In Loving Memory of Bruce Keith Provost

It is with grieving hearts we announce the passing of Bruce Keith Provost on January 3rd , 2025 at the age of 65 years in Edmonton, Alberta, surrounded by his loving family.

Bruce was a gentleman. He had a quiet dignity that was admired and noticed by all who knew him. The word that keeps coming up again and again when others describe Bruce is “Inspirational”.

As a youth, Bruce enjoyed tenting on the lake shore, walking in the ravine with the family dog and playing with the neighbourhood kids. Bruce was in a car accident in his late teens and lived the rest of his life as a quadriplegic. He rose to and above the many challenges of living life in a wheelchair. People were inspired by him as they saw him deal with life bravely and with resilience. He inspired others as he dealt with incredible challenges with tenacity, resolution, patience and grit.

Bruce found success and realized many of his goals and dreams through very hard work. He was able to enjoy everyday living as we all aspire to do. Bruce always appreciated a good meal, whether it be home cooked or restaurant food. He also wouldn’t hesitate to let you know how that meal could be improved. A few of his favourite hangouts included Jack’s Grill, Sorrentino’s and Earls. He consistently started every dinner with a vodka and tonic, followed shortly afterwards by the “other half” of that vodka and tonic. He had a beautiful home, vehicle, and a pontoon boat he enjoyed “Captaining” on Pigeon Lake at the family cabin. His passions included collecting Inuit art, listening to a variety of music and trying to find the perfect after dinner cognac. Bruce was highly intelligent. He had an extraordinary knowledge of sports, history and music. One had to be feeling pretty good about themself to challenge him at Trivial Pursuit, Jeopardy or Chess.

As a Computer Draftsman, Bruce worked with loyalty, discipline and dedication to his trade with Atco Gas in Edmonton until his retirement after 33 years of service.

Bruce will be greatly missed by his family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Keith and Leone, who were hugely instrumental in his ability to rise above his circumstances and had true faith in Bruces’ strength and internal fortitude; he was loved by his siblings Keirsten Barbara, Ann (Brian) and Cam (Monika); his nieces Jennifer (Jacob), Katherine (Umar), Kaleigh (Gustavo) and Samantha; and his nephews Kent and Brandon; as well as his great nephews Noah, Micha and Oliver.

Bruce left a lasting impression on everyone in his life. He was truly inspiring. He displayed limitless courage and perseverance. He had a spirit of stamina and determination. Bruce was our hero.

Bruce’s family wish to thank all those involved with his care at Our Parents Home and the Misericordia Hospital staff, especially those in the Intensive Care Unit.

Memorial donations can be made to Spinal Cord Injury Alberta or any reputable charity important to you.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held in the Summer of 2025.

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved dad and husband, James (Jim) Dornan. Jim peacefully left us on January 13, 2025 at the age of 86 years. As a husband, father, brother, and grandfather Jim touched many lives with his kindness, resourcefulness and infectious humour. Family and friends are invited to funeral services on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025 at 11am at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church in Boyle, Alberta. A celebration of life and sharing of memories will follow at 12 noon followed by a luncheon at the Boyle Community Centre.

In remembrance of Jim’s life, at the families request, donations can be made to the Village of Boyle, directed to Boyle and District Senior Citizens’ Association, in his memory.

The family of Meta MacGregor is saddened to announce her passing on January 4, 2025 at the age of 97.

Meta was a long time resident of Leduc, Alberta before moving to Life Style Options Whitemud (Edmonton) to be closer to her children. She is survived by her son Larrie and his children Kelly and Steven; her daughter Judy (Pat Roles) and their children Jenn and Scott as well as seven great grandchildren. Meta was predeceased by her husband Albert MacGregor in August 1993 as well as her brothers and sisters.

Meta was born on August 27, 1927. She married Albert MacGregor in August 1948.
Over the years, Meta worked in a fabric shop, the creamery and the Leduc post office.
A devoted mother and grandmother, Meta lived a full life. She travelled extensively and volunteered for many years with numerous community groups. Meta enjoyed meeting new people and loved her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
At her request cremation and a family gathering has taken place.

In Loving Memory of:

Jay Thomas Bradley

Jan 6, 1970 – Nov 26, 2024

Born Jan 6, 1970 in Edmonton, Alberta to Linda and Wayne Curtis. Jay is survived by his maternal grandmother Josephine Bealle; mother Linda Bradley; aunts Shirley Curtis, Penny Bealle, Bobbi Kennedy; uncle Rick Bealle; and cousins Michael Curtis, Mathew Bealle, Garry Bealle. Jay is predeceased by his father Wayne Curtis; grandparents Alma & Reg Curtis, Robert Bealle; uncle Alan Curtis.

