Dawne Hugh Gilchrist

GILCHRIST, Dawne Hugh
February 25, 1927 – July 23, 2016

Dawne Hugh Gilchrist was the third child born to Lottie Laverne (nee:Girling) & Roy Hugh Gilchrist. When Roy died suddenly in 1930, Dawne went to live with his maternal grandparents, Ephraim & Margaret Girling, on their farm southeast of Wetaskiwin in the Angus Ridge region. Dawne subsequently took over the farm, expanded it, and lived on the original homestead farmyard until 2013. In addition to farming, Dawne was also a trucker, owning a livestock buying station in the mid 1950s to mid 1960s.  In the early 1970’s, Dawne bought the Allis Chalmers dealership in Wetaskiwin and ran it, with one brief interruption, until his retirement. In the 1980’s, he was also a farm manager in Hobbema (now called Maskwacis). Throughout his life, Dawne was active in the Angus Ridge Community Association and local improvement groups.

Dawne married Marion Lois Malmas on June 30, 1951 and they recently marked their 65th wedding anniversary. They had four children and family was always their central focus. Dawne took great pride in keeping his farmyard spotless with extremely well manicured lawns and trees, spending countless hours on his riding mower. He also loved to sing and enjoyed many years with the Wetaskiwin Barber Shoppers. In retirement, Dawne and Marion travelled extensively in their motorhome with the “Good Sams”. Dawne also converted one of the farm buildings into a well equipped woodshop where he made and restored many pieces of furniture. He was always surrounded by animals, being especially fond of cats, and the occasional dog.

Dawne is survived by his wife, Marion; four children; Dawna, John (Catherine), Bill (Faye) and Tom (Connie); older brother, Milton; as well as several grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his parents, Roy & Lottie, and older sister, Beryl Ballhorn.

A Memorial Service will be held Friday, July 29, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at First United Church (5115 51 Avenue, Wetaskiwin).  In lieu of flowers, we ask family and friends to consider a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation (100-119 14 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1Z6) or the Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta (10531 Kingsway Avenue, Edmonton, AB T5H 4K1).
 

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