It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Valerie Olive Brown and Walter Thomas (Tom) Brown at Devon, AB at the age of 78 years.
After 57 years of marriage they departed this world for their next journey together. Valerie passed away peacefully on April 18, 2014 and Thomas, who could never be without her, passed away on April 19, 2014 at the Devon General Hospital.
Valerie was born May 11, 1935 in Prairie Echo, AB to Louise and John Adair. Tom was born on February 10, 1936 in High Prairie, AB to Margaret and Sydney Brown. Tom grew up in Little Smokey and Valleyview, AB and met Val in High Prairie, AB where she grew up. They met at a dance in 1956 and from then on never left each other’s side. Valerie’s brothers and sister, Jack, Leonard, Beanie, Frank, Kenny and Tom’s brothers and sisters, Adeline, Connie, Norm, Bob, Beth and Buddy knew that they were the ones to spend the rest of time together.
They were married in 1957 and moved to Valleyview where they started their family. Tom worked seismic in the early years, then for Peace Pipeline where he worked for over 42 years while Valerie looked after the household and did books for local businesses. Here they raised 6 children, Cindy, Sydney, Charlene, Jodi, Jack and Tim. Tom and Valerie instilled their children with morals and respect using understanding and love. From Valleyview they moved to Grande Prairie and then to Devon, Alberta where they retired.
Tom and Valerie both enjoyed curling, skiing and golfing which they did much of, preferably with family and friends. They also enjoyed camping and travelling; they visited Britain, Germany, Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska and many other states. Their love of the desert was obvious for they wintered in Yuma, AZ for over 20 years, where they met, visited and golfed with countless friends. They often thought of and couldn’t wait to get home and visit their grandchildren, Stefanie, Kristyn, Kristofer, Kalen, Emily, Carter, Dawson, Tommy, Asa, Haley, Adelyn and great grandson Tobias.
Their memorial will be held on Saturday, May 10, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. at Nisku Inn, 1101 – 4 Street, Nisku, AB. The family would like to thank the kind staff at the Devon General Hospital and in lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Devon General Hospital Foundation, 101 Erie Street South, Devon, AB T9G 1A6.
“If you close your eyes you can hear the crib board and sounds of laughter.”