1929 – 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Aurore, our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister, aunt …… on Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Grey Nuns Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 95 years.

At her age of 95, She was able to reach the title of Great Grandmother to 25 little blessings. Her legacy will be endless, as we expect those blessing to continue as well as layer into great great, great … blessings!!!

She was a mother to 6: Diane Helmers, Carolyn Mageau (Marcel), Darlene Lafond (Harvey), Corrie Kerekes (Rita Bilodeau), Brian Kerekes (Crystal Hodgson), and Ken Kerekes.

A grandmother to 20, Diane’s: Shane Mageau, Rochelle Haws, and Nadine Winkler | Carolyn’s: Nicolas Mageau, Lucas Mageau, and Colette Hayes | Darlene’s: Christopher Lafond, Dominique Lafond, Patrick Lafond, and Danielle Brochu | Corrie’s: Jessica Kerekes, and Gary Kerekes |Brian’s; Belinda, Tara, Ashley, Travis, Tristan, Joshua, and Emma | Ken’s: Karisa Kerekes.

She was predeceased by her daughter, Carolyn Mageau (1955-2017); mother, Leauna Marie (nee Poirier) Bussiere (1907-1995); father, Jean Baptiste Bussiere (1900-1982); her 2 sisters, Doris Bussiere (1944-1954), and Lillian Gaboury (1931-2016); brother, Robert Bussiere (1925-2008); 1 nephew, Terry Phaneuf (1958-2024); brothers-in-law, Ed Phaneuf (1933-2007), Raymond Gaboury (1930-2008), and Bernard Godin (1937-2024 ); 2 sisters-in-law, Margaret Bussiere (1928-1981), and Helen Bussiere (1913-2005)… in final, apologize to you, MOM, if we have missed someone that was important to you!

Born at home near Vonda, Saskatchewan… moved to Alberta in the 1950’s, to the final place she called home Morinville, Alberta.

She was a cook, a baker, a gardener, a pet whisperer. From her special hamburger patty recipe to the endless tarts, donuts and cakes she made when we were young. TOO many adventures to list..except we need to mention her need to speed and her ability to talk a “cop” out of tickets. She enjoyed travelling Canada and the United States with family, and on her own. Did not hesitate to communicate her feelings on anything from how the co-traveller’s kept their shared accommodation to the strangers on coffee flavor and dress attire. We loved and worried as to what was going to be said next. Unconditional love was given and received.

In the ending years, she so enjoyed, family activities that could accommodate her mobility and sight restrictions; from going to afternoon garage parties at her daughter, Diane’s home in Sherwood Park. Visiting with her son Corrie & daughter-in-law, Rita, at their family farm. Or doing a trip to see her son Brian’s and daughter-in-law, Crystal, to their home in Sylvan Lake and endlessly pet their dog. Doing weekly country drives with Darlene and son-in-law, Harvey. To having suppers out with son, Ken.

Rest now and forever know we miss you and wait for the day we can talk with you again.

Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, please donate to Fighting Blindness Canada (FBC) https://www.fightingblindness.ca/
It is the largest charitable funder of vision research in Canada, and they specifically fund research into age-related macular degeneration (AMD) which is what was the BIGGEST STRUGGLE AURORE HAD.
It is unfair to be a human GPS but cannot see!!!

Celebration of Life
Saturday, July 12, 2025
from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm
Morinville Place Amenity Room
9910 – 107 Street
Morinville, Alberta

Catholic Mass
A Catholic Mass and Funeral are planned for
Saturday, August 9, 2025
at Sacred Heart Parish in Spiritwood, Saskatchewan.

June 16, 1944 ~ June 4, 2025

On Wednesday, June 4, 2025 Lorne passed away just shy of his 81st birthday, surrounded by friends and family. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Georgina Melnyk; his daughter, Laurie (Stig) Laursen; his son, Robbie (Amy) Melnyk; his 6 grandchildren, Bret (Holly) Laursen, Craig (Claire) Laursen, Marie (Nathan) Jarema, Kalin, Ty, and Avery Melnyk; and his 8 and a half great grandchildren, Parker, Asher, Madelynn, Mitchell, James, Henley, Erik, Luke, and one on the way. He is lovingly remembered by his sisters, Pheona (Art) Tanner and Beverly McCullough; brother, Bryan (Danna) Melnyk; as well as many adored nieces, nephews and friends.

