Dad quietly and peacefully left this earthly world on Monday evening, following Mom (Helen Stepanick) who left us just 2 weeks ago. She probably left early so she could stop and play a game of bingo or two without Dad teasing her!
Dad turned 90 this year - a huge accomplishment! Although he had many health challenges over the years, he was a proud and tough old farmer, retired Captain from the City of Edmonton Fire Department; pilot; horse trainer; hunter; reader; traveller; salesman (always sold something for more than he paid!) teacher; tinkerer; brother, uncle, cousin, friend; neighbour; grampa, great grampa and a great Dad. He loved our west coast family and missed his brother Maurice when he passed away, becoming like a 'Dad' to them. He was a rock to his little sister, Ev, and she is missing her big brother so much. Mom and Dad loved to get visits from any family and loved to go to the family reunions.
Up until a few months ago he lived on his farm, missing Mom after she went into long term care a few years earlier.
Dad did what he wanted throughout his life - gave himself challenges and accomplished them. He built his own plane, lived in the mountains, guided hunters, raised sheep, chickens, horses, pigs, cows and a mess of kids starting in 1947 with Linda; followed by Betty (Gary Petruk); Lou (Bob Belland); Barbara (Keith Maxwell); Bobby (Kathy Colley); Lori (Ron Campbell) and Maurice (Sandy Ewing). He was extremely proud of his family.
He and Mom would welcome anyone onto the farm with a hot cup of strong coffee and some of mom's baking - the best!
Although we are sad, we know Mom and Dad are back together now probably up in heaven eating 'buddy burgers'. Dad will be trying to fit the wrong piece into Mom's puzzle and she'll be chuckling and swatting at him. Then, they will watch some TV, have their tea and toast and crawl into bed, together again.
We are grateful to all who provided care to Dad when he needed it. At a later date, both Mom and Dad will be placed together in the South Cooking Lake Cemetery, not far from their farm.