Welding Kolstad —  2007

   It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Welding Kolstad on August 8, 2007 in the Claresholm General Hospital, after a brave battle with melanoma.
   He leaves to mourn his wife and best friend of 47 years, Sharon, of Granum; daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Allan Corbett (Clayton) of Cochrane; daughter Kathryn (Kate) Kolstad of Calgary; son and daughter-in-law Bradley and Patti Kolstad (Landon and Chris) of Bakersfield, CA; sister Hilda Fletcher; sisters-in-law Roberta Whittaker and Ruth Ann Brown; brother-in-law Jim Sharp (Tanis); numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends.
   Welding was born on the family farm at Airdrie to Bitta and Halvard Kolstad. He was always very proud of his Norwegian heritage.
   For the last 30 years he ranched at Granum. Welding was a Scout leader and 4-H leader, a charter member of the Airdrie Lions Club, a member of Airdrie and Granum United Churches, and past president of Western Stock Growers Association.
   Above all, Welding's love and support of family always came first.
   "This time for me is truly passed,"
   "I have loved you all to the very last."
   "Weep for me but courage take,"
   "And love one another for my sake."
   A celebration of Welding's life took place Tuesday, Aug. 14, 2007, at 2 p.m. at the Airdrie Town and Country Centre, 275 Jensen Dr. N.E., reception to follow.
   In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Melanoma Clinic at the Tom Baker Centre, 1331 29th St. N.W. Calgary, T2N 4N2; STARS Calgary Base Head Office, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Box 570, Calgary, T2E 8M7; or the Palliative Care Centre, Claresholm General Hospital, Box 610, Claresholm, T0L 0T0.
   Arrangements entrusted to Leyden's Funeral Home, 4079 First St. W., Claresholm, T0L 0T0. Visit www.leydens.com.