Velva Pearl Lewis (Hallett)
Velva Pearl Lewis passed away peacefully at the Dr. Gerald Zetter Care Centre in Edmonton on Wednesday November 3, 2021. She was born November 10, 1929, near Swift Current Saskatchewan and moved to Stettler, Alberta and then finally to Edmonton where she lived for many years. She will be dearly missed by her friends and family, including her children Dena (Richard), Blaine (Maria), Ceri, and her grandchildren Jesse, Amadeo, and Briar.
There will be no public service. Please consider donating to the charity of your choice in Velva’s memory.
Online condolences can be shared at www.simplycremations.com

Richard “Jo” Dale Pruss
Born July 17th, 1944 peacefully passed away on October 29th, 2021 at his residence in Edmonton with loved ones present.
He is survived by his family: daughters Angela (Shane) Forwick, Alicia (Nils) Pregitzer, Meagan Fichaud. Three beautiful grandchildren: Willow Forwick, London and Baker Pregitzer, as well as many nieces and nephews. Rick was predeceased by his brother Edward Pruss, sister Rose Pysyk, and parents Paul and Nancy Pruss.
As the baby in the Pruss family, Rick (or Jo as those at the track liked to call him) enjoyed all things horse racing. From the age of 14, he worked in all aspects of the racing community right up until only a few short years ago. He was a stall cleaner, agent, trainer, and owner just to name a few positions. He spent much of his free time at Northlands, Stampede Park and Woodbine drinking coffee and cheering with friends. Rick also enjoyed all sports but his sport of choice was golf. He loved hitting the links and watching all the major tournaments!
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff at the CapitalCare Kipnes Centre for the exceptional care they gave Rick. We are forever grateful.
Friends wishing to make a memorial contribution in memory of Rick (Jo) can do so to www.longrunretirement.com and click on the donation tab.
Or by mail:
LongRun Thoroughbred Retirement Society
555 Rexdale Boulevard
P.O. Box 156
Toronto, Ontario
M9W 5L2

Michael James Langlands
November 29, 1957 – October 30, 2021

It is with great sadness that I write of the passing of my loving husband Michael Langlands.

Michael was born in Creston, BC on November 29, 1957. After trying his hand in the grocery business in BC, he moved to Edmonton, attended NAIT and then graduated with a Business degree from the University of Alberta. He spent most of his work life in the transportation industry and ended his career as a National Accounts Manager for TForce Logistics. Unfortunately his last fifteen years were marked by numerous visits to the University of Alberta hospital and the Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute. He had three open heart surgeries, and an AICD in his chest. He confided in me the fear he lived with because he was so hyper-aware of the frequent rhythm changes in his heart. After his last surgery his heart was no longer strong enough to survive his weakened condition. I and his best friend Curtis Stewart were with him, as he quietly passed away at the age of 63 in the University of Alberta Hospital ICU at 2:40pm October 30th, 2021.

Michael was a kind, caring, and compassionate man who always spoke of friends and family in honouring ways; and he was a devoted man — devoted to friends and family, devoted to me, devoted to my children, devoted to being a loving grandfather and devoted to the companies he worked for. He was generous to a fault, stood up for his principles, and would often say when referring to his stubborn and habitual nature, that he came by it honestly because he had German in his blood.

Michael referred to himself as a jokey fellow, a description that had been given to him by his grandmother; and he lived up to that role. He would often make fun of himself or those around him, or pass on laugh inducing witticisms. He seemed to have the ability to come up with a very broad range of humorous comments and then he would laugh as soon as offering them up. Together we were the perfect couple because I was willing to participate in offering up disparaging comments about things he did as often as he could dish them up about me. We had a life together that was rich. We loved so many of the same things — the symphony, local theatre, summer music festivals, and the Fringe. We had gone on some wonderful vacations, and being a solid history buff his favourite was a trip to the first and second world war battlefields in France.

