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Lawrence Wolfe
?-2008
Lawrence Wolfe was born March 11, 1924 and passed away Feb. 3, 2008, at the age of 82 years. Lawrence’s wish was a small memorial service at the Chapel of Memories, which was held Feb. 8 with Rev. Joan Schellen- berger officiating. He leaves to mourn his passing wife Alice, granddaughter Taylor, brother Cecil and sisters Hazel, Vera, June, Gwen and Beatrice. Cremation followed. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation as an expression of sympathy. Miss Me But Let Me Go When I come to the end of the road And the sun has set for me. I want no rites in a gloom-filled room; Why cry for a soul set free? Miss me a little – but not for long, And not with your head bowed low. Remember the love we once shared; Miss me – but let me go. For this is a journey we all must take And each must go alone. It’s all part of the Master’s plan, A step on the road to home. When you are lonely and sick at heart, Go to the friends we know And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds Miss me – but let me go.
Yaroslaw (Yaris) Yarmey
1912-2001
Yaroslaw (Yaris) Yarmey was born on Oct. 3, 1912 on the family farm near Tolstoi, Man. to Maria and Olexsa Yarmey, the fifth of eight children.
He died of a stroke on Oct. 1, 2001, two days short of his 89th birthday.
Yaris grew up with his father and mother teaching him how to farm and be self-sufficient. This remained with him, as he was active and independent at the age of 88. He was still living alone on the homestead and driving himself into town.
Last winter he managed to do some snow ploughing with his old D-4 cat, this summer he tended his garden.
Yaris enjoyed helping his neighbours in any way that he was able to, although lately, it was with advice. Often times he commented about how much he valued his many good neighbours.
As a young man, Yaris worked on farms in southern Saskatchewan, mostly during harvest. It was during this time, he learned how to fix machinery, becoming an accomplished self-taught mechanic. He increased his knowledge of animal doctoring, as well. He also met his bride-to-be on one of his trips. One year he returned to Tolstoi to help his parents move to a farm near Wilsonville, Ont. where he built them their home. This family farm is still run by one of the nephews.
During the Dirty Thirties, he worked wherever he could find a job. This often meant moving around the country, often by foot or on a freight train. At times, this meant piece work as a tobacco picker or vegetable harvester. He also worked building a farm machinery factory in Brantford, Ont. and parts of the Trans-Canada Highway.
Pauline (Kuzyk) and Yaris were married on Nov. 9, 1937 at Wolverine, Sask. They had five children together: Sallianne Sampietro (deceased), Eli (deceased), Yvonne Kalita, Metro (Mike), and Avenel Caudron. There are numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
From the early 1940s into the 1950s, Yaris worked in the pulpwood industry in various areas of northern Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta. Of course, most of this work was done by swede saw and horse team. It was also piece work, so as a healthy and vigorous young man, more than fair-money could be made. `Big money' had called: instead of $20 per month for farm work, you could make approximately $11 per day, loading three boxcars of pulpwood. But to quote dad, "Oh, but you had to move!"
Eventually, Yaris was to become one of the contractors buying pulpwood for a large company. Many summers were spent running a fire fighting crew. He lobbied governments in Saskatchewan and Alberta to reflect the needs of the people and get laws changed. He was part of the grassroots movement that formed what is now the NDP.
As times changed and the demand for pulp waned, a small sawmill was purchased when Yaris lived in Cold Lake, Alta. That changed his occupation to lumbering. When he moved to the Snipe Lake area in 1963 he ran a small sawmill operation at Silver Creek.
Yaris lived in various locations in the Gilwood area until November of 1966, when he moved his family to the homestead in what was to become the Lone Spruce district (that borders Gilwood). He was proud that he helped in the formation of that school district. The sawmill played a very big role in the development of the homestead, as did the support the D-4 cat provided by the work in the Swan Hills. Mixed farming gradually took the lead. The first cow was obtained through a trade for straw, with Alex Strebchuk. It had been a very wet summer, hay was scarce and dad had harvested very early in the morning on the frost. The oats were threshed using an old stationery threshing machine.
