with their grandfather. Family and friends gathered in the Heartland Reception Centre for a time of fellowship and a luncheon. Condolences may be viewed or sent to the family at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army – Drumheller Ministry. Stettler Funeral Home & Crematorium entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.  For further information please call 403-742-3422.

Smith, Howard Alfred Ludor
June 30, 1921 - November 24, 2013

Smith, Howard Alfred Ludor, aged 92, passed away November 24, 2013 at the Drumheller Health Centre Continuing Care. Howard was born June 30, 1921 in Winchester, England, son of Emma and Charles Smith. He came to Canada with his mother in 1923, moving to Alberta in 1926. Howard married Marion Teeple of Camrose, July 3, 1943 and together they raised four sons in Drumheller. Howard worked in the Red Deer Valley Coal Mine for seventeen years. Later he went on to work for the Alberta Brewers Agents in both Drumheller and Calgary until his retirement in 1986. In 1987 he moved to Carbon and then to Three Hills, eventually returning to Drumheller in 2012. Howard often spoke of his enjoyment of fly fishing. Also, the wellness and care of animals was a deep concern of his, giving special attention to family pets and many species of birds, mastering many of their calls with his whistling. He was happiest when doing something with his hands; especially construction projects around the house and making and gifting unique log-cabin birdhouses. Drives to neighbouring towns and visits with people he knew was a favourite pastime. Howard relished great conversation and always had plenty of interesting stories to tell. In his youth, he played piano and he developed a love of music that spanned from Opera to Country. Among Howard’s musical favourites were Gene Autry and Wilf Carter. Howard is survived by his sons, Meredith (Lynda), Terry (Vivian), Mark (Vickie), Kevin (Elaine), seven grandchildren, Cinnamon (Dennis), Lorne (Kara), Keri, Jennifer, Gregory (Marlena), Michael and Bo, and eight great-grandchildren, and also, dearest friend Donnie Church.
At Howard’s request there will be no funeral service. In spring there with be a gathering of family and friends at the Drumheller Municipal Cemetery, for a time of remembering and the interment of ashes. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Drumheller & District Humane Society, P.O. Box 1474, Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y0 or a humane society of your choice.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Drumheller Health Centre, for the attention given to Howard while a resident there. Condolences may be forwarded through Courtney Winters Funeral Home, 199 2nd Street West, Box 2248, Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y0 or email www.courtneywintersfuneralhome.ca

THOMPSON, Kelvin Lee
May 20, 1960 - November 26, 2013

Kelvin Lee Thompson (known to most as Lee) passed away suddenly in Drumheller, Alberta on November 26, 2013 at the age of 53 after a long and courageous battle with heart disease.  Lee was born in Kindersley, Saskatchewan on May 20, 1960.  He moved to Alberta when he was a young man of twenty years old and worked in the oil and gas industry for more than thirty years.  He was a mentor in his trade to a great many people and was respected by all who knew him in the industry.  Lee was a warm and generous person who was well loved by his family and numerous friends.  He loved people and was very social and his big hearty laugh could be heard often.  Lee donated to many charities throughout his life and sponsored three children through World Vision.   He loved to golf and spent a great deal of his time playing the Drumheller golf course as well as travelling to various other golf courses throughout his life.  Lee loved to read and write in his spare time and was an avid Saskatchewan Roughrider’s fan. He was predeceased by his father David (1992).  He is survived by his mother, Betty Thompson (Sandy), his brother Laurie (Tammalyn), niece Jessie, nephew Corey, cousin and close friend Dale Hawkins, cousin and close friend Rudy Sonmor, numerous aunts, uncles and cousins, best friend Ron Barr and countless friends.  A celebration of Lee’s life will be held on Saturday December 7, 2013 at the Community Hall in Hoosier, Saskatchewan at 1:00 p.m. (Saskatchewan time). Donations can be made in Lee’s memory to World Vision.

