Sylvia’s early years were filled with travel, moving around the province until the family finally settled on the farm in Bluffton, AB.

This gypsy life held Sylvia in good stead.

It made her resourceful and gave her the ability of making friends easily.

Always committed to her family, Sylvia unselfishly gave up high school to stay at home when her mother took ill.

This did not stop her from pursuing further education.

When her mother was well again, she went off to Bible College in Eston, Sk., where she met her first husband Kevin Gillette.

Kevin died unexpectedly shortly after they were married.

Sylvia’s faith pulled her through this trial.

She relocated to Red Deer, where she met Brian and life began again for Sylvia.

They were married August 25, 1979.

Up for a new challenge, they left Red Deer and moved to Castor, where they purchased the Mayfair Grocery Store and began raising their family.

In 1991 Sylvia and Brian decided they needed a change so they sold their store and began a Handyman Service.

With her family maturing Sylvia took on the job of a teacher’s aid at the Castor Colony, along with her already full schedule of homemaker and dedication to her church.

Sylvia had a natural ability for parenting, music, hairdressing, cooking, and gardening, something that any person that came in contact with Sylvia benefited from.

Those closest to Sylvia knew of her zest for life, her quick wit, and sense of humor, her compassion for others and her willingness to serve all.

Sylvia was deeply committed to her faith in the Lord, which gave her strength during her battle with cancer. Sylvia went to be with the Lord on December 29, 2001.

Sylvia was predeceased by her father Harold Liknes, her nephew Randy Devereux and her first husband Kevin Gillette.

Surviving Sylvia is her loving and devoted husband, Brian and their four children Amber, Heather, Derek and Kayla; her mother Evelyn Liknes of Coronation, Ab., her sister Carolyn (Harry) Devereux of Veteran, Ab., her brothers Gilbert (Dianne) Liknes of Red Deer, Ab., Darwin (Janice) Liknes of Innisfail, Ab., Ron (Janice) Liknes of Veteran, Ab.; her father and mother-in-law Gerry and Gwen Barker of Banff, Ab., and sister-in-law Alice Noquez of San Diego, California, as well as her extended family of nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

Funeral services were held from the Castor Community Hall on Wednesday, January 2, 2001 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Marty Hays officiating.

Kevin Van Koughnett gave a tribute of Sylvia’s life and soloist Ruth Hays sang “God On The Mountain”.

The pianist was Karen Holloway and the congregational hymns were “When Peace Like A River”, “Softly And Tenderly”, and “Mansion Over The Hilltop”.

Honorary Pallbearers were “All Sylvia’s Family and Friends” and the active pallbearers were Ron Liknes, Gilbert Liknes, Darwin Liknes, Harry Devereux, Dennis Steeves and Barry MacAulay.

The interment followed the funeral in the Castor Municipal Cemetery.

A time of fellowship and light refreshments was held in the Castor Community Hall with the luncheon served by the Evangelical Missionary Church Women’s Ministries.

Should friends desire memorial contributions may be made in Sylvia’s memory to the Canadian Cancer Society, c/o Parkview Funeral Chapels, 882-3141.

Back to Obituaries Page