OBITUARIES

Recent Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Cochrane, AB, Southern Alberta, & Surrounding Areas

John Michael Bossuyt

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)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...

Agnes Skjolingstad

Agnes Skjolingstad

Nov 20, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Agnes Skjoingstad on November 20, 2025, in Cochrane, Alberta. Agnes left this world peacefully, surrounded by love, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, strength, and unwavering devotion to her family.

Agnes was known for her warm smile—one that seemed to light up every room she entered. Whether she was greeting...

Lilly Pearl Rinker

Lilly Pearl Rinker

Nov 17, 2025

Lilly Pearl Rinker (nee Wendt) passed away peacefully on November 17th, 2025 at the Bow View Manor in Calgary at the age of 93.

She was born on September 27th, 1932, in Hilda Alberta, to parents Arthur and Lydia Wendt, the 4th of eight children. The Wendt family farmed in the Social Plains (Bindloss) area. and it was very close to...

Alexander Shaw Cathcart

Alexander Shaw Cathcart

Nov 13, 2025

With loving remembrance of a remarkable life, we announce the passing of Alexander (Alex) Shaw Cathcart on Thursday, November 13, 2025, in Calgary, Alberta. He left us peacefully, surrounded by love, after a long and full life marked by curiosity, loyalty, and quiet strength.

Born on June 11, 1934, in Paisley, Scotland, Alex cherished his Scottish roots throughout his life. The...

Richard Barrie Benedictson

Richard Barrie Benedictson

2025

Richard Benedictson, 85 years old, passed away on November 5 at the Bethany Care Centre in Cochrane after a long battle with Parkinson Disease.

Richard was born in Manitoba in 1940 and later moved to Calgary. He was a Credit Manager for ATCO Energy for 35 years. Upon his retirement he took up his hobby of Cowboy history and collecting amassing...

Robert Allan Leibham

Robert Allan Leibham

Oct 27, 2025

Born and raised in Alberta, a son of the prairies and the mountain winds, he was a man who met every hardship with grit, humor, and an unbreakable will. He was a man who valued honesty, hard work, and the small joys that make life meaningful. For over a decade, he worked in house painting alongside his father, transforming spaces...

Edward H. Kott

Edward H. Kott

Oct 17, 2025

We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Edward H. Kott, at the age of 89 years. 

Apart from working most of his life in sales for Gilbey-Palliser Distillers, he also served on the Board of Directors at Calgary Co-op for many years. 

Ed will be most fondly remembered for his intelligence, his sense of humour and his sense of style, and...

Margaret Isabel Buckley

Margaret Isabel Buckley

Oct 14, 2025

Margaret Isabel Buckley passed away peacefully at home on October 14, 2025. Margaret was pre-deceased by her husband Harvey, and is survived by children John and Tracy Buckley, Bruce and Trish Buckley, Carolyn and Dwayne Walker, grandchildren Trevor and Sandra Buckley, Eric and Robyn Buckley, Jessica Walker and Raymond Pai, Ryan Walker, Alex Buckley, Mollie Buckley, great grandchildren Finn Buckley,...

Gordon Youck

Gordon Youck

Sep 30, 2025

Gordon Youck, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, at the Canmore Hospital in Alberta. He was born on April 21, 1934, in Strasbourg, Saskatchewan, where he spent his formative years and laid the foundation for a remarkable life.

Gordon’s illustrious career began after completing his education at the Alberta Institute of...