Harvey Eric Taschuk

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our much loved partner, son, brother, and friend on August 23, 2022, at the age of 67 years in St. Albert, Alberta.

Harvey grew up on a farm in Two Hills and had fond memories of that time, especially his love for the animals and nature. That love led him to The University of Alberta, where he studied biology. He was well known for the love of his birds and abundance of plants. He was a prodigious breeder of finches for many years. For the past 12 years, Harvey shared most of every moment of every day with Scooby, our Cockatoo.

Harvey worked at the Post Office for many years. There he developed many life-long friendships. It made for daunting Christmas card lists. He often spoke of his Post Office friends with great fondness, and kept in contact throughout his retirement.

Harvey is survived by his husband Edward Zukiwsky; brother Ron (Linda), and sister Lil (Orest); and many nieces and nephews.

Harvey was predeceased by his parents Anne and Alex Taschuk, brother Jim and sister Fran.

In his final years, Harvey suffered the complications of cancer and can now rest in peace.

Many thanks to the wonderful staff at the Cross Cancer Institute, especially the Radiology Unit, for providing outstanding care.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Harvey’s honour for his 12 years with Scooby to Meika’s Safehouse. To donate use the website at https://www.canadahelps.org/en/dn/65519 or donations will also be accepted at any event attended.

Friends and Family are invited to pay their respects on Wednesday, September 21, from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m at Park Memorial, 9709 111 Avenue, Edmonton, followed by a Life Celebration from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Santa Maria Gorretti Hall, 11050 90 Street, Edmonton.

Burial at Two Hill Cemetery, Monday, September 26 at 1:00 PM followed by lunch at the Two Hills United Church.

(If you need assistance to travel to or back from any of the events please email: celebrateharvey@telus.net, or Contact Ed at (780) 721-0550.)

The family of Roch “Rocky” DeTonnancour is saddened to announce his passing on Friday, September 2, 2022 just two days before his 95th birthday. He passed away quietly at his home with family members present.

Roch was born on September 4, 1927 on the farmstead in Morinville, Alberta, and was the second of three children born to Romuald and Catherine DeTonnancour. Like most rural lads of the time, he worked on the farm and attended school until such time as he was old enough to strike out on his own. His first job was at Tremblay’s Garage in Morinville where he started out pumping gas and worked his way up to a mechanic – in those days, you learned on the job. He also worked with heavy equipment and travelled to Northern B.C. for a time to work on the Alaska Highway. Roch’s most notable employment, however, was with the city of Edmonton where he ended his long career as Supervisor of Gravel Operations. He retired in 1992 after more than 30 years of service.

Roch was known as “Rocky” or “Frenchy”. As a young man, he played in a band with his sister Marielle and some of their cousins. He loved dancing, music, singing, travelling with friends, golfing and was an active member of the Moose Club and the Kingsway Branch of the Legion. There were two things Roch was very passionate about: playing crib, and driving. He was exceptionally talented (or lucky!) at crib and thoroughly enjoyed beating his opponents. As for driving, it was his independence and he was delighted that he had been able to pass the exam for another year. Roch had a sharp wit, a great sense of humour, was a devoted friend and helpful neighbour – always willing to lend a helping hand.

Roch was pre-deceased by his parents Romuald and Catherine, brother Leo and two nephews. He leaves to mourn his sister Marielle of Morinville, Alberta, a sister-in-law, two nieces, six nephews and numerous great- and great-great- nieces and nephews as well as friends and neighbours.

As per his request, there will be no visitation or funeral. A private burial will be held in the near future. Cremation has already taken place.

“We will see you on the other side of the stars.”

Court Breckenridge passed away on August 20, 2022 with his family by his side.
He was predeceased by his parents Gavin and Grace as well as his brother Gavin and sister in law Helen and his grandson Christopher. He is survived by his wife of 52 years Lynn, his daughters Shara (John), Holly, Samantha (Steve) and his son Andrew, a well as his nephews Barry and William and his niece Barbara.
The family would like to sincerely thank the Doctors and Staff at the Grey Nuns Hospital for their care and compassion during Court’s final days.

