Obits | DrumhellerMail - Page #12
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Last updateThu, 12 Dec 2024 5pm

Condolences to the family of Terry Elam (Ole or Rocky) Martin

TerryMartin

MARTIN
Terry Elam
“Ole” or “Rocky”

July 25, 1955 – July 21, 2024

Terry passed away peacefully and comfortably at the Drumheller Health Centre the evening of July 21, 2024 due to complications from diabetes, heart and recent surgery.
He was the second child of Elam “Ollie” and Alice Martin of Morrin. Terry grew up on a farm in the Sunbeam community east of Morrin where he gained two lifelong friends, Bob Grenville, and Brian Montgomery. It was a great life growing up in the 50’s and 60’s without computers and cell phones. Terry took all his elementary and secondary schooling in Morrin concentrating more on all the sporting activities than academic. He played baseball, volleyball, basketball, badminton, curling, hockey, fastball and his first love – golf. If you golfed at the Dinosaur Trail Golf Course, you probably met him there, either on the course or Hole 19.
After high school he worked at many jobs, for farmers, in the oilfield, Starland County, Calgary and the Morrin Arena. In 1975 he decided to start farming with his parents and then off to Olds College where he enrolled in the Agricultural Equipment Technology Program. This is where he gained another group of lifelong friends. They called themselves the “Bearcats” and included people from British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and many parts of Alberta. They have maintained this friendship for almost 50 years. They were a fun-loving group who enjoyed the pranks and social aspects of college.
Terry continued to farm until 2010 and worked in the oil patch from 1986 until 2005. He then worked for a brief time at Walmart when it first opened stocking shelves at night. His last job was working for the Canadian Corporation of Commissionaires at the Drumheller Penitentiary.
Over the years Terry was able to spend time travelling to Scotland, Dominican Republic, Hawaii, Hilton Head, Maritimes, Toronto, Caribbean and many golf courses through Canada and the USA.
Terry started spending his winters in Phoenix, Arizona in 2006. In 2011 he and his mother bought a condo and spent their winters in Mesa where of course he spent time doing the thing he loved most – golf. In 2023 he had to come home for health issues and unfortunately had not been able to return.
Terry is survived by his sister, Diana Wolf of Morrin, cousins and many friends throughout Canada and the USA. He was pre-deceased by his father “Ole” in 1982, mother Alice in 2018 and brother-in-law Rick in 2022.
There will be no formal funeral service or celebration of life for Terry. He would wish that you all enjoy a great game of golf with storytelling and a beer or cocktail at Hole 19.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Drumheller Area Health Foundation or any charity of your choosing.
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements. 403-823-2666.


Condolences to the family of William (Bill) Gordon Giles

BillGiles

GILES
William (Bill) Gordon

November 22, 1937 - July 22, 2024

William (Bill) Gordon Giles, beloved husband of Adrine Giles, passed away after a lengthy illness, on July 22, 2024, at the age of 86 years. He was born on November 22, 1937 in Marwayne, Alberta, and was the first born to William George and Caroline Giles. Bill had three siblings, Elden, Donna and Wayne.
Bill attended school in Marwayne until Grade 11, and then completed his Gr. 12 at Mount Royal Jr. College in Calgary. Following his graduation he worked at an oil company office in Calgary.
Bill had always wanted to see the United States. So, during the late 50s and early 60s he took a “working holiday” and spent a few years working at odd jobs while traveling. Finally, he returned to Canada and attended the University of Calgary, majoring in English (honours). Bill met his future wife Adrine Agnerian during his third year at the University. That year they both completed their degrees and got married on August 21, 1971, in Montreal, Quebec, moved to Drumheller and settled there. Bill furthered his education by going into BEd. after degree program. Upon the completion of his second degree he taught in Morrin High School and then later at Verdant Valley Colony. Bill was very well versed in the English language and history, mostly Canadian and American. He loved reading and watching documentaries.
Over the years, Bill always loved sports, watching them on TV or playing them. In his early years he played baseball, hockey, a bit of bowling and a lot of cards and pool. But his favourite sports were golf and curling (playing or watching). So, he took an early retirement from teaching and purchased the Golf Driving Range/Mini Golf across from the golf course, which he operated for several years. He loved giving customers helpful pointers on their golf swings at the driving range, where he met and made many friends. Bill was well-liked, easy-going and known for his kindness and great sense of humour. He had witty, funny one-liners that made people laugh.
Bill enjoyed the trips he took with Adrine at Christmas holidays or summers, visiting family and in-laws in Alberta and Quebec, since none lived in Drumheller. Mostly, he enjoyed their annual vacation trips (around their wedding anniversary) to Banff, Lake Louise or Waterton National Park and dining out at gourmet restaurants.
During the early years of his retirement, Bill pursued several different hobbies and enjoyed life. However, over the years he fought with several health issues, which caused him to put an end to his travels and kept him very close to home. We would like to express our thanks and gratitude to all the awesome and dedicated staff at the Drumheller Continuing Care who took such good care of our beloved Bill, such as: Dr. C. Britz, Drs. Hall and Blackburn and Dr. Tlhape, RNs Kathy C, Michelle H. and Peter M, Health Care Aides Barb M, Editha G, and Kim M, to name just a few of the many who do such a great job.
Bill was predeceased by his sister Donna, his parents, parents-in-law: Rev. and Mrs. Agnerian and brothers-in-law: Vartan Agnerian and Gilles Bouchard. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Adrine, whom he always credited for his long and happy life. They were definitely a Love Match. He will also be lovingly remembered by his brothers Elden (Karen) and Wayne (Caroline), nieces Brenda (Brad), Barbara (Barry) and
Roberta (Jason), nephew Ryan (Jennifer), brother-in-law Hrayr (Michelle) Agnerian, sisters-in-law: Sheila Bouchard, Dzovinar, Anouche (Vartkes) and Laura Agnerian, nieces-in-law: Natasha (Richard), Victoria (Pierre Alexandre) and Maral (Stuart), nephews-in-law: Ari, Saro, Ara, Roupen(Tara) and Tro Agnerian and Alain Bouchard, Bill and Adrine’s surrogate family: Curt & Sharon Walker of Rumsey, Goddaughter Mackenna and Godson Seth, as well as many, many great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins, friends and their families.
A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on August 8, 2024 at Knox United Church, 195 3rd Ave. E., Drumheller AB, T0J 0Y0, with Rev. Rachel Nadon officiating, followed by a reception in the Hall.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial donations to Knox United Church, or a charitable organization of your choosing. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Home are in care of the arrangements. 403-823-2666.

