Ira Dudley Haight

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Ira Haight share his passing on July 16, 2017. Ira Dudley Haight was born in Bruce, Alberta on June 26, 1923 and was the oldest son and second of nine children born to Dudley and Ethel Haight. After growing up and being very involved in the rural community of Bruce, Ira volunteered with the Canadian Army and served in the European Theater during World War II. As a Private, Ira saw action from Juno Beach and was involved The Battle of the Bulge. Ira was in Oldenburg, Germany when the war ended but had to wait for transport home and was moved to Norg, Holland where he drove a converted army truck as a school bus until he could come home to the girl who had been writing him letters for so long. The sacrifices he made were recognized many years later when in October of 2015, Ira received the Medal d’Honneur from the French Ambassador to Canada for his service. This is the highest decoration in France and is the French equivalent to the Order of Canada. Ira and Evelyn were married on April 22, 1946 in Calgary, Alberta where they started their life together. Jobs ranging from working in a drycleaner in downtown Calgary, to Edmonton Starkey Mine eventually lead the couple and their ever‐growing family to their farm in Berrymoor where they lived for many years before moving into Drayton Valley. Ira worked full time off the farm in the oilfield with a number of companies and jobs; Service rigs in the 50’s, Pumpjack maintenance contracting to Mobil Oil, to name a few. Ira was involved in many activities and as long as his coffee cup was full, he was ready to help umpire a ballgame, take in a hockey game, speak at an AA Roundup or tell a great joke. He is survived by his loving wife Evelyn of 71 Years and children Darlyne (Terry) Gavigan, Darrell (Verna) Haight, Donna Haight, Beverly (Gerald) Hart, Teri Hegedus, Lana (Rod) Pangracs and Larry (Jody) Haight. Ira was predeceased by his parents and six sisters as well 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 two Great Great Grandchildren followed. A celebration of life will be held to remember this remarkable man at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday July 23, 2017 at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #269, 5204 51st Avenue, Drayton Valley. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ira’s memory can be made to Drayton Valley Health Services Foundation ‐ Continuing Care, 4550 Madsen Avenue, Drayton Valley, Alberta T7A 1N8.