On April 18th, 2022. Ian Foster went home to his saviour and heavenly Father. Ian was born July 23rd, 1972, in Montreal, Quebec. There, Ian received an incredibly memorable childhood brought up by his parents Herbert (deceased) and Laurie Foster, as well as his twin sister Andrea (Mark) Leyden, and brother Paul Foster. He had very fond memories of his early years consisting of summer bike rides, D&D sessions, and a deep love for sci-fi with Star Trek being one of his favourites. Montreal was also where he would meet his wife Debra (divorced.) They knew each other when they were children, and even were in the same Christmas play with Ian playing Joseph and Debra playing Mary. They married June 26th, 1993, and moved to Edmonton Alberta, so that Ian could look into pursuing Seminary School.

Two years after their marriage began. Ian and Debra started a family of their own. Ian’s children Daniel (Quincy,) Nathan, and Alyssa. Ian’s children remember the times of lightsaber fights, nerf gun battles, snowball fights, and cuddles while watching movies late into the night.

His family would become a strong motivation in his life as he chose to transition into a career where he can better provide for his family. The career would lead him to work for Telus from 2003-2022 in assignment & activation, where he would come to be known by his coworkers as a great listener who they could come to with any issues that they were dealing with.

Ian was a major fan of the Boston Bruins. He also enjoyed darts, chess, and Star Trek Attack Wing. It was clear that he was most alive however, when he was with those that he cared about deeply and speaking into their lives. He was a notable example to friends and family alike, and he will be deeply missed. However, his legacy lives on through his children. As well as his first grandchild Thaddeus, who was born three months prior to Ian’s passing.

A celebration of Ian’s life will be held on Sunday, June 5th from 3PM to 6PM at 5204 50 Ave, Beaumont, AB T4X 1E3. All who knew Ian are welcome.

Myron (Marian) Joseph Iskierski
Sept 6, 1958 – April 27, 2022

It is with great sadness that we share the unexpected passing of Myron at the age of 63 in Edmonton, Alberta.

Myron had a way to make you smile… a joke, a funny rhyme or by just being himself… loud and gregarious without a filter and a contagious laugh that could be heard for miles…that was Myron. 

Born in Winnipeg, he was an Elmwood boy that went to St. John’s High School following many of his peers from his grade school (Holy Ghost Elementary School). It was there he learned how to work hard and play much, much harder. Myron often shared his memories (or partial memories) of this period which included his escapades at the local watering hole(s) in the North End or at the family cottage in Grand Beach.

Although Myron loved all sports, lacrosse was the one he excelled at most. He played it with passion and stayed in touch with many of his teammates throughout the years. He was always entertaining to watch (when he wasn’t in the penalty box). He was especially proud of the time his team represented Manitoba at the 1977 Canada Games in St. John’s Newfoundland. He kept much of the memorabilia from that trip to boast about when people came to visit.

Myron was very dedicated to his career at Shell and in his early 20’s he decided to take a transfer to Edmonton where he worked for 30 years before retiring at the ripe old age of 53. He was proud of his accomplishments there, as well as the lifelong friends that he continued to meet with long after his last shift at the Scotsford Oil Refinery.

Since retiring, Myron regularly called his Mom and siblings to find out or spread the latest gossip about the Iskierski clan or talk about his favourite pastime… EVERY sport known to mankind. Through these conversations, we all became much closer and will always cherish learning about the kind and generous nature behind the big burly man.

Myron was predeceased by his father Joseph, and is survived by his mother Frances (Doug), his sister Theresa (Robert), three brothers: James (Elaine), Edward (Jennifer), Andrew and many adoring nephews and nieces: Michael, Matthew (Brittany), Sean, Kevin (Jane), Zachary (Eleni), Nicole, Haley (Alec) and Alyssa.

We love you Myron and know you are with Dad (aka Tata) sharing the latest Iskierski clan gossip and looking forward to the next sports game not yet played… 

Rest in Peace Myron
Wieczyney Odpoczynek Racz Mu Dac Panie Myron

Our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother & friend, Kay Dickie (Elizabeth Katharine) passed away March 24, 2022 at the tender young age of 93. She was predeceased by her loving husband Don in 2018 and her beautiful daughter Patricia (Trish/Pat) in 2019.

