All Obituaries

Mrs. Nellie Neels, of Picture Butte, Alberta, loving wife to the late Mr. Gerard Neels, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the age of 94 years.

Condolences will be held from 7:00pm to 8:00pm on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, 601 3A St S, Picture Butte.

A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, February 5, 2026, at the NETHERLANDS REFORMED CONGREGATION OF PICTURE BUTTE, Rev. Kleijer officiating.

Bertha Rose Ferraiuolo (née Mantler) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of Dante Ferraiuolo, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital on February 1, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born in Coaldale in 1947, Bertha spent her adult life in Lethbridge, where she built a life founded in love, service, and community. Her greatest joy was her family. She married her husband, Dante, in 1975, and together they welcomed their daughter, Marisa, in 1980.

Bertha graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education from the University of Lethbridge. She dedicated her professional life to public service, working with the County of Lethbridge Planning Commission and later as a teacher in the Catholic school system. In retirement, she continued to give her time as a volunteer with organisations including Lions Clubs International, Meals on Wheels and Kiwanis.

Curious, gracious, and quietly resilient, Bertha found joy in life’s meaningful pleasures. She loved to travel, read, and tend her garden, and she took deep pleasure in cooking for others and enjoying music, both of which filled her home with warmth and life. She was also guided by her faith, which sustained her through every season.

Bertha is survived by her brother, Jason Dyck (Julie-Anne), and her nieces and nephews: Roxann Fontaine (Dave), DJ Murphy (Ryan), Jared Dyck, Grady Dyck, and Leighton Dyck.

She was predeceased by her parents, Susie Dyck and Abe Mantler; her stepfather, Jake Dyck; and her brother, Don Mantler.

The family extends a heartfelt thanks to Dr. Andrews, Dr. Wong, and the compassionate medical staff at Chinook Regional Hospital for their care.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation.

Those who wish to honour Bertha’s memory are invited to do so by holding her kindness, humour, and generosity close in their hearts.

Mr. Gary Randa of Lethbridge passed away unexpectedly, at home on Thursday, January 29, 2026 at the age of 61 years.

Gary is survived by his daughters whom he loved dearly Abby and Gracie; grandson Weston who was his pride and joy; dad Bill Randa; sister Shelley Thom; nephew Adam Thom and by the mother of his daughters Sandra Randa; close cousin Mike Balaz (Kelly Morton); niece Amanda Balaz; cousins Deb and Dion Roth; in-laws Andy, Lily and Susan Karkus; partner Michelle Mutter as well as many other aunts, uncles, cousins, and numerous friends.

He was predeceased by his mom Angie in 2019; brother-in-law Gerard Thom in 2017 and his close cousin Frank Vaclav in 2022.

Gary was born October 10, 1964 in Lethbridge and spent his childhood growing up on the family farm by Park Lake, just down the road from his cousins Mike Balaz and Frank Vaclav. He spent a lot of time with his cousins fishing, biking, farming and then later on in their teen years, drag racing. Gary went to school in Coalhurst his entire life and then later went to SAIT where he graduated with his heavy-duty mechanics license while working at Lethbridge Diesel.

Gary met Sandra in 1988 and they got married in 1991. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters Abby (1998) and Gracie (2001). Gary loved spending time with his family camping, boating and vacationing every summer.

In 1992 Gary realized his true passion was trucking so he and Sandra started Randa Transport. Mike joined him as his first lease operator in 1994, followed by Frank 3 years later. He then hired more lease operators and bought more trucks as the business continued to grow over the years to a current total of 34 trucks/lease operators with the help of his dispatcher and best friend of 25 years, Kelly Morton. Gary, Mike and Frank all worked together until Frank’s passing in November 2022. Gary and Mike continued to work together right up until the day of Gary’s passing.

Gary also had a passion for collecting vehicles. His favorites were old Chevy and GMC trucks, muscle cars, Corvettes and old collector tractors. One of his prized possessions was his 1997 Prevost bus that he enjoyed using for road trips.

The highlight of Gary’s life was when he became a grandpa to Weston in March 2024. He loved taking him boating, playing with hot wheels, taking him on road trips and spending time with him at his shop introducing Weston to his car and toy collection.

Family and friends are invited to a come and go viewing for Gary at 5:00pm to 7:00pm on Friday, February 6, 2026 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPELS, 610 – 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the LETHBRIDGE TRADE AND CONVENTION CENTRE, 101 Exhibition Way South, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mr. Anthony “Tony” Bonderanko of Lethbridge, beloved father to Amanda Pocock and Christy Oberg and grandfather to Nate and Brady Oberg, in Lethbridge on Friday, January 23, 2026, at the age of 73 years.

