Wilbert Donald Jonathan Reeves

Wilbert Reeves passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ on Saturday, April 20, 2019 at the age of 93 years in Claresholm, AB. He was born in Sandy Lake, AB and was one of six children of his predeceased parents Mary and Louis Reeves. Will grew up on the family farm in Meniak, AB before moving on to work at a logging camp in Clearwater, BC and then with a rock drilling company in Exshaw, AB. He then became a truck driver for five years with Canadian Freightways and he was very proud of receiving a safe driving award. He returned to take over a newly located family farm northwest of Ponoka at the age of 34 and farmed until the age of 87.

Will was a loving husband to Martha Reeves and caring father to daughter Caroline (Graham) Boyle. He is also survived by his oldest brother Sam Reeves of Detroit and his ten children; his youngest sister Velma Cheasley of Calgary; niece Sher Hodges (Clay) and children Shannon and Chris; niece Heather Cheasley; nephew Mark Daley (Linda); nephew Ryan Reeves (Carol); niece Esther Daley (David); niece Leona Stebner (Terry); niece Jackie Gross (Alvin); grandchildren Doug Buist (Andrea), Kirk Buist, Brennon Buist (Jen); and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his wife’s children, Arleene Fennig, Wilfred Ruskowsky (Terry), Lorne Ruskowsky (Verna), Gordon Ruskowsky (Melody), Ronald Ruskowsky (Debbie); 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Ernie and sisters Alice and Mabel.

He will be loved and remembered for his gentle and kind spirit. Will always had an encouraging word for those around him. His favourite line was “It’s good to see you!” and the staff at the long term care facility in which he last resided called him “our gentleman”. He was frequently found reading his Bible. He was very patient and always willing to lend a hand, such as volunteering to take a handicapped gentleman into a swimming pool for exercise. As a farmer, he was very kind to his animals, ensuring that they were well taken care of. Out of the goodness of his heart, he would head out from his dairy farm to his daughter’s summer camp with an eight gallon can of fresh milk for the campers to drink.

A Celebration of Will’s Life will be held at First Baptist Church, (5109 57 Ave, Ponoka, AB), on Tuesday, April 30, 2019 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations being made in Will’s memory directly to the Recreation Department, Willow Creek Continuing Care Centre, (PO Box 700, Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0).