May 18, 2024
By Obituaries on May 18, 2024.
EVELYN CHRISTINE MacDONALD
EVELYN CHRISTINE MacDONALD April 3, 1935 – May 7, 2024 Evelyn Christine MacDonald left us on May 7, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of laughter, adventure, and an indomitable spirit; she was with family at the time of her passing.
Evelyn was born in Hamiota, Manitoba, raised in Flin Flon, the youngest of Thomas and Clara Barr’s five children. Her heart found its match in Murray Leask, with whom she built a life and welcomed three children: Richard “Rick” (Susanne) MacDonald, Sjaane (Merle) Kanewischer, and Dean, who predeceased her in 1960. Tragedy struck again when she lost Murray in 1962.
Fate brought William “Bill” MacDonald into her life, along with two new sons, Marty (Arlene) MacDonald and Mark (Kathleen “Kate” McCauliffe) MacDonald. Together they welcomed Roderick, whose time on earth was a brief, but cherished chapter, closing in 1965. Evelyn’s journey with Bill was one of movement, as Bill’s career as a Fish & Wildlife Officer took them around the province, including Medicine Hat, Wetaskiwin and Camrose. After Bill’s passing in 2000, Evelyn embraced her independence with a zest for travel, exploring destinations from Arizona to Washington D.C., collecting and creating many memories. Her culinary adventures were limited to dining out as her best recipe was “reservations”. Following a stroke in 2008, her life changed dramatically and her world became smaller, but her feisty nature continued to assert itself.
Eight grandchildren were lucky enough to call her “Grandma”, “Grandma Mac” or “Bama”; Blake Kanewischer (Jae Kang), Kyle (Shawna) Kanewischer, Megan Allan (Jesse Gill) Lindsay (Derek) Gerein, Whitney (Kevin) McLuckie, Erin (Cody) Turcotte, Jerica MacDonald (Brett Grierson) and Michael MacDonald. They counted themselves lucky, because she had an infectious laugh that somehow doubled itself, as she starred laughing at the fact she was laughing. Despite her grand’s being scattered across the province, she saw them regularly. She had twelve great-grandchildren; Coen and Torin Kanewischer; Brady, Carter and Kylie Allan; Cade and Yale Gerein; Thea McLuckie; Karsynn, Colter and Cavan Turcotte; and Elle Grierson.
Predeceased by two daughters-in-law, Susanne in 2019 and Kate in 2023, her memory is cherished by her brother Robert (Norma) Barr, as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
In lieu of a service, she wished for us to celebrate her life in our own way – perhaps by making a reservation at your favourite restaurant.
BARBARA PAYNE
BARBARA PAYNE 1958 ~ 2024
It is with heavy hearts that family of Barbara Jean Payne announce her peaceful passing in Medicine Hat on Saturday, February 17, 2024, at the age of 65 years. Memorial postponed. Further announcements will follow upon completion of the arrangements.
JAMES DEE
JAMES DEE James (Jim) Dee passed away on April 23, 2024 at his home in Thunder Bay, Ontario; just one day before his 61st birthday. James is survived by his brother Fred Dee of Medicine Hat, AB and his son Kevin Dee of Lumby, B.C. James was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Lillian Dee. A private family memorial will be held at a later date.
MAUDE MARY SUTHERLAND
MAUDE MARY SUTHERLAND November 13,1927 May 5, 2024 It is with sadness that the family of Maude Mary Sutherland (nee Henderson) announce her passing at the age of 96 years.
Maude will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Frances and her son Bruce (Janet); grandchildren Christie (Andre) Lefrancois, Kathy (Nick) Roche; Trish (Tim) Getzinger and Andrew (Nadya) Sutherland; great grandchildren Lily, Matthew, Isabella, Kaylee, Mikayla, Logan, Tasia, Trysta, Tavon, and Tayden; as well as her nieces, nephews, and their families. She was predeceased by Bob, her husband of almost 60 years and her three sisters Margaret, Isbel, and Frances.