Eventually a herd of some 90 Hereford cattle replaced the mill. Yaris loved his cows, even teaching one of them to shake a hoof.
At the age of 74, Yaris had hip replacement surgery that basically ended his farming days, although he still managed to keep eight to 10 head of cattle until he was in his eighties.
Dad's love for Lotto 6/49 also emerged, as he challenged himself to figure out a method to win.
Dad's health did not allow him the trip to Tolstoi in 1997 to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of his parents' arrival to Canada.
Dad lived through many changes in his lifetime. He was born the year the Titanic sunk, shortly after his birth came World War I and the flu epidemic, then the Russian Revolution and the Roaring Twenties. He saw the rise of communism and its fall, women's right to vote and the Second World War, the many scandals of the Royal Families, including King Edward abdicating the throne to marry a commoner. He lived through the first solo flight across the Atlantic, and the `great' stock market crash, as well as women joining the work force. He seen the space age grow, the age of computers, and the Y2K bug dilemma.
Yaris lived a full and satisfying life, he was his own man.
Yvonne Marie Kalita
1943 - 2003
Yvonne Marie Kalita, born July 10, 1943, passed away at her residence April 14, 2003 at the age of 59 years. Left to mourn are: her loving husband of 37 years, Carson Kalita; her daughters, Wendy Blais and Toby, Tammy and Susan, and her son, Mikita and wife Jo-Anne; grandchildren Melissa, Tabitha, Mitchell, Jacob, Tia and Raegan; sister Avenel and Syd Caudron their sons Scott and Robert and wife Sylvia; brother Metro and Joan Yarmey and their children, Matthew, Sally, Michael, Oliver and Elizabeth. She was pre-deceased by her mother Pauline and father Yaris Yarmey, sister Sally Sampietro and brother Eli Yarmey. Dear Mom, I've put this off for some time now. You've been gone for almost four months. But, like all life's lessons you taught me, some things just have to be done whether you like it or not. Just to let you know about some of the goings on. Dad's lost some weight and his learning curve has greatly increased. He expresses appreciation for everything you did for him; I don't believe he realized just how much you did. He's learned how to cook, and not only for himself, does laundry, dust, and mop floors. Miss C. is a great comfort to him, but still complains lovingly about cleaning 'dirty feet'. Us kids are carrying on, with bursts of emotion and tears at memories of you. Your grandchildren, Mitch and Tabitha, graduated a couple weeks ago. It was a beautiful day with both of them looking real good. I know you would have been so proud of them. Mitch left to CDI College in Edmonton last Thursday and is so excited about learning computer programming. Jacob's going to Grade 11 and he got his driver's license yesterday. He was happy because he beat his brother by getting his first. Tabitha is in Grande Prairie today registering for college for fall. Melissa is busy working at the pharmacy, and is eager about going to the University of Alberta in the fall. Tia and Raegan are growing so fast, it pains me you're not here to teach them your ways. I'll try to remember to show them how you drew stick dogs, houses and people, to listen to all kinds of music and read books. I'll teach them how to weed the garden, play with kittens, smell flowers, go for walks in the trees and pick pussy willows in the spring. I planted a garden at the farm. Pat was right when he said at your 'Gathering' that you were almost a chemist when it came to creating soil. It's a good garden. We've already had a couple feeds of lettuce, onions and radishes. It's comforting and emotional working in the garden without you there. I look up and almost hear you talking to me about the things we need to do next. I feel so close to you there. Aunty Avenel misses you so much and is busy in her gardens and with work. Your brother Metro's wisdom and guidance are appreciated. He spoke about you at the 'Gathering'. It seems even in death you encouraged us each to find strength that we believed is beyond us. We're going to be OK. I'm often reminded of your words, "Look after the living". Today would have been a day when the phone would be secretly ringing between us kids, dad, and Aunty