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HOCH


Alfred Hoch of Westerose, Alberta passed away at the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre on Wednesday, July 12, 2017 at the age of 82 years.

Alfred was born on October 15, 1934 in Barbarówka, Poland to Helen Oëlke and Andreas Hoch. He and his mother immigrated to Canada in 1951 when Alfred was sixteen years old. They stayed with friends in Alberta, finally settling in Wetaskiwin. Alfred met Shirley Boden of Crystal Springs, Alberta and they were married on September 6, 1958. The Hoch family grew with the arrival of Karen in 1959, and Lorne in 1963. Alfred began a career as a plasterer and concrete finisher in the Wetaskiwin area and had a hand in finishing numerous houses, churches, and other prominent buildings across Alberta. He purchased land in Yeoford in 1961 and started building his farm. The family moved from Wetaskiwin to Yeoford in 1964, where Alfred began his second career as a farmer. He raised cattle and pigs, and eventually sheep and chickens. After retiring from farming, Alfred missed having animals, so the pastures were rented and he would spend the summers hauling salt and checking on the visiting cattle. Eventually Alfred purchased some horses and began breeding the mares. He enjoyed seeing the spring foals playing in the grass and running across the hills. Alfred was always willing to help out his neighbors with haying and other chores. He could usually be found at the Yeoford store or the restaurant in Breton, telling stories with friends and neighbors over coffee or pizza. One of his favorite pastimes was going to auctions sales, since he never knew what treasures he might find. Alfred enjoyed traveling across Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan to visit his family and would often take Shirley on spontaneous road trips with Rocky Mountain House, Nordegg, and Jasper being some of his favorite destinations.

Alfred is remembered with love by his wife of 58 years, Shirley; his daughter, Karen (Bruce) Viney of Olds; his son, Lorne (Patti) Hoch of Dawson Creek, B.C.; five grandchildren: Tanya (Fred) Godfrey of Elk Point, Alberta; Nicole (Mike) Fischer of Calgary; Jennifer Viney of Livelong, Saskatchewan; and Cody Hoch and David Hoch, both of Dawson Creek, B.C.; as well as three great grandchildren: Brayden Viney, James Fischer, and Paige Fischer; in addition to numerous nieces and nephews. Alfred was predeceased by his father, Andreas; his mother, Helen; his grandson, Michael Viney in 2008; one sister, Ida Eberhart; and one brother, Donny Meier.

A Public Memorial Service in Celebration of Alfred's Life was held at the Yeoford Community Hall, Winfield on Friday, July 21, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. with the Reverend Deborah Laing officiating. A Private Family Interment took place in the Mount Clare Cemetery, Winfield. If friends desire, memorial tributes in Alfred's Memory may be made directly to the Rimbey Health Services Donations Program, Box 440, Rimbey, Alberta T0C 2J0 (www.rimbeyhealthdonations.com); or to STARS Air Ambulance, 1441 Aviation Park N.E., Box 570, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7 (www.stars.ca). Condolences may be expressed by e-mail to: special_reflections@telusplanet.net

Service and Cremation Arrangements

for the Late Alfred Hoch

entrusted to the care of

OBERHAMMER FUNERAL CHAPELS LTD.

1-403-843-4445



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