Anderson: Wesley Byron, June 8, 1933 - March 20, 2018

Wes Anderson was born on the farm at Excel to his parents Elsie and Ezekiel Anderson. It was a large family and Wes came to have five brothers and three sisters. Wes loved the farm and worked alongside his father until he married (Paddy) Kathleen Bennett in 1955. They lived in a small house on the Bennett farm beside Paddy’s parents. He worked with Jack Bennett for a short time and then he and Paddy purchased the farm for themselves. Wes and Paddy raised two daughters. He was very handy with a hammer and a saw and built a home for his family. That house is still on the farm today, and grandson Michael and his wife reside there.

Wes raised cattle and grew grain and hay crops for many years, but as the years went by he went strictly into grain farming. In 2012, Wes and Paddy sold the farm to their two grandsons Michael and Jack, and he and Paddy retired to live in Oyen. His passion was to be out in a grain field and he was able to drive the combine right up until his death.

Wes was very active in the community and was always ready to help a neighbour. He served the community on many boards and was also very active in the Alberta Seniors Recreation Society. Wes joined the Cereal and District Lions Club as a Charter Member and had 17 years of perfect attendance. Over the years, Wes held most of the offices and served on many committees. At the District Level, Wes served for two years as the Zone Chairman and two years as Region Chairman. He held many cabinet positions with the Lions Club including District Governor. He attended two Lions International Conventions, seven District Conventions, six Multiple District Conventions, five Mid-Winter Conferences and three USA/Canada Leadership Forums. Between 1988 and 1995 he made over 100 visitations. He received many awards and recognition for his work with the Lions Association.

Wes served for 18 years on the Municipal Hospital Board and many years on the executive of the Curling Club. He was instrumental in forming the Silver Spurs Horse Club and donated his time and labour to build houses for his neighbours as well as served as an aid to the local fire department. His other accomplishment was that he served as a guide to big game hunters from across Canada and the USA.

His two favourite projects were the Lions Youth Exchange Program and S.T.A.R.S.

Wes is survived by his wife Paddy; sister Bea; brother Gordon; two daughters; six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild (undoubtedly his greatest passion).

Funeral service was held March 26 at the Cereal Community Hall in Cereal. Officiating clergy was Rev. Helen Reed. Pallbearers were Michael Hauck, Jack Hauck, Stephen Schroeder, Tanner Ross, David Smale, and Peter Anderson. Honorary pallbearers were the Lions Club International.

Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by the United Church Ladies in the Cereal Community Hall.

MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.