2004 Obituaries

Mary Margaret Stevens passed away on January 1, 2004 in Red Deer at the age of 86 years, 9 months and ten days. Mary McNeill was born March 22, 1917 in Consort. She was married to Claire Stevens on December 1, 1937 and they were blessed with two sons, Bob and Barry. Mary was foremost a wife and mother. As a young girl in Consort, Mary drove a horse drawn school bus to school. In 1935 she moved with her family to the Union Hill District, where she worked as household help until her marriage, at which time Claire and Mary moved to the Ewing District. In 1943, they purchased the farm in the Union Hall District, which is currently being farmed by son, Bob and grandsons Blaine and Larry. In 1996 they moved into Stettler where she lived until she entered the hospital. Mary and Claire spent 17 winters in Arizona where they made many new friends.

Mary was a charter member of the Erskine Marvella Lodge, a long time member of the Union Hall Ladies Club, member of the Erskine United Church Women and she also taught Sunday School at the Union Hall for a few years.

One of her most cherished pastimes was her weekly get together with her card playing friends, Carole, Esther, Mary, Eva and Stella.

Predeceased by her loving husband, Claire; her mother and father, Emily and Malcolm McNeill; infant sister, Laura; infant brother, Keith; sister, Eva Volker; brother Bob McNeill; sister-in-law Florence McArthur, brothers-in-law, Donald, Stevens, Howard Volker, Don Volker and Steve Pedersen, Mary is survived by her loving family, Son Bob and his wife, Donna of Erskine, and their family, Mike (Dixie) and sons, Lance and Justin; Darcy (Susan); Blaine (Tanya) and children Kristin and Tyler; Son Barry and his wife Roma of Erskine and their family: Cheryl (Terry) Fisher and sons, Colin, Cory and Kelly; Dan (Suzanne) and children Heather, David and Bryan; Scott (Sandy) and children Douglas and Tara; Marilyn (Howie) and son Jeff; and Larry.

Mary is also survived by her sister, Pearl Volker of Stettler; sisters-in-law Berthella Pedersen and Audrey (Doran) Johnson; brother-in-law Stanley (Stephany) Stevens; numerous nieces (including two nieces living at Consort – Bev Bauman and Elaine Cornelssen), nephews, other relatives and a host of wonderful friends.

Funeral servicves were held Tuesday, January 6, 2004 in The Heartland Chapel of Stettler Funeral Home, Stettler, with Rev. Garth Bogart officiating.

Barbara Schulmeister (1923 – 2004)

Barbara (Miller) Schulmeister passed away on January 5, 2004 in Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Castor at the age 81 years.

Barbara was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Stephen and Barbara Miller. The family moved to Altario/Compeer area and as a young girl she attended Blarney School. It was here she met and married Leo Schulmeister on October 7, 1944. They started their family and farmed until they moved to their new farm south of Castor in 1951.

For 30 years they farmed and raised their ever-growing family (11 in all). Barbara was as busy outside the house stooking, milking and gardening as she was inside. Even after retirement she kept a big garden, making sure Leo was there to lend a hand. In 1995, after Leo’s death, she moved into town to Manor 2.

She enjoyed her numerous friends, gardening, cooking and cards. Everyone remembers her power walks with friends around town.

Her life revolved around her family. She enjoyed nothing more than cooking and entertaining her large brood – even more as it grew. She always had her cookie jar full and juice in the fridge. She was able to have all her family with her in September at the reunion.

She will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She died peacefully after a courageous battle with ALS. Her strength, determination and graceful acceptance of ALS’s debilitating effects was admired and a source of inspiration to all.

Barbara is survived by her loving family, Theresa (Bert) Vriens of Edmonton and their children, Darryl and Allan; Marie (Bob) Booth of Medicine hat and their children, Tommy (Vicky) and Deanna (Brian) Bohnet; Betty (Alvin) Johnson of red Deer and their children, Rod (Tami), Darcy and Travis; dennis (Kathy) of Edmonton and their children, Geoffrey, jennifer, Celina, Chanel and Brooks; Tony (Vicky) of Castor and their children, Grant, Darren and Shawn; Ted (Marg) of Edmonton and their son,Gene; Rose Marie (Bruce) Woodcock of Edmonton and their son, derek; Stan (Lorie) of Castor and their children, Warren and Clinton; Rita (Mark) Hannesschlager of Calgary and their children, Adam and Carla; Dianne (Scott) Walker of Australia and Ed (Judy) of Calgary and their children, Stang, John, Brittany and Sasha; seven great grandchildren; one brother, Andrew Miller, sister-in-law, Annette Miller and brother-in-law Merritt Kropinske. Barbara was predeceased by her parents, Stephen and Barbara; husband Leo; sisters Mary Dolan and Catherine Kropinske; brothers Edward Miller, John Miller and Stephen Miller; brother-in-law Barney Dolan and daughter-in-law Valorie Schulmeister.

If friends desire, memorial donations may be made to ALS of Alberta or to Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital Foundation.

Henry Felix Dobruk (1936 – 2004)

Henry Felix Dobruk died in the Consort Hospital on Thursday, January 15, 2004 at the age of 67 years.

Henry was born in his parents’ home on August 30, 1936 in Shamrock Valley, Alberta (a small hamlet near Elk Point). Here he lived and attended a small country school within walking distance from his parents’ homestead. Henry was the youngest child, having four older brothers.

Henry moved from Shamrock Valley to Consort in 1953, where he worked for his step-father, John Ference on his farm until he acquired his own farm shortly afterwards. On August 12, 1964 he married Eileen Dorothy Heck in the St. Donatus Church in Saskatchewan, where Eileen was born. Together they raised five children. Henry and Eileen farmed and ranched for 40 years together, until their retirement in April of 2003. Henry was looking forward to many fishing, camping and travelling trips in his retirement.

Henry was predeceased by his father, Teofil in 1948; his mother, Mary in 1988 and step-father John Ference in 1981; brothers Mike, Chester and Joe Dobruk; sisters-in-law Bea and Stephanie Dobruk, Anne Abel and brother-in-law Alan Odenback. He is survived by his loving wife, Eileen, four daughters, Janie (Erwin) Bauman and their children, Melissa, Matthew and Ryan; Patti (Phil) Barber and their children, Tyler, Travis and Erin; Barb (Boyd) Huard and their children, Logan, Nathan, Leah and Garrett; Marian (Terry) Walsh and their daughter, Racheal; one son, Tim (Karen) Dobruk and their children, Ashley, Rebecca and Samantha; one brother, Nick (Darlene); five brothers-in-law; six sisters-in-law and numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A Funeral Mass was held on Monday, January 19th, 2004 at 2:00 p.m. in Corpus Christi Catholic Parish, Consort with Father Paul Kavanagh as celebrant.

Alexander Emile Regnier (1953 – 2004)

Alexander Emile Regnier was born September 8, 1953 at Turtleford, Sk., and passed away January 9, 2004 at Kirriemuir.

Left to cherish Alex’s memory are his father,Paul Regnier, Edam, Sk.; sisters, Mary (Les) Kish, Regina, Sk., Ruth (Roger) Bec, Edam, Sk.; brothers, George (Suzanne) Regnier, Airdrie, Danny (Elly) Regnier, Redwater, Bob (Betty) Bonsan, Medstead, Sk. Bill (Caroline) Bonsan, Smeaton, Sk., Gordon (Mary-Lou) Bonsan, Edam, Sk.; special nephew Curtis (Darcy) Bonsan, Edam, Sk.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Alex was predeceased by his mother, Linda (Bonsan) Regnier; brother John Bonsan, brother-in-law Leon Gratton and by his grandparents.

A memorial service was held in Kirriemuir on Thursday, January 22nd at 1:00 p.m. in the Community Hall with Father Paul Kavanagh as Celebrant. A tribute was given by Craig Ference. There were special musical selections by Donna Murphy and Ed Ference and a reading by Frank Murphy.

Prayers were held Friday evening, January 23rd at 7:30 p.m. in Christ The King Roman Catholic Church, Edam, Sk. The funeral service was held next morning at 10:00 a.m. in the same church with Father Pius Agbeti, Celebrant. The eulogy was given by Barry Weitzel. The Cross Bearer was Stephanie Gratton; Scripture Reader, Suzanne Regnier; Altar Servers, Christopher and Emma Head; Music Ministry – Organist, Darcy De Montarnal, Soloist, Becky Huber, “You Are Mine”. The urn bearer was a brother, George Regnier.

If friends wish to they may make memorial donations to the charity of their choice.
Interment took place in Christ The King Catholic Cemetery, Edam.

Sister Esther Long (1912 – 2004)

Sister Esther Long, 92, died in Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax on January 23, 2004. Born in Nevis, Alberta, she was the daughter of Charles and Rosetta Long. She entered the Sisters of Charity in Halifax in 1934 and made her Religious Profession in 1937. Sister Esther was an Assistant Pharmacist at the Halifax Infirmary for 17 years and Pharmacist in North Sydney for 23 years. After retiring she did Parish Ministry in Edmonton, Alberta. Due to illness, she returned to Parkstone Enhanced Care, Halifax in June 2003.

She is survived by her brother, Arlos (Phyllis) of Veteran and her sister, Cleo (Forest) Garbutt of Edmon- ton, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Raymond, Ralph and Don- ald, sisters, Blanche (Gorcak), Rita (Deagle) and Madeleine.

Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, January 26th in Mount Saint Vincent Motherhouse Chapel, Halifax. Burial was in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville, Nova Scotia.

Vasil Deleff (1917 – 2004)

Vasil Deleff was born February 13, 1917, in Consort, the eldest child of Mr. and Mrs. Dimo Deleff, who farmed in the Basin Lake School District #3703, about five miles north-east of the little Hamlet of Pemukan.

He grew up on the farm and attended the nearby Basin Lake School until 1932, when the drought and depression began to set in. He worked as a hired hand on different farms nearby, in the Biggar, Sask. area, near Big Valley, and did a stint as cook in a hotel in one of the “coal” towns in the Crows Nest Pass area.

As a young man he moved to the Grande Prairie area in 1948 – loading his farming equipment onto a CPR flatcar at the siding in Pemukan, then driving there himself in his 1938 Buick sedan, although he still had no land there. By good fortune, he was able to rent a farm there for a few years, and that became his centre of operation for a short time. He took a job as a cook in nearby Moon’s Mill lumber camp for one summer and seemed to enjoy that, including cooking moose steaks and the occasional bear steaks.

On August 29, 1952 he was married in Bezanson to Dorothy Fester, whose family lived in the Goodwyn-Debolt area, where they were to take out homesteads of their own some ten years later. They raised their son, Larry on the farm, and it was only a few years ago that they sold out and moved into Grande Prairie.

Vasil worked as a mechanic on Regent Drilling rigs for 15 years, at many locations in that area. Before that, he took a contract making “cut lines” in the area west of High Level. He lost his two partners in a tragic drowning accident and that brought an end to the partnership he had set up.
Vasil will be remembered in Monitor-Consort and area as he has family and friends still living here. He passed away of cancer January 7, 2004 in the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Grande Prairie. Left to mourn his loss are his wife, Dorothy, son, Larry, of Grande Prairie; brothers, Marin of Consort and Alex of St. Albert, and sister, Lillian warren of lacombe, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, brothers, Harry and Edward and sister, Helen Murray.

Ella Melita Williams (1933 – 2004)

Ella Melita Williams was born September 20, 1933 at home near Veteran, Alberta and passed away February 13, 2004 in Red Deer. She was predeceased by her parents, Jacob and Della Suchotzky, parents-in-law Carlise & Irene Williams, nephew Blake Williamson and sister-in-law Bessie Nelson.
Left to cherish Ella’s memory is her husband, Roy of 48 years, her daughters, Tammy Gorcak (Randy) of Edmonton and Dawn Gillespie (Bruce) of Consort; her seven grandchildren: Jill, Danny and Michael Gorcak; Jason, Adam, Mitchell and Stephanie Gillespie; special long-time friend Keith Wittmack, his wife, Joan and sons, Kolby and Mitchell. Two brothers, Alvin (Esther) Suchotzky of Wetaskiwin, Irvin (Joan) Suchotzky of Red Deer and sister, Bernice Williamson (Gordon Gould) of Wetaskiwin, brother-in-law Elwood (Yvonne) Williams and brother-in-law Ivar Nelson and numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Ella took pride in everything she set out to do. She had a “green thumb” and she always had a wonderful garden and flowerbeds throughout the years despite the “maniac (Keith) with the roto-tiller”, and the occasional smorgasbord that was provided for the stray livestock.

Ella was a masterful seamstress and despite the highly complex new computer sewing machines, she created many outfits for herself, Roy, her girls and grandchildren. If she could not find a pattern, she would draw it by hand and work on it until it was perfect. As she had a keen eye for all the latest fashions, the family always had the most up-to-date outfits that were in most cases better than store bought. Ella was very fashionable and she was sure to have shoes, jewelry and a new purse for every outfit she wore.

Because of her many talents with canning, making preserves, baking and sewing, there was little need to go to town for too many supplies. In the summer she would get the girls up early and have the peas picked or the berries picked before it got too hot in the afternoon.
In 1985 Roy and Ella sold their farm north of Consort in the Neutral Valley district and moved to Red Deer in 1988.

As the garden got smaller, no chickens to butcher, fewer preserves to make, she was able to enjoy some of the finer things in life such as shopping. This was evident by the lack of closet space Roy occupied.

Ella and Roy loved music and would travel around and participate in many musical evenings with friends and family. They became great tourists, travelling to warmer locations and driving across Canada with their trailer. Ella and Roy enjoyed chasing their grandchildren around Alberta for their numerous sports and activities.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, February 18th at Knox United Church at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Sandy Macpherson officiating. Evelyn and Frank Williams and their daughter, Roxanne Smigelski gave a tribute to Ella. Linda Osetsky played the organ for the congregational hymns, “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace” with the Knox United Church Choir as leader of song. Pat and Charlotte Gilmer sang two duets, “Green Pastures” and “Farther Along”.

Tribute by Evelyn Williams

I met Ella in 1960 when she was my patient in the Consort Hospital and we have been friends ever since. She called me ‘Charlie’ and I called her ‘Jake’, after our dads.
She was my bridesmaid, a relative through marriage, my team mate in curling, but most of all she was my friend. We lived less than a mile apart, so it only took a minute to go to one house or the other. Together we solved many problems, I’m sure Roy and Frank’s ears must have been burning several times.

Between us we raised five girls, a feat in itself. We faced family crises together and as the girls grew up, we planned weddings and welcomed our grandchildren.

We had many fun times together; quite often Joan and Irvin were with us on our excursions. Joan and I were remembering some of the fun things that happened, when they were at our house Saturday. Roy still has a lost shoe in the caraganas around Veteran. All my girls remember Ella ordering #1on the Chinese menu and when they brought our order, Ella looked at hers and said, “What’s that?” She had ordered a bowl of very thin soup, thinking that she had ordered the #1 dinner.
Any of you that know Ella and Roy will remember her when she would say, “Oh Roy”. Then Roy knew that was his cue to change his attitude.

