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Province: Alberta | AB

RCMP officer with vehicle theft prevention tips

Prevention is key to vehicle theft issues

Written on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Crowsnest Pass RCMP have joined in on Alberta Citizens on Patrol’s program Lock It or Lose It, aimed at raising awareness about theft both from and of vehicles.

Officers braved the cold over the Family Day long weekend to patrol around Crowsnest Pass, check with vehicle owners that their cars were locked and valuables removed, and hand out brochures containing information about the initiative.

“We had some great discussions with community members about the small changes that we can all do to help make our vehicles less attractive to theft,” says Kimberly Hurst, president of Crowsnest Pass Citizens on Patrol.

Some tips to avoid theft include: always lock your vehicle, never leave your vehicle unattended while it’s running, remove all of your valuables, never leave your keys or garage door opener in your vehicle, use a steering wheel lock, ensure windows and sunroofs are closed, and park in well-lit, visible areas.

 

 

Alberta | AB, Citizens on Patrol | COP, Crime, Crowsnest Pass – Alberta

Early Childhood Educator playing with kids

Early Childhood Educator opportunity in Crowsnest Pass

Written on . Posted in Community Life.

Kids Kollege Preschool is seeking an Early Childhood Educator to join our team. Our preschool learning environment makes early learning tangible through play. It encompasses ways to develop the whole child through physical, social, emotional, creative and cognitive development.

ECE Role

ECE’s encourage play-based learning opportunities rooted in the children’s interests and facilitate each child’s desire to explore, discover and learn.

Our ECE team works collaboratively to plan, organize and initiate activities to help children develop and learn intellectually, focusing on social/emotional regulation strategies, creative concepts, fine/gross motor skills, listening skills, following basic directions and routines.

Education

Early Childhood Education (ECE) certification: Level 1, 2 or 3 preferred

Credentials

  • First Aid and CPR
  • Child intervention record check
  • Criminal record check with a vulnerable sector search

Early Childhood Educators Specific Skills

  • Knowledge of provincial licensing regulations
  • Provide thorough and active supervision of students at all times
  • Establish and maintain an environment that protects the health, security and well-being of children
  • Assess the abilities, interests and needs of children through observations and reflections
  • Collaborate in programming development that supports and promotes the physical, cognitive, emotional and social development of children
  • Teach basic skills such as colours, shapes, number and letter recognition
  • Teach and incorporate developmentally appropriate behavioural strategies within the classroom and assist in positive redirection of behaviours as necessary
  • Lead activities by telling or reading stories, incorporating finger plays and teaching songs
  • Provide opportunities for children to express creativity through art, dramatic play, music and physical activity
  • Guide and assist children to develop proper eating, dressing, hand washing and hygiene habits
  • Discuss progress and/or concerns with parents and other staff members
  • Maintain confidentiality and a respectful work environment
  • Establish and maintain collaborative relationships with co-workers and the board of directors
  • Follow directions given by the lead teacher, the board of directors and the licensing officer

Salary

Commensurate with education and experience

Application

Our preschool is a not-for-profit organization run by a volunteer board of directors located within Crowsnest Pass, Alberta.

Please forward a copy of your resume and cover letter to:

kidskollegecnp@gmail.com

lacybertrand@ymail.com (board president)

This competition will remain open until a suitable candidate is found.

Selected individuals will be contacted for an interview.

Alberta | AB, Crowsnest Pass – Alberta, Early Childhood Educator, ECE, Employment, Employment | Careers | Jobs | Help Wanted | Opportunities, Kids Kollege, Stories

Bison roam at Waterton Park

Bison relocated to Waterton and Kainai Nation

Written on . Posted in Community Life.

After a 3½-year absence, plains bison have returned to roam Waterton Lakes National Park. Six bison — two males and four females — were relocated from Elk Island National Park to Waterton’s popular bison paddock on Feb. 19.

The original herd was evacuated from the paddock during the 2017 Kenow wildfire and relocated to Grasslands National Park, with the exception of one bull that survived the fire and was subsequently moved to a local First Nations herd.

The six bison currently in the park are just under one year old and will be able to naturally reproduce.

“Typically it takes a few years for them to start reproducing, so in a couple of springs from now we should expect to see baby bison calves on the ground and in the bison paddock, and that’s something to look forward to for sure,” says Kimberly Pearson, an ecosystem scientist with Parks Canada.

 

Many people have asked why it took so long to bring bison back to the park. Quite simply, it comes down to the impact the wildfire had on the vegetation and soil. It wasn’t until quite recently that it was determined the land could once again support a herd.

Kimberly and her team have been monitoring the range and assessing what amounts of forage are available for bison.

“When you look at the bison paddock, there’s a lot of vegetation present, but when you look closely there’s actually still a lot of bare soil if you part the plants,” she says. “It’s not fully back to what it was prior to the fire, but it’s a great time to add bison into the mix.”

Kimberly says the massive creatures are “ecosystem engineers” that have an incredibly positive ecological impact, extending to virtually all of the plants and animals in the areas where they live.

 

Two weeks ago, Kimberly was present for the release of the bison into the winter paddock.

“It was fantastic! It was a great day, a really happy day,” she says. “It was really great to see them back on the ground in Waterton. We’ve missed them being on the ground there for the last 3½ years.”

Also present for the release were a group of local First Nations members, who performed a ceremony prior to the arrival of the bison and blessed the animals and the land. Waterton worked closely with Dan Fox, a Kainai Nation member who was chosen to transport the six bison from Elk Island National Park to Waterton.

“We know that by bringing bison back, we’re not just rebuilding ecological connections, but we’re also helping to rebuild cultural connections [and] spiritual connections for local indigenous people, so it was really important to us to have some Blackfoot elders present,” says Kimberly.

The public will be able to see the bison come springtime, when the herd will be moved to the summer paddock.

 

Also noteworthy is the relocation of 40 plains bison from Elk Island National Park to Kainai Nation. According to Leroy Little Bear, special advisor to the president at the University of Lethbridge, the process went very smoothly.

“It was a wonderful scene to see those buffalo get off the trailer and run into the pens that we had set up for them, and to see them on the ground,” he says. “We’ve been talking about hoof to ground for the last few years, so to realize that was fantastic!”

Right now, these bison are part of what is referred to as a “slow release,” which means the pasture will slowly be enlarged over time. Eventually, the herd will have about 2½ sections of land to roam.

Mr. Little Bear likens the keystone species to Edmonton Oilers superstar Connor McDavid.

“He’s the superstar, and the team is built around the superstar,” he says. “The bison is kind of like the superstar when it comes to the environment. It brings about an ecological and biodiversity balance.”

He adds that while culturally his people used bison as sustenance, it wasn’t the only thing.

“We embodied each other. It was about our songs, for instance, our stories. Our ceremonies are so connected to that buffalo,” he says, and seeing bison reinforces the cultural aspect.

 

Speaking with Kainai elders, Mr. Little Bear was told that the youth hear the songs and stories, and participate in the ceremonies, but they don’t see the bison. By not seeing the animals, it was like there was something missing. Now, however, it looks like that will be changing.

