MRS. VERDA ADELINE TYSSEN of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Michael’s Health Centre, Palliative Care on Thursday, May 1, 2008 at the age of 80 years.
She is survived by her children; Sharon (Tom) Hovan of Lethbridge, Myrna Bowns (Louie Privee) of Gunn, AB, Brian Tyssen of Lethbridge, Beverly Gwilliam (Curtis Thom) of Lethbridge, Neil Tyssen of Coaldale, Darline (Ben) Seykora of Prince George, B.C., Garth Tyssen of Lethbridge, Jeanie (Robin) Skitteral of Chetwynd, B.C. and Douglas Tyssen of Lethbridge as well as 28 grandchildren and 29 great grandchildren. She is also survived by 3 sisters and 1 brother.
Verda was predeceased by her father and mother and 2 brothers.
Verda Adeline (Simmons) Tyssen was born on February 27, 1928 in Claresholm, Alberta and raised in Diamond City where she lived and helped her parents farm along with her 3 sisters and 3 brothers. She went to school in Diamond City where she got a grade 8 education. She then went to work at the Galt Hospital and then cleaned houses for several people. She loved to cook and bake bread. She loved to do some crafts and was a hard worker and thought of everyone else before herself.
Verda married Cornelius John Kelly Tyssen on August 1, 1949 and in 1950 they had their first baby girl and then eight more children. We will always miss her and love her.
Until we meet again, love you mom.
A Memorial Service will be held at the CHURCH OF JESUS CHRIST OF LATTER-DAY SAINTS, Lethbridge Alberta Stake, 2410 – 28th Street South, Lethbridge on Tuesday, May 6, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Bishop Mark Hasegawa officiating.

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HARUKO TOMIYAMA, beloved wife of the late Giichi “Tommy” Tomiyama, formerly of Fort Macleod, Coaldale and then Lethbridge Blue Sky Lodge and Extendicare, passed away at the Lethbridge Extendicare on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at the age of 100 years.
Haruko is survived by her sons; Joe (Sumi) of Vauxhall, Peter (Ann Lauzon) of Calgary, Harold (Florence), Alvin (Anna) of Coaldale, Tom (Betty), Jim (Marion) of Lethbridge, daughters; Kaye (Sunao) Ayukawa of Lethbridge, Mary (Joe) Shigehiro of Coaldale, Chris Meyer of Calgary, son-in-law Dr. Ted Yoshida of Calgary, daughters-in-law Shige Tomiyama of Japan and Joan Jennings of Kamloops, nieces Hisako Ushizawa of Lethbridge and Misao (Toshio) Ushizawa of Vancouver, 28 grandchildren, 37 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her husband Giichi (1977), daughter Jean Yoshida (2004), sons Kazuyoshi (2007) and Billy (2008), 4 grandchildren, 3 great grandchildren and nephew-in-law Masato Ushizawa.
Haruko was born June 16, 1907 in Okayama Ken, Japan. She married young and spent the next fifty years with her husband working hard as farm laborers; growing and selling vegetables as market gardeners in Fort Macleod which they did with their family of eleven children for a quarter of a century before semi-retiring in Coaldale. Mom worked tirelessly picking beans, hoeing beets, carrots and picking corn. She also worked at Dan’s Greenhouse for several years. Mom loved plants, especially flowers and enjoyed making origami and crocheting blankets. She spent eleven years in the Blue Sky Lodge then four years at Extendicare.
We thank all those from these facilities for making her remaining years joyful, comfortable and loving. She really enjoyed her days there.
Family and friends are invited to meet with the family at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Sunday, March 9, 2008 from 7:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M.
A Funeral Service will be held at the HONPA BUDDHIST TEMPLE, 3611 Forestry Avenue South, Lethbridge on Monday, March 10, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Yasuo Izumi officiating.
Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

