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Vader, James Daniel Edwin
Date of Birth: 23 Feb 1922
Date of Death: 01 Oct 1944
Rank: Private
Unit: Calgary Highlanders, R.C.I.C.
Force: Army
Service Number: M50508
Son of Daniel and Ethel May Vader, of Spirit River, Alberta.
Valgardson, Alice Myrtle (Moon)
Regimental Number: W130661
Rank: Private
Alice, born on January 9, 1925, was the oldest of Alfred and Myrtle Moon’s four children; Jim, Neil and Jean. The senior Moon’s, originally from Orillia, Ontario, had arrived in the Glen Leslie District in 1913. Alice was raised on the family farm and received her education at the Somme School.
Alice enlisted in the Canadian Women’s Army Corps as soon as she turned 18 in 1943. She was sent to Kitchener, Ontario for two months of basic training following which, she was stationed in Edmonton. While there, Alice did clerical work in the medical office at the Military Hospital. When she was discharged on demobilization, she returned home and studied to become a Registered Nursing Aide. Once she completed the course, she found employment at the Taber General Hospital in Taber, Alberta. That is where she met Art Valgardson whom she married on May 5, 1951. They had four children, Richard, Clinton, Neil and Joann. Alice received great satisfaction from her career as a Registered Nursing Aide at the Taber General Hospital. Alice had a passion for politics, a trait that she inherited from her father. In her later years, she loved to play tile-rummy with all her friends at the Clearview Lodge. Private Alice Moon passed away on September 15, 2015 and was buried at the Taber Memorial Garden Cemetery.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Interview with Jean Rockarts (sister)
Interview with Joann Boyd (daughter)
Valin, Elmer
Van Natter, Elwood Lee
Vannebo, Norman
Vannebo, Palmer
VanSickle, Alan
VanSickle, Grace
VanSickle, Maurice
VanSickle, Ralph
Velie, George
Velie, Reginald
Velve, Lawrence Orvald
Birth Date: 5 Jul 1923
Birth Place: Ulbee, South Dakota, U.S.A.
Residence: Valhalla Centre, Alberta
Service Number: M7988
Force: Army
Regiment: Lincoln and Welland Regiment, R.C.I.C.
Rank: Private
Killed in Action: 8 Mar 1945
Notes: Mother - Lilly Velve
Verreault, Achille
Versailles, Peter
Date of Birth: 24 Oct 1912
Place of Birth: St Albert
Service Number M17181
Force: Army
Regiment: Loyal Edmonton Regiment, R.C.I.C.
Rank: Private
Death Date: 23 Dec 1943
Next of Kin: Father Louie Versailles
Vetch, William
Vicklund, Assar
Viens, Joseph
Date of Birth: 1916
Vinet, Frank Alfred
Regimental Number: R203675
Rank: Corporal
Frank, born on November 5, 1918, at Hutton, Alberta, was the oldest child in Alfred and Tressie Vinet’s family of five children. He had a younger brother, George and three younger sisters, Margaret, Alberta and Jeanette. Alfred decided to move his family to the Peace District after hearing about the possibility of land ownership by means of homestead applications. The family arrived by rail in 1928 and rented land until 1929 when Alfred filed on SE 15-73-3-W6 in an area of Bezanson known as Fitzsimmons. Frank and his siblings received their education at the Fitzsimmons One-Room School. Frank worked for St. Josephs Academy from 1938-1939 following which he was a superintendent for two years. From 1941-1942, he was a clerk at Concorde Co-Op Store and a farm labourer in 1942.
On November 21, 1942, Frank enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force at Regina, Saskatchewan. Frank received training at various locations across Canada; Regina, Winnipeg, Vancouver, Tofino (BC), B Bella (BC), Abbotsford (BC) and Boundary (BC). Corporal Frank Arthur Vinet served in Canada and received the General Service Medal and the Voluntary Service Medal. He was discharged on September 14, 1945.
