2016 Obituaries

Marvin Koenig

March 12, 1930-Jan. 6, 2016

KOENIG, Marvin of Rimbey, Alberta. Born March 12, 1930 – January 6, 2016.

It is with love that we announce the passing of our beloved dad, grandpa, papa, and brother (and many other cherished titles).

Marvin was born in Horsham, Saskatchewan. From there, his family moved to Alberta, where he spent the majority of his life. He went on to complete trades-school, where he obtained his gas-fitting and plumbing tickets and went on to establish a life-long career with both the federal and provincial governments.

Marvin met his loving wife, Joan (nee Gray) Koenig, in Stettler and they were gifted with three sons, Alan, James, and Mark (Cheryl Arsenault). Joan passed away in 1986, after which Marvin continued to live in Rimbey with their sons. Marvin was also pre-deceased by his father, John Koenig (1967) and mother, Nathalia Koenig (1987); Brother Wallace (1983); Sisters Eileen (1983), Lorene (1985), Viola (1989) and Burnetta (2015). He is survived by his sons, Alan (Pam), James (Debbie), and Mark; his sister Edith; brothers Vern (Evelyn) and Gerald (Carol); his six grandchildren Victoria (Carl) Haapala, Joanne Koenig, Vanessa Koenig, Kassaundra Bushey, John Koenig, and Jesse Koenig; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

A celebration of Marvin’s life was held on January 12, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Wilson’s Funeral Chapel, 6120 Highway 2A, Lacombe, Alberta.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you graciously consider donating to a charitable organization, such as the Lacombe Long Term Care, where Marvin spent the last three months of his life being attentively cared for by the staff there.

Special thanks to everyone that took time to come visit Marvin, as well as kept him (and our family) in your thoughts and prayers.

Expressions of sympathy may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca

Wilson’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, of Lacombe and Rimbey in charge of the arrangements

Edward Harrison Gilmer

Nov. 26, 1933 – Dec. 23, 2015

Edward Harrison Gilmer went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, December 23rd, 2015, after a long battle with multiple myeloma. Ed lived a full life, 82 years, and 27 days. Ed’s wife, Gloria Julia Gilmer preceded him in death on July 13th, 2014, after 60 years of marriage.

Edward H. Gilmer was born to Samuel and Pearl Gilmer in the old Consort Hospital, Consort, Alberta, on November 26, 1933. Ed was the youngest of 8 children; 4 sisters: Jean, Fay, Betty and Marie and 3 older brothers; Bud, Bob and William. All of Ed’s siblings preceded him in death with the exception of oldest sister Jean who resides in a Consort nursing facility.

Ed was raised on his family’s farm and as a youth, he enjoyed curling and was a pretty good hockey goalie as well. Ed attended high school in Consort, where he met his wife Gloria.

In the early years before Ed and Gloria moved to America, he worked in the oil fields as a roughneck and motorhand on oil rigs.

In 1956, Ed and Gloria moved from Canada to Tigard, Oregon, where Ed worked in a TV and radio repair shop. Ed preferred to work for himself so he decided to take up a new trade and eventually became a highly skilled carpet layer and tile/ceramic man. By the time 1964 rolled in, Ed and Gloria welcomed the birth of 2 sons, William Todd and Douglas Edward, and they moved to their present home in Woodburn. A little known fact about Ed, was he was responsible, with a couple other Canadian friends, for starting the first youth hockey association in Portland, which eventually became the foundation for today’s Portland Winterhawks. They would hold dances every weekend to raise money for the program.

Ed’s daughter-in-law often referred to him as “a jack of all trades and master of most!” Though Ed supported his family as a skilled tradesman, his real passion and enjoyment came from his love of music and gold mining. Ed was a musical prodigy who once turned down an opportunity to attend the Julliard School of Music. Ed could play many instruments, his favorites being the guitar, mandolin and piano/keyboard. He could play a mean fiddle as well. He was the leader of a band called the Play Boys for about 10 years and enjoyed playing engagements every weekend with fellow band members: Marvin Nygard, Larry Thompson, brother-in-law Roy Anderson and Elmer Sletton.

Ed also loved prospecting. He had a touch of gold fever that stayed with him through the end of his days. He formed E and E Exploration LLC, with partner Ed Vandehey. Over a span of 40+ years, Ed would take his family on many gold mining adventures, from mining here in the Pacific Northwest to spending summers in the Yukon, over to Idaho and down to the white sandy beaches of Mexico. At one time Ed held several hundred mining claims in many states. Among other finds, while mining in the Yukon, Ed and crew unearthed a woolly mammoth, a fully preserved miner’s cabin and a frozen horse still saddled. Of course there was gold in them thar’ hills as well. In addition to all the aforementioned activities, Ed loved spending time on his small farm. Ed and Gloria kept a nice garden as well as raised a cross breed of Charolais and Angus cattle. In his later years, Ed continued his love for gold mining by map prospecting for different land and mineral rights owners. He also loved working on his farm, writing music with Don Lance (with whom he recorded a CD), and traveling to blue grass festivals with Gloria.

Ed is survived by his children: Bill Gilmer of Canby, OR, and Doug and Cristy Gilmer of Molalla, OR.

Ed has 5 grandchildren: Faron Bennett, Cassandra Bennett, Amanda Bennett, Sean Gilmer and Karlie Gilmer, all of Molalla, OR. He also has numerous nieces and nephews in Arizona, Colorado, Washington, Hawaii, British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on January 4, 2016 at St. James Catholic Church in Molalla, Oregon with Fr. Ted Prentice as Celebrant. Pallbearers were Norman Zollner, Doug Gilmer, Bill Gilmer, Sean Gilmer, Faron Bennett, Roger Kemp and Guy VanHooser. Burial was at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, Mt. Angel, Oregon.

Robert Larry Anderson

April 11, 1954 – Jan. 20, 2016

Beloved Father, Grand-father, Brother and Friend.

It is with great sadness that Robert’s family announces his sudden passing on January 20, 2016 in Matanzas Cuba, at the age of 61.

Robert (AKA Rob, AKA Bob, AKA Spiderman) was born April 11, 1954 in Estevan, Saskatchewan. He received his education in Estevan, SK, Carnduff, SK and Consort, AB, where he graduated from high school. Robert went on to further his education at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT) where he graduated with his Instrumentation Technology Diploma in 1974. Soon after, Crossfield, Alberta became his lifelong home, where he started and raised his family while working at the local Gas Plant, until he retired in 2011. Robert had many joys in his life, which was evident in his contagious smile. These joys included golf, travelling, classic rock music and most notably his family. The retired life allowed Robert to partake in many annual trips as well as some new and exciting adventures. Whether it be his recent trip across Canada, his many trips to Phoenix, his annual fishing trip to the coast or the entire summers spent at the family cabin on Mara Lake with family and friends, on the beach or enjoying a drink around the fire, Robert had a zest for life. But the biggest joy in Robert’s life was the time he got to spend with his children, grandchildren, family and the many, many lifelong friends he made along the way.

Robert is survived by his three children, Paul, Rachel and Logan (including their mother Marlaine Holmes); his two grandchildren, Landen Anderson-Gervais and Lilly Chamko; his sisters, Barbara Anderson, Vicki Blasko & brother-in-law and close friend Brian Blasko; his companion Shirley Evaskevich and her children, Jennifer, Grant (Kelly), Jaime (Darren) and grandchildren David, Madison, Anna, Grayson and Hunter; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins and all of his friends. He was predeceased by his parents Jean Mary Anderson and Robert Floyd Anderson.

A Celebration of Robert’s Life will be held at the Crossfield Community Center on Friday, February 12th at 1:00 p.m., with snacks and refreshments to follow.

Jack Donald Caseley

Dec. 7, 1933 – Jan. 24, 2016

Jack Donald Caseley was born on December 7, 1933, in Coronation to Victor and Lucy Caseley. The young family moved to British Columbia for a few years while Vic worked as a miner before moving back and purchasing the farm in 1943. Jack grew up on the farm with his mom and dad and his siblings, Robert, Avery, Chris and Shirley. Jack went to school at Harts Country School and Veteran School.

Jack met and married Shirley Healy on November 6, 1959. To this union two sons were born, Marty in November of 1962 and Garth in January of 1966. Jack, Shirley and boys worked hard on the farm that they purchased from Vic in 1959. The hard work paid off so that many vacations were enjoyed. Camping with family and friends, fishing and a big group trip to Disneyland. Jack and Shirley also enjoyed many trips over the years to Las Vegas, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and a cruise to Jamaica.

Jack loved to go fishing. He couldn’t wait to get the seed in the ground so he could head to Lac Des Isles. The trailer and boat were always ready to go with or without passengers. He loved to feed his favorite squirrel “Peanuts”. After a good or bad day fishing he liked to sit around the camp fire, especially when bannock was on the menu.

In his younger years Jack was a good baseball player but his passion was curling. He won many bonspiels in the surrounding areas. He especially loved the Coronation Farmers Bonspiel. He enjoyed all the visiting with friends and he could always find someone to talk to.

Another favorite past time was going into Veteran for coffee. You could set your watch by coffee times 6:30 and 10 in the morning, 3 in the afternoon, and 7:30 at night. These times were followed faithfully. In 2013, Jack suffered a stroke and could no longer drive and he missed his coffee buddies. He would sit in the shop at the farm waiting for something to break down or someone to drop by and he always had coffee on. He was especially grateful when Mervin Farwell showed up with two office chairs!

In 2015, Jack was the proudest farmer around when the farm was nominated for Farm Family of the Year for Special Areas #4; he was grinning from ear to ear.

Sadly Jack was called home on Sunday, January 24, 2016, at the age of 82 years. He always said that he wanted to die with his boots on at the farm that he loved.

Jack is survived by his loving family; two sons; Marty (Tracey) and their children Jonathan and Allysa and Garth (Tracey) and their children Abree and Aimee; his siblings; Robert (Gloria), Avery (Terry), Chris (Don) Sharkey and Shirley (Bennie) Kary; Aunt Sadie Caseley; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. He was predeceased by his parents Vic and Lucy Caseley and Step Mother Adeline Caseley; his wife Shirley in 2009.

A Memorial Service for Jack Caseley was held on January 29, 2016 at the Veteran Community Hall, Veteran, Alberta at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Darrel Durksen officiating. Darrel Durksen read the tributes that were written by Jack’s sisters Chris Sharkey and Shirley Kary and Jack’s aunt Sadie Caseley. Darryl Tkach shared a reading. A special recorded song “Daddy’s Hands” was played during the service. The family interment took place at the Veteran Cemetery; the active pallbearers were Jack’s grandchildren, Jonathan Caseley, Abree Caseley, Allysa Caseley and Aimee Caseley. A luncheon was held at the Veteran Hall which was prepared by the Veteran Full Gospel Church Ladies and the Veteran United Church Ladies. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of Jack, memorial contributions may be made to The Veteran Volunteer Firefighters Association and to the Village of Veteran Cemetery Society. Heather Caseley of Coronation Funeral Home, Box 358, Coronation, AB, T0C 1C0 has been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.

Card of Thanks

We want to thank Darrel Durksen for officiating the service. Thank you to all the ladies that brought lunch for the service. Thank you to Heather and the staff of the Coronation Funeral Home for the help in planning the service and taking care of all the arrangements. Thank you to everyone that helped to make Jack’s service so special.  Finally thank you to friends and family for the cards, phone calls, and gifts of food.

Marty, Tracey

Jonathon & Allysa

Garth, Tracey

Abree & Aimee Caseley

Brian Duncan Clark

Mar. 26, 1948 – Jan. 28, 2016

Brian Clark of Consort passed away in the Red Deer Hospital on January 28, 2016. He was born in Drumheller on March 26, 1948 to Marshall and Evelyn Clark and was raised on a farm near Rosebud. Brian grew up loving cars and proceeded to get his heavy duty, automotive and small engine licenses. He worked in these fields for many years. Brian would have been a member of A.A. for 33 years on February 6, 2016.

Predeceased by his parents; and his wife, Victoria; Brian is survived by his wife, Lynnette; son, Malcolm; daughters, Kari (Peter) Huey and Marci Clark; step-daughter Michelle (Brendan) Cooke; sisters, Marsha Clark, Mary deJong and Jeannette (Ron) Parkin; mother-in-law, Lynne McNeill; brothers-in-law, Robin and Kevin McNeill; seven granddaughters; one great granddaughter; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends.

A Celebration of Brian’s Life was held at St. George’s Anglican Church in Stettler, on Saturday, February 6, 2016, with Rev. Carolyn Langford and Rev. Jack Schultze officiating. The eulogy was given by Gary Anderson. Organist Barbara Lynn Goodwin played for the congregational hymn “Church In The Wildwood” as well as the musical selection “How Great Thou Art”. Recorded selections were: “Me And Jesus” by Brad Paisley and “One Day At A Time” by Daniel O’Donnell.

The interment will be held at a later date in Rosebud Cemetery, Rosebud, Alberta.

Following the service a reception was held in the lower church hall with a time of fellowship and light refeshments prepared and served by Double G Catering.

Brian’s family has requested donations be made to the Central Alberta Cancer Centre, Red Deer or to a Trust Fund for his son Malcolm at any ATB Financial Branch.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.brennenfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Stettler, Alberta.
God grant me the serenity to accept the things

I cannot change,

Courage to change the things I can, and the

Wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time,

Enjoying one moment

at a time,

Accepting hardship as the pathway to peace.

Taking, as He did,

this sinful world as it is,

not as I would have it,

Trusting that He will make all things right

if I surrender to His will,

That I may be reasonably happy in this life.

George Greenfield

Aug. 8, 1925 – Feb. 12, 2016

George Mills Greenfield was born August 8th, 1925 on the farm in the Wiste district, SW of Consort. He was the youngest child of Henry and Ethel Greenfield, brother to Olive, Hazel and Gertrude. George attended Westville, Broadview, Naco and Whitten schools.

George lied about his age and joined the navy in late 1942, took three months basic training in Victoria, B.C., then boarded the Arrow-head in Halifax where they escorted ships across the ocean, until receiving his discharge in 1945.

After the war, George wandered around doing many jobs including his own trucking business and telegraph lineman before coming home to his Uncle Bob’s ranch.

On December 14, 1949, George married Ruby Racknor and they farmed together raising Angus cattle and horses. He and Ruby travelled to many places including Las Vegas and Disneyland. They loved going fishing to lakes in Northern Alberta and Saskatchewan and even went to the B.C. coast to try salmon fishing.

For many years George raced chariots at the local Gymkhanas and sports days, racing both ponies and thoroughbreds. George also worked for many years for the Gooseberry Lake Legion Rodeo and in recognition of his service he received a lifetime membership from the legion.

George married Norah McCuaig on September 1st, 2010 in Stettler, Alberta. Together they enjoyed travelling and visiting with friends and family.

George was predeceased by his first wife Ruby, his parents and his sisters Hazel and Olive.

He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Norah, his step-children, Brent & Carol McAllister, Brenda McAllister, Blair & Rae-Lee McAllister, his step-grandchildren, Chad & Jennifer Whalen, Nicole & Jody Dymond, Kendra & Kadry McAllister, his sister Gertrude, as well as many nieces, nephews and their families.

A Funeral Service for George Greenfield was held on Friday, February 19, 2016 at the Consort Sportex Hall, Consort, Alberta at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Ross Helgeton (Chaplain of the Stettler Hospital) officiating. Musicians Ralph and Marvel Jorgenson played the processional music as well as for the congregational hymn “O God, Our Help in Ages Past”. The eulogy was given by longtime friend Charles Mohr. Solo “In The Garden” was performed by step-daughter Brenda McAllister. At the end of the service all in attendance stood in honor of George while the “Last Post” was played and the recorded recessional hymn was “The Naval Hymn”. The active pallbearers were Doug Munn, Dean Limpert, Bob Hedley, Charles Mohr, Willy Doolaege and Phil Barber. The honorary pallbearers were “The Consort & Stettler Coffee Gangs and All of George’s Wonderful Friends”. Cremation will follow the funeral with a burial at Lake Road Cemetery at a later date. A luncheon was held at the Sporetx Hall which was prepared by the community. As an expression of sympathy and in loving memory of George, memorial contributions may be made to the Lake Road Cemetery, Box 309, Consort, AB, T0C 1B0. Heather Caseley of Coronation Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.
Tribute

George Mills Greenfield was born August 8th, 1925 on the farm in the Wiste district southwest of Consort. Schools were closing because of the depression so George attended four different schools starting with Westview on to Broadview and then to Naco. His sister Gertrude boarded in Naco but George rode the eleven miles on horseback for a short period of time before he moved into the teacheridge with Gertie. His last two years of schooling were taken at Whitton as he was now living with Uncle Bob. Around this time he spent a lot of time with the Robert Bower family. As George put it, “I just pulled my chair up to the table and wouldn’t leave.” It was at this time he learned about the making (and many uses) of moonshine.

At the age of fourteen he and George Poynter decided to ride the rails from Consort to Vancouver in search of work. So stuffing what little money they had into the toe of their boots, they climbed on top of a car with many others. After Revelstoke they found the luxury of an empty box car but there were many hobos in this car and George was feeling very uneasy as most appeared tough and unkempt. One of the passengers, noticing George’s uneasiness, whispered in his ear, “You’ll be alright, just don’t ask anybody their name and don’t give yours,” as he opened up his coat to reveal a handgun. Arriving in Vancouver, they made their way to Stanley Park and the first person they met was Consortite Fritz Radefeldt sitting on a park bench eating bananas. Fritz was happy to see them but didn’t offer to share his bananas.

After seeing much of Canada from the top of box cars, George went as far east as Winnipeg and as far west as Vancouver. He and Mike Quinlan went to work on the Alaskan highway. They didn’t find this very rewarding so they came back to Edmonton in the latter part of 1942. George enlisted into the Navy lying about his age. He had rubbed out the date on his birth certificate and Faye Gilmer (Doherty)had a typewriter and typed in a new date making him of age. He took three months basic training in Victoria and was then sent to Halifax where he boarded the Arrowhead, a corvette warship, and escorted convoys of ships overseas until the end of the war. One story George told, of returning to Canada after one of their escorts was that as they entered the friendly waters of the St. Lawrence they all relaxed and were laying in the sun on the deck when the boat in front of them was torpedoed and blew up in front of their eyes. Talk about getting your attention in a hurry. Apparently the sub that fired the torpedo surrendered in the St. Lawrence at the end of the war. Later the captain of the sub claimed they had escaped detection entering the St. Lawrence by entering under the Arrowhead. George received his discharge in 1945. After the war he rambled around Canada and the United States for a while. He then started work for Mike Covlin. George bought a truck from Mike and had a trucking business for a short time until the motor went out and he decided to give up on trucking. George then became a telegraph lineman for the CNR going many places ending up in Prince Rupert. When George’s dad went back to England for a holiday George came home to help him with the farm. Soon after Uncle Bob had a stroke and George went to seed his crops and continued to work for Bob eventually buying him out. It was around this time that George met Ruby Racknor. They were married December 14th, 1949 and became inseparable. You seldom saw one without the other, they made a great team. Ruby would always chuckle at Georges stories adding to or correcting them just a little.

George was active in the community and worked many years along with Roy Mock and Bud Gilmer organizing and running the Gooseberry Lake Legion Rodeo. For all of George’s efforts he received a lifetime membership from the Legion for which he was very proud. During the 50’s and 60’s George did a lot of chariot racing with both ponies and thoroughbreds. He took them up and down the local highways, as far away as Acadia Valley for Gymkanas and sports days. George met many people and had many adventures and mishaps. One time in Compeer, he was racing around the track when his team spooked and took off the track and raced across the ball diamond where there was a ballgame in progress. George managed to get the team under control without any injuries but you know the adrenaline was flowing and the grin was from ear to ear.

George did a lot of veterinary work around the community. The closest vet was probably in Stettler so George would get calls for water belly steers, cutting steers, horses and countless brandings. If you were having a problem with an animal someone would say, “Ask Greenfield, he’ll know what to do.” His opinion, advise and knowledge were always given freely and much appreciated. Many people worked for the Greenfield’s over the years; one of their favourites was Rocky Ridsdale, Georges lifelong friend. Rocky was quite a cowboy and George would enter him in rodeos. George had Rocky entered at several events at Gooseberry Lake but Rocky took a bad spill in the first event and hurt his neck. Rocky thought he might have to turn out on the bulls but George always teasing said, “I thought you were tougher than that, Rock”. That was all it took to get Rocky riding the bull. Several days later Rocky was still complaining about his neck so George took him to the hospital. An x-ray showed that Rocky had rode that bull with a cracked vertebra in his neck. George always had a big chuckle when he told that story.

Ruby passed away in 2008 and because of his failing eyesight, George moved into town in 2009. Adjusting to town life quickly, George would often be seen with the Coffee Gang, always stirring the pot just a little. George was travelling quite a lot and gone most weekends. George and Norah McCuaig surprised everyone by announcing they were married on September 1st, 2010 in Stettler. Both got great enjoyment out of the fact that they had kept their romance secret for over a year. George and Norah started their married life in Veteran and in 2010 moved to an apartment in Stettler where they had easier hospital access and other advantages of a larger center. George and Nora did some travelling and enjoyed visiting with friends and family, still frequenting the coffee shops looking for someone to visit with.

We could, and will tell George stories for hours, days and years to come. I would like to share two of Georges stories today.

Because of prohibition George and buddies Jack, Ralph and Bob decided to build their own Still and make their own booze. They met at Jack’s and started to build the still; none of them had made one before but George had watched the Bowers make moonshine so George was boss. When it was finished they all went home and a few days later Walter MacAulay, the closest neighbor with a phone, rode into George’s yard saying I have a message from Jack. He says, “The Hen has Hatched.” That night they all met at Jack’s and bottled their brew. They weren’t sure if the shine was good or poison so someone had to test it. They drew straws and Bob got the short straw. They had a concoction on the table they would force down him to make him vomit if he showed any bad signs. After a couple sips Bob started to giggle. That was all the good sign they needed; they all reached for a glass.

George told me that one of his most embarrassing moments in life, was a few years after he and Ruby were married, they decided to go to the Consort Hotel to socialize. The bar was very busy on a Saturday evening in those days. They walked in and found a table with a bunch of George’s old neighbours from south of town and sat down enjoying the conversation. Sometime later Mrs. Smith said, “George, you and Ruby have been married quite a while and you don’t have any children yet. How come?” “Well,” George said. “I guess it’s just not meant to be.” Mrs. Smith said, “George maybe you should go to the doctor and have your balls checked.”

In closing I would like to say, George was a great friend and neighbour, a good community man, one of the last of the old cowboy ranchers, one of the last veterans of the second world war and we are all going to miss his big smile, infectious giggle and tremendous sense of humour.

Goodbye my friend.

Respectfully,

Charles Mohr

Thank You

Words cannot express the gratitude I feel right now to all our friends and family who were so close to us during George’s illness and after his passing. To the doctors and excellent staff at the Stettler Hospital and later at Heritage House Long Term, a huge thank you for all your love and care. Thank you to Reverend Ross Helgeton for all his visits, love and prayer, and for officiating at the service for George. Thank you to Ralph & Marvel Jorgenson for your gift of music. Thanks to Brenda McAllister for her solo that George had requested and thanks to the Pallbearers. A huge thank you to Heather and her excellent staff for all their love and kindness. Thanks for all your phone calls, cards and flowers. It’s all overwhelming; we’re all going to miss a very wonderful man.

God Bless you all.

Norah Greenfield

And supremely happy with Him forever in the next.

Dorothy Rose Hauer was born August 12, 1923 in Wiste, Alberta and grew up and was educated at Naco, Alberta.

Dorothy, the third-born daughter of Pedro and Helen Hauer, was raised south of Consort on the old homestead along with her five siblings: Lucille, Wilmer, Orland, Laverne, and Allen.

