MUSSELMAN: Thelma Fern  February 28, 1920 - November 4, 2006

Thelma Fern Musselman (Clausen) was born in Rumsey, Alberta. She was the third daughter of six born to Chris and Eulalie Clausen. When she completed grade 11 at the Rumsey School, Fern did housekeeping around the District and cooking for the Threshers with her sister Grace. She went to Calgary in 1940-41 and worked in a cafe with dining and dancing. She worked several other jobs but in 1948 she decided to take up hairdressing and moved to Edmonton. This is where she met Mel. After she graduated from hairdressing school she moved to Rumsey, living and working in a small two bedroom house she rented for $7.00 per month. In the spring of 1951 she and Mel started up the Victory Beauty and Barbershop in Drumheller where they also lived. Mel and Fern were married on November 8, 1952. Her daughter Gwen was born in 1957. In 1961 Fern and Mel built their house on 9th Street in Drumheller where they lived until 1986 when they moved to Red Deer, Alberta. Fern retired in 1970 at age 50. She loved to golf. She and Mel travelled south for 22 years during the winter months. Fern scored two hole in one’s and won several tournaments throughout the years. In 1983, 1984 and 1988 she became a grandmother to Jennifer, Justin and Jolene. Fern lived at Bell Manor in Red Deer for the last 22 years of her life. She enjoyed playing cards at the Golden Circle and Legion and attending family reunions. She travelled to Radium Hot Springs with her daughter and went golfing just last year. She was a wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and sister for her family. She will always be in our thoughts.

MUSSELMAN: Melvin  June 28, 1919 - June 5, 2007


Melvin Ernest Musselman was born in Glenside, Saskatchewan. He was the fourth child of thirteen children born to Olga and Perry Musselman. He went to school at “Happy Hollow” in Glenside for about 8 years, then the family decided to move to Crystal Springs in 1933. While the family travelled by the wagon to the new homestead, Mel, aged 14 helped the men herd the cattle, walking over 100 miles and sleeping under the stars. A few years later he left home to work in the hard rock mines in Flin Flon, Manitoba. His son, Don, was born in 1942. Mel then went into the army and applied to go overseas but was never sent and stayed in Canada until the end of WW2. He worked in the lumber industry in B.C., then went to work in Mayo, Yukon, under very primitive working conditions as a Dynamiter. He continued to work many different jobs including Truck Driver, Oil Rig worker and Miner. In 1948 he moved to Edmonton. While driving truck he was hit by a train and walked out without a scratch. Shortly after he was introduced to Fern, who was taking hairdressing. He decided to take up a safer career in Barbering in 1953, apprenticing in Hanna, Alberta and joined Fern at the Victory Beauty Salon and Barber Shop in Drumheller, Alberta. They married on November 8, 1952 and their daughter Gwen was born in 1957. In 1961 after building their home on 9th Street, Mel retired from Barbering and took up an active career in Real Estate. In 1986 they moved to Red Deer. In 1983, 1984 and 1988 he became a grandfather to Jennifer, Justin and Jolene. Mel was an avid fisherman and loved to camp and spend time with his family. He loved golfing, travelling south with Fern for 22 years during the winter months. Mel seemed to win most tournaments he played in and insisted he scored 3 hole in ones in his career (at least two are documented). He played golf with his daughter just last year in Radium Hot Springs. He enjoyed playing cards at the Downtown House and Legion and went for coffee at the Mall almost everyday. He was always on the move and continually involved in his family. He is predeceased by his son in 1998 and his wife in 2006. He was a wonderful husband, father, father-in-law, brother and grandfather. He will be sadly missed by his family and will always be in our thoughts.