In keeping with Court’s wishes there will not be a formal service.

Obituary for Keith Gilmour Green
September 7, 1951 – August 21, 2022
It with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the death of our brother, uncle, great uncle and cousin Keith Gilmour Green . He was predeceased by his parents Elsie Green and Fred Green; his brother Brian Green and his brother in law Gordon Gray. He leaves behind his sister Judith Gray; brother Garth(Bev) Green; sister in law Deborah Green; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews and cousins. Cremation has taken place and a private family burial next to his parents and brother will take place in October. The family is grateful for all the assistance of the Leduc RCMP and Leduc Victims Services.

David Anthony Vokey passed away suddenly on August 31, 2022, after a short but brave battle with a brain haemorrhage. He was 67.

David was born April 17, 1955, in St. John’s, Newfoundland,
second of four children to Annie (Stoyles) Vokey and the late (Aaron) Claude Vokey.

He met the love of his life, Elizabeth (Betty) Spurrell in 1974 and they were married in 1980. The young couple made their home in several places around Newfoundland as David worked for Newfoundland Hydro, including Deer Lake, Jackson’s Arm, and Stephenville, before settling in Hillview where they raised two beautiful daughters, Leanne and Jenelle. In 2006, the family moved to Hay River, Northwest Territories where David worked in the mining industry.

David was a devoted father, proud grandfather and loving husband. He appreciated the value of hard work and never shied away from a challenge, or the opportunity to learn a new skill. He loved building and tinkering in the garage, his dogs, and spending time at the family cabin at Black River Pond. He was known to tell many great stories over a glass of rum (preferably Lamb’s).

In his later years, David lived out his dream of seeing all his favourite rock bands in
person, including Bob Seger, Pink Floyd and the Eagles. He also enjoyed spending sunny winter vacations in Mexico. In 2016, he was blessed with a granddaughter, Mallory, who instantly became the apple of his eye. He adored being her Poppy.

David is predeceased by his father, Claude Vokey; father-in-law Cecil Spurrell; mother-in-law Geneva (Butt) Spurrell; and sister-in-law Glenys Strowbridge. He is survived by his wife Betty; mother, Annie (Stoyles) Vokey; his sisters Sharon (Gerald) Keough and Dale (Brian) Power; his brother Graham; his daughters Leanne (Scott) Clouthier and Jenelle (Tyler) King; granddaughter Mallory; and a large extended family.

David will be cremated in Edmonton before returning to Hay River. His remains will
ultimately travel home to Newfoundland, where a memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family requests that donations be made in his name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation; the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton; or Janeway Children’s Hospital in St. John’s.

On August 26th, with the same grace and fortitude that he lived his life, our Rick passed away at age 64. As was his wish, he was in the backyard “oasis” that he created, surrounded by his family. He leaves to lovingly remember him: his wife Marilyn; sons Kyle, Zachary and Aaron (Savannah); granddaughters Zoe, Jayden, Jordyn and Dia; dad Eddy; Sister Jill (Greg); brother Rodd (Zan); father-in-law Larry; sister-in-law Rhonda (Garth); nieces Gracie and Serena; nephew Jon (Crystal); great nephew Logan; numerous extended family, friends and colleagues and of course his current fur babies Wyatt and Abby. Rick was pre-deceased by his mom Ruth and mother-in-law Joanne Bryeide (Lars).

Rick was born in McLennan, Alberta where he enjoyed a childhood that many today would envy. Times were different in the 60’s and 70’s, especially in small-town Alberta. Kids were free to roam, doors were left open and neighbours knew each other. Parents knew all the kids in town so it was difficult to get away with anything, but in Rick’s case that was not a worry because he spent his growing-up years in the bush with his best friend, Grant. They would head into the bush after school and on the weekends. They would often camp overnight. They wouldn’t even take any food, but rather live off the land – perhaps with a mud hen (otherwise known as a duck) that didn’t escape their sling shots, BB or pellet guns. Rick’s parents often didn’t even know where they were headed and would watch them walk down the alley, together with Rick’s other best friend; his black lab Prince. They would always come back home dirty, sweaty, and smelling like a campfire. It was hard to tell who was more tired – Rick, Grant or Prince. Rick loved
nature and the outdoors. That only changed when at age 16 he decided he might like to chase girls instead of animals. He traded the bush for a 1966, 2-door Ford Fairlane, jacked up with mag wheels, in which he would tear off to the neighbouring towns (Falher, Girouxville, Donnelly), or wherever his current new love interest lived.

