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Gwendolyn Rookes
July 29, 2016
On Friday, July 15, 2016, Gwendolyn Mae Rookes [nee Smith] passed away with her family by her side at the age of 82 years.
Gwendolyn, who was born on Aug. 19, 1933, has gone to be with the love of her life, William Roy Rookes, who passed away on Oct. 31, 1993.
She leaves behind her three children; Ron [LeeAnn], Linda Byram [Ron], and Devin [Alvina] as well as 10 grandchildren, their partners and 22 great-grandchildren to carry on her legacy. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.
A celebration of her life was held July 22, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Drayton Valley Funeral Services – Tinant Chapel with Pastor Lorne Trudgian officiating.
Interment will follow at a later date.
If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made in her memory to Drayton Valley Health Services Foundation [CT-4-DV] 4550 Madsen Ave, Drayton Valley, Alta. T7A 1N8, or to Serenity House 4552 Madsen Ave, Drayton Valley, Alta T7A 1T2.
George Francis Dow
August 13, 2016
George Francis Dow was born on March 30th, 1941 in High Prairie. He was the second of eight children born to Eddy and Addy Dow.
Francis, who passed away July 4 at the age of 75 years, lived in Faust as a youngster until 1947 when the Dows returned to Kinuso. Francis met a lovely, young teacher from Saskatchewan in 1963. Miss Natalie Ossadchuk and they were married July 24, 1965. They made Kinuso their home.
For many years Francis played, drums, saxophone and accordion with the Kodiaks. Francis was very involved with the community. He had worked with Scouts and Cubs, spent many years on the chamber of commerce, and devoted six years on the village council.
Francis’ real commitment was to the Kinuso Volunteer Fire Department. Francis spent many hours working at the old fire hall. He never complained when the call came in the middle of the night to head out to a fire, and then head out to work with no sleep in the morning.
Francis worked in the hardware department at Kinuso Mercantile. Anyone who frequented the store knew if you needed it Francis could find it. He enjoyed helping and visiting the customers and he loved the people he worked with. In 2006, at the age of 65, Francis retired after 50 years of great service at the store.
Francis was a family man and spent as much time as he could with his wife, children, grandchildren, sisters, brothers, nieces, and nephews. Family was very important to Francis. During his early years of retirement came the grandchildren and that became his passion. Chasing squirrels in the trees, eating ice cream on his swing or finding a piece of gum in his pocket, a grandchild was right by his side.
Retirement was something Francis looked forward to, however his struggle with Parkinson’s disease made that very difficult at times. Being Francis though, he took on this struggle with the same strength, love and smile that made him the wonderful person that he was.
Francis memory will go on in the lives of: wife Natalie; son Terry [Angie] Dow; and daughter Tammy [Adrian] Plante; his six amazing grandchildren Bryce, Kayley, Landen, Lexi, Shayla, and Isabelle; his sisters Dianne [Gerald] Doerksen, Doreen [Ron[ Beaupre, Marilyn [Eldon] McDonald, and Karen [Vic] Abel; his brothers Larry [Esta] Dow, Jim [Laurel] Dow, Donald [Betty] Dow; sister-in-law Jeanette [Burnice] Bamping; and the many nieces and nephews he loved so much.
Francis was predeceased by: his loving parents, Eddy and Addie Dow; father and mother-in-law William and Mary Ossadchuk; brother and sister-in-law John and Audrey Kulchysky.
Forever a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend.
We love you, Francis.
Ethel Mae Tanghe
October 26, 2016
Ethel Mae [Cuthbert] Tanghe was born on Feb. 2, 1919, in Baulder, Man., the eldest of 11 children, to Thomas and Goldie Cuthbert.
When she was nine, her family moved to the Peavine area to escape the dustbowl conditions of Manitoba. Ethel [Betty] attended the newly-constructed Heart River School through Grade 3, but then stayed home to help on the farm, assisting her dad on the crosscut saw and getting the cows in.
As a teenager, Betty got a job working in a cafe near High Prairie for $5 a month. Later, during the Second World War, she joined the Canadian Women’s Army Corp, being trained in Edmonton, and stationed in Red Deer, where she worked as a switchboard operator, and waited on soldiers in the mess hall.