Mr. Little Bear says Kainai Nation is open to taking in more bison from other places in an effort to expand the genetic pool. The current herd will be used for cultural and research purposes. Many educational programs revolving around the bison will also be introduced.

“It’s been such a wonderful experience, such a wonderful gift, to have our brother, the buffalo, come back,” says Mr. Little Bear. “It was a team effort with many, many people involved. I want to thank all those people that are involved.”

His list of those to thank includes Parks Canada, Waterton Lakes National Park, Elk Island National Park, Banff National Park and the various non-governmental organizations that worked together with Kainai to make the dreams of bison returning to the community come true.

 

 

Alberta | AB, Dan Fox, Elk Island National Park, Environment, Fire | Wildfire, Grasslands National Park, History and Heritage, Kainai Nationo, Kimberly Pearson, Leroy Little Bear, Plains Bison, Waterton Lakes National Park – Alberta

Crowsnest Pass RCMP execute search warrant, seize weapons

Weapons seized by Crowsnest Pass RCMP

Written on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Stolen property has been recovered after Crowsnest Pass RCMP executed a search warrant Feb. 27 on a Coleman residence.

Among the numerous weapons seized are a prohibited homemade Taser, a sharpened sword and several baseball bats with metal fastened to the barrels.

Several arrest warrants were also executed.

 

Charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000 is 26-year-old Dallas Adam Caron of Pincher Creek. He was remanded into custody after a judicial hearing and will appear at Provincial Court in Pincher Creek today.

Forty-five-year-old Angel Hutton of Coleman is charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, four counts of possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose and possession of a controlled substance.

After a judicial hearing she was released on a $2,500 Promise to Pay Release Order and is scheduled to appear at Provincial Court in Pincher Creek on March 16.

 

No further updates are anticipated as these matters are before the courts.

 

Alberta | AB, Angel Hutton, Crime, Dallas Caron

Oldman River Dam near Pincher Creek

Proposed water allocation changes cause local turbulence

Written on . Posted in Uncategorized.

One of the great blessings of living in Alberta is access to clean water.

For the last 130 years, water from streams and rivers in the South Saskatchewan River Basin has been divided among users.

The provincial government manages allocations to ensure enough water remains in the environment to support aquatic habitats while still providing enough for human consumption. At least 50 per cent of available water must also flow into Saskatchewan.

With the area’s population and agricultural industry growing, water in the river basin has become overallocated. Less water is being left in rivers, running the risk of unfulfilled demand in the event of a drought.

Given the tenuous situation, many have grown increasingly concerned with proposed changes to the Oldman River Basin water allocation.

The government announced last November that it was considering changing the rules that determine how the 11,000-acre-feet limit — over 13.5 billion litres— is distributed among local sectors.

With several proposed coal mines around Crowsnest Pass at various stages of the exploratory and regulatory process, many feel the changes are simply the government opening the floodgates for coal development under the pretext of underutilization.

The situation is complex, however, and getting to the bottom of it requires a bit of a deep dive.

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Oldman allocation history

Back in the 1920s, a weir was constructed outside Fort Macleod to redirect the river’s flow into the Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District.

Irrigation helped provide water for farmers’ crops, though high summer demand coincided with low flow levels in the river. To address shortages, the Oldman Dam was constructed in 1991 to store excess water during the high spring discharge until it was needed in the drier months.

The dam’s reservoir can hold up to 400,000 acre-feet of water, though areas within the MD of Pincher Creek, MD of Ranchland, and Municipality of Crowsnest Pass became flooded. To accommodate the lost irrigation and agriculture potential, the Oldman River Basin water allocation was established in 2003.

The order applies to areas of the Oldman River upstream from the western boundary of the Piikani reserve, including the Castle River, the Crowsnest River and their respective tributaries.

The allocation originally set aside 11,000 acre-feet of water for irrigation purposes, available via licensing through the government. The order was amended in 2010 to allow a total of 1,500 acre-feet for municipal, agricultural and commercial purposes, with 9,350 acre-feet still reserved for irrigation. An additional 150 acre-feet was permitted for industrial use.

According to Alberta Environment and Parks, only 1,296 acre-feet is currently licensed for irrigation and 326 acre-feet for all other uses.

With only 16 per cent of the allocation actually being used, 9,229 acre-feet of water is going unclaimed — and although the South Saskatchewan River Basin plan stopped issuing water licences in 2006, licences for the Oldman allocation are still allowed.

The new conceptual allocation would remove the limits imposed on each sector while mandating that 2,200 acre-feet be reserved for environmental concerns.

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Why the changes?

The available licensing stems from a lack of irrigation investment, says Stewart Rood, a professor of biology at the University of Lethbridge who specializes in water resource management.

“There’s been very little uptake on that intended irrigation development,” he explains.

Irrigation works downstream, he continues, because the flatter topography allows gravity to move the water where it’s needed. The hilly region upstream would require expensive pumping. Since the area also doesn’t favour cash crops, the development initially intended by the allocation order is uneconomic.

“At one level, changing the terms of that allocation licence makes some sense,” Mr. Rood says.

However, he acknowledges that the main issue with opening up more allocation for industry comes with concerns of coal mining in the area.

Water stewardship

Benga Mining’s proposed Grassy Mountain coal project is currently under federal review. The company has applied for 454 acre-feet of water, an amount it says is triple the actual amount it will consume but is required for recycling processes, with most of the water being treated and safely returned.

One hundred and fifty acre-feet falls under a licence Benga holds for collecting run-off that would normally enter Blairmore and Gold creeks. The remaining requested allocation would come from licence transfers from Devon Canada at York Creek, and the municipality at the Crowsnest River.

No water from York Creek or Crowsnest River will actually be extracted, though the licence transfers are required to reflect the quantity of water that will be used for the coal cleaning process at the mine.

Despite being a very small portion of the 11,000-acre-feet allocation — which in turn makes up a fraction of the 400,000-acre-feet capacity of the reservoir — the amount, says Cows and Fish executive director Norine Ambrose, needs to be contextualized to location.

“If you change the hydrology — whether you’re diverting it, or reducing it or even adding to it — you change how much water is available to the ecosystem,” she says.

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Allocation orders, she says, are an important way to ensure water remains for natural uses.

“Alberta has recognized this quite a few years ago, and is doing a much better job at trying to mimic nature and allocate the flows that are needed for nature, or what’s called the instream flow needs,” Ms. Ambrose adds.

Determining allocations

Given the sheer number of rivers, streams and creeks in Alberta that have individual characteristics, the specific levels that must remain in each for a healthy ecosystem are nearly impossible to determine.

To address this, Alberta Environment and Parks uses what’s called the desktop method to set standards that establish allocation amounts: only 15 per cent of a river or stream’s natural flow can be removed, or a minimal 80 per cent exceedance of the natural flow must be maintained.

The exceedance limit may sound overly technical but is easier when you remember rivers have different levels of flow over time. The amount of water flowing over the course of the year starts low in the winter, increases through the spring run-off and rains, and peaks before decreasing in the late summer and autumn months.

Graphing that change gives you a bell curve; the 80 per cent exceedance simply requires at least 80 per cent of that bell curve to remain in the river throughout the year.