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MRS. HELEN BERNICE THOMPSON of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Clarence Thompson, passed away at the Lethbridge Extendicare on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 at the age of 80 years.
Helen was born in Golzow, Poland on February 2, 1928. She later moved to Germany before immigrating to Canada in 1951 with her mother, brother and sister. Her family worked in the Picture Butte area as farm labourers in the sugar beet fields. During this time she met the love of her life, Clarence Thompson. They were married on January 7, 1956 and together they farmed west of Barons until moving into Barons in 1993.
Helen was a wonderful cook and also took great pride in her beautiful flower beds. She was a faithful member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Barons. The Barons Drop-In Center provided her with many happy hours visiting with friends and taking part in their activities, particularly playing pool, until moving to Lethbridge in 2003.
Helen had a kind and generous heart. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her daughter and son-in-law Margaret and Roger Pike, her two special grandsons David (Jen VanDellen) and Daryl (Kelsey Magnell) as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Clarence, parents Adam and Caroline Marut, sister Mary, four brothers; Joe, Roman, John and Theodore as well as her brothers and sisters-in-law on Clarence’s side.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Dr.’s McPherson and Gibb and to all of her caregivers at Blue Sky Lodge, Golden Acres Lodge and Memory Lane at Extendicare for the kindness and compassionate care they provided Helen over the past five years.
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Friday, February 29, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13th Street North, Lethbridge on Saturday, March 1, 2008 at 10:30 A.M. with Reverend Tim Boyle Celebrant.
Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Helen’s name may be made to the Alzheimer Society, #402, 740 – 4th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0N9 or to Extendicare of Lethbridge, 1821, 13th Street North, Lethbridge, AB, T1H 2V4.

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DONALD CHRISTOPHER TWIGG JR., passed away peacefully with his beloved wife and family by his side at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at the age of 49 years.
He was born in Cardston, Alberta on October 17, 1958. Don was raised on the Blood Reserve and received his formal education at the St. Mary’s Residential School. Upon receiving his education Don held down numerous jobs including a guard position with the Lethbridge Community Corrections. He also excelled in carpentry skills and was employed with Kainai Industries for many years. Don left the reserve to attend Keyano College’s Heavy Industrial Program in Fort McMurray, Alberta. He was also a member of the Army Cadets of the Blood Reserve. Don loved sports and during his time in school played football and basketball with the St. Mary’s Warriors. He traveled with the Basketball team to Ireland, London (England), Hawaii and throughout North America.
Don will mostly be remembered by the legacy in which he will leave with his people the Bloods as a fine artist in visual arts. A self taught artist his talent was commissioned on countless art projects including the prestigious showing of Blackfoot Skies at the Calgary Planetarium/Science Centre. Many of his works are owned by private and corporate collections throughout Canada and the United States. He has been the recipient of many awards and has been commissioned to many works including logos and art templates for many departments and organizations throughout the Aboriginal community.
A very gifted fine artist he found inspiration from his father Donald Big Swallow Sr. as a child and growing up he learned watching his dad draw old native and western art. Don developed a very unique style with skill and detail in acrylic, ink and oil painting having being mentored by the late Everett Soop and Glen Eagle Speaker. He has spent a lifetime honing other skills of expression of Native art in woodwork, carving and logo design. Don’s work was always utilized as it captured a true essence of Blackfoot history and contemporary life depicting his culture to the public visual eye. His work has been published in many publications, programs, newspapers and seen as landmarks in public building walls/spaces and the Kainai High School Gymnasium floor.
Don was always known as a trickster and noted for his sense of humor and laughter. He touched many with his laughs, jokes, stories and art, and will forever be remembered for that.
A devoted father, husband and grandfather Don is survived by his beloved wife and soul mate Cindy Plaited Hair, 4 beautiful children; Ferlin (Angie Good Running) Plaited Hair, Nikki (Christopher White Man Left) Plaited Hair, Bobbi Girl (Randy Pepion) Plaited Hair and Cheyenne Plaited Hair, 10 cherished grandchildren; Taylor, Mackenzie, Jody, Liddel, Mitchell, Torrence, Sierra, Tristan, Jada and Rome, mother and father Donald & Beatrice Big Swallow, brothers Pat (Delia) Twigg, Les (Delores) Big Swallow, Albert Big Swallow, Curtis (Lisa) Big Swallow, Troy Emery Twigg and Bradley (Michelle Eagle Tail Feathers) Big Swallow, sisters; Monica (Eric) Plaited Hair, Collette Big Swallow, Dorothy Big Swallow, Delores (Curtis) Calf Robe, Lucille (Robin Cat Face) Big Swallow and Angie (Ken) Creighton, aunts; Eva Hind Bull, Theresa Plume and Mary Twigg, uncles Jim Twigg and Andrew (Joanne) Twigg, mother-in-law Phyllis Plaited Hair, in-laws; Shirley, Bobby, Sidney (Stephanie), Debbie (Dayton), Connie (Clement Tallman), Anne (Alfred Stripped Squirrel) and Johnny (Miranda) Plaited Hair as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Don was predeceased by maternal grandparents Mr. & Mrs. James Albert Twigg, paternal grandparents Dick Big Swallow and Black Bear Woman, aunts and uncles; Mr. & Mrs. Albert Twigg, Mr. & Mrs. Eugene “Doc” Twigg, Mr. & Mrs. Dan Weasel Moccasin, Mr. & Mrs. Raymond Young Pine, Mr. & Mrs. Morris Hind Bull, Mr. & Mrs. Pete Weasel Moccasin, Dean Plume, Celina Twigg, Mr. & Mrs. Albert Vielle, Ben Big Swallow, Eddie Big Swallow and Alan Hind Bull, father-in-law Sydney Plaited Hair Sr., nephew Brian Twigg Jr. and adopted brother Kobin Bull Shields.
A Wake Service will be held at the WHITE CALF CHAPEL , Standoff, on Wednesday, February 20, 2008 from 6:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be held at ST. MARY’S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, Blood Reserve, on Thursday, February 21, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Father Pawel Andrasz Celebrant.
Interment to follow at the Blood Band Cemetery.

