Colleen Gayle (Northrop) Griffith of Hanna, AB passed away suddenly on March 4th, 2014 at the age of 48 years.
Colleen was born to Sam & Joyce Northrop on October 27, 1965 in Craik, Saskatchewan near Davidson. The youngest of four children, Colleen quickly became involved in the family ranching operation, Porthorn Shorthorns. She loved the ranching lifestyle and embraced the country way of life.
She was an active member in many different clubs in the Davidson/Craik area including Davidson Lighthorse 4-H Club, Imperial 4-H Beef Club and the local Gymkhana Riding Club. Colleen was very proud when she became the Craik Rodeo Queen and the Shorthorn Lassie Queen for 2 consecutive years, where she advanced to the national competition at the Toronto Winter Fair. Colleen showed cattle for many years at the Regina Agribition for her family and for several other local breeders. She was a determined competitor in gymkhana’s, participating in all events, with her favorite being barrel racing. While competing at the Saskatchewan Provincial Gymkhana finals in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Colleen was honored with the ‘Miss Sportsmanship of the Year’ award.
In 1990, Colleen decided to follow her dreams and moved west to Alberta to become a ranch hand. She worked for the Butler Cattle Company in Youngstown, breaking & training horses. Colleen was a hard-working, brave young woman who was determined to continue her new life in Alberta. She also worked as a nanny and ranch hand for the Curry Ranch in Pollockville, AB, and even enjoyed a few curling bonspiels in the area. With Colleen’s caring disposition for people and animals alike, she began working part-time at the Hanna Veterinary Clinic, and eventually chose a life long career working at the Hanna Medical Centre.
In late 1991, Colleen met the love of her life, Brian Griffith. They were married on May 28, 1994 in Davidson, and moved to the Griffith family ranch south of Hanna, AB. Colleen & Brian were blessed with 4 sons, Royden, Matthew, Riley & Winston.
Together they shared a passion for ranching and a love for horses. They plunged head first into diversifying the family ranch.
On a visit to the ranch you could expect to join Colleen & Brian in their daily activities which could include: being chased by a turkey, spit on by a llama, kicked by a donkey, peed on by a dog, pecked by a chicken, flipping calves at branding, riding horses, experiencing a dog sled ride, or feeding cattle with a team of draft horses. The coffee was always on, and the door was always open to welcome family, friends and anyone wanting to visit.
Colleen’s pride and joy were her sons. She could be seen in the stands videotaping rodeos, football, soccer, and hockey, or whatever the boys were involved in. If she wasn’t videotaping, you sure knew she was there. Colleen’s booming voice could be heard from great distances, cheering her boys to skate harder, run faster, and spur quicker. Colleen continued to involve her family in showing llamas and horses, and participated in gymkhanas at various events throughout Alberta. As the boys grew older, Colleen was able to return to competing in barrel racing and became an active member in the ‘East Central Barrel Racing Club’. In 2012, Colleen won the 3D Senior Barrel Racing Championship on her horse ‘Bob’, receiving her coveted trophy buckle, which she was often seen sporting.
Not only was Colleen a devoted mother and wife, she truly loved her extended family and large circle of friends. Colleen will be remembered as a hardworking, compassionate woman, with a wonderful sense of humor and an infectious laugh. She touched the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her and will be deeply missed by all.
Colleen will be lovingly remembered and forever missed by her husband Brian, sons Royden, Riley, Winston & stepson Matthew, her brother Bill (Shirley) Northrop, Sisters Ila May Northrop, and Heather (Jerry) Willner. In-laws; Roy & Harriet Griffith, Keith Trudgeon, Connie (Daren) Balazic, Lorna (Wade) Williams, Bruce (Kathy) Griffith, Sheila (Dave) Boehlke, and Shirley (David) Hickle; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles & cousins. Colleen was pre-deceased by her parents Sam & Joyce Northrop and sister-in-law Faye Northrop.
Funeral services were held on March 11, 2014 at the Hanna Community Centre with Pastor Brian Hunter of Camrose officiating. Colleen was laid to rest in the Hanna Cemetery having her final ride on her favorite horse Bob.
In memory of Colleen, if family & friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to the East Central Barrel Racing Club, PO Box 1975, Hanna AB, T0J 1P0.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to Heartland Funeral Home. 403-854-2758
www.heartlandfuneralservices.com