Evelyn Ruth Haight

While our hearts are heavy to share the passing of Evelyn Haight on October 9, 2017, the family are happy that Ira and Evelyn are together once again. Evelyn Ruth Berry was born in Calgary, Alberta on November 7, 1926 and was the oldest daughter born to Ruth and Norman Berry. She grew up on a Berrymoor homestead along with her parents and 5 siblings. Writing and reading and softball were staples in Evelyn’s early years and as time passed, she expanded to many other interests but those three‐remained constants.
She received her diploma from Garbutt Business College in 1944 and jumped into her first paying job at Smith, Davidson & Wright for a whopping $15/week. She met Ira Haight in July of 1943 and on their first date, Ira told her that he had fallen for her. The letters the couple wrote during Ira’s time at training and later in the European theater of WWII, got them through the long years apart. It was in a letter in 1943 that the proposal from Ira came and by return mail 3 days later, Evelyn’s said Yes!
Upon Ira’s return in February of 1946, the couple quickly made wedding plans and on April 22, 1946 they started a journey of more than 71 years together. The years following were a flurry of many children and work on the farm, always interspersed with writing stories, journals and poems. Evelyn lived the belief that if you wanted something done, you gave it to a busy person ‐‐ and she was busy! Active in her community and in the Seventh Day Adventist Church, gardening and growing flowers, Softball pitcher and coach, Knitting instructor, Adult Literacy mentor, Sharing stories at schools – there was an ever‐changing list of things that received Evelyn’s special touch and she will be missed by many.
Evelyn is survived by her children Darlyne (Terry) Gavigan, Darrell (Verna) Haight, Donna Haight, Beverly (Gerald) Hart, Teri Hegedus, Lana (Rod) Pangracs and Larry (Jody) Haight. Evelyn was predeceased by Ira, her husband of 71 years, an infant son in 1947, another son Dennis, two daughters Dianne and Jacqueline as well as three Grandchildren; Sandra, Chad and Kurtis. Ira and Evelyn were blessed with Grandchildren; Sandra, Joy, Evan, Carrie, Darrell, Sean, Corey, Kelly, Kevin, Jessica, Lona, Dorey, Tyrell, Randy, Troy, Kurtis, Chad, Denni, Brandi, Lezlie, Andrew, Christopher, Michael, Alexis, Kelsey, Tyce, Lacy and Ryder. Many Great Grandchildren and Great Great Grandchildren followed.

A Celebration of Life will be held to remember this amazing lady at 1:00pm on Sunday, October 15, 2017 at the Drayton Valley Royal Canadian Legion Branch #269. Memorial donations in Evelyn’s name may be made to: Drayton Valley Health Services Foundation ‐ Continuing Care. 4550 Madsen Ave, DV, AB T7A 1N8.