EPP: William (Bill)  1907 - 2006

Bill went home peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior in his 100 year on September 27, 2006. Born in Rosthern, SK September 23, 1907 he lived his life as a farming man for many years in Saskatchewan and Alberta, then retired to Drumheller in the late 1960’s and worked in farming and various jobs in the community. He always supported many Christian organizations including World Vision, Gideon Bible Society, and Billy Graham to mention a few. Some may remember his Letters to the Editor in The Drumheller Mail.  Bill leaves behind his beloved wife Mary; daughter Evelyn; grandchildren Susie, Blaine, Rob, Darin, Ken, Graham, Cheryl, Shauna, Trevor and Michelle; and numerous great-grandchildren. Also survived by sister Helen and brother Jake. Predeceased by first wife Susie, second wife Lillian, his three sons Elmer, Willie and Norman, three brothers and three sisters. Bill will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. A special thank you to all the staff at Unit #4 in Didsbury for all their love and care. In lieu of flowers, a donation in Bill’s name to any organization of your choice. A funeral service will be held at Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at 2 p.m. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Home are in care of arrangements.

LEONHARDT: Jacob  August 8, 1909 - September 27, 2006

Jacob was born in Calgary on August 8, 1909. The following summer his family moved to the Drumheller area and homesteaded a quarter section of land. A few of the many endeavors they undertook were; hunting, selling pelts, firewood, dressed pork and beef and other farm products in their fight for survival. A cave in the banks of Red Deer River served as their home for the next three years. Later they farmed near the Livingston School where at age 10 Jacob began his education. When his father passed away, this ended Jacob’s education. By age 14 he obtained grade 7 and took on the role of a man. On his 28th birthday, August 8, 1937, Jacob married Margaret Birkheim and they began their family of 12 children. The Church was their main social outlet and Jacob took great pride in various roles from planning the building, serving as an elder, decorating the Christmas tree to carving turkey for wedding receptions. As life became easier, in the Centennial year, Jacob designed and had a new home built on the farm. He and Margaret enjoyed tours of the West Coast, Alaska, Florida, Los Angeles, and the Maritimes. Once retired, in 1976 Jacob and Margaret moved to their “Dream Home” in Drumheller. The Pioneer Trail Centre became their entertainment as they looked forward to playing cards and shooting pool with friends. Life threw Jacob another curve when he was diagnosed with cancer. His drive and zest for life kept him with us until September 27, 2006. Jacob was proud to be a true pioneer of Alberta and at 97 he was the oldest living male Leonhardt. Jacob is survived by the everlasting love of his life, his wife Margaret; his loving family of 11 children, Gerald (Janice), Daniel (Maureen), Marjorie (Paul Turner), Genevieve (Munroe), Linda (Bob MacIntyre), Barbara (Allan Simpson), Harvey (Linda), Patricia (Jim Bechthold), Sharon (Thompson), Carmen (Gary Gutsche) and Alvin; 24 grandchildren and 20 great grandchildren; brother, Walter Leonhardt; sister, Amelia Walker. Jacob was predeceased by a daughter, Verna Ester in infancy in 1952; brothers, Herbert, Fredrick, Reinhart, Edward, August and Victor; sisters, Eugenia Lippolt and Alma Naffin. A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, October 5, 2006 at 1:30 pm at the Grace Lutheran Church, Drumheller, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Jacob to the Drumheller Cancer Clinic, 351-9th Street NW, Drumheller, Alberta, T0J 0Y1 or the Grace Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, 620-2nd Avenue West, T0J 0Y3. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Home entrusted with arrangements.

MacISAAC: Marion Louise (nee Smith)

Marion Louise MacIsaac passed away peacefully on September 27, 2006, one week before her 83rd birthday. Marion is survived by 4 sons, Meredith (Lynda), Terrence (Vivian), Mark (Vickie) and Kevin (Elaine); 7 grandchildren, Cinnamon (Dennis), Lorne (Kara), Keri, Jennifer, Gregory (Marlena), Michael and Bo; and 3 great-grandchildren. Marion is also survived by her sister Virginia Maitland and nieces and nephews. Marion was born in Camrose and raised her family in Drumheller before coming to Calgary in 1974. She was a proud member of the Mayflower Society and the Calgary Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Those wishing to pay their respects did so at a visitation at South Calgary Funeral Centre, 12700 Macleod Trail South (corner of Lake Fraser Gate and Macleod Trail) on Monday, October 2, 2006 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A celebration of Marion’s life will be held at South Calgary Funeral Centre on Wednesday, October 4, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made directly to the Canadian Wildlife Federation: 350 Michael Cowpland Drive, Kanata, ON, K2M 2W1 or to the charity of one’s choice. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via www.mem.com.
SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL
CENTRE AND
CREMATORIUM
12700 Macleod Trail South, Calgary
(403) 297-0711
Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial

O’BRIMCHAK: Rita (nee Nahirny)  Born November 11,1938  in Rochester, Alberta

It is with great sadness that Rita Bernice O’Brimchak, after a long and difficult illness, passed away on September 30, 2006. Rita was a deeply loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother; to her husband Johnny, two sons Douglas and Chris, daughter-in-law Nicole and granddaughter Camille. Her outgoing friendliness and warm support was known to many; those who shared her company were taken with her lively smile. Rita spent much of her life in the Drumheller and Morrin area and she was always first to lend a helping and tireless hand to strengthen her community; Rita could always be “counted on”. Rita is survived by her sister Vera and brother Ronnie, as well as a large and extended family. The family would like to express its deepest appreciation to the many that helped Rita through her illness. A Funeral service will be held at the Morrin Community Hall on Friday, October 6, 2006 at 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Drumheller Hospital “Heart to Heart” program. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements.

THOMAS: Helene  1919 - 2006

Helene Thomas of Drumheller passed away on September 30, 2006 at the age of 87 years. Helene was born on May 11, 1919 at Tantallan, Saskatchewan to Albert and Alma Flamant. In 1941 Helene married James Russell Thomas at Battleford, Saskatchewan where they farmed until 1948 when they moved to Drumheller, Alberta where they purchased a dry goods grocery business. From there Helene ran a small grocery confectionery and then moved into retail. Helene was very involved in politics, sports and of course her church. She was an active member of the C.W.L. and the Royal Purple. Her biggest enjoyment later in life became her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Helene stayed very active in bridge, crib, and loved to watch her hockey. Helen was predeceased by her husband Russell in 1985, parents, Albert in 1977, Alma in 1979, brother Louis, sisters, Louise and Jeanne. Funeral Mass will be held Friday October 6, 2006 at 10:30 A.M. from St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church with interment in Calgary at St. Mary’s Cemetery at 3:30 P.M. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements. 403-823-2666

TOFT: Martha (nee Boe)  1919 - 2006

Martha passed away on September 28, 2006 at Wentworth Manor in Calgary at the age of 86. She was born on November 30, 1919 in Dalum. In 1942 she married Anton (Tony) Toft and they farmed in Dalum. They moved into Drumheller in 1942. She was predeceased by Tony. Martha leaves to mourn her sons Ken (Elaine), Gary (Valerie), daughter Sharon (Dale), 6 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchilren. Funeral services were held on Sunday October 1 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. If desired, donations may be made in Martha’s name to Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Box 44 Drumheller, Alberta, T0J 0Y0 or a charity of donor’s choice.