Obituaries . . . . . . . . . . 16 and

Ernest Edward Cross was born in May 1933 at Rosalind Alberta, to Andrew (Bud) and Florence Cross. As a child, he spent time helping on the family farm with his brother and sister and attended Coal Valley School to grade eight. He shared memories of riding his horse to school, and the times he played pranks on his classmates, admitting that he was a bit of a class clown and often in trouble with the teacher. After finishing school, he farmed with his dad, worked in construction, and took up driving trucks, which had him traveling to Lloydminster, where he met Alice Henry.

Ernie and Alice were married in 1954, and lived in Bawlf for a few years before moving to the Cross farm east of Kelsey, where they spent their married life farming, raising a family and making memories. Throughout the years, they grain farmed, had cattle, pigs, chickens and an enormous garden.

Ernie got his private pilot licence in the early 1970s. He made sure that every visitor to the farm – friend, neighbour, and family member – got a ride in his plane. He loved flying and used his skill to help neighbours find lost cattle, take farmstead photos and give any kid who went up with him a thrill to remember.

One big highlight for Ernie and Alice was taking a trip to Australia to visit dear family friends … he did love adventure.

Ernie worked for Camrose County at mile 10 grader shed, where he spent many hours on the roads taking pride in keeping them graded and plowed. He was very handy with engines and did all of his own repairs. His farm shop was filled with tools, parts and engines, and neighbours quite often stopped in for advice, help, or to see if he had a part they needed. If he heard you had a low tire on your lawn mower or could not start the tiller, he came over and got everything running and tuned up.

Ernie took up woodworking and making toys as a hobby in the 1990s, and made treasures for family members and neighbours. He was commissioned in 2008 to make larger scale grader and backhoes that are on display in Camrose County Council Chambers.

Ernie and Alice enjoyed visits with neighbours – the coffee pot was always on and his candy dish was full of chocolate bars. Most of all, Ernie cherished visits with the grandkids and greatgrandkids, making sure he held every baby first when they arrived at the farm. He enjoyed showing them his shop, getting them dirt bikes and quads on which to play, making waffle fries, spoiling and teasing them (maybe letting them drive the farm truck with him to Kelsey to get the mail). Every visit would end with him asking, “Do you want a chocolate bar for the road? Do you need any money? Back your car up I’ll fill your tank!”

Alice passed away in 2016, and Ernie reluctantly agreed to move into Rosealta Lodge in 2017. He grew to love his new home, where he met Barbara. They spent endless hours together, laughing and enjoying life. He loved her and was thankful for her help and companionship, most especially during COVID isolation. Ernie enjoyed the time at Rosealta, making sure the staff were eating chocolate bars and teasing them like they were family. His health declined, and in December 2021, he moved into Bethany Meadows, passing peacefully in his sleep on December 30, 2021. He was 88 years old.

Left to cherish his memory are: his loving partner Barbara; his children Carol (Jack), Brenda, Marion (Arnold), Randy (Miranda), John (Christine), Cindy (Lyndon), and Allyson (Dana); 19 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren; honourary Japanese daughter and granddaughter Tomoko and Karin O’Hara; sister Sheila Reber; and extended family and friends.

Ernie was predeceased by his wife Alice; brother Don; son-inlaw Wayne Wilson; brother-in-law Raymond; and parents Florence and Andrew.

There will be a private inurnment at Melville Cemetery in the spring.

If friends and family so wish, memorial donations in honour of Ernie’s life can be made to Kelsey Community Society, Melville Cemetery or Camrose Flying Club.

To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com.

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Leonard Roger Blatz of Camrose, Alberta, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 7, 2022, at the Dulcina Hospice in Calgary, at the age of 67 years.

Len was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 1999. He battled and survived cancer for more than 22 years, allowing him to attend graduation ceremonies, weddings and meet his grandchildren – many of life’s proud milestones – a remarkable victory for Lenny.

Len deeply loved his family, friends, and sports, and was fortunate enough to put all of those together for some epic trips to Bandon Dunes, Italy, the World Juniors, Blue and Grey golf tournaments, and many Grey Cups over the years. Lenny loved telling jokes and was the life of the party. He was a kind and generous soul, qualities that endeared him to many and allowed him to make friends everywhere he went. Len was a proud cancer survivor and ardent supporter of the Relay for Life in Camrose for many years, often making time to support others with their own battles with cancer. Lenny loved music, playing guitar and singing, and spent many years enjoying Big Valley Jamboree. Len was a private pilot and loved to travel. He especially cherished the winters he was able to spend in Brazil, Arizona and, most recently, Osoyoos with his extended family.

Len is survived by his three sons Gregg (May), Jordan (Laura), and Chris; six grandchildren Karl, Lian, Cooper, Oliver, Sebastian and Julia; siblings Alex (Dianne), Isabell, Irene (John), and Victor; his best friend Gary Browning; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Len was predeceased by his parents Alec and Helen Blatz; infant sister Bernice; sister-in law Loretta Blatz; and brother-in-law Norman Fuechtmann. Len was a man of faith and we take comfort knowing he is with the loved ones who left before him.

Due to Alberta Health restrictions, a private family service will be held. The Funeral Mass will be livestreamed at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, January 21, 2022, on the St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church website: https://stfxcamrose.caedm.ca/ and a recording of the Funeral Mass will be available following the service on the St. Francis Xavier Church website under “Recorded Masses”.

If family and friends so desire, memorial contributions in Len’s memory may be made to the Alberta Cancer Society, or to the Hospice Society of Camrose and District.

To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com.

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