She will be loved and remembered always by her children Karen (Gary), Daryl, David; son-in-law Dennis, her grandchildren Graham (Tamara), Sheenagh , Lyndal (Ritchie), Lisha (Kyle), Stephen, Kayla; and by her precious great-grandsons Zander, Tristan, Austin, Theodore. Kay also had numerous people whom she “adopted” and brought into the family as sons, daughters, grandchildren and great grandchildren all ranging from the ages of Newborn to 90.

For ALL of her family and friends, a Celebration of Life will be held at Wellington Hall, 13440 132 St on Saturday, May 21, 2022 at 1 p.m. (a light lunch will be served).

August 15, 1930 – April 21, 2022

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Walter Lukay at the age of 91.

Walter was the first born of John and Mary Lukay in Mannville, Alberta and grew up on a farm located 6 miles SW of Myrnam with his brothers: Frank and Casimir. Myrnam is where he began his career as a professional mechanic and welder.

After a move to Edmonton, he operated a Texaco gas station/auto repair in the Ottewell area for several years, then later a Petro-Canada gas station/auto repair in Millwoods. Dad was very dedicated, putting in many long hours at work to provide for our family. As kids, we have fond memories of summers at Pigeon Lake, several mountain camping trips, a trip to Hawaii and a very amusing road trip to Disneyland. Our best memories are those of numerous family gatherings, whether it be with the Lukay clan or Zayac/Zayak families.

After Mom’s passing, Dad escaped several cold Edmonton winters by enjoying warm weather and the fellowship of his cronies in Mexico, thus the nickname “Mexico Dido”. Dad knew how to fix anything and everything. He loved to fish and tend his garden. He lived independently in his home until he was admitted to the University of Alberta Hospital in November 2021.

Lovingly remembered, he is survived by his daughters Dianne Yan, Sandra Andriashek (Ken), and Sharon Lukay; grandchildren Tyler (Jessica) and Todd Williamson, Jill Adams (Mark) and Nadia Andriashek, and Peter and Christina Tomaras; and great-grandchildren Jack and Zella, Gwen, and Maya and Haven. Walter is also survived by his brother, Frank Lukay and numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Walter was predeceased by his only son, Dennis Lukay, in 2019. Walter and Dennis are both survived by Dennis’ children, Kimberly (Darren) Pariseau and Darrin Lukay (Laura); and his grandchildren (Walter’s great-grandchildren) Jordyn and Devin, and Quinn.

Walter was predeceased by his wife Anne nee Zayac (2006); brother Casimir (2019); and parents John and Mary Lukay.

Cremation has taken place. A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 210 Haddow Close, Edmonton, on Wednesday, May 11th at 1 p.m., followed by a brief gathering in the church hall. Interment to follow at Rosehill Cemetery, located at 1605 141 St SW, Edmonton. Please click here to watch the livestream of Walter’s Funeral Mass.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the dedicated staff at the University of Alberta Hospital, Leduc Community Hospital and St. Joseph’s Auxiliary for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations made to CNEWA, in support of humanitarian aid in Ukraine.

Debbie Lee Barrie, 50, of Sherwood Park, AB, passed away
peacefully at home on April 19th, 2022 after her 2 year battle with cancer.

She leaves a huge hole in the hearts of her family and friends who were always entertained by her stories and hilarious sense of
humour — she truly brought the life to the party.

Debbie was born on April 18th, 1972 to Enna and Donna Wiersma in Edmonton, AB.
She was beloved by everyone who had ever met her; a fantastic mother, a great wife, and a best friend to all… No matter the circumstance, you’d always leave with a story of something funny Debbie did while you were with her.

Debbie loved spending time with her family and friends out on the deck in the summer, or on winter vacation in Mexico.

Debbie is survived by her husband of 25 years, Todd, and their beautiful daughter Sydney who she loved deeply. She is also survived by her mother Donna Wiersma; sisters Teresa Wiersma and Barb Wiersma; parents-in-law Ted and Joann Barrie; sister in-law Carmen (Bobby) Fishbrook; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews from both sides of the family…. Debbie is now at peace, joining her dad, Enna, and nephew, Justin Wiersma.

