All Obituaries

Mr. William “Bill” Giesbrecht of Coaldale, beloved husband of Mrs. Elfriede Giesbrecht, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Coaldale Long Term Care on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the age of 96 years.

Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.

Mrs. Margaret Pommen, beloved wife of the late Mr. Ed Pommen, passed away peacefully at St. Therese Villa on Thursday, December 18, 2025, a month shy of her 102 birthday.

Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Friday, January 23, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL. 610 – 4 ST S, LETHBRIDGE.

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY.

Following the Graveside, a Funeral Service will be held 11:00 am on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at the LUTHERAN CHURCH OF THE GOOD SHEPHERD, 2406 11 AVE S, LETHBRIDGE.

Henry Arthur Reimer of Coaldale, beloved husband of Marian, passed away peacefully into the arms of Jesus with his family at his side at Chinook Regional Hospital on December 18, 2025, at the age of 89 years.

Henry was born on May 17, 1936, in Coaldale, Alberta to Jacob and Anna Reimer the fifth of six children. Henry became a Christian at the age of 17 at a crusade. He farmed all his life on the farm he grew up on north of Coaldale starting at age 16 and retiring at the age of 85. Although he was a dairy farmer and grew other crops his pride and joy was growing a good crop of sugar beets for which he claimed the Sugar Beet King title multiple times. Henry met Anne Siemens and they married on November 12, 1966. They had four wonderful children James, Raylene, Dennis and Terry. Life had its challenges with the loss of his father when he was 16 and his first wife Anne after a lengthy battle with cancer in 1982.

God blessed Henry by bringing Marian (Toews) into his life for the next 41 years to walk side by side as his best friend and mother to his children. Henry loved his family and delighted in all his children and grandchildren. He loved life on the farm and his cats, lots of cats. Retirement brought a move into Coaldale where he found new enjoyment riding his bike all over town.

Dad loved singing in many different groups and had a life-time of involvement at Coaldale MB Church. At the core of who Dad is, is Christ. Loving, kind, compassionate and seeking after God’s heart. Bible reading, devotions and prayer at breakfast every single day. And for the last 41 years, each day ended with mom and him having devotions again. Dad demonstrated everyday how to seek after God’s own heart. He didn’t need words, you only had to look at his life. His relationship with God led him to be an incredible husband, father and friend. He faithfully prayed for his children and grandchildren desiring each to have a personal relationship with Christ. We will miss his jokes, drawing cartoon characters on napkins or scrap pieces of paper, the home movies he took over a lifetime and the phone calls.

Left to cherish his memory and his hugs are his wife Marian; son James (Chandra and children: Rachel and Jason Klassen, Rebeccah and fiancé Miguel Challoner, Sophia and Grant Martens); daughter Raylene (Stephen De Bruyn and son Joshua); son Dennis (Trina and children: Samuel and Taylor, Benjamin and Ryann Liebreich, Matthew, Luke, Samson, Vance) and son Terry (Kara and children: Levi and Tyson).

The family would like to thank the amazing staff in the ICU at Chinook Regional Hospital.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00am on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the COALDALE MENNONITE BRETHREN CHURCH, 2114 – 18 St, Coaldale, with Pastor Gary Burke officiating.

A private family internment will be held prior to the service.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish may consider a memorial donation to ShareWord Global at https://sharewordglobal.com

Mrs. Sally Johnson, beloved wife of the late Mr. Raymond Johnson, passed away at Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, December 15, 2025, at the age of 76.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a beloved sister, aunt, and friend, Ms. Lois Aucoin, who passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2025, at the age of 97 years.

Unlike Lois’ sisters, she was not quiet. She had wonderful stories we have all heard, but every time they were told, the distance got longer, the temperature got colder, and someone new was in her way.

Lois' life was enriched with her faith, love of nature, cats - not just hers - and music. Lois was a devoted part of the St. Basil’s Choir for many years. She loved listening to all music, except the likes of Taylor Swift, Adele, and Justin Bieber.

Lois loved routine, and some might say that contributed to her amazing longevity. Against many odds and habits, Lois lived a lovely, long life filled with all her favorite things.

In the company of friends and family, Lois enjoyed sipping her sister Carmen’s favorite drink, a classic Caesar. She started and ended every day with a cigarette and a cup of coffee filled to the top with as many sugars as possible and a dash of cream.

