Obits | DrumhellerMail - Page #19
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Last updateFri, 13 Dec 2024 9pm

Condolences to the family of Karla Katherine Nielsen (nee Newsome)

KarlaNielsen

NIELSEN
(nee Newsome)
Karla Katherine

February 14, 1973 - June 15, 2024

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Karla Katherine Nielsen (nee Newsome) on June 15th, 2024, in Drumheller, AB. Karla passed away peacefully surrounded by her family, bringing an end to her long fought battle with cervical cancer.
Born Valentine’s Day of 1973 in Calgary, Alberta to parents Darrell and Flora Newsome, Karla was born to love the world and everyone in it. Karla was a proud farm kid, growing up on a grain and cattle farm near Cremona, Alta with her siblings Shannon, John and Rachel. Karla attended the University of Lethbridge, getting a dual degree in English and Education. It was there that she met the love of her life, Steven Nielsen, who she married on a memorably cold December 28th, 1996.
Karla spent most of her early 20’s travelling around the world and teaching English with her husband in South Korea and Abu Dhabi, UAE. After giving birth to their first born Alia Katherine in 2001, Karla and Steve returned back to Canada, settling on an acreage between Delia and Morrin, where they would remain for the next 23 years. It was in Drumheller that Karla would give birth to her two other daughters Sonya Marie and Stefanie Jayne in 2002 and 2004. Karla taught at Morrin School for over a decade and was beloved by her students and colleagues alike.
Karla was diagnosed with cervical cancer in the Spring of 2022. She proved without doubt that it is possible to be a lover and a fighter, as she fought ferociously, wielding the power of her love. Through treatments, procedures, complications and surgeries, she was steadfast in her strength and determination, touching the hearts of countless people in her community and in every hospital and treatment room she entered. Her fighting spirit was fueled by the endless support and compassion of countless doctors, nurses and community members who we will be forever grateful to.
A service will be held for Karla on Sunday, June 23rd at the Morrin School at 2 p.m. The service will be streamed online for those unable to attend in person. If desired, donations can be made to the Drumheller Community Cancer Centre. To know Karla was to love her, and to be loved by her. She will be missed dearly.


Condolences to the family of John Douglas Kirkpatrick

DougKirkpatrick

KIRKPATRICK
John Douglas

February 10, 1939 - June 12, 2024

With heavy hearts and much love, we announce the passing of Doug Kirkpatrick, beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend.
Doug was born in Drumheller and was proud to call Hussar home for the next 85 years. Purchasing his first piece of equipment, a CAT D6, was the beginning of building a successful construction company. Doug’s Earthmoving started in 1977 and is still in operation today.
Doug had a strong work ethic, but he also made time for family and friends. Throughout their 53 years together, Doug and Shirley enjoyed curling, golfing, camping, going on numerous cruises, and spending winters with friends in Arizona. Doug loved spending time with his children and grandchildren, and he was very proud of all their accomplishments.
Doug was young at heart, a model of kindness and positivity, and he will be dearly missed.
Doug is survived and lovingly remembered by his children, Sherri Snydmiller (Dan) and Ryan Kirkpatrick (Kristi). He will be missed by his grandchildren: Erica Thew (Mitch), Jessica Douglass (Scott), Danielle Dougan (Jared), Jared, Adam, & Megan Kirkpatrick, and 2 great-grandsons, Dax Thew and Liam Douglass.
Doug is also survived by his siblings: Margaret Munro, Winnie Peake (Hughie), Andy Kirkpatrick, & David Kirkpatrick (Judy), as well as brothers-in law Larry Gross & Allan Gross (Lucienne), sister-in-law Joanne Murtagh (Gregg), and numerous special nieces and nephews.
Doug was pre-deceased by his best friend and Wife Shirley Kirkpatrick, parents, Jack & Jess Kirkpatrick, in-laws Phillip & Ella Gross, brother-in-law Nick Munro, sister-in-law Yvette Gross, and son-in-law Ed Sage.
The family would like to thank Dr. Wang for his dedicated care, and the staff at Strathmore Hospital for their compassionate support during Doug’s time there.
A celebration of Doug’s life will be held on Friday, June 21, 2024, at Hussar Community Hall, at 2:00 p.m. If you so desire, donations in Doug’s memory will be gratefully accepted by the Hussar Cemetery Fund or the Hussar Ag Society.
To send condolences, please visit Doug’s obituary at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.
Wheatland Funeral Home, Strathmore, AB 403-934-4404

Condolences to the family of Donald Alexander Johnston

DonJohnston

JOHNSTON
Donald Alexander

May 17, 1981 - June 4, 2024

Our hearts are broken, we have lost a better part of ourselves.

Donald (Don) Alexander Johnston, born May 17, 1981 at the Drumheller Hospital was the youngest of three children born to Richard & Elaine Johnston. Don was known to be the little mischief maker but really just wanted everyone to smile.
He spent most of his life at the family farm, working several different jobs throughout his life but always coming back to the homestead as the animals were his true passion. Between the cows, sheep, pigs, various birds, and dogs (Mack, Rosie, Daisy, Belle, & Buster) you never really knew what new animal would be showing up.
Besides his furry friends, his greatest pride and joy were his two children Anna and Mark and his partner Brett whom he loved dearly. Don would do anything for his family no matter what.
You could call Don a Hobbyist, as he never took anything too seriously and had so many different interests and talents. You could find him at the river or down in the coulee looking for crayfish, picking crab apples to feed the animals, in the greenhouse or somewhere in the pasture fixing fences and checking on the cows. His contagious laughter, great sense of humour and quick wit made him well received everywhere he went. He had many lifelong friends that we are sure will miss him greatly.
Don was taken from us suddenly in the early morning hours of June 4, 2024 at the age of 43. He was predeceased by his grandparents Peter & Victoria Johnston, Art & Iris Giles and his father Richard Johnston.
Left to mourn his passing are his children Anna and Mark Johnston, his partner Brett Litwin, siblings Robert and Arlene, mother Elaine, mother of his children Donna Flanders, and numerous extended family members.
A private family internment will be held on Friday, June 14, 2024 followed by a public Celebration of Life service at 2:00pm, held at the Nacmine Community Hall, 119 3 Street, Drumheller AB, T0J 0Y0. Please join us to celebrate the life and memory of our beloved Don.
In lieu of flowers a GoFundMe has been set up for Anna and Mark as they navigate through this difficult time. You can find that on Facebook or by going to
https://gofund.me/726cb7d1
Donations can also be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, or to a charity of your choosing.

Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements. 403-823-2666.