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Eugene Ulm
1960-2009
Eugene “Arthur” Ulm suddenly passed away Oct. 16, 2009, in Vancouver at the age of 49 years.
He will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by: his mother Ethel of Slave Lake; sister Elaine Ulm of Slave Lake; brothers Roy of Vancouver, and Kennith of Calgary; sons Dustin and Grant; daughter Tianna; six nieces, four nephews, two great nieces, two great nephews; and numerous relatives and friends.
Arthur was also predeceased by his father, Eugene Marvin Ulm, on April 2, 1984.
A wake will be held Oct. 23 at the Slave Lake Native Friendship Centre starting at 8 p.m.
Services for Eugene Ulm will be held Oct. 24, at the Hondo Community Hall at 2 p.m. with interment to follow in the Hondo Cemetery.
Ruth Stout
1918-2008
Ruth Helen Cleone Stout (Shelton) was born in Marion County, Oregon Dec. 9, 1918. In her own words, she was born “on a farm, by a creek, in a one-way-roof log cabin.” At the age of 10 she moved to Canada with her family and settled in the Heart River community north of High Prairie. They homesteaded next to the Stout family who had moved up from Oregon the year before. There were no schools in the area at the time so the girls learned housework: how to cook sew and make bread at an early age. When Ruth was 17, her sister Mildred passed away, leaving a husband and three young children. Her domestic skills were put to good use as she helped to look after the little ones. On Feb. 18, 1940, at age 21, she married Sam Stout, Mildred’s widower, and became the children’s mother. Emma was eight years old, Glenn was six and little Vina was four. She took to mothering the children with open arms by washing, mending and cooking without complaint. She worked hard at raising and teaching her new family. The family soon grew to four children, as Warren was born exactly nine months after the wedding. Danny Johnson joined the family in 1950 and daughter Wilma was born in 1957. Daughter Bonnie followed in 1961 giving them a total of seven children. Through the years, their mother was their anchor, a shoulder to cry on and a guiding light in their lives. Ruth was always supportive of her husband. Side-by-side, they faced hardships and successes. Once, when Sam took a job operating a bulldozer, Ruth went along as the camp cook. She even learned to operate the cat in case Sam needed her to pull the service truck so he could get it started. If you knew Sam and Ruth, you knew that they were always together. Wherever Sam went for work, Ruth and the family followed. From Heart River to Gilwood, to High Prairie, to Canmore and back to High Prairie. The children were growing and making lives of their own. With just the three youngest at home, they moved to Edmonton. Again, Ruth worked side-by-side with her husband when she, too, took a job at the Evangelical Tract printing. After 13 years in Edmonton, and at the ages of 62 and 56, they moved back to High Prairie to a homestead they had purchased three years earlier. It seems clearing land and raising cattle was their idea of slowing down. Along with Wilma and Bonnie, she and Sam worked side by side while they built their house, picked rocks, tended garden and cared for animals. Ruth was always a quiet lady with a heart full of love. She would never say anything bad about anyone. If there was ever a disagreement, she would just carry on with what she was doing, and maybe at some later time mention her opinion. Because she was such a quiet lady - some would even say shy - most people didn’t really get to know her well. Her favourite color was blue, her favourite flowers were roses and pansies, and her hobby was collecting salt and pepper shakers. If you ever were to visit their little house south of town, you would have seen countless sets of salt and pepper shakers overflowing specially built shelves and filling every nook and cranny. She had over 500 sets in all. But most of all, Ruth loved her family. Whether they were her children, stepchildren, or adopted children; whether they were her many grandchildren, step-grandchildren, or adopted grandchildren, she loved them all. Toward the end, she mostly slept all day, but when her little great-great granddaughters were brought to her bedside, she smiled a big smile and her face lit up more than it had in a long while. Ruth’s love for her family was only surpassed by her love for Sam and the Lord. Sam and Ruth were always God-fearing people and their faith carried them through bad times and good without wavering. Side-by-side, they worshipped. Hand-in-hand they walked. Ruth is survived by: daughter Emma Williscroft and friend Trevor Morgan; daughter Vina Smith; daughter-in-law Francis Stout; son Warren and wife Gwen Stout; son Danny and wife Lyn Johnson; daughter Wilma and husband Dennis McDermott; daughter Bonnie and husband Matt Neufeld; 31 grandchildren; 56 great-grandchildren; 24 great-great-grandchildren; brothers-in-law Isaac Stout and Isaiah Stout; sister-in-law Marie Stout; and numerous nieces and nephews. Ruth was predeceased by: her loving husband, Sam; her parents, Adelbert and Alice Shelton; her sisters Mable, Mildred, Iris, and Etoil; her brothers Orval Shelton, Rolland Shelton and John Shelton; her son, Glenn Stout; as well as sons-in-law Swede Williscroft and Jim Smith. Surrounded by her loving family, six months to the day of Sam’s death, she left us quietly in her sleep, to be with her Lord, and her husband and soulmate of 67 years. Holding hands again, as they always did, forever together. Ruth will be greatly missed and forever loved by her family.