Dorothy married Carl Kroker on July 9th, 1945 at Wiste. Carl and Dorothy farmed north of Sedalia, and during this time their daughters Carol Ann, Linda Irene, and Cyndy Marie were born. In 1957, they made the move to Consort. While living there, Dorothy followed her passion as a caregiver and was a nurse’s aide at the Consort Hospital (old and new). Shortly after Carl’s passing in 1991, she relocated to Lacombe where she resided until her move to the Eckville Manor. The last five months of Dorothy’s life were spent in the Michener Extendicare in Red Deer.

She had a love of animals, particularly her beagles, Buttons and Snoopy. She also had a love of cats, notably her friend, Herman.

Dorothy loved camping and travelling with the family. She appreciated nature and took pleasure in the simple things in life: watching sunsets, gazing at full moons and the stars, and listening to geese flying overhead.

Dorothy passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on March 2, 2016.

A funeral service was held on March 9, 2016, at the Knox United Church in Consort, Alberta with Rev. Susan Bowyer officiating. Dorothy will be laid to rest at the Lakeroad Cemetery, Consort, Alberta.

If desired Memorial Donations may be made to Whisker Rescue Red Deer and Area, Box 27138, Red Deer, AB, T4N 6X8 or c/o Coronation Funeral Home.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca. Arrangements in care of Coronation Funeral Home, a Div. of Central Alberta Family Funeral Services.
Eulogy

Compiled by family members and presented by Kelly Christensen

Dorothy Rose Hauer was born August 12, 1923 in Wiste, Alberta and grew up and was educated at Naco, Alberta. She passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on March 2 with family present.

Dorothy, the third daughter of Pedro and Helen Hauer, was raised along with her five siblings south of Consort on the old homestead. Like many others, she survived the dust storms and army worms of the 1930’s without too many hardships. As a child, she was very independent and adventurous. She spent days exploring the coulees, looking for arrowheads, and climbing trees, when she could find them! One of her responsibilities on the farm was to call in the work horses from the pasture as they wouldn’t come to her dad – they knew it meant too much work. She managed to fool them, but that was just an indication of Dorothy’s affinity to animals. They trusted her and she loved them. In the first six and a half years of her life her nick name was Babe until baby brother Orland came along. Dorothy’s parents would say, “Babe, come rock the kid” – well, that was too much for her and from then on, was recognized as Dorothy.

Growing up in those times had its challenges and required a lot of work and sacrifice – Dorothy’s mom was very ill and Dorothy stayed on the farm to nurse her back to health. Despite that, she found time to have fun and fulfill her adventurous spirit, with older sister, Lucille. They spent a summer in B.C. picking berries and Dorothy stayed with Lucille for awhile at her first teaching post at Gopher Head School. No stories were ever told to the family what happened during this time, but there are some stunning pictures of the two of them posing like movie stars!

Dorothy married Carl Kroker on July 9th, 1945 at Wiste. They met at a community affair and Carl picked her out and said, “That is the woman for me!” They moved to Creston, BC where John Kroker and Carl purchased timber rights. Dorothy loved her time in BC but the prairie lured them back and they took up farming in the Sedalia district. Their family, Carol, Linda and Cyndy, were all born in Consort, with Dr. Day as the family doctor. As the farm was quite isolated in those times, attending school meant travelling muddy, dusty roads, and at one time they were snowed in for over six weeks. During some of those long winter nights, they would hitch up the horses and drive down to Arnie and Joyce Hayworth’s to play cards. Carl and Dorothy picked up and moved from the farm in 1957 and the family moved to Consort. There, Dorothy found employment at the Consort hospital where she remained employed until her retirement. She was well loved and respected as a nurse for her quality of care and compassion.

When not working and raising a family, Carl and Dorothy, found entertainment in the sport of curling. Dorothy also enjoyed her vegetable and flower gardens and was known as a meticulous housekeeper! (Just ask the girls). Her junk drawer didn’t ever look like one…everything was super organized. Carl and Dorothy always took a summer vacation, usually with Bud and Joyce Knudson and family, and included Sharon Kroker as one of the girls – trips were usually to the Calgary Stampede, usually a stop at the Calgary Brewery to tour the museum have a cool drink, and then on to BC camping. The girls remember sitting in the backseat of that old Oldsmobile eating cherries out of a pail and ripping away with their bare hands at a fresh loaf of bread and garlic sausage. This was one of the times where manners and etiquette flew out the window!

On the family camping trips Dorothy attracted bears.

On a trip to Waterton Lakes, the girls would not sleep in the tent because just before supper, a huge black bear jumped on the table and ran off with a loaf of bread. Watching from their beds in the car the next morning the girls saw a bear sniffing around the tent where Dorothy and Carl slept peacefully.

Other encounters included running face to face with a bear in the middle of the night on the path to the lou, and one in the Peace River Country at David and Darlene Christenson’s wedding, where they woke up to bear prints on their camper door.

A trip to Ontario to visit Carol and Brad was yet another vacation. Dorothy wanted to see the family in Ontario but she refused to drive through Saskatchewan, so her first long plane trip was to Toronto, and not without adventure. A big storm hit the area and the plane was diverted a long way south and back up and around ..and ..around ..Toronto until it was finally safe to land.

At home there were many trips to the Mud Buttes and trips searching for arrowheads at Sounding Lake.

A special trip was with Carl on their 40th anniversary to B.C. on the Via Rail. They enjoyed luxurious hotels, fine dining, and spectacular scenery.

After Carl’s passing she continued to travel with her daughters and family.

On one trip with Brad and Carol, they went salmon fishing in Monterey Bay. A huge storm came up and for safety the Captain ordered everyone down into the galley. Dorothy, being claustrophobic, would not go in the “hole”, but rather, sat up there by the rails, enduring the large waves washing over the rocking boat, so Brad stayed with her. Over and above this she managed to catch a fish!!

Dorothy invented “Fashion Fishing” on Tezzaron Lake, B.C.: She was the first one up knocking on RV doors, all dressed for fishing in a color co-ordinated outfit. A family friend said ‘who does that???? to go fishing at 5:00 a.m.!!”. Moral of the story: Fashion catches biggest fish and she proved it.

She joined the family on a motor home trip to Barkerville, B.C. with the Neal’s and Riley’s and two German Shepherds. One afternoon she took off on the family in her usual adventurous spirit. We found her in the riverbed panning for gold. She and Paul spent hours bent over looking for the mother lode.

Again, being adventurous, she drove Paul’s big Bayliner on Babine Lake, B.C. as the crew were pulling in a couple of salmon.

Another memorable trip was with the girls to PEI. The girls rented a wheelchair for touring (much to her chagrin) and this one day in particular went to see a lighthouse. In the midst of exploring around, Dorothy took off (again) and a stranger’s voice yelled out, “Where’s the owner of this chariot?” There above a cliff was Dorothy’s abandoned wheelchair!

The family laughed so much with her. Cyndy recalls another humorous event when she came to visit Dorothy and the Obituary of Jerry Garcia, member of the rock band Grateful Dead, was clipped out and lying on the kitchen table. Cyndy commented, “I didn’t know you listened to that rock band!”

Oh yes,” she replied, “I love his voice.” At which point Cyndy discovered she was thinking of a well-known opera singer. The confusion continued. She asked, “Cyndy, did you know Ian Tyson is up for rape charges?” And Cyndy asked, “Where did you hear this?” The reply was, “On The Don Ho Show”. Cyndy laughed and said, “My gosh, does he have a talk show too!” After much deciphering, Cyndy was able to determine she was actually referencing Mike Tyson, and the Donahue Show. We still laugh at that story. Mom had the ability to laugh with you and at herself, and to find humor in any situation.

She loved ‘BLING’, and family purchased a beautiful ring for her one Christmas. Upon receiving it, she put it on her left ring finger and asked, “Does a man come with it?”

A standing joke for years was her warning at every family meal, “Don’t throw out the potato water!” She was our gravy maker and I guess she never really trusted her daughters to remember that special ingredient!

Dorothy was born with an uncompromising code of ethics. The girls remember her breaking up a fight in a parking lot in Smithers, B.C. While they avoided the scene and retreated to the car, she walked over with her cane, shook it at them, and firmly said, ‘You guys stop this or I will phone the police!” With Dorothy you did the right thing – there was no grey area.

She had a dream trip to Hawaii to attend her grandson Colin’s wedding. She absolutely loved it there and every day she went to the beach in her wheel chair to put her feet in the water. One day a huge wave washed right over her head, drenching her. “My, that water is salty,” she calmly said. Her love of Hawaii was really summed up when she announced, “If I knew it was so nice here I would have bought some real estate.”

Two years ago, Dorothy celebrated her 90th birthday. Cyndy and Carol took her on a scenic drive through mountains to Canal Flats where they met with Linda. There they had a three-day vacation touring around the lovely sites of B.C. On their return, they stopped and had a lunch at a roadside picnic area as the highway was closed. After they had packed up the food, Carol and Cyndy trekked out to the highway to see if the traffic was moving. Thinking ahead, they sat Dorothy in the truck in their absence. When Carol and Cyndy returned, there was Dorothy… sitting in the hot truck, windows rolled up, and door shut. Sure enough she had visitors: a mother bear and two cubs walked right through the campsite! A nearby camper, seeing her empty wheelchair came over all excited thinking the worst! It seemed that adventure was attracted to Dorothy. (And bears).

During Dorothy’s years in Consort, and especially after Carl’s passing, she became very close friends with Esther Kroker. When Esther passed away, Dorothy moved to Lacombe to be closer to her daughters. She managed to keep an independent home until her eighties, even after breaking her hip. Unfortunately, after a second fall and breaking the other hip she had to go to a manor. This never sat well with her. However, even when things were difficult for her, she remained a trooper to the very last.

Dorothy loved nature and took pleasure in the simple things in life: Watching sunsets, gazing at full moons and the stars, and listening to geese flying over.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Carl Kroker, her parents, Pedro and Helen Hauer, a sister, Irene, her brothers Wilmer, Orland and Allen and her grandsons, Adam Short and Jason Neal.

She is survived by her daughters Carol (Brad), Neal, Linda (Paul) Riley, and Cyndy (John) Berry. She is also survived by her elder sister Lucille Redel and a younger brother Laverne (Donna) Hauer.

She leaves her Grandchildren, Doug (Jennifer) Short, Elizabeth Short, Colin (Sarah) Neal, Cameron (Kathlyn Machan) Neal, Carly (Dayton) Juras, and Caitlyn Berry.

In addition, she leaves her great grandchildren; Amanda and Kyle Short, Holt and Anya Mahood, Markus and Sebastian Neal and great great grandchildren; Aurora and Kira Short.

Dorothy was one of a kind, a leader, not a follower, a person who set high standards for her family. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Mrs. Helen Sauder on Friday, March 4, 2016 at the Innisfail Hospital at the age of 84 years. Helen was born in Provost, Alberta on January 25, 1932.

Helen grew up in Consort and later settled in Innisfail in 1966 where she remained to raise her six children until her retirement.

Helen worked for many years at the Michener Centre in Red Deer and loved her work there. She went on to be involved with the Innisfail Historical Society for many years where she enjoyed helping out with the afternoon teas.

Helen was predeceased by her husband Nelson Lane Sauder and her great grandson Kale O’Connor. She will be lovingly remembered by her special friend Stan Dent and her children Mary Lou (Bob), Larry, Deb, Darryl (Colleen), Corey (Barb) and Sherry (Graham); her 13 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren along with numerous friends and family.

Helen is survived by her brother Fred (Susan) Jaremchuk of BC; sisters Marg of Ponoka and Jean (Chuck) of Rocky Mountain and their families.

A Memorial Service was held at the Innisfail Alliance Church on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Memorial donations may be made to the Innisfail Historical Society, S.T.A.R.S or the M.S. Society.

Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Innisfail entrusted with arrangements. www.heartlandfuneralservices.com

NOTE: Helen was the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Jaremchuk and the family lived in Consort for several years. Her mother, Mrs. Jaremchuk, was the daughter of Harry Sadavoy, who was well known here many years ago.

Mary Monagle

Aug. 12, 1936 – Mar. 9, 2016

Mary Beryl Monagle passed away in Our Lady of the Rosary hospital on March 9, 2016 in Castor, Alberta at the age of 79 years.

Mary was born on August 12, 1936 in Consort, Alberta to her parents, Marie and Henry Davis. She attended nursing school in Castor and worked in the Consort hospital. She married Ernest Monagle on January 8, 1958, and made her home on the family farm near Loyalist, Alberta. After retiring from farming, Mary and Ernest split their time between living on the farm and the Consort Lodge for a few years before moving to the Castor Lodge.

Mary is survived by her husband Ernest, and children Lorraine (Daryl) Vogel, Blaine (Lynn) Monagle, Lorne (Carla) Monagle and Margaret (Bob Hall) Groger, brother Pat (Joanne) Davis, sister Alice Beebe as well as eight grandchildren, Mark Vogel, Deanna Muchka, Michael Vogel, Trent Monagle, Kyle Monagle, Danielle Monagle, Davin Monagle, Brett Monagle, Eric Monagle, Gina Groger, and Alex Groger; five great grandchildren, Adelle Vogel, Scott Vogel, George Vogel, Kate Muchka, Derek Muchka, and numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. She is preceded in death by her brothers Archie, Leslie, Donald, and Robert; Sister Dorothy, and sister in law Dorothy Davis.

Mary worked tirelessly on the family farm and was always willing to do the combining during harvest. Mary kept herself busy raising four children but still made time to do the things she enjoyed such as curling, bowling, discing, travelling and being a member of the Loyalist WI. Music was a big part of her life and she would play the piano at the Castor lodge for everyone to enjoy. Later in her life, she loved playing bingo, which she did every week.

A funeral service was held on Saturday, March 12, 2016, 1:00 p.m., at the Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Consort, with interment following the service at the Veteran Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of one’s choice.

Heather Caseley and Laurie Palmer of Coronation Funeral Home, P.O. Box 358 Coronation, Alberta, T0C 1C0 were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.

Brett William Ward

July 5, 1995 – Mar. 18, 2016

Brett will be lovingly remembered by his mother Donna (Randy) and his father Dwayne; brother Todd (Jennah), nephews Chase and Zailin; sisters Kristen (Chase), Jessica (T.J.); grandparents Milo and Doreen Ward, Joan and Dave Moore, and Ron and Georgia Henderson; as well as many other uncles, aunts, cousins, other relatives and friends.

A Funeral Service was held on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at the Ponoka Funeral Home.

Memorial Donations are gratefully accepted by Red Deer College, Camp Silversides, or STARS. To express condolences to Brett’s family, please visit www.womboldfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home ~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home.

Shirley Louise Hemke

Sept. 23, 1925-Feb. 27, 2016

Shirley Louise Hemke was born September 23,1925 at Consort, Alberta and passed away February 27, 2016 at Consort, Alberta.

She is survived by her daughter Judy Smith, son Keith (Jane) Hemke: grandchildren Trevor (Bridget) Smith, Michelle (Dustin) Esak, Sarah Hemke (Darius), and David Hemke: great grandchildren Miya, Ayva, Skye, Jaxx, and Sage: sister Donna Black and sister in law Irene Redel: and many nieces and nephews. She was pre-deceased by her husband Gus, two sisters, two brothers, parents and in laws.

Shirley was born in Consort to Art and Gail Redel where they had homesteaded south of Consort. Shirley spent the majority of her life in the Consort area where she worked for over 40 years at the three hospitals. Here she met and married her husband Gus Hemke and they shared their lives together for over 64 years.

Shirley was a special lady who believed in honesty and integrity. She was a kind and caring person who was loyal and trustworthy. She had a great love for her family in particular her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all of her family and friends.

Funeral Services were held in Consort at Knox United Church, on April 2, 2016 with Reverend Susan Bowyer officiating. Tributes were given by Keith Hemke and Michelle Smith. Gifts of Music were sung by Kelly Owens, and Ben and Shirley Klumpenhower. A special music selection was presented by three of her great granddaughters accompanied by granddaughter Bridget Smith.

In Shirley’s memory donations made be made to Knox United Church or the Consort Lakeview Cemetery.

Parkview Funeral Chapels and Crematorium entrusted with the arrangements.

Tribute –

By Michelle Smith – Esak:

There are so many wonderful memories and stories of my grandma Shirley, I had a hard time putting to words exactly what I wanted to say. So I did some research and stumbled upon many beautiful poems and songs, but this one stood out to me and made me think of my grandma!

Missing You!

I’ve left this little Angel Grandma

Just so you will know,

I love you and miss you

More than you could know,

You were so very caring

So loving and so kind,

And everywhere you went

There were Beautiful

flowers to find

You played a big part in my life!

And even though you’re gone

The respect and love,

I have for you

Will just go on and on!

Please join me in a prayer:

Dear Lord,

On this day, may I thank you for all the love and blessings you have given me, my family, my caring friends and all the wonderful people I have met in my life journeys! May I ask you to bless, protect and guide them in overcoming their challenges in life and the grieving days to come! And to always show them the blessings that tomorrow can bring! Please take care of my grandma for she fills the hearts of all of us here and many more! She is a very special lady to many and will forever be in our hearts, but now she is in your hands – take care of her!! Amen.

A Tribute to Mom –

Presented by Keith Hemke

A wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother (Nana), an aunt, a sister, a sister-in-law, a mother-in-law, a friend, and a member of her church, her community, and her square dance community.

Shirley Louise Redel was born on September 23, 1925 in Consort, Alberta to the proud parents, Art and Gail Redel. Art and Gail had emigrated from Minnesota and Iowa with their parents. They were true pioneers. Gail growing up on the Anderson homestead South of Monitor and Art, after coming to the Bentley area with his parents, took a homestead South of Consort which is still in the Redel family today. They broke the land, raised the crops and tended the livestock. They lived and survived off the land and the animals.

Shirley was the third of six children. The family was typical of homesteaders and very close. Mom attended school at Willow Brook, which was a mile or so South of the farm. She was very involved with all activities there and loved the socializing and sports. Mom finished her education going to high school in Consort where she batched with siblings Clare and Erdine and a friend. In spite of never telling us the stories, I have been reading some letters that seems like a lot of tricks and pranks went on.

Growing up, mom experienced the depression era and watched many friends and neighbours move away. The hardships of those years left a lasting impression on her. She always believed in saving everything (to a fault I would say as I cleaned out the basement) and leftovers were never thrown out. You just figured out another dish you could use them in.

When I think of what we consider hardships and what they went through, a saying comes to mind, being poor wasn’t bad, just hellishly uncomfortable. Mom seemed to endure all hardships without ever complaining.

After high school, mom worked in Lake Louise, Banff and the Treasury Branch in Coronation. We have several pictures of her in Lake Louise with Lassie, as they were filming there that summer. About this time, mom decided to move back to Consort. Here, she started a career of more than 40 years at the Consort hospital. This era spanned all three of the different hospitals Consort had.

Mom was the ultimate nurse’s aide. Her training was all learned on the job. She was a strong believer in excellent care for the patient and she delivered this care in a kind and compassionate way. She also believed that work should be fun and was known for many pranks that took place at work.

Mom always had the new staff coming to Consort, to our place for meals or a place to stay until they got settled. She also made long lasting friends with many of the patients and staff. As you know in the 50s, 60s, and 70s, the roads around here often were snowed in, so it wasn’t uncommon to have a pregnant lady from the East living at our house for a week or two in the winter – until it was time to go to the hospital.

Mom’s other reason for moving back to Consort was a young strapping farm man, my Dad. They carried on their courtship and married in July of 1947. Mom and dad spent over 64 wonderful years together. They were truly committed to each other. Dad died in May of 2012 and Mom missed Dad deeply.

In 1950, Judy arrived and I followed in 53. Now our family was complete. Mom took a couple years off work when we were born, but other than that she worked shift work right till she retired.

Mom was a huge supporter of us to get involved in everything. (Her belief was that everyone should be a part of the community and their church). Mom and dad made it a point to go to every sports game, school event or other event Judy and I were involved in. Mom believed if at all possible Judy and I should experience everything. The trip to Expo 67 comes to mind. Mom and dad made many sacrifices to make that happen. Mom always made our birthday parties special.

This carried on with the grandchildren and the great grandchildren. They all have memories of grandma and grandpa pulling up after a long drive for a birthday party, hockey game, dance recital or a band performance. Even recently Nana was able to attend a Girl Guides and Sparks ceremony for three of her great grandchildren. Four generations enjoying each other.

Mom was a great neighbour. She was always there to help out or invite people in for a meal. She took it upon herself to look after several of the older ladies after they were widowed. She (along with dad), would be doing gardens, hedges, meals, etc. She was loyal to a fault; she wouldn’t let me come to help her check Margaret’s place after she moved away. I was worried about her safety going down the stairs and she was worried about what Margaret would say!

Mom loved her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and her large extended family. She loved to read to the little ones and play games. (Bee in the barn goes bzzzzz) and tickling. Mom always had time to listen to the little ones and watch them. Every one of the grandchildren all have many memories of playing dress up with grandma. They remember her pink housecoat, dressing up, Easter egg hunts, the excitement that grandma and grandpa were coming, exploring the acreages hand and hand with them, playing card games, the special presents and cards in little boxes that always had a special sticker on it, her special collections; and of course if you needed a Kleenex, grandma always had one tucked up her sleeve. But, most of all, her candy cupboard. Mom, as we all remember, had a very sweet tooth. (Both her brothers Clare and Keith also had it, and somehow it has been passed on to me – Must be a gene). However, mom to the very end denied it and was always offering you a candy and then she could have one too. Mom also believed age should not hold you back from participating by driving a scooter in her 60s or water sliding with the kids in her 70s, snow shoeing in her 80’s, and cooking hotdogs outside in her 90’s.

Mom believed that as much as we could, we should get together for the holidays. There were many Christmases and thanksgivings where we sat down to a big family meal. Mom was a great cook. She also had a special talent where she could take left overs and make them taste like a gourmet meal. She was also known in our family for her famous Jello salads and sugar buns.

Mom was very active in the community and church. Many times she would come home from working a shift and start baking something to take to the church. Mom was one of those people who believed in walking the walk. Her Christian faith was strong and was a source of strength to her especially after dad passed away. She believed in keeping the faith, even in the difficult times.

She always said she only wanted ½ a cup of coffee. Then she would have 4 or 5 ½ cups. She was always up for a shopping trip while dad, with his good patience, would tag along. Dad would find a chair; carry the parcels and eventually mom’s purse. This was somewhat a bone of contention, as dad had to turn the car around several times to get moms purse over the years. She loved picking up many small gifts that she would wrap for birthdays and Christmas to give to her large extended family of kids in the community.

Mom loved to dance. Along with dad, they square-danced across Canada from the B.C. coast to Newfoundland and the Northwest Territories; also many places in the States, including Mesa, Arizona and Hawaii. They went to Penticton, B.C. every summer for 49 years in a row. Along with dancing came camping. They went from the tent to the tent trailer, to the little trailer to the big motorhome. They were always ready to load up the motorhome and head out for a campout and square dance. All of the grandchildren have memories of getting to go on these trips and be a part of the activities. Mom and dad spent many wonderful winters in Mesa, Arizona, with their trailer. True to form, they got involved with everything from: square-dancing, to visiting, to picking oranges and grapefruit, to hiking in the desert, to going to movies, to meeting new friends and for something different, square-dancing. After a hard day of work, off they would go to a dance, anywhere within a 200 mile radius of Consort. It truly was their passion and many lifelong friends were met through square-dancing.

Mom loved to garden. She was well known for her beautiful flowers and vegetable garden. This too, appeared to be a gene passed down as my great grandfather and grandfather were great gardeners. My sister Judy was the one in our generation that got it and she appears to be the only one who does! Mom would come to visit and then disappear and we would find her out in our flower gardens cleaning them up. Their winter supply of vegetables all came from her garden. Each year the car coming back from Penticton would be loaded with fruit, which she would then can.

Mom loved sports. She loved to show us her crooked finger she broke playing ball in school. She carried on playing ball into her 50s and usually was the oldest on the team by about 10 years. Our love for sports definitely came from her.

Mom had a big smile with a great sense of humour. Her laugh could be heard across the room and down the hospital corridor. She loved to be involved in skits and plays in her community and the square-dance community. In our basement were two large boxes of costumes and she was always up for some fun.

