Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services

01/22/2026

It is with profound sadness and grief that we announce the passing of our beloved father, husband and grandfather Mark Joseph LaFountain.

Slipping into eternity on January 18th, Mark leaves behind his beloved wife Tammy who was his most beloved caregiver. He also leaves behind his beloved children Krysta, Tiffany, Jeremy, grandchildren Hailey, Anthony, Leighton, Zander, Evania, and Peyton as well as additional bonus grandchildren. He is predeceased by his parents Betty and William LaFountain, his sister Andrea LaFountain and brother in law Jimmy Miller.

Mark was born and raised in Middlebury, Vermont. Leaving small town Vermont, he immigrated to Canada with his parents when he was 14 to Pink Mountain, BC. In 1980, he married Sue Bacon and they had Krysta, Tiffany and Jeremy.

As time often does, it produces change, and after a season, Mark found Tammy and they were immediately in love. In 2006, Mark and Tammy were married in Whitecourt, Alberta where they found their home.

For the last decade and more, they grew a successful business together and were upstanding partners in the business community.

16 years ago, Mark suffered his first stroke which was a devastating blow to the family. He was left partially paralyzed on the left side of his body which in turn put a tremendous strain on his care. Through thick and thin, in sickness and health, Tammy was an attentive and beloved caregiver for him through all the battles fought after that day.

Mark will be deeply missed by all. He loved music, cooking, singing karaoke, and being with his loved ones. His energy even through the toughest battles was unmatched. His face would always light up whenever Tammy, his children or grandchildren would walk into a room. He will forever be loved by those who love him.

Rest easy now dad and papa. We will always miss you.

Celebration of life details will be released at a later date.

View Mark Joseph LaFountain's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/14/2026

Lesser Slave River is home to a multitude of cemeteries, all requiring ongoing care to preserve their solemn beauty and historical significance.

Typically, these cemeteries are maintained by our dedicated residents and local non-profit groups. Embracing this community-driven ethos, the MD introduced a new policy in 2023 to establish a clear framework for allocating funds to these compassionate groups.

This financial support helps with the capital and operational expenses associated with maintaining cemeteries within the MD’s boundaries, fostering a culture of volunteerism within the community.

See Policy REC-72-09 Cemetery Grant Funding at mdlsr.ca/policies for details on guiding principles, eligibility, available funding, and the application process.

The program follows an annual intake cycle, with applications due January 31 each year. Applications are approved by the Community Assistance Board. Council allocated $10,000 in both 2024 and 2025, with future funding set during annual budget deliberations.

01/14/2026

Doreen Helen Yellowknee was born on December 6, 1964, in Slave Lake, Alberta, to George and Lena Auger. She passed away on January 10, 2026, in Grande Prairie, Alberta, at the age of 61.

Doreen will be remembered for her presence among family and community, and for the connections she shared with those around her. Her life touched many, and she will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

A Wake will be held on January 24, 2026, beginning at 2:00 p.m., at the MD Community Hall in Wabasca.

A Funeral Service will take place on January 26, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., also at the MD Community Hall in Wabasca, Alberta.

Family and friends are invited to attend and honour Doreen’s life.

View Doreen Helen Yellowknee's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/14/2026

Edna Kohut (Desrosiers)
January 20, 1941 – January 2, 2026

Edna passed away peacefully on the evening of January 2, 2026, in Hinton, AB. She was surrounded by the love of her devoted husband and family, showing no fear and feeling no pain. Edna was 84 years old and left this world as she lived in it - cherished, supported, and deeply loved.

Edna is survived by her husband of 65 years (almost 66 years!), William (Willie) Kohut; her three children, Anna-Marie Kohut; Steven (Tracey) Kohut and their daughter, Brooklyn; Roni Kohut and her four children, Victoria, Paul, Olivia (David Sarafinchan) and their daughter, Harlow Rose, and Ty Kohut. Edna is also survived by her brothers, Oscar (Annie) Desrosiers; Ovide (Gail) Desrosiers; George Desrosiers; and her sister, Verna (Dennis) Klotz. Edna had numerous nieces and nephews, other extended family members and many friends from the Kingdom Hall that were very special to her and who she dearly loved. Edna was predeceased by her parents, Albert and Thelma (Garneau) Desrosiers; her older brother, Joe Desrosiers; along with many dear brothers-and sisters-in-law.

