Howard Hagg, beloved husband of Lorraine, was taken home to be with his Lord on May 2, 2018 at the age of 95 years.
Howard was born on March 29, 1923 in Great Falls, Montana to Otto & Anna (Zahnd) Hagg. His parents had moved to Great Falls for the winter months looking for work then returning to Champion/Vulcan area to farm. Having grown up on the farm, Howard developed a love for animals and farming. WWII was in full swing when he turned 18, so he enlisted in the Aircrew with the R.C.A.F. in 1942. He graduated in 1944 and was to receive an overseas posting within 2 weeks. At that time, there were no pilots needed overseas so he was sent to the reserves in Calgary.
It was during this time he met Lorraine Syme, a school teacher at Alston and they were married in 1948. In 1950 they started farming on Howard’s uncle’s farm west of Champion. For the next 37 years they remained on the family farm. It was there that they raised their five children.
Howard was active in the Champion Legion Branch 262 having held most executive positions at various times and receiving his 70 year recognition. He was the poppy chairman for many years. He held executive positions with the Bethel Lutheran Church in Vulcan. Both Howard & Lorraine curled for several years. He sat on the Champion Hall Board and later both Champion & Vulcan Senior’s organizations. In 2005, he was awarded the AB Centennial medal for an outstanding Albertan.
Following retirement, Howard & Lorraine moved to Vulcan where Howard pursued some of his interests. He liked to visit with people. He worked for Frank McInenly Auctions from 1981-1995, clerking at 475 sales. He enjoyed many games of pool and crib. Lorraine & Howard enjoyed travelling. In more recent years, they moved to Peter Dawson Lodge and then to Vulcan Extendicare where he lived until his passing.
Howard leaves to mourn his wife of 69 years, Lorraine and his children Cheryl Hanna of Red Deer, Gail (Lynn) McDonald of Olds, Gordon (MaryLou Giles) Hagg of Champion, Marjorie (George) Stenger of Beaumont, Beverly (Marvin) Vaage of Champion, 17 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, Lorraine’s sister’s Audrey Williams, Shirley (Jack) Fleming, Pam (George) Johnson, Pat (Wayne) Davis all of Lethbridge and several nieces & nephews. Howard was predeceased by his parents, infant brother, Maynard, his sister and brother-in-law Laura (Jim) O’Reilly, brothers-in-law Clarence Syme, Evan Williams, Bob Johnson, Walter Kennealy and Gary Jopling.
A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, May 14 at 1:30pm at the Champion Community Hall with Pastor Nathan Fuehrer officiating.
Tributes in Howard’s memory can be made to Champion Legion Branch 262, Box 136 Champion, AB T0L 0R0 or Wilderness Ranch Box 1804 Claresholm, AB wildernessranch@platinum.ca.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
I am so sorry to hear about Howard. He was always a great man and loved life. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the Hagg clan.
Our sincere sympathy to Lorraine and family!