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Dahl, Agnes Christine
Force: Women’s Royal Naval Service (WRNS)
Born in 1922 in Buffalo Lake AB, Agnes Dahl was the daughter of Anders Jacobson and Kari (Tiegen) Dahl who were originally from Norway. Agnes and her brother and sisters attended Buffalo Lake School. Serving with the WRNS during WWII for two and a half years, she was posted in Eastern Canada. After the war she taught school in Progress BC where she met her husband, Eric Carlson. They were married in 1950, and moved to a farm in Fort St. John BC. The Carlsons had two children: Valerie and Renny. Agnes passed away at age 95 in May 2017.
Source: Buffalo Trails pp. 15-16, Photo p. 16
La Glace Yesterday and Today p. 101, Photo p. 315
AGS website – Obituary Index (Under “Carlson”)
Dalgleish, Neil John
Regimental No.: R-105922
Rank: Flight Sergeant
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF)
Neil Dalgleish was born on July 5, 1918 in Leduc, AB to parents Alex and Margaret Jean Dalgleish. At the time of Neil’s enlistment with the RCAF in July 1941, the family had moved to Grande Prairie. Tragically, Neil was killed in a plane crash on December 20, 1942, and he was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Source: Alberta Genealogical Society – Grande Prairie Cemetery Records ( File no. 510.03.22
Attestation Papers
Herald Tribune – Dec. 24, 1942 p. 1 c. 5 (plane crash)
Dana, Carroll M. "Cal"
Regiment: 49th Royal Edmonton
Born circa 1915 in Bellingham, Washington USA, Cal Dana was the son of David and Margaret (McLennan) Dana. In 1920 the family with 3 boys moved north to a homestead by the Smoky River in the Bezanson AB area. When the boys attended school, they travelled five miles one way. Cal joined the 49th Royal Edmonton regiment on September 10, 1939. His older brother, Thomas, also served in WW II. After the war, Cal worked in the far north on DEW lines (Distant Early Warning) which was a network of radar stations. He died in September 1976.
Source: Across the Smoky p. 347 – name in Roll of Honour
pp. 23-24
Dana, Thomas
Regiment: Princess Patricia - Engineers
Thomas Dana, who was the oldest son of David and Margaret (McLennan), was born circa 1912 in Bellingham, Washington, USA. In 1920, the family with 3 boys moved to the Peace River country and settled on a homestead by Bezanson AB. The boys attended school which was 5 miles away. Thomas married Eileen Newman before WW II, and then he enlisted with the Engineers and was posted overseas. His brother, Cal, also served in WW II. After the war, the couple went into farming in the DeBolt area. Gene retired in DeBolt, and he passed away in June 1985.
Source: Across the Smoky – p. 347 name in Roll of Honour; pp. 23-24
Danard (Denard?), Dave
From Poplar Hill
Darnton, Fred
Regiment: Princess Patricia
Fred Darnton was known as an Englishman, who once camped out on the property of David and Margaret Dana near the junction of the Simonette and Smoky Rivers. It was the fall of 1930, and he was only passing through the area. He had nothing but the clothes he was wearing, and stayed overnight by his campfire. After investigation by the family and neighbors, Fred, “the crazy young guy”, soon came to be a close friend of the Danas and was like a son and brother to them. Fred filed on a homestead for $10 (SW -2- 72-2-W6) on December 23, 1930 in lived in the Goodwin area for the next 20 years. During WW II, he enlisted with the Princess Patricia Regiment and was posted overseas. Severely wounded during the D-Day landings in June 1944, he returned to Canada. Eventually he found a job with the Department of Highways and worked for 25 years.
Source: Across the Smoky p. 347 – name in Roll of Honour; p. 24; p. 140-141
D'Auteuil, Romain
Romain D’Auteuil was born in 1918 in St. Mathieu de Rimouski (Quebec (?)). He moved from Montreal to the west to work on the construction of the Alaska Highway. In 1943 He arrived in Girouxville AB where he had 2 brothers, Philippe and Vezina, and a year later he acquired some land west of Girouxville. In the summers he cleared the land, while in winter he worked at lumber camps in Prince George BC. During WW II Romain served in the Canadian Army. He rented out his farm in 1958, selling it in 1969. He passed away on May 20, 1970 at age 52, in Prince George.
Davidson, Charles Henry Jr.
Regiment: Sherbrooke Fusiliers – Tank Corps
Charles (Jr.) Davidson, the youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Davidson, was born around 1916 in Baldyquash Cottage Parish, County of Aberdeen, Scotland. On May 7, 1928, the Davidsons arrived in Canada. They lived for a year in Spirit River, and then moved to White Mountain where Charles Jr. and his 2 older brothers, William and Norman, attended school. The boys also took turns being janitor for White Mountain School in the 1930s. In 1938 the family had their own homestead in the Willowvale district. All 3 sons served for four years overseas in WW II. Charles, who enlisted in the Tank Corps in 1942, was active in Normandy on the D-Day (June 6, 1944) Invasion. He also battled in Caen and Falaise in France, losing three tanks within 3 months. Discharged in 1946, Charles married Elsie Jean Burton in January 1947 in Edmonton. Obtaining land in White Mountain area from Veteran’s Land Act, they farmed until 1979, and then retired to Spirit River. They had 5 children: Phyllis and Donna (twins), Marlene, Edith, and Ronald. Charles died in December 1991 at age 75 in Grande Prairie, and Elsie died in December 1998.
Source: Memories and Moments of White Mountain, Willowvale, Bridgeview pp. 85-86 (story); p. 276 (photo)
Chepi Sepe – Spirit River p. 184 (photo); p. 341 (story)
AGS – Obituary Index
Davidson, William "Bill"
Force: R.C.A.S.C.
Bill Davidson was born in Baldyquash Cottage Parish, County of Aberdeen, Scotland to parents Mr. and Mrs. Charles (Sr.) Davidson. The parents and 3 sons, William, Norman, and Charlie, arrived in Canada on May 7, 1928, first moving to Spirit River, AB, and then in 1929 to White Mountain where the family farmed. The 3 boys attended White Mountain School, and they also did janitorial work for the school in the 1930’s. In 1938 the family moved to the Willowvale district where Charles Sr. had taken up a homestead. Bill and his brothers all served overseas for 4 years in WW II. Bill was in the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps. He was married to Dorothy (“Dot”) in BC, and they lived in Burnaby and New Westminster BC
Source: Memories and Moments of White Mountain, Willowvale, and Bridgeview p. 85 (story); p. 276 (photo)
Chepi Sepe Spirit River p. 184 (photo); p. 341 (story)
Davidson, Norman
Regiment: Tank Corps
Norman Davidson, whose parents were Mr. and Mrs. Charles (Sr.) Davidson, was born in Baldyquash Cottage Parish, County of Aberdeen, Scotland. Arriving in Canada on May 7, 1928, he and his family moved first to Spirit River, and then in 1929 to White Mountain AB. Norman and his brothers, William and Charles, attended White Mountain School, and also did janitorial work for the school. The family moved to a homestead in nearby Willowvale in 1938. When WW II broke out, all 3 brothers served overseas for 4 years. Norman, who was in the Tank Corps, was wounded in France (?) and sent to England. He was married to Bernie, and they lived in Kelowna BC. Norman died in September 1982.
Source: Memories and Moments of White Mountain, Willowvale, Bridgeview p.85 (story); 276 (photo)
Chepi Sepe - Spirit River p. 184 (photo); p. 341 (story)
Davidson, Norman
Davidson, William
Davies, Arthur Kenneth “Ken”
Force: Navy
Ken Davies was born on October 2, 1925 in Portage La Prairie MB. In 1938 he moved to Grande Prairie with his mother and brother, Pat, where his father had gone to look for work during the Depression. The boys attended Montrose School. Ken spent two years in the Navy during WW II, and after his discharge he purchased the land E1/2-71-7-W6 in Flying Shot area from Tom Waterman in November 1946. Not enjoying being a bachelor, he married Mabel Clara Hugel in January 1947 in Grande Prairie. They farmed and hauled wood to Grande Prairie for 2 years, and then they spent winters working at a sawmill in Big Mountain. In 1957 they purchased a half section in Dimsdale. The Davies had 4 sons: Wayne, Dale, Brian, and Pat. Ken died at age 85 in July 2011 in Grande Prairie, and Mabel died in 2017 at age 89 in Grande Prairie.
Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 – Name in WW II Veterans
p. 142 – photos
AGS Obituary Index
Davies, Margaret Isabelle
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force (Women’s Division)
Born around 1921, Marge Davies who served with the RCAF (WD) in WW II, was a teacher in Edmonton. She married John Morgan in August 1963, and moved onto his homestead SE 30-79-25-W5 in Eaglesham area, where they farmed. Marge and John had two sons: David and Tom. Marge died in September 2007 at age 86 in Eaglesham.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 311 (photo) p. 86 (photo)
AGS Website – Obituary Index
Davies, William “Bill”
Rank: Corporal
Force: Army
Bill Davies came to Wembley AB from Calgarick, Wales in 1928, having only $3 in his pocket. He worked for Wesley Stephen, and Wes’ father Gavin Stephen in Dimsdale. In 1931 he was a miner in Loskill-Schneider coalmines on Wapiti River. He married Daisy Reese in 1934 in Wembley area, and they settled on 80 acres on NW 20-70-7-W6 in Millarston AB. They had one son, Jeffry, born in 1937. Bill joined the army in 1939. During that time, Daisy and son Jeffry moved to Richmond BC to live with her mother and brother. When Bill was discharged in 1946, he joined his family in Richmond. For a while he was digging peat at Lulu Island, and then he worked in a concrete factory until his retirement. After Daisy passed away, Bill’s sister, Phylis, lived with him.
Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 – Name in WW II Veterans
p. 244 (photo)
Davis, George
George Davis, who was born in Thrusham, England on January 19, 1907, came to Canada in 1929. In England he worked in a printing office, but settling in Goodfare he turned to farming in the summers and trapping in the winters. He stayed first with his uncle Walt Wills, and then built a log house on his own homestead. George married Nancy Wills in 1938, and in 1943 he joined the army and was posted in Vernon BC. His family moved to Vernon to be near him. After the war, they moved to Wembley where George started a shoe repair business. Later he worked at Northern Plywood in Grande Prairie until his retirement in 1971. He enjoyed gardening. George and Nancy had 4 children: Betty (died at age 8), Sheila, Jeffrey, and Dorothy. After residing in Wembley for 43 years, George moved to the Hythe Nursing Home where he passed away on December 26, 1991 at age 83. Nancy died in July 1991.
Source: Pioneer Round-Up p. 80 (photo)
Hythe Headliner Jan 22, 1991
Davis, William
Dawson, Cecil
Day, "Darkie"
Rank: Private
Enlistment Date: November 1940
Served with the Canadian Red Cross Hospital on Lady Astor's estate in England.
DeBolt, Clifford Eugene
Clifford DeBolt was born on January 11, 1926 on the homestead of his parents Elbert and Laura DeBolt, (which became the hamlet DeBolt, AB in 1947). He was one of 7 siblings. When he was 15 the family moved to Spirit River AB, and a few years later he served in WW II. (His brothers, Dale and Jack, also served in WW II.) Clifford married Dalphine Grimm in 1952, and they raised 5 children: Terry (who died in 1974 in a car accident), Larry, Rainier, Cathy, and Zorda. They settled in Valleyview where Clifford was a member of the Legion. Dalphine died suddenly in 1988, and Clifford passed away at age 83 on December 25, 2009.
Source: Family and Personal Life Reference Files (SPRA) – Obituary
Across the Smoky pp 24-27
Chepi Sepe – Spirit River pp. 346-347
Herald Tribune – Nov. 6, 1952, p. 3 c. 5
DeBolt, Dale
Regiment: Loyal Edmonton Regiment
Force: Army
Dale DeBolt, born in 1920 in Washington USA, was one of 7 children of parents Elbert and Laura DeBolt. When he was only 7 weeks old, he and his mother and 2 older siblings moved up to the Peace Country to meet up with Elbert who bought a homestead in what is now the hamlet of DeBolt AB. Enlisting in the Army with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment in April 1940, Dale was posted overseas. (His two brothers, Jack and Clifford also served in WW II.) Dale was married to Joan Leitch, and they had a son and a daughter, and they owned a farm in Spirit River. In November 1970, Dale died suddenly on his farm. Joan moved to Edmonton while the children remained in Spirit River.
Source: Across the Smoky pp. 24 – 27, 346-347 (photo and name in Roll of Honour)
Chepi Sepe – Spirit River pp. 346-347
DeBolt, Floyd
Force: American Army
From Grande Prairie; Died in July 1941 in a motorcycle accident
Source:
Grande Prairie Herald – July 10, 1941
DeBolt, Henry Richard "Jack"
Jack DeBolt, one of 7 children of Elbert and Laura DeBolt, was born on June 18, 1923 on his parents’ homestead (which became the hamlet of DeBolt AB in 1947). In October 1941 his family moved to Spirit River, and Jack served in WW II a few years later. (His two brothers, Dale and Clifford, also served in WW II.) He was married to Jean Paul and they raised two children, settling in Edmonton.
Source: Across the Smoky pp. 24-27
Chepi Sepe – Spirit River pp. 184 (photo), 346-347
DeBolt, Robert Dale
Delaney, Archibald Albert "Archie"
Archie is at left in the photograph.
Regimental Number: M55261
Archie, born on February 24, 1914 at Blezard Valley, Nipissing District, Ontario, was the 2nd youngest in John and Alberta (McKenzie) Delaney’s family of seven children. He had four sisters; Annie (died 1917), Lila, Edna, Ada and two brothers; John and Alvin. They lived on the family farm in Algoma County until John died from cardiac failure on May 27, 1918. Shortly thereafter, Alberta, who went by Bertha, answered an advertisement to become a mail-order-bride. Bertha and the children arrived in Grande Prairie on June 17, 1919. She married Isaac Benjamin Boyer the next day and the family settled on Isaac’s homestead in the Kleskun Hills area. The Boyer’s had four children, Clarence, Ruth, Raymond and Harry.
Archie and his siblings attended the one-room East Kleskun School; however, he often missed school during seeding and harvest time as his step-father suffered from crippling arthritis and could no longer perform many of the strenuous farm chores. Archie eventually had to leave school permanently and found employment with local farmers to supplement the farm income. Being very industrious, he also trapped squirrels and coyotes and worked in the bush in the wintertime.
In 1940, at age 26, Archie enlisted with the Royal Canadian Army. Following basic training, Archie sailed for England where he soon became attached to the Canadian Army Headquarters, Royal Canadian Signal Corp. Shortly thereafter, the Canadian troops were transferred to Sicily where they fought their way up the island and crossed to Italy where Archie was stationed at the headquarters in Taranto, Italy. Following which, the Signal Corps were transferred to Belgium and Holland. While in Holland, Archie met a nurse, Aagtje (Alice) Renkema whom he married on November 30, 1945. Archie was discharged on demobilization and returned home to the family farm in the spring of 1946. A daughter, June Alice, was born on May 19, 1946 in Holland after Archie had sailed for home. In the fall of the same year, Alice and baby June finally arrived in Grande Prairie.
The Delaneys spent the first winter with Archie’s brother, John and his wife Rose, who lived east of Kleskun Lake in a little building they moved up for that purpose. The next spring, they rented and moved to Tom Smith’s farm which was located along the Teepee Creek Road. Unfortunately, Archie’s mother died in November of 1946 followed by his step-father in March of 1947. The summer of 1947, twins, Eveline and Irene, were born at Johanna’s Maternity Hospital in Sexsmith. For a short while, the family lived in the old McCurdy house that was located slightly west of Alvin and Jessie Delaney’s. The following winter, they stayed at the Boyer home which was now owned by Clarence. As Clarence worked in the bush that winter, Alice and Archie looked after Harry Boyer. Shortly thereafter, Archie purchased the SE 13-72-4-W6 by means of a loan through the VLA and the young couple started to farm on their own. A son, Ray was born in 1949 to complete the family. As Archie was an avid hunter, the family always had an ample supply of moose and deer meat for the winter. Ice was stored in huge ice blocks cut from the Kleskun Lake and insulated with wood shavings. As the road from Valleyview to Grande Prairie ran right past their home, the Delaney’s would catch the bus if they needed to go town as they did not own a vehicle. Alice home-schooled June for two years and the twins for one year until a school bus route was established. It was a busy time for the Delaney’s as Archie farmed in the summer and hauled logs from Norton’s Mill at Sturgeon Heights during the winter months. A few years later, he purchased NW 13-72-4-W6 from Jim Storm and now had a sizeable farm to operate. On August 11, 1954, Archie had a tractor accident on Kleskun Hill and died of his injuries six days later in the Grande Prairie Hospital. Funeral services were held at the Glen Leslie Church on Friday August 20, 1954 followed by interment in the cemetery
As the Community was devastated at the news, the neighbors quickly formed a work-party and approximately 20 tractors arrived to harvest the crop and complete the fall work for Archie’s widow. The ladies of the area took turns preparing meals and staying with Alice and the children for several weeks until all the work was done.
Alice soon realized that she would not be able to operate the farm herself and decided to move the family to Grande Prairie where she could once again engage in her chosen profession. Once the news of her decision became known, the members of the Legion with the assistance of family members and neighbors, built a house in Grande Prairie for Alice and her children and the family moved in just before Christmas 1955. Once settled in the new home, Alice had to upgrade her training to be accredited in Alberta and once completed, she continued to work as a nurse at the QEII until she retired in 1976. She married William Balmer on December 22, 1972 in Grande Prairie. Alice passed away on March 10, 2000 and was laid to rest alongside Archie at the Glen Leslie Cemetery.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources: Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 125 – 128 (photos)
Herald Tribune (Newspaper) Aug. 19, 1954 p. 1 c. 3 (fatal accident)
Delaney – Boyer Family History Book
Delaney, John Robert
Regimental Number: M100721
Rank: Sergeant
John, born on August 24, 1911 at Blezard Valley, Nipissing District, Ontario was the 3rd youngest in John Sr. and Alberta “Bertha” (McKenzie) Delaney’s family of seven children. He had four sisters; Annie (died 1917), Lila, Edna, Ada and two brothers; Archie and Alvin. They lived on the family farm in Algoma County until John Sr. died from cardiac failure on May 27, 1918. Bertha and the children subsequently moved into the town of Thessalon. Shortly thereafter, Bertha answered an advertisement to become a mail-order-bride. Bertha and the children arrived in Grande Prairie on June 17, 1919. She married Isaac Benjamin Boyer the next day and the family settled on Isaac’s homestead in the Kleskun Hills area. The Boyer’s had four children, Clarence, Ruth, Raymond and Harry.
John attended school at the one-room East Kleskun School until he left home to work for various farmers in the surrounding Districts. While working for Tom and Edith Smith from Sexsmith, he became acquainted with their youngest daughter, Rose, whom he married on February 14, 1939. The young couple made their first home in an old log cabin on John’s brother, Alvin’s property. A son, Robert was born in the fall of 1939. As John had previously purchased 80 acres (1/2 of SW-2-73-4-W6) from Alvin, he decided to build a new cabin for his family on his property. He utilized the logs from Alvin’s vacated cabin. The following summer, John went to work for his father-in-law. Their next move was to the Jess Harris farm for the summer.
On April 28, 1942, John enlisted with the Royal Canadian Army in Grande Prairie. As John was transferred to Camrose for basic training, Rose and their young son, Robert, stayed with the Smith family. In 1944 another son, Albert was born and Rose decided to take the children and join her husband in Camrose. They stayed until the war was over at which time John was sent to Dundurn, Saskatchewan to assist in the clean-up of the camps. Rose and the children once again moved back to stay with her parents. Sergeant John Robert Delaney was discharged on April 12, 1946 at Calgary, served in Canada and received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Clasp.
John & Rose Delaney sons Robert & Albert John returned home and purchased the NE 15-73-5-W6 along with a Case tractor and binder by means of loan from the VLA. In March 1949, a daughter Rita was born followed by another son, Kenneth Dale in 1951. The Delaney’s farmed and raised cattle continuously until John was diagnosed with cancer in the fall of 1954 and passed away at the Royal Alex Hospital in Edmonton on February 17, 1955. He was laid to rest at the Glen Leslie Cemetery.
Robert subsequently quit school so that he could take over the farming responsibilities. During the spring of 1955, the neighbors organized a work-bee to ensure that a crop was seeded for the young widow and her family. With hired help in the fall, Rose and her sons were able to continue on farming. In 1957, a decision was made to build a new house. With the assistance of friends, relatives and the staff of the VLA administration office who shingled the roof, the house was ready for occupancy. In December 1957, Rose married John Fitzsimmons and they moved into the unfinished house after New Year’s. John Fitzsimmons purchased a ¼ of land that John Delaney and Rose had been renting which meant the Fitzsimmons now owned a ½ section of land. They continued to rent another quarter until they could afford to purchase it. Rose and John had a daughter, Joanne born in October 1958. When John passed away, Rose’s youngest son, Dale, moved a mobile home out to the farm yard which enabled Rose to continue to live on the farm.
Rose passed away in 2006 and was buried at the St. Stephen's Anglican Church Cemetery in Sexsmith.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1155, p. 1149, p. 98-99
Delaney – Boyer Family History Book
Interview with Robert Delaney, son
Discharge Certificate
Note:
Date of birth in Delaney-Boyer Family History Book states August 24, 1912.
Per Robert Delaney (son), John had lost the sight in one eye in an accident as a youngster.
Delf, H.H.
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force
Source: Daily Herald Tribune April 23, 1942
Deluke, Carmen
Carman Deluke was born Feb 14 1905, in Ottawa, Enlisted Oct 6 1942, Discharged Jan 10, 1946. Died May 4 1978. Regimental #M104360. Served in England, Europe, Italy and Canada.
Carman Deluke came with his family from Ontario to Alberta in the early 1900s. In 1918 the family moved to Watino where they settled. Carman and his father purchased land in Tangent. In 1942 Carman and his brother, Tony, enlisted with the army, and they served overseas.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 188, 189
Deluke, Tony
Tony came to Alberta from Ontario with his family in the early 1900s, and settled in the Watino area in 1918. Then the family homesteaded in Tangent. Tony and his brother, Carman, joined the army in 1942, and saw action at their posts overseas.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 188
Demaine, Jack
Rank: Gunner
Force: Royal Canadian Army
Jack Demaine was born in St. John NB, and came west at an early age. From Moncton NB he moved to Drinkwater SK, staying there until 1927. Then he came to the Peace Country, and settled in Valleyview AB for four years. Going next to Grande Prairie, he managed the farm of the late Hugh Ferguson before he went to live in Bellingham, WA. In 1935 he came to the Clairmont district and managed the farm of the late Tom Langdon and Ella Langdon (nee Robertson) (who had 2 boys: Stewart and Allan). Romance blossomed between Jack and Ella. Jack joined the army in May 1940, and was based in Calgary for 10 months. Ella and Jack were married in December 1940, while he was on leave. He returned to Calgary, and soon was transferred to the Coastal Artillary in Halifax NS. Contracting pneumonia, Jack was invalided in November 1941. Jack and Ella had one son, Michael, in 1942. The family continued farming until 1945 when Jack became ill and was hospitalized. He died in April 1956. Ella moved to Grande Prairie in 1962, and she died in 2001.
