Bagpipes Highlight Velma Sample’s 90th Birthday Party

Bagpipes Highlight Velma Sample’s 90th Birthday Party

Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent

Velma Sample’s father came from Scotland to Alberta when he was 14-years-old. In honour of Velma Sample’s Scottish heritage, Ken and Lorie Blythe played the bagpipes at her 90th birthday celebration at Vegreville Rotary Peace Park on August 21.

Around 30 people were in attendance. Velma Sample’s official birthday is on August 27 but this was the day that family and friends gathered from near and far to honour Velma.

When Velma’s daughter Kathy Conway was asked what made her mother special, she replied, “Mom was always kind and concerned about everyone else. She was an avid writer who had several columns in newspapers published around the countryside about farm life.”

A gathering of many of Velma’s family and friends.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

When Velma was asked how it felt to be 90, she replied, “It feels really good. It is exciting to see my family and friends here.”

Velma’s credited living to be 90 to keeping active in the community after her and her husband George retired. “We restored a vintage vehicle and we joined the Iron Runners Auto Club of Vegreville and we played music for many places.” Velma added.

Jake Sample echoed this comment when he was asked what was special about his grandmother. “I think it is incredible the way both of my grandparents want to go on adventures and perform music.”

When Pete Conway was asked about his mother-in-law, Velma, he said, “She’s friendly and welcoming. She is just a great person in every way.”