Cornelius Martens

""CORNE"", beloved husband of Barbara, passed away peacefully at the Coaldale Health Centre, on July 29, 2009 at the age of 91 years.

Corne was born in 1918 in the Ukraine and immigrated to Canada in 1925. His family lived in Saskatchewan until 1936 when they moved to Coaldale.

Corne became a cheese maker by trade and worked at the Coaldale Cheese Factory.

In 1954 he married Barbara Renfrow and they settled in Coaldale.

Corne began a career as the set director for CJLH which is now Global Television. In 1971 he left the television station to do what he loved best, sculpting. For the next 40 years he made a living as a professional bronze sculptor. Corne and Barb worked side by side on an acreage outside of Coaldale creating bronze sculptures, many of which can be found around the City of Lethbridge and in many private homes.

Corne is survived by his wife Barbara, son Ray, daughter-in-law Karen, grandchildren Amy and Lindsay; daughter Barb, son-in-law Kevin Viergutz, grandchildren, Kimberly and Matthew; sisters Helene McCormick, Mary Mantler, Betty Glendinning, brother-in-law Fred (Netta) Baer and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Cornelius and Marie Martens, brother Herman and sister Margaret Pankratz.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on Tuesday, August 4, 2009 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A private family interment will take place.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you make a donation to the charity of your choice.

The family would like to thank Dr. Vincent Luykenaar and the staff at the Coaldale Health Centre for your professionalism and caring while Corne was in your care.