Maude was born in Allathan, Scotland to Francis and Margaret Henderson. She grew up on the family farm with her three sisters before moving to Aberdeen to train as a nurse. After completing her training, she practiced as a public health nurse and a midwife in Aberdeen.
Maude first met Bob when her cousin brought him along on a visit to Aberdeen; her cousin and Bob were both soldiers in the Canadian Armed Forces, stationed in Germany. Bob kept coming back and they eventually married. In 1955 they returned to Canada where their two children were born. As a military family, they crisscrossed the country living in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and New Brunswick before returning to Alberta and finally retiring in Medicine Hat.
In addition to being busy raising her family, Maude enjoyed knitting, sewing, doing cross stitch, and going for daily walks with Bob. She was a cheerful, kind, and outgoing person, always ready with a smile.
After Bob’s passing, she moved to Chartwell Emerald Hills in Sherwood Park to be closer to her family, where she lived until her passing.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
To send condolences please visit http://www.glenwoodmemorial.com
ODETTE DALE
ODETTE DALE December 12, 1929 ~ May 12, 2024
Odette Alvera Dale (nee Medan), beloved wife of the late Ronald Dale, passed away at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital on Sunday, May 12, 2024, at the age of 94 years. Left to carry on her legacy is her daughter, Dolores (Clarence) Murray and their family: granddaughter, Pamela (Patrick) and great-grandsons, Hunter, Mason and Beckett; son, Harry (Vickie) Dale and their family: grandsons, Ryan, Shaun (Ellis) and their children, Gibson and Nora as well as granddaughter, Dana (Travis); nieces, Sherry Hickmott and Darlene Much; nephew, Phil Hallam as well as many other family members. Along with her husband, Ronnie, Odette was predeceased by her parents, Antonio and Marie Medan; sisters, Antonina Medan and Rosita (Philip) Hallam as well as her nephew, Dave Hallam. Odette was raised in Claydon, Saskatchewan and Hatzic Prairie, BC. She married Ronnie Dale in Mission City, BC and together built a succesful farm and cattle operation in Claydon where she continued to do the books until her untimely death. Odette’s hobbies included knitting, painting, playing cards, dancing, gardening, baseball, curling, and watching her grandchildren’s sports including equestrian, hockey and school sports She was a member of Claydon Ladies Club for over 40 years as well as the accountant for the Maple Creek Co-op. Attending her grand-children’s weddings, family gatherings as well as visits and activities with her great-grandchildren were some of Odette’s most memorable occasions. She was the head of the family, truly a rock; always encouraging everyone to keep together. Odette was passionately devoted to her family holding them all in the fold of her love, teaching them the most precious gifts of all: hard work, love of family, kindness, loyalty, friendship and was a true example to follow. Odette was the glue that kept her family together and she will be deeply missed. Dignified cremation has taken place. A celebration of Odette’s life will be held at a later date. (Condolences may be expressed by visiting http://www.cooksouthland.com) Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
http://www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”
HEPFNER
HEPFNER Randy Hepfner of Medicine Hat, AB passed away peacefully on May 16th, 2024 at the age of 70 years. Randy leaves to cherish his memory his children, Ryan (Amber) Hepfner and granddaughter Hayley; and Derek Hepfner. Randy was predeceased by his father Joe Hepfner (2004) and is survived by his mother Victoria Hepfner. He has three sisters Verna Hepfner, Jackie Mayberry and Karen Jangula who passed away in 2003.
Randy was born on June 27th, 1953, worked all his life as a farmer in Medicine Hat, Alberta. He also worked at Nowsco Well Service for twenty seven winters and Caron Transport. His passions include working on the farm, riding his quads, spending time with his family and loved ones, and joyrides on his motorcycle. Later in life he purchased his greatest treasure, his copper Dodge Challenger.
We would like to thank Dr. A.F. Jeraj of Medicine Hat, Dr. G.S.E. Razavi of Lethbridge and the members of the MAID team.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice. There will be no funeral service.
