Norman Rhodes

“Farmers never die…They just farm in the sky.”

It is with heavy hearts we regretfully announce the passing of Norman Rhodes on April 4, 2012. He passed away peacefully at the Davidson Health Centre with family at his side.

Norman was born on May 29, 1913 in the farmhouse located in the Leeville District near Assiniboia. He is the third youngest of seven children.

Norman is survived by his loving wife Madeleine and daughter Joanne (Vern) Schneider; two sons, Robert (Carol) Rhodes and Gary (Patricia) Rhodes; grandchildren, Lori (Rod) Watts, Vicki (Dwayne) Edel, Lisa (Andrew) Nelson, Kent (Vicki) Rhodes, Corrina (Brad) Riecken, Paulette (Kelly) Killoh, and Aaron (Bonnie) Rhodes; great-grandchildren, Payton and Erica Watts, Jorja and Faith Edel, Owen and Coleman Nelson, Ryan and Jenna Rhodes, Kelsey, Cody and Colton Riecken, Aimee and Dylyne Killoh, Alex Rhodes and Tristen Harder; one sister Marjorie Ague, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Norman was predeceased by his parents Charles and Pearl Rhodes; stepmother Mabel Rhodes; stepbrothers Richard, Wayne and Vernon Rhodes; sisters Florence Brinkworth, Gladys Bateman, Evelyn Rhodes, Vera Castle; his brother Cecil (Irma) Rhodes and great-grandson Nicholas Edel.

In 1935, Norman, his brother Cecil and Ed Cornish purchased farmland and farmed together for 25 years in the Sprattsville District near Davidson. In July 1942 Norman married Madeleine Ashby of Bladworth and later that fall joined the R.C. Air Force. His training started at W.E.T.P. in Moose Jaw, then to Lachine, Que., St. Thomas, Ont., and in 1943 was posted to Dafoe, Sask. as an aero-engine mechanic. He was discharged in 1945 and returned to the farm.

In 1960 Norman purchased more land and went farming on his own. He was a dedicated farmer and loved every moment of it, never complaining about all the hard work or when hard times hit. He remained actively involved until the last few years.

Norman and Madeleine enjoyed many winter holidays in Mesa with their friends. He loved his family dearly and those grandchildren stole his heart.

Norman was an active member of the Canadian Legion until the time of his passing and never missed a Remembrance Day Service. He also was a lifetime member of the Oddfellows Lodge.

Norman will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

A funeral service was held in the Davidson United Church on Monday, April 9, 2012 at 2 p.m. with Reverend Diane Eurig officiating. Arrangements entrusted to Hanson’s Funeral Home.

• February 9, 1974 – March 26, 2011: It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that the family of Bob deRegt announces his untimely death at the young age of 37. Bob is lovingly remembered by his wife Chantel Tiffany Shirley; daughter Emma Lynn Jule; mom Linda; brother Darren; sister-in-Law Trina; nephews Tyler and Codie; and numerous auntie’s, uncles and cousins, co-workers and friends.  He was predeceased by his grandparents, Jan and Sonja deRegt, and Ernest and Susan Unrau, and special person in his life, Peter Beckie.  A funeral service was held at the Hanley Centennial Hall on April 3, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. and for all the Red Deer friends and family, there will be a memorial service on April 10, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Red Deer Lodge hotel.  Bob grew up in Hanley and enjoyed much laughter with his family and friends.  He was a huge animal lover and was known for rescuing abandoned or hurt animals—when he was young, he even brought home a wounded gopher and nursed it back to good health (which his mom was very happy about).  He had a passion for muscle cars where his full collection is displayed in their new home in Red Deer.  He enjoyed their annual family vacations, and also enjoyed his times spent with his friends, and had a good story to tell from each.  It should be noted that Darren was not only a wonderful brother, but also Bob’s closest friend.  Bob’s life was very much enhanced when he met Chantel, and even more so with the birth of their special daughter, Emma. Bob’s overwhelming love and joy was for his new little family. He was the best daddy possible. They built a new house and just moved in over a year ago. Every day when he came home from work he would just drop everything to scoop Emma up and smother her with kisses. He cherished every moment with her. Sitting and teaching her to play catch, watching her take her first steps, and yelling da da da. They loved their family dance time, with all three snuggled together dancing in the kitchen. He lived through her eyes getting excited as she meet her first horse, took her first quad and snowmobile ride, and playing come chase me. During the summer time they would be busy taking the dogs out walking, taking the camper out, just simply enjoying being outside and being together. His love also for Chantel just simply can’t be put into words. He had found “THE ONE”. He fell more and more in love with her every day and was the most amazing best friend and partner. They had three years but it was a true love and passion that will last a lifetime.  As Emma was so important to Bob, an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers may be made by way of a memorial in-trust donation to Emma at 26 Crossley Street, Red Deer Alberta T4P OG4. Hanson’s Funeral Home of Davidson in care of arrangements.

