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Arlene Barbara Dvornek
1980-2008
Arlene Barbara Dvornek, a resident of High Prairie, passed away suddenly June 24, 2008, in High Prairie at the age of 28 years. Arlene was born on June 24, 1980, in High Prairie. Arlene is survived by: her companion, Dean Trask; her parents, David and Joyce Dvornek; brother James; nieces Kendall, Savannah and Macy Dvornek; grandparent June Dvornek; grandparents Ron and Vivian Torrens; aunts Jodi (Rolf) Spode, Kathy (Guy) L’Heureux, Lyla (Norm) Sheldon, Helen (Ralph) Frank; uncles Bruce (Dee) Torrens, Lorne (Bonnie) Dvornek; as well as numerous great aunts and great uncles, cousins and many friends. She was predeceased by her grandfather, Mike Dvornek. Arlene will be remembered for her generous smiles and great sense of humour. Memorial services were held June 30, 2008, at the High Prairie United Church with Rev. Sharon McRann officiating. The family would like to remind everyone to please support the Heart and Stroke Foundation as an expression of sympathy.
Elaine Dafoe
1931 -2003
Elaine Dafoe passed away at Lethbridge on Jan. 21, 2003. A memorial service was held at Lethbridge on Jan. 25 and many relatives and friends attended and paid their respects.
Elaine had asked to be cremated to enable her remains to be buried in the family plot at High Prairie in the old St. Mark's Anglican Cemetery in the summer. She felt it would give her family and the High Prairie relatives a chance to attend in more pleasant weather. She always was thinking of others. Chapel of Memories (High Prairie) has arranged for the graveside service to be held on July 10 at 2 p.m. Rev. Sharon McRann of the High Prairie United Church will be performing the service.
Elaine was born on Dec. 11, 1931 at Brock, Sask. to Blanche and Milford Beamish. When she was only a few months old, her family moved to northern Alberta due to the Depression in Saskatchewan and greener pastures in the High Prairie area.
She was predeceased by her parents and both brothers: Vern and Harvey.
Elaine married Robert Dafoe of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police at Faust on Feb. 15, 1958. They were blessed with a baby girl on April 14, 1959 and named her Janice. Elaine and Robert were transferred from their first home at Grande Prairie to Oyen, Fort Macleod, Brooks, Calgary and Leduc where Robert retired from the RCMP. He then went to work for Woodward Stores at Edmonton and was transferred eventually to their Vancouver head office until he retired 10 years later. They returned to Alberta to live in Lethbridge to be closer to their daughter, Janice, her husband Wayne Zoeteman and their three children: Lindsay, Joshua and Alyssa.
When Elaine was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS or Lou Gehrig disease) on Nov. 19, 2000 she asked to spend the remainder of their life at home in Lethbridge. Robert and Janice looked after her at home until she passed away peacefully. Her care was also supported by the ALS Society of Calgary, the Community Health Department of the Chinook Hospital Region and staff at Lethbridge Family Services.
Elaine will be greatly missed by family and friends.
Anyone wishing to help support the ALS Society can send donations to ALS Society of Alberta, Suite 400, 320-23 Ave. S.W., Calgary, Alta, T2S 0J2.
Leala Eriksson
1934-2009
On Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009, Leala Eriksson of Edmonton, passed away at the age of 75 years.
Leala will be lovingly remembered by her seven children: Rosalie Schneider-Brown, Allan, David (Kathaleen), Margaret (Victor Charlton), Barbara (George) Nesbitt, Daniel (Shelly) and Juliet Lawler as well as 16 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren, two brothers: Albert (Karen) Jakubowsky, Edward (Marni) Jakubowsky; and a sister, Zella (Clifford) Tangen.
Leala was predeceased by: her husband Gunnar; a brother, Arthur Brown; a sister, Victoria Zoschke; and son-in-law Kenneth Lawler.
A funeral will be held on Friday, Sept. 25, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Serenity Funeral Service North Central Chapel, 10129 Princess Elizabeth Ave, Edmonton.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Leala’s memory to the Schizophrenia Society of Alberta and/or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Ernie Tharp
1939-2002
Ernie Tharp of Albert Bay. B.C., formerly of High Prairie, Manning and Hinton, passed away at the age of 63 years after a brief battle with cancer on Nov. 30.
