OBITUARIES
Recent Obituaries
Local Obituaries for Cochrane, AB, Southern Alberta, & Surrounding Areas
Elmer Andrew Jespersen
2026
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of Elmer Andrew Jespersen, who departed this life peacefully, after a brief illness, at the age of 88, on February 13, 2026.
Elmer was born on December 4, 1937 to Roland and Elfrieda Jespersen in Onoway, Alberta.
Elmer worked in Oil & Gas, in the Fox Creek, AB area his entire career. He...
Michelle Lee Walker
Feb 8, 2026
Michelle Lee Walker, a beloved mother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away suddenly in Cochrane, Alberta, on February 8, 2026. Born on Christmas Day in Fort St. John B.C. Michelle spent her life seeking knowledge and sharing it with others.
As a dedicated teacher at both Captain Nichola Goddard School and Arbour Lake School, Michelle didn't just instruct; she advocated for...
Clarence and Marie Guenter
Feb 7, 2026
Clarence (1938) and Marie (née Hoeppner, 1937), “crossed the bar” together on February 7 2026 in Cochrane, AB with their three children, children’s partners, and grandchildren at their side. Both came from families that struggled for survival in rural Manitoba. They met at age 15 and enjoyed more than 66 full and adventurous years of marriage. They were a constant...
Douglas Jay Weber
Feb 6, 2026
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Douglas (Doug) Jay Weber on February 6, 2026, at the Arthur Child Cancer Center at the age of 62. Born and raised in Calgary, he settled in Cochrane in 2020 after living out of province for 10 years.
He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Diana; his daughter,...
Vera Margaret Turner
Feb 2, 2026
Vera Margaret Turner, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie, and friend, passed away peacefully on February 2, 2026, in Calgary, Alberta, with her loving family by her side. Born on July 3, 1936, in Cold Lake, Alberta, Vera led a life full of warmth, kindness, and passion.
Vera dedicated many years to her thriving men's hairstyling salon, where she became a...
Janet Caroline Wig
Jan 30, 2026
Janet Caroline Wig (formerly McPherson), age 74, of Cochrane, Alberta, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2026 surrounded by all of her beloved children at Chinook Hospice in Calgary.
Born on June 2, 1951, in Calgary, Alberta, to Art and Bertha McPherson, Janet grew up with a passion for nature and animals that would define much of her life. She built...
Douglas Roy Rayburn
Jan 29, 2026
Douglas Roy Rayburn, affectionately known as Doug, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2026, in Calgary, Alberta, after a brief illness, surrounded by his loving family. Born on October 20, 1958, in Calgary, Doug was a long-time resident of Cochrane, Alberta. He will be remembered for his unwavering kindness and selflessness, always placing the needs of others before his own.
Doug...
Malcolm Hugh Strong
Jan 22, 2026
Malcolm Hugh Strong passed away surrounded by love, leaving behind a family who meant everything to him and a lifetime of stories that will be told with smile and laughter for years to come.
Malcolm is lovingly survived by his wife, Gillian; his daughter Heidi; and his stepchildren Hailey, Kimberley, Meaghan, Alex, and Luc, along with their families. He was a...
John Michael Bossuyt
Jan 9, 2026
In the afternoon of January 9, 2026, John Michael Bossuyt passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, surrounded by loved ones.
John will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife of 57 years, Beverley, and by all who were blessed to know him. As a husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, John’s love, affirmation, and quiet...
Claudia Larysa Gardner (Ukrainetz)
Jan 1, 2026
Claudia Larysa Gardner (Ukrainetz), of Cochrane, Alberta, passed away on January 1, 2026, at the age of 84 years.
Claudia is survived by her beloved husband of 66 years, Walter Gardner; her children, Brenda Bennett (Brian), Norman Gardner (Yumiko), Chris Gardner (Lynette), and Ramona Casault (Murray); her grandchildren, Dustin, Brandon, Canon, Yuzuki, Koran, Megan, Marina, Dawson, Cassidy, and Peyton; and her...
