Force: Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS)

Born in 1922 in Buffalo Lake AB, Agnes Dahl was the daughter of Anders Jacobson and Kari (Tiegen) Dahl who were originally from Norway. Agnes and her brother and sisters attended Buffalo Lake School. Serving with the WRNS during WWII for two and a half years, she was posted in Eastern Canada. After the war she taught school in Progress BC where she met her husband, Eric Carlson. They were married in 1950, and moved to a farm in Fort St. John BC. The Carlsons had two children: Valerie and Renny. Agnes passed away at age 95 in May 2017.

Source: Buffalo Trails pp. 15-16, Photo p. 16
La Glace Yesterday and Today p. 101, Photo p. 315
AGS website – Obituary Index (Under “Carlson”)

• Blog Post

Regimental No.: R-105922
Rank: Flight Sergeant
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)

Neil Dalgleish was born on July 5, 1918 in Leduc, AB to parents Alex and Margaret Jean Dalgleish. At the time of Neil’s enlistment with the RCAF in July 1941, the family had moved to Grande Prairie. Tragically, Neil was killed in a plane crash on December 20, 1942, and he was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.

Source: Alberta Genealogical Society – Grande Prairie Cemetery Records ( File no. 510.03.22
Attestation Papers
Herald Tribune – Dec. 24, 1942 p. 1 c. 5 (plane crash)

Regiment: 49th Royal Edmonton

Born circa 1915 in Bellingham, Washington USA, Cal Dana was the son of David and Margaret (McLennan) Dana. In 1920 the family with 3 boys moved north to a homestead by the Smoky River in the Bezanson AB area. When the boys attended school, they travelled five miles one way. Cal joined the 49th Royal Edmonton regiment on September 10, 1939. His older brother, Thomas, also served in WW II. After the war, Cal worked in the far north on DEW lines (Distant Early Warning) which was a network of radar stations. He died in September 1976.

Source: Across the Smoky p. 347 – name in Roll of Honour
pp. 23-24

• List of Recruits

Regiment: Princess Patricia - Engineers

Thomas Dana, who was the oldest son of David and Margaret (McLennan), was born circa 1912 in Bellingham, Washington, USA. In 1920, the family with 3 boys moved to the Peace River country and settled on a homestead by Bezanson AB. The boys attended school which was 5 miles away. Thomas married Eileen Newman before WW II, and then he enlisted with the Engineers and was posted overseas. His brother, Cal, also served in WW II. After the war, the couple went into farming in the DeBolt area. Gene retired in DeBolt, and he passed away in June 1985.

Source: Across the Smoky – p. 347 name in Roll of Honour; pp. 23-24

From Poplar Hill

• Recruits Leave for Edmonton

Regiment: Princess Patricia

Fred Darnton was known as an Englishman, who once camped out on the property of David and Margaret Dana near the junction of the Simonette and Smoky Rivers. It was the fall of 1930, and he was only passing through the area. He had nothing but the clothes he was wearing, and stayed overnight by his campfire. After investigation by the family and neighbors, Fred, “the crazy young guy”, soon came to be a close friend of the Danas and was like a son and brother to them. Fred filed on a homestead for $10 (SW -2- 72-2-W6) on December 23, 1930 in lived in the Goodwin area for the next 20 years. During WW II, he enlisted with the Princess Patricia Regiment and was posted overseas. Severely wounded during the D-Day landings in June 1944, he returned to Canada. Eventually he found a job with the Department of Highways and worked for 25 years.

Source: Across the Smoky p. 347 – name in Roll of Honour; p. 24; p. 140-141

• Blog Post

Romain D’Auteuil was born in 1918 in St. Mathieu de Rimouski (Quebec (?)). He moved from Montreal to the west to work on the construction of the Alaska Highway. In 1943 He arrived in Girouxville AB where he had 2 brothers, Philippe and Vezina, and a year later he acquired some land west of Girouxville. In the summers he cleared the land, while in winter he worked at lumber camps in Prince George BC. During WW II Romain served in the Canadian Army. He rented out his farm in 1958, selling it in 1969. He passed away on May 20, 1970 at age 52, in Prince George.

Force: R.C.A.S.C.

Bill Davidson was born in Baldyquash Cottage Parish, County of Aberdeen, Scotland to parents Mr. and Mrs. Charles (Sr.) Davidson. The parents and 3 sons, William, Norman, and Charlie, arrived in Canada on May 7, 1928, first moving to Spirit River, AB, and then in 1929 to White Mountain where the family farmed. The 3 boys attended White Mountain School, and they also did janitorial work for the school in the 1930’s. In 1938 the family moved to the Willowvale district where Charles Sr. had taken up a homestead. Bill and his brothers all served overseas for 4 years in WW II. Bill was in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. He was married to Dorothy (“Dot”) in BC, and they lived in Burnaby and New Westminster BC

Source: Memories and Moments of White Mountain, Willowvale, and Bridgeview p. 85 (story); p. 276 (photo)
Chepi Sepe Spirit River p. 184 (photo); p. 341 (story)

Regiment: Sherbrooke Fusiliers – Tank Corps

Charles (Jr.) Davidson, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Davidson, was born around 1916 in Baldyquash Cottage Parish, County of Aberdeen, Scotland. On May 7, 1928, the Davidsons arrived in Canada. They lived for a year in Spirit River, and then moved to White Mountain where Charles Jr. and his 2 older brothers, William and Norman, attended school. The boys also took turns being janitor for White Mountain School in the 1930s. In 1938 the family had their own homestead in the Willowvale district. All 3 sons served for four years overseas in WW II. Charles, who enlisted in the Tank Corps in 1942, was active in Normandy on the D-Day (June 6, 1944) Invasion. He also battled in Caen and Falaise in France, losing three tanks within 3 months. Discharged in 1946, Charles married Elsie Jean Burton in January 1947 in Edmonton. Obtaining land in White Mountain area from Veteran’s Land Act, they farmed until 1979, and then retired to Spirit River. They had 5 children: Phyllis and Donna (twins), Marlene, Edith, and Ronald. Charles died in December 1991 at age 75 in Grande Prairie, and Elsie died in December 1998.

Source: Memories and Moments of White Mountain, Willowvale, Bridgeview pp. 85-86 (story); p. 276 (photo)
Chepi Sepe – Spirit River p. 184 (photo); p. 341 (story)
AGS – Obituary Index

Regiment: Tank Corps

Norman Davidson, whose parents were Mr. and Mrs. Charles (Sr.) Davidson, was born in Baldyquash Cottage Parish, County of Aberdeen, Scotland. Arriving in Canada on May 7, 1928, he and his family moved first to Spirit River, and then in 1929 to White Mountain AB. Norman and his brothers, William and Charles, attended White Mountain School, and also did janitorial work for the school. The family moved to a homestead in nearby Willowvale in 1938. When WW II broke out, all 3 brothers served overseas for 4 years. Norman, who was in the Tank Corps, was wounded in France (?) and sent to England. He was married to Bernie, and they lived in Kelowna BC. Norman died in September 1982.

Source: Memories and Moments of White Mountain, Willowvale, Bridgeview p.85 (story); 276 (photo)
Chepi Sepe - Spirit River p. 184 (photo); p. 341 (story)

Force: Navy

Ken Davies was born on October 2, 1925 in Portage La Prairie MB. In 1938 he moved to Grande Prairie with his mother and brother, Pat, where his father had gone to look for work during the Depression. The boys attended Montrose School. Ken spent two years in the Navy during WW II, and after his discharge he purchased the land E1/2-71-7-W6 in Flying Shot area from Tom Waterman in November 1946. Not enjoying being a bachelor, he married Mabel Clara Hugel in January 1947 in Grande Prairie. They farmed and hauled wood to Grande Prairie for 2 years, and then they spent winters working at a sawmill in Big Mountain. In 1957 they purchased a half section in Dimsdale. The Davies had 4 sons: Wayne, Dale, Brian, and Pat. Ken died at age 85 in July 2011 in Grande Prairie, and Mabel died in 2017 at age 89 in Grande Prairie.

Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 – Name in WW II Veterans
p. 142 – photos
AGS Obituary Index

Force: Royal Canadian Air Force (Women’s Division)

Born around 1921, Marge Davies who served with the RCAF (WD) in WW II, was a teacher in Edmonton. She married John Morgan in August 1963, and moved onto his homestead SE 30-79-25-W5 in Eaglesham area, where they farmed. Marge and John had two sons: David and Tom. Marge died in September 2007 at age 86 in Eaglesham.

Source: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 311 (photo) p. 86 (photo)
AGS Website – Obituary Index

Rank: Corporal
Force: Army

Bill Davies came to Wembley AB from Calgarick, Wales in 1928, having only $3 in his pocket. He worked for Wesley Stephen, and Wes’ father Gavin Stephen in Dimsdale. In 1931 he was a miner in Loskill-Schneider coalmines on Wapiti River. He married Daisy Reese in 1934 in Wembley area, and they settled on 80 acres on NW 20-70-7-W6 in Millarston AB. They had one son, Jeffry, born in 1937. Bill joined the army in 1939. During that time, Daisy and son Jeffry moved to Richmond BC to live with her mother and brother. When Bill was discharged in 1946, he joined his family in Richmond. For a while he was digging peat at Lulu Island, and then he worked in a concrete factory until his retirement. After Daisy passed away, Bill’s sister, Phylis, lived with him.

Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 – Name in WW II Veterans
p. 244 (photo)

George Davis, who was born in Thrusham, England on January 19, 1907, came to Canada in 1929. In England he worked in a printing office, but settling in Goodfare he turned to farming in the summers and trapping in the winters. He stayed first with his uncle Walt Wills, and then built a log house on his own homestead. George married Nancy Wills in 1938, and in 1943 he joined the army and was posted in Vernon BC. His family moved to Vernon to be near him. After the war, they moved to Wembley where George started a shoe repair business. Later he worked at Northern Plywood in Grande Prairie until his retirement in 1971. He enjoyed gardening. George and Nancy had 4 children: Betty (died at age 8), Sheila, Jeffrey, and Dorothy. After residing in Wembley for 43 years, George moved to the Hythe Nursing Home where he passed away on December 26, 1991 at age 83. Nancy died in July 1991.

Source: Pioneer Round-Up p. 80 (photo)
Hythe Headliner Jan 22, 1991

Rank: Private
Enlistment Date: November 1940
Served with the Canadian Red Cross Hospital on Lady Astor's estate in England.

• On Leave

Clifford DeBolt was born on January 11, 1926 on the homestead of his parents Elbert and Laura DeBolt, (which became the hamlet DeBolt, AB in 1947). He was one of 7 siblings. When he was 15 the family moved to Spirit River AB, and a few years later he served in WW II. (His brothers, Dale and Jack, also served in WW II.) Clifford married Dalphine Grimm in 1952, and they raised 5 children: Terry (who died in 1974 in a car accident), Larry, Rainier, Cathy, and Zorda. They settled in Valleyview where Clifford was a member of the Legion. Dalphine died suddenly in 1988, and Clifford passed away at age 83 on December 25, 2009.

