While the pain of the sudden loss of our father remains, the cherished memories of a life well-lived offer us much comfort. To the end and onward Dad’s guidance, many words of wisdom and consistently positive attitude carry us through good times and adversity alike.

On Tuesday, January 16, 2024, Marcel passed away peacefully at the University Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, after a brief battle with cancer.

Born in St. Raymond, Quebec, on October 23, 1944, Marcel Armand Dery was 79 years old. He is now gratefully back in the arms of his cherished wife Monika (nee Steingrube) who passed away in April, 2016. He was also welcomed home by his parents Maurice and Yvette but will be missed terribly by his children: Mathieu (Michelle) – Calgary Alberta; Madeleine (Rui) – Edmonton, Alberta; His beloved grandchildren: Maya – Vancouver, BC; Jacqueline (Josh) and Ethan – Calgary, Alberta; His sister: Diane (Jacques) – Neuville, QC; brother: Robert – St. Raymond, QC.; as well as numerous much-loved nieces, nephews, other family members and his many, many beloved friends.

Marcel’s retirement in 2019 was the culmination of a 50-plus year career that he was very proud of and started by building relationships through the “French Connection” when he arrived in Hinton in 1965. Starting in the forestry and equipment industry, his creativity, ingenuity and drive to build strong, long-lasting relationships soon drove him into the real estate market (Meadowbrook & Century 21 Realty) with dabbles in a car dealership (Westpark Chev Olds) and hospitality (Alpine Park Motor Inn) along the way. Learning some “hard lessons” in the late 80’s, a brief foray into the cities of Edmonton and Montreal taught Marcel that it was better for him to be “a bigger fish in a small sea” and the lure of Hinton resulted with the start of his second act with the formation of Re/Max 2000. His “other family” at Re/Max and across the real estate industry and the many clients he helped along the way share the sting of his loss.
Marcel’s passion for business was matched by his passion for enjoying the outdoors on ATVs. Whether a quick day trip or week-long pack trip, his exploits were legendary. Marcel was a unique and wonderful person with a sense of humour that would light up a crowd anywhere and his legacy to all of us is to live life – eat, drink, visit, travel, adventure and above all LOVE. Whether enjoying the “finer things” or “roughing it”, as long as you’re with friends and loved ones, you’re living! His favourite song by Patrick Norman says “Ne laisse pas passer la chance d’etre aime“ which means never let a chance to be loved pass you by.

Gifted with the touch of bringing people together, his business and personal lives paralleled his conviction of treating everyone fairly and honestly and as he would expect to be treated himself. All of his relationships were also nurtured by his insatiable wish to give and take care of his community.

Our family looks forward to sharing a Celebration of Life soon and in the meantime we hope to hear your favourite stories and “Marcelisms” from those who would like to share their memories through the Condolences below. In lieu of flowers, we welcome you to enjoy a great meal and have a toast to Marcel.

Ride In Peace, Dad.

On Thursday, January 11, 2024, we lost our beloved brother, dad, uncle, grandpa and friend, who passed suddenly from a heart attack. Lorne was a dichotomy of humour- the ultimate dad joker- and temper, of dreamer and duty, of retelling stories for the umpteenth time, and still delighting with some surprise insight or admission. He had a wonderful quality of pursuing excellence, and he wanted everyone else to as well (whether or not they agreed!) Lorne grew up in Prince George BC, and pursued many interests such as earning his pilot’s license and scuba certification, skydiving, coin collecting, and model building. It was while working at Woodwards that he met his first wife, Julie Finden. The couple had 2 children, Ashley and Adam. Lorne then drove taxi for many years, before transitioning to mechanics, where he had always had a strong interest and aptitude. Moving to Edmonton in 1998, he eventually took up RV repair, and even three stints teaching overseas in China. In his retirement, he connected with neighbours by sharing baked goods (yes, he took up baking!), visited his daughter and her family often, and settled into a comfortable home with two of his best friends, Terri Davison and his dog Princess. Lorne was predeceased by his parents, Stan and Coral Jacobsen, and his second wife, Nancy Dennis. He is survived by his children, Ashley (Russell) and Adam (Jessica), his beloved grandsons Lawrence, Everett, Leighton and Atticus, his siblings Michael (Charlene), Leslie (John), Wayne (Gwen) and Janet, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, friends and extended family. A memorial service will be held at Hope City church (2225 66st) in Edmonton on Thursday January 25, 2024 at 11:00am