There will be a private celebration of Debbie’s life, for family and close friends on May 15th.

The family requests, in lieu of flowers, a donation be made in Debbie’s memory to the Alberta Cancer Foundation.

Lioudmila (nee Vasilenko) Rogaeva was born on June 16 1955, and passed away on April 11, 2022, at 8:30 PM in her home with all her children and husband by her side. She was 2 months shy of her 67th birthday.

She lived a full life, and leaves behind a sister in Ukraine; her
husband, Rafik (1955); two sons, Victor (1978), and Yuri (1985) & his soon to be wife, Amy Wong (1990).

Lioudmila is the beloved Captain of the Rogaev family, having lead her family from the persecution of the Soviet Union, risking everything to get them to Canada, where all of our dreams came true. Rafik is ready for his twilight retirement, Victor is on his way to a blessed future, while Yuri became a professor and wrote a few books in many languages. All of this because of the bravery of one amazing woman.

Lioudmila loved her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, having memorized the Lord’s Prayer as a child. Over time her Christian faith would mature, and she accepted Christ’s words: “My sheep hear my voice, I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never die.”

Mama Mila leaves a wonderful testimony of a life well lived, all who know her deeply love and cherish her time on earth, she lives on in our hearts, memories, and at peace in
heaven. Her Memorial service was conducted on Easter Sunday 2022 at International Bible Baptist Church of Edmonton, AB, with Yuri to officiate and preach this blessed
service. Please click here to listen to the Memorial Service.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dad Nestor Michael Shmyr on Monday, April 18th in Wainwright, Alberta.

He passed peacefully with family by his side. Dad was born in Birtle, Manitoba in 1947, to Michael and Nellie Shmyr. He grew up on the family farm in the RM of Birtle. Upon the retirement of his parents, Dad bought the section of land with the home quarter and there started a family of his own. Seeking better employment opportunities, Dad moved to Alberta in 1988. He found work as an equipment operator in the gravel and aggregate industry. Dad could operate anything he got behind the wheel of, but the front-end loader was his favourite.  In 1990, he met the love of his life Mary May Smith and began calling Wainwright home.
When not working, Dad could be found on the banks of a river, with fishing rod in hand. His favorite spot was the Birdtail River, with Mervin Presniak, Donald Stadnyk, and anyone else willing to go.
He retired in 2017 and enjoyed spending time fishing, going for coffee, backroad cruising, working in his flowerbeds and working in his shop. Dad was the kind of person who could make friends anywhere and with anyone. Above all he loved being a Gido.

He will be remembered by his partner Mary May Smith, sons Aaron (Stacey) Shmyr and Jason Shmyr; stepchildren, Diane (Murray) Alcock, Brian (Connie) Kay, Barbara (Mike) Jacobson, and Debra (Vance) Montgomery; grandchildren, Morgan, Taylor, Sean, Keyarra, Amanda, Hannah, Sarah, Mikey, Lily, and Nellie; sisters, Jeanette (Graham) Clarkson and Josie Richardson; life-long-friend, Mervin Presniak; as well as a large extended family. Nestor was predeceased by his mother Nellie; father Michael; brothers Edward, Leonard, and twin brothers Ronnie and Joseph.

He will be missed tremendously, and we will all remember “a loonie for the first fish”.
A Celebration of Life will take place at a later date. It will consist of family, friends, stories & fishing.

Eleanor Jones passed away peacefully on April 11, 2022, at the age of 92.

She is survived by her daughters Dilys (Lawrence) Sutherland and Lynn Jones, as well as her granddaughters Margaret Sutherland and Vanessa (Luke) LePine. She was predeceased by her husband Albert, and her sons Garth and Evan.

Eleanor will be remembered for her love of animals, especially the many dogs she had over the years. She was a long time member of her church, and enjoyed many years of singing in the church choir. She was a voracious reader and also loved any opportunity to visit with her friends, especially at the Friday afternoon coffee get togethers. She will be fondly remembered for her infectious laughter and sense of humour.

As per Eleanor’s request, there will be no service.

Please consider a donation in her name to the Edmonton Humane Society. Eleanor would have loved that.