GILLESPIE

Delbert
Alexander

May 30, 1926 - April 28, 2020

Delbert Alexander Gillespie was born May 30th, 1926 to Alex and Elizabeth Gillespie in Calgary, AB. He was the eldest of four siblings Alice, Crawford, and William. Delbert was raised at the feedlot in Bonnybrook east Calgary. In 1952, he married Eleanor Sonnie of Nanton and in 1953, Delbert and Eleanor welcomed their first child, Deborah Margret. Marshall Alexander came along in 1956 and Cameron Delbert followed in 1959. They built a life and home on the Red Deer River that they both came to love so much. Delbert loved his way of life and he was honest and generous to a fault. A kind hearted man, Delbert conducted his life as a true country gentleman. He loved the history of his community and the people that lived there. Delbert was an authority on the history of the Red Deer River Valley. Music played a huge part in his life from the beginning and he could play by ear. In his later years he played with many groups and bands around the area. Music was a passion that he loved until the end. Eleanor and the Family would like to extend our most heartfelt thanks to all of the staff at Sunrise Gardens who, in extremely difficult circumstances, cared for Delbert with great care and compassion unto his end. Delbert was pre-deceased by his granddaughter Allison, sister Alice Bickell, daughter Debbie and son-in-law Sheldon Peake. He is survived by his wife Eleanor and two sons, Marshall (Donna) and Cameron (Laurie); two brothers Crawford and Bill Gillespie; seven grandchildren, Lauren (Lars) Nielsen, Joscelyn (Kevin) Stangowitz, Joanna (Carson) Slorstad, Valerie Gillespie, Jordie (Lorna) Gillespie, Ryan (Kellee) Gillespie, and Brent (Sandy) Gillespie; his 13 great-grands, Liam, Lane, Kira, Joel, Sam, Sally, Josie, Andi, Molly, Milo, Brenna, Rowen, and Jameson.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted by
Smith Funeral Home Ltd. and Crematorium, Brooks

Funeral arrangements entrusted to:
SMITH FUNERAL HOME LTD. AND CREMATORIUM
BROOKS, ALBERTA

Condolences may be forwarded through www.sfh.ca
Telephone 403-362-4636 or Toll Free (866) 362-4652
“Our Families Serving Your Family Since 1951”

HANSON
Vernon Harold

July 29, 1949 - April 5, 2020

Vernon Harold Hanson, one of triplets born in Swift Current Saskatchewan, 29 July 1949. He and his family lived in Swift Current, for nearly 16 years, up until they moved to Denman Island, B.C. It was there that he met his beloved wife of 52 years, Irene Dawn Hanson and married September 1968, in Dawson City, Yukon. They lived in Kelowna, where he went to Vocational school and where they had their first daughter Laurie-Ann. They then moved to Denman Island, B.C., where their second daughter, Dianne was born in Comox, B.C. Six years later the family moved to Sunnynook, Alberta, to find more reliable employment, where they lived and he worked as a heavy duty mechanic and welder for about 6 more years. They then moved to their current location north of Craigmyle, Alberta. He was also employed as a “do everything” employee for some farmers in the area and then started their own successful grain hauling business which they continued for ten years. He was exceptionally talented in the repair of all farm machinery and personal vehicles. Vern was a hard worker and was well liked by the community and generously helped his neighbors and friends. He was kind and thoughtful to everyone. He loved all his animals and was especially connected with the several dogs, cats, chickens and horses through the years. His closest connection was with Meadow, their latest family dog.
Through the years he enjoyed fishing, but as time passed, he was perfectly content to feed and watch the trout and other fish in their ponds on the acreage. He was also an avid gardener, spending countless hours taking care of the three gardens in the yard. He really loved the peacefulness of his oasis-like acreage, and there was no other place he would rather be. He passed away in the Drumheller Hospital, April 5th, 2020, at the age of 70.
He was the loving grandfather of 6 grandchildren: Devon Woslyng, Wyatt and Kelsey Melnychuk, Jarod and Liam White. Vern is survived by his loving wife, Irene Dawn of 51 years and his sister Judy Schmidt. He was predeceased by his brother Robert, his mother and father, Verina and Alex Hanson and granddaughter Alicia. He will missed by all.