GRON, Aage Poulsen “Paul”

GRON, Aage Poulsen “Paul”

Aage Poulsen Gron “Paul” peacefully passed away Friday, January 13, 2017 after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Paul is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Mary; their children Scott, Jeff (Mandy), Mark (Jillian) and Micheal (Kellie); and his grandkids, Carson, Kiersten, Kaia, Briar and Scottie. He is also survived by his sisters, Inga Hansen and Erna Sorensen as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Paul was born the youngest of eight children in Raby, Denmark and was predeceased by his five brothers. Paul immigrated to Canada in 1957. After a year in Hamilton, he made his way to Alberta, finally settling in Calgary with an aunt and uncle, who were well known for helping Danish Immigrants settle in Calgary. Paul and Mary were married on New Year’s Eve 1969. Paul worked for many years as a heavy-duty mechanic, primarily with Borgers Construction, and then later Standard General. In 1978 Paul fulfilled his dream and pioneering spirit to return the farming life. He and Mary purchased a quarter section of land in the Strathmore area. While the farm may have been small, Paul was able to be a capable, resourceful, and successful farmer. From growing grain and hay to raising chickens, goats, and cattle, Paul was adept at making the farm work, even during difficult times. As a farmer, he had the true pioneer spirit. He had an amazing way with animals, and was always quick to help a neighbour in need. Paul still took an active role in the operation of the farm today. In 2008 Paul and Mary retired into town to begin the next chapter of their lives. They enjoyed numerous trips to Arizona in the winters and yearly trips to Kananaskis Lodge with their friends. Paul took up hockey with the pensioners and senior curling. He always enjoyed a game of cards, especially his Tuesday crib game with his buddies. Paul had a nine-year battle with myelodysplasia and eventually leukemia. He never once complained or let chemotherapy and transfusions change his positive outlook on life. He was well versed in his disease and always optimistic about new research and findings. He battled cancer until his last breath. We are forever grateful to the amazing nurses at both the Peter Lougheed and Strathmore Hospitals and Sagewood for the care, compassion and friendship shown to Paul over the years. We would also like to thank Dr. Manocha for taking such a keen interest in his complex medical condition and to Dr Chatha for the compassion given to Paul in his final hours. In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that donations be made directly to the Wheatland & Area Hospice Society (P.O. Box 2154, Strathmore, T1P 1K2). A funeral service was held on Wednesday, January 18, 2017 at Lord of All Lutheran Church at 1:00 p.m. To send condolences, please visit Paul’s obituary at www.wheatlandfuneralhome.ca.