He leaves to mourn his passing: his wife of 42 years, Evelyn; son Tim (Brenda); one granddaughter Robin (Keith) and two great-granddaughters; brother Ken (Ellen) Tharp; sister Elsie (Ron) Gasper; mother-in-law Myrta Griffiths; brother-in-law Bob Griffiths; sister-in-law Tina Griffiths; his mother, Edith Winther; and also many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and friends.
Ernie's occupations ranged from barber in High Prairie and Manning to heavy duty mechanic at the Utah Copper Mine at Port Hardy, B.C. for 15 years. After moving to Alert Bay, he continued to work at the mine until his retirement. After his retirement he worked briefly for B.C. Ferries, then took a position with Alert Bay's RCMP.
A memorial service for Ernie was held on Dec. 9, 2002.
Ethel LaDell Clark
1925-2000
Ethel LaDell (Bass) Clark was born on March 25, 1925 in Georgetown, Texas to Streiner and Annetta Bass.
At an early age, Ethel confessed a belief in Christ and joined Macedonia Baptist Church. A free and adventurous spirit, Ethel accomplished a lot in her life. After graduating from Marshall high school, she joined the Women's Army Corps. While on leave in 1943, Ethel married her childhood sweetheart, the late Wallace Clark. Her only child, Ardie Annetta, was born to this union.
Ethel received a Bachelor's degree from Huston Tillotson College and a Master's degree from Prairie View A&M College. Ethel taught on the Navajo Indian Reservation in Shiprock, New Mexico and at Jonah, Texas.
Ethel taught school in Canada for 16 years. She was principal of two schools during her last seven years in Canada. She retired in 1980 as principal of Driftpile school. She also taught school at Sucker Creek and served as its last principal.
In 1980, Ethel returned to Georgetown to care for her elderly father and an aunt, Willie E. Hall.
Ethel passed away on April 8, 2000 at the age of 75 years. She leaves to cherish her memory her loving daughter, Ardie Annetta Harris; son-in-law, Norman, Sr.; one stepsister, Diane Laurie; three grandsons, Norman Jr., Jonathan and Wayne; one granddaughter-in-law, Catrina; and one great-grandson, Norman III, all of St. Louis, Missouri; one uncle, Herbert Bass of Georgetown; a special friend, Mrs. Hank Carver, of Georgetown; and a host of special cousins and friends.
The funeral was held on April 14, 2000 at 11 a.m. at Eddie Randle and Sons Funeral Home in St. Louis with Rev. Hubert Bankhead officiating.
Eunice Josephine Gauthier
1946 -2001
Eunice Josephine Gauchier was born on Dec. 16, 1946 in Joussard to Albert and Mary Cunningham. She was one of 14 children.
She was predeceased by her father Albert, brothers Charles and Roland, and sister Yvonne.
Eunice spent her early school years in Peavine where she met and eventually married Charles Gauchier on Dec. 31, 1962. They spent approximately four years in the Chetwynd and Quesnel areas of British Columbia. Eunice and Charles returned to Peavine and raised six children: Connie, Iner, Sandford, Calvin, Lynn and Deanna. Her children, along with their spouses Juliet, Angela, Judy, Jesse and Kris brought great happiness to Eunice with their 13 grandchildren: Heather, John, Tammy, Jarrod, KayLee, Riley, Joshua, Justus, Laurel, Chelsey, Clay, Jessica and Layton.
While raising a family, running a business and farming, Eunice attended the Alberta Vocational Centre in Grouard and obtained her Grade 12 diploma. This was of great importance to Eunice as the school in Peavine only went to Grade 8 when she was a child.
Eunice and Charles established their company "Charles Gauchier and Sons" in 1990. She was involved in every aspect of the business short of actually running machinery. She once said how she bought her own skidder without Charles knowing about it until it was delivered to the job site.