Source: Family and Personal Life Reference Files (SPRA) – Obituary
Across the Smoky pp 24-27
Chepi Sepe – Spirit River pp. 346-347
Herald Tribune – Nov. 6, 1952, p. 3 c. 5

Regiment: Loyal Edmonton Regiment
Force: Army

Dale DeBolt, born in 1920 in Washington USA, was one of 7 children of parents Elbert and Laura DeBolt. When he was only 7 weeks old, he and his mother and 2 older siblings moved up to the Peace Country to meet up with Elbert who bought a homestead in what is now the hamlet of DeBolt AB. Enlisting in the Army with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment in April 1940, Dale was posted overseas. (His two brothers, Jack and Clifford also served in WW II.) Dale was married to Joan Leitch, and they had a son and a daughter, and they owned a farm in Spirit River. In November 1970, Dale died suddenly on his farm. Joan moved to Edmonton while the children remained in Spirit River.

Source: Across the Smoky pp. 24 – 27, 346-347 (photo and name in Roll of Honour)
Chepi Sepe – Spirit River pp. 346-347

Force: American Army

From Grande Prairie; Died in July 1941 in a motorcycle accident

Source:
Grande Prairie Herald – July 10, 1941

Jack DeBolt, one of 7 children of Elbert and Laura DeBolt, was born on June 18, 1923 on his parents’ homestead (which became the hamlet of DeBolt AB in 1947). In October 1941 his family moved to Spirit River, and Jack served in WW II a few years later. (His two brothers, Dale and Clifford, also served in WW II.) He was married to Jean Paul and they raised two children, settling in Edmonton.

Source: Across the Smoky pp. 24-27
Chepi Sepe – Spirit River pp. 184 (photo), 346-347

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• Recruits Join the Colors

Regiment: Royal Canadian Signal Corps
Force: Army

Archie Delaney was born on February 24, 1914 in Thessalon, ON, being one of 6 children. At age 5, he moved with his mother (who was a widow) and siblings to the Kleskun Hills area. His mother remarried to Isaac Boyer, and 4 more half siblings were added to the family. Archie attended East Kleskun school, and after he quit school he worked for various farmers in the area. In 1940 he joined the army and was posted in Holland, Sicily, and Italy. He married his wife, Alice “Aagtje” Renkema, in Holland in 1945, and he was discharged from the army in 1946. Their daughter June was born in Holland before Alice left to join Archie in Canada. They rented some farm land along the Teepee Creek Road, living in an old bunkhouse. Twin daughters were born, Eveline and Irene, and later a son, Ray. The Delaneys acquired a quarter section through the VLA: SW 13-72-4 W6. Archie farmed in the summer. Due to poor crops, he also drove truck hauling logs in the winters. He bought another quarter section after a few years: NW 13-72-4 W6. Tragically, Archie had a tractor accident in August 1954 and died after 6 days in the Grande Prairie Municipal Hospital. Many neighbors helped out the family that fall taking off crops. In late fall of 1955 Alice and the children moved to a new house in Grande Prairie which was built by members of the Legion, neighbors, and relatives. Alice remarried to Mr. Balmer, and she died at age 81 in 2000 in Grande Prairie.

Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 125 – 128 (photos)
Herald Tribune (Newspaper) Aug. 19, 1954 p. 1 c. 3 (fatal accident)
AGS Obituary Index (Alice)

John Delaney came from Pembroke, ON to a farm in Kleskun Hills AB in 1919 with his mother and siblings. When he finished his schooling at East Kleskun School, he worked for various farmers in the area. Meeting one of the farmers’ daughter, Rose Smith, John married her on Valentine’s Day 1939. The couple lived on John’s land on the south end of Kleskun Lake. During the summers John worked for farmers, and in the winters he cut and split firewood and sold it. In spring of 1942 John enlisted to serve in WW II, being stationed in Camrose AB. Then in 1945 he was sent to Dunders SK to help clean up camps, returning home the following year. With the aid of the VLA, John and Rose were able to aquire a quarter of land (which belonged to Charles Williamson) in spring 1946. In the fall, they moved into their house in the Morning View district. After purchasing a tractor and binder, the Delaney’s were able to start farming. John and Rose had 3 children: Bob, Bert and Rita. John passed away in February 1955. That spring the neighbors rallied together for a seeding bee on the Delaney farm. Rose remarried to John Fitzsimmons in Dec. 1957.

Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1155 (photo), p. 1149 (Name in Roll of Honour), p. 98 - 99

Force: Royal Canadian Air Force

Source: Daily Herald Tribune April 23, 1942

Carman Deluke was born Feb 14 1905, in Ottawa, Enlisted Oct 6 1942, Discharged Jan 10, 1946. Died May 4 1978. Regimental #M104360. Served in England, Europe, Italy and Canada.

Carman Deluke came with his family from Ontario to Alberta in the early 1900s. In 1918 the family moved to Watino where they settled. Carman and his father purchased land in Tangent. In 1942 Carman and his brother, Tony, enlisted with the army, and they served overseas.

Source: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 188, 189

Tony came to Alberta from Ontario with his family in the early 1900s, and settled in the Watino area in 1918. Then the family homesteaded in Tangent. Tony and his brother, Carman, joined the army in 1942, and saw action at their posts overseas.

Source: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 188

Rank: Gunner
Force: Royal Canadian Army

Jack Demaine was born in St. John NB, and came west at an early age. From Moncton NB he moved to Drinkwater SK, staying there until 1927. Then he came to the Peace Country, and settled in Valleyview AB for four years. Going next to Grande Prairie, he managed the farm of the late Hugh Ferguson before he went to live in Bellingham, WA. In 1935 he came to the Clairmont district and managed the farm of the late Tom Langdon and Ella Langdon (nee Robertson) (who had 2 boys: Stewart and Allan). Romance blossomed between Jack and Ella. Jack joined the army in May 1940, and was based in Calgary for 10 months. Ella and Jack were married in December 1940, while he was on leave. He returned to Calgary, and soon was transferred to the Coastal Artillary in Halifax NS. Contracting pneumonia, Jack was invalided in November 1941. Jack and Ella had one son, Michael, in 1942. The family continued farming until 1945 when Jack became ill and was hospitalized. He died in April 1956. Ella moved to Grande Prairie in 1962, and she died in 2001.

Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 298
AGS – Obituary Index

Regiment: No. 3 Platoon C.A. (8) No. 132

Trained in Grande Prairie AB

Source: Photograph 2005.53.02 (Jan 1943)
Name may be spelled Demchuk

Regiment: 48th Highlanders of Canada
Regimental No.: M/16024
Rank: Private
Force: Canadian Army (R.C.I.C.)
Grave Ref. V.D.2.
Cemetery: Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, Italy

David or “Pat” Denard, son of Robert and Ellen Boyd Denard, grew up in England as an orphan in the Bernardo Home. The date he arrived in Canada is uncertain; he filed on a homestead on SW – 25-73-9 in 1927 in the La Glace area (Old Post district). He was friendly and outgoing, visiting other settlers, and he worked for neighbors to earn money to buy himself farm machinery. In the early 1930s Pat was Secretary for the Meadowville School District. As soon as he heard about the war, Pat enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1939 in Edmonton, being posted to England and Italy. While in England, he married Hilda Nelson (who was an Air Raid Warden in Manchester) in September 1942. Tragically, Pat was killed in action in Ortona, Italy in December 1943 at age 39. Hilda came to Canada in 1945 to take over the homestead, and she raised cattle and lived there for many years.

Source: Photograph 2005.53.02. (1943) No. 3 Platoon C. A. (B.) T. C. No. 132
Commonwealth War Graves
Canadian Virtual War Memorial (Photo)
Buffalo Trails pp. 241-241
La Glace Yesterday and Today pp. 156, 278-279, Photo p. 279

Born in 1924 - Died May 2014. Lived in Valleyview AB.

Source: Where the Red Willow Grew - Valleyview p. 303 (Name in Roll of Honour WW II Veterans)
Herald Tribune – Oct. 25, 1957 p. 3 c. 5 (marries)
AGS – Obituary Index

Ed Derocher was born in Kennedy SK on September 10, 1921. He lived in the Sexsmith AB before volunteering for the army in WW II. Ed was married to Daphne, and the couple had 6 children: Yvonne, Marjorie, Bryan, Edmonde, Donna, and Chad. He passed away in his home in Sexsmith, where he lived for many years, at age 74, on December 22, 1995.

Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 – Name in Roll of Honour
AGS – Obituary Index (Daily Herald Tribune Dec. 27, 1995)

• War Brides Collection

Obtained land through VH Lease: NW 21-80-W6 in 1951
Source: Alberta Land Book

Force: Army

Raymond Deschene was born on April 23, 1914 in Walhala, North Dakota, to parents Vincent and Melvina Deschene. After being in the Army in WW II, he settled in Tangent AB in 1952. Raymond was married to Margaret, and they had 7 children: Lorne, Danny, Raymond (Jr.), Philip, Larry, Sharon, and Jeanne. (Margaret and Jeanne predeceased Raymond.) He died June 30, 1997 at age 83 in Grande Prairie AB.

Source: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 87 (Name only)
AGS – Obituary Index

Regimental No: M 34097
Rank: Gnr. (Gunner)
Force: Royal Canadian Army

Died January 19, 1972; buried in Grande Prairie AB
Source: AGS - Cemetery Index

Force: Canadian Army

Alphonse Deslauriers, son of Ernest and Monique (Lapointe), was born in St. Laurent, Quebec, on January 23, 1917. In April 1928 he and his family moved to Girouxville AB. Whereas he had started school in St. Laurent, he continued his education in Falher AB, staying in the convent. In 1930 he attended Girouxville School. When Alphonse was older, he worked for farmers, clearing many quarters of land by ax with his father and brothers. Joining the Army in 1942, Alphonse took basic training in Canada, and then served in England, France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany. In 1946 he was involved in a convoy, delivering trucks to Czechoslovakia. He also traveled through Nuremberg, the site of the Nazi rally. After his discharge in 1946, he returned to the Girouxville area to homestead the land SW 5-78-22-5. Through the Veteran’s Land Act he obtained the land SW 5-78-21-5. Alphonse married Marie-Louise Remillard, a nurse from Falher, on October 14, 1947. While he farmed in the warmer seasons, Alphonse worked in lumber camps in the winters. In 1952 the Deslauriers moved to the village of Girouxville where he worked at the Co-Op for nine years. From 1962 to 1981 he was postmaster until he retired. Alphonse and Marie-Louise had 2 sons: Raymond and George.