Rest in Peace, Ella, We are honored to have been your friend.

Evelyn and Frank Williams

Honorary pallbearers were Elwood and Yvonne Williams, Jim Tainsh, Frances Sumner, Mary Readman and John and Emelia Polson. Active pallbearers were Randy Gorcak, Bruce Gillespie, Doug Munn, Brent Williams, Larry Ference and Zane Radefeldt.

Following the funeral service, friends and family gathered in the lower hall of the church for a time of fellowship and refreshments prepared and served by the United Church Women.

Interment will take place in the spring at Lakeroad Cemetery.

If friends desire, memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Lakeroad Cemetery Fund and would be appreciated by the family.

Jim Stone (1946 – 2004)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jim Stone of Slave Lake on February 20, 2004, after a very courageous battle with cancer at the age of 57 years. He is survived by his loving wife, Linda of 32 years, his four children, Greg, Jeff and Jennifer of Slave Lake and Nancy of Edmon- ton, his brother, Ken and wife, Sharon of Orangeville, Ont., nephews Byron and Jesse, his mother-in-law, Hazel Lee and many wonderful friends, relatives and colleagues. Jim was predeceased by his father, George, in August 2001 and mother, Beatrice (nee Mundorf) in December 2002.

Jim was born in High River on October 4, 1946 and raised in Calgary. He graduated from Montgomery High School and joined the Royal Bank in 1966. He worked for the Royal Bank in Consort, Calgary, Edmonton, Innisfail, Fort Saskatchewan, Medicine Hat, Hanna, Pincher Creek, Stettler and Sexsmith. He retired in 2001 as a manager, but continued working for the Royal Bank in a training capacity, in Slave Lake, Whitecourt and Edson. Jim loved his work in the bank and colleagues often commented on his dedication, honesty and integrity.

Jim was an avid outdoorsman who loved camping, hunting and quading. He especially enjoyed the past two hunting seasons in which he was able to spend time with his sons and two favourite uncles. Jim was known as a jack-of-all-trades and could often be found in the garage working on numerous projects in his spare time.

A funeral to celebrate Jim’s life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion, Innisfail on February 24 at 2:00 p.m. Interment will follow at the Innisfail cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the Children’s Stollery Health Foundation at the University Hospital or to the charity of one’s choice.

A tree will be planted in the Tree Memorial Park, Innisfail as a memorial tribute to Jim.

Katherine Beatrice Tait (1923 – 2003)

Katherine Beatrice (Clarke) Tait (also known as Betty), was born in Randolph, Vermont in 1923. At the age of two, her family moved to Montreal, Quebec. When she was six she attended the Edward the 7th Public School and later attended Girls High School up to and including Grade Nine, ending her Junior High years with a Bronze Medallion signifying an academic award with honors in all subjects. When she was 15, she was no longer able to continue her schooling as her father had passed away a few years earlier and she now had to get a job to help support her mother. Her Auntie Belle was able to get her a job working at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal as a switch board operator. Mom loved her job very much and it made living in the 30’s hard but manageable.

She worked at the switch board until the age of 23, at which time she married our Dad, Robert George Tait, in 1946. Six children were born to this union, so naturally Mother’s work was never done. Mom took the roll of homemaker to heart and we each have our fond memories of all the special little things she did for each one of us.

They left the east in 1963 and moved to Estevan, Sask., where Mother joined the Presbyterian choir and became an active member of the church. She also joined the Rebekah Lodge and was a very active member in the Lodge, as well.

In 1976, Dad was transferred to Consort, so the smaller family took up residence. Mom quickly made Consort her home and was active again in the United Church Choir and the Rebekah Lodge. Mom always had a thirst for knowledge; she was always up to date with current events and she was always doing crossword puzzles, from the easy to the advanced ones where you had to fill the graph in yourself. She loved the challenge.

When grandchildren started arriving, Mom was busy knitting sweaters and mittens, etc. We all really appreciated those. Mother also enjoyed putting puzzles together and once she put them together she hated taking them apart, so Dad would glue them together and frame them; let me tell you there got to be quite a few, she had a stack under every bed in the house. Mother also enjoyed playing bridge with the ladies; she always looked forward to hosting the bridge parties in her home. They played once a week in different homes and they always had a great time. Let’s not forget Bingo, one of her favorite games, too,or her lottery tickets; they always had their 6/49. She had a small chord organ that she loved to play, which she did regularly and loved to sing along as well. She enjoyed the fine music provided on The Lawrence Welk Show and tried not to miss it.

They moved to Provost in 1999 and quickly made that home; they had scaled down their residence and lived in Senior Housing, which they enjoyed. In May 2003, they moved again, this time to Prince George, B.C. taking up residence with son, Dennis and Linda. Mom’s health suddenly started to deteriorate and as a result she passed away October 27, 2003.

Robert George Tait was born at home on the farm (close to Howick, Quebec) on October 15, 1919. He was the third of nine children. Dad worked on the family farm and when he turned 13, he moved over to his Uncles to help him with his farm. (He had no children.) Dad stayed on his uncles farm until his early twenties, at which time he met and married Mom.

When Mom and Dad were first married in 1946, they worked on a farm as hired help, Dad with cattle and Mom as housekeeper. After a short stay there, Dad accepted a job working in the bush in Northern Quebec. He packed up his bride and they arrived at their one room tar paper shack in the fall of that year.

Dad was flown into the bush every morning and returned every night to the camp. Flying was not his thing as the flights didn’t sit well with him. Dad became quite the lumberjack in his day.
When the first of the family started to arrive, Dad sought out new employment and got a job working at a garage. Being quite the handyman with tools, he became a good mechanic. He also drove the tow truck at that time for the same garage. He was called out to many accidents and many fatal ones as well, so he always drove safely. Some of those accidents he never forgot; they made a big impact on his driving skills. When the garage was closing, Dad sought out employment again.
In 1963, Dad applied for a job in Saskatchewan for a company called Dome Petroleum. They hired him and so at that time we moved to Estevan, Sask. Dad brought the first Bombadier to Saskatchewan and it was used out at the plant. He worked there for thirteen years, then was transferred to Consort.

Dad took a course in Mechanics and when he finished he was in the top 10 category with honours, giving him his number one heavy duty mechanics certificate. We were all very proud of him as he had very little previous schooling. Dad worked for Dome here in Consort from 1976 to the mid 80’s at which time he took early retirement.

Dad always worked very hard and always provided for his family. He loved gardening and working ourdoors. He loved the cars he had over the years; you could always catch him washing and waxing them in the driveway most Sunday afternoons. He kept to himself most of the time, but had his sociable moments, too. He loved camping and always took us on a holiday. He would make meals and would help clean up, so Mom could have a rest. There really wasn’t too much Dad couldn’t do from making a meal to looking after us.

He never complained and was always dependable. He loved us and loved Mom and so on February 16, 2004 he went to be with her. Now they can be together once again. Thanks for everything, Dad. Till we meet again.

Mom and Dad had 57 years together and will be missed by all who knew them. They are survived by their family, Bruce, Wayne (Kathy), Dennis (Linda), Evan (Leslie), Richard, Kathy (Bruce) numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. Dad’s sisters, Grace, Jessie (Len), Peggy and families; Mom’s nieces and nephews, whom she loved dearly, Joan, Barbara, Doreen, Randy (Josie), Doug; also her childhood friend, Velma Austin. Last, but not least, Janey Kennedy, who never missed sending Mom and Dad cards over the years for all occasions. They always looked forward to them and they always brightened their day.

They are survived by their daughter Kathy (Bruce) Fawcett of Consort; sons, Bruce, Wayne (Kathy), Dennis (Linda), Evan (Leslie) and Richard. Also numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Robert George Tait (1919 – 2004)

Robert George Tait, loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather was born October 15, 1919 in St. Louis De Gonzatue, Chateauguay, Quebec, and passed away Monday, February 16, 2004 from a broken heart.

Robert George Tait was born at home on the farm (close to Howick, Quebec) on October 15, 1919. He was the third of nine children. Dad worked on the family farm and when he turned 13, he moved over to his Uncles to help him with his farm. (He had no children.) Dad stayed on his uncles farm until his early twenties, at which time he met and married Mom.

Predeceased by his loving wife, Betty (Beauty) of 57 years who passed away October 27, 2003. Katherine Beatrice Tait was born September 4, 1923 in Randolph, Vermont, U.S.A.) They both passed away in Prince George, B.C. just four months apart and will be taken to Quebec for interment at their old home town.

William James Hanna (1910 – 2004)

William James “Orton” Hanna was born in Bruce County, Ontario on July 7, 1910 and passed away peacefully at Breton Nursing Home on February 10, 2004 after a full and long life, at the age of 93.

The family resided in Ontario until 1917 when they moved to Veteran, Alberta. At the age of 11, Orton experienced loss when his father and brother passed away from Typhoid fever in 1921. His mother, with the remaining children, moved to Coronation in 1928 and Orton set out on an adventure. He took a team of mules fondly named “Rocky” and “Shady” and moved out to the Lacombe area and then went on to Winfield. It was there he met and married the love of his life, Eltha Henderson and they started their family.

Orton joined the Air Force in 1941 and was stationed in Ucluelet, B.C. Following this he returned to rejoin the growing family of then four, soon to be five, children. He had a variety of occupations including his own shoe repair and harness shop; he repaired, sold and serviced Singer Sewing Machines; did veterinarian work and was employed with the Department of Highways. He was never afraid of a challenge or mastering new trades.

He was a dedicated employee and was often complimented on his excellent work! Together Orton and Eltha worked hard, raised their family and enjoyed their retirement visiting with family and friends, nurturing their fruit trees and working in their large garden in Winfield.

Just a few years ago, Orton moved into the Winfield Lodge overlooking their beautiful property. As his health needs began to change, he was transferred to the Breton Nursing Home where he has resided for the past four years until his passing. He touched many with his wit and humor and will be sadly missed.

His funeral was held February 14 at Poplar Valley Church, west of Winfield with the Rev. Jeff Longard officiating. Orton was predeceased by his wife, Eltha Lucinda on June 3, 2003. She was born on July 3, 1917 at Colinton, Alberta. Her funeral was also held at Poplar Valley Church with the Rev. Longard officiating and both were interred at the Mount Clare Cemetery.

They are survived by their children, Ken and wife, Gladys; Darlene; Jim and wife, Evelyn; Don and wife, Sandra; nineteen grandchildren and twentyfive great grandchildren; also Orton’s brother Carman and sister Blanche; and Eltha’s brothers, Jim (Nellie) and Tom (Betty) along with numerous other relatives and friends.

Gordon John Flewelling (1911 – 2004)

Gordon John Flewelling was the first son and third child born to John and Mae Flewelling. Sisters Ina and Dorena came before and brother Roy and sister Hazel followed. He was born April 6th, 1911 at his Grandmother Stewart’s home in Lacombe. At the age of four months, he travelled by train to Castor, at that time – the end of the line – with his mother, sisters, and another lady. His Dad met them and brought the family to their new home on the farm six miles south of Consort by horse and buggy. So Gordon grew up on his father’s farm and was a farmer until his retirement in 1978 although he was solicited from time to time to lend a hand on the old homestead.

Many times he referred to skiing down “Old Baldy” just south of town with his friends, and later wondered why young people didn’t avail themselves of a good ride. In their late teens, Graham Campbell and Gordon entered a grain judging contest, winning it and going on to the Dominion finals held in Toronto. Their rewards were a silver cup and a trip to Niagara Falls.

Gordon’s mechanical skills were honed at SAIT. He inherited his father’s carpentry skills, building granaries and making things for the house, always quite inventively.

{Sixty one years ago, on August 26, 1942, Gordon married Winnifred Hennan, taking her home to his father’s homestead for a rather unwelcome reception by the master of the house, Duffy, the bachelor cat. Later, Duffy had to make room for further invasion of his domain as a baby appeared on the scene.}

Gordon was ever proud of his Hereford cattle, ‘tho he never owned a large herd. His father and a group of neighbours (and later Gordon and the neighbour’s sons) shared summer pastures in the coulees, just a couple of miles east of home. Checks were made routinely throughout the summer on the welfare of the herd. Of course down in the coulees the berries “needed” checking too! Countless persons from miles around came to the coulees to pick saskatoons. Later in the season, chokecherries produced in abundance. Pincherries, ‘tho less prolific, were a real delicacy. On the second season after our marriage, we picked 128 quarts of saskatoons. Many were baked in pies or pudding and many were eaten with cream and sugar. Gordon prided himself in finding the choicest berries. Berry picking in the coulees was always a time for picnics with family and friends. There were deer, beaver, coyotes and many songbirds to capture Gordon’s attention. Flowers grew in abundance (prickly pear cactus, violets, crocuses, shooting stars) and, as evening approached, a bouquet of them always accompanied us to our home. There, invariably, as we finished the chores and had supper, ‘tho weary and exhausted, we were totally relaxed and every care and problem vanished. Gordon’s love of the coulees rubbed off on each of his offspring. I remember countless gallons of homemade “real” ice cream that were cranked out by hand in a multitude of flavours or full of fresh berries.

At the time of the cattle round-up in the fall, it was not unusual to see a maroon Chevy half-ton standing atop a coulee bank (or careening straight down it!) and Gordon on foot moving up and down the banks after the cattle. He was never involved in sports but was always a great walker. Roy once commented that he would not have relished it (or even survived) had Gordon been his captain, issuing the marching orders.

Often times the rocks Gordon picked up accompanied him home. Eva persuaded him to invest in a rock tumbler, which stood unused in the upstairs hall for some time. Then one day, he read an announcement in the paper that there would be classes offered for instruction in the “working of rocks”, one day a week for seven weeks. The optional eighth week was to be spent in fitting the rocks in settings of one’s choice. After the first day of instruction it was not the semi-gemstones that captured his artistic bent, but rather those stones that were underfoot and so much a part of the prairie farmer’s life. His interest grew as he and Ian installed a fireplace and finished it with cut and polished rock, mostly from home rocks, some from as much as thirty miles away. He worked another one for Karl and Eva; rockwork panels – alternating with mirrors – to grace Martin and Brenda’s walls; and a hearth for Bob and Barb Campbell of granite type rocks which he and I found. Wanting a church sign, the Evangelical Free Church group took Gordon up on his offer to work their sign.

Those who knew Gordon were impressed by his ever-present sense of humor. I smiled at a few of the witticisms he pulled on some of his nurses and other attendants these last days, stopping them short.