Schnider: Roy Henry  February 5, 1925-September 3, 2007

Our dad and Grandpa passed away suddenly at the Rockyview Hospital in Calgary, Alberta at the age of 82. He had been residing at the Cedars Villa Extended Care Centre. Roy was born February 5, 1925 in Medicine Hat, Alberta to Henry and Mary Schnider. He grew up on a farm near Medicine Hat and thoroughly enjoyed the farming lifestyle. Later, while working the railroad in Vulcan, he met his future wife, Pauline Seminoff. They were married on November 2, 1946 until she passed away in February 1996, 50 years later. They lived together in Medicine Hat, Grand Forks, Riverbottom (Crownsnest Pass area), Calgary, and then Drumheller. Roy earned a living for his wife and four children by doing construction work and being an enthusiastic salesman for household and health products. Roy was very zealous in his ministry work as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, as he loved talking to people about his hope and faith. He enjoyed attending his Christian meetings and associating with those who shared his beliefs. Upon retirement, Roy would often be seen still selling his products throughout the countryside. As a side hobby, he took pleasure in coin collecting, playing cards, and looking for the “next good deal”. He also liked to ‘cut a rug’, especially the polka. Roy was predeceased by his wife Pauline (nee Seminoff), daughter Shirley, father Henry Schnider and mother Mary (nee Settle). He is survived by his daughter Linda (Rio) Morelli, sons Don and Glenn, grandchildren April Morelli and Shane (Kim) Morelli, and one great grandson named Tyler. He is also survived by his sister Adeline (Roy) Farrington and their children, and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.The memorial service was held on Saturday, September 8th at the Calgary Assembly Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In lieu of flowers, you may wish to donate to the Alzheimers Society of Calgary - #201, 222 58 Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2H 2S3

SKINBERG: Barbara Ethel (McLaughlin)

Barbara passed away at the Drumheller Hospital on September 7, 2007 at the age of 94 years. Born at McLaughlin, Alberta, Barbara went on to graduate from the Royal Alexandra School of Nursing in Edmonton in 1935, first nursing in Wayne, Alberta and later at the Drumheller Hospital where she attended the births of many children. Barbara is survived by her children: son Terry (Pat) and daughters, Lynn (George) and Bonnie. She is also survived by nine grandchildren, nine great-grandchildren and by her sister Marjorie Clarke. Barbara was predeceased by her husband Adolf and her son Roger, as well as siblings Alice, Gladys, Mary and Tom. The Funeral Service will be held at the Knox United Church, Thursday, September 13 at 2:00 p.m. A sincere thanks to all the loving staff at Continuing Care and to Dr. Moshood and the caring staff at the Drumheller Hospital. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.

SPAFFORD: Irene (nee Ferrey)  June 24, 1941 - September 5, 2007

Irene passed away on September 5, 2007 at the age of 66 years. She was born in Calgary, Alberta. Irene was the only child of Rita and Geoff Ferrey and lived her life in Drumheller, Alberta. In 1958 she married Ron Spafford and had four children. She is survived by her children: Rick (Michelle), Kathy (Kirk), Debbie (Pete) and David (Darlene); as well as ten grandchildren: Carly, Haily, Sarah, Josh, Lisa, Jordan, Ryan, Tyler, Melissa and Tanille. Irene will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by many for her kind and generous ways. She was always there for her family and friends to lend an ear and offer heartfelt advice. A Funeral Service for Irene will be held at Church of the Nazarene on Wednesday, September 12, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor James Clark officiating. Interment to follow at the Drumheller Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice. Courtney-Winters Funeral Chapel entrusted with the arrangements. (403) 823-2666.

ZIEGLER: John  89 Years Young

It is with great sadness, we announce the passing of our dear father, grandfather, father-in-law, and friend at the Norwood Palliative Care Centre in Edmonton on September 6, 2007. He will be dearly missed by his children and grandchildren, Johnny (Cory, Nicole, James) of Drumheller, Royce (Shirley, Clifford (Lori & Isabella)) of Edmonton. He was predeceased by his wife “Joy” (nee Joyreene Blanchard); brothers Chris, Joseph (Joe), Robert (Bob), William (Bill) and sisters Helen Kennedy, Jessie Clement and Katie Suelzle. John’s legacy to his family and his multitude of friends is the memory of a man who had a gentle giving spirit, was friendly and accepting, always willing to help, and always busy doing something. Graveside Service and Interment will be held on Saturday, September 15, 2007 at 11:30 a.m. at the Lone Butte Cemetery near Homestead Coulee. A Celebration of Life reception will follow at the East Coulee Community Hall to which all family and friends are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations are welcome to the Salvation Army, Box 3097, 242 - 1 Street West, Drumheller, AB. T0J 0Y0. To send condolences: zjohnny@telus.net