Page 11 - June 1 2020
P. 11
Includes process colour pages 1,4,5,7,10,11,14,15,18,20,21,24
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 16 MONDAY JUNE 1, 2020
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR MONDAY JUNE 1, 2020 PAGE 11
Wildfire cuts and recent fire ban draw concerns and complaints
Questions raised to Minister Agriculture and Forestry office; fire ban replaced with fire advisory
by Dana McArthur "Taking action in advance to reduce Anchor asked the Minister of spaces. There are also helpful tips on
the number of human-caused Agriculture and Forestry Devin how to avoid causing a fire while
Despite 2019 being one of the wildfires will allow Alberta Wildfire Dreeshen's office a series of using an OHV on the alberta.ca
worst fire seasons in decades in to make the best possible use of questions. The Minister responded website.
Alberta, the provincial government's resources when the availability of that the province is experiencing an Q: When will the Fire Bans on
2020 budget cut air tanker contracts firefighters could be reduced because unprecedented situation fighting campfires and fire-pits come off in the ~ Obituary ~ OBITUARY
by over $5 million, and its base of the pandemic." multiple crises as the same time, green zones and what factors need to OBITUARY Alberta “Dawn” King FROISE, Marjorie
wildfire management budget by over During Yellowhead adding, "While 71% take place before they are removed? Alberta “Dawn” King, loving wife of
$9 million. County Council's May of wildfires last year A: As of today [May 26], the Robert Phillip King, passed away May 19, 1938 – March 26, 2020
nd
The cuts come as the Ministry of 19 meeting, UCP MLA Getson were caused by Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry March 2 , 2020 at the Edson Long On Thursday, March 26, 2020,
Agriculture and Forestry reduces its MLA Shane Getson stated OHV ban humans, on average, has replaced the fire ban on the Forest In Loving Memory of Term Care Facility, at the age of 82 Marjorie Froise of Bonnyville, Alberta
years.
In Loving Memory of
passed into the presence of her Lord
Protected Areas with a fire advisory.
less than 1% are
for Lac Ste. Anne-
expenses by 9.1% this year. The
Left to mourn her loss are Daughters
O I move will result in $23 million in Parkland answered repealed due caused by OHV use. Effectively this means that Reg Munday Shirley (Tim) Biernacki of Blind Bay and Saviour to the wonderful
welcome of "well done, good and
B.C. and Phylis (Murray) Barrass of
constituents of West Yellowhead may
Reg Munday
This, coupled with a
to lobbying...
questions from
savings for Alberta Wildfire,
faithful
Shining Bank, Alberta; grandchildren
B N according to Minister Devin Council on the state of rather cool and damp now safely enjoy their backyard fire Who passed away three years ago Leslie (Racheal) Biernacki, Chris servant." Her life was dedicated to the service of the
pits, wood campfires in provincial
(Christine) Biernacki, EllenaH (Jason)
spring, led to the lift
the current fire ban in
Lord, and her passion
Dreeshen.
Who passed away three years ago
Richard (Tammy) Barrass, Jenny (Derek) Seibel; great
for global missions was evident in her pursuit of a DTH
of OHV restrictions." campgrounds and private lands, as
the province.
Alberta Wildfire will no longer be
on April 20, 2017
grandchildren Taran, Josh, Kennedy, Darnell, Ryan, Brandon,
on April 20, 2017
I M staffing 30 of the province's 127 "The provincial government says declared in the Edson Forest well as charcoal briquettes. Another year has come and gone. Sheldon, Cynthia, Rebecca, Holly and William, as well as four in Missions and
Q: Despite the "LOW" fire hazard
Councillor Lavone Olson said,
Church Growth, and also in her work as an author,
great grandchildren; brothers Dan and wife Bev Fear of Olds,
Q: Will Fire Bans of this nature
wildfire detection towers as part of
Alberta and brother Wenn and wife Myra Fraser of Leduc,
researcher, presenter and
Management area by Alberta
Our hearts still ache for you.
inside the green zones become the
[they] want to promote rural areas.
Alberta.
the cuts. Each lookout covers an area
organizer.
T E of approximately 5,000 square All that people want to do is get out Wildfire, why [was] there a ban on "new normal"? It's the many sweet memories that May. She spent her childhood moving around South Africa
Dawn was pre-deceased by Sister Joyce and sister-in-law
campfires in campgrounds and fire-
A: The majority of our forest fires
of their house and enjoy a small fire.
kilometers.
until settling in
continue to get us through, along with
Dawn was born August 16, 1937 and married the love of her
pits in the green zone —but in
occur during the spring months where
Johannesburg for many years before moving to
People are asking me why they can't
Cuts also came to Alberta's
U M Helitack-Rappel (RAP program) have a fire in their fire-pit when they seeming incongruity, Off Highway large amounts of deadfall and lack of all the love in heaven that surrounds life on December 31, 1955. Welkom in support of Harald's
They lived in Calgary and later moved to Edson. After
you. We miss you.
work and then finally Bonnyville, Canada. She
foliage provide plenty of fuel. This
Vehicles were allowed, despite their
have access to water."
obtaining a homestead draw they moved to and farmed in
which enables firefighters to rappel
succumbed to cancer that had
Fulham, Alberta. After retirement they moved back into Edson.
particular season, the government's
obvious fire risk?
