Obituary of Gerald James HAGGINS

"Dear Family and Friends,

Well, I've whistled my last merry tune, received the last lashes on my back from the Whip, ElizaBeth, and now have headed down the "Ho-She-Man Trail". It's been an amazing journey for me, which started when I donned my first diapers in Empress, Alberta joining my parents M.L. and Annie and my brother Dean. We soon moved to Milo where I enjoyed the rest of my childhood. I lived through the dirty thirties with warm porridge for breakfast, cold porridge for dinner, and fried porridge for supper. The dust storms of the thirties gave way to the Second World War. In 1939, I won an all expenses paid trip, compliments of the British Empire, which saw me serving in North Africa and Supreme Headquarters in London. To my regret, many of my contemporaries paid the ultimate price with their lives so that we may live with the freedom that we have today.

In 1946, whilst residing at the Wigwam in Calgary, I met the love of my life ElizaBeth and we made it official in 1949 setting up our homes in Edmonton, Dawson Creek, Lethbridge, Calgary and our summer home at Shuswap Lake. Our little bundles began arriving beginning with Cidnee, followed by Scott, Kim and Fraser. My children and their families have enriched my life and provided me with great joy. To support my family I had the good fortune to work for Uncle Esso for thirty-three years, which I thoroughly enjoyed and took great pride in.

It's been a wonderful life and now it's time to say farewell. A special "I love you and God Bless" to my dear wife ElizaBeth; and my family Cidnee and Henk and their children, Aidan, Evan and Sam; Scott and Teresa and their children, Keeley, Tate, Cole and Ward; Kim and Ron and their children, Gord, Lori and Emily; Fraser and Jane and their children, Talana and Alex. May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face. And rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of His hand.

Love, Gerald, Dad, Grandad, Great Grandad"

Gerald was sustained by an abiding faith in God and a celebration of his life will take place at Southwood United Church (1609 Elbow Drive S.W., Calgary, Alberta) on Monday, September 22, 2003 at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Rev. Drew Strickland.

A very special thank you to Dr. Fred Moriarty and the compassionate staff of Unit 46 at the Rockyview Hospital. Gerald was a supporter of the Salvation Army and appreciated the work that they do and he would be happy for any support that might be offered to their cause.

In living memory of Gerald Haggins, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E., CALGARY, AB. Telephone: 403-256-9575. 204522