Verna Ells
1922-2005
A former long-time resident of High Prairie, Verna Ells, died Jan. 21, 2005, in Edmonton.
Verna was born in Fredericton, N.B. Nov. 28, 1922 and came to Alberta in 1944 to marry RCMP Const. Roy Ells from Rimbey. She had met Roy in Moncton where she was working in accounting for Eaton's and he was the tracking dog handler for the RCMP.
After being married in Calgary, they were stationed in Vancouver where Sharon was born and then Wetaskiwin where Barbara was born. In 1949 they made the decision to come to High Prairie to manage the Spaulding Hotel. It was the only hotel in the village of approximately 800 residents where there were wooden sidewalks, no running water and few stores. They lived here for 23 years, having two more children, Shirley and Roy, and becoming very active members of the community.
Verna was a member of the Eastern Star, Royal Purple, and the United Church where over the years she led CGIT, was the church pianist and choir leader. As an active member of the United Church Women, she helped with many a rummage sale and chicken supper. She curled in local bonspiels, led the women's team in the Fireman's Hose Laying Contests and from 1960-1963 served on High Prairie town council, only the second woman to do so.
Her boundless energy also allowed her full involvement in the daily operation of the hotel. She enjoyed the interaction with staff and the public and was a true helpmate to her husband. She took on even further responsibilities in running the hotel and raising their four children while Roy served for three terms as MLA for the Grouard Constituency from 1959-1971.
It was difficult to leave High Prairie where they had so many friends, but in 1971 they moved further north to High Level to manage the High Level Hotel which they had built in 1964. They then went on to build and operate the Sheridan Lawrence Motor Inn in Fort Vermilion before their retirement in 1978.
Because they were partners in radio station CKYL they moved to Peace River. After Roy died the following year Verna moved to Edmonton. However, she returned to High Prairie every summer to her cottage at Winagami Lake to visit family and friends. Her children will always treasure memories of her vitality, enthusiasm, sense of fun, generosity, and unlimited devotion to them.
She will be sadly missed by: her children, Sharon Ells Lucas of Ottawa, Barbara (Bill) Hindle of Red Deer, Shirley (Bart) Kuefler of High Prairie, and Roy Ells of San Diego, CA; five grandchildren and two great grandchildren; her brother, Ronald Stafford, of Fredericton.
Donations in her memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or any charity of choice.
Violet Caroline Brulotte
1924 -2003
Violet Caroline Brulotte (nee Rose) passed away on Dec. 9 at the age of 79 years.
Violet is survived by: her loving husband, Henry; two step-daughters, Rose-Anne Turner (Mel) and Jeannie Godbout (Andy), both of Kelowna; four grandchildren, Monica Turner (Dwayne Lylick), Cecil (Jewel) Turner, Neil Godbout (Shelley St. Amand), and Karen Godbout; five great-grandchildren including Michael, Colby, Sierra, Brooke and Claire; two brothers, Roy Rose and Charlie (Kay) Rose, both of High Prairie; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by two brothers: Ralph and Fred.
A memorial service was held on Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Springfield Funeral Home in Kelowna.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C., 865 Bernard Ave., Kelowna, B.C., V1Y 6P6.