In loving memory of John Philip Hermanutz.
John was born to Marilyn and Danny Hermanutz on July 2, 1966, and passed away on December 6, 2023.
John and his family spent his first years in various places in northern Alberta before settling in Edmonton around 1972.
He attended Fulton Place Elementary School, then Elizabeth Seton School and graduated from Archbishop O’Leary High School. He made many great friends during his school years, and they all remain very close.
John and Patty welcomed sons Daniel in 2000 and Jack in 2002. John was an amazing father who cherished spending time with his boys. This included many years coaching them in hockey, ball hockey, and lacrosse, camping, swimming, and just being involved in whatever they were doing. He always made time to play with them and as little boys a favorite was “flip the pancakes”.
John moved to Pibroch and spent the last couple of years there. Again, showing how easily he could connect with people and make friends.
John spent most of his career performing NDT work with Rivest Testing and Borza Inspections/Nortech.
John will be deeply missed by his mom, Marilyn, and his sons, Daniel and Jack. He is survived by his stepfather Tim, brother David, niece Emma and her husband Fabio, nephew Matthew and niece Sara.
John was loved by so many including uncles, aunts, cousins, and close friends. He will forever be remembered as the fun, kind, loving, and generous guy he was. And all the special memories, especially those from the river, will be forever cherished.
A service to remember and celebrate John will be held on Saturday February 24th at 2 pm at Park Place Funeral Home in Sherwood Park with a reception to follow.

In Loving Memory of Ruth Kimmitt

With deep sorrow and a profound sense of loss, the family of Ruth Kimmitt sadly shares the news of her peaceful passing on January 10, 2024, at the age of 91.

Ruth was a devoted daughter of God, a loving wife, a cherished sister and above all, a
nurturing mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, whose unwavering faith guided her through life’s joys and challenges.

She was a beacon of love and kindness who spread joy to everyone she encountered. She dedicated herself to serving others and embodied the spirit of selflessness and
compassion. Her devoted faith in God was the guiding force behind her actions and
values of which she instilled in those close to her.

In 1954, Ruth’s genuine caring for others lead her to a career as a Registered Nurse, after graduating from the St. Paul’s School of Nursing. From an early age, she had a passion for curling where she connected with her dearest friends and, in 2001, won Curling Alberta’s Master Women’s Championship.

Ruth will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Thomas, her devoted children Todd (Melanie), Patrick (Patricia), Scott (Kim), grandchildren Tiffany (Mark), Jensen, Ashley (Matt), Chad (Shawn), Ryan, Tyler, and great grandchildren Audrey, James and Addison.

She also leaves behind her siblings, extended family, and a community of friends who will forever be grateful for the blessing of her presence in their lives.

As a mother, she was the epitome of generosity and sacrifice. Her home was a haven of warmth, where family gathered to enjoy homecooked meals and baking which were made with love. Her legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren, who have been shaped by her enduring love and through the countless lives she touched with her gentleness, wisdom and nurturing spirit.

As we mourn the physical departure of Ruth, we find comfort that she is now in the
loving embrace of our Lord and Savior. May her soul rest in eternal peace and may the memories of her boundless love and faith continue to inspire us all.

Donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories in
memory of Ruth.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul” – Psalm 23:1-3

On January 17, 2024, Jean Marie Nadon of Athabasca, AB, passed away peacefully at the age of 100 years. She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered.

She is survived by her son Marcel (Carol) Boucher, daughter Claudette (Jim) Dornan, and daughter-in-law Barbara Boucher. She also leaves 7 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-granddaughters.

Jean was predeceased by her son Raymond Boucher, and sisters Bernadette Cote and Fluerette (Bill) Bruni, as well as brothers Robert Nadon and Roy Nadon.

In respecting Jean’s wishes cremation has taken place, and she asked that no services be held. A private family service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.

The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to the caring staff at Athabasca Extended Care. Their loving care bestowed upon Jean was a comfort to the family.

