JACQUES: Raymond Ernest  1940 - 2007

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Ray on February 8, 2007 with his family by his side. Ray was born on January 17, 1940 in Cadillac, Saskatchewan. Ray attended school in Admiral, served 3 years at Camp Shilo in Manitoba, drove semi tractor trailers before moving to Moose Jaw. In 1963 Ray met Shirley Lynas, after a brief courtship the couple were wed in 1964. The couple resided in Moose Jaw where Darryl and Darla were born. Ray received his journeyman’s mechanics. The family moved to Lanigan, Sask., then on to Kimberly B.C. In 1973 they moved to Drumheller, AB. The couple had two more children, Kevin and Lorilee. Ray was employed with Corrections Canada, securing the position of Cxl, Cx3, Security Maintenance Officer and remained there until his retirement in December 1998. In his retirement he enjoyed mechanics, computers, tinkering in his garage, and passing on his knowledge to his children and grandchildren, whether they wanted to hear it or not. Ray was most content being at home spending time with his family.

Ray leaves to cherish his memory, his loving wife of 42 years Shirley, his children, Darryl (Lisa), Darla (Rob), Kevin (Lois) and Lorilee (Clint), six grandchildren Ayrianna, Dallas, Brady, Austin, Dakota and Drayden, also mourning his loss are his half sisters, Irene, Verna, Donna (Rick) and Darlene (Don) step mother Vera Jacques, brother in law Murray McLelland, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Predeceased by his parents Ernest and Leonora Jacques, grandparents Tom and Emma Moore, who raised him after his mother died in 1940, half brother Robert Jacques, infant grandson, infant niece, mother and father in law Jack and Margaret Lynas, sister in law Peggy McLelland (Lynas), and cousins.

Funeral Services for Ray were held Tuesday February 13, 2007 at 1:30 P.M. from St. Maglories’s Anglican Church with Reverend Mac Jones officiating, interment followed in the Drumheller Cemetery. If friends so desire memorial donations may be made to the Drumheller Health Foundation/Palliative Care or the charity of one’s choice. Courtney-Winter’s Chapels are in care of the arrangements.

JOHNSON: Marion Edna (nee McDowell)  1927 - 2007

Marion passed away peacefully on February 7, 2007 at the Dumheller Continuing Care Facility. Marion was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother. Marion is survived by brother Clifford, husband Clifford, sons Larry (Rini) and Don (Moira), and daughter Karen as well as her grandchildren Terrianne, Ryan, Robyn, Laura, Christopher, Daniel, Evelyne, as well as many nieces and nephews. Marion was predeceased by her mother, father, two brothers, and two sisters. Having just celebrated her 80th birthday, Marion lived a full life. Marion was born to Christina Kelso and Charles McKay McDowell on January 11, 1927 in Calder, SK where she grew up. Marion later moved to Edmonton where she worked for Eatons during the War. She then moved to Didsbury where she met Clifford. The two were married on August 18, 1951, enjoying 55 years of marriage. While their three children were at school, Marion helped run the family business “Johnson Radio”. She enjoyed golfing, skiing, camping, and her flower garden. Her latter years were spent residing in Drumheller enjoying all of her grandchildren.
 

A Memorial Service for Marion will be held on Friday, February 16, 2007 at 2 pm at Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel in Drumheller, Alberta. In lieu of flowers, the Johnson family request donations be made to the Drumheller Health Centre, Continuing Care Recreational Therapy Garden, 351-9th Street NW, Drumheller, AB., T0J 0Y1. Cards and condolences can be sent to 1422-4th Ave. SW, Drumheller, AB., T0J 0Y2. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements.