Ideal versus reality

Despite allocations aiming to let water run its natural course, much of the Oldman River is used downstream from the reservoir.

The area is currently allocated 170,250 acre-feet, 90 per cent of which is used for irrigation. Demand is so high that the allocation order requires that only 45 per cent of the water remains in the river.

Even with such high use, Alberta has been able to honour its water commitment to Saskatchewan with about 75 per cent of water flow passing across the border, though a drought in 2001 dropped that amount quite close to the 50 per cent requirement.

Deciding who gets water in times of shortages is tied to licence seniority, known as “first in time is first in right.” With water usages evolving past agriculture and irrigation, however, identifying water rights has shifted to be based on priority. Drinking water for towns and cities takes precedence, followed by livestock.

Other sectors would then each take a cut, or “share the shortage,” to make sure no one goes without.

The issue with freeing up licences upstream from the Oldman reservoir, says Shannon Frank, executive director of the Oldman Watershed Council, is licence seniority is usually enforced over sharing the shortage.

“We have concerns about those dry years where every drop counts,” she says. “Having additional licences does add a bit more pressure to the system overall and those with junior licences could get no water.”

Establishing allocations also depends on knowing what the natural needs are for the environment.

“It’s not just which of us get the water; we also have to think about the health of the river and how much we can leave in the water for the fish and the trees and the overall health of the watershed,” says Ms. Frank.

Since river flows naturally have variation, adds Mr. Rood, the natural ecosystem has evolved to deal with some variation.

“If we’re paying attention, we should be able to pick up the stress due to insufficient flow before it is irreversible or lethal,” he says.

The problem, he continues, is gathering the required information.

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A Benga problem

Since the riparian health of creeks and streams is site-specific, the generalizations of the desktop method may not be adequate for every location.

As such, the effects of allowing coal companies to draw water from smaller streams in the headwater aren’t known.

Benga has 10 hydrometric stations in place, which have been measuring water flow at Gold and Blairmore creeks for the past several years. The company also states operations will reduce Gold Creek’s flow by only about 10 per cent, which is within environmental limits.

Although data is being gathered, scientifically accurate measurements on flow must allow for the wide swing in variation creeks experience. The typical standard is 30 years worth of data — a difficult mark to reach, considering the limited personnel and resources available.

“We’re challenged right now because the data on allocations isn’t done at that small of scale usually,” Ms. Ambrose says. “I’m not saying that there shouldn’t be any removal of water — I think we just have to make sure that the water we do take, relative to that place, is acceptable.”

Solid data is doubly important, Ms. Frank adds, given the location of many of the proposed mines in the Oldman’s watershed.

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“That’s one thing we have been asking for before we withdraw water from any of these headwater streams,” she says. “That would tell us how much we could withdraw without having a big impact.”

Issues surrounding climate change, such as earlier snow melts and declining summer flows, also mean future conditions should be accounted for. Such foresight is especially important for Gold Creek, which is home to one of the last remaining Alberta populations of westslope cutthroat trout.

Not water under the bridge yet

Although the government says altering the allocation would attract new industrial investment to the area, prospective coal mines would be first to benefit.

With water use upstream from the reservoir not as taxed as farther east, the minimal amount of flow data for the smaller headwater creeks and streams the mines would affect raises questions about local environmental stewardship — along with other water-related issues, such as pollution and treatment.

For now, further information about the changes is on hold as public consultation will resume after the province establishes its new modern coal policy, prompted by the reinstatement of the 1976 coal policy.

Public consultation on the government’s coal policy is set to begin March 29.

Current water licences can be viewed online www.alberta.ca/alberta-water-licence-viewer.aspx.

 

 

Alberta | AB, Alberta Environment and Parks, Blairmore Creek, Castle River, Claresholm, Coal Mining, Cows and Fish, Crowsnest Pass – Alberta, Crowsnest River, Environment, Gold Creek, Lethbridge Northern Irrigation District, MD of Ranchland, Norine Ambrose, Oldman Dam, Oldman River Basin, Resource Development, Shannon Frank, South Saskatchewan River Basin, South Saskatchewan River Basin Plan, Stewart Rood, Water allocation, York Creek

Nadine Iron Shirt Obituary Piikani Nation

Obituary for Nadine Iron Shirt/North Peigan

Written on . Posted in Obituaries.

Private family prayer service to be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home.

A wake service will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home on Saturday, Feb. 27, 2021, from 2 to 11 p.m. for public attendance. (Please call Snodgrass at 403-627-4864 for visitation time.)

The wake will commence on Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021, at noon until 7:30 p.m. for public attendance.

Funeral service for the late Nadine Iron Shirt will be held at Snodgrass Funeral Home on Monday, March 1, at 1 p.m. with immediate family ONLY, with Pastor Jeff Sayson and Doug Iron Shirt officiating. Call Snodgrass 403-627-4864 for Zoom link.

Due to gathering restrictions, only 20 participants may be present at a time during the wake services and funeral service.

 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Snodgrass Funeral Homes

403-627-4864     www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

 

 

Alberta | AB, Brocket, Obituary

Richard Hallett Obituary

Obituary for Richard Arthur Hallett

Written on . Posted in Obituaries.

Richard was predeceased by his mother and stepfather, Edith and Bert Hunziger, his father Will Hallett and his brother Harry Hallett.

Due to Covid-19, there will be no service.

 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Zetner Funeral Homes Ltd.

403-625-3212

Alberta | AB, Obituary

Piikani RCMP investigate drug overdose death

Piikani Nation RCMP investigate death from suspected drug overdose

Written on . Posted in Uncategorized.

Piikani RCMP received a 911 call Sunday at 8:30 a.m. reporting a female in medical distress at a residence on the Piikani Nation.

Police and emergency medical services attended the residence, where an 18-year-old female was found to be in cardiac arrest. Despite lifesaving efforts, the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.

An autopsy is scheduled for later this week in Calgary.

Preliminary investigation indicates the death may be related to a drug overdose and the investigation is ongoing.

Although there is no indication this death is related to other suspected overdoses reported in Alberta over the weekend, RCMP warn the public that illicit substances may be associated with drugs that may be laced with lethal quantities of opioid-related substances such as fentanyl, carfentanil or methamphetamines.

If anyone has information about this incident, please contact Piikani RCMP at 403-965-2000 or your local police.

If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com, or by using the P3 Tips app.

 

 

Alberta | AB, drug overdose

Girl in pink shirt against bullying

Taking a stand against bullying

Written on . Posted in Community Life, Opinions.

On Pink Shirt Day, in addition to wearing my pink shirt, I want to have an honest conversation with Albertans about bullying. This conversation begins with awareness of bullying behaviour, an understanding of the insidious impacts of bullying, and an awareness of resources to help those who are victims of bullying.

Bullying is described as intentionally hurtful, mean behaviour inflicted on another by someone with more power.

Bullying can take many forms, including verbal, physical, cyberbullying and social exclusion. Bullying can also happen to anyone – children and adults alike. Current statistics show that almost one third of all Canadian adults have experienced bullying in some form.

The impacts of bullying can be devastating. Victims can feel pain, humiliation and depression, and may have suicidal thoughts.