Michael would say that we were the perfect complement — he would drink enough for the two of us and I was the designated driver. He loved his craft beer and fine wine, and he loved the Oilers hockey team. His best friend Curtis and he would go to Oilers games together and then once a year attend a wine tasting event at the Edmonton Convention Centre…… Curtis’ wife Louise and I would go enjoy a movie and pick the loaded and laughing pair up after the wine swilling event. All of these special memories and many more will live with me until the day I die. We both loved our lives among family and rescued pets, and if I could have one last moment with him I would hold him close just to breath in his goodness and tell him how very much he has been loved and admired.

Michael is survived by me, his wife, Beverly Leeck; by his mother Helen (Pagens) Aldham and step-father Roy Aldham; his brother David Langlands and nephew Matthew Langlands; by his step-daughter Julia Lesmister, step-son Marc Lesmister (Marlena) and his grandson Owen Lesmister; his sister-in-laws Leona King, Christine Joll, and Dianne Larko (Terry). He was pre-deceased by his father Edward James Langlands and his brother-in-law Duane King.

Cremation will take place in Edmonton and interment will follow in Mountainview Cemetery, Lethbridge at a later date. A special celebration of his life will be planned for spring 2022 or later depending on the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.
Michael loved dogs and when last we spoke of our final resting place he asked that the ashes of his favourite dog be buried with us.
In lieu of flowers we would appreciate it if you would make a donation to SCARS (Second Chance Animal Rescue Society) Alberta.

Debra Ann Pugliese (Nee Stabback)
January 6, 1962 – October 23, 2021

It is with deep sadness and much love that we mourn the passing of Debra “Debbie” Pugliese. Debbie passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on October 23, 2021.

She will be lovingly remembered and cherished by her husband of 37 years, Stan; children Sarah (Bjorn) and Alex (Rebecca); granddaughter Emberly; grandsons Tyse and Tobyn; as well as many relatives and friends. Debbie was predeceased by her parents Roger and Nancy and we are certain they have a game of cribbage underway already.

Debbie was born raised in Sudbury, Ontario where she attended Lockerby Composite High School and then Laurentian University. It was during this time Debbie held a job at a local grocery store where a young guy in the Meat Department sought her attention – it was the beginning of a timeless love that saw Debbie and Stan married on August 25, 1984. A love-story wouldn’t be complete without a relocation, and Stan’s work brought the two newly-weds out West to Edmonton, Alberta. Debbie completed her degree in Law and Justice and then continued studies to become a Paralegal. She worked for several law firms and county offices but with the arrivals of Sarah and Alex she sought to balance the life of raising a family and working which led to her running her own home based business.

Debbie’s love of travel began with always prioritizing family vacations; from visiting Ontario and showing her children the landscape of her childhood, to exploring the Rocky Mountains and British Columbia, excursions to the Caribbean and later in life touring North America and Europe with Stan. Debbie loved new cities, exploring new landscapes and sampling the region’s best wines. In retirement, it was only natural that Debbie and Stan tested out the Canadian Snowbird status, and enjoyed sunshine, swimming pools and daily hikes with many friends both old and new, in Palm Springs.

Debbie was a dedicated mother and proud Grandmother who always prioritized the best for her family. She attended every sporting event, proof-read every English paper and ran the Family Day-Timer that sat on the kitchen counter with a preciseness and organization that would still challenge the best smartphone app. Love for family was the core of Debbie’s identity and their successes are her legacy.

Debbie also loved connecting with others. Even though she did not like to be the center of attention, she loved the energy that her group of friends or family brought into the room. Going to the gym in the morning or out for a lunch with her friends always brought her joy and of course a good meal in the evening where she could share some laughs with others was always cherished. Debbie always treated others with kindness, even if it was just a smile and wave when passing someone when out for a walk.

There will be no formal memorial service. Instead, we ask that everyone take their own moment and raise a toast (preferably red wine) in Debbie’s honour and hug family and friends a little bit tighter. Debbie always valued the power of hug.

