Robert John Chalmers

CHALMERS _ Robert John June 20, 1928 - November 9, 2007 Robert Chalmers of Millarville took his last ride and passed over November 9, into the loving arms of his wife of fifty-six years, Doreen, who predeceased him on September 20, 2007. He was surrounded in love, in person and in spirit by his children and grandchildren. He will be indescribably missed by his children, Jacqueline (Patrick Lannan) and their children, Jennie and Paden of Claresholm; Donald (Lee), their children, Alex and Lesley of Millarville; Edie (Ben Lowry), their children, Sage, Quillan, Dawson, Riel and Nolan of Elk Point and Millarville; granddaughter Jessica Chalmers of Millarville and her mother Lynn Chalmers of Airdrie; sister Ruth (Gordon Maberley) of High River; brother Hugh (Roxana) of Canon City, Colorado; sister-in-law Joan (Kenny Beattie) of High River, and many nieces and nephews. Robert was predeceased by his wife of fifty-six years, Doreen (nee Nichols), his oldest son, Douglas, September 18, 2004, his sister Jean Thomson, brother Jim Chalmers, infant brother Donald and his parents Bertram Chalmers and Grace (McVannel) Chalmers. Robert was born in High River and raised on the family ranch that had been settled in 1917. He attended Sheep Creek School until grade nine but the lure of the ranch brought him home full time. His growing up years were filled with hard work and good times, his work ethic, sense of humour and adventuresome spirit served him well for the duration of his life. Robert and Doreen married on September 22, 1951. They settled on the family ranch where they raised their four children and then basked in the love, attention and energy of their grandchildren. Robert's greatest love was viewing the world from the back of a saddle horse. His greatest gift to his children and grandchildren was instilling that love in them. Robert was a keen and friendly competitor. In 1952 he won the Novice Saddle Bronc at the Calgary Stampede; in 1982 he was champion header for the Century Team Ropers of Canada and over the years was the proud winner of many other team roping competitions. Robert was totally committed to his community and made many significant volunteer contributions over the years including Oilfields General Hospital, board member for over thirty years; he served in executive positions for many of those years; South Sheep Creek Stock Association, secretary-treasurer for decades; Ranchers Hall Board, member for twenty years, chair for five; Millarville Racing and Agricultural Society, active and honourary member for several years; Century Team Ropers of Canada, one of the founders; Old Timers Rodeo Association, member. In 2005 Robert and Doreen were recognized for all their many and varied volunteer and community-building efforts by each being presented in a public ceremony with a medal commemorating Alberta's Centennial. They were proud, appreciative and deserving recipients. Robert and Doreen's lives will be celebrated on Friday, November 16, 2007, 1:00 p.m. at the Millarville Race Track. During the past few months both were provided with loving and compassionate care by their daughter Edie, husband Ben and four of their children; by Dr. Val Congdon and the staff at Oilfields General Hospital as well as a team of Home Care "angels", Nadine, Pauline, Sandy and Wendy. The care was exemplary, our heartfelt thanks and gratitude is immeasurable. Donations in Robert and Doreen's memory can be made to Foothills Hospice, Box 274, Okotoks, AB T0L 1T0; Black Diamond Home Care Oilfields/Okotoks Health Foundation, 717 Government Road, Black Diamond, AB T0L 0H0 or Opening Gaits Therapeutic Riding Society of Calgary, P.O. Box 48034, Midlake Boulevard S.E., Calgary, AB T2X 3C7. Condolences to the family may be emailed to www.snodgrassfuneralhomes.com . Arrangements in care of SNODGRASS FUNERAL HOME (Okotoks). Telephone: 403-938-3111.