It is with heavy hearts the family of Henrica “Riekie” Toivonen announce her passing in Medicine Hat on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, after a brief but courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Limburg, Netherlands, Riekie immigrated to Canada with the Cremers family at the age of three, settling in Calgary, Alberta. Throughout her life, she embraced many places as home, including Calgary, Nova Scotia, Belize, London, Ontario, Parry Sound, North Bay, Ottawa, Kamloops and finally Medicine Hat.

Riekie wore many hats throughout her career, always bringing enthusiasm and dedication to any role. She was a baseball coach, an Eaton’s department store salesperson, an office manager, a land title searcher, a Kellogg’s fitness instructor, a college instructor, a health care aide and a valued provincial government payroll and attendant specialist. No matter where life took her she was known for her strong work ethic, adaptability and willingness to help others.

Riekie found great joy in travelling. Among her favorite adventures were her 13 trips to Cuba, walking across the Golden Gate Bridge, ringing the famous San Fransisco streetcar bell, cruising the Columbia and Snake Rivers, travelling across Canada by train, and her final journey through the Northwest Territories, Nahanni National Park, the Yukon and along the Dempster Highway to Tuktoyaktuk. Riekie also had a deep love for animals, especially dogs and horses.

Riekie will be deeply missed by her loving partner, Rick; son, Jamie (Lindsay); daughter, Cindy (Dean); granddaughter, Lily; grandson, Jacob as well as her sisters, Gerri (John) and Lea. She was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Johnny.

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Sissons, Dr. Majeed and the staff at St. Joseph’s Home – Carmel Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness and comfort they provided during Riekie’s final days.

Riekie’s life will be cherished without the proceedings of a formal funeral service. Memorial donations in Riekie’s memory may be made to a local animal rescue or shelter. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, Crematorium and Reflections Reception Facility, 901-13th Street S.W., Medicine Hat, AB, T1A 4V4. Telephone Toll Free: 1-877-528-6455.

• Date : 2026-07-08
• Location : Medicine Hat, Alberta

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