Joan Alison Desjarlais

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Suddenly, on September 6th, 2022 in Devon, Alberta, Joan Alison Desjarlais at age 52 passed on and left this world. Joan was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba and resided in Devon, Alberta.
She was predeceased by her father – Andre George Desjarlais.

Leaving to cherish her memory are her to beloved sons, Jamie and Justin Desjarlais. Also, to mourn her loss is her Mother-Marie Thelma Rosalie Corneau (Dennis Corneau) and seven siblings: Vernon Delorme, Richard Delorme, Lorraine Kehler (Rudi Kehler), Claudette Hinett, (Dave Hinett), Wanda Hum, Rosalie Wittemann (Richard Field), and Andre Desjarlais. Leaving behind numerous nephews and nieces, to whom she loved, other family members and friends.

Joan’s biggest loves in her life were her two precious sons Jamie and Justin to whom she loved and cherished the most with all her heart and soul, there was nothing Joan would not do for them. She loved being a Mom; her boys were everything to her. A very close-knit family, through good times and hard times Joan has always been there for them.

Joan was compassionate and caring, and she shared that with the people around her. Wonderful memories of family get-togethers, going down to the river to fish and BBQ, was one of Joanie’s favourite things to do, Joan also enjoyed cooking, her famous meatballs will be missed. Her love of nature was very precious to her, especially her love for wolves and tigers.

Throughout Joan’s life, she always loved challenging people to a game of pool or darts. Joan was a sports enthusiast; when it came to hockey – Edmonton Oilers, Nugent-Hopkins being her favourite, Edmonton Eskimos (when they were the Eskimos) she
enjoyed going to the football games with her sister Wanda and Joan also liked the Toronto Blue Jays.

Joan was very out-going, a fun loving person with a sarcastic sense of humour, when in her company she would tell jokes, make people laugh and just have fun with people. She also, would go battle of the wits with anyone; she loved playing board games and just hanging out and going to garage sales. Joanie loved spending quality time with her family and friends. All that knew “Joan,” “Joanie” or “Just Joan” her will miss her laughter and her wit. You could not help but be drawn to her magnetic personality and her good heart. She truly was a blessing to all that knew her, and the people that she met on her journey. Sadly, Joan’s earthly journey has ended.

Footprints in the Sand
One night a man had a dream.
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.

For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand:
one belonging to him, and the other to the Lord.

When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life
there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest
and saddest times in his life.

This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
“Lord, You said that once I decided to follow you,
You’d walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don’t understand why, when I needed you most, you would leave me.”

The Lord replied,
“My son, My precious child, I love you and I would
never leave you. During your times of trial and
suffering, when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried You.”

A memorial service for Joan will be held at Devon United Church, 2 St. Clair Street, Devon, AB, on October 12th at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow at St. Maria Goretti Parish, 8 St. Clair Street, Devon, AB, at 3:30 p.m.

John Charles Heath

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of John Charles Heath on Wednesday, September 21st at 78 years of age.

John is survived by his partner Debbie, stepdaughters Natasha Gennaro, Tatiana Schopf (Scott), sister Georgina (Jack) Lee, brother Tom Heath, nephew John Darrell Lee (Heidi), niece Diane (Kelly) Edwards, great niece Jennifer (Luke) Pasquale, great nephews Sean Edwards & Jackson Lee, along with sister-in-law Sherry Gaw & family, & brother-in-law Richard Gaw (Kate). John was predeceased by his parents Alma & Cecil Heath.

John’s passion in life has always been with thoroughbred racing as a trainer in earlier years and a successful Jockey’s Agent for most of his life. He always had a pocket full of mints for his favourite horses. His other passion was the mountains, anytime he could get away.

A celebration of life will be held at the Edmonton EXPO Centre, 7515 – 118 Ave. NW, on Wednesday, October 19th from 1:00-4:00 p.m. in Ballrooms 105-106.

Lon Dudley Cooper

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Lon Dudley Cooper
Born – August 26th, 1948, Lethbridge
Passed Away – August 12th, 2022, St Albert

Lon is survived by his son, Andrew Cooper; his brothers Randal Cooper and Gary (Shirley) Cooper; his sister Mary Ann (Ron) Johnson; and his sister-in-law Carol Cooper, in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his mother, Mary Adele Tanner, and his twin brother, Jon Cooper.

Lon owned and operated Crowsnest Glass and Building Supplies in Blairmore for many years. He also spent several years working in the trucking industry. Lon enjoyed hunting, fishing, and golfing. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

With respect to Lon’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.

Henri John Pidborochynski

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In Loving Memory

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts the family of Henri John Pidborochynski share his unexpected passing on July 13 2022, in Edmonton, Alberta.

He was predeceased by his parents Nick and Amelia (Mazey) Pidborochynski, Brothers in-law Walter and Stan. Survived by his loving partner Tara and stepdaughter Maddison; sisters Victoria. Pauline, Sonja (Bob),Julianne(Blaine) and brothers David(Josie) and Timothy Pidborochynski. Henri will also be missed by his many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.

