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It is with great sorrow and sadness we announce the passing of Mark Arnold Ervin, March 29, 2009 in Lethbridge, AB. Left to mourn his passing is his wife and best friend Kathie, his pride and joy children, Ashton, Tyler and Jesse; parents Arnold and Joyce Ervin, brother Kim (Pat) Ervin of Athabasca, sisters; Patti (Szolt) Ambrus and Joanne (Brian) Krell of Lethbridge, AB; mother and father-in-law, Carl and Connie Pickles of Lethbridge, AB and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews that he was so very fond of.
Mark was predeceased by his grandparents Geneva and Otis Ervin and Clara and Charlie Coverdale.
Mark was born April 17, 1958 in Lethbridge. He was raised and educated in Lethbridge and was a proud “Northsider”. Mark worked for CP Rail as an engineer for 32 years. He lived life to the fullest and excelled at everything he pursued. His life was filled with great times spent with family and friends. Whether playing the guitar with the “Barley Boys” or random jam sessions with Alan and Wanda, there was always a guitar near by. Mark spent many years motor biking and snowmobiling at the Clarks and windsurfing with his friends whenever the wind would howl. He loved the outdoors whether camping and fishing at Beaver Mines and anticipating the arrival of Kim to brighten the day, boating at Ridge Reservoir, golfing, traveling, a garage get-together or just stretched out and relaxing with his favorite Dairy Queen treat. He never missed the opportunity to spend time with his sisters Patti and Joanne and was always available for Szolt’s famous ribs.
Mark was blessed with many true friends that he loved dearly. Mark was sociable to everyone and made friends where ever he went. He always saw the good in those he cared for and was happy to give a hand whenever he was needed.
In the last few years, Mark found his spiritual self with great friends that gave him strength and hope for the future. He looked forward to and enjoyed his new passion of motorcycling with the “guys” on a moment’s notice.
He treasured the time he had with his Dad on the morning walks at the river bottom and looked forward to the breakfast his Mom would have ready when they returned.
Mark “lived” for his sons Ashton, Tyler and Jesse and supported and encouraged them in everything they pursued. He was so proud of “his boys”. They gave him the strength he needed to continue his fight to live when the road became very tough.

My Dearest Mark,
We loved hard, we battled hard and we never gave up no matter the obstacles we face. I have your back, as I know you will continue to have mine from a place without suffering or struggle. I will love and miss you forever.
Your wife, friend, companion, team captain, Kathie.

A Memorial Service will be held at Rocky Mountain Turf Club, Grandstand Front Entrance, 3401 Parkside Drive South, Lethbridge, AB. on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at 11:00 A.M.
In Lieu of flowers: Hug your kids with all you have and tell your family and friends how much you love them.

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ALAN EVERLEIGH, beloved husband of Gill Everleigh, of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Michael’s Care Centre, on Thursday, October 16, 2008 at the age of 63 years.
 

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OLIVE DIANA “ANN” ERICKSON, beloved companion of Luke Van Paassen for over 33 years, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Saturday, August 9, 2008.
Besides her loving companion Luke, Ann is survived by her children; Judy Dubois and Jeff Dubois and son-in-law Bob Still (Phyllis), step-children; Carla (Darrell), Barry (Lynne) and Linda (Ben), grandchildren; Christian, Diana, Warren (Tammy), Barb (Allen), Shawn, Robin (John), Pam, Scott (Nicole), Chris, Kim (Cam), Ashley (Dan), Tyler and Brittany, great grandchildren; Brandon, Audrey, William, Aaron, Cody, Angela, Kevin, Courtney, Cassandra, Caden, Makena, Cameron.
Ann was predeceased by her parents Walter and Helen Birkett, daughter Carol Ann (1974) and step-son Neil Van Paassen (1980).
Ann was born in England and worked in the Dry cleaning industry for a time, then moved to Canada. Ann worked at Woolworth’s during most of her career, before moving into managing Ladies wear stores.
Ann’s happiest times were spent traveling, and she always had a special place in her heart for Hawaii.
A Private Family graveside service will be held at a later date.

