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Josephine Janelle
1916-2010
The long, wonderful life of Josephine (Josie) Janelle ended on March 1, 2010, at the age of 93 years.
Josie, as her friends knew her, was born December 18, 1916 as one of 13 children of Amanda and Frank Brulotte living in Flagstone, B.C.
In 1932, when Josephine was l5 years of age, her family made the long journey by covered wagon, moving to Kathleen, AB and later to Guy, AB.
She married John Janelle in 1940 and they had three daughters: Lorraine, Lucille and a baby daughter whom passed away at birth in 1943. In 1955 Josephine, John and the daughters moved to High Prairie.
Josephine has six grandchildren of which three are Lorraine’s children and three are Lucille’s children, and eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grand children.
Her husband, John, predeceased her in 1976.
We have many beautiful memories Josephine, thank-you for keeping life interesting. Thank-you for being a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-great grandmother and thank-you for being you. We loved everything about you.
A celebration of Josephine’s life will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the High Prairie Seniors Golden Age Club.
Fredric (Fred) Samuel O’Dell
1918-2005
Fredric (Fred) Samuel O’Dell, of Victoria, B.C., and formerly of High Prairie, passed away peacefully in Victoria Nov. 16, 2005, after a short illness at the age of 88 years.
He was born Nov. 18, 1918.
Fred was a loving, caring and spiritual man. His family was his priority. He was a true survivor and inspiration to many. He served in World War II with the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Europe.
Fred is survived by: his wife of 67 years, Jessie, of Victoria; sons Elmer (Jackie) of Nanaimo, B.C., Bill (Ann) of Cochrane, Alta., Michael (Elaine) of Victoria, daughter Sharron (Jason) Szabo of Boulder, Colorado; many grandchildren; and sisters Mary and Shirley, both of Victoria.
He was predeceased by: his son, Robert, in June 1975.
A memorial service was held at Sands of West Shore Funeral Chapel in Victoria Nov. 21. Interment occurred at Hatley Memorial Gardens in Victoria.
Rollie Frey
1950-2008
Rollie Frey (Gagne) was born Jan. 30, 1950, in McLennan, and passed away Jan. 26, 2008 at the age of 57 years. Rollie grew up in the Guy area and attended school in Guy and Donnelly. Rollie began her 20-year career with the Alberta Treasury Branch in McLennan. In 1989, she moved to Grande Prairie with her children and continued working with ATB. In 1993, Rollie married Ray Frey. In 2000, Rollie and Ray moved to High Prairie and together started Northern Ray’s RV. Shortly afterward, Rollie retired from ATB to work full time with Ray in their business. Rollie also loved animals. She had approximately 200 goats. Rollie would be in her glory when her goats were kidding. She also had a great love for her dogs. Rollie loved spending time with family and friends, old and new. She loved dancing and camping, and spent many, many summer weekends camping and cooking and eating huge frying pans of fresh walleye. She leaves behind: her husband, Ray Frey; son Dale Gagne and partner Christie; daughter Shannon Gagne; daughter Nadine Huhn and son-in-law Mike Huhn; and grandchildren Dylan and Shayna Huhn and Kris Andres. She also leaves her parents, Ed and Marie Gagne, six brothers and sisters, their spouses, and numerous nieces and nephews. Rollie will be greatly missed by all. We Thought of You Today “We thought of you today, But that is nothing new. We thought of you yesterday And will tomorrow, too. We think of you in silences, And make no outward show. For what it meant to lose you, Only those who love you know. Remembering you is easy, We do it every day. It’s the heartache of losing you, That will never go away. You are gone but not forgotten, For we love you just the same. We have wonderful memories of you, And your picture in a frame. We think of how the Lord did bless us, With a person so kind and true. And we pray we’ll be there with you When our life on earth is through.”
Paul Hartman
1921-2010
It is with sorrow the family of Paul Charles Hartman announces his sudden passing on April 30, 2010 at the age of 89 years.