Donald "Don" Bruce McKnight
Dec 22, 2025
With heavy hearts the family announces the passing of Don McKnight in his 73rd year. Beloved partner of Wendy Fair, loving father to Bradley, Kate (Rob), and Andrew (Brittany). Loving Papa to Hannah, Rome and Sloane. Survived by his loving mother Catharine. Predeceased by his father Bruce (1969). Don will be missed by his siblings; brother David (Patty) and his...
David Joseph Sprlak
Dec 22, 2025
David Sprlak passed away peacefully on December 22, 2025, with his family by his side.
He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Marlene Sprlak, with whom he shared 52 years of marriage; his son, Todd Sprlak; his daughter, Nichole Wiese-Hansen (Conor); and his cherished grandchildren, Ryan and Ella.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses of Unit...
Mark Allan Francisco
Dec 19, 2025
Mark Allan Francisco, a devoted pastor, loving husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 19, 2025 in Canmore, Alberta, leaving his earthly journey to be with Jesus in Heaven. Born on December 16, 1959, in Vermilion, Alberta, Mark was a man whose life was steeped in faith and dedicated service, touching countless lives through his ministry.
Early on...
John William "Willy" Pullen
Dec 16, 2025
John William "Willy" Pullen, a revered leader, devoted family man, and master storyteller, sailed on to the next journey on December 16, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, surrounded by the love of his family. Born on December 19, 1949, in Victoria, British Columbia, Willy lived a life that was as rich and vast as the waters he navigated, leaving behind a...
Jack Stewart Henderson
Dec 13, 2025
Jack was born in Richmond Virginia on September 28, 1932. The family returned to Alberta while Jack was still very young and eventually made Acme their home.
After graduating in 1951 he left home for the big city, Calgary, where he worked at different odd jobs and, on February 25, 1952 was accepted for the Calgary Fire Department. In 1953 he...
Gregory Ivan Poncelet
2025
Gregory Ivan Poncelet, left this world on December 5, 2025 with his loving family by his side. Gregory was a devoted son, brother, uncle, husband, father, cousin, grandson, nephew, best friend, co-worker, renovator, visionary, and truly an all-around great guy. His warm and vibrant spirit has now moved on to make heaven a little funnier.
Those who knew him can imagine...
Joyce Irene James
Dec 2, 2025
Joyce Irene James, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on December 2, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta, surrounded by her loving family. Born on June 13, 1929, in London, England, Joyce lived a vibrant and fulfilling life that touched the hearts of many.
Joyce's journey began with her education at Claybury Hospital, where she graduated as a psychiatric...
Iona Jean Fuhrer
Nov 27, 2025
Iona Jean Fuhrer, born December 20, 1943, in Olds, Alberta, passed away peacefully on November 27, 2025, in Cochrane, Alberta, with her loving family by her side. A remarkable woman with a vibrant spirit, Iona will be remembered for the warmth she brought to the lives of those around her.
Iona is survived by her cherished family, including her daughter Diane...
Patrick Joseph Coyle
Nov 21, 2025
It is with profound sadness that we announce the death of Patrick Joseph Coyle, beloved husband of 61 years to Mary, on November 21, 2025.
He was born on April 20, 1940 in Gortin, County Tyrone, Ireland. He is survived by his five children, Gráinne, Fiona, Yvonne, Patrick, (Paula) and Barry (Barbara), his 11 grandchildren, Aaron, Sinéad, Pierce, Brynn, Dillon, Killian,...
Margarita "Rita" Sikorski
Nov 20, 2025
Margarita (Rita) passed away peacefully on November 20th, 2025, at the age of 96, bringing an end to a long and full life. While her final years were marked by the slow decline of dementia, the family asks that she be remembered for her infectious laughter, love for music, and devotion to her family.
Rita was born in Gomel, Russia. During...
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