It is also important to highlight that bullying can harm bystanders. Whether bystanders choose to be silent or feel powerless and fearful that they could be the next victim, the dread of feeling unable to speak up or intervene can manifest itself in feelings of shame, anxiety and helplessness.

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Putting an end to bullying begins with awareness.

We must recognize different forms of bullying and identify the warning signs and impacts. We must understand the role of the bystander, and know what resources are available to help.

There are resources on the Government of Alberta’s website that can assist. Please visit alberta.ca/Bullying. Alberta’s government has invested in many bullying prevention initiatives and we are actively reviewing them to ensure they reflect the needs of all communities across our province.

Fourteen years ago today, two teens from Nova Scotia saw one of their classmates being bullied for wearing a pink shirt to school. These students took a stand and created a legacy of action by buying dozens of pink shirts and handing them out to students and teachers at their high school.

While it was a simple gesture of support for their schoolmate, it made a powerful statement: Bullying would not be tolerated in their school.

On Pink Shirt Day, we are wearing our pink shirts while taking every opportunity to stand up to bullying. And in light of the increased isolation people are feeling as a result of the pandemic, let’s be extra vigilant in letting people in need know that help is available by calling the Bullying Helpline at 1-888-456-2323 or through the online chat, available at alberta.ca/BullyingChat.

 

 

Alberta | AB, Children/Youth, Special Days/Holidays

Margaret Betty Whittles Obituary Pincher Creek

Obituary for Margaret Elizabeth (Betty) Whittles

Written on . Posted in Obituaries.

Betty will be deeply missed by her son Lorne J.R. Whittles of Boise, Idaho; by her two nephews in the U.K., David Lawson of Paignton and Stephen (Kate) Pope of Portishead; by Stephen’s daughter, Elizabeth (Lewis) Naylor of Mirfield, U.K.; and by many dear friends and relatives.

Betty was predeceased by her son, Dr. Martin J.D. Whittles, who passed away in 2009, and by her sister Audrey Lawson (Dennis) and her brother Gerald Pope (Joan), in 2003 and 2004, respectively.

Betty was born in 1928 in Tientsin, China (now Tianjin), to Herbert H. and Minnie Pope (née Burchfell). Her father was a veteran of the First World War and was stationed there post-war with the British Army. Upon returning to the U.K., Betty lived in various locations given his ongoing postings, including Edinburgh, Scotland, the Isle of Wight and Exeter.

Betty developed, through experiencing the devastation of the Second World War between the ages of 11 and 17, an immense strength of constitution known to those who knew her well. Betty would at times accompany her father on night fire watches during the bombings, and had many stories to share of loss and tragedy.

At the age of 14, halfway through the war, Betty’s schooling ended, and she started work in a hair salon, apprenticing for years to follow.

A month after watching the coronation of Queen Elizabeth in 1953, Betty and Ellis Raymond (Ray) Whittles (deceased 1981) emigrated by sea to Canada to start a new life, landing in Quebec and then taking the train to Edmonton. In 1958 they had their first son, Martin John David, and in 1965 their second son, Lorne James Raymond.

In the late 1950s, Betty was a keypunch operator for the City of Edmonton, posting their fastest times, and was offered several promotions, all rejected by her to become a full-time mother.

Betty and Ray shared a deep love for Glacier and Waterton parks, visiting them extensively, and so to be closer to both they moved to Pincher Creek in 1971 to own the Stardust Motel. Thus began many years of Betty successfully managing various motels around town. Known for her wit, personality, warmth and charm, she was a strong draw for creating repeat customers. Those same traits also served her well after the motel business, working many years in Queen’s Floral.

Betty possessed the ultimate combination of strength, humour and kindness, and was filled with life and an infectious sense of fun. She could create a laugh in just about any situation, usually with antics to make it even funnier, but always underpinned by a strength that was monumental.

She adored cats, loved to garden, enjoyed several years of “snowbird” travel to Mexico in a trailer camping on the beach, and time with her two boys. Given her wartime experience, she appreciated the little things, hated wasting anything, tracked the news and loved to read, and instilled strong values in her sons.

Betty will be missed by many, yet has left those who knew her well with many fond, funny and lasting memories.

Lorne would like to thank the front-line staff at Vista Village for their affectionate care of Betty since late 2018, and Amanda Sowiak and Dr. Ashley Rommens for their compassionate care over many years.

To commemorate Betty’s life, a memorial service will be held this summer, Covid-19 regulations permitting.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Pincher Creek Humane Society/SPCA, PO Box 2647, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0; or online at www.canadahelps.org/en/charities/pincher-creek-humane-societyspca.

Condolences may be sent through www.edensfuneralhome.com.

 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home

403-627-3131     www.edensfuneralhome.com

 

 

Alberta | AB, Obituary

Edna Drevenak Obituary

Edna Drevenak 1932 – 2020

Written on . Posted in Obituaries.

Edna was born to the late John and Hilda Hahn on Jan. 5, 1932, on the homestead south of Pincher Creek. She was the 12th born of 12 children. Edna spent most of her younger life on the family farm except for attending Concordia College in Edmonton.

She met her lifelong partner and the love of her life in Pincher Creek and married the late John Drevenak on June 30, 1951. The two resided in River Bottom in the Crowsnest Pass for approximately six years, then took up residence in Pincher Creek, where she resided until shortly before her passing.

Edna is survived by her daughter, Elaine (Peter) Anderson of Lethbridge, Alta.; her granddaughter, Danica (Mitch) Lawson of Coalhurst, Alta., and her great-grandson, Leith Lawson; and her sister Adeline (Steve) Sorge, who is the last remaining of the siblings.

Edna was predeceased by her loving husband in December of 2016.

Edna worked for various businesses over the years, starting at the Pincher Creek Co-op in the creamery department as a young girl, then in the food department; the family ate well. Then she worked for Co-op in the hardware department; there was not a tool, hose or piece of camping equipment that the family did not own.

She then worked at the Bank of Commerce, which meant the family all had to open savings and investment accounts. Edna finished her career at Blackburn Jewelry; china was definitely a must.

Edna volunteered for various clubs within the community, but her strength and faith came from her church family at Immanuel Lutheran. She sat on various boards, assisted at functions, participated in Bible studies and attended services regularly. After the passing of her husband, her church family became her support and extended family.

Edna and John enjoyed camping with friends, family and on their own. They often travelled out to the West Coast, where Edna enjoyed fishing from the beach as well as going out on the ocean. After Edna retired, she and John would camp host at various campgrounds in Alberta. The later part of their camping was mainly at Beaver Lake, where they would spend a month at a time hosting and then return just to enjoy camping. Those times were very precious for her.

A celebration of Edna’s life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent through www.edensfuneralhome.com.

 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home

403-627-3131     www.edensfuneralhome.com

 

 

Alberta | AB, Obituary

Celebrating Women in Business

Celebrating Women in Business

Written on . Posted in Community Life.

International Women’s Day shines a light on the social, economic cultural and political achievements of women. It also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality.

Entrepreneur? Independent consultant? Business owner, manager or employee? Leader?