Gordon is survived by his wife of 61 years, Winnie; his children: Glenn (Marsha) Flewelling of Three Hills, and their children Mike Flewelling, Mary Lou (Gord) Kinniburgh, Marsha Lyn Flewelling, Monica Lee Ketler, Eva (Karl) Grantmyre of Sherwood Park, and their children Roseanna Grant- myre (Larry), Gloria Grant- myre, Ian Dean (Willena) Flewelling of Pickardville, AB. and their children Irene, James, Raewyn, Vicki, Andrew, Timothy and Nathaniel Flewelling, and Brenda Lynn (Martin) Friesen of Warman, SK., Jenice (Jim) George and their daughter Mikayla, Kim (Amanda) Friesen, Todd Friesen (Amanda) and their son Tanner, Cavan Friesen, Martina Friesen and Nat- asha Friesen. He also leaves to mourn his sister in law, June Flewelling of Grande Cache, AB. as well as 6 nieces and nephews and their families.

Gordon was predeceased by his parents as well as his siblings Ina Campbell, Dorena Flewelling, Roy Flewelling and Hazel Simpson.

Ivan Johnston Sims (1911 – 2004)

Ivan Johnston Sims, beloved husband of Alice of Calgary, passed away at the Chinook Care Centre on Friday, March 12, 2004 at the age of 92 years.

Ivan was born June 24, 1911 in Mowbray, Manitoba and came to Veteran in the mid 1930s where he met and married Lorraine Slough. He worked for many years in Veteran as a prominent businessman and farmer, along with his brother, Lee. Following the passing of Lorraine, Ivan married Alice Scheible on July 3, 1961. They moved to Edmonton in 1968 and to Calgary in 1997.

Besides his loving wife, Alice, Ivan is remembered by his son and daughter-in-law, Phillip and Margery Sims of Edmonton his son, Calvin Sims of Calgary, and his daughter and son-in-law, Janet and Paul Nelson of Minnesota; his step-children, Dianne (Bill) Savage of Edmonton, Dennis (Kelly) Scheible and his stepdaughter-in-law, Dona, all of Calgary; eleven grandchildren; thirteen great-grand- children; his brother, Mervin (Freda) Sims of Calgary and sister-in-law, Grace Sims of Edmonton as well as seven nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his first wife, Lorraine in 1960, his parents Frank and Maggie, sisters Irene and Elva, brother Lee Sims, and step-son Mervin Scheible.

The funeral was held at McInnis & Holloway Park Memorial Chapel on Thursday, March 18th at 12:00 noon. Graveside service followed at Eden Brook Memorial gardens.

In living memory of Ivan Sims, a tree has been planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park.

Roy Edwin Phillips (1916 – 2004)

Roy was born to Sydney and Agnes (Frost) on June 10, 1916 Altario, Alberta, the second of three children and grew up and went to school (Gr. 10) in the Altario area. He farmed with his father and brother, Gordon, until the mid 1930’s when they moved north to Camrose to start a new farming operation south of town.

Roy and Kathleen (Ramstad) were married the evening of October 26, 1938 at the home of Rev. Kerr. Roy started building their house in 1946 and in 1947 they moved and have lived there since.
Roy farmed with his father for many years. He was a hard worker and always had a second job in addition to farming.

One winter he and his brother, Gordon, hauled coal for a coal mine. He purchased a grain cleaner and covered many miles with it, pulled first by a team of horses and later by a truck. He went to many farms, some as far away as New Norway, Gwynne, Rosalind and Donalda. He later bought a new grain cleaner and installed it in a barn for his own use, where it still stands today. He also trucked oil for a time. For many years Roy worked for Tennessee Gas and Oil, maintaining oil batteries all around Camrose. He and Douglas worked together in this venture. Roy spent many long days making repairs and adjustments at the batteries.

When his children became interested in skiing, Roy was there. He served the Ski Club in various capacities over the years. The old ski jump and lodge were located on his land. Daryl and Donna used to ski across the tracks to turn the hill lights and tow on, and then Roy would drive over after they were done skiing and drive them home.

Roy and his son, Douglas farmed together for many years with younger son, Daryl joining the operation later. Roy stayed active in his farming operation as long as he possibly could. He loved to take part in the harvest. Even when he could no longer climb onto the machinery without help, he still wanted to swath and combine. Farming was his life.

Roy is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Kath- leen; sons, Douglas (Judy) and Daryl (Ruth), daughter Donna (Kevin) Currie; nine grandchildren, Crystal (Lee), Todd (Sarah), Trent (Tanya), Kari (Tim), Erin (Chad), Stacy (Shawn), Kimberly, Kelly (Philip) and Christine, and five great-grandchildren, Kaden, Jace, Jenna-Lee, Lauren and Keith.

Roy was predeceased by his son, Clifford, grandson Steven Phillips, brother Gordon and sister, Lillian Kroker.

The funeral was held February 24, 2004 in the United Church, Camrose.

Jerry Sodeman (1956 – 2004)

Born September 24, 1956; passed away March 16, 2004.

Jerry grew up and spent his entire childhood in Consort, attending and graduating at the Consort High School. Jerry was a quiet, gentle person, who was generous to all, often times to a fault. Jerry was forced to grow up early in life, when his father passed away. At a time when he should have been doing “kid things”, he became the man of the family, older brother, protector and confidante. Money was tight, so Jerry always had a job, shoveling walks, doing odd jobs, grocery clerk, or working on construction or on road crews. It was during this time that his gift for carpentry work became apparent; before his death he completed a cabinet-making course at SAIT in Calgary.
His family and many friends will sadly miss Jerry.

Predeceased by his grandparents, Jerry and Amelia Sodeman, his father, Eugene in 1964; his aunt Geraldine Sodeman in July 2003; Jerry leaves to mourn his passing his mother, Noelle (Nellie) Sodeman of Consort; brothers Michael Sodeman of Red Deer, Harvey (Silke) Sodeman and their son, Conor of Lethbridge; one sister, Barbara (Barry) Zieger and their daughter, Meghan of Stettler; Uncle Dick (Lil) Funk of Stettler, Aunt Susie (Alfred) Dyck of Riverhurst, Sk.; numerous cousins and a host of friends.

Harvey Kary (1932 – 2004)

Harvey was born the third of five children in a small farmhouse near Lawrence School in the Hemaruka area on January 5, 1932. Along with his one brother and three sisters, he spent much of his time helping on the family farm.

In his early twenties, he married Margaret and purchased his own farm three miles southeast of the homestead. Harvey and Margaret lived on the farm with their three children, Sheldon, Randy, and Carol. After Margaret’s passing, Harvey and the children remained on the farm and eventually he met and married Robbie and added her two children, Leslie and Bruce to his family. To complete the “yours/mine/ours” family, Trevor was born shortly after.

Harvey, Robbie and the family, stayed on the farm for many years. Upon retirement, they sold the farm and settled in Stettler. For anyone who has had the privilege (or perhaps misfortune) to spend an evening at the Kary household, it was immediately apparent that one of Harvey’s most prominent qualities was his sense of humor. He loved to crack jokes and indulge in anything that he thought might bring a smile to someone’s face. Often seeing him laughing was enough to make everyone else burst into laughter. In fact, it was not uncommon to see him laugh until he had tears rolling down his cheeks. In fairness, although he loved to tease anyone that would allow it, he was also not afraid to laugh at himself. He was almost proud of some of his less eloquent manoeuvres. Anyone who has ever watched slapstick comedy would understand what it was like to live a week in his shoes. Constant scrapes, scars and black eyes were the result of things like stepping on rakes (just like the movies) and running into things. Even people, who did not know Harvey well, were able to pick up on the fact that he was a very kind man and put a strong emphasis on the feelings of other people.

Besides his family, Harvey had many personal interests. In his younger days, baseball was one of his great passions. His old beat-up ball glove survived many years on the farm and made the trip to Stettler, showing how dear it was to him. The community was very important to him. He took pride in knowing the history of the area and sharing this knowledge with his children and grandchildren. Even when there was little evidence, he was always able to point out a past homestead or town site. He loved nature and all that it had to offer. Birds were of particular interest and he would take the time to learn and identify them. He would always take the time to move a duck’s nest while working a field.

It was some of Harvey’s most quirky traits that made him most loveable. He had special talents that were obvious to those at the kitchen table. He was a very efficient eater and had the ability to continue eating while making his requests for more food known by way of pointing and grunting. He had the unique talent of being able to wiggle his generous ears. Although Harvey was a multi-talented person, his phone skills were not amongst his greatest attributes. Callers were frequently left with a feeling of wonderment about what had just happened.

A part of Harvey remains with all of those who were close to him. The impact he had on his family and those around him will allow his memory to live on. Comfort can be taken in the fact that his influence has helped to shape the lives of his family and friends.

Predeceased by his first wife Margaret and his father Emanuel Kary; Harvey is survived by his loving wife Robbie of Stettler; sons, Sheldon (Cheryle) Kary of Regina, Randy (Kim) Kary of Castor, Bruce (Dawn) Gillespie of Consort and Trevor (Shasta) Kary of Nanton; daughters, Carol Kary of Red Deer and Leslie (Lorne) Hoffman of Canmore; grandchildren Michael Kary, Nathan Kary, Jason Gillespie, Shawn Kary, Adam Gillespie, Nicole Kary, Mitchell Gillespie, Stephanie Gillespie and Brenden Gamble; mother Amy Block; brother Walter (Sines) Kary of Calgary; sisters Vi (Cal) Roberts, Beulah (Ron) Allison and Marlene (Ray) Cornelius, all of Veteran; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many good friends.

Funeral services were held at the Veteran Full Gospel Church on Thursday, March 18, 2004 with Rev. David M. Denholm of Stettler United Church, officiating.

Walter Oswald (1923 – 2004)

Walter Reinhold Oswald of Leduc, was born October 1, 1923 at Calmar, Alberta and passed away peacefully on March 31, 2004 at the age of 80 years.

The funeral was held Tuesday, April 6 at St. David’s United Church, Leduc at 1:00 p.m. with the Rev. Blaine Gregg officiating. Interment followed in the Leduc Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. David’s United Church Building Fund or to the charity of choice.
Walter is survived by his loving wife, Ruth (Bishell); two sons, Doug (Nancy) Oswald of Thorsby, Greg (Tina) Shier of Milo; one daughter, Dorothy (Bob) Holman of Calgary; six grandchildren, Michael, Sandy, McKinnis, Katlan, Justin, Kassey; one great granddaughter, Olivia; one sister, Lorraine (Art) Hahn of Leduc, brother-in-law Art Wrubleski of Estevan, Sk. and numerous relatives and friends.

Roy Churchill (1917 – 2004)

Roy Thomas Churchill passed away March 20, 2004 in Royal Inland Hospital, Kamloops, B.C., with his family by his side.

Tom was born in Consort on January 4, 1917, one of nine children born to Lorena and Franklin Churchill who had homesteaded south of Gooseberry Lake on the northwest quarter of 14-36-6. They moved to Vernon, B.C. in December of 1920.

Tom was well known for his woodworking and loved to be in his shop making things. He was also an avid fly fisherman and trap shooter. Spending time with family and friends meant the world to him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis. They would have celebrated their 68th anniversary on April 4, 2004. He also leaves his sister, Anna May Churchill of Falkland, B.C.; daughters Rena (Hank) Schmidt of California, Ruby (Dutch) Wick- lund of Sorrento, B.C., son Roy (Lucy) Churchill of Surrey, B.C.; 10 grandchildren, 12 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and sisters-in-law.

Peter Letniak (1920 – 2004)

On Tuesday, March 30, 2004, Peter Letniak of Alberta Beach, formerly of Consort, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 years, with his family at his side.

He is survived by his loving wife, Lily (nee Worobo); three daughters, Joyce (Gerald) Lakevold, Gloria (Chris) Cabelguen, Barbara (Michael) Joyce; six grandchildren, Brice (Tamie) Lakevold, Pamela (Joe) Golden, Kimberly Cabel- guen (Aaron Shaw), Shawn Cabelguen, Curtis and Aaron Joyce; five great grandsons; two brothers, Dan and John, both of Consort, and their families, and numerous other relatives. Peter was predeceased by his sister, Lillian.

Pearl Mennie (1944 – 2004)

Pearl Diane Alvina Mennie (nee Howe) of Edmonton passed away suddenly April 9, 2004 at the age of 60.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Ronald Mennie, two daughters: Brenda (Dale) Hub- scher of Warburg and Janet (John) Tancsics of Sherwood Park; her grandchildren, Travis, Sherrie, Courtney, Sabrina and Braeden. She is also survived by her loving mother, Alvina (Herb) Holmstrom of Killam, three sisters, Vernis (Lavern) Roux of Veteran, Laura (Russell) Zacharias of Camrose and Rose (Daryl) Barich of Edmonton; two brothers, Jim (Judy) Howe of Veteran and Henry (Pam) Howe of Kelowna, B.C. She will be sadly missed by many other relatives and close friends.

Pearl was predeceased by her father, Vern Howe (1995) and granddaughter, Treena Diane Gladue (1987).

Pearl was born March 26, 1944 in Consort, the eldest of six children. She was known for her hard work and dedication working as a district Manager of the Edmonton Sun over the past 15 years.

Robert Fisher (1918 – 2004)

Robert Milward Fisher, was known to all his nieces and nephews as “Uncle Bob”, his friends as “Fish”. He was born the fifth child to Harry and Grace Fisher who lived in the Neutral Hills. He was predeceased by his brothers and sisters: Kate Thomson, Clarence Fisher, Harold Fisher, Arthur (Skinny) Fisher, twin sisters Leona Golby and Leah Price and Harry (Sonny) Fisher. He has left to mourn many nieces, nephews as well as all his many friends.

Bob’s parents were pioneers at a time when this land was just starting to open up. Harry Fisher came from England about 1900. Grace Lane was born in Ontario and came west in 1900. She stopped at Maple Creek, Sk. where she met Harry Fisher and they were married September 13, 1905. They moved to Leduc and opened a jewelry store, which they operated until 1909 when they loaded all their possessions into a wagon and set out by ox team for the Neutral Hills. On May 1, 1913, they started the first Post Office as a sub-station in the Neutral Hills and also stocked groceries and hardware, through Daniel Glocksin who had a store in Czar. By the time Bob came along on June 13, 1918 there were already four siblings in the family.

Bob Fisher passed away suddenly on March 21, 2004 in Consort. The funeral service was conducted by the Rev. Sandy Macpherson in Knox United Church at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 25th, 2004. The church was crowded with friends and family to bid farewell to an old friend.

Rosie Clemens (1923 – 2004)

Rosie Clemens of Devon passed away April 10, 2004 at the age of 76 at the Devon General Hospital, with family members by her side, following a lengthy and courageous battle with cancer.
Rosie was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Antip Kotanko and was born April 23, 1923 and was raised in the Loyalist district.

