On October 16, 2009, the Lord welcomed home His child Elizabeth “Bep” Van Waveren, in her 82nd year.
Bep was born on November 22, 1927 in Honselersdijk, The Netherlands to Willem & Anna Maria Prins. She was the eldest sister to Miep (Niek), Wil, Ger (2008) (Aat), Joop (Niek), Ann (Jaap), Wim (Joop) and Geer (Riek).
She was an amazing mother and grandmother to MARY (1950 - 1999) and John (Grace) Karsten. ~"When the heart grieves over what it has lost, the spirit rejoices over what it has left."~ and their children Mike (Chris), Lisa (Randy), Elaine (1975), Tricia (Doug), Brian (Rebecca) and Rachel (Adam); PATRICIA (George) Huizinga and their children Wayne (Tina), Richard (Vivian), Peter (1986) and Andrew; WILMA (Tom) Bergsta and their children Caitlin, Peter, Graham, Marlyse and Janelle (1993); JANE (Bernie) Vloo and their children Zachary and Aaryn; HELEN (Murray) Lobert and their children Kevin (Nikki), Dennis and Justine. She was “Grandma Bep” to thirteen great grandchildren. Bep’s life was enriched by three wonderful husbands and their families, PIETER VAN DER LUGT (1922 - 1957), WILLIAM REITSMA (1918 - 1973) and MATTHIJS VAN WAVEREN (1922 - 2004). She will also be remembered by her step-children, Cor (Ineke), Eric (Antoinette), Rob (Janneke), Astrid (Ko) and their families.

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John Vanden Brink passed away in Taber on Sunday, October 18, 2009 at the age of 80 years. John is survived by his siblings, Henry Vanden Brink of Taber; Meiny (Evert) Veldhuizen of Lethbridge; Hennie (Ted) Bouwman of Lethbridge; Tony (Mary-Ann) Vanden Brink of Houston, British Columbia; Bill (Tami) Vanden Brink of Kelowna, British Columbia and by numerous nieces, nephews and many friends.
He was predeceased by his mother in 1962, his father in 1994 and his brother Henk in 1975.
John was born May 13, 1929 to Willem and Metje Vanden Brink in Stoutenburg, Utrecht, Holland. He was the oldest of seven siblings. He lived in Holland until 1954, when he and his brother Henry immigrated to Canada. They landed in Halifax, Nova Scotia on April 18, 1954. Six days later, following a very long train ride, John and Henry arrived in Edmonton. After a couple of days, they continued the journey to Peace River to their uncle’s home. In June 1955, they travelled to Picture Butte to meet up with their family who had also come to Canada.
Over the years, John tried his hand at many different jobs – dairy farming, the railroad, lumber jacking, beets and irrigation farming. In 1974, he settled in Elkford, British Columbia where he was employed with a company called Fording Coal. For two years, he worked on the grader and another few years were spent drilling for blasting holes. The majority of his time at Fording was spent on the loader. John spent over twenty years working in the mines.
In 1994, he retired from the mines and took time to travel to Alaska, a place he thoroughly enjoyed. In June 1995, John moved to Taber and in November 2006, he took up residence at the Clearview Lodge. He was always appreciative and thankful for the care he received there. He enjoyed visiting with the workers and was grateful for their hard work. John could often be seen in the company of his brother Henry, with who he had a close relationship. McDonald’s restaurant was a favorite place to meet friends for coffee.
John battled with emphysema for several years and then began the battle with cancer a few months ago. This tired him and life was no longer of interest to him. Now the battle is over and he has gone to his Father in Heaven.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, October 20, 2009 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
A private family Burial Service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden prior to the funeral service.
The Funeral Service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 at 1:00 P.M. with Pastor Jim Zondervan officiating.

