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Tillie Krawec (Wawryck)
A long time resident of High Prairie, Tillie Krawec, passed away suddenly Nov. 16, 2006, at the age of 92 years. Tillie was our angel, wife, mother, sister, Baba, grandmother, great grandmother and friend to all of us for 92 incredible years. Tillie was born in Janiw, Man. on Oct. 22, 1914. When Tillie was just five years old she and her parents moved to Edmonton where she lived until she met Phillip Krawec. After a short courtship Tillie and Phillip were married on April 5, 1932 and soon thereafter they moved to Prairie Echo and homesteaded in Heart River. In 1975 they moved into the town of High Prairie. Tillie spent most of her life working on the farm and raising her children. Tillie’s first and only passion was her family. She spent most of her life caring for her children, cooking, cleaning and attending to everyday chores. Her happiest times and greatest joy was when her family came home to visit. She also enjoyed cooking Ukrainian foods and listening and singing along to Ukrainian music. Tillie is survived by 11 children and thier spouses: Morris (Lou Tallier) Krawec, of Edmonton; Mike (Sandy) Krawec, of Turner Valley, Alta; Peter (Anne) Krawec, of Clearwater; Nick Krawec, of High Prairie; Joe (Doreen) Krawec, of Grande Prairie; Tony (Annette) Krawec, of Calgary; Nancy Shachtay of High Prairie; Jean Krawec, of Parksville, B.C.; Mary (Wayne) Konelsky of Rocky Mountain House, Alta.; Olga (Larry) Schmidt of Morinville, Alta.; Lena (Dwayne) Vivian of St. Albert, Alta; sister Nancy Stafford, of Edmonton; 24 grandchildren and 19 great grandchildren. Tillie was predeceased by: her loving husband, Phillip; parents Annie and Harry Wawryck; sisters Lena Ryski, Katie Spotowski and Mary Kucheruk; daughter Stella Wolfe; son David Krawec and grandson Shane Krawec. The funeral for the late Tillie Krawec was held Nov. 21, 2006, at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in High Prairie with main celebrant Father Tony Chakkunga. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions in Tillie’s memory may be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, 10985 - 124 St., Edmonton, Alta., T5M 0H9. Tillie was the heart and soul of our family. She was a beautiful, warm, graceful, loving woman. So very kind and quiet, east-going, charitable, lovable, peaceful, honest and understanding.
Reuben Ben Kohn
1929-2007
Rueben Benjamin Kohn was born Oct. 20, 1929 to Ferdinand and Mabel Kohn. He was born in Edmonton but was raised on a farm near Millet, Alta. He was the sixth of 10 children. After finishing high school, Ben worked at various jobs around Alberta and across the country. He wanted to be a pilot but was rejected because of his deafness but the Air Force trained him in electronics and he worked at radar bases, mostly in Eastern Canada and the Arctic. Ben was married while in the Forces to Marilyn Cameron with whom he had seven children. His wife died of cancer when the youngest was 18 months old. He later married Sheila Eastland with whom he had three children. This marriage ended in divorce. While in the Air Force, Ben worked in electronics. When he left the Air Force he worked for Sears in repair of electronic equipment such as TVs, recording equipment and other home entertainment components. After leaving the Air Force, Ben worked in Ontario for Sears, then decided to move the family back to Alberta. He settled in Edmonton where he continued to work for Sears. Later, he decided to join some of his family in High Prairie where he began his own business called Ben’s TV. There, he fixed much electronic equipment and installed many TV aerials all over the Peace Country around High Prairie. While in High Prairie, Ben was active in a number of organizations. He was a loved and valued active member of the United Church. He was a member of the Christian Business Men’s Fellowship. He was a Toastmaster. He belonged to the Square Dance Club. He did a lot of work with and for the High Prairie Association of Community Living and with Marigold Enterprises. He was a member of the museum. Ben was a very talented man. He could fix most anything. He did carpentry, plumbing, mechanics and many other skills. After retiring from his electronics career, he became a handyman in the community where he helped many people by doing small and larger repairs around their homes. He was always busy doing something. He loved a good joke and had a wonderful sense of humour. He enjoyed meeting the “gang” for coffee and trying to solve the problems of the day. In 1989, Ben and Mary Goede were married and thus joined two large families. During the 18 years they were married, Ben and Mary had a good life sharing many interests. They did some traveling, mostly to family in Canada and the United States. Mostly they enjoyed the friends and family around High Prairie. Ben died Oct. 20, 2007 at age 78. Ben was loved by family and friends and will be greatly missed. Ben is survived by: his sisters Lillian, Martha and Lila; his brother Edward; his children and families: David, Melinda, Ian (Joanne), Bruce (Leanne), William (Mary), Sandra (Rick) Sweeney, Jeffrey (Brenda), Amanda (Chris) Narbonne, Eric, Julie (Rick); and grandchildren Dustin, Zachary, Ethan, Noah, Lindsay, Michael, Jasmine, Jerry, Amanda, Brandy, Scott, Madison, Jacob, MacKenzie, Alexander, Chad and Aleisha; and several great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Joseph Herbert Payne
1932 - 2005
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Joseph Herbert Payne on March 14, 2005, at the Slave Lake Health Complex at the age of 72 years.