Lois Aucoin was a strong and independent spirit, which she let everyone around her know. Her opinions were almost as loud as her convictions, and she was not shy to share at any opportunity.

Lois's legacy of care, resilience, and strength will live on in the hearts of her family and friends.

As we bid farewell to Lois, we will be reminded of that persistence to keep moving forward.

Joan Marie Stebbins (Hurley), of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Lucius Stebbins, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at the age of 84 years.

Joan studied at four different universities in the first 15 years of her marriage to Luke. As they both moved from place to place pursuing their educations, they were busy raising their two sons. In 1980, she earned a BFA Degree from the University of Lethbridge, with majors in Literature and Studio Art. She was soon hired by the Southern Alberta Art Gallery as a weekend front desk person, but within a year was invited to assume curatorial work. In a few years, she advanced to Assistant Curator, Associate Curator, Curator, and Director/Curator. She continued in that role for fifteen years, after which she hired a new director and continued as a curator for another fifteen years.

In her span of 30 years as a curator, she traveled throughout Canada, Western Europe, and several American cities, doing studio visits with artists. She searched for artists to exhibit in 22 European cities, Ireland, Japan, every major Canadian city, and on multiple visits to galleries and art museums in the Eastern U.S.A. She financed her travels and all of her hundreds of exhibitions at the Southern Alberta Art Gallery with grants from Canada Council, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, and granting agencies in six European countries, publishing 181 artist catalogs. For her work as a curator, she was awarded The Order of Canada, an Honorary Doctorate Degree, The Queen's Jubilee Medal, and the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta Award in the Arts.

She leaves behind her husband Luke, sons Shawn and Dan, four grandchildren, a great-grandchild (with another on the way), and her two brothers Michael and Tim. Joan was predeceased by her sisters Kathleen and Judy.

In lieu of flowers, please take your family to visit the Southern Alberta Art Gallery.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.”

Mathew 5:4

On December 11, 2025, surrounded by his son and family, Larry Joseph Black Plume hung up his skates and took his place in the great arena beyond. A lifelong Calgary Flames fan, Larry cheered every goal, believed through every season, and wore red with pride.  His passion for hockey, his family, and his friends remained steadfast throughout his life. Larry Joseph Black Plume, age 68, of the Blood Tribe, passed away following a brief battle with lung cancer.

Born on April 16, 1957, at the Blood Indian Hospital in Cardston, Alberta, Larry was the first son of Lawrence Black Plume and Rosaline Hoof, joining the family after four daughters. Larry began his education at St. Mary’s Residential School between 1963 and 1968, continued at Glenwood for junior high between 1968 and 1971, and completed high school in Vancouver, BC between 1971 and 1974. In 1989, he furthered his studies in Grouard, Alberta, earning his carpentry certificate. A man of many trades, Larry worked with numerous organizations and businesses throughout his life, including Charlton & Hill Roofing, Southland Trailers, the Blood Tribe Forage Plant, and the Lethbridge Homeless Shelter.

Larry was a gentle soul with a quiet presence and a mischievous streak, especially when teasing his nieces, nephews, and grandchildren. He carried himself with humility and kindness, opening his home to anyone in need, a welcoming refuge for friends and family alike. As a single father, Larry poured his heart into raising his son, and in his later years, he worked to build a meaningful relationship with his daughter. His granddaughters and grandson were the light of his life, and he never missed a chance to show his pride and affection for them. Larry's role as an uncle was legendary; he delighted in playful banter, but also relied on his nieces and nephews when he needed a ride or a helping hand. Whether as a younger or older brother, Larry expressed his love for his siblings in his own unique way, leaving each of them with cherished, enduring memories.

Larry is survived by his children; Lawrence Black Plume and Lisa Kelly-Stacey; his step-children, Shawn and Tyson Sweet Grass; his grandchildren, Shantia (Pacen) Bruised Head, Jordan (Darren II) Bruised Head, Mila Black Plume, Stephanie Kelly-Stacey, Victoria Kelly-Stacey, and Austin Kelly-Stacey; his great-grandchildren, Kylo Wadsworth, Xavier, Dreakko, and Aalani Bruised Head, Darren Small Eyes III, Yelena, Bley, Elizabeth, Emma, and Elliot Kelly-Stacey.

His siblings: Rosaline Black Plume, Virginia Black Plume, Barry (Lorraine) Black Plume, Jerry (Joanne) Black Plume, Clarence Hoof, Phyllis Black Plume, Nina Smith, and Deanna Black Plume.