Barbara Hamlin of Olds, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Olds Hospital on Thursday, March 15, 2012. Members of her loving family were by her side. A Celebration of Barbara’s Life was held Monday, March 19 in Olds, Alberta. Barbara was predeceased by her mother Emily, father Roger and sister Anne. She is survived by her husband of 60 years Tom; her children Tom (Debra), Patricia and Robert (Sharon); grandchildren Sarah, Brianna (Aaron), Emily, Michael, Latham and Atley; great-grandson River;brother Fred and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Barbara was a kind and generous person who will be greatly missed by those fortunate enough to know her. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Diabetes Foundation or a charity of your choice, would be appreciated.  Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. Phone 403-507-8610 or email www.heartlandfuneralservices.com.

1920 – 2012

Janet M. Crawford passed away March 9, 2012 at the age of 91 with her family at her side. Janet was born on Sept. 30, 1920 and grew up on a farm in the Kenaston area. On May 30, 1944, Janet married Harold Schatz and lived in the Horseshoe District. They adopted a daughter Heather in 1948. Harold passed away in 1959 and Janet and Heather moved to Kenaston where Janet worked for Hamre’s store. Janet then met George Crawford in 1959 and they were married in 1960. She became a farmer’s wife until George’s passing in 1980. Holly and Janet then moved to Davidson. Janet worked at the local restaurant in Davidson as a cook for a few years until retirement. Janet moved to Medicine Hat in 2006 where she resided until her passing. Janet was always helping out at the farm whether it be in the field or cooking meals for the crew. She always had lots of food and made sure no one left the table hungry. In her retirement years she loved to go for coffee and her and her sister Audrey were always at “coffee row” in the morning. Audrey and Janet would hop on a bus tour and see different places as well as hop in the car and go out to Medicine Hat to visit Janet’s daughter Holly. They would drive over to Simpson and check out the crops and make sure Jim was doing everything right. Janet loved being with her grandchildren and always took time out to visit with them. Janet was predeceased by her first husband Harold Schatz in 1959 and her second husband George Crawford in 1980, plus one son Murray, her parents Jim and Eliza Firby, one infant sister Greta, sisters Nellie, Mickey (Delia) and Shirley and brother Fred. She is survived by her children: Heather Schatz, Jim (Holly), Holly (James), Louise (Ray), Linty (Veronica), Hughie (Janet), Ressa (Kris) and Owen as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She is also survived by sister Audrey, brother Ron and sister-in-law Lorraine and brother-in-law Ray. A graveside service was held at Simpson, Sask. on March 13, 2012 with funeral arrangements in care of Hanson’s Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s society or to the charity of one’s choice.

Helen Thelma Barlow joyfully danced into the Kingdom of Heaven on January 27, 2012. We can only imagine the welcoming party that was there to greet her and the laughter, singing and the visiting that took place as she was reunited with family and friends.
Our beautiful Norwegian Mom was born on May 17, 1923 in Elbow, Saskatchewan to Halsten and Clara Bjorgan. Elbow was home to Helen until the fall of 2007 when she moved to Saskatoon to be close to family. She loved her family and friends with all her heart and was the happiest when she was surrounded by those she loved.
We loved her enthusiasm for life and her feisty spirit that lit up a room. She embraced her illnesses with grace, patience, strength, always humour and her legacy of love will continue through all those who were blessed to share her path. Mom will go down in history for the famous “buns and molasses bread” that she made and so generously shared with everyone. As well, she will be remembered for the beautiful handiwork she did.
Helen was predeceased by her husband Ralph in 1995; sister Verna; brothers Ken and Gordon; and sisters-in-law Blanche and Evelyn. She is survived by three daughters, Sandra (Fred) Turetski, Cranbrook, B.C.; Wendy Barlow, Vegreville, Alta.; Amber Barlow (Kevin), Saskatoon; nine grandchildren, Darwyn (Betty Jane) Boucher, Stacey (David) Virgin, Stephanie (Ty) Stokes, Dezeri Westlake, Natali Martin, Bobbi Jo (Derek) Nyman, Shane (Lynn) Cammer, Dustin Cammer, Tiffany Cammer; 14 great-grandchildren; and brother Morris Bjorgan, Elbow. A memorial service will be held in Elbow at a later date.
A mother is she who can take the place of all others but whose place no one else can take.

Note: These obituaries are taken from the pages of The Davidson Leader.