December 13, 1926 – February 20, 2018

STANWOOD, Harley M. passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on February 20, 2018.  He’ll be forever loved and remembered by his children, Garnet, Kevin and June (Rick Buchanan) Sawatzky; grandson, Kyle Ross; brother, Art Sawatsky; sister, Mary Wiebe; sister-in-law, Vel Sawatzky; and numerous nephews and nieces, particularly Eileen Finlay and Marion Unger.

It’s impossible to sum up any life in a few short words, Dad had 91 years. Dad, one of 7 children, was born in Aberdeen, SK on December 13, 1926 to the late Henry H. and Mary (née Elias) Sawatzky.  Having grown up on a farm, Dad enjoyed the machinery side of things and had a career in farm implement sales and management.  He lived a simple life, was kind, had a good sense of humour, enjoyed sports, music and reading, had a green thumb, was an awesome soup maker, willingly shared his pearls of wisdom and was fiercely independent. 

The family would like to thank the staff at Youville for the care they provided.

Following his wishes, there will be no funeral; cremation has taken place. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sturgeon Memorial Funeral Chapel.

In lieu of flowers donations to your local Canadian Cancer Society chapter would be appreciated.  

July 17, 1935 – Feb. 16, 2018

John passed away peacefully with his wife of 52 years, Betty at his side in the Royal Alexandra Hospital. He fought a long courageous battle with many health issues, he is now at peace. John will be sadly missed and forever remembered by wife, Betty; daughters, Lianna (Paul) Olson and Helena (Stephen) Smith; grandchildren, Rebecca (Travis) Sapala , Richard Olson, Jonah Smith , Kyla Smith, Holly Smith and Reaghan Smith; siblings, Lorna Nelson, Dorothy (Ed) Zyblut, and Dwaine (Ginny) Garner; brother-in-law, Woody (Freda) Sewell; sister-in-law, Hazel ( Dwayne) Chyz; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many close friends. John was predeceased by his father, William; mother, Elizabeth (Laura); brothers, Melvin and Herbert. Special thanks to all John’s doctors and all the staff on 6th East Robbins Pavilion — your exceptional care and compassion will always be remembered.

Funeral Service
Saturday, March 10, 2018
at 2:00 pm
 Sturgeon Memorial Funeral Chapel
5016 – 47 Avenue
Bon Accord, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to

 Laryngectomy Memorial Fund in

John’s name by contacting Shannon Kitts 

780-407-4421 or shannon.kitts@ahs.ca  

October 26, 1949 – February 18, 2018

Ken Ortmeier, passed away on February 18, 2018 in Sturgeon Hospital in St.Albert, Alberta at age 68 years. He was surrounded by family and friends. Ken was born in Polo, South Dakota to William and Katherine Ortmeier on October 26,1949. He was the 4th of 11 children, (2 of Ken’s brother passed as small infants.) “Kenny” grew up on the family farm and his family was active in St. Liborius Parish, as well as his entire school years at Polo S.D. Following high school graduation, Ken enlisted into the Air Force. He served his country with honour and distinction as a MP in the Vietnam conflict. On return to the United States, he was stationed at Ellsworth Air Force base in Rapid City S.D. It was here that he met the love of his life Judy Moore. They were married on August 17, 1973 in Our Lady’s Chapel at the Cathedral of Rapid City S.D. In July of 1974, Ken moved his family to Morinville, Alberta in Canada. It was here that he graduated from NAIT. He then pursued a career as a carpenter for the next 38 years. In August of 1979 Ken and Judy build their family home in Calahoo, Alberta. This would remain his home and castle until his last days. Ken was a member of St.Catherine’s Parish for 38 years, a Knights of Columbus, and volunteered with Catholic Family Ministries. Ken had 2 great loves, his deep love for Jesus and the catholic faith, especially the rosary and Divine Mercy. Never would you find his pocket without his rosary or his medals around his neck. His second great love was his family, he worked to come home to his family, he eagerly waited for grandchildren, and when they started to come, he was in love. Napping with them, teaching them to say Poppo, and praying for them as well. Hoping for new grandchildren was one of his greatest pleasures. The love of his faith, his wife, children, grandchildren and the seemingly endless renovation projects he would take on for his children are just some of the things we can list to show what kind of person Poppo was. The best testament to the life of Ken Ortmeier, and the man he was, is the love and compassion he blessed us all with. For all of us who knew and loved him it was returned 10 fold. He was and will always be our beloved Poppo.