In 1950, Betty married Bert [Joe] Tanghe. They had a daughter, Judy, in 1956, and a son, Howard, in 1958.
For most of their married life, they farmed in the Kinuso area, but they also drove school bus and took care of mink.
Betty loved gardening, crocheting, cooking, and even oil painting, which she took up in her seventies. She spent a lot of time with her family, and was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother.
Betty died at home at the age of 97 years on Sept. 15, 2016, and will be greatly missed by all who knew her.
Betty was predeceased by: her daughter, Judy; her parents, Thomas and Goldie; her brothers Armandy, Mark [Gwen], Melvin, Percival, and Murril; and by her sisters Elsie [Raymond] and Ruth [Lawrence].
She is survived by: her husband, Joe; her son, Howard [Melinda]; her brother, Phillip [Vergie]; her sister, Verna [Reg]; her grandchildren, Rhonda, Dylan, Emmanuel and Olivia; her great-grandchildren Alicia, Samantha, Amanda, and Hailey; and her great-great grandchildren Janessa and Ariella.
Ernest J. Bertin
August 13, 2016
Ernest J. Bertin was born on May 20, 1932 and passed away July 14, 2016 at the age of 84 years.
Ernie was born in New Brunswick, the son of Arthur and Mary Bertin.
He was predeceased by his wife Kay.
Ernie worked all over Canada as a welder in construction and later as a contractor. He loved Alberta and also loved traveling. His favourite was music. He played guitar and was an accomplished musician, playing many instruments in bands all over the country.
He was instrumental in forming the senior hockey league in High Prairie.
He will be sadly missed by his children: Danny, Theresa and Veronica; grandchildren, and great-grandchildren; his brothers Ray, Clifford and George; and his sisters Agnes, Adelia and Theresa; and his many, many friends.
Donald Victor Adams
September 11, 2016
Donald Victor Adams was born on Jan. 26, 1932 in Calgary and passed away on Aug. 20, 2016 at the age of 84 years.
Donald was the fourth of seven children born to Victor and Flora Adams. He lived his early years in the district of Home Glen, west of Wetaskiwin. The family moved to Spruceview, west of Innisfail, in 1945. He grew up on the family farm, eventually leaving school in Grade 8 to work with his father driving school bus and delivering freight around Innisfail and Calgary.
Too young to drive, he would dodge the neighbour’s wife who would call the sheriff. Each time the sheriff would let him off with a warning and a reminder to try harder not to get caught! His days of eluding the neighbourhood busy body were over when he purchased his own truck and began hauling gravel.
His “never stop working” attitude carried him north, all the way to the Peace Country where he met Mary Kozie working in a cafe. Don must have said something pretty special to get a woman like her to marry him, or it could have been his clever sense of humour and quick wit, but he did it somehow and they were wed in January of 1956.
They didn’t think things were quite tough enough trying to run a gravel truck in the ‘50s and decided to have three children to add to the excitement. Thus Donna, Gary and Larry were born. Mary showed her dedication by staying in a small trailer they towed behind the gravel truck, raising children and making meals until Don bought a lowboy and started Adams Transport Ltd. With this company, he began hauling equipment all over the north. Mary became bookkeeper, dispatch, answering service, cook – anything that needed to be done – as they raised the kids. He worked as smart as he did hard, establishing a reputation of reliability and quality work. In 1985, at the age of 53, he was able to sell the business and retire.
Don approached his retirement much the same way he approached everything, never afraid to try something new. He and Mary would travel the south in their motorhome, making many lifetime friends as they did. In classic Don style, when stopped in the middle of the desert with other RVs coming and going, he would set up a “Don Adams custom made” campsite, complete with fake power and water hookups. It amused him to chat with people and agree to let them on the wait list for his spot, before quickly letting them in on the joke.
Don eagerly spent time with his eight grandchildren, teaching them to play pool, darts, quad, and of course, fish. He always had as much or more fun than the kids! More recently, he found joy in his two great-grandchildren; laughing at their antics or sitting with them with on his knee – just like he did years before with the grandkids, less one Lazy Boy recliner that packed it in years before!
