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Adair, William A.
Force: R. C. A. Medical Corps
William Adair was born in 1892 in Sussen, NB, and he graduated from Fredericton Normal School. He taught in Saskatchewan where his met and wife Nellie Mae Stewart. They married in Regina SK on Dec. 25, 1914. Then William served overseas in WW I. Upon returning, William had the urge to file on land in the Teepee Creek area in Alberta. In 1920 his wife and 2 year old daughter, Christine, moved out west to join him. The first school was built in 1920 and William taught there, as well as doing combine farming. He enlisted in the R.C.A. Medical Corps in WW II in 1941, letting his 17 year old son, Hudson, handle the farm. After William was discharged in 1944, he continued teaching and farming. He was also active in baseball. William died on April 25, 1966, the day of Nellie's funeral. Both were buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 873
AGS website – Obituary Index
Adams, Harvey
Harvey Adams of Bad Heart, AB enlisted in the army in 1941. He was the son of Charles and Laura Adams. After the war Harvey met and married Cora in Manitoba where they settled.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over PP. 22-23. Photos.
Adams, Ralph Eugene
R.E. Adams was born in 1901 in Cabri, Saskatchewan. His father was Simmond Adams, and he had 2 brothers, Charley and Frank, and 2 sisters, Nina and Viola. In 1915 the family moved and eventually settled near Gundy Station, BC. In 1926 R.E. moved to Sexsmith, AB, then to Dimsdale in 1934. He enlisted in the army in 1940 at age 39, and after the war he moved to Crooked Creek. He homesteaded land in Section 28 Twp 74 R6 M6. In 1955 he moved to Grande Prairie. He was buried in the Emerson Trail Cemetery in 1971.
Source: Pioneers of the Peace p. 315
Emerson Trail Cemetery Database online
Adams, William
William (Bill), was born July 1, 1924 in Calgary, and was adopted by Urquhart and Maryle Adams, who also had a daughter, Virginia, who was three years older. Urquhart and his father emigrated from the United States in 1912 and settled in Peace River, Alberta in 1917. Urquhart cooked for Kresge’s Construction camp and then raised dairy cattle with his father, but eventually opened the Star Café in Peace River. He left the café and entered into the real estate business with a partner; however, when the business flagged, Urquhart went back to cook for Kresge’s at a railway grade-building camp at Driftpile. While there, he received word that his wife had left with the business partner, taking their daughter Virginia, and abandoning young Bill. Urquhart returned to Peace River to care for his son and re-opened the café which, through hard work and perseverance, became profitable.
Bill grew up in Peace River and took his schooling there before enlisting in the Canadian Army in Edmonton on October 8, 1942. Shortly thereafter, he responded to a November call for volunteers for the 1st Canadian Parachute Battalion. Entry into the Battalion was on a volunteer basis through a rigorous screening process that selected recruits based on physical fitness and ability, but also, according to Department of National Defence records, a “high degree of stability and perseverance, and at the same time an ability to think for themselves.” He was accepted for training December 5, 1942, and qualified as a parachutist at the Battalion’s initial training facility in Fort Benning, Georgia on February 17, 1943. Of those volunteering, the initial screening, followed by a demanding training regimen, saw only 20% of the prospective paratroopers manage to complete the training.
Bill trained as a Medic, and was part of the D-Day invasion when the Battalion's active history began as the first Canadian unit to engage the Germans – the main body jumping behind enemy lines between midnight and one a.m., preceded by a small contingent of “Pathfinders”. Of the 563 men who parachuted into action on June 5 and 6, 1944, 328 were killed, wounded or captured by the end of the war. Although widely scattered that first night, the Battalion successfully achieved all its objectives, which became a hallmark – the Battalion took every objective assigned and once taken, never relinquished them as it fought with distinction through France, Belgium, Holland and Germany.
Bill was discharged on demobilization in Calgary on September 7, 1945. Private William Adams served in the USA, United Kingdom and Continental Europe and received the France & Germany Star, Defense Medal, War Medal, 1939-45 and the Canadian Volunteer Medal & Clasp.
He subsequently returned to Peace River, hiring on with Hudson Bay Oil & Gas as a swamper on bush planes. On March 5, 1951, an usher at the Gaiety Theatre in Grande Prairie by the name of Skippy Duncan, introduced Bill to Elsie Stearn. Elsie was working at the Grande Prairie Hospital and Jess Willard, the pilot of the bush plane that Bill flew on, would ‘gun the throttle’ over the hospital to let her know that they had arrived in town.
Their relationship blossomed quickly and they married that April 6 at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Edmonton with the pilot, Jess, as best man and Anne Sarmaga as bridesmaid. The young couple moved to Peace River where Bill continued with Hudson Bay Oil & Gas and Elsie found work at Peace River Plumbing and Heating. Shortly thereafter, Bill and Elsie moved to the farm of her parents, Ed and Charlotte Stearn, near Bezanson in the Fitzsimmons area. A son, Stuart was born on September 7, 1952. At Christmas 1952, the family moved back to Peace River and Bill assisted his father in the restaurant for six months.
Bill returned to the oil patch in the spring of 1953 when they moved to Edmonton and he began with Halliburton. He was transferred to Grande Prairie in 1953, where
another son, Leigh was born on August 17, 1954.
Elsie’s father, Ed, died December 28, 1954, and they moved to the family farm to assist her mother, but unfortunately, the farmhouse burned in March 1956. They then moved into a trailer in Clarke’s Auto Court in Grande Prairie and Bill found employment with McCullough Tools. Elsie worked for Blackwell’s Insurance and also became the bookkeeper for Dale-Maynard Construction.
During the summer of 1957, the family moved the trailer to Edson where Elsie managed a motel and Bill worked hauling fuel. Shortly thereafter, Mrs. Stearn moved in with them and remained after Bill and Elsie divorced that fall. In the summer of 1958, Elsie, her sons and her mother moved to Edmonton. In the spring of 1960, Bill and Elsie reconciled and remarried on May 13, 1960. Bill was working for Halliburton, which transferred him to Drayton Valley, where they lived until another transfer to Edmonton in 1962.
Bill’s father, Urquhart died September 27, 1967, and the following year, Bill left Halliburton and purchased Edmonton’s first Orange Julius stand, located in Centennial Village Mall, which he operated for 10 years. During the summer of 1970, Bill and Elsie once again separated and then divorced.
Bill finished his working years in the oil patch operating his business, “B. Adams Hotshot”, where he and his dog, Hector, were inseparable as they worked around Alberta. Bill remained in Edmonton and passed away there on May 2, 1997 and was cremated; Stuart and Leigh scattered his ashes over the Peace River from the former Northern Alberta Railways Bridge, and at the Twelve Foot Davis monument. Bill had been a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, Jasper Place Branch No. 255 in Edmonton for many years.
Elsie passed away on January 7, 2015 and was cremated and they spread her ashes downstream from the Smoky River Bridge near Bezanson, and on the Kleskun Hills. Charlotte Stearn had passed away on July 24, 1983.
References:
Interview with Maxine (Sarmaga) Maxwell
Interview with Stuart Adams (son)
Archives Canada – Service File
Smoky to Grande Prairie
1926 Census Records – date of immigration to Canada
Written by Stuart Adams with slight editing by Wanda Zenner
Alain, Audrey
Source: Where the Red Willow Grows (Honour Roll) p. 303
Albert, Cyprien
Cyprien Albert was born on August 4, 1928. He served in WW II, and he married Therese Brochu on May 4, 1948 in Girouxville AB. Together they had 5 children: Louise, Jeanne, Claire, Norman and Donald. Cyprien and Therese retired to Leduc AB, and they enjoyed travelling.
Source: Reflexions p. 270, photo p. 231
Albright, Frederick Bruce
Bruce Albright was born March 2, 1914, the son of Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Albright of Beaverlodge, AB. At age 26 in 1940 he enlisted in the RCAF as a pilot, and was stationed in Yorkton, SK. On August 16, 1941 Bruce was given his wings. He was sent overseas and took part in at least two big German raids. According to a news article, Bruce was captain of a Wellington bomber, and promoted to Flight Sergeant on June 1, 1941. It is believed that he was killed in action on June 2, 1942 while being east of Brussels in Belgium. Bruce was the first communicant of the United Church in Beaverlodge to give his life in WWII.
Source: Grande Prairie Herald Aug. 28, 1941; Sept. 4, 1941; Aug 27, 1942; Nov. 25, 1943; Beaverlodge High Year Book 1947-48 p.26
Service Number: R76714
Force: Air
Regiment: Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank: Flight Sergeant
Alfke, Curtis John
Alleman, Martin
Birth Date: 4 Mar 1900
Birth Place: Chur, Grison, Switzerland
Residence: Debolt, Alberta
Service Number: M17135
Force: Army
Regiment: Loyal Edmonton Regiment, R.C.I.C.
Rank: Private
Killed in Action: 3 Aug 1943
Allen, Marvin Floyd
Marvin Allen settled in NE – 36 – 82- 10- W6 (in 2-1-57) VH Lease
Source: Alberta Land Book
Allen, Thomas "Slim"
Thomas (Slim) Allen was born in 1918, and his parents were Matthew and Jane Allen. He was married to Violet and they had 5 children: Bob, Norman, Ernie, Shirley, and Mary. They lived in Grande Prairie where Slim was very involved in the Peace Area Riding for the Disabled Society (PARDS). He had a great love for horses. Slim died in Grande Prairie on January 13, 2009 at age 91.
Source: AGS website – Obituary Index
DHT Obituary Jan. 14,15,16, 2009
Allison, Hugh Alexander Bennett
Hugh Allison was born in Calgary AB, and grew up in Beaverlodge. In the war he was posted in Italy. He took training in Mechanics and Steam Engineering, and was also a farmer. He worked at the Experimental Farm in Beaverlodge. From 1967 to 1981 Hugh was employed at Fairview Agricultural and Vocational College. Then he moved to Whitelaw. Hugh died on September 9, 1987 at the age of 70 in Hythe. His funeral was on Sept. 12 at Beaverlodge United Church.
Service Number: M17067 Lord Strathcona Horse
Regiment: Edmonton Fusiliers
Rank: not known
Force: Army
Burial: Halcourt Cemetery, Halcourt, Alberta
Source: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 43
Grande Prairie Herald April 24, 1941
Daily Herald Tribune – Obituary – Sept. 11, 1987
Allsop, Albert
Worked as an aircraft mechanic during the war.
From Wembley.
For King & Country Poster in Wembley, Lake Saskatoon Reflections p.90
Almonitis, Edward Walter "Scottie"
Regiment: Loyal Edmonton
Rank: Private
Edward Almonitis was born about 1913 or 1914 in Scotland. During WWII he was posted in Europe. Edward was married to Doreen, and they had two daughters, Heather (John) Lemckert, and Sheena Almonitis. A resident of Grande Prairie for 20 years, Edward died on March 9, 1979. He was buried in the Grande Prairie cemetery.
Source: Alberta Land Book
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune March 16, 1979
Altman, Martin
Ames, Glenn
Glenn Ames was born in Bezanson on October 5, 1924 to George and Thelma Ames. He enlisted in the army at age 19 in 1943 and stayed in the occupation force in Germany until he was discharged in 1946. When he returned he married Mavis Maude Boyd on August 15, 1947. They had 3 children: Randall, Leonard, and Bonny (Vic Romaniuk). The family lived on the farm in Bezanson, and then in 1974 they sold the farm and moved to Grande Prairie. Glenn died on October 5, 1975, and he is buried in the Glenn Leslie Cemetery.
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 313-314
Ames, Robert
Date of Birth: 27/01/1922
Amundson, Burgo
Burgo Amundson was born on June 6, 1918 in Valhalla Centre. He was a farmer in Valhalla until he enlisted in the army at age 24 on March 23, 1942. Killed in action on September 8, 1944, he is buried at the Calais Canadian War Cemetery in Leubringhen, France. (Grave Memorial Ref. 6.F.12)
Regiment: Calgary Highlanders R.C. I.C. #M56329
Rank: Private
Service No: H/56329
Source: Pioneer Round-up – Valhalla War Veterans p. 748,
Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Anders, Agnes
Agnes Anders was born in 1920 on the homestead near La Glace/Sexsmith. At age 23 she enlisted in the Navy as a WRN . She was posted in Sydney, NS where she worked most of the 3 years, but was also posted to Ottawa, and Victoria to get discharged in 1946. In 1950 Agnes married Eric Carlson. They had 2 children: Valerie, and Renny, and they moved to Fort St. John BC. Agnes taught school in BC. She moved to Sundre AB for retirement in 2006.