MLA Getson responded asking,
A O from helicopters to fight forest fires "How many 'guys' [sic] could you Forestry is constantly monitoring fire province firefighting resources was Anne, Brian, Dorothy, Georgie, Memorial Scholarship Fund Box 17, Peers Alberta T0E 1W0 or caused her insufferable pain in the last six months of
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fulham
A: The Ministry of Agriculture and normal ability to access out-of-
as early and quickly as possible. The
her earthly life.Marjorie will be forever loved by her
UCP government has decided to
Mardel, Brit, Gloria and Michele.
muster if we had a big ground fire
Edson Continuing Care Centre towards the purchase of a
husband; Harald Froise, her children; Timothy (Mary)
th
portable oxygen machine, 3825 – 6 Ave. Edson, Alberta
challenged due to the COVID
risk region by region and comparing
R R slash the 63-person program, for an over there?" He continued, "How types of activities with the potential pandemic. That is why this proactive T7E 0C5. Froise, Greta Froise and Linda (Claye) Hopkins,
annual savings of $1.4 million.
many attack helicopters could the
grandchildren; Borin, Jo, Anna and Eva Froise and
A Celebration of Life will be held in July along with interment
approach was taken. Given the
for wildfire. After reviewing this
Kristin and Bethany Hopkins as well as her siblings;
County get?" adding, "If a forest fire
Firefighting associations across
at the Shining Bank Cemetery.
I I Alberta have issued statements broke out right now we do not have information, the Ministry felt it amount of moisture West Yellowhead OBITUARIES & FOOTHILLS MEMORIAL CHAPEL Shirley (Donald) Gordon and Barrie Phipson. An online
FINAL CARE ENTRUSTED TO
funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2020,
has experienced this Spring, I
prudent to rescind its initial ban on
the dollars and cents to fight it
condemning the RAP cut stating it
at 11:00 a.m.
A Division Of The Caring Group Corp.
certainly hope that the Ministry takes
OHV use.
puts communities at risk.
because of Covid ...all for the risk of
Edson 780.723.3575 Hinton 780.865.1234
https://www.bonnyvillebaptist.com/resources/marjorie-
www.foothillsmemorialchapel.com
Q: What advice or science is this
someone having a open pit fire? I'll
There are two companies that
E E provide air tanker services to Alberta. take that responsibility." decision to allow OHV use, but not a region by region approach in the IN MEMORIES froise/
future, while constantly monitoring
In an apparently facetious footnote, campfires or fire-pits, based on when fire risk and the ability Alberta has to
Once the contracts run out in August
S S 2020, the province states they will Geston added, "If you as a County the fire danger is currently "low"? respond to an emergency. OBITUARY
A: OHV use results in a very small
Minister Dreeshen added,
are willing to take on the risk and
hire the planes on an as-needed basis.
"Alberta's great wildfire firefighters
amount of the human-caused
However, company officials have
happy to take that in writing to the
stated that if they get a longer-term costs of fighting a forest fire, I'd be wildfires that Alberta experiences have already extinguished 243 fires ~ Obituary ~ KALSHOVEN, Joan
contract elsewhere, the province will Environment Minister." every year. I know that OHV this spring and continue to work hard Edwin Shantz
have no air tankers and no one left to County CAO Jack Ramme replied, enthusiasts and outdoorsmen love our to keep all Albertans, and their With sadness we announce
January 19, 1939- April 25, 2020
fly them. "We have a wet year this season and backcountry and want to see it communities, safe. The province will Edwin was born in Carrot Creek, the passing of our mom, Joan
The AUPE stated, "Alberta is we have a ban in the whole Fire Zone preserved for generations to come by continue to monitor the situation and Alberta, the third child of Allan and Kalshoven (nee Palmer) who
EVENT world famous for its lush forests and without the ability to make it area- taking the necessary precautions in will lift or add fire restrictions based Jessie Shantz. passed away peacefully on
Left to mourn his loss is his partner
on risk."
REMINDER scenic landscapes. However, the specific. This was followed by an order to safely enjoy our natural Anna, his daughters Kimberley, Cherry April 18th, 2020, at the age of
84, in Edmonton, Alberta.