Arrangements are made by Grace Memorial Affordable Burial & Cremation
1924 10th Ave N.W. Medicine Hat, Alberta T1C 1T5
http://www.gracememorial.com
403-905-0440
ROBERT “BOB” WATSON
ROBERT “BOB” WATSON 1960 ~ 2024 Robert “Bob” Watson of Medicine Hat, passed away on Wednesday, May 15th, 2024 at the age of 64 years. Robert leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Marilyn Edwards; children, Derek Watson, Jen Bunting and Steph (Derrick) Hinks; brother, Charles Watson (Katherine); sister, Penny Thompson; brothers-in-law, Gerald Kruger and Gordon Kruger; sister-in-law, Carla (David) Lerner; his fur babies; as well as numerous grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Robert was predeceased by his parents Ronald and Joyce Watson; brothers-in-law, Barry Thompson and Robert Kruger; mother-in-law, Rosie Kruger; and father-in-law, Emil Kruger. Bob was in the Canadian Regular Force from October 27,1978 until August 15, 1995 when he then joined the Reserves at Southern Alberta Lighthorse until September 2, 2012. He served in two UN tours one in Cyprus from September 1984 until March 1985 the second in Goland Heights December 1987 until June 1988. He also was an Akela for two different cub troops. He worked at Shamrock Bottling and Pride beverages working his way up to Material Manager. Bob was a huge Toronto Maple Leaf’s fan. He loved to travel and his travels included; Mexico twice, Disneyland, Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. He always said, ‘they were not the best trips, they were phenomenal”. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, on Saturday, May 18th, 2024 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via livestream by logging on to http://www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Bob’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Memorial gifts in Bob’s memory may be made to the Vets Canada, Box 214, 53 Queen, St. Dartmouth, NS, B2Y 3Y3. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Robert Watson. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
http://www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
Locally owned and directed
CGR Holdings Ltd.
EMIL MUELLER
1925 ~ EMIL MUELLER ~ 2024 Emil Mueller of Medicine Hat, passed away on Saturday, May 11th, 2024 at the age of 99 years. Emil leaves to cherish his memory his children, Peter Mueller (Rosa Pilar), Frank (Shelly) Mueller, Mike (Nadine) Mueller and Elli (Dieter) Wieczorek; grandchildren, Chris (April) Williams, Robin Wieczorek, Stephanie (Kelsey) Fraser, Jeffrey (Amy) Mueller, Madison Mueller and Tyson Mueller (Andrea Contreras); great grandchildren, Brody, Sidney, Winter, Brandon, Ethan, Stian, Keiran, Benjamin, Olivia and Elizabeth; sister, Elfriede Hopp, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Emil was predeceased by his parents, Adolf and Emilie Mueller; wife, Lilly Mueller; grandson, BJ Wieczorek; brother, Herbert Mueller; sisters, Irmgard Heger and Alma Wanke. Emil was a hard worker and was the happiest when building cupboards. He was very proud of his family. He will be lovingly remembered and forever missed. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Monday, May 20th, 2024 from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at Hillside Cemetery, Gershaw Dr SW & 10 Ave SW, Medicine Hat, AB, on Tuesday, May 21st, 2024 at 2:00 pm with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. Memorial gifts in Emil’s memory may be made to A.J.’s Loan Cupboard, P.O. Box 45006, MacKenzie Drug Post Office, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 0B1 or Carmel Hospice at St. Joseph’s Home, 156 3rd Street NE, Medicine Hat, Alberta, T1A 5M1. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Emil Mueller. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
http://www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
Locally owned and directed
CGR Holdings Ltd.
