Braunberger: Warren Lee

It is with very sad hearts that we announce the passing of Warren Lee Braunberger of Tagish, YT at the age of 44 years. He is survived by his loving parents, Roy and Carol Braunberger, sister Sheryl Berry, brother-in-law Cal and a very special niece Jesse. He is also survived by twenty- eight cousins, several aunts and uncles and many long time friends who touched his life in so many ways. Warren was predeceased by his very best canine friend “Princess”. Warren was born in Drumheller, Alberta on October 5, 1963. Through a series of family moves Warren attended Elementary School in Prince Rupert and finished Junior High School in Golden, B.C. He attended Innisfail Jr./Sr. High School graduating in 1981. He furthered his education at SAIT where he obtained his Power Engineering certificate as well as his 2nd class steam ticket and part of his first. He then went to work for Shell Canada in Bowden and spent a short time in their Calgary office working on the Caroline project. Warren, in growing up was an avid competitor in basketball, badminton, hockey, baseball, golf, track and field and loved to fish and water ski for fun. He even endured a short history of piano lessons and played the trombone as his compromise to piano lessons. He later took up car racing, hunting and mud bogging. His passion for animals and the outdoors began with his involvement in Boy Scouts as a youngster. As an adult he developed a keen interest in wildlife photography of which many of his most treasured photos will be cherished by his family forever. In the early 1990’s he moved to the Yukon and purchased an acreage later known as “Lucky Acres” and lived the life he had dreamed of as a young boy. Some of his northern adventures included photographing the Yukon Quest dogsled races and later raised his own dogsled team.. His acreage became home to small hobby farm projects such as chickens, pigs and crops of which he handled entirely on his own making it known that his disabilities would never hold him back. He was an active member of the Tagish community being on the community board, was a member of the volunteer fire department and as a patriotic Canadian he felt compelled to run for a seat as an independent for the Yukon Territory federal campaign. In all of Warren’s travels and adventures he met many new wonderful friends. He had a special gift of being able to communicate with the very young to the elderly. He had great determination, a sense of humour and an overwhelming kindness towards other people. If friends desire memorial contributions may be made to The Canadian Marfan Association, Centre Plaza Postal Outlet, 128 Queen St. South, P.O. Box 42257, Mississauga, ON L5M 4Z0 or a charity of the donors’ choice. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to (subject Braunberger). A “Celebration of Warren’s Life” will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, July 7th, 2008 at St. Cyprian’s Anglican Church, 5005-50th Ave, Lacombe, AB. Wilson’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium serving central Alberta with locations in Lacombe & Rimbey in charge of the arrangements 403-782-3366 or 403-843-3388. “A Caring Family,  Caring For Families”


Madill: Gordon

Mr. Gordon Madill (Gord) of Carbon, Alberta born in Regina, Saskatchewan, peacefully passed with a difficult battle of heart disease and cancer on July 4, 2008.

Gordon was predeceased by his wife Olive Madill in 1995, after almost 50 years of marriage. Gord was as strong as any man half his age of 84. He remained strong right to the fatal end. For Gordon, giving up was never an option at anytime during his long and hard fought life. His strength through all his hard times has been passed on to his four children, Norman Madill (Donna) of Calgary, Alberta who took on Gord’s love of heavy equipment in logging, farming and construction work. He continues to work in this industry today after some 45 years since Gordon first sat him on a tractor. His first daughter, Shirley Griggs (Wayne) of Morinville, Alberta, who sadly away June on 1998, also took on Gord’s love of hard work and never say quit attitude. Gordon’s second daughter, Sharon Mimura (Wayne) of Fort McMurray, Alberta, whose laughter in the face of hard times makes anyone who knows her stronger and more capable of their own situations. Her coolness under pressure is truly a gift from Gordon. Finally, Gordon’s second son, Larry Madill (Wendy) of Winnipeg, Manitoba, took on Gord’s love of the highway. Larry most likely logged a half a million miles with Gord before the age of 18. Gordon loved the road, the pressure, the lonely miles and the hard work in every mile and found pride in getting the job done at any cost to his well being to himself or his family. Yes, work did come first for Gord but he loved his family very much and never asked much of them. Just the freedom to let him do whatever he felt was necessary to make a living for his family. Gordon Madill will be sadly missed by everyone, his eight grandchildren, Ryan, Craig, Marcy, Billy, Crystal, Sterling, Quinton, Pierce, Justin, Jasmine and many friends and residents of Carbon. Funeral services will be held from the Carbon United Church on Monday, July 14, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial tributes may be made to the  Tom Baker Cancer Foundation. Courtney-Winters Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements, (403) 823-2666. 