She is lovingly remembered by her family: husband of 54 years, L.W. (Bill) Clemens of Devon; two sons and twin daughters: David and Joyce (Fox) Clemens of Olds and their children, John of Red Deer, Richard, Jenn and their son, Hal of Olds and Diana of Red Deer; Maxwell and Jillian (Clayton) Clemens and their children,

Monica and Gareth of Jannali, New South Wales, Australia; Eleanor and Frank Gorjans of Stettler and their children, Crystal and Neil Stewart of Calgary, Kelsie of Red Deer and Anton also of Red Deer; Elaine and George Ward of Devon and their children, Russell, Amber, Darren and Carolynn and Francis Lajeunesse and their children, Nathan and Jacob, all of Edmonton; and one brother, Walter and Rosalind Kotanko of Provost. Rosie is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and cousons.

She was predeceased by her parents, Antip (1956) and Annie (Worobo) (1981) Kotanko; brother Max (1946) and sister Melody (1948). Bill also lost his brother, James (Jim) D. Clemens on April 11th, 2004.

Following cremation at Rosie’s request, a private graveside service will be held at a later date at Peace Cemetery, Devon with Devon Branch 247 Royal Canadian Legion Padre Larry Froese officiating.

George Frederick Morgan Smith (1955 – 2004)

Morgan Smith was born to George and Gwen (Morgan) Smith on April 29, 1955 in Coronation, Alberta. He was the second of four children and grew up in the Nose Hills/Talbot area, going to Veteran School and graduating from Coronation School in 1973.

He farmed with his father and brother, continuing the operation of the family farm.

In 1986, he married Kathleen Walsh; to this union three girls were born: Sarah, Tremayne and Katryna, who were his life.

His love of travel with his “girls” and son Dallas took them on many exciting adventures, skiing, camping, travel to warm places and even a short try at life and living in Bristol, Indiana. His love for Alberta and farming brought him and his family back to the farm. Family was Morgan’s life, wherever his family was, you could find Morgan supporting their activities whether school, 4-H or dance.

Over the years, Morgan has been an avid participant in hockey, baseball, discing, curling, water skiing, with the latest adventure becoming a certified scuba diver.
Morgan passed away April 6, 2004 in Edmonton. The funeral service was held April 12th at Trinity United Chruch in Coronation with the Rev. Mervyn Penfound officiating.

George John Miller (1940 – 2004)

George was born on the family farm at Altario on February 26, 1940. He was the fourth child in the family of Henry and Pauline Miller.

After completing his education at Blarney School in 1955, he helped at home on the farm. Farming was George’s life. He worked the family farm, first with his Dad, and later on his own. A special arrangement with brother-in-law Pete (in spite of an ongoing disagreement about whether Case or John Deere was best) and now nephew Greg, in which they shared labour and equipment, allowed George’s small operation to remain viable. When it came to farming, George was very particular, making sure his animals were cared for, his rows were straight and his summerfallow black.
Church was an important part of George’s life, attending Altario, Bodo, and later Provost. He may not have been the first one in Church but he was certainly the first one in the Churchyard.
George was always healthy but life dealt him a fateful blow when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January of 2004. He fought it silently and courageously, trusting in his God, and passed away peacefully in Consort Health Centre on April 26, 2004.

George is survived by eight brothers and sisters, Emelia Formanek, Alex (Shirley), Jack (Mabel), Herman (Linda), Ray (Elsie), Pete (Ruby), Rose Cromwell, Con (Marcella), numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Pauline, and two brothers-in-law, Murray Cromwell and Pete Formanek.

George Frederick Morgan Smith (1955 – 2004)

Morgan Smith was born to George and Gwen (Morgan) Smith on April 29, 1955 in Coronation, Alberta. He was the second of four children and grew up in the Nose Hills/Talbot area, going to Veteran School and graduating from Coronation School in 1973.

He farmed with his father and brother, continuing the operation of the family farm.
In 1986, he married Kathleen Walsh; to this union three girls were born: Sarah, Tremayne and Katryna, who were his life.

His love of travel with his “girls” and son Dallas took them on many exciting adventures, skiing, camping, travel to warm places and even a short try at life and living in Bristol, Indiana. His love for Alberta and farming brought him and his family back to the farm. Family was Morgan’s life, wherever his family was, you could find Morgan supporting their activities whether school, 4-H or dance.

Over the years, Morgan has been an avid participant in hockey, baseball, discing, curling, water skiing, with the latest adventure becoming a certified scuba diver.

Morgan passed away April 6, 2004 in Edmonton. The funeral service was held April 12th at Trinity United Chruch in Coronation with the Rev. Mervyn Penfound officiating. Pianist was Linda Osetsky; hymns included “Church in the Wildwood”, “Amazing Grace”, and “O Love That Wilt Not Let Me Go”. A tribute was given by Vern Brockmann. Honorary pallbearers were “All His Many Neighbours, Family and Friends.” Active pallbearers were Jason Yaremchuk,Christopher Smith, Randy Smith, Vern Brockmann, Ryan Yaremchuk, Lerry Davis and Bob Smith. Interment was at the Veteran Cemetery.

Morgan will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by his loving wife, Kathy of 18 years; daughters Sarah, Tremayne, Katryna and son Dallas; brother Jack (Shelley) Smith, their children Cindy, Jamie and Kerrie, sisters Lyn Yar- emchuk, her children Jason, Kristen and Ryan, Winnifred (Bob) Smith and their children Christopher and Tracey. Mother-in -law and father-in-law, Leona and Jack Walsh; brothers-in-law Bill (Joan) Walsh, their children Billy, Donnie and Josie, Terry (Marion) Walsh and daughter Rachael.

He was predeceased by his parents George and Gwen Smith and brother-in- law Dennis Yaremchuk.

George John Miller (1940 – 2004)

George was born on the family farm at Altario on February 26, 1940. He was the fourth child in the family of Henry and Pauline Miller.

After completing his education at Blarney School in 1955, he helped at home on the farm. Farming was George’s life. He worked the family farm, first with his Dad, and later on his own. A special arrangement with brother-in-law Pete (in spite of an ongoing disagreement about whether Case or John Deere was best) and now nephew Greg, in which they shared labour and equipment, allowed George’s small operation to remain viable. When it came to farming, George was very particular, making sure his animals were cared for, his rows were straight and his summerfallow black.
Church was an important part of George’s life, attending Altario, Bodo, and later Provost. He may not have been the first one in Church but he was certainly the first one in the Churchyard.
George was a very private person. Up to and including the time spent in the hospital, George did not want to impose on anyone. He enjoyed a special camaraderie with neighbours on “his block” and we are sure many a story was told over a few shared “pop”.

One of George’s unique abilities was recalling facts, names, and relationships and he never ceased to amaze people with that knowledge.

George was always healthy, but life dealt him a fateful blow when he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in January of 2004. He fought it silently and courageously, trusting in his God, and passed away peacefully in Consort Health Centre on April 26, 2004.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Friday, April 30th, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Provost with Fr. Paul Kavanagh officiating. Interment was in Provost Cemetery.

George is survived by eight brothers and sisters, Emelia Formanek, Alex (Shirley), Jack (Mabel), Herman (Linda), Ray (Elsie), Pete (Ruby), Rose Cromwell, Con (Marcella), numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and a host of friends.

He was predeceased by his parents, Henry and Pauline, and two brothers-in-law, Murray Cromwell and Pete Formanek.

Albert Hjalte (1930 – 2004)

It is with sad hearts that the family of Albert Hjalte announces his death May 2nd, 2004 at his farm at Fusilier, Sask.

Albert was born December 30, 1930, the youngest child of Alfred and Elizabeth Hjalte, who came to Canada from Sweden.

After losing his father in 1944, when he was 14, Albert finished his education at Hilldale School, south of Court and went into farming with his brothers, Karl and Arne. He married Shirley Minchin in 1958.

Albert and Shirley, along with their sons, built their farm into what it is today through many determined years of landscaping, building and planning. Albert implemented beauty in the farm yard through the many flowers, trees and gardens he planted. He tended them with as much care as he showed his family, his crops or his cattle.

Albert enjoyed many hobbies and interests. During his 73 years he always enjoyed reading – but never fiction. He loved history books, how-to books and books of interesting facts and events. The winter he spent working on the Fusilier history book was a time he enjoyed the most; it allowed him to combine his love for community, family and history.

Albert was a very energetic, hardworking man. He was inventive and self-sufficient, always fixing his own machines and tools until they were often better than new. When things fell apart, he was always the first to demand a solution and work until he brought it about. If he couldn’t find a part or a tool, he would build one

Funeral services were held at Major, Sk. in the Church of the Immaculate Conception on May 7th, 2004 with the Rev. Bill Thomson officiating.

Interment followed in the Fusilier Cemetery and arrangements were entrusted to the Kerrobert/Kindersley Funeral Home.

Mary Kathleen Morris (1926 – 2004)

Mary Kathleen Morris (nee Wiest) died in Consort, Alberta on the 18th day of May, 2004 at the age of 77 years.

Mary was born on November 17, 1926 in Moscow, Russia enroute to Canada. The family first settled at Uncle Bill Wiest’s farm north of Consort (what is now Ron Symes’ place). After a few years they moved to Monitor where Mary went to school. Later, her parents bought the old Suey Sang Store and Restaurant in Consort where Mary worked making pies, waiting tables and such. She then went to work at the Mitchener Centre in Red Deer with her friend, Joyce, for a time before she went to the egg grading school in Alix. Upon returning home Mary worked at the family business. She loved going to dances and it was at one of those Saturday night dances that she met her future dance partner, Ralph Morris. They wed soon after and moved to Kerrobert, Sask. where their first child was born. Ralph and Mary then moved back to Consort where the rest of their children were born and raised.

In later years Mary worked in the Drug Store for Sam Soldan.
Mary lived for her family and there wasn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for them. She could simply look at a picture of a dress in the Simpson’s catalogue, sew all night and the next morning the outfit would be hanging all pressed in the kitchen. Mary had an enormous heart and even though money was always tight, she would often bake for a lot of families in town whose mothers worked and didn’t have the time to do it themselves. The stories of Mary’s kindness, generosity and love of life and a good joke are endless. Her spirit is something that can never be surpassed and to always be remembered.

Mary was predeceased by her father John; mother Frieda; brothers John, Ewald and Otto; sister Linda; daughter Marilyn Rose; her loving husband Ralph.

She is survived by six children Allan (Edna) of Devon, Ab., Maryetta (Roy) of Consort, Ab., John (Mary) of Edmonton, Ab., Marjorie (Paul) of Cumberland, B.C., Mylinda (Bob) of Consort, Ab., Marcia (Karl) of Consort, Ab.; 18 grandchildren Terry, Michael, Darren, Tracy, John, Tim, Tammy, Sasha, Rob, Angela, R.J., Mary, Bonnie, Krystal, Sarah, Alisha, Burdette, and Samantha; nine great grandchildren; three brothers and numerous nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Mary’s life was held on Saturday, May 22, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. in Knox United Church, Consort, Ab. with Rev. Sandy Macpherson officiating.
The interment will take place at a later date in Lakeroad Cemetery.

Margaret Inga Krohn (1916 – 2004)

Margaret Inga (Dorin) Krohn, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, passed away in St. Mary’s Hospital, Camrose on Monday, February 16, 2004 at the age of 88 years.

Inga was born in the Neutral Hills, northwest of Consort on January 3, 1916 to Rolf and Margaret Krohn. She was married to Eugene Sodeman and two chiildren, Rolf and Peggy were born to this union. She worked at various jobs in the area, including the newly opened Egg Grading Station in Consort and when she was transferred with that job, found herself in the Wetaskiwin area. She was employed for many years with Montgomery’s Department Store in Wetaskiwin. For the past twenty-two years, Inga and her daughter, Peggy have operated the Mi Yarn Store in Camrose.

A memorial service conducted by the Rev. Sandy Macpherson, was held Sunday afternoon, May 23rd at Lake Road Cemetery with interment of the cremains alongside her parents, Rolf and Margaret Krohn.

Edward John Beier (1941 – 2004)

Edward John Beier passed away in St. Mary’s Hospital, Camrose, Ab. on June 1, 2004 at the age of 63 years.

Edward was the first born to John and Monica Beier. He went to school in Altario. He quit at an early age to help his Dad on the farm. He took over the farm and his greatest joy was his Arabian horses and Charolais cattle.

In 1989 he moved to Camrose; his yard was a picture of blossom. Eddie was very grateful to have had such caring friends as his health failed him in Camrose.

Eddie is survived by his mom, Monica Beier of Consort; sister Edith (Wray) Emmett of Consort, brother Elmer (Corinne) of Stettler, sister Millie (Ron) Rossing of Grimshaw, sister Helen (Lee) Kroeger of Consort, twin brothers Alex (Shelly) and Allan (Blanche) all of Consort, brother Robert (Cindy) of Airdrie; numerous nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. He was predeceased by his dad John Beier on September 3, 1991 and his great nephew Jayden Richard Hogman on October 3, 2003.

A Prayer Vigil for the late Edward Beier was held on Friday June 4, 2004 at 7:30 P.M. in the Corpus Christi Catholic Church with Peter Tyliszczak presiding.

Funeral Mass was held on Saturday, June 5, 2004 at 1:00 P.M. with Father Paul Kavanagh as celebrant. Parkview Funeral Chapels were entrusted with care and funeral arrangements.

John Wiechnik (1917 – 2004)

John was born on May 27,1917 on the family farm south of Monitor. His parents were Jacob and Antonina Wiechnik. He was the second of eight children, who are Joe, Edward, Thomas, Phyllis, Anne, Lenard, and Cecelia. John was predeceased by Edward and Phyllis.

John was no stranger to hard work, growing up on a farm back then, as was the case with all farm families of that time. He spoke often of threshing and working on threshing crews. This was something he enjoyed, and threshed on his own farm later, right into the early 1960’s. He spoke often of the tough times in the 30’s, wasting nothing, and buying very little. He learned to conserve and to be very innovative. He got to be an inventor and repair expert, and later in the 40’s, honed these skills by getting his auto-mechanic license at S.A.I.T.

John took many welding and machining courses, which eventually came to be his favorite interest. He developed a close tie later in the 60’s with Henry Schnell, who owned the Castor Blacksmith Machine Shop, and New Holland, Minneapolis Dealership. They owned at least one lathe together, and he spent many hours at the shop helping with challenging lathe work and out of the ordinary repairs. He loved a complicated challenge and was happy to figure things out. Math skills were one of his biggest gifts, the tougher the problem the more he liked solving it. John was also involved with the 4-H small engines repair course as one of the instructors for the youngsters around Castor and area.

During the 1940’s John joined the army and was at various locations in B.C. for training. He was at Prince George for a while and at the west coast. While training, the men of his outfit were given a precision repair test. John, and one other man were the only ones to pass it. From this he was assigned the job of gun maintenance and repair specialist, and that was his job in the army. He was in Ontario in 1945, preparing to go overseas when the war ended.

With his mechanics trade, he worked at a garage in Monitor with his brother Tom, and at Wetaskiwin and then at Three Hills. John married Dorothy Muhlbach on June 17,1950. While in Three Hills, Doreen and Jerry were born, and Jeanette was born in Castor. During this time he still had land at Monitor by the family farm. He would go there in the spring and the fall to help his folks and and tend to his own crop. He also assisted in building a large new barn for his dad, several years earlier. The barn is still standing today. He said the barn was mostly built from old granaries but one would never have guessed it.

