Orlo Jeffers

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Orlo Jeffers at the age of 90 years. Orlo passed away peacefully in Calgary on Monday, February 11, 2013. He is survived by his daughter, Leslie (Barry) Davis, and step-sons, Rodney (Carol) Nelson and David (Virginia) Nelson. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Mandi Matheson, Ryan (Chelsea) Davis, Traci (Scott) Fischer, Michael (Haley) Nelson, Katherine (Brent) Murray, Carol (Roy) Cottle and Donna (Shane) Playfair; fifteen great grandchildren, Shelbie and Lori Matheson, Orlo Davis and Ethan Perras, Sinclaire and Lyndon Fischer, Jonathan and Meagen Nelson, Kristen and Darren Murray, Sarah and Matthew Cottle, Ashley Berg, and Samantha and Mark Playfair; a sister, Florence Mullen and many nieces and nephews. Orlo was predeceased by Ruth, his loving wife of 56 years.

Orlo grew up in the Gleichen area and farmed for several years on the Blackfoot Reserve while also running his own transport business. Orlo and Ruth lived at Bearberry, Sundre, Lavoy and spent 25 years on the farm near Carstairs. In 2011, Orlo moved into a nursing home in Calgary. His interests were many and varied and he was a skilled pilot. While in his late twenties, he travelled to Wisconsin to fly his own two-seater, single engine plane back to Alberta.

On his 80th birthday he enjoyed the experience of again taking the controls of a single engine plane as he flew over their old farmstead at Bearberry. Orlo loved working with his hands and was adept as a heavy duty mechanic, welder, and electrician enjoying the challenge of repairing anything that others felt could not be fixed. He worked in the Arctic on two occasions; the first time in the 1950’s as a heavy duty mechanic working on the DEW Line (Distant Early Warning) and again in the mid 1970’s as shop foreman for Narwhal Arctic Services at Resolute Bay.

He had a love of all things mechanical and enjoyed his cats, dogs, and cattle. We wish to express our appreciation to Gwen and Duane Trottier for their thoughtfulness, friendship, and support over the years to both Orlo and Ruth and our family.

We wish to thank the staff of the Maple Unit at the Extendicare Cedars Villa in Calgary for their special care and kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Orlo’s name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, NWT and Nunavut, #200, 119 - 14 Street, NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1Z6.

A private family interment will be held. Friends are invited to a Celebration of Orlo’s life at SOUTH CALGARY FUNERAL CENTRE, 12700 Macleod Trail South, (at Lake Fraser Gate) Calgary on Saturday, March 2, 2013 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

JUST THINK!

by Robert W. Service

Just think!

Some night the stars will gleam

Upon a cold, grey stone,

And trace a name with silver beam,

And lo! 'twill be your own.

That night is speeding on to greet

Your epitaphic rhyme,

Your life is but a little beat

Within the heart of Time.

A little gain, a little pain,

A laugh, lest you may moan;

A little blame, a little fame,

A star-gleam on a stone.