Neil Alexander Giles of Vulcan passed away Thursday, November 25, 2004 at the Vulcan Community Health Centre at the age of 81 years.
Neil was born at Marwayne, Alberta on August 3, 1923, the third child of Allan and Donalda Giles. He attended elementary school at Silver Willow and high school at Marwayne. Neil graduated from Olds Agriculture College in the spring of 1943.
In the spring of 1948 the Giles family moved to the family farm north of Vulcan. That winter Neil went to Calgary to work at Safeway and met Hazel Johnston whom he married on October 29, 1949. They lived on the farm until 1995 and then moved to town.
Neil enjoyed hard work and always loved his purebred Hereford cattle. People driving past the farm would always know spring had arrived when they saw the red and white calves romping in the pasture. Neil enjoyed growing things on the farm and in his green house. He enjoyed the rain and its results enormously.
Neil was a leader of the Berrywater 4-H club for numerous years and met many marvelous families. He was involved with 4-H calf sales and spent days after each sale making out the cheques for the waiting kids.
Spending time with family and friends was most important in Neil’s life. The United Church and community activities were always a big part of his life.
Neil is survived by his loving wive of 55 years, Hazel, daughter Kay (Bill) Slemko of Hussar, son Allan (Kaye) Giles, five grandchildren Heather (Jeff) Lyons of Calgary, Kevin (Barb) Slemko of Hussar, April (Charles) Kuntz of Claresholm, Christine (Wyatt) McMorris of Milo, Amanda (Scott) Clark of Claresholm, five great grand children, Hannah, Justin, Erin, Jason, Drew, two brothers Bill (Helen) Giles of Duncan, B.C., Ross (Helen) Giles of High River, sister Jean Dougan of Victoria, B.C., numerous nieces and nephews.
A family service was held December 1, 2004.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Neil’s memory can be made to either Vulcan United Church Box 275 Vulcan T0L 2B0 or Vulcan Extendicare S.A.V.E. Box 810 Vulcan T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.