Obituary of Lloyd Thomas Opsahl

Lloyd died peacefully at High River Hospital on Tuesday, January 2, 2007. Lloyd is lovingly remembered by his family: his wife and best friend of fifty years, Betty Anne (Scarrow), two daughters, Jodi Opsahl of Calgary and Debrah Opsahl-MacDonald of Okotoks (husband Bruce MacDonald) and the light of Lloyd’s life, Debrah and Bruce’s daughter Madison. Lloyd is survived by two sisters, Alice Bilodeau of St. Albert and Fran (Wally) Botting of Calgary, brother Art Asleson of Vancouver, step mother Lou Opsahl and step sister June Diefenderfer of Saskatoon. He was predeceased by his mother in 1933 and his father in 1964. Lloyd was born in Domremy, Saskatchewan September 2, 1930 to Gladys Irene (Woolridge) and Thomas Andrew Opsahl. He was educated in Domremy, Prince Albert and Saskatoon. In 1956 Lloyd and Betty were married in Prince Albert and moved to Calgary where their two daughters Debrah and Jodi were born. While Lloyd’s sales career started with Lever Brothers and Western Grocers, he later moved onto real estate and eventually his true calling – the automotive business. Lloyd initially joined Fowley Motors as used car Sales Manager then moved to Stampede Motors before joining Bill Pattemore at Metro Ford where he enjoyed several years as a highly successful General Sales Manager. In 1970 Lloyd achieved his life time goal of acquiring his own dealership and moved back to Saskatoon as dealer principle of Jubilee Ford. Lloyd enjoyed life in his community and gave freely of his time, talents and enthusiasm. He was involved with the Riverside Golf and Country Club, The Saskatoon Club, Rotary Club’s, Saskatoon Automobile Dealer Association, Saskatchewan Automobile Dealer Association, Federal Automobile Dealer Association and was President of the Saskatoon Board of Trade. In October 1982, Lloyd sold the dealership but remained active as a shareholder in Transportaction Lease a national vehicle leasing company, real estate and oil investments. At this time, Lloyd and Betty embarked on a new life that would see them winter in Sun Lakes, Arizona for more than 20 years. The good times and friends that were made along the way are too countless to mention. Lloyd and Betty were also blessed with special friendships from Maui, Saskatoon, Heritage Pointe Golf Club, Calgary and Sun Lakes Rotary Clubs. In 1996 Lloyd and Betty decided to move from Saskatoon back to Calgary so that they would be able to spend more time with their grandchild, Madison MacDonald. This turned out to be one of Lloyd’s best decisions ever as the relationship that developed between Madison and Papa, as she referred to him, was nothing short of special. In addition to Madison, Lloyd’s greatest loves were his family and friends and the time that he was able to spend with them. Another notable detail of Lloyd’s life was his love of outdoor life and the time he spent at the fishing cabin at Clam Lake, Saskatchewan, his weekend cabin at Bragg Creek and his latest jewel, his real estate development in Okotoks, Rusty Spurs. In December 2003, Lloyd was diagnosed with advanced cancer. He courageously fought this battle and never doubted that he would beat it. In fact, he told everyone “he had a touch of cancer”. He received excellent care from the Tom Baker Cancer Clinic and The Scottsdale Mayo Clinic. Lloyd’s determination was exemplified by his commitment to be present at his 75th birthday and his milestone 50th wedding anniversary this past October. Lloyd spent the last days of his life at The High River Hospital Palliative Care Unit under the extraordinary care of Dr. Popovitch and Dr. Hagens and all supporting nursing staff. Throughout the duration, close friend and physician Dr. Ed Nykiforuk of Saskatoon was a constant source of consultation and comfort to Lloyd and his family. A Memorial Service to celebrate Lloyd’s life will be held at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Fish Creek Chapel (14441 Bannister Road S.E.) on Saturday, January 6, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to thank their numerous relatives and friends for their support. In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Alberta Cancer Foundation, c/o Tom Baker Cancer Centre, 1331 – 29 Street N.W., Calgary, AB T2N 4N2 Telephone: (403) 521-3433 or directly to the High River District Health Care – Palliative Care Unit, 560 – 9 Avenue West, High River, AB T1V 1B3 Telephone: (403) 652-2129. In living memory of Lloyd Opsahl, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek Chapel, 14441 BANNISTER ROAD S.E. Telephone: (403) 256-9575.