LENFESTY, Doug
December 9, 1920 - December 4, 2012
Doug Lenfesty passed away peacefully with family by his side, December 4, 2012, at Drumheller Continuing Care, just five days short of his 92nd birthday, (he always hoped he would make 90). Doug was born in the Lawsonburg district of the Hand Hills on December 9th, 1920 he grew up attended school, lived and farmed there until his retirement to Drumheller in 1991. In 1946 he married a “school marm”, Julia Turkosz, the love of his life, and together they raised their children on their Hand Hills farm. Family was Doug’s pride and joy; he looked forward to visits from all of his family, but especially his grandchildren, great grandchildren and nieces and nephews. He loved to play giggly games with the little kids. Also very important were farming and community involvement. Typical of a farmer, he was a self – taught carpenter, mechanic, welder, veterinarian and electrician. No job was too big or too small for him as far as Community was concerned, and the following is proof. He was: Secretary and Linesman for The Alpha Mutual Telephone Co, Secretary of the South Craigmyle Snowplow Association, Secretary of the local Road Improvement Association, Director of the Bullpound Breeder’s Co-op, Director and Volunteer at the Hand Hills Club – Proudly helping build the new Hall, Director of Hand Hills Rural Electrifation Association, Director on Elmer School Board, Member of the Hand Hills United Church Board, ASCSRA Director and Senior’s Games Co –ordinator and Director, Director of The Pioneer Trail Society, Volunteer at The Badlands Passion Play – helping build benches for the 2400 – seat amphitheatre and parking buses and cars for the performances. Doug loved music; he could play the “comb & paper”, the mouth – harp, the ukulele, the mandolin, the guitar, and the button accordion. He also sang in local choirs. Fishing was one of his favourite pastimes, and he and Julia made good use of the motor home visiting all the local fishing holes. Other favourite activities were ice curling, discing, floor curling, and card games – he loved playing 500, Crib, Canasta, and court Whist with his Hand Hills friends and neighbours, and Smear with “the boys”. And we cannot forget that he loved all animals, especially horses. Doug was predeceased by; his parents Sterrie and Dulcie Lenfesty, his brother and sister-in-law Raymond and Barbara Lenfesty, his sister and brother-in-law Irene and Nick Chaykowski, his daughter-in-law Joan Clark Lenfesty, and his infant daughter Theresa Elaine. He is survived by; Julia, his loving wife of 66 years, son Wayne (Lonnie) Lenfesty, daughter Corrine Lenfesty, granddaughters Angela (Clint) Morasch and Jody (Jason) Heidinger, great grandchildren Laurie Morasch, Layne Morasch, and Emily Heidinger, as well as beloved cousins, nieces, nephews and great – nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Dr. Graham and Dr. Jordan, the nursing staff at the hospital, and the nurses and staff at Continuing Care for their dedication, compassion and kindness. Thank You! You are angels! A Funeral Service will be held at 2:00 P.M., on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at Knox United Church, Drumheller, Alberta, with Jan Richardson officiating. Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements. A gathering of remembrance of Doug’s life will be held in early summer, in the Hand Hills. (Please watch for a reminder). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Drumheller Area Health Foundation 351-9th Street NW Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y1.