His nieces and nephews: Melva Black Plume, Leeboy Lawrence Red Crow, Ian (Noamie) Red Crow, Shawna (Keith) Strangling Wolf, Marcella (Tom) Red Crow, Jaqi (Ronnie Jr.) Scout, Joshua Black Plume, Jerome Blood, Norina (Rod) Ballesteros, Cody Black Plume, Roberta (William) Parsons, Sarah (LJ) Good Eagle, Kimmy (Lee) Sweet Grass, Tiffany Sweet Grass, Rudy Black Plume, Eva Black Plume, Bradley Black Plume, Anastasia Plume, Jared Black Plume, Twylla Russell, Lizzie (Herb) Crowchild, Aryson Black Plume, Akuuma Black Plume, Myles (Genevieve) Black Water, Chancy (Jon) Black Water, Peyton (Jerrance) Smith, Sage Shade, Karli Minhas, and Silver Twigg.

He is also survived by his paternal aunties: Maryann (Les) Across the Mountain, Margaret (Ronald) Across the Mountain and Ramona Black Plume. 

He is also fondly remembered by countless great-nieces and great-nephews, cherished relatives from both sides of his family, and many friends.

Larry was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Lawrence and Rosaline Black Plume (nee Hoof), and stepfather, Hereditary Chief Jim Shot Both Sides.

His soulmate, his true love, Verna Sweet Grass.

His maternal grandparents, Nina and Ronald Hoof, and his paternal grandparents, Joe and Lizzie Across the Mountain (nee Standing Alone) and Frank Black Plume.

Paternal great-great-grandmother, Long Time Pipe Woman.

He is also preceded in death by his siblings, Bernice Red Crow (nee Black Plume), Lena Black Plume, Francis Black Plume, and Randall Black Plume.

Nephews: Russell Red Crow, Braxton Black Plume, Rhys Koroll, and Brayden Red Crow.

Nieces: Marcella Black Plume and Nicole Red Crow.

Brothers-in-law, Cordell Weasel Moccasin, Johnny Red Crow, Edward Jr. Heavy Shields, John (Tweedy) Smith and Lee Smith.

Maternal aunts & uncles, Ada & Pete Weasel Moccasin, Eva Hoof, Joseph Hoof, Ralph (Bernadette) Hoof.

Paternal aunts and uncles, Tereasa & Martin Hairy Bull, Morris, Alfred, Dominic (Tereasa), Michael, and Joseph Across the Mountain, Uncle Regis (Bella) Black Plume.

Extended Relatives: Dick Soop & family, Sam Black Plume & family, Bob Black Plume & family, Douglas Many Grey Horses Sr. & family, Hoof, Stabs Down, Sharp Adze & family, Across the Mountain & family, Standing Alone & family.

As we bid farewell to Larry, his absence will be deeply felt by all who knew and loved him. Rest easy, Larry, heaven has gained the Flames’ most devoted fan. His laughter, kindness, and trademark humour live on, especially the unforgettable way he’d boast about his “Shelter Beauties,” always with a mischievous smile.

The family apologizes if we missed anyone.

A Wake Service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall on Sunday, December 28, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception on Monday, December 29, 2025, at 11:00 am.

Interment will take place at Levern Cemetery. A feast will follow at Senator Gladstone Hall.

André (Andy) Joseph Aucoin died on Tuesday, December 9th, 2025, in Lethbridge at the Palliative Care Unit in St. Michael’s surrounded by his loving daughters.

Andy was born to John and Bernadette Aucoin May 25, 1945, in Rogersville, New Brunswick. He was the eldest of 9 children. He was raised in a lively home full of siblings, cousins, neighbours and family. His Acadian roots and upbringing in rural New Brunswick imparted the importance of helping his family and self-reliance but also increased his resilience and ability to overcome challenges he faced in his life.

Andy learned a great deal from his father, who was a lumberjack. As a young man, and after the sudden death of his father, he moved with his family to Oshawa, Ontario. He returned to New Brunswick to train as an electrician in Moncton, and subsequently went back to Ontario to work. He decided to head west to Prince Rupert, BC with his cousin for more work opportunities. At a stopover in Vancouver, he met his sister’s new roommate, Veronica, who was in Vancouver to renew her US work permit. That encounter ultimately led to a marriage which lasted 30 years until her death in 2000. Andy and Veronica were married and settled in Oshawa, Ontario but then they decided to move to Alberta, first Calgary, then Lethbridge where Veronica’s family lived.