Force: Navy – Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS)
Source: La Glace – Yesterday and Today p. 101
Sundre Round – up Interview by Patricia Riley Nov. 5, 2013
Anders, Horst Richard
Regiment: Royal Canadian Army Engineers
Horst Richard Anders was born in Tilsit, East Prussia in Germany on November 26, 1903. He immigrated to Canada in 1930 and homesteaded in Westmark, Alberta. He was also a farm labourer in Buffalo Lakes and La Glace areas in the summers, while in the winters he worked in sawmills. In the late 30’s and 40’s Horst did mining work in B.C. and Yellowknife, NWT. He enlisted in the army in 1943 and was posted in various locations in Canada. After he was discharged, he sold his homestead and obtained another one, building a shack, and doing custom land breaking work. Horst was nicknamed “Doc” because he could fix almost anything. He remained a bachelor, and his life ended tragically on December 31, 1953.
Source: Burnt Embers pp. 110, 372
Anderson, August Edward
Regiment: Westminster (Overseas)
Rank: Corporal
Regimental Number: M56264
Ed Anderson was born in Edmonton AB on November 25, 1917, and he grew up in Beaverlodge where he later met his wife, Edna Mae Pack. They were married in Beaverlodge on March 18, 1941. In January 1942, at age 24, Ed enlisted in Grande Prairie and became a Corporal and worked overseas. He was discharged in February 1946. Ed and Edna moved to Dawson Creek BC where he worked in the lumber industry, and they had 5 children: Darryl, Virginia, Patricia, Sandra and Darlene. Ed died on December 19, 1976 in Dawson Creek.
Source: Edna Anderson Pomeroy
Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 28
Anderson, Cliff
Branch: Regina Rifle Regiment
Cliff Anderson, whose home town was Grande Prairie, joined the Regina Rifle regiment in 1941. He was posted in Nova Scotia.
Source: Grande Prairie Herald May 1, 1941
Anderson, Elnor R.
From Grande Prairie
Anderson, Henry
Henry Anderson was born in Starkweather, North Dakota. In 1918 his parents and siblings moved to Alberta and settled in Albright. Henry went to high school in Beaverlodge, then he joined the army in WWII and was posted overseas. After the war he became a partner in the South Wapiti Lumber Company, breaking land and sawing wood. He married Margaret Taylor, and they made their home in Wembley. They had two daughters. Lorne died in 1978 and is buried in the Lake Saskatoon Cemetery.
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pp. 1-2
Along the Wapiti p. 412
Grande Prairie AGS website – cemetery index
Anderson, Lorne
Lorne Anderson was the son of Oscar and Ingrid Anderson and was born on May 24, 1923. He grew up in the La Glace area. At the age of 20, in 1943, Lorne enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force. He married Betty Lee from Edmonton. They settled in Terrance, California where Lorne had a realty firm. They had 6 children: Patricia, Randy, Robin, Lorna, Becky, and Sonja. Lorne died October 3, 2004 and is buried in the Scenic Heights Cemetery in La Glace.
Source: La Glace Yesterday and Today pp. 62-63 Photo p. 62
Grande Prairie AGS website – Cemetery Index
Anderson, Ralph
Regiment: Army Princess Louise Dragoon Guards
Ralph Anderson (brother of Henry Anderson) was born in Starkweather, North Dakota. He moved to Alberta with his parents and siblings in May 1918. After going to school in Beaverlodge, Ralph went to the School of Agriculture in Vermillion. Then he worked at the Grande Prairie creamery. In 1939 he joined the army and was posted overseas. He was wounded in Italy. While in England he married Audrey Prescott, and he was discharged in 1945. After the war Ralph farmed and also worked at the Canadian Forces Base in Beaverlodge. The family moved to Grande Prairie, and then to Prince Rupert BC. They had 3 girls and 1 boy.
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pp. 1-2
Andrews, J.M.
Angedal, Andy
Regiment: Calgary Highlanders
Rank: Private
Biography:
Source: Daily Herald Tribune Dec. 4, 1941
Note: Daily Herald Tribune July 17, 1947 p. 1 col. 2 has article about “Angeldol, Andy”
Angel, Colin
Colin Angel was born in Durham County, England, in 1909. His home town was New Sarepta, AB., where he also married Almina Jeanette in 1938. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Artillery serving in the U.K. and the Mediterranean. After the war Colin farmed in Lacombe, AB. Then he worked in Red Deer for the Liquor Control Board, and was transferred to Beaverlodge, AB in 1960. As a hobby, Colin was an artist and a carver - mostly of animals. Colin and Almina had two children: Michael and Jeanette. Colin died on September 18, 1973, at age 64, in Grande Prairie, AB.
Regiment: 5th Canadian Armoured Division
Force: Army
Source: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 81
G.P. – AGS website – Obituary Index
Antonio, Michael S. "Mike"
Mike Antonio was born November 1918. His parents were John and Anna (Woloszyn) Antonio, both from Poland, and living in the Vermillion, AB area. The family moved to Sexsmith where they farmed. Mike went to McHenry School and to North Sexsmith School. He gave up his high school education in order to manage the family farm. In 1939, at age 21, Mike joined the Loyal Edmonton Regiment for the war. He was posted to England and was also married there and had a child. Mike was a member of the Hythe Branch Legion. He died on August 8, 2002, in Hythe AB, at age 84.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over PP. 390-392, 1149
Grande Prairie AGS website – Obituary Index
Regimental Number: M16029
Date of Birth: November 1918
Member of the first contingent from Grande Prairie, D Company, C.A.S.F.
Antson, Pte.
Name: Antson, ?
Regiment: No. 3 Platoon C.A. (B) T.C. No. 132
Rank
Biography: Trained in Grande Prairie, AB
Source:
Photograph: 2005.53.02 (1943)
Note: Name may be misspelled
Arac, Daniel Francis "Danny"
Regiment: Fort Garry Horse Tank Corps
Regimental Number: M104388
Rank: Trooper
Danny Arac was born in North Sydney, NS in 1924. At age 2 he moved with his family to North Kleskun, AB. (Sexsmith area) When his mother died, Danny and his sisters moved back to NS, and when he was 14 he moved back to North Kleskun. In 1941, at age 17, Danny enlisted in WW II. He was posted overseas in 1943, and returned to Canada in 1945. After he was discharged in 1946, he obtained the homestead NW 11-74-4-W6 through the V. L. A. He farmed, and he built a house on his land in 1948. In 1957 Danny married Dorothy McQuitty, and they lived in Grande Prairie for 2 years and then moved to Sexsmith. Danny was a member of the Sexsmith Legion Branch. He continued to farm until 1972 when the family moved to Wembley, and then back to Grande Prairie. Danny and Dorothy had 3 children: Barbara, Brent, and Brenda. Danny died on November 25, 2002, at age 78, in Grande Prairie.
Source: Wagon Wheels Grown Over pp 258 – 259. Photo p. 1153
Arac, Fred
Fred Arac came to Cape Breton, Canada from Latvia in 1913 with his brother John. Their older brother, Emil, was there and the 3 of them worked in the coal mines. When the war broke out, Fred enlisted and was posted overseas. After the war Fred (and Pete Stahlberg who he met in the war) came to Sexsmith. Fred settled and homesteaded near Sexsmith on the land that later became the Rasi farm.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 259 ( “John Arac Family”)
Arac, Pte.
Trained in Grande Prairie
Source:
Photograph 2005.53.02 (1943)
Regiment: No. 3 Platoon C.A. (B) T.C. No. 132
Archer, John Carlisle
Biography: John Archer was born on August 21, 1918 in Lake Saskatoon to Ruth and Joseph Archer. He grew up in Wembley, and he attended U of A for one year. On January 8, 1941 he joined the Air Force in Edmonton, and he was posted in various locations:
Manning Pool in Brandon ON Jan. 9, 1941
Swift Current , SK Feb. 15, 1941 no. 36 SFTS
Regina, SK March 26, 1941 no. 2 Initial Training School – posted to aircrew as pilot
Boundary Bay (Vancouver) BC no. 18 EFTS
Claresholm, AB July 2, 1941 – became flying instructor
Calgary AB no. 3 SFTS
Gimili MB no. 1 SFTS
Souris MB no. 18 SFTS
He married Jessamy Smith August 10, 1942 in Edmonton, and they lived in Claresholm. He was promoted to Flight Lieutenant June 19, 1943. John’s main job was flight instructor, and he gave armament tests. In 1945 he was discharged. John and Jessamy moved to Beaverlodge, where John owned the Marshall-Wells hardware store until 1976. He was also the mayor for 7 years. Archers had 6 children: Fred, Bill, Joe, Mavis, Robert, and David. In 1986 John and Jessamy moved to Qualicum Beach BC. Jessamy died in 1999. John remarried to Mary Peters February. 3, 2001. He died September 10, 2010 in Victoria, and is buried in Beaverlodge.
Regiment: RCAF
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Source:
Memoirs of John C. Archer (autobiography- unpublished)
Beaverlodge to the Rockies pp. 81-82
Along the Wapiti pp. 412, 332-333
Saskatoon Lake Reflections p. 98
Armeneau, Lawrence Daniel "Dewey"
Biography: Lawrence Armeneau was born around 1925, and he lived in the Valleyview area before he enlisted in the war. He died at age 69 in Sept. 1994 in Bladworth SK.
Source: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303
AGS website – Obituary Index
Arndt, Ernest
Biography: Ernest Arndt was from a family of 10 children. His parents were Archie and Della Arndt from Texas, who came to Canada in 1920. The family moved several times, and in 1925 ended up in McLennan AB. Ernest and his brothers were employed with the railroad. During WWII Ernest and his younger brother, Sigurd, joined the Air Force.
Source: Trails and Rails North pp. 89, 117
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force
Arndt, Sigurd
Biography: Sigurd Arndt was born between 1921 and 1925 in Peace River AB. He was one of 10 children, and his parents were Archie and Della Arndt. The family moved to McLennan in 1925, where Sigurd and his brothers all were employed with the railroad. Sigurd and his older brother Ernest joined the Air Force in WWII.
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force
Source: Trails and Rails North pp, 89, 117
Artindale, Harold Stanton
Biography: Harold Artindale was born in 1917. He died at age 62 on August 26, 1979, in Grande Prairie, and he is buried at the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Source:
AGSS website – Cemetery Index
Regiment: CEF
Rank: Private
Ash, Paul
Biography: Paul Ash was born in in 1925, the second son of Cecil and Lillian Ash. In 1930 the family moved to the Peace River country. After 1943 Paul joined the Air Force and was posted in several cities: Moose Jaw, St. Thomas, Yorkton, Brandon, and in England. After the war, he homesteaded, broke land, farmed, logged, and owned a sawmill. Paul was a bachelor who lived with his parents for many years. He died in April 2013 at age 88.
Regiment: Royal Canadian Air Force
Source: Homesteader’s Heritage pp. 357-358
AGS website – obituary index
Ash, Reg
Biography: Reg Ash was born in 1921 in Crossfield AB. His parents were Cecil and Lillian Ash who came to the Peace country in 1930. In 1937 the family moved to Gordondale in 1937 and lived there for many years. Reg enlisted in the Canadian Army in May 1941 at age 20. He was trained in sheet metal work, and he worked in this trade for much of his life. From his first marriage, Reg had 2 children: Brian and Linda. Reg and his second wife, Margaret, lived in Cassiar BC, and they had 3 children: Dianne, Lillian, and David.
Regiment: Canadian Army
Source: Homesteaders` Heritage p. 358
Atkinson, Alexander
Regiment: Royal Canadian Engineers
Regimental Number: M17553
Rank: Corporal
Alexander Atkinson was born in Togo, Saskatchewan on December 30, 1908. His father was Albert Edward Atkinson. He lived in the Kleskun Hill and Clairmont area of Alberta since 1934 and was a farmer and a driver. At age 32, on June 23, 1940, he enlisted to serve in WWII. Alexander was married to Abbie Alice (Atkinson). He was killed in action in the Netherlands on November 1, 1944, and is buried in the Bergen-Op-Zoom Canadian War Cemetery (Grave Ref: 10.B.3)
Source: Attestation Paper – Canadian Active Service Force
Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) website – Find War Dead
Obituary Nov. 16, 1944 – Herald Tribune
Atkinson, Allan "Doc"
Allan Atkinson aka “Doc” was from a family of 10 children. He was born in 1925 to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Atkinson. The family moved to Goodfare AB in 1938. Allan enlisted in the war in 1942, and he was posted overseas. He returned safely, and in 1950 he married Viola Wallan. They farmed in Halcourt until 1962, then farmed in Goodfare. Allan and Viola had 4 children: Patsy, Roy, Terry, and Lorraine. Allan died in October 1992 in Goodfare.
