Province: Alberta | AB

Galen had happy childhood memories of the different places the family lived — those early years at the ranch at Willow Valley near Lundbreck, Alta.; at Enderby, B.C.; and at Linden, Alta. When he was 17, the family settled at Pincher Creek. Shortly after they moved, they went through the pain of losing their mother.

When Galen was 14, he heard the call of God. He answered that call and peace flooded his heart. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite at Enderby, B.C. He remained faithful to the end.

He met me, Judy Blosser, when he visited at Gallup, New Mexico. We were married on Nov. 18, 1977, at the Meridian Congregation near Hesston, Kansas. God gave us 43 precious years together. We were blessed with five beautiful children.

As a young man, Galen worked at the local tire shop. Then he went to John Deere, where he was parts man for 15 years. An opportunity opened for him to manage a hardware store. It evolved into a paint and flooring business, which he purchased and managed the rest of his life.

He made many friends through his work in the community. The last nine years I worked by his side in the business. We felt like our mission was to our community and enjoyed many good visits with our customers.

Family was important to Galen. We did a lot of travelling, spending time with dear relatives and making many special memories. As our sons married, each bride was loved and accepted. Galen loved his nine grandchildren dearly and took a special interest in each one. He loved nothing better than to gather the family around our table.

Galen had a quiet personality. He was an avid reader, and kept up with the daily news. He had a wealth of knowledge, and when he talked, he was worth listening to. Galen didn’t express his deep feelings easily, but his hugs meant everything. His heart was easily touched, with tears springing into his eyes. He is remembered for the twinkle in his eye and his sense of humour.

Those left with precious memories are his wife, Judy; his children and grandchildren: Kent and Christina, Domonic, Avonlea and Hailey of Bow Island, Alta.; Marshall and Emmy Lou, Seth and Savannah of Las Vegas, New Mexico; Troy and Lisa, Maci and Madisen of Grifton, North Carolina; Jasper and Bethany, Mila and Harper of Pincher Creek; and Emily Unruh of Pincher Creek.

He is survived by his siblings: Warren and Gwen of Sinclair, Man.; Lavonne and Jeff Blosser of Pincher Creek; Geneva and Kyle Koehn of Lakin, Kansas; Lorraine Unruh, Marilyn and Lyle Reimer and stepmother Margaret Fehr, all of Pincher Creek; in-laws: Arnold and Carolyn Blosser, Carolyn and Laurel Schmidt, Roberta and Eldo Wiggers, Joyce and Jerry Penner, Cynthia and Daniel Hughes, Jeff and Lavonne Blosser, Marsha and Keith Schmidt and Naomi Nichols; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Alvin and Luella, infant brother Rodney, brother Merle, stepmother Betty, infant granddaughter Katrina and brother-in-law Conard.

The youngest of four children to Andrew and Aniela Zur, “Chic,” as he was affectionately known, was born Nov. 27, 1932.

Upon completing Grade 10, he apprenticed as an automotive mechanic at Ulrich’s Service Station in Blairmore, eventually owning and operating the Little Chief Service Station in Coleman. He went back to school for his heavy-duty papers and went to work at Kaiser and Coleman Colliers until his retirement.

As a young boy he was introduced to the cowboy way of life and became an accomplished horseman. As a young man he rodeoed, jockeyed and did equestrian events with his first wife, Linda. As a result of his lifestyle he suffered numerous ailments, which he struggled with for his life.

At age 60 he and his second wife, Josephine, farmed on the North Burmis. If you dropped by for a visit, it was a given that you would be playing some crib and discussing the current events. He was on the farm until health issues made him move into town. He was a resident at Crestview Lodge until his passing.

Chic is survived by sons Jim (Shelley), Arnold (Renee), Billy (Tammy) and daughter Rose (Kevin); stepsons Greg (Lisa), Ron (Patti), Darren (Heather) and stepdaughter Karen (Michael); grandchildren Curtis, Christopher, Abby, Britnie, Cooper, Kyla, Jocelyn, Courtney, TY, Mykayla, Keith and Conner; great-grandchildren Carter, Morgan and Trinity; as well as numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom were dear to his heart.

