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 Irene Vipond 1920-2008 IRENE DELOSSA (Walker/Crum) VIPOND was born April 21, 1920, second child of 8 born to Russell and Agnes Walker of Halcourt, Alberta. Irene spent her childhood on the family farm, milking cows, working the horses and doing outdoor chores in general. She was never the “house” kind of girl. She attended school in Halcourt and Beaverlodge and married Ray Crum on March 31, 1939. They had 4 children: Neil, Brian, Kathy and Carol. On December 29, 1960 Irene married Duncan Merlin Vipond (aka Merle) and acquired two stepchildren Verlie and Ron. She and Merle farmed at Bear Canyon, Arras and finally settled at South Dawson where they lived until 2005 when they moved to town. Over the years their family expanded and the 6 children went forth and multiplied. Irene was very proud of her family and the grandchildren, whether they kicked a football, played baseball, skated, swam, did gymnastics or played a musical instrument. Irene loved children (the more the merrier) and at one time or another drew pictures for them, challenged their imaginations with viewings of clouds and taught all of them to love chicken n’ dumplings. She loved to dance, and taught many children to hunt, dance and drive a vehicle, whether it had two wheels or four. All of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as numerous nieces and nephews learned how to shoot cans off fence post, drive around the fields and truly enjoy the outdoors. She is renowned for sketching and writing poetry. She was very proud and happy when Kathy and Crystal put together a book of her poems which was published in 1997. Irene was predeceased by her parents in the 1940’s, her first husband Ray Crum in 1960, granddaughter Melanie Hollingshead in 1975, sister Annie Dixon in 1988, daughter in-law Sue Vipond in 2007, and brother Alvin in 2008. Irene is survived by her 4 children: Neil (Rose) Crum of Glenevis, Alberta, Brian (Anita) Crum of South Dawson, Kathy (Art) Vipond of South Dawson and Carol (Bill) Hollingshead of Doe River; two stepchildren: Verlie (Larry) Nelson of Alabama, USA and Ron Vipond of Calgary, Alberta; 10 grandchildren: Serena and Devon, Deborah, Rebecca, Wallace and Shane; Allen and Crystal; Troy and Trent; 18 great-grandchildren: Grace and Noah; Chiquita, Kevin and Daniel; Justin, Katie, Krysten, Cale and Ayden; Kaelynn and Colbie; Jessie, Kyle and Payton; Holly-Shae, Dustin and Samantha; five sisters: Lillie McKay and Betty Gaudin of Beaverlodge, Mona MacLean and Ruby (Dennis) Mitchell of Dawson Creek, and Shirley (Bill) Lamb of Edmonton. Irene was greatly revered by her family, especially the grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as the numerous nieces and nephews who would need a complete newspaper to recount their fond memories. She will be well remembered and sorely missed. A funeral service was held on July 10, 2008 in the Bergeron Funeral Chapel, Dawson Creek, officiated by Bev Dunsmore. Irene was cremated and inurnment of her urn will follow at a later date. |
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Dawson Creek: (250) 782-2577 Fort St. John: (250) 785-2872 |
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