DANIELS, Annette Madeline
October 6, 1942 - November 30, 2013

It is with great love and sadness that we say goodbye to Annette, wife, mother, grandma and sister. Born in Hagar, Ontario October 6, 1942 to Alma and Victor Gervais. She is survived by her loving husband of 41 years, Barry, her children Claire (Bill), Rick (Kim), Nicole (Derek), Victor (Crystal) and Shannon (James).  Nine grandchildren, Sara, Donna, Daniel, Brandon, Michael, Eric, Maklay, Austin, and Danielle. Four great-grandchildren, Matthew, Baxter, Felix and Ella. Nine siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. Annette loved being around her family, playing bingo and being out at the lake these past few years. Service to be held at a later date in Ontario.
You will never be too far away as you will always be in our thoughts and heart.
Love always, Your family

ARVIDSON, Margaret Elizabeth
July 1924 – November 2013

Margaret passed away peacefully on Sunday, 24th November at the Linden Nursing Home at age 89 years. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Oscar of 69 years. She was the second child of Austin and Alma McKibbin and grew up on a farm just south of Three Hills with her siblings: Mabel (Parker), Donald (Shirley) McKibbin and Katherine (Len) Brookwell. Margaret attended school in Three Hills and then earned a certificate in hairdressing at the Marvel Hairdressing School in Calgary in 1941. She owned and operated a hairdressing shop in Trochu and continued to “do hair” throughout her life. She enjoyed going to peoples’ homes, having clients at her farm home and especially enjoyed “doing hair” for seniors in the Golden Hills Lodge in Three Hills for many years.  She married Oscar Arvidson in 1944 and farmed in the Mount Vernon school district area until they retired and moved into Three Hills after 50 years of farming. She had two sons: Gordon and Wayne. Gordon is married to Judy and has two children, Candace (Jean) Roux and Ryan (Anne) Arvidson. Wayne is married to Donna and has two children, Vincent (Cristina) Arvidson and Heather Arvidson (Chelsea Jennings). Margaret has six dearly beloved grandchildren: Paige and Sydney Roux (Candace), Liam and Jake Arvidson (Ryan) and Cora and Marin Arvidson (Vince). Margaret was a founding and active member of the Ghost Pine Community Group. She was also active in various church activities and Mount Vernon school community activities. She was an avid seamstress and loved knitting, needlework and crocheting. She also enjoyed the activities of Gordon and Wayne as they were growing up, especially baseball, skating and Boy Scouts. Funeral services will be held in Knox United Church in Three Hills at 1 pm on Saturday, 7th December 2013. Kneehill Funeral Services will be handling all arrangements. Remembrance donations may be directed to the Linden Nursing Home.

HOOVER, Arthur Murray
August 3, 1952 - December 2, 2013

It is with sad hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Art Hoover on December 2, 2013. Arthur Murray Hoover was born August 3, 1952 in Hanna, Alberta. He lived and farmed north of Delia all his life, excluding Grade 12 in Red Deer and 2 years of Engineering at the University of Calgary. Art was a Journeyman Water Well Driller and operated his own Water Well Pump Service. The past few years Art rented out his crop land but continued a cow/calf operation. He was an active member and director of the Alberta Surface Rights Board for 35 years. Rural communities thrive because of volunteers and he tried to do his part by serving on many local boards and committees. Art was very active on the Delia Agricultural Society as a director, treasurer and president. A true believer in the 4-H program, Art was a leader for 30 years, as well as a very proud 4-H parent.
Art leaves to mourn his beloved wife Pat, stepson Marcus (Stacey) of Coleman, AB, daughter Stephanie (Jeff) of Calgary, AB, daughter Melissa of Edmonton, AB, Granddaughters Sloan and Hadley and Faithful dog Emma. Sister, Karen (Geoff) of Lethbridge, AB, brother Stephen (Linda) of Delia, AB, brother Barrie (Janice) of Delia, Aunts and Nieces and Nephews. Pre-deceased by his parents Helen in 2002 and Howard in 2012. A Memorial Service was held on Monday, December 9, 2013 at the Delia Community Hall. Courtney-Winters Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements (403 823 2666).

Chapelski, Emil
November 6, 1944 - November 23, 2013

Emil Chapelski was born on November 6, 1944 in Myrnam, Alberta and raised in Vegreville. By the time he was a teen his father Matt, had passed away and he was the man of the family. Married with a child on the way by the age of 20 (precocious was “one” of the words used to describe him) Emil, accompanied by his wife Wendy hit the road for the bright lights of Toronto and then Vancouver as a banker with the CIBC. Banking was glamorous business for a young prairie man who spoke only Ukrainian until he started elementary school. However, a banking career seemed to consist of curling bonspiels and three martini nicotine fuelled lunches and Emil yearned for more intellectual pursuits.  At the age of 30, with 3 kids, a dog, and a mortgage, Wendy went out to earn a living in order to put Emil through law school. Emil graduated as the Gold Medallist of the inaugural class of UVic law school. Emil and Wendy then returned to Alberta to raise their young children close to their extended families and settled in Drumheller in 1979.  There, Emil practiced commercial law for almost 20 years before being stricken by a massive stroke likely accelerated by the three martini lunch lifestyle and cigarettes. However, several years before the stroke, Emil became a friend of Bill W’s and he had even (finally) quit his 3+ pack a day habit. There were some sweet days for Emil and Wendy during that time period, except of course, for the tragic loss of their youngest child Scott at age 19. The stroke left Emil paralysed on the right side and unable to speak or write. However, with God’s grace he could still play a mean game of crib, re-program the clocks for day-light savings time and take immense delight in the arrival of his six grandchildren who loved to play with his cane and scooter. With Wendy’s leadership, they travelled, socialised, volunteered and LIVED notwithstanding his immense handicaps. No one was braver or showed more grace than Emil during the last 18 years except his wife Wendy. We lost Mom to cancer last year and Emil’s world became quite narrow, especially after falling and breaking his hip. It was just a matter of time before Emil would be freed from his earthly limitations and have the opportunity to join his high school sweetheart again. That occurred on November 23, 2013 in Lloydminster. We learned more about courage and acceptance from Dad after his stroke than we could have ever learned from him before. Emil lost his own father at a young age, suffered through many struggles before finding sobriety, then lost a son to a car accident. Subsequently he lost his speech, his ability to write and finally his mobility. Despite all of those challenges, he did his best to share love, friendship and lots of laughter. We are proud to be his children. Emil is survived by his sister Emily Samoil, brother in law Barry Wilinski, and their respective families, many nieces and nephews and his children Shelley Chapelski (Merle McKenzie) and Mark Chapelski (Sandra). He was “Gido” to his grandchildren Alex and Emily McKenzie and Matthew, Nicolas, Anna and Josh Chapelski. Emil was predeceased by his son Scott and wife Wendy (Wilinski) Chapelski.  A Memorial service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, December 23, at the Knox United Church, 195 3rd Avenue E, Drumheller, AB, with Reverend John Crowdis officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Ovarian Cancer Canada, Suite 105B, Edmonton Trail NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 3K8 in memory of Wendy and Emil Chapelski.

McIlvaney, Minnie
September 16, 1916 - December 3, 2013

Minnie McIlvaney (born Wilhelmina Antonia Schollen)  September 15, 1916 Drumheller, Alberta  - December 03, 2013 in Coquitlam, BC. Minnie was a person of great strength and always had a smile on her face. Her family was a unique source of pride and joy. She was a wonderful mom and grandma (The best according to Adrienne). This beautiful girl fell in love with Bennie McIlvaney, a handsome young man coming back from the war and she married him in 1946. The couple moved to the West Coast to raise their family of five children which grew to nine grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Peter (Anne), Bernie (Judith), Jim (Cécile), Chris (Lee), Mary (Norman)(Lorne); Grandchildren: Eric, April, Sara, Jenifer, Adrienne, Jessica, Renee, étienne, Monique; Great grandchildren: Logan, Rebecca, Francesca, Macey. There is nothing Minnie enjoyed more than having people around, listening, chatting, laughing, having a glass of wine and cooking a big batch of spaghetti for everybody. Over the years, she welcomed many people in her life and was an attentive friend. A lady of great generosity, she never hesitated to help people who she knew were struggling.  Minnie loved music and had a wonderful voice. She was the soul of the party. She also enjoyed dancing in her younger years. A good knitter, she did what grandma’s are expected to do and knit many blankie and sweaters for her grandkids. Well read, she kept an eye on the news and knew where the world was at. She had an opinion on many topics and liked good conversation. About ten years ago, she lost her sight but kept reading with audio books. After the death of her beloved Bennie in 2009, her health declined. She spent the last years of her life in Lakeshore Care Home. On December 3, she decided that it was time for her to go…and she went without any fuss.  She will be missed a lot.

Varga, Bessie

Bessie Varga passed away on Sunday, December 8, 2013 at the age of 93 years.  She is survived by daughter in law Doreen Varga; grandchildren; Steven (Shannon) Varga, Darrin and Stewart (Jody) Varga and great grandchildren: Jessie, Clinton (Amber) and Danielle.  Bessie is also survived by extended family and friends. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M., on Tuesday, December 17, 2013, at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, Drumheller, AB, with Father Fernando Genogaling officiating.