Kristine Renée Gullickson

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It is with heavy hearts that the family announce the sudden and unexpected passing of Kristine Gullickson on February 8, 2025 at the age of 49 years.

She will always be lovingly missed by her family, husband of almost 28 years, Tristan; three children, Erik, Sienna and Sarah; parents, Garry and Janet; two siblings, Cindy (Jody) and Sterling; mother-in-law, Millie; father-in-law, Ron; her childrens’ grandmother, Karen; niece and nephews,Matthew, Brayden, Emma, Koda and Kaden; as well as numerous extended family and many dear friends.

Kristine was predeceased by Millie’s partner, Rick; maternal grandparents, Germaine and Duane; and paternal grandparents, Gordon and Anne.

Keeping with the families wishes ,Kristine will be cremated and celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

Flowers gratefully declined. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Kristine’s memory to the MS Society of Canada, a charity that was close to Kristine’s heart.

Leendert (Leen) Johannes Thomas Korn

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It is with very heavy hearts that the family of Leen Korn announces his peaceful passing on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at the age of 80 years. 

Leen is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Susan; two daughters, Michele (Gary) Malinowski and Tammy (Darren) van Ooyen; along with two granddaughters, Alysa (Mason(Fiancé)) and Madison.

Leen was born in Scheuditz, Germany on April 11, 1944 and married the love of his life, Susan, on July 31, 1965.

A hard working, devoted husband, father and grandpa, Leen lived a wonderful and full life. His passion was to spend time with his family. He loved to travel the world with Susan, his kids and grandkids. He had a kind and generous heart, and was always willing to help out when needed.

He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed.

At his request cremation and a family gathering has taken place. A celebration of life will take place at a later date.

If you wish to honor Leen’s memory the family requests that in lieu of flowers donations may be made to:

Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta
The Alzheimer Society of AB & NWT
Alberta Diabetes Foundation

Tony Syvret

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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Tony Syvret on January 31, 2025. Tony was an avid golfer at the Belvedere Golf and Country Club for over 30 years.

Tony is survived by his wife, Joan of 55 years. He also leaves behind brother, Brian (Mary); step brothers, Peter (Beverly), John; nephews, Peter (Nicky) & Jonny (Alex); niece, Jenny (Taymon); nephew, Stephen (Calla) living in Newfoundland; as well as numerous great nephews and nieces, and one great great niece all living in England.

Tony was predeceased by nephew Andrew on January 17, 2025. Survived by his wife Jo and their 3 children.

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 8, 2025 at 11:30 am at Broadmoor Golf Course (2100 Oak Street, Sherwood Park).

In lieu of flowers, donations gratefully accepted for The Grey Nuns Hospital palliative care unit. A special thank you to the doctors and all the staff on units 43 & 51 for their amazing care.

Emilie Leopold

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It is with heavy hearts that the family of Emilie Leopold must sadly announce her passing on February 1st, 2025, at the age of 95, following a brief illness.

Emilie leaves behind her son & daughter-in-law Chris & Cindie, and her daughter-in-law Eileen. Their love for her will only grow stronger with her absence.

She will also be dearly missed by her extended family and friends in Burgenland, Austria, as well as her friends in Alberta and Quebec.

Emilie is predeceased by her son Gerhard, her brother & sister-in-law Alfred & Magdalene Schreiner, her sister & brother-in-law Henriette & Arnold Bartl, and her ex-husband Paul Leopold.

Emilie was born and grew up in Burgenland, Austria and initially moved to Montreal, Quebec at the age of 27 with her then-husband and their first son. As was the case for all immigrants, at that time, her new life in Canada was based on hard work and many sacrifices along the way. Through all those early years, her main focus was always centered around being the best mom she could be for her two boys, Gerhard & Chris, and making sure they grew up to become adults she could be proud of.

During her life, she experienced a few major personal health crises yet always managed to recover. With each recovery, she thanked the Lord for giving her the chance to continue her life again and often said, with some levity, “He doesn’t want me yet.” or, “He only takes the good ones.”

Many years later, as a senior citizen, she moved to Edmonton, Alberta at the age of 76 to be near her two sons once more. She was happy to have her small family together again.

Emilie lived with Alzheimer’s disease during the last six years of her life. As such, Chris & Cindie sincerely extend their heartfelt thanks to those that provided ongoing care during these final years in order to diligently maintain her usual quality of life, in particular the following: Dr. Joris Butzelaar and the staff at the Allin Clinic (family medicine), Dr. Karen Leung and the staff at the Glenrose Rehabilitation Hospital (geriatric medicine). As well, a very big thank you goes to Homecare Case Manager Danielle Lavallee and the AHS Homecare team, who supported Emilie on a daily basis.