Enlistment Date: 1942
Regiment: Calgary Highlanders
Source: Pioneer Round-Up p. 61 (photo), p.100
AGS Website – Obituary Index
Atkinson, Gordon "Darkie"
Gordon Atkinson (aka “Darkie”) was one of 10 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Atkinson. The family lived in Goodfare AB since 1938. In 1942 Gordon joined the army and was posted overseas. He was wounded in action, but returned safely . While in the Charles Camsell Hospital in Edmonton, he met his wife, Winona Will who was a nurse in training there. They married in 1948 and lived first in Halcourt, then moved to Goodfare, and in 1962 they moved to Hythe AB. Gordon was a legion member in the Hythe Branch. He had the mail hauling contract in Hythe, and did part-time work at CFS in Beaverlodge. The couple had 10 children: Duane, Daisy, Willie, Charlie, Juanita, Wendy, Darcy, Clifford, Mickey, and Alison.
Enlistment Date: 1942
Regiment: Edmonton 49th
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 61
Atkinson, Harold "Smoky"
Harold Atkinson aka “Smokey was born to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Atkinson who had a family of 10 children. They lived in Goodfare since 1938. Harold enlisted in the army in 1939 and was posted overseas. He was wounded in action, but returned home safely. He farmed in Goodfare and did trapping in the winter. In 1968 he married Mrs. Jean Primrose, and they lived in the Albright area.
Enlistment Date: 1939
Regiment: Edmonton 49th
Source: Pioneer Round-up pp. 61-62 Photo p. 62
Atkinson, Samuel
Samuel Atkinson was one of 10 children born to Mr. and Mrs. Charlie Atkinson. The family moved to Goodfare AB in 1938. In 1941 Samuel enlisted in the army and was posted overseas. After the war, he married Florence Goodings. Sam bought land and farmed and trapped. He operated a road grader and snow plow for the Grande Prairie County. He was a Legion member. Gordon and Florence had 8 children: Sherry, Susan, Bernadine, Tressa, Sam Jr., Grace, Gwen, and Sandra (who died at age 5.) Samuel died at age 76 in Goodfare.
Regiment: Edmonton 49th
Source: Pioneer Round-up pp. 61-62 Photo p.62
Atkinson, Walter
Biography: Walter Atkinson was born in July 1910, in Calder (North Edmonton), and his parents were Thomas and Daisy (Struthers) Atkinson. The family moved to Grande Prairie AB in 1920. As a teenager Walter had a job in a livery stable, and also helped build the railway from Grande Prairie to Wembley. During the Depression years, he homesteaded in the Crooked Creek area. When the war broke, Walter enlisted in the army for 4 years and was posted in England. After the war he worked at meat markets in Peace River and Grande Prairie. He married Marie Lae in 1950. For 12 years they lived in Valleyview and opened a meat market business. He and Marie retired in Vernon BC. They had two boys: Harley and Dennis. Walter died in Abbotsford BC (where Dennis lived) in March 2000 at age 89.
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 316
Across the Smoky pp. 57-58
AGS website – Obituary Index
Aubin, Benoit
Benoit Aubin was born on April 11, 1918 in Falher AB. At age 22 in 1940 he enlisted with the Canadian Army in WW II. He was discharged in 1944, and that same year on August 5, he married Cecile Houde. Their home town was Guy, AB where Benoit farmed. Their homestead was N.E. ¼ - 2 – 75 – 21 – W – 5. Benoit died at the age of 67 on December 5, 1985 in Guy ( High Prairie AB).
Source: Guy p. 159
AGS website – Obituary Index
Babb, John L.
Source: Valleyview – Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303 (Honour Roll)
Backer, Henry
Henry Backer was born in Rush Lake SK, and came to Woking from Saskatchewan in 1940. On November 2, 1943, he enlisted in the army in Calgary. After the war, he filed on the land SE and NW 13-76-8-W6 and farmed. He also did various other jobs including carpentry to supplement his income. After many years of being a bachelor, Henry married Elke (nee Egge) in 1968. Henry adopted her 4 children: Duane, Ruby, Delores, and Linda. Raymond is their son together. Henry died in May 2003 at age 78 in Woking AB.
Source: Burnt Embers (Woking district) p. 372, photo p. 110
AGS website – Obituary Index
Badham, Dave
Branch: Regina Rifle Regiment
Hometown – Grande Prairie
Source: Grande Prairie Herald – May 1, 1941
Baifit, Pte.
Regiment: No. 3 Platoon C. A. (B) T. C. No. 132
Biography: Trained in Grande Prairie AB
Source: Photograph 2005.53.02 (1943)
Note: Name may be misspelled.
Bailey, George
Killed in Italy
Bain, Melford F.
Melford Bain was born in 1890. He had previous military service in WW I. Around 1929, Melford and his wife Edith, and 3 children moved from Oak Lake, Manitoba to the Peace River Country. Settling in the Mt. Saskatoon school district area, Melford broke land for himself and neighbors, and he also was the secretary of the school board. The local school teacher boarded with the Bains for two years. The family then moved to the North Beaverlodge area near Hay Lake where 2 more daughters were born. In 1936 the Bains moved to White Rock BC, and Melford enlisted in WW II in 1939. Melford died in March 1974 at age 84. He and Edith had 5 children: Robert, Harold, Dorothy, Alona, and Arlene.
Source:
Beaverlodge to the Rockies PP. 236-237
Baker, George Peter
George Baker settled in SE-15-82-13-W6 in 2-1-51 VH Lease
Source: Alberta Land Book
Bakstad, Lyle
Source: La Glace Yesterday and Today p. 313 (picture only)
Balaf, Gustaf
Source: Across the Smoky p. 347 Roll of Honour
Balanko, Mike
Mike Balanko was born in Smoky Lake AB on August 7, 1920. He was youngest of 10 siblings and his parents died when he was very young. He enlisted in the Army in July 1941, and he was posted in Canada, England, and northwestern Europe. In 1945 he was discharged. After WW II he married Mary Monica Sanocki in Codesa AB. They homesteaded in Eaglesham AB where Mike worked for other farmers and sawmills. Later he had a job with the Commissionaires and was often away from home. Mike and Mary had 3 children: Gary, Carol, and Gloria (who died in 1951). Mike died in January 2002 in Eaglesham at age 81.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle pp. 127-128
Wedding photo p. 128
AGS Website – Obituary Index
Baldwin, Beverly Lee
Regiment: No. V-11661 A/B
Force: R.C.N.V.R.
Biography: Beverley (Bud) Baldwin was born in 1922 in Cereal AB. He joined the Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve in WW II. His wife was Margaret, and he had 4 children: Russell, Susan, Theresa, and Heather. He also had stepchildren. Beverley was a legion member and lived most of his life in the Grande Prairie district. He died at age 59 on June 13, 1981 in Grande Prairie, and he is buried in the Grande Prairie cemetery.
Source: AGS website – Cemetery Records, Obituary Index
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune – Thursday June 18, 1981
Baldwin, Walter "Baldy"
Walter Baldwin was born in Ontario. He lived for a while in Govan, SK. Around 1928 Walter moved to the Peace River country and worked for farmers. He acquired a homestead in 1935 and brushed it with an ax, but he never broke land, so he abandoned it. He enlisted in the Armed Forces in October 1941, and was posted overseas. While in England, Walter married, and after the war he and his wife came back to Canada. But soon they returned to England to stay.
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 157-158
Photo p. 157 (Walter and bear)
Bangen, Orlo
Force: U.S. Army
Orlo Bangen was born in Wilton, Minnesota on December 27, 1920. His parents were Toleff and Anna Bangen. His family moved to La Glace AB in 1928. After attending Northfield School, Orlo farmed, worked in sawmills, and hauled grain and gas. In 1945 he joined the U.S. Army and served with the occupation troops in Korea. Returning to La Glace in 1947, he married Eilene Freslund a year later. A job as grain elevator agent required them to move around to Sexsmith, Peace River, Grande Prairie, and Edmonton. Also he worked as a partsman for some years before retiring to Grande Prairie in 1985. Some activities that Orlo enjoyed were singing in choirs and quartets, being active in church, and sports, especially baseball, golf, and curling. Orlo and Eilene had two sons: Terry and Leroy. Orlo died in Grande Prairie on October 16, 1998 at age 77. He was buried in the Northfield Cemetery in La Glace.
Source: La Glace Yesterday and Today - picture only p. 313
AGS website – Cemetery Index
GP. Daily Herald Tribune Oct. 19, 1998 – Obituary with photo
Baranec, Florian
Florian Baranec was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1921. His parents became homesteaders in Sedolia AB. In 1942, at age 21, Florian joined the army, and he was posted in Sicily, Italy, France, Holland, and Germany. Florian also volunteered for duty in the Pacific. He was discharged in 1946, and married Marjorie Bernice Finch the same year, and started farming in Mirror AB. Soon after, they moved to Stettler AB, and had a daughter, Wilma. In 1951 the Baranecs obtained land from the Lassiters Project (land available to veterans), and started homesteading in Wanham AB. (E ½ - 30- 78- 2- W6) Florian died at age 81 (in Wanham or Grande Prairie) in June 2002.
Source: Grooming the Grizzly p. 248
AGS website – Obituary Index
Barnhardt, Norman Bruce
Regiment: R.C. Artillery Regimental No. : K46395
Norman Barnhardt was born in Winborne AB on December 6, 1917 to parents Percy and Mabel Barnhardt. As a young man, Norman worked as a burner on the Machinery Depot shipyard in Victoria BC where he met his wife Annie Doreen “Dolly” McMillan. They were married on June 8, 1942 in Victoria. Shortly afterward Norman enlisted with the R.C. Artillery on July 11, 1942. Due to poor health he was discharged on November 4, 1943. In 1944 Norman became a grain buyer in Alberta and Saskatchewan, then moved to Creston BC. In 1951 the Barnhardts moved to north of Eaglesham AB and homesteaded on the Veterans Lease (Lassiters Project) W-6-79-25-W5. Norman and Dolly had 3 sons: Melvin, Allan, and John. Norman was a Legion member for over 25 years. He died of a heart attack on December 15, 1981 in Rycroft, and he is buried in the Peasant Heights Cemetery near Eaglesham.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle pp. 128-129 Photo p. 84
G.P. AGS website – obituary index
Barrick, D.J.
Barry, Gerald
Gerald Barry was a farmer who obtained land in the Eaglesham area from the Veterans Lease Project in 1950. ( 79-26-W5) First he lived in a tent. When he married his wife Doris, they lived in a 12 X 14 foot seed granary. They had crops and gardens, and Gerald was handy with machinery and motor repairs. It was a great tragedy when their 3 year old firstborn son, Laurie, drowned in their dugout. They had 8 more children: Dale, Ronald, Dianne, Gerald Jr., Marina, Laurie (girl), James, and John. In 1962 they moved to Athabasca to farm, (where their last 3 children were born). Gerald died on November 3, 1983
Source: Alberta Land Book
Smoky Peace Triangle pp. 130-131, Photo p. 131
mentioned as Veteran on p. 87
Barten, Gerhard
Settled on VH Lease SW-12-18-10-W6 in 1959
Source: Alberta Land Book
Bartilow, Henry
Settled on NE-15-81-12-W6 in 1959 on VH Lease
Source: Alberta Land Book
Baskerville, Jack
Regiment: Armed Forces
Jack Baskerville homesteaded in the Fitzsimmons District after he came from England in 1927. He had the land NW 22-73-3-W6 and built a little log shack. In 1939 Jack joined the Armed Forces and was posted in Vancouver. He married a widow with 2 children in Vancouver, and afterward was posted overseas. After the war he joined the family and 1 daughter was born. Jack died in 1976.
Bassarab, Walter Matthew "Babe"
Regiment: R.C.A.F.
Regimental No.: R60585 and J18428
Rank: Flying Officer
Walter (“Babe”) Bassarab was born in 1921 in Moose Jaw SK. He served as a Flying Officer in the Air Force during WWII. Walter and his wife came to Calais (close to Valleyview AB) on November 5, 1946. They purchased a general store and a cabin rental business. They also operated a fur buying business and a post office. Babe was a school bus driver from 1956 to 1976. They had 5 children: Ken, Robert, Dorothy, Linda, and Brenda. Walter died at the age of 76 on September 24, 1996 in Valleyview.
Source: Valleyview “Where the Red Willow Grew” p. 350
Grande Prairie AGS website – Obituary Index
Batke, Earl Louis
Earl Batke was born in 1909, and he grew up in the Sexsmith AB area. He was married to Olga, and he volunteered for service in WW II. They had 5 children: Edward, Delbert, Betty, Audrey, and Marlene (who predeceased him). Earl was a resident of Mayerthorpe when he died at age 84, on May 14, 1993. The funeral was held in the Legion Hall, and he is buried in the Mayerthorpe Cemetery.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over – Sexsmith to the Smoky p. 1149
Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune May 28, 1993 - Obituary
Batterbee, Pte.
