Distributed weekly to Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass and surrounding communities
Susan Anne Wakaluk Aug. 15, 1942 – Jan. 12, 2016
It is with incredible sadness that we announce the passing of Susan Wakaluk of Hillcrest Mines, at the Pincher Creek Health Centre, on Jan. 12, 2016, at the age of 73. When Susan wasn’t busy caring for her family and friends, or driving school bus, she enjoyed gardening, bird watching, collecting rocks along the riverbeds, reading and playing bingo. Never one to miss an opportunity to have fun, she attended the Big Valley Jamboree and Canadian Finals
Rodeo whenever she could. Sports played a big part in Susan’s life. She enjoyed curling, golfing, coaching and watching baseball. She especially loved to watch all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren display their talents in activities such as rodeo, hockey, volleyball, basketball, soccer, dance and marathon running. Looking up into the stands, you could always count on her to be the loudest and proudest cheerleader. Susan considered herself to be very blessed, and she made sure that she shared her good fortune with others. One of the ways she accomplished this was through her involvement with community organizations such as Citizens on Patrol, the Bellevue Legion Ladies Auxiliary and the Kananaskis Rodeo Association. Susan’s strong dedication to her community was also a reflection of the pride she felt as a Canadian. Just as she had unconditional love for people, she loved Canada the same way. Above all else, Susan was devoted to her family. She was at her happiest when with them, and she supported each and every one of them in everything they did. Susan’s love of life and warmth was infectious, and the effect of one of her hugs remained with you long after the hug itself was over. She believed in seizing every moment you were given and that you should “dance like nobody’s watching.” Her wonderful sense of humour, unlimited patience and sincere compassion will never be forgotten. She was truly a gift to all who knew her. Left to mourn her passing and celebrate her life are her husband, Allan Wakaluk of Hillcrest Mines; her children, Robin (Scott) Sinclair of Pincher Creek, Darcy (Dawn) Wakaluk of Bellevue, Shelley (Ryan) Kubik of Calgary, Kathy (Rick) Yanco of Blairmore and Tracy (Gary) Eyre of Port Coquitlam, B.C.; her grandchildren, Dakoda (Dan) Kuftinoff, Derrek (Alex Loader) Wenisch, Kelsie (Tyler Zielke) Simpson, Alex Wakaluk, Logan Wakaluk, Brock Wakaluk, Tori Wakaluk, Lauren Kubik, Reid Kubik, Robert Kubik, Meghan (Brad) Harvey and Morgan Yanco; her great-grandchildren, Drake, Kiah, Mikka and Emerson; her extended family; numerous nieces and nephews; as well as the countless friends she made throughout her life. The memorial service was held at Fantin’s Funeral Chapel in Blairmore on Jan. 17, 2016. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Susan will be gratefully accepted by the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories, 402, 740 Fourth Ave. S., Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0N9. Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca. Fantin’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements 403-562-8555
January 20, 2016
Shootin’ the Breeze
Henrietta (Retta) DeMeyer 1917 - 2016
Henrietta (Retta) DeMeyer was born in Fort Macleod on Nov. 27, 1917, to George and Pearl Hutton. A few years later they moved to Spring Point, where she attended school and eventually worked at several ranches, where she met Richard (Dick) Everts. They were married in October 1939. The couple made their home in Pincher Creek and started a family. They had two boys, David and LeRoy, and two girls, Gloria and Sheila. Dick passed away in 1962. Retta was kept busy raising her young family. Several years later she married Neil DeMeyer. She enjoyed spending her spare time camping with friends, going to new places, meeting new people. Retta belonged to the Good Sams and, even after she was not able to go camping, she attended their outings in the Pincher area. Neil passed away in 2002. Retta loved it when the family came home. There were lots of cards and games played at the kitchen table. Retta belonged to the Legion Ladies Auxiliary and was a Legion life member for over 60 years. She became a United Church member in 1959. Retta also belonged to the Over 60 Club, was on the committee of the Medical Alert Society, and a member of the Rebekah Lodge for 40 years. She thoroughly enjoyed socializing with the ladies of the Red Hat Society. In 1992 she was voted Citizen of the Year. She leaves to mourn: a brother, Earle Hutton of Calgary; sons David (Mary) of Pincher Creek, LeRoy (Eva) of Calgary; daughters Gloria (Gary) Franks of Pincher Creek and Sheila (Pat) Shenton of Lethbridge. She was predeceased by grandson Corey Everts and brother Gordon Hutton. Retta has five grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins who will miss her greatly. A memorial service was held on Jan. 12, 2016, at Pincher Creek United Church, with Rev. Janni Belgum officiating. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 724 13th St. N., Lethbridge, AB, T1H 2T1; or to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, PO Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4K7. Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home – Pincher Creek 403-627-3131 or www.edensfuneralhome.com
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