Source: Reflexions Vol. II, pp. 479-481 (photo p. 480)

• Blog Post

Force: Canadian Army

Roland Deslauriers, son of Ernest and Monique (Lapointe) Deslauriers, was born in Montreal, Quebec on October 9, 1912. He moved to Alberta with his family in 1928, first arriving in Dreau, and soon thereafter settling on a homestead near Girouxville. Roland filed for his own homestead, SW 04-78-22-5. He married Germaine Viens, from Fahler, on December 30, 1941. Serving in the army in WW II from 1942 to 1946, Roland was posted in BC – Vancouver, Victoria, and Prince Rupert – operating anti-aircraft guns, before going to Holland and Germany. After returning to Canada, the family farmed their homestead for 2 years, and in September 1948 Roland started work at the Co-op store in Girouxville, becoming manager for 30 years. During this time, he was elected mayor from 1954 to 1958, and he played a big part in bringing water, sewer, natural gas, telephone and other services to the village. In 1970 he was named “Notary Public”. For nearly 50 years Roland was organist in his church. Roland and Germaine moved to BC for a few years, and then settled in St. Albert AB. The Deslauriers had 5 children: Louise, Roger, Evelyne, Annette, and Paul-Henri.

Source: Reflexions pp. 483 (photo)

Ernest Desmarais was born in Manitoba in 1918. He obtained the land: NE 9-82-10 W6 in 1959. He passed away at age 78 in May 1996 in Prince George BC.

Source: Alberta Land Book
AGS – Obituary Index

Among other veterans from Wanham area who took leases on the Simonson Project

Source: Grooming the Grizzly p. 277

Source: La Glace – Yesterday and Today p. 315 (name listed under WW II Veterans)

Lived in Demmitt

• List of Recruits

Eddie Dewhurst lived in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, and in 1928 he dreamed about becoming a wheat farmer in Alberta. This dream came true when he and his mother and sister moved to Canada, arriving in Ribstone AB on March 6, 1929. In April 1930 Eddie went off on his own to Grande Prairie, and in January of 1931 he filed on a homestead in Sturgeon Heights area, where he built a log house. Eddie’s sister and mother joined him in 1933. Three years later, in December, they left Sturgeon Heights for Victoria BC, but after a few months Eddie returned to the Peace Country, where he built a frame house on his homestead. Unfortunately, in spring 1941 a fire burnt his log house and barn. Soon thereafter, in May, he enlisted in the army in Calgary, and he served until March 1945. He married Ruth Wilson, and they settled in BC.

Source: Across the Smoky pp. 180 – 181, 347 (Name listed in Roll of Honour)

Regiment: Scottish Regiment/ Lake Superior Regiment

Albert Dewinter was born in 1920 in Kentville, Nova Scotia to parents Ted and Abbie Jane (Patterson) Dewinter. There were 10 children in the family. Albert came to Spirit River AB from Nova Scotia by train with his father and 2 siblings in 1927. Four of his siblings and his grandparents had gone ahead of them, and his mother arrived later. In 1932 the family decided to move back to Nova Scotia, but their car broke down in Enilda AB, and they had no money for the train or to repair their vehicle, so they rented a place there and found work. Since Ted was a WW I veteran, he was able to get a government loan to purchase a homestead in nearby New Fish Creek. Albert worked for a rancher in Enilda for a while, and then cleared land for a road into New Fish Creek. In 1942, Albert and his brother, Harry, joined the army. First he was in the Scottish regiment, and stationed in New Westminster. From there he was transferred to the Lake Superior regiment. Albert was posted in England in 1944, and while the rest of his outfit was sent to France, he had to remain because of an operation. Albert was married to Beverly Craine, and after the war they settled and farmed in Enilda. They had 4 children: Frank, Ann, Sally, and Julie. Albert passed away in High Prairie AB in June 1995.

Source: Where the Red Willow Grew pp. 422-423 (photos)
AGS website – Obituary Index

Harry Dewinter, born in Nova Scotia, was one of 10 children of Ted and Abbie Jane (Patterson) Dewinter. In 1927 he came to Spirit River area in Alberta with his paternal grandparents and 3 siblings. His father and 3 more siblings followed shortly, while his mother came by herself soon afterwards. They all travelled by train. The family decided to move back to Nova Scotia in 1932, but their car broke down in Enilda AB, and that is where they stayed because they had no money for repairs or train tickets for all. But soon Ted bought a homestead for his family (with a government loan) in nearby New Fish Creek. Joining the army with his brother Albert in 1942, Harry was posted twice in France. Unfortunately he was wounded in Belgium, and he returned to Canada after the war. (Another brother, Gerald, also served in WW II.) Harry was married to Doris Ford, and they had 10 children.

Source: Where the Red Willow Grew pp. 422-423 (photos)

Source: Where the Red Willow Grew – Valleyview p. 303 (Name only in Roll of Honour)

Cornilious Dick came to Canada from Russia with his mother and step-father, (Mr. and Mrs. Kathler), brother, Peter, and sister, Sarah, in fall of 1926. They arrived in Wembley AB, and in the spring of the next year they moved onto a quarter of land north of Wembley. The children attended Big Horn School for one year, then the Lake Saskatoon School, and finally a bigger school on the north end of the lake. Joining the army in WW II, Corny was posted in Ontario. (His brother, Peter also enlisted.) Corny married and settled in Toronto, and raised a family of 3 children: Billy, David, and Margaret Rose.

Source: Lake Saskatoon Reflections pp. 243- 244; For King and Country poster in Wembley

Peter Dick arrived in Canada from Russia in fall of 1926 with his mother and step-father (Kathler), brother, Cornilious, and sister, Sarah. The following spring they settled on a quarter of land 8 miles north of Wembley AB. The children attended Big Horn School in Scenic Heights, and Lake Saskatoon School. Peter, who was one of the first men in the area to enlist when WWII broke out, served overseas for five years. He was a mine detector for the advance troop. In Germany, he was an interpreter, although he did not care for that job. Because he was wounded he spent time in the hospital, and then married a girl from England. After the war, they came back to Canada settling in Hamilton, ON where they raised a family of two children: Terry and Sandy. Being an ambitious worker, Peter was employed in a steel factory until the time of his death on November 11, 1974.

Source: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 243-244; For King and Country poster in Wembley

Source: Grande Prairie Herald – Apr. 24, 1941

Force: R. C. A. F. (Royal Canadian Air Force)

Steve Didow was born on March 8, 1922 in Eaglepoint SK, to Steve Sr. and Mary Didow. He had two brothers, George and John, and a sister, Mary. At age 4 he and his family moved to Rycroft AB where he attended school. In 1939 he began work at United Grain Growers Ltd. Steve enlisted in the RCAF in Calgary in January 1942. While there, he married Eveline Slobodian on December 17, 1943, before being sent overseas. Eveline worked in Young SK during Steve’s absence. Stationed in Great Britain, Steve’s invasion forces went to France on June 10, 1944, and he also served in Belgium and Holland. In March 1945 he was hospitalized for knee surgery in England. Needing further medical care, Steve returned to Canada, and he was discharged from the force that October. Back to work with United Grain Growers, Steve was manager of the elevator in Prestville (Rycroft area) from February 1946 until 1951. Then he and Eveline moved to Spirit River and operated the UFA Co-op Bulk Plant and service station. Steve joined the Legion, served on the town council, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and served on the stewards board for the United Church, where he and Eveline were members. They enjoyed golf and curling. In December 1966, Steve and Eveline sold their house, and moved to Florida because of poor health. For nine years they lived there in the winters and in Spirit River in the summers. They bought a farm (between Rycroft and Spirit River), and the Sylvan Meadows Golf Course (in partnership with their son and Steve’s sister), which they operated from 1972 until Steve retired in 1982. From spring to fall they lived in their mobile home at the golf course, and they spent their winters in Richmond BC, and in southern climates. When they sold the farm and golf course in 1991, they moved to Grande Prairie, and then to Edmonton. In 2004 the Didows relocated to Kelowna BC. where Steve passed away on August 30, 2008, and Eveline died in 2011. They had 4 children: Shirley (predeceased), Donald (predeceased), Ken, and Linda.

Source:
Chepi Sepe p. 184 photo; p. 353 family story and photo
AGS website – Obituary Index
SPRA – Family and Personal Life Reference Files

Force: Army

Henry Diederich was born in Luxembourg, on November 17, 1927. His parents, Michael and Madelaine (Schadeberg) Diederich, and his older sister Annie, lived in Bezanson AB before Henry was born. Since his mother wanted to have her baby in her home country with her family, they travelled to Europe for the event. Then they returned to Bezanson. Sadly, Mrs. Diederich died in 1929, so the children (aged 6 ½ and 1 ½) were sent to St. Augustine’s Mission near Peace River AB, while their father continued farming. Living at the mission for 7 years, the children only came home for the summer holidays. When they moved back home in 1936, Annie and Henry attended East Kleskun school. Henry also attended Lindsay High School. After his schooling, Henry worked as a trucker, and then he operated heavy machinery for Norton Brothers for many years. For one year Henry served in the Armed Forces. On June 29, 1950 Henry married Myrtle Sloat, from Northmark, and they had 5 children: Danny, Donna, Trudy, Barry and Clint. They farmed in the Bezanson area until 1967 when they sold the farm. In August 1968 the family moved to the Dimsdale area.

Myrtle died on May 4, 2017.

Source:
Along the Wapiti p. 412 – Name in WW II Veterans list; p. 419 – Photo; p. 142; p. 142
Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 129 Family story and photos.
AGS Website – Obituary Index (Myrtle)

...