Ken is preceded in death by his mother, Katherine(nee Abernatty); his dear granddaughter, Isabella Hope Jodoin; his 2 infant brothers, Gerald Gerard and William; his In-laws, Buck and Elaine Moore; as well as his sister-in-law’s, Doneen Moore (nee Ashmore), and LeeAnn Moore (nee Sime).

Ken is survived by his wife of 44 years, Judy; his 3 children: daughter, Brandi (Corey) Jodoin and their children Brett, Mikaila, Elijah, Katelyn, Mary-Beth, Ethan, Sarah, Eva, Arianna, Isaac and No. 12 yet an unborn grandchild; son, Kelly (Chantal) Ortmeier and their children,Faith, Nathaniel, Joshua, Gabriel, Hannah, Jillian, Abigail, Kathryn and Emily; and daughter, Amanda (Darren) Cherneske and their daughter Jade. His father, William (Bill); his siblings, Mary (Steve) Powers, Judi (John) Bokenfohr, Bob Ortmeier, Gloria (John) Byrnes, Joe (Vicki) Ortmeier, Camay (Brad) Baloun, Diane Zweifel and Bill (Brenda Ortmeier). Judy’s siblings, Carolyn Stahl, Steve (Pam) Moore, Kelly (Denise) Moore and Kristi (Dave) McGill.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons Brett, Elijah, Ethan and Isaac Jodoin. Nathaniel, Joshua, and Gabriel Ortmeier.

   Public Viewing

Monday, February 26, 2018at 7:00 pmSt. Catherine’s Catholic Church
Calahoo, Alberta

Funeral Service

Tuesday, February 27, 2018
at 12:00 pm
St. Catherine’s Catholic Church
Calahoo, Alberta 

In Lieu of Flowers, Please make a donation to Catholic Family Ministries, St. Emerence Catholic Parish in Rivere Qui Barre or Pure Witness Ministries of Saskatoon, Sask.

July 15, 1953 – February 10, 2018

On February 10, 2018 Don Knott passed away at 64 years of age. Don was survived by his sister, Shirley Taylor; brother, Jack (Pauline) Knott; as well as nieces, nephews, and friends. Don was predeceased by his parents, Allen and Jean Knott, twin brother, Doug Knott, and brother in-law Gerry Taylor.

Memorial Service

Monday, February 19, 2018
at 11:00 am
Gibbons United Church
4703 – 50 Avenue
Gibbons, Alberta

 Donations in Don’s memory may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association.

June 3, 1948 ~ February 8, 2018

Diane Joyce Sherwood (nee Ward) lost her battle with cancer after a courageous fight. Diane is survived by her loving husband of 50 years, Lamont Sherwood; two children, Troy Sherwood, and Karen (Art) Oloske; grandchildren, Kayla, Roy, and Ashley Oloske; two brothers, Dennis (Darlene) Ward, and David (Annette) Ward; as well as cousins, nieces, nephews, numerous extended family and friends. Diane was predeceased by her parents, Roy and Margaret (nee Gamble) Ward.

Celebration of Life  

Saturday, March 3, 2018
at 1:00pm
Gospel Centre Pentecostal Church
9445 – 153 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta 

Memorial Donations

The Cross Cancer Institute
11560 University Avenue NW
Edmonton, Alberta T6G 1Z2

and/or

Sturgeon Community Hospital
201 Boudreau Road
St. Albert, Alberta T8N 6C4

October 24, 1938 ~ January 20, 2018

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kaz at the age of 79 years. Kaz is survived by his children; Bobby, Alice and Ursula; their mother, Rose – Marie (nee Winter); along with his grandchildren, Joshua, Danny (Karina), Leah, Andrea, Rebecca (Jeremy), and Joseph; great grand Children, James, Jackie and Evelyn; as well as numerous extended family and friends.

Kazimierz was predeceased by his mother and father, Stanislawa and Henryk, his brother Zygfryd and his daughter Barbara. 

