Obituary for Galen Unruh

Galen had happy childhood memories of the different places the family lived — those early years at the ranch at Willow Valley near Lundbreck, Alta.; at Enderby, B.C.; and at Linden, Alta. When he was 17, the family settled at Pincher Creek. Shortly after they moved, they went through the pain of losing their mother.

When Galen was 14, he heard the call of God. He answered that call and peace flooded his heart. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ Mennonite at Enderby, B.C. He remained faithful to the end.

He met me, Judy Blosser, when he visited at Gallup, New Mexico. We were married on Nov. 18, 1977, at the Meridian Congregation near Hesston, Kansas. God gave us 43 precious years together. We were blessed with five beautiful children.

As a young man, Galen worked at the local tire shop. Then he went to John Deere, where he was parts man for 15 years. An opportunity opened for him to manage a hardware store. It evolved into a paint and flooring business, which he purchased and managed the rest of his life.

He made many friends through his work in the community. The last nine years I worked by his side in the business. We felt like our mission was to our community and enjoyed many good visits with our customers.

Family was important to Galen. We did a lot of travelling, spending time with dear relatives and making many special memories. As our sons married, each bride was loved and accepted. Galen loved his nine grandchildren dearly and took a special interest in each one. He loved nothing better than to gather the family around our table.

Galen had a quiet personality. He was an avid reader, and kept up with the daily news. He had a wealth of knowledge, and when he talked, he was worth listening to. Galen didn’t express his deep feelings easily, but his hugs meant everything. His heart was easily touched, with tears springing into his eyes. He is remembered for the twinkle in his eye and his sense of humour.

Those left with precious memories are his wife, Judy; his children and grandchildren: Kent and Christina, Domonic, Avonlea and Hailey of Bow Island, Alta.; Marshall and Emmy Lou, Seth and Savannah of Las Vegas, New Mexico; Troy and Lisa, Maci and Madisen of Grifton, North Carolina; Jasper and Bethany, Mila and Harper of Pincher Creek; and Emily Unruh of Pincher Creek.

He is survived by his siblings: Warren and Gwen of Sinclair, Man.; Lavonne and Jeff Blosser of Pincher Creek; Geneva and Kyle Koehn of Lakin, Kansas; Lorraine Unruh, Marilyn and Lyle Reimer and stepmother Margaret Fehr, all of Pincher Creek; in-laws: Arnold and Carolyn Blosser, Carolyn and Laurel Schmidt, Roberta and Eldo Wiggers, Joyce and Jerry Penner, Cynthia and Daniel Hughes, Jeff and Lavonne Blosser, Marsha and Keith Schmidt and Naomi Nichols; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, Alvin and Luella, infant brother Rodney, brother Merle, stepmother Betty, infant granddaughter Katrina and brother-in-law Conard.