Regiment: No. 3 Platoon C.A. (B) T. C. No. 132
Trained in Grande Prairie AB
Source: Photograph - 2005. 53. 02 (1943)
*Name may be misspelled
Bauck, Gordon Elwood
Bayley, Orval George
Orval Bayley was born in Saskatchewan in January 1917 to parents George Stedman and Ena Jean Bayley. His mother died at an early age, and after his father remarried to Ruth, he joined his parents and sister when they moved to Grande Prairie area in 1929. Orval attended the newly opened Twilight school in grade 7. The family settled in Crooked Creek, and Orval was the oldest of 14 siblings. He (and his brother Elmer) served in WW II. Orval died of a heart attack at age 46 on September 5, 1963 in Edmonton AB.
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 528
Grande Prairie AGS Website – Obituary Index
Bayley, Samuel Elmer
Regiment: The Loyal Edmonton Royal Canadian Infantry Corps (R.C.I.C)
Regimental Number: M/ 17157
Rank: Private
Grave Reference: VI. A. 3
Cemetery: Ravenna War Cemetery, Italy, No. 4
Elmer Bayley was the son of George Stedman and Ena Jean Bayley, and he was born in July 1918. He grew up in Saskatchewan and his mother died early in his life. After his father remarried to Ruth, they moved to the Grande Prairie area in 1929, while Elmer and two other siblings stayed with relatives. Elmer joined them in 1930 and attended the Twilight school. The family settled on a homestead in Crooked Creek where eventually there were 14 siblings. Elmer (and his brother Orval) joined the army, and Elmer was posted in Italy where he was killed in action on January 27, 1945. The quote on his gravestone reads: “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.”
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 528
Across the Smoky p. 347 Roll of Honour
Commonwealth War Graves Website
Beairsto, F.W. (Dick)
Born in Sedgewick AB, Dick Beairsto enlisted in WWII service in 1942 and took pilot training. He became a flying officer and “flew combat missions over Europe at the controls of Halifax bombers.” After the war, Dick enrolled at University of Alberta and earned his Civil Engineering degree in 1949. In May of that year he married Phyllis Fraser whom he met at university. They lived in various places in Alberta and eventually settled in Grande Prairie. Dick worked at PFRA in Stettler AB, and in oilfield exploration at Western Geophysical in Grande Prairie for 5 years until 1955. Then he was the city engineer for 8 years until 1963. After resigning from this position, he became the manager of Beairsto, Stewart Weir Engineering Ltd. In 1979, Dick earned the L. C. Charlesworth Award for “substantial contributions” to the Association of Professional Engineers Geologists and Geophysicists of Alberta (APEGGA). He was a member of the Kinsman Club, and Rotary Club, and was also a Public School Board Member. Dick loved sports and camping. Phyllis and Dick had 3 sons: Bruce, Ric, and Randy.
Source:
Herald Tribune Dec. 17, 1963, June 27, 1979, May 8, 2015
SPRA Family Reference Files
Beard, Charlie
Beattie, John "Jack"
Regiment: South Alberta Regiment- Provost Corps
Posting: overseas with Provost Corps
Rank
John “Jack” Beattie was born in Dungannon, Ireland in 1906. He came to Canada in 1926 and worked as a farmhand in Ontario, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan, and in 1930 he came to Hythe, AB. In 1931 Jack settled in Goodfare AB, renting land to farm. He married Julia Wright in 1934 and he bought an abandoned farm and fixed up the old house. Jack joined the army in 1940 serving 6 1/2 years with the South Alberta Regiment, and was posted in England with the Provost Corps. His duty was personal guard of Kurt Meyer who was the field commander of the German army. Jack and Julia had 4 sons: Austin, Dale, Julian, and Jim; and an infant daughter who died. After living in Goodfare 51 years, Jack died at the age of 78 in Hythe, on May 23, 1984. He is buried in the Hythe Cemetery.
Beaudoin, Richard
Richard Beaudoin was born in Albertville SK on April 20, 1925 to parents Emile and Adelina Beaudoin. At age 18 he enlisted in the army and served as soldier on the front lines and as a radio operator. He was discharged in 1946. He came to Girouxville AB in 1948 and worked several kinds of jobs: mechanic, photographer, cat operator, lumber industry, and he also obtained his Motor Mechanic and Welding certificates. Richard married Yolande Guindon on October 23, 1956 in Girouxville. They had 3 daughters: Rose, Pauline, and Suzanne. In 1974 Richard went to work at Falher Alfalfa Ltd and retired in 1988. He died on August 27, 1989 in Girouxville.
Source: Reflexions Volume II p. 304 Photo
Beaudry, Solomon
Source: Where the Red Willow Grew (Valleyview) p. 303 Roll of Honour – War Veterans
*Name could be Beaudrey.
Beck, Leonhart B.
Regiment: Canadian Armoured Corps
Postings: England, France, Germany, Holland
Rank: Sergeant
Born in Saskatchewan on October 26, 1920, Leonhart Beck was the son of Emil and Barbara Beck, and he had 2 brothers and 2 sisters. The family moved to Sexsmith AB a few years later, and in 1929 they settled in Bay Tree AB where Leonhart took his education by correspondence. In the 1930s he worked odd jobs, and in the early 1940s he enlisted with the Canadian Armoured Corps in WWII. First he trained in Grande Prairie, then he took a course on tank warfare in Ontario. Posted in London, England, he was in the Second Canadian Division, where he worked in armoured reconnaissance. He was wounded in action in September 1944 while in France, and returned to the front lines a month later. Then in Germany he was wounded again in February 1945, and returned to fight before the war was over. For six more months Leonhart was in Holland in postwar service. Back in Canada he returned to Bay Tree and purchased a quarter of land and built a house in 1947. In 1950 Leonhart married Caroline Sutherland, and they had 3 children: Bryan, Barbara, and Yvonne. They bought a half section of land in 1960. Leonhart was active in community affairs in Bay Tree, and with the school district of Many Creeks. Leonhart and Caroline moved to Sidney BC (Vancouver Island) to retire in 1975.
Source: Homesteader’s Heritage pp. 32-33
Photos pp. 32 and 33
Bedard, Charles Joseph
Regiment: Calgary Highlanders
Rank
Force: Army
Charles Bedard was the son of Napoleon and Alma Bedard, and was born on October 23, 1920. At age 9, Charles and his parents and 3 siblings ( Helene, Luc, and Louis) moved from Berlin, New Hampshire to Girouxville AB to homestead and farm. In 1940 Charles joined the army and served with the Calgary Highlanders. While posted in France he was wounded, and he was discharged in 1945. Charles eventually moved to Montreal QC where he passed away at the age of 91 in August 2012.
Source: Reflexions (Girouxville) pp. 307-309 Photo p. 308
Bedard, Louis J.
Force: Army
Louis Bedard was born on August 2, 1924 to parents Napoleon and Alma Bedard. He was the youngest of 4 siblings. In 1929 he moved with his family from Berlin, New Hampshire, USA, to Girouxville AB. There the family settled and homesteaded. Louis helped his older brother with the farming after his father died in 1939, and in 1943 he joined the army. After the war Louis became a truck driver. He died at age 85 in April 2010.
Source: Reflexions (Girouxville) pp. 307-309 Photo p. 308
Bedard, Marcel
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle ( Eaglesham, Tangent, Watino and Codesa areas) p. 87 (Name only)
Beisel, Clifford Ervine
Clifford Beisel, born on April 1, 1920, was the son of Louis and Annie Beisel, and he had 4 siblings (Muriel, Laura, Alice and Mildred). In 1928 the family moved from Glass Lake to the Beaverlodge AB area. They had a farm south of Albright. Clifford joined the armed forces in WWII and served till the end of the war. In 1954 he married Helen Tolway. They had a dairy farm, and Clifford was a member of the Beaverlodge Band for many years, and their children, David, Barbara, and Robert also played in the band. Clifford died on May 31, 2005 at age 85 in Albright. He is buried in the Riverview Cemetery in Beaverlodge with his wife Helen.
Source: Beaverlodge to the Rockies pp. 8-9
Photos: p. 8 and 9
AGS website – Obituary Index, Cemetery Index
Belanger, Alphonse
Alphonse Belanger was born on May 7, 1911 to parents Eusebe Belanger and Alexina Galipeau. At age 6 Alphonse and his family moved to Girouxville AB where his parents farmed and he lived much of his life. After he served in WW II, he helped farm until he married his first wife, Noellis Cailla in 1957. Tragically she died from smoke inhalation from their house fire in 1959. In 1960 Alphonse married Germaine Savoie, and they had 4 children: Clement, Albert, Aldor and Denise. He owned a quarter section of land. Alphonse sang in the church choir for many years.
Source:
Belanger, Wilfrid
Force: Navy
Wilfrid Belanger was born in 1906, and he arrived in Alberta with his parents, Albert and Louise Charbonneau in 1917. He became a steam engineer after his schooling, and worked at lumber camps, but at harvest time he helped with his parents’ farm. Wilfrid joined the Navy during WW II. He filed on a homestead (NE 3-78-22-5) in the Girouxville area. In 1966 he married Nora Cunn; they did not have children. Wilfrid played the clarinet and enjoyed dancing. Later he moved to Edmonton.
Source: Reflexions (Girouxville) pp. 329-330 Photo p. 230
Belawchuk, George
Biography: George Belawchuk served in WW II. He settled in SI-19-80-6-W6 and was given a Veterans Ag Lease.
Source: Alberta Land Book
Belawchuk, Peter
Biography: Peter Belawchuk served in WW II. He settled on land from the Veterans Ag Lease on SW-21, and SE-20-80-6-W6 in Sept. 23, 1952.
Source: Alberta Land Book
Belcourt, Francis "Kelly"
Francis Belcourt was a resident of Kelly Lake and Beaverlodge AB. He served in WW II. Francis was married to Ida. He died on December 12, 1991, at age 70 in Beaverlodge, and is buried in the Hythe Cemetery.
Source: Pioneer Round Up p. 100 (Honour Roll – Goodfare)
Daily Herald Tribune Dec. 13/16, 1991 - Obituary
Belford, Thomas Harold
Regiment: Loyal Edmonton Regiment 49th Battalion
Thomas Belford, the son of Mr. and Mrs. Joe W. Belford, was born on August 18, 1903 in Plumas MB. He had 2 brothers: Arthur and Orser. In 1928 he moved to the Grande Prairie area with his family and some friends. Settling in the DeBolt area, he homesteaded, built a cabin, and ran a trap line. He was very active in community events, sports, and rodeos. In April 1940 he enlisted to serve in WW II and was posted in Europe for 5 years. Thomas married Betty Bayley in 1948, and they had 3 children: Thomas, George, and Barbara. When their son George required hospitalization due to severe burns, they moved to Grande Prairie in 1957, and they sold all their property in DeBolt. Thomas died at the age of 88 in Grande Prairie on June 5, 1992, and he is buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Source: Across the Smoky pp. 63-64
Photo p. 345, Name mentioned p. 347
AGS website – Obituary Index, and Cemetery Index
Bell, William "Bill"
Force: Army
William Bell was born in Stockton on Tees, Durham, England, on February 19, 1909. When he was 18 years old, he came to Canada and stayed with his uncle in Saskatchewan. In 1929 Bill came to the Spirit River AB area and filed on a quarter section in Willowvale where he homesteaded. He enjoyed hunting, and played music for house parties. On March 25, 1936 Bill married Beatrice England. Bill joined the Army in January 1942, enlisting in Edmonton, and was posted in England, Germany, Holland, and Italy. He returned to Canada in 1946. At that time, he took another section of land with the help of the Veteran’s Land Act Loan. While farming, Bill had other jobs. He was caretaker of the Spirit River School, worked on a survey crew, took a course in Steam Engineering, and worked at the hospital. He sold the farm in 1962. He was president of the Royal Canadian Legion. In his later years he developed a heart condition, and he passed away on February 24, 1977, in Willowvale. Bill and Beatrice had 3 children: Ken, Donna, and Camille.
Source: Memories and Moments PP. 155-157
Photos pp. 276, 155, 156
Bellerive, Armand
Regimental Number: R252931
Date of Birth: 1917
Force: R. C. A. F.
Armand Bellerive was born on October 3, 1917, in Ste. Elizabeth MB, to parents Adrien Bellerive and Delphine Collette. He enlisted in the Royal Canadian Air Force in 1941, and was put on the reserve list in 1945. After the war, Armand decided to move to AB and applied for a homestead in Girouxville in the fall of 1946. He managed to clear 47 acres by hand, and eventually bought the entire section 22-76-22-5. For most of the years while he was farming, he was a bachelor, but he married Rollande Audet, who was a good friend, on December 17, 1976. Armand was a member of the McLennon Legion Branch. He retired in Girouxville, and he died on July 21, 1997 at age 79.