In 1954, John and Dorothy purchased a farm near Castor, the move was made and his farming career was cemented. They farmed the land into the 90’s. Jerry and his new wife Joanne, created a new yardsite in 1977, and assisted until John was unable to ride the machinery. He last combined oats in 1999, and thoroughly enjoyed it. The farm is still in the family, Jerry, Joanne and son Dallas farm it, plus three quarters they purchased in 2000.

John was very interested in new ideas in farming and there were lots of them in his lifetime. In the 1960’s he purchased one of the first, self-propelled swathers in the area with a hay-conditioner on it. This led to a fair amount of custom cutting for him until people got their own units. In 1968, John & Dorothy purchased a half section of land at Stettler, and sold the Monitor land to a nephew, Roger Johnson. John farmed this land at Stettler for several years. Being gifted with some wonderful crops, and at the same time plagued by horrific hail storms. Through the mid 70’s he seeded it to grass and increased the cattle herd at Castor. Haying at Stettler became the summer job for him and he really enjoyed it. He was able to do the cutting right up to 1998.

One of John’s biggest passions was auction sales. He was gifted with an excellent memory and never forgot when a good sale was coming. Many days Jerry and Dorothy thought he was haying at Stettler, only to find later that he had detoured to a sale for a few hours. Of course he hated to come home empty-handed either. He did pass this passion on to Jerry, who has a poor memory, but amazingly, never forgets about a good sale either.

During the 80’s and early 90’s John was able to attend evening machining courses in Stettler. He absolutely loved to enroll in these as he always wanted to broaden his skills and knowledge. He loved to read, and learn, he did so right up to his passing. John had his own lathe and machining tools at Jerry’s farm shop and would spend many hours working on projects from his courses. He also spent many hours building hard to get expensive parts, for his own machinery.
John was a very deep-rooted family man, he and Dorothy seldom missed a family event or weddings. Christmas for the kids was a huge time of giving for John, and Dorothy and the kids will never forget his generosity and caring about Christmas. Neither will his grandchildren, who cherish the big Christmas’s at Grampa and Grammas. He always thought of the most practical and neatest gifts, and personal ones for Dorothy. He always bought her nice things that fit her, and suited her.
John and Dorothy moved into Castor in 1992,and John went out to the farm nearly every day. He wanted to move to town for the practical side of things, but never really enjoyed it, until the last few years.

John also developed a close bond with Joanne, Jerry’s wife. They calved out the cows and doctored the sick ones together for at least fifteen years, at Jerry and Joanne’s yard. Joanne shared John’s love and caring about the cattle, as she had taken a veterinary assistants course and John had lots of knowledge and experience to share with her.

John always had knowledge to share with his family, and usually knew how to do something, when the rest of us were stumped. This great pocket of wisdom will be sorely missed. We hope God will find a good task for John’s talented, wise and caring soul. It was raining in this drought stricken country, the night John left us, and has been showering all week since. Jerry thought, as he hung a basket of flowers in the rain on Thursday, in his dad’s honor, that maybe God has put him on the rain committee…..

John is survived by his loving wife Dorothy of Castor, and children Doreen (Don) Muth of Edmonton, AB, Jerry (Joanne) Wiechnik of Castor, AB and Jeanette (John) Brennen of Fanny Bay, B.C. Nine grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, brothers Joe, Tom and Lenard and sisters Anne Johnson and Cecilia Simkin and sister-in-law Catherine Wiechnik as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many very dear friends. John was predeceased by a stillborn son, parents Jacob and Antonina, brother Edward, sister Phyllis, sister-in-law Eva Wiechnik, brothers-in-law John Oxamitny, Elmer Johnson and Gavin Simkin.

Funeral services were held at the Knox United Church in Castor on Monday, June 14, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. with the Rev. Jim Kenney officiating.

Ann Duncanson Panchiv (1924 – 2004)

Ann Duncanson Tainsh was born in the Village of Menstrie, Scotland,about 65 km northwest of Edinburgh in the County of Clackmannanshire on May 29, 1924 and passed away June 2, 2004 following a courageous battle with diabetes.

She immigrated to Canada with her parents, Bill and Christine Tainsh at the age of four years and grew up near the village of Consort, where her folks established a farm and fine gardens and fruit trees.

After living in several small Alberta communities, she and her husband, Nick Panchiv, moved to Kelowna, B.C. in 1972 and then to Castlegar in 1993 to be closer to family.

Nick passed away in February 2001. Ann is survived by her children: Bob Tainsh, Darlene Kalawsky, Brian Panchiv and Valerie Selzer. She was predeceased by her parents and son, Gary Cooper. Also left to mourn is her sister, Isabelle (Marin) Deleff and brothers, Jack (Joyce) Tainsh and George (Mary) Tainsh of Consort, and Bill (Gladys) Tainsh of Tofield.

Over her 80 years, Ann was a caring homemaker, with gardening and knitting being two of her strongest passions. Countless people, from family to less fortunate members of the community, are thankful for her beautiful knitted creations. Ann was also an enthusiastic dance partner and with her infectious sense of humour, she was an endearing and valued friend to many. We will miss her.

William Letniak (1919 – 2004)

William ‘Bill’ Letniak passed away in the Consort Hospital on Thursday, July 1, 2004 at the age of 84 years after a battle with cancer.

Bill was born on September 20, 1919 to George and Bessie Letniak on the family farm 16 miles south of Consort, Alberta. Bill attended the Westville one room school, which taught grades one to ten for his education. After he left school, he worked on the family farm and did odd jobs in the area.
On July 13, 1947 in Beauvallon, Alberta, Bill married Lila Tym who was a school teacher. They settled on the farm not far from his birthplace on which they lived until his passing. Bill loved to read religious and other books as well as study his Bible daily. He served his church as treasurer for 25 years. He had a keen sense of humor and often picked out anecdotes to share with family and friends. Bill had a love for cattle, more specifically, the purebred Hereford cattle that he raised. One of the highlights of his life was the Calgary Bull sale as well as other Hereford sales. He still attended the Calgary Bull Sale this last March even though he did not feel so well.

Bill was predeceased by his parents, George on February 25, 1975, Bessie on May 26, 1991; his son Lennard on July 21, 1991; his sister in law Susan on January 26, 1996; his brother Andrew on March 21, 1997 and his nephew Mervyn on February 23, 1985.

He leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife, Lila; one daughter, Audrey (Doug) Miller of Red Deer; one brother, James (Marie) Letniak of Consort; two nephews, Ron (Connie) Letniak of Consort and children Curtis (Julie) Letniak and baby, Jonathon, and Kevin (Angie) Letniak; Lawrence (Debbie) Letniak of Veteran and children Ryan and Jodi; three nieces, Darlene (Paul) Karmy of Burleson, Texas and children, David (Kristie) Karmy and Julie (Jason) Burghart; Ellen (Robert) Bell of Lacombe and children Brian and Lisa; Lovona Toews of Calgary, as well as other relatives and friends.

Bill now rests in peace awaiting the call of the Life Giver on that grand and glorious Resurrection Day. What a Day That Will Be!

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. in Knox United Church, Consort, Ab. with Pastor Steve Yaceyko and Pastor Warren Kay officiating. The interment followed the funeral service in the Lakeroad Cemetery.

Dennis Charles Falck (1947 – 2004)

Dennis Falck passed away in Calgary at the Sarcee Hospice on Friday, March 5, 2004 after complications with diabetes, at the age of 57 years. Dennis spent his adult years doing missionary work.

He is survived by a daughter, Lizzie Falck of Buffalo, New York, a son, Joseph Falck of Idaho; three grandchildren; his parents, Sydney and Betty Falck of Calgary; and a sister, Valerie (Garth) Elsdon of Anchorage, Alaska.

The funeral was held in the Beverly Centre, Calgary on Monday, March 8 with the Rev. John Gamble officiating.

Jean Elaine McCuaig (1927 – 2004)

Jean Elaine McCuaig passed away in the Coronation Hospital on July 23, 2004 at 77 years of age after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.

Jean Toffelmire was born on July 3, 1927 to Joshua and Mabel Toffelmire on their farm, eight miles north of Veteran. Jean attended Avonlea School for nine years and then continued on to take high school in Veteran. She didn’t finish grade 12 at this time, but later on went back and took her GED. She passed this with very high marks. After high school, Jean supervised at Neutral Valley. It was a long way from the Nose Hills and she sometimes walked, usually rode horse back and also boarded with Herb and Jean Bryan when necessary.

Jean’s loving and caring approach to life was evident in every part of her life. Jean loved having her children around her and spent much time with all of them.

On October 21, 1948 she and Allan McCuaig were married and to this union seven children were born: Virginia (Tony) Lovell of Edmonton, Susan McCuaig of Edmonton, Bonnie (Glen) Morris of Stettler, Ian Mc- Cuaig of Coronation, Ross (Fe) Mcuaig of Calgary, Amy (Allen) Montgomery of Coronation and Peggy (Keith) Kimber of Monitor. The grandchildren are: Christine Lovell and Chelsea, Dana (Angie) Lovell – Breanne, Chloe, Aaron, (Tammy) McCuaig – Ashley, Kaitlyn, Michelle McCuaig, Arbey (Candice) Morris, Matthew (Donna) Morris – Joshua and Cody, Valerie, Vanessa and Joshua McCuaig; Jeanine (nee Montgomery) and Mike Jonkers and Brandi (who live in Holland); Jason Montgomery, Eleshia, Janelle and Brad Kimber.

Jean was predeceased by her parents, Joshua and Mabel, brother Ralph, sisters Evelyn Webb, Marjorie Tkach, Joyce McCuaig; grandson Zachary Lovell; three nephews, one grandson, sister-in-law, brothers- in-law and special friend Patricia Bye.

She leaves to mourn her loving husband, Allan McCuaig of 55 years; seven children, Virginia (Tony) Lovell and family of Ed- monton, Susan McCuaig and family of Edmonton, Bonnie (Glen) Morris and family of Stettler, Ian Mc- Cuaig of Coronation, Ross (Fe) Mcuaig and family of Calgary, Amy (Allen) Montgomery and family of Cor- onation and Peggy (Keith) Kimber and family of Monitor; sister Laura Raniseth of Medicine Hat, and special friend Kyle Bye of Veteran.

A memorial service was held in the Veteran Hall at 2:00 p.m., July 27th with son-in-law Tony Lovell presiding.

Lunch was served to the large crowd of family and friends who had gathered to bid farewell to Jean and she was laid to rest in the Veteran Cemetery.

George Beier (1927 – 2004)

Mr. George Beier of Red Deer, passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Saturday, August 7, 2004 at the age of 77 years.

George farmed for most of his life at Altario, Alberta until retiring to live on an acreage outside of Red Deer. The last two year’s of his life, George resided at the Pines Lodge in Red Deer. George’s passions were his horse, Flicker, his music and gardening.

George leaves to mourn his loss, his six children, Marty Beier of Fort McMurray, Randy (Beata) Beier of Red Deer, Yvette (Barry) Butz of St. Albert, Laverne (Christina) Beier of Altario, Cletus (Kathy) Beier of Delburne and Leanne of Red Deer and fourteen grandchildren. He is also survived by two brothers, three sisters and Pat Beier of Airdrie, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

George was predeceased by his parents, brothers, John, Alex, Pete, Ed and sisters, Eda and Pauline.

Prayers were held at Eventide Funeral Chapels, 4820 – 45th Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Wednesday, August 11, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass was celebrated at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 5508 – 48A Avenue, Red Deer, Alberta on Thursday, August 12, 2004 at 11:00 a.m. with The Reverend Father Donald Stein celebrant. Interment will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery, Red Deer, Alberta.

Jack Ronald Ramsay (1931 – 2004)

Jack Ronald Ramsay passed away on August 3, 2004 after a courageous fight with cancer.

He was born in Consort on November 17, 1931, the son of George and Evelyn Ramsay. He was predeceased by his parents, brother Jim and sisters Joyce and June.

He is survived by a daughter, Geri and Mike Finlayson, Jon Ramsay, brothers Joe (Ann) and Jerry (Ellie) and Greta, the mother of his children. Also grandchildren Brandon, Erin (Dave), Justin and Jenelle.

Jack retired from a career in the Navy. He was an avid golfer, a member of the Gorge Golf Club, later moving to Qualicum Beach where he golfed at Arrow- smith.

A Memorial Service was held in the Qualicum Beach Legion on August 12th at 2:00 p.m.

William Henry Walker (1929 – 2004)

William Henry Walker born May 4th, 1929 to loving parents who immigrated from Missouri years before he was born, and took up homesteading on the very ground that his family farms today.

Upon completing his education in Veteran, Bill spread his wings and went to work on Vancouver Island, where he stayed with his sister, Ethelyn and her husband Bill in Port Mellon and worked at the pulp mill.

After a short period and having tasted the life away from the farm and family, he returned to Alberta and worked in Vauxhall with the PFRA doing survey work and later took a job at the CPR out of Loyalist for Evelyn’s father.

Bill had met the Dahls through Ev’s brothers, who he used to chum with. Ev realized that she really did have feelings for this guy, Bill Walker and they started dating.

They were engaged April 29, 1952 and married April 29, 1953 – exactly a year later. Last year, Bill and Ev celebrated their 50th anniversary with family and by exchanging rings.

Uncle Bill and his devoted wife, Evelyn, carried on farming and raising cattle on the land after Grandma and Grandpa moved to town. Bill and Ev were blessed with two wonderful children, Beverley – July 1954 (who lives in Edmonton) and Kevin – April 1957 (who, along with his lovely wife, Pat, are still farming the land today).

Bill loved to tell stories, laugh and play tricks. He was known as a character in many ways, and he was also a man of character. He had strong values himself – values of honesty, kindness, and good sportsmanship and appreciated these values in others. He was not impressed with appearances or economic status. He liked “down-to-earth” people who were happy to just be themselves.

Along with his love of tricks and a “good story”, he was a very sensitive and empathetic man. He could never understand anyone intentionally hurting another person or animal, and regardless of the state he or the weather were in, he always made sure the farm animals were fed and sheltered as much as possible. At Christmas, he always gave the cattle extra bales and wanted any other animals we had to have extra food that day.

He cherished his family and friends and thought of them often. He called his sisters regularly especially as they and he got older, and he would often say to Mom in regard to them and other family or friends, “I wonder how so and so is doing. Let’s give them a call.”

Dad had a rich life. He did not fear death, and remarked a number of times that the only way he wanted to leave the farm was in a pine box. With the exception of spending the last 30 or so hours in Consort Hospital, he got his wish.