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 298
AGS – Obituary Index
Demchuck, Pte.
Regiment: No. 3 Platoon C.A. (8) No. 132
Trained in Grande Prairie AB
Source: Photograph 2005.53.02 (Jan 1943)
Name may be spelled Demchuk
Denard, David Robert "Pat"
Regiment: 48th Highlanders of Canada
Regimental No.: M/16024
Rank: Private
Force: Canadian Army (R.C.I.C.)
Grave Ref. V.D.2.
Cemetery: Moro River Canadian War Cemetery, Italy
David or “Pat” Denard, son of Robert and Ellen Boyd Denard, grew up in England as an orphan in the Bernardo Home. The date he arrived in Canada is uncertain; he filed on a homestead on SW – 25-73-9 in 1927 in the La Glace area (Old Post district). He was friendly and outgoing, visiting other settlers, and he worked for neighbors to earn money to buy himself farm machinery. In the early 1930s Pat was Secretary for the Meadowville School District. As soon as he heard about the war, Pat enlisted in the Canadian Army in 1939 in Edmonton, being posted to England and Italy. While in England, he married Hilda Nelson (who was an Air Raid Warden in Manchester) in September 1942. Tragically, Pat was killed in action in Ortona, Italy in December 1943 at age 39. Hilda came to Canada in 1945 to take over the homestead, and she raised cattle and lived there for many years.
Source: Photograph 2005.53.02. (1943) No. 3 Platoon C. A. (B.) T. C. No. 132
Commonwealth War Graves
Canadian Virtual War Memorial (Photo)
Buffalo Trails pp. 241-241
La Glace Yesterday and Today pp. 156, 278-279, Photo p. 279
Denny, Harold "Harry"
Born in 1924 - Died May 2014. Lived in Valleyview AB.
Source: Where the Red Willow Grew - Valleyview p. 303 (Name in Roll of Honour WW II Veterans)
Herald Tribune – Oct. 25, 1957 p. 3 c. 5 (marries)
AGS – Obituary Index
Derocher, Edmund Peter "Ed"
Ed Derocher was born in Kennedy SK on September 10, 1921. He lived in the Sexsmith AB before volunteering for the army in WW II. Ed was married to Daphne, and the couple had 6 children: Yvonne, Marjorie, Bryan, Edmonde, Donna, and Chad. He passed away in his home in Sexsmith, where he lived for many years, at age 74, on December 22, 1995.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 – Name in Roll of Honour
AGS – Obituary Index (Daily Herald Tribune Dec. 27, 1995)
Deroschoor, Johan Gerrit
Obtained land through VH Lease: NW 21-80-W6 in 1951
Source: Alberta Land Book
Deschene, Raymond
Force: Army
Raymond Deschene was born on April 23, 1914 in Walhala, North Dakota, to parents Vincent and Melvina Deschene. After being in the Army in WW II, he settled in Tangent AB in 1952. Raymond was married to Margaret, and they had 7 children: Lorne, Danny, Raymond (Jr.), Philip, Larry, Sharon, and Jeanne. (Margaret and Jeanne predeceased Raymond.) He died June 30, 1997 at age 83 in Grande Prairie AB.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 87 (Name only)
AGS – Obituary Index
Desjarlais, Thomas
Regimental No: M 34097
Rank: Gnr. (Gunner)
Force: Royal Canadian Army
Died January 19, 1972; buried in Grande Prairie AB
Source: AGS - Cemetery Index
Deskur, Dmytro
Deslauriers, Alphonse
Force: Canadian Army
Alphonse Deslauriers, son of Ernest and Monique (Lapointe), was born in St. Laurent, Quebec, on January 23, 1917. In April 1928 he and his family moved to Girouxville AB. Whereas he had started school in St. Laurent, he continued his education in Falher AB, staying in the convent. In 1930 he attended Girouxville School. When Alphonse was older, he worked for farmers, clearing many quarters of land by ax with his father and brothers. Joining the Army in 1942, Alphonse took basic training in Canada, and then served in England, France, Holland, Belgium, and Germany. In 1946 he was involved in a convoy, delivering trucks to Czechoslovakia. He also traveled through Nuremberg, the site of the Nazi rally. After his discharge in 1946, he returned to the Girouxville area to homestead the land SW 5-78-22-5. Through the Veteran’s Land Act he obtained the land SW 5-78-21-5. Alphonse married Marie-Louise Remillard, a nurse from Falher, on October 14, 1947. While he farmed in the warmer seasons, Alphonse worked in lumber camps in the winters. In 1952 the Deslauriers moved to the village of Girouxville where he worked at the Co-Op for nine years. From 1962 to 1981 he was postmaster until he retired. Alphonse and Marie-Louise had 2 sons: Raymond and George.
Source: Reflexions Vol. II, pp. 479-481 (photo p. 480)
Deslauriers, Roland
Force: Canadian Army
Roland Deslauriers, son of Ernest and Monique (Lapointe) Deslauriers, was born in Montreal, Quebec on October 9, 1912. He moved to Alberta with his family in 1928, first arriving in Dreau, and soon thereafter settling on a homestead near Girouxville. Roland filed for his own homestead, SW 04-78-22-5. He married Germaine Viens, from Fahler, on December 30, 1941. Serving in the army in WW II from 1942 to 1946, Roland was posted in BC – Vancouver, Victoria, and Prince Rupert – operating anti-aircraft guns, before going to Holland and Germany. After returning to Canada, the family farmed their homestead for 2 years, and in September 1948 Roland started work at the Co-op store in Girouxville, becoming manager for 30 years. During this time, he was elected mayor from 1954 to 1958, and he played a big part in bringing water, sewer, natural gas, telephone and other services to the village. In 1970 he was named “Notary Public”. For nearly 50 years Roland was organist in his church. Roland and Germaine moved to BC for a few years, and then settled in St. Albert AB. The Deslauriers had 5 children: Louise, Roger, Evelyne, Annette, and Paul-Henri.
Source: Reflexions pp. 483 (photo)
Desmarais, Ernest Harvey
Ernest Desmarais was born in Manitoba in 1918. He obtained the land: NE 9-82-10 W6 in 1959. He passed away at age 78 in May 1996 in Prince George BC.
Source: Alberta Land Book
AGS – Obituary Index
Detourdonnet, Louis
Among other veterans from Wanham area who took leases on the Simonson Project
Source: Grooming the Grizzly p. 277
Devey, George
Source: La Glace – Yesterday and Today p. 315 (name listed under WW II Veterans)
Devine, James A.R.
Lived in Demmitt
Dewhurst, Edward A.
Eddie Dewhurst lived in Blackburn, Lancashire, England, and in 1928 he dreamed about becoming a wheat farmer in Alberta. This dream came true when he and his mother and sister moved to Canada, arriving in Ribstone AB on March 6, 1929. In April 1930 Eddie went off on his own to Grande Prairie, and in January of 1931 he filed on a homestead in Sturgeon Heights area, where he built a log house. Eddie’s sister and mother joined him in 1933. Three years later, in December, they left Sturgeon Heights for Victoria BC, but after a few months Eddie returned to the Peace Country, where he built a frame house on his homestead. Unfortunately, in spring 1941 a fire burnt his log house and barn. Soon thereafter, in May, he enlisted in the army in Calgary, and he served until March 1945. He married Ruth Wilson, and they settled in BC.
Source: Across the Smoky pp. 180 – 181, 347 (Name listed in Roll of Honour)
Dewinter, Albert Franklin
Regiment: Scottish Regiment/ Lake Superior Regiment
Albert Dewinter was born in 1920 in Kentville, Nova Scotia to parents Ted and Abbie Jane (Patterson) Dewinter. There were 10 children in the family. Albert came to Spirit River AB from Nova Scotia by train with his father and 2 siblings in 1927. Four of his siblings and his grandparents had gone ahead of them, and his mother arrived later. In 1932 the family decided to move back to Nova Scotia, but their car broke down in Enilda AB, and they had no money for the train or to repair their vehicle, so they rented a place there and found work. Since Ted was a WW I veteran, he was able to get a government loan to purchase a homestead in nearby New Fish Creek. Albert worked for a rancher in Enilda for a while, and then cleared land for a road into New Fish Creek. In 1942, Albert and his brother, Harry, joined the army. First he was in the Scottish regiment, and stationed in New Westminster. From there he was transferred to the Lake Superior regiment. Albert was posted in England in 1944, and while the rest of his outfit was sent to France, he had to remain because of an operation. Albert was married to Beverly Craine, and after the war they settled and farmed in Enilda. They had 4 children: Frank, Ann, Sally, and Julie. Albert passed away in High Prairie AB in June 1995.
Source: Where the Red Willow Grew pp. 422-423 (photos)
AGS website – Obituary Index
Dewinter, Harry
Harry Dewinter, born in Nova Scotia, was one of 10 children of Ted and Abbie Jane (Patterson) Dewinter. In 1927 he came to Spirit River area in Alberta with his paternal grandparents and 3 siblings. His father and 3 more siblings followed shortly, while his mother came by herself soon afterwards. They all travelled by train. The family decided to move back to Nova Scotia in 1932, but their car broke down in Enilda AB, and that is where they stayed because they had no money for repairs or train tickets for all. But soon Ted bought a homestead for his family (with a government loan) in nearby New Fish Creek. Joining the army with his brother Albert in 1942, Harry was posted twice in France. Unfortunately he was wounded in Belgium, and he returned to Canada after the war. (Another brother, Gerald, also served in WW II.) Harry was married to Doris Ford, and they had 10 children.
Source: Where the Red Willow Grew pp. 422-423 (photos)
DeWinter, Jack
Source: Where the Red Willow Grew – Valleyview p. 303 (Name only in Roll of Honour)
Dick, Cornilious "Corny"
Cornilious Dick came to Canada from Russia with his mother and step-father, (Mr. and Mrs. Kathler), brother, Peter, and sister, Sarah, in fall of 1926. They arrived in Wembley AB, and in the spring of the next year they moved onto a quarter of land north of Wembley. The children attended Big Horn School for one year, then the Lake Saskatoon School, and finally a bigger school on the north end of the lake. Joining the army in WW II, Corny was posted in Ontario. (His brother, Peter also enlisted.) Corny married and settled in Toronto, and raised a family of 3 children: Billy, David, and Margaret Rose.
Source: Lake Saskatoon Reflections pp. 243- 244; For King and Country poster in Wembley
Dick, Peter
Peter Dick arrived in Canada from Russia in fall of 1926 with his mother and step-father (Kathler), brother, Cornilious, and sister, Sarah. The following spring they settled on a quarter of land 8 miles north of Wembley AB. The children attended Big Horn School in Scenic Heights, and Lake Saskatoon School. Peter, who was one of the first men in the area to enlist when WWII broke out, served overseas for five years. He was a mine detector for the advance troop. In Germany, he was an interpreter, although he did not care for that job. Because he was wounded he spent time in the hospital, and then married a girl from England. After the war, they came back to Canada settling in Hamilton, ON where they raised a family of two children: Terry and Sandy. Being an ambitious worker, Peter was employed in a steel factory until the time of his death on November 11, 1974.
Source: Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 243-244; For King and Country poster in Wembley
Dick, W.
Source: Grande Prairie Herald – Apr. 24, 1941
Didow, Steve
Force: R. C. A. F. (Royal Canadian Air Force)
Steve Didow was born on March 8, 1922 in Eaglepoint SK, to Steve Sr. and Mary Didow. He had two brothers, George and John, and a sister, Mary. At age 4 he and his family moved to Rycroft AB where he attended school. In 1939 he began work at United Grain Growers Ltd. Steve enlisted in the RCAF in Calgary in January 1942. While there, he married Eveline Slobodian on December 17, 1943, before being sent overseas. Eveline worked in Young SK during Steve’s absence. Stationed in Great Britain, Steve’s invasion forces went to France on June 10, 1944, and he also served in Belgium and Holland. In March 1945 he was hospitalized for knee surgery in England. Needing further medical care, Steve returned to Canada, and he was discharged from the force that October. Back to work with United Grain Growers, Steve was manager of the elevator in Prestville (Rycroft area) from February 1946 until 1951. Then he and Eveline moved to Spirit River and operated the UFA Co-op Bulk Plant and service station. Steve joined the Legion, served on the town council, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and served on the stewards board for the United Church, where he and Eveline were members. They enjoyed golf and curling. In December 1966, Steve and Eveline sold their house, and moved to Florida because of poor health. For nine years they lived there in the winters and in Spirit River in the summers. They bought a farm (between Rycroft and Spirit River), and the Sylvan Meadows Golf Course (in partnership with their son and Steve’s sister), which they operated from 1972 until Steve retired in 1982. From spring to fall they lived in their mobile home at the golf course, and they spent their winters in Richmond BC, and in southern climates. When they sold the farm and golf course in 1991, they moved to Grande Prairie, and then to Edmonton. In 2004 the Didows relocated to Kelowna BC. where Steve passed away on August 30, 2008, and Eveline died in 2011. They had 4 children: Shirley (predeceased), Donald (predeceased), Ken, and Linda.
Source:
Chepi Sepe p. 184 photo; p. 353 family story and photo
AGS website – Obituary Index
SPRA – Family and Personal Life Reference Files
Diederich, Henry
Rank: Private
Henry Diederich was born in Luxembourg on November 17, 1927. He was raised on a farm in Bezanson Alberta with his sister Annie on land their Dad and Uncles homesteaded after immigrating from Luxembourg across the Edson Trail in 1915. Henry spent 7 years at the Peace River Mission and then schooled in the Bezanson area, attending the East Kleskun School for elementary/junior high and the Lindsay High School for Grade 9. He then farmed with his Dad Michael Diederich and Uncle Joe Diederich until enlisting in the army. Henry, wishing to serve his country during WWII, enlisted on December 21 1944 at Depot #13 Calgary, Alberta at the age of 17 as a member of the Canadian Army, Regiment # 319295, military #M4786. After training through quarantine due to a mumps outbreak at Calgary Depot #13 a broken ankle took Henry from Calgary Depot to Gordon Head, British Columbia for rehabilitation. From there Henry took further training at Saskatoon Saskatchewan Military Vocational Training School, then on to Hamilton Ontario, and Woodstock Ontario. During this time he completed training as Rifleman in Canadian Infantry Corps and Military Vehicle Operation in the Vehicle Infantry Corp. His next transfer and final training was to be for dessert training in Arizona, when WWII ended. Just prior to his 18th birthday, Henry was discharged, October 11, 1945. Henry returned to assist his Dad and Uncle with the farming in Bezanson. He enjoyed playing baseball, and played for Bezanson Men's for a number of years. On the rare occasion Bezanson did not have a team, Tyke Ames and Henry played for Clairmont Men's team. Henry also worked for Bruce Hollingworth in a Railroad Tie Mill north of Sexsmith Alberta making 16 foot ties. As well he hauled lumber for Charlie Lept and for Moon’s Mill. It was at Moon’s Mill that he met Myrtle Sloat, also working there, and this beautiful brunette swept him off his feet. They were married June 29, 1950 and spent their honeymoon tenting and canoeing on the Wapiti River. They continued to live in Bezanson for another 17 years; their 5 children were born during this time. Here they grain farmed and raised up a herd to purebred Charolais cattle through artificial insemination. Winters Henry worked in the bush for Cyril Binks and then Norton Brothers. They sold the farm and moved to a quarter in Dimsdale in 1967. Henry then worked off the farm more than on for Norton Brothers and Thrifty contracting in lumber and road construction industries, while Myrtle looked after the farm and the home front.
Once they both retired, Henry & Myrtle had lots of good times quadding and travelling with family and friends discovering the trails, hills mountains nearby. Myrtle and Henry retired to an independent living facility, Dieppe Manor in Grande Prairie in 2013. Myrtle passed away May 4 2017. Henry is presently 93 years old, continues to live at Dieppe Manor, and continues to go quadding.
Written by Donna (Diederich) McNally – daughter January 2021
Source:
Along the Wapiti p. 412 – Name in WW II Veterans list; p. 419 – Photo; p. 142; p. 142
Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 129 Family story and photos.
AGS Website – Obituary Index (Myrtle)
Dillabough, Bertha Proffitt
Regimental Number: W130084
Bertha was born on November 15, 1919 to Albert and Maude Proffitt. She had one sister, Mildred. The Proffitt’s were from Kansas, USA where they farmed until they decided to move to the Calgary area in 1911. They sold their farm in 1929 and moved to the Peace River Country and homesteaded in the Fitzsimmons area.
Seeking adventure, Bertha enlisted in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps. The formation of the C.W.A.C. (Canadian Women’s Army Corps) during WWII was a milestone in the history of women’s participation in the Canadian military. Bertha joined a truly patriotic group of young women who up until that point did not have an “official” corps to belong to. The diminishing supply of male labour and two years of Allied defeats, forced the issue of forming an official Corps. Women would replace men in non-combat duty, thereby freeing soldiers for service at the front. In August 1941, the government authorized the formation of the Canadian Women’s Army Corps to enlist several thousand women in support roles. Most C.W.A.C.’s underwent basic training in Kitchener, Ontario or Vermillion, Alberta. Bertha was sent to Ontario and this is where she met William “Jeff” DIllabough whom she married in January 1945. In 1946, they moved to the Fitzsimmons area where Bertha had a homestead quarter of land that she had applied for in 1938. They eventually acquired three more ¼’s of land and raised a family of seven children; Geraldine, Deborah, Murray, Russell, Neil, Rhonda and Brenda. Geraldine passed away in 1962 at age 9.
Jeff retired from farming in 1980 when Bertha became very ill and he cared for her in their home. Bertha passed away in 1986.
In 1945, the Proffitt’s took over the Fitzsimmons Post Office which they operated for many years. Maude hauled the mail from Bezanson every Saturday. In 1954, they moved to Bezanson into a log house that had been the home of Mr. & Mrs. Harry Severson.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Reference
Smoky River to Grande Prairie History Book
Wikipedia
Dillabough, William Gerald "Jeff"
Regimental Number: B-629570
Rank: Sergeant
Jeff Dillabough was born in Port Sydney, Ontario on March 16, 1922. He completed Grade 8 at a rural public school in 1937. Jeff then worked on his father’s farm except for seven months when he worked as a welder’s helper. He enrolled with the Canadian Army on March 24, 1943 in Toronto, Ontario. While in basic training, he met Bertha Proffitt who had enlisted with the Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC) and had been transferred to Ontario. Jeff and Bertha were married on January 2, 1945. For further training, Jeff was transferred to Camp Borden in Ontario followed by Otter Point, Terrace, Esquimalt and Vancouver, BC before being transferred back to Toronto. Private William Gerald Dillabough served in Canada and was discharged on March 30, 1946. He received the War Medal 1939-45. Once discharged, the young couple settled on Bertha’s homestead land that was located in an area of Bezanson known as Fitzsimmons. They built a house and eventually acquired three more quarter sections of land and farmed for many years. Jeff and Bertha had seven children: Geraldine, Deborah, Murray, Russell, Neil, Rhonda and Brenda. In 1980, Bertha became very ill and Jeff retired from farming so that he could care for her in their home. Bertha passed away in 1986 and was buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery. Shortly thereafter, Jeff moved in with his children. Jeff passed away on July 17, 1999 in Grande Prairie and was buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery near Bezanson.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Glen Leslie Cemetery Website
Smoky River to Grande Prairie (photo
AGS Obituary Index
Dirom, Jack
Branch: Calgary Highlanders
Lived by Clairmont
Diskur, Dmytro
Settled in SE 32-82-8-W6 in 1955 (VH Lease)
Source: Alberta Land Book
Divine, Pat
Regiment: Edmonton Regiment
From Demmitt AB
Source: The Herald Tribune Sept. 28, 1939 (Thursday) p. 1 c. 3
Short article naming boys who were recruits for the Edmonton Regiment,
Leaving the train in Grande Prairie to Edmonton the previous Friday.
Each recruit given gift of cigarettes by Mayor Lawlor on behalf of GP Board of Trade
Dixon, Arthur Bolton
Force: Royal Canadian Air Force
Born around 1915 in Beaverlodge AB, Arthur Dixon was one of 4 children of Frederick and Louisa Maude (“Daisy”) Dixon. Both parents were teachers at Grande Prairie where Arthur started school in 1921. At age 20, Arthur was the foreman at the Beaverlodge Experimental Station. He married Annie Sylvia Walker of Halcourt on December 20, 1937 in Beaverlodge. Working as a grain buyer in 1940, Arthur moved to Hythe and later to Peace River. He enlisted with the R.C.A.F. in 1943 and travelled throughout Canada as an equipment assistant. After WW II Arthur worked for the Midland Pacific Elevator in Beaverlodge, and then became postmaster in Beaverlodge in the 1950’s. Besides farming, Arthur was involved in many organizations. For two years he was president of the Home and School Association in the 1950s. As president and welfare officer of the Beaverlodge Legion, he received a meritorious award in 1960. Holding a position with the Board of Trade, he was also a member of the Elks and Masons. Before his death in 1964, Arthur worked for the Farm Credit Corporation. Arthur and Annie had 2 children: Elaine and Donald. Annie, who died in 1988, completed a master’s degree, and taught in Africa and Germany.
Source:
Beaverlodge to the Rockies pp. 47-48 (family photo of Arthur as child)
SPRA Family and Personal Life reference files
Northern Tribune Dec. 23, 1937 p.5 c. 1 (marries)
Herald Tribune Oct. 2, 1956 p.6 c.1; Oct. 12, 1956 p.2 c.1 (biography)
Dobbyn, James Frederick (“Fred”)
Regiment: 8th New Brunswick HUSSARS
Rank: Sergeant
Force: Army
Fred Dobbyn, born on September 24, 1922 in Melita MB, was the youngest of 9 children of Joseph and Nellie Dobbyn. During WW II he enlisted in the Canadian Army in Yellow Grass SK, where he was working for an aunt at the time. He drove a Sherman Tank in England, Italy, France, Holland, and Belgium. After the war he returned to Manitoba, and he eventually moved to Grande Prairie AB where he farmed for many years. Fred married Aileen Isabel Webb, and they had 7 children: Jim, Janice, Wendy, Wayne, Penny, Todd, and Tracy. He owned and operated Imperial Motor Service Station in Grande Prairie until the late 1990s. He was also part owner of the Chinook Golf Course in Woking AB. For 20 years Fred was a volunteer firefighter in Grande Prairie. He was a member of the Canadian Legion #54, and he coached minor league hockey, as well as curling and golfing. Another of his hobbies was driving Sulkey horses on the racetrack. Aileen passed away in August 1989 at age 66. Fred remarried to Shirley Hinks. He died on August 10, 2015 at age 92.
Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 (name only)
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference File – Obituary (of Fred and Aileen) and news articles
Dobbyn, Stan
Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 (name only)
Dobko, Walter
Dobrowolski, John M.
Dobson, Cecil
Around 1932, Cecil Dobson, his sister and his father settled for a short time in the DeBolt district and owned the land NW 5-72-1-W6, SE 6-72-1-W6, and NW 6-72-1-W6. Cecil joined the armed forces in WW II. After the war he moved to Edmonton, where he presumably worked at the legislative buildings.
Source: Across the Smoky p. 213, p. 347 (name in Roll of Honour)
Dodge, James Harper (“Jim”)
Regiment: 426 Squadron
Regimental No: J/21046
Force: RCAF
Jim Dodge, born in 1923, was the only child of Freeman James and Edith Catherine (McKinnon) Dodge who owned the Dodge-Harper Hardware store in Spirit River AB. They lived on a farm near the town, and Jim attended school in Spirit River. According to an article in the GP Herald, Jim was a “fine upstanding son.” After graduating in 1941, Jim joined the air force and served in active duty in England. On January 28, 1944 he was “missing in action”, and in March 1944 he was “presumed dead”. Sadly, his body was never found. In his last letter to his parents Jim wrote, “Berlin’s no picnic.” Jim’s parents sold their business in 1944, and moved to Victoria BC where his father died in 1970. His mother then moved to Red Deer AB, and she died in 1978. Jim’s name is commemorated among 20,450 other Canadian air force veterans who have no known grave, on the Runnymede Memorial in Surrey, UK.
Source: Chepi Sepe pp. 365 – 366 (Family story and photo); p. 184 (photo)
Canadian Virtual War Memorial
SPRA – Family and Personal Life Reference Files – Obituaries of Freeman and Edith, GP Herald Old Timer’s Historical Edition 1934
Doerkson, Carroll
Regiment: 49th Loyal Edmonton
Source: Across the Smoky (?)
Note: Need verification
Doerkson, Henry "Hank"
Force: Army (?) Service Corps (RCASC ?)
Born on July 14, 1920 in Herbert SK, Hank Doerkson was one of 7 children of Peter Sr. and Catherina Doerkson. In June 1927 he moved to Sexsmith where his father found work, and one year later the family moved to DeBolt area where Peter Sr. filed on land for a homestead. Hank served overseas for 5 years in WW II. His brother, Ike, was also a veteran of WW II. Returning home, Hank bought a quarter of land, NW-2-73-1-W6 in the Goodwin area, from his mother (his father died in 1947). In addition he purchased SW-2-73-1-W6 from Fred Darnton. In January 1949 Hank married Florence, and they raised 3 daughters: Lois, Glenda, and Marlene. Hank and Florence moved to Salmon Arm BC in 1966 where Hank worked at Federated Co-Op Plywood Plant. At age 62, he died suddenly on September 26, 1982 in Salmon Arm.
Source: Across the Smoky pp. 70-72; p. 347 (Name in Roll of Honour)
Grande Prairie Herald Jan. 27, 1949 p.1 c.6 (marries)
AGS website – Obituary Index
Doerkson, Isaac "Ike"
Ike Doerkson was born around 1917, in Saskatchewan. His parents were Peter Sr. and Catherine Doerkson, who had 7 children. The family moved to Sexsmith AB in June 1927, and a year later they settled in the DeBolt area where they homesteaded and the children went to school. When Ike was 13, he helped his father and brother cut and haul logs for building a church in DeBolt. Around 1938, he married Margaret (“Peggy”) who became a well-known fiction writer. They had 3 children: Constance, Janet, and Douglas (died in 2004). During the early years of their married life, Ike worked in ranching and trapping in the Economy Lake area (SW of Grande Prairie). For a time, Ike also served in WW II. The family settled in Grande Prairie for several years where Ike was employed as a senior towerman for the Grande Prairie Forest Division. Peggy passed away in 1996 after 58 years of marriage. Ike spent his final days at the Hythe Continuing Care Centre, and he died on January 4, 2018 at age 101.
Source: Across the Smoky pp. 70-72; p. 347 (Name in Roll of Honour)
Lake Saskatoon Reflections p. 157
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files: Obituary, and article from Edmonton Journal June 9, 1972)
Doerkson, Tom
Spouse: Eileen Newman
Note: information not verified
Dolen, F.R.
Doll, Tony
Regiment: First Ammunition Corps, 85th Bridge Corps
Regimental Number: M67418
Tony Doll, son of Frank and Katie Doll, was born on November 17, 1918. He was raised on a farm in an area near Fairview known as Waterhole, AB. As schools were non-existent near Waterhole, the family, which consisted of six sons and two daughters, moved to the Red Star School District in order that the children could attend classes. However, Tony being the oldest in the family, soon found himself in the fields working alongside his father; therefore, he did not complete his elementary education. Tony was very musical and played the violin. He, along with his uncle Johnny who played the guitar, provided the music for many country school dances.
In 1940, Tony was called-up for military training in Grande Prairie for two months followed by another two months of training in 1941. Tony decided to enlist shortly thereafter and was sent to Red Deer for two months of advanced training. On March 5, 1942, he boarded the train for Halifax and then sailed for England. A week later, Tony arrived in Scotland where he boarded a train for Farnburough, England. On June 20th, Tony with the First Ammunition Corps, began to haul ammunition to different units. He was “on stand” for 72 hours during the Dieppe Raid following which he successfully completed a Driver Mechanic’s Course. Soon thereafter, he was deployed as a driver mechanic for the 85th Bridge Corps. Tony’s unit continued to train until the second front opened in June 1943. On July 5th, the unit saw action on enemy soil for the first time. By July 13th, they arrived at Pierrepont, France and then moved on to Saint-Contest. By August 18th, the unit had reached Falaise. Day after day, the unit moved to new locations fighting across unfamiliar territory. On May 18, 1945, the platoon received word that the war was over and everyone celebrated with a cup of tea.
Tony embarked for Canada and arrived in Halifax on October 5th. He finally arrived home on October 14 and a month later, Tony was sent to Calgary for his official discharge. Soon thereafter, Tony applied for a loan through the Veteran’s Land Act to purchase a ¼ section of land. Part of the loan agreement stipulated that all the farm boys had to undertake a 30-day course on farming methods that was held at Red Deer.
On October 28, 1947, Tony married Frances Heck at the St. Boniface Church at Friendstal. The following winter, Tony worked at a sawmill where part of his wages were in the form of lumber that he subsequently utilized to build their first home. By 1959, Tony bought the S ½ 3-72-5-W6 in the Twilight area; land that had belonged to Bruce Rome. A new home was built in 1961 to provide more room for their growing family which included nine children; James, Charles, Mary and Marilyn (twins), Bernice, Bill, Ben, Elaine, and David. Not only did Tony farm, he also worked off the farm setting up farm machinery, for Wapiti Sand and Gravel, Cockshutt Equipment and the Plywood Plant in Grande Prairie. Tony and Frances’ children all attended the Vocational High School that was later renamed the Composite High School.
Tony passed away in September 1998 at age 79; Frances died in October 2015. Both were buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery. He was a member of the West Smoky Legion Branch No. 244 for many years.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 538 – 541
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files – Obituary of Frances Doll
AGS Website – Obituary Index
Interview with Bernice LaValley
Interview with Elaine Cissell
Domay, Floyd
Veteran of WW II – Took lease in Simonson Project in Wanham area
Source: Grooming the Grizzly p. 277 (Ken Botham History)
Domstad, Carl
Date of Birth: 1913
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 - Name in Roll of Honour
Herald Tribune: January 17, 1946 p. 1. c. 8 - Article mentioning Carl Domstad and Walton Johnson buying a dray business from Emile Auger
Domstad, “Hockey”
Source:
Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 – Name in Roll of Honour
Northern Tribune August 2, 1934 p. 1 c. 3 (Article about Haaken Domstad who had injury: Dynamite cap exploded in hand; amputated thumb and forefinger; cut chin)
Northern Tribune June 1936 p. 4 c. 1 (Article about Haaken Domstad who managed Sexsmith Dairy)
Domstad, John
John Domstad was born in Hoffer SK, near Tribune, in 1913. He moved to the Peace Country in 1928 and settled in Sexsmith. In 1937 he married Lorene Donna Burns, and he bought the Sexsmith Dairy which he ran until he joined the army in August 1940. After the war, he bought land in Lake Saskatoon area (SW – 2-72-8-W6) through the Veterans’ Land Act. The family moved to the town in 1946. The following year, John began driving the horse drawn school van which he did for several years. When he bought a threshing machine, he did free threshing for other farmers who helped on the machine. On June 22, 1956 John was injured in a fatal car accident where Lorene and their daughter, Gerry, were killed along with a passenger. Since John was in the hospital in Edmonton for a long time, he was unable to attend the funeral. The farm was sold in 1964, and John moved to Grande Prairie for a while until he moved to Edmonton. In 1970 he married Viola Jackson, and they lived in Edmonton until John passed away in 1986.
John and Lorene had 4 girls: Jacquie Donna (1938), Inez Darlene (1940), Cheryl Nancy (1947), and Gerry Lorene (1953).
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 (Name in Roll of Honour)
Lake Saskatoon Reflections pp. 133 – 134 ( 141, 176 – also mentioned) Family Photo p. 134
Herald Tribune – July 20, 1956 p. 9 c. 4 (Wife, daughter fatal accident)
Donald, Cecil
Regiment: 5th Armoured Division
Cecil Donald was enrolled in Alberta College in Edmonton from 1927 to 1928, and after he returned to Grande Prairie he was employed at “the office of local station.” In September of 1936 he went in to a business partnership with C. R. Burgess for electrical wiring and repairs. Both men had extensive experience in the trade. Cecil also held a licence for motion picture projectionist. The two electricians installed the sound equipment and wiring in the Capital Theatre in Grande Prairie. During WW II, Cecil joined the army in the 5th Armoured Division posted in Petawawa ON. He was home on leave in early October 1941 with three others from his unit.
Source: Bob Kennedy – Legion
Grande Prairie Herald – Oct. 2, 1941 (Home on leave from Petawawa, ON)
Grande Prairie Herald – July 13, 1928 p. 5 c. 2 (returned from Alberta College)
Northern Tribune – Sept. 3, 1936 p.1 c. 2 (electrical service)
Donaldson, Bill
Son of Mr. and Mrs. Jim Donaldson of Bear Lake
Source: Grande Prairie Herald July 17, 1941 p. 1. C. 2
Donaldson, Gordon
Regiment: Service Corps, Loyal Edmonton
Regimental No: L108077
Gordon Donaldson was born on March 11, 1922 in Saskatchewan. At age 21 he joined the army. He was a soldier in training in Red Deer for 2 months. On Thanksgiving 1944 he left by train to go overseas for one year. Sailing on the H.M.S. Mauritania, he arrived in England where he was the Service Corps, and then in Infantry training. After leaving England, he transferred to the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, and served on the static front in Italy (on the front line, Germans on one side and Canadians on the other). Next he was moved to Holland where he was a radio operator. For a while Gordon was carrying Red Cross equipment (after the stretcher bearer was killed). He continued in Communications before he was drafted into Reserve Occupation army as Leave Personnel driver. In October 1945 he was discharged, sailing back to Canada on the H.M.S. Elle La France. While Gordon was in England, he proposed to a young lady he met in Red Deer, and they corresponded by mail. Anne Nielson and Gordon were married on June 14, 1946 in Red Deer. The couple’s first home was in Qu’Appelle Valley where Gordon’s family lived. A few years later (around 1949) they moved to Red Deer, lived in various homes, and Gordon held various jobs – farming, garage work, working at Red Deer Creamery, and Alberta Nurseries. The latter job involved travelling to the Peace River Country, and in 1952 Gordon filed on a half section with the Lassiter Project north of Eaglesham. The Donaldsons homesteaded for 7 years before they moved into the hamlet of Eaglesham in 1952. In 1963 Gordon took auto mechanic training at NAIT in Edmonton, and he also earned a certificate in welding. He bought an old mechanics garage in 1965, and was able to build a new garage (Donaldson’s Garage) in 1970. Being an avid antique collector, Gordon had a small museum at his business, and he rebuilt a 1927 model T Ford truck. Gordon was a member of the Peace Region Archaeological Society. Anne and Gordon had 4 children: David, Donna, Gregory, and Irma.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle pp. 192-194 (photos)
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files: “Tales from Mama’s Kitchen” by Anna Donaldson (photos in mid-section)
Donaldson, Harold
Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. 2 pp. 99 and 121
Donison, Ambrose
Ambrose Donison was born in Readlyn, SK on February 28, 1915. In 1940 he moved with his family to Elmworth AB area. He found farming work in the Buffalo Lakes area for Ed Gummer, and married Ed’s daughter, Flora Jean, on June 16, 1943. First the new couple lived in Sexsmith where Ambrose worked at the Ford Garage. In 1945 they settled in Buffalo Lakes where Ambrose set up his own garage and service station business, and farmed on the side. After selling his farm in 1962, he bought a half section in Valleyview. The Donisons sold their house in Buffalo Lakes in 1969, and moved to Grande Prairie. Ambrose was employed by the County of Grande Prairie until his retirement. Predeceased by his wife, Ambrose passed away in Grande Prairie on December 10, 2008. Ambrose and Jean had 2 children: Judy and Ken.
Source: La Glace Yesterday and Today p. 315 (Name in list of WW 2 Veterans)
Buffalo Trails p. 64
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files – Obituary
Herald Tribune (Grande Prairie) June 24, 1943 p.2 c.7 and p.6 c.2 (marries)
Donison, Sebastian
Donnelly, John
During his last months of service in the army, John Donnelly conceived the idea of a farm co-operative called The Little Smoky Farm Industries. After the war in 1946, he and 8 families of war veterans formed a group and leased 80 acres of Crown land NE 35-74-21, south of Guy. The members would share their DVA grants and own machinery co-operatively. When the project failed, John resigned from the group.
Source:
Guy p. 146 Name in list of Veterans
pp. 113– 121 “The Little Smoky Farm Industries Story”
Dorig, Walter
Walter Dorig was born and raised in Switzerland, and came to Canada from St. Gallen in the late 1920’s. During the 1930’s he homesteaded in the Meanook AB area. He served in the Army overseas from 1941 to 1946, staying an extra year after the war ended because he spoke German. In 1947 he purchased the Blueberry Mountain Store (in Spirit River area) in partnership with Jack and Clara Bird. His future wife, Jean Smyth, worked at the store. Married on July 3, 1954, the new couple lived above the store. In 1955 Walter sold his part in the store, and started farming in the Wonderland district (Jean was from there, and this school district no longer exists.) At that time they bought a house which was moved to their land, then they purchased an additional farm in the mid 60’s. In 1967 the Dorigs moved to Abbotsford BC. Walter died suddenly in May 1979. Jean remarried to Frank Yablonski in 1981 and moved to Grande Prairie. Walter and Jean had 2 boys: Larry and Glen.
Source: Chepi Sepe p. 184 (photo of Walter in uniform); p. 373 (family history)
Doris, Albert Edward "Bert"
Born on May 11, 1918, Bert Doris was the son of William and Isabella Agnes (Armstrong) Doris. In 1929 at age 10, Bert travelled with his father and brother by train from Endiag AB to Falher on a 7 day trip. Then they took a horse and wagon to the Whitemud area where William had filed on land to homestead. They built a shack, and 5 months later Bert’s mother, Isabella, and Bert’s 3 sisters arrived. At age 14, Bert found employment with various other farmers, stooking and threshing. In 1936 Bert was able to apply for his own homestead near his parents (NE 26-74-23-W6). Bert took basic military training in Grande Prairie in 1940, but due to a childhood hand injury, he was not required to complete further training. While working in the Ballater area, (northwest of Guy), Bert met Andree Mencke (who imigrated from Belgium in 1931). They were married on March 5, 1943 in Guy. Bert built a house in 1944, and over the years 13 children were born: Harold, Jack, Lorrette, Thomas, Linda, Alice, Jocelyn, Paul, Robert, Mary Louise, Margaret, Mark and Michael. The last 5 children were triplets and twins. In 1960 the family moved to a half section (N ½ 18-75-22-W5) three miles north of the old homestead. After farming over 40 years, Bert and Andree moved to the town of Falher in 1976 when they sold their land. Bert died in November 1995 at age 77 in McLennan AB, and Andree died in 2007 at age 83 in Morinville AB.
Source: Guy p. 621 – 622
AGS – Obituary Index
Dorscheid, Charles William
Regiment: 7th/11th Hussars
Regimental No: M/45559
Rank: Sergeant
Force: RCAC (Royal Canadian Armoured Corps)
Grave Reference: VIII. C. 14
In 1921, Anton and Emma Dorscheid and family that consisted of four sons, Arthur (1904), John (Jack 1909), Charles (born October 7, 1912), and Earl (1919) moved from Windom, Minnesota, USA to an area west of Bezanson known as Glen Leslie to join their daughter Sylvira (1899) and her husband Herman Kimble. The Dorscheid’s purchased land from Dr. John Peschong and lived in a log house with a sod roof for many years. The children went to the Crystal Creek School and were very active in sports. Charles was the ace catcher for the Glen Leslie Baseball Team. He was a cowboy at heart and rode horses in local rodeos. It appears Charles had an affinity for all animals as he had rescued an orphan moose calf at one time and brought it home where he raised it with the other livestock. Through hard work and perseverance, Anton and his sons built up a sizable farm and cattle operation. Anton and Emma passed away in 1939 following which their sons managed the farm. Charles married Luella Myrtle Parrish on December 2, 1939 and they had a baby girl, Sharon Joan that was born on May 10, 1941. The family settled on the farm at Glen Leslie.
On June 24, 1940 in Grande Prairie, Charles enlisted with the Royal Canadian Armoured Corps which was the armored division within the Canadian Army. Charles served with the 2nd Armoured Brigade Headquarters Squadron, 7th/11th Hussars. His attestation paper stated he was a husky man with brown hair and brown eyes. Charlies’ service file noted that he was very ambitious and that was certainly evidenced by all the trades that he trained for at the various military training camps he was assigned to: Dundurn in Saskatchewan, Nanaimo in BC, Niagara in Ontario and Debert in Nova Scotia before being sent to England on September 27, 1942. As he successfully completed his training courses, he became a Qualified Driver Class III, Class II & III Motor Mechanic, Class III Motorcyclist and a Fitter.
The Allied offensive in north-western Europe began with the Normandy landings of June 6, 1944. Charles landed in France on June 12, 1944 and joined the forces embroiled in battles against German forces. Caen was finally secured by July 19th and the Canadians were then ordered to push forward towards Falaise. On August 15th, the 2nd Canadian Armoured Brigade continued the offensive under smoke-screen cover and overhead bomber action and secured Falaise by August 17th. Charles was on duty and working at the rear of a tank on August 19, 1944 when he was hit by a single round. Sadly, Charles died from the bullet wound within a few minutes. Although the Falaise pocket was sealed by August 21st, it was estimated that 20,000 – 50,000 German troops escaped through the gap.
Charles was buried at the Bretteville-Sur-Laize Canadian War Cemetery; the majority of those buried there died during the latter stages of the battle of Normandy, the capture of Caen and the movement southwards. Almost every unit of Canadian 2nd Corps is represented in the cemetery. The cemetery contains 2,958 World War II burials, the majority being Canadian and 87 of them are unidentified.
Charles received the 1939-45 Star, France-Germany Star, War Medal, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal & Clasp. A memorial service was held for Charles at the Glen Leslie Church.
Charles’ brother, Earl enlisted in the Army and his brother, John joined the Army Medical Corps. Once they returned home to the farm, they decided to supplement the farm income by implementing a sawmill business. They sub-contracted timber from Moon’s Mill north of Clarkson Valley and hired many local farmers. Their brother Art Dorscheid was the flunky and his wife Rosie was the cook. Eventually Earl and Jack retired and their sons took over management of the farm that included the original Dorscheid land. Art and his family lived on his father’s land.
After Charles’ death, Luella eventually married Howard Johnson and the family settled in Edmonton. Howard and Luella had four children. Charles’ daughter, Sharon married Lawrence Barnes and had five children. Charles’ legacy will certainly live on through his grandchildren.
The headstone of Charles’ parents, Anton and Emma Dorscheid, located in the Glen Leslie Cemetery, was also inscribed with “Sergt. Charles 1912-1944”. It is a very special tribute to a courageous young man.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Source: Commonwealth War Graves Commission
Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 53 (Parrish family stories); p. 426 (Dorscheid family stories)
Herald Tribune – Dec. 7, 1939 (marries)
Aug. 31, 1944 (killed in action)
Sept. 7, 1944 (memorial service)
Louise Kimble (Dorscheid family friend)
Library and Archives Canada: Service File
Conversation with nephew Jerry Dorscheid 780-532-6719
Conversation with niece Janice Wales 780-532-6671
Dorscheid, Earl Lee
Regimental Number: M45560
Rank: Private
In 1921, Anton and Emma Dorscheid and family that consisted of four sons, Arthur (1904), Jack (1909), Charles (1912), and Earl (November 17, 1919) moved from Windom, Minnesota, USA to an area west of Bezanson known as Glen Leslie to join their daughter, Sylvira (1899) and her husband Herman Kimble. The Dorscheid’s purchased land from Dr. John Peschong and lived in a log house with a sod roof for many years. The children went to the Crystal Creek School and were very active in sports. Through hard work and perseverance, Anton and his sons built up a sizable farm and cattle operation. Anton and Emma passed away in 1939 following which their sons managed the farm.
Earl enlisted in the Army on June 24, 1940 at Grande Prairie and was sent to Edmonton for basic training followed by Nanaimo, back to Edmonton, Calgary, Camrose, Dundurn and Vernon before being transferred back to Calgary. In December 1940, Earl received permission to marry Velna Parrish. Earl successfully completed a course to become a Class III Driver. He suffered from an acute appendicitis attack and was in serious condition when it was discovered that his brother, Charles, had the same or similar blood type. Charles was at a training camp in eastern Canada at that time and quickly traveled to Camrose to provide the life-saving blood transfusion. After such a serious illness, Earl was declassified but remained in Camrose. He was discharged on demobilization on September 20, 1945 in Calgary. At one point Earl was promoted to Lance Corporal however subsequently relinquished the appointment. Private Earl Lee Dorscheid (Regimental # M45560) served in Canada and received the War Medal 1939-45 and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. Unfortunately, Earl’s brother, Charles, was killed in action on August 19, 1944 in France.
