Shootin' the Breeze – Jan. 2, 2013

FREE LOCAL

PUBLICATION

Vol. 2, Issue 16

www.shootinthebreeze.ca

January 2, 2013

Wishing You Everything Fabulous In 2013!

Queenie and the Girls at Ruffles Boutique 803 Main Street Pincher Creek 403-627-4640 Premium wine kits and wine-making accessories now available at the Pincher Creek Marketplace Food Store

Photo by Shannon Robin

The moon sets on 2012 The first morning of 2013 was sunny, bright and, of course, windy. The old year lingered into the day as shown by the moonset at Lundbreck Falls. Happy New Year!

Best Wishes in 2013 From Us to You! Dennis Robin and staff at Robin & Co. Chartered Accountant

Shannon Robin and staff at Shootin’ the Breeze & Mountainside Printing

Page 2 Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

My Little Corner

By Shannon Robin A personal tradition of mine is to take a morning drive to check out the new year. Sometimes I have company, but often it’s a solo trip. Yesterday it was our little dog who rode along.

It was shortly after 8 a.m. when we pulled away from Pincher Creek into the bright sunshine. Oh what a beautiful morning it was!

I’m never sure exactly what I’m looking for when I head out on this journey, but it’s always an excellent time for personal reflection.

I contemplated my regrets and accomplishments for 2012 – things I could have done better or with more grace, along with those I’m proud of.

The past year was a bit of a roller-coaster ride, but really, what year isn’t?

CAUTION NARROW WINDING ROAD BLIND CORNERS STEEP CLIFFS These words on a roadside sign struck home.

I often find myself on the road less travelled and dealing with such interesting challenges that are the norm when you stray off the beaten path.

I consciously choose to avoid the busy highways of life when I’m able, and prepare myself as best I can for surprises that might be waiting around the blind corners. I’m accident-prone and no daredevil, though, so I keep my distance from the cliff edges.

When the road gets too steep or I lose my way, I’m fortunate to know I have the support of family and friends to get me back on the right path or to help me choose a new one.

There were many wonderful adventures in 2012, and I look forward with great anticipation to what 2013 has in store.

A few miles later, I stopped to watch a giant black bird sitting atop a barren tree. Was it a crow

or a raven? Why didn’t I know the difference? Is there a difference?

It flew off with a loud squawk, as I contemplated how much I’ve learned this year, and how much more I still need to cover. Southwestern Alberta is full of amazing history that is awesome to explore, and even though I’m in my 40s, I also continue to discover new things about myself regularly.

Winter looks different here than what I’ve known most of my life in northeastern Saskatchewan, where water continues to flow once the cold moves in, but only beneath thick, solid ice. I love the sound of water and nothing makes me feel more relaxed than watching it run or listening with my eyes closed. There’s something extra special about this happening amid the snow.

At Lundbreck Falls I stood watching and listening to the water as long as I could stand the cold. The snow on the mountains glowed brilliantly in the morning sun, and I marvelled at the beauty around me. A dozen deer came very close and basked in the morning glory with me.

Last year we did a lot of exploring – at Waterton, Pincher Creek and Crowsnest Pass.

There is so much to do here! This year I hope to continue the trend of appreciating the natural beauty and abundant wildlife in our backyard.

As I drove away from the falls, a ragged flag caught my eye. At least a third of the fabric was long gone – ravaged by the wind. It made me think of the strength of people who call southern Alberta home. There are hardships and challenges, but oh so many wonderful rewards. Like the battered maple leaf on a high pole, resilience and pride are traits of those who live here.

The moon was setting as I drove toward home.

It was a lovely way to say adieu to another year, with the sun and moon sharing the sky – the old making way for the new.

Wishing only the best to you and yours as this new year dawns.

There’s more good stuff online at www.shootinthebreeze.ca Advertising Editorial Share your stories and news ideas!

Submitted articles, letters to the editor and photos are always welcome.

Shannon Robin, Publisher – Writing, Photography and Design Cary Robison – Editing, Printing and Accounting Brenda Shenton – Administrative Assistance, Writing & Photography Brad Quarin – Writing Stan Skahl – Distribution

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We no longer have a classified section.

Web options include advertising in the online paper only, website ads and the STB business directory.