Chic was predeceased by his parents, Andrew and Nellie Zur; stepfather Mike Mirka; wife Josephine Zur; siblings Joe Zur, Mary Wasylkiewzc (Bill Kaklin, Walter Wasylkiewzc), Vicky Chupka (Harry Chupka); and nephew Billy Kaklin.

At Chic’s request, no service will be held. Condolences may be sent through www.edensfuneralhome.com.

Memory rides a quiet horse
With a gentle hand on the rein
May the star of hope shine on you
Until we meet again
May you never lose faith in the future
May you never feel shame for the past
And the flower of friendship flourish

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home

403-627-3131     www.edensfuneralhome.com

She was never far from our thoughts and prayers; she will be deeply mourned by her family and friends.

Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Mental Health Association, 426 Sixth St. South, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 2C9.
Condolences may be sent through www.edensfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home

403-627-3131     www.edensfuneralhome.com

Dave was born on Aug. 9, 1941, in Coaldale, Alta., to Aaron Lepp and Annie Kroeker. On Nov. 7, 1964, Dave married his high school sweetheart, Donna Rossiter, and together they raised their son, Troy (born 1968), and their daughter, Gena (born 1970).

After leaving the family farm in Skiff, Alta., in 1971, Dave, Donna and their children settled in Lethbridge until 1977, when the family made the move to Pincher Creek. There Dave built a large shop on their mountain property between the Gladstone Valley and Beaver Mines.

Dave spent many years painting cars, fixing anything mechanical, doing dirt work with his Caterpillar, sandblasting and milling lumber, among many other activities. Dave also worked at Westcastle Resort in the early ’80s and for the MD of Pincher Creek driving gravel truck.

Dave was preceded in death three months ago by his wife of 56 years, Donna; also his son, Troy; brothers Arnold and John; and many other family members.

Dave is survived by his devoted daughter, Gena; son-in-law Clayton Salzmann; granddaughters Felicia Salzmann and Rachel Piercey (Dylan); and precious great-grandson Elias Piercey.

The family’s gratitude goes out to the wonderful staff of the Pincher Creek Health Centre and to all the friends and neighbours who visited Dave and offered their support over the past two weeks.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, once travel and gathering restrictions have been lifted and we can all celebrate Dave’s life together. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dave’s name to the Canadian Cancer Society at www.cancer.ca/donate.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Snodgrass Funeral Homes

403-627-4864     www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

Tenus was born on the family farm at Pearce, Alta., on Aug. 31, 1923; the fifth child born to Hendrika (Veldhuis) and Hein Van Tol. His parents immigrated to Canada from the Netherlands and met at Monarch, Alta., where they were married. The Van Tols moved to the Fort Macleod area from Pearce, where Hein continued to farm. The Gladstone Valley became home in the early ’50s.

Tenus went to work logging in northern Ontario when he was 16. As a young man, he worked as a ranch hand for many in the Pincher-Lundbreck area upon his return. He took up the carpentry trade that brought him to Saskatoon, where he met a career nurse, Norma Jean Crawford, and was smitten. They were married there on Sept. 4, 1954.

When construction went flat, Tenus and Norma decided to move back to southern Alberta and settled in Fort Macleod in 1958. Tenus started Van Tol Construction and Norma nursed at the hospital, retiring as matron.

They raised two children and were involved in the community through their church and various service organizations. Sadly, Norma passed from cancer in October 1987 at the age of 60.

Ranching was work Tenus loved and he ran cattle on the home place up the valley; a strong work ethic and a love of nature kept him tied to the land. Tenus took pleasure in combing the backcountry on horseback, whether looking for game, unique landscapes or photo opportunities. He loved to garden and always had an abundance of flowers.

Tenus was predeceased by his parents and all his siblings: sisters Ann, Gert, Ricky, Jenny; brothers Joe, Ari, Dick, Hank, Ben.