If anyone is seeking to make a Memorial Donation, please consider donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of Canada or the Canadian Cancer Society. Debbie confronted Alzheimer’s with dignified strength and her family would like to support ongoing research efforts into abolishing an illness that takes so much from so many. The Canadian Cancer Society was a charity near and dear to Debbie’s heart, that with the loss of family and friends to cancer, she spent her lifetime supporting.

Edna Margaret Speakman nee Skeels was born September 23,1929 at home in Bentley, Alberta, the fifth of six children of Eugene Orvis and Florence Margaret Skeels. Her early years were spent in Bentley attending school and helping on the farm. Edna was a self professed “daddies girl”. After
graduating from high school in Lacombe, Alberta, Edna moved to Wetaskiwin to work at Van Dyke Hatchery where she met James Toane Speakman. They were married January 12/1951. Jim was the love of her life. Together they moved to Edmonton and raised 5 daughters who blessed them with 11 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren, their 1st great, great grandchild is expected before year end.

The family wishes to extend their sincere thanks and deep gratitude for all expressions of sympathy and acts of kindness shown during this time of bereavement. A special thank you to Capital Care Lynnwood for their many years of loving care.

BARRY WAYNE JOHNSON 
(1957 – 2021)
 
It is with profound sadness that our family announces the death of Barry Wayne Johnson.   Together, surrounded  by his loving family at home, Barry Wayne Johnson passed away peacefully after a courageous battle with cancer.

Barry was a business owner for over 30 years, and was well known in Edmonton in the flooring and tile installation business.  He was known for his excellence and attention to detail providing his client’s with quality work.  In addition to work, the sparkle to his life after his wife and children were his grandchildren.  As a devoted “Grandpa” he was continuously charmed and delighted by his grandchildren’s adventures.

Barry is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Leslie, sons Craig (Melinda) and Matthew (Heidi), five grandchildren: Miguel, Lincoln, Maggie, Malcolm and Davin, his mother Lois and brothers Brett (Louise), Brian, Brad and Sister-in-law Karen. Barry was predeceased by his father Morley.

Barry also leaves behind many sisters and brothers-in law, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless, cherished friends.  The family wishes to thank Dr Deana Stockburger and Dr. David Candler for the compassionate support to Barry.

A celebration of Barry’s life will be held, on Friday, October 29th at 1:30 p.m., at The Orchards Community Hall, located at 4059 Orchards Drive SW, Edmonton, Alberta. 

In keeping with the current restrictions, there is limited capacity requirements. If you wish attend in person, please RSVP to: barryjservice@gmail.com.

Additionally, you will be required to present proof of vaccination or a negative Covid-19 test, which must be taken within 72 hours of the commencement of the service. 

Live streaming will be available at 1:45 via ZOOM (Meeting ID: 821 7260 1517Passcode: 369160)
In lieu of flowers, donations will be gratefully accepted at https://pancreaticcancercanada.ca/ways-to-give/. Please search for: BarryWayne Johnson.
 

Mary Ann Birss
November 3rd, 1943 to October 24, 2021

On an early sunny autumn Sunday evening in October our beloved “Mad Mary” slipped away from us while listening to old time gospel and the laughter and chatter of husband Peter and daughter Karen.

Mary Ann Birss (née Bradshaw) was the beloved wife of Ronald Peter Birss, mother to Karen Birss (Donald Lee), Kevin (Melissa) Birss and Ronald Birss, and grandmother to Garrett, Declan, Sidney, Nathaniel, and Zachary. She was extremely proud of her three children and ensured all of them knew of and felt her love to the very last day.
Born in a tent in the foothills of the Rockies in Nordegg on November 3, 1943 she was very proud of her beginnings and her pioneering Alberta roots. She spent her formative years in the Rocky Mountain House area, Bonnyville and Sherwood Park AB., and proudly graduated from the Alberta Schools of Agriculture (now known as Lakeland College) in Vermilion. After graduation she worked in the records department for almost a decade at the Cross Cancer Institute until Karen was born. Her kids benefited from her decision to be a stay-at-home mom in Spruce Grove, where she and Peter raised their family. Mary Ann volunteered at countless school events, she was a Sunday School teacher and she spent countless hours volunteering at the United Church Thrift Shop where she made many friends and was a philanthropic example for her children.
She is pre-deceased by her parents Franklin G. Bradshaw (a retired Fish and Wildlife Officer) and Betty T. Graham (whom Mary Ann spoke of often and described as “the best mom who was always there for me”).