Jessica Jensen – Pincher Creek area Kylee Warkus-Forget – Crowsnest Pass ads@shootinthebreeze.ca or 403-904-2227

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New care program for Canyon School

By Brad Quarin When students return to Canyon School in Pincher Creek next Monday, their principal hopes a care program will be available for them, before and after school. Principal Carole Goodreau and Children’s World Daycare program director Leanne Wiebe are currently pursuing the required licensing to start a care program at the school. It’s something parents have been asking for, Carole notes.

“I think we can all agree there’s a lot of need,” she says.

The idea is that as some parents work in shifts, care for children from kindergarten to Grade 6 is provided right at the school by the staff of Children’s World Daycare. It would be available from 7 to 8:30 a.m. and from 3:30 to 6 p.m. in a classroom dedicated to this purpose, Carole explains.

St. Michael’s School has had a similar program for two years now, and Leanne describes it as a success, as it is full. Parents and Canyon School staff saw a need for their own program, especially given early dismissal on Fridays. Talk of Canyon School establishing a care program has been going on since last year, Carole says.

The idea is to make life easier for parents.

“We’re happy to do that,” Carole says. As well, a care program would give them peace of mind regarding their kids. “Parents can know they’re here and they’re safe.”

Getting it started has been a slow process, as licensing is needed after things like fire codes and other requirements are checked. Leanne is hopeful the licence will be granted soon.

The care program won’t consist of bored kids sitting around in the classroom for hours.

“It has to be a stimulating environment,” Carole says. Kids can do their homework, but other activities will also be provided.

Leanne explains Children’s World Daycare, which is a non-profit organization, provides age-appropriate educational and physical activities for children between the ages of 12 months and 12 years.

Activities at Canyon School may include help with homework and field trips, as groups go walking to places in town, Leanne says.

Carole envisions arts and crafts and use of the school gym.

Carole believes two people from Children’s World Daycare will be needed to provide the care at Canyon School, but notes, “The more kids you get, the more staff you need.”

There will be a fee for parents to use the care program. However, Leanne points out that the provincial government offers subsidies for that, based on income.

Leanne is excited about the program. “It’ll open it up to a new group of kids,” she says. She is pleased with how Children’s World Daycare is expanding and hopes for continued growth.

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13 Page 3

A tribute to Tuxedo Rose

By Brad Quarin Judith Snowdon still misses her German shepherd Tuxedo Rose, who died of leukemia at the age of seven. This summer, Rose was posthumously selected for the Hall of Fame at the Alberta Royal Museum’s Wolf to Woof exhibit, which ran from June to September.

Tuxedo Rose got her name because of her fur pattern and “old soul” personality, Judi explains.

“She was a very classy dog. She really was, right from Day 1.”

Her interest in dogs began when she was three, as her family always kept canines.

In 1990, she became a founding member of a club for dog fanciers called the Southern Alberta Working Herding Dog Association. “And it’s still going strong,” Judi says, with members from places as distant as Cranbrook, Calgary, Montana and Medicine Hat. She is currently the club’s president, a position she’s held before.

“In this particular club, everybody plays,” Judi says. “It doesn’t matter how old you are, it doesn’t matter how old your dog is.”

A retired junior high school teacher, she is now an instructor and dog behaviourist at the Shadowbar Shepherds training school for dogs in Lundbreck. She works with dogs with any kind of behavioural problem, and believes such problems are becoming more common. “I don’t know what it is,” she says. “But I also get to work with fabulous dogs.”

She has worked with a famous dog, too.

Tuxedo Rose’s work with special-needs student Kathleen Chalmers has been written about in books, Judi says, and earned Rose’s place in the Hall of Fame. Kathleen had spina bifida, a disorder which caused her to need a wheelchair.

Judi had trained Rose, a sheep-herding dog, to turn on a speakerphone with her nose and pick things up off the floor. However, Rose didn’t take commands from strangers, let alone strangers in wheelchairs, when Judi lent her to Kathleen.

Kathleen’s work with Rose wasn’t easy, as the wheelchair would sometimes hit Rose or run over her tail. “It was pretty freaky at first,” Judi says.

Nevertheless, after a semester of hard work and lots of practice, Kathleen and Rose learned to work together. That work was put to the test when Kathleen and Rose entered a Perfect Pooches obedience fun match.

The fun match was a contest like a dog show.

