Steve Brugger
1928 - 2010
Stefan Brugger, beloved husband of Anna Brugger (nee Schafer), passed away peacefully with his loving wife by his side in Taber on Thursday, November 25, 2010 at the age of 81 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to Prayers at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, November 28, 2010 at 4:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, November 29, 2010 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Patrick Furtado SAC, Celebrant. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.
Besides his loving wife Anna, Steve is survived by daughter Mary (Byron Egeland) Bourk of Taber and son Fred (Wendy) Brugger of Taber; grandchildren Candace (Kevin) MacDonald of Medicine Hat, Denise (Mike Kerner) Elfring of Coaldale, Cody Bourk of Taber, Christopher (Caitlyn) Brugger of Taber and Stefanie (Richard Lauwen) Brugger of Taber; great grandchildren Josh & Lauren Elfring and Jaxon Kerner. Steve will be fondly remembered by his brothers Gus Brugger of Australia and Eric Brugger of Austria; sisters Maryanne (Max) Novak of Australia, Regina (Colin) Brugger of Australia and Frieda Lechner of Austria; sisters-in-law Herta Brugger of Austria and Antonia Brugger of
Australia; brother-in-law John Scheger of Medicine Hat as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Baldassare & Maria Brugger; brother John Brugger; brother-in-law Ludwig Lechner; sisters-in-law Olga Brugger and Katie Scheger; father-in-law and mother-in-law Nickolous & Katharina Schafer.
Steve was born in St. Daufers, Italy on December 14, 1928. He immigrated to Canada where he worked hoeing beets and later took up carpentry, specializing as a finishing carpenter. His true desire was to own a farm; a dream he fulfilled in 1966. Steve farmed until 1990, moving to Grassy Lake where he lived for ten years, finally settling in Taber.
Steve loved fishing and rock collecting. He cherished time spent with family, especially his grandchildren. He could often be found on his hands and knees playing with the kids. The children seemed to gravitate to him as he told stories. They were also fascinated with his rock collection. Steve will be sadly missed but fondly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Steve’s name may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Suite 400, 740 - 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0N9.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778. 


Julia Collins
1947 - 2010
Juliana Josephina Collins (nee Bouw), beloved wife of Dennis Collins, passed away in Bow Island on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at the age of 63 years.
The Funeral Service will be held at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1113 - 1 Street East, Bow Island, on Monday, November 29, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Fred Monk officiating. A private family burial will take place at the Burdett Cemetery. Condolences may be forwarded by visiting our website at www.southlandfuneral.com.
Besides her loving husband, Dennis, she is survived by her daughter Tanya of Vancouver; son Scott (Natalie) Collins of Bow Island; step grandchildren Kaleb and Jessica. Julia is also survived by her sisters Maria (John) Bevers of Lethbridge, Alda (Tony) Crooymans of Bow Island, Netta (Peter) Huvenaars of Taber, Mary (Ralph) Witdouck of Lethbridge, Helen Bouw of Lethbridge and Nellie Horii (friend Kelvin Hansen) of Coaldale; brothers Tony (Rita) Bouw of Lethbridge, Albert (Riet) Bouw of Lethbridge, Joe (Maryanne) Bouw of Bow Island as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents John and Petronella Bouw.
Julia was born March 13, 1947 in Holland. She immigrated with her family to Canada in 1955. In 1963 Julia completed secretarial and bookkeeping courses at Garbutt’s Business College which qualified her to start her career with Alberta Treasury Branch. While at ATB, she met Dennis whom she married in 1967. In time Julia devoted her full attention to raising her family. In 1988 She began work with Statistics Canada where she continued until 2008. One of Julia’s highlights with Statistics Canada was working in the Northwest Territories at Lupin Gold Mines and Jericho Mines in 1996. As well Julia worked in Norman Wells on the edge of the Mackenzie River in 2000. Among others, her many hobbies included gardening, landscaping, house renovations, quilting, needlepoint and reading. Julia’s strength and determination drove her to pursue perfection in anything she did.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Julia’s name may be made directly to the Bow Island Health Centre, Bag 3990, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0 or to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 210D - 12 ‘A’ Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta T1H 2J1.
Arrangements in care of Southland Funeral Chapel, Taber. Telephone: (403) 223-8778.   