Mary Ann started and ended almost every conversation with laughter. She is fondly remembered for her good humour, warm smile, and was often the reluctant peacekeeper amongst family and friends. As the youngest of five humour was likely a survival strategy that she kept intact throughout her 77 years. She is predeceased by siblings Franklin Bradshaw, Betty Irene “Renie” LaCount (née Bradshaw), William Bradshaw and brother-in-law Robert Birss. Surviving her is her sister Jeannette “Jan” Tillner (née Bradshaw) as well as her brother-in-law Dr. John Birss who has been a great source of advice and support to the family during her illness.
Her many nieces, nephews, grandnieces/nephews, cousins, and friends were so important to her and she made sure to see as many of them as she could once her diagnosis occurred in the summer of 2021. Niece Sue LaCount always felt like she had a second mother in Mary Ann.

Mary Ann took pictures of extended family with her to hospice along with her knitting, colouring books, word search puzzles, calendars, black licorice, jellybeans, tea, Keurig cups and ghetto blaster. She wasn’t going to her final home without family, candy, caffeine, and music! A special thanks to all those who travelled great distances from all over the province to see mom before she passed (with niece Deb Gibson travelling from Ontario to say good-bye). Thank you too to niece Kathy for bringing mom’s sister Jan to visit her when they were both on the same floor at the U. of A. hospital, which turned out to be the final reunion for the two sisters. To the many kind neighbours and friends who visited her, checked-in with Peter and offered constant support, the family sends their gratitude. Mary Ann felt your impact and spoke of your actions often in her final few months.

We would be remiss if we did not thank the outstanding care received from the Roozin Family (a.k.a. Pilgrim’s) Hospice Centre. Not one volunteer, aide, nurse, doctor, or manager treated mom as anything but close family. In the two short weeks she lived there they took the time to know her so thoroughly that during the honour guard and service they provided as she left us they were able to share personal anecdotes about her, admissions of indulging her in a final rum and coke (which she would have loved) and pictures with her when they had her with them in the nurses’ station at night when she grew too restless for bed. She was adored. Her cousin (Minister Phyllis Greenslade with help from husband Stan) sang a favourite hymn and said a prayer for Mary Ann with family around her bedside less than an hour before she passed, reflecting on how well her life was lived.
Her favourite hymn (Whispering Hope) captures the mixed sense of loss and longing that many of us feel with Mary Ann’s passing:
Then when the night is upon us
Why should the heart sink away?
When the dark midnight is over
Watch for the breaking of day.

Rest easy mamma.

A private service will be held at a future date once family are able to gather given covid restrictions.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to either Pilgrim’s Hospice Centre Edmonton or Dayspring Presbyterian Church.

October 20, 1922 – October 16, 2021
Louisa passed away peacefully in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 98 years.
Louisa is survived by son Gord (Myrna) Snider and Audie-Louisa Butcher, 5 granchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Predeceased by son Donald Snider and daughter Camille Snider.
Thank you to Our Parent’s Home and Good Samaritan Southside for their care of Mom in her later years.

          DALE ANDREW LUNDIE

                                             MARCH 13, 1970 – OCT 13, 2021

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the early passing of Dale Andrew Lundie at the age of 51.

Dale was born in Calgary AB March 13th 1970.  During his life he spent time in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

While Dale was with us, he left a lasting memory with everyone he met. His humor, energy and strength far outweighed his shy and humble personality.  He was many things to many people. He was a son, a brother, a proud father, a friend and companion. How he touched everyone can best be described by just a few of the many, many people in his life.