Advertising is an investment in growing your livelihood. Promote yourself and the business you love in this special feature in print, online and on social.

Click image to view a previous Women in Business feature section.

Women in Business

Features for advertisers:

Print ad and commentary

Ad and commentary run in the March 10 issue of Shootin’ the Breeze, which reaches 1060+ readers in southwestern Alberta.

Website ad

Your ad is posted to Women in Business landing page – Valentine’s Day sample  – and linked to a website or social media page of your choice.

Ad rotates in the daily Covid-19 posts and other website posts until March 17. For examples of how this looks and works, visit  Feb. 17 Covid-19 update.

Visibility is great — website averages 1,534 pageviews per day — and users are primarily in southern Alberta.

Facebook ad

Runs once on Shootin’ the Breeze page between March 8 and 16 to our audience of 6,045 followers.

Instagram ad

Runs once on Shootin’ the Breeze page between March 8 and 16 to our audience of 978 followers.

Twitter ad

Runs once on Shootin’ the Breeze page between March 8 and 16 to our audience of 1,159 followers.

Commentary

Shares your story with our readers and followers. Write it yourself or have a best friend tell the world how awesome you are as a woman in business!

Please limit to a maximum of 300 words.

Commentary accentuates your ads in print and on the Women In Business landing page.

If you need help, one of our writers can put something together for you for a mere $25

Section promotion

We promote the Women in Business feature section as a whole on the landing page and all three social media sites.

Cross promotion

Participants support one another by sharing posts and positive comments, and extending the reach of social media posts.

Hashtags

We use International Women’s Day tags on social posts #ChooseToChallenge and #IWD2021 along with #PCWomenInBusiness or #CNPWomenInBusiness, and #AlbertaWomenInBusiness.

The sooner you book, the sooner we will put the power of our online and social media presence to work for you!

Ads appear on the landing page and in daily posts within 24 hours of receipt of copy and proof approval.

Pricing

Includes print ad and digital complements.

All ads are colour and GST is applicable.

1/16 page – $65

5″ wide by 2″ high

1/12 page – $90

5″ wide by 2.5″ high or 2.5″ wide by 5.25″ high

1/8 page – $130

5″ wide by 4″ high

1/4 page – $235

5″ wide by 8″ high

1/2 page – $420

10.25″ wide by 8″ high

Digital-only option – $100

SAVE 10% with payment at point of booking

Share your vision and passion!

Book before Thursday, March 4 at 4 p.m.
Email ads@shootinthebreeze.ca
or call Shannon at 403-904-2227

 

 

 

Advertising Features, Alberta | AB, Business, Community, Crowsnest Pass – Alberta, Women in Business

0217 Covid Update

Feb. 17 Covid-19 update

Written on . Posted in Uncategorized.

With neither the Pincher Creek region or Cardston County having any increase in active cases yesterday, they have dropped to eighth and seventh, respectively, on the list of highest active cases per 100,000 population in the province.

See details in the community breakdown section below.

In her update today, Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health, reminded listeners of the importance of those infected with Covid-19 providing information requested by contact tracers. She noted that many have been unwilling to provide details with regard to others they may have been in contact with, leaving gaps in information required to reduce transmission.

As of yesterday, 152,056 doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in Alberta and 56,594 people are now immunized with both doses.

There have been 79 adverse reactions to the vaccines in total reported to Alberta Health.

New and active cases of Covid-19

Tuesday, Feb. 16

Data updated Wednesday, Feb. 17

277 new cases in Alberta

3.9% positivity rate

7,476 tested

4,857 active cases

Decrease of 136 active cases from previous day

129,615 total cases to date

14 new cases in south zone

3.6% positivity rate

451 tested

338 active cases

Decrease of 6 active cases from previous day

6,250 total cases to date

103 new cases in Calgary zone

1,823 active cases

Decrease of 64 active cases from previous day

49,791 total cases to date

 

80 new cases in Edmonton zone

1,270 active cases

Decrease of 63 active cases from previous day

52,847 total cases to date

 

51 new cases in central zone

697 active cases

Increase of 18 active cases from previous day

9,642 total cases to date

 

33 new cases in north zone

719 active cases

Decrease of 18 active cases from previous day

10,972 total cases to date

Active cases with zone unknown – 10

Total confirmed variant cases – 225

Increase of 4

Data updated Wednesday, Feb. 17
* Variant data is not updated on weekends

B.1.1.7 variant cases
Variant first identified in the United Kingdom

Alberta total – 218
Increase of 4

South zone total – 0
Increase of 0

Calgary zone total – 94
Increase of 2

Edmonton zone total – 77
Increase of 0

Central zone total – 47
Increase of 2

North zone total – 0
Increase of 0

B.1.351 variant cases
Variant first identified in South Africa

Alberta total – 7
Increase of 0

South zone total – 0
Increase of 0

Calgary zone total – 5
Increase of 0

Edmonton zone total – 2
Increase of 0

Central zone total – 0
Increase of 0

North zone total – 0
Increase of 0

Recovered cases

Tuesday, Feb. 16

Data updated Wednesday, Feb. 17

 

406 Alberta recoveries

Total recovered – 122,960

Approximate recovery rate – 95%

 

19 south zone recoveries

Total recovered – 5,830

Approximate recovery rate – 93%

 

165 Calgary zone recoveries

Total recovered – 47,410

Approximate recovery rate – 95%

 

140 Edmonton zone recoveries

Total recovered – 50,647

Approximate recovery rate – 96%

 

33 central zone recoveries

Total recovered – 8,844

Approximate recovery rate – 92%

50 north zone recoveries

Total recovered – 10,126

Approximate recovery rate – 92%

 

Recovered cases with zone unknown – 103

 

Hospitalizations and ICU

Tuesday, Feb. 16

Data updated Wednesday, Feb. 17

 

370 Alberta hospitalizations

Increase of 5 – Feb. 14 to 16 are the first days with increased hospitalizations since Jan. 28

60 ICU admissions

Increase of 4

 

36 south zone hospitalizations

Decrease of 1

8 ICU admissions

Increase of 0

 

136 Calgary zone hospitalizations

Increase of 6

27 ICU admissions

Increase of 4

122 Edmonton zone hospitalizations

Increase of 7

21 ICU admissions

Increase of 2

 

31 central zone hospitalizations

Increase of 1

4 ICU admissions

Decrease of 1

 

45 north zone hospitalizations

Decrease of 2

0 ICU admissions

Decrease of 1

 

The zone of current hospitalization and current ICU admission are based on a patient’s location of hospitalization, not the zone of patient residence.

For example, a Pincher Creek resident hospitalized in Calgary would be categorized as an active case in the Pincher Creek region but their hospitalization statistic would show in the Calgary zone.

Deaths related to Covid-19

Tuesday, Feb. 16

Data updated Wednesday, Feb. 17

 

7 new Alberta deaths

1,798 total

Approximate mortality rate of 1.4%

 

1 new south zone death

82 total

Today’s update includes the death of a woman in her 90s, which is linked to the outbreak at The View at Lethbridge, in Lethbridge. Condolences are extended to her family and friends.