“It’s not a walk in the park,” Judi says, as dogs can lose points for any imperfections. Contestants needed 170 of 200 points to pass, and Kathleen and Rose scored 186.

Rose achieved much in her seven years. “When I lost her it was just horrible,” Judi says.

Later, Rose became one of only two dogs honoured posthumously in Wolf to Woof at the Alberta Royal Museum. “It was just the most amazing thing that’s ever happened,” Judi says.

Judi had submitted Rose’s story for consideration for the Hall of Fame, which honours 10 dogs

Photo by Brad Quarin Judi Snowdon with Drummer, left, and Token Rose. If you have an opportunity to watch Judi in action with her dogs, you’ll be truly impressed!

for their contributions to society. Rose was chosen as the number one dog. The other categories, featuring 10 dogs each, were Best Buddy and the Hall of Shame, a humorous look at bad dogs.

Wolf to Woof was an awesome exhibit in general, Judi says. The travelling interactive display was educational in illustrating how humans domesticated dogs.

Today, Judi has eight dogs, including Token Rose, a relative of Tuxedo Rose. In spite of her work with and respect for canines, Judi says she’s “all about cats.” She has six of them.

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Page 4 Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Livingstone kids care and share

By Brad Quarin

Photo by Brad Quarin

Pat Stenbeck, left, presents Pat Watson with a certificate commemorating 30 years of community service with the Pincher Creek Lions Club.

30 years of Lions pride

By Brad Quarin Pat Watson, who resides at Crestview Lodge in Pincher Creek, has had a lion’s share of experience in a community service club.

The Lions Club recently presented a 30-year award to Pat for three decades of membership in the Pincher Creek branch of the international organization.

“I figured it was a good club, looking forward to the ribs they were always cooking,” Pat says, recalling why he joined 30 years ago.

Pat was raised in Pincher Creek, and still has brothers here. He worked as a custodian for 20 years at Heritage Acres, where he was in charge of repairing tractors and machinery at the agricultural museum. Fellow Lions Club member Aine Thomsen notes Pat is also a retired farmer.

Not a fan of public display, Pat insisted on receiving the award privately in his room. With the Lions district governor unable to attend, the award was presented by Aine and another member, Pat Stenbeck, who says the club’s community service activities range from providing guide dogs for the blind to working on a playground for St. Michael’s School.

Looking back on his years of service, Pat Watson remembers the public barbecues held by the club and picking up trash in the creek annually. He says the benefits of being a member were “good meals, good company.” There are now too few members in Pincher Creek to still have the barbecues Pat fondly remembers.

Recently, Pat hasn’t been very active in the club because of his age, but sometimes comes out for supper meetings. He says that these days he passes time by reading books and watching TV. Pat says he is proud of the award, and admits he didn’t realize it had already been 30 years.

EAT WHAT YOU LIKE IN COMFORT

Everyone in Grade 6 at Livingstone School in Lundbreck helped make Christmas a little better this year for disadvantaged local families.

The students successfully collected toys and art supplies for the Women’s Resource and Crisis Centre in Blairmore, and food bank items for Pincher Creek. The donations were delivered by the kids and teachers before Christmas.

“I thought it was great that they wanted to help,” says women’s centre co-ordinator Desiree Simoneau.

Liesl Leishman, a Grade 6 teacher at Livingstone before her pregnancy, explains that the project began as part of a discussion on creating a caring environment.

“At the beginning of school we talked about creating a caring classroom, and then next we started talking about creating a caring school,” she says.

“Now we’ve been talking about showing caring for our community, and so it grew from that concept. We call it the caring community project.”

The project and “character education” aren’t really a part of the curriculum, but Liesl says it ties in with health and social studies. “My belief as a teacher is that kids need to know that they can make a difference,” she says.

The class voted on which groups they wanted to donate to, Liesl says, and then took the lead in the work. Some of them made announcements on the intercom, others made posters or presentations, and still others went to different classrooms to collect the donations. The kids agree that they all made a difference. Liesl’s role was to facilitate the effort and talk about what groups in the community they could help.

While it was Grade 6 that organized the project, students from kindergarten to Grade 12 contributed, bringing in items from home. As an incentive, the class contributing the most donations was promised a pizza party.