Frank was granted permission to marry Jeanne Joubert on July 28, 1945 at St. Pierre, Manitoba. Once discharged, Frank returned to their home in St. Pierre where he had found employment. They had one daughter, Pat and four sons; Gilbert, Raymond, Ronald and Paul. Frank passed away on November 6, 2007 and was buried at the St. Pierre Jolys Parish Cemetery. He was predeceased by Jeanne on December 26, 2003.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Service file
Interview with Lorraine White (daughter of Frank’s sister, Margaret)
Vinet, George Arthur
Regimental Number: M61620
Rank: Lance Corporal
George, born on September 20, 1921, at Hutton, Alberta, was the 3rd oldest in Alfred and Tressie Vinet’s family of five children. He had an older brother, Frank, and one older sister, Margaret, and two younger sisters, Alberta and Jeanette. Alfred decided to move his family to the Peace District after hearing about the possibility of land ownership by means of homestead applications. The family arrived by rail in 1928 and rented land until 1929 when Alfred filed on SE 15-73-3-W6 in an area of Bezanson known as Fitzsimmons. George and his siblings received their education at the Fitzsimmons One-Room School. From 1936 to 1941, George worked on the family farm.
George enlisted with the Royal Canadian Army, Unit RCASC, on February 3, 1941 at Edmonton. He listed his occupation as a Truck Driver and Mechanic. He received his basic training in Edmonton before being transferred to Calgary and then on to Camp Borden in Ontario where he completed courses to become a Qualified Driver I/C Class III. George embarked from Halifax on June 19, 1941 and arrived at Gourock, Scotland on July 2nd. Private/Lance Corporal George Arthur Vinet served in Canada, the United Kingdom, Central Mediterranean Area and Continental Europe. He received the 1939-45 Star, Italy Star, France Germany Star, Defence Medal, War Medal 1939-45 and the Canadian Volunteer Medal & Clasp. George volunteered for the Pacific Theatre of War; however, it does not appear that his application was accepted. He was discharged on demobilization on October 4, 1945 at Calgary.
George returned to the Grande Prairie area and married Doris Nelson. The couple lived in Clairmont and had one son, Alan. They later divorced and Doris and Alan moved to Salmon Arm, BC. George moved to Edmonton where he remained. He passed away on November 14, 1976 and was buried at the Beechmount Cemetery in Edmonton.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Service File
Interview with Lorraine White (daughter of George Vinet’s sister, Margaret)
Vipond, Asa Ivan
Vipond, Stanley Lorne
Visscher, John
Volden, Hans
Voshall, Harold "Tiny"
Date of Birth: October 31, 1918
Place of Birth: Cle Elum, Washington, USA
Served in Calgary
Source: "Bridges to the Past" pg. 210
"Across the Smoky" pg. 41
Voshall, Howard Clifford
Birth Date: 23 Dec 1916
Birth Place: Cle Elum, Washington, USA
Residence: DeBolt, Alberta, Canada
Service number: M1134
Force: Army
Regiment: Royal Canadian Artillery
Rank: Gunner
Date of Enlistment: 1939 in Calgary
Date of Death: January 20, 1941
Burial: Canadian Military Cemetery in Brookwood, England
Source: "Bridges to the Past" pg. 210
"Across the Smoky" pg.41
Voz, Albert
Waddell, Arvid
From Albright
Waddell, William
Wade, Chester
Wade, Robert
Wagar, Max
Wagar, Mel
Wagner, Ferdinand
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100
Wagner, John
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100
Waldie, Raymond Arthur
Wales, John Arthur "Jack"
Regimental Number: M/67154
Rank: Sapper
Jack Wales was born in 1916 to Ross and Annie Wales. The senior Wales’ family members originated from Omagh, Ontario. Upon hearing about the promising agricultural opportunities available in the Peace District, the family came over the Edson Trail and settled in an area east of Grande Prairie known as Glen Leslie. Jack’s father, Ross purchased more land and by 1940 it was a large farming operation.