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Antonia Cornelia Van Kasteren, beloved wife of the late Hubertus “Bert” Van Kasteren, passed away in Taber on Thursday, March 19, 2009 at the age of 83 years.
She is survived by her children Adrian Van Kasteren of Barrhead, Alice (Will) Harty of Coutts, Pete (Kathy) Van Kasteren of Claresholm, John Van Kasteren of Calgary, Doreen (Larry) Berard of Sherwood Park, Mary Ann (David) Woodward of Calgary and Kathy Lust of Medicine Hat; grandchildren Jason, Aaron and Joshua Van Kasteren, Lee Tuveson, Angela Joworski, Kevin Van Kasteren, Simon Fettig, Justin, Kimberley and Lindsay Fletcher, Jade-An and Gavin Lust; daughter-in-law Linda Kinnahan; sisters Marie Van de Laar and Cor Ermen; niece Ellen Van de Loo as well as numerous other relatives in The Netherlands.
She was predeceased by her husband Bert in 1983.
Ann was born June 10, 1925 in Oirschot, The Netherlands to Petrus and Petronella Van Laarhoven. She married Hubertus Van Kasteren in the Netherlands on October 12, 1950. They immigrated to Canada in 1958, eventually settling in Grassy Lake, where they farmed and raised their family. In 1981 Ann and Bert retired to Taber where she has resided until her passing. Ann was active in the C.W.L., Taber Arts and Crafts and the bowling league. She enjoyed gardening, china painting and most of all spending time with her family. Ann will be remembered as a loving, caring and giving wife, mother and grandmother.
Relatives and friends are invited for Prayers at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, March 23, 2009 at 6:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine’s Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Mariusz Sztuk SDS Celebrant. A private family burial will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ann’s name may be made directly to the Alzheimer Society for Lethbridge and Area, #402, 740 - 4 Avenue South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 0N9.

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Jerry Vandersteen, beloved husband of Vena Vandersteen, of Taber was called home to be with his Lord and Saviour after a very courageous battle with cancer at the age of 70. He passed away peacefully on September 10, 2008 with his loving family at his side. He will be fondly missed and remembered by his loving wife of 42 years, and his children Audrey (Dave) Procee and their children Jerred, Bryce and Rylan of Coaldale, Teresa (John) Huizing and their children Jordan, Dylan and Dane of Burdett, Hugh (Cheryl) and their children Delaney, Tanner and Morgan of Taber, Jayson (Jodie) and their children Jessica, Jayden and Jewel of Taber; a brother Harry (Verna) Vandersteen, and sister Joanne (Dick) deHeer also all of Taber; brother-in-law Bill Vanderleest, sister-in-law Rika Vanderleest and brother-in-law Cory (Diane) Vanderleest as well as many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was predeceased by his parents Huig and Audrey Vandersteen and parents-in-law Jacob and Tina Vanderleest, and a sister-in-law, Tina Vanderleest.
Born January 7, 1938 in Ridderkerk Holland, Jerry immigrated with his family in 1952 to Saskatchewan where they lived for 20 months, before moving to Picture Butte. In 1957 the family moved to the Taber area where they began farming on their own in 1960. In 1964 he met the love of his life, Vena, in Lethbridge and they were wed on November 12, 1965. Jerry continued to farm with his brother Harry, for the next 45 years.
Jerry lived an openly dedicated life for his Lord and wasn't afraid to share it with others, especially the past two years of his illness. He loved life and being surrounded by his family, especially being with his grandchildren. He was a very caring and loving grandfather and father and an awesome example of faith and courage. He also loved being with his brothers and sisters in Christ, and volunteered his time to Friendship Circle, working with handicapped adults.
The Funeral Service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, corner of Hackney Dr. & Hwy. 36, Taber on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Jim Zondervan officiating. Burial to follow in the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Jerry’s name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, designated to pancreatic cancer research, 317-10 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7.