Jay spent his early years in Edmonton. As a child he loved playing soccer. His family smilingly remembers the day that Jay was excited about scoring a goal – but whoops it was the opposing team’s goal! Jay’s love of sports continued as he grew older. He was an avid spectator of all sports, especially the Edmonton Oilers.

Jay frequently traveled to Edson and Lloydminster to visit his grandparents. During these visits with his grandparents he developed a love of fishing and the outdoors as he traveled to various lakes and rivers around Alberta. He also fondly remembers exploring the Coal Branch with his grandmother. Jay’s love of fishing, hunting and nature extended throughout his life. In summer 2024, he visited a shooting range with an outdoors buddy. Jay’s desire to go hunting and fishing always kept him hopeful. The outdoors – with a fishing pole, a rifle, his dog Zeus, or simply a good view was where he found peace. His condo was a wonderful setting for him to bond with nature, enjoying the views of the North Saskatchewan River in all seasons and the howling of coyotes at night. We are heartbroken to have lost Jay at such a young age, but take comfort to know that he is at peace – surely thinking about the next fishing or hunting trip.

Jay graduated from Red Deer High School and later trained as a refractory bricklayer. He took pride in working hard and loved the camaraderie that this profession provided.

Jay was proud of his well-trained black lab Zeus, with whom he happily explored the Red Deer dog parks.

In his forties, Jay was diagnosed with Hereditary Spastic Paraplegia and ceased his work as a refractory bricklayer. Despite the challenges HSP posed, Jay was resilient, always striving to overcome the next obstacle. Friends and family admired Jay’s determination to maintain his independence and fitness. He was proud of his ability to cook hearty meals for himself, especially enjoying a tasty steak or nostalgically preparing meals that his Dad had cooked in the past. Jay was a dedicated member of the Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement at the University of Alberta. On warm days, he arrived early so he could jumpstart his exercise routine by walking outdoors with his walker before undertaking his fitness training in the gym.

In 2024 Jay was diagnosed with colon cancer. He shared many conversations with condo neighbors and others who inspired him to stay positive. We admired his brave and calm approach to cancer treatment and surgery. During his hospital stay he enjoyed wheelchair outings to explore the beautiful gardens and artwork in the hospital. He was particularly fond of a large quilt that depicted a prairie field of hay bales, and he loved a quiet lounge with outdoor views where he played crib.

One of the nurses who cared for Jay characterized him as a “very likable gentleman.” Jay was indeed a kind and sociable fellow with a big heart. His mom notes that “he did not have a mean bone in his body.” He was a good conversationalist in the old fashioned sense. He always took time to ask about friends and family. He loved to engage people in discussions about sports, hunting and the political scene in Alberta, Canada and the United States. Jay could be intense, but as one condo neighbor noted Jay did not hold a grudge and after a grumble was ready for a friendly conversation about hockey, politics or hunting.

Jay will be dearly missed by all who knew him: family, friends, condo neighbors, medical personnel, and Cross Cancer acquaintances.

A celebration in Jay’s honor will be held in Spring 2025.

If you wish to honor Jay’s memory with a donation, donations may be made to:

Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton, Alberta.
or
Steadward Centre for Personal & Physical Achievement, University of Alberta, Edmonton

Holly Therou passed away peacefully in her sleep on January 4, 2025 after a battle with early-onset dementia. Though her illness took much from her in recent years, we take comfort in the many joyful memories of a life well-lived.

Born on December 23, 1956 in Edmonton, to parents Archie and Irene. She grew up with her sisters, Donna (Samson) and Karen (Strand), in a loving home filled with laughter and delicious Ukrainian food.

Holly spent her career as a travel consultant, thrilled by the discovery of new places and cultures. Her love for adventure was shared with her children, John and Julie, with whom she traveled the world and created lifelong memories. Holly also found joy in the simple pleasures – golfing, attending plays at the Fringe with Ray, and baking for her family.

She was overjoyed to expand her family with the addition of a son and daughter in law – Lukas Zechel and Jen Therou – and grandchildren Mabel, Sawyer, and Stanley. Though her time with them was shorter than she hoped, her legacy will forever be carried on through them.

Holly is survived by her devoted husband, Ray Therou, and her children and grandchildren, who will miss her deeply. Her presence in our lives was a gift, and we are forever grateful for the years we had with her before her illness.

A public service will not be held; the family will be honoring Holly privately. In lieu of flowers or attending a service, the family requests that donations be made to organizations supporting dementia research in Holly’s memory.

On December 21, 2024, Mr. Harvey La Framboise of Edmonton passed away at the age of 81 years.
He is survived by his wife Sandra La Framboise, his daughters Ramona (Richard) Dmetruk and Charmaine La Framboise; his grandchildren Christopher (Brooklyn), Collin, Connor and Kaylee;
Great Grandchildren Aubree, Benjamin (Benny), Kyle and Olivia. As well as his many friends and family.