Mary Wakaluk (Chalifoux)
1933-2007
Mary Wakaluk, of Watino, Alta., was born April 28, 1933 in Heart River, Alta., and passed away in Kauai, Hawaii on Feb. 25, 2007 at the age of 74 years. Mary was the first child of Pierre and Helen Chalifoux, and the eldest sister to Emily, Edward, Florence, Peter, Lloyd, Rita, Howard, Henry, Ron and Jerry. She was raised in McLennan. Mary and Ilia (Alex) Wakaluk were married on Dec 28, 1951. They made their first home in a section house in Culp, Alta. and soon afterward welcomed their first son, George. Anna came along in 1957 and Helen in 1961. In 1963 Mary and Alex decided to expand and bought another farm in Culp. It was here that Peter was born in 1964 and Marie in 1973. In 1975 Alex retired from the railroad and the family moved from Culp to Watino. It was here that Alex built Mary the new house that she always wanted. Mary always had beautiful, huge gardens and would frequently sell her produce to friends and neighbours. She always had a knitting project on the go and never refused requests for another pair of slippers or mittens. She took pride in cooking big meals for her family complete with lots of perogies and cabbage rolls. At the age of 68 Mary bought her first set of golf clubs in order to keep up with her grandchildren who loved the sport. She learned to golf and had fun with all her children on the Eaglesham Lakeside Golf Course. It was also at this time that Mary began traveling with her children, and she loved it. Her travels included the Bennett Dam, Vancouver Island, Florida, the Bahamas, California, the Caribbean, Vegas, Alaska, and also cruising down the muddy Mississippi River from Memphis to New Orleans. On this steamboat cruise, she got to see the Grand Ole Opry, Graceland and the house where Elvis was born. Mom loved Elvis and this had always been her dream. On Feb. 25, while cruising the Hawaiian Islands with her daughter Marie, Jeremy and newest grandson Nolan, Mary passed away peacefully in her sleep. Mary will be lovingly missed by: her son, George Wakaluk, of Watino; daughter Anna (Joe) Belyan, of High Prairie, and grandsons Chris and Michael; daughter Helen (Carmon) Sandquist, of High Prairie, grandson Mark and granddaughter Shanon; son Peter Wakaluk, of Watino; grandson Harlan, of Fox Creek, Alta.; and daughter Marie (Jeremy) Janz, of Grande Prairie, grandson Nolan, and Nolan’s shih tzu, Mylo, as well as many relatives and friends. She was predeceased by: her husband, Ilia (Alex) Wakaluk in 1994. Mary lived her life with love, peace and joy, with a strong work ethic and with pride and spirituality. She dearly loved her family; her grandchildren were very special to her as were all children. She always appreciated and remembered her family, friends and acquaintances. She leaves her legacy of love for family, friends and neighbours and her positive uplifting attitude towards life. The funeral service and burial were held in McLennan on March 9. If we can find comfort in Mary’s passing, it is to know that she is now reunited with those who have passed before her, including her beloved Alex, her parents, Pierre and Helen, her brother Peter and several other family members. Though she has been gone for just a short time, Mary now roams the hallways of Heaven wearing the wings she had already earned while here on Earth. Sail on, Mary, and may you be an eternal bloom in God’s garden.
Vera Irene Walker
1922-2008
Vera Irene Walker passed away peacefully at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Grande Prairie, Alberta on Tuesday, August 26, 2008 after a short illness. Vera Irene was born on November 24, 1922 at Vilna, Alberta to Elmer and Edith Wolfe. Her early years were spent in the Vilna area. Later the family moved to the Salt Prairie district where she met Ralph (Pete) Walker. They were married on January 17, 1940. They farmed in the area for twenty years before moving to Enilda, Alberta then to High Prairie, Alberta where they resided another 20 years. While in High Prairie, Vera worked in the Pleasant View lodge for a number of years. In 1976, they moved to the Grande Prairie area where they resided until her passing. Vera enjoyed spending time with her family as they were the pride and joy of her life. She also enjoyed gardening and could hardly wait for spring to start working in her flower beds. Vera was predeceased by her parents Elmer and Edith Wolfe, her brothers Gordon, Harry and Lawrence. Vera is survived by her husband of 68 years Ralph (Pete) and her children; Josephine (Bob) Salmond, James (Ruby), Tom (June), Ralph (June), Ben (Margaret), Laverne (Jules) Tanasichuk, Charles (Barb), Fred (Wanda), Sam (Arlene), Howard (Susan), Martin (Debbie), Barbara (Dennis) Paplinski, Mitch (Louise), numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, sisters Hazel, June, Gwen, Beatrice and brother Cecil. Services for the late Vera Irene Walker will be held on Monday, September 1, 2008 at 10 a.m. from Oliver’s Grande Prairie Funeral Chapel (10005-107 Ave) Grande Prairie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta. Condolences may be sent by visiting Oliver’s Grande Prairie Funeral Chapel & Crematorium 10005-107 Ave. Grande Prairie, Alberta T8V-1L8 (780)532-2929 “Dedicated Service Since 1915”
Wallace Franklin Stewart
1930 - 2000
Wallace (Wally) Franklin Stewart was born on Dec. 30, 1930 to Thomas Duncan Stewart and Anna Wilson of High Prairie. He was the only son of five children. He died peacefully at home on Oct. 22.
