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FELIX GIACCHETTA
1924-2009
It is with great sadness that we announce that we have lost one of the last remaining pioneers of the Readymade District, FELIX GIACCHETTA. Felix passed away with his family by his side on October 24, 2009 at the Chinook Regional Hospital. He leaves to continue his loving and devoted wife, Georgina, their daughter Diane (Norman) Sincennes, their children and his precious grandchildren, Santina and Graysen, brothers Thomas, Jim (Marianne) and their children Bruce, Rod and Lori, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, good friends and neighbors.
Felix was born on June 17, 1924 in Sessano, Italy. In April of 1926, Felix’s dad immigrated to Canada in hopes of a better life for his family. It was ten years later that he was able to join his father. Along with his mother, Elisa, and his brother, Thomas, Felix arrived on the shores of Boston on April 30, 1936, then on to New York. From there, they boarded a train and made the long journey to Lethbridge, Alberta.
As with new beginnings, there were many challenges that Felix had to face. The first was to learn a new language. Throughout his life, Felix saw and faced many hardships, the depression of the 1930’s, the war, food rationing, low grain prices, droughts and even losses of their entire crops. Through out all of this, Felix showed faith, determination and strength. Although life was hard, you could always count on Felix to be there to lend a helping hand.
In the fall of 1936, Felix started school. This began with a one mile walk across the prairie to the Owaking school.
Felix met and fell in love with Georgina Krsa and on November 23, 1953 they were married. In less than a month, they would have celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary. They were blessed with a daughter and later with a son in law that they were very proud of. Although Felix wasn’t one to show his emotions, he told people how proud he was of Norman, how Norman left his job to come and work on the family farm. With little farming knowledge, Norman learned and with his hard work, helped to make the farm the success that it is.
Then there were his precious grandchildren, Santina and Graysen. How he loved his “little Sunshine” and his “little Cowboy”. He looked forward to the games of hockey and curling in the living room, the hours of playing catch, and for the many art projects that had their special place on the fridge door. Papa always had a joke or article ready for when the “kids” were coming over, and he even didn’t mind the days playing dress up which even included getting his fingernails painted !!!!! Graysen and Papa would always be ready for their friendly bets when it came to the hockey finals, and no matter who won the game, it was always “double or nothing”. Papa looked forward to Graysen riding with him in the combine and sharing their lunches. “Driving Lessons” took place when it was time to move trucks from field to field. Papa would let the kids sit next to him and allow them to turn the steering wheel, just like he did with Diane in the old blue International.
Papa loved to tell stories of the “good old days”, and although they were stories, they were also life lessons. There is one story in particular that they remember fondly. Papa told them that they were working in the fields when the tractor broke down. Papa and their great grandfather took it in to D. Macleod and Sons to be fixed. On their advice, they were told that it was not worth fixing. Papa asked “what are we going to do now, how are we going to get the crop off”. They replied that they had an International tractor in the back but it needed a little work. He told Felix to take it home, fix it up, and get the harvest off, and then they would talk about payment. They did get the crop off that year, and were able to pay for the tractor. Felix felt that if someone could help him out without asking a penny, that meant a lot, and needless to say, our farm has been International “RED” to this very day.
The farm was Felix’s whole life and he took great pride in the fact that having just turned 85 years old, he drove the combine 10 to 12 hours a day for the entire harvest and got his crop in the bins. Even after the harvest was completed, he went on to the next job of doing summer fallow. Felix loved to be in the tractor, tilling the land, and watching nature.
Felix was very proud of his Italian heritage, community and farm. Felix was a member of the Romulus et Remus Italian Canadian Club, the Readymade Community and 50 Plus Club.
By Felix’s request, a private funeral was held.
Although no words seem adequate, we want to express our sincere and heartfelt thanks for the genuine caring and support shown for Felix while in the hospital, especially to the staff on 5B. To Dr. Geers, for his compassion and caring for Felix but also for being concerned and taking time to support Georgina during his stay in the hospital. To our family, friends, and neighbors who came to visit Felix, thank you. For those who sent flowers, food, and called, God Bless you all.
ROSE MARIE HELEN GARDINER
2009
MRS. ROSE MARIE GARDINER, beloved wife of the late Mr. Cam Gardiner, of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Saturday, September 26, 2009 at the age of 100 years.
Rose was born in Aberdeen, South Dakota, U.S.A. on November 5, 1908, the fifth child of ten, to George and Rose Shatz. A few months later the family moved to Bow Island, AB. She received her education in Bow Island using a horse and buggy or a sleigh in winter to travel 5 miles to the one room school house. When she was 17 she moved to Lethbridge to attend Garbutt’s Business College. She worked for Eaton’s for 20 years. In November 1935 she married Cam Gardiner and a year later her beloved son, Rodney, was born December 12, 1936.
In 1950 she left Eaton’s and started with Beauty Counselors and worked with them for 20 years. She was very successful and derived great happiness and satisfaction from her own business. She was a proud lady, loved to dress up and was well known for her hats which she wore with pride at every event possible. Rose was a talented bridge player and belonged to the Assumption Marathon Bridge Club for over 40 years. She was an honourary member of the Assumption C.W.L. with 72 years of service.
Her sister Martha, was her care giver and confident during the last years of her life. Martha was always there for her. Her life was full of hard work, lots of family and good friends. She grieved as she became a widow and lost her only son, yet, throughout she never lost her spark to live and to love those who surrounded her.