plotting a special surprise for your 60th birthday. Maybe we would have taken you to the river at Alder Ridge, have a picnic and enjoy nature. I know you would have enjoyed the sound of water and children's laughter. "Happy Birthday, Mom, from all of us." Words just don't seem to fill the void in my heart today, but like a friend comforted me, "The hurt never really goes away, you'll just find new ways of coping with it." You always marveled at how life was new and precious everyday like the intricacy of a woven tapestry. Grieving, you said, was another life lesson and given time, we'll all heal despite the pain. Life must go on. Thank you so much for all the lessons you taught me and for the ones you allowed me to learn on my own. I'm at peace knowing you're not in pain anymore. I read somewhere about a boy who passed away after suffering from an illness. He wrote to his mom after he got to heaven: "Tonight I get to sit at the table with Jesus for supper. I'm sure the food will be great. Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. I don't hurt anymore. The pain is all gone. I'm glad because I couldn't stand that pain anymore … and God couldn't stand to see me hurt so much, either. That's when He sent The Angel of Mercy to come get me. The Angel said I was Special Delivery! How about that?" Somehow, Mom, this seemed to make your not being here a whole lot more bearable. I'm sure as you sit at God's table and eat, the conversations will be entertaining and joyful. I smile knowing you're in His hands. Love, Sam.
Alexander Zelman
1926-2008
Alexander Henry Zelman was born Nov. 5, 1926 and passed away April 14, 2008, at the age of 80 years. He is survived by: three daughters, Ferris (Mike), Bonnie (Stan) and Angie; four sons, Dennis (Marilyn), Rick (Christie), Chris (Val), and Perry (Kathy); 15 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; two brothers: Mike (Darlene) and Roy (Theresa); two sisters, Sophie and Helen; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Alex was predeceased by: his wife Grace in 1985; his parents, Kay and Tony Zelman; one sister, Doreen; one brother, Albert; and one grandchild, Davin. A memorial service was held April 20, 2008, in High Prairie, AB. Donations may be made to the Ferguson Cemetery Club in Athabasca, Alta., or the High Prairie Palliative Care Society in High Prairie.
Frank Morowski
1924-2009
It is with much sadness that we mourn the passing of Frank Morowski of Russell, MB. at the age of 85 years.
Frank died while driving home from a doctor’s appointment in Regina resulting in a terrible crash Feb. 6, 2009.
He was born on a farm in Innisfree, AB Jan. 24, 1924, the second child of eight boys and one girl.
Frank lived his life to the fullest. At age 17 he joined the Canadian Army. He served four years overseas in England, France, Belgium, Holland and Germany as a telephone communications operator. After his discharge he joined the Air Force, then worked for the U.S. Army in the Yukon as a communications operator. From there he was employed in the pulp mills in Ocean Falls, B.C., then to Prince Rupert, B.C. where he lived for many years and raised his family. There, he learned the trades of commercial gas furnaces, welding, electrical, plumbing and carpentry. When the mills closed down he took up commercial fishing with one of his sons. He refurbished second hand houses and made a profit.
Frank was a Scout Master, a Mason, a Shriner and a Legion member.
In 1996 he married Margaret Ostapowich and moved to Russell where he became very involved in community affairs. He loved gardening; attending church was a must. He also helped with repairs at the Leisure Centre.
Frank is survived by: his loving wife Margaret; stepchildren Wayne (Monica) and Marlene (Walt); step grandchildren Arlo (Allison); great grandchildren Charlize and Karsen, Shaylea (Steven), Dr. Christine Coburn and David Coburn; and his daughter Dolores and grandson Alex.
Frank was predeceased by four brothers and his two sons.
Many thanks to Rev. David Howell who officiated with a beautiful message, to Lawrence Mclnnis for the eulogy and Celina Deckock for her flute solo.
Thanks also to all those who brought flowers, food and cards. It is greatly appreciated.
Wilhelmina (Minnie) Boehler
1897 - 2000
Wilhelmina (Minnie) Boehler passed away on Oct. 30 at the age of 102 years.
