- Alberta, Canada, Marriages Index, 1898-1944 -
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Hugh McDermott
1938-2003
Hugh McDermott of Barrhead, Alta., passed away on Dec. 16, 2003 in the University Hospital in Edmonton at the age of 65 years.
Hugh was a long time resident of High Prairie where he farmed and worked for the M.D. of Big Lakes. He retired to Barrhead two years ago making his home in Lac la Nonne.
He is survived by: his wife, Carrie; daughters Rosemarie (Ralph) Emard, Yvonne (Andy) LaChance, sons Clinton (Jeannie) McDermott, and Greg (Tonya) McDermott; 12 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Hugh was predeceased by his brother Bill, sister Sylvia Boyer, two sisters-in-law and four brothers-in-law.
Hugh was laid to rest on Dec. 27 at the Blue Hills Cemetery in the Banana Belt area of High Prairie.
Donations to Hugh's memory may be made directly to Alberta Foundation for Diabetes Research, 12834 163 Street, Edmonton, Alta., T5V 1K6.
Inier David James Fulton-Cardinal
1996 - 2001
Inier David James Fulton-Cardinal, a long name for a little guy so he went by D.J., was born to CoriLee Fulton and Inier Walter Cardinal on Aug. 23, 1996 in High Prairie at 2:13 p.m. It was a Friday. D.J. lived mostly in Sucker Creek with his mom, papa Kenny, Grandma de Chelle and Drew. D.J. spent his days playing Nintendo, when Andrew allowed, playing on his 'puter and watching cartoons. He loved to spend time with his daddy, playing outside and hunting, much to the distress of his mother. D.J. spent a year and a half in Red Deer, Alta., first with his mom, then with his mom and Ryan. He took gymnastics and swimming lessons, which energized him rather than tiring him. D.J. loved to drive with papa Kenny, and visit around the reservation. D.J. would always talk to papa James and ask for quads and motorcycles. Although he couldn't take it long, D.J. spent numerous hours with his mom and her girlfriends, his adopted aunties, at coffee in the Burger Baron. To keep him happy and mildly quiet, quarters and "duck money" were kept on hand for the candy machines. D.J. passed away suddenly on Friday, Jan. 5. Few words can describe D.J., only our memories will serve him justice. So remember him as he was. D.J. leaves to mourn his mother Cori, father Inier, grandfathers James and Ken, his auntie Michelle, many other aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. D.J. was also escorted to heaven on the wings of grandma and uncle.
Pearl Ireland
1952-2009
Pearl Joan Ireland was born in High Prairie Dec. 28, 1952. She was raised in Grouard by her parents, Bill Roberts and Mary Cardinal.
Pearl was the second oldest of nine children so she naturally took an active role in helping her mother with her younger brothers and sisters. This was the start of Pearl’s lifelong love of children. As soon as a new child was born in the family Aunty Pearl was there. Her beautiful laugh made babies smile while she held them and sang to them.
That laugh of Pearl’s brightened the lives of everyone around her. How can we ever forget the joking and laughing Pearl did even when we knew she was in such pain? Of course, she never wanted to worry anyone so this was her way of making people feel better. She was always thinking of others.
As a child Pearl loved playing outdoors in the beautiful nature surrounding Grouard. Her favourite pastime was singing and listening to music. This continued to be her passion throughout her life; her favoorite artist being George Jones.
On Sept. 1, 1984, Pearl married the love of her life, Robert. Pearl became an instant mother to Robert’s three children and they loved her as much as she loved them. The family resided in the Little Smoky area west of High Prairie. Robert was raised in this area and his mother and siblings lived on surrounding farms so Pearl quickly became a very loved member of the Ireland family.
Pearl was a multi-talented lifelong learner. One of her greatest skills was of a moose hunter. Robert taught her to hunt and she became a natural; killing over 20 moose by herself.
She made the best dry meat.
When Robert decided to buy a gravel truck, Pearl learned how to drive and after getting her license she and Robert worked a split shift working in the oilfield.
Pearl was also a carpenter. She and Robert built their home themselves. One day Robert came home from work and Pearl had half the house shingled, by herself.
Just a few years ago Pearl returned to school and earned her Office Administration Certificate. She was hired by the High Prairie Hospital in 2003 as the Native Liaison Officer and this was truly the perfect job for her. The warmth she brought to people in need was amazing. She had a way about her that made people relax and her happy spirit was so uplifting; people just knew she cared about them.
