The CAMROSE BOOSTER April 17, 2012
Larry Jacob Blatz Mr. Larry Jacob Blatz of Camrose passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2012 at the age of 64 years. Larry Blatz was the youngest of 16 children born to Jacob and Amelia Blatz. He was born on October 31, 1947 in Camrose, Alberta. Larry loved to explain how his mother didn’t stop bearing children until she had the perfect one – Larry – and that he was her special Halloween treat. Larry grew up on his parents’ farm near Daysland, Alberta. After he started school, he went to live with his eldest brother, Wendy, for two years so he could walk his niece Theresa to school each day – uphill both ways. Barefoot. In the snow. Larry always had a great love of music; everyone remembers him whistling his way into a room or singing a funny song when the moment struck. Larry fondly shared the story of how he bought his very own bicycle with his share of the prize money he and his sister Judy won singing at Camrose Fair. Larry was a gifted athlete with a lifelong love of sport. From midget hockey, high school basketball, curling, and on to the golf course, sports were always an important part of Larry’s life. Ann and Larry met each other through sports, and shared their passion throughout their life together. Larry was instrumental in building the clubhouse, greens and other upgrades to Daysland Golf Course. Larry inspired his children and grandchildren to love sports as much as he did, and he spent many days driving his grandchildren on the golf cart, ensuring that they could find their way around the course. Coming from a large family, including 11 stepbrothers and stepsisters, it’s no surprise that Larry wanted a big family of his own. His wife, however, stopped him at four: Trina, Tim, Kelly and Shawna. Larry always spoke of his children with pride, but never missed an opportunity to keep them humble with a bit of good-natured teasing. While nobody can seem to agree on which son- or daughter-in-law was his favorite, everyone knew that his grandchildren Mackenzie, Hanna, Stephanie, Amelia and Henry all held a very special place in his heart. His only complaint about his grandchildren was that his children never made them fast enough. Some of Larry’s memorable characteristics were his strong work ethic and his entrepreneurial spirit. His construction career began when he apprenticed under his brother Joe in Provost, and continued as foreman for Ron Stang’s company, Rose City Builders. He started a number of businesses over the years including Blatz’s Steakhouse, Daysland Car Wash and L&G Greenhouses. He came back to construction when he started B’s Contracting, where he earned a reputation for fair pricing, high quality work, and an eye for detail and craftsmanship. He was known as a great boss, generous with his time, money and knowledge. No one knows this better than his son, the nephews, and the friends who worked beside him over three decades and who continue his legacy today. Larry’s life was one of faith and service. He was a devout Catholic for his whole life, and lived his faith through his integrity, his fairness and his volunteerism. He served as President of the Lion’s Club, the Golf Club, and the Curling Club in Daysland. He taught his faith by example, attending Mass regularly, and using his skills and resources to help Habitat for Humanity and other charities. Larry was most generous with his free time entertaining his many friends, siblings, in-laws, children and grandchildren. He was a regular feature at Daysland Golf Course, and loved playing all sorts of card games whenever he could fit them into his busy life. His exploits in Texas Hold ’Em Poker earned him the moniker “All-In Larry”, and his dining room table has borne the weight of countless games of Buck. He achieved his dream of playing golf year-round by buying a house in Buckeye, Arizona, close to many of his friends and family. More recently, Larry dipped his toes into the fast-moving waters of the internet, learning to use Facebook, email, video chat and many different online card games. While Larry was taken from us much sooner than anyone hoped, we are blessed to have known him. We have the gift of remembering him at his best; laughing, joking and sharing his love with his friends and family. Larry is remembered by his wife Ann (Sommer); children Trina (Michael Vietri), Tim (Tracy), Kelly Skinner (Alan) and Shawna Hopkins (Jamey); grandchildren Mackenzie and Hanna MacDonald, Stephanie Vietri, Amelia and Henry Skinner; siblings Clara Maki, Joe (Isabelle), Eddie (Anita), Mary Nolin (Tony), Ester Bieganek, Willie (Donna), Pearl Gabourie (Phil), Judy Benson (Curt); in-laws Mary Blatz, Shirley Brown (Ray), Janice Blatz, Janet and Jim Hillaby, Lamont and Sharon Sommer, Colleen and Jack McIntyre, Collette and Gary Mesenchuk, Valerie and Bob Bailey; and numerous stepbrothers and stepsisters, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Larry was predeceased by his parents Jacob and Amelia (nee Prediger); stepfather Adolph Stang; father- and mother-in-law Gordon and Gladys Sommer; and family Wendelin Blatz, Josephine and Tony Gartner, Betty and Owen Clouston, Jim Bieganek, Richard Blatz, Ben Blatz, Elnora and Don Hauser, Rudy Maki, Infant Jacob, Othmar Stang, Rick Hillaby and PJ Bailey. A prayer vigil was held on Thursday, April 12, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church. A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, April 13, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Larry Pedersen as celebrant. Interment followed in Valleyview Cemetery, Camrose. If friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Rick Hillaby and The P.J. Bailey Funds, c/o Battle River Community Foundation, or the charity of one’s choice. To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com.