ALICE CHISHOLM
1937 ~ ALICE CHISHOLM ~ 2024 Alice Chisholm of Medicine Hat, passed away on Thursday, May 9th, 2024 at the age of 86 years. The Funeral Service was held yesterday at Holy Family Parish, 1451 Strachan Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB T1B 4V3. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
http://www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
Locally owned and directed
CGR Holdings Ltd.
condolences@saamis.com subject heading Alice Chisholm. Funeral arrangements entrusted to
JOYCE BROTZELL
1943 ~ JOYCE BROTZELL ~ 2024 Joyce Darlene Brotzell of Medicine Hat, beloved wife of William Brotzell, passed away on Thursday, May 9th, 2024, at the age of 81 years. An Interment was held yesterday at Hillside Cemetery followed by a Memorial Service at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel with Pastor Ed Lehman Officiating. Condolences may be sent through http://www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Joyce Brotzell. Funeral arrangements entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
http://www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
Locally owned and directed
CGR Holdings Ltd.
PHILIP STOKES
PHILIP STOKES 1951 – 2024
Philip Warren Stokes of Dunmore, Alberta, beloved husband of Isabel, passed away suddenly Friday, May 10, 2024, at the age of 73 years, due to heart complications.
Besides his loving wife Isabel, Phil is survived by his children Lance (Lisa), Lisa (Eztiaan) Groenewald and their daughters Aria and Laila. He is also survived by his sisters Cathy Abusow, Linda Stokes, Debbie (Alan) Crawford, and brothers Jim and David. Also left to cherish Phil’s memory are Isabel’s siblings Cliff (Donna) Ruud, Rose (Dave) Frissel, Shelley (Darren) Lukasiewich, and Lori (Cal) Eyben, and many nieces and nephews. Phil was predeceased by his Dad, Robert, his Mom, Wilma, his father-in-law John Ruud and his mother-in-law Peggy Ruud, as well as one brother-in-law, Alex Abusow. Phil is also predeceased by Thor, his crazy chihuahua that disliked pretty much everyone except Phil.
Phil held many jobs over the years, but his first career move was from Ontario to the Northwest Territories in 1970 where he took a position as a Power Lineman for CN Telecommunications. In 1974, he came to work in Alberta for AGT and that is where he met Isabel, who was working as a Telephone Operator in Edmonton (one ringy dingy!). Phil completed his education as a Journeyman Electrician and in 1984, went to work for Bouchard Electric in Lloydminster. In 1986, another move was in order and Phil became a Tax Assessor for Municipal Affairs in Peace River, which brought him to Medicine Hat in 1990. In 1996, Phil started his own company, Southern Evaluation Consultants and began working for Cypress County in the Property Tax Department until his retirement in 2020.
Phil was a larger-than-life personality with an even bigger laugh. Oh, how we are all going to miss that laugh! Phil was anything but shy, and was happy to give you his opinion on just about anything whether you asked for it or not! He answered to many nicknames and loved them all Stroker, Philly, Philly Cheese, Cheez Wagon, and Phil Depot to name a few. Phil Depot was a favorite because if you needed to borrow a tool, Phil likely had more than one or two of them on his garage shelves and probably still in their original box. He was most fond of his nickname given to him by his granddaughter Laila, “Philly Cheeto”.
Phil was a stickler for details and anything he undertook was done to a meticulous level. He was also a collector of just about anything that wasn’t nailed down. From comic books and stamps, to fossils, DVD’s and hockey cards. Oh, the hockey cards! Poor Isabel. One of Phil’s favorite activities was to bring home a new box of hockey cards, open packs, and “pull cards” with Lance hoping for an autograph from a top player. Phil participated in many stamp and card shows and really enjoyed the hobby.
Along the way, Phil had a volunteer stint coaching basketball when his daughter Lisa played for a school team and he also coached/managed minor hockey and in-line hockey when Lance played for teams in Medicine Hat. Probably the most memorable trip being to Las Vegas for an in-line hockey tournament.
Another favorite activity for Phil over more recent years was getting together with his buddies every Wednesday night for wings and a Caesar “not too spicy”. Phil is going to be missed at these weekly get-togethers, it won’t be the same without Philly there. It was always a mystery what he was going to order and how long it might take goes with being meticulous! Phil also loved a good party and he is going to be missed at family get-togethers and the many gatherings in Dunmore with the gang Isabel has affectionately named, the “Dunmore Morons” famous for their Dunmore tuxedoes.