Pearl’s sister, Peggy, tells a story of a time when Pearl was worried about one of the patients from the High Prairie hospital. He was being transferred to Edmonton and Pearl was worried that he wouldn’t have any visitors. She called Peggy, who lived in Edmonton, and asked her to go to the hospital and visit the fellow. Peggy went to the hospital and introduced herself as Pearl’s sister. He was so happy, he told Peggy what an angel her sister Pearl was.
Pearl’s greatest joy was her grandchildren; all eight of them. Before the grandchildren came along, Pearl and Robert helped raise their niece so they always seemed to have children in their house.
Pearl was such a strong woman. She suffered through her illness without ever complaining. She fought a long, hard, battle and truly deserves a good rest.
She will be forever loved and missed by her loving family.
Pearl is survived by: her husband, Robert; son Dwayne and spouse Santana, and their children Selena, Destiny and Brodie; son Clinton and spouse Gloria, and daughters Sidney and Zoey; daughter Donna and spouse Robert, and children Caine, Adonica, and little R.J.; special nieces Tavia and Hope; sisters Peggy Roberts, Sue Sutherland (spouse Frankie), Bev Clubb (spouse John), Linda Fournel (spouse Rene) and Karen Cardinal Pitt (spouse Ian); brothers Ronald Cardinal and Neil Cardinal (spouse Donna); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Pearl was predeceased by: her parents, her brother Tom, and her grandson, Justice.
Iva Lee Fulton-Willier
1958 - 2001
Iva Lee Fulton-Willier was born May 11, 1958 in Spokane, Washington. She was the youngest of four children born to Wilgus and Merle Fulton. She spent her younger years with her mother in Washington, Idaho, Montana, Oklahoma, Texas, Wyoming and the Dakotas. After the age of 10, she lived with her father and stepmother Ann, her brother and younger sister in Sunset House and Guy, Alta. The family moved a lot when Iva was a young child. Iva loved to pretend and use her imagination a lot. She spent a lot of time by herself and would spend hours building forts and just wandering around. She loved the wilderness - in her own words "The Bush" - to watch the birds and beavers and squirrels. Her father taught her to ride horses, which she loved. She had many duties as a young girl. There were the horses and cows to feed, the cows to milk, the wood to chop and rocks to pick. Iva became very independent and resourceful as a young girl - and this - plus the fact that she could find humour in most situations helped her become the special, caring person she was. Iva finished high school in McLennan while living with her sister Brenda and Brenda's children. After high school, Ivan attended AVC Grouard and completed the Secretarial Arts course. While attending AVC she met James Loyie. Iva and James had three children: Cori, Andrew and Michelle. While living in Salt Prairie, Iva successfully completed the Licensed Practical Nurse program. After graduation, Iva worked in the High Prairie hospital for seven years and then in the medical office of Dr. Ray Howard. Two years ago Iva began working at the Sucker Creek Women's Emergency Shelter where she was greatly valued for her compassionate and efficient manner. Ten years ago Iva began a loving relationship with Kenny Willier. They became a loving family with Cori, Andrew, Michelle and later with Cori's addition, D.J. Iva and Kenny were married May 17, 2000 in Las Vegas. Iva has been described as "the strongest and most loving person I know, both physically and emotionally" -- (this by by wife who was a friend, co-worker, and also one of her nursing instructors.) Dr. Howard said how "caring Iva was and this was reflected in everything she did." Co-workers at the shelter have said, "Iva was everybody's rock" and that "she always went the extra mile." Also, Iva had such positive energy that radiated from her and she bonded with everyone. Iva was completely dedicated to her family and was an especially loving mother and grandmother, often putting them ahead of herself and yet always had time to listen to and help others. Iva was a very spiritual person, believing strongly in Jesus Christ and Guides - Spirits - and Angels of which she read a lot. The following are lessons Iva recalled and wrote down for her children:
1. Never take anything for granted.
2. Never believe bad things can't happen to me or my family.
3. Everyone lives, everyone dies. No one knows when their time is up.
4. Things happen for a reason.
5. You must learn from your mistakes and try never to repeat them.
6. Don't be a quitter.
7. Don't give up.
8. Pray to God and your Guardian Angels, and if you are sincere you will be answered.
This, in my mind, reflects her philosophy of life itself. Iva wrote, and I quote, "After I grew up and had kids of my own, I made up this prayer and say it faithfully every night." "Please God, surround this home with Your beautiful light. Please fill it with Your bright light, Your love, goodness and kindness. May we take these gifts You share with us so we can share them with others who come into contact with us. "Dear God, please surround Cori, Andrew, Michelle and D.J. with your beautiful light. Please let them grow up to be good, kind adults with lots of love and caring for each other and others. Keep them healthy, safe, and guide them through each day. "Please let Kenny, Cori, Andrew, Michelle and D.J.'s Guardian Angels sit upon their shoulders and keep them safe. Please don't let any harm come to them." While performing a service for others on Friday, Jan. 5, 2001, Iva, Andrew and D.J. were tragically taken from us. We will all miss the physical presence of this petite, quiet, wise beyond her years girl, but we can be sure she will be tidying up and organizing things in heaven and giving Andrew and D.J. chores to do while watching over us. Our sympathy to Kenny, Cori, Michelle, Iva's parents, sisters, brother, nieces, nephews and all her family and friends. Iva leaves to mourn: her husband Kenny; daughters Cori and Michelle; her parents; sisters Brenda (Leonard Sahlin), Judy, Jody and brother Andrew (Margo Fulton); along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins; and her many, many friends.
Ivy May Cunningham
1910-2003
One of the pioneering residents of the Little Smoky region, Ivy May Cunningham, passed away on Jan. 6, 2003. She was born on June 7, 1910 and was 92 years old at the time of her passing.
Ivy was born in Edmonton and was the second of nine children. Ivy's father worked for the railroad and the family moved frequently. This caused hardships because the family traveled with a covered wagon with horses. She went to school in Saskatchewan for the first year of school, them moved to Smith, Alta. for six years until she was a teenager. She then moved back to Edmonton, this time to work. She earned enough money to help her family pay the rent. She was only 14 years old.
Ivy liked High Prairie so she came to work for the Spendiff family. During this time she met her future husband, Peter Cunningham, a Saskatchewan boy who lived in the Little Smoky area. They dated each other and married in the High Prairie United Church, which is now the Lutheran Church located at Triangle. It was a quiet wedding. Ivy said she did not have holidays as there was too much work to be done. She fondly remembers singing with the Salvation Army for three years.
Peter and Ivy became the parents of two boys, Peter and Norman, and they lost one baby at birth.
Ivy's husband was tragically killed in 1951 by a tree falling on him. This left Ivy alone and struggling to keep the farm going and raise her boys.
Gordon Florence came into her life and offered her help. They married at the end of 1952. There were no further children, just lots of work. Gordon died in June 1994.
Ivy's son, Peter, died of cancer in 1992 which was another hard time for her. Her strong faith kept her going. This courageous little lady has two grandsons and four granddaughters. She resided at the J.B. Wood Nursing Home since 1994.
Ivy is survived by: one brother, Douglas McLean of Vancouver; four sisters, Margaret Brown of Valleyview; June Ingebretson of Edmonton; Ilene Fuller of Winnipeg and Fay Cunningham of Power River, B.C.; her son and daughter-in-law, Norman (Buzzie) and Beth Cunningham, of High Prairie; and daughter-in-law, Betty Cunningham, also of High Prairie; as well as six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren; numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, relatives and friends.
"Granny", as she was affectionately known by all, was surely the sweetest, most generous lady to ever walk the face of God's earth and she will be sorely missed by many people.
James Aloysius Babkirk
1907 - 2001
James Aloysius Babkirk was born in Providence, Rhode Island on Aug. 19, 1907, to a family that included his sister Eliza and his brother Wilbert. His family lived in the area where cotton mills and factories provided work. His father worked as a machinist, his mother in the cotton mills.
With the family increasing in size, better opportunities were needed so the family moved to Souris, P.E.I. where James's grandfather and grandmother McCabe had a small farm. The plan was for Mary Winifreide Babkirk and the three children - Wilbert, Eliza and James - to stay with the McCabes while his father, James Alexander Babkirk, headed west. He did just that, working his way along in search of a place to settle and make a home. It took two years, maybe three, James recalls, for him to scout a place to live.
Finally, in the spring of 1913, word came that the family should prepare to head west. James's grandfather and grandmother McCabe decided to come along too. They sold their 10-acre farm for $750.