In Lethbridge, Andy worked primarily as a commercial electrician for multiple companies and on a variety of projects in Western Canada. He upgraded his qualifications to become a Red Seal Master Electrician. Throughout his life, he usually had a project (or five) in the garage that he was tinkering on. He could build or repair anything. And he was also generous with his time helping others as well.

After being widowed at the age of 55, Andy was more social and active with the Knights of Columbus Council 5726 attaining status as a Third Degree Knight. He volunteered at fundraising events, getting Camp Columbus in Waterton ready for campers and attended KoC social events. He also eventually remarried. After he retired, he traveled extensively across Canada and the US with his RV and was a member of the Good Sam Club attending ‘Sam’borees and other events. He was also a member of the St Mary’s Boat Club where he camped and made new friends. He went on a few cruises but preferred camping and reminiscing around the campfire. In 2018, he was diagnosed with cancer and he lost the ability to walk. Unfortunately for him, during cancer treatment his marriage came to an end. He subsequently moved to a Supported Living facility. 

Once again, he was on his own but faced the situation with strength and dignity.

After he moved to Good Sam Park Meadows he really flourished. He developed friendships with residents and staff. He’d have visitors come share a bottle of wine, or a rum with him. He had a girlfriend at one point. He had ongoing regular card games with some of the other residents. He enthusiastically participated in all of the recreation programming that was available. He was also able to go out into the community with his power chair— either to Denise’s house or on outings via the Access-A-Ride bus. Being at Park Meadows during the pandemic spared him of the isolation that he would have faced if he was living in the community as he had the other residents and staff to socialize with.

The final chapter of his life began with another cancer diagnosis. Knowing his time was limited, his family arranged two final trips this year ‘Down East’ to Ontario and New Brunswick to see loved ones and to say goodbye. As he wished, and thanks to his family, he also enjoyed feasts of fresh seafood while there.

The most important thing to Andy was his three daughters and spending time with them and their families. Andy was especially close to his son-in-law Mike. Andy and his three daughters had an unbreakable bond and he was a constant source of stability, reliability, support, love and care for them.

Andy was predeceased by his parents, his loving wife Veronica, younger sister Yvonne, brother-in-law Danny Gaudet, sisters-in-law Gloria Smith and Charlene Boumberger, as well as numerous cousins, aunts and uncles and friends.

Andy is survived by his daughters Lisa Aucoin (Duane Ens), Denise (Mike) Rollag, and Janet Aucoin (Sheldon Chow); his grandchildren Clarissa (Parker) Maelu, Lily Rollag, and Thomas Ens; his great-grandson Baron Maelu; and his siblings Anna (Raymond) Morissette, Alma Aucoin, Diane (Jack) Richard, Jeanne (Raymond) Hébert, Gloria (Charlie) Léger, Gerald (Theresa) Aucoin, and Doris Gaudet. He is also lovingly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Andy’s family is incredibly grateful to the staff at Good Sam Park Meadows for treating him like family over these last six years, to the staff at the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, to the Palliative Care Team.

A Prayer Service will be held at 5:00pm on Friday, December 19, 2025, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 ST. S, LETHBRIDGE, AB, with Deacon Jim Manzara presiding.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 12:00pm on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at ST. BASIL’S ROMAN CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 13 ST. N, LETHBRIDGE, AB, with Father Santiago Torres presiding.

Andy and Veronica will be interred together at a private family event.

In lieu of flowers please consider making donations of gift cards to Good Samaritan’s Society – Park Meadows for their recreation programs in the care of Leslie Jastrau and Rita Fruson.

Click here to watch a livestream of the Prayer Service

Mr. James “Jim” Flanagan of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Madie Lee Flanagan, passed away at Golden Acres Lodge in Lethbridge on Monday, December 8, 2025 at the age of 84 years.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Ellenor “Ellie” Grieser, of Elkford, British Columbia, beloved wife of the late Juergen “Gary” Grieser, passed away suddenly after a short illness at Chinook Regional Hospital on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the age of 75 years.

Ellenor was born on March 30, 1950, in Trail, British Columbia, to Rose Coates and was later adopted by her father, William Coates. She graduated in June 1969. Shortly after Graduation, she met Gary, and they were married in November 1970.