Minnie's parents, Hulda and Gotleib Mantei, immigrated to Canada from Poland in 1892. On Nov. 8, 1897 Minnie was born in Emerson, Man. Being the oldest, her time was spent in the fields with her father, working hard pitching bundles. She also helped in the house helping her mother with household chores.
When Minnie was older she met Otto Boehler but, before they were wed on April 23, 1919 her mother passed away, on Dec. 29, 1918. Following the wedding they moved three miles from Ridgeville, Man.
In 1922 they moved farther west to Palmer, Sask., and then again the Boehler family moved to a homestead near Choiceland, Sask. The nearest town or doctor was in Nipiwin 30 miles away. To reach Nipiwin, the North Saskatchewan River had to be crossed in a cable car type basket. The rest of the way needed to be walked as the horses were too large to get across the river. If weather and the river permitted, it was sometimes possible to get the horses across on the ferry.
The year 1937 prompted yet another move into the town of Choiceland, where Minnie and Otto set up a new business, a sash and door shop. In 1940 the Boehlers built the town's first theatre.
In November of 1949 the West called to the Boehler family once more. This time, they found themselves in High Prairie. Here they built a home and life together.
In 1969 Otto and Minnie celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and soon after, Otto passed away suddenly. Minnie continued to live in her own home until she was 95 years old.
Even in her later years Minnie continued to maintain her own residence. On the days she felt especially spry she would do things like put up storm windows. When being on her own became difficult she moved into the lodge and a few years later into the nursing home here in High Prairie, where she peacefully entered into eternal slumber.
Everyone here will have their own private and personal memories of Minnie. A common thread seems to emerge from almost everyone I have had a chance to talk with.
One, the coffee pot was always on and cake or cookies or some other delectable goodie was in the company of the coffee pot. If it was time for a meal she made one. It was always delicious and I'm sorry but, nobody could made food taste the way Minnie could. At Christmas the family would meet at Minnie's house. The men would sit in the dining room or living room, the women in the kitchen helping Minnie with her turkey dinner. The grandchildren would run and play through the house and when it came time to eat dinner the children would go and sit on the wooden steps leading to the upstairs with their plates full of Jello, pickles, turkey and all the other great stuff that our mothers put on them. When we were done we would slide and bump our way down the stairs to take our plates back to the kitchen.
Second, Minnie loved to sing. Mostly hymns like Jesus Loves Me, What a Friend We Have in Jesus, or Bringing in the Sheaves. Her singing voice filled her home and filled our hearts. Even in her later years she loved to sing God's praises and she knew most songs by heart. Singing in the chapel or a hymn sings were favourite pastimes that filled her final years.
Third, Minnie had a wonderful sense of humour and a special way of making wise one line quips. She usually wasn't one to tell funny stories, or even make silly mistakes you would laugh at. But, she certainly loved to laugh and have a jovial time with friends and family.
During her 100th birthday celebration she was being paraded about by two RCMP officers. Minnie's reply, "It took 100 years before the police came to get me."
Eight children were born to Otto and Minnie: Lil and Lloyd Grams; Gladys McKilligan; Fran and Norm Shire; Donna Spence (Bernie); Marlene and Ken Sandquist; and three deceased sons, Willard, Stanley and Leslie. Through the years grandchildren and great-grandchildren joined the Boehler clan.
At times throughout her life, things were not always easy, and yet she coped. She made it through her days with thoughts like, "It can never be so bad that it can't be good again." She was a philosopher in her own right. A story was recently related to me, and it goes something like this: "A few people had gathered in Minnie's room and the discussion had become philosophical, and this is what Minnie had to say, `Don't ever change who you are. God made you who you are. We're all good enough for God the way we are, don't ever forget it.'"
The funeral for Minnie was held at the High Prairie United Church on Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. with Rev. Sharon McRann and Vicar Quinn Adams officiating. The pallbearers were Lloyd Grams, Roger Theissen, Darcy Spence, Rick Sandquist, Brad Sandquist and Ken Sandquist. The eulogist was Charlene Smith, the pianist Lillian Meneice.
