REED, Vera
January 14, 1921 - October 27, 2010
Vera Ethel Reed passed away on October 27, 2010 at the age of 89 in Drumheller, Alberta. Vera was born on January 14, 1921, delivered by a mid-wife in a nursing home in Swift Current, Saskatchewan. Vera was the eldest of 6 girls and 1 boy born to Walter and Alice Van Buskirk. Vera had many fine memories of her childhood in Saskatchewan: Sunday picnics after church at the Saskatchewan River, swimming and fishing at their cabin on Clearwater Lake, watching their father play baseball or curling. With so many girls and a piano, their house was a gathering place for the young crowd for parties, dances or sing-songs. They also had a tennis court at the farm where neighbours would gather to compete. After high school, Vera attended Teacher’s College in Saskatoon. Her first teaching position was In Swift Current where she met the tall, handsome Henry Reed. Henry exercised a little influence with the school trustees at Rankin School near Eatonia and somehow manage to get Vera transferred there so he could continue the courtship. They were married four months later on December 24, 1941, after which Vera became a full-time housewife and mother of five. Henry and Vera farmed in Mantario, Saskatchewan and finally settled in Delia in 1963 where they farmed until 1998 when they moved to Drumheller. They had turned the farming operations over to Van and Walter years earlier, but Henry still liked to drive the combine and Vera always had a nice lunch ready for her men. Vera often drove truck for them as well, until one harvest day when the truck started the field on fire, she never drove again. During their years farming in Mantario and Delia, Henry and Vera spent most winters in Calgary. In 1972 and 1973 they wintered in Acapulco and the Yucatan with Ollie and Vera, Olive and Beryl. They loved to explore the ancient ruins and spent many hours relaxing in the sun and sand, something which Van and Linda now enjoy in Mexico in the winters. In 1976 they wintered in Australia with Linda and Gordon and Nathan and Jonothan. She remembered fondly watching Jono take his first steps in the sand. They also spent time in New Zealand while “down under”. So after enjoying the warmer climates, they decided to winter permanently in a warmer climate and settled in Mesa, Arizona where they enjoyed golfing and entertaining. Vera loved to organize social events and skits, dressing Henry in outrageous costumes and persuading him to perform with their cronies at happy hour. Their happiest time down south was when their children would come to visit and Vera could serve up some of her favorite chicken dishes. One of her favorite past-times was clipping coupons, and then driving all over town to save a nickel. Apparently she has passed this trait on to Walter and Roxie and Kathy and Don, who also now winter in Arizona. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree with any of their children, the travel wanderlust lives in all of them. While wintering in Calgary, Henry and Vera belonged to the Calgary Winter Club. Vera loved to curl and went on to win two provincial curling titles in 1962 and 1963 and she represented Alberta at the Dominions those years. Unfortunately a Canadian title was not to be. They passed on their love of curling to their children, although none were quite as successful as Vera in their quest for the big trophy. Henry and Vera loved to travel and they made several trips. Most memorable as recorded by Vera were: Disneyland in 1965 with Jack and Pat Schuh and their family; Expo in Japan in 1970 with friends from Eatonia; India, Thailand, and Hong Kong with friends from Mesa in 1988. In 1985 they went to Florida with Van and Linda and Don and Kathy. The most memorable event in that trip was almost making it to the end of the keys and the rustling of chocolate bars from Kathy in the back seat. In 1988 they went to Florida again, this time with Van and Linda and Andre. The most memorable event of this trip was watching the launch for the Space Shuttle Endeavour. Vera was an avid gardener who loved her vegetables and flowers. She spent hours in her yard, sometimes getting caught scantily clad on a hot summer day.Vera was a member of the Eastern Star and the U.C.W., and had a strong faith in God. Vera’s failing health and onset of Alzheimers prompted a move to the Sunshine Lodge in Drumheller in 2004 and eventually to the Continuing Care Facility where she remained until her passing on October 27, 2010. Vera was predeceased by her loving husband Henry in 2003, her son Ronnie in 1964 and by her brother David and sisters Florence and Marian. Vera is survived by her sons, Van (Linda) of Ladysmith,B.C. and Walter (Roxie) Reed of Delia, her daughters Linda (Ramsey) Marshall of Delia, and Kathy (Don) Thompson of Delia. She leaves to cherish her memory eleven grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren. Two more grandchildren will be added to the fold in the coming months. Vera is also survived by her sisters Dorothy Lytle of Kyle, Sk, Margaret Shirkie of Medicine Hat, AB and Connie (Bevan) Williams of Richmond, BC. Vera was a wonderful mother and grandmother whose love for her family was an inspiration to us all. She leaves a legacy of love, laughter, strength and compassion. She is now safely back in the arms of her beloved Henry, where she has wanted to be since his passing. May she rest in peace. Service of Remembrance for Vera was held Monday November 1, 2010 at 2:00 P.M. from the Delia United Church, with Donations to the Alzheimers Society. Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes were in care of the arrangements.
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