Approximate mortality rate of 1.3%

 

2 new Calgary zone deaths

558 total

Approximate mortality rate of 1.1%

 

3 new Edmonton zone deaths

930 total

Approximate mortality rate of 1.8%

 

0 new central zone deaths

101 total

Approximate mortality rate of 1.1%

1 new north zone death

127 total

Approximate mortality rate of 1.2%

 

As of Feb. 16, there were 176 active and 8,907 recovered cases at long-term care facilities and supportive/home-living sites, and 1,171 of the 1,798 deaths (65 per cent) have been in these sites.

Alberta Health shares information regarding deaths as soon as it is available. There can be a delay in a death being reported to Alberta Health or in a death being confirmed post-mortem as having Covid-19 as a contributing cause. The number reported on any given day is typically from multiple days.

Covid-19 R values

Feb. 8 to 14, 2021

Data updated Monday, Feb. 15

R values are provided weekly on Mondays.

Also known as the reproduction number, R values describe whether cases are currently increasing, decreasing or staying the same (i.e. the average number of people someone infected with Covid-19 will infect).

If the R value is one, then an infected person will, on average, infect one other person. If an R value is below one, this means the rate of transmission was decreasing during that period. If it is above one, it was increasing.

The provincial R value stayed the same this week, Edmonton decreased and Calgary stayed the same.

While the rate for the rest of Alberta decreased by 0.02, it is still the highest of all noted values, indicating higher tranismission in areas outside of Alberta’s two largest cities.

0.85 Alberta (provincewide)

Values from Dec. 7 to 13, 2020 to most recent

0.98, 0.92, 0.99, 0.90, 0.84, 0.81, 0.83, 0.87, 0.85

 

0.78 Edmonton zone

Values from Dec. 7 to 13, 2020 to most recent

1.0, 0.89, 0.92, 0.80, 0.81, 0.81, 0.74, 0.82, 0.78

 

0.82 Calgary zone

Values from Dec. 7 to 13, 2020 to most recent

0.92, 0.97, 1.02, 0.96, 0.79, 0.83, 0.83, 0.82, 0.82

 

0.94 rest of Alberta

Values from Dec. 7 to 13, 2020 to most recent

1.01, 0.90, 1.06, 0.97, 0.88, 0.77, 0.90, 0.96, 0.94

 

South zone outbreaks

Data updated Tuesday, Feb. 16

Outbreaks are updated on Tuesdays and Fridays and are declared over when four weeks have passed with no new cases. This means not all outbreaks listed have current transmission or active cases. Date indicates when outbreak was first reported by Alberta Health.

Acute-care facilities

Outbreak at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital declared over Feb. 16, 2021

Long-term care facilities

The Valleyview in Medicine Hat – Feb. 16

Supportive living/home living sites

Meadowlands in Medicine Hat

The View at Lethbridge in Lethbridge – Jan. 12

 

Other facilities and settings

Haul All Equipment in Lethbridge – Feb. 2

Lethbridge Alpha House in Lethbridge

Streets Alive Mission in Lethbridge – Jan. 25

 

School statistics

Tuesday, Feb. 16

Data updated Wednesday, Feb. 17
School information is not provided on weekends or holidays

862 total active school cases

260 schools affected (approximately 11%)

205 schools with alerts

Total cases – 416

55 schools with outbreaks

Total cases – 446

South zone schools

Isabelle Sellon School – Crowsnest Pass
Alert since Feb. 1

Crowsnest Consolidated high School – Crowsnest Pass
Alert since Feb. 1 (single case)

Cardston Junior High School
Alert since Feb. 1

Cardston Elementary School
Alert since Feb. 1

Chinook High School – Lethbridge
Alert since Feb. 10

Catholic Central High School – Lethbridge
Alert since Feb. 11

Gilbert Paterson Middle School – Lethbridge
Alert since Jan. 11
Outbreak since Jan. 27

Wilson Middle School — Lethbridge
Alert since Feb. 16

Winston Churchill High School — Lethbridge
Alert since Feb. 16

Alert = one to four cases
Schools with single cases are not included on the Alberta Health school map

Outbreak = five or more cases

School alerts and outbreaks are considered over when there have been no new confirmed cases in the school for 28 days and remain listed by Alberta Health until that time.

 

South zone community breakdown

Tuesday, Feb. 16

Data updated Wednesday, Feb. 17

Pincher Creek region – 212 total

26 active cases

182 recovered

4 deaths

0 new cases

2 new recoveries

0 new deaths

311.6 active cases per 100,000 people
8th highest in the province

Pincher Creek region includes the Town of Pincher Creek, Cowley, Piikani Nation and the MD of Pincher Creek and its hamlets of Beaver Mines, Lowland Heights, Lundbreck, Pincher Station and Twin Butte.

Crowsnest Pass – 24 total

0 active cases

24 recovered

0 deaths

0 new cases

0 new recoveries

0 new deaths

0 active cases per 100,000 people

 

Fort Macleod – 95 total

2 active cases

89 recovered

4 deaths

0 new cases

0 new recoveries

0 new deaths

18.2 active cases per 100,000 people in MD of Willow Creek, not all of which is in the AHS south zone

Cardston County – 548 total

52 active cases

488 recovered

8 deaths

0 new cases

5 new recoveries

0 new deaths

316.5 active cases per 100,000 people
7th highest in the province

I.D. No. 4 (Waterton) – 0 total

0 active cases

0 recovered

0 deaths

0 new cases

0 new recoveries

0 new deaths

0 active cases per 100,000 people

City of Lethbridge – 1,956 total

211 active cases

1,726 recovered

19 deaths

Today’s update includes the death of a woman in her 90s, which is linked to the outbreak at The View at Lethbridge, in Lethbridge. Condolences are extended to her family and friends.

10 new cases

9 new recoveries

1 new death

209.6 active cases per 100,000 people

 

Lethbridge County – 531 total

14 active cases

510 recovered

7 deaths

1 new case

0 new recoveries

0 new deaths

54.5 active cases per 100,000 people

County of Warner – 161 total

3 active cases

156 recovered

2 deaths

0 new cases

0 new recoveries

0 new deaths

27.0 active cases per 100,000 people

 

MD of Taber – 334 total

4 active cases

324 recovered

6 deaths

0 new cases

1 new recovery

0 new deaths

21 active cases per 100,000 people

 

City of Brooks – 1,365 total

1 active case

1,350 recovered

14 deaths

0 new cases

1 new recovery

0 new deaths

5.1 active cases per 100,000 people

County of Newell – 158 total

0 active cases

156 recovered

2 deaths

0 new cases

1 new recovery

0 new deaths

0 active cases per 100,000 people

 

County of Forty Mile – 117 total

0 active cases

115 recovered

2 deaths

0 new cases

0 new recoveries

0 new deaths

0 active cases per 100,000 people

 

Cypress County – 146 total

2 active cases

144 recovered

0 deaths

1 new case

0 new recoveries

0 new deaths

17.7 active cases per 100,000 people

City of Medicine Hat – 543 total

20 active cases

509 recovered

14 deaths

2 new cases

0 new recoveries

0 new deaths

29.4 active cases per 100,000 people

 

Oyen Region – 43 total

1 active case

42 recovered

0 deaths

0 new cases

0 new recoveries

0 new deaths

Special Area 3 – 0 active cases per 100,000 people (1 active in area)

MD of Acadia – 0 active cases per 100,000 people (0 active in area)

Special Area 2 – 22 active cases per 100,000 people (1 active in area, not all of which is in the south zone)

Alberta | AB, Covid-19 Alberta, Crowsnest Pass – Alberta

Nurse Trudi Bennett and Dr. Gavin Parker show a new roller board

Windy Slopes Health Foundation reports successful 2020

Written on . Posted in Community Life.