Edna was born in High River, AB, and grew up in Edmonton, AB. Edna’s childhood was not without its challenges, yet it created an incredible, special bond with her mother, brothers and sister that is to be truly admired by all of those who know their story. It was this bond that shaped Edna into the remarkable woman she became. She had a talent for turning some of her childhood memories into some fantastic and incredible stories! Growing up with her family along the riverbanks by the Edmonton Valley Zoo, stories of her family raising Siberian Husky snow sled dogs (one that ended up starring in a Disney movie!) to the many adventures of hanging out at “the Grove” along Stony Plain Road with her friends where she one day met Willie Kohut…. and her life changed forever.

Edna and Willie fell in love and were married on March 5, 1960, in Edmonton, Alberta, when they were both just 19 years old. For the next 65 years, Edna made their Anniversary a truly special day, marked by a special dinner or a joyful gathering. She always ensured her children and later her grandchildren were part of the celebration. Over the years, extended family and friends were warmly welcomed to share in this cherished tradition, joining in the Anniversary dinners and gatherings that honored their Special Day. Their life together was a “true love” story to be sure!

After many years of married life in Edmonton, in 1976, Willie and Edna moved the family to Hinton, AB so they could live a quieter (non-city) life surrounded by the beauty of the Rocky Mountains and all that it has to offer.

Over the years, Willie and Edna did a lot of travelling and created wonderful, cherished memories with their close friends and family including countless driving trips to Coeur d’Alene, Mexico City, Acapulco, all over the northern and western USA, BC and Vancouver Island, vacations to Hawaii, Montreal, Toronto and New York Bethels, numerous 2-day Kingdom Hall builds in western Canada, and many years of vacationing at “the Cabin” in Sumas, WA, USA.

During her life, Edna worked in a variety of jobs and proved she could achieve anything she set her mind to. While she was raising her family, Edna was also a pretty savvy businesswoman who with Willie owned and operated Rooster Cleaning Services and later Lormit Process Servers for many years. Edna was a very creative and talented seamstress (a skill she learned from her mother and shared with her sister, Verna). When she was young, Edna wanted to be an architect. While she never achieved that goal, Edna was always drawing plans with “exact” measurements and was willing to learn the practical skills to bring her projects to life. So, Willie taught her those many practical building skills and together with their “Jack of all trades” talents they were always successfully renovating a house or undertaking some building project. Edna was also an amazing homemaker - her cozy homes were always fully decorated and lovingly maintained - they always radiated with her positive energy, warmth, and limitless love which Willie, her children and grandchildren will always treasure. Edna had a way of making everyone feel special and welcome. Edna was an intuitive, spiritual woman and therefore she was a respected confidant to so many friends and family - she always gave the best, most honest, meaningful and loving advice. Among her many achievements, Edna would tell you that the best decision she ever made was to become a dedicated servant of Jehovah God. For over 65 years of her life, Edna willingly gave her best efforts to help others learn about Jehovah God and what the Bible teaches. It was also this dedication that Edna believed made her a better person, wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, auntie, friend, employer, and employee. Edna also lovingly supported Willie so that he could fulfill his dreams as he served for many decades as an elder in the Kingdom Hall.

Down to her final days, Edna literally never wasted a minute of her life! She willingly burned the candle at both ends and never let it show! A quick 20-minute nap (while sitting up in a chair) is all it would take and she was up and at it again! Edna was always thinking of others before herself. If she was not busy caring for her family and friends, she was out in service, making bran muffins or crepes, picking blueberries, raspberries, saskatoons and then making jams, jellies, syrup or pies of them, sewing, crocheting, knitting, building a puzzle, building a shed, building a bookshelf, tarring a roof, fixing a pipe, moving a wall, painting a wall, renovating a house, landscaping the yard, planting a garden, going hunting (she was a great shot too!), running a business or two, watching the Oilers and the Eskimos, baking, playing and always communicating with her grandchildren, having coffee with her friends at L & W or visiting with the countless family and friends that would stop by the house to see Willie and Edna while driving through Hinton… the door was always open and the coffee pot was always on!

Beautiful Edna, you are truly the strongest, most selfless woman we have ever met, our dear wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, mother-in-law, daughter, sister, auntie, and a friend to all. You will be dearly missed, and we will carry you in our hearts forever. We will see you again soon, in the paradise on earth that Jehovah God promises and that you so strongly believed in. (Ps. 37:29, Rev 21:4) Until then.