MAXWELL: Arthur Kenneth

Arthur Kenneth Maxwell passed away June 22, 2008 at the age of 78. He is survived by two sons and three daughters. 


Sears: E. Evelyn (nee Edwards)  June 11, 1919 – June 30, 2008

With great sorrow we announce the passing at age 89 of our family matriarch and much-cherished mother, Evelyn Sears.  Eldest daughter of pioneer farmers Bill and Elvena Edwards, Evelyn was born in a farmhouse near the Horseshoe Canyon, west of Drumheller, amid the great influenza epidemic of 1919.  As a girl she rode horseback through the Canyon to a one-room schoolhouse, then later attended high school in Drumheller.  As a young woman she was a regular participant at the district weekend Bowery dances, where she twirled to the tunes, prepared box lunches, and made many lasting friendships. In 1942, Evelyn married Jim Sears, a partnership which remained strong and durable until his death in 1980.  Evelyn raised seven children, took in boarders and many “lunchtime kids”, cooked, cleaned, baked goodies with abandon, deployed an imposing array of organizing skills, and welcomed one and all to her lively home.  In 1955 the family moved to Hanna, where she spent five of her happiest years. In 1960 Evelyn and Jim relocated to Calgary and put down roots in Forest Lawn. For the next three decades, Evelyn lived in busy contentment at home in a whirl of social activity, aided by a wide circle of relatives, friends, and neighbours.  In 1991 she transferred her home and energies to the Whitecliffe Estates seniors’ complex in West Dover, where she found new friends and a happy schedule of frequent social gatherings. Evelyn delighted in visitors, plentiful meals and parties or get-togethers of any type.  She loved dancing, old-time music, family singalongs around the piano on St. Paddy’s Day, humming in the kitchen and countryside outings. She also sent birthday and anniversary greetings far and wide throughout the year, taking much pride in remembering each person. Her membership in the Resurrection Choir at Holy Trinity Church and sixty-five years of service to the Catholic Women’s League were an ongoing source of real fulfillment. Fittingly, in 1968 she received the Calgary CWL Mother of the Year award. She enjoyed many events as a longtime member of the Greater Forest Lawn Seniors Association, and as a charter member of the Dovely Court morning coffee clique. An exceptionally caring woman, Evelyn saw goodness in everyone, lived her Catholic faith, was constant in her friendships and reached out to help others all her days. She instilled in her children the importance of family solidarity, positive attitudes, diligent studies, deep morals and a strong work ethic. She prized her siblings and her grandchildren, attended their milestone celebrations whenever possible and relished their many achievements.  In addition to her husband, Evelyn was predeceased by her parents, two brothers in childhood and her children Beth and Roddie. She is survived by her children Gordon (Bobbie) Sears, Murray (Debi) Sears, Ellen (Don) MacCalder, Gerry (Mary) Sears, Marilyn (Rennie) Dove and Rosalee (Bob) Ford; three brothers and their spouses, three sisters, one brother-in-law and one sister-in-law, eleven grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews and their children—all with a special connection to Grandma/ Auntie Evelyn. Prayers and a eulogy to celebrate the remarkable life of Evelyn Sears were held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church on Thursday, July 3 and a funeral Mass was held on Friday, July 4 at the same location. Interment followed at St. Mary’s Cemetery. 

