| Fuglem - Simon Melvin Fuglem was born on January 11, 1912 to Oscar and Mamie Fuglem in Edmonton. He was the eldest of six children of which there was one brother Milton, and four sisters – Connie, Donella, Joy and Olea. There was also another brother Orville, who died in infancy of pneumonia. After moving from Edmonton they lived in the Bardo District and then later moved to Hughenden. The Oscar Fuglem home was given to hospitality and they always had lots of company with baseball games in the back and listening to the radio as they were one of the first families in the neighbourhood to have one. His first good riding horse he named Spider and they became good pals and he rode her everywhere he had to go - to baseball games - wherever. In Grade eight at 14 years of age he had to quit school to go threshing to make some money for the family as his father had been injured when his horse had slipped in the mud and fallen on him. Oscar had suffered a fractured pelvis and collarbone and was laid up for some months. He had become a good athlete by this time and the school asked him to come back for the sports competition for the Amisk School District. He helped them maintain their hold on the shield that had been theirs for four years, taking first place in the 100-yard dash in Grade eight and second place in Grade nine. Simon’s sisters recall him as being quite a tease, but also remember him as being very good to them and bringing home little treats in his pocket. In the 30’s he went to work in Lacombe in the fall to work on threshing crews, and in the winter was off to Edson to bring home some extra money in the logging camps there. He especially liked making railroad ties. He was never afraid of work or to undertake a job that someone else might find daunting. Simon and Hazel were married in September, 1941 and settled on the farm at Kessler where they opened Kessler Store and Post Office and Simon began trucking grain, cattle, and coal. In 1942, he received his call from the army and went to Edmonton for elementary training and then to Victoria for training with the heavy AAC-AAC Division. From there he went on to Vancouver with the 44th Heavy Artillery. 1943 saw him headed for Prince Rupert for further training in the large guns where he became a bombardier. In December of 1944, the day after Christmas, he left for the East Coast to go to England and Scotland, and then on to France, Germany and Holland. Here he lost his best friend when they were under fire by the Germans. In September 1945, Simon returned to Canada on the Isle de France, two months after his son, Ronald was born. Marion had been born just a year before he left for overseas. On returning to Canada, Simon resumed farming and reopened the store and Post Office at Kessler. It wasn’t long before he also organized the Kessler Baseball Club which proved to be one of the best teams in the area. Simon loved baseball. It was his passion and he played until he was 61 years of age. Even in his most recent years there was one thing that could put a big grin on his face, a sparkle in his eye and that was to get him going on one of his favourite baseball stories. Music was also something he enjoyed and often took time out in the evening to play his fiddle. Family gatherings usually ended with some good music and he could play almost any of the usual instruments with strings. Besides the fiddle, he could strum along on the guitar, ukulele, mandolin, and banjo. He was a good father, and while quite strict in many ways, expecting good work ethics, and acceptable behaviour, also knew how to have a good time. Often in the evenings he would spend time with his family playing a game, throwing a baseball or pulling out his fiddle to play along with Marion on the piano. In the mid nineties, his health began to deteriorate and he moved into the Lodge at Consort and then eventually the Extended Care Unit in Coronation where he continued to enjoy his visits from his friends and family. He always enjoyed a good chat and both he and his family have appreciated all the numerous ones who continued to drop by and visit and show that you care in so many little ways. We will miss him in our hearts but know that he was ready to go. We do so much wish to thank each of you for your prayers, visits and kindnesses shown to our father, grandfather, and great grandfather. God bless you in all your steadfastness and caring. Simon is survived by his children Marion Schulz of Mission, B.C. and Ronald (Bonnie) Fuglem of Coronation; Grandchildren, Ashleigh and Scott Fuglem, Candace Hodgson, Jerene (Vic) Penner, Liana (Bruce) Amy and Scott Schulz; great grandchildren, Nathasha (Joel) Roste, Nick Hodgson, Ellesha Hodgson Emily Hodgson, Bailey Penner and Dawson Penner. He is also survived by: Brother Milton (Hope) Fuglem of Calgary; Sisters, Olea (Ole) Paulgaard of Sherwood Park, Joy Broughton of Wetaskawin. He was predeceased by his parents Oscar and Mamie; his wife Hazel Fuglem; Sisters Donella Soholt and Connie Nelson. The funeral service to commemorate Simon’s life took place at the Hughenden Community Hall, Hughenden, Alberta on Saturday, January 12, 2008 at 1 p.m. with Pastor Ben Klumpenhower officiating. Sandra Nelson gave the eulogy. Memories written by Lloyd Congdon were read by Raymond Congdon. Granddaughter Jerene Penner read a letter to grandpa from herself and her sisters Candace and Liana. Geneva Waring played for the congregational hymns, “The Old Rugged Cross”, and “When The Roll Is Called Up Yonder”. Special music was John and Norma Broughton. Honourary pallbearers were “All Simon’s Family, Friends and Neighbours”. Active Pallbearers were Richard Charlton, Hugh McLarty, Daryl Charlton, Cliff Longman, Robin Gilbertson and Kevin Todd. The interment took place at the Amisk Cemetery. Following the interment, family and friends gathered at the Community Hall for a time of visiting and reminiscing. A beautiful lunch was prepared and served by the Hughenden United Church Ladies. In Simon’s honour, memorial contributions may be made to the Coronation Hospital Foundation or to the Canadian Diabetes Association in care of Coronation Funeral Home, Box 35, Coronation, AB. T0C 1C0. Heather Caseley of Coronation Funeral Home entrusted with the funeral arrangements. 1-888-578-2928.“Knowledge, Experience And Professionalism With A Personal Touch” Card of Thanks We would lke to express our thanks to all our friends, neighbours and family for all the cards, visits, food and fruit baskets. Thank you for the beautiful flowers that were brought to the house. Thank you to the staff at the Consort Lodge, the staff and Dr. McKenzie at Assisted Living and Long Term Care in Coronation for the care given to Simon while he was with them. Ron Fuglem and Family Marion Schulz and Family |