In May 1940, Jack married Florence Smith from Grande Prairie. Jack enlisted in the army on January 5, 1942 at the #13A District Depot in Edmonton. Jack was subsequently transferred to the Chilliwack Canadian Engineer Training Centre in Sardis, BC. Florence accompanied him there for the two years Jack spent in training. The Camp was created two months after the bombing of Pearl Habour and was intended to be a Canadian Army post to defend the lower mainland of BC. However, as it became apparent that the threat to BC was minimal, the camp was designated as a recruit training centre and hosted the No. 112 Canadian Army Basic Training Centre as well as the A6 Canadian Engineering Training Centre which was moved from Camp Dundurn in Saskatchewan. Jack completed his training as an Engineer therefore his rank was listed as a SAPPER. Jack sailed for England and his unit was subsequently sent to France with the invasion of Normandy in June 1944. Operation Overlord was the codename for the Battle of Normandy – an operation where the Allies successfully invaded the German occupied Western Europe countries during WWII. There were over a million troops all under British command that hit the beaches in the Normandy landing. By the end of the Battle of Normandy, there were more than 18,700 Canadian Casualties and over 5,000 deaths. It is regarded as the single most important event in WWII and led to the war’s conclusion in Europe as the Allies opened a western front against Hitler. Jack’s responsibilities as a SAPPER were to breach fortifications, demolitions, bridge-building, laying and clearing minefields and preparing field defenses as well as working on road and airfield construction and repair. He was very lucky as he was wounded once during war-time. Jack served in Canada, United Kingdom and Continental Europe. On demobilization, Jack sailed home and arrived in Canada in October 1945. He was discharged at the No. 13 District Depot C.A., Armoury, Calgary on November 14, 1945. Jack received the volunteer service medal and clasp.
In the spring of 1946, Jack purchased NW 36-71-4-W6 from Ed Leslie. The property contained the Glen Leslie Store and Post Office. The store burnt down in August 1955 following which Jack built a new store in September 1955. Once rural route was established in the area in 1956, the post office was closed down which seriously curtailed the store business. The store closed and was sold to Bob Sharpe in 1957 who moved it to Grande Prairie where he operated a trucking business out of it for a short period of time. The store building is still standing and is now known as Enterprise Rent-A-Car. The area where the “Store” was located is still visible at the corner of the property however with the construction of Highway 670 and widening of side-roads taking place, the spot has shrunk considerably.
Florence and Jack had three children, Lynore, Janice and Alex. Jack continued to farm and worked as a carpenter for Johnson Trusses and other companies while Florence taught school at Montrose and St. Clements. They retired in 1978 and moved to Grande Prairie.
Jack passed away in Edmonton on May 26, 1985. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Grande Prairie and the West Smoky Royal Canadian Legion. Florence passed away on January 28, 1981. Both are buried in the Glen Leslie Cemetery.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Glen Leslie History Book
Wikipedia
Janice (Wales) Dorscheid
Walker, Art
Walker, Clem
Walker, Greg
Walker, Jack
Date of Birth: 18/09/1900
Walker, John
Wallace, Carman Cecil
Walmsley, H.A.
Walsh, Paddy
Walters, Mary
Ward, Cliff
From Hythe
Ward, Harold
Warden, Howard .R.
From Sexsmith
Wardill, John
Wardill, Tom
Wartenbes, Foster
Watherston, Olive O.B.E.
Olive Watherston was born in Hinckley, England, the youngest of 10 children born to Reverend Alexander Law Watherston, headmaster of Hinckley Grammar school. She received her training in nursing and midwifery in England and graduated in 1913. Shortly after World War I broke out, she enlisted with Queen Alexandra’s Military Service and served as a nurse at a Casualty Clearing Station in France, where she was mentioned in despatches several times in 1918.
In 1921, Olive came to Canada and on December 12, joined the Alberta Department of Health. She was appointed district nurse at Halcourt (southwest of Grande Prairie). She was district nurse for Valleyview from 1930 to 1936.
Olive was in Britain on holiday leave when World War II broke out. She offered her services as a nurse and midwife in London and worked there during “The Blitz.”
She returned to Alberta and resumed work as a district nurse at Lindale and Tangent until her retirement in 1950. She moved to Victoria, BC, where she passed away on November 29, 1969.
Watson, Andrew "Roy"
Watson, John Finlay
Birth Date: 16 Sep 1892
Birth Place: Belfast, Durham, Ireland
Residence: Wembley, Alberta
Service Number: M56292
Force: Army
Regiment: Veterans Guard of Canada
Rank: Private
Killed in Action: 2 Feb 1945
Notes: Served in WWI Service Number: 437637, 51st Battalion, Aug. 1915 - Mar. 1919
For King and Country poster in Wembley
Watson, Jim
Watson, Ray
Watson, Robert "Bert"
Robert Watson was born in County Down, Northern Ireland on July 19, 1894. Bert, as he was known, came to Canada with his parents in 1908 and settled in the Bonny Doon area of Edmonton. Bert went the high school in Strathcona and then attended the McTavish business college. He worked for Killen and Gilbert Real Estate for several years.
