Obituary - Calvin Aldag

May 7, 1929 ~ March 9, 2024

It is with profound sadness that the family of Calvin Aldag announce his passing in Medicine Hat on Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the age of 94. Born in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan, he lived in the Illerbrun district until the summer of 1937 when the family moved to Westbourne, Manitoba, and ultimately back to the family farm in 1938. In 1954, he received employment with the RM of Carmichael as a grader operator and became one of the original members of the district fastball team that formed in 1957, which later became the Aldag Eagles in 1959. He then returned to active farming in 1963 and purchased part of his family farm in 1968 where he worked and resided until his retirement. Calvin enjoyed retirement in Shaunavon, Swift Current, and finally Medicine Hat to be closer to family.

Living next door and working with his brother, Don (Kaye), kept him busy with farming and the three niece and nephews that came along. Debbie, John, and Rick were like his own kids and enjoyed numerous adventures with Uncle Calvin creating too many fond memories to mention. In June of 1980, he married Jean who brought four more to the family – Terry, Duane, Steven, and Vernageen. They were all taken under his wing and treated as if they were his own. Anyone and everyone who knew him saw his kindness, generosity, and good nature.

Calvin leaves behind: sons, Terry, Duane, Steven, and daughter, Vernageen (Colin) along with niece, Debbie (Robert), and nephews, John (Elaine), Rick (Krista), Randy (Lorna), and Ken (Sharon). Also left to mourn are his brother, Don (Kaye) and sister, Coleen (Glen); grandchildren, Ashley (Mitchell) and Anthony, and several grand-nieces and nephews and extended family that always provided great joy and many smiles. He was predeceased by his wife Jean; brother-in-law, Ed and daughter-in-law, Debbie.

There is a huge hole in all our hearts that can only be filled with fond memories. He would let the kids help him drive the tractor and combine (in hindsight, probably grooming for extra help on the farm) or if they got on a horse or in the truck to help move or chase cows, they knew they better hang on tight! From having a stern hand with his livestock to having a gentle hand in a box from the discomfort of the couch when the new puppy wouldn’t quit whining, he showed every day his compassion, laid back demeanor, and the importance of family and friends. He will always be a symbol of grace and gratitude.

The family would like to mention the excellent care he received at the Medicine Hat Hospital and the outstanding attention from the palliative staff at St. Joseph’s Home – Covenant Health. Your compassion and kindness provided peace and comfort in his final hours to him and to his family, and will never be forgotten. In honour of Calvin’s life, a graveside service will take place at Good Hope Cemetery at a later date.

“Those we love never truly leave us. There are things that death cannot touch.” ~~ Jack Thorne

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate any donations to St. Joseph’s Home at www.covenanthealth.ca/donate or to Stars Air Ambulance, which was very dear to Calvin after the passing of Jean, at https://stars.ca/get-involved/ways-to-donate/