Obits | DrumhellerMail

Condolences to the family of James (Jim) Raymond Samuel

JimSamuel

SAMUEL
James (Jim) Raymond

September 3, 1956 - April 24, 2020

James (Jim) Raymond Samuel, of Drumheller, passed away on April 24, 2020 with his loving wife Nicky by his side. Jim was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer on April 1st, 2020 and fought courageously right until the end. He found strength in his family and friends, especially his wife Nicky and daughter Monica.
Jim was born on September 3rd, 1956 in Drumheller, Alberta to Jack and Anne Samuel. He was the oldest of three, always looking out for his younger brother Tom and sister Dorrie as they grew up. He spent much of his childhood with his beloved grandfather, riding with him as he worked heavy equipment for the coal mining industry. As a young adult he entered into the plumbing and gasfitting trade, working alongside his father in the family business. Eventually Jim and his brother Tom took over the company from Jack, and they maintained it side by side until his retirement in 2019. He was a master in his chosen profession, and there are very few homes and businesses in our community that haven’t seen his touch.
In 1989 Jim met and fell for the love of his life, Monica (Nicky) Oster. They were married in September of 1992, and remained inseparable from that point onward.
Throughout his life Jim was never idle. He spent many years as an active member of the Drumheller Fire Department. He also continuously found ways to enjoy and occupy his time outside of work; building his forever home with his own hands, going for long cruises on his Harley, tending to his yard, woodworking with his son-in-law, camping, and going out of his way to help his friends, family and neighbours with whatever they might need.
Of all the things Jim accomplished in his life, he was most proud of his daughter Monica. There was nothing more important to him than his family. When Monica married and he became a grandfather to Ava and Carson, he devoted every moment he could to spending time with them.
Jim is survived by his wife Nicky, his parents Jack and Anne, his daughter Monica (Connor), his brother Tom (Shelley), his sister Dorrie (Randy), and his grandchildren Ava and Carson. He also leaves behind six sisters-in-law and their families, numerous nieces and nephews, his ‘hockey boys’ who he considered as much his family as anyone, and countless dear friends.
Jim will be remembered for his work ethic, as a kind and caring family man, and for his amazing ability to strike up a meaningful conversation with anyone at any time.
Rest well Jim, we miss you.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a memorial will be held at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined. Those who wish, memorial donations may be made to:
Drumheller Fire Department Assoc.
PO Box 1172
Drumheller, AB, T0J 0Y0
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements 403-823-2666.

Condolences to the family of Murray Kirk Johnson

murrayjohnson

JOHNSON
Murray Kirk

March 10, 1928 - April 26, 2020

It is with the deepest sadness we announce the passing of Murray Kirk Johnson who passed away peacefully on April 26, 2020 at the age of 92 in Hanna, AB. Murray was born on March 10, 1928 in Calgary, AB. He spent the majority of his life on the family farm 5 kms NW of Michichi until retiring to Hanna. As a child, he attended Mount Carmel School until its closure, continued his studies at Sunbeam School, and then finished high school in Drumheller. He then went on to study Agriculture at Olds College with his brother Jim. On August 22, 1964 he married Sharon Alice Peters from Delia and raised two children Dale (Sandra) and Susan. Upon Sharon’s passing he remained on the farm until meeting Pat Garez who he married in 2003. With this marriage he inherited a loving extended family who immediately embraced him as their own. Murray was the epitome of Christian values with his kindness, charitable nature, generosity, and unconditional love. He dedicated his life to his family, the homestead, and community.
Raising cattle was his passion on the farm and at harvest he worked alongside his brother Jim for many years. He was a dedicated member of the United Church of Canada, Masonic Lodge, and the Homestead Antique Museum and a leader in both the 4-H Club and Scouts Canada. He took great pride in his family history that he captured in a book published in 2018. Honouring his father Fult – a founding member and bronc-rider - at the Handhills stampede in 2010 was a highlight of his life. He was always the first to help a neighbour or stranger in need and volunteer his time. Another of his loves was for music. For over seventy years he entertained audiences with his fiddle at schoolhouse and barn dances, senior residences and just about anywhere there was an audience and a stage. In his later years Murray mastered creating willow furniture and he often
contributed pieces for charitable auctions or gave his pieces as gifts. Murray is mourned and lovingly remembered by his wife Patricia, children Dale (Sandra), Susan; step-children Judy Elliott (Bill Sanger), Rob (Linda) Garez, Chris (Anna) Garez, and Barb (Jim) Knauft; brothers-in-law Brian Peters (Jan), Allan (Josie) Peters, sisters-in-law Rene (Fraser) Scott, Linda Johnson, and Jean Peters along with many grand-children, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Murray is predeceased by parents Fult and Stella, brother Jim, wife Sharon, father and mother-in-law Scott and Alice Peters, brother-in-law Keith Peters, and sister-in-law Ruth Peters. The family would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the nurses, doctors and healthcare workers at the Hanna hospital who provided exceptional and compassionate care for Murray over these last two difficult months. Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services is handling arrangements and we will announce a celebration of life at a later, safer time when we can gather to share stories and the love we all had for this special man.

Condolences to the family of William 'Bill' Martynes

WilliamMartynes

MARTYNES
William ‘Bill’

August 30, 1944 - April 20, 2020

After a long and hard fought battle with prostate cancer, the family is heartbroken to announce that Bill passed away peacefully at the age of 75 in Red Deer, Alberta.
Left behind is Donna, Bill’s loving wife of 25 years, son Gerald Martynes (Brenda), daughter Angela Richardson (Stephen) in New Zealand, and step-daughter Corinne Tongs (Ryan). Also missing him will be grandchildren Abbigayle, Harrison, Winston, Aaliyah, William, Carter, Adrian and Thomas. Bill will also be fondly remembered by a multitude of others whose lives he touched.
Bill was predeceased by his parents, Mary and Gerald Martynes.
A celebration of Bill’s life will be held at a later date when friends and family can gather together.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation made to the Red Deer Hospice Society www.reddeerhospice.com as a thank you for the compassionate care Bill received in his last days.

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