Gilbert Allen Vooys, beloved husband of the late Elsie Vooys, passed away January 8, 2007 at Strathmore, Alberta at the age of 95 years.
Gilbert was born July 20, 1911 at Tacoma, Washington to Arie and Margarite Vooys. In 1920 the family immigrated to Alberta. Gilbert attended Corbie Hill and Pioneer Schools. He met his wife Elsie when the band that she played on, played at a dance after a baseball tournament. After a six month courtship, they were married on November 7, 1947. They bought the Wainwright place and started farming and raising a family. Gilbert was proud to be a farmer and raised quite a menagerie of animals. He had a love of horses that stayed with him his who life and he considered himself quite a horseman. When Elsie and Gilbert retired from farming, they moved into Milo and managed to keep themselves busy. They grew a large garden every year.
Gilbert was a strong supporter of the Hope Lutheran Church and took on the responsibility of looking after the church and grounds when he retired. He was active on the Church board, was an original director of the Sunshine Gas Co-op and was on Milo town council for years. Gilbert was in his 80’s when he completed his last term as mayor of Milo.
Gilbert’s greatest passion was meeting people and talking. He thought nothing of approaching a stranger and starting a conversation in the hopes that they might know the same people or share an interest. Over the years Gilbert proved his loyalty and dedication to all those his life touched. He was always there for friends and neighbors whether it was helping someone finish harvest or just rototilling a neighbor’s garden. Gilbert showed his love and support to his wife Elsie by looking after her during her battle with cancer. He showed his love and wisdom to his children by allowing them to follow their own paths and make their own mistakes and was always there for them when they became wise enough to ask for help.
Loving father of a daughter Virgie McIntyre (Rob Carlson) of Calgary, a son Gordon of Milo, grandchildren Leigh Vooys of Milo, Megan Vooys (Jeremy Thompson) and Gavin Vooys all of Calgary, Jason (Erin) Josephson and their children Morgan and Craig, Jennifer (Will) Varty and their daughter Elizabeth all of Drayton Valley, Eugene (Angela) Urchyshyn and their son Cooper and Krystal Rose Urchysyn all of Edmonton, a son-in-law Eugene (Berni) Urchyshyn of Drayton Valley, a sister Margarite Godkin of High River, a sister-in-law Margaret Ost of Lomond a brother-in-law Tim (Leona) Ost of Calgary, numerous nieces and nephews.
Gilbert was predeceased by his wife Elsie in 1991, his daughter Karen in 1995, three brothers Arie, Raymond and Leonard (Iona) and his parents.
Funeral Service Friday January 12, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Milo Community Hall with Reverend Ed Summers officiating.
Casket bearers Neil Godkin, Ian Godkin, Keith Godkin and Guy Vooys.
Inurement at a later date at the Hope Lutheran Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, tributes in Gilbert’s memory can be made to the Alberta Cancer Foundation 1331- 29 Street NW Calgary T2N 4N2.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.