As per Tony’s wishes there will be no Funeral Service; close family will remember Tony privately.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Mrs. Rosa Doell of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Mr. Gary Doell, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at Jack Ady Cancer Centre on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at the age of 72 years.

Rosa was born in Neuhofen, Germany, on January 25, 1953, to Ben and Theresa Brzostowski.

Rosa loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren. She loved to travel when she was able and always spoke highly of her and Gary’s trip to Italy. She enjoyed listening to Leo Dan, a nice glass of wine, and spending time in the kitchen.

Rosa is survived by her sons Bill (Jodi) Brzostowski, Michael (Leanne) Hanson, Patrick Hanson; grandchildren Kingston and Karter Brzostowski; brothers Ludwig (Marilyn) Brzostowski; sister-in-law Ilys Lang, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

Besides her loving husband, Gary, Rosa is predeceased by her parents, Ben and Theresa Brzostowski, and her brother Rudy Lang.

Close family will remember Rosa privately.

For those who wish, memorial donations in Rosa’s name may be made to the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 3H5.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

It is with deep profound sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved son, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin and friend. Radford Healy - Iit’soiyaipoiyi (Standing in the Water) on January 20, 2026, at the Cardston Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Radford was born on October 7,1969 to Bella (Bert) Mistaken Chief and Wilton (Trina) Day Chief at the Fort Macleod Hospital. Radford will forever be remembered by his children Arthur, Brad, Lucus, his daughter Radison, his grandsons Kyrie and Daniel, his sisters Kim (BJ), Heather (Norbert Jr), Marilee, Reesa (Joseph), Melanie, Jill, Roberta (Scott), his brothers Dickie and Josh, his grandmother Teresa Mistaken Chief. Radford was loved by so many and is also survived by his adopted father Richard Heavy Head, his sisters Paula (Calvin), Tanya (Lance), Sandy and Michelle (Justin), his adopted brothers Connor Healy, Emery Three Person, Max Big Throat, Jerome Tall Man. Radford had so many adopted brothers and sisters to numerous to mention. Aunties Shiela Healy, Jessalyn (Armand) Page, Rita Day Chief, Harriet Day Chief, Laverne First Rider, Patsy Day Chief, Delia Day Chief, Claudia (Dusty) Red Gun, Rebecca Mistaken Chief. Uncles Del Healy Sr, Chester Day Chief, Bruce (Carla) Day Chief, Perry Day Chief, William, Duane, Danny (Teena), Lawrence (Sissy), Marvin (Lydia) and Charles (Leanne) Mistaken Chief.

Radford attended Fort Macleod, Cardston elementary schools also attended St. Mary’s Residential School and continued his education at Red Crow Community College off campus. Radford being a jack of all trades worked at numerous jobs, he worked at Mataki Farms, Forage Plant, worked with dad Richard at Double H Plumbing and his brother Tracy Day Chief company Chief Construction as a night security at mines and helped with the construction of the canal. Radford had to retire from work due to his health issues.

Growing up Radford was a rambunctious little character. 

Everywhere he went and whoever was in tow was sure to have an adventure and getting into some kind of mischief, especially playing tag while riding horses bareback in the woods with who ever was crazy enough to tag along, Radford also loved riding and roaming the Old Agency roads on his motorcycle with brothers, sisters, his cousins and friends.

There was never a dull moment with Radford, always cracking jokes and making everyone laugh as he did in the last moments of his life. Radford became an avid fisherman and if there was a fishing hole nearby that’s where you would find him enjoying his passion, also enjoyed the family fishing derbies and always ready to help everyone with their rods or teaching his nieces and nephews how to fish.

Radford was a fun-loving uncle to his nieces and nephews and had a special bond with each and everyone of them, never favouring one and could be heard laughing with them as he shared crazy stories about their parents growing up and not being shy, you could hear him loud and clear sharing those stories. Radford was a genuine caring person with so much love to offer and wherever he went he would strike up a conversation and make new friends and eventually building a bond with many of them becoming his brothers and sisters. Radford did not go easy on his siblings as he would tease them to the point where some of them would get upset, but he loves and cared for each and everyone of them. Radford had a special bond with his mother Bella; he would be by her side always and never wanted to leave her.  One day Radford decided to move out and went to purchase his RV and moved it just yards of her house.

Radford’s loving nature and kindness will leave us all with an enormous hole in our hearts as he touched so many people with his presence and caring nature.