He is predeceased by his parents, Nicholas and Mildred Melnyk; his sisters, Audrey (Ralph) Vaugeois and Donna (Bill) Plican; and brother, Randy Melnyk.

Lorne will be remembered as a prankster. Pulling jokes till his final minutes. He is known for his collection of trucks over the years. They were his pride and joy along with his wife Georgina. He loved camping, their motorhome trips to Mazatlan and having a white rum & Pepsi around the fire.

Social Gathering
Saturday, July 5, 2025
at 12:00 pm
Gibbons Community Cultural Centre
Gibbons, Alberta

February 3, 1961 ~ June 14, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Husband, Father and Grampa Gary Stewart Freeman on Saturday, June 14, 2025. He was surrounded with love by numerous family members.

Gary was very much loved by his wife, Michelle (nee Drinkill); his sons, Matthew (Kendra) and Eric. He was a super proud and much adored Grampa to Hudson, Charlotte, Carson, and Thea.

Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta on February 3, 1961 he was the son of Buzz and Pat Freeman and the youngest brother of Barry (Sandra) Freeman and Terry (Carolyn) Freeman. He will also be missed by many nephews, nieces and friends.

Gary grew up in Medicine Hat and moved first to Calgary and then to Edmonton where he met Michelle and began to raise their family. He worked as an SCBA (Self Contained Breathing Apparatus) Technician in the private sector before joining and working for many years with the City of Edmonton Fire Department, first continuing his career as an SCBA technician before becoming an inspector. He worked his way up and retired as a Captain.

Gary enjoyed watching hockey and football, hanging out with his family and many friends at any time but most special of all were the times spent camping all around Alberta and BC.

Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the
Heart and Stroke Foundation
or
Liver Canada (Canadian Liver Foundation).

Celebration of Life
Saturday July 5, 2025
2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Gibbons Legion
5027 50 Street
Gibbons, Alberta

We love you and will miss you Gary….see you around the campfire…

August 23, 1950 – May 28, 2025

On Wednesday, May 28, 2025 the world lost a loving and cherished husband, father, grandfather, son, brother and friend, Dale Chris Elias Ziefflie at the age of 74 years.

Born August 23, 1950 in Melfort, Saskatchewan to parents Chris and Ester Ziefflie, Dale grew up in Melfort where he went to school and would eventually meet the woman who would become his wife of 50 years, Marjorie Anne Flodell. In 1973 with big dreams for their future, Dale and Marjorie packed up their worldly possessions and ventured off to Edmonton to start a new chapter, where they eventually married in July of 1975. In March of 1978 their family grew with the birth of their first child which was followed by a move in 1980 to Redwater, Alberta where Dale and his family settled down for good. He also began his 35 year career as a pipeline supervisor with Texaco (Imperial Oil) this year before their last child was born in January of 1981.

During the early years in Redwater while their children were young, Dale could be found coaching his son’s hockey and baseball teams, working on cars and fixing up golf carts to supply the Redwater golf course. He also spent a big majority of this time traveling across many provinces for his children’s hockey, ringette, baseball, softball and dance for almost two decades.

He loved being outside, especially when the sun was shining so he could work on his tan, never a shirt to be seen. Camping, fishing, hunting, boating, sledding, golfing, hockey, baseball, gardening or continually working on & fixing up his prized antique car were some of his favourite pastimes. In his downtime he also enjoyed watching old western movies, especially anything featuring Clint Eastwood. Always wanting to stay busy, later in life Dale taught himself an incredible amount of knowledge surrounding computers and technology, which he put to use rebuilding towers and laptops while also helping others fix their computer issues.

Dale was also a total foodie at heart. He was the family chef and thoroughly enjoyed creating his own recipes, trying new ones he came across in his travels, and sharing them with anyone who asked. He especially shone when it came to making cinnamon buns or his famous Papa’s pizza.

Dale loved his family and friends fiercely. Interactions with those he loved and cared for was what he cherished the most in life. He had a wonderful sense of humour and could be a real jokester. You definitely knew he liked you if he teased you and he always enjoyed a good gab session filled with lots of laughs and good humour.