If you knew Don, you knew he loved to fish. He fished lakes, streams and the coast whenever he could. Being on the ocean in a 14-foot aluminum boat near a pod of killer whales just made it a better day for him!
Don didn’t know it at the time, but when he purchased a beautiful recreational property at Shaw’s Point, right on the shore of Lesser Slave Lake, he, along with Mary, created a special place for family and friends that continues to create cherished memories each year.
Don’s children and his grandchildren have spent countless hours on the water, the beach, and around the fire pit. Don would have his jet boat on the water, towing anyone brave enough to climb into a tube or a pair of skis and see how long they could hang on; or simply sitting quietly with lines in the water, telling the grandkids to stop scaring all the fish away! Family and friends were always welcome to come and sit by the fire, share stories, a drink, and a laugh.
His love for the outdoors took him many hidden away places: hunting, jet boating trips up the river, and to the dunes in Arizona, to name few. His sense of adventure and never quit attitude fueled his creativity. He could build or fix anything and came up with many creative and simple solutions to problems that would stop others in their tracks. Don just never quit – on the job, on his family, or on that big fish [mounted in the cabin!]. It didn’t matter what it was, he got it done and did it well.
Don was an amazing man, supportive to family and friends, always willing to help out in any way. His hard-working attitude took him many places, meeting many great people and living a life full of adventure and special moments most never get. He had a mischievous look to go along with his pranks and could always be counted on for his quick wit and sharp comebacks. Don leaves his family here and you don’t have to look far to see glimpses of him passed down through his children and theirs, carrying on what he stood for.
He blessed our lives and left us with many memories to cherish.
Don was predeceased by: his loving wife, Mary; parents, Victor and Flora Adams; and a sister, June Dvornek.
Don’s memory lives on in the lives of his children: Donna [Jim] Smyth, Gary [Barb], Larry [Darlene]; and eight grandchildren including Sherri, Jenna [J.J.], Brandon [Alex], Shaun [Nicole], Megan, Stuart, Patrick, and Sara; and two great-grandchildren, Caellum and Collins.
A celebrant of Don’s life was held Aug. 26, 2016 at the High Prairie Legion.
If friends so desire, memorial donations may be made to the High Prairie and District Palliative Care Society as expressions of sympathy.
Donald Harvey Fish passes away at 81
June 1, 2016
Don Fish, long-time resident of McLennan, Alberta, passed away at his home on May 15, 2016.
Don was born in Canwood, Saskatchewan on September 12, 1934.
Don grew up in McLennan, joined the RCAF in 1959 and retired in 1983 with the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He then went to work for Sacred Heart Hospital in McLennan as an EMT for about 25 years before retiring.
Don was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion and a very active member of the McLennan branch. He was also a member of the Order of Military Merit.
Don was predeceased by his father, Harvey William Fish, and his mother, Kathleen Marion Fish. He is survived by his wife, Dale; sister, Marilynn Fish; daughter, Lilliane Gillis (Randy); son, Daniel Fish; and son, Thomas David White.
A celebration of life for the late Donald Harvey Fish will be held September 10, 2016, at the McLennan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Donations can be made to Wounded Warriors Canada.
Funeral arrangements were under the direction of Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes.
Denis Lawrence Peyre
August 13, 2016
Denis Lawrence Peyre, of High Prairie, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home on July 18, 2016. He was 73 years old.
He is survived by: his wife of 42 years, Jackaline [nee Fisher]; son Brent Peyre; daughter Trisha [Robert] Graham; granddaughters Carys and Emerie Graham; and brothers Lorne [Karen], Wayne [Liz], and Jim [Maryann]. He is further survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends.
Denis was born on April 10, 1943 in High Prairie, to Edmond Peyre and Violet Ersson. His early years revolved around the family farm, where his lifelong love of agriculture and quality farm equipment began.
Denis attended the University of Alberta, graduating with a degree in Business in 1973. That May he has hired by John Deere and started training at their Parts Warehouse and Sales Division in Edmonton. Four months later he was transferred to Ontario as a territory manager near Lake Simcoe, north of Toronto.