Interment followed in St. Mark's Anglican cemetery in High Prairie.
Mullenders, Hendrika Mathilda
1949-2009
Hendrika Mathilda Mullenders (Westerink) was born Sept. 12, 1949 in Lisse, The Netherlands, to Jan Willem and Stephenia Westerink, and passed away July 19, 2009, in High Prairie after a brave and long battle with cancer at the age of 59 years.
Thilda is survived by: her husband, Jeff; and two children, Bianca Mullenders and Olaf (Wendy) Mullenders; granddaughter Emily Mathilda; as well as numerous family and friends in Europe and Canada. All already miss her energy and laughter greatly.
While a part of her was fiercely independent as evidenced by her moving out at 13, her love for her family and friends always took centre stage in her life.
Thilda married Jeff on May 13, 1968, and they enjoyed 41 wonderful years of marriage. Thilda gave birth to daughter Bianca Nov. 10, 1969 and proudly followed that up 18 months later with the birth of her son, Olaf, May 8, 1971.
A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, 2009, at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in High Prairie.
Thilda requested donation be considered in lieu of flowers to the Canadian Cancer Society of the Lymphona Society of Canada.
Her memory will never be forgotten and her presence will always be missed. The gift of her life and energy will always overshadow the grief her passing has caused.
George Nichols
1952-2008
George Nichols was born in Salt Prairie Aug. 23, 1952 to Philip and Doris Nichols. He had three brothers: Duane, Clinton and Rodney. His younger years were spent camping, picnicking and enjoying the outdoors with his family. As a teenager and young adult, he developed an interest in cars, trucks and anything with a motor in it. This lasted throughout his life as he seemed to be able to fix anything. Later, George and Clint had several endeavours logging and guiding hunters. He married Ivy Taron Jan. 22, 1983. They raised four great children: Shaun, Janelle, Nola and Kensie. George started working in the oilpatch 25 years ago with his friend and neighbour, Gerry Meshen. The company changed ownership many times, but they stayed on. George ended up being an area foreman for Devon Petroleum. He was a tremendous provider for his family, they never went without. As he grew older and his children moved on with their own lives, George organized get-togethers and picnics, such as the annual berry picking trip to Mink Lakes, the Christmas Eve Chinese gift exchange, seafood suppers and barbecues. Other events he was always involved in that meant a great deal to him were the Devon barbecues and get-togethers with his many work associates; the annual Taron family campouts and hunting trips with his brother-in-laws from Sandy Lake, Wayne and Shane Taron. Fishing was definitely one of his greatest enjoyments. He loved taking his boat out when any of his family were around, especially his grandchildren or his good friend, Brian Wilson. George is survived by: his wife of 25 years, Ivy; son Shaun and his girlfriend, Ashley, and grandson Jorli; daughter Janelle and her husband, Blake Pratt, granddaughter Natalie and grandson Sawyer; daughter Nola and her boyfriend, Jay Anderson, and their daughter, Gracie; and youngest son Kensie and his girlfriend, Natalie; as well as two brothers, Duane and Clint. He was predeceased by his parents, Phil and Doris, and his youngest brother, Rodney. The family extends thanks for all the support from neighbours, friends and relatives.
Nick Tanasuik
1923-2001
Nick Tanasiuk, of Bentley, Alta. passed away at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on Oct. 26, at the age of 78 years.
Nick was born at Hyas, Sask. on Oct. 17, 1923 to Mike and Dora Tanasiuk. Nick grew up on a farm by Stenen, Sask. He was the fourth child in a family of five: Annie, Ed, Mary, Nick and Willie. Nick moved to Alberta in 1945, where he worked as a farmhand, teamster, logger, truck driver and farmer. Nick homesteaded in 1949 and continued farming until he retired.
Nick was united in marriage to Arlene on Feb. 1, 1958. They made their home in Kinuso. Nick farmed and Arlene taught school. They raised two children, Edward and Joann.
