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.

Herman Sierink passed away suddenly on August 14, 2022 at the age of 56 years old.

He is predeceased by his Mother Hilda, grandparents, and Yvette’s dad William Wait.

He leaves behind his wife Yvette of 17 years and her son Adam; his Father Hank; brother Ronald (Tammy); Sisters Roxanne (Pete) and Ria (Terry); and many nieces and nephews, as well as Yvette’s brother David and his wife Karen.

Memorial Donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of your choice.

Please join us for Herman’s celebration of life at the St Albert Kinsmen Banquet Centre, 47 Riel Drive on Wednesday, August 31, 2022, celebration to start 4:00 pm. Pastor Henry Kranenburg officiating.

Marilyn Ann Keith

January 31st, 1956 – August 9th, 2022

Marilyn Ann Keith of Edmonton Alberta, unexpectedly passed away at the very young age of 66 on August 9th, 2022. Marilyn was predeceased by her parents Marion and Ivon Brewster and her brother Bill Keith.

Marilyn will always be in our hearts and forever missed and loved by those she held closest to her heart.

Those we love don’t go away.
They walk beside us everyday.
Unseen, unheard, but always near.
So loved, so missed and so very dear.

We love you so much and will always be thinking about you RIP Marilyn.

It is with great sorrow and sadness that the family of Cam Enders announces his passing on August 12, 2022 at the age of 69. He passed away peacefully with his family by his side. 

Cam is survived by his wife Maria, daughter Meagan (Kal), son Scott (Laney), brother Collin, as well as numerous relatives and friends. Cam was predeceased by his parents Emil and Elsie Enders.

Cam was a caring, selfless and loving family man who always put others ahead of himself. He loved spending time with his family and travelling to Maui, Italy, and the mountains. As a big lover of all dogs, there wasn’t a day he didn’t make it to the dog park. He was an amazing hockey coach, athlete, woodworker, and handyman. He will be greatly missed by all who have known him.

The family would like to thank the staff at the U of A Hospital for their care. The family will be holding a private gathering. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society of Canada or the Edmonton Humane Society.

It’s with great sadness that we announce the passing of Darcy Philip Wirch on July 19, 2022.

Darcy was born on December 27, 1967 and lived in the Drayton Valley and surrounding areas.

Darcy leaves behind his wife Kimberly and daughter Miranda; his sister Patricia (Bruce) Ennis; 2 nephews; 3 great nephews; and numerous uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Darcy was predeceased by his parents Philip and Eleanor Wirch.

A celebration of life will be held on September 3rd at 3pm at NW-18-46-6-W5 (Chuck Lake). It’s 2.5 miles north of highway 13 and highway 22 intersection on highway 22,
access road on the east side.

Dalles Vernon Arndt passed away peacefully on Monday, August 8, 2022.

Dalles is survived by his wife Gladys, his children Kathy (Gerry), Richard, Shirley (Morgan), his grandchildren Bradley and Conor, his siblings Gordon and Pat and sister-in law Janlyn. Dalles was predeceased by his father, Fred, mother Emmeline, brother Brian, his sister-in-law Florence, and brother-in-law Harvey.

Dalles was born on August 14, 1932 and he grew up on a farm east of Millet. Dalles had a career as a carpenter by trade and was a craftsman woodworker in his spare time when he was younger. In the earlier years Dalles had a love for fishing, camping and being outdoors. Back then he would also study the AMA tour books and maps every winter to prepare for the annual family driving vacation to the States. Dalles cherished his wife Gladys, his kids, and grandchildren. His loss will be felt deeply by all who knew him.

It’s with a heavy heart, the family of Violet Hill-Finley (Vi) announce her passing on Friday July 29th, 2022. Vi was predeceased by her eldest son Allan Hill, her husband Lloyd Finley, and her parents Mary and Carl (stepdad) Nerling.

A mother to three boys: Allan, Christopher, and Matthew. Following the sudden passing of her eldest son Allan, She stayed strong and leaned on lifelong friends to support while she filled the roles of mother and father to her remaining sons while grieving.

Although life for her wasn’t easy, she found ways to get things done; she went back to school completing her upgrading and furthered her studies in Outreach work, volunteered at shelters and Uncles at Large. She landed her most cherished role of an Outreach Worker at Boyle Street Community where she touched many lives in a positive light. She was ahead of her time, didn’t see people in colour or nationality, she saw people as they were, who they were. She opened the doors to her house for friends and for those that just needed a place to rest their head.

Vi was an exceptional woman, she faced much loss and challenge in her lifetime, she will always be remembered in our hearts for the kindness that she shared. Her memory will live on through her two brothers George (Arlene), Ken (Judy), her sons: Chris (Angela), Matthew (Sarah), and her grand and great-grand children Mya (Noah) and Sophia, Makayla (Marcus), Matthew JR, Ava, Aiden and Allyson.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Evergreen Community Hall (31 Evergreen Park NW) on August 26th at 1pm.