Remembering our past – Doris Lindman & George Bishop

Times Contributor

 

Like all immigrants coming to Canada, Doris and George’s roots originated in Europe. Their forefathers came to this country to make a better life for their families. Doris’ grandfather, Axel Lindman, was born in Sweden and emigrated first to the U.S., then to the Sylvan Lake area, where he homesteaded in 1900. Her maternal grandparents, the Deerings and Frischs originated in Bessarabia. On arriving in Canada in the 1920’s, they were sent to Hilda, near Medicine Hat. The country of Bessarabia has been renamed ‘Moldova’ and can be found on current maps south and west of Ukraine. Doris was born in Red Deer in 1951, and  has one brother living on Vancouver Island.

George, an only child, was born at Rabbit Lake, Sask in 1941. His paternal family was also born in Bessarabia, and moved first to the U.S., then Canada. Originally, George’s family surname was ‘Bischoff’ but it was changed to ‘Bishop’ when they entered the U.S.

Around this time, there was a land agent called Emil Greisbach, who was responsible for bringing many Europeans to S.E. Alberta, where he sold them land. Coincidentally, Doris and George live on Greisbach Street in Gleichen.

Doris became a teacher in 1978, and taught all grades except kindergarten. She taught at High River, Strathmore, Standard, Hussar, Arrowwood and Gleichen over 30 years. She also became proficient in music and religious study courses, which stood her well throughout life, when she taught Sunday School and served on church boards. 

George advised the most gratifying job that he ever had was his service with the Royal Canadian Army Service Corps, where he specialized in heavy lift operations. After his discharge he attended SAIT, where he took a heavy duty mechanics course before opening his own Auto Body Shop in North Battleford. Later in life, he joined the exodus from Saskatchewan to Alberta, where he worked in the Priddis area, southwest of Calgary for 10 years. This is where he met Doris, and they were married in 2003 in Belize. From previous marriages, they have two daughters and a son. 

Following retirement in 2005, they moved to Gleichen, where they have really got involved with different groups. They were approached soon after they moved, by Ivy Bogstie (see March 9, 2012 article), who asked for their assistance in  refurbishing the Field of Honour. Assistance for this project was provided by Wheatland County. Following this, they repaired the WW1 Cenotaph, originally completed in 1919, and built of granite from Quebec. Then they raised the necessary funds, to construct a new WW2 Cenotaph. Both honour members of First Nations, who also served in both World Wars.

The past history of Gleichen was revisited in 2010, when the town celebrated its Centennial. Visitors came from across Canada to take part in the celebration. Earlier, Doris had created a monthly column in the local paper called “And, that’s a Gleichen Fact”. Her column was greatly enjoyed by readers across Canada, who used it to find people who had been former residents.

“Communities in Bloom” is a Canada-wide competition for small towns and villages. With Doris at the helm, Gleichen has become a well-respected participant Doris has served on The Fall Fair Board for a number of years. As this event is mainly for women, she had George organize a Show and Shine for the men, and both are held in late August. Doris spends many hours completing application forms for grants to finance projects for the AG Society, the Community Centre, Gleichen in Bloom, and other projects.

Currently, Doris is helping George recover from open heart surgery, which took place in early March. They are both recognized for their volunteer spirit in this area.