BOB MIYAGAWA
Bob passed away in Edmonton on November 21, 2010, of cancer. We had four and a half miraculous years with him, for which we are always grateful.
Bob was accepting, generous, and always thought of others. As he always said, he was a "Buddhist at heart", with no regrets or grudges in his life.
Bob was born in Mission, BC, on November 28, 1931. He’ll be very missed by his wife, Etheline Blind; his sons, Russ and Mitch (Angela); his stepsons, Todd and John (Nicole); his grandsons, Tomio and Sam; his siblings, Tosh, Hideko, Soni, May, and Shirley; his "brother-in-spirit", Tom; and his many family and friends. He is predeceased by his parents, Hikojiro and Hisae, sister, Aki, and his brothers Sam and Jiro.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, November 25, 3pm, in Edmonton, at Hainstock’s Funeral Home 9810-34 Avenue and on Monday, November 29, 10am, at the Buddhist Temple of Southern Alberta Lethbridge.
Donations, in lieu of koden and flowers, can be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, albertacancer.ca.
Expressions of sympathy can be forwarded to the family via the website:
www.hainstockedmonton.com
Hainstock’s Funeral Home
& Crematorium 780-440-2999
Honoured Provider of
Dignity Memorial.



ELL
MR. MARTIN ELL, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Marie Ell, of Lethbridge, passed away at home on Friday, November 26, 2010 at the age of 87 years.
Funeral arrangements to be announced when completed.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1
Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403) 381-3128
Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778
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KIRCHNER
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of BERNICE KIRCHNER, (pronounced Burnis) (nee Kovach), beloved wife of Mr. Jerry Kirchner, after having lost a courageous battle with cancer on Monday, November 22, 2010 at the age of 65 years.
Besides her loving husband of 36 years, Jerry, she is survived by her son Barry Ober, step-children Brent, Todd and Jody and their families, sister Elizabeth, aunt Anne Duzs, many nieces, nephews and cousins, many many friends and her ever-loyal dog Misty.
She was predeceased by her father, mother, brother Billy (in infancy), sisters Anne and Pearl and uncle Joe.
Bernice was raised by Joe and Anne Duzs from the age of 3 on a farm just North of Raymond. Many happy hours were spent on uncle Joe’s shoulders or in a new frilly dress made by aunt Anne.
She enjoyed playing with the Holt children and later great days with her friends Marilyn, Lois and Maureen. Bernice graduated from Raymond High School, LCC with her R.N. and many years later she obtained her B.N. from the U of L.
She worked at St. Michael’s and Lethbridge Regional Hospitals. Her life was filled with a quest for further education. She managed the stress-test and pacemaker clinics at LRH until she retired.
Born a week before Christmas in 1944 in Iron Springs, raised in Raymond, a wonderful summer working in Banff, 9 years in Coaldale and finally to the home she loved and helped to rebuild in Lethbridge. Two trips to Barbados, one to Australia, many many to Maui and many more to Idaho, Arizona, B.C., etc. She made new, everlasting friends wherever she went and loved to travel.
Bernice had a way of making great friends of our neighbours. Thanks for being there for her: Di, Marian, Ken and Donna, Carl and Ione, Ruth and Auke, Betty, Joe and Sharlene.
Bernice served as a rep. to the AARN as well as six years on the board at LCC. She also served as Sec. of the Lethbridge West PC Assoc. She attended many conferences to learn all she could about stress-testing and pacemakers.
She used her medical skills and homeopathic training to help many people with their problems and illnesses. She was a true angel of mercy as her many friends will testify. She wanted to help everyone, but could not help herself to defeat this dreaded disease. She never lost a battle until the last one.
After retirement, Bernice wanted to become an artist and with the help of her friend Anne and her will to learn, she turned out many beautiful watercolours.
Bernice loved the outdoors, gardening, walking, picnicking with Joe and Carol and camping out with Jan and Neila. She loved fishing, Beavais Lake, the Gap and the Old Man River, looking at Chief Mountain and motor homing. She enjoyed playing canasta with the Kirchner families, long walks in the river bottom, tennis, golf and life, but she was always a nurse first.