Source: Reflexions p. 330
Photo p. 330 Rolande and Armand
Bennett, William H.
Regiment: R.C. E. M. E.
Regimental No.: M4074
Rank: S/Sgt.
William Bennet was born in 1907, and he served in WW II as a staff sergeant with the Corps of Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers. He passed away on January 3, 1974 at the age of 67, and he is buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Source: AGS Website – Cemetery Index
Benson, James A.
Regiment: R. C. Infantry Corps
Regiment No.: M6618
Rank: Private
James Benson was born in 1926 and served in WW II with the Royal Canadian Infantry Corps. He passed away on December 30, 1971 at the age of 45. He is buried in the St. Stephens Cemetery near Sexsmith AB.
Source: County of Grande Prairie Cemetery Records
Benson, Joseph Charles
Settled in NW-19-81-7-W6 January 1, 1963 VH Lease
Source: Alberta Land Book
Bentley, Samuel Redson
Settled in NE-20-81-11-W6 in 1955 VH Lease
Source: Alberta Land Book
Berg, Hans
Hans came to the Wembley area in 1933 from Saskatchewan after his father Ole Berg, and brother Anton settled in 1929. Hans homesteaded on SE-7-69-8-W6. He had another brother, Eric, who also homesteaded in Wembley. Hans served in WW II.
Source: Along the Wapiti pp. 287, 288, 412 (Name mentioned)
Bergeron, John Albert
Regimental Number: J87384
Killed in Action: 13 June 1944
Place of Birth: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Date of Birth: 25 Jul 1923
Bernard, Richard "Dick"
Richard Bernard was born in 1926 and came from Portage-La-Prairie MB to the Spirit River District (Blueberry Creek) in 1930 with his parents, Louis and Mabel Bernard, and his sister Agnes. The family homesteaded. After Dick served in WW II he settled in Dawson Creek. In the early 50’s he married Lillian Williams. They had 3 children: Donald, Sharon, and Elaine. Dick died in 1985
Source: Chepi-Sepe pp.279-280
Photo (Veterans) p. 183
Berner, Don
Force: Army
After serving in WW II, Don Berner came to Belloy AB from Kelliher, SK by train in 1946 to meet his brother Norman. He spent the summer breaking bush and then moved back to Saskatchewan to farm. In 1948 he came back to the Wanham area and took a homestead with the Lassiter project. At age 40, Don married a widow, Alice (Howard) Noga, and became a father to her 2 daughters, Susan and Barbara.
Source: Grooming the Grizzly pp. 257, 349
Photo p. 257
Berner, Norman
Force: Air Force (R.C.A.F.)
While in the air force in WWII, a superior told Norman about his farm in Belloy AB, and Norman decided to move to the Peace River Country and bought farm equipment to break land. He persuaded his brother, Don, who also served in WW II to join him in Belloy. In 1948, Norman set up a blacksmith shop. He married Steffa Jakubowski from Wanham AB in 1952, and in 1954 he rejoined the air force. Eventually they settled in Rutland BC, where Norman had a fix-it shop which he enjoyed very much.
Source: Grooming the Grizzly pp. 257-258
Bertram, Bud
Bud Bertram was born on March 20, 1923 in Colome, South Dakota, USA. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He died on June 30, 2006, and his interment was at the Hythe AB Cemetery.
Source: Family and Personal Life Reference Files - Memorial card
Besse, Edgar
Rank: Gunner
Force: Canadian Army
Edgar served in WWII as a gunner. He was a farmer, and he settled in Whitemud Creek AB in 1945. Edgar married Elsie Scott. He died in 1982.
Source: Guy p. 184
Bessent, Henry Robert "Bob"
Regiment: 405 Pathfinder Squadron
Regimental Number: R/198740
Rank: Sergeant Air Gunner
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force
Bob Bessent was born in Windsor, ON on April 17, 1925 to parents Herbert Bessent and Elsie May Roberts Bessent. He had a twin brother, Bill, who also served in the RCAF. In 1927 the family moved to Grande Prairie AB where the twins eventually started school and were involved in various sports. At age 17 Bob and his brother joined the Air Force, first training in Edmonton, then Manitoba, and then in Quebec for gunnery training. They joined the 405 Pathfinder Squadron in England in 1943. Bob was killed in action in the early morning of December 17, 1943 when his Lancaster bomber crashed because it encountered heavy fog and ran out of fuel looking for a place to land. His mother became the Silver Cross Mother that year. In July 1946 Bob was posthumously awarded Operational Wings from the RCAF “in recognition of gallant service in action against the enemy.” Bob is buried in the Cambridge City (England) Cemetery. Grave Ref: 14558A
Source: Legion Album
Commonwealth War Graves – website
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune - September 23, 1987 – Obituary of Elsie May Roberts Bessent
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files – newspaper articles, photos
Bessent, William Francis "Bill"
Regiment: 405 Pathfinder Squadron
Rank: Sergeant, Air Gunners
Force: R. C. A. F.
Bill Bessent was born on April 17, 1925 in Windsor ON. His parents were Herbert Bessent and Elsie May Roberts Bessent. He had a twin brother, Henry Roberts (“Bob”), who also served in the R.C.A.F. and was killed in action. In 1927 the family moved to Grande Prairie AB, where the twins eventually attended school and played in many kinds of sports. Bill and Bob joined the Air Force at age 17, first receiving training in Edmonton, then in Quebec for gunnery training. They sailed from Halifax to England, joining the 405 Pathfinder Squadron. Bill served on 30 missions until August 1944, and he received the Distinguished Flying Medal in November for “courage and calmness” while his aircraft was on fire over Berlin. He then became a trainer for other gunners in Yorkshire, England before he was posted to Nova Scotia as an instructor. After his discharge in September 1945, he returned to Grande Prairie and worked in Grande Prairie Hardwares. He married Lavina (“Vine”) Louise Allison in 1950, and they had 3 children: Bob, Bill, and Bonny. Bill was involved in sports clubs (hockey, golf, curling), and was president of the Grande Prairie Legion, Key Club, and a chartered member of the Grande Prairie Kinsmen. In 1953, Bill and his father opened their own store – Bessent and Son. In 2013 Bill received a new service ribbon from the Canadian government for his efforts in WW II.
Source: Grande Prairie Herald Tribune – September 23, 1987 – Obituary of Elsie May Bessent
Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune – October 9, 1990 – Obituary of Lavina Louise Allison Bessent
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files – Newspaper articles, letters, photos etc.
Bice, Gilbert
Regimental Number: M/ 38198
Force: Army
Biography: Gilbert Bice, the eldest of 6 siblings, was born October 10, 1924 to parents Cecil and May (McDaid) Bice. Around 1931 the family moved to Rahab (later known as Codesa) AB and started farming there. Gilbert enlisted in the army in WW II in 1944 and served in Canada, England, and N. W. Europe until 1946 when he returned to Codesa. He married Maria Woienski on October 18, 1950 and they settled in Eaglesham AB. They had 2 children: Clara and Kevin. Gilbert passed away at the age of 82 in Spirit River AB on November 28, 2006.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 135, 409 WW II Veterans photo p. 84
AGS Website – Obituary Index
Bilinski, John
Biography: John Bilinski was born in Poland in 1920 to parents Joe and Franciska (“Frances”) Bilinski. He was the oldest of 5 siblings. His father came to Canada in 1927, while his mother followed in 1930. They homesteaded in Codesa AB. After serving in WW II, John married Helen Kasprow in November 1951. They settled and farmed in the Wanham AB area, and they had 3 children: Jim (1953), Janet (1957), and Cindy (1959). Since 1973 they lived in Grande Prairie. John died at the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital in Grande Prairie on February 3, 1987 at age 66, and he is buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle pp. 136-137 Photo p. 136
Daily Herald Tribune – Feb. 4, 1987 – Obituary
AGS Website – Obituary Index
Bird, Hedley
Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 (Name mentioned under WW II Veterans)
Biron, Roger Rene
Regiment: 3rd Division Signals
Rank:
Force: Army
Biography: Roger Biron was born in 1922. He was a long-time resident of Grande Prairie AB. Roger served in the Army in WW II in the 3rd Division Signals Regiment. He married Sophie Muzyka in 1947 in Grande Prairie. They had a son, Ken. Roger passed away on September 28, 2014 at the age of 92 in Grande Prairie.
Source: Legion Album
Your Folks.com (website) Genealogy Roger Biron
Bear Creek Funeral Home (website) - Obituaries
Bisson, Andrew
Regiment: Le Regiment de Maisonneuve, R.C.I.C
Regimental Number: M/106777
Rank: Private
Force: Army
Andrew Bisson was born on February 6, 1923 in St. Edward, Alberta. Born to French-Canadian parents, Elzear and Marie Anna Bisson, he was the youngest of ten children. At age 15 he completed Grade 7, and he was interested in baseball and hockey. When he was older, Andrew helped his brother on the farm and was a sawmill hand from 1940 to 1942. He was living in McLennan, Alberta when he enlisted in the army in on March 8, 1943. Since Andrew was mischievous as a youngster and had a daring nature, he volunteered for paratroop training. When he was only 21 years old, he was killed in action on July 22, 1944. He is buried in the Bretteville - Sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery in France. (Grave Ref: VI B. 7.)
Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. 2 pp. 99 and 120
Attestation Papers – Library and Archives Canada
Bisson, Claude
Force: Canadian Army
Biography: Claude Bisson served in the army in WW II, and studied to become a doctor. He passed away in 1957.
Source: Trails and Rails Vol. 2 pp. 99 and 120
Bjarne, H.
Regiment: R.C.A.S.C. (Royal Canadian Army Service Corps)
Force: Army
Hometown: Sexsmith
Source: Herald Tribune Aug. 1, 1940
Black, Ernest
Regiment: Edmonton
Force: Army
Ernest Black of Grande Prairie, AB was one of 5 soldiers who were on a 6 day leave to go home, arriving in Grande Prairie on November 3, 1939. A large crowd gathered at the train station to welcome them. The other 4 recruits were: Dan Spicer, Bill Roland, Jim Easterbrook, and Loenzo Giroux. The soldiers commented that they were “feeling fit and liked the army life.”
Source: Grande Prairie Herald – Thursday Nov. 9, 1939 p.1 c.3
Black, Gordon Keith
Gordon Keith Black of the Grande Prairie AB area, was among 50 recruits who signed up in Grande Prairie as reinforcements for the Edmonton Regiment on April 2 or 3, 1940. The recruits left on April 5 by train to McLennan, and were joined by recruits from Peace River. Lieut. – Col. Scott of the recruiting party called the men “an exceptionally fine type.”
Source: Daily Herald Tribune – April 4, 1940
Blackie, Douglas
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force
Douglas Blackie was born and raised in Edmonton, and attended a year of normal school and a year at University of Alberta studying Engineering. After his studies, he moved to Spirit River and became the teacher at the White Mountain School, where he taught from 1933 to 1936. In 1939 he married Alice Brown in Spirit River. Douglas joined the Air Force in July 1942 and was trained in radar and wireless communication. He was discharged in June 1946 and returned to teaching in the Spirit River School. Because he was going to operate the “Blackie Radio Electric” business, he resigned from teaching in 1950. Becoming the Post Master in 1954, Douglas also was a member of the town council for nearly ten years. Both Alice and Douglas enjoyed involvement in several musical and dramatic productions in the school and the United Church. In 1969 he was elected National President of the Canadian Postmasters Association, which required a move to Ottawa. When he retired, they moved back to Spirit River. Alice and Douglas had 3 children: Stuart, Heather and Patricia. Douglas died at age 89 in Grande Prairie in May 1999.
Source: Memories and Moments p. 76 Photo in uniform p. 276
Chepi Sepee p. 183 Photo in uniform
Blais, J.
Blais, R.
R. Blais was from the Valleyview district.
Source: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303 –name in Roll of Honour
Blanes, Oscar
Force: Army
Oscar Blanes was born on March 17, 1911 in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, USA. With his parents he moved to Canada, and in 1917 they settled in Sexsmith AB area where they homesteaded and Oscar attended the North Kleskun School. By 1932 Oscar had his own homestead (SE ¼ 31-74-3-W6) where he built his house, and lived there the rest of his life. For 4 years Oscar served in WW II in the army being posted in Western Europe. He returned to his homestead which was his sanctuary and he loved to watch the wildlife there. For some time he also owned a trapline. Oscar died on October 29, 1978 and was buried in the Teepee Creek Cemetery.
Source:
Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 876
p. 1149 (name on Roll of Honour)
Photos pp. 1153 and 1154
Blankstien, Larry
Regiment: RCASC
Force: Army
Biography: Larry Blankstien served in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps in WWII.