Phil was a classic rocker at heart and in the words of Uriah Heep, from one of his favorite songs, “Easy Livin'”:
This is a thing I’ve never known before, it’s called easy livin’
This is a place I’ve never seen before, and I’ve been forgiven
Rest in Peace Phil, we are all going to miss you so much.
Those who wish to remember Phil may do so with a donation to the SPCA, APARC, or an animal rescue of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held at the Stokes’ home in Dunmore, 555 10 Street on July 3rd, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. Phil was an Oilers fan and, in his honor, please wear your favorite hockey jersey (even you Flames fans). All friends and family are welcome to attend.
To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
MARION HOFFMAN
MARION HOFFMAN 1943 ~ 2024
Marion Irene Hoffman passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the age of 80 years, beloved wife of Fred Hoffman of Medicine Hat. The funeral service will be held at the FIRST ASSEMBLY OF GOD CHURCH (395 – 9th Street S.E.) on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Ken Roset officiating. The service will be live streamed. Interment will follow in the Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Marion with a donation, may do so to ShareWord Global (PO Box 3619, Guelph, ON, N1H 7A2) or to the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (PO Box 767 Winnipeg, MB, R3C 2L4). To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
STANLEY FLAIG
STANLEY FLAIG 1930 – 2024 Stanley Ralph Flaig passed away on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 94 years, beloved husband of Irene Flaig of Medicine Hat. Stanley was born on February 25, 1930, in Medicine Hat, Alberta to George and Tillie Flaig. He married Irene Vollhofer and together they spent their lifetime farming south of Dunmore. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and RVing. Family and friends who wish to pay their respects may do so at the PATTISON FUNERAL HOME & CELEBRATION OF LIFE CENTRE on Monday evening from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. A private graveside service will take place at Hillside Cemetery. Those who wish to remember Stanley with a donation, may do so to A.J.’s Loan Cupboard (Alan Joys Memorial Fund Society) Box 45006, McKenzie Postal Outlet, Medicine Hat, AB T1A 7H3. To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
ABE BERG
ABE BERG 1943 ~ 2024
Abram “Abe” Zacharias Berg passed away on Thursday, May 16, 2024 at the age of 80 years, beloved husband of Joy Berg of Medicine Hat. The funeral service will be held in the VICTORY LUTHERAN CHURCH (2793 Southview Drive SE) on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Roland Weisbrot officiating. Those who wish to remember Abe with a donation, may do so to the Canadian Cancer Society (200, 325 Manning Road NE, Calgary, AB T2E 2P5). To leave a message of condolence you may visit http://www.pattisonfuneralhome.com.
PATTISON FUNERAL HOME
AND CREMATORIUM
540 South Railway St. SE,
Medicine Hat T1A 4C2
ROLAND AGAR
ROLAND AGAR January 13, 1931 – May 13, 2024
It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Roland Agar on Monday, May 13, 2024, at the age of 93 years. A beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather and great-great-grandfather. Roland departed this world surrounded by his family at River Ridge Seniors Village in Medicine Hat, Alberta.
Roland joined his beautiful wife of almost 70 years, Jean, only 7 weeks after her passing.
Roland was predeceased by his parents, Wilfred and Emma Agar (nee Adams); son, Glenn Agar; grandson, Kade Anderson; siblings, Dorothy (Charles) Lightfoot, Irene (Mel) Archibald, Audrey (Ralph) Beamish, Jean (Lloyd) Germyn, John (Maude) Agar, Walter (Patricia) Agar, Arthur (Mavis) Agar and Odile (Orville) Borgerson and son-in-law, Dean Sanderson.