One of her latest acquisitions was a 2000 Kenworth which bares her name which Eunice wanted since everything else had "Charles Gauchier and Sons" on it. She liked this because it showed everybody who the real boss was.
Eunice was successful with everything she was involved in, especially her marriage. Eunice and Charles had a good life together and were excellent role models for their children. Their sons and daughters are all well respected for their morals and work ethic.
Although Eunice was proud of her business her greatest love was her family. She often said that money isn't everything, family is. Eunice loved sports and passed this on to her family. Her devotion often meant daily trips - sometimes more - to High Prairie to take the children to hockey, skating or whatever else they were involved in.
Eunice instilled the competitive drive and pride she had into her children by emphasizing, "You don't have to be the best as long as you tried your best."
Eunice loved farming, not as a means of income, but as an opportunity to spend time with her children. She involved the grandchildren by giving them a calf of their own.
Eunice was a kind and gentle soul who loved people, and was always sensitive to the feelings of others. She always gave 100 per cent of herself to her husband, her children and grandchildren.
From a little girl she was wise beyond her years. She worked hard all her life and strived for success with everything she did. Eunice had a strong personality that helped her achieve her goals. Eunice was honest and generous, she gave to people from her heart, when helping someone the deed would be forgotten once done. She did not want or need any recognition, she was a true giver. Jealously was not a trait of hers. She was always happy and pleased with other people's successes. She was also very witty, loved to laugh and enjoyed life to the fullest.
Eunice's sisters have the following words to say about their dear sister:
"Understanding and non-judgmental, Eunice always knew every one of us had our own paths to travel. She would never even suggest how we should live our lives. If and when we asked for her opinion about any situation, she would respond with a question that would have you looking at the situation from the other person's point of view.
"Eunice was never one to gossip and always tried to understand the other person's point of view or behaviour. Eunice never spoke in anger. We asked her if anyone had ever angered her in any way throughout her lifetime. Her response was she couldn't remember but if it had occurred she would have considered the situation. If she felt she had contributed towards the situation in any way she would try to make amends."
Eunice suffered a great deal with her illness but fought valiantly right to the end in order to be with her loved ones just a little longer.
Eva Hodgkins
1915-2002
Eva Hodgins (nee McCue) of Namao, Alta., loving mother and grandmother, passed away on April 7 at the age of 87 years.
Eva is survived by her loving son, Brian, and her loving daughter-in-law, Diana; and grandsons, Lee and Shane. She will be sadly missed by Dan and Barb Harper, and many friends and relatives.
Eva was predeceased by her husband, Henry L. Hodgins, on Sept. 9, 1984.
A memorial service was held on April 13 at 11 a.m. at Sturgeon Memorial Funeral Chapel in Bon Accord, Alta.
Fern Kathleen Anderson
? - November 7, 2003
On Nov. 7, 2003, Fern Kathleen Anderson passed away suddenly at the age of 55 years.
She is survived by: her loving husband of 28 years, Lorne; her mother, Olive Veysey, of Maryfield, Sask.; three daughters, Fay Anderson of Grimshaw, Kathy (Justin) Thompson of High Prairie and Nancy Anderson of High Prairie; one son, Kevin (Jennifer) Anderson of High Prairie; four grandchildren, Mishyla, Dillon, Carter and Logan; six brothers, Blaine Veysey of Weyburn, Sask., Dale (Sandy) of Maryfield, Morris (Dora) of Maryfield, Charles (Carol) of Maryfield, John of High Prairie, and Paul of Dawson Creek, B.C.; one sister, Marjory McLeod of Yorkton, Sask.; 31 nieces and nephews and 20 great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by: her paternal and maternal grandparents; her father, George Veysey in 1993; great niece, Tonisia Paul in 1996; her sister, Linda McLeod in 2000.
The funeral was held Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. at the Bethel Baptist Church with Rev. Robert Moss officiating. Interment followed at the McCue Cemetery in High Prairie. Lunch followed at Bethel Baptist Church.
In lieu of other tributes, donations may be sent to Bethel Baptist Church, Box 387, High Prairie, Alta., T0G 1E0 with funds directed to the Sturgeon Lake Bible Camp.
