Bigford: Floyd  1921 - 2004

Floyd Bigford passed away in Drumheller hospital on September 14, 2004. Floyd was born in Quinton, SK on October 6, 1921.  He moved to Drumheller as a young man with his mother, father, and brothers and sisters. Floyd enlisted in the army (Calgary Tank) in 1941 and served overseas until 1946.  He achieved the rank of Sergeant, and along with his service medals, he received a personal commendation from Field Marshall Montgomery. Floyd was predeceased by his wife Dorothy in June 1997.  They had 53 happy years together, and had two children, both surviving; Michael Bigford of Surrey, B.C., and Sharon Torgesson of New Westminster, B.C.  Floyd and Dorothy also adopted and raised two daughters; Loreena Meers and Denise Bigford.  Floyd was also predeceased by two sisters Dorothy Zima and Eileen Forbes, and older brother, Raymond Bigford, all of Drumheller.  His only surviving sibling is brother Ivan Bigford of Lethbridge. After the war, Floyd worked in the coal mines in Drumheller for 12 years and then took a plumbing apprenticeship, and was at the top of his class when he completed it in 1958.  He was then a partner in a plumbing business for nine years, then he went to work for Correction Services of Canada in 1967, when he retired at age 65 after 19 years of service.  After retirement he worked part-time as a guard for the R.C.M.P. from May 1983 to May 1988. Floyd was very active all his life with the Royal Canadian Legion, and held several positions with them including past president.  He was always there when needed, and was more than happy to give his time and energy at various events and fundraising. Funeral services were held at the Alliance Church in Drumheller on Saturday, September 18, 2004 at 11 a.m. Floyd's family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who helped  him during his health difficulties.

Cowan:  Reverend Alex F.

Peacefully in the presence of his family, at Peel Manor in Brampton, ON on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 in his 89th year. Beloved husband of Elva Cowan (nee Lidstone) for 61 years. Loving father of Susan Galley (John) and Joan Tadman (Grant). He will be sadly missed by his grandsons Robert and Ian Galley. Reverend Cowan began his ministry in 1943 in Alberta at Rowley, Rumsey and Big Valley. Later he moved to Rosebud and Rockyford. In 1948 he became Assistant Minister at Runnymede United Church in Toronto. In 1949 he went to Norval, Glen Williams and Home Church. He moved to Centre St. United in Oshawa in 1952. In 1957 he took over the congregation of Westside United in Owen Sound until 1967. From 1967 to his retirement in 1982 he served as a
district secretary for the Canadian Bible Society. Up until 2003, he had been a faithful member of Islington United Church. This year he was proud to be recognized by the United Church for his 61 years of ministry. Friends may call at the Turner & Porter Butler Chapel, 4933 Dundas Street West (between Islington and Kipling Aves.) from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Funeral Service was  held at Islington United Church, 25 Burnhamthorpe Rd., Etobicoke on Friday, September 17, 2004 at 11:00 o'clock, Reverend Mark Aitchison officiating. Cremation to follow. If desired, remembrances to the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family.

Miller: Charlie

Charlie Miller, formerly of Rockyford, Alberta passed away on Tuesday, September 14, 2004 in the Vulcan Extended Care Center at the age of 93 years.   He is lovingly remembered by his children, one son Dale (Leona), and three daughters, Carol Mauch, Darlene, Dot Howden and Sandra (Latif) Bensar,i all of Calgary.  He is also survived by eight grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, one sister Frances Lerner of Medicine Hat,  numerous relatives, nieces and nephews and friends.  He was predeceased by his wife Esther, parents Efenius and Ottilia Miller, three brothers and five sisters. Charlie was born in Fox Valley, Saskatchewan on August 20, 1911, later moving to the Beiseker district where he met Esther Meidinger and they were married on June 30, 1942 at Rockyford.  Together they farmed and raised their family in the Rockyford area before retiring to town.  Charlie was a member of St. Rita¹s Church, an active member of the Rockyford Knights of Columbus, the Lion¹s Club, and the Seniors Club.  He participated in baseball in his younger years and greatly enjoyed curling every winter with friends.   Funeral Mass was celebrated on Friday, September 17, 2004 at St. Rita's Catholic Church at 11:00 a.m.  Interment followed at St. Rita¹s Cemetery. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association (#105, 7500 Macleod Trail S.E., Calgary, T2H 0L9).
WHEATLAND FUNERAL HOME LTD. (Strathmore) in care of arrangements. 934-5666