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John Vander Wal, beloved husband of Lillian Vander Wal of Taber, passed away on Wednesday, March 5, 2008 at the age of 68 years.
John was born in Surhuizum, The Netherlands, on January 26, 1940. He moved to Canada with his family in 1952 to a farm south of Taber. He worked various jobs throughout his life, including driving truck and working for Rogers Sugar. He drove bus for the local hockey teams, more specifically the Golden Suns and Palace Pats. John was an avid member of Chinook Gardens Coffee Club.
Besides his loving wife Lillian of Taber, he is survived by four daughters Shelley; Karen (Grant) Preddy and their sons Graham and Griffin; Vickie (Darin) Dumontier and their son Douglas; and Michelle all of Calgary; brothers Bill (Leni) Vander Wal of Taber, Mike (Wendy) Vander Wal of Taber, Clarence (Agnes) Vander Wal of Lethbridge; sisters Frances Gouw of Lethbridge, Grace (Frank) Navratil of Magrath, Helen (Richard) Peters of Taber and sister-in-law Carla Vander Wal of Lethbridge, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Cornelius and Joyce Vander Wal and brothers Hutch and Martin. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006-48 Ave., Taber on Friday, March 7, 2008 from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929-50 Ave., Taber on Saturday, March 8 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Frank Lewis officiating.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in John’s name may be made to the charity of one’s personal choosing.

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It is with a heavy heart that we have bid a fond farewell to Gladys Proberta Volk (nee Palmer), our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother and sister.  She peacefully left this world on Tuesday, February 12, 2008 at the age of 91 years.
Proberta is survived by her children Marlene (Thomas) Lambert of Orillia, Ontario and Garth (Caroline) Volk of Burdett; grandchildren Peter (Marsha) Lambert, Harry (Suzanne) Lambert, John (Louise) Lambert, Sheila (Scott) Metcalf, Rodney Volk, Curtis (Noreen) Volk, Dennis Volk and Michelle; great grandchildren Conner, Joshua, Melissa, Kyle, Scott and Emily Lambert; Samantha, Reid, Raelynne and Sean Metcalf; Colten, Jayden and Kierra Volk.  She is also survived by two brothers Len Palmer of London, Ontario, Clarence (Helen) Wentz of Taber and their families; sister-in-law Frances Wentz of Lethbridge and her family.
She was predeceased by her husband John; son Lloyd; great granddaughter Jenna; parents Gladys and Samuel Palmer; brother Sidney Palmer; sister Beatrice Smith; step-siblings Phil Ell, Chris Wentz, Irene Ell, Lena Ell, Tillie Lange, Ben Wentz and Helen Heck.
 Proberta was born January 4, 1917 in Grassy Lake, Alberta to Gladys and Samuel Palmer.  She resided in the Grassy Lake area until her marriage to John Volk in 1935. John and Proberta lived in the Burdett area, where they farmed and raised three children. They retired in 1974 and moved to Lethbridge where they were active in bowling in the winter and camping in the summer. After John’s passing, Proberta stayed in Lethbridge until her move to Pleasant View Lodge in Bow Island in 2003.  She continued to reside in Bow Island until her passing.  Proberta was an avid gardener and a very proficient seamstress. During her time in the Burdett area, she was an active member of the Burdett Women’s Institute and the Grassy Lake Catholic Women’s League.  Proberta held a variety of positions in these organizations.  Her grandchildren and great grandchildren were very special to her and provided her with many wonderful times.
 Relatives and friends are invited for Prayers at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, February 14, 2008 at 7:00 P.M.
 The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, 1st Street East, Bow Island on Friday, February 15, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. with Reverend Fred Monk Celebrant. Burial to follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Lethbridge at 2:00 P.M.
 If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Proberta’s name may be made directly to the Bow Island Long Term Care, c/o Bow Island Health Centre, Bag 3990, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0.

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Dorothy Bernice Valgardson, beloved wife of the late Leo Valgardson, of Taber, passed away on Saturday, January 19, 2008 at the age of 80 years.
Bernice is survived by her three loving children, Lorie (David) George of Medicine Hat, Lyn Tschritter of Medicine Hat and Bryan (Cassandra) Valgardson of Taber. She also leaves to cherish her memory, twelve grandchildren, eleven great grandchildren and a brother Maurice (Sherry) Williams of Vancouver, British Columbia.
She was predeceased by her husband Leo Valgardson, her parents John & Lizzy Williams, a brother Donald Williams, two sisters Helen Williams and Peggy (Norm) Metz and by a granddaughter, Lisa Tschritter.
Bernice was born in the family home in Shouldice, Alberta on May 15, 1927. She attended school in Barnwell and completed her schooling in Taber, graduating with honours. During her school years, Bernice became an accomplished runner in track & field and was an excellent math student. While attending high school, Bernice worked in the family business, Taber Frozen Foods, as well as Vickerys and the Town of Taber.
Following high school, she received nursing training in Lethbridge, but contracted tuberculosis during her third year and lived in a sanitarium for two years. Following her release from the sanitarium, Bernice began working as a bookkeeper for Superior Motors Ford Dealership which led to a forty seven year career; most of which was spent with Ford dealerships for several different owners in Taber. She was well known for being meticulous with the books, ensuring that every penny was accounted for, providing outstanding service to her co-workers, customers and owners. She was a loyal, hard working employee throughout her career, retiring in 1997.
On November 19, 1954, Bernice married Leo Valgardson. Leo and Bernice had three children - Lorie, Lyn and Bryan; throughout her life, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were her focus. She enjoyed the simple things in life including parades and family picnics. She loved to host her growing family for special events throughout each year. She developed her talents in knitting and crocheting.
Following her retirement, Bernice maintained an active life for many years, bowling in the local ladies league, playing cards with friends and travelling with her sister and brother-in-law Peggy and Norm Metz and later enjoyed several cruises with her friend and travel companion, Leone Johannson.
Bernice is lovingly remembered by her family and friends as a woman of integrity.  She was kind and thoughtful and handled life’s adversities with dignity.  She was always willing to help others, particularly her children.  Bernice was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served several years as a Sunday School Teacher.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family in the Relief Society Room of the Church prior to the service from 11:30 A.M. to 12:40 P.M. on Thursday, January 24, 2008.
The Funeral Service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake Centre, 4709 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, January 24, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. with Bishop Mark Baldry conducting. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Bernice’s name may be made directly to the Taber Hospital Foundation (Continuing Care), 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta  T1G 1N9.

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Now we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands.
The Lord took unto Himself Alberdina Vloo, beloved wife of Henk Vloo of Taber, on Saturday, November 24, 2007 at the age of 72 years.
Dina is survived by her beloved husband of 51 years Henk; children Henry (Dorinda) Vloo of Jordan, Minnesota and their children Ben and Joe; Bernie (Jane) Vloo of Barnwell and their children Zachary and Aaryn; Grace (Terry) Sauchuk of Turin and their daughter Michele; Linda Visscher of Lethbridge and her children Terrence (and his daughter Ella), Julie and Brian; Arlene (Henry) Ekkel of Iron Springs and their children Rylan, Myranda, Jesse and Thomas; Sylvia (Terry) Olfert of Hays and their children Logan, Taylor and Mitchell; and Karen Vloo of Taber.  She is also survived by her brothers, sisters and their spouses, Lambert (Nely) Huizing, Bert (Tiny) Huizing, Grace (John) VanDerWekken, Betsy Huizing, Mina (Walter) Slomp, Jannie (John) Van Hell, Ann Vandorp, Rose (Hank) Kuizenga, Frank (Maria) Huizing and Dienie (Arie) Schalk; brother-in-law Albert (Marsiena) Vloo, sister-in-law Gre Vloo as well as by numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by an infant daughter Helen May; parents Berend and Roelfina Huizing; brothers John Huizing and Art Huizing; mother and father-in-law Grietje & Hendrik Vloo; brothers-in-law Harry Vandorp, Harm (Mina) Vloo, Jacobus Vloo and Anno Vloo; sisters-in-law Betty Huizing and Annie (Hero) Hendriks.
Dina was born May 26, 1935 in Zuidwolde, The Netherlands. She immigrated to Canada with her family in 1954.  Dina married Henk Vloo in 1956.  Dina and Henk moved to Vauxhall in 1958 where they raised their family.  In 1998 they moved to Taber where she has resided until her passing.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, November 28, 2007 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Burial Service will be held at the Taber Memorial Garden on Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 1:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at the First Christian Reformed Church, 3902 Heritage Drive, Taber on Thursday, November 29, 2007 at 2:00 P.M. with Pastor Jim Zondervan officiating.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Alberdina’s name may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 207, 542 - 7 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta  T1J 2H1.

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Mr. Barney Van Staalduine of Bow Island, beloved husband of the late Mrs. Sue Van Staalduine, passed away in Bow Island on Saturday, September 29, 2007 at the age of 86 years.
Barney is survived by his sister Jean Rasmussen of Medicine Hat; brother John (Betty) Van Staalduine of Foremost; two step-sons and their families, Alan (Rumie) Fukami of Lethbridge and Terry Fukami of Calgary; a step-daughter and her family, Sharlene (Bernie) Lyczewski of Bow Island and by numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Sue; his parents Marinus and Jenny; brothers Richard, Neil, Evert and Jake; sisters Nellie and Marie; brothers-in-law Orvel Stovel, George Minor, Arne Rasmussen and a sister-in-law June Van Staalduine.
Barney was born June 16, 1921. He was a member of the Elks, a charter member of the Royal Canadian Legion and a lifetime member of the Bow Island Curling Club. He was very active with the Pivot Fair & Bench Show, Bow Island Ag Society and the Golden Age Centre. Barney never hesitated in volunteering for numerous events and causes in the community.
After his retirement from the County of Forty Mile in 1986, he spent time doing the many things he enjoyed; gardening, cheering on the Medicine Hat Tigers and going to baseball games; attending every age group of hockey at the Bow Island arena, curling up until a few years ago and more recently, playing cards.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 1st Street East, Bow Island on Wednesday, October 3, 2007 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at St. Michael's Catholic Church, 1st Street East, Bow Island on Thursday, October 4, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Fred Monk officiating.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Barney’s name may be made directly to the Bow Island Emergency Services, Box 1127, Bow Island, Alberta T0K 0G0 or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, #207, 542 - 7 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2H1 or to a charity of one’s choice.

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Andrew Francis Volk of Taber, passed away on Monday, July 16, 2007 at the age of 88 years.
Andy was born on the family homestead at Grassy Lake May 31, 1919 to Stephen and Catherine Volk.  He farmed with his father until 1955. After moving into Taber, Andy worked for the Municipal District of Taber, for Mooney Samashima and Roy Sassa at Shell Oil in Taber, and for McDonald Chev Olds until his retirement. Andy loved old-time music, sports, and woodworking. He was known for his harmonica playing, and for spending countless hours at the rink in support of minor hockey. He loved children, and always brought a gift for the kids at family outings.
Andy is survived by his sister Josephine Tolton of Vauxhall, and sisters-in-law Ida Volk of Kimberly, BC, and Phyllis Chisholm of Port Alberni, BC and by numerous nieces, nephews, and grand- nieces and nephews. Andy is also fondly remembered by his special friends in the Litchfield family.
He was predeceased by his parents Stephen and Catherine Volk; sisters Mary Degenstein, Katie Duncombe, Francis Fairless, Bertha Volk and Martha Salamandyk and by his brothers Joe Volk, Tony Volk and Johnny Volk.
The Funeral Service will be held at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Thursday, July 19, 2007 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Mariusz Sztuk SDS officiating. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Andrew’s name may be made directly to the charity of one’s personal choosing.

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Mr. Hedzer "Hutch" Vanderwal of Lethbridge passed away on Friday, November 11, 2005 at the age of 67 years.
Hutch was born in The Netherlands on October 15, 1938. The family came to Canada in May of 1952 settling in Taber. He married Carla Flickinger in May 1964. Hutch worked in the Taber area and in the early 1970's began farming with his father-in-law. He continued to do so until he semi retired and for the past four years has resided in Lethbridge. Hutch especially  enjoyed visiting with family and spending time with his coffee row buddies. He was known to be quick with a joke and always made time for conversation.
Hutch is survived by his three children Leonard (Lisa) of Calgary;  Darla (Richard) Lessmeister of Coon Rapids, Minnesota and their son Logan; Sharla (Greg) Draffin of Lethbridge and their children Nicholas and Megan; the mother of his children Carla; brothers and sisters Bill (Leni) of Taber, Frances Gouw of Lethbridge, John (Lillian) of Taber, Grace (Frank) Navratil of Magrath, Mike (Wendy) of Taber, Clarence (Agnes) of Lethbridge and Helen (Richard) Peters of Taber.  
He was predeceased by his parents and a brother Martin.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006-48 Ave. Taber on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M.  
The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929-50 Ave., Taber on Wednesday, November 16 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Jim Lochhead officiating. A private family interment will take place on Thursday, November 17 in the Taber Memorial Garden.