Bert enlisted in the 202nd Battalion in World War I and transferred to the artillery overseas. He was awarded a medal for saving a machine gun from burning. After the war he came to Grande Prairie and worked at the Beaverlodge Experimental Station.
In World II he was stationed at the Sergeant’s quarters and ordered supplies for the soldiers stationed there. After the war, Bert worked in the Land Office in Grande Prairie, then for the Government Appraisers for the Prairie Farm Assistance.
Bert passed away November 30, 1974.
(See also his entry in World War I)
Sources:
Along the Wapiti (p. 403)
Pioneers of the Peace (p. 119)
Lake Saskatoon Reflections (p. 32)
Watt, Alexander
Watt, D.M.
Weaver, Arthur
Settled in Grande Prairie after the war.
Date of Death: June 24, 2005
Weaver, Charles Lewis
Regimental Number: M16014
Charles was born in Bristol, England on December 7, 1893. He emigrated from Bristol, England in April 1912 when he was nineteen years old and joined his brother and sister-in-law, Arthur and Florence, who had settled on a farm in the Penhold area in 1910.
In January of 1915, he enlisted in the Canadian Army. Charles’ unit sailed for England on October 9, 1915. He trained in England until January 1, 1916 at which time he was sent to the Western Front in France. Charles probably fought in the Battle of Somme and subsequent battles along the Western Front. He was awarded the prestigious “Military Medal” on August 21, 1917 for devotion to care of the wounded while under fire. On May 18, 1918 Charles was awarded the “Good Conduct Stripe”.
Charles remained in France until May 18, 1918 when he suffered a fracture to his right ankle during a wrestling match. His service file includes an x-ray showing this injury. He was admitted to the Canadian Convalescent Hospital, Bear Wood, Wokingham, Berkshire, England. The hospital was the home of Mr. and Mrs. John Walter who offered their large brick house to be used by the Canadians as a hospital. Charles was discharged from the hospital on September 17, 1918 following which he sailed for Canada. He was discharged on demobilization on February 20, 1919 in Calgary.
Charles returned to the Penhold area with the intent to purchase land of his own. However, as property was at a premium, he decided to move north to the Peace River District after he had heard about the opportunities for land ownership by means of homestead applications. Charles filed on SE 19-71-3-W6 in June 1919 and on NE 18-71-3-W6 in July 1919. Both parcels of land were located in the Glen Leslie area.
On March 24, 1924, Charles married Catherine Hives from the Penhold area and they settled into their log home on the homestead. Charles purchased George Sinclair’s land (NW 17-71-3-W6). They raised pigs, sheep and cattle. Catherine grew a large garden and picked and abundance of wild fruit. Also, they shipped cream, some of which Catherine would churn into butter and sell for 12 cents a pound. Although times were difficult during the 1930’s, there was always plenty to eat. Entertainment consisted of house parties with the Bredeson family playing their violins.
By 1937, Charles wasn’t well and couldn’t keep up with the strenuous farm work. Therefore, he rented the land to Vern Goff and held an auction to sell the entire farm inventory. The land was later sold to Hansen and McPhee.
The Weavers moved to BC; however, when WWII was declared, Charles enlisted on September 12, 1939 at Grande Prairie and served as a Corporal in Canada and England (Regimental # M16014). Once discharged on July 27, 1942, Charles and Catherine moved to Otter Point, BC where Charles built a large greenhouse out of driftwood. They enjoyed their retirement years by growing vegetables and many varieties of flowers. Their home was orientated in such a manner as to take full advantage of the spectacular view of Strait of Juan de Fuca.
Charles passed away suddenly on August 17, 1974. Catherine moved into a seniors’ residence where she resided until she passed away on December 2, 1984. Both are buried in the Royal Oak Burial Park Cemetery, Victoria, BC.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources: surname file; Smoky River to Grande Prairie p. 457; Dec. 5 1958 p. 2 c. 3
Weaver, Margaret Stanton
Margaret Stanton was born in St. Alban’s, England and joined the Field Army Nursing Yeomanry in 1938. She drove an ambulance and ration truck during the War and later was employed taking away gun emplacements and transporting prisoners of war. She met Art at a USO show put on by the American army and they were married in Aldershot on January 23, 1946. Their son, Ken, was born that same year and after Art left for Canada, she and Ken boarded the Queen Mary with thousands of other brides and children for their trip to Canada. They lived near Cadogan, Alberta and later moved to Grande Prairie. She never went back to England.
