Heinz Kottke
March 1938 – January 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Heinz on January 3, 2025 after a valiant battle with cancer.

Heinz was known for his passion for cars, especially vintage North American muscle cars. His vast knowledge of these cars right down to minute details was remarkable. He enjoyed going to car shows and never passed up an opportunity to discuss cars.

Heinz was also an enthusiastic ham radio operator with call signs VE6 HNZ and VE6JQ. He spent many hours at this hobby talking to contacts all over the world. He was also an avid bird watcher and loved nature.

But above all, Heinz cherished his family. Left to mourn his loss is his loving wife of 50 years, Audrey, his beloved daughter Tara, sister Helga, nieces and nephews , relatives, extended family and numerous friends.

In Loving Memory of Bruce Winston Pickering

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Bruce Winston Pickering on December 30, 2024, at the age of 83. Born on October 26, 1941, Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Deanna, his two children, Rhett (Nathalie) and Trevor; his granddaughter Olivia; his sister Diane Nelson (Don); nieces, nephews and many dear friends.,

For many years, Bruce faced the relentless challenges of vascular dementia. Despite the difficulties, Bruce demonstrated remarkable bravery and grace, finding strength in the love and support of his family and friends. Even as his memory and faculties waned, his spirit and heart remained strong.

Bruce had a unique ability to light up a room with his infectious and bellowing laugh that could lift anyone’s spirits. Bruce had a profound passion for both golf and reading. He spent countless hours on the golf course, perfecting his swing and enjoying the camaraderie of fellow golfers. His love for the game was matched only by his enthusiasm for a good book. Bruce had a unique ability to connect with people, always ready to share a laugh or a piece of wisdom gleaned from his extensive reading.

One of Bruce’s favorite sayings, “Everybody has good qualities, focus on their strengths and you’ll see their true potential” allowed him to see the good in everyone, whether it was at work or with friends and family. Followed closely by “What are you trying to do… heat the outside?”

Rest in peace, Bruce. Your strength, resilience, and unwavering love will never be forgotten. You will be deeply missed, but your spirit will continue to guide and inspire us all.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to your favorite charity in Bruce’s honor.

Arlene Leslie Good
July 22, 1956 – December 14, 2024

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, grandma and sister Arlene Good on December 14, 2024 after a long and devastating battle with cancer.

Arlene is survived by her loving husband of 30 years Heath, her daughters Lisa (Dan) and Amy (Sean), beloved grandsons Lucas, Jacob and Evan and brothers Marty (Gina) and Jody (Michelle). She was predeceased by her parents Kurt and Lynne Kutschera.

Arlene was born in Wilkie, Saskatchewan, the first and only daughter of Kurt and Lynne Kutschera. Arlene grew up in Scott, Saskatchewan until age 12 when the family moved to Winnipeg. The family moved again when Arlene was 15 to Edmonton, Alberta, where Arlene spent the remainder of her life.

Early in her career, Arlene worked as a secretary and office administrator for several Edmonton-area companies. She retired in 2005 to embark on the greatest role of her life – stay at home Grandma. Arlene’s biggest joy in life was her family. She spent every waking moment selflessly giving of herself to her family, showing them how much they were loved and cherishing all the moments spent together. She was always up for anything if it meant time with her grandsons. She attended every sporting event and concert, celebrated every holiday with nothing but the greatest joy and was the biggest cheerleader.

Arlene was an avid gardener, spending hours in her yard tending to her plants. She also loved exploring the Edmonton trails with her daughter’s hiking group. She loved all sorts of crafts from cross-stitch to scrapbooking and had a passion for photography. Her home is filled with photos of her favourite people and adventures. She also enjoyed playing the piano and had a lovely singing voice. She was a friend to all, neighbours and strangers alike, and was genuinely interested in chatting with those she met.

Arlene loved to travel, spending summers camping in Alberta with her husband Heath, bringing along the grandsons whenever they were able. She also loved spending time in the mountains, exploring and relaxing. Arlene happily got to live out a dream by visiting Hawaii and also visiting her daughter in Dubai.

In the last four years, Arlene was the main caregiver for her parents. She selflessly put their needs above her own, providing endless love and support for them, up until their deaths earlier this year. Arlene passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones. She will be lovingly remembered and forever missed.