William Edward Fisher
? - 2008
On June 14, 2008, William Edward Fisher, a resident of High Prairie, passed away at the age of 76 years. Billy is survived by: his loving wife Stella; son Danny (Anita) and their children, Kailey and Brett; daughter Shelley (Len) and their child, Nolan; and numerous relatives and friends. Billy was predeceased by: his brothers, Fred, John and Harry; and one sister, Mary. Billy’s passion was fishing and spending time with his buddy, Billy Guild. He also spent much time building and put on many miles to service and observe the houses. No service was held at Billy’s request. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the High Prairie and District Palliative Care Society as an expression of sympathy.
Kenneth William Bent Freeman
1921-2008
Kenneth William Bent Freeman was born June 8, 1921, in Carberry, Man. to Kenneth and Elizabeth Freeman. He moved to High Prairie in 1926 where he attended Prairie River Consolidated School. Kenneth joined the Canadian Army - Princess Louise Dragoon Guards in April 1940 and went overseas in July 1940. He served in England, Sicily, Italy, Belgium and Holland until October 1945. He returned to Canada and was discharged in December 1945. On his return to High Prairie, Kenneth became part owner of his father’s store, Freeman’s General Store, until 1950 when he joined the High Prairie Post Office as postmaster. In February 1957, he moved to Hinton, Alta. as postmaster until October 1962 when he became postmaster in Fort St. John, B.C. Kenneth worked there until his retirement in 1981 at the age of 60. During his years in Fort St. John, he met and married Barbara Corbett. There were no children but they truly enjoyed the three little dogs that shared their home over the years. From 1945, Kenneth was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, the Masonic Lodge and for a short time the Elks Lodge in High Prairie. Kenneth enjoyed curling. He also played hockey in a fun league in High Prairie and did a bit of game bird hunting. Kenneth is survived by his sisters, Kathleen Randall and Marjory MacKay, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by: his wife, Barbara; his sisters, Frances Miller and Helen Cameron. Kenneth’s ashes are interned at the Anglican Cemetery in High Prairie.
George R. Stephenson
1916-2003
A McLennan man instrumental in establishing the Northern Woods and Water Route across Western Canada has died in his hometown of McLennan.
George R. Stephenson passed away June 19 at the age of 86 years.
George was born on July 7, 1916 in Drake, Sask. and arrived in McLennan in 1935. He was a long-time railroad conductor, retiring in 1976.
Active in the community and region, he was co-founder of the Winagami Beach Association, was instrumental in establishing the Northern Woods and Water Route, and served on the McLennan chamber of commerce, McLennan town council and Land of the Mighty Peace Tourist Association.
George is survived by: his wife Laura, sister Peggy Holmes of Picture Butte, Alta., stepdaughters Marilyn Arklie (Bob) of Edmonton and Carol Koroluk (Joe) of Edmonton.
He was predeceased by: his daughter Jean, son Gordon, four sisters and two brothers.
The funeral for George was held June 28 in McLennan at the McLennan Legion with Rev. Sharon McRann officiating. D.J. Hicks was the organist and John O'Mahony the soloist. Honourary pallbearers were his golfing friends.
Interment followed at the McLennan cemetery.
Lucy Edna Gibb (Howe)
1931-2009
With sadness the family of Lucy Edna Gibb (Howe) announces her passing at home on Friday afternoon, Sept. 4, 2009, at the age of 78 years.
Lucy leaves behind her family: daughter Sharon Blair (Frank) of Edmonton; sons John Gibson of Tofield, AB, Frank (Rose-Mari) Gibson, of Grande Prairie, and Boyd (Susane) Gibb of High Prairie; all of her grandchildren and their families; she will be dearly missed by her brother Charles (Grace) Howe of Grande Prairie; and her many nieces and nephews and their families; many friends and neighbours; special friends Marlene Wilson of Edmonton and Rose Plante of Grande Prairie.
She was predeceased by: her father, Ernest Howe in 1933; her mother, Clara Haller in 1988; her first husband, Frankie Gibson in 1952; her second husband, Ross Gibb in 1979; her son, Ernest Gibson in 1982; her daughter, Lorraine Shaw in 1994; her granddaughter, Corely Fischer in 1995; her sisters, Lily McLean in 1988, Liz McKenna in 1992, Vi Kephart in 2002, and June Wilson in 2006.