His children, Carla McNally (Calgary) and Greg Van Tol (Pincher Creek), granddaughter Chelsea Ling and great-grandsons Jude and Jett Ling (Charlottetown) celebrate his life with fond memories and gratitude for his wisdom, kindness and love. He will be remembered fondly by his care providers and extended family members.

Tenus will be interred with Norma in Union Cemetery, Fort Macleod, at a later date. No funeral service at the request of the deceased.

Memorial contributions to the charity of your choice at your discretion.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Snodgrass Funeral Homes

403-627-4864     www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

Shirley grew up in Natal/Sparwood, B.C. After high school she went off to nurse training in Calgary. Pincher Creek being her practicum, in her training she met her husband, Bob, who predeceased her. She worked as a nurse in Pincher Creek until her retirement.

Shirley enjoyed waterskiing, bowling, curling and, most of all, golf. She was a fixture at the Pincher Creek golf course, often exceeding 100 rounds of golf per year. In her later years she loved watching old movies on TV.

Shirley is survived by her two children: Deanna and Lance; her four grandchildren: Dane, Dean, David and Julio; her four great-grandchildren: Emily, Owen, Lyndon and Dayton. Shirley is also survived by her two sisters: Marge (John) Halko and Wendy (Ray) Allen.
She was a dedicated daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

There will be a small family gathering. When Covid restrictions allow, there will be a celebration of life.

Condolences may be sent through www.edensfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home

403-627-3131     www.edensfuneralhome.com

Jack received his first name in honour of his dad, Jack, and his middle name was his mom Elsie’s surname. Jack descended from a pioneer family of Pincher City (Pincher Station). His grandfather Richard Walter Morgan came from Ontario and was a dispatcher for CPR in Cranbrook. Later, in 1907, Richard and Lenore settled at Pincher City, where they built and operated a general store for seven years. In Jack’s own words, they sold a little bit of everything. This included groceries, clothing and hardware items. The store unfortunately burned in 1914, but the Morgans were undaunted and forged on. For a couple of years they farmed just west of Pincher City. The land now belongs to Leo Robbins.

Richard and Lenore moved to Pincher Creek, where they established one of the settlement’s first garages. Known as Pincher Creek Motors, it served as the General Motors outlet. Richard’s brother Lance also established a GM garage in Blairmore, located across the street from the Greenhill Hotel. The Pincher Creek Motors location on East Avenue, where the post office now sits, was part of the old highway route that went through town. Established in 1916, this was the era when motorized vehicles were becoming popular, so the timing of the garage was ideal. This was a brick building that extended east into the alleyway — to the north were several bays where the mechanical work was completed. There were two gas pumps facing the garage on the street — the utilitarian grade was the most popular with customers. Jack remembers that the gas business was particularly busy during the Second World War when the army corps was based out of the armouries, located just south of where Matthew Halton High School was built. Upstairs above the garage was a small family apartment where Richard and Lenore resided.

Jack Morgan was born on Oct. 18, 1932, one of two children born to Jack Morgan Sr. and his wife, Elsie Haysom. Jack had an older sister, Lenore. Jack attended elementary school in the old Public School, two blocks to the east where Central School later was located. His later education was in the old Pincher Creek High School, located upstairs in the two-storey 1912 Town Hall across the street from the garage. Jack smiled when he told us his favourite part of school was dismissal time. The school washrooms were located in the basement alongside the town jail, which provided a great opportunity to visit with the prisoners.

Pincher Creek Motors was operated by three generations of the Morgan family. Jack’s father operated the business for years, as did Jack. Jack recalled he would much rather work than attend classes.

In 1947, the Morgans sold their East Avenue garage to the Pincher Creek Co-op. They moved their business to its new location at the corner of Main Street and Bridge Avenue. This too was along the highway route as it meandered through town. Previously this had been the Hub Cigar Store. An unusual building feature was its drive-through archway, which sheltered the gas pumps from the inclement weather. Next door was the Colpman’s Drug Store, which had a soda counter. A small cabinet door accessed both businesses and was where garage staff could order their favourite treats. As in Jack’s words, Donna Barclay Elliott made very good milkshakes, sundaes and banana splits.