Webb, Harold
Regimental Number: M39942
Date of Birth: 07/04/1922
Smoky Peace Triangle p. 398
Webb, Herbert J.
Webb, Joseph
Webb, Max G.
Webster, Jock
Webster, John
Wedell, A.R.
Wedell, C.
Wedell, E.H.
Weeks, Howard
Date of Birth: 13/12/1924
Weeks, Robert
Weiss, Alvin E.
Date of Birth: 8 Apr 1922
Birth Place: Jansen Saskatchewan Canada
Residence: Hythe Alberta Canada
Service Number: M104114
Force: Army
Regiment Cameron Highlanders of Ottawa (M.G.), R.C.I.C.
Rank: Private
Killed in Action: 31 Oct 1934
Weiss, E.E.
Weiss, Henry
Weitzel, Henry
Weller, Donald
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100
Weller, James
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100
Wellman, Edwin
Wells, Delbert "Sonny"
Wells, Ralph
Welsh, Jimmy
Welter, Jack
Welter, William
Date of Birth: 1919
West, Sheppard
Westad, John
Birth Date: 2 Aug 1917
Birth Place: Molde, Molde, Norway
Residence: Hythe, Alberta
Service Number: M56260
Force: Army
Regiment: Lake Superior Regiment (Motor), R.C.I.C.
Rank: Private
Killed in Action: 2 Mar 1945
Wetmore, Harmon Hillis
Whalen, Charles Jacob
Whalen, Robert Leon "Bob"
Regimental Number: M35524
Robert, born on April 23, 1924 at Bezanson, was the youngest in Mabel (nee Robideau) and Leon Whalen’s family of two children; he had an older sister, Eunice. The Whalen’s divorced and Mabel subsequently married Nathaniel Hunter in 1933 and the family resided on a farm in the Glen Leslie District. Eunice and Bob attended the one-room Lindsay School followed by the Somme School. Robert went to Crystal Creek School for Grade 9 followed by the Lindsay High School that was located on the highway west of the hamlet of Bezanson. Bob completed Grade 10 in Grande Prairie. Robert than worked as a logger for 3 months and on the family farm.
On May 25, 1941, Bob enlisted with the Army at Grande Prairie. Bob was transferred to Edmonton and later Red Deer for basic training. He embarked for the UK on November 13, 1944. Private Robert Whalen served with the RCASC in Canada, United Kingdom and Continental Europe and received the 1939-45 Star, France & Germany Star, Defence Medal, Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp and the War Medal 1939-45. Once discharged, Robert returned home.
In 1944, Mabel and Nat purchased a ¼ of land that was located on the south side of 84 avenue in Grande Prairie. Bob subsequently married Nancy Evelyn Boyd in 1950 and lived on the same family farm for a period of time before moving to Cold Lake. By 1956, they had moved to Edmonton but were back in Grande Prairie on the family farm in 1961. Bob was a qualified carpenter who was employed by Len Rice Engineering and was responsible for the construction of several prominent buildings in Grande Prairie such as the Harry Belfour School and the Jan Theatre to name a few. Bob and his family lived on the same farm until 1969 when they moved to Edmonton. Once settled in, Bob incorporated his own general contracting business known as Crystal Contracting Ltd. He was awarded many government contracts to build schools and nursing homes all over Northern Alberta. In 1978, the Whalen’s sold the house in Edmonton and purchased a ¼ section of land in the St. Albert area where they built a large new home. Nancy and Bob had seven children; Gregory, Gordon, Debbie, Dianne, Jamie, Beverly and Jo-Ann.