He is survived by: his wife Nancy; daughter Brenda (Clifford) Prince of Grande Prairie; daughter Cheryl (Jules) Bastien of Guy; daughter Cindy (Russell Lamarche) Stewart of Calgary; daughter Donna (Pat) Dube of High Prairie; son Clayton (Erica) Stewart of High Prairie; daughter Joyce (John) Stokes of Red Deer; daughter Tracy (Mike Todd) Jaeger of Red Deer; daughter Dale (Jason Robinson) of High Prairie; sister Joyce Gow of Edmonton; sister Carol Foulds of Coquitlam, B.C.; and sister Irene Hambly of Gabriola Island, B.C.; 16 grandchildren and one great-grandchild; as well as many nieces and nephews; and many members of his extended family.
He was predeceased by his sister, Pamela, and his parents.
Wally had asked to be cremated and his ashes spread by the West Prairie River. His children acted as honourary pallbearers.
Wally grew up on the West Prairie River and moved farther upstream to raise his own family. He was one of this area's pioneers. He homesteaded south of High Prairie, he was part of the work crew that built the Sports Palace arena, he and his father hauled gravel for the foundation of the High Prairie hospital, he fought fires on horseback and with equipment, he was part of the survey and seismic crews that fist mapped this area and did the first explorations. He built roads, he logged forests, he farmed, he hunted, trapped and guided others in the same.
He married Nancy Zahacy in 1955 and raised eight strong, independent children.
Wally was very community oriented and the local rodeos and agricultural fairs were some of his favourite activities. Although he was a quiet man, he had the respect of many and he genuinely liked to help out where he could.
Before retiring, he worked for awhile as a caller at the Bingo Barn and thoroughly enjoyed the people he met there.
After retiring, he became an excellent bowler and looked forward to the activities at the Golden Age Club.
Wally will be greatly missed by family and friends far and wide. At his funeral, the family asked that as expressions of sympathy, donations could be made to the High Prairie Agricultural Society or to High Prairie Victim Assistance in Wally's name.
Due to the huge turn-out at the church, many people missed being able to attend the services or to receive a memorial card. If anyone would like a copy of the eulogy for Wally, or a copy of his memorial card, please contact his wife Nancy at 523-2446 or his daughter Cheryl at 925-2168. They would be more than happy to send you one.
Wayne Smith
1942 - 2000
Wayne Smith, beloved husband of Judy Smith, passed away in High Prairie on Monday, Dec. 4, 2000 at the age of 58 years. Wayne was born in Taber, Alta. on Oct. 8, 1942. He received all of his schooling in Taber and apprenticed with his grandfather Joe at Makinson Machine Shop. Then on May 22, 1965, he married Judy Kandel of Lethbridge. They resided in Taber, later moving to Medicine Hat and for the past 15 years in High Prairie. Wayne worked as a millwright and operated his own business, the Triangle Machine Shop since 1989. Besides his loving wife Judy, he is survived by three sons, Kevin Leagh, Stephen Wayne (Joelle) and their son Aiden; Brent Allan (Wendy); his mother Thelma (Norton) Winchester; three brothers Robert (Sonia) Smith, Leo (Marilyn) Smith and Kenneth Smith; three sisters Linda (Tracey) Birch, Lorraine Clark, Sherry (David) Walker; three sisters-in-law, Sandra (Harry) Fischer, Pat (Don) Santa, Lynn (Bill) Schuurmann; two brothers-in-law Andrew (Mary Frances) Kandel and Michael (Colleen) Kandel; his grandmother Mary Makinson; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Wayne was predeceased by his father, Wilbert Smith, and his grandfather, Joseph Makinson. The funeral was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 5314-54 St. in Taber on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 11 a.m. with Bishop Kendon Bennett conducting. Interment followed in the Taber Memorial Garden. If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Wayne's name can be made directly to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation at 1011-2nd Ave. South, Lethbridge, Alta. T1J 0C8 or to the Canadian Diabetes Association at 210D-12A St. North in Lethbridge, T1H
Robert Wayne Werny
1957-2007
Robert Werny was born on July 8, 1957, and was the fourth child of Bill and Helen Werny. He was the youngest brother of sisters Willi and Diana and brother Bill. During his teenage years he assisted his parents with the daily routine of farm life - a task he continued to do for many years, even after leaving home to pursue other goals. While going to school, Robert attended the local Air Cadet Squadron. The high point of these years was when he went to summer camp and acquired his glider license. Robert loved big trucks and his sister, Diana, and her husband, Harold, gave him his first big opportunity when he started hauling fuel for Oliver’s Bulk Esso after graduation from high school. Driving rigs of all shapes and sizes proved to be a passion for him and he was truly in his element when behind the wheel. He used this as a stepping stone to college and he attended the Alberta Vocational