James landed in High Prairie in June of 1913 at the age of six years.
Helping out and growing up as part of a pioneer family left very little time to be a boy. At age eight, James entered school, which involved a three-mile trip by horseback. Those early years were devoted to expanding your acres, doing whatever you could find as extra, outside work to help eke out a living.
When James was 12, his younger brother Albert was born, then a couple years later Walter, and the family was complete. The family then settled on land 21 miles south of town.
James tells of a story of an early frost in High Prairie that damaged gardens and crops in town. A woman who lived out in the area known as the Stockman School District came to town and told a man at the livery stable that they did not get frost at their place.
"Well, I guess that's because you people live out there in the Banana Belt."
For whatever reason, the name stuck.
James would go on to spend many years working the land. There, he developed his skill working with horses.
As with most pioneering families, land clearing and brushing out more land was a constant struggle. Large steam tractors were a great labour saver in their time, but for the most part it was manual labour that carried the day.
James never married, choosing instead to remain single, but he lived in a growing community and was always in for his share of the work and then some; not only on his own land but the land of other members of his family and neighbours around him.
In those days harvest time meant threshing. Adjoining family farmers would pool together horse and wagon outfits with whoever actually had a threshing machine to take the crops off.
Throughout the long years of work and being part of the community, there always came time for harvest dances or a pie or box social. James was a fine dancer, none better. His timing and naturally being light and easy on his feet made it plain to see. The many ladies and singles at these occasions kept his dance card full. James always found time to call out a few squares come square dance time. He'd be calling the moves and directing traffic, especially if a young couple or inexperienced paired off singles were in the circle. At times like these, James had a large following.
James was also famous for his hunting trips.
The years flew by but James always stayed in touch with his family. A niece's wedding in Lethbridge provided another opportunity for James to mix with his family. James, in his eighties by then, needed a few chores done on wedding day. A haircut was first: no male barbers, just young girls clipping and fussing over James, him completely at ease instructing them in all seriousness.
James touched us all in many different ways. A friend, a neighbour, an uncle, a brother - James was all of these things. Patient, understanding, humourous, reliable; rarely, if ever, putting himself first. James was indeed a single man but he had a large, large family.
James Andrew Fulton
1984 - 2000
James Andrew Fulton was born to Iva Willier (Fulton) and James Loyie on Aug. 13, 1993 in High Prairie. From Day One he was Andrew, Drew, or any of the numerous nicknames we had. Andrew lived in Salt Prairie with his mother, sister Cori, and a few years later, his younger sister, Michelle, until he was six, when the four moved to High Prairie. At 11 years, he moved with his family and Ken Willier to Sucker Creek. Andrew went to High Prairie elementary school for grades kindergarten to Grade 6. He then went to Prairie River junior high school for Grade 7, to St. Andrew's Catholic school for Grade 8, and then moved to the North Country school. When Andrew was younger he spent a lot of his time with his Uncle Leonard in the shop, supposedly fixing things. Andrew loved to hang out with him. An Andrew got older and more able to swing his dad got him golf clubs. They spent a lot of time out on the golf course. Andrew was proud of the fact that his swing would one day be better than his dad's. As he got older, Andrew loved music, hanging out with his buddies, and avoided getting into too much trouble. Andrew enjoyed many things and was exceedingly happy to have the chance to save money for his favourite toy - a quad. He was working his butt off to make Christmas money and was very proud of the presents he bought. Andrew will be greatly missed. Andrew leaves to mourn his father James, sisters Cori and Michelle, his stepfather Ken, grandparents, and a number of aunts, uncles and cousins. He also leaves his many buddies to remember him. Andrew left to heaven in the company of his mother Iva and his nephew, D.J.
James Daniel Clark
1936 -2002
James (Jim) Daniel Clark passed away on Jan. 29, 3003, at 100 Mile House and District General Hospital, after a short battle with cancer.
James was born on Feb. 20, 1936 in Wick, Caithness, Scotland. He immigrated to Canada in 1953 to work for the Hudson's Bay Company. Working throughout northwest Canada, he met his wife Shirley in Inuvik in 1957 and they were married in 1958. They continued to live and work in the north while raising their family.
James was the manager of Northern Store, formerly The Bay, in High Prairie from September 1989 to May 1992. An active Lions Club member for over 30 years, Jim was a respected community volunteer wherever they lived and remained dedicated to Lions service right up until his illness.