Celebrating the Life of Wayne Smith
1965 – 2024

On January 5, 2024, Wayne Smith took his last drive down life’s highway. Left to mourn his indescribable loss are his beautiful daughter, Delaney, his ex-wife and best friend, Laurie Watters (Doug), and his constant sidekick and trucking partner, his puppy Aurora.

Wayne was deeply loved by his mother-in-law, Sharon Watters, sisters-in-law Kelly Devall, Shannon Watters (Peter), Tracy Watters, his sister Glenda Cacic (Gasper), and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and a great-nephew. He was pre-deceased by his father-in-law Alf Watters and his brother-in-law Mike Devall.

Wayne was born in Regina, SK on November 27, 1965. He left home at 15 years old and bravely made his way in the world on his own. Wayne worked various jobs in the farming industry and on the oil rigs until he found his true calling in truck driving through his father-in-law, Alf. Wayne loved being on the road and was an excellent driver, who was respected by his peers. He was meticulous with his trucks and owned several over the years.

In June of 1994, he met his future wife, Laurie, in a country bar where they two-stepped the night away. They were married on January 7, 1995, and although they divorced many years later, they continued to share a mutual love and everlasting friendship.

In 2017, Wayne was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer and despite a grim prognosis, he endured several different treatments and was even able to return to work for over two years. During this time, he raised and loved his puppy (and often-times dance partner), Aurora J, who went everywhere with him! He also discovered a passion for cooking and the art of barbecue and the smoker. A meal made by Wayne was always a fantastic feast!

In 2001, Wayne and Laurie’s precious daughter, Delaney, was born and she was the true blessing of his life. She was his everything…his sun, his moon, and his stars. She was the light in his eyes and the love in his heart. His greatest joy after coming home off the road was holding his little girl in his arms. Wayne’s life was devoted to Delaney’s happiness, fiercely protecting her, and always giving her a soft place to fall with her Daddy.

Our hearts are broken as we learn to live without his hand to hold, without his sense of humour, and without the twinkle in his eyes, but we will never be without his love. We embrace the memories, the sound of his voice and the warmth of his hugs. We will love and honour him in all we do as we walk life’s road without him by our side.

Rest easy, sweet man. You are forever remembered, forever cherished, and forever loved.

Carole passed away peacefully on December 19/23 at the Grey Nuns Hospital . She is survived by her sister Paula, children; Matt (Andrea), Kerrie (Farren) and John (Denise), 8 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her loving husband John in 2019, and her mother in 1998.

A Celebration in Honor of Carole will be on January 21/24 from 11-1pm, at Colchester Community Hall. Please join us for refreshments and memories.

Deborah Marie Piedmont
January 19, 1954 – December 23, 2023
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It is with great sorrow that the family announces the passing of Debbie Piedmont on December 23, 2023 at the age of 69. She is predeceased by her parents [Betty Piedmont, nee Denbury (August 2001) and John Piedmont (August 2018)]. She is survived by many family members whom she loved dearly: Her sister Susan (John), brothers James (Dolly), Patrick (Karen) nieces; Christine, Katie (Brian), Amanda and nephews James, Matthew; great niece Emma; and also by numerous aunts and cousins.

Debbie will be sadly missed by family and friends whose lives she touched. She was a caring and loving person who would go out of her way to help or lend a hand to those in need. She loved needlecraft and created many fine pieces to give to family or friends. Genealogy was another passion she pursued and was often at the library researching or emailing to get in touch with family members discovered from near and far. She was a Royal watcher and follower of all things associated with the Royal family. Debbie loved building jigsaw puzzles whether at home or a shared project at the library. She loved her cats and would often relay their playful antics.

The family would like to thank the ICU staff at the University of Alberta Hospital for the amazing care and compassion shown to Debbie and her family throughout her short stay. Thank you to Simply Cremations for your professionalism and kindness shown to us throughout our time of sorrow.

Cremation has taken place. There will be a private committal for the family at the Glenwood Funeral Home; Cemetery in Sherwood Park, Alberta; where she will rest beside her mother. There will be a memorial service to be held at a later date. Place and time TBD.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the SPCA.