The Kohut Family extends heartfelt thanks to all the staff of Pine Valley Lodge in Hinton, along with Homecare for the kindness you extended to Edna while that was her home. A big thank you to Drs. Weninger, Martin and Sorensen and all the nurses and staff at the Hinton Healthcare Centre for your compassion and your respect for Edna over the years and in making her last days comfortable. Also, to all the visitors who came from near and far to say their final goodbyes to Edna, we are deeply grateful.

There will be a memorial service held at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 115 Wanyandi Avenue, Hinton, AB on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. with a luncheon to follow at Bridges, 250 Hardisty Avenue, Hinton, AB.

In lieu of flowers, Edna has asked that any donations be made to the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society at www.donate.JW.org

https://www.affordablecfs.ca/obituaries/Edna-Thelma-Kohut?obId=46951653

View Edna Thelma Kohut's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/10/2026

Hello everyone — I wanted to take a moment to reintroduce myself, because we’ve had so many new people join and follow our page recently. Thank you for being here. It truly means a lot.

My name is Chris Hicks, and I’m the owner and Licensed Funeral Director of Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services.

I’ve been serving families in the funeral profession for over 10 years, and during that time I’ve learned something very important: when a family experiences loss, what they need most is not pressure or confusion — but clarity, compassion, honesty, and steady guidance.

That’s one of the main reasons I opened Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services — to provide families with professional care, while also making sure services remain truly affordable. We believe every family deserves dignity and respect, regardless of budget, and we do everything we can to help families save money wherever possible without sacrificing quality or care.

On a more personal note, I’m blessed to share life with my wife Anita, and together we have three amazing kids. Family means everything to us, and I believe that’s part of what shapes the way we serve others. When your family calls us, I never forget that this is not just a job — it’s one of the most emotional and sacred moments a person can face.

Thank you again for trusting us and supporting our page. Whether you’re here because you’ve needed us in the past, you may need us in the future, or you simply want to stay connected — you are always welcome here.

If you ever have questions, need advice, or simply need someone to talk to, please know we are here for you.

📍 Our Locations

Whitecourt Office
5120 50 Street, Whitecourt, AB
📞 780-268-2237

Drayton Valley Office
5111 51st St. Unit D, Drayton Valley, AB
📞 780-202-2237

🌐 www.affordablecfs.ca
📧 info@affordablecfs.ca

With gratitude,
Chris Hicks
Owner & Licensed Funeral Director
Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services

01/09/2026

Valerie Lynn Woodman
January 23, 1962 – January 8, 2026

Valerie Lynn Woodman was born on January 23, 1962, in Jasper, Alberta, to her loving parents, Sydney and Mary Jackson. Valerie passed away peacefully on January 8, 2026, at the University of Alberta Hospital in Edmonton.

Valerie will be remembered for her kind heart, gentle spirit, and the love she shared with those around her. She touched the lives of many and will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 31, 2026 from 1:00pm- 4:00pm at the Diamond Centre in Mayerthorpe, AB. All who knew Valerie are welcome to attend.

View Valerie Lynn Woodman's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/08/2026

Unfortunately, loss often comes at an unexpected time. In the days following a passing, we find ourselves having many meaningful conversations with families—especially when a spouse has passed.

One question that comes up frequently is whether the surviving spouse wishes to be buried beside their loved one, or have their cremated remains placed together in the future. This is an important consideration, and one that is often overlooked in the midst of grief.

It may be worth asking questions such as:
• Is an adjoining burial plot available or reserved?
• Will a columbarium niche allow for two sets of cremated remains?
• Is a full burial plot an option, allowing multiple cremation urns to be placed within a single plot?

Cemetery regulations can vary significantly from one location to another, so it is always important to confirm these details in advance. Having these conversations early can help provide peace of mind and prevent difficult decisions later on.

If you have questions or would like guidance, we are always here to help.

📍 Whitecourt Location
5120 50 Street, Whitecourt, AB
📞 780-268-2237

📍 Drayton Valley Location
5111 51 Street, Unit D, Drayton Valley, AB
📞 780-202-2237

🌐 www.affordablecfs.ca
📧 info@affordablecfs.ca

01/03/2026

Mary George (née Thiessen) was born on June 10, 1939, in Park Valley, Saskatchewan, to her parents, Henry and Anna Thiessen. Mary passed away peacefully on December 25, 2025, in Barrhead, Alberta, at the age of 86 years.