Surviving, besides his wife, Evelyn of 51 years, are daughter Beverly Anne and son, Kevin William (Pat), grandchildren Alan (Penny) Jackson and Sandra Leanne. A highlight of Bill’s life was becoming great grandpa when Alan and Penny presented Boston Kaine, October 22, 2002 and now little Hudson Aria, July 29, 2004. His sister, Ethelyn of Courtenay, B.C. is also left to mourn as well as many nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

James Moreham Arthur (1922 – 2004)

Mr. Jim Arthur, long time resident of Consort, Alberta passed away on Thursday, August 12, 2004 at the age of 82 years.

James Moreham Arthur was born January 4, 1922 at home on the family farm 5 miles N.W. of Consort. He was the last of seven children born to Thomas and Annie Arthur. Jim attended school at Silvercrest until the family moved back to Ontario in 1937 due to the depression. The following spring he came back home and began a lifetime of ranching. By the early 40’s the family had bought the Scott Place followed by the Foster Place, which Jim owned until his passing. He became mayor of Naco in the early 60’s with the acquisition of the “Naco Place.” During the following years he continued to buy more land and cattle, but bucking horses become his passion. Jim was proud to have started out trailing horses from Consort to Calgary in the late 50’s. Friends fondly recall Jim playing old tunes on the mouth organ around the fire where they camped overnight. For many years Jim supplied horses for the Wild Ride and the Wild Horse Race at the Calgary Stampede. Over the years he raised many of rodeo’s great bucking horses including “Papa Smurf.” The buckle won by that great horse at the National Finals Rodeo was given to Jim by Winston Bruce of the Calgary Stampede. Jim put it on that day and never took it off.

He is survived by his sisters Evelyn and Jessie (Clayton), eight nephews and nieces and their families and a host of caring friends. He was predeceased by his brothers Willie, Tommy and George, his sister Anne and his beloved little Puppy.

“Happy Trails Jim”

A Graveside Funeral Service and interment was held on Tuesday, August 17, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. at the Lakeroad Cemetery, Consort, Alberta with Phil Doan officiating.

Memorial tributes may be made in Jim’s memory to the Lakeroad Cemetery Fund, c/o Village of Consort, Box 490 Consort, AB. TOC 1BO.

Larry Donald Lorenz (1950 – 2004)

Early on Tuesday morning, August 10th, Larry Donald Lorenz passed away at his home in Camrose at the age of 54 following a severe seizure from which he did not recover. Left to mourn his passing are three older siblings- Adele (Ray) Coates of Cold Lake, Ken (Sharon) Lorenz of Spruce Grove, Lyle (Rosemary) Lorenz of Lacombe; nine nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. He was pre-deceased by his father Jake in June, 1998 and his mother Josie in January, 1999. Vigil Service was held on Friday evening, August 13th at Saint Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Provost, with the funeral the next morning at 10:30 and interment in the Provost Cemetary. Pall bearers were Ron Stables, Ron Heinrich, Arnold Seim, Gordon Chamney, Phil Jensen, and Aaron Ganser. Father Jozef Wroblewski presided over the funeral, Lyle Lorenz gave the eulogy and Allan and Claude Zinger sang two of his favorite songs during the service. Lunch and refreshments were served in the basement of the church after the burial.

Larry attended all his grade 1-12 schooling at the Altario School and after graduating in 1968, he completed a two-year diploma program in Physical Education at Mount Royal College in Calgary, and played on the college volleyball team. He then completed a one-year certificate program in Recreation Facility at SAIT in 1970-71, and as a member of the SAIT basketball team, they won the Alberta College basketball championship. He returned to Altario in the fall of 1972 and worked in the family general store with his father. Larry participated in a number of sports events including baseball, basketball, disking, golf, and hockey. He was an all-around athlete who could perform at a high skill level in any sport that he ventured into.

In December, 1981 during a holiday in Las Vegas, his life changed drastically when he was hit by a speeding car while crossing the street. He remained in a coma for almost a month with severe head trauma, as well as numerous other body injuries.

In the fall of 1983, Larry moved to Camrose with his mother and father, Jake and Josie Lorenz and lived with them until their passing in 1998 and early 1999. For the past five and one-half years, he lived in the family home with care-givers providing excellent ongoing assistance. He loved to play bingo, listen to his old tapes and records and visit with friends and relatives.

Frank Frederick Foot (Nov. 21, 1920 – Aug. 16, 2004)

Frank Frederick Foot was born November 21, 1920 at home on the farm at Esther. He passed away August 16, 2004 at Oyen Auxiliary Hospital. Frank was the second son of Fanny and Frederick Foot.

On November 30, 1946, Frank married Delma Stouffer. They set up their farmstead only a half mile south of the home place. To this union, ten children were born.
Frank was always a farmer at heart, he loved his land, his animals and every aspect of farming. He had a great love of animals and especially enjoyed his horses. He broke them both to drive, and his saddle horses to ride.

A loving husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather, Frank’s family gave him great pleasure.
He was always ready to lend a helping hand to his friends, neighbors or anyone in need.
Frank’s joys in life were farming, disking, playing cards, horseshoes and spending time with family and friends.

Frank lived on the farm until a tragic car accident forced him to move into the Oyen Lodge and later to the Oyen Auxiliary Hospital where he passed away.

Frank is survived by his wife Delma; children Clayton (Marilyn) Foot, William (Lil) Foot, Ruth (Larry) Evans, Jean (Elwin) Bouchard, Gilbert (Brenda) Foot, Faye (Jim) Boyce, Mary Ellen (Morris) Lee, Calvin (Rita) Foot, Brent Foot and Mervin (Tracey) Foot; grandchildren Rodi & Jody Foot, Nelson & Jamie Hartling, Rose (Lee) Buckler, Travis & Trina Foot (Chris), Sherry Evans (Kelvin), Shawn (Jody) Evans, Stacy (Brad) Ference, Alwin Bouchard (Myra), Chad Bouchard (Karen), Sherry Foot (Robin), Gil & Terra Foot, Aaron Foot, Charmaine (Kelly) Fuller, Breanne & Spencer Boyce, Leann & Leon Lee (Jackie), Joshua, Jeanine, Collin & Kyle Foot, Rochelle, Justin, Morgan & Christen Foot; great grandchildren Austin & Caitlyn Buckler, Chase & Alexa Evans, Makaela & Layne Ference, Kristin Fuller and Rochelle Curtis; brother Bill (Ellen) Foot; in-laws Ralph & Anita Stouffer, Vivian & Lou Breton, Norman & Gertrud Stouffer; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and many friends.
Funeral Service was held Wednesday, August 18, 2004, at the Esther Community Hall. Officiating Clergy was Bonnie Burke.

William Henry (1928 – 2004)

It is with great sorrow the family of Bill Henry announces his passing on August 17, 2004.
Born July 27, 1928 in Beiseker, Alberta, Bill spent much of his young life in Consort as his father, A.P. Henry was Royal Bank Manager here for many years. The family was well known as Mr. and Mrs. Henry were active in the community and the church. Bill and Evelyn Kokesch were married here on February 7, 1953.) his banking career of 40 years began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, then throughout branches in Alberta and ending as Regional Manager, Manager Edmonton Branch in 1987.

He is survived and lovingly remembered by his wife Ev, of 51 years; daughter, Nadine (Rod) Hudson of Brooks; grandchildren, Hollie Hudson (Shane) and Ben Hudson of Calgary; brother, Keith (Marg) Henry of Vancouver, B.C.; sister, Peg Annett of Edmonton; Ev’s sisters, Eileen (Ray) Cowan of Dawson Creek, B.C., Marion Gramlich of Consort; and special nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by his son, William Clark (Bill Jr.) in 1974 and reunited with him on this day.

Funeral services were held on Monday, August 23, 2004 at 1:00 p.m. at Rio Terrace Community Church, Edmonton with Pastor Don Michaels officiating.

Doris May Howe (1926 – 2004)

Doris Howe of Red Deer passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on Saturday, August 28, 2004 at the age of 78 years.

Doris May Marshall was born on May 21, 1926 on a farm near Castor in the Veldt District. She was the oldest of eight children. When she was seven years old a tragic fire at the farmhouse took three of her siblings. A fourth sibling, Lorenzo, passed away at birth. Doris was raised with her brothers; Allan and Keith and her sister, Virginia.

After attending school in Veldt, she worked as a housekeeper in Castor until she married Stan Howe on February 10, 1945. Stan and Doris farmed in the Halkirk area until 1951 when they moved to Castor. Earl, Russell, and Glenna were born on the farm. James and Lee were born in Castor.
In 1957 the family moved to Consort where Doris worked at various jobs before joining Dr. Knight as his medical receptionist in 1963. Gordie was born in 1960. In 1986 Stan retired and one year later Doris joined him in retirement and moved to Red Deer where they lived happily to the end.
Doris will be lovingly remembered by her six children; Earl (Karen) Howe of Brooks, Russell Howe of Lacombe, Glenna (Larry) Mack of Grande Prairie, James (Marline) Howe of Leduc, Lee (Brenda) Howe of Medicine Hat, Gordon (Lianne) Howe of Cold Lake, three siblings; Keith (Regina) Marshall of Lacombe, Allan (Jeanette) Marshall of Gwynn, Virginia (Doug) Duke of Halkirk, one brother-in-law, Bill Howe of Castor, ten grandchildren; Tamara (Kyle) Robbins, Candace (Joe) MacDonald, Tabitha Howe, Carla Howe, Travis Howe, Bradley Howe, Curtis (Teneille) Howe, Robert Howe, Sierra Howe, and Colton Howe, two great grandchildren; Alex and Alyssa Robbins, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Doris was predeceased by her husband R. Stan Howe in 2003, her parents; Frank and Susannah Marshall and four siblings; Earl, Leslie, Annie Pearl, and Lorenzo.

Jack Wesley Readman (1937 – 2004)

Jack Wesley Readman of Edmonton, passed away August 24, 2004 at the age of 67 years.

Jack was born in Fairview, Alberta, on August 18, 1937, the youngest child of Archie and Irene Readman. He was a good student and also became proficient at figure skating and playing the piano.

He attended the U. of A. in Edmonton to become a teacher and taught in the northern part of the province (Cherry Point and other areas) before going overseas to teach children in the military in Germany. On re- turning, he settled down in Edmonton and taught in St. Albert – mainly Grade 5. He was forced to retire early because of deteriorating health, but during his years teaching developed a huge network of friends, many of whom kept in touch with him helping to brighten his days and who will regret to learn of his passing.

He was predeceased by his parents; brothers Willis, Hugh, Bill and an infant sister, Margaret. Left to mourn are his sister, Frances Shultz of Edmonton; one brother, Archie (Treva) of Oliver, B.C.; sisters-in-law, Eloise of Fort St. John, B.C., Teresa of White Rock, B.C., Mary of Consort, and nieces, Rene (Jim) Campbell and Jean Shultz, Edmonton, Carol (Dave) Bruha, Consort, nephews Hugh (Heidi) Readman, Prince George, B.C., Larry (Mary Anne) Readman, Cave Creek, Arizona, Wayne (Barb) Readman, White Rock, B.C., niece Linda (Jeff) Dika, Spirit River,and nephew Dean Readman.

Flora (Heck) Mehlum

Mrs. Flora Melum of Wainwright passed away on Monday, August 16th, 2004 at the age of 91 years.

She will be lovingly missed by her brother, Charlie Heck of Provost; four sisters, Barbara (Robert) Kelly of Calgary, Ann Heck of London, Ontario, Caroline Heck of Provost. Flora was predeceased by her husband, Robert in 1992.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Thursday, August 19th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Provost with Fr. Josef Wroblewski officiating. Interment took place August 21st at the DeBolt, Alberta Cemetery.J Obituary I

Harold Groves (1944 – 2004)

A well-known and well-respected figure in the oilpatch, J. Harold Groves, passed away on August 4, 2004 in Calgary. He was 60.

Born in Dodsland, Sask., the former Field Superintendent for South/Central Alberta retired from Hunt Oil Company of Canada in 2001 to become a full-time cattleman. But after missing the oilpatch, he started working part-time as a salesman for Sunn 96 of Stettler.
Early in his career, Harold worked for Barnwell of Canada and was a member of the town council in Consort in the early 1970s, and also a member of the Consort Kinsmen. He helped open an equipment and supply store in Calgary. He also began oilfield consulting. In 1985 he opened Tornado Oilfield Supply in Stettler, but it was closed down during the oilpatch doldrums a few years later, so he went to work for Cimarron Petroleum, which became Newport Petroleum Corp., which became Hunt Oil Company.

Always a keen cattleman, Groves and his wife, Barb established Har-Bar Ranch and started raising purebred Murray Grey Cattle.

In addition to his wife, Harold leaves behind his father, John, children Trevor and Lorie, two step-children, three grandchildren, a brother and two sisters.

Susan Ellen Ness (1913 – 2004)

Susan Ellen (Thiessen) Ness was born to Jacob and JustinaThiessen on September 14, 1913 in Wast- jewka, Russia, the third of eight children. The family emigrated to Canada in 1924, farming at Youngstown and later at Strathmore. In 1937, when her family moved to Ohaton, Susan remained to teach in rural Alberta.

It was during this time that she met Harold Ness. They were married on August 31, 1940 and raised two sons, Jim and Larry on their farm northwest of New Brigden. Summer holidays often included a trip to Ontario to visit the Thiessens.

Susan began teaching in the one-room country schools of Hope, Jewett and Butte Vale. She taught at New Brigden school for nineteen years, eighteen of which she was principal. Teaching in New Brigden provided some of the happiest days of her teaching career. In 1967 she moved to Calgary, where she taught at Balmorral Junior High and Sir Winston Churchill High School before retiring in 1978. Education and teaching were very important to Susan. She was a strongly determined woman who spent many years at summer school to obtain her Bachelor of Education and later her Masters Degree. Her students benefitted from her example amnd were always encuraged to do their best. Good behaviour was as expected as good grammar. Her high standards made a lasting impression on her students.

Retirement gave her time to visit the new grandchildren back home on the farm. She still spent time tutoring school children in her own home. For a time she worked at the New Image Gallery. She travelled to Europe, Israel, the Maritimes and Florida with her sisters.

In 1999, Susan came to live in the Oyen Lodge. She renewed acquaintances in the area and formed new friendships. She shared special times with Lena Mayer and Ethel Snell. The last year and a half she resided at the hospital Auxiliary where she was lovingly cared for.

Susan’s strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ sustained her through the storms of life. She passed away September 25, 2004. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold, in 1961; also by her parents, her sisters, Mary and Judy and her brothers, John and Jake.

She is survived by her two sons, Jim (Sharon) and their family, Amber and Jon; and Larry (Carol) and their family, Susanne (Kevin) Fox, Heidi (Mark) Lussier, Karen (Brad) Berg and Catherine Ness; five precious great-grandchildren, Jeffrey, Zachary and Olivia Fox; Amy and Mathew Lussier; sister Agatha; brothers Peter and Abe Thiessen; and many brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law and numerous nieces and nephews.

Susan’s memory will live on in a very special way in the hearts and minds of those she touched as mother, grandmother, teacher and friend.

