Obituary

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Leslie Eric Airth of DeBolt, Alberta. Surrounded by his family, he passed away peacefully at the age of 90 years in the Valleyview hospital.

Born in Grande Prairie, Alberta, Les was the first child of James & Phyllis Airth. He had one brother, Wilbert “Joe”, and a sister, Arlene. His parents started a homestead 3 ½ miles from the community of DeBolt, Alberta. That land was a part of the farm where Les spent his life and raised his own family.

Les did a variety of jobs, but his life passions were farming and logging. He rebuilt his family’s sawmill, and sawed a lot of the lumber that was used to build fences and buildings around the farm. He met his future wife, Joan Ellen Blimkie through her brother, Gus. Their first date was at a dance in Bezanson, Alberta, and they were married on June 8, 1959. They spent 62 years together before he lost his beloved Joan this past summer. They had 3 children – a daughter, Darlene, and 2 sons, Tom & Kelvin.

Les will be remembered by his 2 sons, Tom (Debbie) & Kelvin (Margaret); daughter, Darlene (Len); daughter-in-law, Lori (Donnie); grandson, Andrew (Jess) & their children, Haylee & Jensen; grandson, Tyler (Steph) & their children, Jackson & Henry; grandson, Riley (Megan) & their children, Elayna & Miles; granddaughter, Kelsey (Blair) & their children, Boden & Mia; granddaughter, Lisa (Brett); granddaughter, Mandy (Don) & their children, Blake & Ali; granddaughter, Melinda (Dustin) & their children, Xander, Jacob, Paxton & Zoe; granddaughter, MollyJo (Ben) & their children, Adalynd, Bronwyn & Charlotte; also, step-sister, Mary (Gary) Forbes. Les was predeceased by his wife, Joan; parents, James & Phyllis; along with his siblings, Joe & Arlene. A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 6 at 2:00 p.m. at DeBolt Community Centre, DeBolt. To send condolences online, please visit www.gracegardensfuneralchapel.com.

GRACE GARDENS FUNERAL CHAPEL, 5626 – 51 Street, St. Paul, AB T0A 3A1 780-645-2677