Joe was born in High Prairie on July 11, 1932 and lived in Canyon Creek for many years before moving to Joussard.
He leaves to mourn: his three children, Darrell, Shelley (Fred) Wilson and Jason (Sheri); five grandchildren, Jackie, Chris, Jody, Jordon and Cassie; as well as two sisters, one brother and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by: his loving wife, Connie; his parents, George and Helen; two brothers and two sisters.
Services were held at the Wilton Funeral Home on Friday, March 18.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Avery Jones
1990 - 2006
St. Andrew’s student remembered for special qualities
Eulogy by Al Baird
Today started like most other Thursdays. I had to go to work like I do everyday. I read all my E-mails and answered all my calls. Many tasks were performed today as they are on every other day at work. No one expected a week ago that we would be gathered to mourn the passing of Avery Jones. March 23, 2006 will be like no other Thursday to come. Today we say goodbye to Avery Jones.
On Feb. 12, 1990, Avery Brigham Jones was born to Mike and Leslie Jones. They were so happy. Avery grew to be a kind and loving person.
Avery attended St. Andrew’s School from kindergarten to Grade 10. Like most, he was not always overly eager to study but he did. His marks were good and he loved being at school every day. He loved his friends, he loved games, music and, of course, he loved all of the teachers. It feels as though a light has gone out in our school and has been replaced with emptiness. Many smiles have been discarded and replaced with tears.
Sadness lives strong in many of us. We will not see Avery again. Friends will not run into him at his locker, sit with him in class or work with him on assignments. Teachers wilt no longer see his face in the classroom eager to learn.
Kids like Avery are the reason we are there. It is a terrible blow, not only to us, but to all the hearts that Avery had yet to touch. Avery’s light was no ordinary light. He let his light shine. It illuminated everything that he touched. We all thought there was so much more for him to do. We never thought that he had already completed his task. But now, his being with us in spirit only is a reality we must learn to cherish.
Avery worked at the IGA, only for a short time. Three to four weeks was plenty of time to discover that allowance is a great thing. Even if it is not a huge amount, he could manage without having to work.
Avery was a world traveler, or at least aspired to be one. His Uncle Bruce worked in South America and his uncle George lives in Australia. Both are here today. He had already conquered great distances by visiting Shaw’s Point, Triangle, Sunset House and Alder Ridge. Now Avery was very psyched at the thought of visiting one of those far off places that his uncles had conquered.
Weekends were made for sleeping, video games and maybe making music. He was the master of the X-Box and played the bass guitar. His friends and he often attempted to play and write songs although most times they were sidetracked by something.
Only through these experiences of success and defeat can a person be strengthened. Avery developed character and was strong. It is not the length of his life, but the depth of it that is important.
If I had to select one word to describe Avery Jones, the word would be ‘Avery’. Avery is not just a name, it’s a descriptive adjective, it’s an attitude and a presence, it’s pride, it’s friends and it’s family. It’s all the things a student, a friend, a brother, and a son should be.
