Raymond Louis Fath, of Champion passed away on July 22, 2002 at the age of 84 years.
Raymond was born April 7, 1918 in Champion, Alberta to Louis and Julia Fath. He received his education at the Champion school, and at age thirteen began hauling grain to the Champion elevator. He was required to stay at home and work on the family farm after completing grade nine. In 1940 he joined the Militia (Calgary Highlanders). Every year they trained for two weeks at the Sarcee Reserve S.W. of Calgary. The remainder of the year, he trained on a weekly basis at the Vulcan Armories. As a young man he loved to attend dances at Alston and Champion. It was at a dance in Champion in 1943 where he met Jean McKeage. On July 3, 1947 they were married in High River at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church. They began their union together on the family farm at Champion. On November 28, 1993 Jean died tragically near Barons in a car accident. On June15, 1996 he married Emma Smith at Champion and they resided on her family farm west of Carmangay. Raymond’s passion in life was farming, being a true farmer to the end. On his last trip by the farm he was quoted as saying “We sure got a good catch.” Raymond moved to the Willow Creek Continuing Care Centre in Claresholm a couple of months ago.
Raymond loved his family, especially his grandchildren. He enjoyed sharing every available moment with them and delighted in their accomplishments. In his younger days he enjoyed playing baseball. His position was as first baseman, and he was given the nickname “Chuck”, which some buddies still call him today. Raymond was a member of the Champion Royal Canadian Legion branch #262 and this spring received his 50 year pin from the Champion Lions Club
He is survived by his loving wife Emma Smith-Fath of Carmangay, loving daughter Glenda (Gerald) Cutforth of High River, two sons Murray Fath of Brooks, Michael Fath of Champion, five grandchildren Greg Cutforth (Rachelle Slavik) of Hinton, Grant Cutforth of Calgary, Krista Fath of Blairmore, Ryan Fath of Brooks, two sisters Margaret (Les) Shaw of Vulcan, Madeline (Jack) Stewart of Sardis, B.C., two sisters-in-law Florence (Harold) Bach, Gwen (Bob) McLean all of Calgary, a brother-in-law Keith (Norma) McKeage of High River, numerous nieces and nephews.
Raymond was predeceased by his first wife Jean, sister Ruth (Joe) DeLucrezio, brother Harold (Mary) Fath, brother-in-law Ernest McKeage and his parents.
Friends are invited to meet for Prayers at St. Mary’s Catholic Church , Champion on Wednesday July 24, 2002 at 7:30 P.M.
Funeral Mass also at St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Thursday July 25, 2002 at 10:30 A.M. with Rev. Phillip Lee Celebrant.
Honorary bearers Harvey & Muriel Fath, Phil & Kay Fath, Hubert & Edith Warren, Ted & Doreen Holm, Allan & Pat Fath, Robert & Joyce Fath, Keith & Carol Harris, Peggy Bach, Raymon Hummel, Sev Pasolli and Marguerite Ivarson.
Casket bearers Greg Cutforth, Grant Cutforth, Ryan Fath, Krista Fath and Gordon Shaw.
Interment Champion Cemetery Catholic Section.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Raymond’s memory could be made to the Jean & Raymond Fath Scholarship Fund c/o Champion School, General Delivery Champion TOL ORO.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Director’s. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. e-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.