Celebration of Kaz’s Life

Saturday, January 27, 2018
2:00 pm
Promised Land Ministries
12147 – 67 Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta

August 26, 1959 – January 9, 2018

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Gary at the age of 58 years, on the evening of January 9, 2018, after a courageous battle with cancer. Gary is survived by his wife of 20 years, Penny (nee Stark); his children, son Zachary, step-daughter, Cori; and from a previous marriage son, Bradford Mormul; grandson, Ethan Mormul; and daughter, Abbey (Mike) Stoton; and his mother, Millicent Pratt (nee Struthers). Gary was one of seven Pratt children, of the six he is survived by his twin brother, Jamie Pratt, as well as siblings, Marylyn (Philip) Pelletier, Ward (Sharon) Pratt, Hilary Stewart, and Judy Owad; brother in-law, Donn Whenham; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, extended family, and friends.

He was predeceased by his father, Bill Pratt; and his sister, Robin Whenham.

Gary enjoyed a career in the military. He was a wonderful husband, father, son, brother and friend. Gary loved to help others, and his love and devotion to family knew no bounds. He will be sadly missed.

Celebration of Life
Friday, January 19, 2018
2:00 pm
Sturgeon Memorial Funeral Chapel
5016 -47 Avenue
Bon Accord, Alberta

January 20, 1951 – December 31, 2017

Diane would like to let you all know that her work here is done.  She was given an opportunity to good to pass up.  This was an offer she could not refuse, and she will not be returning from.  This assignment came with a huge sign on bonus, a reunion with family and friends that she has not seen in a long time.  100% job security.  She gets to go to a wonderful place where she will be socializing, crafting, and gardening.  Music, laughter and love are guaranteed.  Food is delicious and she will never gain an ounce.

We would like to let you know that she did a great job and wish her a safe journey.  We will remember her smile, warmth and her energy, her love for life, family and friends.  She worked hard all her life and she made a difference in the lives of many.

She leaves behind her older sister, Charlotte; and her 2 brothers, Len and Dale.  Her sons; Ron, Kelly (Shari), Jason (Tina), and Darryl; her grandchildren, Kristy, Kodi, Nathan, Rebekah, Harley, Austin, Hudson and Lucas; as well as numerous extended family and friends. 

Celebration of her Life
Friday, January 12, 2018
at 1:30 pm
Sturgeon Memorial Funeral Chapel
5016 – 47 Avenue

Bon Accord, Alberta

October 4, 1924 – December 29, 2017

June passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family. She was a woman of strength, intellect and humor. June was a cherished friend, caring mother and proud grandmother and great grandmother. Though her body failed her these last 4 years, she was always eager to discuss world affairs, women’s rights and was an advocate for animal protection. She chose to leave this earth as she lived her life – with dignity, grace and serenity. June is lovingly remembered by her children; Jeanne Findlay (Reg), Cathryn Reynolds (Wayne), Bruce Kroker (Diane), Heather Groves (Greg), Doug Kroker (Barbara), Jim Kroker (Heather), and Bonnie Spence (Darcy); as well as numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. The family thanks the staff at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital for their care and kindness. As per June’s request a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations may be made in her memory to SCARS (Second Chance Animal Rescue Society) Box 3045, Athabasca, AB T9S 2B9 or www.scarscare.org.  

March 1, 1959 – January 2, 2018

It is with immense sadness that our family announces the sudden passing of Robert Draper on January 2, 2018, at the age of 58 years.

He will be forever loved and missed by his partner, Mariana; daughters, Tehra (Richard) and Kristen; step children Loriann, Troy and Jesse; grandchildren, Demi, Bree, Shaye, Mikayla, Gavin and Conner; brothers, Garry (Teri), Wayne (Lorraine) and Randy (Cindy); sisters, Bernice (Stuart) and Lisa; best pal, Larry; as well as many extended family and friends.

Robert was predeceased by his father, Robin; and mother, Ethel.

Rob was a free-spirited man who loved nothing more than to sit around a campfire with his family and friends drinking beer and telling stories. As it was his wish, we would like to honor his life the same way he lived it and will be having his celebration of life this coming summer. Additional details will follow.