College in Grouard. On completion of this he taught adult Math and English upgrading at the Peace River Correctional Centre for three years. While living in Peace River, he fed his big truck habit by driving for Oliver’s on his weekends. The call to do this fulltime became too strong and he left the Correctional Institute to run the Kinuso Bulk Esso Station until it closed. In November 1984, when the Bulk Esso Station was opened in Red Earth, he moved there and ran the facility - a job that would span some 20 yeard. A significant event that changed Robert’s life forever came in the form of one lovely lady named Debbie - his future wife - who worked at the Esso service station in Red Earth. They were wed in April 1990. They welcomed their first daughter, Amanda, in March 1994, their second daughter, Andrea, in December 1996. Robert continued to work for Imperial Oil after Olivers sold in 2001 and Debbie joined him in running the operation for the subsequent two years. Red Earth became home to Robert, Debbie, Amanda and Andrea and they all became intimately involved in all activities. Robert was extremely active in the Rod and Gun Club and worked closely with Fish and Wildlife on many projects. He also served on the Red Earth School Board of the Northland School Division for eight years. Of significant note is that the school in Red Earth was realized largely due to his role as a key participant in the lobbying efforts that were conducted. Following this time period Robert took on several trucking jobs until securing employment with ATCO Electric in Slave Lake in November 2005. A little known fact about Robert is, he had a love for rock geology and to fulfill that interest he worked as a volunteer with Ashton Mining. Anyone who knew or came into contact with Robert soon knew his true obsession was hunting and fishing. Robert had a terrific talent for always catching fish and he never came back empty-handed. His enthusiasm for this past-time never waned. Even after moving to Slave Lake he continually took his new friends to his old fishing holes. Above all else Robert loved family. He adored his wife and his two beautiful daughters. He lovingly cared for them in his quiet and unassuming manner. He ensured Amanda and Andrea were exposed to his interests of fishing and hunting and he was always supportive of their education and extra curricular activities. Robert’s admiration and love for his family would come shining through every time he spoke of their exploits in school or one of their activities. His facial expression would tell you instantly this was the joy of his life - nothing else mattered more. Tragically, we lost this good man, loving husband, adoring father, compassionate brother and caring friend Nov. 9. We will remember this mountain of a man for all the good he gave to all without asking for anything in return. He leaves to mourn: his wife, Debbie, of 17 years; his two daughters, Amanda and Andrea; Willi and Chris Grey, Michelle, Kirby, Susan and Trevor; Diana and Harold Oliver, Shawn, Leslie and Taylor; Bill and Linda Werny, Stephen, Damon and BJ; plus numerous other relatives. Robert was predeceased by his father in February 1985 and his mother in December 1997.
Samuel Lloyd Stout
1912-2007
Samuel Lloyd Stout passed away suddenly from complications of surgery on Monday, Nov. 26 at the age of 95 years. Sam was born in Harlowton, Montana on July 6, 1912. He was the fourth child of Issac Monroe and Maude Stout. He moved to Oregon with his family where he attended school until moving to Canada in 1928. After arriving in High Prairie at the age of 16 he helped on the family’s homestead in Heart River, worked for others on their farms, and skidded logs. In 1931, Sam married his first wife, Mildred Shelton, who had also moved from Oregon with her family. Their daughter, Emma, was born in 1932, followed by son Glenn in 1934, and daughter Vina in 1936. Mildred passed away suddenly when Vina was a baby and Sam was left to raise a young family on his own. While he worked, Mildred’s younger sister, Ruth, would come and tend to the children. Sam realized that she’d make a terrific mother to his family. He married his second wife, Ruth Shelton, in February 1940. Exactly nine months to the day, their son Warren was born. Danny Johnson was adopted into the family in 1950 and their daughter, Wilma, was born in 1957. Daughter Bonnie followed in 1961. Sam was always thinking of providing better for his family. Besides farming he worked in a planer mill and helped his father build houses in and around High Prairie. He operated a bulldozer for R.C. Moore until he bought his fuel truck in 1954. In 1961, the family moved to Edmonton where Sam worked for his brother Orban’s Evangelical printing business. He ran the printing press for 13 years making religious tracts (pamphlets and small booklets) that were shipped to missions throughout the world. High Prairie was calling them back so Sam and Ruth bought land south of town. Sam bought and fixed up an old cat and went to work clearing the land. With just Wilma and Bonnie left at home, they moved back to High Prairie in 1974. At age 62, Sam