“I think we did really, really well,” Liesl says. They hadn’t counted all the items collected, but she says they filled her Explorer. “I think the best part is that they feel really happy that they made a difference.”

Desiree is also happy with the donations the women’s centre received this year. “It’s been really great,” she says.

The centre needed the arts and craft supplies that Livingstone School brought in, and has also gathered books, socks and mitts. Other major donors this year included local businesses and townspeople, Teck Coal and the Devon gas plant.

Families needing the donations for Christmas applied to the women’s centre, and the items went to families in Crowsnest Pass, Lundbreck and Cowley, Desiree says.

The caring community project was a great activity for Christmas, Liesl says, and she would like to do it again next year. She notes the kids want to do work for the SPCA next.

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Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13 Page 5

According to Tina

By Tina Webber The Angels Within Us charity auction and steak supper, held on Dec. 1 in Pincher Creek, was fantastic.

If you don’t know about Angels Within Us, this dinner and auction was the third of what has become an annual event. The items that have been donated, then auctioned, range from car leases to toys and everything in between. The generosity of those who donate these items will renew your faith in mankind.

The event is well worth attending, not only because of the great meal but because all the profits go to Angels Within Us. This charity was established to help local residents in need, like the family given a van with a wheelchair lift for their child, or the lady afflicted by multiple sclerosis who was sent to have what has been tagged “liberation surgery.” Frankly, after the surgery you could not tell she had ever been afflicted by MS. What I am trying to say is this local charity does good things. Heck, I can even say they do great things! And, unlike some charities, you know how the money is spent.

I do not feel I am alone in thinking it has been difficult to celebrate this new year, because there are so many important things I should have done last year. This leaves me wondering where the time went. After chastising myself for procrastinating, I realize that the future is an unwritten part of our story which we write for ourselves every day. I think I’ll start by being proactive!

Although there are some things we cannot alter, we can change our demeanour.

It helps to first realize we do not have the power to change others, just ourselves, so it is up to the individual to choose to react in either a positive or negative way. The negative complain about their lot in life, are miserable and bring that misery to those around them. Unfortunately, there will always be those who see the glass as half empty instead of half full.

Now is the chance, at the beginning of the year, to make a concerted effort to appreciate what you have and not lament over the things you don’t. Changing your behaviour can change how others respond to you.

So, this new year, try adjusting your attitude to be positive and appreciate what you have, because those decisions will define who you are.

Pincher Creek is a community comprised of different ethnic groups and religions, yet they seem to coexist without conflicts. I am sure some exceptions could be cited, but they would not be the norm. In a time of wars and school shootings, let’s make this corner of the world known for the harmony enjoyed and promoted by its residents.

Follow us on Twitter @thebreeze2012

Photo courtesy of Boys and Girls Club of Crowsnest Pass Adults behind the Boys and Girls Club of Crowsnest Pass were recognized at a special dinner before Christmas.

Kim Miskulin had a busy year managing grant applications and providing administrative assistance to the board of directors. She is leaving the club as an employee, but will stay involved in a volunteer capacity.

Mary Jane Myden will take on the position of administrative assistant this month.

Executive program director Nicole Pearse received accolades for successfully reviving community programs last summer and into the current after-school season.

While Vern Harrison’s extended board term is up in March, he plans to work with the club any way he can, and will continue to spearhead the annual summer duck race.

From left are Kim Miskulin, Nicole Pearse, Vern Harrison and club president Scott Warris.

Try Boys and Girls Club for free!

By Brad Quarin A special promotion is succeeding in bringing new kids to Crowsnest Pass Boys and Girls Club.

“I’m very excited about it,” says executive program director Nicole Pearse. “It’s been pretty good.”

The club gives local kids a chance to experience a variety of fun activities, and until Jan. 30 they can try the programs for free.

After January, a voucher program will start, giving kids recognition for good behaviour and earning them free program days.

Boys and Girls Clubs can be found across Canada, but the new promotions are a local initiative developed by Nicole and the board to attract members and raise awareness. “My goal is to get these kids registered,” Nicole says. “There’s a lot of kids that wouldn’t get signed up, whether or not it’s money.”

By Dec. 10, Nicole had signed up about 30 new kids after visiting Horace Allen School and Isabelle Sellon School to meet parents and children at parent-teacher interviews. There are currently 120 youths in the club.