I remember one year some of the hospital staff talked her into dressing up and going to the bar. That was the only time, to my knowledge, she ever stepped foot in the bar.

Mom’s world shrank with her loss of hearing. However, she never lost her determination or desire for independence. She always wanted to help with the table and dishes.

She lived by a simple code:

If it’s not yours, don’t take it

If it’s not true, don’t say it

If it’s not right, don’t do it

Mom was a special lady who believed in honesty and integrity. She was a kind and caring person who was loyal and trustworthy. She had a great love for her family, in particular her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.

Thank You

Judy, Keith and families would like to thank the Consort community for all the support and love shown to mom over the last few years. In particular we would like to thank the staff at the Consort Lodge, Consort Home Care, and Consort Hospital.

Judy and Family

Robert B. McIntosh

Oct. 18, 1921- Mar. 10, 2016

Robert B. McIntosh passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Sarcee Hospice in Calgary at the age of 94 years. Robert was born on October 18, 1921 in Jenner, Alberta, the youngest of six. He grew up in Consort and Viking where he completed his primary and secondary education. Upon graduation from Viking High School, he attended Edmonton Normal School. Robert’s chosen profession was teaching. His first experience was at Bird Hill School, a one-room schoolhouse northwest of Vermilion. He then began a long, fulfilling teaching career in Westlock, Foremost, Bow Island, Taber and Bentley. In 1951, he obtained his Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta, and later went on to obtain his Master’s in Education from the University of Oregon. He then moved to Calgary to continue his teaching career at Queen Elizabeth Junior-Senior High School, where he later became Head of the English department. He retired from teaching in 1979.

Robert chose to live life to its fullest. Whether it was travelling abroad, playing bridge, dancing, bowling, singing, playing the piano and ukulele, entertaining other seniors, getting involved in church or masonic activities, celebrating special occasions with relatives, watching TV or attending concerts – Robert lived life.

He is predeceased by his siblings Florence, John, James, Edna, and Jean; survived by numerous nieces, nephews and their families; as well as many life-long friends.

A Celebration of Robert’s Life was held at St. David’s United Church, 3303 Capitol Hill Crescent N.W., Calgary on March 19, followed by refreshments and fellowship. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the Sarcee Hospice, 3504 Sarcee Rd S.W., Calgary, AB T3E 2L3. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family via the website www.fostersgardenchapel.ca.

Keith, Jane and Family

Irene Magnusson

Nov. 26, 1933-Apr. 2, 2016

Irene Sylvie Vodon was born on November 26, 1933. She lived on a farm near Hartney, Manitoba and was the youngest of three girls born to Ernest and Bertha Vodon. She would walk or ride a horse two miles to attend a one room country school. She grew up on the farm doing work that would often be expected of a boy such as mowing hay with horses, raking hay with a bow rake, stacking hay, milking cows and separating cream.

After completing school, Irene worked as a waitress in a hotel dining room in Virden during the oil boom. She then got a job working in a men’s clothing store in Hartney for six years. During her time in Hartney she enjoyed curling, playing ball and attending Saturday night dances.

During this time, Irene met the love of her life, Dunn Magnusson. They were married in June of 1958. They started their married life in a skid house in small town Alida, Saskatchewan. In October of 1958, Dunn obtained a job with Dome Petroleum and they moved the skid house to Estevan, Saskatchewan.

In November of 1959, their first son Gary was born, followed by Murray in April of 1962 and Darryl in April of 1965. With five people in a two bedroom skid house, space became limited so they built a new house in Estevan.

In 1969, the family moved to Consort. Shortly after moving, the three boys became involved in hockey and Irene soon became an avid hockey mom attending every game. She enjoyed volunteering in the community including organizing Minor Sports dinners, and working at the New to You Store. When Dunn joined the Lions Club in its charter year, Irene became an important part of the club as well. She was always in the background helping out with many of the fund raising activities and events as well as enjoying the social activities with other Lions members and their wives.

For many years the family had an oilfield service company. Irene helped with all tasks including operating oil wells. When everyone else had to go to their regular jobs, Irene would get in the truck and check the wells no matter what the weather or road conditions.

In 1963, Dunn built their first tent trailer and the family travelled to many places from Alaska to Disneyland and many places in between. After the sons were grown, Dunn and Irene took many trips travelling to 30 countries around the world, all of the provinces and territories in Canada and approximately 35 States. They enjoyed attending HostFest in Minot North Dakota every year for 20 years, as well as annual trips back to Manitoba to visit with family.

Irene’s passion later in life became her four grandchildren Brian, Laura, Bradley and Eric. She loved to watch her three grandsons play hockey and enjoyed Laura’s dance and guitar recitals. Irene loved being in the presence of family and it was always the most important thing to her.

She passed away April 2nd, 2016 at the Coronation Hospital and Care Centre surrounded by her family.

Irene is survived by her husband of 58 years, Dunn and her sons Gary, Murray and his wife Cathy and Darryl and his wife Alanna. She is also survived by her four grandchildren Brian, Laura, Bradley and Eric. As well, her sisters Aline Bowyer and Florence Hardy, sister and brother-in-law Olof and Jim Wood as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. She is predeceased by her parents Ernest and Bertha Vodon.

She will always be remembered by those who loved her as a kind and loving woman. She will be missed by all who knew her.

A funeral service for Irene was held on Thursday, April 7, 2016, 2:00 p.m., at the Knox United Church in Consort, Alberta, with Reverend Susan Bowyer officiating. Robbie Knight played for the congregational hymns and the Community Choir was the leader of song. Alanna Magnusson gave a loving tribute. The lunch followed the service in the lower hall of the church which was prepared and served by the United Church Women. Memorial donations may be made in Irene’s memory to the Alberta Cancer Foundation or to the charity of one’s choice. Heather Caseley of Coronation Funeral Home, was entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.
Thank You

Irene’s family would like to thank everyone who through kind word or deed showed us how much Irene meant to all of you. Thank you for the food, flowers, cards, hugs, and words of condolence. A special thank you to Dr. O’Riordan and the staff at the Coronation Hospital and Care Centre for their compassionate care of Irene in her final months.

Dunn, Gary, Murray, Darryl and family

Gordon Stanley Rumohr

March 11, 1930-April 8, 2016

It is with great sadness the family of Gordon Rumohr announces his death at the age of 86 years in the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital. Gordon leaves to mourn his loving wife of 62 years, Grace; children, Joan Bakke, Lynn (Doug) Pearson, Reg (Renee Heiland) all of Fort Saskatchewan, his daughter-in-law Donna of Rio Vista, Texas; grandchildren, Jen (Travis), Lee (Laura), Blair, Lindsey (Brandon), Railey and Ruby; great-grandchildren, Jayda, Connor, Kaya and Aubrey; as well as numerous Rumohr and Beaudoin relatives and many friends. He was predeceased by his son Greg, his parents, one sister and six brothers.

A Celebration of Life was held in his honour at The Royal Canadian Legion-Normandy Room, 9964 – 93 Ave, Fort Saskatchewan on Friday, April 15, 2016 at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital Foundation, 9401 -86 Ave, Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 0C6.

Condolences may be shared at www.riverviewfuneral.com

James Ervin Hutchings

June 6, 1944-April 16, 2016

Jim was born on D-Day, June 6, 1944 in Consort, Alberta. He was raised in Consort through childhood and grade school. After finishing high school he went on to study agriculture at the University of Alberta. He then forever identified himself as an Aggie. His love for farming allowed him to begin his career while finishing his degree. He took over the family farm after completing university in the late 60’s. Jim married Nora Isaman on December 29, 1970 and soon after started his family. Jim exited from cattle farming in the late 80’s to concentrate on his successful grain operation and to spend more time with his growing family. Expanding the business in 2002, he ensured future generations would be able to continue to prosper from the legacy he and his father had built. Handing over operations on the farm, Jim retired (sort of) in 2011 and subsequently moved to a new house in town in 2013. After a courageous and hard fought battle with cancer, Jim has moved on to the big farm in the sky.

Jim is survived by his wife Nora Hutchings; children: Jodi (Jay) Kurek, Darren (Kelly), Brad (Aliya Khan), Nikki (Lee Boutin); grandchildren: Damien (Danielle) Kurek and their son Matthew, Analisha (Troy) Kirkpatrick, Tianna Kurek, Kadin Kurek, Marissa Hutchings, Adelaine Hutchings, Grainger Hutchings, Everest Hutchings and Walter Boutin; sisters and brother: Mary Ellen (Ted) Lutz, Sandra (Bonar) Hanson, Barb (John) Olekszyk, Chuck (Sharon) Hutchings; mother in law Muriel Isaman and brothers and sisters in law; numerous nieces, nephews, other family and a host of friends.

Celebration of Jim’s life was held at the Consort Sportex on April 21, 2016 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Susan Bowyer of Knox United Church officiating. Brother in law Ted Lutz and good friend Dale Bousquet gave loving tributes of Jim’s life; as well several of Jim’s grandchildren shared special memories. Robbie Knight accompanied Karen Fawcett with Hallelujah and daughter in law Aliya Khan sang Bali Ha’i as they both presented their gifts of music; the Knox United Church Choir led the singing of Amazing Grace and Ode to Joy.

Interment took place at Lakeroad Cemetery with Jim Isaman leading the procession with one of Jim’s true passions, a combine. Pallbearers were Shane Wolokoff, Jerrett Hutchings, Jason Isaman, David Isaman, Sheldon Isaman, Derek Isaman and Landyn Gill. Family and friends gathered for a time of sharing stories and a luncheon by the Consort Funeral Lunch Committee. Memorial donations may be made to Lakeroad Cemetery, STARS or Knox United Church. Condolences may be viewed and sent to www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com

Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.
Tribute

by Ted Lutz

It was sixty years ago next month that I came to Naco to serve as a student minister for the summer. Within the first month Jim and I found ourselves in the same room, but with a number of others, so we did not realize it at the time. We met again the next month, at Hardisty Lake camp, though, there too, nothing much out of the ordinary transpired between us. My memory of him then is of a quiet little fellow, who was quite prepared to speak up when occasion called for it.

It was the month after that that I really came to know the Hutchings. One of my responsibilities as the Naco student was to conduct the worship service in Consort on the Sundays when my supervising pastor was on vacation. This task the Naco student shared with the Compeer student, so it meant that on two Sunday evenings, in August that year, I was in Consort conducting my fourth service of the day. The Hutchings refused to allow me to return to Naco that night in my tired condition. I stayed until Tuesday. After my second service two weeks later, I stayed until Friday. When they heard that my brother was coming out west to travel back east with me, they insisted I come back a third time with him. We stayed the whole week!

By the end of the summer Mel and I had begun what turned out to be a life-long friendship with Jim and his families. Jim was a 12 year old experienced farmer’s son when I met him; I was an 18 year old scholar, ignorant in the way of things practical. His superiority in everything we did together that summer cancelled the six year seniority I had on him in age. He treated me as an equal, and I respected him as one I could learn much from.

The following summer I had the very good fortune of being the Compeer student. Aside from the legitimate reasons for being in Consort, I found other little excuses to make a run to town that allowed sufficient time to skip out to the farm. Jim and I could stand in the barnyard conversing for up to two hours, oblivious to the fact that work was not being done, that mealtime was fast approaching, or that the sun was near setting and I should be on my way. It was on one of these excursions that I was introduced to his eldest sister who, I am sorry to say, is in the questionably happy situation of not knowing that her younger brother has gone before her to join their parents.

Between the many, and often lengthy, trips that we have made west, and the ones Jim, then Jim and Nora, have made east, the hours we have spent in Jim’s company have vastly exceeded anything we should ever have expected or deserved after moving so many provinces away. Had we lived in the same community, each visit would have been for a few hours or less. But after traveling so far, our visits would take major parts of the day, day after day, for up to a week or more. Jim had what I would take to be a rare gift of really listening to someone when he was listening. It didn’t matter what the subject was, Jim could ask intelligent questions or offer comments that allowed the conversation to continue well into the time slot of what we were actually supposed to be doing. Of course, he loved to talk about farming, but he was equally as enthusiastic about the interests of the one to whom he was talking. He was a delight to be with, one on one, but in a crowd he had the uncanny ability to join in as one of the group without dominating.

Jim was a more down-to-earth kind of guy than he was an esoteric scholar; his phrases were earthy, not philosophical, but he could hold his own anywhere. He was entertaining, and he would never knowingly embarrass or belittle anyone. He was, in my biased opinion, the model of what we all should be, if we want to live in a perfect world. I can state categorically, and my fellow brothers-in-law concur, it has been an honour and a privilege to have been his brother-in-law.
Tribute

by Dale Bousquet

Thank you, Nora and family for asking me to do this tribute to Jim. I am honoured.

Jim was a great friend…. A true friend… a best friend. “Jim”…., “Hutch”….., “Jim Hutch” was a friend to everyone who met him. His congenial demeanour endeared people to him, and I’m sure he had no enemies. He liked people and was non judgemental. I learned this about Jim many years ago when I first came on the scene back in the day when the world was young (to quote Jim), with long hair and looking a bit like a hippy. There were a lot of people, including my future father-in-law, who were wondering about Joan’s selection process. Not Jim! He came right up to me, started up a conversation and welcomed me to the community, and our lifetime friendship started there. (He would remind me on occasion what I looked like…a hippy, NOT a rancher, or any normal guy from Consort!!) That was Jim.

Serving together on the Neutral Hills School Board for several years, I came to respect Jim as an astute businessman, a diplomatic mediator, a man who could see both sides of a situation. School Board Conventions were yearly events that we took our wives to, usually in Calgary or Edmonton. The women shopped while we were in meetings, and then the whole board would adjourn for visiting and fellowship over dinner. We enjoyed the social aspect of Convention so much that the Hutchings and ourselves continued the tradition of attending the Fall “Convention” even after retiring from the board. The girls still went shopping, but now our meetings took place at “the office”. We would have “happy hour” in the hotel room before dinner, Jim and Joan would always have liverwurst on crackers, but Nora and I would have none of that… we ate cheese and crackers! This past November we attended our 25th Convention, taking in The Roy Orbison show at Stage West, and as usual, Jim finished off his meal with blue cheese and crackers… guaranteed enough blue cheese to give him a stomach ache for most of the night! Jim and Nora were great company… he did most of the talking and Nora did most of the listening! At least 10 times in an evening’s conversation, Jim would get stuck for a detail, and turning to Nora, would say, “Nora, help me out!” She always filled in the missing details and then he could continue with his story. That was Jim.

It seems amazing that we didn’t miss a convention in all those years, considering that for Jim and Nora, it was always “Family First”! Nora would get out the calendar so that Convention and all other travel was organized in between family birthdays, pending births, extended family events, moving Nikki, and all the grandkids’ many activities… they didn’t miss anything family related.

Just as family was important to Jim, so was the family farm. He was knowledgeable and passionate about farming, and was proud of growing bumper crops, setting high standards for the rest of us to follow. However, he was humble and modest about his expertise and knowledge. When I phoned him every Spring for advice on what to sow, how deep, what and when to spray, he would often say, “You should phone Barry Redel…. He will know.” Even after, in Jim’s words, he was “retired from farming”, he never really quit farming. He would say “The boys can handle it”, meaning Darren and Jay, but he was still always a farmer, ….he loved getting back on the combine to help the boys. For him, an easy choice over his old golf cart and his golf buddies. … He’d say, “I’m not that good at golf, I can have more fun on the combine!” That was Hutch.

Hutch did love to golf though, and he was a dedicated and generous supporter of the Consort Golf Club. He drove an old dilapidated, untrustworthy golf cart that he bought from Tony Owens. There was no warranty on it, nor any guarantee that it would get you back to the clubhouse, but he LOOKED GOOD driving it, dressed in neatly pressed golf pants and a collared shirt! Once seeding was done, the clubs were out, and I’d get a phone call, “Bousquet! I’m on my way out to golf! Maron, Grant and Peter are coming. Be there!” “OK”, I’d say,” You pick up the cigars! I’ll bring the beer and the advil.

Any excuse to get out on the golf course to whack that little white ball around was okay by him. And whack he did! And whack, and whack and whack! And that was only on #1… You had to have a good one out there before starting! He would line up, take a practice swing, line up again and whack the ball 20 feet. “Well, that’s a never swung,” he’d say, then hustle out to grab the ball returning within the 10 second rule to whack it again! If he shanked one hard left, or hard right, he never got mad, he would just laugh and say, “Hey! That’s forward progress!” Hutch was a regular at Men’s Night and signed up for most of the tournaments. Jim’s warm up before Men’s Night involved good-naturedly begging various people to golf with him. Luckily he found Ron Maron and Peter Tylizczak who were just as bad as he was.

We travelled a lot with Jim and Nora, and our trips, whether winter getaways, or summer camping trips, were always planned around available golf courses. We golfed every day, often being paired with another twosome which is standard procedure at most courses, and it was always interesting because of the people we met. It didn’t matter if our partners were company executives or “good old boys”, Jim consistently greeted them the same way – I’m Jim, this is Dale, we aren’t very good golfers, just duffers, and we have our own rules. #1. If you don’t cheat, you are only hurting yourself!” (That was a rule he picked up from Ron Dumaresq!) But, Jim being Jim, he would visit with them the whole round and, by the end of 18 holes, he would pretty much know their life story, and they would be buying us drinks at the clubhouse! Just know that he left a lasting impression with those strangers, just as he did with everyone he met! That was Jim.

Jim was never accused of being an athlete, but he was the kind of guy that everyone wanted on their team! As long as I knew him, he never skated, and I don’t know if he had ever strapped on a pair of skates, yet he was a member of the Oldtimer Hockey Team! He was signed on not as a player, but as an affiliate…. Maybe as their stick boy! That ensured that Jim, Nora and the family were part of the Oldtimer tournaments, social gatherings, camping trips , and ski trips. The whole Hutchings family were great people to hang out with, so Jim was kept on the roster!

He may not have been a playing hockey player, but he understood the game and was an avid fan of his boys’ teams as they grew up, of the Consort Comets and recently of his grandsons’ games. Of course he was an Oilers’ fan!

Over the years Hutch and I saw eye to eye on most everything, except his team, the Oilers, and mine, the Flames. As a matter of fact, he was such a staunch Oilers fan that you probably had to be one to marry into the Hutchings family!!

Jim was pretty good at one sport… He was a very good curler, and an active member of the Consort Curling Club. I don’t know if being a curler was a prerequisite to marrying into the Isaman Family, an accomplished family of curlers, or if he was naturally good at it. Over the years, Jim and Nora attended several bonspiels with friends, travelling as far away as Halifax, to watch the Olympic Curling Trials in 2005 where they joined other avid curling fans, Nora’s Mom, Tiny, Ted & Jean Deagle, Shirley Zwagerman, the Carls and the Tyliszczaks,

A curling highlight for us with the Hutchings was watching Kevin Martin’s team curling in the Vancouver Olympics in 2010. Of course, Jim was as busy with visiting and getting to know the surrounding rows of fans as he was with watching the game…. It didn’t really matter if he could speak their language or not, he soon knew everyone around him and where they came from! Hutch was such a people person!

It was easy to kibitz with Jim because, being the good natured guy that he was, he took insulting bantering so well. I was forever testing his tolerance level with my rude comments whether it was about his golf game or how he dressed. He would just shrug it off and say, “Bousquet, you are full of it!”, or something similar to that. That was Jim. He was a good sport… the “Lady Bing” of hockey!

Jim could dish it out too! Last Summer, at the Pigeon Lake Campground, after a long day of whacking balls on the golf course, Jim and I, dressed in housecoats and flip flops, and headed for the showers with our shaving kits. I am sure we looked like a couple of old ladies as we shuffled down to the coin operated showers to clean up! I put a loonie in my shower, threw on a little soap and shampoo and was out with time to spare. Not Jim! In the shower beside me, he puts in a Twoonie… and I’m waiting. “Jim, are you just about done?” “Yeah, soon,” came the reply. Then, the shower quits. Then, “Klink”, the shower starts up again! “You didn’t put another twoonie in did you?” “Yes I did!” came the reply.” What the heck are you doing in there?” (Meanwhile, I’m groomed and pacing!) Then came the reply, “Bousquet if you had hair, you would know that it takes time to shampoo, condition and rinse off, so just relax!” That was Jim.

If I had to come up with only two words to describe Jim, they might be “congenial” and “generous”. Jim Hutch was everybody’s neighbour and friend. Time and distance were no object if there was a need for neighbourly help. He was always one of the first to get involved in community events and fundraisers, lending equipment, and providing labour and financial support.

Congeniality and generosity are in the Hutchings’ genetics, he acquired those traits from his parents. He lived by those same characteristics his whole life.

Jim leaves a legacy of descendents who demonstrate his philosophy, setting an example of congeniality, generosity, commitment to community involvement, and… uppermost, Family First!

Every round I golf, Jim will be with me. When I whack that ball, use the 10 second rule to tee up again or when I have a “never swung” – I’ll remember him. I am grateful to you Jim for letting me be part of your life.
Tribute

by the Granchildren

Good afternoon. First I’d like to start by saying thank you to all of you who have come here today to help celebrate the life of my grandfather, Jim Hutchings.

I want to start off by mentioning, for those of you who are curious, why the family walked in to the song ‘Pretty Woman.’ Well, it goes like this… there is no question that Grandpa loved Grandma more than any other woman… But Julia Robert’s character from Pretty Woman would be a close second.

Standing on the stage before you, are all of us who had the privilege of calling him Grandpa. He had nine grandchildren, two grandchildren in law and one great-grandchild. Prior to today we spoke about how we wanted to share about our time spent with Grandpa. We thought it would be appropriate for all of us to share a memory about how he spent time with us.

Tianna- Grandpa always called us Fred or George. It didn’t matter if you were a boy or a girl, you were one of those names. I have multiple memories of leaving Grandma and Grandpa’s house with calls of “Bye Fred! See you later George!” following us out the door. It always annoyed me, as I would frequently remind him, but he always ignored my requests. So, years later, here I am, longing for one more ‘annoying” nickname. So Grandpa, here is Fred, wishing you my end of the good bye. I love you. See you later.

Adelaine- Grandpa loved us from the beginning. He’d show us his love in many different ways. One day Marissa and I were worried about our cat who was having kittens. The cat was reaching the end of its pregnancy, and was fit to burst. However, we had not seen her in five days, and were starting to wonder if she was dead. We recounted our worries to Grandpa, who, of course, with his kind and loving heart, decided to go through the shop searching for our cat, calling, “Here kitty kitty kitty kitty” while we were miles away, listening intently on the other end of the phone. Of course, Grandpa searched his hardest so we didn’t have any more worries. He did end up finding the kittens, who were up at the top of the shop.

Thank you Grandpa for finding our kittens. I love you dearly, and I’ll see you soon.

Marissa- Ever since we (the grand kids) were young, we have called him Grandpa Farm. At the time it was the perfect, most suitable name we could come up with. Since he lived on the farm at the time. The best, most delicious porridge I’ve ever tasted comes from Grandpa’s pot.  No one will ever beat the delicious porridge Grandpa Farm made.

Analisha- I am so blessed to have had my grandpa and grandma ‘down the south road’, such a big part of my life. I would pretty much consider them my second set of parents. It wasn’t uncommon for us to spend nights at their house on the farm or have meals together. I loved being so close to my grandparents. After I started dating Troy and being in the ‘honeymoon’ faze of life, always wanting to hold hands and stuff like that, I realized how much love was shared between my grandparents, not just at the honeymoon faze, but throughout their 45 year marriage. They would argue, and if you knew them you know that was often, but as soon as the visiting was done and we would gather around the tv nearing the end of the night, grandma would be cleaning up the kitchen and grandpa would call grandma over saying ‘Nora Louise come over here and sit down’ so grandma would sit by grandpa and he would rub her knee or her back. Or when we got into their vehicle on our way home from one of our many trips, as soon as we got on the road they would hold hands. There was so much love between them, it was such an honour to witness that. I thank you so much for teaching us love and showing us love in everything you do. I love you grandpa and miss you so much already.