Despite a crazy and tumultuous 2020, Windy Slopes Health Foundation persevered and had a successful year, purchasing several new pieces of equipment for the Pincher Creek hospital.

The year began with half a new board of trustees for the foundation after several members retired or stepped down for personal reasons. Maggie Olson became chairwoman and Reona Erickson took over the role of administrative assistant from Natalie Barfuss, who moved on to another job.

Suddenly, the Covid-19 pandemic struck Alberta and all face-to-face meetings were being moved online and held via Zoom.

“We not only were getting used to new trustees and myself being the new chairperson, but then we had to do Zoom meetings, and I’m afraid I’m an old lady and it was quite the experience,” Maggie says with a chuckle. “We’ve done very, very well with it.”

A generous $10,000 donation from Twin Butte resident Phil Rickard went toward keeping patients at the hospital connected to loved ones through the purchase of iPads and mobile phones, as well as general comfort items. Windy Slopes donated $1,000 of the funds to Aakom-Kiyii Health Services in Brocket.

The pandemic couldn’t stop businesses from holding their annual charity events for the foundation, either. Tim Hortons donated proceeds from its weeklong Smile cookie campaign, and Co-op Gas Bar raised funds through its annual Fuel Good Day. Pincher Creek Credit Union also showed its community-minded giving spirit and donated roller boards.

Several service groups in the area displayed their true colours with generous donations. These groups include the Pincher Cowley Roaring Lions, Cowley Lions, and Pincher Creek Lions.

“They all came through with donations still, even in the Covid world,” says Maggie. “We were very blessed to still have their support.”

Workers at the Pincher Creek Health Centre participated in the WinWin Staff Lottery. The 50-50 is held across Alberta, with half the proceeds going to the winner’s local health foundation. Last year, two winners were chosen, one of whom happened to be from Pincher Creek. Because of this, Windy Slopes Health Foundation received over $8,000.

Throughout the year, the foundation applied for several grants, and received general donations from residents of the Pincher Creek area, including an in-trust donation from an estate. Grants were awarded by Shell and Canada Growers, and an application was sent to Alberta Health Services, but nothing has been heard yet.

Normally, Windy Slopes also applies for a grant through Pieridae Energy, but was unable to do so last year due to a capital equipment freeze.

“Right when their deadlines were due, we didn’t have any equipment that we could actually let them know about … so we had to just hold on that,” says Maggie.

Though the health foundation’s annual casino couldn’t be held in 2020, it was still able to use funds left over from the 2019 event to purchase equipment for the hospital.

Considering the worldwide pandemic, Maggie says Windy Slopes was flabbergasted by the success it had last year. In fact, donation numbers were nearly on par with previous years.

“We are so lucky. We have so many such generous, generous people,” adds Maggie.

Windy Slopes Health Foundation capped off 2020 with its Trees of Hope campaign, which proved to be highly successful.

Thanks to everyone’s support, the foundation was able to purchase $46,337.81 worth of equipment, which will greatly benefit Pincher Creek Health Centre.

 

 

Aakom-Kiyii Health Services, Alberta | AB, Cowley Lions, Maggie Olson, Natalie Barfuss, Phil Rickard, Pincher Creek Co-op, Pincher Creek Credit Union, Pincher Creek Health Centre | Pincher Creek Hospital, Pincher Creek Lions, Reona Erickson, Tim Hortons, Windy Slopes Health Foundation

Keith Brady Obituary Pincher Creek

Obituary for Keith Stewart Brady

Written on . Posted in Obituaries.

Keith loved creation and loved the Creator.

On April 4, 1958, Keith married his childhood sweetheart, Myrna, and they began married life as ranch hands near Twin Butte.

On June 9, 1962, Keith and Myrna made another decision that would affect their lives forever — they were baptized as Jehovah’s Witnesses. Keith later recalled: “We learned … [from the Bible] that the earth and the beauties of creation we enjoyed would never be completely ruined by man’s careless actions. As I now look at the mountains it was with new meaning and understanding about how they came to be and why everything is there for a purpose.”

After their marriage, Keith and Myrna became parents to nine children — six boys and three girls. Over the following decades the Brady family grew to include 14 grandchildren, as well as great-grandchildren.

In July 1966, Keith accepted a job as a national park warden and he moved his young family to Banff National Park. They lived for a time at the Minnewanka ranger station. It was not unusual for the family to be sitting in the living room and see a massive grizzly bear walk across their front lawn.

In January 1972, Keith accepted a transfer to Waterton Lakes National Park, which would be the family home for the next 23 years. In the summers, the Brady boys loved to accompany their dad on overnight backpacking or horseback trips into the mountains. In the early fall, the whole family would often go camping in the mountains. It was a special time.

Keith later recalled: “It is difficult to describe the thoughts and emotions that one feels in the wilderness and solitude of the backcountry: what it’s like to ride [on horseback] out of the timber to the beginning of long open meadows of dwarf birch, willow and other vegetation associated with alpine tundra…. It is times like this when silence is truly deafening as creation and nature speak without words. It was time to express appreciation to the One who made all of this possible. Then, when I thought things couldn’t be more breathtaking, they would; with the blaze of fall colours that made everything take on an even more spectacular beauty.”

In 1995, Keith applied for and received an early retirement from the national parks service. Keith and Myrna moved to a beautiful acreage about 15 kilometres north of Waterton Park. Keith loved to explain to visitors the abundant flora and fauna on their acreage. Looking back on his retirement, Keith wrote: “In reality, Myrna and I have retired from working in the national parks but the new and real life is just beginning.”

In early 2021 Keith became very ill. He was greatly comforted by the resurrection hope, confident that in the coming paradise promised in the Bible, Jehovah God would resurrect him back to life along with countless millions of others (Psalm 37:29; John 5:28, 29). Near the end of his illness, Keith prayed with and for his family and quoted from memory Scriptures that he found especially encouraging.

While words may fail to convey the pain of losing Keith, we look forward to the time when words will fail to capture the joy of having Jehovah God bring Keith back to life, where he will have the privilege along with his family, friends and billions of others to help restore the earth to a paradise, and where old age, sickness and death will be “no more” (Isaiah 33:24; 65:21-25; Revelation 21:3, 4). Then Keith, and all who love creation and the Creator, will enjoy life to the very full.

 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Snodgrass Funeral Homes

403-627-4864     www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

 

 

Alberta | AB, Obituary

Barney Bryan Cochlan Obituary

Obituary for Bryan Thomas Cochlan (Barney)

Written on . Posted in Obituaries.

