BJORNSON, Minnie (nee Rankin) Minnie Bjornson, beloved wife and best friend of Hal, died peacefully on Friday, December 9, 2005, at the Agape Hospice in Calgary, Alberta. Minnie was born September 10, 1924 in Red Willow, Alberta. She was the youngest of four children born to Hugh and Jane Rankin, pioneers in the Red Willow District. Predeceased by her parents, as well as an infant sister Ruby, sister Evelyn Clement of Donalda, and brother Bob of Red Willow. Minnie received her schooling in Red Willow and graduated from the Stettler Composite High School. As a youngster, Minnie was very athletic and loved to participate in sports. She particularly enjoyed competing in Sports Competitions in Donalda where she often came home winning three or four events. She also loved many family gatherings at Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter with brother Bob, and Evelyn and Clifton Clement and their families. She especially enjoyed singing with her sister Evelyn while her brother Bob sang and played the guitar. They were often joined in song by the McCorkindale family who were childhood neighbors. She later attended the Henderson Business College in Calgary. Subsequently, she worked as a dental assistant for Dr. Dunbar in Camrose, and Dr. Aunger in Stettler. It was as a dental assistant that she met and fell in love with Hal, then the Manager of the Macleods Store in Stettler. They married on October 10, 1955. Minnie and Hal moved to Red Deer in 1964 where they spent many happy times with family and friends. They were long time members of the Gaetz Memorial United Church in Red Deer, where Minnie sang in the choir for several years. Minnie loved to cook and to garden. She was known for her kindness and gentleness to all of God's creatures, including song birds, cats and dogs. Minnie also enjoyed many family holidays. They traveled to Ireland, Iceland, Singapore, Australia, Thailand, and the Caribbean as well as throughout the US and Canada. Minnie and Hal moved to Calgary in 2003 to be closer to their children. She loved the condominium that they lived in and took special pride in spending time with her children and grandchildren. Her 'green' thumb was evident with the plants on her deck in the summer, as well as inside the condo. Although Minnie's health was in decline she always put other's needs ahead of her own. Minnie lived for her family. Besides her faithful, loving and devoted husband of fifty years, Minnie cherished her children Dr. Bruce Bjornson (Dr. Alison Laswick and children Ian and Lindsay) of Vancouver, B.C., Brenda (Alvin Szott and children Kayleigh and Jordan) of Calgary, and Charlotte (and son Justin) of Calgary. Minnie's humble and gracious ways will always be remembered, but it was her sense of humor, and her thoughtfulness that is her true legacy. She loved to laugh and it will be her laughter and her profound love of her family that will be missed by us all. The family would like to give special thanks to niece Bonnie and Dale and their children Megan (Tom) and Brandon of Red Deer for their kindness over the recent years. We would also like to thank Sarah of NU 62 and Dr. Clemett of the Foothills Hospital, as well as Dr. Naidoo, NA Brianna, pianist Carl, Reverend Marilyn Evans, Bree and "Missy", along with the exceptionally caring and compassionate staff and volunteers of the Agape Hospice for taking such loving and outstanding care of Minnie. She truly felt at home in the Agape Manor, and despite her discomfort she continued to joke and smile. Words can not properly express our heartfelt gratitude for the special gifts you each gave to Minnie. To our sweet wife, Mom and Grandma: "May the road rise to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine upon your face. May the rains fall soft upon your fields. And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of his hand. May the Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord cause His face to shine upon you, and give you His Peace." Amen. A Public Celebration of Minnie's Life will be held at Gaetz Memorial United Church, 4758 Ross Street, Red Deer, Alberta on Tuesday, December 13, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will be held Tuesday afternoon at the Red Willow Cemetery, Red Willow, Alberta at 3:30 p.m. If desired, Memorial Donations in Minnie’s honour may be made directly to the Salvation Army Agapé Hospice, 1302 – 8th Avenue NW, Calgary, Alberta, T2N 1B8. Condolences may be forwarded to the family at www.eventidefuneralchapels.com Service and Interment Providers: EVENTIDE FUNERAL CHAPELS 4820 – 45th Street, Red Deer. Phone 347-2222. “DOWNTOWN RED DEERâ€