Obituary of Raymond "Bax" Edson Slemp

Bax Slemp You will remember Bax as someone who always had time for a visit, a story, or a joke (often at the expense of others). A life lived with humor; family; and an entrepreneurial spirit. In addition to traditional farming and ranching, he ventured into raising rabbits; running an apartment building; and importing the obscure Gelbvieh breed of cattle from Germany. Raising Gelbvieh cattle became a pride and passion for many years. Born July 21, 1924 to Earl and Elbra Slemp at Castor, Alberta. Bax was the oldest of his siblings; Leola, Patricia, and Betty. He was raised and worked on the family farm at Fleet for 89 years. In 1956 he met and instantly fell in love with Lilo Frey whom he married in 1958. He has always credited his sisters for engineering this unlikely opportunity. To this union, four children were born - in rapid succession – Sandi, Tim, Linda, and Bob. For many years Bax and Lilo sought refuge from prairie winters in Victoria, returning to the farm each spring, where he delighted in entertaining and following the lives of his Grandchildren. Two years ago he reluctantly left the family farm and entered the Paintearth Lodge where Lilo still resides. Bax is survived by his wife Lilo; daughter Sandi Jackson (Ken) and their children Dane and Ashley, son Tim Slemp (Colleen) and their children Ryan and Graeme, daughter Linda Harris (Mike), son Bob (Pat) and their children Justin, Katrina, William, and Lauren; sisters Leola Pottage (Earl), Patricia Bain, and Betty Filipenko (Dennis).