Blimke, Daniel Arthur "Art"
Art was born in Grande Prairie, served for 3 years and was discharged in 1946.
Bliss, Charles Lawrence "Lawrie"
Regiment: Calgary Highlanders
Regimental No. M8307
Rank: Corporal
Biography: Born in 1926, Charles Lawrence Bliss grew up in Valleyview AB, and was a member of the Valleyview Branch Legion. He died on May 1, 1996 in Valleyview.
Source: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303 – Name on Roll of Honour
AGS website – Obituary Index
Bliss, Frank
Frank joined the R.C.A.F. and was stationed in Baden, Germany.
Source: Pioneer Round Up pp. 449-450
Bliss, John "Jack" Wilfred
Force: Army
Biography: Jack Bliss was born in Francis SK on July 11, 1916. His parents were Frank and Sarah Bliss, and he grew up at Scout Lake,SK . He was interested in the Alberta Peace River area and came to Albright AB on October 30, 1936, where his sister and brother- in-law lived. In 1939 he married Eva Pack, and in 1941 Jack enlisted in the Army. After his discharge, the Blisses moved to several places over the years: Some of them were Fort St. John, Hythe ( where they operated a butcher shop), and Valhalla Centre ( where they farmed). Eva and Jack had 5 children: Marlene, Marvin, Shannon, Frank and William (Billie). Frank joined the R.C.A.F. and was stationed in Baden, Germany, while his brother Billie also joined the R.C.A.F. and was stationed in Senneterre, Quebec. During his retirement, Jack enjoyed fishing and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Jack died on February 8, 1998 in Grande Prairie, AB.
Source: Pioneer Round Up pp. 449-450
Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune Feb. 10, 11, 12, 1998 - Obituary
Bliss, William "Billy"
Billie joined the R.C.A.F. and was stationed in Senneterre, Quebec.
Blois, Leonard Erle
Biography: Leonard Blois was born in Halifax NS on December 30, 1895, the youngest of 6 siblings. He came west at age 6, one year after his parents and 2 eldest brothers moved there. Since there was no school, the children moved back east for their education. Then in 1910 the family settled in Carstairs AB. Leonard attended the Olds School of Agriculture, and had jobs on ranches in Sundre, and on a survey crew in Edson. He and a friend enlisted in WW I in 1916 and ended up on the war front. After the war, Leonard worked in a lumber camp in BC. There his met his wife, Gudrun Lee, and they married in 1921. They obtained land in Carstairs through the army, and farmed. During this time they had 4 children: Allan, Jean, Harry and Bob, and had hard times during the Depression. During WW II, from 1940 to 1945, Leonard was stationed in Calgary as Sergeant Major Instructor, leaving Gudrun and the children to tend the farm. The farm was sold in 1948, and the next year Leonard and Gudrun moved to Belloy AB on land for which they applied through the Lassiter Project. They had some rough years getting established due to poor soil and poor machinery. In 1974 they retired from farming, and moved in to the Pleasant View Lodge in Spirit River AB. Over the years, Leonard was a member of the Legion and an avid curler.
Source: Grooming the Grizzly (Wanham area) pp. 264-265
Blomli, John
Blouin, Robert
Born around 1920, Robert Blouin lived in the Wanham area. He died at age 87 in January 2007 in Peace River.
Source: Grooming the Grizzly p. 224 Photo only
AGS website – Obituary Index
Bobier, Edmund
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force
Biography: After serving in WWII in the RCAF, Edmund, his wife Florence Robb, their 3 sons and Florence’s mother, arrived in Eaglesham AB from central Alberta by train in April of 1950. After settling, Edmund decided to apply for land on the Lassiter Project, a half section in the Belloy district. Since the family was required to live there, they had to move again. On October 14 they moved into their log house which was transported there from Fox Creek. Leaving their homestead of many years, Bobiers moved to Grande Prairie due to Edmund’s poor health. After 5 years there, they moved to High Prairie where Edmund died in 1974. Their sons are: Richard, Stanley, and Alfred
Source: Grooming the Grizzly pp. 267-269
Bodeker, Francis "Graham"
Force: Navy
Graham Bodeker was born in South Fort George BC (which is now Prince George) on June 28, 1913. His parents were Peter George Bendix (Ben) and Lutie Bodeker, and he had two younger siblings, Betty and Gordon. As a two and a half year old child, his family moved to the BC Peace Country, and canoed from Finlay Forks to Hudson Hope. They then moved to Dunvegan and Spirit River AB where Ben was the last factor in the Hudson Bay Company posts. Moving to Sturgeon Lake in the early 1920’s, Ben was transferred to another HBC post, while the children attended a mission school. By 1931 the family settled in the Valleyview area. Graham’s first job as a teenager was trucking freight to Grande Prairie. Other jobs included trapping, grader operator, carpentry, and sawmill work.
On March 9, 1937 Graham married Eunice Stenseth in High Prairie, and they settled on their own homestead south of Valleyview in 1940. They had 3 daughters: Frances, Phyllis and Beverly, and one infant son, Gilbert, who died. In the mid 1940’s, Graham served in the Royal Canadian Navy and was stationed in Halifax NS for two years. From 1952 to 1978 he worked in oilfields, first for Cantex Drilling, and, since 1957, for Amerada Petroleum. Eunice and Graham operated the Eaglesham, and Fox Creek golf courses for a few years, before retiring. Active in many sports and activities, Graham especially enjoyed swimming, ice-skating, and golf. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in Valleyview, and served on the town council. At the age of 93, Graham died in the Valleyview Hospital on October 3, 2005.
Source: SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files (including obituary)
Where the Red Willow Grew pp. 50 – 54
Photo pp. 51 and 52
Bodnaruk, Mike
Source: Where the Red Willow Grew p. 303 Name listed in Roll of Honour
From Valleyview area
Boe, Arthur S. "Art"
Regimental Number: M58226
Date of Birth: 1906
From Debolt
Enlisted: January 1943
Arthur Boe was born in 1908, in Gonvick Minnesota, USA. His parents were Gust and Sophia Boe, and he had 2 brothers and 6 sisters. Art moved with his family and some friends from Minnesota, to DeBolt AB in June 1930, where his father had filed on a homestead 3 ½ miles north of the town.
He was a member of the Grande Prairie Legion
Art died February 25, 1997 in Grande Prairie.
Source: Across the Smoky p.137
Photo with brother and friends
Boehn, Ralph
Source: Guy p. 146
Boehn, Stan
Source: Guy p. 146
Bohn, James Gibson “Jim”
Jim Bohn who was born in 1922 was the son of Fred Bohn and Agnes Gibson who farmed in the La Glace AB area. He had a brother, Jack, and a sister, Renie (who also served in WW II). After his 4 year duty in the war, Jim farmed in the La Glace area. In 1948 he purchased his parents’ farm with his brother. He died in 2002 in Fairview AB.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 Roll of Honour WW II
La Glace – Yesterday and Today p. 64
Grande Prairie AGS – Obituary Index
Boisvert, Adrien
Adrien Boisvert was born in Fannystelle MB on August 14, 1907. He was married on December 27, 1933 to Irene Viens. In 1939 he enlisted in the Army, being posted in Italy, and he was discharged in 1945. During his life he was a farmer, and he homesteaded the land SE ¼ 21-76-21-W6, in Guy AB where they settled in 1945. Adrien passed away at age 82 on May 2, 1990 in McLennan AB.
Source: Guy p. 203
Grande Prairie AGS – Obituary Index
Boisvert, Gaston
Gaston Boisvert was born on May 31, 1915, and he grew up in Guy AB. He served in the Army during WW II, being posted in Holland and Germany. On June 16, 1951 he married Nancy Taylor.
Source: Guy p. 203
Boisvert, Paul
Paul Boisvert was a weed inspector and lived in the community of Guy AB.
Source: Guy P. 145
Bolinsky, Harry H.
Bond, C,
Source: Beaverlodge High Year Book 1947-48 p.26
Bond, Walter George
Regiment/ Division: 358 Royal Air Force Sqdn
Regimental No.: R/260658
Rank: Flight Sergeant
Force: Air Force
Biography: George Bond was born on February 25, 1924 in Dysart, SK. His parents were Walter and Edith (Bolingbroke), and he was the brother of Thomas Carlisle, Donald Gordon, Edith Hazel, Myrtle Munro, and Mildred Aida. The family homesteaded in the Beaverlodge AB area. George was active in hockey, baseball, softball, football, and swimming. At age 19 George enlisted in the Air Force in Edmonton on July 2, 1943. Tragically he was killed in action in Burma (now Myanmar) on June 19, 1945. During his short WWII career George received the 1939-1945 Star, Burma Star, War Medal 1939-1945, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp. Posthumously he was awarded the RCAF Operational Wing on March 19, 1947. He was buried in the Kranjii Memorial Cemetery in Singapore. George’s father, Walter, served in WW I as Corporal.
Source: Beaverlodge to the Rockies pp. 89-90
Canadian Virtual War Memorial – also contained photos
Boomgaarden, George
Regimental Number: M56262
Rank: Private
Force: Canadian Army
Biography: George Boomgaarden was born in Herbert, SK on May 9, 1924, and his parents were Fred and Pearl Boomgaarden. The family moved to Spirit River AB in December of 1928, and they were one of the first families to farm in the Happy Valley area. At the young age of 17, George enlisted in the army in February 1941, and he served as Private until he was discharged in February 1945. Upon his return from duty overseas, he was allotted a quarter section of land in Happy Valley by the army, and built a house. He married Blanche Schamahorn from Willowvale area on April 30, 1950. They had 8 children: Lois, Karen, Jim, Lance, Lewis, Terry, Tim, and Beverly. George farmed for many years, and also worked for Alberta Wheat Pool for 10 years before receiving his pension in 1986. George passed away at the age of 74, on March 6, 1999, in Spirit River.
Source: Chepi Sepe- Spirit River p. 183 (photo in uniform), pp. 288-289 (photo of George and Blanche and 2 girls)
Boreen, Hubert M. “Tuffy”
Regiment: 5th Anti-Tank Regiment
Rank: Sergeant
Force: Army
Biography: Tuffy Boreen was born in 1921 in Bredenbury SK, the fourth of 6 children to parents Albert and Ruby Boreen. In his younger years he lived in Medicine Hat, McLennan, and Edmonton. In 1941 Tuffy enlisted in the army and served overseas for four years in the 5th Anti-Tank Regiment. He married Marion Ayling (of Calgary) in Edmonton, and worked there as a carpenter. Tuffy received land for homesteading from V.L.A. (Veteran’s Land Act) near Watino. (W25-77-25-W5). Marion and Tuffy had 2 daughters: Shirley and Beverley. Having a passion for horses, Tuffy loved going to the Four Mile Creek Grazing Lease (cattle range), and being a cowboy. Unfortunately, he died at the young age of 49, in Grande Prairie AB in May 1970. He is buried in the Pleasant Heights Cemetery in Eaglesham AB.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle p.146 (photos of family and Tuffy with horse)
Trails and Rails North Vol 2 – p. 99
Grande Prairie AGS – Obituary Index
Boreen, Robert
Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. 2 p.99
Borger, Ferdinand
Biography: In June 1931 Fred Borger moved from Edmonton AB to Peace River district with a Model T. Eventually he bought a farm near Brainard (northwest of Grande Prairie) AB. He married Helen Lemke, who was a nurse, in 1934. They met in an Edmonton hospital when he had a leg injury. Due to his diploma in Agronomy (from Russia), Fred was a very successful farmer. Helen and Fred had two children: Norma and Eric. They sold their farm in 1952 and moved to Langley Prairie BC. Fred died in 1960, and Helen in 1962.
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pp. 367 -368
No mention of WW II service
Boston, James William
Rank: Corporal
Botham, Charles Kenneth “Ken”
Ken Botham was born in 1918 in Toledo ON. He enlisted in the RCAF in 1941 in Ottawa at the age of 23. In 1942 he was posted to Calgary where he met his wife, Dora (“Dot”) Sallis, and they married in 1944. Four veterans including Ken travelled from Calgary to the Wanham -Belloy AB district in 1949 to file on land from the Lassiter Project. Ken obtained S11-79-2-W6, and in later years he purchased an adjoining section. In the spring of 1950, Ken and Dot moved up to their homestead and put in their first crop. Ken purchased a Massey-Harris pull-type combine, the first one north of Belloy, that fall. Dot and Ken had 2 daughters: Naida and Carolyn Dene. Ken passed away at age 55 in December 1973, in Spirit River, after suffering a long terminal illness. Dot remarried to Charles Brissard, and acquired a son named Ken.
Source: Grooming the Grizzly pp. 276-280. Photo of Ken in uniform, and of family.