When the opportunity for a John Deere dealership in High Prairie came about in 1975 he decided to go for it. Denis and Jackie made the move back to their hometown where the community openly welcomed back their local boy, knowing that he would be committed to providing them with the best quality of service possible.
Peyre Farm Equipment Ltd opened its doors August 1975. In 2005, he amalgamated Peyre Farm Equipment with his brother, Wayne, and added the High Prairie dealership to Deerline Sales’ Barrhead and Westlock line up.
In 2009, Deerline Sales merged with Martin Equipment/Martin Motor Sports forming MMD Sales Ltd. with the John Deere side operating as Martin Deerline. Last August, Denis celebrated his 40th year with John Deere and opened the impressive new High Prairie location of Martin Deerline. He had said he was proud to have been able to ‘operate in the same environment for 40 years, although it would be great to be starting in year one again’.
Denis towered over most at 6’6” with intense eyes, a powerful handshake and deep voice. He was a keen listener, observant and a thinker – always able to see the ‘Big Picture’. He loved fun and his booming laugh was infectious.
Family, community and friends were very important to Denis. His door was always open and was the kind of guy you could go and talk to for advice. It didn’t matter the type of person you were; Denis had the gift to deal with all and make everyone feel important and heard.
‘No matter how full your life may seem, there’s always room for a couple of cups of coffee with a friend’.
On July 25, 2016, family and friends attended a celebration of Denis’s life at the High Prairie Rodeo grounds. It was a beautiful day in remembrance of a wonderful man who will be greatly missed by many.
Memorial donations may be made to: High Prairie Health Care Auxiliary Society, Box 535, High Prairie, AB TOG 1E0.
Funds will be used for equipment or projects supporting the new High Prairie Health Complex.
Anne Beamish [Kosar]
July 29, 2016
With heavy hearts the family of Anne Beamish [nee Kosar], of High Prairie, announce her sudden passing of heart failure in Sherwood Park, Alta., on June 26, 2016 at the age of 86 years.
She was predeceased by: her husband, Wessely Harold Beamish, and life partner Gordon Rich; parents Nick and Mary Kosar; siblings Matthew Kosar, Helen Kosar, Rose Lizzee, and June Godberson.
Anne is survived by: her son Doug Beamish [Bev] and grandchildren Dwayne Beamish and Dawn Kennedy; son Lloyd Beamish and grandson Christopher Plante; daughter Shirley Rothwell [Doug] and grandchildren Michael Rothwell, Nicholas Rothwell and Nicole Cox; daughter Wanda Sparrow [Kelly] and grandchildren Matthew, Paige and Paris; and son Shawn Beamish [Christine] and grandchildren Nathan, Noah and Annika; and 11 great-grandchildren. Anne is also survived by her siblings Olga Babkirk, Mary Geale [Chuck], Elsie Montgomery [Bill], Minnie Proc [John], Roger Kosar, brother-in-law John Godberson [Heather] and numerous nieces and nephews.
Anne was born on her family homestead north of High Prairie March 27, 1930, and always had a love for the farm.
Anne worked 30 years in the High Prairie Hospital making many friends and touching many lives. She loved her work, especially the maternity ward and time spent with babies and new mothers.
Of all her passions, her greatest was her family and grandchildren, which were her pride and joy. She was an avid gardener and supported her family with meals from the garden and canning throughout the year. Her meals were renowned and sought out by family and friends.
Anne enjoyed many long tea parties in her kitchen, sharing life’s journey with friends and family, discussing the latest news and laughing until her stomach hurt.
The natural beauty of a flower, the perfume of a rain storm or the majesty of a sunset was her joy. Her energy was boundless, and her strength and perseverance through tough times continues to be inspirational to her family and friends. She was rich with love and will be dearly missed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
A celebrating of Anne’s life was held July 7 at 1:30 p.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church.