One of the things Dale most looked forward to, in these last years especially, was the bi-weekly visits from his oldest son Rodney when he was home for days off. The strong relationship they had mended and worked towards over the years was so very special to him.

Dale considered himself so blessed to be close to his four grandchildren and he spent as much quality time as he could with them. He would travel far and wide across the province to watch their ringette, hockey and dance competitions and his eyes would light up with pure joy while he witnessed their talents. Some of the most magical memories he created with his grandchildren was while he and Marj hosted at the Long Lake Provincial campground for many summer seasons, where they would stay for weeks so he could take them out boating, swimming, tubing fishing, bike riding and, most importantly, for their daily ice cream trips.

Prior to his retirement and continuing for decades to follow, Dale and Marj caught the travel bug, determined to enjoy as much of the world as possible. Together they experienced multiple cruises and vacations to a vast number of countries all across the globe. One of the most special trips was a weeklong sun-filled family vacation in 2018 to Cancun, Mexico with so many memories made that we all treasure to this day.

Dale is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Marjorie; his children, Rodney, Bobbi, and Kirk; his grandchildren, Samantha, Alexander, Harper, and Harlow; his siblings, Darlene, Doreen, and Daniel; along with numerous extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his parents, Chris and Ester Ziefflie.

His family would like to extend their gratitude and appreciation to everyone that lent him & Marj a hand from time to time over the years, especially one of his very best friends, Richard Jacob. Thank you so very much for everything you have done and continue to do for his family.

In keeping with his wishes cremation has taken place.

A Celebration of Life
Friday July 11, 2025
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Melfort Legion
101 Macleod Avenue East
Melfort, Saskatchewan

December 1, 1964 ~ June 11, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Nicky Collin George, on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, at the age of 60 years.

Nicky will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Tammy; 2 sons, Brady (Sydny) and Jake (Sasha); 3 grandchildren, Paisley, Rory, and Nathan; siblings, Glen, Rosemarie, Norman (Colleen), and Sherry; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Nicky was predeceased by his parents, Nick and Elaine (nee Brusanowsky) George.

Memorial Donations

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation
in memory of Nicky to the
Stollery Children’s Hospital.

Memorial Service

Saturday, June 21, 2025
1:00 pm
Agriculture Complex
4612 54 Avenue
Smoky Lake, Alberta

September 20, 1946 ~ June 3, 2025

It is with great sadness that the family of Jerry Wozniak announce his passing on Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at the age of 78 years.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 55 years, Pat; son Chad (Eileen); daughters Corrie Dach (Jason) and Holly; grandchildren, Cooper, Colton, Palmer, Smith, and Nixon; brother, George (Odarka); nieces and nephews along with numerous friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Ted and Kay; in-laws, Kay and George Wojtkiw.

If you were fortunate enough to know Jerry or heard stories of him, they always included a chuckle. A discussion often included restoring old cars, slo-pitch, memories of going down south and planning the next “Breakfast Club” meeting. He was a proud electrician and business owner, always willing to help out a friend or neighbor and expect nothing in return. His life was marked by generosity, kindness and love for his family. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Celebration of Life
Tuesday, June 17, 2025
at 1:00 pm
Morinville Cultural Centre
9502 100 Ave
Morinville, Alberta

Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers donations in his memory may be made to
Second Chance Animal Rescue scarscare.ca

November 10, 1940 ~ May 31, 2025

Raymond Keith Thorne “Keith” age 84 years passed away quietly in the morning, on Saturday May 31, 2025, at Capital Care Center at Norwood with his brother Richard, daughter Laurie and sister in-law Marcia with him after a long struggle with heart disease and cancer.

Keith was born on November 10, 1940 in Edmonton to Ernie and Ada Thorne. He lived his whole life in the Fort Saskatchewan area and mainly worked in various capacities at the plants but mostly as a pipefitter at Dow. He married Kathleen Birch “Kathy” at the age of 19 and they had just celebrated their 66^thwedding anniversary on May 29.