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It is with deep sadness that the family of William Elmer Valgardson (Bill) announce his passing at the Taber Hospital on Monday, January 24, 2005 at the age of 92.
He was surrounded by his loving family. Bill will be sadly missed by his wife Donna (married July 10, 1948, Taber) and his seven children; Billy (Sandra) of Taber and their children Lindy (Ryan) Tanner, Scott, Amber and Kara; Blair (Gail) of Taber and son Dylan; Sherman (Glennda) of Taber and their children Eric (Tami), Mark (Jennifer), Raegan (Jeff) Hill, Lauren and Julia; Sheila (Cameron) Calder of Alpine, Utah and their children Christopher, Jordan, Courtney and Mackenzie; Julie (Scott) Larsen of Prescott, Arizona and their children Zachary, Ciara, Isak, Micah and Spencer; Joann (Alan) Jessop of Draper, Utah and their children Tanner, Kylie and Carson; Sharon (Brent) Morrison of New Dayton and their children Parker, Kole and Tait; four great grandchildren Kennedy, Mason, Kelsie and Morgan; brothers and sisters Norma (Van) Haslam of Taber, Thelma Rawsthorne of Calgary, LaRue Carter of Calgary, Howard (Torrie) Valgardson of Taber, Ethel (Bob) Stephenson of St. George, Utah, Ronald (Connie) Valgardson of Taber and Garry (Patti) Valgardson of Taber. He was predeceased by his parents and two brothers-in-law Cliff Rawsthorne and Alfred Carter.
Bill was born in Taber on March 19, 1912 to William and May Valgardson. He lived his entire ninety-two years in Taber and loved the town and the people. Bill spent his early years attending school in Barnwell and then in Taber. He worked hard on the family farm along side his dad and developed stringent work ethic. He loved the land and raised sheep and cattle in the river bend area of the Old Man River. He also farmed sugar beets and grain. Bill was an entrepreneur starting Riverbend Ranch, Vauxhall Sand & Gravel Co. and Custom Concrete Co., later known as Riverbend Rock Products. He was mechanically inclined and could fix nearly any piece of machinery. Bill loved his shop and used it daily in his work and also for his creative outlet. He built his own treadmill and tinkered with several innovative inventions.
Along with loving to work, he loved adventure. He could keep his family and friends entertained for hours with stories of his harrowing experiences, many of which we were amazed he had survived. He had a passion for motorcycles and airplanes and was always more comfortable riding and flying than doing almost anything else. He flew his airplanes for forty years and didn't stop until he was eighty-two years old. He was an amazing man, purchasing a new motorcycle at ninety-one and riding it until he was ninety-two.
His greatest love was his family and he was very devoted to and concerned about each of them. He loved to travel to the States to visit his family, but was always eager to return quickly to his home in Taber.
Bill also had a passion for people.  He loved to visit with everyone and he never met a person he didn't like. He was always quick to offer his hand and ask how you were. Anyone who knew him well knew his signature answer to "How are you, Bill?"  It was "Not too bad, still kickin'."
Bill lived the virtues of honesty, generosity, sincerity and integrity and expected his family to do the same. He will be forever missed by all of us.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006-48 Ave., Taber on Friday, January 28, 2005 from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. and at the Church prior to the service from 9:30 A.M. to 10:40 A.M.  The Funeral Service will be held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Taber Stake, 4709-50 Avenue on Saturday, January 29, 2005 at 11:00 A.M. with Bishop Ray Gardner Conducting. Interment to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.

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