• Glen Leslie Cemetery Tour

Jeff Dillabough was born in Port Sydney, Ontario on March 16, 1922. He joined the army in 1942, and met Bertha Proffitt who was also serving in WW II in the CWAC. They were married on January 2, 1945. After the war the couple settled on a quarter of land that Bertha owned in the Fitzsimmons area (north of Bezanson) where Bertha had homesteaded in 1938. They built a house there. Soon they acquired three more quarter sections, and farmed for many years. The work was hard but all the neighbouring farmers helped each other out. Jeff and Bertha had 7 children: Geraldine (died at age 9), Deb, Murray, Russell, Neil, Rhonda, and Brenda. In 1980 Jeff retired from farming. Bertha became very ill and Jeff cared for her until she passed away in 1986. Then Jeff moved in with his children. He died on July 17, 1999 in Grande Prairie, at age 77, and is buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery in Bezanson. (Grave Ref. B-54 L-2 or 3)

Source: Glen Leslie Cemetery Website
Smoky River to Grande Prairie (photo
AGS Obituary Index

• Glen Leslie Cemetery

Branch: Calgary Highlanders
Lived by Clairmont

• Home on Leave

Settled in SE 32-82-8-W6 in 1955 (VH Lease)

Source: Alberta Land Book

Regiment: Edmonton Regiment

From Demmitt AB

Source: The Herald Tribune Sept. 28, 1939 (Thursday) p. 1 c. 3
Short article naming boys who were recruits for the Edmonton Regiment,
Leaving the train in Grande Prairie to Edmonton the previous Friday.
Each recruit given gift of cigarettes by Mayor Lawlor on behalf of GP Board of Trade

• Recruits Leave for Edmonton

Force: Royal Canadian Air Force

Born around 1915 in Beaverlodge AB, Arthur Dixon was one of 4 children of Frederick and Louisa Maude (“Daisy”) Dixon. Both parents were teachers at Grande Prairie where Arthur started school in 1921. At age 20, Arthur was the foreman at the Beaverlodge Experimental Station. He married Annie Sylvia Walker of Halcourt on December 20, 1937 in Beaverlodge. Working as a grain buyer in 1940, Arthur moved to Hythe and later to Peace River. He enlisted with the R.C.A.F. in 1943 and travelled throughout Canada as an equipment assistant. After WW II Arthur worked for the Midland Pacific Elevator in Beaverlodge, and then became postmaster in Beaverlodge in the 1950’s. Besides farming, Arthur was involved in many organizations. For two years he was president of the Home and School Association in the 1950s. As president and welfare officer of the Beaverlodge Legion, he received a meritorious award in 1960. Holding a position with the Board of Trade, he was also a member of the Elks and Masons. Before his death in 1964, Arthur worked for the Farm Credit Corporation. Arthur and Annie had 2 children: Elaine and Donald. Annie, who died in 1988, completed a master’s degree, and taught in Africa and Germany.

Source:
Beaverlodge to the Rockies pp. 47-48 (family photo of Arthur as child)
SPRA Family and Personal Life reference files
Northern Tribune Dec. 23, 1937 p.5 c. 1 (marries)
Herald Tribune Oct. 2, 1956 p.6 c.1; Oct. 12, 1956 p.2 c.1 (biography)

• Blog Post

Regiment: 8th New Brunswick HUSSARS
Rank: Sergeant
Force: Army

Fred Dobbyn, born on September 24, 1922 in Melita MB, was the youngest of 9 children of Joseph and Nellie Dobbyn. During WW II he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Yellow Grass SK, where he was working for an aunt at the time. He drove a Sherman Tank in England, Italy, France, Holland, and Belgium. After the war he returned to Manitoba, and he eventually moved to Grande Prairie AB where he farmed for many years. Fred married Aileen Isabel Webb, and they had 7 children: Jim, Janice, Wendy, Wayne, Penny, Todd, and Tracy. He owned and operated Imperial Motor Service Station in Grande Prairie until the late 1990s. He was also part owner of the Chinook Golf Course in Woking AB. For 20 years Fred was a volunteer firefighter in Grande Prairie. He was a member of the Canadian Legion #54, and he coached minor league hockey, as well as curling and golfing. Another of his hobbies was driving Sulkey horses on the racetrack. Aileen passed away in August 1989 at age 66. Fred remarried to Shirley Hinks. He died on August 10, 2015 at age 92.

Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 (name only)
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference File – Obituary (of Fred and Aileen) and news articles

Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 (name only)

Around 1932, Cecil Dobson, his sister and his father settled for a short time in the DeBolt district and owned the land NW 5-72-1-W6, SE 6-72-1-W6, and NW 6-72-1-W6. Cecil joined the armed forces in WW II. After the war he moved to Edmonton, where he presumably worked at the legislative buildings.

Source: Across the Smoky p. 213, p. 347 (name in Roll of Honour)

Regiment: 426 Squadron
Regimental No: J/21046
Force: RCAF

Jim Dodge, born in 1923, was the only child of Freeman James and Edith Catherine (McKinnon) Dodge who owned the Dodge-Harper Hardware store in Spirit River AB. They lived on a farm near the town, and Jim attended school in Spirit River. According to an article in the GP Herald, Jim was a “fine upstanding son.” After graduating in 1941, Jim joined the air force and served in active duty in England. On January 28, 1944 he was “missing in action”, and in March 1944 he was “presumed dead”. Sadly, his body was never found. In his last letter to his parents Jim wrote, “Berlin’s no picnic.” Jim’s parents sold their business in 1944, and moved to Victoria BC where his father died in 1970. His mother then moved to Red Deer AB, and she died in 1978. Jim’s name is commemorated among 20,450 other Canadian air force veterans who have no known grave, on the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey, UK.

Source: Chepi Sepe pp. 365 – 366 (Family story and photo); p. 184 (photo)
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
SPRA – Family and Personal Life Reference Files – Obituaries of Freeman and Edith, GP Herald Old Timer’s Historical Edition 1934

Regiment: 49th Loyal Edmonton
Source: Across the Smoky (?)
Note: Need verification

Force: Army (?) Service Corps (RCASC ?)

Born on July 14, 1920 in Herbert SK, Hank Doerkson was one of 7 children of Peter Sr. and Catherina Doerkson. In June 1927 he moved to Sexsmith where his father found work, and one year later the family moved to DeBolt area where Peter Sr. filed on land for a homestead. Hank served overseas for 5 years in WW II. His brother, Ike, was also a veteran of WW II. Returning home, Hank bought a quarter of land, NW-2-73-1-W6 in the Goodwin area, from his mother (his father died in 1947). In addition he purchased SW-2-73-1-W6 from Fred Darnton. In January 1949 Hank married Florence, and they raised 3 daughters: Lois, Glenda, and Marlene. Hank and Florence moved to Salmon Arm BC in 1966 where Hank worked at Federated Co-Op Plywood Plant. At age 62, he died suddenly on September 26, 1982 in Salmon Arm.

Source: Across the Smoky pp. 70-72; p. 347 (Name in Roll of Honour)
Grande Prairie Herald Jan. 27, 1949 p.1 c.6 (marries)
AGS website – Obituary Index

Ike Doerkson was born around 1917, in Saskatchewan. His parents were Peter Sr. and Catherine Doerkson, who had 7 children. The family moved to Sexsmith AB in June 1927, and a year later they settled in the DeBolt area where they homesteaded and the children went to school. When Ike was 13, he helped his father and brother cut and haul logs for building a church in DeBolt. Around 1938, he married Margaret (“Peggy”) who became a well-known fiction writer. They had 3 children: Constance, Janet, and Douglas (died in 2004). During the early years of their married life, Ike worked in ranching and trapping in the Economy Lake area (SW of Grande Prairie). For a time, Ike also served in WW II. The family settled in Grande Prairie for several years where Ike was employed as a senior towerman for the Grande Prairie Forest Division. Peggy passed away in 1996 after 58 years of marriage. Ike spent his final days at the Hythe Continuing Care Centre, and he died on January 4, 2018 at age 101.

Source: Across the Smoky pp. 70-72; p. 347 (Name in Roll of Honour)
Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 157
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files: Obituary, and article from Edmonton Journal June 9, 1972)

Spouse: Eileen Newman

Note: information not verified

Regiment: First Ammunition Corps, 85th Bridge Corps

Tony Doll, son of Frank and Katie Doll, was born in 1918 and raised in Waterhole, AB (near Fairview. In 1940 he was in military training in Grande Prairie for 2 months, and again in 1941 he took 2 months of training. Enlisting shortly afterwards, he was recruited for active service overseas, but first he went to Red Deer for advanced training. On March 5, 1942 he boarded the train to Halifax, and went to Scotland by ship. From there another train took him to England. By June, Tony hauled ammunition to various outfits with the First Ammunition Corps. He saw the action during the Dieppe Raid August 19, 1942. Changing course, he took 2 months of driver mechanics training, and joined the 85th Bridge Corps. His platoon continued training until the second front opened on June 5, 1943, and the men were under shell fire. For months they pushed on to new locations in France. When the war ended, Tony returned to Canada, arriving at home on October 14, 1945. A month later he was discharged in Calgary. Next, Tony was eager to acquire a quarter of land through the Veteran’s Land Act. Before he started farming, he took a course on farming methods in Red Deer. On October 28, 1947 he married his neighbour’s daughter from Waterhole, Frances Heck. Since he needed lumber to build a house on his new land, Tony worked at a sawmill for one winter. They moved into their house in 1948. In the following years, Tony and Frances had 9 children: James, Charles, Mary and Marilyn (twins), Bernice, Bill, Ben, Elaine, and David. In 1959, the Dolls bought another farm in Twilight (S. 3-72-5-W6) and moved there. Another move happened in 1966 near Grande Prairie where they built a bigger house. Tony worked for Wapiti Sand and Gravel, Cockshutt Equipment, and a plywood company. He passed away in September 1998 at age 79 in Grande Prairie. Frances died in October 2015.

Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 538 – 541
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files – Obituary of Frances Doll
AGS Website – Obituary Index

Veteran of WW II – Took lease in Simonson Project in Wanham area
Source: Grooming the Grizzly p. 277 (Ken Botham History)

Date of Birth: 1913

Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 - Name in Roll of Honour
Herald Tribune: January 17, 1946 p. 1. c. 8 - Article mentioning Carl Domstad and Walton Johnson buying a dray business from Emile Auger

Source:
Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 – Name in Roll of Honour
Northern Tribune August 2, 1934 p. 1 c. 3 (Article about Haaken Domstad who had injury: Dynamite cap exploded in hand; amputated thumb and forefinger; cut chin)
Northern Tribune June 1936 p. 4 c. 1 (Article about Haaken Domstad who managed Sexsmith Dairy)

• On Leave

John Domstad was born in Hoffer SK, near Tribune, in 1913. He moved to the Peace Country in 1928 and settled in Sexsmith. In 1937 he married Lorene Donna Burns, and he bought the Sexsmith Dairy which he ran until he joined the army in August 1940. After the war, he bought land in Lake Saskatoon area (SW – 2-72-8-W6) through the Veterans’ Land Act. The family moved to the town in 1946. The following year, John began driving the horse drawn school van which he did for several years. When he bought a threshing machine, he did free threshing for other farmers who helped on the machine. On June 22, 1956 John was injured in a fatal car accident where Lorene and their daughter, Gerry, were killed along with a passenger. Since John was in the hospital in Edmonton for a long time, he was unable to attend the funeral. The farm was sold in 1964, and John moved to Grande Prairie for a while until he moved to Edmonton. In 1970 he married Viola Jackson, and they lived in Edmonton until John passed away in 1986.

John and Lorene had 4 girls: Jacquie Donna (1938), Inez Darlene (1940), Cheryl Nancy (1947), and Gerry Lorene (1953).

Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 (Name in Roll of Honour)
Lake Saskatoon Reflections pp. 133 – 134 ( 141, 176 – also mentioned) Family Photo p. 134
Herald Tribune – July 20, 1956 p. 9 c. 4 (Wife, daughter fatal accident)

Regiment: 5th Armoured Division

Cecil Donald was enrolled in Alberta College in Edmonton from 1927 to 1928, and after he returned to Grande Prairie he was employed at “the office of local station.” In September of 1936 he went in to a business partnership with C. R. Burgess for electrical wiring and repairs. Both men had extensive experience in the trade. Cecil also held a licence for motion picture projectionist. The two electricians installed the sound equipment and wiring in the Capital Theatre in Grande Prairie. During WW II, Cecil joined the army in the 5th Armoured Division posted in Petawawa ON. He was home on leave in early October 1941 with three others from his unit.

Source: Bob Kennedy – Legion
Grande Prairie Herald – Oct. 2, 1941 (Home on leave from Petawawa, ON)
Grande Prairie Herald – July 13, 1928 p. 5 c. 2 (returned from Alberta College)
Northern Tribune – Sept. 3, 1936 p.1 c. 2 (electrical service)

Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Donaldson of Bear Lake

Source: Grande Prairie Herald July 17, 1941 p. 1. C. 2

Regiment: Service Corps, Loyal Edmonton
Regimental No: L108077

Gordon Donaldson was born on March 11, 1922 in Saskatchewan. At age 21 he joined the army. He was a soldier in training in Red Deer for 2 months. On Thanksgiving 1944 he left by train to go overseas for one year. Sailing on the H.M.S. Mauritania, he arrived in England where he was the Service Corps, and then in Infantry training. After leaving England, he transferred to the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, and served on the static front in Italy (on the front line, Germans on one side and Canadians on the other). Next he was moved to Holland where he was a radio operator. For a while Gordon was carrying Red Cross equipment (after the stretcher bearer was killed). He continued in Communications before he was drafted into Reserve Occupation army as Leave Personnel driver. In October 1945 he was discharged, sailing back to Canada on the H.M.S. Elle La France. While Gordon was in England, he proposed to a young lady he met in Red Deer, and they corresponded by mail. Anne Nielson and Gordon were married on June 14, 1946 in Red Deer. The couple’s first home was in Qu’Appelle Valley where Gordon’s family lived. A few years later (around 1949) they moved to Red Deer, lived in various homes, and Gordon held various jobs – farming, garage work, working at Red Deer Creamery, and Alberta Nurseries. The latter job involved travelling to the Peace River Country, and in 1952 Gordon filed on a half section with the Lassiter Project north of Eaglesham. The Donaldsons homesteaded for 7 years before they moved into the hamlet of Eaglesham in 1952. In 1963 Gordon took auto mechanic training at NAIT in Edmonton, and he also earned a certificate in welding. He bought an old mechanics garage in 1965, and was able to build a new garage (Donaldson’s Garage) in 1970. Being an avid antique collector, Gordon had a small museum at his business, and he rebuilt a 1927 model T Ford truck. Gordon was a member of the Peace Region Archaeological Society. Anne and Gordon had 4 children: David, Donna, Gregory, and Irma.

Source: Smoky Peace Triangle pp. 192-194 (photos)
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files: “Tales from Mama’s Kitchen” by Anna Donaldson (photos in mid-section)

• Donaldson Family Collection

Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. 2 pp. 99 and 121

Ambrose Donison was born in Readlyn, SK on February 28, 1915. In 1940 he moved with his family to Elmworth AB area. He found farming work in the Buffalo Lakes area for Ed Gummer, and married Ed’s daughter, Flora Jean, on June 16, 1943. First the new couple lived in Sexsmith where Ambrose worked at the Ford Garage. In 1945 they settled in Buffalo Lakes where Ambrose set up his own garage and service station business, and farmed on the side. After selling his farm in 1962, he bought a half section in Valleyview. The Donisons sold their house in Buffalo Lakes in 1969, and moved to Grande Prairie. Ambrose was employed by the County of Grande Prairie until his retirement. Predeceased by his wife, Ambrose passed away in Grande Prairie on December 10, 2008. Ambrose and Jean had 2 children: Judy and Ken.

Source: La Glace Yesterday and Today p. 315 (Name in list of WW 2 Veterans)
Buffalo Trails p. 64
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files – Obituary
Herald Tribune (Grande Prairie) June 24, 1943 p.2 c.7 and p.6 c.2 (marries)

During his last months of service in the army, John Donnelly conceived the idea of a farm co-operative called The Little Smoky Farm Industries. After the war in 1946, he and 8 families of war veterans formed a group and leased 80 acres of Crown land NE 35-74-21, south of Guy. The members would share their DVA grants and own machinery co-operatively. When the project failed, John resigned from the group.

Source:
Guy p. 146 Name in list of Veterans
pp. 113– 121 “The Little Smoky Farm Industries Story”

Walter Dorig was born and raised in Switzerland, and came to Canada from St. Gallen in the late 1920’s. During the 1930’s he homesteaded in the Meanook AB area. He served in the Army overseas from 1941 to 1946, staying an extra year after the war ended because he spoke German. In 1947 he purchased the Blueberry Mountain Store (in Spirit River area) in partnership with Jack and Clara Bird. His future wife, Jean Smyth, worked at the store. Married on July 3, 1954, the new couple lived above the store. In 1955 Walter sold his part in the store, and started farming in the Wonderland district (Jean was from there, and this school district no longer exists.) At that time they bought a house which was moved to their land, then they purchased an additional farm in the mid 60’s. In 1967 the Dorigs moved to Abbotsford BC. Walter died suddenly in May 1979. Jean remarried to Frank Yablonski in 1981 and moved to Grande Prairie. Walter and Jean had 2 boys: Larry and Glen.

Source: Chepi Sepe p. 184 (photo of Walter in uniform); p. 373 (family history)

Born on May 11, 1918, Bert Doris was the son of William and Isabella Agnes (Armstrong) Doris. In 1929 at age 10, Bert travelled with his father and brother by train from Endiag AB to Falher on a 7 day trip. Then they took a horse and wagon to the Whitemud area where William had filed on land to homestead. They built a shack, and 5 months later Bert’s mother, Isabella, and Bert’s 3 sisters arrived. At age 14, Bert found employment with various other farmers, stooking and threshing. In 1936 Bert was able to apply for his own homestead near his parents (NE 26-74-23-W6). Bert took basic military training in Grande Prairie in 1940, but due to a childhood hand injury, he was not required to complete further training. While working in the Ballater area, (northwest of Guy), Bert met Andree Mencke (who imigrated from Belgium in 1931). They were married on March 5, 1943 in Guy. Bert built a house in 1944, and over the years 13 children were born: Harold, Jack, Lorrette, Thomas, Linda, Alice, Jocelyn, Paul, Robert, Mary Louise, Margaret, Mark and Michael. The last 5 children were triplets and twins. In 1960 the family moved to a half section (N ½ 18-75-22-W5) three miles north of the old homestead. After farming over 40 years, Bert and Andree moved to the town of Falher in 1976 when they sold their land. Bert died in November 1995 at age 77 in McLennan AB, and Andree died in 2007 at age 83 in Morinville AB.

Source: Guy p. 621 – 622
AGS – Obituary Index

Regiment: 7th/11th Hussars
Regimental No: M/45559
Rank: Sergeant
Force: RCAC (Royal Canadian Armoured Corps ?)
Grave Reference: VIII. C. 14

Charles Dorscheid, born in 1916, was the son of Mr and Mrs Anton Dorscheid. He moved with his parents and brothers (John, Arthur, and Earl) to the Glen Leslie district in Alberta from Windom, Minnesota in 1921. (Charles’ older sister had already moved to the area and was married to Herman Kimble.) Charles and his two older brothers attended school in Crystal Creek district. On December 2, 1939 Charles married Luella Myrtle Parrish, daughter of Charlie and Myrtle Parrish of Bezanson. He enlisted in the Southern Alberta Regiment in June 1940, and he and Luella moved to Camrose. In 1942 he joined the 7th/11th Hussars and was in the invasion forces to France. While posted in France, Charles was tragically killed in action on August 19, 1944, at age 28. By that time, Charles and Luella had a daughter. He was buried in the Bretteville-Sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery in France. A memorial service for Charles was held in Glen Leslie on September 10, 1944. Luella remarried to Howard Johnson and had 4 more children. Charles’ brothers John and Earl also served in WW II.

Source: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 53 (Parrish family stories)
p. 426 (Dorscheid family stories)
Herald Tribune – Dec. 7, 1939 (marries)
Aug. 31, 1944 (killed in action)
Sept. 7, 1944 (memorial service)

• Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Born around 1919 or 1920, Earl Dorscheid was the son of Mr and Mrs Anton Dorscheid from Windom, Minnesota, USA. In 1921 he moved to the Glen Leslie area with his parents and brothers Jack, Arthur, and Charles. His older sister and husband already were living in the area. Earl married Velna (“Vee”) Grace Parrish, daughter of Charles and Myrtle Parrish from Bezanson in June 1940. The same year, Earl and his brother Charles, joined the Army and moved to Camrose. Earl and Vee lived there for 3 years. In 1945, they moved back to Glen Leslie where Earl farmed the original homestead in partnership with his brother Jack. (Jack had also served in the Army in WW II). Earl and Vee had 4 children: Darrel, Danny, Joanne, and Mark (who died at 5 months in 1964). Earl died at age 50 on May 31, 1970. His sons took over farming the land. Vee died in 2008.

Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 425-426 (Dorscheid stories), p. 53 (Parrish family story)
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files – Obituary (Velna)
Herald Tribune Oct. 7, 1955 (biography)

Force: Army Medical Corps

Jack Dorscheid was born in 1909 to Mr and Mrs Anton Dorscheid on their farm in Windom, Minnesota USA. In 1921 he and his family, including 3 younger brothers, moved to Canada and settled on a homestead in the Glen Leslie AB area. Jack’s older sister and husband had already moved to the area. Jack and 2 of his brothers attended the Crystal Creek School. In July 1930 Jack married Myrtle Dixon, a teacher from Beaverlodge. Sadly his wife died of scarlet fever in June 1931. He later married Bernice Ames from Bezanson, and they had 2 sons, Larry and Jerry. During the 1930’s Jack farmed and raised cattle. When WW II broke out he enlisted in 1940 or 1941 with the Army Medical Corps, being posted in England, and he was discharged in 1945. (His brothers Earl and Charles also served in the war. Charles was killed in action.) After the war, Jack farmed the original homestead in Glen Leslie with his brother Earl. To make ends meet, the 2 men had a sawmill business over several winters using Charlie Moon’s mill north of Crooked Creek. Eventually Jack worked for Grande Prairie Lumber Co. building roads and running a saw mill. The next year, he became a foreman at a saw mill owned by his brother Earl and Phil Nilsson. Another winter he was foreman at Norton’s cat outfit cutting lines for oil companies. In 1959 Jack was elected county councilor, serving in this position for 6 years. He was chairman of the of the Agricultural Service Board, on the County Planning and Hospital Board, named to municipal and school committees, and was warden of East Smoky Parks. Indeed he was very busy, and he resigned of his duties in 1965. For a few more years he returned to farming, ranching and enjoying family life. He died suddenly in 1973. His wife Bernice died in 2001.

Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 426
Herald Tribune – June 19, 1931 p. 1. c. 1 (wife death); July 25, 1930 p. 5 c. 4 (married); June 16, 1959 p. 1 c. 1 (county); April 5, 1960 p. 1 c. 5 (Agr. Serv. Bd.)

• Blog Post

Date of Birth: 06/05/1941
Notes: 79-23-W5, 1946

Settled in Tangent area 1959 – Veterans’ Land Act

Source: Alberta Land Book

Rank: Gunner
Force: Canadian Army

Denis Doyle, the son of Lawrence Doyle and Berthilde Sliger, was born on January 22, 1920 in Jacquet River NB. At age 7 he moved to Quebec with his family, and he couldn’t speak any French when he started school. In 1940 he met Marie Tremblay whose parents were Francois Tremblay and Leda Boily from Quebec. Denis and Marie were married on July 14, 1943. Prior to their marriage, in 1941, Denis joined the Canadian Army and served as gunner. In 1948, the Doyles were persuaded by Father Parent to move west. Denis first moved out to Falher AB, while Marie and their 2 girls joined him a month later. Denis obtained a homestead in Donnelly from the Veterans (Land Act ?). Moving to Girouxville in 1957, they purchased a restaurant and lived there for 7 years. They traded their restaurant for land north of the village in 1964, and stayed there for 5 years. Then they purchased a pool hall which they converted to apartments. In 1974 their Donnelly and Girouxville properties were sold to their son. Over the years Denis worked on large construction projects including the Girouxville School, Falher’s College Notre Dame, McLennan Sacred Heart Hospital, and many houses. The Doyles were active with the Girouxville Curling Club. Denis and Marie had 5 children: Irene, Murielle, Robert, Edgar, and Denise. Denis passed away suddenly on November 28, 1978 at age 58 in Girouxville. Marie remarried in 1986 to Harry Parker.

Source: Reflexions Vol. 2 pp. 500-502
AGS Obituary Index

Regiment: S.A.R. (Southern Alberta Regiment)
Regimental No: M 45567
Force: Army

Arnold Dryer, born on August 24, 1914 in Hanna AB, was one of 9 children of John and Margaret Dryer. In August 1931 he moved with his parents and siblings to the Peace Country by train, and they settled in the Glen Leslie area. For a few years Arnold helped neighboring farmers with threshing and other farm work. Around 1934 for 3 summers, he made the Stampede Circuit in Debolt, Wembley, Beaverlodge, Dawson Creek, Rycroft, Peace River, and Grande Prairie. In 1937 he started work for Pete Donahue, being a “jack of all trades”, until he joined the army in June 1940. He enlisted with the Southern Alberta Regiment in Grande Prairie and served overseas, where he was married to Violet from Farnham, Surrey, England, on August 23, 1945. Violet was in the W.A.A.F. in England. After his discharge in January 1946, Arnold returned to Canada, and his wife sailed to Canada, arriving in Grande Prairie on July 4, 1946. The couple had 3 children: Dale, Mark, and Ann. Arnold died at age 63 on November 28, 1977 in Grande Prairie, and was buried at the Grande Prairie Cemetery. (Arnold’s brothers Robert, William, and Dave also served in WW II, and his brother Jack served in the Korean War.)

Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 426-427
Herald Tribune July 11, 1946 p. 1 c. 5 (bride arrives)
(Bezanson Legion Hut – Legion Album)

• War Brides Collection
• Photographs of Vi and Arnold
• Violet Dryer fonds
• Gravestone

David Dryer was one of 9 children of John and Margaret Dryer of Hanna AB. In 1931 the family moved to the Peace Country by train, and settled in the Glen Leslie area. David joined the army in the last year of the war – 1945. His brothers Arnold, Robert, and William also served in WW II, and his younger brother Jack served in the Korean War. Later he moved to Victoria BC.

Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 426-427

Regiment: P.P.C.L.I.
Force: Army
Source: Legion Album

Regiment: Loyal Edmonton
Force: Army

Born in 1917, Robert Dryer came by train to the Peace Country from Hanna AB with his parents John and Margaret, and his siblings in August 1931. They settled in Glen Leslie area where the family farmed. Robert joined the army with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment in April 1940. (Robert’s brothers William, Arnold, and David also served in WW II. Their youngest brother Jack served in the Korean War.) Being posted overseas, Robert met and married a young lady named Pat who was from London, England. After the war, Pat and their young son sailed to Canada, arriving in Grande Prairie by train on July 4, 1946 to join Robert. Eventually the family moved to Darwell AB where they lived many years. The Dryers had 5 children: Robert, Doreen, Maureen, Brenda, and Tracy. Robert (Sr.) died at age 62 on June 6, 1979.

Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 426-427
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune – Obituary- June 14, 1979
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune – July 11, 1946 p. 1 c. 5 (bride arrives)

• Recruits Join the Colors

Violet Remnant was a 16 year old shop assistant in Wrecclesham, Surrey, not far from the Canadian Army Base in Aldershot, when she first met Arnold Dryer at a dance in the Village Hall. Arnold’s squadron was billeted nearby in the village of Rowledge. The relationship blossomed, and from wherever Arnold’s squadron moved to, his letters found their way back to Violet. At 18, Vi joined the Air Force, working as a clerk in RAF records in Gloucestershire. When the war ended, they were afraid that Arnold would be drafted home, so with four days’ notice, they planned a wedding. They were married on April 23, 1945 in Rowledge, England. After the wedding, Arnold was indeed sent back to Canada, and Vi waited for permission from the Canadian Wives Bureau to join him. She was discharged from the Air Force and put in time helping at the local post office. In June she sailed on the Aquatania with another bride bound for Grande Prairie, Betty Eskdale. The war brides were processed through immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax. Vi arrived on July 4, 1946 (along with her sister-in-law, Pat Dryer who was married to Arnold’s brother, Robert). The editor of the newspaper, J.B. Yule, was one person Vi met on her first day in Grande Prairie. The news of their arrival was proclaimed on the front page in the next issue of the paper: “Three War Brides Arrive Grande Prairie”. Although the young Mrs. Dryer was “homesick off and on” over the next year, she enjoyed being on the farm and the many good neighbours. Violet and Arnold had three children: Dale, Mark, and Ann. Grande Prairie is still Vi's home 60+ years later.

Source:
G.P. Herald Tribune – July 11, 1946 p. 1 c.5 (bride arrives)
Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 426-427

• War Brides Collection
• Photographs of Vi and Arnold
• Violet Dryer fonds
• Blog Post

Regiment: Loyal Edmonton
Rank: Corporal
Force: Army

William Dryer was born on January 16, 1920 in Hanna AB. He was one of 9 children of John and Margaret Dryer. In 1931 the family moved from Hanna to the Glen Leslie area, where they farmed for several years. William joined the army in April 1940, enlisting with his brother Robert in the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. (His brothers Arnold, and David also served in WW II, and their youngest brother Jack served in the Korean War.) Serving overseas for 5 years, William was discharged in early 1945. He married Lt. Dorothy Edith May Blair, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Blair of Devon BC, on April 26, 1945. The couple lived in the Arlington Apartments in Edmonton after their wedding. In May 1953 William married again while living in Grande Prairie. In the 1970’s he lived in Nampa AB. William passed away at age 73 on November 2, 1993 in Grande Prairie, and he was buried in the Glen Leslie Cemetery. William had 6 children: William Jr., Elaine, Debra, Ron, Dennis, and Iris.

Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 426 – 427
Across the Smoky p. 345
GP Herald Tribune – June 7, 1945 p. 6 c. 8 (marries)
GP Herald Tribune – May 28, 1953 p. 6. C.5 (marries – photo)
GP Herald Tribune - Nov. 3 and 4, 1993 (obituary)

• Recruits Join the Colors
• Severely Wounded

Born in Clover Bar around 1921, Gordon Dysdale moved with his parents, Sidney and Anna Drysdale, and siblings to a farm 6 miles north east of Clairmont AB in November 1928. He attended the Wellington School. After serving in the Army in WW II, he married Jean Christina McCaig in June 1946. His brother Allan also served in the war, and married Jean’s sister in a double wedding. Jean and Gordon had 6 children: Lorian, Dianne, Bruce, John, Brian and Roy. In the 1990’s Gordon lived in Sundre after his wife Jean passed away.

Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1129
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files

• Recruits Join the Colors

Force: R.C.A.F. (Royal Canadian Air Force)

Allan Drysdale was born March 20, 1920 in Clover Bar AB. In November 1928 he moved with his parents, Sidney and Anna Drysdale, and 3 siblings to a farm 6 miles north east of Clairmont AB. Allan attended the Wellington School. During WW II he served with the R. C. A. F. ( His brother Gordon served in the Army.) After Allan’s discharge in 1945 he bought a half section 4 miles north of Grande Prairie (Four Mile Corner). In June 1946 he married Alice McCaig who was a teacher at Clairmont. As their family grew, their house became too small, so they moved to a larger house (on the original Marek homestead) 2 miles east of Four Mile Corner. In 1964 Allan built a large hog barn which kept him busy for the next 9 years. Renting five more quarters, Allan was a grain farmer until he retired in 1977 to Grande Prairie. Alice and Allan were active in many community organizations including County Council, Agricultural Society, 4-H, and Clairmont United Church. Allan was enthusiastic about many sports, involved with the Alberta Senior Games, and was awarded a lifetime membership in the Alberta Sports Council. Alice and Allan had 4 children: Sherrill, Sheila, Donald, and Adell. Alice died in 1993 at age 76, and Allan died on January 26, 2015 at Points West Living in Grande Prairie at age 93.

Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 541
Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1129

Regimental No: T4211345

Force: R. C. A. F.

Born in 1921, Arthur Dubord came from Quebec to the Buffalo Lakes district in 1930 with his parents Mr and Mrs Henri Dubord. They lived on the homestead of SW 35-74-7 for a few years while Arthur attended the Canor School. The family later moved to the Canuck district, and then to McHenry. Arthur joined the ground section of the RCAF in Edmonton in July 1941. When his father died in 1951, Arthur and his mother moved to Grande Prairie. For about 12 years, Arthur worked as an orderly there. He was married to Terese Bergeron, and together they had 4 children. Arthur died in January 1999 at age 78 in Grande Prairie.

