Cook Southland Funeral Chapel

08/08/2025

Do not go gentle into that good night

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Dylan Thomas, 1914 - 1953

08/06/2025

We, at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel are honoured to serve the family of Desmond Zielke. Our thoughts are with his family.

It is with heavy hearts the family of Desmond Reed Zielke announce his passing in Medicine Hat on Saturday, August 2, 2025, at the age of 66 years.

08/06/2025

I Feel so totally Alone

Although loss is a natural part of life, the journey through grief feels anything but normal. The unusual feelings associated with grief typically tend to be overwhelming whether experienced alone or in the company of others. Losing a beloved leaves a hole that cannot be filled by anyone or by any one thing. The isolation associated with loss is an intricate part of this difficult journey.

A starting point for those who grieve is recognizing that isolation is a part of the normal grief journey. This may be difficult given there is no assurance at this point that comfort will be found or that joy will return.

For some, isolation is a desired place. Tears are more easily shed in private. Exhaustion can be remedied by quiet time away and having no interaction with others. In one instance, a griever shared they had a longing to sit alone in their darkened home after dusk fell, in an attempt to process their loss. Regrettably this quiet time was interrupted by others every evening, out of concern for this unusual behavior. Nobody considered the griever’s personal journey, disrupting their mourning ritual.

Sometimes isolation can be beneficial, while this is not always the case. A griever needs to assess their personal needs and make choices about how much isolation is needed and how much interaction is optimal.

Initially, finding distraction in everyday activities can and will bring a sense of comfort. Even a nap can be a source of escape as energy is restored. However, isolation is never far away and is often quick to reappear as grief returns and this short-term relief is upstaged by an ambush of sadness and loneliness.

As grief is very much an individual journey, choosing to be with the right people who can offer support at the right time, does provide comfort. Data from research on grief supports the need to share feelings when grieving. Extended periods of isolation will delay the healing process. This may lead to the griever experiencing a life devoid of experiences that contain happiness and joy. Despite the necessity to have some alone time, grief recovery requires reaching out to others and making them aware of the wish and need for company.

With grief, there is a need to find the right balance between the need to acknowledge the loss independently as well as connecting with others to share aspects of the griever’s new reality. Knowing that isolation is a part of the normal phase following loss and connecting with others who have travelled similar paths will provide assurances that the joy does return.

Bertha Brannen
Grief Recovery Specialist

© Cook Southland Funeral Chapel/CFHC Online

08/04/2025

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel had been given the honour to look after the funeral arrangements for the following families. For more information about these services please visit our website at www.cooksouthland.com/obituaries

Dan Hurlbut
Gordon Meidinger
Malcolm Moore
Joyce Strachan
Todd Wiebe
Mitsuye 'Amy' Yamamoto

07/31/2025

Victorian Grave Dolls

During the Victorian era, death could strike at any time, claiming the young and the old. Mourning methods embraced several practices, including a lesser-known tradition of grave dolls.

Following the death of an infant or child, families who could afford the expense commissioned a wax replica of their offspring. The likeness was deliberate, as the doll would actually be dressed in the child’s clothing and have clippings of hair attached to the doll’s head. Instead of viewing a child’s sickly body, the doll would be laid in a miniature coffin during a wake or funeral. The eyes would simply be closed, symbolizing a peaceful sleep and softening the cruelty of death.

Following the funeral, it was customary for the doll to be left on the child’s grave or even kept at home, where it would be displayed in a case or placed in a crib or bed to bring comfort to the family.

While grave dolls are no longer common practice, the tradition of leaving items at a cemetery continues. Families often adorn the grave site of children with photos, flowers, mementoes and toys – including dolls. Before leaving such items, remember to check cemetery policies to prevent the loss or removal of treasured items.

© Cook Southland Funeral Chapel/CFHC Online

07/31/2025

We, at Cook Southland are honoured to serve the family of Lorraine Schwengler. Our thoughts are with Lorraine’s family at this time.

It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our wife, mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend, Lorraine Adele Schwengler, on Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025.