Finally, Chris & Cindie also send sincere thanks to the medical team in Unit 18 at the Sturgeon Community Hospital who cared for Emilie during her final days.

A private gathering has already taken place.

Donations can be made in Emilie’s name to the Alzheimer Society of Canada.

Kenneth James Pickard

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Kenneth James Pickard
1950-2024

Ken passed away peacefully on September 26, 2024 on the date of his choosing (MAiD) at sunset surrounded by those he loved in Edmonton Alberta after a hard fought battle with pancreatic cancer.

Ken was the second of five siblings Garry, Evan, Larry and John (Jody) born to Kenneth and Helen Pickard. He is survived by his loving wife Jane (Gowan), daughter Marni Stanislawski, son-in-law Slav, granddaughter Madison, brother Jody, sister-in-law Catherine (Nevala), Bob Nevala, nieces and nephews and our soul family of Dave and Carol Campbell.

With his father’s employment as a gold miner the family moved several times finally settling in Red Lake Ontario. Ken knew at an early age that education was his way to a better life. In 1969 he enrolled at Confederation College to study Hotel and Restaurant Administration graduating in 1970. He began his career moving to Edmonton Alberta working for CN Hotels at the MacDonald Hotel. In 1977 he made the decision to further his education receiving his B.A. in 1982 and his Masters of Administration at the University of Alberta in 1981 all while working full time and raising a family. His dream was to work in a field where his compassionate side could be his everyday life. Ken became the Executive Director of Youville Home in St. Albert for the Grey Nuns of Montreal and in 1991received his Masters in Science in Administration with a concentration in Health Sciences thru the University of Michigan. In 1998 he graduated from St. Paul’s University Ottawa in the Catholic Health Care Leadership Program. In 2001 he took a position as Executive Director with Community Living Thunder Bay until retirement.

Ken was a voracious reader especially mysteries always with several books on the go. On the deck, in the sun, by the beach a must. A Crossword puzzle was his every morning ritual along with keeping informed on political issues around the world. Twice daily walks were a must meeting neighbours with hellos, smiles and conversations. Ken’s yard and gardens were impeccably kept. He was a compulsive dead header in his and everyone else’s garden. Ken was an avid dancer and singer. Singing with the Fort William Male Choir, Thunder Bay was a much loved pass time.

Respecting Ken’s wishes cremation has taken place and a family memorial will be held in the future.

Loretta Anna McKenzie

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It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Loretta Anna McKenzie, who left us on January 13, 2025 at the age of 79 surrounded by loving family after a beautifully lived life. Full of love, laughter, and resilience, she touched the lives of all who knew her. No formal services will take place, as Loretta requested, but we do appreciate your love and support during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Cancer Research Society Heart and Stroke Foundation or any of your choice.

Debra Keller

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Debra Ann Keller, born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta, was a beloved member of her family and devoted wife. Growing up in a loving household, she developed a passion for gardening, crafting, and caring for her siblings. She also had a deep love for baseball and golf, sports that brought her much joy throughout her life. Known for her kindness, generosity, beautiful smile, and contagious laugh, Debra touched the hearts of everyone she met. Debra also had a deep love for traveling the world and cherished the moments she spent with her family and friends across the globe. She was a constant source of joy and inspiration to those around her.

As an entrepreneur, Debra achieved great success with her business, Popcorn Plus. Her dedication and hard work earned her numerous awards and accolades at events such as the Calgary Stampede, Klondike Days, and the Pacific National Exhibition (PNE), among many others. She was a familiar face at their restaurant Leo Burrito and her namesake D’s mini-golf, where she left a lasting impression with anyone she met.

Debra passed away peacefully on January 14, 2025, at the University Hospital in Edmonton, Alberta. She leaves behind cherished memories with her loving husband, Michael Gratton; her parents, Evelyn and Edward Keller, siblings Randy Keller (Linda), Sandy Keller, and Michael Keller (Jodyne); and all of her beloved nieces and nephews.

Her warmth and light will forever be remembered by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate to know her.

Thomas Patrick Dawnay

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It is with great sadness that the family of Thomas Dawnay announce his passing on Thursday, January 16, 2025 at the age of 71.

Originally from Ireland, Tom will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 41 years, Kate; children, Siobhan and Rory; granddaughter Myra; siblings David, Alan and Martine, several nieces and nephews including Mark, Michelle and Thomas and numerous other family members and friends. He was predeceased by his parents Thomas and Nora.

Throughout his life he pursued many different jobs in hospitals, on a ship, as a bartender and as an actor. He was an alumni of the University of Alberta, Faculty of Arts. He enjoyed painting and drawing and adorned his home, galleries and offices with his works of art.