Source: Buffalo Trails – Tales of the Pioneers p. 104
Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 Name only in Roll of Honour
Grande Prairie Herald – July 17, 1941
AGS Obituary Index

Settled in SW 23-81-W6 in Jan. 1, 1963
Source: Alberta Land Book

Force: Canadian Army

Gaston Dubrule was born on May 28, 1926 in St. Paul AB. During WW II he served with the Canadian Army. He worked for the Bank of Toronto, and the N.A.R. Gaston passed away on October 21, 1993 in Edmonton.

Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. II p. 99 and p. 240

Force: Army

Sam Duerkson moved from Lodi, California to Grande Prairie in 1925 with his parents and 8 siblings. After renting land in Lake Saskatoon, Sam’s father bought a homestead near DeBolt on Harper Creek. The family lived there until 1935, when Sam’s mother passed away from cancer. Sam and his brother stayed on the farm, while his father and sisters moved to Valleyview. In 1939, Sam enlisted with the Army and served in Scotland with the Forestry Corps. After his discharge and return to Canada, he married his childhood sweetheart, Alba Dierker from Crooked Creek. The wedding took place on September 28, 1945 at the United Church in Grande Prairie. The new couple temporarily lived in Grande Prairie before they settled in North Surrey BC. They had 1 son and 3 daughters.

Source: Across the Smoky p. 374 – name in Roll of Honour
pp. 72-75 – Family story
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune: Oct. 4, 1945 p.4 c.6

Regimental Number: R76773
Regiment: Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank: Flight Sergeant
Date of Birth: 30 Oct 1921
Place of Birth: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Killed in Action: 6 Sept 1942

• Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Regiment: Edmonton Regiment

Roy Duffy was born on March 21, 1920 to parents John and Gertrude Duffy. Enlisting with the Edmonton Regiment in April 1940, he served overseas in WW II, and was discharged in 1945. He married Virginia Jean Rooney of Bezanson AB on September 30, 1946. The couple lived most of their married life in the Grande Prairie area except for a short time in Westbank BC and Calgary AB. They farmed in the Dimsdale area from 1958 to 1971. Roy also operated the Duffy and Son’s Warehouse in Grande Prairie with his father until his father died, then continued to run the business until 1980. From then on he had a variety of jobs with his sons until he passed away suddenly on February 8, 2006, at age 85. Virginia had died in January of that year. Roy and Virginia had 12 children: Mary Jean, Patricia, Maureen, Gerald, Janice, Susan, Brian, Cameron, Linda, Donald (predeceased), Cathy (predeceased) and infant daughter Sharon (predeceased). Roy was known for his good cooking.

Source: Daily Herald Tribune: April 4, 1940 p. 1 c. 1,2; Oct. 10, 1946 p. 4 c. 2 (marries); SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files - Obituary

• Recruits Join the Colors

Emile Dumas was born in Morinville, AB in 1919, the third of 7 children of Paul and Dianna Dumas. At age 2 he moved with his family to Donnelly for the winter, then to Falher for 7 years, before settling on a farm near Girouxville. Since the Gougeon School was not yet built, Emile attended school at the convent in Grouard for 2 years. He quit school at age 15 to work on farms, and eventually moved to Westlock AB. In 1940 Emile enlisted in Edmonton with the army, serving overseas. He met and married Clemence Neus in Belgium in 1945. In October Emile returned to Canada, and Clemence came 8 months later. The young couple made their home on a farm north of Girouxville. During the winters Emile worked at cutting lumber, on the railroad, and at oil rigs, while he farmed in the summers. Emile and Clemence had 7 children: Edward, Paulette, Georgette, Robert, Francine, Leo, and Suzanne. The family moved to Belgium in 1960 for 5 years, then they moved to Edmonton.

Source: Reflexions Vol. II p. 513 (Photo p. 514)
Girouxville History Vol. I pp. 65-66

Date of Birth: 21/06/1923

Floyd Dumont was born on February 1, 1918 in Lac Megantic, Quebec, being the 7th of 12 children of Charles and Antonia (Couture) Dumont. In 1923 the family settled in Lac Pelletier SK where they farmed until 1930. Because of a bad drought, they moved west to Whitemud AB and homesteaded. Floyd joined the Army in 1940, serving overseas for 5 years. Shortly after the war, he filed on a homestead in Whitemud: N. ½ -05-75-22-W5 very near the Dumont family. (The father, Charles, had passed away in 1940). On November 12, 1949 Floyd married Helen Halabowich. They raised 2 children: Emil and David, and moved to Vancouver BC in 1956. Floyd died in October 1995 in Grande Prairie at age 77.

Source: Guy pp. 625 – 626 (photo p. 624)
Where the Red Willow Grew pp. 605 – 607 (photo of Floyd as a young child p. 607)
AGS Obituary Index

Source: Bezanson Legion Hut

From Hinton Trail

• Enroute to Enlist

.

• Recruits Join the Colors

Force: Canadian Army

George Duncan was born on April 4, 1907 in Aberdeen, Scotland. As a young man, he worked in a Law Office before deciding to come to Canada. Leaving Scotland on May 31, 1928 with his brother, James, they boarded the S. S. Dorir, and after arriving in Montreal, they took the train and headed to Clairmont AB. Their uncle Donald McPherson had a homestead there since 1910, and their older brother was also there. They arrived on June 15th and were welcomed with mud and rain. After working for farmers in the area, James and George bought land near Sexsmith, on Kleskun Lake: E ½ - 19-73-4-w6 in fall of 1929 to homestead. Because they lost all their hay crop in a fire in 1931, they worked at a lumber mill for a few years. Then they started mixed farming with cattle. In 1939, James joined the army, leaving the farming to George. (Their brother Bill also served in WW II in BC.) In 1942 George also joined the army, and served overseas until he was discharged in 1946. For a short time, he lived in BC, but then returned to his farm, and he married Edna Blanes from Teepee Creek. The couple had 6 children: Donna, Georgina, Irene, Bill, Barbara, and Douglas. George was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in the Sexsmith Branch for many years. Since he developed some health problems, the family moved to Grande Prairie in 1966. George died on June 6, 1984 in Grande Prairie at age 77.

Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over pp. 169 – 171 (photos), p. 1149 – Name in Roll of Honour, p. 1155 photo.
La Glace – Yesterday and Today p. 315 (name only)
Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 291 - 292
Grande Prairie Northern Tribune: August 14, 1947 p. 5 c. 6 (marries)
AGS Obituary Index; Grande Prairie Herald Tribune June 7, 1984 - Obituary

• Recruits leave for Edmonton

Regiment: 49th Edmonton
Rank: Private
Force: Canadian Army

James Duncan was born in Scotland, and came to Canada with his brother, George, in 1928. Their uncle Donald McPherson had homesteaded near Clairmont AB since 1910, and their brother, Bill, also was there. Arriving in Montreal, they took the train to Clairmont. In fall of 1929 the two young men bought their own homestead on Kleskun Lake, near Sexsmith. (E ½ - 19-73-4-W6). When a hay crop was destroyed in a fire in 1931, they then worked in a lumber mill. After a few years they started mixed farming with cattle. James joined the army in December 1939, leaving George to look after the farming. (George joined the army in 1942, and their brother Bill also served during WWII in BC.) While serving in Holland in 1943, James was wounded, although it was first presumed that he had been killed. He was discharged in July 1945, and returned to Clairmont where he took over his uncle’s farm as a bachelor. Soon he met and married Ella Jantz, and the couple raised 9 children: Norma, Margaret, Kathie, Tom, Patricia, Heather, Donald, Terry, and Bonnie. In 1967 the Duncans built a new house on their farm.

Source:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie p.291 - 292
Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 (name only), pp. 169-171
Grande Prairie Northern Tribune – August 5, 1943 p. 1 c. 2(killed in action)
August 12, 1943 p. 4 c. 6, ( correction: wounded)

Regiment: Signal Corps
Force: Army

Source: Legion Album

Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. 2 p. 99

Source: Reflexions Vol. II p. 234 (name only)

Leonard Dupuis, son of Edward and Bertha (McDougall) Dupuis, was born on February 5, 1923 in Wakaw, SK. In 1928 he moved with his family to the Guy area, and he attended the Jason and Whitemud schools. For a while he worked for Jos Gagnon, and then joined the army in 1942. Posted in Europe, he walked from the south of France to northern Holland during combat. Being wounded by a bullet and shrapnel, he was hospitalized in England for 21 days, and then sent back to fight on the front. Leonard received an honourable discharge on January 10, 1946. He returned to Guy after the war, and farmed five quarters for 19 years. Due to health problems, he sold his farm, and worked in construction in Edmonton for thirteen and a half years, for the Thiele Drywall company. Over the years, Leonard was an avid hunter and fisherman. Every year he hunted in Whitemud, catching moose and deer. He was semi-retired in the early 1980s and moved to Calmar AB. Leonard died in August 2003 in Edmonton.

Source: Guy p. 310 -311 (Photo as a child p. 310)
AGS Obituary Index

from Girouxville area

Source:
Reflexions Vol. 2, p. 234 (name only)

Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. II p. 99

Source: Reflexions Vol. 2 p. 234 (Name only )

Moise Dupuy was born on August 16, 1915 (in St. Albert area) to parents George and Emma (Thomas) Dupuy. He was the second youngest of 6 children. In 1920 Moise moved with his family to the Bezanson area where they homesteaded. Five years later they moved to the Guy district. There Moise, age 10, attended the Ballater School, but he quit his education at age 15 in order to work on stooking and threshing crews. As soon as he was old enough, he filed on his own homestead: NW ¼ - 6-76-21-W5 which was very close to his brother Bob’s land. Work was scarce in the 1930’s so the two brothers would clear and break land, with an axe. In 1934 they built a square log house on Bob’s farm and lived there together. During the winters they earned extra money by selling animal pelts and firewood. Moise joined the army in 1942, first taking basic training in Grande Prairie. Soon Moise was transferred to the reserve army in Calgary, and on December 14, 1942 he married Elsa Mathilda Debaere of Falher. Finally he was stationed in Halifax, and was discharged in 1945. During his time with the army, he was given “harvest leaves” because he was a farmer. (Bob attended to the farming in Moise’s absence.) After the war, Moise acquired a half section of land from the V.L.A. (Veteran’s Land Act), and he hired a “cat” and brush cutter to clear it. As grain prices picked up, he bought bigger and better farm machinery. Moise and Bob moved the log house from Bob’s land onto Moise’s with 6 tractors across the fields! Later, Moise purchased land from his other brother, George, and he built a frame house there. Moise and Bob continued farming together until 1966, when Bob sold his 3 quarters to him (and moved to BC.) Elsa and Moise had 5 children: Dianne, Denis, Leona, Joyce, and Norman. They farmed until 1972, when they sold their land to Allarco Farms. In 1974 they moved to Falher, and Moise worked part-time for the Municipal District of Smoky River, until his death in 1978. Elsa died in 2013

Sources: Guy pp. 311-312 (photo p. 313)
Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 328-329
AGS Obituary Index (Elsa)

Date of Birth: 26/03/1917

Date of Birth: 1907

From Crooked Creek

• List of Recruits

Notes: sw29-80-6-W6, 16-9-46, V Ag Lease

.