Jim is survived by his mother, Elizabeth (Doull); his wife of 45 years, Shirley' daughters Elizabeth (Keith Martin) and Heather; son Robert (Colleen); brother Peter (Agnes); sister Elizabeth (Bill Young); grandchildren James, Leslie, Kathleen, Rachel and Danielle.
Jim was predeceased by his father, James.
A memorial was held Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. at the 100 Mile House United Church.
Donations in Jim's memory may be sent to the 100 Mile House Lions Club and District General Hospital Auxiliary.
Marcel Jasmin
1954-2008
Marcel Jasmin passed away Jan. 6, 2008, at the age of 53 years from cancer. Marcel was born Nov. 2, 1954 in High Prairie. He had an impact on all who knew and loved him, especially his brother, Laurent Jasmin, who wrote the following tribute: “It is interesting to see how siblings seem to grow up together in a home and branch out in all directions and separate lives. As we age, the time spent together becomes sparse and limited. Factually, this is life. A tragedy occurs and we bring back the focus which is family. I can say that my most frequent and fondest memories of you, my brother, were of growing up at the farm. These memories, I will take to my last day with pride, thanks and love. * Seeing the spring crops with you as they came up row on row in the morning sun. We would drive by slowly. * Checking the sprouting seeds. You would bend over and scratch the soil down until you reached the seedbed. I find myself doing this today from simply having watched, learned and will always remember. * The smell of freshly turned soil. You would set the cultivator so I could run for the day. * Yvon and I would fight for the passenger window side of your new green Dodge. * The smell of that fresh-baked bread. You would swipe one off the counter and disappear. * Every time that I hate the spring winds, I will remember how much you hated the spring winds. * Hockey, hockey, hockey ... I would take your gloves out of your bag and play downstairs. “Are you coming out to the field, Laurent? I need a hand with the harrows.” And away I went. Sleep now my brother, I know I will see you in my dreams.” - Laurent Jasmin. Marcel leaves to mourn: his wife, Marjo; his parents, Wilfred and Angelina Couturier of Joussard; brothers Claude, Jules (Margaret), Yvon (Denise) and Laurent (Anne); one sister, Lorraine (Ron) Williams; nephew Guillaume, niece Mari’ Pier’; and numerous cousins, uncles, aunts and friends.
Jay Maughan Leavitt
1922 -2003
Jay Maughan Leavitt, beloved husband of the late Helen Martha Lenz Leavitt, passed away suddenly at Taber, Alta. on Wednesday, Dec. 24 2003 at the age of 81 years. Jay was born on June 5, 1922 at Cardston, Alta. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather who took great pride in his family. Jay will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered and cherished in the hearts of his family and his friends. Jay leaves to mourn his loss: his loving sons, Jerry (Susan) and Doug (Elaine) and his loving daughters Martha (Blaine) Harding, Ellen (Clayton) Whaley, Pearl (Lyle) Miller, Glenda Leavitt and Gayla (Darrell) Payne; his nineteen grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren. Jay is also lovingly remembered by brother Tom (Sharon) and sisters Jean (Trevor) Paige, Elda (Ernie) Bengert, Arlene Tanasiuk and Betty (Bud) Shortt; and sister-in-law Ann Leavitt and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members. He was predeceased by his wife Helen, parents Jerry and Rachel Leavitt, and brothers Kent and Jerald. The funeral was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Temple Street Chapel, in Cardston on Dec. 31 at 1:30 p.m. with Brother Benjamin Layton officiating. Interment followed in the Cardston Cemetery.
Jean Belyan
1930 -2002
Jean Belyan passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2002 at the age of 72 years.
She is survived by her loving family, daughter Gloria Cote (Laurence) of Edmonton; grandson Brad Cote (Nikki) of Irvine, CA; granddaughter Candace Cote of Edmonton; sister Helen Makar (Pete); two bothers: Stan Lysiak (Vera); Bert Lysiak; and extended family and good friends.
She was predeceased by her husband, Mike, in 1996 and brother, Joe Lysiak.
A memorial service was held on Friday, Aug. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Springfield Funeral Home in Kelowna, B.C. with Dr. Gordon Fletcher officiating.
As an expression of sympathy, friends or family may send flowers or memorial donations to a charity of one's choice.