Velna and Earl had four children; Darrel, Danny, Joanne and Mark. Sadly Mark passed away when he was 5 months old. Once back in Glen Leslie, Earl bought his father’s ¼ of land and an additional 80 acre parcel. Jack bought more land as well and the two brothers entered into a partnership with the farming operation. In an effort to supplement the farm income, Earl found employment with Moon’s Mill. Shortly thereafter, Earl and Jack decided to enter into the sawmill business during the winter months and established their mill-site slightly north of Moon’s Mill that was located north of Clarkson Valley. They sub-contracted timber from Moon’s Mill and hired many local farmers. Their brother, Art Dorscheid, was the flunky and his wife, Rosie, was the cook. Eventually Earl and Jack retired and their sons took over management of the farm that included the original Dorscheid land.
Earl passed away on May 31, 1970 and Velna in 2008 – both were buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 425-426 (Dorscheid stories), p. 53 (Parrish family story)
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files – Obituary (Velna)
Herald Tribune Oct. 7, 1955 (biography)
Interview with Danny Dorscheid (son)
Herald Tribune newspaper articles
Service File
Dorscheid, John Eugene "Jack"
Force: Army Medical Corps
Regimental Number: M35489
In 1921, Anton and Emma Dorscheid and family that consisted of four sons, Arthur (1904), John (March 21, 1909), Charles (1912), and Earl (1919) moved from Windom, Minnesota, USA to an area west of Bezanson known as Glen Leslie to join their daughter, Sylvira (1899) and her husband Herman Kimble. The Dorscheid’s purchased land from Dr. John Peschong and lived in a log house with a sod roof for many years. The children went to the Crystal Creek School and were very active in sports. Through hard work and perseverance, Anton and his sons built up a sizable farm and cattle operation.
In July 1928, Jack filed a homestead application on SE-23-71-4-W6 and received the patent on the property in 1937. On July 9, 1930, he married Laura Myrtle Dixon, the local school teacher, who was originally from Beaverlodoge. The young couple settled on the farm at Glen Leslie and had a daughter, Myrtle Dixon Dorscheid on June 6, 1931. Sadly, Laura passed away from scarlet fever and was buried on June 13, 1931 at the Glen Leslie Cemetery. As scarlet fever was so contagious, the coffin was lined with glass. Jack met Berneice Ames who was working for his parents and the young couple subsequently married in 1932. They settled on the farm where they raised their two sons; Larry and Jerry. Myrtle was raised by the Dixon family.
Anton and Emma passed away in 1939 following which their sons managed the farm. His brothers, Charles and Earl enlisted in the Army on June 24, 1940. On May 25, 1941, Jack enlisted with the Army in Grande Prairie. He was stationed at Edmonton and Calgary for training before being sent to Camp Borden in Ontario where he was transferred to the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corp. Berneice and their sons had moved to live with Jack until he embarked for England on June 3, 1942. While stationed in England, Jack successfully completed a Group “B” and Group “C” carpentry courses and worked as a carpenter keeping the hospitals operating after they were bombed. He also successfully completed a “Class A” barber course and a first aid course through St. John’s Ambulance. Jack was discharged on demobilization on October 16, 1945 in Calgary and returned home where he once again, farmed with his brother Earl. Private John Dorscheid served in Canada and the United Kingdom and received the Defence Medal, 1939-45 War Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Medal with Clasp. Unfortunately, Charles was killed in action on August 19, 1944 in France.
In order to supplement the farm income, Jack and Earl decided to enter into the sawmill business during the winter months and established their mill-site slightly north of Moon’s Mill that was located north of Clarkson Valley. They sub-contracted timber from Moon’s Mill and hired many local farmers. Their brother, Art Dorscheid, was the flunky and his wife Rosie was the cook. Eventually Earl and Jack retired and their sons took over management of the farm that included the original Dorscheid land. Art and his family lived on his father’s land.
As well, Jack was employed by the Grande Prairie Lumber Company, building roads and managing their sawmill. Following which, he was hired as the foreman for Earl and Phil Nilsson’s sawmill. The next winter was spent as the foreman for Ralph & Earl Norton’s Construction business cutting lines for Oil Companies south of the Wapiti River.
Once Jack’s sons became older and were interested in ranching, they decided to purchase a herd of cattle from Tom Warden. A few years later, Jack became interested in municipal politics and was elected County Councillor in 1959 – a position he held for six years. During that time, Jack served as chairman of the Agriculture Service Board and was also named to the school and municipal committees, served on the County Planning and Hospital Boards and was also named Warden of East Smoky Parks. Although he enjoyed the time spent as a councilor, he realized that his ever-expanding farm required more of his time. He therefore resigned from the county duties in 1965. Jack enjoyed the next few years of farming and ranching before he passed away suddenly at his home in 1973. He was buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery. Berneice passed away in 2001 and was buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 426
Herald Tribune – June 19, 1931 p. 1. c. 1 (wife death); July 25, 1930 p. 5 c. 4 (married); June 16, 1959 p. 1 c. 1 (county); April 5, 1960 p. 1 c. 5 (Agr. Serv. Bd.)
Interview with Violet Dorscheid – daughter-in-law
Doucette, John Emile
Date of Birth: 06/05/1941
Notes: 79-23-W5, 1946
Doyer, Norman
Settled in Tangent area 1959 – Veterans’ Land Act
Source: Alberta Land Book
Doyle, Denis
Rank: Gunner
Force: Canadian Army
Denis Doyle, the son of Lawrence Doyle and Berthilde Sliger, was born on January 22, 1920 in Jacquet River NB. At age 7 he moved to Quebec with his family, and he couldn’t speak any French when he started school. In 1940 he met Marie Tremblay whose parents were Francois Tremblay and Leda Boily from Quebec. Denis and Marie were married on July 14, 1943. Prior to their marriage, in 1941, Denis joined the Canadian Army and served as gunner. In 1948, the Doyles were persuaded by Father Parent to move west. Denis first moved out to Falher AB, while Marie and their 2 girls joined him a month later. Denis obtained a homestead in Donnelly from the Veterans (Land Act ?). Moving to Girouxville in 1957, they purchased a restaurant and lived there for 7 years. They traded their restaurant for land north of the village in 1964, and stayed there for 5 years. Then they purchased a pool hall which they converted to apartments. In 1974 their Donnelly and Girouxville properties were sold to their son. Over the years Denis worked on large construction projects including the Girouxville School, Falher’s College Notre Dame, McLennan Sacred Heart Hospital, and many houses. The Doyles were active with the Girouxville Curling Club. Denis and Marie had 5 children: Irene, Murielle, Robert, Edgar, and Denise. Denis passed away suddenly on November 28, 1978 at age 58 in Girouxville. Marie remarried in 1986 to Harry Parker.
Source: Reflexions Vol. 2 pp. 500-502
AGS Obituary Index
Dryer, Arnold John
Regiment: S.A.R. (Southern Alberta Regiment)
Regimental No: M 45568
Rank: Corporal
Arnold, born on August 24, 1914 at Hanna, Alberta, was the oldest in John (1890) and Margaret (nee Frakes) (1892) Dryer’s family of nine children. He had four brothers; Robert, William, David, Jack and four sisters; Mabel, Fay, Iris, Daisy. John and Margaret were both born in the USA; John had immigrated in 1909 and Margaret, in 1902. The “dirty thirties” actually began in 1929 in Hanna. By 1931, as once again there was not a crop to harvest, the Government passed a bill whereby a boxcar would be provided as well as transportation costs paid for any farmers who were willing to move to Northern Alberta. The Dryer’s took advantage of the program and arrived in Grande Prairie in August 1931. John, Bob and Bill travelled with the household effects and machinery in one box car along with a car load of horses. The rest of the family, Mabel, Fay, Dave, Iris and Jack and Margaret, arrived by passenger train. They settled on the Eldred farm which is now where the Eldoe’s Trailer Court is located. John and Arnold found employment with Herman Wendt’s threshing outfit for $3 per man and team for a 13 hour day. Once the threshing was completed, the Dryer’s rented the Morrison farm (NW 25-71-4-W6) at Glen Leslie and lived there for 10 years. The first winter, a horse was traded for a wagon load of potatoes and the family lived on those along with rabbits that were very plentiful. All the children attended the Somme School. In the spring of 1932, Arnold used four of his father’s horses and worked for Pete Moon for $2 per day. Entertainment consisted of local dances at Bezanson and Crystal Creek where admission was 25 cents. House parties were mainly held at Bredeson’s and Dorscheid’s. The following two springs, Arnold worked for Ross Wales followed by three summers where he followed the rodeo circuit – DeBolt, Wembley, Beaverlodge, Dawson Creek, Rycroft, Peace River and Grande Prairie. Arnold thoroughly enjoyed the rodeos; however, he fell and broke his arm at the DeBolt Stampede in 1934. In the fall of 1937, Arnold worked for Pete Donahue. In the summer of 1938, Arnold hayed 160 acres on Kleskun Lake with Steve Garrett and Tom Osborne. A bunk-house was provided for living accommodation. Arnold worked for Pete Donahue until June 1940. On June 24, 1940 Arnold enlisted in the Army, Southern Alberta Regiment (29th Canadian Armoured Regiment) in Grande Prairie. He listed his trade as carpenter’s helper and farmer. From Edmonton, Arnold was transferred to Dundurn, Saskatchewan the following August. In December, to further his training, Arnold was transferred to Nanaimo, BC followed by Niagara, Ontario in May 1941.
In October 1941, Arnold was promoted to A/L/Corporal and was later transferred to Debert, Nova Scotia in December 1941 where he trained and became a Qualified Gunner Class I, Qualified Driver Class III, and Qualified Driver Operator Group C. Arnold sailed from Halifax on August 21, 1942 and disembarked at Glasgow, Scotland on September 1, 1942. Once Arnold arrived in England, his squadron was billeted at Rowledge which was not far from the Canadian Army Base located in Aldershot. Local dances were a common form of entertainment and it was at one of these dances at the Village Hall that Arnold met Violet Remnant who was a shop-assistant in Wrecclesham, Surrey. Their relationship continued by means of letters when Arnold was transferred to different locations. He arrived in France on July 22, 1944 and received a promotion to Corporal on Feb 2, 1945. When the war ended, as Violet was worried that Arnold would be sent home on demobilization, they planned a wedding in four days and were married on August 23, 1945 in Rowledge, England. Corporal Arnold Dryer served in Canada, United Kingdom and Continental Europe. He received the 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.
Arnold sailed for Canada and arrived home on January 3, 1946 to find that his family had moved from Glen Leslie and were now living 2 ½ miles south of Grande Prairie. He received his official discharge on demobilization on February 7, 1946 in Calgary. Arnold found employment as a farm hand for Les Christie at Glen Leslie and also worked for Arnold Christie at Bezanson for about a month. Shortly thereafter, Arnold found steady work for a farmer at Dimsdale. While working there, Arnold found what he thought would be the perfect farm. It was a ½ section (SE 32-71-7-W6 & SW 33-71-7-W6) located nine miles west of Grande Prairie and had a big red barn, ice house, chicken house, garage and house. Arnold worked for the fellow who had rented the land and applied to the VLA for a loan to purchase the property. However, the VLA required Violet’s signature before they would approve the loan. Arnold’s new bride finally received permission from the Canadian Wives Bureau to join him the following June, 1946. She sailed on the Aquitania and was one of the war brides who was processed through immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax. From there, they took a train across Canada and Violet arrived in Grande Prairie on July 4th where she was met by Arnold and his entire family.
Once Violet arrived, the young couple quickly settled in and Violet easily adapted to the farm lifestyle. The Dryer’s had three children, Dale, Anne and Mark. They operated a mixed farming operation; grain, pigs, chickens and dairy cattle from which they shipped cream to the Grande Prairie Creamery. Arnold farmed with horses for years. They cut ice and packed it in the ice-house for summer use. He also liked to make homemade wine for which he became quite well-known for. Another one of his specialties was homemade ice cream. Arnold was very interested in the well-being of farm animals and often assisted the local veterinarian, Dr. Somerville, with care of animals in the area. Violet assisted with the farm work from stooking bundles to operating the tractor. She loved to garden and took great pride in growing vegetables and flowers. In 1970, Violet decided to supplement the farm income and found employment at the Co-Op cafeteria; a position she kept for ten years.
Arnold ended up selling the home quarter (SE-32-71-7-W6) after being pressured to do so by a Real Estate Agent. His daughter, Anne Schmard, purchased the remaining quarter (SW-33-71-7-W6). Shortly after the sale, Arnold suffered a heart attack and began to lose his eye sight in 1973. They moved to Grande Prairie which made it easier for Violet to get to work. Arnold still got around even though he was blind, by memorizing the route. He would meet a group of friends known as the “Senators” at the Co-op coffee shop. He would visit and reminisce and then walk home. Arnold passed away on November 27, 1977 and was buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery. Their oldest son, Dale, is looking after his mother’s house - the same house that Arnold and Violet purchased when they moved to Grande Prairie. Violet is currently residing in McKenzie Place in Grande Prairie.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 426-427
1926 Census records
Herald Tribune July 11, 1946 p. 1 c. 5 (bride arrives)
(Bezanson Legion Hut – Legion Album)
Interview with Dale Dryer – son
Interview with Anne Schmard – daughter
Dryer, David Frakes
Regimental Number: M537274 (Reserve) & M6057 (Regular Army)
Rank: Private
David, born on May 14, 1925 at Hanna, Alberta, was the 4th youngest in John (1890) and Margaret (nee Frakes) (1892) Dryer’s family of nine children. He had four brothers; Arnold, Robert, William, Jack and four sisters; Mabel, Fay, Iris, Daisy. John and Margaret were both born in the USA; John had immigrated in 1909 and Margaret, in 1902. The “dirty thirties” actually began in 1929 in Hanna. By 1931, as once again there was not any crop to harvest, the Government passed a bill whereby a boxcar would be provided as well as transportation costs paid for any farmers who were willing to move to Northern Alberta. The Dryer’s took advantage of the program and arrived in Grande Prairie in August 1931. John, Bob and Bill travelled with the household effects and machinery in one box car along with a car load of horses. The rest of the family, Mabel, Fay, David, Iris, Jack and Margaret, arrived by passenger train. They settled on the Eldred farm which is now where the Eldoe’s Trailer Court is located. John and Arnold found employment with Herman Wendt’s threshing outfit for $3 per man and team for a 13-hour day. Once the threshing was completed, the Dryer’s rented the Morrison farm (NW 25-71-4-W6) at Glen Leslie and lived there for 10 years. The first winter, a horse was traded for a wagon load of potatoes and the family lived on those along with rabbits that were very plentiful. All the children attended the Somme School where David’s best friend was Bobby Kimble. Entertainment consisted of local dances at Bezanson and Crystal Creek where admission was 25 cents. House parties were mainly held at Bredeson’s and Dorscheid’s. In 1941, John and Margaret Dryer decided to purchase land from the Voz family that was located slightly east of what is known as Patterson Place in Grande Prairie. The younger Dryer children completed their education in Grande Prairie. On March 9, 1945 David enlisted in the Army where he served as a Private during World War II guarding prisoners in Canada. He also served in the Army Reserves which was a part-time force that provided a responsive capability at home or abroad. David was discharged on demobilization on September 10, 1946 and returned home to Grande Prairie. Private David Dryer received the following medals: War Medal 1939-45 and the Voluntary Service Medal. In 1946, David married Mary Hollier who was originally from Rycroft. They had one child, a daughter Shirley, who was born in 1946. The Dryer’s lived in Grande Prairie where David worked for Coca-Cola as well as assisting his father on the farm. He also worked for local farmers when needed. David also worked for McGavins delivering their various products. The family stayed in Grande Prairie until 1959 when they moved to Calgary as David’s brother, John, lived there. David again worked for Coca-Cola in Calgary until they decided to move to Victoria in 1965. Once in Victoria, David found employment with the Royal Jubilee Hospital where he remained until he retired in 1986. David enjoyed hunting when he retired; often in the company of his grandson who was a guide. Bobby Kimble and David remained close over the years and Bobby often visited in Victoria where they enjoyed many fishing trips. David passed away in 2010 and was cremated. His ashes are in the possession of his daughter, Shirley.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 426-427
1926 Census records
Sharon Kimble – Dryer land information at Glen Leslie
Interview with Shirley (Dryer) Freeman 250-724-1904
Dryer, Robert McEllen
Regimental Number: M17190
Regiment: Loyal Edmonton
Rank: Private
Bob, born on January 23, 1917 at Hanna, Alberta, was the 2nd oldest in John (1890) and Margaret (nee Frakes) (1892) Dryer’s family of nine children. He had four brothers; Arnold, William, David, Jack and four sisters; Mabel, Fay, Iris, Daisy. John and Margaret were both born in the USA; John had immigrated in 1909 and Margaret, in 1902. Bob was educated at the Red Rose School District. The “dirty thirties” actually began in 1929 in Hanna. By 1931, as once again there was not a crop to harvest, the Government passed a bill whereby a boxcar would be provided as well as transportation costs paid for any farmers who were willing to move to Northern Alberta. The Dryer’s took advantage of the program and arrived in Grande Prairie in August 1931. John, Bob and Bill travelled with the household effects and machinery in one box car along with a car load of horses. The rest of the family, Mabel, Fay, Dave, Iris and Jack and Margaret, arrived by passenger train. They settled on the Eldred farm which is now where the Eldoe’s Trailer Court is located. Once the fall work was completed, the Dryer’s rented the Morrison farm (NW 25-71-4-W6) at Glen Leslie and lived there for 10 years. The first winter, a horse was traded for a wagon load of potatoes and the family lived on those along with rabbits that were very plentiful. All the children attended the Somme School.
On April 3, 1940, Bob enlisted in the Army with the Edmonton Regiment C.A.S.F. in Grande Prairie – the same day as his brother Bill enlisted. Once Bob arrived in England, he was stationed at Eastbourne and met Phyllis “Pat” Payne who was working in a canteen for the English Forces. Pat also worked in a Sperry’s Factory in her hometown of Feltham, Middlesex. They quickly established a relationship and married on May 27, 1943 at Feltham. A son, Robert Jr. was born in 1945. Bob was wounded in Italy in 1945 and requested to be discharged. The discharge was approved and Bob sailed for Canada and was officially discharged on June 16, 1945 at Calgary after which he returned home to Grande Prairie. Private Robert Dryer served in Canada, England and the Central Mediterranean Area and received the Voluntary Medal & Clasp, 1939-45 Star, War Medal and the Defence Medal.
Pat, on the other hand, had to wait to receive permission from the Canadian Wives Bureau to immigrate to Canada. Permission was finally granted in June 1946 and Pat and Robert Jr. sailed for Canada and arrived at Halifax where they were processed through immigration at Pier 21. From there, they travelled across Canada by train to reach Grande Prairie on July 4, 1946 where they were met by Bob and the entire Dryer family. Arnold’s wife, Violet, arrived on the same train. The Dryer grandparents looked after Robert Jr. while Bob toured his wife around Grande Prairie. The young family settled in Grande Prairie for a few months before they decided to move to Darwell, AB where they purchased a ½ section of land as well as an additional 60 acres. They lived on the ½ section where they raised their five children; Robert, Doreen, Maureen, Brenda, and Tracy. Bob found employment working as a farm-hand for Harry Brown for a period of time. Pat settled into her new way of life and relished her new surroundings. She was kept very busy raising the children and growing an exceptionally large garden. Although Pat was homesick at times, she did return to England on several occasions to visit and her brothers and sister came to Canada to spend time as well. Bob worked as a labourer on road construction crews for the Department of Highways; however eventually found employment with Building Products Company in Wabamun where he worked for 15 years until he retired. Bob was diagnosed with cancer and passed away on June 6, 1979 and was buried at the Darwell Cemetery.
In her later years, Pat loved to paint and her children have several of her paintings on display in their homes. Pat passed away in 1999 and was laid to rest alongside her husband.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 426-427
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune – Obituary- June 14, 1979
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune – July 11, 1946 p. 1 c. 5 (bride arrives)
Interview with Doreen (Dryer) Barsi - daughter
Discharge Certificate
Dryer, Violet Remnant
Violet Remnant was a 16 year old shop assistant in Wrecclesham, Surrey, not far from the Canadian Army Base in Aldershot, when she first met Arnold Dryer at a dance in the Village Hall. Arnold’s squadron was billeted nearby in the village of Rowledge. The relationship blossomed, and from wherever Arnold’s squadron moved to, his letters found their way back to Violet. At 18, Vi joined the Air Force, working as a clerk in RAF records in Gloucestershire. When the war ended, they were afraid that Arnold would be drafted home, so with four days’ notice, they planned a wedding. They were married on April 23, 1945 in Rowledge, England. After the wedding, Arnold was indeed sent back to Canada, and Vi waited for permission from the Canadian Wives Bureau to join him. She was discharged from the Air Force and put in time helping at the local post office. In June she sailed on the Aquatania with another bride bound for Grande Prairie, Betty Eskdale. The war brides were processed through immigration at Pier 21 in Halifax. Vi arrived on July 4, 1946 (along with her sister-in-law, Pat Dryer who was married to Arnold’s brother, Robert). The editor of the newspaper, J.B. Yule, was one person Vi met on her first day in Grande Prairie. The news of their arrival was proclaimed on the front page in the next issue of the paper: “Three War Brides Arrive Grande Prairie”. Although the young Mrs. Dryer was “homesick off and on” over the next year, she enjoyed being on the farm and the many good neighbours. Violet and Arnold had three children: Dale, Mark, and Ann. Grande Prairie is still Vi's home 60+ years later.
Source:
G.P. Herald Tribune – July 11, 1946 p. 1 c.5 (bride arrives)
Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 426-427
Dryer, William Ernest
Regiment: Loyal Edmonton
Rank: Corporal
Regimental Number: M17191
Bill, born on January 16, 1920 at Hanna, Alberta, was the 4th oldest in John (1890) and Margaret (nee Frakes) (1892) Dryer’s family of nine children. He had four brothers; Arnold, Robert, David, John (Jack) and four sisters; Mabel, Fay, Iris, Daisy. John and Margaret were both born in the USA; John had immigrated in 1909 and Margaret, in 1902. The “dirty thirties” actually began in 1929 in Hanna. By 1931, as once again there was not a crop to harvest, the Government passed a Bill whereby a boxcar would be provided and any associated transportation costs would be paid for any farmers who were willing to move to Northern Alberta. The Dryer’s took advantage of the program and arrived in Grande Prairie in August 1931. John, Bob and Bill travelled with the household effects and machinery in one box car along with a car load of horses. The rest of the family, Mabel, Fay, Dave, Iris, Jack and Margaret, arrived by passenger train. They settled on the Eldred farm which is now where the Eldoe’s Trailer Court is located. John and Arnold found employment with Herman Wendt’s threshing outfit for $3 per man and team for a 13-hour day. Once the threshing was completed, the Dryer’s rented the Morrison farm (NW 25-71-4-W6) at Glen Leslie and lived there for 10 years. The first winter, a horse was traded for a wagon load of potatoes and the family lived on those along with rabbits that were very plentiful. All the children attended the Somme School. In 1941, John and Margaret Dryer decided to purchase land from the Voz family that was located slightly east of what is known as Patterson Place in Grande Prairie. The younger Dryer children completed their education in Grande Prairie. On April 3, 1940, Bill enlisted in the Army at Grande Prairie and served as a Lance Corporal with the Loyal Edmonton Regiment, C.A.S.F. during World War II. Bill was severely wounded on October 19, 1944. He suffered a gunshot wound to the mouth and arm which left him with a permanent disability that affected the tendons in his fingers. As a result of the wounds, Bill was unable to meet the required military physical standards and was discharged on April 24, 1945 in Calgary. Lance Corporal William Dryer served in Canada, United Kingdom and Central Mediterranean Area and received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with Clasp.