Paul was born in Burlington, Iowa, USA where he met and married Dorothy Louise Dietlein. From the day they wed, they were seldom apart. In his younger days, Paul was a semi-pro baseball player. He worked in Burlington for 30 years as a welder and casket maker. Then in 1971, he and Dorothy decided to follow in their son Tom’s footsteps by moving to Canada and becoming Canadian citizens. They took up residence in High Prairie and were one of the original investors in the Northern Lites Motor Inn and Lounge. A few years later they formed and operated their own business, which they named Flowers `n Things.
Together, Paul and Dorothy enjoyed their lives in High Prairie. They were active bowlers and golfers for many years. In their later years, they were often seen on summer days sitting on their back steps watching the birds. Indeed, the gulls and ravens will miss their daily feeding.
Paul is survived by: his son Tom (Margaret); sister, Janet (Richard) Christ of Burlington; grandchildren Mark (Erica), Amy (Tom) and their mother Alice (Jack) Lloyd; great-grandchildren Connor, Kate and Chloe. Also survived by Margaret’s children and grandchildren Thomas (Heather) and Caitlin, Levi and Faith; Rena (Tom) and Anna and James.
Paul was predeceased by: his parents, Frank and Anna; infant brother John, brothers Leo and Warren. His loving wife Dorothy died 59 days before him. Paul died on what would have been her 89th birthday.
At Paul’s request, no funeral was held. Cremation has occurred.
Dorothy Louise Hartman
1922-2010
Dorothy Louise Hartman (nee Dietlein) passed away peacefully on March 3, 2010 at the age of 88 years. She was surrounded by her family.
Dorothy was born in Burlington, Iowa. She and her husband, Paul, moved to High Prairie in 1971. They were one of the original investors in the Northern Lites Motor Inn and Lounge. After a time Dorothy and Paul decided to form their own business, which they named Flowers `n Things. They owned and operated it for six years.
Dorothy is survived by her loving husband of nearly 67 years, Paul, and their son Tom (Margaret); grandchildren Mark (Erica), Amy (Tom) and their mother Alice (Jack) Lloyd; great-grandchildren Connor, Kate and Chloe. She is also survived by Margaret’s children and grandchildren Thomas (Heather) and Caitlin, Levi and Faith; Rena (Tom) and Anna and James.
Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Raymond and Pearl Dietlein, sisters Mary Marsden and Marguerite Eland.
At Dorothy’s request, no funeral service was held.
Cremation has since occurred.
John Samuel Hart
1946-2010
John Samuel Hart passed away Oct. 19, 2010, at the University Hospital in Edmonton at the age of 64 years. The following is the eulogy delivered by his nephew, Robin Gordon, of Vancouver.
Thank you all for being here today to honour and celebrate the life of my uncle, John Samuel Hart.
John was born Aug. 23, 1946 to Harry Samuel and Margaret Irene Hart at High Prairie Providence Hospital. John grew up on the family farm in Big Meadow, only minutes down the road.
My mother Peggy remembers him swimming in the creek and getting bloodsuckers stuck all over him. In the summer, he would build rafts and in the winter he would ice skate and go tobogganing with his sister and the neighbourhood kids. There was no TV so he, his sister, and their friends had their fun outside, or when it got too cold, they came inside and played Monopoly.
From Grades 1-6 John attended the one-room Nordin schoolhouse about 1 1/2 miles east of the farm. After Grade 6 he went to Prairie River School in High Prairie.
John left school at age 16 to work in the forestry industry in which he worked most of his life, mainly at Bissell’s and Buchanan’s.
In the spring of 1973 he met his future wife, Donella, while he was helping a friend tow a broken down truck. Although it was love a first sight, circumstances prevented a quick union, but eventually love prevailed and they were wed Feb 15, 1975 in Peace River.
