WILFORT - Mr. Paul Wilfort of Stettler, Alberta passed away peacefully at the Stettler Health Care Centre on July 23, 2008 at the age of 86 years. Paul was born in Fenn, AB on March 23, 1922 the fourth child of eight born to Charles and Anne-Marie Wilfort. Paul worked on the home farm until he enlisted in the air force at the beginning of World War II. He was stationed overseas in England where he served as an air gunner during air raids over Europe. After the war, Paul bought a caterpillar and started clearing land for farmers with a brush cutter. He worked with his brother John until they each established their own construction company, building roads and doing various other construction projects throughout Alberta. In the late ‘50s, Paul moved to Lethbridge, AB to continue developing his earth moving company, successfully completing many challenging construction projects. An active church member, Paul also became involved in organizing and participating in giving Life in the Spirit seminars for Christian youth and adults. Several years later he helped establish the Good News Ministry in Pensacola, Florida, serving in a variety of responsible positions. Paul later moved back to Stettler where he continued to do construction work and be of service to those in need. Paul’s involvement in the Church and the support of his parish priests was consistent in whatever parish to which he belonged. He was a pillar of strength often called upon in serious situations. His generous heart was touched by those in need to whom he gave both time and financial assistance in North America and through fostering children in developing countries. Paul had a keen mind and could challenge anyone in an intense discussion on current subjects. He loved books, nature and beauty. He was handy with his hands, able to take anything apart and put it back together again. Family was very important to Paul. He was a good friend to his brothers and sisters, ready to be of assistance in any way needed. His nieces and nephews, grand-nieces and nephews can bear witness to the influence of his presence in their lives from childhood and as they grew and matured. He was a loving uncle, a father figure by his kindness, his example, his encouragement and guidance, his words of counsel and wisdom, the sharing of his expertise and his constant support. True to his nature, Paul made sure that this message would be delivered to his family: “Tell them how much I love them! Tell them how wonderful they are!” And when you find a penny or a rose on your path, you’ll know that Paul is not really far away.... Paul was predeceased by his parents, Charles and Anne-Marie Wilfort, his three brothers, infant Charles (1916), John (1996) and Carlos (1999) and his sister Charlotte (1988). He leaves to mourn his loss three sisters, Marie-Cecile Spohn of Calgary,AB, Susan Ferguson of Lethbridge, AB and Sister Jeanne Wilfort of Quebec City; nephews and nieces Steve Wilfort (Barb) of Stettler and their sons, Corey, Chris and Matt; Shawna Steinwand (Bryon) of Grande Prairie, AB and their children Nic, Cole and Kassidy; Simone Robinson (Len) of Lethbridge and their children Stephanie, Robert and Andrew; Randall Spohn (Renee) of Lethbridge and their children Dante, Elizabeth and Pascal; Charlotte Gutrath (Rick) of Calgary and their children Brianne, Derek and Drew; Michelle Danvers (Alex) of Canmore, AB and their children Eric, Jennifer and Nicole; Sonia Quon (Phil) of Lethbridge and their children
Paris and Xavier; Renee Greeno of Lethbridge and her daughter Danielle; Leonard Ferguson (Heather) of Lethbridge and their children Kara and Steven; Mary Anne Going (Noel) of Vauxhall, AB and their children Ryan, Alissa and Shaelynn; Joanne Fletcher of Lethbridge and her children Shaniah, Jessica and Clay; John Ferguson (Dawna) of Lethbridge and their son Jesse; Marguerite Barber (Mark) of Bellevue, Washington and their daughter Sophia and his many friends.
The Prayer Vigil Service was held at the Christ-King Catholic Church, Stettler on Sunday, July 27, 2008 at 7:30 p.m. with the Mass of Christian Burial being held at the Christ-King Catholic Church Stettler, on Monday, July 28, 2008 at 11 a.m. with Rev. Arlan Parenteau officiating. Active pallbearers were Corey Wilfort, Chris Wilfort, Eric Danvers, Drew Gutrath, Ryan Going and Robert Robinson. Honorary pallbearers were Alex Danvers, Bryon Steinwand, John Ferguson, Len Ferguson, Len Robinson, Les Knapp, Mark Barber, Noel Going, Phil Quon, Randall Spohn and Steve Wilfort. Paul was laid to rest at the Lake View Cemetery. A reception and fellowship followed in the Christ-King Parish Hall, served by the CWL ladies. As an expression of sympathy memorial contributions may be made to the Alberta Red Cross in care of Brennen Funeral Home (2001) Ltd. P.O. Box 193, Stettler, Alberta TOC 2LO who were entrusted with the arrangements. Condolences can be e-mailed to brennenf@telusplanet.net. 742-3315.