OHV ban that was then lifted, so the
and son Dana (Dawn), grandchildren
people who live in communities in
these areas are in grave danger. In its public is saying to us, that this makes and great grandchildren. Edwin was She will be dearly missed by her children:
predeceased by his son Rodney (1975)
FCSS Bag of Fun: budget last fall, the government made no sense. When there is no logic and daughter Gina (2019), his parents Susan (Bob) Lypkie, Margot (Eric) Porter,
Looking for fun things huge cuts to wildfire-fighting people will get frustrated. It's a ban GYPSD welcomes new Allan (1974)& Jessie (1998) Shantz, his Karen (Scott) Engel and Trevor (Tammy)
brothers Ian(2015) and Lea (2016) and his sister Mary Howland
to do with your services, which it says will save $23 or it's not a ban." (2018). Kalshoven, as well as her grandchildren Joel,
children? FCSS will million. But Albertans know Ramme added, "I am not aware of Edwin is survived by his siblings Lulu (Edward) Chizek of Christopher, Gregory, Tiffany and Taylor, three
any forest fires that have been caused
deliver you a Bag of gambling on wildfire safety will not by a backyard fire pit in a hamlet or Assistant Superintendent Creston, BC, Herbert (Sandra) Shantz of Lac La Biche, sister- great grandchildren, and many friends and
in- law Hilary Shantz, sister in law Sarah Radcliffe, and Allan
Fun for free! Each save money in the long run." (Susan) Shantz of Peers, AB . He is also survived by numerous extended family.
week FCSS will have The Alberta government from a designated campground. Supervisor of Planning, for the nieces and nephews, other family members and friends. She is survived by her sister Mary Boyer. She
Edwin grew up in Carrot Creek, AB attending Sparta School
themed bags for subsequently issued a fire ban on Please forward this information to me Edmonton Public School Division, and Niton High School. He had numerous jobs working on is predeceased by her husband Floyd in 1989.
children ages 1-6. April 15 covering approximately so I can help spread the message to was instrumental in establishing farms and service stations until he joined the army in 1961. He In Joan's memory donations to the
Bags will be delivered 60% of the province, in the hope of get citizen "buy in" as opposed to stakeholder engagement processes was a corporal in the Canadian Armed Forces as aviation Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute or a
technician until honourably released in 1970. After his release
on Tuesdays. Door slowing the start of wildfire season being the target." The Yellowhead that have become trusted practices he worked as an automotive mechanic in Ontario, Alberta and charity of your choice would be welcome.
step drop off only; in- amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The County does not have any control within that urban school division. Mr. Vancouver Island where he spent over 40 years. In his later Due to Covid 19 and the current restrictions
years he enjoyed gold panning and listening to music. He
town delivery only. fire ban included the Forest over the Edson Forest Area regarding Kastrinos has excelled in staff never lost his love of the outdoors and this shy, quiet man was on gatherings, a celebration of her life will be
County residents must Protection Area, provincial parks, fire bans and fire permit recruitment and hiring, instructional happiest when he was outside. Due to his health his last three held at a later date, at the Westlawn Funeral
be able to pick up and protected areas. requirements. leadership, and community years were spent in continuing care. Home & Cemetery in Edmonton, Alberta.
Following cremation, there will not be a service for Edwin at
Tuesday between 8:30 The recreational use of off- MLA Getson stated, "We had relations. In addition, Constantine is a this time. His ashes will be interred at a later date.
am and 3:30 pm at the highway vehicles (OHVs) was also enough people lobbying us that it life-long learner who values the In lieu of other tributes, donations, if desired, may be directed
FCSS Family Centre. banned on Crown land in the Forest made sense to lift the OHV ban; it pursuit of academic interests and will to Edson Continuing Care in memory of Edwin Shantz. Westlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery | Arbor Memorial Inc.
FINAL CARE ENTRUSTED TO
One bag per family. Protection Area. But only two days was a wet year and wouldn't be a Constantine Kastrinos and his family are continue to do so as a doctoral FOOTHILLS MEMORIAL CHAPEL 16310 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton AB CA, T5P 4A6
honoured to be joining the Grande
A Division Of The Caring Group Corp.
To receive this week's later, on April 17, the Minister of problem." He then quipped, " If you Yellowhead Public School Division student in the fall of 2020. Edson 780.723.3575 Hinton 780.865.1234 T: (780) 484-5500
bag, please input your Agriculture and Forestry, Devin want me to recommend a ban on (GYPSD). submitted With his youth rooted in Lakeland www.foothillsmemorialchapel.com
information Dreeshen rescinded the ban on OHVs, I can take that forward." country, namely Bonnyville, Alberta,
In Loving
atresearch.net/r/ZS6F OHVs. Mayor Jim Eglinski said, "I get the Constantine and his wife Roshan, In Loving
Y85. For more Despite the "low" fire hazard at the need to balance a budget and take Constantine Kastrinos and his who was raised in Spruce Grove, are
memory of
information, contact time, however, the provincial ban from one area to give to another. My family are honoured to be joining the looking forward to bringing their memory of
780-723-4338 or remained on campfires and fire pits concern is we need to have a safety Grande Yellowhead Public School three children to the Grande OBITUARY
Enid
sarahm@edson.ca. within the Forest Protection Area factor, the province needs to have a Division (GYPSD). Mr. Kastrinos is Yellowhead Public School Division. Melvin William Soltys Enid
Biron
which encompasses the Edson Forest safety factor. If we leave ourselves the new Assistant Superintendent of The couple has been married for 16 Biron
Area covering most of Yellowhead shorthanded, I'd hate to see what Human Resources, Staff Relations, years and enjoys traveling as a family Mel was born to parents Julia and Basil on their
who passed away
County. This drew many complaints happens." and Leadership Development. During and experiencing new locales and homestead in Hines Creek on August 20th, 1940. As a who passed away
April 26, 2016
from local residents unable to enjoy County's Director of Protective his 21 years as an educator, Mr. cultures. Constantine would like to child, he moved to Edson, AB where he took all his April 26, 2016
an outdoor campfire amid the Covid Services Albert Bahri added, "There Kastrinos has been entrusted with a thank Superintendent Lewis and the schooling, graduating from Edson High School in
crisis. is no science to putting this ban in myriad of leadership opportunities; Board of the GYPSD for trusting him 1958. He was an active participant in sports and
school activities where he made many lifelong friends.
She was a Daughter,
"This measure is in place to reduce place and you are not listening to the including Department Head, with this opportunity and he is Mel married his high school sweetheart Liz in 1962. She was a Daughter,
Mother,
human-caused wildfires when experts you have saying that there is Consultant, Supervisor, Assistant excited to contribute his skill-set to For several years they lived in Edmonton starting their Mother,
firefighting resources may be no hazard when there is a safe Principal, and confirmed Principal. the outstanding GYPSD team, while careers before moving back to Edson, where Mel Grandmother, Wife
Grandmother, Wife
challenged by the Covid-19 designated fire pit." Mr. Kastrinos's leadership serving all stakeholders. continued his life-long insurance career becoming a
and Best Friend.
pandemic," stated Alberta Wildfire. On Friday, May 22, The Weekly excellence as Consultant, and then partner with his father-in-law in Pattinson and Soltys and Best Friend.
Insurance, then a partner in INSCO, before opening
his own insurance agency Soltys Insurance.
For his many years of volunteer work in the
Remembered every dayemembered every day
community, Mel was honoured as a Life Member of R
the Edson Kinsmen Club, and as Edson Citizen of the
b
Year. Heading the fundraising to build the Seniors by your Family and Friendsy your Family and Friends
Pioneer Cabin was another project dear to his heart.
Re-enacting the pioneer journey from Edson to Grande Prairie by horseback was a
memorable adventure that Mel, "Sagebrush Soltys", always treasured!
After retiring in 1999, Mel and Liz spent many years enjoying their motorhome travels and
their years in Bucerias, Mexico where they made such special friends. Even after Mel’s
stroke in 2009, he was able to spend time in Mexico in the winter and his cabin on the
McLeod River in the summer- his happy places!
But family was the most important part of Mel’s life! His children Melinda-Rae (Colin),
Gregory, and Raeleen (Jason) knew him as a kind and loving father, and in their adult lives
as a role model - a man of incredible integrity and character. His grandchildren Mya and Ty,
Jenna and Justin, Brianna and Samantha knew their Grampy/Poppi as a kind, gentle and
sweet man who loved playing cards, doing puzzles, going quad riding at the cabin and the
one who always had "projects" for everyone and himself in the bush, shed or woodpile!! He
loved them dearly, and has left them with so many endearing memories and stories to tell!
Mel also leaves his sister Lydia Johnston and many nieces and nephews, as well as his
brother-in-law George and sister-in-law Margaret with forever memories, and so many
special friends who have touched his life and spirit as he has touched them!
Health failed Mel many times in his lifetime, but he always fought back with incredible
determination, hard work, amazing attitude, and with positive results. But sadly, his last
battle could not be won, and he passed at home in Calgary on May 5th, 2020, finally at
peace.
A life well lived. A man loved and respected by so many!
A Celebration of Life for Mel will be held in Edson hopefully later in the summer.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Mel’s obituary at
www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in Mel’s
memory, the family asks you to consider the Edson Senior Pioneer Cabin, 836-7th avenue,
Edson AB T7E 1K8 or Tom Baker Cancer Centre 1331-29 street, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2.
In living memory of Melvin Soltys, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross
Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82
Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
PAGE 16 MONDAY JUNE 1, 2020
THE WEEKLY ANCHOR MONDAY JUNE 1, 2020 PAGE 11
Wildfire cuts and recent fire ban draw concerns and complaints
Questions raised to Minister Agriculture and Forestry office; fire ban replaced with fire advisory
by Dana McArthur "Taking action in advance to reduce Anchor asked the Minister of spaces. There are also helpful tips on
the number of human-caused Agriculture and Forestry Devin how to avoid causing a fire while
Despite 2019 being one of the wildfires will allow Alberta Wildfire Dreeshen's office a series of using an OHV on the alberta.ca
worst fire seasons in decades in to make the best possible use of questions. The Minister responded website.
Alberta, the provincial government's resources when the availability of that the province is experiencing an Q: When will the Fire Bans on
2020 budget cut air tanker contracts firefighters could be reduced because unprecedented situation fighting campfires and fire-pits come off in the ~ Obituary ~ OBITUARY
by over $5 million, and its base of the pandemic." multiple crises as the same time, green zones and what factors need to OBITUARY Alberta “Dawn” King FROISE, Marjorie
wildfire management budget by over During Yellowhead adding, "While 71% take place before they are removed? Alberta “Dawn” King, loving wife of
$9 million. County Council's May of wildfires last year A: As of today [May 26], the Robert Phillip King, passed away May 19, 1938 – March 26, 2020
nd
The cuts come as the Ministry of 19 meeting, UCP MLA Getson were caused by Ministry for Agriculture and Forestry March 2 , 2020 at the Edson Long On Thursday, March 26, 2020,
Agriculture and Forestry reduces its MLA Shane Getson stated OHV ban humans, on average, has replaced the fire ban on the Forest In Loving Memory of Term Care Facility, at the age of 82 Marjorie Froise of Bonnyville, Alberta
years.
In Loving Memory of
passed into the presence of her Lord
Protected Areas with a fire advisory.
less than 1% are
for Lac Ste. Anne-
expenses by 9.1% this year. The
Left to mourn her loss are Daughters
O I move will result in $23 million in Parkland answered repealed due caused by OHV use. Effectively this means that Reg Munday Shirley (Tim) Biernacki of Blind Bay and Saviour to the wonderful
welcome of "well done, good and
B.C. and Phylis (Murray) Barrass of
constituents of West Yellowhead may
Reg Munday
This, coupled with a
to lobbying...
questions from
savings for Alberta Wildfire,
faithful
Shining Bank, Alberta; grandchildren
B N according to Minister Devin Council on the state of rather cool and damp now safely enjoy their backyard fire Who passed away three years ago Leslie (Racheal) Biernacki, Chris servant." Her life was dedicated to the service of the
pits, wood campfires in provincial
(Christine) Biernacki, EllenaH (Jason)
spring, led to the lift
the current fire ban in
Lord, and her passion
Dreeshen.
Who passed away three years ago
Richard (Tammy) Barrass, Jenny (Derek) Seibel; great
for global missions was evident in her pursuit of a DTH
of OHV restrictions." campgrounds and private lands, as
the province.
Alberta Wildfire will no longer be
on April 20, 2017
grandchildren Taran, Josh, Kennedy, Darnell, Ryan, Brandon,
on April 20, 2017
I M staffing 30 of the province's 127 "The provincial government says declared in the Edson Forest well as charcoal briquettes. Another year has come and gone. Sheldon, Cynthia, Rebecca, Holly and William, as well as four in Missions and
Q: Despite the "LOW" fire hazard
Councillor Lavone Olson said,
Church Growth, and also in her work as an author,
great grandchildren; brothers Dan and wife Bev Fear of Olds,
Q: Will Fire Bans of this nature
wildfire detection towers as part of
Alberta and brother Wenn and wife Myra Fraser of Leduc,
researcher, presenter and
Management area by Alberta
Our hearts still ache for you.
inside the green zones become the
[they] want to promote rural areas.
Alberta.
the cuts. Each lookout covers an area
organizer.
T E of approximately 5,000 square All that people want to do is get out Wildfire, why [was] there a ban on "new normal"? It's the many sweet memories that May. She spent her childhood moving around South Africa
Dawn was pre-deceased by Sister Joyce and sister-in-law
campfires in campgrounds and fire-
A: The majority of our forest fires
of their house and enjoy a small fire.
kilometers.
until settling in
continue to get us through, along with
Dawn was born August 16, 1937 and married the love of her
pits in the green zone —but in
occur during the spring months where
Johannesburg for many years before moving to
People are asking me why they can't
Cuts also came to Alberta's
U M Helitack-Rappel (RAP program) have a fire in their fire-pit when they seeming incongruity, Off Highway large amounts of deadfall and lack of all the love in heaven that surrounds life on December 31, 1955. Welkom in support of Harald's
They lived in Calgary and later moved to Edson. After
you. We miss you.
work and then finally Bonnyville, Canada. She
foliage provide plenty of fuel. This
Vehicles were allowed, despite their
have access to water."
obtaining a homestead draw they moved to and farmed in
which enables firefighters to rappel
succumbed to cancer that had
Fulham, Alberta. After retirement they moved back into Edson.
particular season, the government's
obvious fire risk?
MLA Getson responded asking,
A O from helicopters to fight forest fires "How many 'guys' [sic] could you Forestry is constantly monitoring fire province firefighting resources was Anne, Brian, Dorothy, Georgie, Memorial Scholarship Fund Box 17, Peers Alberta T0E 1W0 or caused her insufferable pain in the last six months of
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Fulham
A: The Ministry of Agriculture and normal ability to access out-of-
as early and quickly as possible. The
her earthly life.Marjorie will be forever loved by her
UCP government has decided to
Mardel, Brit, Gloria and Michele.
muster if we had a big ground fire
Edson Continuing Care Centre towards the purchase of a
husband; Harald Froise, her children; Timothy (Mary)
th
portable oxygen machine, 3825 – 6 Ave. Edson, Alberta
challenged due to the COVID
risk region by region and comparing
R R slash the 63-person program, for an over there?" He continued, "How types of activities with the potential pandemic. That is why this proactive T7E 0C5. Froise, Greta Froise and Linda (Claye) Hopkins,
annual savings of $1.4 million.
many attack helicopters could the
grandchildren; Borin, Jo, Anna and Eva Froise and
A Celebration of Life will be held in July along with interment
approach was taken. Given the
for wildfire. After reviewing this
Kristin and Bethany Hopkins as well as her siblings;
County get?" adding, "If a forest fire
Firefighting associations across
at the Shining Bank Cemetery.
I I Alberta have issued statements broke out right now we do not have information, the Ministry felt it amount of moisture West Yellowhead OBITUARIES & FOOTHILLS MEMORIAL CHAPEL Shirley (Donald) Gordon and Barrie Phipson. An online
FINAL CARE ENTRUSTED TO
funeral service will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2020,
has experienced this Spring, I
prudent to rescind its initial ban on
the dollars and cents to fight it
condemning the RAP cut stating it
at 11:00 a.m.
A Division Of The Caring Group Corp.
certainly hope that the Ministry takes
OHV use.
puts communities at risk.
because of Covid ...all for the risk of
Edson 780.723.3575 Hinton 780.865.1234
https://www.bonnyvillebaptist.com/resources/marjorie-
www.foothillsmemorialchapel.com
Q: What advice or science is this
someone having a open pit fire? I'll
There are two companies that
E E provide air tanker services to Alberta. take that responsibility." decision to allow OHV use, but not a region by region approach in the IN MEMORIES froise/
future, while constantly monitoring
In an apparently facetious footnote, campfires or fire-pits, based on when fire risk and the ability Alberta has to
Once the contracts run out in August
S S 2020, the province states they will Geston added, "If you as a County the fire danger is currently "low"? respond to an emergency. OBITUARY
A: OHV use results in a very small
Minister Dreeshen added,
are willing to take on the risk and
hire the planes on an as-needed basis.
"Alberta's great wildfire firefighters
amount of the human-caused
However, company officials have
happy to take that in writing to the
stated that if they get a longer-term costs of fighting a forest fire, I'd be wildfires that Alberta experiences have already extinguished 243 fires ~ Obituary ~ KALSHOVEN, Joan
contract elsewhere, the province will Environment Minister." every year. I know that OHV this spring and continue to work hard Edwin Shantz
have no air tankers and no one left to County CAO Jack Ramme replied, enthusiasts and outdoorsmen love our to keep all Albertans, and their With sadness we announce
January 19, 1939- April 25, 2020
fly them. "We have a wet year this season and backcountry and want to see it communities, safe. The province will Edwin was born in Carrot Creek, the passing of our mom, Joan
The AUPE stated, "Alberta is we have a ban in the whole Fire Zone preserved for generations to come by continue to monitor the situation and Alberta, the third child of Allan and Kalshoven (nee Palmer) who
EVENT world famous for its lush forests and without the ability to make it area- taking the necessary precautions in will lift or add fire restrictions based Jessie Shantz. passed away peacefully on
Left to mourn his loss is his partner
on risk."
REMINDER scenic landscapes. However, the specific. This was followed by an order to safely enjoy our natural Anna, his daughters Kimberley, Cherry April 18th, 2020, at the age of
84, in Edmonton, Alberta.
