Image: Street view of Spirit River, showing several businesses, including H. H. McLeod Hardware, A. W. Davies Meat Market, W. Wade Real Estate, Insurance and Notary Public, and Spirit Hardware. The photograph appears to have been contributed by Percy H. Jones of McLennan, Alberta. 1917 (SPRA 032.08.08.1002)
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
Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.