1931-2017
Mr. Robert "Bob" Lewis Schaefer of the rural Innisfail area, passed away at the Olds Hospital on September 29th, 2017, four days before his 86th birthday.
He was born in Innisfail on October 3rd, 1931 and was raised in the Horseshoe Lake District. He attended school at Horseshoe Lake, Olds, and then the Red Deer Composite High School where he formed many treasured and life-long friendships.
In addition to his education, he attended the Olds School of Agriculture for the two-in-one agriculture course. At different times he raised hogs and cattle in addition to grain farming. For a number of years Bob was involved with registered seed growing with his father and brother. Along with farming, Bob enjoyed music as a hobby, playing for many years in the dance band "The Orange Blossom Special" and for the last 12 years with the Foothills Centennial Fiddlers.
He made many friendships through school, farming, music, and church, and he considered these friends priceless treasures. In his later years, he took pride in his gardening, particularly his viking potatoes. He aspired to plant 400 hills every year but in 2017 cut it down to 100. Bob enjoyed keeping things simple so that he could focus on the important aspects of life - nature, faith, family, music, friends, and treating everyone he met with a gentle respect. Bob was predeceased by his father W.C., mother Lillian, first wife Joyce, and his siblings Melba, Audrey, Richard, Jack, Marie, and infant brother William.
Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years Edna, son Brian of Innisfail, son Brent of Okotoks, daughter Amy (Kevin) Ouderkirk of Onoway, three grandchildren Olivia of Okotoks, and Sydney and Zane of Onoway as well as many special nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held at the Innisfail United Church on Friday, October 6th, 2017 at 2:00 pm. Memorial donations can be made to Olds Hospital and Care Centre or the Bowden United Church.
HEARTLAND FUNERAL SERVICES LTD., Innisfail entrusted with arrangements. 403-227-0006. www.heartlandfuneralservices.com