Mary will be lovingly remembered by those who knew her. In keeping with her wishes, there is no service planned at this time. Details for a Celebration of Life will be shared at a later date.

View Mary George's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

01/01/2026

💙 A Helpful Note for Alberta Families

When someone passes away unexpectedly in Alberta, the Medical Examiner oversees the case. At times, a local funeral home may be asked to act only as an agent for the Medical Examiner to transport the deceased to their facilities in Edmonton or Calgary.

It’s important for families to know that when a funeral home is acting in this role, they are not representing themselves as their funeral home and should never pressure or encourage you to use their services.

Every family in Alberta has the right to choose any funeral home they wish, regardless of who completes the initial transportation. You should never feel obligated to use a provider simply because they were involved at the beginning.

If you ever have questions about your rights or the process, we are always here to help. 🤍

📞 Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services

📍 Whitecourt Office
5120 50 Street, Whitecourt, AB
📞 780-268-2237

📍 Drayton Valley Office
5111 51 Street, Unit D, Drayton Valley, AB
📞 780-202-2237

🌐 www.affordablecfs.ca
📧 info@affordablecfs.ca

12/31/2025

As we step into a new year, we want to sincerely thank the families and communities we have been honoured to serve. While a new year often brings hope and fresh beginnings, we also recognize that for many it may still be a season of grief and quiet remembrance.

Please know you are not alone. Our caring and compassionate staff remain available to support you with guidance, care, or simply a listening ear—whenever you need us.

📍 Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services
Whitecourt Office
5120 50 Street, Whitecourt, AB
📞 780-268-2237

Drayton Valley Office
5111 51 Street, Unit D, Drayton Valley, AB
📞 780-202-2237

🌐 www.affordablecfs.ca
📧 info@affordablecfs.ca

As the year ahead unfolds, may it bring comfort, strength, and moments of peace to you and your family. We are here for you—today and always.

12/30/2025

It is with great heartache that the family of Brendon Gerald Reed Lefort announce his passing on December 20, 2025 in Whitecourt, Alberta at the tender age of 12 years old.

Brendon was born in Edmonton Alberta to his parents Brian and Bobi-Jean Lefort, on February 17, 2013. Brendon came into a loving family where he was the youngest of 4. His half brother Josh, full sister Andrea-Jean and full brother Bryden loved him from the start. Brendon attended Ecole St Mary’s and Ecole St Joesph’s before making the decision to move to public school where he attended Percy Baxter Middle School for his grade 7 year.

Brendon had a special bond with each of his siblings, when his big brother Josh came to visit, he would follow him and want to learn everything he could about guns, hunting, and cooking dry meat.

With Andrea-Jean, whom he was exceptionally close to, he would let her be the big sister and do his make-up, paint his nails and do his hair at a very young age. As he grew older, they spent time giggling and playing games, watching movies, and even helping her sneak out. Brendon would tell us he wanted to skate and twirl just like Andrea did on the ice. As he grew older after Andrea got her license, she would take him out on the back roads and let him drive her truck. She taught him to ride horses or would just let him watch her tattoo. They were like twins only 6 years less a day apart.

With Bryden he wanted to be just like him, if Bryden had it or did it, Brendon had to have it or do it too. When Bryden joined the army cadets Brendon wanted to join as soon as he turned 12 but Bryden wanted it just for himself, so Brendon joined the Air cadets, where his love of flying really took off. Like most brothers, they had their ups and downs, but it didn’t matter how mad they were at one another they would flip on a dime to defend and protect the other.

Growing up the memories with his mom are many and cherished, he loved to snuggle with her, but especially when his dad would go away to work, he would ask to cuddle with her for the night. She taught him so much, but he taught her even more. He loved going to her work and helping customers or other employees to do their jobs.

His dad spent time with him teaching him the love of fishing, building, mechanics and farming. Brendon loved it when it was haying season so he could crawl into the tractor and ride along. When he would go visit his dad on the job site, he would drive him nuts wanting to ride in every piece of equipment. When he was young his dad taught him how to run a skid steer and mini hoe, he was down to getting dirty anytime.

Brendon spent many summers with his Grandma Louise and Papa Richard. His favorite thing was doing crafts, riding the quads, camping and killing squirrels.

His favorite was his Great grandma Eva who he would sit with and patiently listen to her stories while holding her hand. His favorite thing was making her laugh. He would beg many times to drive the 3 ½ hours to go see her even though most times she didn’t remember him right away.

