Wilfred Maurice DeYaegher

Wilf will lovingly be remembered by his children; Mike (Karen), Karen (Frank) and Lisa along with his grandchildren, Michael, Danny, Ashley (David), Steven, Austin, Meghan, Josh, Madison and Kendra, as well has his sister-in-law, Diane. Wilf was predeceased by his loving wife, Cleo, of 66 years his father Victor, mother Maria and stepmother Zulma, his brother Willy (Gladys), and brothers-in-law, Tom and Vernon (Bonnie).

Wilf was born March 15, 1931 in Desford, Manitoba and grew up on the family farm near Minto, Manitoba. He attended school in Minto and graduated in 1949 in a class of 3! It was on the farm that he learned the importance and value of hard work, making sure his chores were done before and after school. His Dad, Victor, nearing his grade 12 graduation told him he wouldn’t make it as a farmer and encouraged Wilf to further his education. He went to Brandon College and then to the University of North Dakota to study Geological Engineering. Wilf met Cleo while attending the University of North Dakota, graduated and they were married July 2, 1956. They moved to Canada soon after and started their life together in Virden, Manitoba.

Wilf’s Geological career spanned decades, working for British American Oil, Gulf, and Kissinger Petroleum. These early days had Wilf and Cleo moving from Virden to Estevan, Regina, Calgary, and Denver before ultimately settling in Calgary when Wilf accepted an offer to open the Canadian operations office for Lario Oil and Gas in 1971. Wilf retired from Lario at age 65 after a very successful career in the Oil & Gas business, although he never did really retire! He was still running his company and looking after his oil and gas properties up until December 2022!!

Wilf’s favorite thing in the world was spending time with family and friends. Especially when it involved cards, hunting, curling, hockey, baseball, skiing, and golf!! Dad (and Mom) also loved wintering in Phoenix. Wilf and Cleo shared many friendships that stood the test of time – many for over 60 years!

Wilf was an “ALL IN” Dad and loved his family fiercely. He adored his children and was their biggest fan. He coached Mike for many years in both baseball and hockey, refereed hockey games, and later coached Karen and Lisa in Gold Mitt Softball. He always gave of his time willingly and abundantly. He mentored his teams towards winning games but more importantly, about building their character – always helping them to dig deep and find they had “a little more to give”. In sports, and in life – he taught us that nothing of value came without working hard and giving your all.

Wilf will always be remembered for his welcoming smile, playful spirit and sense of humor, constantly joking with his kids, grandkids and his buddies. He loved his golf and gin rummy groups, had the ability to see the lighter side of things, and was a glass ½ full guy! He was a truly humble man and treated everyone with dignity and respect. He was our ROCK and guiding light and will be dearly missed.

The family would like to acknowledge and sincerely give thanks to the Scenic Grande Retirement Home’s staff and residents, for their support, care and for welcoming Wilf with open arms. Dad made many friends during his short stay there. In addition, heartfelt thanks to the incredible comfort care provided by the Dulcina Hospice staff to not only Wilf, but the whole family. Words cannot express our gratitude for your kindness, compassion and care for Wilf in his final days.

Wilf’s Celebration of Life will be held at Fosters Garden Chapel Funeral Home, 3220 4th Street NW, Calgary, Alberta on Monday, February 20, 2023 at 2:00 pm.

If friends so desire, donations may be made in lieu of flowers to the Dulcina Hospice Care at https://covenantcare.ca/communities/st-marguerite-manor/ or at 110 Evanspark Manor NW, Calgary, Alberta T3P 0N4 in his name.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person, are invited to join Wilf’s service streamed live on the day of the service. In addition, a recording of the service will be posted on the Fosters Website.