He also enjoyed travelling Europe and went home to Ireland whenever he got the chance. He was an avid listener of rock music, often blasting Rolling Stones and Billy Idol songs well into the night.

Tom spent a lot of time with his family, joking around, taking them on outings and attending his kids’ school events. In his later years, his favourite activities were watching old movies and drinking orange Fanta.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Edmonton General Continuing Care Centre for their care and attention in his final days.

A service will be held at a later date.

VITEK (WITOLD) OLSZEWSKI

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VITEK (WITOLD) OLSZEWSKI
Feb. 4, 1982 – Jan. 21, 2025
With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our son, brother and uncle, Witold Olszewski.
Witek passed away at the young age of 42, after years of struggling with health issues.
He leaves behind his loving mom Ania, and older sisters, Joanna and Aleksandra and their families, as well as family and friends in Alberta, Poland and United Kingdom. Witek was predeceased by his dad Janek in 2013.
Witek was loved and known for his happy demeanor, friendliness and a helping nature.
He was a generous and caring person, especially to his nieces and nephew. He spoiled all four with gifts on every occasion and enjoyed spending his time playing with them.
The family will hold a mass and burial service for Witek at a later date.

Jean Audrey Gibson

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Jean (nee West) Gibson
March 20, 1934 – January 21, 2025

The family of Jean Audrey (West) Gibson sadly share the news of Jean’s passing in the early morning of January 21, 2025.
Jean Audrey West was born in 1934 to parents Fred and Julia West who farmed near the hamlet of Metiskow, AB. Her life began in some of the most difficult conditions of the 20th century, the Great Depression (or “dirty thirties” as Fred called it), followed by world war, but hard work and perseverance overcame difficulties. Family economics had Jean leaving school and going to live and work away from home at 16. Later in life she shared memories of hard times growing up, but also of warm and happy family times.
In 1952, while working in Provost, Alberta she met and married Angus MacLean, who had come to the town while working on oil rigs in the area. They were attracted by a mutual love of dancing and later in life, daughter Barb recalls Jean was known by some as “Jean, Jean, the dancing machine.” The couple embarked on a life following the oil rigs, living in a very small trailer, even after adding son Donald in 1953. Tragically, Angus MacLean was killed in a rig accident just prior to their second anniversary, leaving Jean as a young widow with a one-year-old child.
In 1956 Jean married James “Mac” Gibson, a friend and work colleague of Angus. Three more children followed; Julie, Douglas and Barbara and the couple embarked on a long and successful marriage and family life.
Jean was a consummate homemaker, caring deeply for her children and putting their interests above her own. Grand-daughters Marla and Emily remember fighting over her fabulous cinnamon buns. Julie remembers her many late nights after kids were in bed, hunched over the sewing machine creating outfits for her growing girls which also included a suitcase of clothes for their Barbie dolls. Starting from her life in a 15ft trailer the family advanced steadily into larger homes. Son Don remembers the large multi-generation dinners where everyone somehow fit into kitchens, tiny by today’s standards. One year had the Christmas group filling a repurposed ping pong table in the basement. Jean prepared everything.
After her children had grown to marketable size, Jean went back to her original work in retail, managing a ladies clothing store in Edmonton for a number of years. Proud to be earning her own money she showered her children with Christmas gifts in her first year back working.
Mac retired early from his job and the couple commenced the golden years of their marriage, spending winters in Hemet California. They met new friends, travelled on cruises, and had 20 years of well-earned retirement as snowbirds. Mac remarked just this week, “they had a wonderful life.” In 1991 they sold their acreage home to their son Douglas and began the reverse steps of progressively smaller homes. Granddaughter Heather will always remember her times picking raspberries at their acreage home and then watching Nana make jam while Grandson Brian recalls good times with Nana at their Pigeon Lake home.
After several years with Mac in an assisted living home, Jean was moved in the summer of 2024 to another home where her needs could be better met. She slipped her earthly bonds peacefully in her own bed at Devonshire Care Centre, Edmonton.
Jean leaves to mourn her passing her husband of almost 69 years, Mac Gibson along with her children and their spouses; Don (Diane), Julie (Dick), Doug (Caron) and Barbara. She enjoyed happy times pampering her grandchildren who knew her as Nana. Heather (Ryan), Brian (Kristal), Marla and Emily (Dylan). She was fortunate to know great-grandchildren, Claire, Nathan, Alice, and Angus. Also surviving Jean is her sister, Marjorie Kozlinski, and her brother Ron West, both of Provost.
Her wish to return to Metiskow will mean a private family service of interment of her ashes to take place in late spring.