GIESBRECHT
On Friday, May 27, 2011, at the age of 92 years, Mr. Abe Giesbrecht of Rimbey, Alberta crossed the cowboy's great divide where the water runs cool, clear and deep, and the grass grows stirrup high. His entry fees are paid...
Abe was born on October 13, 1918 at Waldheim, Saskatchewan to Peter and Marie Giesbrecht who raised two sons and two daughters. As a very young man, Abe traveled to Alberta by horseback on his faithful and trusty buckskin gelding named, Neville. He took up farming with his sister, Mary as his chief cook and dishwasher. In November of 1944, Abe was united in marriage to Jennie "Mae" Fitch and together they raised ten children, seven girls and three boys. They first resided near Leslieville, then moved to Bowden near the Red Lodge Park, and finally settled in the Rimbey area. Abe was a rough and tough, old school, old-time cowboy. He enjoyed music and was a true entertainer when it came to playing the mouth organ or his 'blunderbuss' (guitar), and he sure could yodel with amazing skill. Abe also truly loved rodeo, whether actively participating or not, and his Friday night fights were a must to watch. Right up until the time Abe had to leave the farm, regardless of where he lived over the years, you were sure to find both a horse and a dog sharing Abe's time. His life was quite a ride. From horse and buggy days to space age travel, and from no phones to cell phones. Abe did the best he could with what he knew and had at the time, with humps and bumps along the way. His life was a long and fulfilling journey, and now that journey is complete. Beyond the sunset, earth's toiling ended ... beyond the sunset, eternal joy.
"Happy trails to you, Dad ... 'til we meet again."
Abe will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his children: three sons, Larry (Diane) Giesbrecht of Peace River, Alberta; Martie (Michawn) Giesbrecht of Rimbey; and Kelly (Theresa) Giesbrecht of Rimbey; and six daughters, Diana Page of Bluffton; Donna (Ron) Hansen of Bentley; Pat (Melvin) Matson of Rimbey; Linda (Garry) Peterson of Bentley; Darcy (Trevor) Dafoe of Newbrook, Alberta; and Tracy Giesbrecht of Rimbey; as well as 34 grandchildren, 27 great grandchildren, and two great, great grandchildren. Abe will also be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his son-in-law, Dwight Fraser of Rimbey; his sister, Mary McNaught of Bentley; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and many friends. Abe was predeceased by the mother of his children, Jennie "Mae" Giesbrecht; his daughter, Joanne; two grandsons, Shane and Kevin; his sister, Ann; and his brother, Peter "Bill".
A Public Funeral Service in Celebration of Abe's Life was held at the Rimbey Church of the Nazarene, Rimbey on Friday, June 3, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. with the Reverend Dave MacMillan officiating. Interment followed in the West Haven Cemetery, Rimbey. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Abe's Memory may be made directly to the Stollery Children's Hospital Foundation, 1502 College Plaza, 8215 - 112 Street, Edmonton, Alberta T6G 9Z9; or to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, 15016 - 77 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta T5R 3B3.
Condolences to the Family may be expressed by email to:
special_reflections@telusplanet.net
Funeral and Burial Arrangements for the Late Mr. Abe Giesbrecht
entrusted to the care of Oberhammer Funeral Chapels