A Graveside service will be held at MOUNTAIN VIEW CEMETERY on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. with Barb Roycroft officiating.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the ROCKY MOUNTAIN TURF CLUB. 3rd FLOOR, 3401 Parkside Drive South, on Saturday, November 27, 2010 at 2:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317-10th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2M7 or to St. Michael's Foundation, Palliative Care Unit, 1400 - 9th Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 4V5.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1
Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403) 381-3128
Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778
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KURINA
It is with deep sorrow that the family of MR. FRANK KENNETH KURINA, announce his death at home surrounded by his family on Sunday, November 21, 2010 at the age of 70 years.
Besides his loving wife Myrna, Frank is survived by his son Bob (Jane) Kurina, daughters Pam (Tracy) Carpenter and Lori (Chris) Berry and grandchildren; Kadence, Chase, Taryn, Kyler, Alex and Sammi. He is also survived by his sisters; Doreen (John) Chorm and their son John, Marnie and her daughter Susan, as well as nieces Lynne Marshalsay, Lindsay (Mario) D’Agnone and Jennie Marshalsay.
Frank was predeceased by his parents Frank and Margaret, brother Donald, nephew Dan Chorm and close members of his Marshalsay family.
Please join the family for a Memorial Service at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Monday, November 29, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Pilar Gateman officiating.
A private interment will follow at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation – Jack Ady Cancer Centre, 960 – 19 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 1W5 or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4K7.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1
Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403) 381-3128
Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778
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MCLEAN
MR. DOUGLAS OLIVER MCLEAN of Lethbridge, passed away suddenly on Wednesday, November 17, 2010 at the age of 63 years.
He is survived by his son David (Dongryun) of Burnaby, B.C., daughters Gillian of Lethbridge and Karen of Calgary, siblings; Gail of Strathclair, MB, Shirley of Strathclair, MB, Margaret of Dauphin, MB, Harry of Strathclair, MB and Jim of Neepawa, MB as well as his Mine Rescue teammates and numerous “F” shift friends at Fording River Operations and his dog Mumby.
He was predeceased by his parents Annie McLean (nee Rupa) and Clayton Malcolm McLean and brothers Clarence, Clayton and William McLean.
Douglas was born in Shoal Lake, Manitoba and migrated west in 1965. He worked various seismic jobs up north but his true passion for farming settled him in Vulcan, Alberta where he worked for CH Andrews and started his much anticipated family. The greatest moment of his life and best day of all was when he became a father. Doug devoted his life and work to the lives of his children which took the family to Sparwood, B.C. in 1981 where he started his career at Fording River Operations, Elkford, BC. He was an active member of the “F” shift Mine Rescue Team and a member of the Sparwood Fire Department for 12 years before relocating to Lethbridge in 1997.
Douglas was an all around good guy who always had some kind of project on the go. He was a character and his life was a definition of true compassion and love. He was well loved for his humour, respect and generous spirit. “Dougie” will be remembered for the sparkle in his eye, the skip in his step and a brilliant smile!
A Celebration of Life will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge on Thursday, December 2, 2010 at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Salvation Army, 1811-2 Avenue South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 0E8, Salvation Army, 741 – 2 Avenue, Fernie, BC, V0B 1M0 or to Pincher Creek Emergency Services, 655 Charlotte Street (or Box 1086), Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0.
Honoured to Serve
Cornerstone Funeral Home & Crematorium
2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South
Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1
Telephone ~ (403) 381-7777
Fax ~ (403) 381-3128
Toll Free ~ 1-(888)-381-7778
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SAKAMOTO
Hideo Bob Sakamoto passed away on November 21, 2010 at the age of 96 years. Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mitsue Margaret Sakamoto. He also leaves to cherish his memory his three children and their families: Ron and Joyce and their family; Shawn & Carrie Sakamoto (Parker, Quintin, & Lennon), Sasha & Scott Mahan (Lachlan & Cadan), and Jeremy and Robin Sakamoto (Alexis): Glory & Gary Oseki and their family; Todd Oseki, and Lana & Cory Cavazzi (Payton): Stan & Susan and their family; Cameron Dennison, Chad & Theresa Dennison (Emmett & Calla), Mark & Jade Sakamoto (Miya), Carrick Dennison & Amanda Bokamyer, Daniel & Carly Sakamoto, Logan Dennison & Jonelle Gladu, and Kumiko Sakamoto. He is also survived by his sister and her husband in Lethbridge, June & Hector Hinatsu, and his sister in Japan, Shizuko Sakamoto and their families, as well as his wife’s family. He was predeceased by his brother, Fukumi.
