Obituary of Garnet William Ovans

Garnet William Ovans Sr. (Red Ovans) of Cochrane passed away on Wednesday, February 7, 2007 at the age of 85 years. Garnet was born on May 3, 1921 in Calgary. He was raised and educated in Calgary before joining the R.C.A.F. where he served as a WWII pilot from August 9, 1940 until March 23, 1946. After the war, on February 2, 1946 he married his high school sweetheart Iris Azalea Osborne. On October 1, 1948 he re-enlisted in the R.C.A.F. and served as an officer and active pilot until December 2, 1968. In May 1968, after his air force career, he moved to the Cochrane area and was a cattle rancher until his death. Another proud part of his life was being a founding member of the Cochrane Lake Gas Co-Op. He also served as chairman and managing director of the Co-Op until his retirement at age 83. Garnet is survived by a son and daughter-in-law Garnet Jr. and Cheryl Ovans of Cochrane; two daughters and a son-in law, Laurie and Dave Argent of Rimbey, AB, Carol Ovans; four grandchildren, Eddie (Andrea) Deeves, Marty Deeves, Grant and Gareth Ovans; and two great-grandchildren, Brianna and Chloe Deeves. He is also survived by a sister Mary Pearson of Tomahawk, AB; nephew Terry Pearson; niece Holly Whyte (Bill) and her son Tyler Whyte. Garnet was predeceased by his wife, Iris Azalea Ovans and his parents Maude E. Ovans and W.J. Ovans. Funeral Services will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Cochrane Funeral Home (369 Railway Street) on Thursday, February 15, 2007 at 2:30 pm. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in his name directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A2 Telephone: (403) 205-3966 or to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, 2888 Shaganappi Trail N.W., Calgary, AB T3B 6A8, Telephone: (403) 943-7211. In living memory of Garnet Ovans Sr, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane Funeral Home, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.