Obituary of Harold Leon Lefferson

Harold was born in Brooks, Alberta on July 13, 1912; he was the oldest child of Bill and Eva Lefferson. Harold passed away on August 23, 2008 in the Hythe, Alberta, at the age of 96 years. On December 19, 1935 Harold married Alma Brownscombe, and started their life and family at Fish Creek. They had ten children, four boys and six girls. Harold trapped furs, and sawed lumber for several years. He raised horses, cattle and also sheep, but shared them with the coyotes. He pastured cattle in the summer months for other cattlemen as far away as Sexsmith, La Glace, and the Hythe area. Harold had various other jobs as well and in 1958 started working at Patterson's Auction Market; working there for 17 years. Harold attended many meetings and applied for government grants to get the Gundy hall built. He had to get permits to cut the trees then Bob Sipe sawed them into lumber, which was used to build the hall. Harold hauled the lumber to and from the planer mill near Hythe. It seemed fitting that Harold and Alma's 50th wedding anniversary was the first event to take place in the hall. Harold also was the driving force behind getting the road from Highway 43 to Gundy on the east side of Swan Lake. Harold would talk politics and tell about his life as long as someone would listen. He also loved history and was well informed because he loved to read. He could read a paperback in one afternoon. Harold loved people and no matter where he went, he could always find someone to talk to. He was a generous person and would help anyone who needed a hand. He was very proud of all his family and loved them very much. He had a full life and enjoyed it, although the last couple of years were not so great; he really wanted to be at home. Harold will be missed by all those who knew and loved him. Harold is survived by his loving wife Alma, of 72 years, 8 children, Eva Regner, Leona (Wes) Sipma, Chris (Lois)Lefferson, Janet (Ray) Moore, Sharon (Terry) Seaby, Jean (Rocky) Fields, Sandra (Wayne) James, and Dan Lefferson, 27 grand-children, 48 great-grand-children and 3 great-great-grand children. Brothers Jack (Mary-Ann) Lefferson, Alan (Barb) Lefferson, sister Dorothy Knopp, sister-in-law, Ester Taylor and many other relatives. Harold was predeceased by his parents, Bill and Eva Lefferson, sisters, Bessie Lefferson and Alice Merrick and two sons, George and Harley Lefferson. A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, August 30th, 2008 at 2:00 pm at the Gundy Hall. Reverend Gary Henderson officiated, interment followed in the Gundy Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Harold to the Hythe Continuing Care Centre Box 100 Hythe, Alberta, T0H 2C0 Very respectfully Reynars Funeral Home and Crematorium.