A Fond Farewell For Bill and Earl

A Fond Farewell for Bill and Earl

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

Memories are the best thing to collect. Members and friends of Vegreville United Church did a bit of reminiscing at the farewell party for Bill Skitch and Earl Giffin who are leaving Vegreville to go to seniors’ homes in other towns and small cities.

Bill has been a member of Vegreville United Church for 55 years and Earl has been with this church for 49 years, both of these men have been active and contributed well to the church.

The party was styled in a down-to-earth manner with a light buffet lunch, a farewell cake, beverages, tea, coffee, and refreshments.

Li Giebelhaus said this was an awesome celebration because Bill’s and Earl’s families came into town to come together to honor their fathers and grandfathers and see people they haven’t seen for years. “We were very blessed to have these families attend and be involved in our church. These men’s wives were very active in the United Church and the community. These women needed good men like Bill and Earl behind them to do all the things they did. Their children were also involved with the church’s music. I am so blessed to have known these families. These men have spoiled me too as they did extra things for me when I volunteered. I have been so blessed to have known these families. They have really enriched my life.”

Georgina Baron said Bill and Earl have done many things behind the scene for the church. They have made donations for Vacation Bible School or have done work which went unnoticed by the church. “As Li said, we have been very blessed to know these men and their families. They have come in and gave so much of their time and lives to our church.”

Bill and Earl were each given a framed photo of themselves with members of the United Church on it.