Radford was predeceased by: His maternal grandparents Arthur and Betty Healy, paternal grandparents Victor and Lucy Day Chief, Philip Mistaken Chief his aunties, Patsy Weasel Moccasin, Fern Healy, Lila Heavy Head, Louise Chief Body, Marie Hunt, Sylvia Eagle Child, Rita Tall Man, Mildred Jerry, Rosaline, June, Doris, Judy Day Chief, Brenda Mistaken Chief. Uncles, Art Jr (Clara), Winston (Loretta), Jordan (Bernadine) Burton, Terry Healy, Winston Day Chief Sr. and brother Wildon and John Weasel Moccasin and numerous relatives to mention.

The family of Radford Healy apologizes to anyone who we may have missed as Radford has a huge family on the Healy, Day Chief, Mistaken Chief, Hunt, Heavy Runners, Weasel Fat and White Feathers Families and too many cousins and friends to mention.

A Wake Service will be held from 5-10PM on Friday, January 30, 2026, at OLD AGENCY HALL, Blood Reserve.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11AM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at OLD AGENCY HALL, Blood Reserve, with burial to follow at ONE SPOT CEMETERY.

Mr. Alexander “Al” Nagy of Lethbridge, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Joanne Nagy, passed away in his home on Monday, January 19, 2026, at the age of 90 years.

Al is survived by his sons Ken (Heather) Nagy, Tom (Janice) Nagy, Dan Nag,y and Jamie Nagy.

Cremation entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

John David Williams, beloved husband of Lois, father of Allison (David) Wagner and Ross (Lisa Ransome) Williams, and grandfather of Sophia and Kate Wagner, as well as Harlow and Lorelei Williams, passed away suddenly at Foothills Medical Centre on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the age of 84 years.

In addition to his immediate family, he is survived by his sister Jessie (Jack) Pendygrasse, his nephew Dano Pendygrasse, and many members of the Poole clan, who have appreciated his steadying influence and his quirky sense of humour for nearly sixty years.

David was born January 2nd, 1942, in Hamiota, Manitoba, to John Maurice “Doc” and Bernice “Bernie” (Pieper) Williams. He had a happy childhood, with his major involvement outside of school being the Royal Canadian Air Cadets. Both parents predeceased him in 1967; at the age of 25, he was on his own.

He first enrolled in the engineering program at the University of Manitoba in 1961. The following summer, he was hired by a company working on the Distant Early Warning (DEW) Line, measuring the settlement of buildings built on permafrost. He returned for the following four summers, crisscrossing the Arctic and visiting thirty DEW Line stations. His lifelong fascination with the North resulted in three further trips to the Yukon and two expeditions to the far north, shared with Lois.

In 1965, David enrolled in the survey program at SAIT. He became an Alberta Land Surveyor in 1973 and a Canadian Land Surveyor in 1980.

He met Lois Poole in Calgary in 1967, and they married in 1969. The “boom years” meant days and sometimes weeks out of town. As children arrived, he worked for several firms, trying to balance work and family responsibilities. When an opportunity arose with Brown Okamura & Associates, the family relocated to Lethbridge in 1983. He retired in 2010, remaining a respected member of the Lethbridge business community.

His attention then turned to the restoration of a 1931 Hudson Antique Auto. Patiently cleaning, painting, and placing every nut and bolt; collaborating with his new friends, the sheet metal worker and the upholsterer. He spent hundreds of hours in the pleasant solitude of his workshop.

For the last thirty years, happiness has been living with Lois in a home with a coulee view, enjoying the wildlife meandering through the yard, visits from family and friends, a cat on his lap, music, books, and a “wee dram” of scotch at the end of the day. He was content.

David was a steadfast partner and a hospitable, kind, and generous man. He was the guy who could fix anything.

He was predeceased by his parents and his nephew, Garry Pendygrasse.

Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish may make memorial donations to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation “Bringing Hearts Home” campaign: https://crhfoundation.ca/cardiaccare/index.php

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

Pamela “Pam” Salisbury of Lethbridge passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on September 6, 1947, at Galt Hospital in Lethbridge, Pam was raised and educated in her hometown. In 1968, she married the love of her life, James “Jim” Salisbury, and together they raised three children in Lethbridge.

Pam worked various jobs throughout her life and was always generous with her time, often volunteering within her community. Her greatest joy and proudest role, however, was raising her family. She cherished time spent with her children and grandchildren, loved nature and animals, enjoyed playing bingo, and found comfort in knitting.