• Recruits Join the Colors

From Grande Prairie, served in an
Edmonton Regiment

• Recruits Visit Family on Leave

Killed in Action

Regimental Number: M65102
Regiment: Westminster Regiment (Motors), R.C.I.C.
Rank: Private
Place of Birth: Edmonton, Alberta Date of Birth: 8 Apr
Killed in Action: 24 May 1944
Place of Birth: Edmonton, Alberta Date of Birth: 8 Apr 1922

• Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Date of Birth: January 1917

From Sexsmith

• On Leave

Regimental Number: M102011
Regiment: Canadian Provost Corps
Rank: Private
Date of Birth: 22 Jun 1916
Place of Birth: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Killed in Action: 28 May 1944

• Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Branch: Regina Rifle Regiment

• In Nova Scotia

For King and Country poster in Wembley

Date of Birth: 01/04/1921

.

• Recruits Join the Colors
• Sexsmith Recruits (1940)

Ray was born May 14, 1921 in Trauers Alberta. Regimenental # R131829, Enlisted July 19 1941 Discharged May 8 1945, Rank Sgt RCAF.

Date of Birth: 29/09/1922

Date of Birth: 27/05/1923

Date of Birth: September 1916

.

• War Brides Collection

From Crooked Creek
Source: Across the Smoky pg. 221

• Joins Army

War Bride. Mavis was born Sept 28, 1921 in England. Service #W310366, enlisted Feb 12 1943, Discharged Oct 25, 1943. RCAF (WD) Decoration VSM.

Regimental #M36180, Born Aug. 4 1917. Enlisted 1939. Disharged 1946. Served Canada, Sicilly,
England and N Europe. Jubilee Medal 1985. Legion life membership.

Notes: 79-24-W5, 1954

Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100

Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100

Date of Birth: 14/07/1900 or 07/07/1915

For King and Country poster in Wembley

Date of Birth: 13/12/1908

Regimental Number: 106673
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: Seaforth Highlanders

Bud was from Ponoka, AB, and enlisted in Edmonton on February 5, 1943. He was sent to TC 132 in Grande Prairie effective February 26, 1943.

Bud was transferred to CITC Calgary (A16) on April 27, 1943. He shipped overseas through Halifax on July 17, 1943 aboard the SS Louis Pasteur, landing in Plymouth, England.

Bud served with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in North Africa, Italy, and Europe, seeing action at Ortona, the Liri Valley, the battles for the Gothic Line and was among the troops who liberated Amsterdam in May 1945. He returned to Canada in September 1945 and received an honorable discharge, as Lance Corporal, on November 12, 1945 in Calgary.

Following the war, Bud received a land grant in Ponoka through the VLA and worked briefly for his former comrade-in-arms E ‘Davie’ Fulton (Mjr) who served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General in the Diefenbaker government, before relocating to Crossfield AB, where he remained until his passing in 2004.

Bud was a proud and active member of the Royal Canadian Legion.

Biographical information provided by Bud's son-in-law, Gary Kiernan.

Branch: RCAF

• Leave to Join RCAF

Rank: Cook
Branch: Navy
Bezanson, Alberta
Died: October 4, 1944
Commemorated at: Halifax Memorial, Nova Scotia

George Henry Fish, who was born on January 7, 1907 in Lewisham, London, England, immigrated to Canada with his family in 1919. The family settled in Grande Prairie, Alberta where George worked at various jobs until 1926 at which time he filed a homestead application on land that bordered the Smoky River in an area of Bezanson known as Fitzsimmons. As he had learned carpentry skills from his father, he built a small house on his property and assisted his neighbors in the construction of their homes. George eventually cancelled the Fitzsimmons land application and applied for a homestead on NE-26-73-2-W6 in the Goodwin area in May 1932. He built a comfortable log house and worked off his farm during the summer months. In 1938, he purchased a trap-line, traps and cabins; the income from which was used to subsidize and improve the farm. George loved to play his harmonica at social events and was well-known for his cooking and housekeeping skills. On October 23, 1942, George answered the call of duty to Country and enlisted with the Navy at the H.M.C.S. Nosuch, a land-based naval establishment in Edmonton. George received his basic training at various naval bases; H.M.C.S. Discovery at Vancouver, British Columbia; H.M.C.S. Tecumseh at Calgary, Alberta and H.M.C.S. Naden at Esquimalt, British Columbia following which he served with the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve attached to the H.M.C.S. Chebogue as a Cook during the Second World War. The H.M.C.S. Chebogue was assigned to the Mid-Ocean Escort Force. On October 4, 1944, on the ship’s second return trip to Canada, it was hit by a torpedo from the U-1227 submarine of the German Kreigsmarine when it was only 800 miles from the British Isles. Seven men were killed in the explosion of which George was one. Cook George Henry Fish was buried at sea the following day and is commemorated at the Halifax Memorial, Nova Scotia.

Son of Henry Richard Fish and Annie Elizabeth (nee Amner) Fish of Grande Prairie, Alberta; brother of Norah Annie (nee Fish) Paul and Muriel J. (nee Fish) Cobb; he was 37 years old.

Citations: 1939-45 Star, Atlantic Star, War Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Medal with Clasp.

Written by Wanda Zenner
January 2019

Date of Birth: 23/06/1907

Branch: RCAF

Calgary Highlanders, Regimental #M104859, born in Nanton, Alberta Feb 22, 1908. Died Apr 19 74 Serve Canada, England and N Europe
Filed in township 77-26-W5, 1948

Date of Birth: 1925

Notes: nw 13-81-8-W6, 2-1-59, VH

Date of Birth: 1917

Date of Birth: 11/03/1915

Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100

Regimental Number: R142518
Regiment: Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank: Warrant Officer Class II
Date of Birth: 7 Dec 1921
Place of Birth: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Killed in Action:
Service Nmber: R142518

• Joins Air Force
• Commonwealth War Graves Commission

From Sexsmith

• Joins Up
• On Leave

.

• Recruits Join the Colors
• Sexsmith Recruits (1940)

Date of Birth: 1900

For King and Country poster in Wembley

For King and Country poster in Wembley

WCAAF

• Joins WCAAF

Date of Birth: 25 Oct 1919
Date of Death: 18 April 2015
"Bubs was born on Oct. 25, 1919 in Fort. Saskatchewan to Walter and Josephine Wood. She was the fourth child of five. She was quickly nicknamed Bubbles and became known as Bubs for most of her life. Growing up in Radway, Alberta by the railway tracks, the train would always remind her of the comfort of home. Bubs joined the WRCNS in 1943 at Edmonton, and was sent overseas to Britain. These were days of immense pride for Bubs. She always spoke of the comradery, companionship and honour that serving her country had given her, and was faithful in her Remembrance Day attendance."

• Josephine's Funeral
• Obituary in the Edmonton Journal
• Blog Post

Dominique was born April 15, 1925 in St Alphonse, Manitoba. Enlisted March 1943, Discharge Aug 1946. 25 General Transport, 3rd Division. Filed in Township 78-26-W5, 1946.

Date of Birth: 21/07/1922

Date of Birth: 12/02/1918

Thomas Gass served as a mechanic in WWII. When the war ended he came back and farmed near Hythe. Thomas didn't marry and is buried in the Hythe Cemetery.

• Gass Family fonds 631
• Leaving for Edmonton

Date of Birth: 22/08/1915

Date of Birth: 29/06/1925

Date of Birth: 13/11/1912

Date of Birth: 29/06/1925

Enlisted: February 1942
Branch: RCASC

• On Leave

From Dimsdale

• Leaves for Edmonton

Source: Buffalo Trails pg. 136

Married Larry Thornington
Source: Buffalo Trails pg. 136

Married Gretha

• War Brides Collection
• Gerow Wedding Photograph

Lived at Buffalo Lakes
Source: Buffalo Trails pg. 136

Regimental Number: J12273
Regiment: Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Date of Birth: 19 Nov 1920
Place of Birth: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Killed in Action: 22 Oct 1944

• Commonwealth War Graves Commission

Service Number: M104398
Rank: Private
Branch: RCASC
b. 1912
d. 1951
Burial: Halcourt Cemetery, Halcourt, Alberta
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100

Rank: Gunner

Birth Date: 23 Feb 1921
Birth Place: Grizzlybear, Alberta
Residence: Hythe, Alberta
Service Number: J12225
Force: Air
Regiment: Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank: Flying Officer
Killed in Action: 17 Feb 1944

• Commonwealth War Graves Commission
• Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Regimental # M65908.
Rank: Private
Married Marie Burroughs on Dec 25, 1940. Had a daughter named Gail in 1942 who married Leo Trudell. Donat enlisted in 1942, was killed in Sicily in Oct 1943. Marie later married Delbert Campbell.

• Canadian Virtual War Memorial

Notes: 79-26-W5, 1946

Date of Birth: 28/10/1919

Date of Birth: 22/10/1919

Date of Birth: 14/06/1922

From Grande Prairie

• List of Recruits

Regiment: Edmonton Regiment

• Recruits Visit Family on Leave
• On Leave (1940)

Date of Birth: 28/09/1924

Rank: Sapper
Enlisted: February 1941

• On Leave

Date of Birth: 05/03/1922

.

• Recruits Join the Colors
• Sexsmith Recruits (1940)

Date of Birth: 22/06/1917

Notes: 77-26-W5

Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100

Date of Birth: 26/01/1921
Branch: Air Force

• On Leave

Regimental Number: M65135
Rank: Corporal
Branch: Royal Canadian Engineers

1901-1973

Bruce was born May 9, 1919 in Decker, Manitoba. Enlisted Edmonton Aug. 9, 1940.
RCAF-Cpl. Regimental #R121836, Discharged June 28, 1946, Jubilee Medal 1986.

For King in Country poster located in Wembley, Saskatoon Reflections p. 146-150

Date of Birth: 1902

Regimental #C51649. RCAF, Atlantic Submarine Search, 1940-1945. RCAF Flying officer F Engineer. Service in Canada. Born March 17. 1919 in Cibbs, Sask.

Notes: sw 7, nw 6-80-5-W6, 21-8-58, V Ag Lease

For King and Country poster in Wembley, Lake Saskatoon Reflections pg. 151

For King and Country poster in Wembley, Lake Saskatoon Reflections pg. 151

For King and Country poster in Wembley, Lake Saskatoon Reflections pg. 151

For King and Country poster in Wembley, Lake Saskatoon Reflections pg. 151

Date of Birth: 1900

Date of Birth: 1921

Source: Pioneer Round Up pg. 356

For King and Country poster in Wembley

Frank joined the Air Force as a mechanic.

• Jons Air Force Unit