Obituary of Laurie D. TARVES

April 4, 1920 – October 9, 2014 “You feel smaller when your father dies because he was strong and lifted you, carried you and taught you, and when he’s gone the room feels too big without him.” Peacefully, and surrounded by his family, our beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather passed away at the age of 94, leaving us to mourn his loss, but also to celebrate a life so well lived. Born in Birch Hills Saskatchewan, Dad was proud of his prairie roots, and despite being a Stampeders’ fan, we know he always secretly harboured “Rider Pride”. The family moved to Calgary in 1929, and although his youth was profoundly affected by the Great Depression and World War II, he frequently reminisced with great fondness of those formative years. He and his brothers spent many carefree days fishing, hiking, camping in the Waiparous Creek and Bow Valley area and these happy memories sustained him right to the end of his life. The Tarves brothers also raised champion racing pigeons and would take a bird with them on their camping expeditions, sending the pigeon home with a note tied to its leg to let their parents know they had safely arrived at their destination. He was a talented athlete who was once offered a hockey scholarship in Santa Rosa, California, but turned it down to join the Royal Canadian Navy. He served in the Canadian Navy with his three brothers and was among the Allied forces participating in D-Day. On returning to civilian life in Calgary, he joined the Calgary Police Service where he served for 33 years. He was a proud member of the service and often talked fondly about those years and riding his “Harley” (even in -40 temperatures) which justifiably earned him the nickname of “The Ironman” from his co-workers. Laurie is survived by his children Jill (Jim), Rene (Steve), Kim, Launa and Tracy as well as grandchildren Shauna (Lee), Candice (Jeremy) and Evan, siblings Gordon Tarves, Gail (Jerry) Parcells, and Joan (Gordon) Evans, extended family June Tarves, Margaret Carr and Lavina Tarves as well as great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of sixty one years’ Dallas, infant daughter Wanda, his parents Goldie and Gordon, his brothers Dale, Bruce and Terry as well as sister Beryl. Dad was a man of great integrity, strength, humor and kindness and a gentleman in the very best sense of the word. He valued his family above all else and was never happier than when he was surrounded by family and friends He leaves us with a lifetime of memories to cherish. Rest in peace #1 Dad, you will always be loved and forever missed. Relatives and friends are invited to a celebration of Laurie’s life at Rotary House – Stampede Park (1410 Olympic Way S.E.) on Sunday, October 26, 2014 at 1:00 p.m. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made to Trout Unlimited Canada 160 – 6712 Fisher Street S.E. Calgary, AB T2H 2A7 or The Calgary Poppy Fund 1 – 4539 6th Street N.E. Calgary, AB T2E 3Z6. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family is forever grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by Drs. Robin Dargie and Paul Gladman and the wonderful staff of Dover Unit at Carewest Colonel Belcher Veterans Care Centre. We would also like to extend our thanks for the care Dad received from the doctors and health care professionals on Unit 82 at the Foothills Hospital, your kindness will not be forgotten In living memory of Laurie Tarves, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.