Pam had a remarkable way of making friends wherever she went and was known for her endless stories about Lethbridge. She loved telling jokes, and gift-giving was truly one of her love languages - always thoughtful and from the heart. She was predeceased by her husband Jim in 1996, exactly 30 years to the day before her own passing; the family likes to believe he came to take her home.

Pam is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Lisa (Bill) Marshall; sons, James (Kelly) Salisbury and Shawn Salisbury; grandchildren, Blayne Salisbury, Vanessa Salisbury, Tia Salisbury, Amber Salisbury, and Gerrie-Mae Salisbury; and eight great-grandchildren, with one more expected in March of this year. She is also survived by her sister Margaret Porter and brother Dean (Kathy) Conners.

Pam was predeceased by her loving husband, James Salisbury; her common-law spouse, Alan Schallhorn; her parents, Charles E. Conners and June Hill; her sister, Cindy Wong; her brothers, Calvin Conners and Chuck Conners; and her granddaughter, Rae Votary.

A Graveside Service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, January 30, 2026, at Mountain View Cemetery, 1210 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta, with Reverend Steve Bateman officiating.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.

David McLeod Gregory, beloved husband to Elizabeth, father to Kelly, father-in-law to Doug, and papa to Heath and Rory, passed away peacefully at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge on January 17, 2026, at the age of 81.

David graduated from Saint John High School in 1963. He attended The Teachers' College in Fredericton and graduated in 1965. He enrolled at the University of New Brunswick, graduating in 1968 from the Faculty of Arts (Economics, History, and Education). He then began teaching in Fredericton. He later decided to pursue a career in school administration. In 1970, Dave, Bette Anne, and 3-month-old Kelly moved to Edmonton, where Dave attended the University of Alberta, eventually graduating with a degree in Education.

The Gregorys moved to the small town of Brooks. Bette Anne continued nursing, and Dave became the Vice-Principal at Brooks Composite High School, where he remained until the middle of the 1977/78 school year. He accepted the position as Principal at F. P. Walshe School in Fort Macleod for the remainder of that school year and stayed for the following 26 years. David retired in 2003 after 33 years as a school administrator.

Mr. G loved his students. He loved their energy and witnessed their successes as they pursued their passions. He marveled at their transformations as human beings from Grade 8 through to Grade 12. He also kept a keen eye on "the kids" as they went on to realize their futures - careers, marriages, and beginning families of their own.

"G" recognized and passionately promoted the values of extracurricular pursuits. After regular school hours, he remained engaged with students by coaching basketball, going on canoeing, skiing, and camping trips, and who can forget his 25+ year love of coaching volleyball! Oh, how he loved volleyball!! He became very involved with ASAA and the Canadian School Sports Federation. He was recognized many times for his contributions to high school athletics in the Province of Alberta, particularly in the South Zone.

He believed deeply in the F. P. Walshe motto, "Success Lies in Endeavour" and said he found a great deal of success by using common sense, having an abundance of patience, and laughing a lot! After retirement, he was quoted as saying, "I had the best time".

In 1982, David was initiated into Freemasonry at Alberta Lodge #3 in Fort Macleod. He became a Master Mason that same year and, in 1991, held the office of Worshipful Master of Lodge #3. He became a District Deputy Grand Master of The Grand Lodge of Alberta in 2009. David was passionate about the educational assistance provided to young people through The Grand Lodge Higher Education Bursary Fund. He was so proud to be a member of this ancient and honorable society representing Alberta Lodge #3 in Fort Macleod. He dearly loved his masonic brothers and the time spent with them.

Dad, you made so many great contributions; not many folks will forget the shining example you set and the pride you took in doing the job that you loved. You earned a lot more than a paycheck...you gained the respect and esteem of so many people with your willingness to listen, the autonomy you allowed and the trust you placed. You left the world a bit better. To quote a word you so often used to compliment the exceptional performance and quality of others, you too were "outstanding".

Following retirement, Dave and Bette Anne spent a large amount of time north of Cowley at the trailer by the Old Man Reservoir. Mornings spent sipping coffee and looking out at the mountains, foothills, and water to the west was their happy place. He spent endless hours puttering around and taking his grandkids and their friends out in the boat or pulling them in the tube, doing his best to "dump" them and then laughing at the screams and smiles coming from behind the boat. He and Mom would often take leisurely rides together just to see the sights. The "Lord of the Ring" was very proud of his self-built, rather large fire pit area, which he made sure had plenty of room for anyone who wanted to come and sit a spell. Plenty of laughter could be heard echoing through the darkness from the Gregory lot.