Laughing was important to Avery. He had a knack for getting others to laugh. It was not always at the appropriate time. Even when they all knew that someone may get into trouble someone would wind up laughing. I’m sure that he would have us trade this week’s tears for laughter if he were here.
Avery Jones was special. In all the world there’s nobody like him. Since the beginning of time, there has never been another person quite the same. Nobody has his smile. Nobody has his eyes, his voice or his hair.
My God, his hair! Long and straight. Short and spiky. And the newest style – large, very large. Only a week ago I told him how awesome it looked. You should never get another haircut. I knew Mike and Les would hear that when it got to the point that he needed one.
Nobody anywhere has his tastes for food or music. No one sees things just as he did. There’s no one who laughed like him, no one who cried like him. No one reacted to situations just as Avery would react. He was unique. He was the only one in all of creation who had his specific set of abilities.
There will always be somebody who is better at the things Avery was good at, but no one can reach the quality of his combination of talents, ideas, abilities and feelings. Like a room full of musical instruments, some may excel alone, but none can match the sound when all are played together. Avery was the whole band. No one will ever look, talk, walk, think, or do like him. He was rare. He did not need to be in the limelight. He did not need to imitate others. He accepted and celebrated his differences.
It’s no accident that we were able to share in the life of Avery Jones. He was here for a very special purpose. A job for him to do that no one else could have done nearly as well as he did. Out of all the billions of available people, only Avery was qualified, only he had the combination of what it took.
Mike, Leslie, Steven, Kelby and their family would like to thank all of Avery’s friends and teachers, who became a part of his life. They are forever grateful to all who gave him happiness and love for the short time that he was with us. Thank you all for your support through the Jones’ time of grief.
Once A Saint Always A Saint!
John Korol
1937-2005
John Korol, resident of Grande Prairie and formerly of High Prairie, passed away suddenly on Nov. 21, 2005, at the age of 68 years.
John was born Oct. 30, 1937.
He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Katy Korol.
John is survived by: his wife Diane; adopted daughters and grandchildren; Leah and grandchildren Jenna, Chris, and Curtis, and Melissa and grandchild Megan; two brothers, Frank and Fred; two sisters, Lil and Joyce; and numerous other family members and friends.
A memorial Service was held on Friday, Nov. 25, 2005, at 2 p.m. from Oliver’s Grande Prairie
Funeral Chapel at 10005-107 Avenue in Grande Prairie.
Memorial donations may be made to the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Jean-Luc Dubé
1930 - 2005
Jean-Luc Dubé passed peacefully into the arms of his Lord and Savior on Oct. 28, 2005 at the age of 75 years.
Jean-Luc was born Oct. 16, 1930 in St. Honore, Quebec, the oldest son of a family of 12. In his youth he enjoyed playing hockey, and fondly remembered the sugar bush harvest and working on the family farm in Quebec.
At the age of 18, Jean-Luc traveled west where he met and married his wife of 54 years, Thérèse. Jean-Luc and Thérèse originally settled on their farm in Joussard, then moved their family into High Prairie, where Jean-Luc worked for many years as custodian at St. Andrew’s School as well as serving as a Catholic school board member.
In his retirement, Jean-Luc enjoyed golfing, camping and spending time with family and friends.
Jean-Luc is survived by his loving family: wife Thérèse; children Bernard (Colleen) Dubé, Hélène (Leo) Strebchuk, Liliane (Evan) Johnson, Rejean (Colleen) Dubé, Patrick (Donna) Dubé, Germaine (Roger) Tailleur, Bruce (Theresa) Dubé, Fabian Dubé; 17 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; six brothers, five sisters and numerous nieces and nephews.
The funeral service was held Nov. 5 at St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church in High Prairie.
If friends so desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1825 Park Road S.E., Calgary, Alta., T2G 3Y8.
Jack Bramwell
1936 - 2006
Jack Bramwell passed away in Edmonton on March 9, 2006.
He was born Feb. 4, 1936 at Prairie Echo to Dick and Mary Bramwell. He was raised and schooled in Prairie Echo and Grouard.
Jack started working at the very young age of 14 years and continued to do so until his passing. He held many positions during this time. Jack was a kind, honest, dependable, fun loving and generous man. He cared deeply for his family, neighbors and many friends.
