Cook Southland Funeral Chapel and Crematorium

MICHAEL VAILLANCOURT
1953 - 2008
Mr. Michael Vaillancourt born July 28, 1953, went peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 28, 2008, while surrounded by his family and friends.
Mike was Best Friend and Soul mate of Audrey Norlene. He was predeceased by his mother, father and younger brother, Ted. Mike is survived by his brothers, John and Rick as well as sister, Johanne. He leaves to mourn his loss many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nephews, nieces and special friends and family, Byron and Shelley Egeland. Mike, known as Grandfather and Papa to many children, will be missed greatly for his laughter, jokes, newfie stories, songs and for the quality time spent with each and every one trying to teach and install values. Mike had many friends and he was always giving and never taking. Mike is in a better place and suffering no more.
We Love You Forever & Always
Relatives and friends are invited to a Celebration of Mike’s life to be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Friday, July 4, 2008, at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Glen Dueck officiating.

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LAURENS VAN KEULE
1978 - 2008

Laurens (Rens) van Keule of Medicine Hat, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, May 13, 2008, at the age of 29 years.
Laurens was born in Campbell River, B.C. on May 22, 1978.
His memory will be cherished in the hearts of his parents, Laurens and Jeannie van Keule; a brother, Peter van Keule (Tasha) and their children, Marik and Nikkolas; and a sister, Tilly van Keule (Morgan). He was predeceased by a brother, Joseph Cullen and an uncle, Patrick Cullen; maternal grandparents, Peter and Frances Cullen and paternal grandparents, Pieter and Laurenca van Keule. He will be sadly missed.
A Celebration of Laurens’ life will be held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13th Street S.W., on Saturday, May 17, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Barrett Scheske officiating.

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BEV VANWERT
1944 - 2007

Mrs. Beverlie (Bev) Anna VanWert, beloved wife of Bruce VanWert, unexpectedly passed away in Eureka, Montana, USA on Thursday, September 13, 2007 at the age of 63 years.
Bev was born into this world on February 1, 1944 in Coleman, Alberta, a daughter to Victor and Mabel Lilya. Following her primary schooling she went on to St. Paul's Hospital in Vancouver where she studied to become a Registered Nurse. This would prove to be her calling as she was devoted to her chosen profession for many years. On October 14, 1967 she married Bruce VanWert in Cranbrook. They resided in various communities and raised their family of two boys. Bev enjoyed her life and especially loved to travel! Lengthy vacations in Mexico were a must and she made sure to make the most of them.
The wonderful memories Bev has left will be cherished by her husband, Bruce and two sons, Kevin (Sharon) VanWert and Ian VanWert and Isabelle Ries; grandchildren, Rachelle & Natalie VanWert and Brett Sinclair; her mother, Mabel Lilya; sister, Donna (Keith) Hicks, Lanny and Brett Hicks as well as numerous other nieces, nephews and cousins. Bev was predeceased by her father, Victor Lilya.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13th Street S.W. on Wednesday, September 19, 2007 from 12 noon to 12:55 p.m. The Celebration of Bev's Life will follow at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Barrett Scheske officiating. The family will privately gather at
Hillside Cemetery on Thursday for columbarium placement.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bev's name may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 124, 430 - 6th Ave. S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 2S8.

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JOHN VANGEN
2007
It is with sadness that the family of Mr. John Vangen announce his passing which occurred on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at the age of 62 years.
He is survived by his daughters, Tami Vangen-Teel (Rob), Sheri Hoffart (Gerard); nine grandsons, Lance, Dylan, Robert, Rylan, Ashton, Zachary, Kayden, Nathan and Nolan; three sisters, Gladys, Jenny and Ann, as well as one brother, Tom.
In accordance to John's wishes, family will privately celebrate his life.