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MR. RAYMOND ELLIOTT, beloved husband of Mrs. Evelyn Elliott of Picture Butte, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital after a long and prosperous life on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at the age of 92 years.
Raymond is survived by his daughter Wendy Peterson (Gordon Roberts) of High River, son Peter Elliott of Picture Butte, daughter Jackie (Morris) Zeinstra of Picture Butte, son-in-law Larry Nolan of Picture Butte and son Jim (Soo) Elliott of Hope, B.C., ten grandchildren; Richelle Peterson, Kris Peterson, Jason (Mandy) Zeinstra, David Zeinstra, Shawn (Julie) Nolan, Jennifer (Todd) Quinn, Travis Nolan, Jesse, Alyssa & Haley Elliott; five great grandchildren, two brothers Gordon (Ruby) Elliott and Jack (Pat Hapgood) Elliott, three brothers-in-law Walter, Tony and Mike Degenstein, six sisters-in-law; Phyllis Huff, Nellie Trottier, June Degenstein, Katherine Brown, O’dell (Roy) Stephenson and Florence Forrer, as well as his Stark cousins and numerous nieces and nephews.
Raymond was predeceased by his father Gordon, mother Mary, brother Herbert, baby brother Edward, his beloved daughter Mary Nolan, sisters Bernice Sorochan, Ruth Lyon and Edith Gates as well as numerous brothers and sisters-in-law.
Raymond was born on February 10, 1916 on the farm in Lomond. He attended school at Lomond and Nanton, leaving school in grade 11 to go farming with his dad. In 1939, Raymond started farming on his own in Lomond. He met Evelyn Degenstein and they were married on December 16, 1943 in Central United Church in Calgary.
Raymond dearly loved farming, his family, fishing and playing baseball. He was a charter member of the Lomond Lions Club, was on the board of the BRID, was involved with the Lomond Home and School Association and started the Lomond 4-H Beef club. Raymond and Evelyn retired to Picture Butte in 1982. His love of farming continued with his work at the Picture Butte Prairie Tractor and Engine Society. Raymond moved into Piyami Lodge in October, 2007. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He will be forever missed and loved by his family and all who knew him.
A Celebration of Raymond’s life will be held at the PICTURE BUTTE PRAIRIE TRACTOR AND ENGINE SOCIETY CLUB on Saturday, May 10, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with a lunch to follow.
A private scattering of Raymond’s ashes over the Travers Cemetery will take place at a later date.
Flowers are gratefully declined; for those who wish, donations may be made to the Picture Butte Ambulance Service, the Picture Butte Prairie Tractor and Engine Society or to a charity of your choice.

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MRS. ANNIE ESAU (nee Heinrichs), beloved wife of the late Mr. John Esau of Coaldale, Alberta, passed away at the St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Sunday, February 17, 2008 at the age of 82 years.
She maintained dignity and grace right to the end with her last words being a "thank you" to her nurse. Born in a small village in Russia, Anne was carried by her parents to a new home in Eyebrow, SK. Although her school education was cut short, she later spent three wonderful years at the Coaldale Bible School where she met her future husband, John. With homes in Vauxhall and then in Coaldale, they raised their large family of seven children. Anne had a deep faith in God and loved her Lord Jesus. While Anne was active as a church volunteer, her love and energy were largely spent on her family which has grown to include 16 grandchildren and 2 great-grandsons.
In later years, Anne resided in Lethbridge and found joy in painting and in writing her memoirs and poetry. After the passing of beloved husband John in 1996, she carried on as the heart and soul of our family, creating a loving home base for her children and grandchildren.
She is survived by her children; Marion Braun (Ron), Alvin Esau (Sandra), Rose Siemens (Dennis), Linda Holden (Bill), Frieda Klippenstein (Norman), Ken Esau (Karen) and Ron Esau (LeAnn). The Esau family would like to thank the tremendous team of doctors and nurses who cared for our mother.
A Memorial Service to honour Anne's rich life and contributions to family and friends will be held at the COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 – 18th Street, Coaldale on Friday, February 22, 2008 at 2:00 P.M.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Mennonite Central Committee.