Jack loved to watch sports, especially the Edmonton Oilers, Edmonton Eskimos and Toronto Blue Jays, but rodeo was by far his favorite.
Jack leaves to mourn: his wife of 44 years, Grace; son Trevor; daughters Colleen Perry, Elayne Krol (Henry); sisters Audi Penny (Rob), MaryLou Vickers, Bernice Henry, Donna Rushfeldt; brother Michael; Uncle Victor Mearon; Aunt Elva Savill; six grandchildren, many nieces and nephews, many relatives and friends.
Jack was predeceased by: his mother, Mary, in 1962; his father, Dick, in 1988; sisters Patsy, Pamela and Wilma in 1962; brothers Bobby in 1965 and Clifford in 1950; son-in-law Brennan Marcotte in 1988; brothers-in-law Wilfred Vickers in 1996 and Hank Henry in 2004.
Irene Iris Walker
? - 2006
Irene Iris Walker passed away suddenly on Feb. 13, 2006 in Las Vegas, Nevada at the age of 64 years.
Irene was born in Stettler, Alta. and lived in the Donalda, Alta. area until the age of nine when she moved with her family to High Prairie. She grew up on the family farm there and married Ken in 1962. In 1964, they moved to British Columbia and adopted their two children in 1968 and 1970. They lived in Merritt, B.C. until 1982 when they moved to Forestburg, Alta.
Irene’s pride and joy was her family and she loved nothing more than spending time with them. Holidays, birthdays, and family events were very important to her. Among her favourite things were traveling, camping, attending music festivals, shopping and visiting friends. Irene loved to accompany Ken on many excursions and wanted to travel more. This was her first trip to Vegas, which was a new adventure she had always wanted to try.
Left to cherish her memory are: her husband Kenneth; son Darryl (Christine) Walker; daughter Leanne Walker (Sheldon Nielsen); grandchildren Mason, Colin, Janessa and Jeremy Walker, Rebecca and Lucas Nielsen; brothers Paul (Yvette) Heisz and Lyle Heisz; sisters Ina Damberger, Ida Brown, Ila Sawchyn, and Iona (Alex) Kushner; along with numerous nieces and nephews, all who will miss her greatly.
She was predeceased by: her parents, Roy and Opal Heisz; and brother Leo Heisz.
Ilene E. Mullen
1936-2005
Ilene E. Mullen was born April 10, 1936 in Edmonton. At five days old she was adopted by Jim and Elda Glover.
Ilene grew up in the High Prairie and the Prairie Echo community, where she also did her schooling.
Ilene worked at the High Prairie Hospital and then worked at the Edmonton University Hospital as a nurse’s aide.
While working in Edmonton Ilene met Donald Mullen. They had five children: four boys and one girl. The family lived approximately 18 years in southern Alberta, where Donald was employed. Later, in 1972, they moved back north to Ilene’s hometown where they bought the old DeJong place in Salt Prairie. Donald and Ilene raised their family and half of the kids in the area.
Ilene loved to crochet and make quilts, besides working on her flower beds and huge gardens, reading the Bible and also a history buff. She loved to cook and could make a meal out of nothing no matter how many people were at the table.
Ilene always had a smile for anyone who came to the door, and loved to visit.
She was very well known around the area, for her ability to do income tax.
Ilene now leaves behind: her husband, Donald; four sons, Leeland, Brian, Wayne and James; one daughter, Charlene; 13 grandchildren; one sister, Ardyth; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ida Luka Gabriel
TBA - 2005
Our very dear mother, Ida Luka Gabriel, in the secure promise of resurrection from death in Christ Jesus, has fallen asleep and joined her husband, our dear father, Samy R. Gabriel.
Our dear mother went home on Feb. 10, 2005, in Calgary, leaving here her children: Emil of Calgary, Nobel of McLennan, Amal Alexan (Saad) of Vancouver, Dr. Gameel of New Orleans, Prof. Kamiel (Linda) and children, Laressa, Amy, Kevin and Daniel of Toronto, and Fadiel (Wafa) and children Nancy and Lisa of Edmonton.