Kadin- My best memories of Grandpa is riding in the combine with him at harvest time every year. Grandpa would teach me how to drive because when I was 14, I was going to help him. It’s too bad he never got to finish teaching me. Grandpa and I spent countless hours trying to fix his old helicopter and looking online for new parts.

Grainger- Grandpa was a really good golfer. I mean THE BEST!!

Damien- If I could sum up my grandfather’s attitude towards his grandchildren I would do it in one word. That word is ‘time.’ All of the memories you just heard emphasize this. He was always willing and happy to spend time with each and every one of us.

Some of my earliest memories are spending time with grandpa, often on the farm riding shotgun in the combine or 4 wheel drive. He never got tired when I would ask question after question about this or that, how that worked or why something was a certain way.

He was always willing to take the time to be with me and all of his grandkids.

When I was a bit older and was involved in school sports, whether Junior High, High School, or college, I would always be able to look up from the court or bench and see Grandpa and Grandma cheering me on.

They always took the time be with us at those moments in our lives.

My grandpa was known for lots of things, but one thing is for sure he always seemed to have the newest technology. Whether it was a home computer, a new cell phone,  or the newest Innovation in farming technology. I can’t count the number of times we worked together to figure out that new technology. Again, we spent time together.

Over the last few years as Danielle and I,  (and I know it is the same for Troy and Analisha) moved across the country, there was one thing for sure. Grandpa and grandma would always come and visit. I have so many great memories of those visits and in particular when they came to see us in Ottawa last spring. Although he had just been diagnosed with cancer,  which he so valiantly fought,  that didn’t stop him from spending time with us. We spent countless hours touring museums and seeing history but more importantly we spent the most time sitting in the hotel lobby drinking coffee and simply visiting.

These are a few of the memories that I have with Grandpa. And I know this was the case with all of his grandchildren. Even up until the weeks and days before he passed away he made sure to spend time with his grandkids.

There’s so much more that I, or any of his grandchildren, friends, or family,  could share. But today I thought it was appropriate to talk about the time he spent with us.

I hope that this can also be a reminder, about how important it is for us to invest time in our relationships, valuing those who are important to us. Grandpa loved his grandkids and his grandchildren loved him. He was an amazing role model, mentor, friend and will continue to be so in our memories forever.

Grandpa, we miss you, but thanks so much for the time.

Before concluding, his children and grandchildren in-laws wanted me to share a couple of brief memories.

My dad, Jay, wanted me to share how very much he appreciated how he was welcomed as a son into the Hutchings family. Grandpa said when he married my mom he didn’t lose a daughter, they gained a son. He also took the time to show my dad the ins-and-outs of the Hutchings Farm, so that he could be a part of continuing the family Legacy.

When Danielle was starting to spend quite a bit of time with me, we were having a family lunch during seeding. Grandpa, as he was so well-known to, was offering everyone around the table a slice of fresh onion for their sandwiches. When he offered one to Danielle she accepted. He responded with a twinkle in his eye, “you are a girl after my own heart.”

When Aliya, was first being shown around the farm. Grandpa was quick to invite her to be a part of the farming operation. Wanting to not only make her feel welcome, but also to get to know her better.

It’s often not easy for in-laws to feel welcome in a new family,  but grandpa made sure they did!

We love you and miss you already Grandpa.

Damien and

grandchildren
Thank You

We would like to thank Dean Ross and his excellent staff at Parkview Funeral Home for their compassionate and professional service. Thank-you to Reverend Susan Bowyer for the caring and personalized service, Robbie Knight for playing the piano, Karen Fawcett and Aliya Khan for their beautiful musical tributes, the community choir for leading the hymns, Dale Bousquet, Ted Lutz and the grandchildren for each of their heartfelt tributes, Lee Boutin for his technical expertise in creating the video tribute, Kirk Tasseron for setting up and running the video and sound equipment, the many community members that helped in setting up and organizing chairs and providing the lunch after the service. Thank-you to everyone who attended the service, the many cards filled with memories, the donations made in Jim’s name, the phone calls, visits, flowers, and the food and meals that were brought to the house. Thank-you to the doctors and staff at Consort Medical Clinic, Consort Hospital and the Tom Baker Cancer Center for their genuine care while Jim battled through his illness. It has been a blessing to our entire family to be a part of such a generous and supportive community during this difficult time. Jim would be honoured and probably would have said he was undeserving of the outpouring support and kind words. In lieu of personal thank-yous, the family is making a donation to Lakeroad Cemetery.

With much love and appreciation.

Nora Hutchings

Jodi, Jay and family

Darren, Kelly and family

Brad, Aliya and family

Nikki, Lee and family

Theodore George Devine

Oct. 22, 1950 – Feb. 5, 2016

Ted was born October 22, 1950, the second son of George and Mae Devine. He was raised on the family farm in the Stone district of the Cypress Hills in southern Saskatchewan.

Ted began his formal education in the little one room North Fork School, at the age of 4 years old. This was much too young for Ted but the school attendance was declining and they couldn’t keep the doors open without enough students; so away he went (up the hill with honey pails on his feet just like every other kid in Saskatchewan in those days). By the late 1950’s they did close that little school and Ted continued his education in Eastend, Saskatchewan. He attended Eastend until grade ten and then figured that there must be more to learn in the great wide world, so he became a “high school dropout”.

Ted worked as a shop labourer in Shaunavon, Sk., was a miner in the nickel mine at Thompson, Manitoba, and a “rig pig” on the drilling rigs, which was how he came to be in the Consort, Alberta area.

He met and married Elaine Radefeldt in 1974 and they raised 2 daughters together: Rachel (Joe) Robinson, and Erica (Shane) Laye. To be able to stay in one area after he and Elaine got married, Ted drove cat and worked on pipeline construction until he secured an operating (oil wells) job for Alexandra Petroleums north of Consort. He also contract operated some gas wells in the area for Amalgamated Bonanza, and because he liked to be busy, he filled in his spare time helping Elaine’s family as well as the neighbours with any farming or ranching duties they might need help with.

In the late 1970’s, when a little septic tank cleaning business from the Metiskow/Provost area came up for sale Ted thought that it might be another good time filler. The business flourished and Ted got to know a lot of the rural families from Edgerton and Provost, to Amisk, Hemaruka, and Altario to Coronation. Pumping “poop” was a booming business!

During that time the oil boom of the ‘80’s happened, so the little Septic Tank business grew into Neutral Hills Trucking and we expanded with more trucks, thanks to oil exploration in this area. We even had a water truck on with a drilling rig so Ted got to travel Alberta and Saskatchewan again. I know that he made quite a few all night trips, from miles away, to get home in the middle of the night, in blizzards and cold temperatures to rescue me and help thaw frozen gas lines and oil wells. He did love the oil patch!

Ted also loved Ski Doo’s. He spent some winter months working for Roger Johnson in the early 1980’s and then, in 1984, bought Rogers inventory and took over Snowmobile sales for a few winters. We were part of the Castor Snowmobile club for several winters. Ted loved the travel that he got to be a part of during that time. They trucked their sleds to Roseau, Minnesota and then headed out north on what was a marathon ride; for I’m not sure now, how many miles, ending up in St. Albert, Alberta. They also enjoyed a trip to Vernon, B.C. on their snowmobiles, which was not as dangerous as the trip home on the icy Alberta highways hauling their sleds on trailers. Cross Country Snowmobile racing and the drags and ovals on ice kept our family busy and Ted tinkering on his machine and those of many others while the snow lasted.

Our little old oil wells were supposed to be our retirement job, so when we sold them in 2009, it was the first time in 35 years that Ted had no wells to look after.

In the late 1990’s, after 20 some years of driving trucks, we sold the trucking business, but Ted wanted to continue to develop a positive displacement fluid pump. He had, while owning and operating the trucks that hauled oil and water all those years, and working on the fluid pumps on those trucks constantly, been trying to come up with a design for the said pumps that was more economical for the trucker to maintain and one that did not leak. As the oil business in the area and the province and the country grew, so too did the rules and regulations governing the environmental impact of industry. While we had our own trucks, Ted had a couple of prototype pumps that he had designed running on them. After selling the trucking business he spent many hours in his shop working on the design and did come up with one that was very practical for the trucker and was environmentally friendly, in other words, did not leak at all; which had become and still is very important. As word of these pumps spread to the trucking industry our little pump hobby grew, and continued until it became what it is today in T & E Pumps. Ted was very proud of, not only his product, but also of all of the many people who helped him keep up with the growth of his business.

He was one of those people that believed you should treat others the way you would want to be treated. Integrity was always first; be fair and honest, work hard and do the best that you can. Ted never won the lottery, but he ended up a big winner in life.

Ted was diagnosed with cancer in January of 2015. He received radiation and chemo therapy and had a good summer. Following surgery in December, he passed away peacefully on Feb. 5, 2016. His wish was to be cremated and to have no funeral.

Ted was predeceased by his father in law, Fritz Radefeldt; his mom and dad, George and Mae Devine; and his brother and sister in law, Floyd and Shirley Devine. He is survived by his wife, Elaine; daughters, Rachel and Joe Robinson; Erica and Shane Laye; grandchildren, Lorence and Stephen Robinson; and Abigail Laye; mother in law, Gladys Radefeldt; brother, Donald and Judy Devine; sister, Bonnie Phalen; brother in law, Don Phalen; also Elaine’s sister Louise and Lloyd Wagstaff; her brother, Zane and Carol Radefeldt; and nieces and nephews.
Thank You

Our sincere and heartfelt thank you to our family, friends, community, and staff here at the shop. We are so thankful for your presence in our life. Thank you for food, cards, donations, flowers, visits, phone calls, prayers and offers of helping hands. We do so appreciate everyone’s thoughtfulness and compassion. We will be making a donation to the Lakeroad Cemetery in lieu of thank you cards.

Ted’s Doctors in Provost, Camrose, and Red Deer were great. The health care he received in all of the above locations, as well as the new cancer centre in Red Deer was amazing! In Ted’s final hours the health link personnel were very professional and compassionate. The ambulance folks got here without a hitch, thanks to technology and location numbers that we all now have out here in the country. The health care personnel in Coronation that night were great. Heather Caseley and Coronation Funeral Services were efficient and compassionate.

Thank you to everyone once again.

Elaine

Rachel and Joe Robinson,

Lorence and Stephen

Erica and Shane Laye,

and Abigail

Melville Arthur Day

Mel Day passd away peacefully, in the Sechelt, B.C. Hospital, on April 13, 2016, with his family at his side. He is survived by his loving wife, Ethel, of 69 years, son Cam (Mel), daughter Brenda (Wayne), six grandchildren, nine great grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild

Mel spent his entire 48- year working career with Canadian Forest Products, twelve of those years spent looking after Douglas Island as Caretaker and Boom Supervisor. He retired from Douglas Island to the Sunshine Coast in 1986. Mel enjoyed fishing, hunting, curling and watching sports.

No service by request. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sechelt SPCA.

Mel Day was born in Consort in 1928, the son of Harvey Day. He may be better remembered as ‘Peebo’, the nickname he had until the family moved to B.C.

Edward George Beier, “Ed”

March 23, 1939-April 16, 2016

Edward George was born March 23, 1939 to Alois & Amelia (Sieben) Beier in Consort, Alberta. After being born into a farming family with 5 siblings and being raised in a farming community, it was an easy decision for Ed and his new bride, June Formanek, to choose to remain farmers after their April 20, 1963 wedding. They began life on the farm, soon to be blessed with a daughter on July 14, 1964 named Tracy Lee. A few years later they were privileged with a son, Shane Edward, born May 15, 1967.

During the 32 years on the farm, Ed’s passion to instill a strong foundation of hard work and diligence in his family was evident as he was dedicated and devoted to his loved ones. After 32 years of farming, they agreed it was time to experience town life. Stettler was the town of choice, so they made the big move in 1995. After settling in, Ed began a new job as a maintenance man and groundskeeper at the Stettler Provincial Building. Nothing was too difficult or challenging for Ed to tackle. To keep June busy, the couple took on the janitorial position at the Provincial Building. Ed remained devoted to his job for 15 years.

Thirteen years after first moving to Stettler, Ed and June decided to downsize, buying a duplex. Working together, they personalized the duplex, making it their own. They enjoyed landscaping the new yard, and tailoring the basement to meet their needs.

Outside of work, Ed found time to nurture a few hobbies. With his wife by his side, they enjoyed numerous years of camping in their camperized van. Ed also took pleasure in ice fishing, singing, dancing, watching Tracy and Shane’s activities and participating in family gatherings and reunions. Soon, the arrival of his grandchildren, whom he adored, enlightened and filled his heart with love. Ed’s greatest enjoyment was spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Teasing them, going for walks, or building special gifts gave Ed great pleasure. Everyone held a special place in Grandpa’s heart.

Ed and June made many new wonderful friends throughout their years in Stettler. Coffee gatherings with family and acquaintances became a regular event in their lives. The coffee pot was always brewing and conversation was plentiful.

While battling Alzheimer’s disease, Ed resided in Points West for 2 and 1/2 months, where he enjoyed daily visits from June. After a 2 and a half week hospital stay, he passed away on Saturday, April 16, 2016 at 77 years of age.

More than just being a hard worker and caring for his family, Ed will be remembered as a kind, gentle, giving soul. If you ever had the luxury of meeting Ed, you were welcomed with open arms, a kind grin, and a personality that was unforgettable.

Ed will be lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his wife of nearly 53 years, June; daughter, Tracy (Darwin) McIntyre and their family, Shannon (Brandon) and Craig; son, Shane (Lisa) and their children, Shaylyn and Jenna; great-grandchildren, Jayden, Kodi, Ashton, Kierra, Kylar, Ryden, Breylen, Greysen and Kinsley; brothers and sisters, Marie Meier, Tony (Phyllis) Beier, Pat (Linda) Beier, Bernice (John) Kuefler, Maurice (Vicki) Beier, Debbie (Wayne) Sieben and Delver (Trina) Robbins; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended relatives and friends.

Ed was predeceased by his parents, Alois and Amelia; brother in law Robert Meier; sister in law Sheila Beier; parents-in-law Allen and Mary Robbins and Joe Formanek; and brother-in-law, Tom Formanek.

Rest in peace dear brother, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. God has granted us our personal angel to watch over our family. You will always have a place in our hearts. Lost but never forgotten. xoxo

Words of Remembrance

by Beth Beier Tomalty

Good morning everyone,

Thank you for coming today, to celebrate the life of my Uncle Eddie.

Well, if you know me, you know I typically don’t have a tough time talking.

But this is tough. It’s tough for several reasons. Yes, my heart is breaking for Tracy and Shane and their families and Auntie June (love you). Auntie June who spent almost 53 years married to this man. And my heart is breaking for his brothers and sisters who have always been such a tightly knit family. And my heart is breaking because I know longer have that Uncle that meant so very much to me.

But this is mostly tough because I want to say all the right things. I want this to be perfect, because that’s what I thought Uncle Eddie was.

When I think of him, I think of the gentle giant that lived down the road from us. Even years after I moved away to Calgary, and he and Auntie June sold the farm and moved to Stettler, any time I thought of him or spoke of him, it was always with that picture in my mind. Uncle Eddie. The kind, Gentle Giant! No, he wasn’t what we would now consider a large man by any means, but everything about him indicated otherwise. He had the biggest smile. It truly stretched from ear to ear. And when he smiled, which was often, his eyes twinkled. I asked a few people for some memories and the first thing they all came back to me with, was how he always wore that big smile.

And he had that big, giant-sized heart. A heart of gold. He loved his family immensely. Auntie June, Tracy and Shane, his grandkids and great grandchildren, as well his nieces and nephews, and just about any other baby or child that came near him was always made to feel loved. I remember years ago, my daughter and I, on a road trip, stopped at Uncle Eddie and Auntie June’s house in Stettler; he could not wait until I was in the door to take over and start playing with Addi, who was 6 months old at the time. He was down on the floor and truly enjoyed playing with her. Children brought him so much joy, and I can honestly say that as much joy they brought to him, he brought to them.

That was the way it was anytime anyone came to visit him and Auntie June, you were always welcomed in and made to feel right at home. I can remember so many times visiting them on the farm and if Uncle Eddie wasn’t out doing chores, or working in the barn or in the fields, he was showing off his bread making skills with the new breadmaker! It may have been Auntie June making the bread, but I’m pretty sure he took credit for it!

No denying that Uncle Eddie was a hard worker. He and my Dad, farmed the land that my grandpa worked years before them. He was a humble man who took pride in farming and it showed as he did very well. I remember he was one of the first in the area to own a super-cab truck which I thought was pretty neat. And it turned out great for us as Auntie June and my mom would often take the 5 of us kids to Provost and there was a lot more room for 5 kids seated in the 2nd row of that truck than all of us standing behind the seat in the cab of a regular pickup truck! Around that same time, Uncle Eddie also bought a camper. Growing up and spending so much time with their family, Bonny, Kerwin and I reaped the benefit of this camper probably almost as much as his own kids. The 5 of us spent many hours playing in the camper while it was parked in their yard; I’m sure they even used it for their family holidays!

Camping was something Uncle Eddie and Auntie June enjoyed and continued to do on their own as they bought a camping van not long after their move to Stettler. They spent much time traveling around the country, going to Craven for the country music festivals and visiting friends and family. Family meant so much to Uncle Eddie. Nothing made him happier than to spend time with his brothers and sisters celebrating birthdays and of course the annual reunions. Whether it was playing pranks on his sisters or having a few drinks with his brothers he was always smiling.

I am sure that Uncle Eddie is thrilled today having all those he loved gathered here. I have no doubt that he is looking down from heaven right now with that smile from ear to ear. My dear Gentle Giant from down the road you will be missed.
Card of Thanks

We would like to thank the ambulance attendants, nurses and staff at Stettler Hospital, Dr. Fairfax for her wonderful care and compassion. Rev. Ross Helgeton for his many visits, payers and kind words. Thank you to Stettler Funeral Home and Jeremy and Chery of Gregory’s Funeral Home for their personal and professional service. A special thank you to our family and friends for food brought to the house, flowers, phone calls, offers of help, memorial donations and words of support and encouragement. We are overwhelmed by all the kindness shown to us. It is very much appreciated and will not be forgotten.

June Beier

Tracy, Darwin McIntyre

& Family

Shane, Lisa Beier

& Family

Martin Joseph Beier

July 6, 1955-April 20, 2016

Mr. Martin (Marty) Joseph Beier passed away on Wednesday, April 20th, 2016 at the age of 60 years. Marty lost his valiant medical battle and passed away peacefully in the hospital in Fort McMurray, Alberta where he was living.

Marty is survived by his children; Jordan, Jenna and Garret, his mother Josephine, his siblings; Randy, Yvette, Laverne, Cletus and Leanne. He is also survived by the children’s mother, Pat.

Marty was born on July 6th of 1955 to George and Josephine Beier.

Marty was a kind, generous man who loved humor. He was a hard worker and was creative and talented in his carpentry field. Although Marty left the farm to pursue his carpentry career in Calgary, his love of animals and the farm always brought him back home. Marty’s children fondly remember him loving and enjoying listening to Flames radio while working in the garage. He enjoyed many friendships and will be sadly missed by all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace.

The family will be hosting a private funeral service for Marty at a future date. The family would like to thank everyone for their kindness in words and in thoughts. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer.

Bess Courtemanche

On April 24, 2016, Bess Courtemanche, of Edmonton, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 years.

Bess was one of the Caswell girls and married Mervin Courtemanche, when he returned from overseas at the end of WWII. They were both raised near Consort, but didn’t stay long after their marriage and spent most of their lives together, in Edmonton

Surviving are a daughter, Sylvia Turpin and a son, Gary (Marlene) Courtemanche, three grandchildren and a sister, Grace Richardson, of Consort.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Nancy Irene Tainsh

November 22, 1919 ~ May 10, 2016

Nancy Tainsh was born on November 22, 1919 to Smith and Emma Hill. She grew up with her 2 brothers, Vincent and Leslie, and her sister, Frances, north of Monitor. She attended Camrose Normal School to further her education to become a teacher. She started her teaching career in a variety of different schools until she married Otto Seim in 1944. Together they were blessed with 5 children; Connie, Larry, Corinne, Norma, and Arnold while they farmed in the Antelope Park district.

In the fall of 1960, Nancy took a job offer in Altario where all her children were able to finish their schooling. Otto passed away in 1963. After marrying Les Hawtin, in 1970, Nancy took a teaching position in Consort. Sadly, Les passed away shortly after the move. She continued her teaching career until she met her new love… Doug Tainsh. Doug brought many years of love and joy to Nancy’s life. At the Tainsh farm, with Jim, Donna, Nonavee, Palmer, and Dawn, she became Grandma to many more people. She continued her life in Consort with Doug until he passed on. She later moved to Stettler where she resided until her passing on May 10, 2016.

It wasn’t because she was an artist, had a love for travel, a green thumb, or that she was selfless, kind and generous… it wasn’t even because she was patient, hospitable, and mild mannered, or that she was morally strong and a firm believer in family ties…. It’s not even the fact that she was non-judgmental, non-complaining and a keeper of secrets… it is because she was all of these and so much more that made her such a remarkable lady. We were truly lucky to call her our mother.

Welcoming Nancy into Heaven is her husband and father of her children, Otto Seim; husbands, Les Hawtin and Doug Tainsh; son, Larry Seim; grandson, Ryan Seim; step daughter-in-law, Donna Tainsh; and step daughter and step son-in-law, Nora May and John Cowan.

Nancy is survived by her children:

• Connie Barritt, granddaughter, Ramona (Dan Gartner), great grandchildren, Talayna and Tyler; grandson, Vance (Brenda) and great grandson, Max;

• Gayle Seim, granddaughter Lana;

• Corinne (Elmer Beier), granddaughter, Sherri, great grandchildren, Brayden, Cassie and Kierra; grandson, Calvin (Charmaine), great grandchildren, Trysten and Lexie; granddaughter, Jenise (Trevor Tipler), great grandchildren, Grady, Kale and Jaxon; granddaughter, Melinda (Gord Kerik), great grandchildren, Chloe and Avery;

• Norma Rehman (Dallas Chidley), grandson, Darcy (Candice); granddaughter, Tracy (Greg Shaw), great grandchildren, Brandon and Dylan; Dallas’ children, Wayne and Barb.

• Arnold (Heather) Seim, grandsons, Jordan, Vincent and Jarrett.

With the marriage of Doug Tainsh in 1978 she was blessed with step children, and is survived by Marlene Kunz, Jim Tainsh, and all the Tainsh families; extended family members; cousins; nieces; nephews; and friends.

Extended Family of Nancy Tainsh:

– Tainsh Family

• Marlene Kunz (Tainsh)

Son – Jeff and Lia Wheatley, children: Mikaela, Autumn, Zachary, Bennett

Daughter – Joanie and Rod Swanson, children: Hannah, Caitlin

• Jim and Donna Tainsh

Daughter – Nonavee married Brent Kary with their children Scott Kary and fiancée Kiley McConnell – Harper Kary, daughter Ellyse Pilgrim (Kyle Rohl) – Natalie Dawna Pilgrim, Hudson Pilgrim and Koen Rohl, and son Blake Kary

Son Palmer married Deanna Fawcett and their children Mitchell Tainsh and fiancée Krystal McNalley, Brett Tainsh and Stephanie and her fiancé Danton Berg

Daughter Dawn married Larry Resch and their children Eric, Morgan and Mikayla

• Nora May married John Cowan. Then came Lynn, Heather and Patrick Cowan. Lynn married Mike Gerdis and have 2 children, Candace and Shane. Heather married Brian Kuryk and have 2 children, Rachel and Laura. Patrick married Andra Demaere and they have 4 children, Devin, Alicia, John and Jackson.

Nancy’s Nieces and Nephews:

Donna and Joel Schiele, Verna Reid and Alan Johnson, Val and Dave Bogen.

Marjorie O’Brien, Audrey and Arnie Jansen and Bev and Casey Den Boer.

Gloria and Neil Galloway, Audrey and Francis Crossan, Donna and Ken Ermantrout, Art and Carol Berg and Ron Birdsall.