In 1998 Nick and Arlene sold their farm and moved to Bentley.
Nick was always involved in community activities and societies. He helped with the Kinuso Ag Society, curling club, sports days and was president of the Swan Valley Cemetery Society. He also enjoyed woodworking. Nick made various pieces of furniture for his loved ones.
He will be lovingly remembered by: his wife Arlene; children Edward (Margaret) Tanasiuk, and Joann (Chris) Griffin; grandchildren Mitchell, Kas, Harlen, Richard, Robyn and Megan; brother Willie Tanasiuk; sister Annie Wasyluk; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
He was predeceased by: his father, mother, sister Mary, and brothers-in-law Alex and Ed.
The funeral was held on Oct. 30 at the Bentley United Church at 1 p.m., interment followed in the Bentley Cemetery.
If friends so desire, contributions may be made to the Cross Cancer Institute in care of the Alberta Cancer Foundation, 11560 University Ave. in Edmonton, T6G 1Z2, or the cancer charity of the donor's choice.
Donald Dean O'How
1935-2007
Donald Dean O’How was born on Sept. 10, 1935 in Coronation, AB. Don worked at Buchanan lumber for many years, then at Shadow Creek Sawmill for awhile, all the time farming in the Snipe Lake area. He was married to Shirley and had three daughters. After their daughters left home, he and Shirley moved to town for a few years and finally settled on an acreage just west of town until his passing. Don enjoyed fishing, wood working, and visiting friends. He is survived by: his daughters; Benita in Falher, Grace (Marcel) in Spirit River and Kathy (Sheldon) in High Prairie; grandchildren Jared, Rochelle and Amanda in Spirit River; Tracy in Olds; and Donald in High Prairie; brother Jack (Shirley) of Castor, AB; sons Cliff, Bruce, Terry and Darcy; and brother, Charlie (Birdie) of Westlock, and children Lorraine, Kenneth, Judy and Kelly; and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Don is predeceased by: his wife, Shirley, in 2003; his sister, Lily May, in 1967; his father, James, in 1980; his mother, Florence, in 1995; and his brother, Alberta, in 2007. The funeral for the late Donald O’How was held Nov. 24 at The Chapel of Memories Funeral Hall. In lieu of flowers, donations can be kindly made to the Heart Association or The Alberta Cancer Society.
Nicholas George Olanski
1926-2008
The following is the obituary read at Nicholas Olanski’s funeral: Today we celebrate the life of Nicholas George Olanski. Nick was born May 10, 1926 in Silver, Man., to Michael and Catherine. Nick passed away peacefully in J.B. Wood Nursing Home with family by his side Dec. 24, 2008. He was pre-deceased by: his parents. Michael and Catherine Olanski; brothers Frank and Walter Olanski, Joe Korol; sister Nellie Chocko; and grandson Nicholas Senko. He was the youngest of five half-brothers and sisters: Frank, Walter, Joe, Mary and Nellie. His family moved to High Prairie to homestead when he was just three years old. After completing school, Nick helped his parents on the farm until leaving for Drumheller to work in the coal mines. When he returned he had dreams of becoming a police officer, but his mother discouraged him from enlisting. When the Second World War began, Nick wanted to join the army with his brothers, Walter and Frank. His application was rejected for medical reasons. After Anne’s mom passed away in 1944, Anne and Frank Olanski took Anne in, and one day Frank’s half-brother Nick came riding in on his horse. “Buckskin” and Nick gazed upon Anne with his blue eyes - Anne-gazed back - thus the beginning of their courtship, until their marriage in 1949. In 1951, after a pregnancy that nearly claimed Anne’s life, their first son was born but taken at birth. The doctors told them they were to have no children, but the very next year in 1952 their first daughter, Cathy, was born, followed by five more children: Darlene, Susan, Robert, Raymond and Dennis to complete the family. After Nick’s parents retired to High Prairie, he took over the family farm. During the following years Nick worked a variety of jobs, hauling pulp wood, working on the Alaska Highway, the oil rigs and sawmills. Speaking of sawmills, there is a story of Nick the Survivor. It goes that Gordon Buchanan of Buchanan Lumber had asked Nick to build a new road in the Cadotte Lake area. Nick was supplied with a cat