On Feb. 13, 1978 they adopted their eldest son, Raymond Samuel, at the age of five weeks. While preparing to adopt a sister for Raymond, John and Donella were blessed with news that Donella was pregnant with their son Jonathan, who was later born on Jan. 16, 1981. He was soon to be followed Oct. 8, 1982 by James. They were later blessed with the arrival of their beautiful daughter, Debbie, on July 22, 1987.
John spent his life close to home, living for a number of years in Enilda, before returning to the family homestead in Big Meadow.
Anyone who knew John knew his family was the most important thing in the world to him. He was absolutely devoted to Donella, his children and his granddaughter Mishyla. John didn’t concern himself with politics and other B.S.
He worked hard to provide for his family, working at the mill, hauling water, driving taxi, and whatever else it took to put food on the table.
I remember my Uncle John as a strong but mostly silent man, with eyes that shined, and a heartfelt laugh that bellowed from the belly.
In the words of his son, Jonathan, he never showed a lot of emotion but he was always there, from shoveling the creek for skating or signing a loan.
John would never hesitate to help a neighbour or a friend.
If you did something stupid he’d give you heck, but he’d be there the next time to help you out of whatever mess you got yourself into.
It is so terribly sad he left us at such a young age. There are so many who will miss him greatly. There will be a big hole in our lives without him.
John is survived by: his loving wife, Donella Marie Hart; his sons, Jonathan and James; his daughter, Debbie; granddaughter Mishyla; his sister, Peggy; his brother-in-law Ross; several nieces and one nephew; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, loved ones and friends, and his close-knit community.
He was predeceased by: his mother Margaret in 1967; his father Harry in 1989; and, tragically, his eldest son Raymond in 2000.
A celebration of John’s life was held at the Big Meadow Community Hall Oct. 15, 2010, with Pastor Don Porter officiating. The eulogist was Robin Gordon. Honourary pallbearers were Walter Krystal, Robert Lemay, Harvey Nielsen, Harold Peterson, Lynn Sandquist and James Walker.
Velva Harriett Harding
1923-2010
Velva Harriett Harding was born May 29, 1923 and passed away in Edmonton April 2, 2010 at the age of 86 years.
Velva was predeceased by Tom, her husband of over 50 years, in 2002, but they are together again. Throughout their very full life together, friends and family rarely referred to one without the other.
After meeting Tom, Velva moved to High Prairie to work as an admitting clerk at the hospital. They were soon married and remained stalwart members of the community for over half a century. In addition to operating a local retail business, Harding’s Meat and Locker, they were faithful supporters of several community endeavours, including the annual Elks Rodeo and were major benefactors of the town’s Agriplex facility.
Velva also served on the High Prairie town council, held several positions in local service organizations and was a longtime member of the Order of the Royal Purple and the Royal Canadian Legion.
Velva was born in 1923. Her parents, Charles and Helen Daniel, homesteaded in the Stanger area west of Edmonton. She spent much of her childhood in Entwistle, then served as a WREN in the Canadian Naval Service during World War II.
She was predeceased by her brother Darold and sister Edna. She leaves nephews and nieces Craig and Kathi Holmes, Terry, Pat, Richard, Lorne and Darolyn Daniel, Susan Rose, Mary Lou Cutler and Wendy Milner plus their spouses, great-nephews and nieces, together with other relatives and close friends.
To the very end Velva led an active, independent and vital life. She will be missed by all.
The family would like express special thanks to the care provided by Dr. Marlene Hamilton and her staff at the Cross Cancer Institute and Dr. Sharon Vaselenak, as well as friends and staff at Terra Losa Lifestyles Options Senior residence in Edmonton, Alberta.
A memorial service will take place on Thursday, April 22, 2010 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 4633-52 Avenue, High Prairie, with Rev. Joan Schellenberger officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the CNIB, particularly for Macular Degeneration research, or to the Alberta Cancer Foundation to be designated for use at the Cross Cancer Institute-Patient Needs Fund (for patient comforts or equipment only) at 11560 University Avenue, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2.
