REISCHMAN
Harold (Curly) Francis Reischman passed away peacefully at Stettler Hospital on December 3, 2013 at the age of 88 years. He was born June 15th, 1925 in Big Valley, Alberta to Urban and Bertha Reischman. Curly had two sisters, Edna and Mildred and one brother, Arthur, who have all predeceased him. The family moved to B.C. in the 1940's. Curly followed his dream to be a pilot and was proud of his years in the Royal Canadian Airforce and especially of his times flying F86 Sabre Jets. He was especially proud to be one of the pilots in the Leapfrog I mission in which Sabre Jets were "leapfrogged" over to England. Some of his postings were in New Brunswick, then England in 1952 (North Luffenham airbase) and then at St. Hubert airbase in Montreal. He married Beatrice Isabel Dewar in Langley, B.C. in 1945 and had three children: Lois born in 1946, Steven born in 1956 and James born in 1958. James tragically died in a car accident in 1978. After he was discharged from the Airforce, the family resettled in the Langley area and Curly worked first with his dad Urban building houses and selling them. He then went on to open his own commercial janitorial business. He was divorced from Bea in the early 1970's and went on to marry his second wife, Gwen. Gwen and Curly travelled extensively throughout B.C. installing vinyl siding and exploring the country. Gwen passed away from cancer. In 1983, Curly married Eunice Turner. Eunice was another Big Valley-ite and they had known each other as children. Eunice and Curly moved back to Big Valley in 1989 where they became active members of the community. Eunice passed away in 1998 of bone cancer. Curly enjoyed his years of being on village council and his term as mayor. He was extremely active in the Big Valley Legion and the Big Valley Historical Society. He bought a popcorn cart, named himself, Popcorn Curly, and sold popcorn at the local rodeo and various events such as the arrival of the Alberta Prairie Steam Train. Curly was a quiet, cheerful man who truly appreciated life and was well liked by many. His favorite past-times were volunteering at the historical society, doing jigsaw puzzles, playing with his cat, Bobbi Sox, and visiting with friends and family. He is survived by his daughter Lois and her husband Mel; his son Steven; his grandson Chad and his wife Krystal; four great granddaughters: Kayla, Topaz, Amethyst and Onyx; and numerous nephews and nieces.
Fly high and fast, Curly!
Donations gratefully accepted in memory of Harold to the Big Valley Historical Society. A celebration of Harold's life will be announced at a later date. To send or view condolences to the family please visit www.stettlerfuneralhome.com.
For further information please contact
STETTLER FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORIUM
who have been entrusted with the care and arrangements, Box 1780 Stettler, Alberta T0C 2L0, 403-742-3422.