Bob was born in Port Moody, BC in 1914 where he lived until he was sent to be educated in Japan at the age of six where he stayed until he graduated from high school. He returned to Vancouver and worked in a paper mill in Woodfibre, BC and in lumber camps until he and his family were uprooted and sent to Coaldale, AB during the Japanese evacuation in 1942. The Sakamoto family moved to Medicine Hat in 1948 where they operated a market garden until 1993. Bob also worked at Dominion Glass until he retired to only one job at the age of 65.
As a young man in Japan, Bob studied Jiu-Jitsu and Kendo and developed a life-long love for reading and learning. Hundreds of young people in the area remember their first jobs working for Bob at Sakamoto Gardens. He was health conscious before it was fashionable and fully appreciated his wife’s wonderful cooking. He did not speak ill of others, nor did he express any resentment for the grievances and injustices he suffered in his lifetime.
We will remember with love this honorable man and his example of hard work, generosity, perseverance, and dedication to his family, which has been a model to us all.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held in the Pattison Chapel on Monday, November 29, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Loren Hosfield officiating. In lieu of koden, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society, #102 Crestwood Square One, 1865 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z8, would be appreciated. To e-mail an expression of sympathy, please direct it to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it subject heading: Bob Sakamoto, or you may visit www.gonebutnotforgotten.ca and leave a message of condolence.
Arrangements are by the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM 540 South Railway St. SE, Medicine Hat T1A 2V6. Please call 1-866-526-2214 for further information.


SANDSTRA, Ulbe
September 24, 1910 – November 23, 2010
Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. Col 3:2
At the age of 100, the Lord called home our father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather and brother.
Ulbe is survived and sorely missed by his children, Grace Holtrop, Peter (Hazel), Henry (Nellie), Mike (Wilma), Ann (Ed) Gerlat, Marvin (Wilma), Jennie (Wayne) Wright, Sid (Jeanette); step-children, Mary (Dick) de Jong, Jan (Joan) de Jong, Magda (Jim) Dykstra, Johan (Marian) de Jong, Joanne (Curt) Rozendaal, Tony de Jong, and Henry (Linda) de Jong; as well as his 61 grandchildren; 124 great-grandchildren; and 11 great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Eve Wynia; step-sister, Manna (Alex) Van Aller; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ulbe was predeceased by his first wife, Willemke in 1976; second wife, Johanna (de Jong) in 2002; daughter, Tryntje; son-in-law, Bob Holtrop; step-sons, Gerard and Dick; step-daughter, Audrey; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grand- children; brother; and sister.
Ulbe was born on September 24, 1910 in Oosterend Holland. He was married in 1931, emigrated to Canada in 1952 with 7 of their 8 children. Most of his life, Ulbe worked as a labourer, on the farm and at a flour mill. He retired at the age of 65, and after the passing of his wife, Ulbe remarried in 1977. His retirement years were enjoyed with his family and in traveling. Ulbe was a loving, caring and compassionate man, deeply rooted in his faith and walked closely with the Lord.
A Celebration of Ulbe’s Life will be held at 11:00 am on Tuesday, November 30, 2010, at the West End Christian Reformed Church, 10015-149 Street Edmonton. The processional will begin at 1:00 pm on Thursday, December 2, 2010, at Cornerstone Funeral Home, 2825-32 Street South, Lethbridge, with interment to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, 1210 Scenic Drive South, Lethbridge. He will be buried beside Willemke.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Emmanuel Home Building Fund or the Canadian Diabetes Association. The family wishes to express heartfelt thanks to the caring staff and homecare team at Emmanuel Home.
To send condolences, please visit www.fostermcgarvey.com
Foster and McGarvey Funeral Home
10011 – 114 Street, Edmonton (780) 428-6666


THOMPSON
KENCIL "KEN" C. THOMPSON of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Emily Thompson, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at the age of 94 years.
Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, donations in Ken’s memory may be made to the Lethbridge Humane Society, Box 783, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 3Z6, or to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 207, 542 7th Street South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2H1.
A long notice will be published next week.
Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd.
610 - 4 Street South
Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3
Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623
Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901
www.mbfunerals.com