There’s no specific number of new kids the promotion is meant to attract. “It’s more about getting kids that need it out there,” Nicole says.

Besides getting more young people registered, the voucher program starting in February is meant to reward good behaviour and hard work.

“That builds their confidence ... it’s huge for them,” Nicole says.

“BGC vouchers” are awarded to members for taking part in community activities and respecting themselves and others. Nicole explains this respect is demonstrated in things as simple as

saying please and thank you, or holding doors open for others. “Some kids, that’s common, and they’ll do it all the time. Other kids need more encouragement for that,” she says.

The rewards system is modelled after similar rules in local schools, like the “gotcha” program at HAS. “The kids really identify with that,” Nicole says. The local RCMP also give out positive ticketing. “That’s not anything new, it’s actually been shown to be really successful.”

The Boys and Girls Club is a non-profit volunteer organization aiming “to get the kids to try as many different things as they can,” Nicole says. The clubs are a little different in different communities, with the Pass club benefiting from “amazing surroundings.”

After-school programs for children from kindergarten to Grade 6 might take them crosscountry skiing, curling or swimming.

This month, a new program called Keystone will start for Grades 7 to 12, which will include drama, improv, making videos and screenwriting. Sports programs are also available for older youths, and rock climbing has been done. “A lot of kids, they never get that opportunity, if your parents don’t climb or skateboard, which most don’t,” Nicole says.

Besides enjoying a variety of activities, kids can meet new friends in the club among other kids and the volunteers, she says. She believes there are at least 50 volunteers who take part in different activities or work behind the scenes, like at fundraisers.

“If you have anything to share, any interests that you would like to share with the kids, I’d love to hear about it,” Nicole says.

For more information, visit www.bgccnp.com .

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Page 6 Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13

The Pincher Creek Women’s Emergency Shelter would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring Angel Trees: · Sears · Creekside Chiropractic · Royal Bank · Walmart

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The Breeze Mailbox Broaden your international horizons with homestay opportunities The Nippon Institute of Technology Intercultural Campus at Blairmore is anticipating 19 students for the upcoming 2013-14 academic year, a significant increase from the current five students.

NIT director Phil Cann has seen these fluctuations before, and suggests the current year’s lower number is mostly due to the weak Japanese economy, and other factors including the tragic tsunami and earthquake that occurred prior to the start of the students’ program.

Although Japan’s economy has not made any significant improvement, and recovery from the tsunami and earthquake is far from over, NIT’s stepped-up marketing efforts have been very successful. Such efforts include a comprehensive promotional DVD. It was recorded this year, and involved a professional filming company from Japan, who shot the video in the Crowsnest Pass and Lethbridge regions. Many staff, homestay families, local residents and business people were interviewed and appear in the production.

“An increase in students also results in an increase in challenges, particularly in the area of homestay,” Phil says. One homestay family is required for each student, so the immediate challenge is to recruit 19 local families to participate.

“Homestay is a very important component of the NIT Canadian program, providing shelter and emotional support critical to the well-being of an international student,” Phil explains. “Without homestay, we would not have a program.”

The NIT Intercultural Campus has proved beneficial for the community at large. The campus provides a surprising number of employment opportunities and generates an impressive amount of regional economic activity.

The homestay program also provides benefits to local families, offering a unique international experience without leaving the comfort of their own homes. Homestay families will be reimbursed $675 per month for their participation, up from the current $625. The increase is in recognition of the rising cost of living, and also brings the amount into closer alignment with homestay fees in Lethbridge. Homestay parents who serve five years (not necessarily consecutively) are also eligible for an all-­expenses-­paid trip to Japan to visit the NIT facilities and sightsee around the Tokyo area.

NIT’s homestay family “community” includes married and single participants, with and without children. Retirees also often participate in the program.

Homestays provide a caring environment for a young adult international student. Each homestay must provide a private bedroom with bed, desk, and dresser and/or closet, and three healthy meals each day (breakfast and lunch can be prepared by the student).

The next group of students is anticipated to arrive in mid-May, and will remain in Crowsnest Pass until the end of April 2014. For more information, or to obtain an application form, call 403-­562­‐7704, e­mail nit@shaw.ca or visit the NIT Intercultural Campus administration office at the Historic Court House, 13437 20th Ave. in Blairmore. Applications must be received

by Jan. 31.

