Jack Ronald Anderson

On Sunday, December 9, 2018, Mr. Jack Ronald Anderson of Bentley, AB passed away peacefully at the Rimbey Hospital at the age of 86 years.

Jack will be remembered by his two daughters, Deb (Charlie) Spendiff and Faye (Mike) Poffenroth; grandchildren, Mathew, Jessica, Savanna, Brent (Naomi), Thomas (Amber), Jeni-May (Kalcy), Tanner (Michelle), Logan (Kelly), Kesler, Colin (Alycia), Riley (Jenai), Jace (Kendra), Kai; as well great grandchildren, Hawksley, Lyla, Jake, Aidyn, Griffin, Morgan, Kashis, Quynne, Kane, Ella, Mackenzie, Sofie, Jaeda and Jaxon.  Jack also leaves to mourn brother, Lloyd; sister, Maxine; as well as extended family and dear friends.

Jack was predeceased by his loving wife of 59 years, Helen; parents, Earl and Gertie Anderson; brothers, Glen, Eddie and Orvil; sister, Phyllis; children Barbara Lawton and Trent Anderson; granddaughter, Ilona Poffenroth; and great grandson, Gage Poffenroth.

Jack was born in Bentley, AB on May 20, 1932 to Earl and Gertie Anderson.  He was the third child of seven children and grew up on the family farm half a mile south of his place.  He attended Boyle School from grade one to grade eight, then went to Bentley for grade nine.  Jack stayed home that fall to help with harvest and then went to Red Deer for grade ten.  Unfortunately, he found he was too far behind and couldn’t catch up, so he decided to pack it in.  Jack took on odd jobs such as fencing for a fencing crew, stooking at harvest and helping on the family farm.  In 1953 he started on the rigs and saved enough money to buy his own place in 1956.  He married Helen Leeti from Sylvan Lake in July of 1957 and together moved to the farm.  They raised their four children, continued farming, and Jack was fortunate to be able to live there until the last three weeks of his life.

He had a passion for farming.  One might say he was stubborn as a mule, tough as an ox, yet gentle as a lamb.  Jack wasn’t one who could go sit and watch, he had to do. He took pride in his work and could build something out of nothing.

Jack was athletic, playing mostly hockey and ball in his younger years.  He found time for his kids, not by running, but by doing.  He helped coach minor hockey in Bentley.  He loved nature; hunting, berry picking, riding in the mountains. He enjoyed family gatherings, visiting with friends and Sunday afternoon drives.  In later years, Jack took pride in watching grandkids and great grandkids in sports and 4H.  He was very grateful to have had the opportunity to travel to Sweden, Norway and Finland on two occasions. 

Jack was a man of few words, loving, caring and would lend a helping hand when needed.  To sum it up he was a GIANT of a man and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

A Funeral Service will be held at the Blindman Valley Ag Centre, Bentley AB on Thursday, December 20, 2018 at 2:00 p.m.  Memorial donations may be directed to a charity of one’s choice.

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