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother ANN TACKABERRY (nee Trofanenko), wife of the late Max M. Tackaberry, on Monday, February 4, 2008.
She leaves to mourn one daughter, Brenda (Douglas) Marcell of Calgary, two sons, Bryan (Joanne) Sorensen of Lethbridge and Grant (David Ryan) Sorensen of Vancouver. She will also be missed by her four grandchildren, Tara-Lea Watson of Logan Lake, B.C., Davin Vande Beek (Kim Ritter) of Calgary, Bruce Sorensen of Lethbridge and Janelle Sorensen of Calgary, great-grandson Tylor Hebert of Darwell and great-granddaughter Kaitlin Watson of Logan Lake, B.C. She is also survived by two sisters, Lena Sinclair and Lucy (Tom) Pashak, two brothers, Tony (Carol) Trofanenko and Andy (Faye) Trofanenko, sisters-in-law Vivian Trofanenko, Trude Tackaberry, various nieces and nephews and good friend Dawna Blagborne.
She was predeceased by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Trofanenko, first husband Merland Sorensen, husband Max M. Tackaberry, two sisters, Lela Dickson and Jenny Fitzsimmons, four brothers, Mike Trofanenko, Bill Trofanenko, John Trofanenko and Fred Trofanenko, two sisters-in-law Margaret Trofanenko and Olga Trofanenko and three brothers-in-law, Gordon Sinclair, Lee Dickson and Jim Fitzsimmons.
Ann was born and raised in the Turin District and attended the Gold Ridge and Turin Schools, furthering her education by attending business college in Lethbridge. She was employed by the Wartime Prices and Trade Board, The Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce and served twenty seven years with the Alberta Government. She was also involved with the Cubs and Scouts movement, the Lethbridge Figure Skating Club and the Lethbridge Chapter of the Parkinson's Society of Southern Alberta.
Ann's strength to meet life's challenges belied her diminutive stature. She had exceptional organizational skills and her commitment and attention to family was steadfast. Ann enjoyed crocheting, golf and loved to go fishing, even if some of the fish she caught were bigger than she was. She also loved to host family and friends alike and was a generous and understanding friend. Ann was many things to many people but perhaps the most important thing was that she loved much and was much loved.
Thank you to all her health care providers, caregivers at Adaptacare, St. Michael's Health Centre and friends and family who supported her through her final years.
A Memorial service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. All are welcome.
Cremation with interment at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson's Society of Southern Alberta, 102 - 5636 Burbank Crescent S.E., Calgary, Alberta, T2H 1Z6.

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TETSUO TOMIYAMA, known to his friends and family as Bill or Willy, suddenly passed away in his sleep at home in Kamloops, BC on Saturday, January 26, 2008 at the age of 62 years.
Bill was born October 12, 1945 in Fort MacLeod, AB, the fourth youngest of Haruko and Giichi Tomiyama’s twelve children.
He is survived and sadly missed by his loving partner, Joan Jennings of Kamloops, BC, his only son Brent (Lisa) Lehman of Lethbridge, AB, his step-daughter Shawna (Marek) Watroba, his beloved grandchildren Breanne and Brady Lehman and Matthew Watroba, his mother Haruko and parents-in-law John and Doreen Dunning, his brothers and sisters; Kaye (Sunao) Ayukawa, Joe (Sumi) Tomiyama, Peter (Ann) Tomiyama, Harold (Florence) Tomiyama, Tom (Betty) Tomiyama, Jim (Marion) Tomiyama, Mary (Joe) Shigehero, Alvin (Anna) Tomiyama and Chris Meyer, sister in law Shige Tomiyama of Japan and brother in law Dr. Ted Yoshida; cousins Hisako Ushizawa, Misao (Toshio) Ushizawa. Uncle Bill will also be fondly remembered by his many nieces and nephews and their children. Bill enjoyed his connection to his wonderful large family, participating often in family gatherings for birthday and wedding celebrations. He was predeceased by his father in 1977, his eldest sister Jean Yoshida of Calgary in 2005 his eldest brother Kaz of Japan in 2007 and by grandchildren Bret, Alisa and Brentson Lehman in 1999 and four nieces and nephews.
Willy was a butcher by trade and worked for Canada Safeway in Taber, Lethbridge and Calgary for 20 years. He moved to B.C. in 1988. For a few years he owned and operated small restaurants. For the past 15 years Bill has been a salesman for Metro Homes achieving many Top Salesman Awards for Western Canada Division of SRI Homes.
Willy had a keen interest in all sports and played a major role in developing and supporting youth programs in minor hockey, minor baseball and junior hockey in Coaldale, Alberta. However, golf was the passion of his life and he proudly represented the Dunes as a member of their city championship teams. There is no doubt that he is already on the greens in heaven. His golfing buddies will miss him.
A Funeral Service will be held at MCKILLOP UNITED CHURCH, 2329 – 15th Avenue South, Lethbridge on Saturday, February 2, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Terry Shillington officiating.
Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.