Henri was born on June 3, 1958 and grew up on a farm in Meath Park, Saskatchewan, where he attended primary school, later moving to Prince Albert for his high school years. After graduating, Henri moved to Edmonton, Alberta to work the next 25 years in the Oilfield Industry- starting at Hyalog and ending his career with Shaw Pipeline. He
attended numerous course for Welding and Pipefitting.

Henri loved life and lived it to the fullest! His love of sports; especially Hockey, Baseball and Pool took him on many tournaments within Canada and all around the world to England, Hong Kong, Hawaii and Austria. His happy go lucky personality made him many lifelong memories and friends.

Henri was very generous of his time and enjoyed volunteering for the Edmonton Firefighters, Taste of Edmonton, Fringe and Football games. He always made time to help his family and friends. He loved to entertain and enjoyed hosting BBQ’s, family dinners, Christmas get togethers and Hottub parties. His love of baking will be missed by all,
especially his lemon meringue pies, butter tarts, chocolate cookies and squares.

A Celebration of Life will be held on September 23. 2022 at 6:30pm at Bellevue Community League Hall in Edmonton, Alberta. There will be a short program and
refreshments to follow. There will be a private family burial in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Prostate Cancer Research, through the Canadian Cancer Society, or the Heart and Stroke Foundation

Earl Wayne Bolichowski

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We are greatly saddened by the passing of our husband, dad and grandpa, Earl Wayne Bolichowski, on September 11, 2022, after a long and difficult battle with illness. Earl passed away at home in Sherwood Park, surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his wife, Connie; children Ryan (Heather), Kelly (Val), and Shannon; grandchildren, Warwick and Gwendoline; and younger brother Richard. Earl was predeceased by his father, John, mother, Nancy, and youngest brother, Robert.
Our family is comforted knowing that he is at peace and able to be at rest. There will be a private memorial with only family members at a later date. In honour of Earl’s memory, we ask that in lieu of flowers a donation be made to the Cross Cancer Institute. Earl was deeply loved and will be greatly missed.

Doreen May Youngs

Doreen May Youngs
1928-2022

Doreen May Youngs (Crookes) was one of a second set of identical twins born to her
parents. Doreen and her twin sister, Eileen were born prematurely in December in the small town of Gray, Saskatchewan. The fact that these twins survived is a testament to their mother’s nursing skills. This tiny twin girl lived to the age of 93.

Doreen completed her high school years in Gray, then moved to Calgary to be with her sister, Eileen. When Eileen moved to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta, Doreen joined her there. In Edmonton, Doreen found a job working as a secretary in the Highways Department of the Government of Alberta. It was there that she met a
handsome young surveyor who would become her partner for life.

Doreen and Walton were married in Edmonton in 1953. Their first daughter Julia was born in 1955, followed by another daughter Laurie, in 1956. Walton had a successful
career with the Government of Alberta, and following his retirement from the Government, they were able to travel all around the world through Walton’s role with FIG, the International Federation of Surveyors. Doreen enjoyed these travels,
particularly the forging of new friendships. She was particularly fond of Finland and its people.

Doreen had many interests but her great passion was music. She sang in church choirs and was a member of the Richard Eaton Singers. She loved opera and was a season ticket holder of Edmonton Opera for many years. Her family learned to be quiet on Saturdays during the Metropolitan Opera Broadcast on the radio so she could listen uninterrupted.
Doreen was always interested in the world around her, and in socializing with family and friends. After her daughters graduated from high school and began post secondary
studies, Doreen decided that this was something she wanted to pursue herself.

She graduated from the U of A in 1978 at the age of 50, much to the pride of her family. Doreen was devoted to her husband and her daughters. She loved her grandchildren and she and Walton were supportive and engaged in their grandchildren’s lives.

Doreen was predeceased by Walton who passed away in 2021, and by her older sisters Constance, June, and Eileen. She is survived by her daughters Julia (Robert), and Laurie (William), and by six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Doreen will be missed greatly by her family and friends.

There will be a private Celebration of Life, where Doreen will rest with Walton, together forever.

Thomas Lawrence Smith

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Thomas Lawrence Smith on Sunday, September 4, 2022. Tom was born in Monrovia, Liberia and immigrated to Germany as young man to study banking. There he met his wife Hely and together they immigrated to Canada in 1969. His struggles with dementia led his final days being spent in excellent care of the staff at Villa Caritas. Special thanks to Dr. Singh for his patience and kindness. Tom was predecessed by his brothers Alfred, George and Nehemiah and sister Rebecca. Tom leaves behind his wife of over 50 years, Hely, daughter Maria, son Joshua and numerous nieces and nephews in the United States and Liberia. No service will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Villa Caritas or the charity of ones choice.

Harvey Eric Taschuk

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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.)

Roch “Rocky” Gustave DeTonnancour

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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.”

Courtney Ray Breckenridge

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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.