Left to cherish his memory are his children: Marjorie (Ted) Gilchrist, Linda (Harold) Anderson, Sharon (Dave) Milburn, and Karen Sanderson. He will also be lovingly remembered by his grandchildren and their families: Ryan (Stacey) Gilchrist and their children, Carter, Hudson, and Lennon; Michelle Matthews and her children, Thomas (Katie) Brazil (with children Rylan and Eden), Melody Brazil (with son, Axel), Graham Matthews, Walker Matthews, and Mavrik Matthews; Bobbi-Jo (Gary) Anderson-Hill; Luree (Mark) Weisbeck and their children, Augustus and Casey; Shakia-Lee Milburn; Dayna (Tim) Craddock and their children, Crosby and Nash; Tayler (Mandie) Sanderson and their children, Sawyer and Arianna. Additionally, he will be remembered by Glenn’s wife, Louise Agar; their children and their families: Desirea Agar and her children, Emma and William; Devina (Richard) Berger and their children, Tanner, Levi, and Henry; and Austin Agar. Roland is also survived by his siblings, Rose (Robert) Redden and Robert (Sherry) Agar.
Roland Bernard Agar was born to Wilfred and Emma Agar on January 13, 1931, in the family farm house near Ravenscraig, SK where he would later start his own family. The 7th child in a family of 11, he learned quickly how to stand on his own two feet! He went to school just three miles down the road at Farewell Creek school until the age of 14 when he chose instead to begin working on the family farm. At 17, he ventured to Brooks, AB to work on a threshing crew. Following that he continued west to Vancouver, BC where he found work at the saw mills. It didn’t take long for him to realize his heart was in the prairies and by spring he returned to Ravenscraig where he eventually took over the family farm in 1950, at the age of 19. In 1953, he met the love of his life, Jean and they were married in 1954. Shortly thereafter, they started their family of five; Marjorie, Linda, Sharon, Karen and Glenn.
As his family grew, so too did his aspirations, and in 1960, he bought a quarter of land near Consul, SK. Here he meticulously broke, leveled and seeded the land to hay and started building a new home for his family. Two years later, he finished building that home and moved his family to Consul. That same year, he turned his sights on the hills of Merryflat and partnered to purchase the Eva Gaff ranch, later nicknamed the Ponderosa.
Roland loved his way of life as a rancher and all that goes with it; irrigating, haying, branding, finishing cattle in the feedlot, and improving the land and what it could grow. He embraced progressive ideas through use of harvest systems and pivots, growing an abundance of feed.
He enjoyed attending and supporting community events and dances, as well as cheering on the local ball and hockey teams. When it came to his children and grandchildren, he was a proud cheerleader always attending all of their sporting events. He loved spending time with family at gatherings, visiting with friends and neighbors, and playing cards with young and old.
Involved in his community, he served on the Vidora Water Users Board, PFRA committee and the local Consul School board for many years. He was always able to strike up a conversation with anyone, whether it be along the side of the road or in a cafe with a complete stranger.
He had a true commitment to getting to know people. He was truly curious to learn their life stories, and also share a few of his own. It was through his genuine curiosity that he developed lasting relationships with many who crossed his path. His natural charisma led him to play practical jokes, teasing the grandkids or bantering with friends. He loved to share his wit and wisdom with the kids saying things like; don’t take any wooden nickels, go out and enjoy yourself but don’t be a fool, and if you’re going to do it, do it right the first time.
Roland loved his children dearly and instilled the value of a good work ethic. He knew that work is more than just doing chores, that it’s a commitment to oneself, to family, and to community. He showed them that the key to a life well lived comes from finding purpose and sharing it with those you love.
May you rest in peace Roland, you will be dearly missed and remembered by your family and friends. Your legacy lives on through the countless lives you touched.
A Celebration of Roland’s life will be held at the Consul Community Hall, Consul, SK., on Monday, May 27, 2024, at 2:00 p.m.. Interment will follow in the Consul Cemetery.
(Condolences may be expressed by visiting our website at http://www.cooksouthland.com) Memorial donations in Roland’s name may be made directly to the Consul Community Hall, PO Box 43 Consul, SK, S0N 0P0. Honoured to serve the family is
Cook Southland Funeral
Chapel Crematorium &
Reception Facility
901 – 13th Street S.W.
Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 4V4
Phone 403-527-6455
http://www.cooksouthland.com
“Locally owned & directed”
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