Brother-in-law Alv Seim with children, Glenda, Lynn, Wenda Seim-Gasner, Terry, Oron and their children.

Funeral services were held at St. George’s Anglican Church on Saturday, May 14, 2016. Interment followed at Dorcas Cemetery, near Compeer, Alberta.

If desired, donations may be made to a charity of your choice, CNIB, or Dorcas Cemetery Fund.

Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.brennenfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Brennen Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Stettler.
MOM

She will be an angel

Watching from above

Always there to guide you

Sending down her love

She’ll be dancing in the

clouds

With angels she will sing

The things she loved to do

on Earth

She’ll now do with wings

She may be a butterfly

Floating in the breeze

Or a pretty songbird

Singing in the trees

She may be a flower

So pretty and so rare

Blooming in your garden

Blooming anywhere

And when the troubles

on this Earth

Seem too much to bear

Close your eyes and think

of her

And know that she’ll be there

She’ll be there to help you

Though you may never

know

She’ll take your hand and

guide you

Because she loves you so.

Love, Corinne
Grandma’s Hands

So soft, so graceful and elegant

Always with pretty polish

And perfectly shaped nails.

Grandma’s working hands

Not afraid to get dirty

Digging in the soil, pulling at the weeds

To make room for her

flowers to grow

Grandma’s steady hands

Pouring fresh steeped tea in her dainty tea cups

Nor worrying if our little hands would accidentally drop

Grandma’s strong hands

Carrying boxes full of gifts

Our little minds wondering…

PJ’s? Toys? Or do I get a special afghan this year?

Grandma’s artistic hands

Painting pretty pictures just so

Fingers finding the notes to play a pretty tune on the piano

Grandma’s gentle hands

Holding our babies so right

Fingers tracing the lines of their noses and chubby cheeks

Grandma’s beautiful hands

Each line, every wrinkle

Are memories we etched in

Grandma, we’ll be holding your hands forever in our hearts.

– Mindy Kerik
Tribute

by Arnold Seim

Who was Mom? As a girl, she was a little Hill from the hills of Monitor, Hills of the Neutral Hills who walked uphill both ways to school. She was a coulee kid before it was cool to be cool, but not a hick from the sticks, as there were no trees. The hills taught her that life is a long hard climb, it takes effort to get to the top and it isn’t always brighter on the other side. She knew that she could be more than a hill of potatoes or beans. After high school, she went to Normal School to become a teacher when the one room country school was normal. She returned to give wisdom to those east of Monitor. She soon found herself no longer a Hill. She settled on top of the big hill near Aunts of Lots Park where she raised a family of five. Back to teaching us all she soon tired of walking and riding the horses to school and when she couldn’t cutter, she got a car to take us all. Back to Alberta we did move, never sure how all us little rats were allowed in.

Welcome to Altario, near the bottom of the big hill, such a big Town and more than a one room school. After teaching her first second generation students and the family had flown the coup, she longed to go west to roost in Consort with a better view on the slope of the hill. More years of teaching and new and old friends but she found someone to drive her, t’aint it was great. Too tired, she retired to spend many years of enjoyable touring and grandchildren before she continued west to Stettler Points West.

Yes, Mom was a teacher, but always a student. She loved to listen and read. Listen to all her family, students, friends and relatives. She loved to know what everyone was doing. With her wonderful memory which she used to remember everyone’s birthday and what everyone was doing so she could relate it to everyone. When her eyesight was fading, she turned to listening to the books, especially those with information she didn’t know, showing what progress she had seen. Technology had made it possible to learn so much, even though she could never understand Facebook. Old school, she knew, face to face conversation will always be better.

She taught us all so much – Life is not easy and it wasn’t for her. She endured a lot and lost a lot but she enjoyed a lot and always kept smiling. She never had an unkind word about anyone and cherished everyone. She loved her Family and all the relatives and especially her grandchildren. “Aren’t they all Grand.” She was so lucky to have an extended Family and thought of them as her own. She was admired by all who knew her. She was a true friend to all and made sure to spend time with Family and Friends. It is the most important thing in life. Today I learnt that tears of joy are from being part of her life and memories, and so lucky to have been her little boy.
Tribute

by Nephew Allan Johnson

Aunt Nancy, Mother, Grandmother, Friend, was special to us and we learnt from her we were special to her with her example of fond interest and concern for grandchildren and all her family. With her friends, we were all family, spending time over the years visiting her in Stettler and Consort. We have memories of a loved one who wrote and captured memories of her life.

Poems and songs were a part of Nancy’s life. The first song, she told us she learned on the mandolin in 1942 was “Red Sails In The Sunset”

Way out on the sea.

Red sails in the sunset

I’m longing to see

Swift wings you must follow

Make straight for the shore;

Will marry tomorrow

And go sailing no more.

On the farm at Compeer, she was willing to play the mandolin even though she thought she was not gifted, but she willingly played, wishing that her children would enjoy music and dance. Playing the ukulele was something she never did; but guess what? She wrote a ½” manual on how to play, place your fingers; etc. etc., for a Summer School Teaching Program.

Nancy wrote: “Seeing”.

Something we can take to heart. Now we can look back at the pictures that are collected for us to reminisce. One of those being, Aunt Nan with a hat and yellow dress and so much looking like our Queen Elizabeth. Nancy’s mannerisms, her poise, her looks, all reminded us of the Queen. We affectionately called her our Canadian Queen. Her love for tea was also traditional. You can stay a while longer. Put the kettle on. The tea or instant coffee is in the top drawer. You should also find some cream there for me. Oh! And I have some biscuits somewhere. And that bran muffin in there – that’s for you: I don’t need it. There’s a hardboiled egg in there and you can pull it for me. They say I should have some protein before going to bed.” Well the kettle boiled and the tea is made; now as Nan would say, “You can stay a little longer”.

Our Nancy has moved on and God Bless her and God’s speed. We wish her Heaven’s rewards and especially that cup of tea.
A Tribute to Aunt Nancy

by Joel Schiele,

Nephew-in-law

Firstly, I wish to thank Nancy’s children for asking Allan and myself to give tributes to their mother, Nancy. This is not a task but an honour!

I will begin with a poem written by Aunt Nancy while she was a resident of Paragon Place. She had a nice room at the end of a long hallway, far from the dining area, so she was required to do considerable walking. It finally came to the time where she needed to rely on a walker to safely get around. She then composed this poem about her walker titled: “My Friend”.

My Friend

I have a great big walker

As black as black can be

And what can be the use

of it

Is more than I can see.

But when I travel down

the aisles

I take these wheels along

I cannot walk without them

They just keep me going

strong.

When I get back home

The wheels are feeling blue

I put them in a corner

Oh yes, that’s what I do

“How can you hate us so?”

they say

“We do all we can do,

All we ever do is

Go round and round

for you”

It makes me stop and think

The good four wheels can do

And so I say “Thank you

Walker,

I love you!”

By Nancy Tainsh

Paragon Place

Nancy was a teacher by profession, having received her teaching degree at the Normal School in Camrose at an early age. The following story was conveyed to us regarding Nancy’s one year teaching job in the 1959 – 1960 school year. The job was at a one room school house at Antelope Park, Saskatchewan. This year is the 100 Anniversary for this school as it was built in 1916. The Antelope Park School Board was in need of a teacher and asked Nancy to fill the position. But Nancy’s son, Arnold was only 5 years old and not of school age. So Nancy agreed to take the position if she could bring Arnold with her to school! – Nancy was way ahead of her time! – She initiated day care in the work place! – It was her version of home schooling I suppose!

Nancy loved and cared for her family very much! Each time Donna and I visited her we were amazed by how much she cared about the goings on, not only in her family, but the goings on in the larger extended family. After returning from Mexico this spring, we dropped down to see Aunt Nancy. She had a bought with the flu at the time so we had to mask and gown before entering her room. Upon entering we found her in a bit of a stressed position and in need of some assistance, but, in spite of her situation she said: “oh, you’re back from Mexico!”

As Corinne can attest to, Aunt Nancy never wanted you to fuss over her or with stuff that needed attention in her room. Sit and visit. Put on some tea! There should be some cookies in that drawer there. Sit in front of me so I can see you.” Then before you knew it, she would be on the phone to the kitchen at the lodge: “I’ll be having guests for dinner!”

I am sure many of you have had your own special moments with Nancy and volumes could be written and spoken regarding them. I have only scratched the surface of some fond memories!