Christine Y. Gladue
1935-2010
Christine Y. Gladue (Thunder), resident of Grande Prairie, formerly of Atikameg, passed away at the Grande Prairie Q.E. II Hospital March 13, 2010, at the age of 75 years.
Christine will be missed by: her five children Shirley (Grant) Blimke, Richard Gladue, Ida Gladue, Nelson (Norma) Gladue, and Ralph Gladue; 21 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren.
Christine was predeceased by: her parents, Frank Gladue and Ada Thunder; brother Alfred Gladue and common-law husband John Coutrie.
Viewing took place at Oliver’s Grande Prairie Funeral Chapel March 16 from 6-9 p.m.
The funeral was held March 19 at Atikameg Resurrection Fellowship Church at Mile 4, with interment following at Atikameg Cemetery.
Mary Ann Cunningham
1912-2010
Mary Ann Cunningham Rogerson (nee Andrews) was born April 27, 1912 in Grouard, to Charlotte Castor (Beaver) and Andre Andrews.
Mary married Albert Bernard Cunningham Oct. 6, 1930. As a young newly married wife, Mary helped Albert raise many of his children thereby becoming her stepchildren. Mary and Albert went on to have 14 children together, and moved to various locations in the Lesser Slave Lake area for work.
Albert and Mary then moved to the Peavine Metis Settlement. While in Peavine, Mary babysat many of her step-grandchildren, many of whom enjoyed being at Mary and Albert’s home that they would visit often.
Albert passed away in June 1964. Shortly after Albert’s passing, Mary moved back to Grouard for a short period of time. Mary and the younger children still lived at home with her. Mary then moved to Swan Hills, Alta. where she worked at the motel as a chambermaid and at the Swan Hills Tavern as a janitor. While in Swan Hills, Mary bought herself a cabin, but chose to live with her son and daughter-in-law (Leonard and Ruth Cunningham).
In November 1967, she relocated to Quesnel, B.C. where she lived with her daughter, Doris Carifelle, for a short time. While in Quesnel, Mary met Alex Rogerson and they married Feb. 17, 1968. Mary enjoyed many happy years in Quesnel with family and many friends. To her grandchildren in Quesnel, Mary was fondly called “Ronnie Kookum”. She babysat for her sons and daughter, enjoying the special time spent with her grandchildren. Her children and family who lived in Alberta made numerous trips to Quesnel to come visit.
Over the years, many of Mary’s children moved back and forth from Alberta and B.C. and from B.C. to Alberta. Mary and Alex suffered a great tragedy when they lost their home to a fire. At this time, Mary and Alex moved into her son and daughter-in-law’s (Raymond and Irene Cunningham) home. Raymond and Irene took on the task of taking care of Mary and Alex. Mary and Alex then moved to the Peavine Metis Settlement in 1998 and lived with her daughter, Yvonne Beauchamp, for a short period of time before moving into the Pleasantview Lodge.
During this time, Mary’s daughter, Eunice Gauchier, stepped up to help with many activities for Mary and Alex such as doctor’s appointments and shopping trips. Upon Eunice’s passing, daughter Lilly Anderson helped in taking care of Mary and Alex. Upon the passing of Lilly, grand-daughter Brenda Tulloch helped with the care of Mary and Alex.
Throughout her years, Mary loved to see people laugh and made many jokes to see this happen. She will be sadly missed but never forgotten. We love you, Mom/Kookum.
