The 85th annual Decoration Day on Sunday was well attended with about 185 there. The day began at the Gadsby church building with the annual pancake breakfast hosted by the heritage Society, close to 60 attended.
Several former families were represented, such as the Bradey, Hansel, Boyd, Hoopfer, Jackson, Derr, Baines, Samuel (Hayden), Neeser, Duris, Quance, Larson, McMillan, Fisher, Berry, Marie Geekie, Andersen, to name a few.
At the Legion service, master of ceremony Rosalind LaRose welcomed everyone, The color party, lead by Legion veterans, followed by RCMP and CAV; music by Evelyn Shursen, Carmen Henkel and Roy Klaus. CAV remarks by Dale Kennedy; Omega remarks by Viola and Legion remarks by Susan Mitchell.
The guest speaker was retired RCMP detachment commander Duncan Babchuk. The service ended with wreath laying and benediction by Rev. Carolyn Langford. As always everyone looked forward to coffee and donuts (donated by DeLores Duris, in memory of Julius Duris) and a time of visiting. The weather was perfect for the day.
We wish DeLores Duris good luck as she has moved to Saint Albert. This is an exciting time for her as she has many friends and relatives in the area.
For Donna McKay, it was a full weekend, starting Saturday with a "Tribute to Seniors" at the P & H Elevator in Stettler. There was threshing, grinding of the wheat into flour; rope making and a fall supper catered by "catering by Sarah".
Get well wishes to Gary and Lavina Larson, who are both in Edmonton hospital following a horrific car accident last week. Lavina was air ambulanced from the scene. Gary was released from hospital but has been re-admitted to the University Hospital following complications. Get well cards were passed around at the brunch and cemetery on Sunday with many well-wishers signing.
Hearts go out to the Hankins family, to Jean, (grandma), aunts and uncles, cousins on the brutal death of Nadine Skow (daughter of Helen (Hankins) and Harvey Skow. Funeral services were held Monday, August 31 in Edmonton.