The Rev. Robert Wilson conducted the service of remembranvce in the Oyen Evangelicval Missionary Church on Thursday, September 30, at 2:00 p.m. The organist was Marilyn Leh- man and the pianist was Beverly Robertson, with special music by Robbie Shield.

Brian Hoffmann (1951 – 2004)

John Brian Hoffmann was born on September 10, 1951 in Oyen, Alberta. He was the eldest son of John and Dorothy Hoffmann. Brian passed away on September 28, 2004 at the age of 53 after a long battle with cancer. Throughout his illness he kept a positive attitude and went out of his way to offer compassion and empathy to anyone – friend or stranger.

Brian has lived in the Esther area most of his life. He attended Esther, New Brigden and South Central High School in Oyen. Throughout his school years he was very active in sports: hockey, baseball, football, volleyball, badminton, and basketball. He took piano lessons and played the alto saxophone for the Oyen Community Band and was a member of the original dance band, “The Rising Sons”. He was one of the original members of the Sounding Creek 4-H Beef Club.

After high school he attended Olds College from 1971 to 1973 graduating from the Agricultural Mechanics program. During his time at college he met many life long friends who have stayed close for the past 31 years through annual reunions and other special occasions.

He met the love of his life, Debra Richards at college and on November 21, 1975 they were married. They lived in Calgary for the first winter where Brian worked as a welder for Hi-Hog Farm and Ranch. He was especially proud to have been part of the original construction at Spruce Meadows.

In August 1976, Brian and Deb moved back to the farm. They immediately began to plan and develop a beautiful yard. He loved the challenge of taking machinery apart and figuring out what was broken and getting it back in the field. Throughout the years he kept busy building up the family farm. In 1979, Brian and his brothers expanded the farming operation with the addition of a pig barn. He loved working the land and harvesting the crops in the fall. Many of his birthday suppers were in the field as he was doing what he loved to do most.

Brian was also very active in the community serving on the New Brigden R.E.A, and New Brigden Home and School. He was most dedicated to the Big Country Medical-Dental Board having served from 1979-2002 and as Chairman 1992-2002.

On February 27, 1978 his little angel, Angela Jean arrived and then on February 11, 1980 Brian was excited to have his son, Curtis John to complete the family. Family was of utmost importance to Brian. Holidays, birthdays and other special occasions always meant a large family gathering with lots of visiting, laughter and games. He was especially happy to have been able to share many memorable times with all of his grandparents. One of the most special days of his life was August 24, 2002 when he was able to walk Angela down the aisle and have Jim join the family.

To celebrate 25 years of marriage, Brian and Deb traveled to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They traveled throughout Alberta and British Columbia on yearly holidays with family. This year he went on a bus trip with his close friend Erwin Hagens to tour three John Deere Factories in the States.

He leaves to mourn his loving wife, Deb, of 28 years; his daughter Angela and Jim Murphy; and son Curtis; his parents John and Dorothy Hoffmann; brothers Wayne, Russell, Reg (Carmen) and sister Byrne (Clark) Huston; and his mother and father in law Ralph and Jean Richards. He also leaves to mourn numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, sisters and brothers in law, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his grandparents, Hajo and Etta Hoffmann and Charles and Edith Hewitt.

Funeral Service was held Friday, October 1, at the Oyen Legion Hall in Oyen, Alberta. Officiating Clergy was Rev. Roger Kett and Rev. Catherine Holland. A Tribute was given by Dennis Trevor.

Memorial Tributes may be directed to the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (Attn: Foundation), 1331 – 29th Street NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 4N2; the Oyen and District Health Care Foundation (Palliative Care), Box 150, Oyen, Alberta, T0J 2J0; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Following the private family interment at the Esther Cemetery, the family invited everyone to join them for a luncheon hosted by the community in the Esther Community Hall.

Myrtle Frost (1909 – 2004)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Myrtle Frost on October 27, 2004, at the age of 95 years.

She leaves to mourn, grandson Neil Poilson, wife Sandra and children, Robert, Russell and Jenna; granddaughter Debra, husband Stuart Russell, children, Graham and Nicole, and son-in-law John Poison and wife Emelia. She is also survived by nieces and nephews, Eldon and Karen Maronda and family, Marvin Maronda, Darryl and Joyce Maronda and family, Donna Rae and Jim Teasdale and family, Ronnie Maronda, David and Marge Sande and family; and sister-in-law Alice Maronda.

She was predeceased by her husband Philip in 1963 and daughter, Shirley in 1977.

Myrtle was born January 3, 1909 in Dazey, North Dakota, and moved with her family to the Lomond area in the same year. She was raised in Lomond and took her schooling there. On September 3,1927 she was married to Philip Frost, and their daughter Shirley was born in 1929. Phil and Myrtle moved to Calgary in 1951, where they worked in insurance, real estate and maintained a business in Lomond. Myrtle began working for the General Hospital in 1962 in the housekeeping department, where she made many friends prior to retiring in 1977. Not one to rest, Myrtle returned to work for the National System of Baking, and worked until her mid-eighties. She was a world traveler visiting over forty different countries before returning to New York City for her ninetieth birthday, where she took in Ellis Island to see where her father had arrived in North America.

To her family and friends she will always be remembered as a caring and determined woman who stood strong in her beliefs.

Funeral Services were held at the Calgary Crematorium Chapel 3219-4 Street N.W. (within the valley of Queen’s Park Cemetery) on Saturday, October 30,2004 at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow at Queen’s Park Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice. Heritage Family Funeral Services, Calgary Crematorium Chapel.

Keith Austen Henry (1923 – 2004)

Henry – Keith Austen died November 3, 2004 after a lengthy battle with cancer. Predeceased by his dear brother Bill. Keith is survived by his wife and best friend of 59 years, Marguerite; children, Dr. Jeanne Keegan-Henry (Rowan), Kathy Corrigan (Derek), Bill, and Jim (Gwen); sister Peggy Annett; sisters-in-law Ev Henry and Beth Hobbs; Heather Henry; loving grandchildren Sean, Darcy, Patrick and Kelsey Corrigan, Kaleigh and Kristin Henry, Morag and Eilidh Keegan-Henry, Nate, Taryn and Sam Henry, and many nieces and nephews. Fondly remembered by many dear friends and colleagues.

After graduating from high-school in Consort, Alberta, Keith served with the Canadian Army. He graduated from the University of Alberta as a Civil Engineer in 1948. Until 1961 Keith was employed by Ontario Hydro, the last five as River Control Engineer for the St. Lawrence Power and Seaway Project. In 1961 Keith joined CBA engineering in Vancouver as Hydraulic and Mechanical Engineer for the Hugh Keenleyside Dam. With Keith as President, CBA built many bridges throughout the province, including the Alex Fraser and Knight Street Bridge. From 1981 to 1983 he was Vice-President of Crippen Consultants.

From 1972 to 1978 Keith served as a Canadian Commissioner on the International Joint Commission. He was also Chair of the Council of the UBC Westwater Research Institute from 1979 to 1992, Chair of the Program Advisory Committee of the Resource Development Section of the School of Management at the Banff Centre, a founding member and Chair of the Consulting Engineers of British Columbia, the Senior Technical Monitor for CIDA’s Water and Resource Development Project in Nepal, Chair of the BC Utilities Site C Hearings, and Project Manager of the Lower Mainland Refuse Project. He was a recipient of the American Society of Civil Engineers Canadian American Amity Award, and the Canadian Council of Professional Engineers Meritorious Service Award.

Keith was an avid badminton and tennis player. His interests included playing several musical instruments, genealogy, writing his memoirs, birdwatching and the BC Skeptics Society.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, November 20, at 2:00 p.m. at the Boal Chapel, 11505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver, followed by a reception at the Hollyburn Country Club, 950 Cross Creek Road, West Vancouver.

Larry Wayne Mah (1965 – 2004)

Larry Wayne Mah, of Edmonton, who was born in Consort when his folks had the Royal Cafe there, passed away on October 30, 2004 at the age of 39 years as the result of a two-vehicle collision near New Sarepta in which his wife was also injured.

Larry is survived by his wife, Shantel Lumb; his parents, Mah Man and Yuk Mah; three sisters Shirley Wong and Ann Chu of Edmonton, and Denise Therrien of St. Albert.

Relatives and friends paid their respects on Friday, November 5th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. and the funeral was held Saturday, November 6 at 1:30 p.m., all at Park Memorial Chapel. The Rev. J. Mung officiated and interment was in Northern Lights Cemetery. The eulogy was given by a former team mate of Larry’s from the Edmonton Pirates Rugby team.

Among the large crowd attending the funeral were former classmates and friends, Jackie Chin, Onoway, Gael Lehman, Alberta Beach, Larry and Janice Lewsaw, Camrose and Sharron and Lindsay Scott from Calgary.

James Norman Rude (1924 – 2004)

James Norman (Jim) Rude passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 30, 2004, surrounded by his beloved Doreen and all of his children. Jim was born on the original homestead near Sedalia, Alberta, the seventh of thirteen children of John and Clara Rude, and grew up with life centered around home and family.

Jim’s schooling years were at Cop Hill School, Naco High, and Camrose Lutheran College. He was called into the army, completing Basic Training in Kingston, Ontario. He served 2 years in the Royal Canadian Ordinance Corp (RCOC) and was on embarkation leave when the war ended in 1945. As a benefit from being in the army, he attended Olds College for 2 years before returning to farm his parent’s family homestead with brothers Cliff and Benny. In early 1950, he accepted the opportunity to purchase Bill Smith’s place, an agreement confirmed with a handshake, and with the unusual payment terms of seven calves each year for the duration of Bill’s life.

Jim courted Doreen Heatherington by horseback and a ’49 Mercury for a year and a half, ending with a moonlight proposal in a horse-drawn sleigh in 30 below weather! The wedding was on a windy day, May 1, 1952, after 100 acres of wheat had been planted. Five children arrived over the next 10 years, followed by 15 grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.

Jim’s love of farming came second only to his family. He experienced the progression from horses and threshing machines to large 4-wheel drive tractors and sophisticated combines. With help from all family members, he built a very successful mixed farm operation. When asked the key to his progress, he once modestly said “it’s a lot of luck” – but his good management played a major role as well. His neat and tidy shop is symbolic of his attention to detail. He was proud of his green line of equipment and his Hereford cattle and together with Ron and Ray was awarded Commercial Cattlemen of the Year by the Alberta Hereford Association in 1987.

Jim enjoyed sports, particularly baseball, and played with the Sedalia team for several years in the early 1950’s. When no longer able to play he liked to watch his kids and grandchildren play.

Jim was Mr. Fix-it, a confidante, advisor and good example to all members of his immediate and extended family as well as many friends and neighbors. He was genuinely interested in everyone’s thoughts and opinions – even if he didn’t agree with them! He was always up to a good debate.

When Jim began to turn over the farming to Ron and Ray, he spent many hours in his shop re-finishing model A’s and T’s, a ’49 Mercury and several tractors. All his children received wagons or boot scrapers he put together. His search for parts and participation in antique car rallys and swap meets resulted in many new friends for him and Doreen. Although he never promoted his collection of antiques, he was always willing to fire up the trucks to give the grand-kids rides or show school classes and senior groups. He and Doreen enjoyed many evenings of cards, Grey Cups and New Year’s Eve’s with close friends and neighbors. Several grandchildren learned to play crib and pinochle with him. He enjoyed dancing for years – particularly old time waltzes. A few holiday trips, including Australia, Eastern Canada, Minot, N.D., California and other destinations, brought a lot of enjoyment to both Jim and Doreen.

Family get-togethers meant a lot to Jim. Many trips were made to Camrose and other points to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or just to keep in touch. Happy memories of a large family reunion held in 1983 were often mentioned. He was proud of the accomplishments of his children and grand children and looked forward to seeing his great grand children grow. All grandchildren will remember the peppermints he always had on hand, generously given out with the gentle teasing of “it’ll cost “ya! or “The bill’s in the mail!”

Jim was predeceased by his parents John & Clara Rude; siblings: Cliff, Don, Clarence, Mable, Elmer, Benny, Elvin, Gladys and Violet; Grandchild Adam (1994); and Doreen’s parents George and Sadie Heath- erington.

He is survived by his cherished wife Doreen; children: Ron (Sandra), [Carrie/James, Karma/Andrew, Candice/Brandon, Danny]; Ray (Sherrie) [Aaron/Nadine, Nichole/Jamie, Diana, Clint]; Martin (Deb), [Brittany, Jaclyn, Clayton]; Dianne (Tim), [Katelyn, Levi] and Noreen [Jackson, Parker]; Great-grandchildren Sydney, Lane, Tanner, Carson, Lydia, Rosco, Quinton and Kagen; siblings: Lillian, Lila (Art), and Stan (Maureen); plus numerous brother & sister in laws, nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors.

Funeral service was held Friday, November 5 at the Sedalia Community Hall in Sedalia, Alberta. Officiating clergy was Rev. Roger Kett.

Alvin Sidney Cook (1930 – 2004)

Alvin, better known as Ab, was born at Loverna, Sask. on September 28, 1930, the third son of six born to Albert and Margaret Cook. He passed away November 15, 2004.

Ab grew up on the family farm at Rock Plains, then at Antelope Park, attending school at both places. As a youngster the Cook boys would do the usual ‘boy’ things, water fights, just plain fighting or arguing. At Christmas time they would take the trap door out of the attic, hang up the beam scale and everyone had to be weighed, and later on the modern scale was used.

Ab left home at age 16 to work, and had various jobs throughout his life. He was an avid Rodeo fan; was always a friend to everyone and was willing to help when needed.

Ab lived in Hanna Seniors Lodge prior to moving to Consort Seniors Lodge in 1997, where he resided until his passing. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Margaret Cook, brothers Joe, George and Dave. He leaves to mourn his passing his two remaining brotheres, Bert (Helen) and Alfred (Fern), as well as a sister-in-law, Myrtle, and numerous nieces, nephews and their children.

Services were held at All Saint’s Anglican Church, Loverna with the Rev. Joan Scandrett officiating.

Betty Falck (1916 – 2004)

Elizabeth (Betty) Cora Falck, beloved wife for sixty-four years of Sydney Falck of Calgary, passed away at the Beverly Centre on Tuesday, November 9th, 2004 at the age of 88 years.

Betty was born August 6, 1916 in Scott, Sask. At an early age she moved to Lethbridge with her family. She started work in the Royal Bank where she met her future husband, Sydney, in Pincher Creek and they married in 1941. Throughout their banking years, they lived in numerous small towns in Alberta and made many wonderful friends and memories. In the early ’50’s (about 1951) they came to Consort where he was manager of the Royal Bank. Here, too, they developed a close group of friends who have stayed in touch with them through the years.

Betty enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, travelling, golf, gardening and a good bridge game.