General Motors vehicles were sold out of the garage. Two were on display in the show room and several others in the open car lot to the west. Additional vehicles were stored in Gaston Rigaux’s storage building located on the north side of the creek and east of the highway. Pincher Creek Motors rented this building. The garage also was a favourite visiting spot for local fellows who loved to swap stories, some true and some embellished. Jake Smith, Damase Therriault and Gerald Simpson were some of the regulars. When the garage was sold in 1974, gasoline sold for 50 cents a gallon. Over the years, Pincher Creek Motors received two awards from General Motors. One was an electric desk lamp and brass plaque received for the garage’s 25th anniversary in 1941, and the second was a plaque for its 50th anniversary, celebrated in 1966. These milestones really pleased Jack.

Jack Morgan was raised in town. His first residence as a youngster was in the log house at the west end of town later owned by the Turcotts. When Jack was about 12 years old, the family moved to a house they had built on Adelaide Street. It is noted for its veranda and spruce trees. It backed onto Pincher Creek, hence Jack’s interest in fishing. As an adult, Jack and Joan lived on Morden Avenue for several years. Later, they moved back to his childhood home on Adelaide Street.

Jack spent many happy occasions fishing as a child behind the family residence. He also was an avid swimmer in the old swimming hole in the canyon at the west end of town. Jack enjoyed playing baseball with his friends and was a member of the Chinooks baseball team in 1953, which played a very competitive set of games in Melfort, Sask. The Chinooks also won the Alberta championships. During winters, Jack skated on outdoor rinks on the north side of the creek, where Kootenai Brown Pioneer Village is located, and along the east side of Bridge Avenue. Hockey was a pastime in youth and as an adult, the latter being with the old-timers team. Jack had a passion for the sport, and after-game camaraderie included wrestling and socializing. After several years, this angered Joan so much so that she went looking for him, couldn’t find him, and went home to burn his hockey pants. Many years later, it was discovered the pants belonged to Spike Cyr. As an adult, Jack coached hockey and baseball.

The Morgan family had a cabin out at Beauvais Lake. It was built in the early 1930s and was one of three dwellings out there at the time. This frame structure featured a kitchen, living room and bedroom and was heated by a wood-burning stove. Located on the north shore, Jack had to help with its cribbing when a dam was constructed at the east end of the lake. This raised the water levels and Jack gathered rocks for the cribbing. Access to the lake was via a dirt road coming to the lake’s east end, a route that became a mud hole every time it rained. Many happy family times were spent there fishing and boating. Suckers were fed to the bears. Jack was there for several summers as a youngster and adult.

Following the sale of the garage, Jack worked at the Shell Waterton plant and for the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. He purchased his ranch in the Mountain Mill district in 1985. Jack raised cattle and crops there. The ranch is dissected by Mill Creek and was the site of an oil rig drilling in 1930. This history fascinated Jack, as did finding archeological remains on the property. Jack remained on the ranch until 2020, when he moved to Crestview Lodge. Jack Buffalo, as a few members of his family fondly called him, enjoyed watching old westerns and reading good books.

Jack is sadly missed by his family. Jack’s wife was Joan Calkins, who hailed from Lacombe, Alta. They met when she came down to Pincher Creek to work in the Royal Bank, housed in the massive stone building next to the garage on East Avenue. Jack and Joan were married in 1953. Joan passed away in 2016. Together they had five children. Jack is survived by Bryan (Shari), Cathy (Darryl), Barry (Carla), Barbara (Allan) and Shawn; grandchildren: Alexandra (Matt), Chad (Corri), Brenna (Greg), Kayleigh (Jesse), Jenaye (Michael), Justin, Brandon (Jan), Brittney (Lucas), Nicholas (Hope), Robyn (Logan), Martyna (Dylan), Charissa (Branden); and great-grandchildren: Milo, Madden, Maverick, Myles, Keely, Brynley and one on the way. Jack also was predeceased by his parents, Jack Sr. and Elsie, wife Joan, sister Lenore (Ron), sister-in-law Beth (Hap), brothers-in-law Allan (Jackie), Jack (Barb) and Cork (Addie). He is survived by his brother-in-law Chub (Irmgard).