Charlie Rose
1921-2007
It is with great sadness that the family of Charlie Lea Rose announce his passing on June 27, 2007, at the age of 85 years. Charlie was born on Sept. 15, 1921, at Peace River. He was the third son of Adolf and Annie Rose. He farmed in Big Meadow for 44 years and was a very active community-minded man. Charlie is survived by: his loving wife of 64 years, Kay; his two sons, Lee (Jackie) and Ron (Debbie); his grandchildren Gail (Marc), Ken, Clint (Monika), Jodi (Byron), Mitchell and Madison; and great-grandchildren Hayden and Nicholas; Caleb and Rebekah; Jackson, Berkley and Karenga. He is also survived by: his brother, Roy, and sister-in-law Annie; brother-in-law Henry Brulotte; brother-in-law Ken (Mae) Kirkpatrick; as well as many nieces, nephews and friends. He was predeceased by: his son, Donald; his parents; his brothers, Ralph and Fred; and his sister, Violet.
Doug Rose
1946-2008
Note; The following eulogy was delivered at Doug Rose’s funeral by Brent Johns. It is an honour for me to present Doug’s eulogy today. It was Doug’s wish his eulogy be kept casual and light-hearted. Doug wanted this so much he wrote parts of it himself. The rest of us just filled in some gaps. Douglas Melvin Rose was born Jan. 17, 1946 in High Prairie and was raised on the family farm in the Big Meadow area by his parents, Roy and Francis Rose. He had three siblings: Fred, Margaret and David. He was predeceased by his mother, Francis, and grandparents, Adolph and Annie Rose and Frank and Margaret Willsey. Affectionately known to all his friends and family as Doug, and on occasion if caught saying or doing something Lorene didn’t think was quite appropriate “Douglas”. But you had to listen closely to the context. At most times, it was also a term of endearment. Doug was a kind and selfless man, a man who took great pride in everything he did. He always encouraged others to do their best. He was never judgmental and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Doug was physically solid on the out side but his dearest friends always said, “Doug has a gentle heart.” He was a true gentleman. With parents like Roy and Francis, it’s easy to see where he came by his hard work ethic and his soft gentle mannerism. Like all farm boy’s growing up, Doug had a chore or two to do every day but he also loved to play sports. He played hockey for the Big Meadow Larks and was a member of the local Air Cadets. As a youth, Doug obviously kept very busy, which was something he continued to do all his life. Doug began his education in Big Meadow, did his junior high in High Prairie and graduated from Camrose Lutheran College in 1965. In Camrose, he continued with sports by playing hockey, football and track and field, where he broke a record for the pole vault. In the summer of 1965 he came home to the family farm. Later that fall he went to the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology where he pursued a career in communications. As fate would have it, a career wasn’t the only thing Doug ended up pursuing, because this is where he first met his life partner Jean (Lorene) Younger. In 1966, Doug started with AGT and apprenticed as a Telecommunication Electrician. With luck and good management he transferred to Peace River, which conveniently just happened to be where Lorene was from. On Sept. 2, 1967 Doug and Lorene pledged their lives to each other and married in Peace River. While there he became a proud father of his sons, John on July 17, 1969 and Philip on Nov. 16, 1971. Showing his selfless ways, Doug became a volunteer as an adult leader in the Air Cadets and joined the Elks in June of 1970. In 1973 Doug purchased a quarter section of land just north of Enilda, where he settled his family and built the farm they will always call home. On a memorable Nov. 11, 1974, Doug was once again blessed with the arrival of his little girl, Elaine. In 1976 the entrepreneurial bug bit and Doug left AGT. He started his own business, Doug’s Backhoe Service. It was at that time that I went to work for Doug who became one of my true friends. A wise lady once told me that during your lifetime you will only make a handful of true friends. These are people who will stand beside you through thick and thin, they will help when help is needed, and in return ask for nothing. That wise lady was right. I, like many of you, have just lost a true friend. Doug, however, is the exception to this rule. I know he has more than a handful of true friends. Doug hired me as third-in-command and lead Mexican banjo operator. Or, in North American terms, ditch digger. Yes, third in charge! Doug, Dave and me. What a trio! The first thing Doug told me when I started working for him was. “I will never ask you to do something I wouldn’t do myself.” I liked that approach and continue to use it to this day. We worked hard, we did