He will be lovingly remembered by his family — wife Beverly, of 62 years; daughters Paula (Darcy) Friesen and Diana (Lenny) Carlson; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; one sister and two brothers as well as numerous family members.

A private family service was held at Stavely Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Claresholm Health Foundation at www.cdhealth.ca/make-a-donation.html.

Messages of condolences may be left for the family at www.myalternatives.ca.

 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Alternatives Funeral & Cremation Services

403-216-5111          403-912-0307

Alberta | AB, Claresholm, Obituary

John Horn Obituary Pincher Creek

Obituary for John (Scotty) Horn

Written on . Posted in Obituaries.

Scotty passed away peacefully in the company of his family on Jan. 9, 2021, at Vista Village in Pincher Creek, at the age of 88, after a long battle with cancer.

Scotty was born in Dunfermline, Fife, Scotland, on Dec. 1, 1932, to Robert and Mildred Horn (MacFarlane). At an early age he showed a keen interest in working with anything mechanical. Growing up in Crail, Scotland, he frequented the local garage and helped fix anything that came along, often staying out late enough that his mom had to fetch him home.

His keen interest in mechanics and a yearning to travel led Scotty to take the long boat ride from Liverpool, England, arriving in Quebec on Aug. 5, 1953. Wanting to see the mountains, he hopped the train straightaway to Calgary, where he settled in.

He started his 41-year career with Otis Elevator as a mechanic and then supervisor, retiring in 1995. Upon retirement he moved to Cowley to be closer to his family, and those years were anything but slow as he became the neighbourhood jack of all trades, “go-to guy.”

Scotty enjoyed spending time with his grandkids, tinkering with small engines, early morning coffees with his friends and travelling.

He will be forever remembered for his endless jokes, detailed stories and enjoying a wee nip with friends.

Scotty is survived by his daughter, Sheona (Terry) Bonertz and grandkids Amy, Alissa (Morgan) and Dalton; son Robert (Karen) Horn, grandkids Jordan (Bri), Nicholas (Amanda), Justin and two great-grandchildren; niece Jennifer Pierotti, great-niece Marie-Charlotte (Stephen) Pierotti and great-great-nephew Ashton; nephew Macrae (Karen) Robertson, great-nephews Callum, Daniel and great-niece Claire.

He was predeceased by his parents, brother Andrew McRae Horn, sister Catherine Anne Robertson (Horn), brother-in-law Anthony Philip (Bill) Robertson and nephew Michel Pierotti.

A huge thank you to the doctors and nurses at the Pincher Creek hospital and staff at Vista Village for the wonderful care he received.

Due to Covid restrictions, no service will be held at this time.

Condolences may be sent through www.edensfuneralhome.com.

 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Eden’s Funeral Home

403-627-3131     www.edensfuneralhome.com

 

 

Alberta | AB, Obituary

Malcolm Elmes Obituary

Obituary for Malcolm John Elmes

Written on . Posted in Obituaries.

Mac was born and raised in Nelson, B.C., and lived there until 1994 when he and Clare decided to move to Pincher Creek.

There they bought a small farm and Mac realized his dream of raising
horses and cattle. His horses were his pride and joy and our friends in Alberta are a lasting treasure. Retirement came in 2014 following a move to Comox to be closer to family.

Mac is survived by his wife, Clare; sons John (Marieke) in Comox and David (Keiko) in Japan; grandchildren Jessica, Kaitlin, Bella, Maddy, Christopher, Angela and Alicia, and great-grandson Jayden; as well as his sisters Muriel-Louise and Audrey-Mae and many nieces and nephews.

Mac was predeceased by his brother, Terry, in November 2020. We imagine they are together now and likely getting into mischief.

 

Alberta | AB, Comox, Obituary

Lorne Pultz Obituary Pincher Creek

Obituary for Lorne Harold Pultz

Written on . Posted in Obituaries.

Lorne was born on May 16, 1947, in Calgary to Lawrence and Irene (Armitage) Pultz; the oldest of three siblings.

He proudly served in the Canadian Air Force for 25 years, allowing him to visit many different locations and to collect many friends along the way. After retiring, he became more involved in his local Royal Canadian Legions (Cold Lake Branch No. 211 and Pincher Creek Branch No. 43), playing crib and darts, and helping his comrades navigate the system at Veterans Affairs.

Lorne loved nothing more than to tell a story, to anyone who would listen, except maybe fishing and woodworking. He will be remembered through the many pieces of wood art that decorate the homes of his friends and family.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean (Wallace) of Pincher Creek; his children, Michael Pultz of Pincher Creek and Tina Pultz of Edmonton; and sister Barb (Pierre) Desmarais of Renfrew, Ont., and nephew Brandon Desmarais.

There will be no services, but he will be laid to rest with his parents and sister Judy in the Field of Honour at Queen’s Park Cemetery in Calgary.

In lieu of flowers, it is asked that memorials be made to your local SPCA (PO Box 2647, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0) or pet shelter.

The family would like to give special thanks to all of Lorne’s medical team, including the staff at both Pincher Creek Health Centre and Chinook Regional Hospital, for the excellent care that he received.

 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Snodgrass Funeral Homes

403-627-4864     www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

 

 

Alberta | AB, Obituary, Veterans

Obituary for Cecil Roy Blackburn

Written on . Posted in Obituaries.

Cecil was born to Dorothy and Cecil Blackburn on Aug. 21, 1948, at the Pincher Creek hospital. The Blackburn family recognizes that Cecil was the last male descendant of the “Blackburn” name.

Cecil graduated from Matthew Halton and went on to the U of A, where he achieved his master’s for physical education, fulfilling his dream of playing basketball for the Golden Bears. He worked at the Drumheller penitentiary, oil rigs and seismic, before settling down on the family farm, buying into the cattle he loved.

He became a part of the intricate fabric of the community, especially with the Butcher Creek Cattle Co., the Fishburn United Church and the Lethbridge Toastmasters. Helping his neighbours was second nature for him. He will be sorely missed by his family and his many friends.

He is survived by his sisters: Sandra (Stuart) Kastelic of Sangudo, Alta.; Verna (Dennis) Shewchuk of Calgary; his nieces and nephews: Kathryn (Kevin) Miller and son Ethan; Joseph (Laura) Kastelic and daughters Taylor and Morgan; Stephen (Amy) Kastelic and children Dylan, Colby and Sienna; Derek (Jennifer) Shewchuk and Kristen Shewchuk; and many extended family members.

He was predeceased by his parents, Cecil LeRoy Blackburn and Dorothy Marie (Golling) Blackburn.

A private memorial service and interment was held at Fishburn United Church on Jan. 9, 2021, with Rev. Judith Walker officiating. There will be a memorial celebration of Cecil’s life at a later date, once restrictions have lifted.

Memorial contributions may be sent to the Heart & Stroke Foundation (www.heartandstroke.ca/donate), to Fishburn United Church (PO Box 2732, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0), or to Pincher Creek United Church (PO Box 667, Pincher Creek, AB, T0K 1W0).

 

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Snodgrass Funeral Homes

403-627-4864     www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com

 

 

Alberta | AB, Obituary