In 1976 when Rick was 18, after a scrap with his Dad the direction was “Go to the city and get a job”, with the expectation that he would be back in a couple of months with his tail between his legs, begging for forgiveness. What his Dad didn’t know was that “job” would become his life’s work. Rick spent 46 years at Comco. Over the years, he grew from an employee to a mentor and a respected member within the industry. The only thing that you had to learn when working with Rick was his 3-strike rule. This went for his colleagues as well as his children…you know who you are! There were times during the years that his required 8-hour day would turn into 10,12,14…16 hours. In the days before work from home, he would arrive to the office before anyone else, lock the doors when he left and come home for a few more hours, just needing to “tweak this one bid” or “finish this one last thing”. Although he had worked the day before he passed, his final Comco duty was in a text to Marilyn at 7:13pm (who was sitting right beside him): “Text or email Steve and Kyle. I didn’t change my out of office.” This was not only his sense of humour in full display, but also his commitment to the company that meant so much to him.

Having said this, his work never took precedent over his family. Rick met Marilyn when she started at Comco in 1978. Their initial interactions could only be described as a
battle of the wills. Two very different personalities, but that spark was there. By 1980, it was apparent that they would spend their lives together. They married in 1982 and
welcomed their sons in quick succession starting with Kyle in 1984, Zach in 1985 and Aaron in 1987. Needless to say, these were busy times. Rick was a dedicated father,
always taking the 2:00 am shift so Marilyn could get some rest. He never met a diaper that he wouldn’t take on! Through the years, Rick would do whatever he could to support his family; clean-up after a family gathering, laundry every Sunday and assistance with the crazy “projects” that Marilyn would get him involved in. As the boys got older, and at one point all three were in hockey, he would often remark that there were only a few more rinks in Alberta that he hadn’t seen yet. His only regret in those early years was that they didn’t have a daughter. To his delight, he eventually was blessed with 4 grand-daughters to spoil.

Rick was a gambler, he enjoyed the slots, his weekly lottery tickets and any reason to
purchase a ticket. “We’re helping a charity,” he would often say.

Although he wasn’t a fan of flying, he was lucky enough to have seen many places in the world during his travels with Comco. He also looked forward to the annual trip to Arizona to visit Marilyn’s Aunt Lynne and Uncle Terry. There he became a master
margarita maker as Lynne’s bartender for the yearly Mexican Fiesta. Rick was not a big drinker but of course he would have to sample, just for quality control. One year, Terry suggested that they drive to the Grand Canyon and take the helicopter tour. To
everyone’s surprise, he agreed. He would later remark that of all the experiences he had in life, this one brought everything into perspective: “How very small and insignificant a person is in the scheme of things when you look out over that grandeur.”

He was absolutely wrong about that. One good person can effect everyone they come in contact with. Rick was one of these people. He loved fiercely, cared deeply for others, and was always there to lend a hand if needed. In the last months of his life when he could no longer speak, he wrote. He wondered if he had done enough, if everyone that he loved knew how much he did, and if he had made a difference in the world. We did all we could to make sure he knew that he had. His legacy will continue with his family, his Comco Family, and all of those that he touched.

We would like to thank Dr. Trent Dusang, Dr. Hadi Seikaly and Strathcona Homecare for their compassionate care of Rick.

Rick always had a four-legged friend. If you wish, please make a donation in his name to the animal rescue of your choice.

Rick asked that there not be a formal funeral, but instead he requested, “Just have a
party”. The family will be hosting an Open House on September 10th, 2022 from 11:00am – 5:00pm. Please email rdidow@shaw.ca for location and to let us know if you will be attending.