Nippon Institute of Technology

See yourself at Teck, visit: www.teck.com/careers

Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13 Page 7

Mark Your Calendar Full details are available in the Breeze online calendar www.shootinthebreeze.ca

Thursday, January 3 – Fish & Game Protective Association meeting - 7 pm. at the hall in Hillcrest – Rotary luncheon - 11:45 a.m. at Heritage Inn, Pincher Creek – TOPS meeting - 6:30 p.m. at St. John’s Anglican Church in Pincher Creek

Miners Club in Hillcrest – Citizens council meeting - 7 p.m. at Windsor Seniors Centre in Lundbreck – Cribbage - 7:30 p.m. at Coleman Legion – C.N.P. indoor soccer - 5:45 p.m. at Albert Stella Memorial Arena in Blairmore

Friday, January 4 – Free skating for parents/tots/ seniors - 11 a.m. in Coleman – Free public skating - 11:45 a.m. in Coleman – Free public skating - 6:45 p.m. in Pincher Creek

Tuesday, January 8 – Crowsnest Pass municipal council meeting - 7 p.m. at town office in Coleman – Fun Texas hold ’em poker - 6:30 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion

Saturday, January 5 – Free public skating - 10:45 a.m. in Coleman – Free pool - 1 p.m. at Coleman Legion – Snooker - 2:30 p.m. at Blairmore Legion – Darts - 3 p.m. at Blairmore Legion – Meat draws - 3 p.m. at Pincher Creek Legion – Meat draws - 4 p.m. at Coleman Legion

Wednesday, January 9 – Financial Fitness workshop 9:30 a.m. at Horace Allen School in Coleman – Foothills Duplicate Bridge Club - 1 p.m. at Fred Huddlestun Senior Citizen Centre in Pincher Creek – Knitters Skein - 1:30 p.m. at Harvest Coffeehouse in Pincher Creek – TOPS - 6 p.m. at Bellecrest Seniors Centre

Sunday, January 6 – Free family skating - 2:30 p.m. in Coleman – Free family skating - 4 p.m. in Pincher Creek Monday, January 7 – First day back, Livingstone Range School Division and St. Michael’s School – Bellecrest Community Association meeting - 7 p.m. at

Scan the QR code with your smartphone to see our detailed calendar!

List your event by calling 403-904-2227 or emailing news@shootinthebreeze.ca

Page 8 Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

In loving memory of

Roy Smyth March 3, 1940 to December 15, 2012

Roy was born March 3, 1940, raised by Christian parents on the family farm at Cowley, and was the middle son of three boys. He received his early education at Cowley and Lundbreck schools. This was followed by a year at Mount Royal College and another year at Baptist Leadership Training School, both in Calgary, before he boarded a cattle trail at Pincher Station, heading for Ontario and the Ontario Veterinary College in Guelph.

WHISPERING WINDS

Asks a Resident...

While in Ontario, he met Lois (Pirie) and they were married on Sept. 7, 1962.

In 1966, his uncle Harry Smyth offered to sell him Cowley Feed and Seed Service, and the move back west was made. For the next 21 years, Roy and Lois enjoyed serving the agriculture communities in the Pincher Creek, Cowley and southeastern British Columbia areas until fire destroyed the business in 1987. Employment for a time at the Spring Coulee Seed Plant and later as production manager at XL Feeds in Bassano, and a three month stint in Kazhakstan in eastern Europe, gave ample time to consider the future. It was time for a change in direction.

Following his lifelong dream of becoming involved in funeral service, he made a move back to Ontario, where he had the opportunity to attend Humber College in Toronto, graduating with honours as a licensed funeral director in 1994. For the next six years, Roy was employed by Gilchrist Chapel, McIntyre & Wilkie in Guelph, Ont. Then, when most people his age were looking at how they would spend their retirement years, Roy and Lois headed west once more, this time to open their own Pincher Funeral Chapel. A year ago, the business was sold to Snodgrass Funeral Homes from High River, but Roy continued on as manager of this Pincher Creek location until health forced his retirement just a month ago.

Who was Roy? He was hard working (yes), honest (always), patient (sometimes), impatient (often), caring (yes), always thinking of others first (yes).

