CURRIE, Elmer Garfield
November 24, 1919 - September 23, 2010
Elmer Garfield Currie passed away peacefully on the first day of autumn in the Drumheller hospital following a brief illness. He was 90 years old. Elmer loved the land. He learned to farm from his parents, Herb and Lily Currie, who were pioneers in the Orkney district. Elmer was an exemplary farmer who embraced new ideas, and experimented with different farming practices using logic and care. As a graduate of the “Tech” (the Provincial Institute of Technology and Art and later S.A.I.T), he used his mechanical and welding skills and his remarkable talent to envision and build various farm implements. His forage harvester and his weed sprayer were two highly successful examples. Elmer also loved to restore old vehicles, especially tractors. A highlight for many years for Elmer was driving “Minnie”, the 1927 Minneapolis tractor he restored, and the “Blue Goose”, his 1930 Model A Ford Coupe, in the July 1 parade in Drumheller, where he won many ribbons. Elmer loved his communities and this love meant doing. Elmer was active in many early utility cooperatives and farm organizations such as the Orkney Telephone Cooperative, the Orkney Gas Cooperative, UNIFARM, Alberta Weather Modification, the Alberta Wheat Pool and the Orkney Water Coop, to name a few. He was an elder of Sarcee Butte United Church and a member of the official board for many years at both Knox United Church Three Hills and Knox United Church Drumheller. One of his greatest pleasures in later years was working at Pioneer Acres. He was especially proud of the 30 horse hitch. Elmer loved to play. He played the piano at many school dances and enjoyed playing on the Orkney Baseball Team. He was blessed with a tremendous sense of humour and was often the ring leader of harmless pranks with his friends. The greatest love of Elmer’s life was Bette. They were married in 1953 and together they raised their family and farmed in Orkney for over 50 years. Bette passed away October 24, 2009 and Elmer continued to live in their condo taking part in an active social life and a strong attachment to Knox United Church. Elmer is survived by his three daughters and their families, Dawn Wickenden, husband Rodger Wickenden and step-daughter Tawna; Beverley Currie, husband David Wood, and sons Timothy and Robin; and Shelley Currie, husband Roger Mah Poy and sons Christopher and Peter; his sister Norma West, and many extended family and friends. A service to celebrate Elmer’s long and remarkable life will be held at Knox United Church in Drumheller on Saturday, October 9, 2010 at 1:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations to Knox United Church, 195 – 3 Avenue East, Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y4 or the Drumheller & District Music Festival, c/o Box 2378, Drumheller, Alberta T0J 0Y0 or a charity of your choice would be gratefully appreciated.
PERSONAL ALTERNATIVE
FUNERAL SERVICES
12 East Lake Way NE
Airdrie, Alberta
(403) 216-5111 & (403) 823-5151
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