Camrose and Daysland was in care of the arrangements Phone 780-672-2121 “Serving your community since 1906”
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Carmen Joyce McGray Purdy 1948 – 2012 Carmen Joyce McGray Purdy passed away peacefully after a lengthily illness with her family present at Willow Cottage in Bethany Meadows on Thursday, April 12, 2012. Carmen grew up on Canadian Air Force bases around Canada. She moved to Edmonton in 1965, became a respiratory therapist and met Gordon. They married in 1967, had three children and began working with Christian Literature Crusade. Over the next two decades, Carmen worked with Gordon, living in Ontario, travelling throughout Canada, the US and overseas, sharing the gospel through literature. When they left the ministry, she became a commercial pilot and then started a career working as a realtor in Kingston, ON. Her passion for learning was evident as she continued taking classes in sewing, cooking, painting and card-making. Carmen and Gordon moved to her family home in Nova Scotia in 1993. There they picked up the family tradition of farming with goats and spinning the hair for wool and, as well, supported an aging aunt. She and Gordon moved back to Alberta in 1995 where they enjoyed spending time with their children and grandchildren. Carmen is survived by her husband Gordon; and three children Kimberlee (Todd) of Three Hills, Roxanne (Len) of Camrose and Kirt (Laurie) of Abbotsford. She also leaves behind her father Fred in Halifax, Nova Scotia; and her brother David from Victoria, BC. As well, to cherish her memory are her six grandchildren, one grandsonin-law and one great-grandchild. She was predeceased by her mother, Hope, in 1959. The prayers, kind words, encouragement and support over the course of Carmen’s illness are appreciated and gratefully acknowledged. A special thank you to the staff in Willow at Bethany Meadows for their exceptional care and comfort of Carmen and the family throughout her time there. A public viewing was held at Weber Funeral Home in Camrose on Monday, April 16 from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. A memorial service in celebration of Carmen’s life was held on Tuesday, April 17 at Camrose Church of God at 3:00 p.m. If desired, donations may be made in Carmen’s name to World Vision of Canada. Condolences may be made at www.weberfuneralhome.ca.
GRAHAM In loving memory of our father, grandfather and great-grandfather, Henry, who passed away on April 21, 1997 Quietly remembered everyday Sadly missed along life’s way No longer in our lives to share But in our hearts, you’re always there Ever remembered and sadly missed by your loving family
CAMROSE & DAYSLAND
Our dedicated team of funeral directors and colleagues: (Front L-R): Rod Madison, Karla Kerr, Leeann Zellweger, Alver Person (Back L-R): Robert Lyslo, Cam Parker, Jim Gillespie, Bob Hanrahan, Barrie Fenby, John Person
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Mary Biever Mary Louise Biever passed away on March 29, 2012 in Camrose at the age of 55. She was born on February 27, 1957 in High River, Alberta to her parents Alexander and Bernice Arith, the third of four children. She was married to her best friend, Glenn Biever on April 5, 1975. Together they raised their two children, Tim and Michelle, in Beaumont and then on Vancouver Island. Mary’s greatest joy came from the time spent with her three grandchildren, Zander, Taylor and Kallie. She enjoyed curling up with her cats and reading a good book, gardening and traveling with her family. She enjoyed her rural lifestyle; growing flowers and enjoying the wildlife was a passion. Mary will be remembered for her laughter, contagious grin, as well as her desire to help and serve the people around her. She is loved and will be missed by all those who knew her. A memorial service was held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, April 7, 2012 at Weber’s Mount Pleasant Chapel. Cremation has taken place. Memorial donations may be made to the St. Mary’s Hospital Palliative Care Fund. Condolences may be made at www.weberfuneralhome.ca.
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