Although we have been showered by the love and kindness of many special people, we shall not, in particular, forget the genuine Christian love and care of Nurse Gale Jellicoe-Smith of The Beverly and Dr. Peter Wash of Rockyview Hospital, both of Calgary.
Doris Helen Hunt
1935-2007
It is with great sadness that the family of Doris Helen Hunt announces her passing, on Jan. 17, 2008, at the age of 72 years, after a courageous battle with cancer. Doris, who was born on July 2, 1935, will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by: her husband of 54 years, Marvin; their six children; her grandchildren; great grandchild; her brothers and sisters; and numerous nieces and nephews. Doris was predeceased by her daughter, Glenda Lynn, and grandson, Byron. The family would like to thank Dr. Caffaro and the staff at the Slave Lake Hospital, as well as the many friends and family members, for their care and compassion the past few months. Memorial donations for Doris can be made to the Slave Lake Women’s Hospital Auxiliary in support of Palliative Care. A memorial service for Doris will be announced later.
Sheila Ruth Hiron
1948-2007
Sheila Ruth Hiron, a long-time resident of Sunset House, passed away April 14 in Grande Prairie at the age of 59 years. Sheila was born on Jan. 2, 1948 at Rocky Mountain House, Alta. She arrived in the Sunset House district in 1991 and was a wife, mother and friend to countless people. She was very active in the High Prairie Air Cadet Squadron serving as Commanding Officer for well over a decade. She also served on the local REA and PDD organizations. Sheila is survived by: her husband, Barry Wayne Hiron, of Sunset House; son Dallas Wayne Hiron (Susan) and their children, Tara, Tanya, Robin, Meagan, Taylor and Kennadie, and great-grandchildren Tyson, Bradon and Emily, all of Fox Creek, Alta; daughter Julia Kristine Hiron, and her child, Rhett, of Bonnyville; son Jonathon Scott Hiron (Roxy) and their children Dakota, Orrin and Xander, of Rocky Mountain House; son Eric James Hiron (Michelle) and their child, Donivin, of Rocky Mountain House; son Ian Travis Hiron (Trisha) of Bonnyville; son Andrew Thomas Hiron of Sunset House; daughter Heather Dawn Hiron and her child, Isabel, of Fox Creek; daughter Bonnie Jean Hiron (Shawn Harnum) and their children Jayden and Alexander or Flin Flon, Man.; son Mathew Douglas Hiron, of Lashburn, Sask.; daughter Angela Nicole Hiron, of Sunset House; son Perry Mitchell Hiron, of Sunset House; her mother, Thelma Joy Burns, of Abbotsford, B.C.; sister Nola Joy Carter, of Crescent Valley, B.C.; sister Heather Jean Erskine, of Abbotsford; sister Lorna Pauline Burns, of Slocan Valley, B.C.; brother Robert John Burns, or Airdrie, Alta; and many extended family and friends including those who called her ‘Ma’am’ and ‘Mom’. She was predeceased by her father, James Robert Burns. The funeral for Sheila was held April 18 at the High Prairie Legion Hall at 1 p.m. with Rev. Howard Imes officiating.
Helen Bernadine (Nellie) O'Brien
1921 - 2006
Nellie O’Brien was born June 26, 1921 at Stettin, near Onoway, Alta., and passed away peacefully Feb. 8, 2006, at the J.B. Wood Extended Care in High Prairie at the age of 84 years.
She was a beautiful sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Nellie was the seventh child of the 13 children born to Jack Heffernan and Margaret Flynn, and grew up on a farm near Sandy Beach with six sisters and six brothers. Nellie was always a caregiver by nature. As a young girl she had aspired to be a nurse, and had started training, but with her father away teaching school, three brothers overseas during the war, other siblings in school, and youngest brother Michael studying in the seminary to be a priest, Nellie chose to stay home and help her mother run the family farm. During the war years her husband-to-be was working in the Dawson City, Yukon area.