You were a most devoted family man and a selfless, consummate caregiver to my mother, honoring the contract you entered with her in October of 1967 until her death in 2022. Heath and Rory couldn't have had a grandfather who loved them more or a grandfather for them to love and to look up to. Doug, who lost his father at an early age, embraced your friendship and love and was grateful for the tight-knit bond you came to have.

"Dad" is my brilliantly simple name for a simply brilliant man. I am grateful for the way you and Mom raised me and for teaching me the importance of being there for the people I care about and how to treat others with kindness. Because of you, I know the difference between right and wrong, how to be honest, and how to live my life with integrity.

Thank you, Dad.

A Come and Go Celebration of Life for Dave and Bette Anne will be held from 1-4PM on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 – 4 St. S, Lethbridge.

It is with sadness that we announce the passing of David James Fairfield on Friday, January 16, 2026, at the age of 81.

David was born in Lethbridge on New Year’s Day, 1945. His mother, grandmother, and great-aunt celebrated his birth while his father was serving in the RCAF in England. David attended the University of Alberta, where he completed a master’s degree in Canadian history. A passionate elementary school teacher, he taught for Edmonton Public Schools from 1969 to 2012 and mentored many of his students into their adult lives.

David was an enthusiastic backpacker, caver, cyclist, mountaineer, skier, and canoeist. His family’s cabin in Gladstone Valley was his second home and a gathering point for many of his outings in the Rocky Mountains. He was a member of the Alberta Speleological Society, involved in survey and observation trips from the Rockies to the Dakotas. Early in David’s career, he attended a summer semester at the National Outdoor Leadership School. With this training, he devoted the next forty years to outdoor education and to enriching the lives of youth groups through wilderness trips.

David was predeceased by the great aunt he adored, Anna Linton, and his parents, Jimmie and Anne Fairfield, to whom, in their elder years, he devoted himself. 

He is survived by his sister, Judy Hasinoff (Terry), his brother Robert Fairfield, his niece Erin (Matt), and his great-nephew (Louis), as well as his adopted son Tim. He will be sorely missed by all.

The family wishes to acknowledge the care provided by the Grey Nuns’ Hospital during his last hours.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In memory of David and his lifelong passion for elementary education, donations can be made to Edmonton Public Library's Children's Enrichment Fund. To make a donation, call 587-588-9034 or visit www.epl.ca/give. Once you are on the donation page, select 'Donate Now', then 'Greatest Need', and click 'I would like to dedicate this donation' to fill in the appropriate tribute information.

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Myrna Fay Olshaski, of Lethbridge, on January 15, 2026, at the age of 86.

Myrna’s story began on a dairy farm near McNally School, where she was raised by her parents, Ernest and Marion, alongside her siblings Della, Ernie, Donnie, Audrey, Lloyd, and Clayton. It was at a McNally School dance that she met the love of her life, Ron. After their marriage, they moved to Olshaski Farms, where together they built a life rooted in hard work, partnership, family, and raising their children, David and Brenda.

A natural hostess, Myrna was legendary for her outdoor gatherings. Whether it was a barbecue, hot dogs over the fire pit, or spirited games of bocce ball and baseball, her yard was a place of constant laughter. She was an extraordinary cook whose meals were the highlight of any visit, and no gathering was complete without her quick wit, famous jokes, and a competitive game of cribbage.

Outside of the home, Myrna was a force to be reckoned with at the lanes. An avid and talented 5-pin bowler and was a mainstay of the competitive bowling community in Lethbridge. Over the years, she and her teammates claimed numerous victories that reflected her skill, precision, and competitive spirit.

Myrna’s green thumb was equally impressive and a source of local envy. She spent countless hours tending to her soil, famously producing record-sized vegetables. Her yard was a vibrant tapestry of color. Walking through her garden was to see her patience and love for nature in full bloom.

Beyond the farm and the bowling alley, Myrna had a flair for the finer things; she loved dressing "to the nines," shopping, and dining out, all pursuits she enjoyed with style until the very end.

Myrna was predeceased by her beloved husband, Ronald George Olshaski, and her daughter, Brenda Lee O’Donnell.

She will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by her sister, Audrey Wilson; her son, David (Anna); her cherished grandchildren, Alex, Kelly, David (Tia), Russell (Serenity), Shey, and Michael. Her memory will also be treasured by her large extended family and a wide circle of dear friends.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to Jodie Heibert of Lethbridge and the staff and residents at Piyami Place in Picture Butte for their exceptional care, friendship, and compassion.

A public visitation will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026, MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL.

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Friday, January 23, 2026, MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, with a reception to follow.