Aunt Nancy – always was so appreciative of what she had and what was done for her! This is the kind of person that she was! She was kind, caring, loving, grateful, and forgiving. She never spoke poorly of anyone, but rather chose to speak of the positive attributes of everyone. In turn for her own positive attributes, she was loved, appreciated and respected by all who had the privilege of knowing her. She was a shining example of a life will lived! Quite a Lady! I will sum up in Nancy’s daughter, Norma’s words: “Nancy’s strong loving spirit always shone on everyone – now her Angelic spirit will soar on wings, and will shine again on each one of you!”

~~~~~~~~~~

– Nancy wrote a letter of

appreciation on Dec. 10, 2002, a portion of which is printed here:

You have looked after me all my life, for which I am very thankful.

Thank you for every curl, your gardening and yard care, every back rub and turn over. Thanks to everyone who has always been there. Your love and appreciation are deeply accepted. You are always such a loving, helpful, decent family – I am proud of you all !

The best to you all in the future.

Don’t mourn the passing, remember the good times we have had together. Keep the plants green and flowering, the floor shining and clean. And above all be good to one another as you have been.

Love, Mom

Card of Thanks:

Nancy’s family thanks everyone who, through kind word or deed, showed us how much Nancy meant to you. We so appreciated the flowers, hugs, cards, food and words of condolence. Loving thanks to the caring staff at Paragon Place, Points West and Stettler Hospital for your ever gentle care. Mom loved all of you and you made a huge difference in her life.

Thank you Brennen Funeral Home, Rev. Carolyn Langford, Rev. Jack Schulze for the care and concern, Potluck Catering of Alix, and the ladies of the Compeer community for the delicious lunches.

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU to all the grandchildren who so energetically took part in the preparation of the celebration of life of their beloved grandmother – tears mixed in with much laughter; trying to get just the right wording knowing teacher grandma would notice; joyously putting the pictures together for the slide show; tales of how so many songs they heard during this period brought more tears as it would be just right for the service; putting on miles and missing work; grandsons looking so dapper for their pallbearing; creations of beautiful artwork and poetry; searching around for all the right equipment to make the modern technology ‘connect’.

Martha Mary Gathercole

(nee Robinson / Nelson)

Feb. 15, 1922 to May 21, 2016 – Castor, AB

Martha Mary Gathercole, passed away peacefully in the Hospital at Castor, Alberta on May 21, 2016 at the age of 94 years.

Martha was the youngest of six children born to Daniel and Hanna Nelson. She was raised on a homestead south of Monitor along with her siblings Bob, Jim, Edith, Margaret, and Jean. As a child, Martha enjoyed school, especially taking part in school plays where she could act and dress up. She also developed a keen interest in nature. Martha’s memories of the one-room Berryfield School near Sedalia and her only teacher Mrs. Smith are outlined in a short story she wrote in a book, My Most Memorable Teacher.

Martha married Lorence Willard Robinson on February 22, 1941 in Edmonton, Alberta. Lorence and Martha spent their married life in the town of Consort. They had three sons: Grant Lorence, Clifford A. (deceased) and Bruce Lloyd. Martha always provided a guiding hand and was very proud of her boys and their accomplishments. She was very instrumental in getting her boys to finish High School in Red Deer and then going on to Technical school. In her younger years she enjoyed curling, especially in the area Bonspiels and was also an avid curling fan through the years.

In 1978, Martha moved to Red Deer where she worked as Regional Office Administrator for Alberta Hail & Crop Insurance Corporation until her retirement in 1990. Martha often spoke about how much she really enjoyed this work, as she had spent most of her life in farming communities in Alberta.

In 1979, Martha married Ken Gathercole in Sylvan Lake where they enjoyed raising cattle and chickens as a hobby on a small farm east of town. During this time they were both very active in the local Canadian Legion. After Ken’s passing in 1998, Martha moved to Airdrie and spent a lot of time travelling around the province camping in her motorhome, including a trip to Newfoundland to visit her mother’s birthplace. She spent a few years in Calgary before moving into the Consort Lodge where she resided until her passing.

Martha’s strong will and high expectations were evident in her work and the way she lived her life. She really enjoyed her family visits and phone calls with friends and relatives.

Martha was predeceased by her second husband Ken Gathercole, her first husband Lorence Robinson; three sisters Jean, Edith and Margaret; her two brothers Bob and Jim; and son Clifford.

She is survived by her sons Grant (Noreen) and Bruce (Beverley) Robinson; grandchildren Jeanne (Pamela) Robinson, Joseph (Rachel) Robinson, Jennifer (Ola) Daramola, Nicole (Creg) Taylor: great grandchildren Sadie Robinson, Malique, Isaac and Sadara Daramola, Isaiah, Alivia and Aevyn Taylor, Lorence and Steven Robinson.

Martha lived a good life and will be dearly missed by all her family and friends.
Service at the Lodge

prepared by Dina Nelson

Thank you everyone for coming today to remember Martha Mary Gathercole. Auntie Martha requested that she didn’t have a funeral but said that it would be okay if I held a small service for her here at the lodge.

I would first like to read to you what Auntie told me the night that I went to see her in the hospital. As we were talking she said to me that she was ready to go and for no one to be sad. She was 94 years old, lived a good life and did not want to suffer now. I asked her if she would like me to write down a few things that she would want certain people to know and she said, “Yes I would, so go and get some paper and a pen please.” I did and this is where the story begins.

Martha Mary Gathercole (Nelson) was born on February 15, 1922 in Castor, Alberta.

Martha passed away on May 21, 2016 in Castor, Alberta at the age of 94 years.

Martha was the youngest of all her siblings and the last to pass away.

As told by Martha to Dina Tuesday, May 17, 2016:

My mother Johanna and brother Jim (5 years old) traveled 10 miles by team and sleigh to Monitor and then by train to Coronation. The next day they continued by train to Castor where I was born. While my mother was delivering me, the nuns looked after Jim. Our journey home was accompanied by Mrs. Hadwin, who at the time was a single school teacher in the area.

When I was 14 months old my mother passed away after giving birth to a baby girl a month early. The baby as well died at that time.

I attended Berryfield School which was 2 miles west and 1 mile south from our family farm.

On February 22, 1941, I married Lorence Robinson. He was a local business man in which he owned a trucking company.

We had two sons, Grant and Bruce. (We also had a son named Clifford who died as a baby).

I have 4 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren.

I learned how to bank and I looked after the books at Lorence’s Garage.

Years later, I moved to Red Deer and attended church every Sunday at the 1st Presbyterian Church in Sylvan Lake.

I enjoyed getting out and going to dances with the singles group in Red Deer. After supper I took a course on how to type.

I then started working as a clerk at the Hail & Crop Insurance Company.

I met Ken Gathercole through his brother. We enjoyed going out for supper with the singles group as this began our dating. We later married. Ken loved chickens and wanted 100 of them so we got chickens.

Ken passed away and Grant purchased a condo in Airdrie for me. After living there I ended up getting sick and could not live alone anymore. This is when I moved to the Lodge in Calgary. After this, I lived in an apartment in Calgary for a while. Then, in November 2011, I moved into the lodge in Consort. I knew everyone there but three people. The lodge has been a great asset and I will deeply miss all the friends I have there.

I want to carry on later as I am getting tired but before I do I would like to tell my boys that I am very proud of them. They have both been a wonderful help to me.

I am 94 years old and I am ready to go. Please don’t be sad for me as I have lived a long and good life.

I am where I was born and this is where I would like to die in peace.

Martha Gathercole
Think of me as one at rest,

For me you should not

weep,

I have no pain, no troubled

thoughts,

For I am just asleep

The living thinking me

that was,

Is now forever still

And life goes on without

me

As time forever will

If your heart is heavy now

Because I’ve gone away,

Dwell not long upon it,

friend,

For none of us can stay.

Those of you who liked me

I sincerely thank you all

And those of you who

loved me

I thank you most of all
I will always remember Auntie Martha as a kind hearted and loyal person who loved life. Family was very important and she had many photos to prove that. She loved to visit and was very knowledgeable about many things. That is one thing she had right until the end, was her mind. That night I went to see her she would say to me I can’t remember and then in the next breath she would remember. I loved to talk about family with her and she would answer any question I had about my grandpa and how life was for the Nelson family back in the day. I learned a lot from her in this past year.

Last year I started working at the Consort Hospital and to my delight she would stop in every time for a visit when she was up to see the doctor. I truly loved when she did and always prayed when she left it would not be our last. When the job I was doing at the hospital was done, as I was only filling in for a year, I was sad that our visits would become less. I did get up to the lodge a few times when the boys played hockey here in Consort. We would have a short but always sweet visit. Auntie always looked out for her family. She would tell me to not work so hard and slow down, we would both laugh and then she would say, I am serious.

When I was working casual and looking for a full time job she called me and said there was an opportunity in the Consort paper and wondered if I had applied, because I should. I knew then she also missed our visits and wanted me to work in Consort again as much as I wanted to. I then heard about the job at the lodge and applied. The day I came for my interview I went to see her and told her why I was there. She was excited for me and like myself was hopeful I would get the job. We were both overjoyed to learn that I was the lucky candidate. I could not wait to start working at the lodge; I was so excited I would now get to see her every day!

Another story I want to share is:

Last year when I stopped in for a visit one day after work she was busy cleaning up and sorting through her room and all her pictures. She had been at this job for a few days already and figured it would take her a bit longer. At 93 she had way more energy than I had. She wanted to make sure that when she was gone the boys would have an easy time cleaning out her room. She then asked me if I had an extra feather duster. I said that I would look at home but also asked her why she needed one since the house keepers cleaned her room. She told me that she wanted to dust the legs UNDER her table. Like I said at 93 she put me to shame. LOL
How Mom Influenced My Life

by Grant

After my Grade Eleven in Consort, Mom found out that the Lindsay Thurber Comprehensive High School in Red Deer offered a variety of optional courses not available in Consort. She asked the local School Board if they would pay my tuition and they said yes. So in 1959 I decided to take ‘Electricity & Woodwork’ along with the other Grade 12 subjects. Electricity 10, 20 and 30 in 3 semesters over 2 years set me up for going to SAIT and taking ‘Industrial Electricity’ for 2 years and then getting a Lineman’s job with Calgary Power. In 1966, I moved to Vancouver, B.C. and that year my Mom saw an ad in the newspaper for Linemen in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I applied and got the job. Since the USA didn’t issue a work visa that year, I had to immigrate. That process took several months, but in May of 1967 I was on my way to Milwaukee. After a month in Milwaukee I met a beautiful girl and my life changed. We married in 1969 and we moved by choice to several States to work.

In 1971, Mom suggested that we move to Consort to help my Dad in his business. We did move, and you know the rest of the story, as we’re still here.

Mom influenced my brother Bruce’s life in a similar way. He went to Lindsay Thurber for grade 11 and 12 and to NAIT to take Industrial Electricity and after graduation got a job with GE in Ontario.

Mom was always there to help us with her advise and we both appreciated her help.
To Grant and Bruce

and Their Families

by Mary Readman

Martha’s family and mine, go back a long ways. Dan Nelson and my Dad, Harold Scott, loved gardening – vegetables, flowers and fruit trees. They would get together and share stories about things they had experimented with along this line. I remember as a very small girl, being at the Nelson Farm, south of Monitor and standing quietly watching the goldfish in an outdoor pool. Many years later after you two were grown up and on your own, Martha and I would go exploring. She’d pick me up in the 1/2 ton and we’d be off. Maybe to the old Nelson Farm or to the Mud Buttes, where we tried to find a quart sealer, buried years before, when she and a bunch of school mates had picnicked there. We never found it. Under one of those bronzy blue sky, that you see in the fall, we’d travel across country, maybe stopping by a slough to watch some ducks, or to listen to Vesper sparrows singing in the long grass. Sometimes we brought home reeds and bullrushes or a pretty stone.They were magical days that provided many happy memories for years to come.

I’ll miss her, we’ll all miss her. She was a fantastic lady and friend. My sympathies to all.

Jennie Helen Ference

Feb. 7, 1924 – May 27, 2016

Jennie Helen was born February 7, 1924 in Consort, Alberta to Robert and Lena (nee Huff) Meier. After nearly nine months of missing her beloved Tony, Jennie was so blessed to finally join him in glory on May 27, 2016.

Jennie will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her children, Martin† (Shirley) with their family, Randy and children, Brooklyn & Jessie; Brad (Stacy) & children, Mikaela and Layne; Charlene (Mark) & their children, Sadie and Kendrie; Edward (Isabel) with their family, Curtis (Pamela) and Tara (Mike) & their children, Kai and Kash; Jim (Bernie) with their family, Kimberly (Bryan) & their children, Jaylen and Paige, Kari (Damian) & their children, Skyla and Levi; Harvey (Joyce) with their family, Krista (Matthew) & their son, Max, Craig (Jinel) & their children, Maddie, Nate and Macy, Shawna (Drann) & with their son, Mitchell; Diane (Ken) Beier with their family, Pam (Greg) & their children, Gracie and Carter, Carson (Amy) & their children, Preston, Jaxon and Addison, Mike (Leah) & their daughters, Olivia and Ruby; Kathy (Alvin) Beier with their family, Nicholas (Kristina) & their daughters, Julia, Katarina and Danika, Reanne (Jon) & their sons, Cole and Greyson, Lorinda (Steve) Vert with their family, Stephanie & her children, Austin and Kaylee, Danita (Michael) & their children, Caiden, Mariska and Emersyn, Dallas (Natasha) and children, Reese & Tegan; Ervin† (Anita) with their family, Melanie (Brendon) & their children, Ellie and Henry; Courtney (John) and daughter, Marin; Mathew and Chantel; Mervin (Denise) with their family, Tyler & son, Oliver; Travis (Danielle) & their children, Conner and Katie; and Justin (Suzanne) and family, Darrion, Laine & Hunter; and Jerry; sisters, Mary Doneff and Millie Heinrich; sisters-in-law, Marie Meier and Adeline Meier; brother-in-law, Jack Miller; as well as numerous nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Jennie was predeceased by her husband, Tony, sons, Martin Ference and Ervin Ference; siblings, Martha, Alma (Alfred) Hahn, Irene (John) Koch, Mabel Miller, Frank (Theresa) Meier, Robert Meier, Harry (Esther) Meier, Walter (Marlene) Meier and Melvin Meier.

The Vigil Service was held Tuesday, May 31st, 2016, 7:30 p.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Provost, Alberta. Mass of Christian Burial was Wednesday, June 1st, 10:30 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Provost, with Reverend Mahesh Rathinasamy officiating. Music was by the St. Mary’s Choir. Words of Remembrance were given by Denise Ference. Pallbearers were Randy Ference, Curtis Ference, Mike Beier, Nicholas Beier, Travis Ference, Justin Ference. Honorary pallbearers were all of Jennie’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A private family interment was at Kirriemuir Cemetery, Kirriemuir, Alberta at 2:00 p.m.

If friends so desire, memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Kirriemuir Cemetery Fund, c/o Kirriemuir Community Association, Box 729, Kirriemuir, Alberta T0C 1R0.

Gregory’s Funeral Home was in charge of care and arrangements.
Words of Remembrance

by Denise Ference

Good morning!

You will have to excuse me as I’m not much of a talker.

I am Denise and I will say Jennie’s GOOD daughter-in-law as she is no longer here to dispute it! I’m gonna miss our every-other-day Lodge visits. 1 tried to wear purple today, her favorite.

The family thanks you all for coming and we can feel your comforting love.

In the early hours of May 27, a huge branch was broken from our family tree as Jennie Helen Ference left for her heavenly home, going quietly at the age of 92. We take comfort knowing that after her 9 month search, she has finally ‘found Tony’! We are thankful that a compassionate Father heard her cries of loneliness and reunited her with her loving partner of 68 years. We believe Martin and Ervin were there also, welcoming her arrival, along with all the other good people who have been waiting for her.

Jennie Meier grew up on her parents farm east of Kirriemuir, along with her 5 brothers and 5 sisters. She was schooled in Kirriemuir where writing was her favorite. She loved to write, often sending letters to cousins in Winnipeg. Birthday and anniversary money cards were delivered to family and friends with her usual sign off “have a drink on me”, although she was never a drinker herself. She tried her best to spell all the names right!

At school and at sports days, Jennie played ball, first base in fact, and was always excited when the team from Dry Lake School came to town. This meant seeing Tony Ference who she fondly remembers flirting with when he got on first base. Many a time he was called out because he was too distracted by Jennie to run to 2nd. Her team was always appreciative of her efforts!

When there was no teacher available to teach grade 10, Jennie began working for families in the community, and they were glad to have her. She was a hard worker, slopping pigs, milking cows, dragging firewood, and caring for young ones. Besides, she was an excellent cook. And, it was by working at Altario and Cadogan hotels as a cook and pie maker that she learnt to play pool.

In her younger years, ‘social Jennie’ admitted to having a lot of boyfriends and enjoyed a good party, some times coming home at 4 in the morning. She would be scolded by her dad and protected by her mom, a practice she followed when her own kids did the same. Countless times, she covered for, or hid, hung over kids, when Tony had chores for them to do!

She would smile as she recalled the countless fist fights Tony had with her other pursuers and talked fondly of lunch box dates where she would secretly get word to Tony as to which lunch was hers so they could eat together.

Tony and Jennie married July 7th, 1947 and they made their home a mile east of Kirriemuir which would later become Ference Farms. Here she happily busied herself raising the children that followed: 7 boys, 3 girls.As her kids grew up to be married, her advice was always the same. “Have lots of kids,” she would say to the newlyweds, “You don’t wanna sit alone when you are old”. She was always so proud of her family. How pleased she was when there was a new addition. Being surrounded by family, all 106 of us, was the most important thing in her life!

There is no doubt that Jennie’s happiest days were at the farm where the place bustled with activity – visitors coming and going, Sunday family gatherings with meals to prepare, daily coffee and pie breaks and rambunctious kids running amidst. Even though they had left the farm years earlier, in her heart, the farm was always considered home!

Jennie had a kind heart and was generous whether it was through food, gifts or hospitality. She always had a little knick knack on hand for visiting grandchildren and greats. Her treat was usually given wrapped inside a white plastic grocery bag and would be a toy, a little outfit, juicy fruit gum or a box of smarties. For the women, it was a homemade pie, noodles, or something for the kitchen, and the men received clothes, a bottle, or sometimes money folded up in a Kleenex. Even with her house full, there was always room for more at her supper table. Bachelors, hired men, and even stray kids were taken in and treated like family.

My mother in law liked “stuff”. Countless trinkets and a huge array of family pictures were proudly displayed and it distressed her greatly when she had to downsize her enormous collection upon moving from the big house in Beaumont to Stettler, and then again with the move to Consort Lodge. She was a saver and even throwing out a simple newspaper took much deliberation.

Jennie loved to visit and liked to be on the go – birthday parties, ball games, Christmas concerts. Fairs, dances and any other function, she wanted to be there, often being the last to leave and in her own words, “why go home early and miss out on something!” She thought nothing of showing up late in the evenings for a family visit. How often we heard her say, “Oh Tony, we can sit around when we are old” and she was saying this at 91.

Her greatest past time was talking on the telephone, always keeping in touch with family members, curious as to what everyone was doing, sometimes forgetting just how late in the evening she was calling. Phone conversations in German meant she was speaking with one of her sisters. Her phone/address book was one of her most valued processions.

Jennie had a sweet tooth and her theory of having that chocolate a day to keep the doctor away, worked well for her.

Jennie was a firm believer that “the squeaky wheel gets the grease” and her persistence always seemed to pay off for her. If there was an overdue return or she wasn’t satisfied with something, she would write letters or phone head offices till the issue was settled – in her favor. We think she wore them down and they would give her what ever she wanted just to make her STOP! We laughed at how she could find a broken down weed whacker in the dumpster and squeak until she had a brand new replacement. Sometimes, she used this squeaky wheel tactic on her own family to get what she wanted.

She also claimed to be claustrophobic and we wondered if she was just being sly as a way of riding in the front seat of a vehicle. But, by sitting up front, she could be persuaded by Tony to give a finger to honking motorists for his illegal driving manoeuvres, which she did, by using her index finger.

To please her grandchildren, she often let them sleep over, would listen to their troubles and take their side, sit with them in a bar or act goofy with them. She enjoyed a good joke and liked having fun. Kids, don’t ever forget just how much she loved you!

By now the family realizes what they had has ended and it will be the simple things they will miss most about their mom.. For Jim, he will no longer need to look after her banking, Ed, no more tunes sung for her and Harv won’t be taking her on any more country drives. Diane will no longer have those daily phone conversations and Kathy won’t be taking her out to the lake house. Lynn will miss meals of potato pancakes, Merv’s Lodge visits end and Jerry gets no more hugs and kisses. But, the heart will remember most what it has loved the best.

As Jesus said to his friends before his accession into heaven “Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not let them be afraid” so too, it should be for us. Although we have lost her physically, she really hasn’t left us as her spirit will be closer now than ever. Even death can not stop her from checking in on her beloved family! She will be near, inseparable from us, we just have to look for her. We take comfort in knowing she has joined her husband, and sons, and has been granted a resting place high in heaven where she wont miss out on a single thing!

We will miss you sweet Jennie….till we are all together again….stay near!
Card of Thanks

To our family and friends we cannot express enough thanks for all the kind words, prayers, cards, floral arrangements, phone calls, visits and abundance of food brought to our homes.

To Father Mahesh, we thank you for your comforting words at the vigil service and Burial mass, and to Caroline Doetzel for her assistance. A huge thank-you to St. Mary’s Choir for the beautiful gift of music and to the Provost C.W.L for serving lunch and refreshments.

The professional guidance and affectionate support provided by Jeremy Allen, Chery Grosh and staff of Gregory’s Funeral Home was greatly appreciated.

Sincere appreciation and thanks to Denise Ference who presented the wonderful tribute to her mother-in-law. To the family and her cherished grandchildren, big hugs for all your participation with the vigil, funeral and private interment services.

A big thank-you to Eddie for his musical selections, as always, they were truly meaningful and heartfelt.

For all those that attended the prayer service and the funeral, thanks for sharing your love and prayers as well as your kindness with donations to the various charities.

A special thank-you to all the staff at the Consort Lodge for the gentle care given to our mother during her stay, especially during the last nine months. The Lodge memorial service was a special touch that illustrates the service and caring attitude provided by the Lodge.

We were so touched by all your overwhelming support as we bid farewell to a special Mother, Gramma, and Great Gramma. Your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.

The Jennie Ference

Families

Marie Alice Elizabeth Beebe (Davis)

May 24, 1929 – May 23, 2016

Alice Beebe passed away peacefully in the Red Deer Regional Hospital at 2:20 a.m. on Monday, May 23rd, 2016. She would have been 87 years old on Tuesday, May 24th.

Alice was born on the farm north of Veteran on May 24, 1929, raised in the area and finished her schooling by graduating from Ponoka high school in 1947. She taught for a short time at Nose Hills after that.

Alice married Delford Beebe in 1951 and they soon started their family. They resided 12 miles north of Veteran for many years. From there mom moved to the Consort Seniors Lodge until health issues forced her to move to a care home in Red Deer.

Family was the most important thing in Mom’s life. She was the mother of six, grandmother of eleven and great grandmother of nine.

Being a real prairie pioneer woman, born and raised in the Nose Hills area, she knew the value of hard work, family, community and living alongside Mother Nature. She was a member of a number of organizations including the Nose Hills ladies group, CWL, Nose Hills Community Centre, a square dancing club, and the Brownfield quilting group. She was also very active with the Boy Scout group, and did massive “album history” for that group, and also did a massive research/history for the old schools in the area. The majority of the pictures are now hanging in the Veteran Community Hall for all to see.

She enjoyed baking, antiques, collecting coins, license plates, spoons, stamps and travelling. She also sold Avon products in the community. Mom had a garden that never ended. She would ride our little “ridem” lawn mower for hours on end to keep the lawns and yard looking neatly trimmed.

Her life was dedicated to raising her children and helping family. Many hours were spent making pies, washing and ironing clothes. She helped Dad with the farm work and was always trying to be a good neighbor.

Love, Patience, Kindness, Hard Work, and Understanding plus a Strong Belief were some of the very important values she instilled in us.

Never a dull moment in Mom’s life and later when she lived in the Consort Villa and then continued to Extendicare Michener Hill, Red Deer, Alberta. She continued gathering friends and attending church, card games, bingo and music programs. She made the most of her life, despite many, many hardships, one of which was kidney dialysis at the Red Deer Hospital three times a week.

She will be forever missed and never forgotten as she holds a special place in our hearts. She always had wings and now she can fly.

Forever missed by her loving family: children: Gloria Beebe Preston of Creston, Dale Beebe of Canyon, Ken Beebe of Calgary, Bernie (Charlotte) Beebe of Beaverlodge, Lane Beebe of Nose Hills and Gayle (David) Trout of Cochrane; eleven grandchildren: Michael (Linda) Preston, Darla Preston, Trina (James) Moberg, Lindsay Beebe (Graham), Kaylee Beebe (Justin), Brandon Beebe, Ashley Dingerville, Marissa Beebe, Brooke Beebe, Erin Trout and Austin Trout; nine great grandchildren: Cooper, Robert, Keanna, Ryder, Amber, Braxton, Tanner, Bryden and Kendall; brother Pat (Joanne) Davis; sisters in law Jeanette Davis and Gene Davis; brothers in law Bud Devey and Ernest Monagle; nieces, nephews; other family members and many dear friends.

Thanks to all her care givers and a special thanks to the Red Deer Dialysis Unit for all their care and attention to our mother’s needs, and to Parkview Funeral Chapel for a job well done and all their help.

A funeral service for the late Alice Beebe was held on Monday, May 30, 2016 at Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Consort, Alberta with Father Leon Kler officiating. Loving words of remembrance were given by grandchildren Darla Preston, Erin Trout and Mike Preston. Marilyn Long shared her gift of music as pianist and leader of song. Readers were Martha Oxamitny and Gordon Long. Alice was laid to rest in Veteran Cemetery, Veteran, Alberta beside her husband Delford Beebe. Donations in memory of Alice are gratefully accepted to a charity of your choice c/o Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Box 186, Castor, Alberta T0C 0X0, who were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. To send or view condolences to the family, please visit www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com

Garett James Lee

Aug. 24, 1982 – May 30, 2016

Garett Lee of Consort, Alberta passed away suddenly May 30, 2016 in Red Deer, Alberta.

Garett was born in Prince George, B.C., where he remained for most of his childhood years, until his family decided to make the move to Kamloops, B.C. As a child, Garett was involved in numerous activities including hockey, lacrosse, BMX and playing guitar and drums. Once Garett hit high school he decided to make the move to Slave Lake, Alberta, where he got a job as a produce manager at a grocery store, but Garett knew this wasn’t the calling intended for him. At the age of 18, Garett started his life on the service rigs. He remained in Slave Lake for 10 years, until a co-worker convinced him to make the journey out to Consort, where he started work for Prestige Well Servicing. It wasn’t long after that, Garett met the love of his life, Hailey McDonald, and they quickly moved in together. On July 19, 2013, the couple welcomed their daughter, Gabby, into the world. Garett was a dedicated father and Gabby brought the most joy to his life. He loved to spoil his daughter and he would take his family on spur of the moment trips, even if it was only to take Gabby to Chucky Cheese for the day. Spending time with his daughter always brought a smile to his face.

Garett was a hard worker who took pride in his job. He was well known in the oilpatch and always left a lasting impression. Garett always tried to make a bad situation good, even if that meant dressing up as Mario on Halloween and going to work just to give the crew a good laugh.

Garett was a kind soul, always putting others before himself. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him.

Garett is survived by his daughter, Gabby Lee and Hailey McDonald of Consort; parents, Ken Lee and Julie Pixton of Kamloops, B.C.; sister, Bobbi-Jo Lee of Kamloops, B.C.; brothers, Jaye Aulenback and Chris Aulenback (niece and nephew, Ryleigh and Bryar) of Slave Lake; grandparents, Richard and Rose Lee of Kamloops, B.C.; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

Garett was predeceased by his grandparents, Ronald and Catherine Pixton of Prince George, B.C.

He Is Gone

You can shed tears that he is gone

Or you can smile because he lived.

You can close your eyes

And pray that he will come back

Or you can open your eyes

and see all that he has left.

Your heart can be empty

because you can’t see him

Or you can be full of the love that you shared

You can turn your back

on tomorrow and live yesterday

Or you can be happy for tomorrow because of

yesterday

You can remember him and only that he is gone

Or you can cherish his memory and let it live on

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back

Or you can do what he would want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.

Marc Spencer

Mar. 24, 1975 – June 12, 2016

Marc Spencer was born on March 24, 1975 in Edmonton, weighing 3 lbs., 6 oz. Marc, along with his parents, Jim and Marietta, moved to Provost while Marc was in kindergarten. This is when he joined his class at STA, where he graduated from 12 years later. During his school years he enjoyed playing goal for Provost Minor Hockey as well as the Oyen Midgets. He also played ball with Provost Minor Ball and slo-pitch with the 66ers.

After high school, Marc embarked on an adventure to Australia with his buddies and enjoyed many adventures while there. When he returned to Canada, Marc refined his skills as a truck driver, a farmer, and a Kirby vacuum cleaner salesman. He eventually found his way into the oilfield, running trucks and most recently, operating for Repsol Oil and Gas in Chauvin.

Marc was living in Bonnyville when he met Sherrilyn Pahlke in the summer of 2002. After four years of dating, they married on July 15, 2006. Immediately after, Sherrilyn joined Marc in Lamont to start their life together. It was in Lamont that Marc’s son, Maxwell Anthony, arrived making Marc a proud father. Marc was immediately an amazing father and his little girl Lena Louise joined their family two years later. Family was always Marc’s number one priority—and a week after Lena was born, Marc started his new job in Provost so that his children could be close to their extended family. Sherrilyn and the family joined him in Provost later that summer. Marc was also happy to be back with his boys and his garage became the clubhouse where all the great ideas for the Combines, the ball team, and Fish and Game came to life. Just one short year ago, Marc and Sherrilyn welcomed their third child when Halle Eileen was born.

After moving back to Provost, Marc got involved in the community. He was a founding member of the Provost Combines Senior Hockey Club, holding the positions of assistant coach, vice president, and most recently, secretary. He also brought his involvement with Fish and Game in Lamont back to Provost, taking on the responsibility of helping organize the annual silent auction and sitting as vice president. As Max and Lena started participating in organized sports, Marc quickly got involved in coaching—enjoying skating with the boys in Initiation hockey and becoming “coach Marc” to Max’s ball team. Marc also enjoyed fishing and hunting with the boys and the occasional golf game on men’s night. Marc’s sanctuary was getting on his Harley and going for a ride. This is where he found his peace in life and now for eternity.

Marc passed away suddenly on June 12, 2016 near Provost at the age of 41.

He will be forever missed and lovingly remembered by his wife, Sherrilyn and their children Maxwell, Lena, and Halle; parents, Jim “Poopy” and Marietta Spencer; brother, Layne (Samantha) Spencer and their two children; grandma Louise Scherger; parents-in-law, Norris and Ruth Pahlke; sisters-in-law Lindey (Mathew), Jenna (Blair) and their three children; Charleen (Brett); and godson, Rylan.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, Tony Scherger and Peter and Evella Spencer; and his beloved dog, Pebbles.

Gregory’s Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements for the memorial service that was held on Thursday, June 16 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church with Pastor Paul McCormick officiating. Interment followed at Provost Cemetery.
Thank You –

To everyone who has supported us following the loss of Marc, we would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation. Your many acts of kindness, sympathy, and prayers continue to be great comfort to us in our time of sorrow.

Thank you to the first responders, Dr. Erasmus and the nurses for your assistance and care. The guidance, support and compassion that Jeremy, Chery and the staff at Gregory’s Funeral Home provided us with was exceptional. Their willingness to make suggestions and accommodate our requests helped to create a memorial service that exemplified Marc’s life.

Thank you to Pastor Paul for your support and spiritual guidance throughout this tragedy. Your honest words during the service were appreciated by many. Thank you to Jony Paulgaard and Rylan Iversen for reading and to Trevor Schneider for sharing memories of Marc so beautifully. We also would like to thank St. Mary’s Catholic Church for welcoming us into your church, the Central Lutheran Church choir and Norma Paulgaard for their special music and Repsol Oil & Gas and the ladies of Central Lutheran Church for the lunch. The attendance and participation of the Provost & District Fish and Game members, the Provost Combines Senior Hockey team, and community motorcycle riders made the service that much more special. A special thank you goes out to Scott Oliver for leading the procession on his bike, helping Marc to finish his ride.

To our friends and extended family – Thank you for extending so much love and support to our family. Words cannot capture our gratitude towards everyone that has supported us in so many ways. Every bouquet, meal, care package, gift for the kids, playdate offered, card, message sent, and community act that paid respect to Marc was appreciated. Each hug and prayer helped to dim the pain, if only for a moment. A thank you to our employers and coworkers for giving us the time to grieve and to be together. Your understanding and compassion will always be remembered.

To the many visitors to the garage – Thank you for filling our home and hearts with stories of Marc that we will cherish forever. The laughter and the tears carried us through the week and the memories will carry us through the years.

Marc’s children were his world and he lived his life to give the world to them. We are overwhelmed by the generousity of the community through donations to the trust fund as well as to the organizations that he valued in our community.

We feel blessed to be part of this community and are humbled by the empathy we have been shown since Marc’s passing. We only hope, that one day, we may be able to support each of you, as you have supported us.

Our sincere thanks,

Sherrilyn,

Maxwell, Lena & Halle Spencer

Jim & Marietta Spencer

Layne, Sam,

Dagan & Jaxon Spencer

Louise Scherger

Norris & Ruth Pahlke

& family

Ronald “Ron” Bosh

Sept. 12, 1945-Provost, AB

June 15, 2016-Sylvan Lake, AB

Ron Bosh, beloved husband of Margaret, passed away on June 15, 2016.

Ron was born to Helen and George Bosh on September 12, 1945 in Provost, Alberta. He grew up on the family farm by Monitor along with his younger brother Ray. Some of his favourite times were spent hunting with his Dad, and helping run the family farm. He enjoyed many adventures growing up and spent time playing baseball, farming, visiting with his cousins. During a memorable summer, he trained hunting dogs with the American dog trainers. He went to Kirriemuir School up to grade nine and finished high school at Altario. After graduation, Ron served as a station agent at Bluffton, and worked on the oil rigs for several years before moving to Calgary where he started his own paving business. He married Judy Stewart on August 3, 1968, and born to their marriage was their son Bill. Family was important to Ron, and he was very happy when Bill announced he was marrying Brenda. One of his proudest moments was the birth of his grandson Austin in 1999. Upon his marriage to Margaret, Ron was quickly embraced by her family, and enjoyed spending time with everyone. He was a kind and generous man who saw the humorous side of life. He will be greatly missed.

Ron is survived by his loving wife, Margaret; his son, Bill and daughter in law, Brenda; his precious grandson, Austin; his brother, Ray and wife Marilyn and daughters. Ron is also survived by his mother and father in law, Ron and Isabelle Sparks; his step son, Jason and Julie; his step daughter, Tanya and Darren; many step grandchildren and one step great grandchild; his sister in law, Christine and Steve White and family; his brother in law, Edward and Barb Sparks, as well as numerous nieces, nephew, cousins, aunts, uncles and the numerous friends that he made throughout his lifetime.

A Memorial Service was held at McInnis & Holloway (Deerfoot South, 12281 – 40th Street S.E., Calgary) on Thursday, June 23, 2016 at 2:30 p.m. Condolences may be forwarded through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Ron Bosh, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes.

Leslie Miller

Nov. 16, 1931 – June16, 2016

Leslie Roy Miller was born November 16, 1931 in Loverna, Saskatchewan to Frederick and Mary Ellen Miller. Les’ parents originally came from England, settling in the Loverna area to farm and raise a family of nine children.

Les grew up on a farm south of Loverna, after finishing his schooling in a small country school he worked at various jobs in western Canada before returning. In 1957, he married Beatrice Faith Hedin, also from Loverna. They began their life together on a farm five miles north of Loverna where they ranched and grain farmed. To this union came three girls and one boy; Shelley, Clifford, Jo-Ann, and Gail.

Les was successful in raising purebred Limousin cattle that he started by importing from France. As a couple, they also raised quarter horses which were shown by their children. During his years on the farm, Les was very active in the community and developed many good friendships with other farmers and ranchers. Following the sale of the family farm, Les moved to Hearts Hill P.F.R.A Community Pasture near Compeer, Alberta which he managed until his retirement at the age of 70. Les went on to enjoy his retired life by traveling to rodeos and chuckwagon races, watching his daughters compete at various equine events, attending family gatherings, and even taking in the occasional vacation south of the border.

After 84 years of a life of vitality, hard work, and a love for his family, Les passed away suddenly on Thursday, June 16, 2016 in Airdrie, Alberta. Les’ memory will be carried on by: children, Shelley Miller of Airdrie, Clifford Miller of Leduc, Jo-Ann Miller of Airdrie, and Gail Andrews of Red Deer; grandchildren: Lane, Alyssa, Mark, Paige, Dana, Kate, Payton, Blythe, Falynn, and Brendan; great-grandchildren: Miles, Charlie, Bruce, Vania, and Emilio; sister, Judy; as well as many extended relatives and friends.

Les was predeceased by his parents: Fred and Mary Ellen; sisters, Dorothy, Kay and Mae; brothers, John, Fred and Gordon; and infant sister, Doreen.

Les’ family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Airdrie & District Victim Services.

Gregory’s Funeral Home Inc. entrusted with arrangements.
Perhaps you sent a lovely card, or sat quietly on a chair.

Perhaps you sent a funeral spray, if so we saw it there.

Perhaps you spoke the kindest words, that anyone could say.

Perhaps you were not there at all, but thought of us that day.

Whatever you did

to console our hearts,

we THANK YOU so much, whatever the part.

Shelley, Cliff, Jo-Ann, Gail and families

Clifford DeWolfe

July 5, 1928-July 5, 2016

Clifford Stanley De-Wolfe passed away in Castor on July 5th, 2016 at the age of 88. Clifford was born July 5th, 1928 in Consort, Alberta.

His schooling up to grade ten was at the Consort and Whitton School. Leaving school because he could not get French. The DeWolfe family had the school van which Clifford drove into Consort School. He worked at the Consort Enterprise with his Uncle Wilbur and farmed north of Consort before getting the bug to move on. He took a homestead in Rocky Lane in 1952. His brother and father following later. They had the farthest homestead in Alberta at that time. Returning back to Veteran in 1990 to be close to family, he purchased the old James home which he made into a beautiful garden and orchard. He loved to share his apples and garden bounty with all of Veteran.

After losing his driver’s license it promoted him to move to the Castor Manor and from there to the Castor Lodge. Clifford loved to read and loved his books. He documented everything. He visited many graveyards and kept information on all of them. Some places never before visited except by Clifford. His picture collection contained everything Clifford had ever seen; this was one of his great loves.

Survived by his sister Elsie Tkach of Coronation; sister-in-law Betty DeWolfe of Camrose; many nieces and nephews, great nieces and great nephews and numerous friends. Predeceased by his father and mother; his brothers, Ralph, Walter, Clayton and Alfred; and sister Helen.

A Graveside Service was held at Lake Road Cemetery, Consort, Alberta on Wednesday, July 13, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Memorial Donations in memory of Clifford may be given to the Lake Road Cemetery, Box 309, Consort, AB, T0C 1B0. Heather Caseley of Coronation Funeral Home, was entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.
Card of Thanks

Thank you to the staff at Paintearth Lodge of Castor, for their love and caring of Clifford, during his stay there.

Our thanks to everyone for your expressions of sympathy and for flowers, cards and kind deeds.

Most of all, a huge thank you to Heather Caseley for all her extra help and kindness. A special thanks also to Darrel Durksen, for all his help, kindness and caring.

Ernest Monagle

July 26, 1933 – July 14, 2016

Ernest Arthur Monagle passed away at the Our Lady of the Rosary Extended Care on July 14th, 2016 in Castor, Alberta. Ernest was born on July 26th, 1933 in Consort to his parents Ernest Ivan and Margaret Helen Monagle. He attended school in Loyalist and boarded in Consort to attend high school. Ernest moved to Calgary and started working at the Royal Bank until the sudden passing of his father prompted him to return to Consort to look after the family farm. He married Mary Beryl Davis on January 8, 1958 and they made their home on the farm near Loyalist, Alberta, where they raised four children. They expanded their farm with the purchase of John Monagle’s homestead. After retiring from farming, Ernest and Mary split their time between living on the farm and the Consort Lodge for a few years before moving to the Castor Lodge. Ernest’s love of his land led him to believe it should remain in the family. He therefore transferred ownership to his children for them to enjoy and care for. Ernest then moved to the Extended Care where he resided until his passing.

Ernest is survived by his children Lorraine (Daryl) Vogel, Blaine (Lynn) Monagle, Lorne (Carla) Monagle, and Margaret (Bob Hall) Groger, his brother Harold (Gail) Monagle as well as 11 grandchildren Mark (Lily) Vogel, Deanna (Mark) Muchka, Michael (Laura) Vogel, Trent Monagle, Kyle Monagle, Danielle Monagle, Davin Monagle, Brett Monagle, Eric Monagle, Gina Groger and Alex Groger: 5 great grandchildren, Adelle Vogel, Scott Vogel, George Vogel, Kate Muchka and Derek Muchka; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Ernest was predeceased by his wife Mary on March 9, 2016.

Ernest laboured tirelessly on the family farm and was proud of his work. He loved his trips to Hawaii, Mexico and Las Vegas with Mary. Trips to North Battleford and through the United States in their motorhome, fishing, hunting, curling, bowling, disking, car and snowmobile poker rallies also brought Ernest a lot of pleasure. He also enjoyed playing cards and visiting with friends and family. During his time in extended care he participated in every activity he could and especially enjoyed when pets would be brought in or when his grandchildren would visit to play Yahtzee. He also enjoyed teasing the nurses and got a glint in his eye when they reacted to his antics.

A funeral service for Ernest was held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016, 2:00 p.m., at the Veteran United Church, Veteran, Alberta, with Reverend Alwin Maben officiating. Krista Bennett sang “In The Garden”. Barbie Berg played for the congregational hymns. Brother, Harold Monagle and grandchildren Trent Monagle, Alex Groger, Eric Monagle and Deanna Muchka shared fond memories. The lunch was held at the Veteran Community Hall which was prepared and served by the United Church Women. The interment was held at the Veteran Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in Ernest’s memory to the Paintearth Lodge, Our Lady of the Rosary Extended Care or to the charity of one’s choice. Heather Caseley of Coronation Funeral Home was entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting our website at www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.