On Nov. 25, 1947, Nellie married her schooldays sweetheart, Frank O’Brien. For the first few years they lived on the family farm and started their own family as Helen, Danny and Frankie arrived. The O’Brien’s had a planing mill and seeing the opportunity in forestry, Frank moved the family to High Prairie in 1953 and started O’Brien Lumber Company. Johnny, Alan, Brian and Margaret were born in High Prairie. Nellie’s work was clearly cut out for her raising two daughters and five sons, especially since they were all so much like their Dad. She was also very supportive of her husband and a busy business life that made a living for them and seven children.
Frank and Nellie contributed greatly to the community during the 23 years that they lived in High Prairie and enjoyed many friendships and acquaintances. Socially, they loved dancing and were admired for the way they beautifully danced together. Nellie would often join in the band as she played violin very well.
Nellie was a great seamstress! She sewed almost all of the clothing for our family including shirts for Frank and the boys, many coats and lovely dresses for herself and her daughters. For a few years she did sewing for friends, making wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses.
But nothing was more important to Nellie than caring for the children and grandchildren. Sewing just fit into her spare time. She was a great cook, and there were always lots of people to feed. She never formally entertained, but everyone was always welcome any time of the day or night. Definitely a full time homemaker.
In 1976 Frank and Nellie retired and moved to Westlock, Alta. Frank had thoughts of a retirement home in the Okanagan, but Nellie would have nothing to do with that idea. She knew that she would seldom see her grandchildren if they moved over the mountains, and Westlock seemed to be back to their roots and central for all of the family. They spent several years traveling in the motorhome visiting friends and relatives all over North America.
Frank passed away in 1984 at the age of 63, and Nellie remained in their home in Westlock until she suffered a severe stroke in August 2003.
Her favorite things! She loved children, and would spend hours playing games or just visiting. She was a very clever scrabble player, very lucky at crib, and a master of canasta. In 1998 she won the gold medal in High Prairie at the Northwest Alberta Winter Games in the seniors scrabble competition and was very pleased with that. She also enjoyed reading, knitting and favorite TV shows. Every summer she looked forward to picking berries anywhere and shelling peas at the farm. She really appreciated a good car that got her to church and to visit all of her family and friends. And in the last two years, her nice leather electric wheelchair gave her the bit of independence to get around and help other people if she could.
Nellie was a devout Roman Catholic, never doubted her faith, took her children to church and taught them to pray. She belonged to St. Paul’s Parish in High Prairie, and St. Mary’s Parish in Westlock. The last two years she appreciated the Chapel and Mass at the J.B. Wood Nursing Home in High Prairie.
Nellie is survived by her children: Helen (Jim) Henderson of High Prairie, Danny (Audrey) of Edmonton, Frank of Grande Prairie, John (Dawn) of Grande Prairie, Alan (Joy) of Westlock, Brian (Tanya) of Calgary and Margaret (Dennis) Bell of Grande Prairie; 17 grandchildren including Shaun, David, Barbara, Anna, Kelly, Derrick, Dennis, Owen, Joel, Jesse, Ian, Jackson, Steven, Gail, Anthony, Lynsey and Candace; four great grandchildren including Brenna, Connor, Keagan and Piper; two sisters, Betty (Ed) Carson and Hannah Murphy; her brother, Gerald (Frances) Heffernan, all of Edmonton; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Nellie was pre-deceased by: her parents, John and Margaret Heffernan; husband Frank O’Brien; grandson James O’Brien; brothers Dave Heffernan, Ned Heffernan, John Heffernan, Bill Heffernan, and Rev. Father Michael Heffernan; sisters Jane Barry, Mary O’Brien, Kathleen Heffernan and Eileen Heffernan.
A beautiful mass of Christian burial was held Saturday, Feb. 11, 2006 at 10 a.m. at St Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Westlock with Father Dario Abram officiating. Interment followed beside her husband at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Westlock.
Nellie’s eulogy was delivered by the eldest grandson, Shaun Henderson, and the pallbearers were grandsons: David Henderson, Anthony Bell, Dennis O’Brien, Steven O’Brien, Kelly O’Brien and Joel O’Brien. Readings by granddaughter Anna O’Brien, a memorial poem by granddaughter Lynsey Bell, and solo “On Angels Wings” written and performed by nephew Martin Murphy.
She will be sadly missed. Her life is complete and she rests in peace.
