Myrnam Couple Receive Century Farm and Ranch Award

Myrnam Couple Receive Century Farm and Ranch Award

Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser

It was a century in the making, and the journey of Adolphe Gueutal, who came from France to settle in Canada began.

Adolphe sailed on the ‘Ionian’ with his brother and sister and their friends in 1914 from Bondeval, France. Norman said his father was intrigued by Canada and the prospect of owning a farm, and left for Canada on April 18, 1914 at 27 years of age.

Norman and Connie Gueutal.

(Michelle Pinon/Photos)

Thirteen days across the ocean. Five days from Montreal to Edmonton and stayed in the immigration office for a week before taking the train 95 miles north to French Creek which is now called Fawcett near Westlock.

He and his siblings were advised by a couple from Switzerland not to stay and rent some land as they would have to learn how to work in Canada. There were many trials and tribulations, but Adolphe was determined to carve out a new life in this country despite the physical challenges and language barrier.

Adolphe’s parents, Adolphe and Emma, and five siblings boarded the ‘Californian’ and joined the rest of the family on October 14, 1919.

In 1920, Adolphe purchased his homestead, (one quarter section of land) which is located approximately 10 miles northeast of the Village of Myrnam. It is situated about half a mile south of the North Saskatchewan River and is nestled amongst the rolling hills and trees.

As written in Adolphe’s diary he purchased the homestead, one quarter section of land, for $3,300 from Joseph Gambette. According to his diary, “20 acres broken, two horses broken, 2 horses young, two milking cows, one calf, one steer, two pigs, one mower, wagon, harrow, buggy, cutters, walking plow, saddle, all his tools.”

In 1940, Adolphe married Katie (Marko) and they had two children, Vivian, (Aksenchuk) and Norman. Thinking back to his dad’s journey and everything it took to bring the family to a new country, clear the land, work the land, and establish roots in this farming community was quite an accomplishment. Adolphe passed away in 1969 and Katie in 1978.

Norman said he is very humbled to receive the award, along with his wife Connie, and on behalf of their three children and their spouses; who have and continue to play an integral role in the farming operation.

The couple have been married for 44 years have three daughters, Cathy, (Dustin) Axley, Tracy, (Kyle) Winterbottom, and Jodi, (Byron) Martin. They have six grandchildren.

Norman and Connie own 11.5 quarter sections, and farm approximately 1,600 acres of land. They have farmed since 1978 as well as worked out and raised a family. “Somehow we just made it work,” said Connie. They owned three H & R Block locations before Norman went to work at Alberta Financial Services Corporation and Connie worked for both the provincial and municipal governments.

Even though Norman and Connie are officially retired from their day jobs, they continue to farm fulltime, and they credit their family for keeping everything running smoothly. While one century has passed, many more happy years lie ahead for members of the Gueutal family who will continue to sow their seeds of success.