and skid shack and away he went. After about two weeks and no word from Nick, Anne got worried about her Nick and phoned Carmel at Buchanan’s inquiring if they had heard from him. They had not, but would send someone out to check on him. Sure enough, they found Nick working diligently on the new road which was just about completed. He had enough food and fuel to keep him going, so he stayed and finished the job. The story goes that the only thing Nick was short of was paper to fill in his timesheet with. But Nick was always thinking: he used pieces of bark to keep track of his hours. When he got back to High Prairie he turned these timesheets in to Carmel, she accepted them as OK and paid him accordingly. This was kind of a joke around Buchanan’s for many years about how important it was to keep good timesheets. In 1977, he formed his own company and proudly bought his first skidder. Along with his three sons he enjoyed the hustle and bustle of the logging company, but as time went on, he said he was getting tired, so he decided it was time to retire from logging and focus more on the farm. In 1992, Raymond and Dennis purchased the logging company from their parents. At first he missed working in the bush, so he would go out on weekends to “supervise”. Eventually, he stated, “By God, that’s hard work, I can’t work that hard any more.” Nick was never one to sit around and do nothing, so he picked up his other passions, such as hunting, fishing, and hiking with his beloved dog, “Joe”, or spending the winter trapping with his son, Robert. He also found great joy quadding with his grandchildren and taking them to his favourite strawberry patch, or playing golf with his sons and sons-in-law. Nick would always enjoy a night out with his friends. If he returned home too late, he would throw his hat through the door first. If it came flying back out, boy was he in trouble! But the things that really remind us of Nick were his love of reading, especially Zane Grey and Louis Lamour pocket books, dancing to country music and telling stories. You could always hear Nick whistling wherever he went. I remember when Mickey and I were courting in the early 1960s. We would go out to visit Nick and Anne. I really enjoyed going there because I was always made to feel so welcome. There was always the insistence we stay for dinner and, of course, an odd beer or so. I really did enjoy the great hunting stories, I did not realize moose were really that big and so hard to hunt and so much preparation was required. My brother, Arne, would talk of his hunting stories and told me of the direct hits on moose he made at 400 yards, etc. When I told Nick this he told me he could hit them dead on at 450 yards while they were running. I guess this makes you the champion, Nick! Many people believe a person is successful only if they have accumulated great wealth, but I believe that success should be measured by devotion and love of family and good friends. In my opinion, Nick has achieved this. I would like everyone here to take a few moments to reflect on their acquaintance and friendship to remember Nick as a devoted husband to his beautiful devoted wife Anne of 59 years of marriage, as a father to his children Cathy, Darlene, Susan, Robert, Raymond and Dennis, as a grandfather to his numerous grandchildren of which there are 12 and seven great-grandchildren, plus two additional adopted grandchildren, as a business man in his many ventures, as a hunter, and finally as a friend and confident. Anne told Mickey that on Christmas morning she looked out her window and saw a big beautiful stag deer looking in at her. In my opinion, Nick, the great white hunter, came to say good-bye to her and to make sure she was OK and all right. It was very difficult for all of us to watch this once strong man start to fail. The last thing I will remember is visiting him in the nursing home and realizing how physically strong his hands still were. At times he seemed to recognize us. We all knew recovery was not to be, so farewell my dear brother-in-law and friend, rest peacefully until we meet again!
Olga Ferens
1917 - 2000
On Nov. 27, 2000 Olga Ferens passed away peacefully. She was born on Feb. 4, 1917.
"Mom, you're reunited with dad,
Your journey is done.
Your days of work and toil are done.
You are now safe in the arms
Of our beloved Saviour.