He is predeceased by his great granddaughter Mackenzie Beckley; parents Ernie and Ada Thorne; and siblings Ruth Thorne, Cecil Thorne, Ronnie (Darlene) Thorne, Clayton (Annabelle) Thorne and Margaret Rose (Richard) St. Laurent. He is survived by his brother Richard (Norma) Thorne.

Keith and Kathy had three children, Raymond (Brenda) Thorne, Laurie (Brian) Stone and Jeannie (Kent) Callaway. He was the proud grandpa to Michael (January) Thorne, Michelle (Johnny) Damberger, Justin (Tara Rae) Beckley, Ashley (Alex) Bath, Robert (Taylor) Stone, Richard (Carmen) Stone, and Keith Callaway; great grandpa to Mikayla and Marcus, Jayden and Jeanette, Cohen, Hayden and Jordyn, Jorja-Rae, Garrett, Hannah-Lee and Jackson; great great grandpa to Skylar.

Keith was interested in hockey and was involved with the referee association as well as the Fort Saskatchewan Jr. A Traders. Keith had many interests including watching hockey, curling, baseball and football, well just about every sport. He was a volunteer firefighter in the Fort for a number of years when he still lived in town. He was an avid hunter and fisherman involved with the Fort Saskatchewan Fish & Game. He volunteered at 4-H and pony club events and was very involved with the Endurance Riders of Alberta. He was a Judge for endurance riding with the Federation Equestrian International (FEI) organization. He volunteered with his son-in-law for both the men’s and women’s provincial curling play downs that were held in Wainwright. He especially loved his time that he spent with Kathy volunteering at the Fort Saskatchewan Food Bank. Keith also volunteered many hours with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in numerous different callings over the years.

Keith’s interest in horses started as soon as mom started riding endurance races. They loved the time they spent travelling and competing in long distance riding events. Keith and his horse DJ’s Delight travelled to Holland to compete in the World Equestrian Games, but his horse was pulled because the vet’s thought she was lame. He was the Canadian Chef de Equipe for a team that went to Dubai to compete in a 100 mile endurance race in the dessert. We used to tease that mom rode all her life, but dad became the “expert” when he started riding.

Celebration of Life

Tuesday, June 10, 2025
Public Viewing: at 12:15 pm
Service: at 1:00 pm
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints
9901 – 93^rdStreet
Fort Saskatchewan

Interment
Following service at the Fort Saskatchewan Cemetery

October 16, 1937 – May 23, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Elizabeth Yaceyko, who left us peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025, in Edmonton, Alberta, at the age of 87 years.

Born on October 16, 1937, in Derwent, Alberta, Elizabeth was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Marian Rino (Mike), John Yaceyko (Claire), Pauline Brown (Tim), and Michael Yaceyko (Melody); her son-in-law, Edward Jegou; her daughter-in-law, Michele Yaceyko; her brother, Dan Onysyk (Vicki); her sister, Susie Smithson; and her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Elizabeth was predeceased by her beloved husband, Emil Yaceyko; her daughter, Joanne Jegou; and her son, Peter Yaceyko; her parents, Mike and Anna Onysyk; sisters, Mary Honkonen, Kay Tanasiuk, Stephie Coggins, Ann Ozimok and Olga Boyko; and her brothers, John, Peter and Andrew Onysyk.

Affectionately known as Liz, she grew up in Derwent, where she met the love of her life, Emil. Emil and Liz lived in various communities in Alberta and Manitoba before settling in Fort McMurray in 1970 with their six children. Liz returned to school in 1974/1975 to pursued a career in business administration, eventually joining the Municipality of Wood Buffalo (then known as the Town of Fort McMurray), where she worked for 25 years until her retirement.

Liz was the heart and soul of her family-a steady, loving presence who held everyone together. She was a dedicated member of her church, volunteering and attending Mass regularly. A woman of many passions, she coached T-ball, billeted hockey players, always giving time to others, all while supporting her own children’s athletic pursuits and other interests.

She loved to travel and took every opportunity to explore the world, visiting places like Egypt, Argentina, Hawaii, Arizona, and many more over the years. Liz also had a deep love for camping, especially in her motorhome, and enjoyed countless trips with her kids throughout the years. A gifted gardener, cook, and baker, she spent countless hours canning and preparing meals, including her famous apple pies which she was well-known for – even strangers hoped for a taste.

