Obituary of Donald Alward

Alward: Donald James 1926 - 2006 Don passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 19, 2006 at the age of 80. His memory will be cherished by his spouse of 34 years Ruth Thiessen and his children Sharon Westers (Henry) of Medicine Hat, Peggy Gurney (Shayne) of Magrath, Craig (Marie-Anne) of Vancouver, Brian (Lauri) of Beaumont, Bruce (Sandy) Sherwood Park, and Dwayne (Julie) of Sherwood Park. Don is also survived by his sister Ardell DeLisle of Edmonton, Ruth’s children Lenny, Barry, Sheila, Darryl (Shawna), Tim and Jimmy (Corrine), as well as numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, relatives and friends. Don worked and farmed in the Lloydminster area and enjoyed the natural beauty of this region. Don will be sadly missed and fondly remembered for his gentle spirit and sense of humor. A memorial service was held on July 24, 2006 and the family would like to thank Dr. Jill Lakins, Ken Weighill and Craig Alward for their kind words at the service. Ruth and the family also appreciate the wonderful care given by Dr. Kostic and the nursing staff during his short stay in the Lloydminster Hospital. Ruth also thanks McCaw’s for their kindness during our time of sorrow and all who brought food, flowers and cards. Many thanks to the organist, Irene Knowlson, the piper Bill Cornfoot and Reverend Norm Laird. Don was born in Trochu, Alberta on March 31, 1926, the second child of Alma Nettie Hesby and Arnold Alward. His older brother Roy died at the age of 13 months. He had one sister Ardelle as well as two younger brothers, Buddy and Denny. Don often spoke fondly about his brothers, Denny, who passed away at the age of 37 and Buddy who died at 24 while in college. His parents bought a farm north of Lloydminster when he was two years old. In the last two years of the war at the age of nineteen, Don joined the Special Services working with the CN across the country, but was not called up for active duty. Some of you may know him by the nickname Curly, for his wild curly hair as a young man. His cousin Shirley remembers how he would wash his hair then put a nylon stocking on his head to try to control the curls. It must have worked, as Don married Marjorie Olsen in Lloydminster in July 1952. When his father died in 1956, they took over the farm and he drove cats and heavy equipment to support his family, which eventually grew to six children. After his marriage ended in 1971, Don bought Gars Taxi, which he operated until 1974, when he began working for the Coop as a gas truck driver. He enjoyed delivering fuel to the farmers as it kept him in touch with the farming community and he knew the rural areas very well and stayed there until retirement. In 1972 Dad met Ruth Thiessen and they have spent many wonderful years travelling and enjoying time with friends and relatives. They like to tour around the countryside, checking out the back roads. Ruth will miss his kindness, patience and good heart. Over the 80 years of his life, Don saw many advances in technology and he was always reading about the latest gadget. He was internet savvy and had just acquired his first digital camera and was learning how to use it. Don had so many interests and his collection of books shows his interest in photography, history, politics, gardening, trees and of course, cars. Don was a good mechanic and always preferred the Fords of the sixties, that he could work on, to the computerized cars of today. As a child of the 30's, Don knew what it was to live on a meager income. He hated to have any debts or loans, or to spend extravagantly, although he was generous whenever he knew someone was in need. Don loved to argue ‘black is white’ and would have a big smile once he knew he had drawn you into an argument. He had a good sense of humor and loved to chat with friends or strangers over coffee, and the best part of travelling for him was meeting interesting people. Don was a hard working, honest man with a strong sense of fair play. When you drive out past the farm yard north of Lloydminster, or by the Thiessen house on Sandy Beach, look at the beautiful forest of trees he planted there. Remember that those trees were planted by Don Alward, and let that be his legacy. Donations in memory of Don may be made to the Lloyd Region Health Foundation or to the Canadian Cancer Society.