07/31/2025

We, at Cook Southland are honoured to serve the family of Joyce Strachan. Our thoughts are with Joyce’s family at this time.

Joyce Lillian Strachan, beloved wife of the late Bob Strachan, passe away peacefully at her home in Medicine Hat on Monday, July 28, 2025, at the age of 96 years.

07/30/2025

We, at Cook Southland are honoured to serve the family of the late Todd Wiebe. Todd’s family are in our thoughts at this time.

It is with a broken heart that Jessica announces the passing of her loving partner for over 20 years, Todd Adam Wiebe. He passed away at St. Joseph’s Home - Carmel Hospice in Medicine Hat on Sunday, July 27, 2025, at the age of 44 years.

07/30/2025

We, at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel are honoured to serve the family of the late Amy Yamamoto. Our thoughts are with Amy’s family at this time.

It is with much sadness that I announce the passing of my mother, Mitsuye “Amy” Yamamoto. She was predeceased by her parents, Keijiro and Yukino Matsui; husband, Shigeru “Sam” Yamamoto; daughters, Joyce and Doris; son, Bob (Eliza) and her five brothers and their wives. Amy is survived by her...

07/28/2025

Cook Southland Funeral Chapel had been given the honour to look after the funeral arrangements for the following families. For more information about these services please visit our website at www.cooksouthland.com/obituaries

Peter Dykstra
Carol Ann Kelly
Walter Pasiciel
Lorraine Schwengler

07/28/2025

Do Young and Middle-Aged Adults need to Consider
Prearranging and Prefunding their Funeral Services?

There is no 100% right or wrong answer to this question. Our experience with the families we serve is that prearranging is more often discussed by people in the 50+ age group. As individuals begin to enter into their senior years, often they can experience physical ailments which may result in them reflecting on their own mortality. Hence the decision to seek info on prearrangements.

With younger adults, however, there are a number of factors that are usually more pressing on finances other than funeral planning: such as raising a family, mortgage payments and saving for retirement. Sometimes families will help with the education expenses of their children. There are many short-term major expenses that need to be addressed during this period of life.

Sometimes, however, younger adults will experience health issues and some of these are very serious. In this instance, it is advisable to talk with a number of professionals, including those who can oversee legal matters such as a will and those of us in the death care services field. We can provide information on the types of services that are available for both funeral and cemetery arrangements.

This information is valuable as it will provide both the individual and those they are close to scenarios about what can be done and when it will be needed to be done. We’ve supported many individuals and families who face health related challenges. We are here to help when and in whatever way needed.

In summary, we suggest that prearrangements are looked into as individuals approach their senior years. We are hopeful this information helps. If you have questions, please contact us.

© Cook Southland Funeral Chapel/CFHC Online

07/25/2025

The Power of Positive Thinking

Do you view the world through rose-coloured glasses or with a grainy filter? Is the glass half full or half empty? While these seem like trivial questions, they are quite important to contemplate, because how we think affects how we feel.

Studies have long proven that positive thinking can impact all areas of life. Whether dealing with an illness, a recent loss or a major life change, being optimistic plays a beneficial role in improving and maintaining mental and physical health. Not only can a positive outlook lead to better stress management and coping skills, it also can result in greater resistance to illness and a longer lifespan.

But how do we get there? How can we think more positively about ourselves and our challenges? Following are a few tips to help view life in a more positive light:
• Create a gratitude journal. Write about the positive things each day brings. Don’t let the good things pale in comparison to the bad.
• Smile and laugh. A smile can help reduce stress and tension, making you feel better.
• Reframe your negative thoughts by using positive self-talk. Sure, the airport delay is unfortunate, but at least you’re well enough to travel!
• Build resiliency by surrounding yourself with positive relationships and people.
• Accept change is a part of life, but with that change, still comes moments of opportunity and happiness.

Positive thinking does not mean sweeping bad experiences or events under the carpet. It means looking at life with the hope that good things can – and will – happen. The glass is half full and often even more than that.

© Cook Southland Funeral Chapel/CFHC Online