Bill had a son, Dennis Challis Hunt, who was born in England during the war years (possibly 1941).
On April 26, 1945, Bill married Lt. (Nursing Sister) Dorothy Edith Blair of Devon, BC. The young couple made their home in Edmonton. Bill and Dorothy separated following which he met and entered into a common-law relationship with Virginia Thetrault. Virginia’s family, who had originally homesteaded in the Goodfare area, purchased the Grovedale store and operated it for many years. Bill had purchased land by means of a VLA loan that was located on the northeast end of Grande Prairie where the elevators were located at one time. However, Bill lost the land as he was unable to maintain the payments. Bill and Virginia had four children; Phyllis Elaine, Debra, Bill and Ron and lived on Tink’s farm in the Flying Shot Lake area, at Teepee Creek and at Wanham. While in Wanham, Bill worked as a salesman selling Watkins Products. Bill also cooked in camps for Archie Hackwell’s Construction Company. Virginia and eventually separated and Virginia and the children moved to Grande Prairie (105 avenue) where it would be easier for her to find work. Bill divorced his 1st wife, Dorothy, and subsequently married Ruth Wade who had a son, David. The Dryer’s had two children, Iris and Dennis William and the family lived in Grande Prairie, Wembley and on a farm in DeBolt that was owned by Bill’s daughter, Phyllis Elaine Wise. Bill worked in sawmills and moved his family to Nampa where he found employment at the local hotel. Bill and Ruth separated in 1978 and Bill moved back to Grande Prairie. In his retirement, Bill enjoyed cross word puzzles and was known as a very accomplished cook. Bill became ill and passed away on November 2, 1993 in Grande Prairie and was buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery.
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 426 – 427
Across the Smoky p. 345
GP Herald Tribune – June 7, 1945 p. 6 c. 8 (marries)
GP Herald Tribune – May 28, 1953 p. 6. C.5 (marries – photo)
GP Herald Tribune - Nov. 3 and 4, 1993 (obituary)
Census records
Sharon Kimble – Dryer land information at Glen Leslie
Interview with Robert Wise (grandson)
Interview with Debra Dryer – daughter
Drysdale, Gordon Alexander
Born in Clover Bar around 1921, Gordon Dysdale moved with his parents, Sidney and Anna Drysdale, and siblings to a farm 6 miles north east of Clairmont AB in November 1928. He attended the Wellington School. After serving in the Army in WW II, he married Jean Christina McCaig in June 1946. His brother Allan also served in the war, and married Jean’s sister in a double wedding. Jean and Gordon had 6 children: Lorian, Dianne, Bruce, John, Brian and Roy. In the 1990’s Gordon lived in Sundre after his wife Jean passed away.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1129
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files
Drysdale, James Allan
Force: R.C.A.F. (Royal Canadian Air Force)
Allan Drysdale was born March 20, 1920 in Clover Bar AB. In November 1928 he moved with his parents, Sidney and Anna Drysdale, and 3 siblings to a farm 6 miles north east of Clairmont AB. Allan attended the Wellington School. During WW II he served with the R. C. A. F. ( His brother Gordon served in the Army.) After Allan’s discharge in 1945 he bought a half section 4 miles north of Grande Prairie (Four Mile Corner). In June 1946 he married Alice McCaig who was a teacher at Clairmont. As their family grew, their house became too small, so they moved to a larger house (on the original Marek homestead) 2 miles east of Four Mile Corner. In 1964 Allan built a large hog barn which kept him busy for the next 9 years. Renting five more quarters, Allan was a grain farmer until he retired in 1977 to Grande Prairie. Alice and Allan were active in many community organizations including County Council, Agricultural Society, 4-H, and Clairmont United Church. Allan was enthusiastic about many sports, involved with the Alberta Senior Games, and was awarded a lifetime membership in the Alberta Sports Council. Alice and Allan had 4 children: Sherrill, Sheila, Donald, and Adell. Alice died in 1993 at age 76, and Allan died on January 26, 2015 at Points West Living in Grande Prairie at age 93.
Source: Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 541
Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1129
Dryver, John Milford
Regimental No: T4211345
Dubord, Arthur
Force: R. C. A. F.
Born in 1921, Arthur Dubord came from Quebec to the Buffalo Lakes district in 1930 with his parents Mr and Mrs Henri Dubord. They lived on the homestead of SW 35-74-7 for a few years while Arthur attended the Canor School. The family later moved to the Canuck district, and then to McHenry. Arthur joined the ground section of the RCAF in Edmonton in July 1941. When his father died in 1951, Arthur and his mother moved to Grande Prairie. For about 12 years, Arthur worked as an orderly there. He was married to Terese Bergeron, and together they had 4 children. Arthur died in January 1999 at age 78 in Grande Prairie.
Source: Buffalo Trails – Tales of the Pioneers p. 104
Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 Name only in Roll of Honour
Grande Prairie Herald – July 17, 1941
AGS Obituary Index
Dubord, Joseph M
Settled in SW 23-81-W6 in Jan. 1, 1963
Source: Alberta Land Book
Dubrule, Gaston
Force: Canadian Army
Gaston Dubrule was born on May 28, 1926 in St. Paul AB. During WW II he served with the Canadian Army. He worked for the Bank of Toronto, and the N.A.R. Gaston passed away on October 21, 1993 in Edmonton.
Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. II p. 99 and p. 240
Duerkson, Samuel
Force: Army
Sam Duerkson moved from Lodi, California to Grande Prairie in 1925 with his parents and 8 siblings. After renting land in Lake Saskatoon, Sam’s father bought a homestead near DeBolt on Harper Creek. The family lived there until 1935, when Sam’s mother passed away from cancer. Sam and his brother stayed on the farm, while his father and sisters moved to Valleyview. In 1939, Sam enlisted with the Army and served in Scotland with the Forestry Corps. After his discharge and return to Canada, he married his childhood sweetheart, Alba Dierker from Crooked Creek. The wedding took place on September 28, 1945 at the United Church in Grande Prairie. The new couple temporarily lived in Grande Prairie before they settled in North Surrey BC. They had 1 son and 3 daughters.
Source: Across the Smoky p. 374 – name in Roll of Honour
pp. 72-75 – Family story
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune: Oct. 4, 1945 p.4 c.6
Duffy, Jack
Regimental Number: R76773
Regiment: Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank: Flight Sergeant
Date of Birth: 30 Oct 1921
Place of Birth: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Killed in Action: 6 Sept 1942
Duffy, Roy
Regiment: Edmonton Regiment
Roy Duffy was born on March 21, 1920 to parents John and Gertrude Duffy. Enlisting with the Edmonton Regiment in April 1940, he served overseas in WW II, and was discharged in 1945. He married Virginia Jean Rooney of Bezanson AB on September 30, 1946. The couple lived most of their married life in the Grande Prairie area except for a short time in Westbank BC and Calgary AB. They farmed in the Dimsdale area from 1958 to 1971. Roy also operated the Duffy and Son’s Warehouse in Grande Prairie with his father until his father died, then continued to run the business until 1980. From then on he had a variety of jobs with his sons until he passed away suddenly on February 8, 2006, at age 85. Virginia had died in January of that year. Roy and Virginia had 12 children: Mary Jean, Patricia, Maureen, Gerald, Janice, Susan, Brian, Cameron, Linda, Donald (predeceased), Cathy (predeceased) and infant daughter Sharon (predeceased). Roy was known for his good cooking.
Source: Daily Herald Tribune: April 4, 1940 p. 1 c. 1,2; Oct. 10, 1946 p. 4 c. 2 (marries); SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files - Obituary
Dumas, Emile
Emile Dumas was born in Morinville, AB in 1919, the third of 7 children of Paul and Dianna Dumas. At age 2 he moved with his family to Donnelly for the winter, then to Falher for 7 years, before settling on a farm near Girouxville. Since the Gougeon School was not yet built, Emile attended school at the convent in Grouard for 2 years. He quit school at age 15 to work on farms, and eventually moved to Westlock AB. In 1940 Emile enlisted in Edmonton with the army, serving overseas. He met and married Clemence Neus in Belgium in 1945. In October Emile returned to Canada, and Clemence came 8 months later. The young couple made their home on a farm north of Girouxville. During the winters Emile worked at cutting lumber, on the railroad, and at oil rigs, while he farmed in the summers. Emile and Clemence had 7 children: Edward, Paulette, Georgette, Robert, Francine, Leo, and Suzanne. The family moved to Belgium in 1960 for 5 years, then they moved to Edmonton.
Source: Reflexions Vol. II p. 513 (Photo p. 514)
Girouxville History Vol. I pp. 65-66
Dumas, Jean-Leo
Date of Birth: 21/06/1923
Dumont, Florent "Floyd"
Floyd Dumont was born on February 1, 1918 in Lac Megantic, Quebec, being the 7th of 12 children of Charles and Antonia (Couture) Dumont. In 1923 the family settled in Lac Pelletier SK where they farmed until 1930. Because of a bad drought, they moved west to Whitemud AB and homesteaded. Floyd joined the Army in 1940, serving overseas for 5 years. Shortly after the war, he filed on a homestead in Whitemud: N. ½ -05-75-22-W5 very near the Dumont family. (The father, Charles, had passed away in 1940). On November 12, 1949 Floyd married Helen Halabowich. They raised 2 children: Emil and David, and moved to Vancouver BC in 1956. Floyd died in October 1995 in Grande Prairie at age 77.
Source: Guy pp. 625 – 626 (photo p. 624)
Where the Red Willow Grew pp. 605 – 607 (photo of Floyd as a young child p. 607)
AGS Obituary Index
Dunbar, Alexander
Dunbar, Robert
From Hinton Trail
Dunbar, Samuel
Dunbar, William
Duncan, George Alexander
Force: Canadian Army
George Duncan was born on April 4, 1907 in Aberdeen, Scotland. As a young man, he worked in a Law Office before deciding to come to Canada. Leaving Scotland on May 31, 1928 with his brother, James, they boarded the S. S. Dorir, and after arriving in Montreal, they took the train and headed to Clairmont AB. Their uncle Donald McPherson had a homestead there since 1910, and their older brother was also there. They arrived on June 15th and were welcomed with mud and rain. After working for farmers in the area, James and George bought land near Sexsmith, on Kleskun Lake: E ½ - 19-73-4-w6 in fall of 1929 to homestead. Because they lost all their hay crop in a fire in 1931, they worked at a lumber mill for a few years. Then they started mixed farming with cattle. In 1939, James joined the army, leaving the farming to George. (Their brother Bill also served in WW II in BC.) In 1942 George also joined the army, and served overseas until he was discharged in 1946. For a short time, he lived in BC, but then returned to his farm, and he married Edna Blanes from Teepee Creek. The couple had 6 children: Donna, Georgina, Irene, Bill, Barbara, and Douglas. George was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion in the Sexsmith Branch for many years. Since he developed some health problems, the family moved to Grande Prairie in 1966. George died on June 6, 1984 in Grande Prairie at age 77.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over pp. 169 – 171 (photos), p. 1149 – Name in Roll of Honour, p. 1155 photo.
La Glace – Yesterday and Today p. 315 (name only)
Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 291 - 292
Grande Prairie Northern Tribune: August 14, 1947 p. 5 c. 6 (marries)
AGS Obituary Index; Grande Prairie Herald Tribune June 7, 1984 - Obituary
Duncan, James
Regiment: 49th Edmonton
Rank: Private
Force: Canadian Army
James Duncan was born in Scotland, and came to Canada with his brother, George, in 1928. Their uncle Donald McPherson had homesteaded near Clairmont AB since 1910, and their brother, Bill, also was there. Arriving in Montreal, they took the train to Clairmont. In fall of 1929 the two young men bought their own homestead on Kleskun Lake, near Sexsmith. (E ½ - 19-73-4-W6). When a hay crop was destroyed in a fire in 1931, they then worked in a lumber mill. After a few years they started mixed farming with cattle. James joined the army in December 1939, leaving George to look after the farming. (George joined the army in 1942, and their brother Bill also served during WWII in BC.) While serving in Holland in 1943, James was wounded, although it was first presumed that he had been killed. He was discharged in July 1945, and returned to Clairmont where he took over his uncle’s farm as a bachelor. Soon he met and married Ella Jantz, and the couple raised 9 children: Norma, Margaret, Kathie, Tom, Patricia, Heather, Donald, Terry, and Bonnie. In 1967 the Duncans built a new house on their farm.
Source:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie p.291 - 292
Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 (name only), pp. 169-171
Grande Prairie Northern Tribune – August 5, 1943 p. 1 c. 2(killed in action)
August 12, 1943 p. 4 c. 6, ( correction: wounded)
Dunn, Charlie
Regiment: Signal Corps
Force: Army
Source: Legion Album
Dunphy, Joseph Daniel
Regimental Number: M28701
Rank: Craftsman
Joseph, born on March 23, 1917 was the oldest in Daniel and Lucy Dunphy’s family who resided on a farm near Delisle, Saskatchewan. He completed Grade 8 at a rural school in Saskatchewan following which he worked in the farming industry.
Joseph moved to Alberta in 1938 and subsequently married Phyllis on March 7, 1941. The young couple settled at Carstairs, Alberta where Joseph found employment as a welder.
Joseph enlisted on June 26, 1941 in Calgary. He received basic training in Calgary, Woodstock, London, Kitchener and Red Deer where he qualified as a Class III Driver-Wheeled. He was also a qualified Driver Mechanic “C” and Fitter “B” and Class “A1” Mechanic. Joseph embarked for England in April 1942. He was eventually transferred to the Royal Canadian Electrical and Mechanical Engineers Corps. Joseph served in Canada, United Kingdom, Central Mediterranean and Continental Europe. He was discharged on demobilization on October 24, 1945 in Calgary. Craftsman Joseph Dunphy received the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France-Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp and the War Medal 1939-45.
Joseph and Phyllis had two children, Sandra and Brian; however eventually divorced. In 1946, Joseph worked for a fellow who had bought a hotel in Sylvan Lake and needed assistance with the renovations. Once that job was finished, Joseph went to NAIT where he received his tickets in Electrical, Gas and Plumbing. Joseph was subsequently hired to install the water and sewer system in Cremona, Alberta. In 1977, Joseph decided to buy land in an area of Bezanson known as Kleskun Hills. He married Betty on July 19, 1989. Betty had three children from her first marriage; Judy, Joan and Fred. In 1993, they sold the land and moved to Grande Prairie. Joseph passed away on October 26, 1994 and was buried at the Grande Prairie Cemetery. Betty is currently living in Grande Prairie.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Service file
Interview with Lynne Oe who spoke directly to Betty Dunphy
Dunwoodie, William
Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. 2 p. 99
Dupont, Henry
Dupont, Laurence
Dupuis, Edouard
Source: Reflexions Vol. II p. 234 (name only)
Dupuis, Leonard
Leonard Dupuis, son of Edward and Bertha (McDougall) Dupuis, was born on February 5, 1923 in Wakaw, SK. In 1928 he moved with his family to the Guy area, and he attended the Jason and Whitemud schools. For a while he worked for Jos Gagnon, and then joined the army in 1942. Posted in Europe, he walked from the south of France to northern Holland during combat. Being wounded by a bullet and shrapnel, he was hospitalized in England for 21 days, and then sent back to fight on the front. Leonard received an honourable discharge on January 10, 1946. He returned to Guy after the war, and farmed five quarters for 19 years. Due to health problems, he sold his farm, and worked in construction in Edmonton for thirteen and a half years, for the Thiele Drywall company. Over the years, Leonard was an avid hunter and fisherman. Every year he hunted in Whitemud, catching moose and deer. He was semi-retired in the early 1980s and moved to Calmar AB. Leonard died in August 2003 in Edmonton.
Source: Guy p. 310 -311 (Photo as a child p. 310)
AGS Obituary Index
Dupuis, Patrick
from Girouxville area
Source:
Reflexions Vol. 2, p. 234 (name only)
Dupuis, Ronald
Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. II p. 99
Dupuis, Sylvester
Source: Reflexions Vol. 2 p. 234 (Name only )
Dupuy, Moise
Moise Dupuy was born on August 16, 1915 (in St. Albert area) to parents George and Emma (Thomas) Dupuy. He was the second youngest of 6 children. In 1920 Moise moved with his family to the Bezanson area where they homesteaded. Five years later they moved to the Guy district. There Moise, age 10, attended the Ballater School, but he quit his education at age 15 in order to work on stooking and threshing crews. As soon as he was old enough, he filed on his own homestead: NW ¼ - 6-76-21-W5 which was very close to his brother Bob’s land. Work was scarce in the 1930’s so the two brothers would clear and break land, with an axe. In 1934 they built a square log house on Bob’s farm and lived there together. During the winters they earned extra money by selling animal pelts and firewood. Moise joined the army in 1942, first taking basic training in Grande Prairie. Soon Moise was transferred to the reserve army in Calgary, and on December 14, 1942 he married Elsa Mathilda Debaere of Falher. Finally he was stationed in Halifax, and was discharged in 1945. During his time with the army, he was given “harvest leaves” because he was a farmer. (Bob attended to the farming in Moise’s absence.) After the war, Moise acquired a half section of land from the V.L.A. (Veteran’s Land Act), and he hired a “cat” and brush cutter to clear it. As grain prices picked up, he bought bigger and better farm machinery. Moise and Bob moved the log house from Bob’s land onto Moise’s with 6 tractors across the fields! Later, Moise purchased land from his other brother, George, and he built a frame house there. Moise and Bob continued farming together until 1966, when Bob sold his 3 quarters to him (and moved to BC.) Elsa and Moise had 5 children: Dianne, Denis, Leona, Joyce, and Norman. They farmed until 1972, when they sold their land to Allarco Farms. In 1974 they moved to Falher, and Moise worked part-time for the Municipal District of Smoky River, until his death in 1978. Elsa died in 2013
Sources: Guy pp. 311-312 (photo p. 313)
Smoky River to Grande Prairie pp. 328-329
AGS Obituary Index (Elsa)
Durnford, Jack
Durocher, Henry
Regiment: Regina Rifles
Rank: Sergeant
Force: Army
Henry Durocher was born on March 26, 1917 in Peace River AB to parents Henry and Julia Durocher. As a child, he and his family moved to several places including Lac Cardinal, Clear Hills (near Dixonville where he started school), Gordondale, Dawson Creek BC, and Clear Hills again, where he started his own small trapline. When he was 20, Henry moved to Notikiewan, and he purchased a trapline which was located in Hay River. He trapped there until the war broke out. On May 22, 1940 Henry joined the Canadian Army, taking his basic training in Camrose. For one year he was an instructor at the Currie Barracks in Calgary. In 1942, on his 25th birthday, he was headed for England on a troop ship. As a full Corporal, he left for France on D-Day in June, 1944 with the 3rd division on the Regina Rifles. That same year on July 8 he was wounded for the first time and spent one month in the hospital, and then was sent to Liverpool Canal, where within one day he was wounded again. After staying in the hospital 8 days, he jumped the fence and returned to the front lines! In the winter of 1944-45, his troop was in Holland, and Germany. By this time, Henry had earned the rank of Sergeant. Being wounded a third time, 60 miles from Berlin, he was flown to England and was still in the hospital when the war ended. He received an Honourable Discharge on October 19, 1945. Henry received various war medals: 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defense Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal with clasp, and the War Medal 1939-45. After the war, Henry returned to Notikiewan and worked at a sawmill and other jobs. For the last 44 years of his life, he lived in the Sexsmith area, being involved in the Teepee Creek Stampede since the 1950’s. He drove a chariot team and won several times. He worked for Charlie White, Norm Hollingworth, and Jerry Stojan for numerous years. Henry was married to Julia, and they had one son: Dave. At age 78, on August 20, 1995, Henry passed away in Sexsmith. He was buried in the Whitelaw Cemetery.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 (Name in Roll of Honour), p. 881
Grande Prairie Daily Herald Tribune – Aug. 21, 22, 23, 1995 – Obituary (some dates differ from the previous source.)
Durrant, John Albert "Jack"
Regiment: R.C.E
Jack Durrant was born on January 16, 1917 in London, England to parents John A. W. and Annie Dorothy Durrant. They came to Canada shortly after Jack was born, settling in Calgary. Jack served in the army during WW II. He married Patricia Humphreys, and they moved to Grande Prairie in 1955 where they resided for the rest of their lives. They had 2 sons: Jack (Jr.) and Alec. Jack worked in construction, and he was a member of the Sapper’s Club. After his retirement, he enjoyed spending time at their cabin at Wapiti Farms. Jack died at age 92 on September 15, 2009. Patricia died in July 2006.
Source: Legion Album
AGS Gravemarkers of NW Alberta
SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files - Obituary
Dusseault, Alphonse
Alphonse Dusseault was born in Wabasca AB on January 3, 1918. He was the 7th of 10 children of Napoleon and Marie-Louise (Campbell) Dusseault. When he was a few years old, the family moved to Vimy AB. In 1928 the family moved to Falher, where the older brothers had homesteads, and the father was the town policeman. The mother died in 1930, and the oldest sister, Jeanne, looked after the family. Alphonse joined the army in WW II.
Source:
Reflexions Vol. 2 p. 232 photo in uniform
Reflexions Vol. 3 pp. 534-536 (family photo p. 535)
Dwyer, Luke Joseph
Luke Dwyer was born in 1907 in Egg Lake AB, being the fourth of 11 children. Homesteading in Crooked Creek since 1929, Luke was a “Jack of all trades” and a “fixer upper” who was always ready to lend a hand to neighbors with mechanical problems. Besides his own farming, he hunted wild game for the Forestry department. During WW II he was a driver in the Canadian Army. His brother Patrick was also in the forces. These brothers were bachelors for some time, baking their own bread and pies, growing gardens, and canning wild fruit. When Luke married Betty McLane in June 1942 it was a surprise to most of their community. Luke owned the first school bus in Crooked Creek, and he drove bus for 13 ½ years. Luke and Betty had 4 children: Tim, Eunice, Pat, and Lucille. In 1978 the Dwyers moved to Parksville on Vancouver Island. While Luke enjoyed the life there, he still missed Alberta which he called “God’s Country”. They moved to Vernon in 1983, where Luke was diagnosed with cancer and died in 1988. Betty moved back to Grande Prairie AB in 1992 to be close to her family.