OHV ban that was then lifted, so the
and son Dana (Dawn), grandchildren
people who live in communities in
these areas are in grave danger. In its public is saying to us, that this makes and great grandchildren. Edwin was She will be dearly missed by her children:
predeceased by his son Rodney (1975)
FCSS Bag of Fun: budget last fall, the government made no sense. When there is no logic and daughter Gina (2019), his parents Susan (Bob) Lypkie, Margot (Eric) Porter,
Looking for fun things huge cuts to wildfire-fighting people will get frustrated. It's a ban GYPSD welcomes new Allan (1974)& Jessie (1998) Shantz, his Karen (Scott) Engel and Trevor (Tammy)
brothers Ian(2015) and Lea (2016) and his sister Mary Howland
to do with your services, which it says will save $23 or it's not a ban." (2018). Kalshoven, as well as her grandchildren Joel,
children? FCSS will million. But Albertans know Ramme added, "I am not aware of Edwin is survived by his siblings Lulu (Edward) Chizek of Christopher, Gregory, Tiffany and Taylor, three
any forest fires that have been caused
deliver you a Bag of gambling on wildfire safety will not by a backyard fire pit in a hamlet or Assistant Superintendent Creston, BC, Herbert (Sandra) Shantz of Lac La Biche, sister- great grandchildren, and many friends and
in- law Hilary Shantz, sister in law Sarah Radcliffe, and Allan
Fun for free! Each save money in the long run." (Susan) Shantz of Peers, AB . He is also survived by numerous extended family.
week FCSS will have The Alberta government from a designated campground. Supervisor of Planning, for the nieces and nephews, other family members and friends. She is survived by her sister Mary Boyer. She
Edwin grew up in Carrot Creek, AB attending Sparta School
themed bags for subsequently issued a fire ban on Please forward this information to me Edmonton Public School Division, and Niton High School. He had numerous jobs working on is predeceased by her husband Floyd in 1989.
children ages 1-6. April 15 covering approximately so I can help spread the message to was instrumental in establishing farms and service stations until he joined the army in 1961. He In Joan's memory donations to the
Bags will be delivered 60% of the province, in the hope of get citizen "buy in" as opposed to stakeholder engagement processes was a corporal in the Canadian Armed Forces as aviation Mazankowski Alberta Heart Institute or a
technician until honourably released in 1970. After his release
on Tuesdays. Door slowing the start of wildfire season being the target." The Yellowhead that have become trusted practices he worked as an automotive mechanic in Ontario, Alberta and charity of your choice would be welcome.
step drop off only; in- amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The County does not have any control within that urban school division. Mr. Vancouver Island where he spent over 40 years. In his later Due to Covid 19 and the current restrictions
years he enjoyed gold panning and listening to music. He
town delivery only. fire ban included the Forest over the Edson Forest Area regarding Kastrinos has excelled in staff never lost his love of the outdoors and this shy, quiet man was on gatherings, a celebration of her life will be
County residents must Protection Area, provincial parks, fire bans and fire permit recruitment and hiring, instructional happiest when he was outside. Due to his health his last three held at a later date, at the Westlawn Funeral
be able to pick up and protected areas. requirements. leadership, and community years were spent in continuing care. Home & Cemetery in Edmonton, Alberta.
Following cremation, there will not be a service for Edwin at
Tuesday between 8:30 The recreational use of off- MLA Getson stated, "We had relations. In addition, Constantine is a this time. His ashes will be interred at a later date.
am and 3:30 pm at the highway vehicles (OHVs) was also enough people lobbying us that it life-long learner who values the In lieu of other tributes, donations, if desired, may be directed
FCSS Family Centre. banned on Crown land in the Forest made sense to lift the OHV ban; it pursuit of academic interests and will to Edson Continuing Care in memory of Edwin Shantz. Westlawn Funeral Home and Cemetery | Arbor Memorial Inc.
FINAL CARE ENTRUSTED TO
One bag per family. Protection Area. But only two days was a wet year and wouldn't be a Constantine Kastrinos and his family are continue to do so as a doctoral FOOTHILLS MEMORIAL CHAPEL 16310 Stony Plain Road, Edmonton AB CA, T5P 4A6
honoured to be joining the Grande
A Division Of The Caring Group Corp.