He had an expression that he lived by: “Volunteering is the rent we pay for the privilege of living here.” He was a faithful canvasser for Heart and Stroke for over 20 years, a longtime member of the Fergus Brass Band, a board member of Kootenai Brown Museum and Pincher Creek Community Hall, a member of town council for several years, as well as a dedicated volunteer at Heritage Acres and in his church. He was a sinner, saved by God’s grace.

Roy is survived by Lois, his wife of 50 years, his son Douglas (Gwen) and their children Colton and Rianna, his daughter Mandy (David) Olekshy, all of Calgary, his aunt Selma Tustian and stepmother Marie Smyth of Pincher Creek, and his sister-in-law Marion Smyth of Cowley. He was predeceased by his mother, Ila, in 1968, his father, Eddie, in 1999 and his brothers Bobby in 1964 and Jim in 2011.

A funeral service was held at Foothills Community Church, with Pastor Paul Sharp officiating, on Friday, Dec. 21, 2012. A reception followed. Those wishing to remember Roy with a donation might want to consider Canadian Cancer Society, Heart and Stroke Foundation or World Vision. To email condolences, please visit www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Snodgrass Pincher Funeral Chapel Phone 403-627-4864

Larene Compton Daughter

Andress Warren Resident

Before your Mom moved into Whispering Winds Village did you worry about her living alone?

Larene: Very much! But now I have peace of mind knowing she is living here with 24 Hour Emergency monitoring & 24 Hour Staffing.

Do you find that Andress is having more fun since she has moved in to Whispering Winds Village?

Larene: Absolutely, she gets involved with all the activities and events that are going on in the village, plus she has supper with friends each night.

Do you feel that it was the right choice to move to Whispering Winds Village?

Andress: This was definitely the right choice, the food is great, the activities are fun, and my family and I have peace of mind knowing that I am taken care of.

How do you like your Suite?

Andress: I love it, my suite is bright, spacious and cozy! It has everything I need, from walk-in showers, to a full kitchen.

(403) 627-1997 PINCHER CREEK

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13 Page 9

Champions for Brenda

TWO LOCATIONS – ONE GREAT CAUSE!

• Be one of 60 players attempting to break the world record - players should be at least 14 years old • Raise pledges or donate • Come watch and be part of the cheering squad

• Volunteer at the event – we’ll need babysitters, help preparing and serving meals, entertainment, referees, scorekeepers and more!

• Independent consultants can book tables at no charge if a portion of sale proceeds are donated

For more information, to sign up to play or volunteer or to make donations please contact: Jody Peebles – Crowsnest Pass – 403-563-5785 or peeblesj@lrsd.ab.ca Shannon Robin – Pincher Creek – 403-904-2227 or shannon@shootinthebreeze.ca For the whole story visit www.shootinthebreeze.ca

Join our Facebook group Champions for Brenda Macdonald

Brenda Macdonald

Brenda Macdonald of Coleman is in need of a double lung transplant to save her life.

Expenses in excess of $70,000 must be covered, and Champions for Brenda will donate all money raised from the tournament to Brenda and her family.

You can make a difference! ... Walk on with hope in your heart and you’ll never walk alone ...

Rodgers and Hammerstein

Together we can SAVE A LIFE and set a WORLD RECORD!

Page 10 Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

January 11

7 p.m.

Matthew Halton High School

MHHS Seniors and PC Emergency Services

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13 Page 11

Sights of contemplation New Year’s morning

By Shannon Robin

The road ahead in 2013 is uncertain.

Keep your eyes open, play safe, and enjoy the direction you are led.

Page 12 Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Sights of contemplation New Year’s morning

By Shannon Robin

Take time to enjoy the beauty of your surroundings.

Listen to the music of nature.

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13 Page 13

Sights of contemplation New Year’s morning

By Shannon Robin

Stand tall and strong.

Leave a legacy of a life well lived.

Page 14 Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Sights of contemplation New Year’s morning

By Shannon Robin

Show your true colours.

Be proud of where you’re from and the challenges you’ve faced.

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13 Page 15

Sights of contemplation New Year’s morning

By Shannon Robin

Live every day to the best of your ability.

Enjoy every moonset and every sunrise.

Page 16 Shootin’ the Breeze January 2/13

Serving Pincher Creek, Crowsnest Pass, Waterton and surrounding communities

May it be your best year ever!