Obituary of James Francis Winter

James (Jim) Francis Winter passed away at the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre on January 9, 2012 at the age of 93 years. Jim was born on March 14, 1918 at the family farm northwest of Donalda, Alberta. He was the youngest of 6 children. Ernest Albert (Jim’s Dad) Winter, was one of the early teachers at Donalda and the surrounding school districts. His Mother, Hilda Marie Loney, was the daughter of Ludwig Loney, one of the early farmers in the Donalda district. He met a young lady named Lois Julia Bentley at a high school dance after he finished his schooling. On December 6, 1942 they were married on her parent’s farm north of Gadsby with Reverend Bob Wright of the United Church officiating. They were married for over 62 years until Lois’ passing in 2005. After a short time working in the bush west of Rocky Mountain House, Jim turned to farming. Lois and Jim first farmed his parent’s farm, and then purchased Donald Lawson’s farm in 1950 after the death of their oldest son, Willis Albert. In 1962, they moved to Botha where they had purchased the Pruden farm. There they raised cattle and grain on their mixed farm. Jim enjoyed the farming life despite its challenges. In 1974, they retired from farming to Stettler where he worked at the Elks Club, the UFA Co-op, and Merit Stores until he officially retired at age 65. Retirement brought more adventure and travels to keep track of his growing brood of grandchildren. Jim was a very sociable, easy going man with a wonderful sense of humor and a generous heart – always willing to help his neighbors. Jim was predeceased by his parents, his sister Edna, his 4 brothers Cecil, Harvey, Don and Earl, his eldest son Willis Albert in 1948 and his wife Lois in 2005. Jim is survived by his children – three sons Allen Willis (Kathleen) Winter of Calgary, Albert Henry (Debbie) Winter of Red Deer, Laurie James (Brenda Lee) Winter of Regina, twin daughters Alice Marie Winter of Red Deer and Ann Frances Winter of Spruce Grove, 12 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, his sister-in-law Alice Parsons of Calgary, numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and all his friends.