Obits | DrumhellerMail

Condolences to the family of Bonnie Jean Giesbrecht (nee Duncan)

Bonnie Giesbrecht

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Bonnie Jean Giesbrecht on Sunday, September 22nd, at the age of 76. She passed away peacefully at Drumheller Continuing Care, with daughter Lisa by her side.
Bonnie was born to Jim and Clarice Duncan in Virden, MB, a little sister to Maxine. When Maxine and Bonnie were both young, the family packed up and headed west to Alberta. They ended up buying a house on Marten Street in Banff, and that was where Bonnie grew up.
While working in Banff in her adult years, Bonnie met Ken. They were married in 1974 at Kelowna, and then moved to the Carbon area, eventually buying an acreage just east of town. In April of 1983, they brought home their daughter, Lisa. When Lisa was in grade two, she and Bonnie moved into Carbon, settling into a house on Aberdeen Avenue. That’s where they stayed until after Lisa graduated and then moved on to Drumheller. Bonnie was only in Drumheller a short time before making her way back to Carbon, where she remained until her health took a turn in January 2022.
She worked at a variety of places through the years including Carbon School, Royal Tyrrell Museum gift shop, Drumheller and Region Transition Society, and finally Valley Bus. She was a member of the Carbon Legion and was on the board for the Carbon Community Centre.
In her retirement, Bonnie was able to do some travelling. Her first trip was to the Maritimes with her good friend Verna in 2007, followed by Tennessee in 2011 with her sister Maxine. In 2015, her and Verna went to Ireland and Scotland, a trip she had been talking about taking for years.
Bonnie had a tremendous love for the mountains, as well as a true appreciation for Indigenous arts and culture, both of which stemmed from her time in Banff. She enjoyed most music and could often be heard humming a tune while out of a walk. As an animal lover, she would watch her furry grandchildren anytime she was able. Bonnie had an infectious giggle that made it almost impossible to be in a bad mood when you were around her.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and James Magee, sister Maxine Toma, brother-in-law Gil (Wilma) Giesbrecht and sister-in-law Edith Penner; numerous nieces and nephews, and many wonderful friends.
Bonnie was predeceased by her parents, Jim and Clarice Duncan; brothers-in-law Tommy Toma, Doug Giesbrecht and Bob Penner; and nephew Corey Giesbrecht.
Special thanks to the physicians and staff at Drumheller Continuing Care for the care Bonnie received these past couple of years.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, October 4th at 1pm at the Carbon Community Centre, with a luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers and in honour of Bonnie’s time on the board, donations can be made to the Carbon Community Centre (E-transfer to carboncommunitycentre@gmail.com or PO Box 476, Carbon, AB T0M 0L0), or a charity of one’s choice.

Condolences to the family of David Wallace Walker

Obit David Walker

David Walker, beloved husband of Evelyn Walker, passed away suddenly on Monday, September 9, 2024, at the age of 83 years.
David was born March 15, 1941, and lived his life in the Drumheller Valley as an entrepreneur. He loved the outdoors camping and fishing where he could sit by the fire with family and friends. When it was time to retire, David and Evelyn enjoyed spending the winters in Arizona with their many Snowbird friends from the Drumheller area and those they met during their travels.
Besides his loving wife Evelyn of 60 years, he is survived by his sons Roland (Charna) and Trevor, 3 grandchildren Daniel (Erin), Meagan and Tyler and 3 great-grandchildren Damon, Keith and McKenna. David is also survived by his brothers Allen (Ett) and Dennis (Adele) Walker and sister MaryLynn (Allan) Fraser as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families.
David was predeceased by his parents William and Edna Walker and brothers Donald (Pat) and Gordon (Judy) Walker.
Family and friends are invited to his Celebration of Life at 1 PM on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at the Drumheller Community Church, 243 3rd St W in Drumheller, Alberta.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the local Drumheller hospital.
Drumheller Health Center
351 9th St N.W.
Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y1
(403) 823-6500

Condolences to the family of Donna Idrene Melnyk

Obit D. Melnyk

It is with great sadness that we, the family of Donna Idrene Melnyk, announce her passing on September 7th, 2024.
Donna was born to her parents Ida & Marius Fossen on November 10th, 1942, in the town of Camrose, AB. Her family then quickly expanded to include younger brother Dwayne and later younger sister Marlise. The family moved around for a few years as Donna’s father was a grain elevator manager, and eventually put roots down in Forestburg, AB. At an early age Donna found her talent for piano, which she ended up going to school for. Donna was known as a bit of a maverick who yearned for more excitement and decided to move out on her own at the age of just sixteen to Calgary, AB. This is where she acquired her beloved upright piano that she would use throughout the years to give music lessons. Then in 1962 she was blessed with the birth of her daughter, Chareen. Later in 1964 Donna married her first husband Ed Koda, and together they adopted each other’s children which included Ed’s two boys Kim & Terry. The family of five started off together in Stettler, AB then moved to Castor, AB and eventually settled in Drumheller, AB, where Donna would call home for 54 years. During this time, she would form many friendships with neighbors, coworkers and strangers alike.
Donna also possessed a strong work ethic, and with a knack for numbers, she spent a few years working in banking but more notably she was a long-time fixture with the Western Chev Olds dealership as their Dealer Accountant for nearly 25 years. It is important to note that while working at the dealership, she pioneered early versions of computer accounting programs, which lead to her receiving many awards from General Motors Canada and made her an integral part of the continued success of the dealership.
By the late 80s, Donna began to receive her first grandchildren and by the end of the century would have many to call her own, whom she loved spending time with. Also, she had a big soft spot for animals of all types, apart from insects. However, it could be said that her family was her proudest achievement. In 1994 Donna’s family grew again, with her 2nd marriage to Paul Melnyk. They enjoyed their time together travelling abroad and visiting with family. Sadly, their time was cut short with Paul’s passing in 2002.
Donna was a loyal woman who always carried on with strength and resilience, she was continually an important figure in her children’s and grandchildren’s lives. She was also a favorite aunt to her many nephews and nieces. Her character will be remembered as a proud mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sibling, daughter, auntie, and a wonderful friend to many as a warm and welcoming person to everyone in her life. Passing away peacefully in her home, Donna is survived by:
Children: Kim (Joanne) Koda; Terry Koda; Chareen Wiley Stepchildren: Rosemary (Barry) Oberg; Pauline (Barry) Fossen; Ron (Laurie) Melnyk; Don (Judy) Melnyk
Grandchildren: Regis Wiley; Marius Wiley; Carinna Wiley; Kiara Flotten; Cassandra Koda; Mathew Koda, Daina Koda; Liam Koda.
Nephews & Nieces: Marty (Barb) Forster; Jeremy (Kyla) Forster; Andra (Jeremy) Bertrand; Troy Fossen; Laurie Fossen.
Numerous great grandchildren, step grandchildren, step great grandchildren.
Predeceased by her parents Ida & Marius Fossen, Husbands Edward Koda; Paul Melnyk, Stepson Doug Melnyk.
A Celebration of Life will be held on October 5th, 2024 @ 2:00 PM, at the Drumheller Ramada Inn, Raptor room with a light lunch & refreshments to follow.

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