Obituary of Robert Wilson

B I O G R A P H Y WILSON: Robert Almer Wilson passed away in the Peter Lougheed Hospital, Calgary, Alberta on Monday, January 24, 2005 at the age of 68 years. Robert is survived by: his loving wife Hazel; one son Dan and his wife Jennifer Wilson; six grandchildren: Aleasha Hanson, Amanda Hanson, Jenna Hanson, Courtney Wilson, Luc Wilson, Jared Wilson; one daughter-in-law Marcy and her husband Kim Hanson; one brother Tom and his wife Jean Wilson and one sister-in-law Mavis McLeod and nieces and nephews. A memorial service for Robert was conducted from the Grace United Church, Lloydminster on Tuesday, February 1, 2005 at 10:00 A. M with Reverend Norm Laird officiating. Memories by the grandchildren Remember him with a smile today He was not one for tears Reflect instead on memories Of all the happy years Recall to mind the way he spoke And all the things he said His strength, his stance, the way he walked Remember these instead The good advice he’d give us His eyes that shone with laughter So much of him will never die But live on ever after As we loved you, so we miss you In our memory, longed for always Bringing many a silent tear by Courtney Wilson His helping hand was always first To render any aid he could. His voice was always raised in praise, His words were wise and good. Dear Grandpa, since you’ve been gone away, The ones you loved so true Try hard to carry on the way We know you’d want us to. By Luc Wilson Today recalls the memory Of a loved one gone to rest, And those who think of him today Are those who loved him best. The flower we lay upon his grave May wither and decay, But the love for him who lies beneath Will never fade away. By Jared Wilson There are just too many memories about my grampa that I hold close to my heart to tell them all to you today. So instead, I’m just going to tell you a few and tell you a little bit about the kind of outstanding person he was. As you all already know, my grampa was an amazing man. He was a dedicated and loving father, husband, grandfather, and friend to everyone in this room. He possessed the single quality it takes to be a great person. He was the most honest and sincere man I know and he had the biggest heart. He was so unselfish and he loved all of us so incredibly much. He would give anything just to talk on the phone or to spend time with me and my sisters when he and grama were down visiting. And he seemed so grateful when we would all hang out together when, really, I hope he knows that we were the ones who were so happy to be spending time with him. My grampa had... and this will definitely hit home for everyone here...he honestly had the greatest sense of humor ever. You couldn’t even have a quick five minute conversation with him without a clever joke or pun coming your way. And no matter how hard you tried to think of something clever to say back to him, you could never top his joke. His sense of humor is definitely one of the reasons people just adored him. He had such a loving nature and he just had a way about him that forced people around him to feel nothing but love and respect for him. Everyone that knew him, whether you knew him for years, or just met him, couldn’t resist feeling anything but affection for him. This is proved by the huge number of friends he had. He was always surrounded by friends of all ages. I remember being just a small little girl and being at the mall or for supper somewhere with my grandma and grampa and all me and my sisters wanted was to have grampa all to ourselves, but that was impossible. My grampa was constantly met by people who loved him no matter where we happened to be. There was always a familiar face that couldn’t wait to exchange words with him. I think its because so many people just wanted to be near him because he gave off such wonderful vibes. When I was a little girl, I was most happy being with my grampa. We would go for walks between the huge trees at the farm, finding birds nests or squirrels and anything else to discover and entertain us, and there was no limit on how many shoulder and piggy back rides I got. I loved putting barrettes in his hair because I thought he looked beautiful that way, and sometimes if I was lucky I got to sit under the blanket with him inside his own homemade sauna he invented with a kettle and blanket when his sinus’s were acting up. I will miss all of this. I will miss how he never once judged me and how he was always so proud of me. I will miss his constant support. And I will miss how incredibly smart he was and that I always learnt something from him each and every time I talked to him. But most of all, I will miss his hugs and cuddling him and the way that he always reassured me that I would never be too grown up to sit on his knee. All my grampa ever had for me was love. All he really ever had for anyone was love. And I know this is what he will be remembered for. Grandma, I know you will be okay because grampa gave you enough unconditional love to last you a dozen lifetimes and I know that right now he’s having a great time in heaven with all of those you both loved and lost. Grampa, I will cherish all the precious times and love we shared, and you will always and forever be in my heart and on my mind. Grampa, you meant the world to me and don’t ever forget that I love you three and a half! By Aleasha Hanson I have tried for the past week to make the best speech, but no matter how this actually turns out, my grandpa would be proud of me. You can say that you love everyone equally and that everyone around you is just as special as everyone else, but with my grandpa, him and I had a special bond. One that I will treasure for the rest of my life. My grandpa was my best friend, and the past 17 years have been amazing. I would never trade him nor ask