By the early 1980’s, Bob and Nancy had retired and finally had time to travel and spent a considerable amount of time in Phoenix. Dancing was another activity that they not only enjoyed but were exceptionally proficient at. Bob was especially fond of the outdoors and enjoyed fishing and horse-back riding. He had ventured on several excursions to the mountains to ride horses with family and friends. Bob had just returned from a trip to the mountains when he was asked to compete in a horse show in Wetaskiwin. While waiting for the results of the competition, Bob’s horse spooked and went over backwards. Bob passed away from his injuries on September 1, 1990 and was buried at the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery in Edmonton. Nancy continued to live in St. Albert until she passed away in 2013 and was laid to rest alongside Robert.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
History provided by Bev Whalen – daughter
Photos by Bev Whalen
Wheatley, Robert
White, Charles
White, Colin Fred
White, Douglas
For King and Country poster in Wembley
White, Ernest Albert
White, J.D.
Whiteside, Pte.
Whitlock, Wilfred J.
From Grande Prairie
Whittaker, J.J.
Whyte, David
For King and Country poster in Wembley
Wiebe, David
Wiebe, Jake
Wiegel, Victor
Wigelsworth, Pte.
Wigmore, Earl Chester
Rank: Corporal
Wilburn, Donald J.
Signed up in Grande Prairie in 1940
Wilburn, Edward Joseph
Wilde, Arnold
Willard, Frank
Willis, Leslie
Date of Birth: 1917
Wills, Alex
Wills, Frederick H.
Lived in Windsor Creek.
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100
Wills, Roland
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100
Wills, Walter C.
Lived in Windsor Creek
Source: Pioneer Round-Up pg. 100
Willsey, Daniel
For King and Country poster in Wembley
Willsey, John "Jack"
For King and Country poster in Wembley
Willsey, Melvin
For King and Country poster in Wembley
Wilson, Doug
Branch: RCAF
Wilson, Elmer A.
Wilson, Harold
Wilson, Harry
Wilson, James
from Grande Prairie
Wilson, Ken
From Sexsmith
Wilson, Ludwick
Regimental Number: L103231
Ludwick “Lud” Wilson was born in Manitoba on October 31, 1920. He enlisted in the Army on November 30, 1942 at Regina, Saskatchewan. While training there, he met Bertha M. Waddell in January 1943. Once Lud was discharged on demobilization on January 28, 1946 at Regina, he returned home and married Bertha on April 29, 1946. Lud served in Canada, United Kingdom and Continental Europe. Private Ludwick Wilson received the France and Germany Star and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp. They lived in Bracken, Saskatchewan where Lud and his older brother, Frank, owned and operated a garage. A son, Terry Ludwick was born on February 25, 1947 followed by two more sons; Garry Grant on March 23, 1948 and Kenneth Michael on September 29, 1949.
In 1949, Lud and Bertha rented the farm of Lud’s father and had a complete crop failure. They subsequently purchased land of their own; however, after they had seven years of being hailed-out, they looked into purchasing property elsewhere. The opportunities were promising in Alberta; therefore in January 1962, they purchased Floyd Hillerud’s land (SE & NE 23-72-4-W6) in the Kleskun Hills area near Bezanson.
In April 1962, the Wilsons left Bracken, Saskatchewan with a loaded semi-truck and pickup and arrived at Calgary the first day, Valleyview the next and finally Kleskun Hills on day three. As they had brought their cattle with them; they soon realized that they needed more land; particularly land with water access. In January 1963, the Wilson’s moved to the Fred Vinet place (SE 15-73-3-W6) that was located across the road from the Fitzsimmons School. Frank Kochalyk assisted the family with the move and stayed with them for a few years while he worked on their farm. Power was added to the property in 1963. The boys attended school at Bezanson and Grande Prairie.
The Wilsons sold their land to the Peel brothers in 1973 and moved to Grande Prairie where Lud became a Real Estate Agent – an industry he worked in until his retirement.
Bertha passed away in 1992, Lud in 2007; both were buried at the Grande Prairie Cemetery.
Contributed by Wanda Zenner
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie History Book
Interview with Joan Wilson (Lud Wilson’s daughter-in-law)
Interview with Tracey Brochu (granddaughter)
Windram, Kenneth Alexander
Winiewskie, John
Winterford, Hank
Wise, John Arthur
Wishart, Hank
Withers, Howard Sheldon
Regimental Number: M537104 & R130569
Rank: Warrant Officer
Howard Sheldon Withers, born on November 17, 1922, was the youngest in Lawrence and Lynna (nee Howard) Withers family of two sons. He had an older brother Richard. Lawrence and three of his brothers, who were all from Monet, Missouri, came to the Peace District in 1912 to file homestead applications on land in an area of Bezanson known as Glen Leslie. Howard was raised on the family farm and attended the Somme One-Room School, Crystal Creek School, Bezanson High School and the Grande Prairie High School where he completed Grade 11. Howard enjoyed softball, gym, swimming and skating.