Robert McCullough

April 12, 1932 – July 21, 2016

Robert (“Bob”) Gordon McCullough, 84, passed away peacefully, Thursday, July 21, 2016 at the Peace River Hospital, Peace River, Alberta.

Robert was a man of many interests and talents. A life-long Alberta resident, he worked as a sawmill owner/operator, farmer, logger, truck driver, heavy equipment operator, and Alberta Wheat Pool elevator agent. His recreational interests were sometimes surprising, such as his love of oil painting, which was acquired in his later years, including the large scale mural of orcas and dinosaurs he painted on the side of his garden shed. He was also an enthusiastic CB radio operator (call sign was “White Owl” … named after his cigar of choice), auctioneer, videographer, and pilot of his J3 plane. He built his own ham radio, and then learned morse code as an apprenticeship to be able to operate it. He was always intrigued with modern technology, and would never shy from learning something new. New or unexplored, brought excitement to him. Bob was the first person in his area to purchase and operate his own home computer. And no doubt, well before the days many of us owned ones ourselves. Motorcycles were always a love for Bob throughout his life. In the early years, he had a Harley Davidson for cruising and jumping the hills around the farm in Altario, and in later years, he had a Honda Gold Wing for trips with Leslie. Having Robert cook for you was always an adventure for those with fearless appetites … you never knew what would be served.

Born in Consort, Alberta, on April 12, 1932, he was the eldest of seven children of Hamilton and Ella McCullough. Robert was predeceased by his first wife Shirley Beaumont, as well as his second wife Leslie Abell, and daughter Judith (Jude) Yaunish. Left to remember him are his siblings, Martha Fugard, Bruce McCullough, Lillian Holmes, Adah (Doug) Fawcett, Carole (Gordon) Heatherington, and Grant (Joyce) McCullough; children Doug (Brenda) McCullough, Laura (Ron) Ritchie, Colleen McCullough, Mark (Joanne) McCullough, and Joanne (Greg) McLean; as well as thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. There are also many friends and neighbours, nieces and nephews that loved uncle Bobbie, and found his life experiences and stories entertaining.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 6, 2016 at the Knox United Church in Consort, Alberta. A burial to follow, where Robert will be laid to rest at the Lake Road Cemetery, Consort, Alberta. Memorial Donations may be made in Robert’s honour to the Lake Road Cemetery, Box 309, Consort, Alberta T0C 1B0 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Sharon Lyn Ness

Sept. 19, 1947 – Aug. 8, 2016

Sharon Lyn Ness, nee Johnston, was born September 19, 1947 in Eston, Saskatchewan, and went home to be with her Lord and Saviour on August 8, 2016. She was the second daughter born to Warden and Beulah Johnston. As a young girl, Sharon invited the Lord Jesus into her life to be her Saviour, and had a strong faith in God’s Holy Word.

Sharon took her post-secondary education at the Seattle Pacific College in 1965, and Mount Royal College in 1966. She was married to her sweetheart, Jim, on June 24, 1967, in Eston, and they moved to the farm at New Brigden. Sharon and Jim recently celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary.

She served her community on many boards, in more recent years on the Oyen and District Heath Care Foundation Board; the Family and Community Support Services Board; the Big Country Victim’s Services Board; and the Drumheller-Stettler Wildrose Constituency Board. She also served on the Medicine Hat Children Service’s Board, and her local Community Club. Sharon served as a Victim’s Advocate with the RCMP for many years, where her compassionate nature was well-suited to help the suffering and needy.

Sharon worked for the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation, and had a good rapport with area farmers. She was an active partner in the Ness farming and consulting operations.

Sharon was an avid reader. When her kids were in hockey, her friends would chide her for missing plays because her nose was buried in a good book. She was a wonderful mother, and then grandmother. And she was a very generous soul, often seeing a need and quietly or anonymously meeting it. She will be remembered in the community for her contributions to many causes, but most of all for her gentle spirit and kindness.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her husband Jim; children Amber (Colin) Gosselin, and Dr. Jonathan Ness; grandchildren Edward James (Eddie), and Abigail Sharon Jeannette (Abbie) (who shares her namesake), who affectionately called her “Brown Grandma” because of her beautiful brown hair; brother Stanley (Pat) Johnston; sister Norma (Dr. David) Mulder; brother Murray (Joanne) Johnston; brother-in-law Larry (Carol) Ness; and their children and grandchildren. She was predeceased by her parents Beulah in 1992, and Warden in 1999.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and doctors at the Oyen Hospital where Sharon received extraordinary care. The family would also like to extend appreciation to family and friends who poured out their love in a variety of ways to help cover the family’s grief: God bless you all!

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints, Psalm 116:15.

Funeral Service was held Monday, August 15, at the Royal Canadian Legion Hall in Oyen, Alberta. Officiating Clergy was Pastor Darrel Durksen. A tribute was given by Dr. David Mulder. Special music was provided by Claude Zinger, Jack Shields, Robbie Shields, Bob Hocking, and Rick and Carol Plett. Urn bearers were Jim Ness, Jon Ness, and Eddie Gosselin. Hymns were “Mansion Over the Hilltop” and “Leaning on the Everlasting Arms.”

To honour Sharon’s memory, donations can be made to the Oyen and District Heath Care Foundation, Box 150, Oyen, AB, T0J 2J0; the Rock Victory Church Children’s Ministry, c/o Pastor Kelly Riopel, Box 1165, Onoway, AB, T0E 1V0; or to a charity of choice.

Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the New Brigden Community Club in the New Brigden Community Hall.

MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.

Russell Howe

May 23, 1947 – July 24, 2016

Russ Howe was born May 23, 1947 at Castor, Alberta the second son of Doris and Stan Howe, formerly of Red Deer, passed away on July 24, 2016.

Russ was raised in Consort and tried his hand at all kinds of jobs; the service rigs, telegrapher, Calgary Brewery, he managed the Consort Hotel, but he always gravitated back to the elevator where he painted, repaired and bought grain for most of his life.

Russ was predeceased by his parents Stan and Doris, as well as an infant nephew. Left to be remembered by: Earl, Karen and family, Glenna, Larry Mack and family, James, Marlene and family, Lee, Brenda and family, Gord, Lianne; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends in and around Central Alberta.

Russ was interred in Castor, Alberta on August 8, 2016 with Rev. Barbara Zimmerman conducting the graveside service. His brothers James Howe and Lee Howe gave loving tributes. Friends gathered in the Knox United Church for a time of fellowship and a luncheon by Virginia Duke. Memorial donations may be made to Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation or Canadian Diabetes. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com

Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

Heidi Van Tol

Feb. 8, 1942-Aug. 18, 2016

Beloved mother and Oma Hedwig (“Heidi”) Van Tol passed away suddenly, Thursday, August 18, 2016 at the Coronation Hospital and Care Centre. Heidi was born in Heldorf, Germany on February 08, 1942 and immigrated to Canada with her family via a long ship ride when she was 13 years old. She never liked ships after that.

Heidi is survived by her daughter Selena (Barry) Redel and grandchildren Lisa and Scott, daughter Correna Van Tol (Carl), father of Selena and Correna – Nick Van Tol, three brothers, Paul (Margaret) Fitzner, Arnold (Elsa) Fitzner and Willie (Sharon) Fitzner, sister Traude Robertson as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

Heidi spent her teen years in the Coaldale/Lethbridge area. Heidi loved helping people and worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse for many years. She loved being part of the dialysis team, cuddling the babies in the nursery and working paediatrics. Her highest compliment was when one young patient told her she didn’t feel like a nurse, she felt like a mommy. Heidi then became a grocery store owner with Nick for over twenty-five years in Czar, Alberta and finished her working career with Parent Link in Consort until she retired this spring.

Heidi’s favorite place was Skaha Beach in Penticton, B.C., where she loved to go for a daily swim after work where she would bike with her family. If the day could be finished with a Dairy Queen ice cream, then the day was complete! Heidi loved to make sure that it was almost impossible for kids to leave her store without a treat in Czar and pioneered the art of the “Friendly Greeting” whenever anyone came in. Heidi loved being an “Oma” to her grandchildren. She was queen of the kitchen and loved baking and giving away her delicious treats. Repeating her written recipes was virtually impossible as she always neglected a few of her “Secret Ingredients”. It was only when her grandkids could read and point out to her that she was adding things that weren’t written down she would respond with “I didn’t even know I added that!” The same thing happened with any game she played, the rule sheet was quickly discarded and Heidi made her own rules for the game. She always had a joke to share, and the coffee was always on.

Her laughter and baking will be deeply missed, as well as her caring nature for others. Surprisingly, Heidi was a very private person and cherished her “alone time”. Heidi requested that there would be no public funeral. A private service was held for her family at Lake Road Cemetery in Consort.

Donations in Heidi’s memory can be made to the Consort Pool (Village of Consort), Box 490, Consort, AB, T0C 1B0 or Children’s Miracle Network, give.childrensmiraclenetworkhospitals.org.

Arrangements were entrusted to Coronation Funeral Home, A Division of Central Alberta Family Funeral Services. Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting the website www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.

Ivar Nelson

Jan. 31, 1926 – Aug. 25, 2016

Ivar Theodore Nelson passed away at Consort Hospital on August 25, 2016 at 90 years of age.

Ivar was born on January 31, 1926 at the farm south of Loyalist. He attended Broadview Country School then attended high school in Provost, Alberta.

He married Elizabeth (Bessie) Williams on September 15, 1948 on the Williams farm site.

Ivar and Bessie lived on the original Nelson Homestead until 1989 when they built their dream home across the road.

He continued to farm until 2010, but due to failing eyesight he chose to move to the Lodge in Consort.

After becoming sick and unable to fully recover, Ivar moved into the Extended Care at the Consort Hospital in March 2016 and resided there until his passing.

Ivar was predeceased by his parents, Theodore and Anna Nelson, his wife Bessie, brothers Carl, Dave and Gunnar, sisters Violet, Rose and Linnea, brothers-in-law Carl Jonson and Ron Conway, sisters-in-law Madge Nelson, Alice Nelson and Olive Nelson.

Ivar is lovingly remembered by sons Neil (Gloria) and Bruce (Kathrin) of Veteran, two grandchildren Leanne (Lee) Carfantan and Lynette (Jason) Waltham of Coronation, four great grandchildren Caleb and Easton Carfantan and Ava and Archer Waltham. He also leaves to mourn his special friend, Helen Spencer and numerous nieces and nephews.
Eulogy

by Ronald Jonson

Ivar Theodore Nelson, also known as Dad, Grandpa or Papa Diver was born on the Nelson homestead January 31, 1926. He went to Broadview School for the first 9 years, than boarded with his sister Violet in Provost, Alberta to further his education. At this point he took a real interest in electronics.

After completing his education, Ivar joined his father on the homestead.

He met Elizabeth (Bessie) Williams at a dance in the pavilion at Gooseberry Lake. They were married September 15, 1948 at the Williams farm.

To this union two sons were born, Neil Ivar in 1951 and Bruce Carlisle in 1954.

Life on the farm was full of hard, rewarding work. Ivar enjoyed a diversity of animals from cows, pigs and chickens, right down to ducks and geese. They earned extra income by shipping cream. They always had a huge garden and if you were honored to stay for lunch, you did not go away hungry.

When electricity was not yet a common on farms, Ivar’s keen interest in electronics led him to build a wind-powered generator. This device charged batteries in the basement that provided power to the home.

Ivar’s forward thinking made him a leader in the area and eventually he was part of the Rural Electrification Association. This organization helped bring electricity to all homes in the district.

He was also part of the Snowplow Club – a group of farmers working together to make sure the roads were open for travel during the winter months. Ivar held the position of plow operator.

Ivar enjoyed farming his whole life. He started his cattle herd with polled herefords, but moved into the purebred Limousin cattle when the continental breeds gained popularity in Canada. T Meadow Ranch was established in 1975 when Ivar purchased his first purebred Limousin heifer at a sale in Regina. A highlight of Ivar’s ranching career was when he won the Canadian Limousin Association High Rate of Gain Bull Award for the year 1988/89. Ivar remained a registered Limousin breeder for over 25 years.

Ivar was a great teacher. Whether it was teaching his sons farming and ranching techniques or his granddaughters to dance to polka or the butterfly, there were always many laughs.

One of those “teaching moments” was with his granddaughters, canoeing on a springtime slough. He was giving a lesson on what not to do in a boat, how not to stand in a boat, when he stood and shifted his weight from side to side. The canoe went right over. Luckily the water was only waist deep. They got wet, rubber boots and all.

Ivar had an amazing ability to wear long underwear 11 months of the year and rubber boots for 12. You could always find a pair of pliers holstered to his side. When he was in extended care, Ivar was often chilled. The granddaughters were teasing him about not having his long underwear on as this was the norm for so many years. Ivar had a good laugh at this.

Ivar was known as a great tinker. He could rig up one of the meanest electric fences. A person always knew the second barbwire would be the hot one!

Ivar, with his brother-in-law Ron and others, also installed a fence wire telephone system to communicate between neighbors; hard to believe we are now in a wireless age.

He took the time and attention to build things for Bessie such as the hide away ironing board and numerous wardrobes. T-ball stands, cupboards and pretend appliances for his granddaughters. In later years, he would build school projects for Margaret Baskey.

He took his tinkering skills to the next level when he re-built his father’s first and only car, a 1927 Whippet. He would take pride in starting it every time we visited him and then taking us for a ride and of course take pictures.

Ivar loved to take a recording of the events he went to and then play them back every time we visited him. During my retirement party they put on a skit, Ivar laughed so hard his teeth would come loose so he would have to cover his mouth.

Ivar had a great need for speed. Four wheelers, motorcycles, vans or silage trucks, the dust always needed to fly!

Ivar and Bessie were devoted fans of the Consort Hospital Auxiliary Dinner Theatre and never missed a show. Ivar continued the tradition after Bessie’s passing, up until he was no longer physically able.

As Ivar transitioned the farm to Bruce, his friendship with Helen Spencer grew. They started to frequent the local fishing spots and extended their travels into BC and Eastern Canada. On their trip to the East Coast, Ivar got the luxury of eating his favorite food, fish every day!

After Ivar retired, his legs gave out on him so he would ride his quad and check the cows and his boys. The boys did not think this was so great, they wanted to do their own thing.

In later years, his eye site started to fail him so the doctors had to take away his drivers license; this was devastating to him living out on a farm. He them moved to a lodge in Consort.

Ivar’s family put on a 90th birthday party for him at the lodge which resulted in an excellent turnout. This was a timely event knowing this was the result, many of us are glad we attended.

Ivar was a mentor and a modest man and he will be missed.
Card of Thanks

Thank you to the staff at the Consort Hospital for the excellent care Ivar received while a patient there.

Thank you to everyone and Rev. Susan Bowyer for their words of sympathy and kind deeds.

Thank you to Laurie Palmer at the Coronation Funeral Home for their compassion and caring.

The Nelson Family

Evelyn Smith

Aug. 27, 1936 – Sept. 3, 2016

On September 3, Evelyn Smith passed away peacefully with her family by her side at the Consort Health Centre at the age of 80. Evie was born on August 27, 1936. She was the fourth child of five born to Margret and Ragnvald Hagen. Music was a huge part of the whole family’s lives; spending many hours singing and playing guitars on the family farm at Altario. While working for a family, she met the love of her life, Herbie Smith. They married in 1957 and moved to the farm that Herb bought south of Consort. Together they raised 5 children; Wendy, Marlene, Cheryl, Randy, and Gary. Every year there was a bountiful garden and lots of fresh buns and sugar cookies waiting for her kids when they got off the bus, and for anyone who happened to stop in for coffee. SHE LOVED HER COFFEE!

Her family and close friends were always important to her. On branding day, no one went hungry. There was always a huge buffet of food waiting in the shop for all the family, friends, and neighbours who came to help. Harvest meals and harvest moons were also special to her and her family.

Together, they loved camping and fishing with the family at Fork Lake and other places. Later, they travelled to Las Vegas with friends, through the B.C. mountains, and an Alaskan cruise with family. She was very excited when she finally got to see the mountains. Now she can look down on them every day.

Evie is survived and will be greatly missed by her family; Randy (Kim) Smith & family of Consort, Gary (Carrie) Smith & family of Lethbridge, Wendy Wittmack & family of Consort, Marlene (Donald) Wiest & family of Sylvan Lake, and Cheryl (Neil) Benedict & family of Consort. Evie is also survived by, 17 Grandchildren, 28 Great Grandchildren, brother Ron Hagen, sister Gwen Gramlich, sister in law Ann Hagen, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Evie was predeceased by her loving husband of 50 years, Herb Smith; parents Ragnvald & Margret Hagen, sister Mary Dageford, brother Ken Hagen, and son in law Davis Wittmack.

A funeral service was held at the Knox United Church on Friday, September 9, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in Consort, Alberta, with Reverend Susan Bowyer officiating. Pallbearers were Brad Wiest, Scott Smith, Ben Smith, Cody Wittmack, Chad Wittmack, Trevor Wittmack, Kevin Ulseth, Kim Gallaway, Josh Smith. Honorary Pallbearers were “All of Evie’s Friends and Family”. A luncheon, prepared by the Knox United Church Ladies, was served in the lower hall. Interment took place at the Butte Cemetery.

Donations can be made directly to the Alzheimer Society, 201, 222 – 58 Ave. SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2H 2S3 in Evie’s memory.

Arrangements were entrusted to Coronation Funeral Home. A Division of Central Alberta Family Funeral Services.

Condolences can be forwarded to the family by visiting the website: www.coronationfuneralhome.ca.
Mom

On December 25th,

two thousand and seven

That was the day your

soul mate went to heaven

A part of you also left us

that day

While the other part

had to stay

Now you are once again

whole

Side by side, soul by

soul

Dancing in the stars

together

Home sweet home,

at peace forever.

Written by:

Wendy Wittmack
Grandma

Your smile brought happiness, your laugh brought joy. To hold you longer is all I ever ask, but God needed you up in heaven as my Guardian Angel. He needed your love, He needed your kindness. You are the greatest person I will ever know. You loved us then, you love us now. We will never forget you. In our hearts forever more. You are a great storyteller and always loved me. You know we love you and we know you love us. I loved having you around and your smile we will never forget. I love you dearly. From now until the end I have only one request . . . when I get up there stay with me. This is not the end it is only the beginning. I am not saying goodbye because I know this is not the last time I will see you again, ’cause I know you will greet me up in heaven and we will laugh till our sides get sore and play until our legs can’t take us one more step. So Grandma, all I want to say is goodbye for now. I love you Grandma.

Written by:

Shayanne Gallaway
Card of Thanks

We would like to thank the staff at the Consort Lodge and Long Term for the care of Mom while she was there. Thanks to Coronation Funeral Home for all the kindness and arrangements; to the United Church choir, organist, lunch committee and Reverend Susan for the wonderful service. All who called, brought food, sent flowers and cards – Thank You.

Wendy and Family

Marlene and Family

Cheryl and Family

Randy and Family

Keith Dunning Annett

Sept. 11, 1955 – Oct. 11, 2016

We are deeply saddened to announce that Keith passed away on October 11, 2016 at 61 years of age. Keith is survived by his beloved wife, Sherryl; his mother-in-law Jean Clelland; his brother Mark (Gail); his sister Marilyn; his sisters-in-law Elizabeth, Leah (Mike) and Janet (Frank); his step sisters Sheryl and Lesley; his nieces Caroline, Liana, Erin, Lindsay, Stephanie, Haley, Christine and Meghan; nephew Mark; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and friends across North America. Keith was pre-deceased by his parents, Jack Annett and Peggy Annett (Henry); his brother, Bob; his sister, Irene; and his grandparents, Ross and Lennye Annett, and Pat and Greta Henry.

Born in Consort, Alberta, Keith lived all his life in Edmonton and, in recent years, at the cottage he and Sherryl built on Vancouver Island. He graduated from NAIT in Architectural Technology and worked for several Edmonton architectural firms through the years – most notably Manasc-Isaac Architects, his second home for the past 23 years.

Keith was a loving, loyal, creative and compassionate gentleman. He loved his family; his work; and a good road trip through the Rockies. Many of his favourite memories revolved around the friends of his youth and epic tales of endless summers in the “cabbage patch” in Jasper. He was a mentor and teacher to many and a best friend to all. He loved to laugh, debate and, most of all, imagine – especially in the company of smart and talented people. His imagination was a defining feature of his character. Keith never met an idea he couldn’t embrace; never read a verse he couldn’t quote; nor ever met a person in whom he couldn’t find something to admire.

We are all better for having had him in our lives. And we will miss him forever.

A celebration of Keith’s life will be held on Friday, October 28th at 4:00 p.m. at Rio Terrace Moravian Church, 15108 76 Avenue, Edmonton.

In lieu of flowers, Keith’s family invites donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the pet rescue society of your choice.

Gary and Family

Elaine Rutledge

Aug. 5, 1922 – Oct. 13, 2016

Elaine Margaret (nee Crisp) Rutledge passed away on October 13, 2016 while in the Provost Health Care Centre at the age of 94 years.

Elaine leaves behind sister June (Bob) Day, sister in law Daye Asprey, son Pat (Bella) Rutledge and his children Sean Rutledge (Jen Wakely) and their daughter Claire; Suzanne (Justin) Ference and children Darrion, Laine and Hunter; Swice and Vinz; son Roy Rutledge and his sons Frank (Stacy) Rutledge and their son Travis; Ryan (Jocelyn) Rutledge and their children Larissa, Mitchel, Brooklyn and Quinn; Rocky (Brittany) Rutledge and their children Tyson, Riley, Mason and Reese; daughter Lorna (Sigard) Baustad and their daughter Nancy (Kevin) Baxter; Curtis Munn and his son Elias; Darren (Bonnie) Munn and their children Lachlan and Dania; as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

Elaine was predeceased by her father Herb and mother Margaret Crisp; her inlaws Jake and Harriette Rutledge; ex husband Willis; brother Henry; sister in law Phyllis Crisp and Audrey Crisp; sister Daphne and brother in law Harold Early and their son Bob; brother in law Gordon Rutledge; sisters in law Margaret Rutledge, Irene Rutledge and Virginia Hambrook; brother in law Archie Hambrook and their children Bud and Hope; brother in law Edmund Schorr as well as her daughter in law Irene Rutledge and grandson in law Jeremy Percival.

Funeral services were held on Tuesday, October 18, 2016 at 1:00 p.m. in the Stettler Funeral Home, Stettler, Alberta with Marvin Evans officiating. Grandson Darren Munn gave a loving tribute to his grandmother. Family and friends then gathered together in the Heartland Reception Centre of the Stettler Funeral Home for a time of sharing and light luncheon. The interment followed in the Monitor Cemetery. Elaine’s son Pat acted as pallbearer and honorary pallbearers were all of Elaine’s family and friends.

Memorial contributions in Elaine’s memory may be made to the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah Witness, Stettler Branch or to a charity of the donor’s choice. Sympathies may be forwarded to the family by signing the guestbook at www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com.

Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium were entrusted with the care and funeral arrangements.

Tribute

by Darren Munn

Today we celebrate the memory of Elaine Margaret Crisp Rutledge; a thoughtful, hard working woman, with a great sense of humor, and a positive outlook on life. She was a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, grandmother, great grandmother and most recently a great great grandmother.

Growing up on a farm near Monitor, Alberta

Elaine Margaret Crisp was one of four children born to Herbert and Margaret Crisp. She came into this world on August 5, 1922 at the Consort Hospital. The same room by the same physician and nurse as her children years later. The Crisp family, like so many, had to work long hours in the fields, with the drought and depression of the 30s making life that much harder.

Although growing up in this environment wasn’t easy, Elaine and her sibilings had a happy childhood. They grew up with loving parents who instilled those same values onto their children. Elaine (or Grandma Rut) as we kids called her, had that same kindness and optimism as her parents. She had her fathers same sense of humor and knack for smart remarks. Although I think it was Great Grandma Crisp that started the phrase “Waste not want not”. That one stuck with Grandma her entire life. As Roy said, “I would guess that she never paid a nickels bank interest in her life. I would guess that she never had a credit card either. If she did, she would never have let it go to where she had to pay interest.

Elaine had started an auto-biography of her life, and recounted her childhood quite fondly. There are more than a few good stories. One of her first memories was riding their beloved horse Cliff with her dad. He was a good natured horse, and patient with all the kids that would ride on his back. Cliff played a significant role in her life for years to come from rides to town to riding him with Daphne in the 1927 Jubilee Parade. They won first prize, 5 dollars. A good sum of money back then.

She also recalled when she was 16, and Tweed McConnell gave her and Daphne a couple of baby goats. The one goat Billy was quite the menace. She recalls him climbing onto the roof of a salesman’s shiny new car and pulling at the laundry as her mom tried to hang it on the line. Her mother had to carry a broom under her arm to keep him away. Now most folks would have penned him or got rid of him in one way or another, but not the Crisps. Even when Billy fell into the water barrel and the girls rescued him with one of their mom’s good towels, her parents didn’t get rid of him. I suppose they had no option given their daughters attachment to him. Billy did provide for a lot of amusement but when the folks moved to town Billy had to go back to Tweed.

Elaine also recalls Butch McCarron with much affection. He was a bachelor who lived across the road. He loved kids, Henry, Daphne and Elaine were his favorites. He spoiled them with gifts over the years, and took Elaine to cattle sales on a regular basis. All the kids would go down to watch Butch break horses. Elaine said, “He use to feed us kids bread and jam and say you can’t taste it unless its an inch thick.” Elaine tried it at home but her mother soon put a stop to that nonsense. “Waste not want not”. Elaine got her first job with Butch chasing his newly bought pigs to the stockyard, she earned 10 cents per trip.

Elaine and her siblings spent much of their time outside of school helping around the farm. She picked vegetables and berries and helped feed the chickens, pigs and cows. Elaine often recalled her and Henry picking the Russian thistle to feed the cattle during periods of drought. Then one year, Henry had an idea to get rid of the thistle and Elaine and Henry drove down the field of thistle using wire they attached between two teams of horses. Unfortunately, they did it on a day with a west wind and years later Elaine learned from Willis that the thistles had blown up onto the Rutledge’s fence knocking it down. She never admitted to her part in that escapade until after Willis died. That brings us to Elaine’s next chapter in life.

Life as a wife and mother on the Ranch

In 1942 Elaine married Willis Rutledge. She had been clerking in her father’s store when they had first met. Her hard work ethic came to good use on the ranch. By 1946 she had three small children and was cooking, cleaning the bunkhouse and doing laundry for 6-8 hired hands, in addition to maintaining her own household. Every year she grew a large garden, and harvested lots of saskatoons and crab apples and one year she canned over 100 half gallon jars of Saskatoons alone. Elaine also raised chickens and also raised turkeys for spending money.

Elaines three children Pat, Roy and Lorna, all helped out on the ranch, whether it be in the garden, caring for livestock or picking saskatoons and crab apples. Even us grandkids got our share of helping Grandma with her garden and berry picking; or at least we thought we were helping. We were probably more of a hinderance than a help, which is why she would often find us in the silage pit or in some other place we were’t supposed to be.

When Pat was in high school, grandma decided she should finish her schooling as well. She finished grade twelve just to see if she could, all while working full time on the ranch. A testament to her determination and hard work ethic.

On a few occasions she did manage to get a vacation from the ranch. One year, her and Willis traveled to Northern Ireland to visit relatives. It was there she learned of her in-laws feud as teenagers. Willis’ uncle told them they would set fire to each others haystacks. As you can imagine Willis quickly put an end to that conversation. She often giggled about that in her later years.

Elaine also took her mother Margaret to England to visit her sister. They had a great time and she enjoyed watching her mother reminisce with her relatives in Norwich. She was so happy her mother got the chance to go back.

A new life away from the Ranch

As Elaine approached 60, she became tired of her life on the ranch and decided it was time for a change. She divorced Willis and moved to St. Albert to start a new life for herself. There, she connected with the local Jehovah’s Witness community and made some new friendships. She also took up a full time position as a shoe salesperson in Woolco. Although she worked many long hours, Elaine still made time for visits with her children and grandchildren. She lived happily in St. Albert for a number of years until her retirement, when she decided to move to Stettler in order to be closer to her children and grandchildren.

Retirement

Elaine enjoyed her retirement in Stettler. She had a house by a park that she walked in and she had made more friends in the Jehovah’s Witness community. She did a bit of travelling as a retiree, once having travelled to Europe with Henry and Audrey. During their visit they took a tour of a farm in Switzerland. She spoke fondly of that trip and often giggled over the fact that some old fellow in the lodge questioned why she would travel across the world just to pet a cow.

She also travelled to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with members of her congregation. Elaine spoke highly of that trip, commenting on what an eye opener it was to experience a different country and way of life. This was in spite of having one of those third world experiences where the bus she was on was robbed.

When not with her congregation, Elaine spent time visiting her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would travel to the ranch and visit Pat, Irene, Sean and Suzanne or to Assinaboine to visit Roy, Debbie, Ryan and Rocky. She loved being around her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Often, she would go on picnics and walks with Sig and Lorna in Red Deer and Stettler. Grandma particularly loved the 5KM walk around Gaetz Lake Sanctuary. She walked around that area up until the age of 82. They soon named the hill after her brother, as she walked it together with Henry and Audrey so many years before.

Elaine also got to spend time in Calgary with myself, Nancy and our families. Every time Grandma had an ophthalmology appointment she would stay with Nancy for a few days. She travelled up the Banff gondola to see the tops of the Rockies, and walked around Heritage Park and the Calgary Zoo. Riding the “paddle wheeler” around the reservoir at Heritage Park was a highlight as was feeding the red squirrels peanuts in Nancy’s backyard and watching them torment her golden retriever Ripley.

One evening we all went to “The Broken Plate” for dinner, which is a Greek restaurant that permits the tradition of breaking a plate on the floor for prosperity and good luck. Of course you had to yell “OPA” as part of the experience. With some coaxing from the patrons Grandma finally stood up, threw her plate to the floor and yelled “OPA”. She had a smile of satisfaction and the owner said to her, “now don’t you feel better”. She replied, “as a matter of fact I do”!

Life with Dementia

By this time Elaine had moved to the Consort Lodge.Her mental health had begun to deteriorate and she had difficulty looking after herself. It was not easy giving up her home, her car and her independence. For the most part, things went well but on one occasion during a recreation session she got hit in the eye with a sponge ball. She was sure it was no accident. She never let go of that incident and that story came to the surface, lets say more than a few times.

Shortly after that, Elaine moved to the lodge at Oyen. There she seemed happier. Perhaps it was the staff and the residents, or perhaps it was not having to see the “ball thrower’s” face on a daily basis. She was still pretty active then, going for picnics and walks with family and friends.

By age 90, Elaine’s dementia had deteriorated further. Yet there were still many times when she would have something sharp or funny to say. Roy recalled talking to Elaine at her 90th birthday party. She asked him, “Why are all these people here?” He said, “It is your birthday mom. Everybody showed up to wish you a happy birthday and help you celebrate. It is quite an achievement to get to your age.”  She said, “My birthday? How old am I?” He said, “You are 90 years old.” She said, “Oh! Am I?” Due to her failing memory she asked again later. Why are all these people here? He told her the same story again! Her reaction was exactly the same again. Finally, after the 12th or 15th time, she says “oh, how old am I?” Roy said, “You are 100 years old today!” She said, “NO, I’M NOT!!! I was born in 1922!”

Shortly after that Elaine was moved to Provost for more intensive care. Her memories now took her back to her childhood and most days struggled with remembering people, places and events. On her good days, her happy spirit and her sense of optimism were often present. The caregivers loved hearing her little sayings:

• Spring has Sprung, The grass is Riz, I wonder where my summer wages is”. . .

• My father always said treat other people right

• Dad always said watch that other guy on the road. She said that one a lot, especially driving around Calgary. She had dozens of funny sayings to amuse the staff.

• My favorite was “If we all agreed on everything there wouldn’t be anything to talk about”

• And of course “waste not want not”

Even up until recently she could remember Daphne, Henry, June, Herb and Margaret. But she couldn’t always remember her kids or all of her grandkids.

Her hearing was also a challenge in later years and she had hearing aids but didn’t like wearing them. When Pat visited he had to shout pretty loud and the people on the other side of the hall could hear him, sometimes they even answered. She had trouble hearing Pat’s voice but she could hear Suzanne and her boys just fine.

Elaine loved kids and animals. A few weeks back someone brought in a pair of kid goats. Her eyes lit up and she gave them a hug, pretty sure she was thinking of Billy in that moment.

Grandma once said how grateful she was to have been healthly enough and young enough to see her kids, grandkids and even her great grandkids grow up. An understatement considering her oldest grandkids are near 50 and her oldest great grandkid is turning 32 this month.

The truth is we were lucky to have her. She was a great lady who taught us about friendship, laughter, hard work, above all how to not take oneself so seriously. She was always kind to us kids growing up. We will miss her dearly, but take comfort in having had so many wonderful years with her, and in knowing that she is now resting comfortably in a better place.

Grace Marciline Hamer (nee Swift)

Sept. 4, 1921-Oct. 28, 2016

On October 28, 2016, Grace Marciline Hamer of Morinville passed away at home at the age of 95 years.

Grace is survived by her children, Ter (Julaine) Hamer, Deborah (Don) Bright, Vince Hamer, and son in law, Rick Lutz; grandchildren, Coralee (Jeff) Round, Tara (Tom) Naugler, Blair (Laurie) Hamer, Jill Brownson, Robyn (Dan) Hansen, Jordan (Miranda) Hamer, Luke (Erin) Pickard, Kris Misurko, Lisa Lutz, Mysti (Verlyn) Bateham, Colin Lutz, and Brett Lutz; great-grandchildren, Evan, Malcolm, Nathan, Josh Round, Adam, Ben Naugler, Jada, Bryn, Skylar Hamer, Dakota, Bayley Brownson, Juliana, Elisabet Hansen, Josiah, Luke, Jesse Hamer, Sara, Jane Pickard, Halle Lutz, and Arek, Frank Misurko; honourary family, Roy and Susan (Graham, Naomi) Diehl, Eric Lynch, the Lengyel family, and friends with tails, Strider and Taxi. Predeceased by grandson, Wade (1987); son, Bob (1998); husband, Roger (2000); daughter, Eloise Lutz (2010); and brother, Charles Swift (2011).

Grace was raised on a ranch south of Gooseberry Lake near Consort, Alberta by Francis and Mary (Clifford) Swift.

At 22 years, she moved to Calgary serving with the RCAF Depot One in WWII before working as an executive assistant in real estate, retail and at the Providence Creche where she worked with special needs children.

Grace and Roger were a founding family of St. Anthony’s Parish in Calgary and she was heavily involved with the Catholic Woman’s League and St. Anthony’s Seniors Club.

The Hamer home was always open to anyone and Grace was a magnificent hostess. There was always enough food, coffee and horrible jokes for all. Her red hair was about as friendly a beacon as you might hope to find.

The Hamer family would like to thank her kind and thoughtful physician, Dr. Dennis Kiraly and are forever in gratitude to the amazing staff of Morinville Home Care for their support, kindness, care and love provided to Grace.

Mass of the Resurrection was planned for Wednesday, November 2 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Jean Baptiste Roman Catholic Church, 10020-100 Avenue, Morinville, Alberta with Reverend Mario Jubinville officiating.

Photos, memories and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com.

Nicholas Hager

May 4, 1916 – Oct. 31, 2016

Nicholas (Nick) Hager died peacefully at 100 years of age on Monday, October 31, 2016 at the Red Deer Hospice.

Left to honor this wonderful man are his eight children and their families, Maureen (Roy) Franklin, Larry (Lorna) Hager, Ron (Terrie) Hager, Terry (Kathy) Hager, Lynn (Ray) Miller, Cindy McFadden, Pat (Irene) Hager and Dave (Jill) Hager; 30 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren. Also left to mourn are sisters Kay Read and Caroline Knapik; brother Jerry (Kay) Hager; as well as many nieces, nephews and good friends. Nick was predeceased by the love of his life, Kathleen (Jary) Hager, his brother Peter and son in law Larry McFadden.

He met his wife Kathleen at a dance in Major, Saskatchewan and they were married on February 11, 1944 in Kerrobert, Saskatchewan. A union that lasted 66 years.

Born in Rosenheim, Alberta, the son of Michael and Marianna (Keller), Hager spent his youth and most of his adult life in Compeer, Alberta.

As a young man Nick worked on the family farm and in the businesses and eventually he and his brother Jerry took over the operations. Nick was a fair, honest, hardworking businessman who had the respect of the community. In 1974 Nick and his family moved to Nanton where he started a new career as a parts manager at the GM dealership in High River.

Nick had a passion for traveling and along with his wife Kathleen they traveled around the world and back again. Later in life, Nick enjoyed spending winters in Arizona and quickly made many friends with fellow snowbirds.

Nick and his wife Kathleen loved to dance and together they won a number of competitions for their graceful rendition of the old time waltz.

Nick spoke highly of his friends and the staff at Revera Aspen Ridge and had fond memories of his time with them.

The family of Nick would like to thank the staff on Unit 21 at the Red Deer Regional Hospital and the Red Deer Hospice Society for the care they provided to our dad in his time of need.

A funeral mass and celebration of life was held at the St. Mary’s Church, 6 McMillan Avenue, Red Deer on Thursday, November 10 at 11:00 a.m.

“Jim” William James Ryan

Sept. 16, 1923 – Nov. 6, 2016

William James “Jim” Ryan passed away at the Consort Long Term Care November 6, 2016 at the age of 93 years.

Jim was born September 16, 1923 and was raised on the family farm near Cobden, Ontario. As a young man he helped on the family farm and worked in bush camp during the winters. He eventually came west on harvest excursions and ended up staying in Alberta permanently. His affection for horses, being a teamster in the bush camps and eventually a cowboy, is why he chose Alberta as a permanent residence.

Several farms and ranches benefitted from Jim’s tremendous work ethic and quiet ways – including the Cumming’s near Innisfail, a purebred-operation near Olds, over 20 years at the McInytre Ranch and eventually at the Simkin Ranch where he became part of the family.

Jim is survived by his sister Adeline Ryan; nephews Doug (Anna) Hart and their children John, Lydia (Steve) their children Grayson, Levi and Bailey; Michael Hart; special friends John and Sue Simkin, their children Jill (Alistair) Dinniss and their children Gavin, Adam and James; Mark (Donna) and their children Lillian and Jaxon Simkin; Emily Simkin as well as numerous cousins. He was predeceased by his parents James and Agatha Ryan, brother Gerald, brother-in-law William and sister Ann Hart.

Interment was held on Tuesday November 15, 2016 at 4 p.m. at the Innisfail Cemetery. Funeral services will be held on Friday November 18, 2016 at 10:30 a.m. at Corpus Christi Parish, Consort. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Cross Cancer Institute, Edmonton or the charity of choice.

Coronation Funeral Home, entrusted with arrangements.

Wayne Raymond Schumaker was born on December 12, 1952 in Calgary and passed away November 7, 2016 in Didsbury, following a courageous battle with cancer.

A memorial service was held at the Hope Pointe Community Church, a Church of the Nazarene, in Olds on Thursday, November 10, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. Reverend Darlene Hyatt officiated. Organist was Doris Neufeld and leader of song was Stephen Johnston. Selected music included “Me & Jesus” – Tom T. Hall (Processional), “Raise Me Up”, “Go Rest High On That Mountain” and “Have You Ever Seen The Rain?” – C.C.R. (Recessional). The Eulogy was given by Andrew Cooke.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne’s memory to: Brain Cancer c/o Canadian Cancer – AB & NWT, #200, 235 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5.

Eulogy

Hello, my name is Andrew Cooke and Wayne and I have been friends for about 10 years when we worked together and commuted together to work in Calgary. We are here today to celebrate WAYNE:

Wayne Raymond Schumaker

He was born: December 12, 1952 and passed away on November 7, 2016, after a long fight with cancer.

Mourning in his loss are:

his girlfriend and caregiver Norma Watchel, his daughters Chrissy (Quintin), and Brittany (Ken), and his granddaughter Ava, his mother Kay Schumaker, and siblings: Murray Schumaker and Tammi; Laurie English and Dana; Patricia Lemoine and Garry; Terry Schumaker-Dolan and Glen.

Wayne was predeceased by his son Jamie, his father Raymond, and Brittany’s mom Joyce.

I will now share Norma’s words about Wayne, the man she loved and cared for dearly. . .

We are here today to celebrate the life of a truly amazing man, Wayne Raymond Schumaker. He lived his life on his terms. He always had a big smile for everyone. Always cheerful and smiles.

Wayne loved to go camping and quading, looking at the beautiful scenery – sometimes too much as he kept running into trees! Also, when it came time to go wash the quads, “Don’t go in there Wayne”, 4 times, “Don’t go in that part of the creek Wayne”, but oh no, in he goes, and floating away they both go, so he jumps off to his neck in water and starts WASHING THE BIKE! What a GUY!

But most of all, Wayne loved riding his Harley which he named Sally. He loved going for drives through the mountains or almost anywhere just to see something new!! Often getting himself and Norma lost – but, more scenery to see is the way he saw it.

He spent a winter down by the Mexican border one time which he really enjoyed. Also before that, while still working for Alberta Processing, where he worked for 23 years, he got the surprise of his life. Norma sneaked his passport and booked a trip to Hawaii. So Thursday he was told he was leaving Monday. He was so excited and had the time of his life.

One thing about Wayne – he never bought a car for more than $500.00. He just couldn’t see the point in it.

After Wayne retired from Alberta Processing, he took a summer job with Jeff at Alberta Septic. He enjoyed working with him. Also he met Chris there who he became very close to both Chris and Jenny and family.

Wayne lived in many areas over the years. He spent 5 years up at a ranch in Consort and he also was up in Yellowknife for 3 years. He also took part in 4H Beef Club.

Wayne stayed so positive throughout his journey home. He always had a smile in the morning and plans to go on trips to the Redwoods with Norma, Chrissy and Britt. Also to get more tattoos. Always making plans for fun in his future.

Wayne also became a great believer in The Lord during this time. He prayed each night and morning.

Wayne had a huge heart. He went to a country Jamboree with Norma and her friend Marilyn and he was the highest bidder on this guitar for the Children’s Hospital. Then he turned around and gave it back to the hospital. Spends more on a guitar he doesn’t keep than on a car for himself! Talk about being a great, unselfish man.

Wayne enjoyed taking Kevin O’Neil out fishing, which they did often. And – often getting lost getting there – with Wayne’s directions. On one occasion as Wayne was enjoying sitting back relaxing, enjoying the weather, Kevin was reeling in a fish. Wayne started telling him to reel faster, and it “looks like a big one”, and Kevin yanked on the rod really hard and the fish flew out of the water and smacked Wayne across the face. So he grabs a small stick to try and kill it but the stick broke – so he just put it in the bag live and said “it’s for dinner”.

Another story Wayne told was about a car on the old farm that they cut the roof off of and just used it to drive all over the farm like mad. He also mentioned a time with Mur, that himself and Mur were throwing rocks into the creek and he threw one and hit Mur right in the head, least to say, Mur was not pleased.
Thank you Norma and his girls for sharing these stories of Wayne.

Now, I would like to share a few memories of Wayne:

• Working with Wayne at AP

• Beater Cars

• Living at our place one summer in his motorhome – helpful, hard worker, tidying garage, yard work

• Visits with Wayne – always happy, cheerful, fun.