of anything more out of him. His kind words of wisdom, his immense sense of humor, and his ability and courage to continue his remarkable life, have inspired me to do the very best that I can. My grandparents have been there for me and my sisters since day one. Their unconditional love for us, but also for each other is incredible. As a child you think that it would be impossible to love the same man or woman for the rest of your life. With my grandma and grandpa this has become a reality. Not only were they perfect for each other, but they are soul mates. My grandpa was a unique character. Always making me laugh and doing the craziest things imaginable. Whether he was making faces at me without his dentures or insisting that I eat his nasty breakfast creations made of beans and grains. I will always remember plucking the stray hairs out of the middle of his head or when we used to sit downstairs and chat while we were cutting up paper into little, itty, bitty pieces. His constant smile and the unforgettable scent of his ears, will forever stay in my memory. I will never use an ickzackto knife as he did. He was always slicing an apple, cutting his toe nails, or scrapping bird poop off the deck, all with the same knife I might add. His inventions were unpredictable, but at the same time something you only expected him to do. I remember the one and only time in my life that I outsmarted my grandpa. It was Easter and we were spending time in Calgary with him and grandma. My sisters and I had just found our treats from the Easter Bunny. I had asked my grandpa to write my name on a piece of paper. He did so, and then I ran to the bedroom and compared the writing on my card from the Easter Bunny, to the writing on the paper. Sure enough, it was the same writing and my grandpa tried covering it up by saying, “The Easter Bunny was in a really big hurry and he had no time to write on the card, so he asked if I would do it!” But of course, he admitted that he and grandma were the bunny. My grandpa was so honest and that was probably the only little lie he said in his whole life! Everyday my grandpa looked as handsome as ever. Grandma would constantly make sure that he had on a perfect shirt and his hair was all neat and exact. She fussed occasionally, although she knew that he was the most admirable man on the earth! I am flattered to this day, whenever someone says that I look like my grandpa! My grandparents have taught me so much about life. They always push me to the very best that I can do! I love them both so very very much and yes grandma FOR BOTH YOU AND GRANDPA, I WILL PASS MATH THIS SEMESTER!!! I never thought that I would be up here, in front of all of you. My tears will dry eventually, but my heart will never be mended. I will never be to old to sit on his knee. There should be more people as incredible and astounding as my grandpa. But I know now that he is safe in heaven and the only thing that I can do, is patiently wait for the day, that I will be up there with my grandpa, my dad, and my uncle Terry. By Amanda Hanson My grampa was never one to complain. He always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye. No matter what the situation with his cleverness he always managed to make everyone around him happy. Whether it was making a funny face or cracking one of his many jokes. I loved listening to all of his stories and theories and how you could say one word and he managed to make an hour long conversation out of it. Both my grama and grampa have been so supportive in all aspects of my life as long as I can remember. They went out of there way to come to plays, concerts, graduation, and birthdays. It meant so much to me that my grandpa had seen his first basketball game at one of my tournaments a few weeks ago. I stayed in Calgary many summers with just me, grama and grampa. They were always entertaining me and making me feel like the most special person in the whole world because of how much time they dedicated to me. Grampa and I always used to go bike riding trying to run over as many gophers as we could with our tires, or trying my new roller blades they had brought me years ago, and going to the gym. We were constantly comparing muscles and competing in lifting weights, and of course he would always win. When I was seven I told him that I would beat my mom’s side of genes and I’d grow to be six feet tall. 5'9 now and hopefully I can still hold that promise to him. I loved how anything I said I was going to do, sports or clubs I joined they were both behind me 100% but of course I couldn’t get away without them voicing there concerns. The farm was my favorite place to be when I was little. I loved the fresh air and how it gave me memories of my dad. Us girls have so many memories there from playing with cats to our own personal rides on the quad with grampa. Looking at deer that came along on the lawn or just being inside enjoying everyone’s company. One specific time that sticks in my mind was our sleep over when grampa was in charge. In the morning we saw juice and cereal on the table with no milk in sight and we all knew what we were in for. That was the best cereal I’ve ever tasted. I remember always combing and styling his hair. I had so much fun making him look silly. I was so devastated when he decided to shave his head so I only had two chunks of hair to work with. We always had great conversations as we went to lunch everyday at Tim Hortons. Talking about anything we just loved being around each other. He was so smart and I never got bored of listening to his voice. He went out of his way to be the best grampa ever and his love for grama, myself and my sisters was so precious and has taught me to appreciate everyone around me. I’ll never forget the last words he said to me and how much he