Death is the end of a life, not the end of a relationship. Lucy will always be part of our family, as mother and grandmother Gibb.
Special thanks to Dr. DuToit and staff at the High Prairie Hospital and home care nurses for the respect and care they gave to Lucy.
A funeral was held Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009, at the High Prairie United Church at 1 p.m. with a one-hour prior visitation and Rev. Harold Ines officiating. Pallbearers were Bert Daly, Shawn Gibb, Gordon Olson, Kurt Shaw, Adam Gibb and Derek Stout.
Interment took place at the South Cooking Lake Cemetery Sept. 14 with a gathering at the South Cooking Lake Community Hall afterwards.
Rest in peace, Mom! And thank-you for all you did for us over the years. Each soul leaves a legacy of love. Each memory is a bridge of comfort connecting one heart to another.
Donations in Lucy’s memory may be made to the High Prairie United Church, 4409 Pleasantview Drive, High Prairie, T0G 1E0 or to the South Cooking Lake Cemetery, 51318 Range Road 212, Sherwood Park, AB, T8G 1G1, or to the charity of one’s choice.
Gould, Lillian Elizabeth
1921 - 2009
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our dearly beloved mother, Lillian Elizabeth Gould, of Grande Cache, AB on Saturday, July 18, 2009, at the age of 88 years.
Lillian was born May 3, 1921.
Left to mourn Lillian’s loss are: her son, Bill (Lise) Gould of Grande Cache, AB; her daughter, Grace (Ed) Doroshenko of Slave Lake, AB; nine grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.
Also left behind are numerous other relatives, neighbours and friends.
Lillian was predeceased by her husband, George Gould.
In keeping with Lillian’s wishes, cremation will take place and no services will be held.
Perry Gordon Hallett
1931-2008
Perry Gordon Hallett was born in Moose Jaw, Sask. Dec. 20, 1931. He left us at the age of 76 years old Oct 20, 2008. He leaves behind four of his children: son Travis, (Tara) Hallett and their children Cole, Eric, Tyler, Randall and Page; daughter Christina (Jarrod) Pyska and their child, Dustin; daughter Tracy (Walter) Brown and their child, Amber; and daughter Denise (Robert) Jabs and their children, Kevin and Ginger; sister Joyce and her family; sister Delphine and her family; sister Lillian and her family; brother Joe and his family; as well as numerous friends and extended family. Perry was preceded by: his son Arnold; parents Howard and Christina; grandson Daniel; and several siblings. This eulogy is written by Perry’s three daughters and delivered at the funeral by Karen Cunningham. Perry grew up in a small town in Saskatchewan. He was the second eldest of Howard and Christina Hallett’s 13 children. Grandpa always said Dad was a mischievous young man. He always had a joke or a plan up his sleeve. He was always laughingly teasing and joking with his younger siblings. He enjoyed life to the fullest. As a young teenager, Perry moved to Alberta to pursue a career on the railroad. He worked for CN Rail for many years. He then continued to work for the coal mines and in the oilfield. At the age of 36 years, Perry met and married his only wife, Marlene Cunningham. In their 21-year marriage, they had five beautiful children: Arnold, Travis, Christina, Tracy and Denise. They shared most of their life together raising their children in British Columbia and Alberta. Perry’s children blessed him with 10 grandchildren. His grandchildren were his whole world. He would spoil them in any way he possibly could. Each will miss him dearly. Dad, we and everyone else who knew you will never forget your sense of humour. No matter what hard times life handed us, you always found a way to brighten the day with your hardy laugh, twinkle in your eye and mischievous smile. Do you remember when you won the ‘Father-of-the-Year’ award? Well we do, you earned it. You were the best. Dad, today is a celebration of your life, not a mourning of our loss. You will be greatly missed and always loved, you will forever be remembered. The funeral for Perry was held at the High Prairie Bethel Baptist Church Oct. 27.
