Janet and Ben MacLEOD

MacLEOD, Janet Archer (Scarth)
April 27, 1925 - November 19, 2013
MacLEOD, Dr. Ben McNichol
December 9, 1922 - November 26, 2013
Together for almost 67 years, together even now. Janet and Ben, both of High River, Alberta had an unbreakable bond. Janet was born in Montreal and raised in nearby Ste. Anne-de-Bellevue. Ben was born and grew up in High River on the family farm on the east side of town. When Ben was at McGill University in Medicine, he met Janet who was studying Biology and they were married in December, 1946. After they finished their studies, they headed off to southern Alberta where Ben set up his practice in Brooks (1951-1970) and Janet adapted to a new life in western Canada. By 1959 they had their first farm and had bought Aberdeen Angus cattle, a lifelong commitment. Even through moves to the Spruce Grove area and then back to the family farm near High River, the cattle moved with them. Both Ben and Janet were active members of the Angus society and Ben was recognized with a lifetime achievement award in 2010. Janet was an avid gardener who loved working in the greenhouse getting ready for spring plantings. She shared her love of life with all who would listen. Ben was most at ease with caring for animals and the land. His determination and strength of will carried him through challenges and brought him back to farming, his early love. Family and the land were priorities for both of them with time at the ranch in the foothills a gift. Ben and Janet were predeceased by their daughter Lesley in 1961. Continuing the values of family and ranching are their children - daughter Marion (Donavon) Bentz, sons Gordon (Grace) MacLeod, Dr. Brent (Debbie-Layne) MacLeod and Neil (Carol) MacLeod, all of High River. Ben and Janet's beloved grandchildren are Lesley (Aubrey) Dekok, Dr. Kristin Bentz, Dr. David (Renee) Bentz, Lauren (Matthew) Ostridge, Colin MacLeod, Stuart (Dana) MacLeod, Dr. Kelsey MacLeod, Scott MacLeod, Shannon MacLeod and Heath MacLeod. They treasured their great-grandchildren - Willem, Kate and Coen Dekok. A gathering for remembrance will be held on Saturday, January 4, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. at the High River United Church. To view Janet's and Ben's Tribute Pages please visit www.lylereeves.com. Caring for the family is LYLE REEVES FUNERALS of High River (Craig Snodgrass). Telephone 403-652-4242.