February 13, 2008 Obits

Gilbert Arthur Berdahl, long time resident of Hesketh and Drumheller area, passed away in Drumheller Continuing Care on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 at the age of 94, after an extended illness. Gilbert, sixth of eleven children, was born on the family farm at Wood End, Saskatchewan near Estevan on September 17, 1913 to his Norwegian-born parents. Johannes/John and Hannah Berdahl. Gilbert attended school at Wood End before being sent to Concordia College in Edmonton in 1926 at age 12, to complete his high school. Returning to Estevan to help his poor parents on the family farm for a few years, he was finally forced to leave in order to make a living for himself. He had developed a keen interest in and ability for baseball and wanted to play professionally so, in 1933, he came to the Nacmine area where his cousin, Anna Folden, was already farming, where coal mines provided some of the few jobs available in that Depression era, and where trophy winning baseball was a major activity. He worked on several farms in the Pope Lease and Hesketh areas, including the Schnase Farm south of Hesketh. It was there that he met Margaret (Peggy) Sember, daughter of a neighbouring farmer, and on December 18, 1937 they were married at the United Church Manse in Drumheller. Gilbert and Peggy immediately began farming west of Hesketh in 1937 only 2 miles from the Sember farm and continued there for 63 years before moving into the Sunshine Lodge in Drumheller on May 1, 2001 where they lived until he was hospitalized for the last few months of his life. Gilbert contributed strongly to the well-being of his family, friends and neighbours, church, school, farming profession and community. A life time follower of the Lutheran faith, he attended services in the Drumheller and Carbon areas from the time of his arrival in Alberta until the time of his death and was a charter member and held many key positions in Grace Lutheran Church. Gilbert had key roles in many activities and organizations, including Trustee and Chairman the Three Hills School Division M.D. of the Municipal District of Kneehill and many others. Gilbert is survived by his wife Peggy of 70 years, son Gordon (Carol), daughter Carol (Russell) Gill, daughter Elaine, daughter Jean Hare, and son Dennis (Susan), nine grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, sister Jeanette and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brothers Ingvald (John), Aage, Carl, Albin, and Milton, as well as infant triplets and a brother; and a half brother Edwin Jelsing. Gilbert exhibited a strong interest in his Norwegian heritage and made two trips to Norway to visit relatives there. His strong Christian beliefs were demonstrated in his extraordinary service to church and community. He was always a strong defender of the farming profession when compared to many others. His passionate competitiveness showed itself in everything he did including sports, cards, bingo, etc. Funeral Service was held on Saturday, February 9, 2008 at Grace Lutheran Church, Drumheller, with interment at Drumheller Cemetery. For those who wish to do so Gilbert’s request, donations will be gratefully accepted by Grace Lutheran Church, Drumheller, or Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Robert “Bob” Roy Brown, passed away peacefully in his sleep at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on Thursday, February 7, 2008 at the age of 73 years. Bob was born on June 22, 1934 at Drumheller, Alberta to Pat and Ruth Brown. He married Betty Burt on December 5, 1959 and the couple had two children. Bob attended Olds College to learn more about agriculture. He was a radio announcer at CKRD prior to accepting his career with Alpha Milk, where he was the Public Relations Manager for 28 years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge No. 12 and was a Past Master. One of Bob’s passions was trapshooting, he made the All-American Trapshooting Team three times and was a World Champion. Other interests were, bird hunting, fishing, golfing, curling and reading. Bob was a very special man with a unique sense of humor, good natured and a sheer joy to be around. He is survived by his two children, Pat (Barb) Brown, Krista (Marc) Heiligers, two grandchildren, Kyle and Richelle Brown, a sister, Patsy (Don) de Frece of Blind Bay, British Columbia and numerous nieces and nephews. Bob was predeceased by his loving wife, Betty after 40 years of marriage. A Memorial Service was held at Sunnybrook United Church, 12 Stanton Street, Red Deer on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Interment to follow at a later date in Drumheller. Memorial donations in Bob’s honour may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 4730A Ross Street, Red Deer, Alberta, T4N 1X2. Condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.eventidefuneralchapels.com Service and Cremation Providers: EVENTIDE FUNERAL CHAPELS 4820 – 45th Street, Red Deer. Phone 347-2222.

Sam Hein passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 6, 2008 in Drumheller, Alberta at the age of 79 years. He is survived by: his daughter Judy (Rick) of Cranbrook, B.C., Randy (Dorrie) of Drumheller, four grandchildren, Taya, Lane, Jenna and Douglas and three great grandchildren. Sam is also survived by his brothers George and Perry Hein. He was predeceased by his son Doug; his brothers, Charlie and Ralph and parents Joe and Hattie Hein. Sam was born on February 22, 1928 in Bassano, Alberta. He was raised in the Hussar area and farmed there throughout most of his life. He moved to Strathmore in 1984 and then to the Continuing Care Unit of the Drumheller Regional Health Complex in Drumheller in 2006. Throughout his life he enjoyed farming and hunting. Flying proved to be one of Sam’s passions, however he tried it and was not very good at it. Later on in life, he enjoyed skydiving. The family wishes to thank the caregivers at the Drumheller Continuing Care Centre for their care and compassion. A private family Graveside Service will be held. A Gathering of family and friends was held in the Arbor Lounge of Mountain View Funeral Home on Monday, February 11, 2008 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Sam’s name directly to the Canadian Diabetes Association (204, 2323 - 32 Avenue NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 6Z3) or the Canadian Cancer Society (2nd floor, 215 - 12 Avenue SE, Calgary, AB, T2G 1A2). To e-mail expressions of sympathy: mountainview@arbormemorial.com Subject heading: Sam Hein. Arrangements entrusted to MOUNTAIN VIEW FUNERAL HOME AND CEMETERY, Calgary, Alberta, 17th Avenue SE at Garden Road (1.5 km east of 84th Street SE). Telephone: 272-5555.

Rebus: Eugene Douglas ‘Geno’ July 19, 1952 - February 3, 2008

It’s with great sadness that the family announces that Geno peacefully passed away surrounded by his loved ones, at the Peter Lougheed hospital in Calgary on Sunday, February 3, 2008 at the age of 55 years. The family would like to invite all of his friends and loved ones to join us in a celebration of his life on Friday, February 15, 2008, at St. Anthony’s Church, at 11:00 a.m. There will be a luncheon to follow the funeral mass with tributes and refreshments in the church hall. We ask in lieu of flowers, memorial tributes be made directly to The Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 - 14th Street N.W, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6. Thank you to everyone who has called and expressed their compassion for Geno. He will truly be missed by all of us.