Predeceased by his parents Sarto and Alice La Framboise; his brothers Roger and Robert; sisters Delayne, Jeanette and Arlene. His first wife Jeanne La Framboise and his daughter Patricia Maron.

Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, January 11, 2025 at 1:00pm at Vantagepoint Community Church of 6712 Delwood Road. Pastor Garry Mullen will officiate. Cremation at Simply Cremations and Funeral Services has already taken place.

In lieu of other tributes, memorial donations may be made directly to the Edmonton Humane Society.
His remains will be scattered at a later date in the spring.
Following the service, you are invited to join the family for a time of fellowship.

Sasha Radke, 38, quietly passed away December 12, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta due to complications from her long battle with illness. Sasha was born October 17, 1986 to Sam and Susan Radke in Edmonton, Alberta as the youngest of 5 children.

Sasha had many passions in her life and a few she completely cherished. For Sasha, family was one of the most important things in her life. She enjoyed the company of her parents, siblings and especially her nieces and nephews. With the dream of having a family of her own one day, her nieces and nephews held a special place in her heart. She would often find ways to celebrate common interests she shared with them and to give meaningful gifts.

During her life she developed a love to create things. She enjoyed spending time crocheting, knitting, sewing and cooking. She excitedly shared these talents with those she loved by way of gifts and meals, never expecting anything in return but to see smiles. She also loved music and would sometimes write and sing songs for those closest to her, while playing the ukelele. Sasha was an avid reader. Out of her vast library, her favorite book was Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, by Lewis Carroll; one of her most prized possessions is a blanket made from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland fabric that her family put together for her.

Those she leaves behind will always remember her silliness and laughter, her love of Pokémon, and her fierce loyalty to the Edmonton Oilers.

Though illness took control of her life in her later years, she genuinely loved those she saw in need and would help them in any way possible.

If she had been given the opportunity to leave a message for those she left behind, it would be her favorite quote from Mother Mother (2018) that proudly hung on her wall:

“I believe, yes, I believe that you will see a better day. It’s alright.”

Sasha is survived by her parents Sam and Susan Radke; her siblings Slade (Desiree) Radke, Seth (Etsuko) Radke, Keltie (Scott) Gordon, Luke (Christina) Radke, numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Sasha was predeceased by her Johnston and Radke Grandparents, her Uncles Fred and Arthur Radke, her Aunt Lorraine Gibb, and Honorary Grandmother Jessie Houle.

For those who wish to mourn the loss of Sasha, a celebration of life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to WIN House, Women’s Shelter in Edmonton.

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of William (Bill) Thomas Smith on December 25, 2024 at the age of 81 years old.
Bill will be greatly missed by his daughter Jennifer, son Ryan and grandson Matthew; his siblings Frank (Dell), Sheila, Marlene (Wayne), Darlene, and Randy; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

Bill was a man who found great joy in the simple pleasures of life. From a young age, he embraced the outdoors spending his days hunting, fishing, and exploring the countryside. He had a deep love for nature and the quiet rural living, which remained a central part of his life. His home was a testament to his love for his family, adorned with cherished photographs and mementos from over the years.

A devoted friend and neighbour, Bill would often help those around him. He was known to be quite the jokester, and will be remembered for his quick wit and sense of humour. His warmth, kindness and humour left a lasting mark on everyone who had the privilege in knowing him.

Bill was predeceased by his wife Bonnie; parents Frank and Elsie; Sister Shirley; Brother Rusty and Brother in Law Walter. He was also predeceased by his niece Deanna.

Bill’s family sends their heartfelt gratitude to the Parkland County’s Paramedics and Emergency Response Team for their utmost care at this difficult time.

Cremation has been arranged and there will be no service at Bill’s request.

Renee Lois (Clarke) Spencer

Born January 13, 1960

Passed Away January 3, 2025

It is with great sadness that, we the family of, Renee Lois Spencer, announce that after a brave and courageous battle with cancer, she passed away comfortably at the Grey Nuns Hospital with family by her side.

Predeceased by her father William J. Clarke in 2015.

She leaves to mourn her spouse: William Flynn,
Children: Lesley (Blair) Butt, Albert (Sonya) Spencer, & Clarke Spencer.
Her precious grandchildren: Braedan, Ethan, Lily, Charley, Finley & Norah.
Father of her children: David Spencer, Mother: Janie Rose (Kelloway) Clarke,
Two sisters: Carla (Fred) Earle, Joanne (Paul) Andrews and one brother: Carson (Mary B) Clarke.
3 nieces: Janah, Olivia & Paige and 2 nephews: Frederick & Blake.
Her fur-babies: Rosie & Bailey
Along with a large number of family and friends, near and far.