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ALBEN JOSEPH KLEMAS, B.A. 1917 - 2008 Peacefully at Grace Hospital, with family by his side, at the age of 91, Alben Joseph Klemas left this world to join his beloved Anne to whom he was married for 67 years before she passed away last fall. Alben is survived by his son James; daughters, Bonnie Taylor (Jim) and Barbara Hitching; grandchildren, Tamara Leger (Mike), Barbara Taylor Lee (Jeff) and Jason Taylor (Jenn), and grandchildren, Meghan McLean (Andy), Jeremy Hitching, Joshua Hitching, and Sarah Hitching; great-grandchildren, Bradley Oliver, Taylor Leger, Winston Leger, Elena Lee and Hilton Lee. Predeceased by best friend and soulmate, wife Anne, parents John and Minnie Klemas, and brothers and sisters, Hilda (Jackie) Anderson, Harley Klemas, Donald Klemas, Pearl Reich, Thelma Svendsen, Irene Macri, Hazel Gorzen, Archie and Margaret in infancy, and survived by sisters, Elsie Hallick, and Florence St. Onge, and numerous nieces and nephews. Born in Sovereign, Saskatchewan on his parent's homestead, Alben's family moved to Winnipeg, where he grew up in the vibrant north end, and he never tired of telling many stories of boxing matches and dances. During the depression as a young teenager he rode the rails, which gave him hundreds more of fine stories, always ending with the wish that he really should have stayed in school. Cutting a fine figure with his straight-back posture, Alben courted Anne at the beginning of the Second World War, then signed up in 1942 for a 25 year career in the Air Force, as an aircraft technician and instructor. He and Anne loved the military life, and made lifelong friendships as their family moved from base to base. When he retired in 1967, he said he had not yet achieved two important goals: he prized education greatly, and he wanted a house by the river. So he went back to school and in 1972 graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and sociology. In 1968 he and Anne bought a VLA lot in Charleswood and built his cherished house on the river, where they lived for 30 years. He liked working with his hands and reveled in his hobbies of fixing beater cars, and restoring other handyman-special houses. He and Anne spent many hours enjoying canoeing, and river wildlife. He was raised to be frugal with his needs, and his motto was Throw nothing away but the bawl of the calf, the squeal of the hog, in last year's tracks in the snow . Alben was known all his life for his grit and determination, and he never hesitated to share with you his good advice on wisdom hard-earned. He loved politics and was closely following the Obama / Clinton debates on CNN. In his later years, he and Anne moved to Sturgeon Creek Retirement Residence, where he continued to devote himself to her care. Until his last few months Alben was healthy, with an active lifestyle that belied his age. Alben dedicated many years to the well-being of his children and grandchildren. His lively and resolute character has made him a legend to his family, and they have benefited greatly from the generosity of this compassionate man. The family wishes to thank the 3rd floor staff of Grace Hospital for their care and family support during Alben's final days. Viewing will be held at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23, with prayers at 7:30 p.m. Funeral mass will be held on Thursday, April 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church, 4588 Roblin Blvd., Charleswood. Pallbearers are grandsons, Jason Taylor, Jeremy Hitching, Joshua Hitching, and nephews, Barry Hallick, Don Svendson, and son-in-law Andy McLean. Interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens. CHAPEL LAWN 885-9715
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 23, 2008
Condolences & Memories (1 entries)
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My condolences on the loss of your father and recent loss of your mother in October 2007. Although I read the obituaries daily, at the time of your mother's passing (coincidentally on my birthday) we were out of the country. You may not remember me, but I am Stephanie Wawyn's daughter, Patti. Your mother and my mother were cousins. My mother always referred to "couisn Anne, my kissing cousin." Each year, my mother received a Christmas card from your parents with their annual letter which she shared with the rest of the family. My prayers are with you during this sad time. - Posted by: Patti Wawyn (Family) on: Apr 24, 2008