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MICHAEL “MIKE” D. TOLLEY of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly at home on Sunday, December 9, 2007 at the age of 46 years.
He is the loving son of Marian Tolley and Norman (Dorothy) Tolley of Lethbridge. He is also survived by his sister Kim Tolley (Terry Goldie) of Lethbridge, aunts and uncles Irene (Denis) Berglund of White Rock, B.C., Elroy (Mabel) Tolley of Nanton and Judy (Leon) Archibald of Fort Macleod as well as numerous cousins.
He was predeceased by his grandparents Madge and Gus Mueller and Vonda and Ralph Tolley and cousin Craig Archibald.
Family and friends are invited to pay their respects at Cornerstone Funeral Home prior to the Funeral Service.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Thursday, December 13, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. with Hank Teichrob officiating.
Cremation to follow.
In memory of Mike, donations may be made to Purrfect Endings, 135 Temple Cr. West, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1K 4T3.

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MR. GEORGE E. THIESSEN, beloved husband of the late Betty Thiessen, passed away at the Park Meadows Good Samaritans on Tuesday, October 9, 2007 at the age of 85 years.
George is survived by his son Ben Thiessen of Fort Saskatchewan and daughter Margaret (Gerry) Brown of Calgary. He is also survived by his grandchildren Craig, Tristan and Catlin of Lethbridge and Tod, Carmen (Jim) Madill, all of Calgary, and Deanna (Geoff) Ho of Minneapolis, MN.
George is survived by brother Ike (Iva) Thiessen of Lethbridge, sister Ann Zacharias of Calgary and sister Mary (John) Lange of Mayerthorpe, as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his loving wife Betty in September of 2001.
A Funeral Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Saturday, October 13, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Larry Hankinson officiating.
Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Memorial Donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

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MARY TOMIE
1913 - 2007
MARY TOMIE was born in Lethbridge on January 5th, 1913. She left us peacefully in her sleep on the evening of August 29, 2007 in the Edith Cavell Care Centre at the age of 94 years.
Mary was predeceased by her husband Andy and her sons Phillip and Larry. Remaining to remember and celebrate her life are her daughters-in-law Sheelagh (Phil) and Dianne (Larry) Tomie, her grandsons; Dean (Lucy) Tomie and Donald (Lynn) Tomie, her only granddaughter Brenda (Bob) Parkyn as well as four great grandchildren; Matthew and Kathleen Tomie and Jarret and Crystal Parkyn.
Mary is also fondly remembered and very much missed by her honourary daughter, Terry (Don) Moore. She was cherished as well by her numerous nieces and nephews and their families.
Mary loved to cook and worked lovingly for her family and home. She was also a member of St. Basil’s C.W.L. for a short period of time.
Mary will be remembered by many former students of the U of L where she worked for many years with her sister Violet (Steve) Gall in the University residences. She was a ray of sunshine to all she met and endeared herself to everyone who knew her. Mary had a great sense of humor and a contagious laugh.
Mary loved to travel; her favorite places (of course) being Las Vegas and Reno where she and the machines became very good friends. She was one of the few to come home with more coins that she took. Mary had a zest for life and a positive attitude to the end. We will all miss her.
In lieu of flowers, please make Memorial Donations to a charity of ones choice, or if you are in Las Vegas or Reno, put a dollar in Big Bertha for Mom. Who Knows!
A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Friday, August 31, 2007 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASILS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604, 13th Street North, Lethbridge on Saturday, September 1, 2007 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Tim Boyle officiating.
Interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery.

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