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MARIE (Agnes Marie) ELL, beloved wife of Martin Ell of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, February 6th, 2008 at the age of 85 years.
Besides her loving husband, Marie is survived by her daughter Glenna Ell, son Dennis (Dianne) Ell, granddaughter Sue (Mike) Medhurst and great-grandchildren Zachary and Geneviève Marie (her namesake) all of Lethbridge, Alberta. She is also survived by a cousin, Mrs. Catherine (Kay) Dwyer of Arlington, Massachusetts. Marie and “Cousin Kay” corresponded back and forth from the time both were little girls, never meeting face to face until Kay travelled to Lethbridge to attend the 2002 wedding of Marie’s only grandchild. Meeting and spending time with her American cousin, the only surviving link to her childhood, was a memory Marie cherished.
Marie was born March 4, 1922 in Castor, Alberta to Angus and Nellie MacCormack. As a young adult, Marie followed her older half-sister Rita to Vancouver where she trained as a telephone operator. Marie returned to Alberta and met her future husband over a Sunday dinner held at the home of mutual acquaintances. The newly-wed Ells travelled the countryside living near the construction camps Martin worked for as a dragline operator building bridges and roads. Marie made a loving home for her husband and, as their family grew to include Glenna, the small trailer took them to Gliechen, Waterton, even the Lethbridge river valley for a time.
After the birth of son Dennis, the Ells began the construction of their homestead located on Ell family acres (NE ¼ 18-9-13 W4) near Grassy Lake, Alberta and moved into the house in 1955. They eventually purchased the quarter outright from Martin’s father in 1968. Marie settled in to raise her children and was an active member of the community, involved with the CWL, PTA, the now defunct Jolly Joggers and (with her husband) square dancing. Martin’s health prompted a move to “town” in 1974 but the farm lifestyle never really seemed to stop. Her gardens and grounds reflect more than three decades’ dedication to the love of green and growing things. The kitchen where she loved to cook was truly the heart of her home; a place not only to share a meal but to comfort hurts, have a laugh, or discuss current events and “catch up.”
Marie was a true lady: gentle but strong, soft-spoken yet feisty, loving and much-loved. With physical limitations in her latter years, she still put on the turkey for Christmas, loved a drive out in the country, and enjoyed very much the time spent as “Grammie” to her great-grandchildren. We will remember her devotion to her family, her shy giggle when surprised, her unconditional love and her sweet and dear heart. Although we will miss her deeply, her spirit will never be lost. We will carry it with us forever.
She was predeceased by her father Angus Daniel MacCormack in 1933, her mother Nellie Alexander MacCormack in 1943, elder half-brother Lewis Owen Worsnop in 1959, younger brother Donald (Angus Donald) MacCormack in 1970 and elder half-sister Rita Irene Askeland in 1986.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Monday, February 11, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at ST. PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 917 – 4th Avenue South, Lethbridge on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Tim Boyle officiating.
Memorial donations in Marie’s honour may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 210D – 12 “A” Street North, Lethbridge, AB, T1H 2J1, Kidney Foundation, 438-10 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1H 2C7, Heart & Stroke Foundation #207, 542 - 7th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2H1 or to a charity of your choice.

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KARMIN LINDA ELL (nee McKay) passed away suddenly in Foothills Hospital CCU on November 10, 2007 at 44 years of age.
Karmin was born in London , Ontario on September 26, 1963. Her parents were both in the Air Force and the family moved frequently when Karmin was a child. In 1985 Karmin met David Ell and they were married on March 3, 1986. Karmin was widowed on June 2, 1998.
In June of 1999 Karmin moved into an approved supported home under the care of Anita Janzen (Ofner). Once Karmin moved she had a "new" family that included grandparents, four sets of Aunties and Uncles as well as numerous cousins. On November 1, 2003 Karmin proudly acted as Honourary Bridesmaid at Anita’s Wedding to Keith Ofner of Vauxhall and once again Karmin added to her family unit. Karmin “decided” who she would adopt as her “family of choice”. She was a part of a large loving family with whom she was very loving and accepting. She was always there to greet you with a hug and a smile.
Karmin worked at Rehoboth, Quest and Peak Vocational Services. She participated in Best Buddies, Special Olympics, Leadership Today, S.A.W. Board, CMHA and LMHA activities. Her love was working with the animals at the Humane Society.
Karmin will be hugely missed by her “family of choice“: Anita “Mom” Janzen Ofner and “Papa” Keith Ofner of Lethbridge, and her “bros” David Ofner of Vauxhall and Paul Ofner of Calgary; Abe and Erna “grandma and grandpa” Janzen of Coaldale and all their children and families. Her close friends: “ Auntie” Kim Judd Skou and family of New Westminster BC.; “ Auntie” Lori (Ross) Petersen of Lethbridge; “Nana” Barb Pellerin of Coaldale; "Papa" Moe and "Momma" Anne Lefebvre of Lethbridge and "Auntie" Suzanne of New Brunswick as well as “her other family” Marie, Ed and Tash Gray of Lethbridge. Karmin will be remembered by many friends and acquaintances as the one with the wide smile, the huge heart and all the jokes.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Friday, November 16, 2007 at 2:00 P.M.
Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

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MRS. ROBERTA ELLIS, beloved wife of Mr. Roy Ellis of Lethbridge, passed away with her family at her side on Monday, September 17, 2007 at the age of 76 years.
In addition to her best friend and husband Roy, Roberta is survived by her daughter Melanie (Jack) Isaac, sons Faron (Leanne) Ellis and Craig (Karen) Ellis and her special friend and grandson Cooper Isaac.
Roberta is also survived by her sister Joan Carthen, her brothers Don (Donna) Robinson, Garry (Betty Anne) Robinson and Darrel (Mary Ann) Robinson and her many nieces and nephews. Roberta was predeceased by her parents Ruby and Fletcher Robinson, her brother-in-law Walter Carthen, her parents-in-law Reginald and Regina Ellis and brother-in-law Gerald Ellis.
Roberta and her family wish to thank her medical team and the staff at Lethbridge Regional Hospital for their care and comfort.
At Roberta’s request, no formal Funeral Services will be held. A Private Family Service will be held at a later date.
At the family’s request, no flowers please.
In memory of Roberta, donations may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, #207, 542 - 7th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2H1 or to the Alberta Lung Association, Box 4500 Station South, Edmonton, AB, T6E 6K2.

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