Dale as a son –

I lost my baby boy Dale. I was supposed to go before you! Now I only have your son to remind me of you. Your son and your brothers Donny, Rod and Linc. We spent a lot of time together while we were in the environmental workplace, travelled all over. I taught you a lot about work and the workplace environment. You were the best at what you did! Now I will be bringing your ashes back to Churchill to lay you to rest beside your grandma and uncles and stepmom. We had our ups and downs. Know that I loved you so much and forever! Until we meet again son. Love you. Dad bert – “pops”

–        Bernard Lundie

Dale as a brother –

We have Mind Body and Soul and unfortunately, like many in this world, you lost your body… you are still with us in Mind and Soul!! I know this because we were together the last few nights in my dreams. See you again tonight and many nights to come. And best of all see you again on the other side where we can do all the stuff we did when we grew up together!! Go Montreal Canadians!! Love U my brother!!               -Lincoln Camphaug

Being the same age, we had basically the same friends and hung out together most of our young lives.  I learned a lot of good things from Dale, but also learned a lot of bad…. lol. I remember roaming around just to see what kind of sh#t we could get into, and take part of or cause. He was the best defense partner any hockey player could ask for. His 90 mile an hour right arm will never be forgotten.  The “Churchill Whip” I’ll miss you always and will always cherish the memories.  I love you brother. See you again someday.                                            –  Roderick Camphaug

Thanks for taking care of  him!                                                 –  Donald Lundie to MaryAnn.                                    

Dale as a father –

Thanks for all the adventures dad. Well now I know where you are. See you again some day. Love you lots.

–        Lanny Lundie

Dale as a companion and friend –

I have many great memories of Dale. He was my first love and we started a family at a young age. He fathered my first born as his own, and we also had a son together. I’ll never forget him. He was always in my heart. He was a great guy. He had many friends and family. I will never forget the many hockey nights at my house with all the boys, our fishing trips and his finger tapping on the table. And his silly lingo for the boys. Dale touched many hearts. And was loved by many people. Love you long time, until we meet again.               –  Roberta Brabant

Lost my best friend. Dale. Knew him since 2007. We were both at turning points at the time. We helped and supported each other over the 14 years of companionship and friendship! He has left me so many memories to last a few lifetimes and then some! Was there for him through good times and bad times. He was there for me as well! He called my place…his home!  His presence is all over my house including his dog Buddy. Dale will be sorely missed by my family and dogs! Till we meet again Dale. Love always and forever Maryann, family and dogs.         –  Maryann Napope

Dale had so many friends/bros in saskatoon too numerous to count!  he will be greatly remembered for his kindness, caring, loving, sweet, quirky, mischievous, shy, compassionate character! He has left unforgettable, lasting memories and good times                   –  Friends from Saskatoon

Gone from all of us too soon with too many “Hello Again” ‘s left unsaid.

To be remembered in all the ways he left a lasting memory and smile on each of us would be his proudest accomplishment.

On October 17, 2021, Rose Haraba passed away peacefully in her sleep with her son Bobby at her side after a lengthy battle with declining health. She was 82.
Rose was a fiercely independent woman, who was also a devoted and loving single mom. To her family and friends, her generosity and love were beyond compare. She was selfless and would do or give anything to help, always making sure no one ever left hungry. She was simply an amazing cook.
Working in the restaurant and food service industry, she was renowned for her kindness and gentleness to her countless customers and friends.
Rose leaves behind her heartbroken son Bobby, his wife Cassandra, and grandson Rowan; three brothers (Georgy, Johnny, Joe); two sisters (Vicky, Betty); nieces and nephews; and devoted friends. She was predeceased by her parents, three sisters (Helen, Margaret and Amelia) and her brother (Nick).
We wish to extend our greatest appreciation to Michelle Comeau and her team at the Misericordia Hospital (Edmonton) for their extraordinary care and love for Rose when she was in their care during the heavy pandemic restrictions.
Rose wished to be cremated but did not want a service to be held. She made the world a better place. She can now rest.