Condolences to the family of Patrick Sheddy

PatrickSheddy

SHEDDY
Patrick

October 16, 1978 - July 1, 2024

Patrick Sheddy was born in Edmonton, Alberta on October 16, 1978 and passed away unexpectedly in Vancouver, British Columbia on July 1, 2024.
Our hearts are heavy with grief. He gave us so many gifts in life and his death cannot take those away; we will live life more fully in his memory.
Patrick experienced great pain and sorrow with the passing of his brother, Jim, in 2017. His heart was broken. They were so different yet were the best of friends. Pat stood by Jim throughout his life and when Jim became ill, Patrick moved in to take care of him.
He had to say goodbye to his mother, Marjo Sheddy, in December 2023 who died after a short battle with pancreatic cancer. His heart was again broken but he stood tall and looked on life with a new insight. Patrick never lost the ability to brighten the world with his beautiful soul and even though he had suffered great loss and personal injury, he was always ready with a smile and an encouraging word for others.
Patrick loved hanging out with friends, cruising around, having adventures, sitting on top of the water tower and dreaming about the future. He loved to be by the lake and the ocean. He loved being out on the water. He loved the freedom of being in a boat. He loved being out on the water so much that during a special summer at Cameron Lake, in Waterton, he paddled himself and siblings to shore in a great storm, complete with raging waves! He was always the first kid to jump in the cold lake. After Patrick graduated from high school, he joined his father, Bill Sheddy, who lived in Vancouver, for a cross-country road trip in which they drove to Boston, where Bill dropped Patrick off at Berkeley School of Music. Patrick spent two years studying music at Berkeley where he was surrounded by talented and inspiring musical friends. After his studies in the US, Patrick returned to Vancouver for a short time before moving to Montreal carrying with him only his guitar on his back and his cat. He immersed himself in the culture, becoming fluent in French and was able to work bilingually. He often spoke fondly of his time spent there and of his friends in Montreal.
Following an accident, Patrick returned to Vancouver to rest and overcome his injuries. Patrick lived with chronic pain but he didn’t let that hinder his passion for music. He played public pianos all over Vancouver. He believed in sharing his gift and love of music with others, always playing by ear. He loved the feeling of piano keys under his fingers. Patrick carried with him wherever he went a piece of music written in Bach’s own hand - proof of his admiration for the composer! Patrick played the piano like no one else and if you were lucky to have heard him play, it never left your ears; it was in your heart. He loved the banjo, guitar, guitalele and ukulele and he played for friends and family every chance he got.
Sophie Durcham and Patrick lived together during and after the pandemic. It was a deep and devoted companionship.
Patrick had enthusiasm for animals in which he got from his oldest sister. He would have such desire to go hang with the horses even though his allergies always got the best of that situation.
He had a love for dogs, especially the family dog ‘Taffy’ in which he gave the oddest nicknames. He was funny, eccentric and the most authentic person we ever could have known. He was wildly talented and truly knew how to charm and entertain. He had music and music had him. His life was devoted to music - he had a plan, a musical plan: in his own words to “amplify, elevate and celebrate”. He aimed to spread joy through music, to share it’s radiance and to live a wondrous life.
His father, Bill Sheddy of Vancouver, B.C., along with Patrick’s sisters Loreina, Jenny and Kelsey will carry Patrick’s passion for life in his memory. Patrick was always our safe place and the one full of great advice and wisdom! He was the most honest man even if you didn’t like what he had to say he showed true sincerity and honor.
He shared his love for music with his family, composing and singing along with family members to our made up songs and as we sang the words he would play to our tune! Uncle Pat will be missed deeply for his imagination and humour by his nieces and nephews, Jadin, Madyson, Toni, Emma, Oliver and Sylas. He taught them a love for music, the stars, the outdoors, the game of chess and some sweet cooking skills!
The world lost a true, genuine, magical and adventurous soul. He loved life and lived it best in the moment, enjoying the small things that most people would give no notice. When you hear the keys playing or the string strumming, think of his life- one filled with passion and liveliness. Think of Patrick Sheddy, a beautiful and elegant man full of kindness.
The family will hold private celebrations of life. If you wish to make a donation to the Drumheller Music Festival where Patrick played his first piano debut, this would be greatly appreciated by his family.