ran cat with his son, Glenn, in the winter. He also operated a grader for the Transportation Department in the summer. Their land was very rocky so all summer, with help from Ruth and the girls, Sam would pick rocks, load them on wagons, then unload and pile them neatly by hand. When the field was clear, he would go out and plow up a new crop of rocks and set to work picking again. In later years, he bought a rock picker but it picked up too much dirt. Sam continued to pick by hand, but found the job easier because at least he could dump the rocks out of the picker. He used to say that his rocks were all ‘glove polished’ because there was never any dirt on them. On the day he turned 87, Sam announced he was going to retire from rock picking as all the fields were now seeded to hay. Sam liked to keep his hands busy and took up knitting. He knit a blanket for every one of his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren until the arthritis in his hands was too bad. The last one he knit was made lovingly for Ruth. According to the records he kept, it was 78 blankets in all. He used to joke that if your blanket had a skipped stitch or two, he was watching a good TV show at the time! As if he wasn’t busy enough, Sam also liked to plant a big garden. There were several years when he had 400-500 hills of potatoes as well as plenty of the other garden fare. He enjoyed sharing his harvest with his family and also took much of his bounty to the food bank. Eventually, Sam couldn’t renew his driver’s license because of his poor eyesight. Even though they only lived 10 miles from town, it was hard without his license so in 2005, he and Ruth moved from the farm into Pleasantview Lodge. He was never one to just sit around. Until a few weeks before his surgery, you could see him out for his daily walks. There were so many miles on that walker that the treads were worn right off the wheels. Sam was known for his great sense of humour. He was also a great storyteller - when he told you a story of the old days, you could almost imagine what it was like. He had a gift of bringing humour into every story - even if it started out being a story of hard times during the depression, he would remember some funny incident that would have everyone shaking with laughter. Anyone who knew Sam, knew that he was a religious man. He not only read his Bible and could quote chapter and verse ... Sam ‘lived’ his beliefs. Until his passing, he continued to donate a portion of each paycheque or pension cheque to the organization that still prints and distributes the religious tracts. Sam was a hard worker with a very strong work ethic. He was a kind, generous and understanding man whose advice and wisdom were well regarded. He readily showed the deep love and care that he felt for Ruth. Even after 67 years of marriage, it was a common site to see them sitting together holding hands. Although difficult to sum up such a man in words, Sam lived simply, loved his family, and followed the Lord. Sam is survived by: his loving wife, Ruth; daughter Emma Williscroft (Trevor); daughter Vina Smith; son Warren (Gwen); son Danny Johnson (Lyn); daughter Wilma McDermott (Dennis); daughter Bonnie Neufeld (Matt); daughter-in-law Francis Stout; brothers Issac and Isaiah; sister Marie; 31 grandchildren, 56 great grandchildren, 24 great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. Sam was predeceased by: his parents, Issac Monroe and Maude Stout; his stepmothers Annie Stout and Georgie Cranston; his first wife, Mildred; his son, Glenn; his brothers, Ohlen and Orban; sister, Sarah; as well as sons-in-law Swede Williscroft and Jim Smith. The funeral was held at the High Prairie United Church on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2007 with Rev. Sharon McRann officiating. Interment followed at the Anglican Church cemetery. Donations may be made to the Pleasantview Lodge Memorial Fund (Box 909, High Prairie, Alta., T0G 1E0) as expressions of sympathy. Although his passing will leave a hole in many lives and he will be missed very much, Sam is exactly where he lived his entire life to be - walking with God in his garden.
William Rumpley
1915-2002
Captain William (Bill) Rumley was born in Grouard on April 17, 1915 and passed away on March 6, 2002 at the age of 86 years.
Bill served with the Royal Canadian Navy from December 1941 to October of 1945. He fished for the Canadian Fishing Company from 1940 to about 1955, except for the war years. Bill also fished for the North Shore Packing Company in the late 1950s. Bill spent many years in the fishing industry in Prince Rupert, B.C. and Vancouver.
Bill received his Captain's certificate for navigation in 1962. He spent his late years in Faust.
Bill is survived by son Gary (Helen) Rumley and granddaughters Katrina and Carly; sister Evelyn Rumley; six nieces; two nephews; and numerous other relatives and friends.
He was predeceased by his wife Margaret in July of 1987; brother Raymond Rumley; sister Mary Woodhouse; brother-in-law James Woodhouse; and nephew Melvin Woodhouse.
A memorial service will be held at the Royal Purple Hall in Faust at 2 p.m. on May 11.