Jack was blessed to have many lifelong friends, some of whom were Jack Petersen, Larry Davis, Spike Cyr, Ronnie Brown, Bryan Walker, Bob Colpman, Jack Johnson, Henry Louey, Emil Ganske, Russell and Earl Ensign, James Bowersock, Ray DeGood and a special friend, Agnes Lee.

An outdoor service will be held on July 31, 2021; more information is forthcoming.

Donations may be made to Windy Slopes Health Foundation (PO Box 2554, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0) or to Crestview Lodge (PO Box 1058, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0) in memory of Jack.

Condolences may be sent through www.edensfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home

403-627-3131     www.edensfuneralhome.com

Shirley was born in Pincher Creek on Jan. 9, 1932, to Francis and Kathleen Packham, and had one sister and four brothers. Her husband, Ted, passed before her in 2018.

She is survived by her daughter, Andrea, and husband Peter Benoit and their daughter Tiana of Ottawa; her brothers Irwin (Elba) Packham and Melvin (Loretta) Packham; and her sisters-in-law Barb Packham, Coralea (Bob) Forbes and Dolly Toney. She has many nieces and nephews that she held dearly in her heart and loved as her own. Shirley had many friends throughout her life and each one was very special to her.

Shirley graduated from nursing school in Medicine Hat in 1954 and went on to take further certifications from McGill University in Montreal. She lived and nursed in Bermuda, Ottawa, Montreal, Kingston, Calgary and Lethbridge before returning to Pincher Creek hospital and, later, home care. Shirley loved nursing and took pride in caring for others. She touched many lives through her work.

Shirley worked hard with Ted on the Pretty Penny Ranch and had many funny stories of learning to operate some of the machinery. Shirley was a great cook and made many meals and treats for hired hands and anyone that dropped by; it was always quite a spread.

Shirley loved golf and she and Ted enjoyed many years in Arizona. She also enjoyed drawing and painting, as well as needlepoint and scrapbooking.

Shirley had a great sense of humour and a loving heart, which she shared with everyone she met. She will be fondly remembered and forever missed.

A gravesite gathering will take place at a later date.

Donations in memory of Shirley can be made to Windy Slopes Health Foundation (PO Box 2554, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0) in honour of her life as a nurse.

Condolences may be sent through www.edensfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home

403-627-3131     www.edensfuneralhome.com

Besides her loving husband, George, Yvonne is survived by her son, David (Bonnie) Dingreville; her grandchildren, Tyler (Valerie Michalsky) and Kacey-Jo (Nolan) Cotter; her great-grandchildren, Fallon, Brennley and Oakley; her sister, Jeannette McIntosh; her nephews, Christian (Laura) MacDonald and Kevin MacDonald; her great-nieces and nephews, Curtis (Laura), Adam (Zahra), Brittney, Kirby and Jada; her great-great-niece and nephew, Rayna and Mason; as well as many dear relatives and friends.

She was predeceased by her mother and stepfather, June and Roy Benoit, as well as her father, Howard Hescott.

Yvonne was born Sept. 9, 1936, in Pincher Creek and grew up in Twin Butte. On May 6, 1955, she married George in the Pincher Creek United Church. On June 17, 1957, they welcomed their son, David, into their lives.

Yvonne loved her family very much; her many jobs over the years, such as Crestview Lodge (25 years), Chris’ Restaurant in Coleman, the Co-op cafeteria, the Oldman Dam (during construction period) and Fix Auto; and all of the friends she made over the years.

Yvonne worked until the age of 80. She enjoyed going on her dates with “the girls” for coffee and lunch, spending time visiting with them. Yvonne was a very hard worker and always willing to lend a helping hand.

Her pride and joy were her grandkids and great-grandkids; she was always happy to receive pictures of them. She will be missed dearly by her family and friends.

A memorial gathering will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pincher Creek Foundation (PO Box 1058, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0) in memory of Yvonne.

Condolences may be sent through www.edensfuneralhome.com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home
403-627-3131      www.edensfuneralhome.com