Source: Bridges to the Past pp. 232-233
Across the Smoky pp. 110 and 112
Herald Tribune: July 2, 1942 p. 4 c. 3 marries
Dwyer, Patrick J.
Patrick was one of 11 children. In the early 1930’s he homesteaded in Crooked Creek, where his brother Luke also lived. As a self sufficient bachelor, he was very helpful to his neighbors by teaching them to build a log house. Being a good hunter, he supplied his neighbors with moose, deer, prairie chickens and rabbits. And he picked and canned wild berries. Handy with a jack knife, and ax, and sandpaper, he made furniture and skis for his neighbors. He was a skilled barber for the community, and a great storyteller, making people laugh. Patrick, and his brother, Luke served in WW II. In the 1940’s Patrick moved to Toronto, Ontario where he married and raised a family. He passed away before his brother Luke.
Source: Across the Smoky pp. 144-145. Photos pp. 144 and 346
Dzioba, Harry Williams
Notes: sw29-80-6-W6, 16-9-46, V Ag Lease
Source: Alberta Land Book
Eagar, Martin David Conrad “Pete”
Martin David Conrad Eagar was born in 1919 in Grande Prairie, AB where he lived his whole life. He was the son of Martin Wingate Eagar, a lawyer in Grande Prairie, who nicknamed him Pete at a young age. Having a free-roaming boyhood, Pete felt more at home in the bush than in big cities. In 1937 Pete joined the Grande Prairie Fire Department as a volunteer getting paid about $20 a year. At age 21 Pete enlisted with the army and was active in the August 19, 1942 Dieppe raid. 225 fellow Canadian soldiers lost their lives, while 264 men, including Pete, were taken as prisoners of war by the Nazis. In all, Pete spent over 3 years being captured in at least 3 different camps. Pete and his comrades were shipped by box car to Landsdorf, Germany where he spent the rest of 1942 and 1943. At one of the POW camps Pete was made the camp cook with 55 prisoners to look after, which he considered as “preferential treatment”. His last camp was on the Baltic Coast, and when the Russians moved in, Pete and all the allied prisoners were turned loose with minimal supervision, and were expected to walk their way across Germany to freedom. The walk took from February to May and was about 800 km. This was called the “Death March” as some men died along the way. Two days after the war ended, Pete arrived in Luebeck, Germany, and then was flown to England. In later years, Pete described his war experience: “One thing it taught me was my own capability of what I am as an individual and what tolerance I have. “ He also mentioned with humour that the extent of his military service was about 8 hours, and the rest of the time he was a liability as a prisoner of war.
When Pete returned to Grande Prairie, he went back to volunteer firefighting, and working as parts manager at Rodacker Sales and Service. Pete was married to Lenore, and they had 3 children: Sons David and Richard, and a daughter Pat. For a while, Pete and Lenore lived upstairs at the old fire hall across from City Hall, and raised their children there. In 1952, Pete was appointed Chief of the fire department, and in 1957 he became the first full-time fireman. He retired after 40 years’ service in 1982, and became an avid golfer. During his lifetime Pete was an active member in several associations: Provincial Fire Chief Association, Masonic Lodge, Shriners, Order of Eastern Star, and Royal Canadian Legion Grande Prairie. He and Lenore belonged to a travel group and visited many countries including Spain, Hawaii, and Norway.
Pete died from bone cancer at age 66 on December 18, 1985 in Grande Prairie
Source: SPRA Family and Personal Life Reference Files:
Edmonton Journal May 10, 1971 “Fire career began at $27 a year”
GP Booster April 16, 1980 “Fire Chief Recalls Dieppe Years”
GP Booster June 15, 1982 “Fire Chief retiring”
Daily Herald Tribune Dec. 2, 1982 “Pete packs it in”
Daily Herald Tribune Dec. 20, 1985 (Obituary); “Pete Eagar: respected, dedicated and frank”
Easterbrook, Jim
From Grande Prairie, served in an
Edmonton Regiment
Eastman, Allan Frederick
Allan Eastman was the eldest of 5 children born to Ken Eastman and Elizabeth Hogg. His parents first lived in Arrow Lakes and Ladner BC, and Allan was born in 1915. In 1927 Allan and his parents and siblings Marguerite, Jim, and Jean, moved to Albright district AB. A little brother, Douglas, was born in 1930. Allan married Vera Chandler in 1937. He farmed in the summers and worked in lumber camps in the winters. They had 2 sons: Richard Arling, and Martin Allan. In 1941 Allan enlisted with the Calgary Highlanders and served overseas. On July 27, 1944 he was mentioned in dispatches for bravery under enemy fire. It was at the Battle of Falaise, south of Caen, France, on August 8, 1944 that an 88 millimetre shell exploded while he was leading his platoon. Allan was killed in action. He is buried at Brettville - Sur -Laize Canadian Military Cemetery in France. Vera lived in White Rock BC for many years after Allan’s death. Arling had a career with the Air Force, while Martin served with the Navy for a time.
Source: Beaverlodge to the Rockies pp. 15 - 16
Grande Prairie Herald – Sept. 14, 1944 p. 1 c. 1 (killed in action)
Eastman, D.W.
Source: Pioneer Round-Up p. 13 - named in Honour Roll
Eastman, James Henry "Jim"
Rank: Private:
James Eastman was born in March of 1899 in Grenfall, SK. He served overseas in WW I. Jim was married to Dorothy Margaret Thomas (a Red Cross worker) in March 1919, in London, England. He was discharged that same year. After the couple sailed to Canada, James worked in Excelsior AB until 1923. They had 2 daughters by that time. While Jim went ahead to break 20 acres of land in Halcourt AB, Dorothy and the girls took the train to Grande Prairie, where Jim met them on July 1923. Unfortunately most of their dishes were broken because their trunks were severely damaged on the trip. At first, Dorothy cried when she saw their sod cabin, but she was determined to settle there and raise her family. In total they raised 7 children: Irene 1920, Elsie 1921, Ellen 1924, James Jr. 1928, Robert 1932, Joan (Dorothy) 1935, and Thomas 1947. When WW II was declared in 1939 Jim joined the military again with the Royal Engineers. Transferring to the Provost Corps, he went to England in November 1942. He was a sergeant of the Detention Barracks until he was discharged in 1945, returning to Canada. During both wars Jim earned his Military Medal, Mons Star, and Peace Medal. Jim passed away on October 4, 1964 in Halcourt. Dorothy moved to Victoria after Jim’s death. She passed away in July 1990.
Source: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 340
Grande Prairie Herald – Sept 28, 1928 (birth of son)
Sept. 21, 1939
See more information on WW I Memorials
AGS – Obituary Index
Eastman, Jim
Jim Eastman joined the South Alberta Regiment in 1940, and took basic training in Edmonton AB. He was stationed in Dundurn SK, Nanaimo BC, Niagara-on-the-Lake ON, and Debert NS. Serving overseas, he fought in Belgium, Holland, and Germany. Jim was driving Major David Currie’s tank in St. Lambert Sur Dives in Normandy in a battle in August 1944, for which the Major won the Victoria Cross. After returning to Canada, Jim married Ivy Eileen Bone from Hythe AB, on June 9, 1948, settling in the Albright area to farm. They had two children: Joyce and Kenny. Times were hard for the family, so for nine consecutive winters Jim and Ivy worked outside the farm to supplement income. In 1957 they bought a herd of Holstein cattle and started a successful dairy business. In later years, Jim shared the business with Ken. For the last 14 years of their lives together, Jim and Ivy had a home in Phrump, Nevada where they spent the winters, golfed and gambled, and made many new friends. Jim passed away before Ivy who died September 25, 2016 in Beaverlodge.
Source: Beaverlodge to the Rockies p. 15
SPRA Personal and Family Life Reference Files – Obituary of Ivy
Eastman, T.A.
Source: Pioneer Round-Up p. 13 – named in Honour Roll
Easton, Paul Henry
Regimental Number: M65102
Regiment: Westminster Regiment (Motors), R.C.I.C.
Rank: Private
Place of Birth: Edmonton, Alberta Date of Birth: 8 Apr
Killed in Action: 24 May 1944
Place of Birth: Edmonton, Alberta Date of Birth: 8 Apr 1922
Eaton, Frank James
Regiment: RCE
Rank: Corporal
Force: Army
Frank Eaton was born in 1911 in Lake Saskatoon, and had a brother, Emerson, and a sister, Chrissie. For most of his life he was a resident of Beaverlodge district. During WW II he joined the Royal Canadian Engineers. He had a homestead in Beaverlodge, 16-62-26-W4, and had 2 sons, Frank Jr. and Douglas. Frank was a member of the Canadian Royal Legion. He died in Beaverlodge on April 6, 1975 at age 64, and he was buried in the Legion Plot at the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Source: Cemetery Records
SPRA Person and Family Life Reference Files – Obituary
Homestead Index
Edey, Clare
Clarence (Clare) Edey was born on January 30, 1917 in Wellwood MB to parents Alexander and Frances Edey. In 1928 Clare, his parents and 5 siblings moved to Spirit River AB to begin homesteading. Clare married the “love of his life”, Lena Brummund, on November 15, 1940, and in January 1941 he joined the army. Lena moved with Clare wherever he was stationed: in Red Deer, Calgary, and Prince George, however she also stayed in a house on Clare’s parents’ farm when she couldn’t be with him. During the 4 years he was serving, two daughters were born, Catherine (1942) and Margaret (1943). Just as Clare was preparing to go overseas, the war ended. At the time he was stationed at Calgary, and after his discharge, he went home to Spirit River to build a home for his family. For a short time he worked at Pring’s mill, then he was hired by E. Jacob of Northmark for a year, to work in the garage, and help build the Woking store. In the spring of 1947 the Edeys moved to their homestead, and a year later they moved to a VLA lease where they lived for about 20 years. Land clearing and building was hard work before farming produced an income. The Edeys had 3 more children: Gordon (1947), Darlene (1955), and James (1958). A setback in 1951 resulted from Clare being in the hospital for over a month. In 1953 Clare also drove the school bus in Spirit River. About the late 1960s, the Edey family moved to Grande Prairie where Clare worked at Canfor as a saw sharpener for 15 years. Clare and Lena decided to retire in Creston BC in 1983, becoming active in their church, UFA, and curling. Clare was also the community barber. Lena passed away in 2003, and Clare died on May 12, 2010 at the age of 93, at his residence in Swan Valley Lodge in Creston. Interment was at Bridgeview Cemetery AB.
Source:
Memories and Moments pp. 244-245, p. 276 - Photo
SPRA Personal and Family Life Reference File - Obituary
Edey, Edward Gordon
Regiment: 49th Royal Regiment, Edmonton
Born on November 26, 1916 in Bow Valley AB, Edward Gordon Edey was one of 5 children of Alexander and Margaret Edey. In 1931 the family came from Carmongay AB to Kadot Lake to homestead. Gordon and his siblings went to school at West Vale and Heart Valley.
Gordon served in WW II with the 49th Royal Regiment, Edmonton, enlisting April 1940, and being overseas from July 1940 to June 19, 1945.
He was married to Dorothy on June 26, 1940, and they had 2 children: Lorne and Linda. They took VLA land and farmed for 10 years. On August 7, 1950 there was a snow storm which unfortunately flattened their crop, and they had to work for the winter. Gordon went to Redwater, while Dorothy went to Edmonton. They quit farming when Gordon required a back operation. He drove school bus in the Sexsmith area, and then moved to Dawson Creek BC where he was a mechanic for Cochshutt. After another back operation, he worked as a partsman. In 1977 Gordon helped his father move to Vancouver, spending 6 months there. Gordon and Dorothy moved back to Heart Valley in June 1978, and they resided with his brother, Jack, on the farm.
Edward died on June 8, 2006 in Maple Ridge BC.
Source: Daily Herald Tribune April 4, 1940
Grooming the Grizzly pp. 300 - 301
Maple Ridge – Pitt Meadows News Obituaries, June 8, 2006
Edey, John Henry "Harry"
Regiment: R.C. Artillery
Regimental No:
Rank: Sergeant
Force: Army
John Henry Edey (always called Harry) was born in Wellwood MB on January 6, 1917. Starting school in Wellwood in 1923, he remembers riding in a van pulled by horses. When his family moved, Harry changed schools, attending the Kennedy and Fairview schools in Manitoba. In 1928 the family moved to Spirit River AB, where Harry attended Bronco Creek School, and completed Grade 8 in 1929. That fall he was one of the first students in the new Spirit River Rural High School. After completing Grade 11 in June 1932, Harry left school for a year because Grade 12 was not offered at the high school yet. However, in the 1933-34 school year he returned and was one of five students to graduate in the first Grade 12 class in the central Peace area. Harry remembers having to walk 7 miles to school in the spring of 1932 because the horses were needed for work on the land.
Harry filed on a quarter of land west of Spirit Valley: SW 2-79-7-W6, in spring of 1935. During that summer he amazingly cleared and broke 4 acres by hand using an ax and grub hoe, and horses to pull the plow. The following summer he cleared and broke another 6 acres, and in the next few years made enough improvements on his land to get a title.
Harry joined the Canadian Army in September 1941, serving overseas. First he was with the 33rd Light Aid Detachment attached to the 13th Field Regiment of the Royal Canadian Artillery in the Third Canadian Division until January 1945. Then he was promoted to sergeant, and he was transferred to the 123rd Light Aid Detachment attached to the First Canadian Armoured Carrier Regiment (the Kangaroos) with the 79th British Armoured Division. In September 1945 he returned to Canada, being discharged in October.
While in Britain, Harry met Iris Lewis who was a nurse and certified midwife. They planned to get married in June 1944, but on the day of the wedding Harry was ordered to board a ship bound for the D-Day invasion of France. Finally they were married on January 6, 1945 in Treharris, Wales, Iris’ hometown, while Harry was on leave from the war front.
Back in Canada, the couple bought land from the Veterans Land Act in 1946 near Rycroft, where they lived for 14 years. Five children were born to them: Gwyneth in 1947, twins Linda and Lorna in 1948, John in 1951, and David in 1952. The whole family was active in the United Church, and Harry served on the Board of Directors for the Credit Union and the Co-Op store. Over the years there were many modern improvement to their home and farm. They had a telephone which allowed Iris to keep in touch with neighbors and family. Harry bought his first tractor in 1948 which eliminated the need for horses to farm. Electricity was installed in 1951 which provided them with the luxuries of a refrigerator, freezer, vacuum cleaner, and washing machine. Their first car was purchased in 1952.
Tragically, in July 1959, Gwyneth drowned in the Burnt River. This event caused the family to reconsider their goals, and they moved to Edmonton the following summer. Harry pursued studies at the University of Alberta, while Iris worked for the city as a public health nurse. Completing his Bachelor of Education degree in 1963, Harry became an instructor of mathematics and statistics at the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology (NAIT). By continuing to take summer and night classes at university, Harry received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1969, a graduate diploma in post-secondary education in 1973, and a Master of Education degree in 1975. Harry taught at NAIT until 1982.
Although living in Edmonton, the Edeys kept their Rycroft farm, and farmed it until 1970, when they rented it out. All four children attended the University of Alberta in Edmonton.
During retirement, Harry and Iris have travelled to many parts of the world, and enjoyed spending time with their 8 grandchildren. Iris volunteered at the blood bank and at nursing homes, and Harry was involved in genealogy and history research of the Spirit River district, and St. Stephen’s Church which they attended in Edmonton.
At the time of this writing, no information was found on the passing of Harry or Iris Edey.
Source:
Chepi Sepe – Spirit River pp. 391-392, Photo p. 184
Wheatfields and Wildflowers – Rycroft and Surrounding School Districts p. 174
Edey, Morley
Morley Edey, the oldest of six siblings, was born in 1916 in Wellwood MB to parents Alex and Fanny (Watson) Edey. In 1928 he moved with his parents and siblings to Spirit River AB. They lived in town until 1931 when the family moved to a homestead in the Bridgeview area. Two weeks after moving to their new place, the farm was totally destroyed by a fire. Generous neighbors helped out with supplies and rebuilding. The family also lived off the land by hunting. One day he and his brothers were chased by a 595 pound grizzly bear which they had to kill as it was 12 feet away and baring his teeth!
Morley and two of his brothers, Clarence and Reginald, served in WW II. He married Barbara Bresnaham, and they moved to Vanderhoof BC. They had 8 children: Donavon (killed in a car accident), Charlotte, Alexander, Eileen, Thelma, Timothy, Ann and Victor.
Morley died in July 2002 at age 89 in Grande Prairie.
Source: Memories and Moments p. 277, 241, 242, 243 photos; pp. 241 -244 family history
Northwestern Alberta Obituary Index
Edey, Reginald
Reg Edey was the fourth child of 6 siblings, of parents Alexander and Fanny (Watson) Edey. He was born in Wellwood MB, and moved with his family to the Peace River area in April 1928. They lived in Spirit River until 1931 when they moved to a homestead in Bridgeview area. On May 12, two weeks after they moved, a devastating fire which burned from Spirit River to White Mountain, totally destroyed their farm. Generous neighbors gave the family supplies, and they helped build a new house. The family often lived off the land by hunting. Once they were chased by a 595 pound grizzly bear which they had to kill.
Reg and two of his brothers, Morley and Clarence, served in WW II. After Reg enlisted in November 1942 and completed Basic Training, he enrolled in the Army Medical Corps. In June 1943 he sailed for England, and served with the 24th Field Ambulance corps, 5th Division. He also spent time in Belgium, Holland and Italy, returning to Canada in January 1946.
Reg married Jean McKenzie on August 29, 1947 in Bridgeview. In 1959 they moved to Regina SK. They had five children: Norma, Allan, Stuart, Kenneth and Gwendolyn. Most of his life, Reg was a carpenter and he built many buildings in Regina. Retired at age 72, Reg enjoyed his hobbies of gardening and carving. He loved telling stories about his life, especially the one about the grizzly, to his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Reg was dedicated to his church, and served on the Elders’ Board. In his later years, he lived at Kennedy Manor, and his last days were at the Pasqua Hospital. He died on March 9, 2011. Jean died a year earlier on April 5, 2010.
Source:
Memories and Moments - Photo of Reg in uniform p. 276;
Family photos and family history pp. 241- and 244
Regina Funeral Home - Obituary
Edginton, Gordon
Edlund, Carl
Carl was married to Janet. Their sons were: David, John, Lenard, Alfred and Gordon.
Source: Surname Files – Obituary of David Edlund
Legion Album
Edlund, Eugene
Regiment: Canadian Infantry Corps
Rank: Corporal
Force: Army
Eugene died on February 7, 1965 in Grande Prairie.
Source: Cemetery Records
Edwards, Norman D.
Force: Air Force
Eide, Arnold Jackson
Arnold Eide was the third of four children of Johannes “John” Eide and Agnes Hagen. His father came to the Peace Region from Norway, and his mother came from North Dakota. They raised their family in the La Glace – Northfield area. His siblings were: Morley, Doris, and Donald. Arnold joined the Army at a young age, was married, and had one son. In 1945 Arnold was one of the people instrumental is starting the Credit Union in La Glace, and he served on the first Board of Directors . Later the family moved to Edmonton where Arnold worked as a carpenter. Arnold passed away in December 1998 in Edmonton at age 73.
Source: La Glace Yesterday and Today: picture in uniform p. 313, family story p. 236, Credit Union story pp. 45-47
Surname File – Obituary of Phyllis Eide (sister in law)
Obituary Index
Einarson, Igolfur (Inge)
From Sexsmith
Eisenman, Leonard M.
Regimental Number: M102011
Regiment: Canadian Provost Corps
Rank: Private
Date of Birth: 22 Jun 1916
Place of Birth: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Killed in Action: 28 May 1944
Eldridge, Wallace George “Tony”
Wallace Eldridge, know as “Tony” was born in Steyning, England in 1911. It is unknown when he came to Canada. Tony, his wife Edith (Friemark) “Eda”, and their young son George (born in 1942) came to Grande Prairie from Cobourg, ON. Tony joined the Army. Tony and Eda had another son, Ed, and the family lived most of their lives in Grande Prairie. Tony died at age 83 in December 1994 in Grande Prairie, while Eda died previously in August 1994.
Source: Legion Album
Obituary Index – Wallace, Edith
Surname File – Obituary of George Bernard Eldridge (son)
Elhorn, Alvin Oscar
Alvin Elhorn was born in 1914. He joined the Army in WW II. Al and his wife, Ruth, and 3 small sons lived in Edmonton. Al came to the Wanham district on November 21, 1946. He was with the O. B. Lassiter Project which was a government land clearing project for veterans. Land was given out by draws, and he drew a half section on the highway 9 ½ miles from Wanham. His family moved from Edmonton to the land in September 1950. (Presumably a house had been moved onto the land.) A 3 ton truck transported all their belongings. Life in the Peace Country was a lot more primitive than Edmonton. In May 1951 Al resigned from his foreman’s job with Lassiters. He bought a milk cow, a team of horses, and chickens, and a barn was moved onto the property. Finally it was a real farm. The Elhorns had 5 children: Raymond, James, Herbert, Arlene, and Gary. Al passed away at age 92 in May 2006, in Wanham.
Source: Grooming the Grizzly p. 224 (picture in uniform), p. 301 family history, and photos of family and house.
Obituary Index
Ellingson, Floyd Lester
Regiment: Army Service Corps
Force: Army
Born on October 21, 1918 in Bow Island AB, Floyd was the fourth child of John and Anna Ellingson, who were Norwegian and had immigrated to America in the early 1900’s. In 1925 when Floyd was 8, the family moved to the Nobleford-Kipp area (northwest of Lethbridge) to farm. Floyd lived there, and helped farm, for 38 years. They had a mixed farm of Aberdeen Angus cattle, pigs, grain, and sugar beets. In 1940 Floyd joined the Army Service Corps. While stationed in Vancouver BC, he met his future wife, Olive. (She had come to Canada from South Wales in 1928 with her parents.) Floyd and Olive were married in Vancouver in 1943. The couple travelled across Canada several times while Floyd was in the army for 4 ½ years. During his last year of service, Floyd was in England, Belgium, and Holland. After his discharge, Floyd worked a few months at the CP railroad, and in 1947, Floyd and Olive took over the family farm. Their 3 children were born in Lethbridge: Bryan in 1946, Dennis in 1949, and Colleen in 1953. In 1963 the family moved to Bonanza AB, purchasing the land NE-32-79-12 W6th, because they wanted farm land for their children. They had a 1949 Reo truck which was used for many years on the farm until the 1980’s. Floyd always had a great interest in helping the community. He was a Wheat Pool delegate for Bonanza, on the Board of Directors of Dawson Creek seed cleaning plant, School Board Trustee for Bonanza and Spirit River School Divisions, and member of U.F.A., Co-op, and Farmer’s Union. As president of Bonanza Curling Club, he was instrumental in getting the rink built. Other accomplishments were to get a gym built for the Bonanza School, and arranging for bussing high school students to Dawson Creek. Having failing health in his final years, Floyd was still able to take a trip to England and Wales with Olive and their daughter, before he died on March 27, 1977 at age 58. He is buried in the Bonanza cemetery.