Mom, we will always love you and miss you
And forever remembered in our hearts."
Love always from daughter Judith and David Thomas, son Michael Ferens, son Dan Ferens, son Mark Ferens and daughter-in-law Yvonne Ferens.
Joe Pasicka
1942-2007
Joe Pasicka passed away in High Prairie on March 28, 2007 after a short battle with cancer. Joe was born on March 26, 1942 in High Prairie and lived in Sunset House until the age of 12 years. His parents and family moved to High Prairie in 1954 where they purchased the family farm. Joe attended school and helped on the farm. His school years were short-lived as he went to work on oil rigs at an early age. He became a self-trained mechanic and was always fixing and purchasing older vehicles. Later in life he was mostly trucking and repairing. In 1966 he married Judy McNabb and they had two children: Billy and Margaret. Joe leaves to mourn his wife and children, one brother and two sisters, plus nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father in 1988 and his mother in 1997. At his request, he was cremated and no funeral was held.
Marjorie Rose Poloz, 1948-2009
Rose Poloz was born Aug. 11, 1948, and passed away Dec. 2, 2009 at the age of 61 years. Following is the eulogy delivered by Gayle McCue:
Much like the flower of the same name, Auntie Rose Poloz was very beautiful, elegant and classy. One of her dear friends suggested we look at her life as we’d admire the petals of a rose, and I thank her for the wonderful idea.
Rose started as a little rosebud in the hamlet of Grouard Aug. 11, 1948. Marjorie Rose Belcourt was born at home, and like her two sisters and four brothers, had no recorded birth weight or time. She was the youngest daughter of Pat and Maryann, and her family called her ‘Baby’ for years. She was in the first group of students to go to school at AVC in Grouard, and she did very well.
As our rosebud bloomed into a woman, one of the most important petals of her life was motherhood. Rose had four beautiful daughters: Tracy, Kathy, Cheryl and Lori.
As her girls grew older, Rose spent some time as a single mother. She went back to school and excelled at Secretarial Arts. This accomplishment filled her with such pride and confidence. She was a very practical working single mom. She gave the girls the choice of either a phone or a microwave - they couldn’t have both. Of course, her teenage daughters chose a telephone!
Our Rose also has a grandmother petal. She took special joy in her grandchildren and loved to spend time playing with them and spoiling them. She celebrated the wedding of her oldest granddaughter, Kiley-Rae, this past summer. I’m sure this will always be a treasured memory.
As Rose grew older, another petal of her life unfolded, the petal of the adventurer. Rose loved to travel. One of her favourite destinations was the bright lights of Las Vegas. She also enjoyed a trip she took with Arthur to the Oregon coast, where they marvelled in the beauty of the Redwood forest. She loved autumn and took every opportunity to admire the colours of the season. One of her favourite pastimes was a walk around Beaumaris Lake in Edmonton.
Over the past three years, two more petals of our Rose have developed. While they are separate, for Rose they were one and the same. One petal is that of a courageous fighter, the other is that of a faithful Christian.
Three years ago, Rose met a group of women who became the best friends any woman could hope for. She joined a Christian group called the Alpha Group, along with Joyce Halwa, Ann Long and Colleen Godziuk. Last November Rose took part in a spiritual retreat known as Cursillo. It was a life-changing experience for her. She realized that she was completely loved, and she found peace.
Two years ago Rose began her battle with cancer. She fought with such courage and grace. At the end of her battle, she accepted the inevitable outcome with overwhelming peace, elegance and dignify. Her final two weeks brought our family together in a way that none of us will ever forget. She has passed on a legacy of courage, compassion and togetherness.
On Dec. 2, 2009, surrounded by an amazing circle of those she loved and those who loved her, she passed away. Our Rose, with her endearing giggle and infectious smile, is in full bloom in the garden of the Lord in Heaven.
Waiting to welcome her will be her parents Pat and Maryann, her daughter Tracy, her sister Annie, her brothers George and Danny, and her nephews Jimmy and Porgie.