expressed that he loved me. I’m gonna miss his laugh, his kisses and hugs and everything about him. I love you grampa and I know you’ll always be here with me. I love you six. By Jenna Hanson Eulogy by Don Whiting As you look around this sanctuary today, you can see the impact that our friend Robert has had on his friends, neighbors and family. All of us will have different and numerous memories of Robert. For some of you it may be your dealings buying seed grain. For others, it will be your memories of Roberts quick little laugh or the skiing trips that you accompanied Robert and Hazel on. But whatever our memories are, we now know that we will miss him dearly because he was such a special individual. Robert was born on February 11, 1936, the second son of Mel and Clara Wilson. His older brother Tom had been born ten years previous. Tom recalls what a happy young lad Robert was, always laughing and jovial. Robert had the wonderful experience of attending the one room school at Blackrock and then later attended high school in Lloydminster. After completing grade 11, he felt compelled to return to the farm to assist with the farming activities. Robert was interested in all animals and birds. Brother Tom had given him a bird book when he was 12 years old. As a result Robert could identify nearly all the bird species that we have in this area, plus any that he might see in his travels. When I say that he loved all animals, I should maybe clarify one thing. It seems that there was one saddle horse that he was not to fond of. Apparently this horse would like to go into the slough to cool off. Now that wasn’t a problem in itself, but it would go in the slough and roll with Robert still riding it. Robert and Hazel met in the summer of 1957. Their first date consisted of a trip to the stock car races in Lloydminster. They were married July 11, 1959. Hazel was teaching at the time out by Maidstone at the Dry Gully school. Robert would leave their farm in the winter when there was not a lot to do and visit Hazel, helping area neighbors with various odd jobs, such as hauling wood or moving bales. They then took over the farm from his parents. They started out with three quarters of what Tom described as marginal land and eventually turned it into a seed farm consisting of eight quarters. Spruced up Seed Farm was the result. Robbie was born on June 2, 1960, Dan on August 1, 1961 and Terry on October 10, 1966. Everyone knows how much work it takes to operate a seed farm. One must be meticulous or fussy in all areas. That reminds me. One time Robert had taken their car to the dealership to get some work done. When the service manager gave him his copy of the repair bill, Robert noticed that they had given him the garage copy. Across the top was handwritten “fussy customer”. As I have been preparing this eulogy, fussy is one word that I heard over and over, that Robert was a perfectionist. It is hard enough cleaning seed drills and combines for regular farming operations but when you have to clean every single seed from you equipment, bins and trucks, that takes time and dedication. When you are entrusted to grow foundation and certified seed there is no room for error. Weed control is another area that must be above par in order to maximize returns. Many area youth have spent time in their fields roughing weeds. I recall one time stopping in for coffee on a Sunday afternoon and before very long we were out in the East field pulling weeds one by one. Their efforts were not unnoticed as they had many customers who came back year after year for their seed requirements. Robert was an active member of the Canadian Seed Growers Association. They were also honored by being recipients of the distinguished Robertson Award for excellence in seed production. The name Spruced up Seed Farm came by its name honestly. Robert and Hazel would go up north time after time to retrieve the trees that would ultimately become symbolic with their farm. Their farm yard was a showpiece. Many hours were spent planning, planting and cutting and pruning and it showed. Many of you will recall when Robert had a heart problem in 1979 which appears to have been caused by one of the seed treatments he was using. After a triple bypass he returned to being the very fit person that we all recall. In 1997, Robert suffered a second heart attack and then subsequently had a farm sale. They then moved to Calgary to retire. Often Robert would say to Hazel “I’m taking you out for supper. You’re supposed to be retired too.” They said the move to Calgary, was to be closer to Dan and his family. But coincidentally there were ski resorts a short distance away. Their love of skiing was unparalleled. Many of you here today have skied with Robert. We always wondered if he was really really into it or if he was just trying to keep up with Hazel. During the first few years while Hazel was zooming down the triple black diamond runs Robert was feeling his way on the bunny runs. I’ll bet there hasn’t been a year lately that they haven’t had a season pass at Sunshine. Their good friend Charlie recalls that Robert didn’t really care for mountain heights, so when there was fog obscuring the lower part of the mountain that was fine with him. Their devotion to skiing is evident for all to see by their personalized vehicle licence plates that proclaim WE SKI 2 AND SKI WHIZ or a sticker on the side of their SUV that states “work is for people who don’t know how to ski”. Their love of skiing then turned into a passion for collecting antique and vintage skis. Their home now houses more skies than the Smithsonian museum. I always felt it was my civic duty to phone Robert when I saw a set of skies in an antique store or at an antique show. He would usually end up making a purchase and making a new