Source: Homesteader’s Heritage pp. 151, 158, 208-209 (Family History and photo)
Elliot, Jack
Branch: Regina Rifle Regiment
from Grande Prairie
Source: Grande Prairie Herald – May 1, 1941 (?)
Ellis, Helen
Emes, Leslie Roland
Force: Air Force
Leslie Emes was born in 1903 in Kearney (north of Orillia) ON to English parents. His father was Thomas Roland Emes. Leslie and his family moved to Medicine Hat AB in 1913. After finishing school, Leslie was second miller at Lake of the Woods mill. Then he operated a lumberyard for Revelstoke Sawmill Co. In 1928, he and his new bride, Olive Hawthorne (from Medicine Hat), moved to the new town of Beaverlodge and opened the first business, a “gents furnishings store”. Their first home was a haven for the single folks in that community because Olive was a wonderful cook. In WW II Leslie served in the Air Force for five years. His last posting was in Calgary where he did internal auditing. After the war, Leslie worked in the business office at the Experimental Farm in Beaverlodge, and soon he built a very fine house adjacent to it. Leslie and Olive had 4 boys: Donald, who died in infancy, and Kenneth, Courtice, and Edward (“Ted”). After Leslie retired from the Experimental Farm, he was a towerman for seven years with the Alberta Forestry Service. Throughout his life, he was an ardent Anglican, a philatelist, and an avid model railroader. He was also a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. A tragic car accident in 1972 took Olive’s life, and left Leslie hospitalized for a long time. Then he moved to a Senior Citizen’s apartment in Beaverlodge, and he did some travelling. In 1982 he remarried to Alma, who also died before him. Leslie passed away on April 29, 1987, at 84 years in Beaverlodge.
Source: Beaverlodge to the Rockies pp. 106-107 (Photos p.106)
SPRA Surname File - Obituary
Eng, Norman Warren
Rank: Officer
Force: Air Force
Norman Eng was born on May 7, 1925 in Regina SK. He was the second son to parents Einer (who was born in Sweden) and Hannah (Hagglund) Eng. Ralph was the eldest child. Another brother, Vernon, died as an infant. When Norman was 3 his mother died, and his father soon remarried to Myrtle Lofstrom in 1928. Together they had one more son, Allen. While living in Beatty SK at the time, the Eng family decided to move to the Peace River country, specifically the Wapiti district, where Myrtle’s father had already settled. Einer filed for a homestead, and Myrtle and the boys stayed with her father until their house was built. Einer went back to his work in SK, for one and a half years, then moved his family back to SK. In 1934, they came back to the Wapiti homestead. The family lived at the farm in summers, and in Webster (north of Sexsmith) in the winter months. There Norman and his brother went to school, and Einer was a grain buyer. When WW II started, Norman, who was about 14, and his parents moved to Fort Erie, ON. Einer and Norman worked at the aircraft factory. It was Norman’s first job. The Engs moved back west when they had the opportunity to work on the construction of the Alaska Highway, as camp cooks. When Norman was finally old enough, he enlisted in the Air Force, becoming a Pilot Officer. Soon after he earned his wings, he left on a train to Halifax intending to board a troop ship for overseas. But the war had just ended! He moved back to Alberta, farming for a while, and then moved to Grande Prairie. For many years he worked at Canadian Coachways, and later for the Alberta Liquor Control Board.
Norman married Jennie Pawlyk from Worsley, in September 1965. They lived in Grande Prairie, and they had 2 children: Karren and Wayne. For awhile, his mother, Myrtle, moved in with them, as his father had passed away in 1959.
Norman died on December 5, 2014 at age 89 in Grande Prairie, and Jennie died at age 90 in January 2021.
Source: Along the Wapiti p. 294
Surname File – Obituaries of Norman/Jennie
England, Eddie
Eddie England Jr. was born in Portsmouth, England, to parents Edward and Beatrice (Major) England. The youngest of 3 siblings, his sisters were Vera and Beatrice. Edward Sr., having served in the Royal Marines, obtained a farm through the VLA in Brownlee SK. Sailing from Liverpool England on the Montclare on March 6, 1926, the family landed at St. John’s NB, and took a train to Saskatchewan. But the farm in Saskatchewan was not what they hoped for, so in 1930 they moved to Spirit River AB. Eddie and Beatrice attended school in Spirit River. The family took a homestead 5 miles south of Spirit River and built a log house. In 1937, Eddie’s father took another homestead in Willowvale where Eddie finished his schooling. He worked for awhile for a man called Eugene Dion, before joining the Army in WW II.
After a while, Eddie transferred to the Navy. During that time he met and married Norma Taylor. Transferring once again, to the Air Force, the couple was stationed in Germany. They had 4 children: Shelley, Darrell, and Randy who were born in Canada, and Cindy born in Germany. After moving back to Canada, they stayed with the Air Force for a few more years. They moved to Prince George and Eddie worked as a steam engineer at the Air Base.
Source: Memories and Moments pp. 170 - 171 (Photos p. 171), p. 277 (photo in uniform)
Epps, Ronald Arthur
Ronald (Ron) Epps was born on July 19, 1923 in Carmen, MB. His parents immigrated to Canada from the UK, and they were a farming family. Ronald joined the Army at age 17 and was stationed overseas. He became a POW in a concentration camp in occupied Belgium for 3 ½ months, escaping with the help of the Belgian resistance corps. After returning to Canada in 1945, Ronald worked on various construction jobs all over the prairies. He met his future wife, Marguerite (also spelled Margaret) Fransoo in 1959, and they were married on December 29, 1960. Learning that he was eligible, Ron filed for a homestead through the VLA on January 1, 1962. ( E 1/2 – 26- 80- 11- W6 and SW – 26- 80- 11- W6). It was between Bonanza and Silver Valley. Unfortunately the road to the property ended at the neighbor’s land, and the remaining 3 miles were only accessible by foot. Ron and his brother, Ken, had a Cat to make a road. For a few years Ron and Marguerite were weekend farmers, living in Dawson Creek during the week. Their first farm home was a lean-to, then they lived in a granary. After their 2 children, Michelle and Jason, were born, the family moved to the farm fulltime in 1970. In 1978 the farm was sold, and they moved to Innisfail AB, where the children finished school. At age 58, Ron had a heart attack and died in April 1981.
Source: Tales, Trails and Gumbo pp.143-144 (photo)
Alberta Land Book
Erickson, Albin
Albin Erickson, the third of 5 siblings, was born in Manville AB (circa 1917 to 1922) to parents Peter and Mary (Berg) who were immigrants from Sweden. Peter wanted to own land in the north, and took homestead in Northfield AB. In 1926 the whole family with all their belongings moved to Sexsmith, where they lived in the Haugseth house for one year. They built a house on their homestead, and the children went to the Northfield school. During WW II Albin joined the forces and went overseas. Discharged in 1945, Albin returned to Canada and resumed farming. He married Lois, and they had 2 daughters. Albin died in 1974, and Lois lived in Fairview AB afterwards.
Source: La Glace – Yesterday and Today p. 237-237 (photo of family) p. 236
Erickson, Carl Jr.
Carl Erickson was born in 1920 to parents Carl Sr. and Anna Erickson. Carl moved with his family from Berwyn AB to Tupper BC at age 9. He and his younger brother, Erick were very interested in building and electronics as youngsters. Their father was a carpenter, so they had access to tools and wood, and they built violins, banjos, skis, boats, and model airplanes. The snowmobile which they built is on display in the Dawson Creek Museum. Playing violin and banjo in an orchestra, the brothers entertained at local dances. From age 16, Carl worked for 5 summers with the railroad, (starting at 25 cents an hour), while he worked the winters at a sawmill. At age 21 he joined the army, leaving the service in 1945. In 1946 he married Bernice Lawrence, who became a nurse in the following year. They had 3 boys: Clifford, Hugh, and Mark. After returning from the Army, Carl joined in a partnership with Erick and they formed the “Erickson’s Electric” business. They branched out to sell appliances, and in 1968 they included home furnishings, and built a larger store. Also during this time, in 1954, the brothers started a propane company, “Northern Gas Ltd.” which supplied propane to as far as the Alaskan border. They owned tank trucks and a sheet metal shop, which allowed them to make their own repairs. Branches of this business were also in Fort St. John and Fort Nelson. The Northern Gas company was bought by “Cigas” around 1963. When Carl sold the appliance and furniture part of the store, he kept the electrical part, and all of his sons became electricians. After Carl died in 1993, at age 73, Bernice, and two sons continued running the business.
Erickson, George
Source: Trails and Rails North – Vol. 2 p. 99
Erickson, Louis
Louis Erickson, the third child of Fred and Marguerite (Bourgeois) Erickson, was born on April 1, 1921 in Girouxville AB. His father, Fred, was from Sweden, and came to Girouxville to take up a homestead in 1914. He married Marguerite in 1915. Louis’ brothers were Nelse, Andre, Roy (who was also in WW II), and William. Louis trained for the armed forces in Grande Prairie, but due to rheumatic fever, he never went overeas. Therefore the furthest east he could travel was Winnipeg. On July 18, 1945 he married Annie Waldner from Clairmont. After his discharge, Louis returned to farming with his brothers. Around 1960 he bought his own farm 2 miles east of Girouxville. A while later he sold his farm, moving to Falher. When Roy, his brother, passed away, Louis and Annie moved to Grande Pairie with their two youngest children. Louis died on December 15, 1978. Soon afterwards, Annie moved back to Falher, then to Grimshaw, and finally back to Grande Prairie. Louis and Annie had 6 children: Darlene, Ronald (died as infant), Shirley, Gloria (also known as Peggy), Dale and Cynthia.
Source: Reflexions Vol. 1 pp. 70 – 71
Reflexions Vol. 3 pp. 540 - 541
Erickson, Olaf
In a news article about new recruits, Olaf Erickson was listed as one of the 50 who enlisted with the Edmonton Regiment in Grande Prairie Tuesday and Wednesday. The new recruits would leave on Friday to McLennan, and there be joined by new recruits from Peace River.
Source: DHT April 4, 1940 p. 1., col. 1 and 2
Erickson, Rae
Regimental No: R131829
Force: Air Force
Rae Erickson, the first son of Chris and Mabel Erickson, was born in Travers AB on May 14, 1921. He spent his early years, and completed his education, in Travers. After enlisting with the Royal Canadian Air Force on July 19, 1942, he was stationed at several bases within Canada. When he was discharged on May 8, 1945, Rae farmed with his father for one year, before buying his own farm in Rocky Mountain House. There he met his future wife, Margaret Stewart. (She was the twin sister of Marlene, who later married Rae’s brother, Stanley, also in the RCAF.) Rae farmed his land for five years. Margaret and Rae were married on May 4, 1951 in Rocky Mountain House. They sold the farm in April 1952, and moved to the Tangent AB area, where Rae obtained the land W-7-23-80-W5 from the Lassiter Project for veterans. The Ericksons had three children: Walter, Marilyn and Sandra. During his lifetime, Rae was active in many organizations. He played baseball, and was the manager of the Tangent Baseball Team. He was president of the R.E.A., secretary of Unifarm, a member of the Peace River Livestock Co-op, on the board of directors of the Fairview Angriculture College, a delegate for the Alberta Wheat Pool, and a member of the Eaglesham Royal Canadian Legion. Margaret was involved in U.C.W., Auxiliary to the Royal Canadian Legion, Unifarm, and Alberta Wheat Pool. Rae passed away in June 2013 at the age of 92, in Grande Prairie.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle p. 203, Photo p. 85
Erickson, Roy
Roy Erickson was born on September 29, 1922 in Girouxville AB. His parents were Fred and Marguerite (Bourgeois) Erickson. Fred, who was from Sweden, came to the Girouxville district in 1914 and he married Marguerite in 1915. They homesteaded and raised five boys: Nelse, Andre, Louis (who also joined the army), Roy, and William. Roy met his future wife, Maggie Waldner, of Clairmont, in January 1943 as he was in training for the Army in Grande Prairie. He went overseas on February 25, 1943 and joined in active combat in Italy, fighting in the Mt. Casino Battle. That September Roy’s mother died, but he was not allowed to go to the funeral. Roy and his troops were in an armored tank which hit a land mine and exploded. Many were killed or injured. Roy, being severely injured, was in hospital in Italy, before being returned to an armed forces hospital in Halifax, Canada. He was in a coma for a month. November 11, 1944, he was discharged and allowed to go home to recuperate with his family, and return to farming. Maggie came up to Girouxville in spring of 1946 to visit her sister Annie (who was married to Roy’s brother Louis). Roy and Maggie became reacquainted and married that same year on August 15. The new couple lived at Roy’s older brother Andre’s house while their house was being built. The Erickson brothers farmed together on the homestead until the early 60s when they each moved to their own farms. Roy and Maggie bought a farm 2 miles north of Girouxville and moved into the house there in 1958 with their family. They had 4 children: Judy, Carol, Arlene and Troy. For 17 years they had a mixed farm with grain, cattle, pigs rabbits, and egg production. They were also avid gardeners. Maggie also worked at the Girouxville Hotel Café to supplement the income. In 1973 they sold some of their land in order to expand the egg business. Two years later on April 31, they sold the farm, due to Roy’s failing health, and built a home in Girouxville. Roy, remaining a farmer to the very end, kept his combine to do custom combining, until he was too ill. He passed away from cancer on November 8, 1978, in Grande Prairie. Maggie sold the house and moved to Grande Prairie to be closer to her family.
Source: Reflexions Vol. 3 p. 543
Erickson, Stanley
Regimental No: R198551
Force: Air Force
Stanley Erickson, the second son born to Chris and Mabel Erickson, was born on May 27, 1923, in Travers AB. He grew up and took his early schooling in Travers and Ingleview AB, and he completed Grade 12 in Armada AB. While he attended the University of Alberta, Stanley enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force on October 1, 1942. He was posted in England and Germany. After his discharge in July 1946, he farmed with his brother Rae (who had also been in the Air Force) near Rocky Mountain House until 1951. In the winter months he worked in lumber mills. In fall of 1950, Stanley came to the Peace River country and filed on a half section of land (11 miles north-east of Tanget) from the Lassiter Project for veterans. Stanley returned to Rocky Mountain House where he married Marlene Stewart (twin sister of Margaret who was married to Rae) on June 15, 1951. The couple lived in Travers from July to December 1951. There Stanley farmed with his father. Stanley and Marlene returned to Rocky Mountain House in the winter. By April 1952 Stanley’s homestead near Tangent was cleared and broke, so he and his brother, Rae, planted a crop and built a small house. In July 1952, Stanley and Marlene with their one month old baby, moved into the house where they lived for many years. They built a new house on the property in 1965. The Ericksons had 3 children: Rita, Edwin, and Lorraine. Stanley and Marlene were active in many organizations. He played baseball with the Tangent Baseball Club, and enjoyed curling. He was a delegate for the UFA, involved in Unifarm, and a member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Marlene was involved in the Ladies’ Auxiliary for the R.C. Legion, Unifarm, FWUA, UCA, and Mental Health Advisory Board.
Marlene died in October 2002 in Rocky Mountain House, and Stanley died in October 2017 in Grande Prairie, at age 94.
Source: Smoky Peace Triangle pp. 204-205, Photo p. 85
Obituary Index
Erlam, Ernest
Ernest Erlam was born in September 1916 in Edmonton AB.
Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. 2, pp. 99 and 254
Erno, Earl
Born on November 15, 1920, in Saskatchewan, Earl Erno was the fourth of seven children of Mitchell and Charlotte Erno. He and his family moved from Bend, Oregon, to Sexsmith AB, arriving by train on April 15, 2025. At the time, the 6 siblings were: Della, Gladys, Elva, Earl, Eldon, and Faye. They settled in the Teepee Creek area where they farmed. Shortly after moving, another baby, Gerald, was born, but sadly he died as an infant. A year later, Jean, the last sibling was born.
The children attended Teepee Creek School, walking two and one half miles from home. They also did janitorial duties after school. Earl and his brother, Eldon, took a contract to whitewash the school’s interior, and to clean the school’s barn. Although the family was poor, they always had ample food which they produced on their farm. Earl joined the forces in WW 2, and he married Beryl Dean from England. They lived in Montreal where a son was born, Glenn Bruce. Another son was Lee Harry. By 1950, when his father died, Earl had moved to Cloverdale BC. Sadly Earl and Beryl’s marriage did not last. Earl moved to Pentiction near the end of his life, where he died at age 76 in 1997. Their son, Glenn Bruce, died at age 39 in 2000 in Abbotsford.
Source: Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 – name mentioned in War Veterans
pp. 882-884
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune Aug. 3, 1950 p. 1 c. 8 (#577) – Obituary of Mitchell Erno
Royal BC Geneology site
Erno, Lorna
Force: CWAC
Lorna Erno (nee Gow) was born in 1926 in Manitoba, MB. She was the third of 6 children of David and Harriet Gow from Bad Heart. As a young child, in 1929, she moved with her family to Bad Heart AB, where her father had taken a homestead and built a log house. Ten years later the family built a larger frame house. Lorna enlisted with the Canadian Women’s Army Corps (CWAC) which was a non-combatant branch of the Canadian Army for women. They served in domestic and clerical duties. Lorna married Eldon Erno on December 29, 1953. The couple lived on the Erno homestead (Eldon’s parents) in Teepee Creek, and did mixed farming. Four sons were born to them: Mitchell, David, Dean, and Bertram. Lorna and Eldon worked for many years at the annual Teepee Creek Stampede in July. For five years Lorna was secretary of the Home and School Association, and she was active in the United Church. Eldon passed away in 1978, so Lorna moved to Edmonton, working as a waitress. In her later years she enjoyed travelling and cruising. Lorna died on January 14, 2022, in Ritchie Place Seniors Residence, Edmonton, which was her home for the last 21 years of her life.
Source:
Wagon Trails Grown Over p. 1149 -name under war veterans; 1155 – Photo
pp. 881 – 882 – Photos p. 882; p. 38 (Gow family)
Grande Prairie Herald Jan. 14, 1954 p.6 c.7 March 11, 1954 p.6 c.1
Simply Cremations and Funeral Services website - Obituary
Erskine, Norman
Regiment: R.C.A.
Regimental No: M 17543
Rank: Gunner
Force: Army
Norman Erskine’s father died in WW I, and his mother was Mrs. H. L. Bain from Grovedale. Norman grew up in Dimsdale AB, was married, and in 1940 he joined the army. During his service, he developed acute appendicitis, dying in the military hospital in Halifax NS on August 9, 1941. He left behind his wife and 4 small children ranging from 10 months to 6 years in age; two girls and two boys. On August 19, 1941 Norman was given a military funeral, in Grande Prairie, at Forbes Presbyterian Church. The burial, which included a firing party and bugle playing the Last Post, was at the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 – name only in WW II Veterans
Eskdale, Allan
At age 16, in June 1926, Allan moved to the Flying Shot Lake area (Alberta) from Scotland with his Uncle Dick (Robert A.) Eskdale, Aunt Nellie (Helen), and their son Tom. Working on various farms, Allan did plowing, threshing, and driving cattle. In June 1941 he joined the Army. (His cousin Tom also joined the Army in WW II.) While serving overseas in Scotland, Allan met his wife, Jessie, and they were married there. On returning to Canada, Allan once more did farm work for 6 ½ years before buying his own farm on the north side of Flying Shot Lake. He and Jessie had three children: A son, Ken, and 2 daughters Roberta and Kerry. The family enjoyed living in the community with various activities such as annual picnics, dances, Christmas concerts, and card parties. After the two oldest children were grown, Allan, Jessie, and Kerry moved to Drumheller where Allan was a steam engineer at the Federal Penitentiary. Allan died on April 13, 1996 at age 86 in Calgary. Jesse died the same year on August 25; she was 78.
Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 – Name under WW II Veterans; p. 219 Photo; p. 145 – Family story and photos
Grande Prairie Herald Tribune – April 15, 1996 (Allan); August 26 1996 (Jessie)
Eskdale, Tom
Tom Eskdale was born in 1920 in Dumfrieshire, Scotland. At age 6, in 1926, he moved with his parents, Robert A. (Dick) and Helen (Nellie) Eskdale, and his older cousin, Allan, from Scotland to the Grande Prairie area. His baby sister, Jean, was born that September. (Allan and Tom’s grandfather Eskdale was also living in the area). They moved to a half section of land south west of Grande Prairie (Flying Shot Lake area). When WW II was declared, Tom joined the Army and served for five years overseas in Italy, North Africa, Holland and Germany. He married Betty, who was from Portsmouth, England, near the end of the war. The couple moved to Grande Prairie in July 1946, and they raised a family of 7 children: Jim, Sandra, Elaine, Audrey, David, Vicky, and Mike. Tom worked in coal mines, lumber camps, and on farms. Finally he worked at North Canadian Forest Industries for over 24 years. Tom died in October 1999 at age 80, and Betty died in December 2018, at age 91, both in Grande Prairie.
Source: Along the Wapiti p. 412 – name listed in WWII Veterans, p. 419 Photo
pp. 145 – 146 family story and photos
AGS Obituary Index
Ethier, Raymond
Born in 1922, Raymond Ethier was the oldest son of Arcade and Melina Ethier of McLennan. His siblings were: sisters Florina and Lena, and brothers Wilfred, Marcel, Lucien, Roger, Albert, and Romeo. Raymond was married to Reina and they had 11 children: Irene, Lorraine, Leon, Giselle, Vivian, Bruno, Carmen, Isabella, Noel, Claire, and Cecile. He passed away in St. Albert on January 11, 2003 at age 81.
Source: Trails and Rails North Vol. 2 pp. 99, 121, 256
Legacy.com Edmonton Journal/Obituary
Evans, Francis "Irish"
Francis Evans (nicknamed “Irish”) came Canada as a bachelor. He took a homestead in Bridgeview district, on E ½ - 18-77-6-6. A few years after he settled, he met Naomi Cook, and they were soon married. They had 5 children: a son, Howard, and daughters Esther, Muriel, and Lois. Their daughter Jean died while very young.
Irish served in both WW 1 and 2. About the time he joined the Second WW, the Evans bought a half section on the north slope of White Mountain. To supplement their income, Irish had many odd jobs, while Naomi cooked at a sawmill one winter. Their children attended school in White Mountain, Bridgeview and Willowdale. For some time, they lived on a farm in Willowdale before their moved to Spirit River, and lived there for a few years. During that time Irish passed away in Grande Prairie. Naomi decided to move to Kelowna BC.
Source: Memories and Moments pp. 277 (photo in uniform), and 172
Evans, William "Bill"
Regiment: Calgary Highlanders
Source: Legion Album
Evenrude, Magnus
Evenson, Leonard
Evenson, Lloyd
Eyenson (Ionson?),
Farell, Mavis
Farell, Vera
Farnsworth, Douglas
Farnsworth, Thomas
Farrell, Bert
Farrell, Harvey
From Crooked Creek
Source: Across the Smoky pg. 221
Farrell, Mavis Wade
War Bride. Mavis was born Sept 28, 1921 in England. Service #W310366, enlisted Feb 12 1943, Discharged Oct 25, 1943. RCAF (WD) Decoration VSM.
