Obits | DrumhellerMail - Page #176
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Condolences to the family of Eli Gordon Higgins

EliHiggins

HIGGINS
Eli Gordon

February 5, 1990 - July 19, 2020

It is with great sorrow that the family of Eli Higgins announces his sudden passing on July 19, 2020, doing what he loved, riding his motorcycle. He leaves behind the love of his life Marrisa Dumonceaux; his mother Darlene (Mike); brother Patrick and sister Sarah (Ryan). Eli is also survived by his grandmother Kay Stack; grandfather Dan Higgins and grandfather Gordon Bond. His loss will also be felt by his many aunts, uncles, cousins and beloved friends. Eli is predeceased by his father Ron Higgins; grandfather Al Stack; and grandmother Jane Bond. Eli was born February 5, 1990 in Camrose and lived a number of places, including Wetaskiwin and Whitehorse, YT, before his family settled in Cardston in 1996 where he lived until graduating from high school. Eli then moved to Lethbridge where he lived and worked for several years before deciding to pursue a career as an Instrumentation Technologist. He began his courses at SAIT in the fall of 2014 and excelled academically throughout his time at school. During his final year of courses, Eli became president of the International Society of Automation SAIT Student Section which allowed him to utilize his natural ability as a mentor and leader. It was also during his time at SAIT that he met the love of his life, Marrisa. After graduation, he moved to Fort St. John, BC to start his career in instrumentation alongside Marrisa, where they gained several years of experience in their field before transferring back to Alberta and settling in Standard. He inherited a love of motorcycles and all things mechanical from his father Ron and was always willing to teach and pass on his knowledge or offer assistance when it came to
maintenance of the family vehicles. Eli was a kind, generous person who never hesitated to offer a helping hand to those he cared about. He was loved deeply by his family and friends and will be greatly missed.
A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm on August 9, 2020 at the Severn Dam. Messages of condolence may be forwarded to the family at www.piersons.ca.


Condolences to the family of Dr. David Dunlop Miller

 

Dr.DavidMiller

MILLER
Dr. David Dunlop

September 11, 1924 - July 10, 2020

Dr. David Dunlop Miller died comfortably at home July 10, 2020 afternoon with family beside him. Born September 11, 1924 the only child of George and Margaret “Johnny” Miller.
Predeceased by his wife of 28 years Bryda (Egan) in 1977 and mother of his children, Fiona (Gary) Crow, Douglas, Ailsa (Paul) Brereton, Ian (Della) and Alec. Survived by his wife of 28 years, Mary (Horrigan), and her son, Robert Kerkamp. Also survived by grandchildren, Christie, Laird (Meredith), Roan, Kevin (Sammi), Jessica (Tim), Maeve (Stephen), Sheena (Michael), Christopher (Andrea) and Cara, and great-grandchildren, Madeleine, Ronan, Lorcan, Aiden and Larkin.
Our father made his wishes very clear that he wanted to die at his home beside the Red Deer River. Mary, helped by family, homecare staff including Ula and Gord, made it happen, and for that he and his children have been very grateful.
Dad was born in Birmingham but always emphasized his Scottish ancestry. Dad was schooled at Wycliffe in Wales where he made life-long friends. He studied medicine, his much-loved profession, at St. Mary’s Hospital in London. He served as a Royal Marine in various places, eventually
settling into family practice in Woodford Green, UK. In 1966 they decided to emigrate to Canada with the family.
Settling in Drumheller he practiced medicine there from late 1966 until his retirement in 2013. In all stages of his life he made and kept contact with his many friends and the Miller, Egan and Horrigan families.
The Drumheller Mail published a warm story that fills in some gaps. You can read it here.
The family will gather for a small service at St. Anthony’s in Drumheller but due to COVID 19, a much-deserved memorial service cannot be planned at present.
Family gratefully decline flowers, and if desired please donate to Doctors Without Borders Canada, Red Cross or L’Arche Canada.
Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements. 403-823-2666.

Condolences to the family of Esther Koester

 

EstherKoester

KOESTER
Esther
July 2, 1928 to July 1, 2020

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our Mom, Esther Koester, on July 1, 2020 just one day shy of her 92nd birthday. Esther was predeceased by her husband Richard (Dick) in 2013, their first born son Brian (1951) and her 2 sons-in-law Bill Shymanski (2010) and Dwayne Marshman (2012). She leaves behind her much loved and ever-growing family. Her 5 Children and 13 grandchildren: Glenn (Lois) their 4 children: Brenda (Paul), Terryll (Mykella), Ian (Natasha) and Robin (Jon). Dianne Shymanski and her 3 children: Carrie (Greg), Lorelee and Tracy (Duncan). Mary Marshman and her 3 children: Kathy (Lance), Craig and Kim (Ben). Robert (Jacqueline) and their 3 children: Ronnie (Jayne), Darcy (Megan) and Julie (Grant). Last but not least, Karen (Rob). Plus her 19 Great-Grandchildren, her sister Irena Hagel and brother Albert (Millie) Krenzel. Countless nieces, nephews and the best neighbours ever Larry & Vickey Cook. Mom sorely missed Dad these past 7 years, but she did amazing! She quickly learned she was more than capable of managing her household and even mastered FaceTime on her Smartphone. She diligently did her mile a day on her treadmill and went to weekly fitness classes. The garden she planted
every year benefited her kids and her neighbours. Mom took great pride in keeping her house & yard looking immaculate. She still drove right up to her last trip to Strathmore. Mom’s deep faith in God provided a sense of peace throughout her life. She was an avid and faithful supporter and worshipper at St. Rita’s Parish.
Mom and Dad loved to travel. They had taken numerous cruises and a few overseas tours, but their favourite was their 5th wheel trailer. Many winters were spent in the sunny USA with friends, Odo & Sharon, Eugene & Janis, Pete & Marie, Ralph & Anne, Louie & Lillian to name just a few. Mom will be fondly remembered for her baking (cinnamon buns) and her constant knitting (dish cloths).
She will be dearly missed by family, friends and the Rockyford community. The family would like to extend sincere thanks to the Doctors and Nursing staff at the Strathmore hospital for their genuine care and concern for Mom.
A private family service will be held in Rockyford on Friday, July 10, 2020. The service will be videotaped and access to viewing it will be attached to Esther’s obituary following the service at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca
A community Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Rita’s Parish (Box 130 Rockyford, AB T0J 2R0) the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation (200, 119 14 St. NW Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 or www.heartandstroke.ca) or the Wheatland and Area Hospice Society (Box 2154 Strathmore, AB T1P 1K2 or wheatlandhospice.ca). To send condolences, please visit Esther’s obituary at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca