Gerrit J. Schmale — 1923 - 2007

   Gerrit J. Schmale, beloved husband of Wilhelmina Schmale of Fort Macleod, went to be with his Lord and Saviour, following a lengthy, courageous battle with cancer on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2007, in the Lethbridge Regional Hospital at the age of 83 years.

   Gerrit is also survived by one son, Duane (Ava) of Esterhazy, Sask.; his daughters Carolyn (Garry) Jordan of Edmonton and Gwendalyn (Edward) Vanee of Lethbridge; grandchildren Adam Schmale, Lorraine Schmale, Sheryl (Mel) Calahasen of Cochrane, Brian (Brenda) Vandervalk, Stephen (Michelle Bushaw) Vandervalk and Daniel Vandervalk, all of Fort Macleod; great grandchildren Coltyn Calahasen, Brendan Calahasen, Cayley Calahasen and Evangeline Vandervalk and by several nieces and nephews.

   Gerrit was predeceased by one son Gerrit John Jr. in 1968.

   Gerrit's surviving siblings are John (Eleanor) Schmale of Sylvan Lake, Allie (Roy) Connor of Fort Macleod and Joe (Brenda) Louwenaar of Calgary.

   He was predeceased by his father Jan Schmale (1931), his mother Ykje Louwenaar and Jetse Louwenaar.

   Gerrit was born March 5, 1923 in Granum. He grew up and farmed there until he and Wilhelmina moved into Fort Macleod in 2001.

   During his life he was actively involved in the community, serving on the United Grain Growers board for 35 years, Granum Seed Plant board for 30 years, and the local well board, and was a 4-H club member, club leader and board member.

   As a teenager, Gerrit won a trip to Olds College for his oats in the 4-H club.

   Gerrit was a faithful charter member of the Fort Macleod Alliance Church, where he served on the elders' board.

   A memorial service was held at the Fort Macleod Alliance Church on Monday, Feb. 12, 2007, at 2 p.m. with Rev. Jim Zondervan officiating. Interment in Union Cemetery.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions will be gratefully accepted to the Canadian Cancer Society (Research), c/o the Fort Macleod drug stores. Eden's Funeral Home, Fort Macleod, in care of arrangements.