She is survived by her daughter in law Marilyn Gardiner, two grandsons Scott and Brett, four grandchildren Mahea, Kai, Sara Rose and Claire Gardiner. Two sisters Martha O’Brien and Mary Ell and one brother Tony Shatz.
Rose was predeceased by her loving husband Cam Gardiner in 1996, her special son Rodney in 2002 and her parents, 5 brothers and one sister.
Relatives and Friends are invited to Prayers at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB on Tuesday, September 29, 2009 at 7:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at OUR LADY OF THE ASSUMPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2405 – 12th Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Wednesday, September 30 at 10:30 A.M. with Reverend Tim Boyle, Celebrant. Interment to follow in the Mountain View Cemetery.
In memory of Rose, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2M7
NORMA ELIZABETH GLOVER
2009
NORMA ELIZABETH GLOVER (nee Watt), beloved wife of the late William “Bill” Glover of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, August 19, 2009 at the age of 89 years.
She is the loving mother of Randy (Deane) Glover of Lethbridge and Larry Glover of Edmonton, previously Winnipeg. She is lovingly remembered by two grandchildren Lisa Fender (Ben Aylsworth) of Toronto and Troy Glover of Calgary and one great granddaughter Charlie Aylsworth.
She is also survived by two brothers Don (Jesse) Watt of Abbotsford, B.C. and Byron (Shirley) Watt of Edmonton and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband Bill, parents Robert and Ruth, daughter Janet and a brother Bob.
Norma started out in the banking industry before becoming a full time wife, mother and grandmother. She was an accomplished artist. Upon their retirement, Norma and Bill enjoyed traveling Canada and the United States with Norma at the wheel of the travel unit. In her later years, even though her eyesight failed, this did not stop Norma and she was well known for her walking excursions downtown.
A memorial reception will be held at Norma’s home, 5A, 1225 – 5 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB on Monday, August 24, 2009 from 2:00 P.M. to 5:00 P.M.
In memory of Norma, donations may be made to C.N.I.B. 410 Stafford Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 2L2, or the charity of one’s choice.
MR. RICHARD JOHN (DICK) HUMPHRIES
1931-2010
MR. RICHARD JOHN (DICK) HUMPHRIES, of Taber, beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away on January 01, 2010 at the age of 78 years.
He is survived by his 6 children and their families: Cam Tunow and her daughter Morgan of Lethbridge, Richelle Humphries of Calgary, Keena Humphries of St. Albert, Darcey (Randy) Syrenne and their children Cole and Tori of Calgary, Glynnis (Lynn) Turcato and their children, Lindsay (Ryan) Smith and their daughter Reese of Calgary, Whitney of Calgary and Clay of Taber, and Richard (Monica) Humphries of Medicine Hat and their son Russell Zaluski of Taber.
Dick was predeceased by Fanny, his loving wife of 46 years, an infant son, Richard Jay, his parents George and Mabel, two brothers, Samuel and George and two sisters Ethel and Mabel.
Dick was born in Drumheller on October 04, 1931. He moved to Taber at the age of 17 when his father established Humphries Funeral Home. Dick married the love of his life, Fanny Kee, on September 26, 1953 and shortly thereafter they took over the family business which they operated together until 1974. Following their semi retirement Dick and Fanny enjoyed several years engaging in various interests and hobbies which included many happy hours spent developing, sharing and enjoying their property in Cowley.
Friends may meet the family at an open house on Wednesday, January 6, 2010 from 1:00 to 4:00 at the residence of Glynnis and Lynn Turcato; located 4 km east and 5km South of Taber (RR16-0) look for signage.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Dick’s name may be made directly to the Taber Hospital Palliative Care Unit, 4326-50 Avenue, Taber, AB., T1G 1N9.
DAVID L. HACKSON
1929-2009
DAVID L. HACKSON passed away peacefully November 18, 2009 at the age of 80 in the Lethbridge Regional Hospital surrounded by family. He was born in Toronto August 11, 1929 to Reverend Alexander and Hazel Hackson. He is survived by his loving wife Helen of 58 years. Dave and Helen moved with their family to Lethbridge in 1963. He was the loving father of Leigh (Bill ) Monette of Calgary, Kim (Rick) Robinson of Lethbridge, David Jr. of Lethbridge and Darin (Darlene) Sjonger of Lethbridge. Dave will be sadly missed by his grandchildren Derek and Greg Hackson, Jill and Jessica Robinson, Kaitlin Hackson, and Desiree Ganger. He is also survived by sister Sandra Hackson, sisters-in-law Virginia Hackson, Merry Weeks and brothers-in-law Doug McNairn, Bill (Carol) Snowden and many nieces and nephews.
Dave was co-founder of Packard Medical and touched many young lives through his work with the Boy Scouts and Lethbridge Diving Club. He and Helen loved to travel in their motor-home and abroad. Later in life Dave struggled with diabetes. and most currently supported wheelchair curling.
A Memorial Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, AB. on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Aldeen McKay officiating.
Memorial donations, in memory of David Hackson may be made to the Canadian Diabetes. Association, 210D – 12 “A” Street North, Lethbridge, AB., T1H 2J1
MICHAEL HORVATH
1929-2009
MICHAEL HORVATH of Lethbridge, passed away at the St. Michael’s Heath Centre on Monday, November 16, 2009 at the age of 80 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
PATRICK JOHN HOGAN
1940-2009
PATRICK JOHN HOGAN, of Lethbridge passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital, on Wednesday, October 28, 2009 at the age of 69 years.