To receive this week's later, on April 17, the Minister of problem." He then quipped, " If you Yellowhead Public School Division student in the fall of 2020. Edson 780.723.3575 Hinton 780.865.1234 T: (780) 484-5500
bag, please input your Agriculture and Forestry, Devin want me to recommend a ban on (GYPSD). submitted With his youth rooted in Lakeland www.foothillsmemorialchapel.com
information Dreeshen rescinded the ban on OHVs, I can take that forward." country, namely Bonnyville, Alberta,
In Loving
atresearch.net/r/ZS6F OHVs. Mayor Jim Eglinski said, "I get the Constantine and his wife Roshan, In Loving
Y85. For more Despite the "low" fire hazard at the need to balance a budget and take Constantine Kastrinos and his who was raised in Spruce Grove, are
memory of
information, contact time, however, the provincial ban from one area to give to another. My family are honoured to be joining the looking forward to bringing their memory of
780-723-4338 or remained on campfires and fire pits concern is we need to have a safety Grande Yellowhead Public School three children to the Grande OBITUARY
Enid
sarahm@edson.ca. within the Forest Protection Area factor, the province needs to have a Division (GYPSD). Mr. Kastrinos is Yellowhead Public School Division. Melvin William Soltys Enid
Biron
which encompasses the Edson Forest safety factor. If we leave ourselves the new Assistant Superintendent of The couple has been married for 16 Biron
Area covering most of Yellowhead shorthanded, I'd hate to see what Human Resources, Staff Relations, years and enjoys traveling as a family Mel was born to parents Julia and Basil on their
who passed away
County. This drew many complaints happens." and Leadership Development. During and experiencing new locales and homestead in Hines Creek on August 20th, 1940. As a who passed away
April 26, 2016
from local residents unable to enjoy County's Director of Protective his 21 years as an educator, Mr. cultures. Constantine would like to child, he moved to Edson, AB where he took all his April 26, 2016
an outdoor campfire amid the Covid Services Albert Bahri added, "There Kastrinos has been entrusted with a thank Superintendent Lewis and the schooling, graduating from Edson High School in
crisis. is no science to putting this ban in myriad of leadership opportunities; Board of the GYPSD for trusting him 1958. He was an active participant in sports and
school activities where he made many lifelong friends.
She was a Daughter,
"This measure is in place to reduce place and you are not listening to the including Department Head, with this opportunity and he is Mel married his high school sweetheart Liz in 1962. She was a Daughter,
Mother,
human-caused wildfires when experts you have saying that there is Consultant, Supervisor, Assistant excited to contribute his skill-set to For several years they lived in Edmonton starting their Mother,
firefighting resources may be no hazard when there is a safe Principal, and confirmed Principal. the outstanding GYPSD team, while careers before moving back to Edson, where Mel Grandmother, Wife
Grandmother, Wife
challenged by the Covid-19 designated fire pit." Mr. Kastrinos's leadership serving all stakeholders. continued his life-long insurance career becoming a
and Best Friend.
pandemic," stated Alberta Wildfire. On Friday, May 22, The Weekly excellence as Consultant, and then partner with his father-in-law in Pattinson and Soltys and Best Friend.
Insurance, then a partner in INSCO, before opening
his own insurance agency Soltys Insurance.
For his many years of volunteer work in the
Remembered every dayemembered every day
community, Mel was honoured as a Life Member of R
the Edson Kinsmen Club, and as Edson Citizen of the
b
Year. Heading the fundraising to build the Seniors by your Family and Friendsy your Family and Friends
Pioneer Cabin was another project dear to his heart.
Re-enacting the pioneer journey from Edson to Grande Prairie by horseback was a
memorable adventure that Mel, "Sagebrush Soltys", always treasured!
After retiring in 1999, Mel and Liz spent many years enjoying their motorhome travels and
their years in Bucerias, Mexico where they made such special friends. Even after Mel’s
stroke in 2009, he was able to spend time in Mexico in the winter and his cabin on the
McLeod River in the summer- his happy places!
But family was the most important part of Mel’s life! His children Melinda-Rae (Colin),
Gregory, and Raeleen (Jason) knew him as a kind and loving father, and in their adult lives
as a role model - a man of incredible integrity and character. His grandchildren Mya and Ty,
Jenna and Justin, Brianna and Samantha knew their Grampy/Poppi as a kind, gentle and
sweet man who loved playing cards, doing puzzles, going quad riding at the cabin and the
one who always had "projects" for everyone and himself in the bush, shed or woodpile!! He
loved them dearly, and has left them with so many endearing memories and stories to tell!
Mel also leaves his sister Lydia Johnston and many nieces and nephews, as well as his
brother-in-law George and sister-in-law Margaret with forever memories, and so many
special friends who have touched his life and spirit as he has touched them!
Health failed Mel many times in his lifetime, but he always fought back with incredible
determination, hard work, amazing attitude, and with positive results. But sadly, his last
battle could not be won, and he passed at home in Calgary on May 5th, 2020, finally at
peace.
A life well lived. A man loved and respected by so many!
A Celebration of Life for Mel will be held in Edson hopefully later in the summer.
Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Mel’s obituary at
www.McInnisandHolloway.com. In lieu of flowers, if you wish to make a donation in Mel’s
memory, the family asks you to consider the Edson Senior Pioneer Cabin, 836-7th avenue,
Edson AB T7E 1K8 or Tom Baker Cancer Centre 1331-29 street, NW, Calgary, AB T2N 4N2.
In living memory of Melvin Soltys, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross
Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Crowfoot, 82
Crowfoot Circle NW, CALGARY, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.
