VOL. 68 NO. 8
T H E PA P E R T H AT ’ S G O I N G P L A C E S !
MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2015
Still Giffin’ er at 90!
WWII Veteran presentation honors local heroes
A tender moment is captured when Earl’s four children who came from great distances in the bitter cold to gather with him on his 90th birthday party. (left to right) Pattie, Earl Giffin, Graham, Laurie and David. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)
Rosanne Fortier Earl Giffin is a man who is noted to be young-atheart and this quality has kept him active in every way. On February 7, family and friends celebrated Earl’s 90th birthday at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39. Earl was trained as a pilot and navigator in R.C.A. F. Flight A from 1943-1945. He never served overseas. He began his career with Canadian Utilities Limited on September 15, 1946 and retired from Alberta Power Limited East Division on March 2, 1989.
Earl married Lillian in 1966 and they had four children-Graham, Pattie, Laurie and David. Lillian was an exceptionally good and kind nurse in the mid-1950-1960s at the Stettler Municipa l Hospital. Earl did not remarry after the passing of his wife. Earl is a retired Service Officer for this Legion Branch #39 and a Past President of the legion in Vegreville and Bonnyville. He has a life membership to the legion and he earned a Meritorious Medal in 2001 from Vegreville Legion. “I have good genes. My
grand-parents lived a long time and I have a greatgrandmother in Ireland who lived to be 101 yearsold.” Earl credits his long life to. “Then I worked hard and was active in an outdoor job. I quit smoking for over 40 years. Also, I had the support of my children and grandchildren. I enjoyed my job, I liked f lying and I had many good hobbies that kept me going.” “Earl is knowledgeable and he loves to read newspapers and books. He never overeats, does a lot of volunteer work that he is very helpful in, is sociable and has many
friends, is close to his family, makes sure to exercise on a regular basis, and attends church every Sunday. With his
See page 2 for story
healthy lifestyle, we wouldn’t be surprised if he lived to be 100 yearsold.” party-goers commented.
Vegreville Ag Society wins Century Award See page 13 for story
CALS gives children a great head start in life See page 19 for story