Jessie Wilson
1918-2008
Jessie Wilson was born to Armand and Lily Johnston, into a family of 13 children on July 9, 1918 in Dalzell, SK. The family moved to the High Prairie area when Jessie was 11 years old. In her teens Jessie went to work for the Knecht family, on their farm. While working there she met her future husband, Woodrow Wilson. They married in 1937 and settled in Salt Prairie, where they farmed. One of the things that Jessie loved was her animals. She had horses, dogs, and cats, she even had a pig. Any strays that wandered into the farm were welcome, she even had a pet moose that she put a red coat on so that everyone would know it was hers and not to harm it, her family also has a memory of her bottle feeding a bear cub in her kitchen. Jessie had a “green thumb” and her beautiful yard and garden, showed how much pride and joy she put into them. Woodrow along with the Zuelke Thomas family worked at each others farms to get the crops and other jobs done. Jessie and the ladies did their share, preparing meals and taking them out to the men in the fields. They were both involved in the community and always there to lend a hand when needed. Both Jessie and Woodrow loved to dance. They were always the first ones on the dance floor at all the local functions, and enjoyed a good time with their family, friends and neighbors. Jessie and Woody were avid hockey fans and faithfully followed the High Prairie Regals each season. Later on, Jessie and Woodrow both worked at the Alberta Vocational College in Grouard. Jessie was in charge of the kitchen, and Woodrow drove bus and taught woodworking at the college, so they had the unique opportunity of working at the same place. Jessie worked at the college full time until 1988. In June 1983, Woodrow passed away. Jessie continued to work part-time for a few more years at Alberta Vocational College. During this time she began to do a great deal of traveling to Hawaii, Mexico, Regina, the Grande Ole Opry and Branson, Mississippi, to name a few. She went on trail rides in the mountains and still keeping her interest in hockey traveled to Edmonton for some of the Edmonton Oilers games and “Gretzky was her man.” She enjoyed going to Las Vegas with friends and had her own little account for her “mad money” to play with at the casinos. Jessie liked to keep busy and volunteered her time at the annual Golden Walleye Tournaments held at Shaw’s Point resort for a few years. In 1999, Jessie sold her home in Salt Prairie to her nephew, Brian Wilson and his family, and moved to High Prairie, when she chose to give up driving. She loved going places and doing things. She spent a lot of time with family, especially her sister, Hazel, as well as, nieces and nephews, getting together for lunches, trips and many other occasions. When she moved to High Prairie, she had to leave her flowers and garden. The landlord of her place in town made flower beds and got her beautiful baskets and bedding plants each spring, so she could still enjoy her gardens on a smaller scale and she faithfully cared for them every summer. Jessie enjoyed bowling with her close friend, Emma Williscroft, and was a member of the Enilda Bowling League for a number of years, she spent time at the Golden Age Club, socializing, playing cards as well as occasional trips to the casino in Grande Prairie with friends. Jessie remained very active and loved to walk. She could be seen walking around town most everyday. For the last three years of her life, Jessie lived at the Pleasantview Lodge in High Prairie, where she enjoyed the company of the other residents, and playing cards and Bingo, and any other activities at the lodge that interested her. Jessie was very independent and usually “did it her way”. She was very much a lady, who lived a good life. She celebrated her 90th birthday this past July. She was among the last of the pioneers that had lived in Salt Prairie and there are getting to be fewer as the years pass by. She was a wonderful person and will be fondly remembered by her family and friends. Jessie is survived by sisters Hazel Rosychuk, Rose Kovacs, Katie Sartorius, Brother Ken Johnston and many nieces and nephews. Jessie is pre-deceased by her parents Armand and Lily Johnston, Husband Woodrow Wilson, her sisters Jean Mackenzie, Beatrice Maves, Margaret Hart, Eileen Paish, Nina McLeod; Brothers Norman Johnston, Ben Johnston and Bill Johnston. If any friends so desire, donations can be made to the Prairie Animal Rescue Society as an expression of Sympathy. A celebration of life was held for Jessie at the Enilda Hall on August 16, 2008.
Erika Witt
1927-2009
Erika Witt was born in Stattin, Germany on Feb. 9, 1927, and passed away Nov. 13, 2009 at the age of 82 years.
She was the second child of Emil and Wanda Klein. Spread every 2 1/2 years apart came the three children, they were now a family of five children: Gunter, Erika, Joachim, Lisa and Bridgitte. As a young girl, Erika would spend many hours at her one special girlfriend’s house. She felt her house was too crowded with all those children. Growing up in Germany, she worked for a large pharmaceutical company, which distributed all the prescription drugs to the pharmacies.
