Kind, loving, and sincere… these are a few words that describe May Gehman, who passed away on Friday, May 5, 2017, at the Crowsnest Pass Hospital.
May was born on May 23, 1940 to Arthur and Verda Wright of Cowley, Alberta. Being raised on the farm, May appreciated hard work and healthy farm living. After completing her high school education, she moved to Calgary and attended secretarial college for a year and gained employment at an insurance company for three years. She decided that city life was not for her and in 1961, at the age of 21 years, May moved to Coleman and worked as a secretary for the Alberta Forest Service. It was at her place of employment that May met the love-of-her-life – Allan Gehman, a forest officer.
It was in the fall of 1962 when May bought a new car. Now this car got Al’s attention. When families were told of May and Al’s engagement at New Years, Al’s mother was sure that he was marrying May for her money. Little did she know that you don’t marry someone for money after they have bought a new car! May and Al were married on February 16, 1963 in the Foothills United Church in Cowley.
Six months later they moved to an Alberta Forestry Ranger Station home, which was 30 miles from the nearest town. Three years later the government decided to centralize all their “Ranger” staff, and everyone was moved back to Blairmore, Alberta. It was here that May obtained secretarial employment with the Alberta Government Welfare Services and retired in 1995 after 28 years of service.
May was a 42-year member of the Royal Purple of Canada Lodge and held the office of “Secretary” for 24 years. She volunteered in all their charitable projects.
After retirement, May and Al enjoyed spending their winters in Magnolia Park, their second home where they had made some wonderful, lasting friendships over the years. She enjoyed travelling with Al and camping with her family and friends.
Left to mourn her loss is her loving husband of 54 years -- Allan Gehman of Coleman, AB; Eric and Myrna Wright & family of Pincher Creek, AB; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members; her friends from the Royal Purple of Canada Lodge and her friends from Magnolia Park.
Memorial Contributions for the late May Gehman may be made to the Crowsnest Pass Health Care Foundation, Box 455, Blairmore, AB T0K 0E0.
A Graveside Service will take place for the late May Gehman at the beautiful Cowley Cemetery on Wednesday, May 10, 2017, at 11:30 am, followed by a reception at the Cowley Community Hall, sharing their stories of May with Allan, their family and friends.
Snodgrass Funeral Home in Pincher Creek assisting the Gehman family with funeral arrangements, (403) 627-4864.
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