June 30, 1937 - November 11, 2023
In Loving Memory ~
With broken hearts the family of Delmer Skeels was left to say goodbye, upon his unexpected and sudden passing at home on Saturday, November 11, 2023, at the age of 86 years.
Delmer was born in the Bentley General Hospital on June 30, 1937, to his parents Lester and Alda Skeels and his siblings Louise, Gerald, and Thelma. He was brought home to the farm where he resided for the next 86 years.
Delmer attended school to Grade 8 at the Monte Vista School, riding to and from class on horseback. His education was complicated by health problems and hearing loss.
In 1963 Delmer married Joyce Holosko and they continued to dairy farm until 1970; venturing into beef cows, transplant heifers, feed horses, as well as developing a fine herd of commercial cattle. He enjoyed participating in amateur rodeo, and served on the Rimbey Rodeo Board for 20 years. He also fulfilled roles with the Rimbey Agricultural Society and the Alberta Range Patrol program.
As a family they were actively involved with the Bluffton 4H Beef Club, with Delmer spending some time as both an assistant and as the club leader. The Skeels Family was acknowledged with the Ponoka County Farm Family honour in 1987. In 2007 Delmer semi-retired and sold most of the herd; but, he always loved to stay active on the farm.
In June of this year, the family was recognized as a long-standing pioneer family of the Rimbey area at the annual Oldtimers Reunion. Over the years, Delmer enjoyed many activities such as: trail riding in the mountains, breaking horses, and dancing. In later years, Delmer and Joyce were fortunate enough to take pleasure in many bus trips across Canada and the U.S.A.; creating many memories and friendships along the way.
Their recent favourite pastimes included eradicating gophers; and road trips out west looking for wild horses, which they did just four days prior to Delmer's passing.
"He was a farmer: hardworking - straightforward - social and caring...He will be missed, but his memory will live on."
Delmer is survived by his loving wife and partner of 60 years, Joyce; his sons Stan (Vykki), Wes (Leslie), and Dan (Karen); as well as his grandchildren Mackenzie (Corey), Garren (Trinity), Kesler (Korah), Tyler, Jodi, Chelsea and her son Keaton, and Jessie.
He is also survived by his sister Louise Sanderson; his brother Gerald (May) Skeels; in addition to numerous additional family members; and many close friends. Delmer was predeceased by his parents; his sister Thelma Galisky; along with many special aunts, uncles, other relatives, and good friends.
With respect for Delmer's wishes, an Informal Memorial Gathering was held at the Peter Lougheed Community Centre, 5109 - 54 Avenue, Rimbey on Sunday, November 19, 2023, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
If desired, memorial donations in Delmer's memory may be made directly to STARS Air Ambulance, Box 570, 1441 Aviation Park NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 8M7 (www.stars.ca); or to the charity of one's choice. Condolence messages may be forwarded to the family by visiting: www.ofc-ltd.ca
Service and Cremation Arrangements for the Late Delmer Skeels entrusted to the care of Oberhammer Funeral Chapels Ltd.
