IRVIN LEEBERT (RED) AIKENS

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IRVIN LEEBERT (RED) AIKENS Irvin Leebert Red Aikens passed away in Stettler, AB, December 7, 2007 at the age of 62. Born on the farm near Lavenham, MB, Red lived in Winnipeg through his youth, stealing every opportunity to return to the farm. When very young he learned to operate heavy equipment this set him on his path of outdoor construction. He married his soul-mate, Maureen, and they had a son, Curtis, in 1966. In 1970 he pulled up stakes and emigrated to Calgary where he found work as a heavy equipment operator for AGT (now TELUS) with whom he was to spend 30 years. In 1973 he transferred to Red Deer where he made many friends and fell in love with the hobby of Working Dog Training And Breeding. He would eventually become a judge and show director in the sport. In 1987 Red and Maureen moved to Stettler where they found a farm to call their own and a place to satisfy his love of horses and other animals. Although he retired from TELUS in 2000, inactivity didn't sit well with Red, and he quickly filled his time helping other farms and friends in any way possible. Eventually he re-entered the work force. He was particularly proud of his work with First Pick Cranes, his colleagues, and the trucks and equipment entrusted to him. He would speak many times to his friends and grandchildren of what he was doing and what he was doing it with. Red lived for the people he cared for, checking constantly just to hear that all was well and healthy with each. He would give his coat to a person with the chills in a blizzard, sacrificing all comfort for himself, if the opportunity presented itself. He was loyal beyond question, loving without reservation and humble beyond reproach. Predeceased by his parents Lloyd and May of Winnipeg and two sisters in infancy; Red is survived by his wife of 42 years Maureen of Stettler, AB; son Curtis (Lynette) of St. Albert, AB; grandchildren Christopher and Chelsea; sis Vera of Winnipeg; sister-in-law Sharron Willits (Sandy); nephew Sean; niece Kelley; and many close friends. Red's wishes were to carry-on with life and to not spend time or ceremony on him in his passing. He wished a final celebration of life to be held at the farm, in the Summer of 2008. Donations may be made to a local Humane Society/SPCA or to any charity of your choice. Sympathies may be forwarded to the family by signing the guestbook at www.stettlerfuneralhome.com. Stettler Funeral Home Crematorium, Stettler, AB, 1-877-844-3422, entrusted with the care and arrangements.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 15, 2007