KERMIT McDONAGH
Kerm McDonagh was born May 7, 1919 at High River, Alberta, the eldest son of Erle & Edna McDonagh. He was raised on his parent's farm east of Cayley, Alberta and took all of his schooling at the Arthur School. In January 1942, Kerm & his brothers, Chuck & Milt, enlisted in the army while brother Bill stayed home to help with the farming. He took his basic training in Calgary and Edmonton as well as other training in Manitoba and Kingston, Ontario. He then shipped off to England and was stationed in North Africa and Italy. On his return from overseas he met Frances Spanke and they were married on June 12, 1947. In 1948 their first son, Ron, was born, followed by four more sons and three daughters. Kerm worked at various jobs and eventually became a Journeyman Carpenter. He had his own construction business in High River until 1964 when he moved his family to the country, near Bluffton, back to his first love of farming. Exotic cattle and the land were his passions. With their family grown, Kerm and Fran had time to do some traveling which they both enjoyed. Kerm also took up golf and got involved in growing a fruit orchard. On March 2, 2005 Kerm passed away at the age of 85. He leaves behind his children, Dan of Edmonton, Marie of Sherwood Park, Glen (Michelle) of Edmonton, Linda of Ponoka, Carol (Glenn) of Medicine Hat, Jim (Heather) of Calgary and Darcy (Barb) of Bluffton, 14 grandchildren, 2 great grandchildren, 1 brother, Milt, of Rimbey, numerous nieces & nephews and also very special friends Eunice Pedersen, Cora Allison, Clarence Allison and Robert Mann. Kerm was predeceased by his wife Fran, son Ron, his parents and two brothers. A memorial service was held on March 12, 2005 at the Rimbey United Church. Donations may be made to the donor's choice.