Albert Walker Given
The “ Boy from the Wapiti “ goes home……..
Albert Walker Given was born in Debolt, AB in 1929. One of six children to George and Elizabeth Given from north of Harper Creek. In his early days as a 12 year old, if not working the farm for Dad, or at school, he was contract threshing for local farmers in Crooked Creek, Sturgeon Lake, Tee Pee Creek, Bezanson, and others north of the Little Smoky. Later, after working at Bird’s Store in Grande Prairie, he went to work for Bill Henderson who owned Union Tractor & Equipment Co. in Calgary, the local Caterpillar Tractor dealer in the area. After Ab had helped open up the north, Peace River, Grimshaw, Dawson Creek and the NWT among other areas, he worked for Bill’s son-in-law Jack Baron, after Bill’s untimely death in 1954.
After helping move UTL’s head office from Calgary to Edmonton, out of town on the Calgary Trail in 1956, he and partner Doug Agate acquired the company from Jack in 1967. Ab was an early resident of Campbelltown (Sherwood Park) and an early member of the Sherwood Park United Church, and the Sherwood Park Community League. Receiving his 60 year pin from The Peace River Masonic Lodge #89 five years ago, was a very proud moment following his Dad’s footsteps.
He and Gail retired to San Diego in 1981 and enjoyed living out at San Vicente with many friends, and often visitors from the north.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years Gail, his son and daughter-in-law Bob and Jeanie of Knoxville, TN and predeceased by his brothers and sisters, Bob, Lil, Georgie, Ed and Wes, and also daughter Lynne of Red Deer in 2014.
Ab will be sorely missed by family and friends, and a donation to The Winnifred Stewart School in Edmonton in Lynne’s name would be most appreciated. A celebration of life may be scheduled in the future.
I found out today of Ab’s passing. My heart is so heavy. I met Ab and Gail in 2015 when they travelled from Edmonton to Calgary to visit Ab’s sister Georgie who was in a Retirement Home. I was also fortunate to meet their son Bob who was up from Knoxville, TN. I had kept in contact with Ab and Gail after Georgie passed away. My love goes out to Gail, Bob and Jeanie.
Mickey and I are thinking of you, Bob, as you wait to take care of needed things. The obituary was a wonderful “picture” of your dad’s successful work ethic; I do believe you inherited that same trait! We are here for Jeanie while you are in Canada! We are praying for your mother’s health . We were very sorry to hear of your dad’s passing , but trust in God’s goodness and care!
Blessed to know you and Jeanie!
Mickey and Dianne
It’s always hard to say goodbye to your parent but entrust your Dad to God’s care and know that he is watching over you and cherish your many memories. Dotti and I are thinking of you and hope that during this difficult time you remain strong in heart and spirit. Jeanie is in good hands here and we await your safe return.
Dear Bob,
Dan and I am sorry to hear of your father passing. Realizing it is so difficult especially with your quarantine. It was nice to read about your father’s good life and he knew that he raised a good son. A great legacy.
Take care of yourself And we are here for Jeannie.
Clare
Bob, We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this time.
Robbie and I were so saddened to hear of your loss. You were a very devoted son and I know you will miss your Sunday calls with him. IMay you be comforted during this difficult time. Please know our thoughts are with you, Jeanie and your Mom.
Robbie and I were so saddened to hear of your loss. You were a very devoted son and I know you will miss your Sunday calls with him. May you be comforted during this difficult time. Please know our thoughts are with you, Jeanie and your Mom.
Bob,
We were saddened to learn of your father’s passing. We can only imagine the grief and sorrow you are going through losing both a parent and Maddie in such a short time frame. Your father had a very successful career and a devoted family. Judy and I will say a prayer for your father and for you to be strong and make it through this difficult period. Remember things will get better.
To Gail, Bob & Jeanie:
Ab will be missed. He was a great caring neighbour.
May he live in your memories forever.
Doug & Helen Morrice
So sorry to hear of your loss. Our Condolences to Gail, Bob and Jeannie.
Gail, Bobby and family,
It’s funny what you remember. I was reading the paper and noticed your father’s obituary and had to send a note. My parents were friends with your parents (Dick and Alice Rock) when we were VERY young and my albums have photos of your parents and both you and Lynne playing with my sister Shari and I. I remember their laughter and the fun times shared – this would be in the mid to later 60s.
Your parents were such lovely people and my parents thought very fondly of them. My deepest condolences to your family as you mourn the loss of your husband, father and grandfather. Our sympathy to you all during this sad, sad time.
What a true Gentleman, it was always a privilege to visit with Uncle Ab.
He was a true pioneer of the North and a great spinner of yarns.
It is never good-bye but rather I will see you again.
My sympathy and warmest thoughts are with you Gail, Bob, and Jeanie. Hearing of Ab’s passing was certainly a sad day. His caring of his family and friends was one of the great qualities of his life, he took great pride in family. I happened to be one of the fortunate friend’s in San Diego to share many happy times with Gail and Ab. I looked forward each fall for their return. May God’s love give all of you strength during this most difficult time.
Bob, I was sorry to hear about your dad’s passing. I know goodbyes are hard, but know your friends and myself, are here for you and Jeanie. I’m thinking of you during this difficult time and I am praying for you and your mom.
Janice
Very nice obituary, Ab would be pleased
We will miss him. Audreen and I shared many pleasant and interesting times with Ab and Gail. His sense of humour will be long remembered
Bob
So sorry about your loss of your father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Jeanie and your mother. Enjoyed reading about your Dad’s life and career.
God bless
Tony & Stacy
Gail, Bob & Jeanie: We were so sorry to hear about Ab passing away. Mom & Dad always enjoyed getting together with your parents and they had a lot of good times. Our thoughts are with you Gail, Bob & Jeanie and we hope you keep in touch.
From the “Agate Girls”
Janet, Jean, Lynn & Wendy
Bob, I am truly sad to hear of the loss of your father. He was a great friend of my dad’s and a very fine man. His legacy was significant in our industry of heavy equipment. I am proud to have known him which in turn brought about our friendship.
Ab and Gail were good friends of my parents in Ramona California. He was always such a kind, and personable man. I knew him in my late teen years. My mother would love to talk to Gail if anyone has her phone number. My condolences.
Hi Gail, I am so sorry to hear of
Ab’s passing. maybe you didn’t know Jim passed away in Oct. 2019. I have tried to contact you so many times. I live in Bozeman, MT. when Jim got sick.I am sure you are going to be lonesome but God does take care of his people.God bless you and your family. My tel no. is 870 421 4329. Love to you and your family. Hoping to hear from you. Carol Matson
Dear Gail, Bob and Jeannie. My deepest condolences on the loss of Ab. Ab will be remembered as one of the people responsible for the success of Union Tractor among suppliers and dealers and being an honest and trustworthy company. The picture of AB and obituary are excellent memories of a good man. The Seadon family.