friend at the same time. It finally got to the point where Hazel said they didn’t need any more skies. That didn’t deter me and it certainly didn’t deter Robert. Robert and Hazel’s devotion to their family was unmatched. Even though they lived in Calgary 800 miles away, Robert and Hazel managed to attend just about all the plays, dance recitals, graduations, hockey and soccer games and more recently basketball all over Alberta with both the Lloyd and Calgary grandkids. Just about everyone I talked to referred to Robert’s commitment to his family and the six grandkids. He would always be there giving encouragement, motivating and inspiring, while at the same time doing a little teasing. They are so proud of their son Dan, who is now President and CEO of his own oil company Relentless Energy in Calgary. Roberts sense of humor is also memorable. While doing some research for this eulogy I went up to the coffee shop at Oliver’s Border Junction at Alcurve. You can usually get more information there than you can off the internet. Herb Oliver remembered the time when he had just put up some new shoplifting signs. Herb noticed that they had suddenly disappeared. The mystery was solved when they came back to Herb in a plain brown envelope with handwriting that sure looked like Robert Wilson’s. Cheryl recounted the time when she was expecting and Robert told her she was going to have a girl. When asked how he knew, he said he knew because when he drove by their place he could see pink in the bedroom window. As it turned out she did have a girl Naomi. It was then that Cheryl informed him that what he was really looking at, was pink insulation in the window. Apparently Harry Lake was helping Robert with jobs around the yard one summer when he accidently pulled down a telephone line. Forever after, he referred to Harry as the Wichita Lineman. In recent times Robert took a real interest in history. He did a lot of researching of his own family history, finding old family photos and identifying them for the future generations. He also started researching local history, dating back to the presettlement days of this area. Every trip back to Lloyd was used to further his research. Much time was spent in the local Archives, the Glenview Archives the Barry Colony Centre or Touring historic sites with friends. I’ve had some very enjoyable and educational tours with Robert in the last couple of years. I wish we could have done more. There is probably no one more knowledgeable than Keith Davidson when it comes to area history and Robert enjoyed his visits and conversations with Keith. Since Roberts heart attacks he put 100% into living a healthy lifestyle. He was probably more fit than any of us. His dietary habits and exercise regime would put any of us to shame. It was not unusual to meet Robert at 8:15 at Tim Horton’s to find out that he had already made two loops around Bud Miller Lake or had done 20 flights of stairs in the Wayside. We hear of stories of how he would spend ½ to 3/4 of a day cycling through Calgary’s parks and trails. A fine example to all of us. Briefly, as I visited with friends and neighbors the following descriptions were noted time and time again. Pleasant, man of integrity, honest, humorous, respected, friendly, caring, and perfectionist, inventor, and always willing to try new things. Robert was born on February 11, 1936. The second son of Melville and Clara Wilson. Robert passed away January 24, 2005 at the age of 68. He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Hazel, one son Dan and his wife Jennifer of Calgary and their three children, Courtney, Luc and Jared, one daughter-in-law: Marcy and her husband Kim Hanson and their children Aleasha, Amanda, and Jenna, one brother Tom (Jean) of Ottawa, Ontario, one sister-in-law: Mavis McLeod of Wainwright, Alberta and numerous nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his mother and father, his son Terry, and his son Robbie. Today, as we leave here, remember what Robert has meant to you. Cherish the memories and don’t let his life be in vain. Robert was a man that made the most of each and every day. As the Bible says in Matthew 24 verse 36. We know not the day nor the hour of our passing. Let us forever remember Robert as we make the most of each and every day. We miss you Robert. Two solo's "If," and "It's Never Easy to Say Goodbye," were sung by Diane and Darren Meunier. Two special songs on CD were played - “How Can I Tell You?” and “Once In A Lifetime”. The organist was Irene Knowlson. Honorary pallbearers were: Don Whiting, Frank Mann, George Mann, Chuck Kilbank, Leo Bugiak, Charles Black, Keith Davidson, Harry Lake, Monti McEwen as well as all those who shared in Robert's life. Interment followed in the Lloydminster City Cemetery. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster administered the funeral arrangements. Card of Thanks The family of the late Robert A. Wilson wish to thank Dr. R. Sayeed and the many other doctors, nurses, ambulance personnel etc. Who added many years to Robert’s life with their splendid care. Thanks to those in Calgary who tried to help him. Thank you Don for your loving tribute and thanks to the grandchildren for theirs. Thank you to the pallbearers and all who attended the memorial service. Thank you Reverend Norm Laird, Irene Knowlson (organist) and Dianne & Darren Meunier for the beautiful songs “If” and “It’s Never Easy To Say Goodbye.” Thanks to the United Church Women for the lovely lunch. Thank you to McCaws for all they did to help us. We are so grateful to our family and our friends for the support, visits, phone calls, flowers, food and donations given in memory of Robert. We will remember. The Wilson Family Donations in memory of Robert may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.