It is with great sadness that we said goodbye to our beloved Ron, who passed into the kingdom of God on April 15 2025, at the age of 77.

Ron leaves behind his wife of 49 years, Martha; son, Gregory (Coralie) and their children Landon and Austin; daughter, Kimberly (Courtney) and their children Kaylee and Kyla; and daughter, Amanda (Craig) and their children Brianna, Harper and Aubrey. He also leaves behind brothers, Emil, Donald, Louie and Steve; sisters, Olga, Margaret, Lydia and Cecilia; as well as many nieces and nephews.

Ron was predeceased by his parents, John and Josephine; brothers, John, Frank, Joe, Ellis, Andy and Moses; and sister, Josie.

Ron will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle.

Ron loved the country life and enjoyed being surrounded by animals. Ron worked hard on his farm creating a wonderful place to raise a family. From the huge yard to play in, the variety of animals and all the fun things like motorbikes, it was a kids paradise! Ron was always doing for others. Whether it was lending a helping hand or lending out a piece of equipment or tools he was always there when you needed him. If you weren’t family you were treated like family. He was always loving and accepting of others with a smile on his face. He rarely complained and seemed to find the good in every situation.

He was a gentle soul and will be greatly missed.

We are deeply saddened to share the passing of Kathrine (Kay) Buechler (nee Schafer) on April 11th, 2025, at the age of 96 years, surrounded by her loving family.  Her family will cherish the many special memories of our mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, who brought so much joy and love to our lives.

Kay was predeceased by her husband Joe, son Alan, daughter Rosalie, her parents, two brothers, and seven sisters, as well as extended family members. Their loss was deeply felt, and Kay’s passing adds to the sorrow of those who loved her.

Kay will be lovingly remembered by her children Monty (Elaine); Melinda (Ezra); Terry; Sharon (Neil); Darlene (Mark); Cecil (Carla); Marilyn (Allan); and Michelle. She also leaves behind 17 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, along with extended family and friends. 

Kay was always full of love and laughter, and she enjoyed nothing more than to be surrounded by family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  Her legacy of love, kindness and joy will forever be remembered.  Her warm hugs will be missed.  She will forever be present in our hearts.

The family would like to thank Dr. Mark Guhle for the compassion, care and friendship he provided mom over the years.  Summerwood Village was mom’s home for the past nine years.  Thank you to all the staff for the wonderful care and support you provided her.  She considered you all her “Summerwood” family.

Rest in eternal peace mom. 

James McCready “Mac” Gibson, son of Andrew Ross Gibson and Gertrude McCready, was born on August 21, 1927, delivered in the family home near Hardisty, Alberta, with the assistance of his grandmother, Marion, known for her mid-wife skills. He grew up on the farm as the oldest child with one sister and two brothers. A child of the depression and farm life, Mac was ingrained with a sense of duty, a commitment to hard work and Scottish prudence in money management.

His mother was a schoolteacher and imparted to Mac an interest in education which led to his first career as a teacher. He attended the University of Alberta for training in 1946-1947 and taught at Fletcher School (Falun) (1947-1948), Lakedell School (Wetaskiwin) (1948-1949) and Tinchebray School (Castor) (1949-1950). His teachers pay had risen to the mighty sum of $152.83 per month but he decided not to return to teaching that fall. A group of eight oil workers were boarding at Mac’s parents farm as the search for oil had come to the Hardisty area. They shared a vision of better pay and adventure in a new industry, so just before Christmas 1950, Mac began a career in the oil patch that defined him.

The oil industry was a passion for Mac. He kept careful notes of every well he drilled (we found them in his desk after his passing). He was the man with a camera at every family function, but a family slide show always contained as many rig pictures as kid pictures. Through all of Mac’s working years he maintained a connection to the farm. His family spent many weekends returning to the farm to help father Andy with the work.

In 1951 Mac was earning almost double his teachers salary working for Regent Drilling. Like all rig hands he moved from lease to lease, approximately every three weeks seeing many locations in Alberta. In 1952 a change of employer had Mac working for Arrow Drilling. While working in Hannah, Alberta, he first met Jean and Angus MacLean and continued to work with Angus until his fatal accident in September 1954. As a friend and co-worker with Angus, he maintained a relationship with his widow and young son. On April 9, 1956, Jean (West) MacLean and James “Mac” Gibson were married at Knox United Church in Edmonton.

Mac continued to work on the oil rigs after his marriage, adding children Julie and Douglas to the family while living in Edmonton, Edson, Berlin River, Buck Creek, Breton and back to Edmonton. In 1960 Mac accepted a job with the Energy Resources Conservation Board in Drayton Valley to provide a more stable family life and continued with the company until retirement in 1986. Five years in Drayton Valley, two in Calgary (where daughter Barbara arrived) and finally in the Edmonton office.

