CHURCH: Allan Henry (Harry)  1926 - 2006

Allan Henry (Harry) Church of Drumheller, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary, Alberta on Tuesday, November 14, 2006. Harry is survived by his daughter Susan of Calgary and sons Michael (Ursula) of Stettler, Timothy (Kelly) of Red Deer, Christopher of Los Angeles, Roger (Gayle) of Drumheller, and Patrick (Elvis Hudson) of Calgary; eleven grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by Virginia, his loving wife of 55 years, parents Alice (nee Rowlinson) and Allan Church, sister Elizabeth, brother Bill, infant son Barry, and granddaughter Allyn. Harry was born on May 15, 1926, in Calgary. He rode his horse Dolly to Beveridge Lake School until grade 9 and then went to high school in Hesketh. He loved sports and played softball with the Hesketh team in their very successful run from 1946 to 1952. Harry took up farming with his father on the Pope Lease, a vocation he enjoyed for the rest of his life. He was passionate about agricultural innovation and committed to conservation. He loved learning and enjoyed being a lineman for the Carbon North Mutual Telephone Co., working with cattle producers and veterinarians in the Bangs Vaccination Program, and welding and fabricating metal projects for neighbours. With the advent of rural electrification he wired numerous buildings on the Lease. He met the love of his life, Virginia, in the spring of 1948, and they were married in 1950. He built their home on the farm and filled it with love and joy as they raised their large family. They shared many interests such as literature, hunting, fishing, and travel. Harry was committed to serving the community and provided leadership in 4-H at the Club and District Council levels and as an organizer of the calf sale for many years, in the Drumheller Stampede and Ag Society at the executive level, and as a member of the county Ag Service Board. He served in many roles at Christ Church Carbon, from Sunday School Superintendent to Vicar’s Warden. For many years he collected climate data for Environment Canada. Dad’s optimism, wisdom, and generosity were a source of strength to his family. He will be missed.Those wishing to pay their respects did so at St. Magloire’s Anglican Church, 176 – 2nd St. W., Drumheller, Alberta on Sunday, November 19, 2006 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A Funeral Service was held at St. Magloire’s Anglican Church, 176 – 2 St. W., Drumheller, Alberta on Monday, November 20, 2006 at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Mac Jones officiating. Graveside Service will take place at Mountain View Memorial Gardens (17 Ave. and Garden Road S.E. Calgary) on Monday at 4:00 p.m. If so desired memorial tributes may be made directly to Drumheller Area Health Foundation c/o 351 – 9th St. N.W., Drumheller, Alberta, T0J 0Y1. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.mem.com. FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, Telephone: 297-0888, Honoured Provider of Dignity Memorial . www.fostersgardenchapel.com