Brendon was a young man who had a heart of gold and has left many broken hearts behind. He touched so many people with his shining light, big brown eyes and infectious smile. His passing has left his family, friends, classmates, neighbors, fellow cadets and mentors struggling with his loss. Brendon was wise beyond his years. He was a stand-up friend, proud cadet, dedicated son and brother, and an outstanding member of his community. He did not seek attention, yet his presence was always felt. Many admired his love, respect, courage, honesty, strength, discipline as well as his humility, and compassion.

As a cadet he showed great potential, dedication, determination, commitment and teamwork. He encouraged others by his actions and not his words. When a new cadet joined Brendon would be one of the first to show them the ropes. With his quiet strength and willingness to learn he set himself apart from others. He carried himself with respect and consistently gave his best not just for himself but for others. He still persevered even when he doubted himself. He listened and applied what he was taught growing in confidence. While there he earned the award for the top 1st year cadet.

As a friend he was supportive, thoughtful, and upstanding. He will be remembered for his enthusiastic energy yet calm demeanor. He was humble and humorous. He stood up for those who couldn’t or wouldn’t stand up for themselves. If he felt a person was wronged, he defended them to the moon and back.

As a son he was witty, loving, caring, determined, compassionate and bright. He could be a pain because he wanted to be involved in everything but his tremendous urge to learn and be involved in everything made him who he was.

He could be a storyteller and many stories he told did happen to him but may have had “some embellishment”.

Brendon had dreams of joining the military and becoming a pilot. He was so proud of learning how to fly and flying a glider plane this past October. He loved and lived for helping others and filling their buckets. He was a fun loving, adventure seeking young man who loved fishing, swimming, building, snowboarding, baking, cooking, photography, quadding, horse riding, meeting new people, traveling, boating, playing Minecraft and learning about planes. We called him our bubble wrap boy because he was always getting injured.

He had such a contagious smile and warm hugs for everyone.

Brendon is survived by his parents Brian and Bobi-Jean Lefort. His three older siblings Josh, Andrea-Jean (Lucas), and Bryden. His great grandma Eva Kruger, Grandparents Richard and Louise Velichka, Grandma Marion Bews, his honorary grandparents Rose and Roy Atkin and Phil and Roxanne Molridge. His aunts and uncles Chad and (Melanie) Velichka, Wade Velichka, Sherry (Denis) Colbert, Lynn (Ron) Sloat, Tanya Wedemire, and Joey (Brandy) Marhinko. Many cousins but especially Kyler Velichka. His honorary nephew Henry Van Dyjk and niece Theadora Van Dyjk.

He has preceded in death by his great grandfather Eugene Kruger, great grandmother Lucy Phillips, grandparents Andrew and Evelyn Lefort and Grandfather Donald Fortier.

There will be a viewing open to public on January 9, 2026 from 6:00pm - 9:00pm at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall.

We would love to invite you to join in our celebration of life on January 10, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall in Whitecourt Alberta at 11 am.

Please continue to remember Brendon and share stories and pictures via the page called “In Loving memory of Brendon Lefort our little bucket filler”. Reading stories and seeing photos have brought us comfort and joy.

Brendon will be forever missed and there will always be a hole in our family. Keep him close to your heart and alive through your memories and stories.

Fly high Brendon you will be forever missed.

Donations can be made on Brendon’s behalf to 721 Air Hawks in Whitecourt. Donations can be mailed to:

721 Air Hawks
Box 335
Whitecourt, AB
T7S 1N5

View Brendon Gerald Reed Lefort's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

12/24/2025

🎄 A Christmas Message from Affordable Cremation & Funeral Services 🎄

As Christmas approaches, we want to extend our heartfelt wishes to our community for a Merry Christmas and a peaceful, prosperous New Year.

We also want to pause and acknowledge those families who are facing their first Christmas without a loved one. We understand how heavy this season can feel, and please know that you are not alone. Our thoughts are with you during this holiday season, and we hold space for your grief, your memories, and your love.

A gentle reminder that our team is always here for you. Families are encouraged to call us at any time throughout the holidays should you need assistance, guidance, or simply someone to talk to. Compassion and care do not take a holiday.

📍 Whitecourt: 780-268-2237
📍 Drayton Valley: 780-202-2237

May this season bring quiet moments of comfort, strength for each day, and peace to your heart.

From our family to yours, we wish you a meaningful Christmas and a hopeful New Year