MACY: Mary (nee Janswick) 1926 - 2007

Mary (nee Janswick) passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, February 10, 2007 at the age of 80. Mary will be greatly missed by her husband, John, of 60 years of marriage; daughters Carol (Brian) Flinn, Linda (Brian) Zacharuk; granddaughters Mary (Randy) James (nee Zacharuk), Marnie Zacharuk, Tina (David) Flinn; great-grandsons Dustin Cole Zacharuk, Ryan Bradley Forest Zacharuk; sister Olga Dropko and her children Romona Marshall (nee Dropko), Drew Dropko; cousin Eva Danyluk; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, and brother William. She loved being the cashier for the Napier Theatre with Bob Shapiro and her long career as a Manageress with Sears Drumheller, retired 21 years ago at the age of 59. Everyone who knew Mary was touched by her kindness, generosity, grace and sense of humour. Always young at heart, many friends of all ages were drawn to her and enjoyed sharing her greatest passions of cooking. She had a photographic memory of names, places and telephone numbers. She will be remembered by her family as the “Best Mom in the World”, we love you forever. The family would like to extend their deepest appreciation to all staff at the Drumheller and Hanna Hospital Dialysis Units, and family physician Dr. Boris Nahornick. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held at the Church of the Nazarene, Friday, February 16, 2007 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to Drumheller Dialysis Unit, or the Area Health Foundation Garden Project.

THORNTON: Gary James

Gary James Thornton passed away at the Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary, Alberta on February 7, 2007 at the age of 31 years, losing his 10 ½ month battle with brain cancer. Gary was born on March 15, 1975 in Ormstown, Quebec. He then moved to Calgary, Alberta when he was 2 years old. Growing up, Gary was an exceptional hockey player and played at the AA level with the Calgary Royals. Gary also played lacrosse and baseball. Gary was an avid fly-fisherman, loved the outdoors and camping with his family. Gary met the love of his life Karen (nee Larson) in 1994. He attended SAIT in 1995 completing his Professional Cooking diploma. Gary and Karen were married October 7, 1995. Their marriage was blessed with the birth of 3 beautiful children: Glen (Sept, 1997), Daniel (May, 1999), and Lillian (June, 2001). Gary’s priority was always his family; nothing made him happier than spending time with his wife and children. Gary worked at various cooking jobs, but changed careers shortly after moving to Drumheller, Alberta in 1997. Gary worked in oilfield construction for 2 years where he was known as “Cookie” and then had another career change and was a truck driver for Hi-Way 9 Express. Gary began his career at the Drumheller Institution in 2000: he worked as a kitchen steward for 1 ½ years and then completed his training to become a Corrections Officer, a job he loved with his whole heart. In the ten years Gary lived in Drumheller he was involved in Men’s Slow Pitch, Mixed Slow Pitch, an active member of Grace Lutheran Church, assisted with Rookie Fun Team Hockey, and was very active with UCCO at the Drumheller Institution.

Gary leaves to mourn Karen, his devoted wife of 11 years; his children Glen, Daniel, and Lilly; his parents Glen and Debra Thornton; his sister Wendy (Scott) Reynolds; mother-in-law Sharon Larson; sister-in-law Nancy (Doug) Woodward; and brother-in-law Mike Larson. He also leaves to mourn his niece Samantha Woodward, nephews Ryan Reynolds and Ryan Woodward, numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and his church family. Gary was predeceased by his father-in-law Don Larson in 1997. The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Parney, Dr. Roldan, Dr. Forsyth, the nursing staff of Unit 112 at the Foothills Health Centre , the staff at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre, and the staff at the Drumheller Health Centre for the wonderful care Gary received throughout his illness. The family would also like to extend their appreciation and thanks for the never-ending support from the Drumheller Institution and Drumheller Co-Op over the past 18 months and for the unconditional love and support from our church family at Grace Lutheran and the support of our community.

A celebration of Gary’s life will be held at Grace Lutheran Church in Drumheller, 620 2 Avenue West on February 16, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a trust fund for children Glen, Daniel, and Lillian Thornton at any CIBC branch.  PERSONAL ALTERNATIVE FUNERAL SERVICES, Calgary & Red Deer (403) 823-5151