Obituary of Ralph Jerome Hjertaas

HJERTAAS- Ralph Hjertaas, age 94 , passed away in Mont St. Joseph Nursing Home in Prince Albert on Saturday, April 17, 2010. Ralph was a farmer in south eastern Saskatchewan, who has all his life been devoted to the betterment of his community. In the early days, he was a volunteer to maintain the telephone lines connecting rural farm communities, and to maintain the 32 volt windmills that electrified early farm yards. He was Chairman of the newly formed Redvers Co-op in 1950 and organized the Redvers Credit Union in 1959. Ralph help organize the Redvers Leather Factory to provide employment for 30 handicapped workers. In 1986 he retired from farming and moved to Prince Albert. He then became a volunteer for the Community Clinic, delivered Meals on Wheels, grew a garden for the Food Bank, and was a canvasser for many charities. He served on the committee to organize the Abbeyfield House senior's home, where he later came to live for 4 years. He took handicapped people on fishing trips and assisted with the Aquacize Program at the swimming pool. Ralph is survived by his wife Emilie, and two sons, David and Marty. The funeral service will be held at Calvary United Church in Prince Albert on Friday, April 23 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev Nora Vedress as officiant. Memorial donations may be made to the Abbeyfield House Society, 190 26th St. East, P.A., S6V 1Z7.