everything from cisterns and septic tanks, to water and gas lines. When there was nothing to do with the backhoe, we went farming when there was no farming, Oh, there was always farming! We put up hay, cut crops, chased cows, except in my case got chased by cows - or more politically correct, bulls - sharpened fence posts, pounded fence posts. Oh boy, fence posts! The hardest day’s work I’ve ever done was sharpening fence posts. Roy, Doug, Dave and I would each pick up a post and you had to run it through this cut-off saw four times to make a point. Well, by the time lunch rolled around my arms were shaking so much, every time I tried to get a spoonful of soup to my mouth it always hit it’s final destination empty. I’m not sure who said it (probably Doug) but they wanted to know if I needed a straw. I remember a job, an old sewer system repair, Dave was in the backhoe and I was in the trench operating the Mexican banjo. Doug was standing up top watching the bank of the trench. There I was, up to my you know what’s, standing in you know what and I said, “Doug, I thought you said you would never ask me to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself?” Doug looked at me and said, “I would do it but lucky for me you showed up for work today.” Doug stayed true to his word. He was the boss right there with us. “I’ll never ask you to do something I wouldn’t do myself.” Everyday was an example of how Doug kept his word. It’s because of this that I find the strength to stand in front of you today, knowing he would never ask me to do anything he wouldn’t do himself. I know if the roles were reversed he would be standing here for me. I say again we worked hard. We also laughed hard and we played hard. After work, Dave and I did our thing that young teenaged boys do. And Doug did his thing, if he wasn’t fixing something Dave or I broke that day. Doug’s thing always involved friends and family. He loved to fish with his dad, children and grandchildren. He went square dancing with his wife and friends in Enilda. He bowled and he loved curling, which he did with his parents, his wife and his son, John. Doug was a busy man. Not only was he running a business, he had continued on in the Air Cadets in High Prairie. He eventually becoming a Captain and on April 1, 1991 he became a Commissioned Officer and stayed Captain of the High Prairie Squadron until September 1999. He also continued with the Elks in High Prairie and eventually became the Exalted Ruler. Doug was also a member of the Rodeo Committee and a member of the Regal Alumni. He drove bus for the hockey players and was a member of the Enilda fire department. You want to talk music to Doug’s ears, just say ‘rodeo’. He loved the rodeo and enjoyed his annual trip to Edmonton for the Canadian Finals Rodeo, especially when he could enjoy it with the rest of his family. After four years Doug’s backhoe service became Double “D” Enterprises. Doug and his younger brother, David, became partners. For nine years the boys worked together, growing the business to five trucks, numerous excavating equipment while farming 19 quarters of land. They eventually went their separate ways and Doug once again tried the 8-5 lifestyle. He took a job at AVC Grouard in the Public Works Department, followed by a short stint with the Town of High Prairie. But the entrepreneurial bug never really let go and once again Doug was doing what he truly loved, being an independent trucker until he was diagnosed with cancer. When Doug first became ill, he made a list of things he was going to do: he wanted to ride in the Stampede Parade with Frank Pratt, celebrate his 40th wedding anniversary; go to Alaska with Lorene, something they always wanted to do, and see the Canadian Finals Rodeo one more time. All of these things he accomplished. Last summer Doug spent as much time as humanly possible at Shaw’s Point. He loved the lake lot and all the memories that were made there. He spent many a night staring into the flames of the fire and would say, “It’s amazing the things you will see if you stare into a fire long enough.” In September Doug and Lorene celebrated their 40 wedding anniversary. They invited all their friends and relatives to come and join them on this special occasion. The boy’s cooked on the barbecue to the point they couldn’t give away all the meat and the girls filled table upon table with food. During all the festivities Doug told John as he looked at all the people who had come and said, “See all these people? Whether related or not, this is family!” And, finally, to Doug’s eight grandchildren: Jessica and Davis, Machaela and Koltin, Nicole, Sarah, Elyse, and last but never least, Wade, tour grandfather wanted you to know that, “You have brought him the greatest memories of all with your love and even your mischievousness. Take care and make wise choices in your lives.”