In the spring of 1953, Erika decided to come to Canada, joining her brother Joachim in Edson. Her first home was working as a housekeeper for a doctor and his family. She left shortly thereafter to work in a butcher shop in Edmonton. While working there, she met Helmut Witt, a mink rancher from Faust, who made regular visits to Edmonton to attend fur auctions.
After a quick romance, they decided to marry in Faust. No water, no power, and lots of work, but she enjoyed her life as she settled down to be a mink rancher’s wife.
On April 12, 1956, their first son Rudy was born. Their second son, Bernie, was born Jan. 26, 1958.
Erika then concentrated on being a loving mother to her two boys and working on the mink ranch. She loved gardening and raised a big, beautiful garden. With all that bounty, came many fresh vegetables during summer and fall, and canned vegetables for the long winters ahead.
Along with all that work, she raised chickens and turkeys and made the most delicious meals. Bernie was quite the hunter as a young man supplying her with wild meat. She made the most tender moose meat, which Bernie still talks about to this day. Rudy still raves about her famous butter creme cake. Remember, this was all done without running water and power. She spoke many times about her being out feeding the mink one evening when she looked over to her little green house and all the lights were on. She finally had power. What a luxury!
Entertaining was common in that house. A proper table was set with a cloth tablecloth and her best dishes. Every event was celebrated with style. Looking through old photographs, it was amazing how many loving friends and family she could fit into that little house. But on every picture of her from that time, she had a huge smile on her face, enjoying every minute.
Erika loved music and dancing, which was done in that crowded house. Oh, what fun they must have had!
In the mink were sold and Erika moved into her first new home, complete with running water. She always said she never minded doing dishes after that, because she finally had hot running water.
The same year she returned to Germany and saw her family for the first time in 20 years. After that, many family members came from Germany to visit her in Faust, then continued on to British Columbia to visit her brother Joachim and sister-in-law Pauline, on Thetis Island. Happy weeks were spent there, relaxing and enjoying the scenery, and all the many animals that Joachim and Pauline had, including their budgie Shale, especially when Shale told Erika. “I love you!”
She thoroughly enjoyed the 12 years of being the librarian at the Faust School. While recovering from hip surgery in Edmonton, she relayed the story to Kami and Haley of how the little children would greet her by saying, “Hello, Mrs. Witt.”
And how those same students who are now adults, still say to her, “Hello, Mrs. Witt.” She was very proud of that!
The Faust RCMP called upon her to a matron at the Faust jail. Being a neighbour of the RCMP and working there occasionally, she became friends with those members. She spoke very fondly of one in particular known as Big John.
At home she spent many hours doing crafts. For awhile she did rug hooking, and knitting the most beautiful sweaters that each one of her granddaughters, Kristina Marie, Melanie and Kami and two great-grandchildren, Austin and Haley, have received. More family members have received her knitted slippers and hats.
She was a lifetime member of the Faust Royal Purple. Many days and evenings were spent stitching exceptional plastic canvas, making Royal Purple hand bags with their signature purple pansy. Her goal was to make sure every Faust Royal Purple member received one of those bags. I am sure every member was appreciative of the time and effort that went lovingly into those bags.
Erika’s garden got smaller, but she always had houseplants. She grew beautiful African violets and her Christmas cactus was huge and bloomed continually, not just at Christmas.
Erika enjoyed bowling and was very competitive in that, receiving many awards. She went to Kinuso to the seniors club and participated in floor curling and when they only played cards she always went along to help with lunch and to visit. Many of her knitting and plastic canvas projects and her baking were donated for various functions. Lucky was the person who received her butter creme cake or her famous mandarin orange cheesecake!
Due to her failing health she moved to the Pleasantview Lodge, leaving her home in Faust after 50 years. She was now leaving friends and her home to ever a completely different living arrangement: communal living! It was hard for someone to adapt to when you are a private person.
But Erika persevered and joined in the many functions. She went on bus trips, berry picking, chocolate making and cross stitching the hand-made quilts that were later raffled.
With her love of music she joined the Red Hatters singing group, even getting to ride on the Pleasantview Lodge float as a Red Hatter in the High Prairie Elks Pro Rodeo Parade.
At the lodge she never missed morning exercise and enjoyed playing Bocce ball. She had her own flower garden, which she lovingly looked after and was very proud of.
Erika is survived by: son Roy Witt; son Bernie (Elke) Witt; granddaughters Kristina Marie Witt, Melanie Witt and Kami (Mark) Brulotte; great-grandchildren Austin and Haley Brulotte; brother Joachim (Pauline) Klein; sister Lisa Habdas in Germany; and numerous nieces and nephews.