Mary is survived by husband, Alex Rogerson, children: Flora Mearon, Howard (Jean) Cunningham; Raymond (Irene) Cunningham; Doris Carifelle, Leonard (Ruth) Cunningham; Rose King, Michael (Pauline) Cunningham; Ronnie (Geraldine) Cunningham, Larry (Connie) Cunningham; 79 Grandchildren; 167 great-grandchildren; 101 great-great-grandchildren; and one great-great-great-grandchild, as well as numerous step-grandchildren and great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mary is pre-deceased by her first husband, Albert; parents Charlotte and Andre, daughters Yvonne Beauchamp, Lilly Anderson and Eunice Gauchier; sons Charles and Roland; step-daughters Louisa Cunningham, Maryanne Prince, Emilia Willier, Agnes Cardinal, Helen Hamelin, Mary Walker, Victoria Cunningham, Virginia Auger, Aline Chalifoux, Noella Cunningham and Mary Louise Willier; step-sons Edward, William, Pete, Joe, Fred, Sam, George, John and numerous step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Margaret (Peggy) Chemerinski
1925-2010
Margaret (Peggy) Laura Chemerinski, a long-time resident of High Prairie, passed away Dec. 26, 2010, at the age of 85 years.
Peggy was born Jan. 22, 1925 at Lethbridge, Alta. She was a long-time teacher who retired in 1982.
Peggy was an avid piano player. She was the pianist for the Red Hatters, Pleasantview Lodge, High Prairie United Church, High Prairie Royal Purple and many weddings and funerals. Her hobbies and interests included painting, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, ceramics, crossword puzzles, cards, paper tole and China painting.
Peggy was very fond of her community and cherished the memories and friendships in life.
Peggy is survived by: Edith (Ron) Ragan; Dawn (Bob) Rohloff; Carol (Garry) Basarab;, Laurie (James) Keay, Dawson and Emma Keay, Rhona (Joe), Daniel Ragan, B.J. (Joni) Rohloff, Cali-Jaye and Tate Rohloff, Kelly (Nadine) Rohloff; Lynden and Owen Rohloff; Samantha (Dorin) Brodersen; Bailey and Hudsen; Ardyth (Kyle) Lester and Kendall.
She was predeceased by her mother and father, three sisters and her loving husband, Fred.
The funeral for Peggy was held Jan. 3 at the High Prairie United Church with Rev. Sharon McRann officiating. Interment followed at the High Prairie and District Cemetery.
Louis J. Bedard
1924-2010
Louis J. Bedard, a long-time resident of High Prairie, passed away April 18, 2010, at the age of 85 years.
Louis was born in Berlin, H.H. in 1924 and spent his youth and early education in Girouxville. His father passed away, then Louis and his two older brothers, sisters, and mother were left to fend for themselves on the farm.
Louis spent a few years farming and breaking land. He joined the army in 1943. He spent a short period in Europe based in England. Upon returning from his army service, he worked on the Alaska Highway, then worked for several small mills in the High Prairie area and also worked for Bissell Bros. sawmills for several winters and building construction in the summer.
Louis decided to go into business trucking in 1956. He bought his first truck and started a long career in trucking hauling gravel and logs in the winter. He took pride in the rigour of long hours trucking. He spent years living in his trailer at camping spots, jobs, and at Robert Lemay’s farm, while at the same time maintaining his equipment. He spent many years nurturing and competing with his nephew Paul Bedard.
His compassionate side revealed itself in his care for his mother in her ailing years and with his sister driving to Peace River. Louis enjoyed social gatherings with family and friends. He also had a good recall of family, friends and knowledge of world affairs.
Of particular importance in later years, were meetings with his friends over coffee, with his coffee drinking buddy Jim. Many of the world problems were solved.
Louis was predeceased by: his parents, Napoleon and Alma (Merrete) Bedard; brother Luc Bedard; sister Helen Lemay.
He will be sadly missed by: his brother, Charles (Marion) Bedard of Surrey, B.C.; sister-in-law Agnes Bedard of Girouxville; nephew Paul Bedard and his wife Agnes of High Prairie; and numerous other nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Also, his coffee buddies and fellow truckers.
At Uncle Louis’s request, there will be no funeral. Interment will occur at a later date at the Girouxville Cemetery.
Memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of one’s choice or to the High Prairie and District Palliative Care Society.