Sep 30, 1934 – Dec 26, 2024
The Cammarata family is heartbroken to announce the death of our dear father, Rosario Cammarata, who passed away peacefully on December 26th.

Rosario was born on the island of Sicily in San Cataldo, Italy. He was predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Gisela Margaret Helene Cammarata (nee Waberski) of Mannheim, Germany, who passed away earlier in the year. Rosario was also predeceased by his two younger sisters Gaetana (Cataldo) Martorana and Maria (Giuseppe) Martorana.

Rosario was a hard-working man who was well respected amongst his peers and well regarded as the patriarch of his family that emigrated to Canada in the mid-sixties. He had a fabulous sense of humour and a smile that would light up his whole face.

Rosario was a bricklayer after learning this craft following military duty back in Italy. With very few work prospects at home he decided to ply his trade in Germany to assist in the restorations after the War. Rino, as he was nicknamed by his German co-workers, settled in Waiblingen for almost 4 years prior to landing in Canada. It was in Waiblingen where he first met the love of his life Gisela. He would emigrate to Canada in 1963 with his wife soon following the year after. They were married in Edmonton on April 24, 1965.

Rosario leaves behind many Canadian family members:
Son Salvatore (Marie Line), Daughter Assunta Whitworth (Farron), Son Markus (Priscilla), Daughter Claudia Gordon (Lou) and Grandchildren: Francesca (Sam), Rosario, Benjamin, Domenic, Gabrielle (Connor), Kaleb, Zack, Chantal (Ryan), Jonathan (Yvette) and Robert (Erika). His Great Grandchildren: Nolan, Quinn, Kayden, Dallas, Sophia and Chloe.

Rosario loved watching anything sports on TV especially soccer, boxing and hockey. His recreation was to stay connected with his compatriots in Little Italy while playing Scopa wagering for a cappuccino or an Orangina.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, January 10, 2025 at 14:00 at Simply Cremation and Funeral Services located at 5224 – 99th Street in Edmonton. In lieu of flowers and donations please consider being kind and generous to one another. This is in the true spirit and to honour our father who exemplified kindness and generosity.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dear husband, father and grandpa.
He left us peacefully on December 20th, 2024 after a four month stay in Capital Care Grandview.
If you were included in his circle of colleagues, acquaintances and friends, you knew an exceptional man.
He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years, Betty, his sons Iain (Laurie), Derek (Kerry) and grandchildren, Hannah and Lochlin.
He will be dearly missed.
In keeping with his wishes there will be no funeral or service.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Peter Elliott Sprague (Elliott), 41, on Saturday, December 7, wrapped in the love of his young family. A beloved husband, father, brother, son, and friend, Elliott’s memory will be cherished by those who survive him: his wife Danielle; his children Archer and Maizy; his mother Dwaina; his sisters Tyla (Kevin), Bianca, and Molly (Fraser); his niece Graydon and nephew Benjamin; and innumerable friends and colleagues. Elliott was predeceased by his father, Thomas Sprague.

Born in Vancouver at St. Paul’s Hospital on August 15, 1983, to Thomas and Dwaina Sprague, Elliott spent his childhood in BC before moving to Edmonton, Alberta to attend the University of Alberta. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science with Honours, Elliott attended medical school and went on to pursue a career as a Doctor of Internal Medicine. Considered “an internist’s internist,” Elliott was as passionate about his work as he was accomplished; he quickly established himself as a highly respected physician who balanced pragmatism with care and compassion for his patients and their families.

In his spare time, Elliott was a talented and enthusiastic hockey player—something he passed on first to his son Archer and to his daughter Maizy soon after. The first to admit he was no musician himself, Elliott was an avid music fan with an appreciation for a range of genres. Music featured prominently in his household growing up and then with Danielle and their children, as well as at events with friends, which often involved raucous rounds of Name That Tune.

A true family man, Elliott was a loving and devoted husband and father, a loyal and trusted friend, and an admired colleague and medical educator. He will be remembered for his generous and vibrant spirit, his joie de vivre, and his journey as a lifelong learner dedicated to personal growth and self-improvement. Elliott was a champion of the practice of gratitude and mindfulness, striving to be present in every moment. He enjoyed travel, he embraced new experiences, and perhaps most of all, he loved to have fun. Elliott regularly brought family, friends, and loved ones together in celebration, to create memories, and to share joy. He was the life of the party, so often at the centre of joyous occasions filled with laughter.