~~~~~~~~~~

Weep not for me though

I am gone

Into that gentle night.

Grieve if you will,

but not for long

Upon my soul’s sweet flight.

I am at peace, my soul’s

at rest

There is no need for tears.

For with your love I was

so blessed

For all those many years.

There is no pain,

I suffer not,

The fear is now all gone.

Put now these things

out of your thoughts,

In your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight

for breath

Remember not the strife.

Pleupase do not dwell

upon my death,

But celebrate my life.

Cleona Marie Weiss

Sept. 14, 1943 – Nov. 9, 2016

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of mother, grandma, wife, and friend, Cleona Marie Weiss, on November 9, 2016, at the age of 73. She will be greatly missed by her husband of 53 years, Stan; her three daughters Michelle (Brice Koenig), Barb, and Krista (Jason Camp); and her grandson Dylan Koenig.

Cleona was born on September 14, 1943 in Consort, Alberta, and grew up near New Brigden where she attended school. She lived near Monitor until 1991, and then spent the last 25 years of her life east of Medicine Hat. She loved her home and life on the farm, the company of her family and good friends, and she especially loved watching Dylan play baseball. We will forever miss her sweet and generous spirit and her wonderful sense of humor.

A Celebration of Cleona’s life was held at Cook Southland Funeral Chapel, 901 – 13 Street S.W., Medicine Hat on Wednesday, November 16 at 1:00 p.m. with Dr. David J. Carter officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.