SHUKYS
Alexander (Al)

May 15, 1934 - September 16, 2018

“Al” was born Aleksandras Augustinas Sukys, the eldest of 6 children born to Vanda and Stanley in Kaunas, Lithuania. Leaving their homeland in 1946, and in a two year journey by horse and wagon, the family migrated to Canada to settle in the northern community of Sioux Lookout, ON. Here Al’s love of fishing, hunting and the outdoors was born. The passion remained throughout all of Al’s life. At the age of 18, Al enlisted in the army and was soon after dispatched to Korea. He was immensely proud of his time with the PPCLI and it was on his return to Camp Petawawa that he met his wife of 62 years, Shirley. They were married in 1955 and over the next 5 years, their family grew to include David, Donna and Wanda. While building their family, Al was also building his career as a power lineman with Ontario Hydro. With a demand for linemen in Alberta, Al ventured to Calgary to set up home and the family followed in 1966 to start a long history in Alberta. Al preserved his love of Lithuanian culture by serving as president of the Calgary Lithuanian Club for 2 terms. Through his efforts, he established the Lithuanian Youth Club which resulted in an annual National Camp and performing Dance Troupe. He dabbled in politics for a time and always maintained a strong interest for the welfare of Canada. He continued his career as a Power Lineman with the City of Calgary through to retirement in 1994 and soon after moved to Cambria, AB where he and Shirley lived out their years in the company of family and friends. Al is predeceased by his beloved wife Shirley, brothers Antanas and Roman. He leaves behind son David (Donna), daughters Donna, Moochie (Tim), and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He is survived by his sisters Wanda (Terry), and Irene, brother Henry (Debbie) and many nephews and nieces. To the many professionals involved in Al’s care these past years – thank you! Your compassion brought much comfort on Al’s final journey. In lieu of flowers and in honor of Al’s memory, please consider a donation to the Drumheller Legion #22 Poppy Fund, Box 147, 295 Centre Street, Drumheller AB T0J 0Y0. It would mean very much to Al. A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 22nd at Courtney-Winters Funeral Home and followed by graveside prayers. 199 – 2nd Street West, Drumheller AB.

JOHNSON
Bert

April 17, 1938 - September 11, 2018

Bert Johnson of Rumsey passed away on September 11, 2018 at the age of 80 years. Bert was born on April 17, 1938 to Johnny and Mary Johnson of Rumsey. He was the “middle child”- #6 of 11 children. He was raised on the Johnson family farm, northeast of Rumsey, and attended Greenridge School in his younger years, and finished his Grade 11 in Drumheller, where he lived in the dormitory. Bert married Elaine Cameron in 1960. They had two children Duane and Gwen. During his life, Bert farmed with his brothers, Melvin & Ed at Rumsey, operated the Modern Machine Shop Allis Chalmer/Dodge dealership in Stettler with his oldest brother Clarence, had a livestock hauling business, operated the UFA fuel bulk station in Rumsey, and operated the Rumsey Hotel for a short time. But his true love was his purebred Simmental herd. He raised and showed cattle across Alberta for a number of years, and had many Champions, of which he was very proud. Bert was an avid 4-Her. He was a member of the Scollard Beef Club in 1948 & 1949. He was a 4-H leader for over 10 years, attended the 4-H Show every year until failing health made it too difficult. Even then, he would need a detailed update every year as to the winners and sale results. Bert loved to party! He enjoyed curling, dancing, coffee at the Rumsey Drop In, and always loved a great card game. Smear was his game of choice. Sadly, Bert suffered a stroke in 2007. From that time forward he lived in various lodges, with his final move being to Drumheller Continuing care, where he passed away. Bert was predeceased by one sister Betty Sinclair, three brothers; Mike Johnson, John Johnson, and Gene Johnson. Bert is survived by his son Duane Johnson and his partner in life Kelly Wheeler and her sons Aaron, Joshua & Carlen, his daughter Gwen Hampton and her husband Alan and his grandchildren; Landelle, Evan, and Levi Hampton, three sisters; Lila Meding, Molly Cosens, Linda Cosens, three brothers; Clarence Johnson, Ed Johnson, Melvin Johnson, his children’s mother Elaine Johnson, numerous nieces, nephews, and a lifetime of friends. A Celebration of Life was held for Bert on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 4:00 P.M. at the Rumsey Community Hall. Family and close friends were invited to the Rumsey Cemetery at 3:00 P.M. for the Service of Committal. Memorial donations may be made in loving memory of Bert to Rumsey-Rowley 4-H Beef Club, c/o Kent Holowath, Box 127, Rumsey, Alberta T0J 2Y0 or Rumsey & District Ag Society, Box 60, Rumsey, Alberta, T0J 2Y0 Courtney-Winter’s Funeral Homes are in care of the arrangements.