In October 1971, Gary moved to Elkford for work at the brand-new coal mine, and Ellie followed in January 1972. Ellenor worked for a short time at Fording Coal and then Alpine 66. She began her full-time career with the U.S.W.A. in November 1978 and retired in 2008 after 30 years of service.

Ellie enjoyed many years of volunteer work, from the local ski hill to the Lions Club and Various Churches over the years. Always an active lady, Ellie loved travelling and doing all things outdoors with family and friends. Ellie loved her husband, daughters, and their families; they were the centre of her world. Her legacy of love will continue to live on within their hearts forever.

Ellenor is survived by her daughter Rhonda (Matthew) Down; non-biological daughter Fiona (Kris) Marianix; four grandchildren: Mark “Tyler” (Micaela) Down, Trystn Down, Tiana ‘Bailey” Lefebvre (Rhythm), Nicholas “Jayden” Holt; non-biological grandson Logan Marianix; her sister Gwen (Morley) Donaldson; two great-grandchildren, Mila Down and Mark Down; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

Ellenor is predeceased by her beloved husband, Juergen “Gary” Grieser; her parents, William and Rose Coates; her brother Denton Coates; her daughter Tammy Holt; and her granddaughter Akaysha Holt.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 13, 2026, at Wapiti Alpine Resort (Elkford Ski Hill), 1000 Natal Road, Elkford, British Columbia, with Waylon Klix officiating. A luncheon will follow in the Lodge.

Marina Smetany, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at the age of 82 years.

The family has chosen to hold a private service to celebrate Marina’s life at a later date.

MR. TED GERGELY of Coaldale, Alberta, beloved husband of Joyce Gergely, passed away peacefully surrounded by family in Lethbridge, Alberta, on December 6, 2025, just days shy of his 81st birthday.

Ted is survived by Joyce, his wife of 58 years, his daughter Carri (Andy), his son Kevin (Suzanne), and his grandchildren Allyson (Tyler), Chelsea, and Ethan. Sadly, he lost his daughter Terri Anne in 2017, who shared his December 29th birthday.

He is also survived by brothers John (Pat) and Zoltan, as well as Joyce’s family: Barb (George), Donna (Larry), Elaine and Terry (Judy). Also surviving him are numerous nieces, nephews, and their children on both sides of the family.

Ted was born December 29, 1944, in Magrath, Alberta, the second child of John and Mary Gergely, who were of Hungarian descent. When he was 3 years old, the family moved to the Jail Road area near Coaldale, where he remained for the rest of his life. He attended school in Coaldale, and as a child, he and his brothers helped tend sugar beets; they were a rowdy bunch and often in trouble. In his teenage years, he was active in the Lethbridge-Coaldale 4-H Club, modified and raced stock cars with his brothers, participated in local tractor pulls, and often walked home from local dances or parties.

Ted graduated from Olds Agricultural College in the spring of 1967 and then began working with the City of Lethbridge as a weed inspector. In November of that same year, he married Louisa Joyce Lacey; they established a small farm only a mile from the house he was raised in. He built the house from scratch and farmed sugar beets, wheat, and canola over the years while also running a cattle operation. He resided on the farm until his passing.

Ted and Joyce raised three kids together on the farm. They were always running to 4H meetings, kids' sports, and horse lessons; yet, he still found time to curl in Coaldale Men's League and attend Sugar Beet Growers meetings. Family time, while scarce in the summers, still meant fishing trips, camping, and skiing in the winter. He continued camping right up until this past fall. Ted was always willing to stop by to help out his brothers, who all lived just down the road. He was surrounded by family, and some of his most precious moments were spent watching his grandchildren grow up next door. Due to failing health over the last few years, he passed the tractor keys over to his son Kevin, who continues to farm on the same land.

Ted was predeceased by his parents John and Mary Gergely, brothers Steven Riethman and Bill Gergely, as well as in-laws Roy and Kate Lacey.

The family would like to express our gratitude to local healthcare workers who took such good care of Dad: Bernice at Jack Ady, Christina at Home Care, Dr. Roth and her Palliative team and the staff at St. Michael's Palliative. The family also owes a huge debt of gratitude to Suzanne for her time and care of Dad these last few years.

A private Family Graveside Service will be held.

Please join the family for a Celebration of Life on Saturday, December 20th, 2025, between 2:00 pm and 5:00 pm at the Coaldale Community Centre. There will not be a formal program; please drop in as you are able.

Flowers gratefully declined. Please consider donating to the Canadian Cancer Society.