Besides her loving husband, she is survived by her daughter, Valerie and son-in-law, Garth Elsdon of Anchorage, Alaska; as well as her four grandchildren, Liam and Rory Elsdon and Lizzy and Joseph Falck. Betty is also survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Patricia and Dr. John Hnatuik; and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her son, Dennis, in 2004 and her sisters, Jean Barnsley and Dorothy Fair.

The funeral service was held at McInnis & Holloway’s Elboya Chapel at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, November 13, 2004. The Rev. Gordon Churchill of the Living Spirit United Church, presided.

(Thanks to Robbie Knight for providing The Enterprise with the above information. In her letter accompanying this, Valerie commented on their family saying that her husband works and lives in their cabin 20 miles from Healy in the Denali Park area and Valerie and the boys live in Anchorage. She says that Garth now has running water as a well was dug last summer down through 250 or so feet and 100 feet of permafrost. The driller said this was only the second well in 25 years to go that deep. Val’s dad, Syd Falck, at 95 years is in a nursing home in Calgary and will be lonely and even more isolated because of his poor hearing. He also misses Dennis who passed away last March.

Friends here join with the Enterprise in extending their condolences.)

Con Rolheiser (1920 – 2004)

Constantine Rolheiser passed away peacefully at St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital, Edmonton on November 24th, 2004 after a spirited battle with cancer.

He will be forever loved, missed and remembered by Marge, his loving wife of 62 years; children Dianne (Craig) Green of Strathmore, Roy (Barb), Lynda (Jim) Phelan, Norm (Jan) all of Edmonton, Carol (Craig Freeman) of Toronto, Terry (Tammy Tartaglio) of Vancouver; daughter-in-law Suszanne Miekuz-Rolheiser (son Scott) of Hamilton; grandchildren Blake and his mother, Carol (Gary) Martin of Cold Lake, Kyle (Tara), Kevin, Kelsey, Taylor, Reese, Lyndsay, Kellen, Cailey and Kristen.

Other family members who will cherish his memory are sisters Mary Wagner and Rose (Vic) Kurjata; brother Pete (Agnes); sisters-in-law Eva and Dee, Mary (Mike) Boon; many loving cousins, nieces and nephews and their families; as well as a wide circle of treasured friends. Con was predeceased by his son Doug; granddaughter Kristen Rolheiser-Patterson; brothers George, Jake, John, Paul and Ed; and sisters Millie Herman and Betty Salembler.

Born April 9, 1920 in Compeer, Con was the middle son of eleven children. As a youth he lived in various areas of northern Saskatchewan. Con served proudly in the Canadian Armed Forces during WWII. In 1942, he married Marge and relocated with their young family from St. Walburg, Sk. to Edmonton.

Con enjoyed a long and satisfying career working for the Provincial Government at the Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium from its opening in 1955 until his retirement in 1985. An important aspect of his life was his involvement with his community and his church, the Immaculate Heart Parish. Con was also passionate about sports and had a lifelong thirst for reading. Con was fortunate to enioy 20 wonderful years of retirement with his dear wife, Marge, highlighted by spending many months each year at the family home in Green Bay on the sunny shore of Lake Okanagan.

Prayers were held at Connelly-McKinley Funeral Home on Monday, November 29 at 7:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial took place at St. Joseph’s Basilica on Tuesday, November 30 at 10:00 a.m.

Audrey May Krick (1933 – 2004)

Audrey passed away on Monday, December 6, 2004 at the age of 71 years. Outgoing but a very private person, Audrey May was born April 25, 1933 in Treherne, Manitoba. Audrey was the second daughter of Jack and Sadie Greenaway. Audrey was raised in Treherne where she attended Matchettville School. After finishing Grade 8, and with her love of animals, she worked on the farm with her parents. She was actively involved in the local United Church and U.C.W.

She began working in the Post Office before meeting Jim. Audrey married Jim Krick in 1960 and started driving School Bus. Donald James came into their lives June 23, 1962. She was as proud of him today as she was when she first held him. They left Manitoba and moved to Salmon Arm, B.C. in 1965. In 1969 they made their home in New Brigden, from there they moved to Loyalist in 1973, where Jim and Audrey then parted.

Audrey then bought a house in Consort in 1975 where she and John have lived happily together for almost 30 years. Besides raising Donald until he left for B.C. when he was 16, she welcomed Lane into her home treating him like her own. After Lane moved away and started his own family Audrey had children to call ‘Grand’ children.

Audrey worked various jobs until she started at the Consort Seniors Lodge where she worked for approximately 20 years until she retired at the age of 60.

Audrey was a thoughtful person. She volunteered at the New To You and Meals On Wheels. Audrey would do anything for anyone at the drop of a hat. She enjoyed listening to music, socializing with her friends, and loved to see others smile, and nothing made her smile more than her flowers blooming and watching a good parade. Audrey was a very special lady to which many called Auntie. No words can describe a lady with a heart of Gold!

Audrey was predeceased by her infant sister and her parents Jack and Sadie Greenaway. Audrey leaves to mourn her son(s) Donald Krick, Lane Ebel (Cindy & Family) and loving friend and companion John Letniak, as well as numerous cousins, extended family and friends.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. in Knox United Church, Consort, Ab. with the Rev. Sandy Macpherson officiating.

Clarence Frederick Dafoe (1918 – 2004)

Clarence Fredrick Dafoe, at the age of 86, passed away peacefully at the Hanna Health Care Centre on December 7, 2004, with his loving wife Anna at his side.

‘Fred’ was born in Veteran, Alberta on September 14, 1918. He was the second of four children born to Clarence and Ella Dafoe. In 1928 his mother passed away and in 1930 his father Clarence was remarried.

Fred went into basic training in 1939 in Red Deer. He later went to London, Ontario where he joined the Royal Canadian Navy in 1940. In 1942 Fred boarded the HMCS Saguenay as Able Seaman until it was torpedoed and disabled in 1943. He then served on a Harbor Craft until he was reassigned aboard the HMCS Magog. The HMCS Magog was rammed and towed into harbor. Again, Able Seaman Dafoe was reassigned. This time to the HMCS Hespler where he remained until victory was declared and Fred returned home to the farm near Hemaruka in 1945.

Fred was awarded 4 service medals for his honorable contribution to his country.

Shortly after his return home from serving in World War 2 Fred attended Sunday school, where he met a graduate teacher named Anna Kroeger. They were married in 1946. They bought a farm 3 miles from where his Dad homesteaded. Fred and Anna were blessed with five children, a son, Dennis in 1947, followed by another son, Barri in 1948. Then a daughter, Michelle was born in 1952 and in 1956 another son, James, arrived, and then in 1958 their 5th child, Carson was born.

In 1959, Fred’s father Clarence retired from farming and sold the farm to Fred and Anna. Fred, in turn, sold the farm he and Anna had bought from Mike Pidhirney and moved over to the Faraway Ranch, becoming the third generation to farm and ranch on those lands.

Sadly, in 1979, tragedy befell them when their youngest son, Carson was suddenly taken from them in a car accident.

In 1981, they retired from farming and sold the ranch to their son, James and his wife Wendy. They moved to Hanna where they settled comfortably into life in their new community.

Fred loved the farm and all aspects of it. He enjoyed telling and retelling his children and his grandchildren stories of his life on the ranch. It was hard, HARD work to build and maintain the ranch and as he would tell the stories you could hear the pride in his voice and see the years melt from his face. His greatest love on the ranch was horses, be it breaking in a new colt or racing across the pasture on ‘Snap’ to get a cow that had got out. Even up until a year ago he was giving advice to Jim about a horse that was giving him some trouble.

Fred was also very proud and supportive of his family and their accomplishments. Fred always loved to curl, entering bonspiels in Veteran, Youngstown, Consort, Coronation and Hanna. When he and Anna retired to Hanna he was most excited because their new house was ‘right handy’ to the curling rink. They even curled as far as Nelson, B.C. in a summer bonspiel.

When they retired they also bought a motorhome and began to travel extensively across Canada and they especially enjoyed touring the east coast visiting New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland; and the west coast particularly Vancouver Island. They also spent a few winters down in Phoenix, Arizona with Fred’s sister, Nell.

Predeceased by his son Carson in 1979; Fred is survived by his loving wife Anna of Hanna; children; Dennis (Diann) Dafoe of Calgary, Barri (Lonnie) Dafoe of Prince George, B.C., Michelle (Shannon) Mitchell of Beaumont, Ab., and Jim (Wendy) Dafoe of Veteran, Ab., 14 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren; sisters, Nell Glass of Vancouver, B.C., Jean Sankey of Calgary, Ab., Amy (Gordon) Hewitt of Red Deer, Ab., Rosemary (Eddy) Leake of Quesnel, B.C. and Eunice (Bob) Anderson of Red Deer, Ab. as well as numerous other relatives and a host of many friends…..

Funeral services were held on Saturday, December 11, 2004 at 10:30 A.M. in the First United Church, Hanna, Ab. with Rev. Dr. Clarence Sellars officiating.

John Septimus Hutchings (August 15, 1904 – December 29, 2004)

Jack Hutchings passed away peacefully at the Long Term Care facility of the Consort Health Care Centre on December 20, 2004, having lived 100 years and 136 days. His daughter, Sandra, was in England at the time, and not scheduled to return until January 4. Another daughter, Mary Ellen, lives in Ontario, and her husband was not easily able to break away immediately from commitments there. Consequently, the funeral was not held until January 13, 2005.

Abnormally cold weather welcomed all those who ventured out of doors that day. Nevertheless, there was a large turn-out of friends and well-wishers to see Jack off to his final resting place which will eventually be the Lakeroad Cemetery, Consort and for this the family is most appreciative. It is not possible to acknowledge all who came from out of town, so we beg your indulgence in our failure to name those who actually were present.

The Rev. Sandy Macpherson conducted the service and offered a fitting meditation. Granddaughters Tracy Hanson and Jodi (Hutchings) Kurek rendered heart-felt tributes on behalf of the immediate family, and nephew Chris Gould spoke words of appreciation from the extended family. Eva Bostrand beautifully sang two favourite hymns, “Softly and Tenderly” and “Amazing Grace”, being joined in the first by nephew Matt Gould. The Knox United Church choir led in the singing of two hymns, “How Firm a Foundation” and “I Was There to Hear Your Borning Cry”, while Robbie Knight played the organ before, during, and after the service.

Pallbearers were grandsons Darren, Brad, Jerrett & Travis Hutchings, Shane & Brent Wolokoff, and Damien Kurek.

Funeral arrangements were by Parkview Funeral Chapels Ltd. Following the service, light refreshments were provided by the Knox UCW.

The following members of the Jack Hutchings families were present: Mary Ellen & Ted Lutz, Mississauga, Ontario; Sandra & Bonar Hanson, Wimborne; Tracy Hanson, Airdrie; Shari Hanson & son, Thomas Gower, Grande Prairie; Janice, Mike, Jordan & Cody Olsthoorn, Canmore; Barbara & John Olekszyk, St. Albert; Shane Wolokoff, Edmonton; Brent Wolokoff, St. Albert; Jim & Nora Hutchings, Consort; Jodi, Jay, Damien, Analisha, Tianna & Kadin Kurek, Consort; Darren, Kelly, Marissa & Adelaine Hutchings, Consort; Brad Hutchings, St. Albert; Nikki Hutchings, Consort; Chuck & Sharon Hutchings, Sherwood Park; Amber, Scott & Sawyer Harding, Okotoks; Jerrett, Christine & Travis Hutchings, Sherwood Park. Six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren were unable to attend the funeral.

Arnold Joseph Pruden (1926 – 2004)

Arnold Pruden of Edmonton, passed away in an Edmonton Hospital on December 22, 2004 at the age of 78 years.

He is survived by his loving wife, Marie, sons Greg of Toronto, Garnet of Hinton and daughter, Charlotte Measor of Edmonton, also six grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Arnold was predeceased by his first wife, Hilda, in 1998. They shared almost fifty years of happiness raising their three children.

Arnold retired from A.G.T. (currently Telus) in 1982 after serving 35 years with them and enjoyed his retirement with travelling and being with his family and friends.
Cremation has taken place and a Celebration of Arnold’s life was held at 1:00 p.m. on January 10, 2005 at The Chateau Edmonton, 7230 Argyll Road, Edmonton.

George Frederick Peter Phillips (1920 – 2004)

George Frederick Peter Phillips was born to Oliver and Eliza Phillips at Altario, Alberta on August 28, l920 and passed away at Beaumont, Alberta on December 22, 2004 at the age of 84 years.

Peter is survived by his loving wife Helen of 61 years, his son Allan (Marilyn), his daughters Sharon, Janet (Walter), Elaine (Ryan), Doreen (Don) and Patti (Alan). He was predeceased by his parents, his sister Muriel and is survived by his siblings Annie and Irene.

Peter’s formal education was taken in Altario and came to an abrupt halt when he attained grade nine, as in those days the school did not teach higher grades. He spent much of his youth hunting for their daily food and helping his father on their homestead. It was during this time that he became the excellent marksman that he was with a rifle.

Peter went to basic training in the army at Currie Barracks in Calgary in 1941 at the age of twenty-one and later went on to serve his country overseas in Eng- land, Holland and Germany. He hated the regimen of military life and instilled in his children the necessity of thinking for themselves without accepting authority.

Peter met his wife Helen in Calgary and in 1943 they were married and bought a farm a few miles from where his Dad homesteaded. Peter & Helen were blessed with six children, a daughter Sharon in 1945, followed by another daughter Janet in 1949. Then a daughter Elaine was born in 1952 and then his long awaited son Allan was born in 1954. Doreen arrived in 1956 and then his wonderful little surprise ‘Patti’ was born in 1965.

Peter was a man of the land and loved his life on the farm. No matter how bad times were he always managed to bring in a crop and maintain his beloved herd of cattle in order to provide for his family.

Peter was very proud and supportive of his family and their accomplishments. He thrived on his family life attending school track meets, Christmas concerts, basketball and volleyball games and even being the star pitcher for the kids’ one-a-cat games. He was there to help with homework and to solve every little problem and hurt with a love equal to none for every one of his babies.

Peter loved to play cards, to dance (he could cut a rug with the best of them), to listen to music (especially to bagpipes) and he loved to hear or tell a good joke. He loved animals and children but most of all he loved his wife and family. He was a compassionate and caring man, not perfect but considered to be nearly perfect by those who loved him.

Peter and Helen retired to Beaumont in 1986. He spent many hours remodeling his home, working in his yard and garden, feeding his pet sparrows , floor curling and pursuing his hobby refinishing antique furniture, what a wonderful job he did. He also gave back to the community by volunteering at the St. Vital Senior Centre and Hall for eight years.

Peter was a simple and complex man choosing to always live by the principles of right and wrong he believed in the priority of family. He was intelligent beyond his years of formal education as he was an avid reader and he developed his perspectives through life experience. He was a man who loved the companionship of people and formed a special bond with all he came in contact with.

Peter rarely discussed religion but if he did he would admit to not having all of the answers but felt that through his many years on this earth.