Family gatherings were her joy, especially during Easter, Christmas, and Ukrainian Christmas. Liz would spend days preparing elaborate meals, happily for family and friends. Her home was always open, and her greatest joy was being surrounded by her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Her love for her family was boundless, and her absence will be deeply felt.

The family wishes to thank all the doctors and nurses at the Alberta University Hospital for all the care Elizabeth received in her last few days with us.

Memorial Donations
In lieu of flowers the family kindly request donations be made at either of the following charities; Alberta Cancer Foundation, University Hospital Foundation, Alberta Diabetes Foundation or the Alzheimer Society.

Celebration of Life
To honour Elizabeth’s incredible life and lasting legacy,
a celebration will be held on:
Saturday, July 5, 2025
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Holy Spirit Ukrainian Catholic Church
2 Street West
Derwent, Alberta

Family, friends, and all who were touched by her warmth and generosity are invited to join us in remembering and celebrating the remarkable woman she was.

Elizabeth’s legacy of love, kindness, and resilience will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit will forever guide and inspire us.

“Granny”
December 28, 1954 – May 18, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Deborah Genevieve Byram (née Ronaghan), lovingly known as “Granny” to her cherished grandchildren, on Sunday May 18, 2025, in her hometown of Viking, Alberta, surrounded by her family.

Debbie was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. She is survived by her devoted husband, Alan Rabby; her four daughters, Tennille, Carmen, Christy, and Serena; her adored grandchildren – Raylyn, Brooke, Rayne, Connor, Dominic, Zachary, and Teagan – whom she boasted about daily with boundless love and adoration.

Debbie was one of five siblings. She leaves behind her twin brother, Daryl Ronaghan and his son Rory; her older brother, Doug Ronaghan and his daughter Jill; and her brother, Mike (Carol) Ronaghan and their son Ben; niece Kamaljit Bates; and nephew Darwin Bates. 

She was predeceased by her sister, Joanne (Ken) Bates and sister in-law, Freidl Ronaghan. 

Her loyal companions, Tango and Chi Chi, her beloved dogs, brought her daily comfort and joy and were always by her side. Debbie’s heart was as warm as her favorite color, yellow. Her home was a sanctuary, always open and welcoming. A pot of her famously strong “farm water” coffee was always on, quietly offering hospitality to anyone who walked through her door. She found peace in the simple beauty of the land she loved, often gazing through her big bay window at the passing trains, lush green pastures, blooming flowers, and grazing cows—a daily ritual that grounded her soul. Debbie will be remembered for her kind spirit, unwavering love for her family, and the countless ways she brought comfort and joy to those around her. Her memory lives on in every laugh, every cherished story, and every moment we hold dear.

A special thank you to the nurses, doctors, and staff at the Viking Hospital and Palliative Care Unit for their exceptional compassion, care, and kindness during Debbie’s final days. Your support brought comfort and dignity to both Debbie and her family, and we are deeply grateful.

Details of a celebration of her life will be shared with family and friends in the coming days.

May 13, 1985 – May 31, 2025

It is with deep sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Wout Velthuis on Saturday, May 31, 2025 at the age of 40 years.

Wout was a gentle giant—steadfast, thoughtful, and kind. He had a razor-sharp wit and a sense of humor that could lift a room, yet he carried himself with humility and grace. His intelligence was effortless, his loyalty unwavering, and his presence deeply grounding for all who knew him.

Born on May 13, 1985, Wout lived a life full of curiosity and connection. Whether he was deep in conversation, making someone laugh until they cried, or lending a hand without hesitation, he gave himself fully and sincerely to those around him.

Wout is survived by his parents Anno and Ineke; siblings Jeroen (Cherise), Esther (Chad), Astrid (Corey); his eleven nieces and nephews; as well as a wide circle of extended family and friends who will forever cherish his memory.

Though his time with us was far too short, the impact Wout made on those around him will never be forgotten. He will be deeply missed, always remembered, and forever loved.

Celebration of Life
Saturday, June 14, 2025
at 2:00 PM
Trinity Christian Reformed Church
13427 57 St NW
Edmonton, Alberta
All who knew and loved him are welcome to attend and pay tribute.