Obituary of Adam Gartner

BIOGRAPHY GARTNER ~ Adam Ronald Gartner passed away peacefully at the Lloydminster Hospital, Lloydminster, Saskatchewan on Monday, November 24, 2008 at the age of 88 years. Adam will be sadly missed by seven children: Greg and Karen Gartner of Grande Prairie, Sandra and Walter Patnoe of Calgary, Barb and Tom McDougall of Lloydminster, Diane and Dale Holland of Whitecourt, Lois and Larry Weighill of Lloydminster, Calvin and Linda Gartner of Calgary, Carman and Jackie Gartner of Lloydminster; seventeen grandchildren; seventeen great grandchildren; two brothers: Jacob and Alice Gartner, John Behm; two sisters: Angela Tait and Pauline. The prayer service was conducted from St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Thursday, November 27, 2008 at 7:00 P.M. with Father Jan Sobkowicz officiating. The Mass of Christian Burial was conducted from St. Anthony's Roman Catholic Church, Lloydminster, Alberta on Friday, November 28, 2008 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Jan Sobkowicz officiating. The eulogy was given by The Family. Leader of song was Lani Burry accompanied on the piano by Melanie Pellerin. A 4th Degree Knights of Columbus Honour Guard was in attendance. Active pallbearers were Bryan McDougall, Tyson Weighill, Tamara Gartner, Tannis Dennis, Crystal-Lynn Gartner, Kaeli McDougall, Greg Weighill and Taylor Weighill. Interment was held at the Lloydminster City Cemetery. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. EULOGY - ADAM GARTNER'S LIFE Dad was born July 26, 1920 near Primate, Saskatchewan at home. He grew up on the farm and went to the Primate school for grade one. Then the family moved to Hoosher in 1931. Dad went to the Greenvale School where he completed grade eight, after which he worked on the farm until the age of 20. At age 20 he rode the rails in Calgary, huddling around the tender of the train to stay warm. Upon arriving in Calgary he found employment at Trotter and Morton Plumbing Company as their delivery driver, and he worked with the plumbers on the Burns Building. After working for a period of time his boss decided Dad should have a drivers licence. While they were at the licence bureau, the boss decided that he would get his licence as well. While Dad was at Trotter and Morton he volunteered to go into the army. He quit his job there. After his examination he was dismissed due to health reasons. As we are all aware Dad was a bit hard of hearing. He then went to Winfield, Alberta to work as a cat skinner in a lumber camp, working with his brother, Johnny Behm. This was during the war and Dad left the lumber camp because the Cats didn't have a canopy and it wasn't uncommon to have a tree top come down on top of the operator. In those years safety was not the high priority that it is now. Dad then moved to the Lloydminster area and found employment with Joe Nicodemus. He worked on road construction until trying his hand at welding with Alvin Johnson. It was there that Dad earned his journeyman welding certification. Dad had decided this type of work was not his calling. From there he decided that working on vehicles was more appealing. He still managed to keep his welding skills to good use, welding railings, hitches for cars and any welding projects that were needed. He found it so appealing that he stayed at R.J.R. Noyes Ltd. For 33 years as a front end mechanic. He retired in July 1985 on his 65th birthday. Besides working very hard he was proud to be associated with the Knights of Columbus in various capacities. He was a Grand Knight on more than one occasion, financial secretary for several years, a life time member of the 4th degree, assisting in any duties asked of him and then some. He was also a member of the Elks Club. His other favorite pastimes were curling, playing horseshoes, golfing, and he loved a good loud card game. Another great pleasure in Dad's life was spending time with his or mom's relatives. The time spent with the Johnson's, Curtis', and Mick and Louise's families were always a fun time. Christmas', New Years's, and Easter holidays spent with the Steven Behm family were always something to look forward to. Uncle Johnny's Christmas and Easter packages always came at just the right time. There was a special feeling of warmth and caring when Dad was around his brothers and sisters. They enjoyed each others company and loved being together. Dad's devotion to the church was well known. He felt honored to perform various duties at the church including, serving communion, counting the collection, ushering, and he especially enjoyed being an acolyte. The greatest personal joy in his life was his wife and family. He wife, Velma, was his most precious gift. She was his companion, best friend, and love of his life for over 32 years. Out of this union came 9 children. He was devastated with the loss of Velma in 1981 and twin boys in 1960. He always found the strength and courage to carry on, and we hope these qualities will be instilled in each and every one of us. We will miss you Dad. CARD OF THANKS The Adam Gartner family would like to thank Dr. Rian du Plooy for his sincere and thoughtful care of "Dad" over the last several years. We would also like to thank Dr. Van der Merwe, Dr. Kostic and the 3rd floor nursing staff at the hospital for the wonderful care and compassion shown to Dad and the family during this difficult time. Thank you to all of the staff of the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre. Dad was very appreciative of the little extras as well as the outstanding daily care he received. This truly made him feel at home. Thank you to Blanche MacDonald, long time neighbor, for demonstrating what true friendship is. Thank you to uncle Jack and aunt Alice for making Dad's 88th birthday this past summer truly memorable. As usual, you stepped in and assisted when needed. To Father Jan Sobkowicz, Deacon Pion, Melanie Pellerin, Lani Bury and the 4th degree Knight of Columbus - the prayer service and funeral mass were what Dad would have genuinely wanted. Thank you to the CWL for the wonderful lunch. Thank you for donations in memory of Dad, the beautiful flowers, food, thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. To Glenn McCaw and everyone of McCaw Funeral Service - Thank You. Greg & Karen Gartner Sandra & Walter Patnoe Barb & Tom McDougall Diane & Dale Holland Lois & Larry Weighill Calvin & Linda Weighill Carman & Jackie Gartner Donations in memory of Adam may be made to the Dr. Cooke Patient Comfort Fund.