Robert JASPER

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JASPER: Robert Lawrence Jasper, in his 84th year, passed away January 22, 2010, in the Souris Health Centre after a lengthy illness, but brief hospital confinement of only four days. He was born May 27, 1926 on the home farm 20-6-23 in R.M. of Cameron, to Charles and Anne Jasper, the second child of their family of five. He attended Hartney School Grades I to XI. Following the death of his father in 1955 he assumed the responsibilities of the farm, the care of his mother and teenage brother Donald, who subsequently would become his lifetime partner in the Jasper cattle enterprise. In 1958 they became interested in raising Charolais cattle, a new breed to be introduced to the Hartney area. In 1968, a small delegation of Charolais breeders met in Brandon and formed the Manitoba Charolais Association. Robert was elected to the board of directors and served for several terms, one as vice president. Robert and Don have produced many fine Charolais cattle. They had top gaining and trophy winning bulls at the Douglas testing station in 1970 and 1971. In 1986 their yearling bull “Jasper’s Mr. Show Me”, was winner in his class at the Brandon Agricultural Exhibition, and was purchased by Reuben Ehert, president of the Canadian Charolais Association, and owner of Flat Valley Charolais Ranch at Hilda, Alberta. Through the years the Jasper Charolais herd has increased in size. Although Robert suffered greatly from many health issues he continued, for as long as he was able, to drive from his residence in Hartney to the farm. He assisted with the care and feeding of the cattle, even mowing and raking hay as recently as July/August 2009. He acquired his first heifer calf when he was ten years old, so it can be said he was a dedicated and devoted farmer/cattleman for 73 years! The Hartney 4H Calf Club was formed in 1960. He was one of the leaders for several years. He was president of the Hartney Agricultural Society for several years and livestock exhibitor at the annual summer fairs. Here his impressive palomino stallion, “Gallant Golden Glo”, one of the first of this breed in the Hartney area, was shown and admired. Robert was also a dedicated and valued member of the Hartney I.O.O.F. #25 fraternal lodge until it dismantled in 2003. Robert was a quiet, gentle, sincere, hard-working, sensitive man, asking for very few favors in life, but always willing to lend a helping hand. He loved to visit and was renowned for his incredible memory, knowledge of current affairs, local events and people involved. He will be sadly missed by his sisters Margaret Love of Souris, Phyllis Elder of Hartney and her daughters Cheryl, Pam (John), Lisa (Richard) and families; brothers Edward (Gloria) Jasper of Melita and children Krista, Tami, Sheldon (Char) and families, Don (Sandra) Jasper of Hartney and sons Cory (Lisa), Michael, Kelly and families; cousins Mary Graham of Hartney, Hazel Mills of Carlyle, Saskatchewan, Sheila (Ross) Richardson of Vancouver, B.C.; special friend Ebby Bertholet of Hartney, and many other friends and neighbors and all extended families. Robert was predeceased by his parents, his sister-in-law Jean Jasper, brothers-in-law John Love and Robert Elder, nephew Brent Elder, cousins Wallace Jasper and Isobel (Russell) Vandusen. Interment took place in the Jasper family plot at the Hartney Riverside Cemetery. The memorial service followed at Kowalchuk Funeral Chapel with Rev. Barbara Alston officiating and Lorne Robson the organist. Active pallbearers were: Gordon Currah, George Freeman, Shane Eastman, Don Barrows, Gary Decock, Ken Moreau, and all in attendance considered honorary pallbearers. Kowalchuk’s Funeral Home was in charge of the funeral arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to the Brandon Humane Society or charity of choice.

As published in Brandon Sun on Mar 06, 2010