Howard enlisted with the 2nd Edmonton regiment and served as a private from March 24, 1941 until September 1941 (Non Permanent Active Militia). On September 9, 1941, Howard enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force. His training included 200 hours for a Pilots Course, 11 months as Driver Transport “C Group” and 2 years as an Air Gunner at various locations: Edmonton, Claresholm, Boundary Bay (BC), Trenton (Ontario), Toronto, Pearce Training Air Station in Edmonton, Winnipeg, Three Rivers (Quebec), and Brandon, (Manitoba). Howard embarked from Halifax for the United Kingdom on March 30, 1944 and arrived on April 7th. He served as a Tail Gunner with the 100th Squadron, 1 Group, one tour with 33 German targets. Warrant Officer 2nd Class Howard Withers was discharged on September 27, 1945 and received the 1939-45 Star, France and Germany Star, Defense Medal, General Service Medal and the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal and Clasp.
After his discharge, Howard worked one year on road construction crews and then purchased a ½ section of land and farmed with his father. In 1951, he married Mary Donahue and they lived at various locations in the Grande Prairie area until they were able to build a house on the farm in 1960. Mary and Howard had five children; Brian, Keith, Irene, Neil and Cathy. Howard was a master of all trades which came in very hand on the farm. They lived on the farm for many years and then relocated to acreage near Grande Prairie to retire.
Howard was a long-time member of the West Smoky Legion No. 244 at Bezanson. Mary was a member of the West Smoky Ladies Auxiliary No. 244. Howard and Mary enjoyed curling, community dances, playing cards and visiting with family and friends. Howard was known as quite the fiddle player.
Howard passed away on April 8, 2013 and was buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery. Mary continued to live on the acreage enjoying her friends and family. She passed away suddenly on May 21, 2016 and was buried at the Glen Leslie Cemetery.
Sources:
Smoky River to Grande Prairie
Service File
Written by Irene Withers (daughter)
Witwicki, William
Wityshen, William
Wityshyn, Tony
Wold, Lenny
Wold, Paul
Woloszyn, Kasmir
Wood, Bill
Wood, Don
Woodcock, Elvin R.
Woodcox, Harry John
Woodward, Cecil
Woods, Brent
Date of Death: 1967
Pioneer Round Up pg.323
Woolsey, Harold
Woolsey, Raymond
Wortman, Bill
Wozniak, William
Date of Birth: 23/07/1923
Wright, Allen
Wright, Clifford
Wright, Kelly
LAC
Branch: RCAF
Wright, Roy
AC2
Wyman, Dean
b. 1919 in Oklahoma, USA
Branch: Forestry Corps.
Yanczura, John
York, Leonard
Young, Allen
Young, Bert
Young, Fielding
Young, Hellen
Young, John
For King and Country poster in Wembley
Young, Reuben Erland
Regimental Number: M56552
Rank: Guardsman
Killed in Action: 21-Oct-44
Young, Roland
For King and Country poster in Wembley
Young, Steve
Young, Wilfred
Yurychuck, John
Date of Birth: 21/03/1921
Zaichkowsky, Joe
Date of Birth: 1923
Zaichkowsky, Nick
Date of Birth: 02/05/1905
Zaichkowsky, Ted
Date of Birth: 14/04/1916
Zelling, Hugo
b. 2 Dec 1919 in Malinowka, Poland
Lived in Wembley
d. April 17, 1991 in Grande Prairie
Source: obituary in Grande Prairie Daily Herald 18 April 1991
Zeyha, George
Birth Date: 22 Mar 1914
Birth Place; Gardenton, Manitoba
Residence: Grande Prairie, Alberta
Service Number: M31382
Force: Army
Regiment: Calgary Highlanders, R.C.I.C.
Rank: Private
Killed in Action: 26 Oct 1944