Farrell, Norman
Regimental #M36180, Born Aug. 4 1917. Enlisted 1939. Disharged 1946. Served Canada, Sicilly,
England and N Europe. Jubilee Medal 1985. Legion life membership.
Fause, Edward
Fee, Ben
Feist, Ted
Felker, James
Notes: 79-24-W5, 1954
Fell, Don
Fellers, Alvin
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100
Fellers, David
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100
Ferguson, Amos
Ferguson, Bert
Ferguson, Bud
Ferguson, Donald
Ferguson, Henry
Date of Birth: 14/07/1900 or 07/07/1915
Ferguson, James
For King and Country poster in Wembley
Ferguson, Jim
Date of Birth: 13/12/1908
Ferguson, Malcolm
Ferguson, Norman
Ferris, Erwin
Ferris, Wilbert
Ferris, William "Bill"
Fessler, Charles John "Bud"
Regimental Number: 106673
Rank: Lance Corporal
Branch: Seaforth Highlanders
Bud was from Ponoka, AB, and enlisted in Edmonton on February 5, 1943. He was sent to TC 132 in Grande Prairie effective February 26, 1943.
Bud was transferred to CITC Calgary (A16) on April 27, 1943. He shipped overseas through Halifax on July 17, 1943 aboard the SS Louis Pasteur, landing in Plymouth, England.
Bud served with the Seaforth Highlanders of Canada in North Africa, Italy, and Europe, seeing action at Ortona, the Liri Valley, the battles for the Gothic Line and was among the troops who liberated Amsterdam in May 1945. He returned to Canada in September 1945 and received an honorable discharge, as Lance Corporal, on November 12, 1945 in Calgary.
Following the war, Bud received a land grant in Ponoka through the VLA and worked briefly for his former comrade-in-arms E ‘Davie’ Fulton (Mjr) who served as Minister of Justice and Attorney General in the Diefenbaker government, before relocating to Crossfield AB, where he remained until his passing in 2004.
Bud was a proud and active member of the Royal Canadian Legion.
Biographical information provided by Bud's son-in-law, Gary Kiernan.
Field, Alex
Branch: RCAF
Field, J.A.
Fildes, Ethel
Fimrite, Martin
Finch, George
Finch, Lloyd
Fish, George Henry
Rank: Cook
Branch: Navy – Royal Canadian Naval Volunteer Reserve
Regimental Number: V/49455
Commemorated at Halifax Memorial, Nova Scotia
Henry Richard Fish (1873) and Annie Elizabeth (1879) were married in 1900 in England. Seeking a better life for his family that consisted of his wife, two daughters Norah (1901) and Muriel (1916) and son George, Henry decided to immigrate to Canada in July 1919. The family settled in Grande Prairie where Henry worked at various odd jobs. In 1921, he filed a homestead application on NE 35-70-6-W6; an area that was located just south of Grande Prairie. However, the application was subsequently cancelled. Eventually Henry found employment as a custodian for the Grande Prairie Courthouse; a position he kept for 10 years until his retirement in 1938.
George, who was born on January 7, 1907 in Lewisham, London, England, completed five years of public schooling before the family immigrated. Although he did not further his education once the family arrived in the Grande Prairie, he did work at several jobs until 1926 when he filed a homestead application on NE 6-73-2-W6 which was located on the banks of the Smoky River in an area of Bezanson known as Fitzsimmons. As George had learned carpentry skills from his father, he built a small house on the property and cleared a few acres of land. At one point he lived with the Proffitt family and helped build their home. George eventually cancelled the homestead application on the Fitzsimmons land after he had found what he thought was the perfect property for him. Consequently, he applied for a homestead application on NE 26-73-2-W6 in the Goodwin area in May 1932. George built a house out of poplar logs and worked off his farm in the summer months. In 1938, he bought Tom Mould’s trap-line, traps and cabins; the income from which was used to subsidize and improve the farm. George was very sociable and loved to play his harmonica at local events. As well, George was well-known for his cooking and housekeeping skills.
On October 23, 1942 George enlisted with the Navy at the H.M.C.S. Nosuch, a land-based naval establishment in Edmonton. His attestation paper stated he was 5’6” with brown hair, blue eyes and had a ruddy complexion. It also stated that he was a non-swimmer which was interesting to note as he had joined the Navy. George received his basic training at various naval bases: the H.M.C.S. Discovery in Vancouver, the H.M.C.S. Tecumseh in Calgary and the H.M.C.S. Naden in Esquimalt, BC. George was granted leave in 1943 to summer-fallow his farmland following which he served with the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve attached to the H.M.C.S. (Her Majesty’s Canadian Ship) Chebogue as a cook. George’s service file noted that he was a very capable, energetic and an extremely hard-working individual who was recommended for advancement. The H.M.C.S. Chebogue was assigned to the Mid-Ocean Escort Force. On October 4, 1944, during the ship’s second return trip to Canada, it was hit by a GNAT (German Naval Acoustic Torpedo) from the U-1227 submarine of the German Kreigsmarine (War Navy) when it was only 800 miles from the British Isles. Seven men were killed in the explosion of which George was one. Death was believed to be instantaneous and George was buried at sea the following day. The ship was towed to Port Talbot, Wales where it was declared a constructive loss and was eventually dismantled in 1948.
George is commemorated at the Halifax Memorial, Nova Scotia. The Memorial, located at Point Pleasant Park, was erected by the Commonwealth War Graves Commission to commemorate men and women who died in both world wars and have no known grave. It bears a cross that is mounted on a large podium that has bronze panels upon which are inscribed the names of 3,247 Canadian men and women who were buried at sea. George’s name is listed on Panel #13.
George’s mother, Elizabeth, received the Memorial Cross. George received the 1939-45 Star, Canadian Volunteer Medal & Clasp, Atlantic Star and the 1945 War Medal.
As George’s mother, Elizabeth was listed as his next-of-kin; she would have inherited his land and trap-line in the Goodwin area. The land was sold to Fred Mabbutt and the trap-line became part of Art Macklin’s farm.
Henry passed away in 1956 followed by Elizabeth in 1957. Both are buried in the Grande Prairie Cemetery. Their daughter, Norah, married Thomas Paul and resided in Grande Prairie while their daughter Muriel who married Jim Cobb, lived in Proctor, BC.
The Bezanson Community honours the memory of George Henry Fish – a young man who answered the call of duty to maintain the Country’s freedom and died in the effort to do so.
Written by Wanda Zenner
Fish, Harvey W.
Date of Birth: 23/06/1907
Fisher, Ewin
Fisher, J.B.
Branch: RCAF
Fisher, Marion
Calgary Highlanders, Regimental #M104859, born in Nanton, Alberta Feb 22, 1908. Died Apr 19 74 Serve Canada, England and N Europe
Filed in township 77-26-W5, 1948
Fisher, William L.
Fitchett, Joseph
Date of Birth: 1925
Fitzpatrick, Claude Thomas
Notes: nw 13-81-8-W6, 2-1-59, VH
Fitzsimmons, Harold
Date of Birth: 1917
Fitzsimmons, Norman
Date of Birth: 11/03/1915
Fjeld, Arthur
Flaaoy/Floaay, John
Fletcher, A.W.
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100
Floen, Harold
Floen, Norman
Flom, Allen
Flood, George Andrew
Regimental Number: R142518
Regiment: Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank: Warrant Officer Class II
Date of Birth: 7 Dec 1921
Place of Birth: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Killed in Action:
Service Nmber: R142518
Florchuck, Peter
Foote, Charlie
Foote, Roy James
Ford, Ernest
Ford, Ross
Rank: Corporal
Regimental Number: M562682 & R150579
Ross, born on April 1, 1919 in Brookdale, Manitoba, became the 6th of 15 children born to William Jr. and Vera (nee Ames) Ford. He had seven brothers; Harold, Fred, Charles, Vernon, Harvey, Henry, and John and seven sisters; (one died at birth), Evelyn, Myrtle, Elsie, Ellen, Verna and Janet. The Ford’s decided to move to the Peace River District. William sold the farm in Manitoba in 1920 and subsequently filed a homestead application on land (SW-36-72-3-W6) in an area of Bezanson known as Lindsay in 1921.
Ross was known as a shy and mischievous youngster who loved horses and cattle. He attended the Lindsay School where he completed Grade 8 and worked on the family farm.
Ross enrolled for 30 days of training with the Non-Permanent Active Militia, Edmonton Regiment, on November 20, 1940 at Grande Prairie. He enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force for ground duties on January 8, 1942. Ross received training in various locations; Edmonton & Calgary, Whitehorse & Watson Lake in the Yukon, Ft. Nelson, Dawson Creek, Beatton River & Blueberry in British Columbia. In July 1944, Ross qualified as a “Driver Transport Group C”. Corporal George Ross Ford served in Canada and received the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and the General Service Medal. He was discharged and honourably released on December 5, 1945 and returned home to Bezanson.
Ross decided to purchase land of his own and bought Tom Burt’s land (W 1/2-30-72-2-W6) along the Smoky River. In 1946, he married Noreen O’Connell and they had five children; Francis, Dennis, Kenneth, Helen, and Douglas. The family moved into the hamlet of Bezanson so that the children would have easier access to the school. Noreen taught at the Bezanson School for 13 years followed by other rural schools and ended her 35-year teaching career at the Harry Balfour School in Grande Prairie. Ross farmed his ½ section of land and hauled sand and gravel from the pit on his farm. He also kept milk cows until 1972. As both Noreen and Ross were very musical, they played in the Ford Orchestra for many years. In 1954, Ross purchased the Bezanson One-Room School and moved it to the hamlet where it was renovated for a residence. Unfortunately, the home burned down in 1961 following which a new house was built on the original site.
Ross passed away at the University Hospital in Edmonton on Christmas Eve, 1973. Noreen passed away in 2010. Both were buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery.
Written by Wanda Zenner
References:
Service File
Smoky River to Grande Prairie History Book
Ford, Vernon
Rank: Private
Regimental Number: M605141
On September 10, 1920, Vern became the 7th of 15 children born to William Jr. and Vera (nee Ames) Ford. He had seven brothers; Harold, Fred, Charles, Ross, Harvey, Henry, and John and seven sisters; (one died at birth), Evelyn, Myrtle, Elsie, Ellen, Verna and Janet. The Ford’s were living at Brookdale which was near Brandon, Manitoba when they decided to move to the Peace River District. William sold the farm in Manitoba in 1920 and subsequently filed a homestead application on land in an area of Bezanson known as Lindsay.
Vern was known as a quick-witted and mischievous youngster. He attended the Lindsay School where he completed Grade 8 and worked on the family farm.
Vern was called up for service under the National Resources Mobilization Act on January 9, 1942 in Grande Prairie. He was transferred to various locations for training: Dundurn and CFB Debert in Saskatchewan; Chilliwack, Nanaimo, Terrace and Vernon in BC as well as CFB Shilo in Manitoba. He was granted permission to marry Miss Patricia Dorothy Brown on July 24, 1942. They lived in a rented cottage at Cultus Lake, BC for two years before Pat returned to Bezanson. In April 1943, Vern became a “Qualified Pioneer Group C” with the RCE. In January 1944, Vern successfully passed courses to become a Qualified Driver Class III. Vern was transferred to Calgary in May 1944. During the period of time he was in the service, Vern was granted several “farm leaves”. Private Vernon Leslie Ford served in Canada and received the War Medal 1939-45. He was discharged on demobilization on January 30, 1946 at Calgary.
Vern returned to Bezanson where Pat had built a little house. Vern purchased a ½ section of land from the Ford Estate and farmed with his brother, Harold, for many years. Pat and Vern had three children; Sylvia, Wayne and Gilbert. It was Pat’s dream to own a café so with the assistance of her twin brother, Paddy, the “Truckers Inn” was built next to the Co-op Store at Bezanson in 1955. It was well-known for its chicken and turkey dinners along with scrumptious milkshakes. Unfortunately Pat suffered from ill health and had to sell the café. Vern found employment driving the BA Fuel Truck in Valleyview. Pat and Vern eventually built a new house on their farm and Vern drove the BA Fuel Truck in Grande Prairie. In the fall of 1962, they sold the farm and bought a house in Grande Prairie. Vern died suddenly in December of 1962 and was buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery. Pat subsequently married Gordon McIntosh from Dimsdale.
Written by Wanda Zenner
References:
Service File
Smoky River to Grande Prairie History Book
Forder, William A.
Forseth, Thor
Forshner, Ted
Forster, Dorothy
Forster, Reg
Foshaug, Talbert W.
Foster, Dick
Foster, George
Foster, Reg
Date of Birth: 1900
Foster, Stan
Fowler, Lindsay
For King and Country poster in Wembley
Fowler, Lloyd
Fowler, Ray
Fowler, Reginald
For King and Country poster in Wembley
Fox, Donald Gordon
Frank, Peter
Frewer, Joan
WCAAF
Friesen, Edward
Frigon, Robert
Frissel, William "Bill"
Fritz,
Fulks, Josephine Mary Ann "Bubs"
Date of Birth: 25 Oct 1919
Date of Death: 18 April 2015
"Bubs was born on Oct. 25, 1919 in Fort. Saskatchewan to Walter and Josephine Wood. She was the fourth child of five. She was quickly nicknamed Bubbles and became known as Bubs for most of her life. Growing up in Radway, Alberta by the railway tracks, the train would always remind her of the comfort of home. Bubs joined the WRCNS in 1943 at Edmonton, and was sent overseas to Britain. These were days of immense pride for Bubs. She always spoke of the comradery, companionship and honour that serving her country had given her, and was faithful in her Remembrance Day attendance."
Fulks, Robert
Funk, Albert
Gabler, Clarence
Gaboury, Alban
Gaboury, Dominique
Dominique was born April 15, 1925 in St Alphonse, Manitoba. Enlisted March 1943, Discharge Aug 1946. 25 General Transport, 3rd Division. Filed in Township 78-26-W5, 1946.
Gaboury, Immanuel
Gagne, Eddy
Gagne, G.
Gagnon, Charles
Gagnon, Fernand
Date of Birth: 21/07/1922
Galigan, Steve
Gall, Andrew
Gallant, Louie
Gallant, Victor
Gallivan, Jim
Galpin, Jack
Ganzeveld, Engel
Garberg, Bennie
Gardner, Archie
Date of Birth: 12/02/1918
Garrison, Pricilla
Gartly, Peggy (Margaret)
Gass, Thomas
Thomas Gass served as a mechanic in WWII. When the war ended he came back and farmed near Hythe. Thomas didn't marry and is buried in the Hythe Cemetery.
Gaucher, Albert
Date of Birth: 22/08/1915
Gaucher, Paul
Date of Birth: 29/06/1925
Gauthier, Maurice
Date of Birth: 13/11/1912
Gauthier, Paul
Date of Birth: 29/06/1925
Gauvreau, Omer Alfred
Enlisted: February 1942
Branch: RCASC
Gayse, Wally C.
From Dimsdale
Gendre, A. (Rev.)
Genest, Pte.
Gerow, Beverly
Source: Buffalo Trails pg. 136
Gerow, Keith
Gerow, Lloyd
Gerow, Lyla
Married Larry Thornington
Source: Buffalo Trails pg. 136
Gerow, Robert John
Gerow, Robert P.
Lived at Buffalo Lakes
Source: Buffalo Trails pg. 136
Gerow, Tom
Gerwataski, Gene
Gerwataski, Ted
Ghostkeeper, Nelson
Ghostkeeper, Philip
Ghostkeeper, R.
Gibb, Sam
Gibbons, Noel James
Regimental Number: J12273
Regiment: Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank: Flight Lieutenant
Date of Birth: 19 Nov 1920
Place of Birth: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Killed in Action: 22 Oct 1944
Gibbs, George E. "Shorty"
Service Number: M104398
Rank: Private
Branch: RCASC
b. 1912
d. 1951
Burial: Halcourt Cemetery, Halcourt, Alberta
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100
Gibson,
Gibson, George
Rank: Gunner
Giesbrecht, Edith
Giles, Percy
Gill, Leonard
Gilliason, Oscar
Gilliland, Scotty "Sam"
Gilmour, Richard George
Birth Date: 23 Feb 1921
Birth Place: Grizzlybear, Alberta
Residence: Hythe, Alberta
Service Number: J12225
Force: Air
Regiment: Royal Canadian Air Force
Rank: Flying Officer
Killed in Action: 17 Feb 1944
Girard, Donat
Regimental # M65908.
Rank: Private
Married Marie Burroughs on Dec 25, 1940. Had a daughter named Gail in 1942 who married Leo Trudell. Donat enlisted in 1942, was killed in Sicily in Oct 1943. Marie later married Delbert Campbell.
Girard, Marcial
Notes: 79-26-W5, 1946
Girard, Wilbrad
Date of Birth: 28/10/1919
Girouard, Daniel
Date of Birth: 22/10/1919
Giroux, Ernest
Date of Birth: 14/06/1922
Giroux, Lawrence J.
From Grande Prairie
Giroux, Lorenzo
Regiment: Edmonton Regiment
Giroux, Richard
Date of Birth: 28/09/1924
Giroux, Sid
Given, George
Given, Robert
Gladu, Arnold
Glaubitz, Frederic
Glaubitz, Herbert
Rank: Sapper
Enlisted: February 1941
Glaubitz, William
Glenn, Clarence "Bubin"
Glenn, Jim
Glenn, Joe Sr.
Glenn, William "Bill" Jr.
Glor, Alfred
Date of Birth: 05/03/1922
Glor, Marjorie
Glover, James Clifford
Goertzen, Jake
Golding, Selwyn
Goodkin, Joseph Garner
Goodrich, Gordon G.
Goodwin, Gordon
Goodwin, Robert
Gordon, Gerald
Gordon, Harvey
Gorman, Thomas James
Gorrie, John
Gorrie, William "Bill"
Gougeon, Fernand
Date of Birth: 22/06/1917
Gould, Jack
Notes: 77-26-W5
Gould, James
Gould, Joseph Forsyth
Goulding, William
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100
Goulet, Jim
Goulet, Ronald
Date of Birth: 26/01/1921
Branch: Air Force
Gourly, Don
Graber, Ray
Graham, Bill
Graham, Mary
Graham, Walter
Graham, Walter
Graham, William D.
Regimental Number: M65135
Rank: Corporal
Branch: Royal Canadian Engineers
1901-1973
Grant, Bruce
Bruce was born May 9, 1919 in Decker, Manitoba. Enlisted Edmonton Aug. 9, 1940.
RCAF-Cpl. Regimental #R121836, Discharged June 28, 1946, Jubilee Medal 1986.
Grant, Donald
For King in Country poster located in Wembley, Saskatoon Reflections p. 146-150
Grant, James
Grant, John "Johnny"
Grant, Ken
Grant, Rix
Date of Birth: 1902
Grant, Ron
Gray, Harry
Greany, P.J.
Greene,
Greenfield, Francis "Frank"
Regimental #C51649. RCAF, Atlantic Submarine Search, 1940-1945. RCAF Flying officer F Engineer. Service in Canada. Born March 17. 1919 in Cibbs, Sask.
Greenfield, Warren
Greenough, Harry
Notes: sw 7, nw 6-80-5-W6, 21-8-58, V Ag Lease
Greentree, Reggie
Greentree, Richard
Grendys, Alex
Grendys, Joseph
Grendys, Leo
Griffith, Alwen
Griffith, Stan
Grimm, Ray
Grimsrud, Arthur
For King and Country poster in Wembley, Lake Saskatoon Reflections pg. 151
Grimsrud, Einar
For King and Country poster in Wembley, Lake Saskatoon Reflections pg. 151
Grimsrud, Irvin
For King and Country poster in Wembley, Lake Saskatoon Reflections pg. 151
Grimsrud, Olav
For King and Country poster in Wembley, Lake Saskatoon Reflections pg. 151
Grirenke, Ewald
Grittner, Ernie
Date of Birth: 1900
Grittner, Julius
Grotkowski, Adam
Grove, George Alexander
Grubb, Douglas
Grubb, Glen
Grubb, Marian
Grubert, G.
Grumbly, Fred
Grumbly, Lawrence
Date of Birth: 1921
Guerette, Doris Oe
Rank: Private
Regimental Number: WM109277
Doris, born on July 21, 1936, was the 2nd oldest in Rene and Annie Oe’s family of five children. She had an older brother, Ralph, younger brothers Donald and Gerald and a younger sister, Gale. Doris’ grandparents, Rene Sr. and Agatha Oe were originally from Luxembourg and immigrated to Canada in 1919. Doris’ parents, Rene Jr. and Annie, lived on NE 19-72-3-W6 and farmed Rene’s parents land in an area of Bezanson known as East Kleskun. The children all attended the East Kleskun School where Doris completed Grade 9. She played on the local softball team. Doris reveled in farm life – she especially enjoyed the livestock and was an avid horseback rider. The favorite time of year for Doris was the harvest season. She, along with her siblings, would stook the bundles in preparation of the arrival of the threshing machine. As well, fall was the time to harvest all the fresh vegetables from the garden. In order to attend high school, Doris had to stay at the Wapiti Dorm in Grande Prairie. She graduated from High School and then went to work as a clerk in a Variety Store.
Doris enrolled with the Royal Canadian Army Medical Corps on January 9, 1956 at Edmonton and spent one year at Camp Borden and Kingston in Ontario. Doris passed her Medical Assistant Group 1 course in April 56 and Medical Assistant Group 2 in April 1957. Shortly thereafter, she was posted to the Military Hospital at Whitehorse, Yukon where she spent 1 ½ years. Most of Doris’ employment was in maternity, nursery and pediatrics. While in Whitehorse, she met Joe Guerette whom she married in 1958. Private Doris Guerette Regimental # WM109277 served in Canada and was honorably released on May 28, 1958 at Calgary.
Doris and Joe lived in various locations; Wainwright, Grande Prairie, Prince Rupert and Montreal, Quebec. Doris and Joe had four children; Alan, Gary, Debbie and Janice. They were blessed with four grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Doris mainly worked in the caring profession; nursing, home care and as a youth-care counselor. Joe passed away in 2005. Doris is currently living in Grande Prairie.
Written by Wanda Zenner
References:
Service File
Smoky River to Grande Prairie History Book
Interview with Doris (Oe) Guerette
Guindon, Albert
Guise, Ronald
Source: Pioneer Round Up pg. 356
Gummer, Howard
Gunn, Charles Jr.
Gunn, George
Gunn, Henry
Gustafson, Gunnar
For King and Country poster in Wembley
Gustafson, Harry
Gustafson, Ingvar
Guthrie, Frank
Frank joined the Air Force as a mechanic.