Grande Prairie AGS – Obituary Index
Botten, Cyril "Hector"
Regiment: Royal Canadian Ordnance Corps (R.C.O.C.)
Regimental Number: M56296
Rank: Private
Force: Army
Hector Botten came to Canada from Portsmouth, England around 1929. He and his buddy, Johnny Coates, sought adventure and were especially interested in owning land in the Canadian frontier. Hector filed on a homestead in Sylvester area (near Elmworth AB). He became friends with Mr. and Mrs. Bob Frame of Elmworth, and he lived with their family for 12 years, helping with the farm chores. When WW II broke out, Hector was determined to join the army, and was delighted to be accepted in February 1942. He was at the Grande Prairie Military Training Centre only 2 months when he contracted pneumonia, and sadly he died on April 14, 1942. It was the first death at the training centre. On April 16 Hector was given a military funeral, and was buried at the Grande Prairie Cemetery. Hector’s mother and brother were still in England. According to Bob Frame, Hector was a “man of highest principles” and of “cheerful disposition”. Mrs. Frame kept in touch with Hector’s mother for many years afterwards. In 1974 Hector’s brother came from England to visit Mrs. Frame, who was living in Hythe at the time, to thank her for making a home for Hector.
Source: Grande Prairie Herald Tribune April 23, 1942 p. 1, c. 7 and p. 5, c. 3
Beaverlodge to the Rockies Supplement p. 151
AGS Obituary Index
Bouchard, Charles
Charles Bouchard was from the Wanham AB area.
Source: Grooming the Grizzly p. 224 (photo only “In Service for their Country”)
Bouck, Gordon Edward
Boulet, Bernard
Rank: Sergeant
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force
Biography: Bernard Boulet was born on June 12, 1918. He enlisted with the Air Force in 1942, attained the rank of Sergeant, and was a “pilot with wings”. He was discharged in 1944. On February 21, 1949 he married Marie-Paule Thibault. Bernard was a farmer during his life, settling in Guy in 1946.
Source: Guy p. 210
Bourlon, Albert
Regimental Number: L107577
Albert Bourlon was born in 1922. Living in the Valleyview AB area, he was a member of the Valleyview Legion. Albert passed away at age 79 in December 2001.
Source: “Where the Red Willow Grew” p. 303 (Name only in Roll of Honour)
Bourque, Raphael
Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. 2 p. 120
Boychuk, Fred
Regiment: Calgary Regiment R.C.A.C./ C.M.F.
Regimental Number: M 66374
Rank: Trooper
Force:
Biography: Fred Boychuk was killed in action on December 10, 1943 at the age of 26. Being a tank gunner with the Calgary Regiment CMF, he was posted in Italy. He was the son of Steve Boychuk and brother of John and Billy Boychuk of Silverwood (near Woking AB). The Herald Tribune newspaper in Grande Prairie stated that he was “widely and favourably known in his community.” Fred was buried in the Moro River Canadian War Cemetery in Italy. (Grave Ref. 1.D.3.)
Source: Burnt Embers p. 110 (photo)
Commonwealth War Graves.
Herald Tribune February 17, 1944 p.1 c.8
Boychuk, John
Regimental Number: M 66368
Rank: Private
Force: Royal Canadian Army
John Boychuk was born in 1919. He had 2 brothers: Fred (who was killed in action in WW II), and Billy. After his service in the Royal Canadian Army in WW II, John married Annie Bakuniuk on November 7, 1947. At the time, John lived 4 miles north of Woking AB in what was then called the New World district. The first winter the couple lived in a small cabin with John’s father. John obtained land to homestead from the V L A, 9 miles east of Woking, and in spring of 1948 they moved there and built a house. (Their home quarter was SW 29-76-4-6.) While farming, John worked at the railroad at the same time, and he was a member of the Rycroft Legion. Annie and John had 3 children: Katherine, Fred, and Dmitri. At age 75, John passed away in Spirit River on November 11, 1994, and he was buried in the Greenway Cemetery.
Source: Burnt Embers p. 110 (photo in uniform), pp. 285-286 (family photo)
GP Daily Herald Tribune November 14, 1994 - Obituary
Boychuk, William
Billy Boychuk was born around 1922. The son of Steve Boychuk from Silverwood AB (near Woking), he was the younger brother of John and Fred Boychuk who also served in the armed forces in WW II. (Fred was killed in action.) Billy was with the Tank Corp in Camp Borden.
Source: Burnt Embers p. 110 Photo only – “In Our Country’s Service”
Herald Tribune February 17, 1944 p.1 c.8
Boyd, G.F.
from Peace River AB
Source:
Herald Tribune: August 1, 1940
Boyd, John
John Boyd filed for land with the VH Lease and obtained: NE 25-81-8-6th and SE 25-81-8-6th
Source: Alberta Land Book
Boyd, Lee
Lee Boyd who was formerly of Grande Prairie, came from Peace River to join the army. A newspaper article stated that he would be sent to Winnipeg MB and work for the electrical section of the army. Lee was a “well known hockey player”, and he “stated that there are few single men left at Peace River of military age.”
Source: Herald Tribune May 1, 1941 p. 1 c. 5
Boyd, Matthew "Scotty"
Force: Canadian Armed Forces
Matthew “Scotty” Boyd was born in Glasgow, Scotland, in 1904, the eldest of 9 siblings. At a very young age, Matthew showed talent for singing, and he was also active in cricket, running, and swimming. At 12 years he apprenticed to be a butcher while still pursuing his education and sports. In 1928 he was selected for the British Diving Team in the Olympics in Amsterdam. That same year he immigrated to Canada, going to work on a ranch near Peace River. This was quite a culture shock for him, and he was given the nickname Scotty because of his accent. Soon after his arrival in Canada he met Yukola, who he married. Scotty obtained work as a butcher and they moved to Beaverlodge in 1931. Over the years they lived in various areas: Beaverlodge, Grande Prairie, Hythe, Sexsmith, Peace River and Spirit River. Scotty won medals at the Grande Prairie Music Festival, and he joined the B.P.O. Elks No. 249 at Beaverlodge in 1938. He enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces for 6 years, 3 of which were spent overseas. After 15 years in Canada he was able to visit his family in Scotland again. An interesting army prank (in Holland) was that Scotty and some pals stole a train and crossed the border into enemy territory, where they were captured by the Germans, and escorted on a tour of the city before being released and having to face their Staff Officers! In 1954 the Boyds operated Lee Borden’s locker plant in Hythe, and in 1958 they bought their own business which became Boyd’s I.G.A. in Spirit River. They had 4 daughters: Marion, Gladys, Yukola, and Sheila. In later years they enjoyed holidays together, and Scotty served in the Spirit River Town Council. Matthew died in December 1975, but even in his last days in the hospital he sang Scottish songs.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over (taken from Beaverlodge to the Rockies Supplement) pp. 578-581
Photos: pp. 1153, 1162, and 580
Boyd, Roy Oliver
Regiment: Loyal Edmonton Regiment
Rank: Lance Corporal
Force:
Biography: Roy Boyd was born and grew up in the Wembley AB area. In October 1940 he enlisted for service in WW II in Grande Prairie. At first he joined the Edmonton Fusiliers, and then transferred to the Loyal Edmonton Regiment. For one and a half years he was posted overseas in England, North Africa, Sicily, and Italy. Roy was injured on December 26, 1943 in the Battle of Ortona in Italy and was the lone survivor of an Edmonton Platoon that was blown up by German pioneers. Roy was rescued after being buried for three and a half days and spent five months in Italian and English hospitals. He spent another year in hospitals back in Canada in Calgary and Edmonton. On December 24, 1944 Roy married Beryl Perves who was also from Wembley. He was discharged from the armed forces in July 1945, and shortly afterwards bought his father’s home quarter of land. The couple lived there until 1956 when they moved into Wembley. In 1968 they relocated to Grande Prairie. The Boyds had 7 children: Cheryl, Donna, David, Valerie, Vivian, Marilyn and Susan. Roy was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. He passed away on January 16, 1985 at age 64 in Grande Prairie, and he was buried in the Lake Saskatoon Cemetery in Wembley.
Source:
Along the Wapiti p. 412 – Name listed in WW II Veterans
p. 338
Grande Prairie AGS – Obituary Index, Cemetery Index
Boyer, Clarence Joseph
Regimental Number: M66795
Clarence Boyer was born in March 1920 to parents Isaac Boyer and Bertha Delaney. (His brother Raymond also served in WW II.) He grew up on a farm in the Kleskun Hills area (near Clairmont AB), and attended East Kleskun School. Clarence enlisted in 1941 with the Royal Canadian Signal Corps in WW II, was posted in Sicily, Italy, and Holland, and was discharged in 1946. Upon returning, he continued farming on VLA land, and in 1948 married Ruby Harriet Norton from Bezanson. They farmed until 1953, and then moved to Grande Prairie. The couple had 4 children: Brian, Wayne, Sharon, and Verna. In Grande Prairie Clarence worked for Massey Harris, and then for Sargent Motors where he was a car salesman for 17 years. When he retired he worked at the Pioneer Museum. In 1987 Clarence lost his eyesight. Clarence was a member of the Bezanson and Grande Prairie Legion branches. He died on July 29, 1993 at age 73 in Grande Prairie.
Source:
Herald Tribune – Obituary July 30, 1993
Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 119
Ray Boyer
Boyer, Raymond
Regiment: Seaforth Highlanders - 1st Canadian Division
Regimental Number: K 737
Rank: Private
Raymond Boyer was born on December 11, 1925 in Grande Prairie AB. His parents were Isaac Boyer and Bertha Delaney, and he had 3 siblings. (His brother Clarence also served in WW II in the Army). Growing up on a farm in the Kleskun Hills area (near Claimont AB), he took his education at the East Kleskun School. On November 3, 1943, at the age of 18, Raymond enlisted for service in WW II in #11 District Vancouver BC, with the Seaforth Highlanders. He was posted overseas in the UK, Italy, The Netherlands, and Germany, and he was discharged on May 18, 1946. Raymond married Rita Robideau on April 24, 1953 in Grande Prairie. They had 3 sons: Eldon, Doug, and Arnie. Employed with the County of Grande Prairie for 32 years, starting in 1951, Raymond worked on road construction, and in 1959 he became the superintendent of Public Works. Raymond was County Councillor from 1985 to 1995. He was the Alberta Senior Citizen of the Year in 2000. During his later years he was instrumental and greatly involved in developing the Kleskun Hills Park and Museum. Raymond died in Grande Prairie on August 1, 2012.
Source: Rita Boyer
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files (Obituary and news article)
Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 119
Bozko, Michael "Mike"
Mike Bozko was born in 1910 in Poland, and came to Canada in 1928. He filed on a homestead in the Woking AB area on the land NW 14-76-5-6. He served in WW II, and continued farming afterward, living on his homestead many years before moving into the town of Woking. Mike never married. In 1977 he became very ill, and he died in September that year, in Woking.
Source:
Burnt Embers pp. 188-189 (photo p. 189)
Braaten, Sigurd
Sigurd Braathen was the son of William Braathen and Olli Groseland, and one of 8 siblings. He was born in Norway in 1926. In March 1927 the family came to Canada by boat, and then stayed a while in Holden, AB. They settled in Valhalla AB where William filed on a homestead. Sigurd married Doris Ethridge, and they had 4 children: Linda, Russell, Sandra and Glen. The family lived in Vancouver.
Source: Pioneer Round-Up p. 748 – Name listed in Valhalla War Veterans. (Note: Name my be misspelled)
PP. 454 -455
Photos of Sigurd as child P.455
Bradley, Lawrence
Bradley, Natt
Bradley, Rene
Regiment: Royal Canadian Air Force
Biography: Rene Bradley was born in 1924 in Drumheller AB. His parents were Paul and Celima Bradley, and he had 8 siblings. Rene’s older brothers Henry, Lawrence, and Nathaniel also served in WWII. As a child, Rene grew up in Drumheller and then moved with his family to New Fish Creek (north of Valleyview AB) where they homesteaded. During WW II he served in the Air Force, and in the late 1940’s he filed on the land W1/2 35-73-22-W5. He married Georgiana Lemay in 1951, and they built a house together and lived there until 1956. Then they moved to New Westminster BC. They had 6 children and 10 grandchildren.
Source: Where the Red Willow Grew pp. 415-417
Bradly, Henry
Bray, Roy
Source:
Guy p. 146
p. 114 (Little Smoky Farm Industries)
Breitkreutz, Edward
Edward Breitkreutz was born in 1920 to parents Ernest Breitkreutz and Olga Duckolki, and he was one of 13 siblings. His parents and family moved from Golden Spike AB to the Wembley AB area on April 27, 1927, arriving by train. Edward grew up on a farm there, and took his early education in Wembley at St. John’s Parochial School. In 1941 Edward enlisted in the army in Grande Prairie AB where his had his training. He was stationed all across Canada, and while in Vancouver he was injured and left with a disability. After serving 4 ½ years, he was discharged in 1945 and helped his family with all aspects of farming. Purchasing the land NE 22-70-9-W6, he began his own mixed farm and eventually had 5 quarters. Edward married Olga Schultz in June 1952 in Wembley. They had 4 sons: Dwayne, Darrell, Colin, and Brent.
Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 (Name listed under WW II Veterans)
pp. 22-23 (Family photo p. 23)
Brekke, Ole
Edmonton Regiment
Brekke, Cornelius S.
Member of the first contingent from Grande Prairie, D Company, C.A.S.F.
Regiment: Edmonton Regiment CASF (Canadian Active Service Force) “D” Company
Biography: S. C. Brekke was from the Grande Prairie area.
Bressler, Edward
Briard, Fred E.
Regiment: S. Alberta Regiment
Rank: Private
Force: Army
Source: Daily Herald Tribune December 18, 1941 “ Pte. F. E. Briard, attached to Mewata Barracks, Calgary, is spending leave with his wife at Grande Prairie.”
Phil Briard
Brick, H.A. "Allie"
Name: Brick, H. A. (Allie)
Biography: Allie Brick was born on October 23, 1900 in Vermillion AB. He served in both World Wars: 1916-1918 and 1941-1945. All his life he worked for the government, first at Dominion Federated in Grande Prairie, and then in 1933 at Peace River for the provincial government. In 1958 he worked for the Lands and Mines Department in Edmonton until he retired in 1965. He married Vi on October 29, 1925, and they had 4 children: Allan, Hazel, Gail, and Wayne. Allie was a member of the Legion, Elks Lodge, UCT golf club, and he enjoyed playing hockey. For the last nine months of his life, Allie lived in the Mewburn Vet’s Home, and he passed away on August 19, 1983 at age 82 in Edmonton.
Source:
Herald Tribune Nov. 4, 1975 “Bricks Celebrate Golden Anniversary”
Daily Herald Tribune Aug. 23, 1983 (Obituary)
Brick, Henry
Trails and Rails North Vol. 2 p. 99
Brison, Robert M.
Regiment: R. C. C. S.
Force: Army
Biography: R. M. Brison was from Sexsmith AB. He enlisted with the Army end of July 1940, taking the train to Edmonton from Grande Prairie with 90 recruits.
Source:
Herald Tribune Aug. 1, 1940
Brissard, Charles Edward
Regiment: Royal Canadian Electronic and Mechanical Engineers
Regimental Number: M 3459
Rank: Sapper
Biography: Charles Brissard was born in Leduc AB on December 13, 1920. He served with the Canadian Engineers in WW II from 1940 to 1945. In 1945 he married May, and they had 4 children: Diane, Hazel, Charlie, and Ken. They lived in Courtenay BC for many years, and moved to Duncan in 1963. Charles worked for Pacific Logging. May died in 1975, and in the following year Charles married Dora Botham (nee Sallis) a widow from Wanham AB. Charles moved to the Wanham area and farmed until 1995. He also became a member of the Hythe Legion. Charles died at age 76 in Hythe, in February 1997.
Source: Grooming the Grizzly p. 280
Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune Feb. 18, 1997
Bristol, Frank
Smoky Peace Triangle p. 87 – name only
Broad, David
.Force: Army
Postings: Overseas
Biography: David Broad from the Albright area enlisted with the Army in WW II in 1940. He was posted overseas and was wounded in action in 1942. He was married to Marjorie Lindgaard.
Source: Pioneer Round-Up
Brochu, Gerard
Regimental No.: M 605068
Rank: Private
Force: Army
Gerard Brochu, the son of David Brochu and Alice Ruel, was born on February 13, 1920 in St. Fabien de Panet, Quebec. With his mother and siblings he moved to Girouxville AB in September 1927, because his father had come a year earlier, and had obtained a homestead. At age 19 Gerard enlisted with the Canadian Army. After two months of training in Grande Prairie, and a short period in Calgary, he went to Valcartier QC before being stationed overseas. In England Gerard was first at the military base Cochran Crossroads, then he was transferred to the La Chuadiere regiment. After that he was sent to Normandy, France as part of the Canadian Infantry. Being wounded on D-Day, June 6, 1944, he was sent back to England for recuperation. Thereafter he served in Belgium, Holland, and Germany, and fought until the end of WW II. In 1946 he married Donalda Chabot from Codesa AB, and eventually they had 4 children: Armand, Annette, Helene, and Ronald. Through the VLA, the Brochus had a homestead on the land W ½ - 11-78-235. Renting out the land in 1955, the family moved to Girouxville where Gerard was the village foreman until 1974 when he retired. In 1984, he sold his house and moved to Golden Age Manor in Girouxville. Gerard passed away at age 75 on October 24, 1995 in McLennan AB.
Source: Reflexions Vol. II pp. 392-393
AGS Obituary Index
Bromley, Albert
After finishing high school, Albert Bromley moved to Sturgeon Lake AB in the summer of 1932. He lived there on his father’s homestead, on the shore of the lake, for 8 years and raised mink. Also, Albert had two tame pet skunks!
Source: Across the Smoky p. 347 – Name in Roll of Honour – WW II
p. 212
Northern Tribune August 31, 1933 p. 8 c. 2
Bromley, Alberta
Brown, Cecil Robert Douglas "Buster"
Buster Brown was born on March 5, 1921, at home, and he was the only son of William and Melanie Brown who owned a farm 5 miles east of Sexsmith. He had a younger sister, Delphine. In 1922 the Browns moved to Hythe, where Buster’s father taught school for a year. Then they returned to the farm and built a house. Unfortunately, their house burned down in 1924, and they did not have insurance, but they received much help from neighbors. However, the Browns moved to the village of Sexsmith and set up an insurance business. Buster was well known in sport circles. He enlisted in the army in February 1941. First he was in the artilleray in Nova Scotia, and later he was posted overseas with the first contingent on D-Day. He remained in Europe until the end of the war. In September 1947, after returning to Sexsmith, Buster married Marion Innes (daughter of William Innes who farmed in the Buffalo Lakes district) in Sexsmith, and worked for the post office. Buster and Marion moved Sherwood Park (1975) and to St. Albert (1976) where he continued with the post office. They had two children: Linda and James.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over pp. 408 – 410 and 1149 (Name on Roll of Honour)
Buffalo Trails p. 141
Herald Tribune May 1, 1941 p. 1 c.6
Brown, John Alexander
Regiment: Princess Patricia Canadian Light Infantry
Rank: Sergeant in Medical Corps
Force: Army
John Alexander Brown was born in 1916 in Sawridge AB. In 1927 he and his family moved to Kleskun Hills where he finished his Grade 8 education. At age 16 John worked for a sawmill, and in 1939 he was a cook for a lumber camp where his met his wife. John and Louise Platzer were married on November 18, 1941. That winter the couple lived at Mile 17 where John worked as cook at the sawmill. John joined the army and became a sergeant in the Medical Corps. During his service in WW II, he was posted in England, North Africa, Sicily, Italy, France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. In 1949 the Browns began homesteading on SW 2 and SE 3-76-5-6. In the winter John cooked for seismic crews and sawmills, and in the summer they farmed. In 1971 John worked for the Department of Highways and Transportation and became a foreman for projects in Debolt and Valleyview. John died after a short illness on June 11, 1981, in Woking AB. John and Louise had 6 children: Karra, Suzanne, Timothy, John, George, and Heather.
Source: Burnt Embers p. 110 – photo
pp. 289-290
Brown, Leonard
Source: Across the Smoky p. 347 - Roll of Honour
Brown, Maurice Raymond
Service Number: M/56303
Age: 26
Force: Army
Unit: South Saskatchewan Regiment, R.C.I.C.
Killed in Action: Oct. 14, 1944
Son of Harry and Mary Brown, of Halcourt, Alberta
Brown, Robert John
Brown, Roy
Biography: Robert Brown received land from VH Lease on Jan. 1, 1963. ( NE 34-81-13-W6)
Source: Alberta Land Book
Brown, Ruth
Source: Beaverlodge High Year Book 1947-48 p.26
Brown, Sam
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 – Name in Roll of Honour
Brown, Walter
Source: Across the Smoky p. 347 – Roll of Honour
Brown, William A. "Brownie"
Rank: Major
Force:
Biography: William Brown (“Brownie”) was a surveyor as a young man on the west coast of British Columbia. He joined the army in 1915 and served in WW I for 4 years. While overseas he met and married Melanie Grandsard, who was a refugee from Belgium, on June 20, 1918 in London, England. In 1919 William journeyed to Sexsmith AB since William’s father, (Paul Brown) had filed on a half section of land for him by proxy. His bride, Melanie, arrived in August that year, and they tried their best at farming. Brownie decided to teach school in 1921 in the new North Sexsmith School, and was also the secretary-treasurer for the school district. He also taught in Hythe in the new Annellen School, living in a log house behind the school. In 1923 the Browns returned to their farm and raised turkeys, chickens and pigs, and put an addition on their house. They had two children: Cecil and Delphine. Sadly, in 1924 the house burned and everything was lost. Neighbors helped in many ways, but life was not the same, so the family moved into the village of Sexsmith where Brownie started an insurance and real estate business. When WW II broke out, Brownie enlisted again, in the fall of 1940. He was a lieutenant stationed west of Calgary, and while on a 14 day leave to Sexsmith, in May of 1941, he recruited and interviewed anyone wishing to join the service at the Grande Prairie Training Centre. Brownie was fit and enjoyed the army life, later becoming a Major, and he was discharged in 1947. In November of that year, the Browns started a ladies’ and men’s wear business in Sexsmith which they moved to Manning three years later. Brownie was the mayor of Manning for 8 ½ years, president of the Legion Branch No. 137 (later being made a life member of the Legion), and chairman of the Manning Municipal Hospital Board for several years. In 1968 Melanie and Brownie retired to Grande Prairie and enjoyed the Old Timers’ Association. William died on February 7, 1977, and Melanie passed away on October 14, 1977.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over pp. 408 – 410. P. 1147 – name listed in Roll of Honour
The Herald Tribune May 1, 1941 p. 1 c.6
Brownlee, Edith Mary
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force
Edith Brownlee, the daughter of George Brownlee and Mary Renton Aitchison, was born on September 23, 1920 in Grande Prairie, AB. Edith and her older sister, Edna, started school in Spirit River, then moved to Beaverlodge in Grade 3. The family moved to a homestead in Bridgeview in 1929. Edith joined the RCAF in 1942. Sadly she was killed by a hit and run driver in Brantford, ON in October 1943. She is buried in the Spirit River Cemetery.
Source:
Memories and Moments p. 176 – photo of Edith in uniform
pp.233-235
Chepi Sepe (Spirit River) p. 301 – photo of Edith and Edna as children
Herald Tribune Oct. 14, 1943 p.7 c.4
Herald Tribune Oct. 21, 1943 p.6 c. 3
Brulotte, Gerard
Gerard Brulotte was born on November 10, 1919 to parents Leopold Brulotte and Aldea Giroux. Gerard married Antoinette Moulun on November 11, 1946. They had 4 children: Norman, Denis, Doris, and Lionel. The family lived in Falher AB, and later in Grande Prairie AB. After a lengthy battle with cancer, Gerard died at age 72 in Edmonton on November 11, 1991.
Source: Refexions p. 398-399
Alberta Genealogy Society – Obituary Index
GP Daily Herald Tribune - Nov. 13, 1991
Brulotte, Henri
Henri Brulotte was born on July 15, 1921, and his hometown was Guy. He enlisted for service in WW II with the Canadian Army in 1941, and he was discharged in February 1942. He married Yvette Drouin on July 7, 1943. Henri was a farmer.
Source: Guy p. 231
Bryan, Bruce
Bruce’s parents were Orme Bryan and Gertrude Pooke. In 1928, Bruce, his brother Jack, and their parents moved from Consort AB to the Woking district. There the family homesteaded. In 1938 Bruce worked on the Monkman Pass, and then he got a job at Prince George BC on a ranch until fall of 1939. He served in WW II. His wife was Chris, and they lived in Whitecourt AB.
Source: Burnt Embers p. 110 Photo
Chepi Sepe p. 183 Photo
p. 302
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune Aug. 4, 1987 (Obituary of Gertrude Bryan – mother)
Bryant, Franklyn Nolan
Birth Date: 22 Jul 1919
Birth Place: Hythe, Alberta
Residence: Jasper, Alberta
Death Date: 22 Jul 1943
Service Number: M17393
Force: Army
Regiment: Loyal Edmonton Regiment, R.C.I.C.
Rank: Corporal
Killed in Action: 22 July 1943