VAN STRATEN - Joshua David passed away on Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008 at the age of four months and five days. Joshua was born on June 27, 2008 at the Royal Alex Hospital in Edmonton, AB. He was diagnosed prior to his birth with a very rare congenital heart defect and by ten days of life underwent his first open heart surgery. With the help of his surgeon Dr. David Ross and the staff at the Stollery Children’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, we were all blessed and thankful to enjoy Joshua for the four months of his life. Josh was a strong little man who enjoyed cuddling and kisses from his big brother, big sister, mommy and daddy. He has forever changed us with his courage and strength and has taught us all many life lessons. Joshua leaves to mourn his parents Cameron and Kim; big brother Lowell and big sister Hannah; grandparents John and Norma Gourley, Jean and Annie Van Straten; uncles, aunts and cousins Dary (Corena) Gourley (Connor and Scott), Brent (Chistine) Gourley (Ethan and Kaitlyn), Owen (Kirby) Gourley (Jacob, Adam, Kaylee), Shannon (Kyle) Hahn (Brittany, Kyler and Bryn), Conrad (Corrine) Van Straten (Cara, Keith, Kaylene, Curtis and Cole), Rodney (Klara) Van Straten (Lukas and Liam), Juanita (Mark) Szymanek (Jacob, Simon and Katelyn), Trina (Neil) Kinderwater (Isaac). He was predeceased by his great-grandmother Ann Finlay only a few short weeks ago. A prayer vigil service was held on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2008 which was led by Mr. Monty Sommer. A mass of christian burial was held on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2008 at Christ-King Catholic Church with Father Ted Wesolowski as celebrant, leader of song, Lee Ann Kinderwater and pianist Joan Rushton. Joshua was laid to rest at Our Lady of Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery, near Ewing Lake, AB. Reception and fellowship was graciously served by the members of the C.W.L. As an expression of sympathy, and in loving memory of Joshua, memorial contributions may be made to the Stollery P.I.C.U. Trust Fund or to the Stollery N.I.C.U. Trust Fund in care of Brennen Funeral Home (2001) Ltd., P.O. Box 193, Stettler, AB T0C 2L0, who were entrusted with the arrangements.