Theresa passed away peacefully with family by her side at the age of 92.
She will be lovingly remembered by her 3 children Carmen, Dan (Jean), Paul (Wendy), son in law Glenn, grandchildren Erin, Ray (Sarah), Evan, Matthew, Ethan, Jordan, great grandchildren Madison and Parker, and numerous nieces, nephews, family and friends.
Terry was predeceased by her parents George Adelard and Edna, 11 siblings, husband Paul, children David, Ernie and Gisele, grandchildren Dayna and Curtis.
Terry’s celebration of life will be held Saturday September 10 at 1:00pm at St. Alphonsus Church 11828 – 85 Street.
In lieu of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.

William Strain Kelly
1956 – 2022
It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of William (Billy) Kelly on August 11, 2022 following a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Billy will be lovingly remembered by his wife Johanna, daughter Lisa (Jeff) Houghton, grandchildren Paisley and Luke and his sister Arline.

The family would like to sincerely thank Dr. M. Adams and Dr. Elfiky, Doctors and Staff at the Cross Cancer Institute, Strathcona Homecare and Doctors and Staff on the Palliative Care Unit at the Grey Nuns Hospital for their care and compassion during Billy’s illness.

A special thank you to Matt and Mary Mc Ewan for their love and support.

In keeping with Billy’s wishes there will not be a formal service.

Our beloved, kind, and gentle father passed peacefully in his sleep August 13 at 5:45 a.m. Many thanks to the staff at Touchmark at Wedgewood who were so kind and caring to Dad and our whole family. The Touchmark staff fondly called him ‘Papa Ed.’

Sad, not sad. Dad was 3 months short of 102 years and in fact insisted he was 102. When asked how he was doing he would always respond with “Not bad for a guy who is 102.” Until the last year, Dad was active and although he started to lose his memory, retained his wonderful nature and clever wit.

Dad married Mom (Marjorie Cousins 1919-2018) on December 12, 1945. They had two children, David and Pam. He was very proud of his two grandsons, Ryan and Dan and Ryan’s wife, daughter-in-law Amanda. He adored his two great grandsons, Matthew and Emmett and thought it “really something special” that Emmett’s middle name ‘Edgar’ was in honour of him. At 99, Ryan had him on his Seadoo on a family houseboating trip and Dad helped a couple of times with Ryan and Amanda’s new house build. He was game for anything and an amazing Dad, Grampa, and Great Grampa!!

Mom and Dad travelled throughout the years to all the countries they wanted to see, spending weeks at a time exploring and golfing in these countries. They also took several cruises and wintered in Kihei, Maui for many, many years. Golfing was his passion although he was always very active in other activities (exploring, hiking, and cross-country skiing, etc.). When Mom passed, he remained very active and often opted to take the stairs instead of elevators.

His proudest accomplishment was serving in WWII as a RCAF navigator from 1941 until 1945, stationed in England. He was awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross in 1945. He was stationed overseas with his oldest sister, Helen who was a Wireless Op Ground (WOP). To our knowledge they were the only brother and sister to be stationed together overseas. Dad retained a membership in the 426 Thunderbird Squadron Association which enabled him to keep in contact with wartime associates.

Helping him with his memoirs, he described his worst moment as ‘flunking out of pilot training” due to a lack of depth perception, but he became an incredible navigator ending his military career as a Navigational Ground Instructor and a Flight Lieutenant.

He had an incredible career, graduating with a BASc in Mining Engineering in 1950. He spent 13 years with Alberta Government Energy Resources Conservation Board, then transferred to the Federal Government up until his retirement in 1981. After his official retirement, he was retained by contract as a consultant until he was in his nineties.

Dad dearly loved his sisters Helen (passed), Edna, Evelyn (passed), Thelma, and Phyllis and their families. He remained close to his last remaining in-law Moyra, and her children, especially Moyra’s daughter Linda (partner Pat) and her eldest brother’s son John and wife Marjorie.

We are so blessed to have had this amazing and accomplished man in our lives who to the end remained sweet, calm, compassionate and kind. In all my years, I never heard Dad raise his voice or swear. And, I believe he is now flying with the angels.