Eileen Marie Haga was called home to her Lord and Saviour Thursday January 1, 2004 at the Vulcan Community Health Centre at the age of 82 years.
Eileen was born July 23, 1921 at Vulcan, Alberta to Percy and Henrietta Clark. She attended Boyne and Vulcan schools. Following her education she worked in High River as a housekeeper. In 1940 she met Ivan Haga and they were united in marriage on March 19, 1942 in Vulcan. After they were married, Eileen remained in Vulcan with her parents, while Ivan served in the Royal Canadian Army. In 1943 she went to visit him in the Queen Charlotte Islands, however upon her arrival, Ivan was transferred to another location the following day, so Eileen returned home after a very short visit. Ivan received his discharge in 1945 and returned to the family farm four miles south of Vulcan where they resided for the next thirty-three years. In 1978 they retired to the town of Vulcan, eventually to their home on 5th Avenue North, where she has resided since.
Eileen was a devoted wife and loving mother to her children, grandchildren and great great-grandchildren. She enjoyed special times together with each and everyone of them. Whether it was over a family dinner, cup of coffee, or a friendly conversation with family or friends. She respected all of them and in turn, received their love, respect and admiration.
Eileen was dedicated and worked hard for the betterment of her community. She volunteered nine years with the Vulcan Food Bank, was one of the first managers of the Thrift Shop, a past member of the Vulcan Lionette’s, as well as being a member of the Sanderson’s Army playing for them at the Extendicare, Peter Dawson Lodge and Long Term Care at the Health Centre. In her younger years she played trumpet and french horn in the Vulcan Band. Eileen was also extremely dedicated to her faith and church, being a very large part of her life. She served as the church organist for many years. Playing the organ, or the piano was her true passion. She was also a member of the Candlelight Ladies.
Beloved wife of sixty-one years of Ivan of Vulcan, loving mother of four daughters Carolyn (Jack) Leslie of Rocky Mtn. House, Dawna (Edwin) Hilz of Champion, Judy (John) Newell, Brenda (Doug) McIntyre all of Vulcan, ten grandchildren; Hugh (Gail) Leslie of Rocky Mtn. House, Steven (Cindy) Leslie of Airdrie, Laurie Harden of Rocky Mtn. House, Carey (Susan) Hilz of Red Deer, Debra (Manfried) Banek of Edmonton, Kevin (Angela) Hilz of Abbotsford, B.C., Rose-Anne (Jim) Bishop of Calgary, Ryan Hilz of Champion and his girlfriend Sylvia Alas of Lethbridge, Lisa Bennett of Vulcan, Cindy McIntyre and her boyfriend Ryan Dykstra both of Brooks, twelve great grandchildren; Megan, Madison and Joshua Hilz all of Red Deer, Emily and Rachel Banek of Edmonton, Sloan Hilz of Lethbridge, Jacquelyn Collier of Edmonton, Noah Bishop of Calgary, Cole and Cassidy Leslie of Rocky Mtn. House, Hailey Bennett of Vulcan, Lauryn Leslie of Airdrie, her sister Ruth (Ben) Dann of Vulcan, two brothers Lloyd Clark, Myrel (Barbara) Clark all of Calgary, numerous nieces and nephews.
Eileen was predeceased by her parents and a grandson Christopher Leslie.
Funeral service Tuesday January 6, 2004 at 2 p.m. at the Vulcan Cultural Recreation Centre with Rev. Doug Barrie officiating.
Honorary bearers Ryan Hilz, Brenda English, Fran L’Ecuyer, Faye Nadon and Ardell Atkins.
Casket bearers Hugh Leslie, Steven Leslie, Lisa Bennett, Cindy McIntyre, Carey Hilz and Kevin Hilz.
Internment Vulcan Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Eileen’s memory can be made to either Church of Christ Box 484 Vulcan T0L 2B0 or Vulcan Food Bank box 594 Vulcan T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.