Obituary of Evelyn Vera Gilmer

In Loving Memory of Evelyn Vera Gilmer December 2, 1925 ~ January 29, 2019 Eulogy Evelyn Vera (Beeton) Gilmer was born into a family of eight to Ed & Lena Beeton of Czar on December 2, 1925. Evelyn attended Birdsview School south of their farm. Evelyn met Robert Donald Gilmer (Bob) of Consort in the early 1940s at a dance at Capt. Ayre Lake. Mom told of their courtship with Dad riding his saddle horse from north of Consort to her parent’s farm south of Czar. From there, they’d ride their horses to whichever country schoolhouse was hosting a 'box social' and dance. Dad would escort Mom home and ride back south through the Neutral Hills, arriving home in the early dawn. Mom and Dad married in 1944. They moved several times around the Czar and Consort areas, where ever the jobs were until, working and living at the Fawcett Farms. The bought their own farm in the 1950's. They raised a family of three. Myself, Lorea, and two sons, Brian and Brent. I grew up on the farm north of Loyalist. My memories were of parents who did everything together. Our evenings were often spent playing music with people arriving to dance in the kitchen as we practiced dance tunes for our band, 'The Hometowners'. Mom would have all the food ready and add her voice to whether or not the tune played had 'a good dance beat.' Mom was a great seamstress, ran the tractor, the combine, helped break horses, worked alongside Dad with the cattle, all the while keeping a spotless home and large garden. Mom was an organizer. She was the family's driving force. When Dad hit a new adventure, she was in charge of logistics. She was the planner of tours, conventions and cattle shows we participated in as we went into the Charolais Cattle Business in the 1960s. Mom worked hard encouraging my participation in 4-H and Dad as a 4-H leader. Together, Mom and Dad organized the Veteran Gymkhana Club. When, in the the mid 1960's, Dad decided to move, Mom went with him to tour BC and Alberta to find a ranch. Mom organized, packed up and relocated us to Westerose near Pigeon Lake. Mom seemed to take in her stride each new adventure. Dad got an idea and Mom made it happen. From Consort to Westerose to Fort Smith (NWT) to Millet to Drayton Valley, back to Westerose and then to retire in Consort in the 1990s. Mom was adaptable to being a partner in each new career. From farming to ranching to building arenas, buffalo corrals, oilfield equipment and facilities, elk corrals, custom homes and furniture. She work alongside Dad. This was a true partnership as Mom and Dad raised a family, served their community. They gathered lifelong friends through music and in their work together. As the next generations arrived, they too travelled to where ever ‘home’ had been established and joined in in making great memories. For them both it was always family first. Mom established an open door policy in each home. We had great family gatherings - good food, good music, great conversations - building great memories. Mom was an awesome hostess. Through the good times, the bad times and the crazy adventurous times, Mom and Dad shared the work and the fun, side by side for almost 70 years. Rest in peace, Mom. Thanks for making all the good memories. - Lorea Evelyn is survived by her daughter, Lorea (Bob) McAllister, Consort, AB Son, Brian (Fern) Gilmer, Kelowna B.C. Son, Brent (Tara) Gilmer, Surrey B.C. Sister, Lorraine Carter, Calgary, AB. Sister-in-law, Joyce Beeton, Leduc AB. Brother-in-law Roy (Rose) Anderson, White Rock B.C. Nine grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild. Many nieces & nephews Evelyn was predeceased by her parents Ed and Lena Beeton. Husband of almost 70 years Robert Donald (Bob) Gilmer May, 2014, sister Edna, brothers: Lewis, Gordon, Walter, Harold & Lawrence (Larry); best friend for 85 years Elsie (Walters) Beeton became sister-in-law (m. Harold Beeton) At Evelyn’s request a private family service will be held. Memorial Donations may be made to Lake Road Cemetery (c/o bx 309, Consort, AB T0C 1B0) or a charity of your own choice.