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JOHN VAN DAM
July 6, 1933 - Nov. 28, 2006

It pleased the Lord to take home John Van Dam, dearly beloved husband of his loving wife of 50 years, Olga Van Dam (Veenstra). Besides his wife he is survived by his children, James Van Dam of Revelstoke, BC, Wynne (Terry) Purdham, Joanna (Terry) Fisher, Robert (Tracey) Van Dam, Ralph (Mandy) Van Dam all of Redcliff; twelve grandchildren he loved and enjoyed, Jason Van Dam; Megan and Kelsy Purdham; Bradley and Michelle Fisher; Jonathan, Tyler and Katelyn Van Dam; Nicholas, Brittany, Shelby and Joelle Van Dam. John is also survived by his brothers and sisters, Johannes of Medicine Hat, James (Helen) of Medicine Hat, William (Winnie) of New Market, ON, Alfred (Norma) of Medicine Hat, Art of Medicine Hat, Joanne (Ralph) Schweitzer of Maple Ridge, B.C., one sister-in-law, Kathleen Van Dam of Chilliwack, B.C;. Olga’s brothers and sisters, Yvonne (Bob) Dykstra of Burdett, Ted (Margo) Veenstra of Victoria, B.C., Anna Oegema of Edmonton, Lloyd (Lorna) Veenstra of Medicine Hat, Jim (Carolyn) Veenstra of Burdett and Wendy (Ron) Blankespoor of Grand Rapids, Mich. as well as many nieces and nephews. John was predeceased by his brother Adrian and brother-in-law Fred Oegema. John was born in Monster, Zuid Holland, The Netherlands, the oldest of eight children born to Jacobus and Johanna Van Dam. In 1951, at the age of 18, he immigrated with his family to southern Alberta. Shortly after he met Olga Veenstra in Redcliff and they were married on July 6, 1956. After working at the glass factory and brick plants, he, in partnership with his brother Johannes, started a greenhouse business in Redcliff. In 1969, mom and dad operated the family business, Westland Greenhouse Ltd. until 1989. Dad was a founding and lifetime member of the Red Hat Co-Op. John also spent 13 years serving as a councilor and six years as the Mayor of Redcliff. Dad was proud to retire at the age of 55 with Olga in Medicine Hat on the river. He was a great photographer as evident in the many ‘great shots’ we have. Woodworking projects of all kinds are finished in our homes. Dad always had time to take many vacations with his family and friends to new places. Church was an important part of John’s life. He was the handyman everyone could count on to complete the project as portrayed in the stained glass windows to woodworking in his church...he was always helping everyone and found time for all! Most importantly, Grandpa had a soft spot for each of his grandchildren and we will remember him as a strong, practical, resourceful man who’s hardworking hands showed his love for us all. John was a loving caring husband to Olga and they celebrated 50 years of marriage. The Lord blessed our marriage and family richly while serving Him. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 - 13th Street S.W., on Friday, December 1, 2006 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The interment service will take place at the Redcliff Cemetery on Saturday, December 2, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. John’s life will be celebrated at the Christian Reformed Church, 300 Primrose Drive S.E. Medicine Hat on Saturday, December 2, 2006 at 2:30 P.M. with Pastor George Koopmans officiating.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Medicine Hat Christian School Society, 68 Rice Drive S.E., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1B 3X2.

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GERDA VONK
July 6, 1912 - January 22, 2005
Mrs. Gerda Vonk, beloved wife of the late Mr. Tony Vonk, passed away at her home at the Sunnyview Care Facility on Saturday, January 22, 2005 at the age of 92 years.
Gerda was a loving mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family... especially her grandchildren! Those who knew her will remember her for her excellent seamstress abilities and her lovely garden. She lovingly tended her garden for many years, well into her late 80's.She is survived by her daughters, Gerda (Henry) Aasman of Medicine Hat, Henny (Dick) Rosendal of Medicine Hat and Conny (Rod) Gechter of Seven Persons; a daughter-in-law, Jane Vonk of Medicine Hat; 8 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by an older sister, Jane Brouwer of Coaldale, three in-laws and many nieces and nephews in Canada and Holland. Besides her husband Tony in September of 1983, she was predeceased by her grandson, Rory Aasman in March of 1994 and her son Leen in March of 2002.
Those wishing to pay their respects may do so one hour prior to the Funeral Service which will be held in the Wuerfel Auditorium at South Country Village, 1720 Bell Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 at 1:00 P.M. with Reverend Bob Findley officiating. Interment will follow at Hillside Cemetery.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Gerda's name may be made directly to the Alberta Lung Association, P.O. Box 4500 Station South, Edmonton, Alberta T6E 6K2 or to the Diabetes Education
Centre, 666 - 5th Street S.W., Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4H6.

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