Obituary of EKVALL – Herbert Vincent

July 27, 1925 – November 19, 2009 Herb Ekvall, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully with family at his side on November 19 at the age of 84 years. Herb was born on July 27, 1925 in Fusilier, SK, the son of Swedish immigrants. In 1940, his family moved to Alix, AB where he attended high school. After completing grade eleven, he “joined up” and served in the RCAF until the end of hostilities in 1945. He then went to Calgary to finish his high school education. In 1965, he also graduated from the management program at the Banff School of Advanced Management. Herb began his life-time career as a “pipeliner” in 1947 in the midst of the Leduc oil fever. He served in a number of capacities with Imperial Pipe Line and in 1956 was Field Superintendent of Westspur Pipeline Company in Estevan, SK When Producers Pipeline was formed in 1958, Herb accepted the position of General Superintendent. He transferred to Regina in 1965 and became Operations Manager in 1966. In 1971, he and his family moved to Calgary with Dome Petroleum. He retired in 1984, as manager of ethane operations. His crowning achievement was as manager of operations from 1975 to 1982 for the entire Cochin pipeline system in Canada and the U.S. He also provided tremendous input into its design and construction. Herb strongly believed in providing service to his community. In 1958 he joined the Knights of Columbus in Estevan. He was elected to a number of local and provincial positions including Grand Knight and District Deputy. In 1968, he was elected to one of the highest offices in the Knights of Columbus, that of State Deputy for the province of Saskatchewan. He was also very active in Lions Clubs, the Canadian Legion, the Catholic School Board, and as President of the Chamber of Commerce. Herb was known as a leader and an innovator, initiating such projects as the 1969 province-wide walkathon called “Hikes for Tykes” which raised $100,000 in support of St. Anne’s Children’s home in Ituna, SK. Herb enjoyed a number of leisure activities throughout his life including curling, golfing (two holes-in-one!), gardening, and smoking a good cigar. In his later years, he particularly looked forward to planning special events for his family such as his annual Christmas party and birthday parties. Dad will long be remembered as a gentleman who displayed courage, dedication, and a generous spirit. Herb is survived by his wife Eileen; children Dennis (Shirley), Monica Ekvall (Charlie Stokes), Elaine Munce, Vincent (Mary), Christine Roeder (Michael), and their mother Frances Ekvall; grandchildren Michelle, Laura, Adam, Ginny, Steven, Connor, Julia, Lauren, Griffin; great-granddaughter Grace; Eileen’s children Bonni MacKenzie (Dave), Lesli Nessim (Maher), Pat Worthington (Kathy) and eight grandchildren; and his siblings Eva Mott (Bill), Conrad (Dorothy), and Esther Hammond. He was predeceased by his parents Anton and Elsie. Memorial Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W.), on Friday, November 27, 2009 at 2:30 p.m. You may forward condolences through . If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Alberta, 200, 119 – 14th Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 1Z6 Telephone: (403) 264-5549, .or, Hospice Calgary, 1245 – 70th Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2H 2X8, Telephone: (403) 263-4525, . Herb and his family are appreciative of the care and support given to all of them by the staff at Eau Claire Retirement Home and the Newport Harbour Care Centre. In living memory of Herbert Ekvall, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot Chapel, 82 CROWFOOT CIRCLE N.W. Telephone: (403) 241-0044.