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Gerald KUJALA

March 10, 2008

KUJALA Gerald Ensio Gerald Ensio Kujala passed away suddenly at his home on Thursday, March 6, 2008, at the age of 65 years. Gerald was born in Eckville Alberta on December 16, 1942 to Ensio and Mildred Kujala. Education was very important to Gerald. He started his education at the Daisy Nook School. He then went on to Condor and was proud to be part of the first grade ten class at David Thompson High school fifty years ago. After graduation he went on to the University of Calgary. In 1965 he bought his beloved farm from his Aunt Hazel where he resided until his passing. On June 29, 1967 Gerald married Maria Coppens. In their almost 40 years of marriage they were blessed with 5 children; Sheena, David, Shelanda, Nicholas, and Yolanda. Gerald took great pride in his farm. He also took pride in the fact that two of his daughters loved the farm as much as he did. He continued his love of agriculture by being involved in 4-H; first as a member in his younger years, then as a parent and a leader. In the past 8 years he was very proud to be a 4-H grandparent. He was excited and honoured when he was asked to judge at the Provincial 4-H Public Speaking Competition, which will be held on April 12 of this year. Gerald carried on his love of education by running for the school board. He was a trustee for the Wild Rose School Division for over 21 years. Fifteen of those years were as the Chairperson. He was very involved with school board activities up to and including the Provincial Council. Education was very important to Gerald, but the well being of the students was his main concern. He was also very passionate about public speaking and was instrumental in initiating the Wild Rose School Division Public Speaking Competition as well as the ASBA Zone 4 Public Speaking Competition. The most important thing in Gerald's life was his family. Gerald was very dedicated to his family, and family traditions. One thing that he looked forward to every year was ice fishing at Buck Lake. He was very proud of the fact that each year his nephews Erwin and Kevin would lead the helm of the fishing crew. He was very excited when his Granddaughters Nichole and Sydney showed an interest and started helping as well. His smile was always bigger than usual as he watched his family working along side his sister's family continuing that family tradition. His Grandchildren were of extreme importance to him. He loved to teach them new things and would sacrifice his time to do things with them. He gave up many good haying days to drive Nichole and Sydney's animals to the shows and was really enjoying helping Chaz work with his 4-H calves. Gerald is survived by his loving family. His loving wife Maria of 39 years. Sheena (Luke) Jones, David Kujala, Shelanda Kujala, Yolanda (Cory) Gust. As well as his beloved Grandchildren, Nichole and Sydney Jones, Chance Kujala and Chaz Kujala. Gerald is also survived by his sisters Doreen Shippelt and Florence Wacher, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and cousins. Gerald was predeceased by his loving son Nicholas in 1990 and his parents Ensio and Mildred Kujala. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 7pm at the St. Matthew's Catholic Church. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday March 12, 2008 at 1pm at the St. Matthew's Catholic Church in Rocky Mountain House. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Gerald Kujala Memorial Public Speaking Scholarship Fund. SYLVAN AND ROCKY FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORIUM your Golden Rule Funeral Homes, entrusted with the arrangements. 403-887-2151