“Do not weigh heavy on her,

O earth;

She was not heavy on you.”  M.V. Martialis

 No flowers please. If desired, donations in the name of Evelyn Sears may be made to the Agape Hospice, 822, 420 – 9 Avenue S.E. Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0R9, or to the Mustard Seed Street Ministry, 102 -11 Avenue S.E. Calgary, Alberta, T2G 0X5. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca Arrangements are in care of PIERSON’S FUNERAL SERVICE.  Telephone (403) 235-3602.    


WASMANN: Alice Patricia (Pat)   June 2, 1919 - July 3, 2008

It is with great sadness and sorrow that the family announces the passing of their beloved mother, grandmother and sister. Pat was predeceased by her husband, Louis, her brother, Harvey Shepherd, sister-in-law, Monica Shepherd and brother-in-law, Charlie Lantz. She leaves to mourn her sons, Wayne (Margaret, Melanie and Christopher), Larry (Janie) and daughters, Linda (Mike, Erin, Oliver, Dustin and Quinn) McSwiney, Lana (Darcy, Joel and Riley) Emann. Also to mourn are her sister, Eleanor Lantz and brother,  Ken (Ev) Shepherd. She was a lifetime member of the Order of the Royal Purple of Canada. Pat enjoyed taking her turn as hostess at the Pioneer Trail Centre for many years. She enjoyed spending time knitting sweaters, mittens and touques for the grandchildren. She will be forever remembered as a loving grandmother who always took the time to care for her grandchildren. Pat spent many hours baking cakes and cupcakes with the grandchildren. Mom loved going for drives and out for supper with Kay Vickers. She also enjoyed many hours selling tickets with her long time friend, Ethel Moar. She will also be missed by her other numerous friends and family. Special thanks to Dr. Olfert, nurses and staff at the Continuing Care Unit at the Hospital, Carol Houghton and the Manor and Sunshine Lodge, for their excellent care of mom. Also, a very special thanks to Barb Neigum for finding the time to go visit with mom. There will be no service at mom’s request.     


WINEGARDEN: David Michael   September 19, 1964 - July 1, 2008

David Michael Winegarden passed away quietly on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at his home in Big Valley, Alberta after a short four month struggle with cancer.  David fought the disease with great courage, strength and dignity, never giving in to despair even when the outcome was inevitable.  His remarkable strength and determination will live on as an inspiration in the lives of his beloved family. David began his pipeline career at 19 years of age and spent his life working for some of the biggest Pipeline contractors in Canada.  Though David worked all across Canada, he spent most of his working life in Alberta, making many lifelong friends along the way.  David was admired by many for his skill and professionalism; he loved the challenge of his work.  Colleagues have commented that it was always a pleasure to work with him and have described David as a true gentleman. Quiet and modest to a fault, he never truly realized the impression he left behind.  His legacy is greater then he could ever realize and he will truly be missed by all. David will be forever missed by his beloved wife, Linda and his children; Katherine, Hailey and Cody, his parents; Everett and June Winegarden of London, ON, his sister Cindy Armer of London, ON, his brother, Frank Winegarden (Diane) of London, ON, his sister-in-law, Heidi Stillinger of Brooks, AB as well as his nephews; Tyler and Cory Armer of London, ON and Jesse Stillinger-Dick of Brooks, AB. A Graveside service will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. at the Drumheller Cemetery with Jerry Beskowine officiating.  A reception to follow at the Drumheller  Inn.  A Memorial service will be held in London, Ontario on Saturday, July 19, 2008.  Memorial tributes may be made to the Stollery Children’s Hospital (Suite 1502, 8215 112 street, Edmonton, Alberta  T6G 2C8). Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements (403) 823-2666.