MORTENSEN, Richard Thomas Dissing
Richard Thomas Dissing Mortensen (Tom) was born on August 11, 1922 in Lille Varlose, Denmark. His family travelled to Canada in 1927, when Dad was five years of age, and began farming in the Dalum area. In 1942 Dad joined the Canadian Air Force and was stationed in Europe until the war ended in 1945. He then returned to Dalum to help with the farm. He married Helen Gagstetter in 1946 and moved to Rosedale where he was employed at Rosedale Motors. In 1957 the family moved to a farm in the Dalum area where Tom returned to his true passion; farming. He loved participating in community events and was always willing to lend a helping hand. In 1976 Mom and Dad retired to Drumheller where Dad continued to be active and involved. He was a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion and the Elks. He was also active in the Pioneer Trail Center. Dad enjoyed building things and always seemed to have a project on the go. He enjoyed participating in curling, bowling and horseshoes, playing his flute or harmonica, playing cards, working on various crafts or just having a coffee and visit with his friends. As Dad’s health declined and he moved first to The Sunshine Lodge and then to the Continuing Care Facility, he was always aware of his many “angels” watching over him and helping with his daily activities and was grateful for their care and caring. He is survived by his daughter Corinne Drydale and his son Allen, five grandchildren; Logan (Michelle) Drydale, Tod (Pam) Drydale, Ward (Kim) Drydale, Niels Mortensen and Julia Mortensen, and eight great grandchildren; Chase, Colten, Reese, Kenna, Ariana, Dentyn, Ryder and Trace. He is also survived by his brother Niels Mortensen and his sister Rosa (Joe) Merkel, as well as his five nieces. He was predeceased by his parents Hans and Anna Mortensen, his wife Helen, his infant son Richard (Dick), his sister Viola (Chris) Peters and his son-in-law Don Drydale. Dad’s sense of humor and love of life will always be remembered. It is Dad’s wish that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Drumheller Area Foundation 351-9th Street NW Drumheller, AB T0J 0Y1 or to a charity of one’s choice. A memorial service was held at Courtney Winter’s Funeral Home at 2 p.m on Sunday, May 15, 2011. Courtney-Winters Funeral Chapel was entrusted with arrangements.
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