Despite his love for the industry, the job had changed along with the work ethic of a new generation, and he became frustrated enough to take early retirement. That was the start of an annual migration to the southern United States. What followed was 22 years of good times with new friends, spending the winter months in Hemet, California, After Jean’s passing in January, Mac remarked “they had a wonderful life” and those times in retirement figured large in that memory.

Mac was always happiest when he was being useful. In retirement he made friends with men of like mind. Helping Bob around his home in Hemet, doing maintenance at Carrington Village and, for many years, puttering and working at daughter Barb’s house.

Mac & Jean’s last home was at Lifestyles Terra Losa Assisted Living. Even after Jean was moved to more advanced care in the summer of 2024 Mac lived independently in his home. Robbed by time of his ability to be working at something, he still had the wherewithal to skunk his son and great-grand-daughter at three handed crib a mere three weeks before his passing. We believe he had a notion to go for one hundred, but a bout of RSV put him in Sturgeon hospital in early April and he never recovered, passing in the early morning of April 18, 2025.

It should be noted that the ability of Mac and Jean to live out their last days with all the comfort advanced age allows, was greatly facilitated by their daughter Barbara’s devotion to their care, over many years.

Mac and Jean will have their cremated remains interred together in the Metiskow Cemetery in a private family ceremony on May 17, 2025. Friends and family are invited to an informal sharing of their life at the Metiskow Hall from 2:30 to 4:30 on May 17th . Further details can be obtained by contacting one of their children.

In Loving Memory of Robert Allan Brooks

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Al Brooks, who left us on April 14, 2025, at the age of 86. A beloved father, grandfather, and friend, Al will be remembered for his kind heart, sense of humor, and a life well-lived. Al was a man of many passions and a joy to those who knew him. His love for the outdoors was evident, particularly in his cherished time spent at his acreage in Barrhead. Whether he was enjoying quiet moments in his garden or gathering with family and friends around the campfire, he found peace in nature’s beauty. His garden flourished with the care and attention he devoted to it, and his famous pickled beets were a family favorite that will forever be part of his legacy.

A true enthusiast of friendly competition, Al was an avid golfer, spending many sunny afternoons perfecting his swing and sharing laughs on the course with friends and family. His competitive spirit also extended to darts, a game he loved to play with a passion, always encouraging others to join in on the fun. He was a loving father to his six children: Linda, Peggy, Kevin, David, April and Troy He found joy in watching them grow, learn, and carve their own paths. His grandchildren brought him immeasurable happiness, and he was proud of each of them, always ready to share stories, jokes, and guidance with his younger family members.

Al was predeceased by his mother Lois, his father Robert, his sisters Shirley, Joyce, Thelma, and Catherine, his brothers Gordie and Tommy, and his daughter April. Their spirits, along with Al’s, live on in the hearts of his family. He is survived by his children, Linda, Peggy (Allan), Kevin (Cathy), David (Sheena), and Troy (Laurie); his grandchildren, Nichole, Justin, Kristina, Ashley, Noah, Sydney, Savannah, Emily, Kayla, and Alexis; his great-grandchildren; his brother Murray, his sister Peggy, numerous nieces and nephews, his dear friends, and all who were touched by his warm heart.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date and location to be announced. The family will share the exact details closer to the event, where we will share memories, love, and laughter just as Al would have wanted. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Alzheimer Society.

Though he may no longer be with us in person, Al’s spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Rest in peace, Al. You will be deeply missed but never forgotten.

It is with shattered hearts that we announce the passing of Kenneth Lee Smith on April 11, 2025 from complications of lung cancer and pneumonia. Ken was born in Edmonton on January 18, 1953 to Ken and Daisy Smith. The second oldest of eight siblings, Ken grew up in a loving, lively household that helped shape his sense of family, hard work, and loyalty.

Ken was a man of many skills. He was a certified floor mechanic, worked as an apprentice carpenter, and served his community proudly for 30 years as a firefighter with the Edmonton Fire Department. His dedication to helping others and his quiet strength earned him the respect of many.

Ken’s greatest passion was his family. He shared 50 devoted years with the love of his life, Darlene, and was a proud father to Megan (Lee) and Melissa (Kevin). His six grandchildren—Brianna (Colby), Kanon, Daly, Hadyn, Kenley, and Hunter—were the lights of his life. He cherished every moment with them.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Ken found joy and camaraderie in golf, hunting, fishing, curling, and softball. Whether he was out in the wilderness, on the greens, or at the ball diamond, Ken brought a spirit of fun and friendly competition wherever he went.