There are no words to express the sense of loss shared by Elliott’s loved ones as they mourn his too-soon passing. Elliott left a mark on this world and on the lives he touched that will forever endure. To follow Elliott’s journey in his own voice, these two episodes of The Critical Care Commute Podcast are available on Spotify: January 15 and October 22.

For those wishing to pay their respects, a Celebration of Life will be held at Festival Place, 100 Festival Way, Sherwood Park, Alberta on Saturday, January 18. Doors at 4:00pm, program at 4:30pm, reception to follow. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed; a link will be provided closer to the date. For questions or more information:

please contact ES.CoLstreaming@gmail.com.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Warrior Project: https://www.warriorprojectfund.ca/ or e-transfer to info@warriorprojecfund.ca.

Philimina Joyce Knavs (Marie)
Sept. 29, 1937 – Dec. 11, 2024

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Philimina Joyce Knavs, known to all as Marie, on December 11, 2024, in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 87. Born on September 29, 1937, Marie lived a life full of love, kindness, and warmth.

She will now be reunited with her beloved husband, Joe, and all of her siblings, who predeceased her. Marie’s energetic personality will be deeply missed by those who knew her.

In accordance with Marie’s wishes, there will be no memorial service. Her family asks that you remember her fondly in your hearts.

Esther Loretta (Dickson) LeBrocq

Born July 13, 1942 in Lloydminster, SK

Passed Away December 20, 2024 in Edmonton AB at the age of 82.

She leaves to mourn two daughters and two sons, Koraliey Little of Edmonton, Roger Little (Barb) of Edmonton, Rodney Little (Adriane) of Edmonton and Bonnie Smith of Lloydminster. Three sisters, Gloria Korobko (Lawrence) of Edmonton, Bernice Fraser (Laurie) of Ardrossan, Beatrice Hennig (Rob) of Edmonton and one brother, David Dickson (Judy) of Millet. 7 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
When younger, Esther took great joy in working in her yard, transforming it into a beautiful haven, where she loved to spend time.

She also loved her birds inside and out and loved to fill the bird feeders and sit back and watch the variety of birds that would frequent them.
Esther was predeceased by her husband Arthur in 2003 and her parents Matthew (1972) and Annie Dickson (1994).

Obituary for John (Roy) Malec

John (Roy) Malec of Lethbridge, Alberta, passed away peacefully in Edmonton on December 24, 2024. He was born on November 29, 1941, to Mary and John Malec and grew up on the family farm in Lethbridge, where he developed a lifelong love of farming. He attended the University of Montana, where he earned an undergraduate degree in Chemistry and a Master’s in Education. He cherished his time in Missoula and enjoyed returning to visit with his wife and daughters during the summer.

Roy began his teaching career in Fort Macleod, where he met the love of his life, Sharon. Sharon was an elementary school teacher and her colleagues kept asking her to go borrow beakers from the high school chemistry teacher Roy. They were married in 1972 and moved to Lethbridge. In 1982, they settled in Claresholm, where they would live until 1997 and then retire in Lethbridge.

When he wasn’t working as a principal, Roy pursued his passions for building houses and investing in the stock market. The Norwood care team affectionately called him the “stock market guy”. He was predeceased by his parents, Mary and John Malec; his wife, Sharon Malec; and his brother, Frank Malec.

He is survived by his daughters, Melissa (Alan) De Leon of Sherwood Park and Erin Malec of Sherwood Park; his cherished grandchildren, Matteo and Danica De Leon; his sister, Diane; and brother-in-law, Art; and his nieces, Janice (Scott) Beck, Joan (Kirk) Frenzel, Judy (Bob) Weing, and Joyce (Shane) Knox.

The family extends special thanks to the nursing staff on the hospice unit at Norwood Capital Care for their compassionate care and the Edmonton Pancreaticobiliary Inflammation and Cancer (EPIC) Program nursing team for all their support.
He will be dearly missed by his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alberta Cancer Foundation or STARS ambulance.