PAULLUS
Richard Warren

October 6, 1954 - July 28, 2023

Rick passed away suddenly at the age of 68 as the result of complications from a stroke at the Drumheller Health Centre. He was born in Melfort, Saskatchewan and was raised and educated in Drumheller. He was a very social person known for his great sense of humour, his various talents including tinkering on his vehicles, gardening, cooking, camping and being an all-round fun person to be around. He was sometimes a bit rough around the edges but always liked to have a laugh and share tall tales or jokes. He was very proud of his Native heritage.
Rick worked in various construction type jobs with his first serious job at the young age of 17. His father, Philip, arranged for him to obtain work in B.C. in a logging camp but Rick didn’t enjoy being away from Drumheller so once he returned, he never left again.
Rick worked for the Town of Drumheller for over 23 years in various positions. Throughout the years he was a valued employee. Following his retirement in October of 2019, Rick kept in contact with many of his co-workers, enjoying their company and exchanging stories of years gone by.
Rick is survived by his wife Sheila of 47 years, daughter Tenille Hetu (Elise) and son Chad Paullus, sisters Leann and Corinne Gardner, Uncle Clint Paullus, sisters-in-laws Karen Holt and Bonnie Polych, niece Melody Polych (Brent) and various other nieces, nephews and good friends.
He was predeceased by his grandparents Gertrude and Philip Paullus who raised Rick as their son, his mother Velma Gardner, brothers Kirk and Greg Gardner, father-in-law Walter and mother-in-law Ruby Polych, Uncle Stan Polych, Phyllis and Percy Whitford, brother-in-law Allen Polych and sister-in-law Sherry Polych.
The family would like to thank the timely response of the Drumheller EMS team who transported Rick to the Foothills Hospital where he received excellent care and to the Drumheller Hospital Acute Care staff who provided care and support for Rick upon his return to Drumheller prior to his sudden passing.
There will be a Celebration of Life held at the Rosedale Hall on Saturday, August 12 at 2:00 p.m. Lunch will be served. Dress casual.
Flowers are declined and donations (if desired) can be made to the Drumheller & District Humane Society or a charity of your choice.
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements. 403-823-2666.

PEARSON
Mary Isabella
(Waters)

January 22, 1931 - July 26, 2023

Mary was born in Drumheller to Harvey and Isabella Waters of Morrin. With the sudden passing of her mother only days after her birth, it was decided Mary would be raised by her Grandparents, Annie and John Grieve of Nacmine. Mary spent weekends and holidays with her father and five older siblings until she was six years old and moved home permanently so she could start school in Morrin. Her sister, Anne, and brothers, Sam, Bill, Jim and Fred were very protective of each other but especially of Mary. They were incredibly close throughout their lives no matter where they lived in the world.
While growing up, Mary also spent a great deal of time with her aunt and uncle, Rose and Roy Waters. Rose was a huge influence in Mary’s life and taught her the basics of baking, sewing and pickling. There was also the added bonus of helping to raise her two cousins, Louise and Beth, who Mary thought the world of and remained very close to.
After graduating from High School in Drumheller, Mary worked at the Bank of Montreal for several years. She met Roger Pearson of Delia at a dance and soon they literally began making beautiful music together as they played for old time dances around the country with their band the Valley Ramblers, Mary playing the piano and Roger the fiddle and mandolin. Their friendship bloomed to love and they were married in 1959.
Mary and Roger lived on their mixed farm east of Michichi, where they grew grain, raised cattle, pigs, chickens, and had two massive gardens. Two children completed their family; Jim was born in 1961 and Carmen in 1964. Mary loved being a mom and instilled the joy of cooking, baking, gardening and music into them as they grew up.
After selling the family farm and moving into Delia, both Mary and Roger became very involved with the Delia Historical Society. The accomplishments they helped the society achieve are long and detailed but she loved volunteering in the Delia Museum and working at all the fundraisers.
The greatest joy in her life were her three grandchildren. She loved them fiercely and if they needed her, she was there for them no questions asked. The memories she created with them baking, reading, making up stories and songs, are numerous and treasured.
Mary was sweet, kind, generous and always worrying about everyone else except herself. She met every challenge in her life head on and without complaint. She leaves to mourn her daughter Carmen (Darren) Davis, grandchildren Rees, Mason and Sloane (Riley), brother Jim Waters, sister-in-law Laura Waters, cousin Louise (Roy) Parry, several nieces and nephews and many good friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Roger, in 2015 and son, Jim, in 2018.
A service celebrating Mary’s life will be held at the Knox United Church in Drumheller, August 12, 2023 at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests her memory be honoured by contributions to one of the charities below:
Canadian Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation
(http://cpff.ca/get-involved/donate/)
Aspire Special Needs Resource Centre
(https://aspirespecialneeds.ca/ways-to-give/)
Canadian Cancer Society (https://cancer.ca/en/)
Courtney-Winters Funeral Home in care of arrangements 403-823-2666.