Ken is survived by siblings Ruth (Brian), Eva (Phil), Albert (Brenda), Daisy (Dan), Reg (Rhonda), and sister-in-law Dianne. He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Ken was predeceased by his parents Ken and Daisy Smith, his brothers Roy and Gordon, his sister-in-law Marilyn, and his father and mother-in-law Doug and Albertine Helman.
Ken’s legacy of love, laughter, and strength lives on in all who knew him. He will be remembered always and missed deeply.

A celebration of life for Ken will be held at 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 23rd at the Immanuel Lutheran Church of Rosenthal. 1228 Township Road 524, Stony Plain.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Edmonton Firefighter Burn Treatment Society or to Give A Breath (in support of the lung cancer community).

https://give-a-breath-5k-2025.raiselysite.com/en/kensmith

https://www.efbts.ca/SUPPORT

Arvid Holger Hardin
January 8, 1941 – February 11, 2025

The old fart fell apart

Arv was born in Winnipeg Man. but moved to Prince Rupert B.C. when he was two years old. There he loved the access to the outdoors, tramping through the woods and exploring the dock areas. Once even coming home with a fish that he had convinced the fishermen to give him. Cubs and later Scouts were activities he enjoyed. The family then moved to Kitimat, where he really came into his own. Scouts, army cadets, more nature wandering—if it was outdoors he was doing it. When the new town of Kitimat decided it needed nature trails, Arv was chosen to lead a group of young men to accomplish the task. He did like a leadership role.

In 1958, his mother had a serious health issue. So the family packed up and moved to the Vancouver area. All except Arv—it was his grade 12 year and he didn’t relish being a small fish in a big pond. He was vice-president of the Student Counsel, active in sports and outdoor activities and was valedictorian for his class, so he stayed until the end of Grade 12. He rejoined his family and began his Chemistry studies; graduating in 1963 with a Science degree in Honours Chemistry.
When he discovered that routine Chemistry lab work was not his cup of tea; he went into a graduate study program and graduated with a PHd in 1970. In the meantime he had added a wife [Berni] and two sons [Trent and Brett] to his household.

Then the travel bug was awakened. In 1970 with family in tow, Arv accepted a post-doc position at the University of East Anglia in Norwich, England. Two wonderful years followed, visiting ancient sites, travelling England, Scotland and Wales plus an excursion to the continent. Arv did research at the University, as well.

Coming back to Canada in 1972, Arv did a two year post-doc in Universite de Montreal [some-what in French]. Travel opportunities took us to eastern provinces and Quebec City. Just before leaving for Ottawa, Erik was welcomed into the family.

A family of five required a real job and Arv joined the federal government—first with the Department of Environment then the Department of Energy, Mines and Resources. At least one business trip to Europe and the purchase of the orange camper van providing the means to go across country a couple of times fed the travel bug. Five years in Ottawa was a great experience yielding many friendships. but the west was calling. Moving to Edmonton meant being close enough to family in BC while gaining that blue sky and sunshine we hadn’t expected.

Edmonton, Alberta—home base for next 45 years, with some exceptions. The family thrived, friendships developed, a faith community was gained. Our wonderous first grandchild, Tom, was born. Travel emphasis shifted to frequent trips to the west coast, several international business trips and a family excursion to northern Europe. Arv worked for Syncrude Research and Alberta Research Council receiving a golden handshake from each of them. Looking for an interesting employment opportunity, Arv contacted a business acquaintance in the middle east and in 1993 was offered a research position in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

What followed was eleven and a half years of amazement. Arv worked first in the Research Department at SABIC [Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation] and later in Administration in the Head Office. He headed several projects and started an annual research symposium. Given his outgoing personality, he befriended all in the work environment from janitors to department heads. Socially, an expatriate life is difficult to describe. One tends to seek out those who share your experience. Arv was active in C-CAR: a group for Canadian men in Riyadh. Trips to the desert were commonplace. We picnicked in many places that would be called gravel pits, here. And the travel opportunities—Riyadh is within five or six hours of so many places—a smorgasbord of choices for our Ramadan and Haj Eids [vacations.] And then summers, coming to Canada for a recuperative week in Tofino and seeing family and friends missed during the year. Especially Tom and the three “new” delights–grandchildren Knute, Finn and Erika.

Turning 65 by the Hijira calendar, meant returning to Canada and the ‘real world’ in 2005. An acreage west of town was Arv’s dream so he got to mow a massive lawn for four years before settling in Edmonton again. Fifth grandchild sweet Serenity arrived. The travel bug was fed by cruises and bus tours and finally squashed by Covid. Many medical issues affected Arv’s final years, but he kept plugging along until the last, when a pullover sweater and a camel stool brought him down.

Surviving Arv are his wife Bernice [Berni], sons Trent [Karin], Brett [Ashley] and Erik [Christina], grandchildren Tomas, Knute, Finn, Erika and Serenity, sister Annice and brother Darrell, plus many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents John and Beatrice Hardin, his older sister Alfield Donald and his youngest brother Evin.

Special thanks to the Choices program at Good Samaritan and Units 34/31 at the Royal Alex.
In lieu of flower donations may be made to SSUC, the Cancer Research Society, Mazenkowski Institute or a charity of your choice.

Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 28,2025 at 2pm Southminster Steinhauer United Church 10740 19 Avenue NW, Edmonton T6J 6W9
The service will be live streamed on the SSUC website

In Loving Memory of
Alexander Steven Boyda
(March 15, 1949 – April 9, 2025)

On Wednesday April 9, 2025 Alexander Steven Boyda peacefully passed away at the age of 76, at the Edmonton General Continuing Care.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Edmonton Polish Hall located at 10960 – 104St on April 17, 2025 at 1pm.

Alex was born in Lamont, Alberta to George and Verna Boyda on March 15, 1949. He was the eldest of five siblings: Ted Boyda (JoAnne) of Calgary, Mel Boyda (Grace) of Edmonton, and Ann Roczkowsky (Jerry) of Edmonton, Pam Dyck (Rob) of Calgary.

Alex attended Andrew High School until graduation, then completed his Bachelor of Education and Masters degrees at the University of Alberta. His entire career was focused in Education as a teacher, Principal, School Director, and Superintendent of Education.

Alex is survived by his wife of 52 years Linda of Sherwood Park, and his two sons Clinton (June) of Wetaskiwin with grandchildren Ariana and Megan, and Courtenay of Sherwood Park with grandson Hayden.

Pat was born in Edmonton on July 9, 1946, and grew up near the family farm on Big Lake in St. Albert, as well as in several small towns across rural Alberta. He attended high school in St. Albert, where he proudly played basketball under the legendary Tommy Joe Coffey—a story he loved to share any time basketball came up.

Pat was predeceased by his parents, Bertha Deep and James Williams, and his sister, Veronica Chevalier.

He began his working life as a journeyman parts man, but his real passion was selling heavy trucks. Over the years, he worked with International Harvester, Zender Ford, and Volvo Truck Centre, where he built many lasting relationships.

In 1970, Pat married Frances after they met on a blind date—a meeting that led to a lifelong partnership filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Their son Shaun was born in 1975, and Pat dove into fatherhood wholeheartedly, supporting Shaun’s sports every step of the way—from Beaver Leader, coaching soccer and hockey, to being a hockey equipment manager and proud spectator.

Pat loved to travel. He and Frances vacationed in Hawaii 14 times and enjoyed many years in Phoenix and Mexico, cruises, and eventually camping with their trailer. They spent many cherished years at Pigeon Lake, where the trailer was permanently parked, and Pat could often be found on the golf course.

Pat faced a long battle with Alzheimer’s and spent nearly nine years in care. He passed away peacefully at Extendicare Holyrood on April 5, 2025. The family would like to express their deep gratitude to the staff for their excellent and compassionate care, which greatly contributed to his longevity and comfort.

Pat is survived by his loving wife Frances; his son Shaun (Shannon); his beloved grandson Ryland; his sister Louise Beland; two nephews and a niece and his sister in law Vicki Kilpatrick (Ken).

He will be remembered for his devotion to his family, his love of the open road, and the stories he loved to tell—especially if they involved hockey or a good deal on a truck.

It is with great  sadness and sorrow that the family announces the passing of Carmen at the age of 73 in Edmonton on April 2nd, 2025.

She is survived by granddaughter, Madison and her mother Stacy;  her brothers,  Dan (Jean, sons Evan,  Matthew);  Paul (Wendy, sons Ethan, Jordan); brother-in law Glenn (Sinclair) niece Erin, nephew Ray and many cousins.

She was predeceased by her son, Curtis (Jun 2022);  daughter, Dayna (Dec 1980); parents, Theresa (Gaumont) (Aug 2022) and Paul Gagnon (Oct 1972); siblings, Gisele (Sinclair) (Sep 2020), Ernest (May 2020) and David (Sep 1996).

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Carmen may be made to her charity of choice,                  The Salvation Army.

All are welcome to attend the interment of her ashes,  at 1pm on May 17th, 2025 at the                  Holy Cross Cemetery in Edmonton.