EARL ‘BUD’ WOCKNITZ, beloved husband of the late Elsie Wocknitz of Magrath, passed away at the Good Samaritan Society of Magrath, on Tuesday, September 23, 2008 at the age of 89 years. ‘Bud’ was born on December 23, 1918 at the family farm north of Magrath. Bud spent his whole life on the family farm until his retirement. He received all of his education at Farm Hill School north of Magrath and east of the family farm. Over the years he attended many Farm Hill community functions, large family gatherings and enjoyed traveling with his family. He took great pride and was very meticulous in all of his work. He was also skilled in mechanics, welding, carpentry, plumbing and electrical work. He was a member of the Rural Electrification Area. Bud was also a Board Member of the Magrath United Church for many years. Bud was very easy going, gentle, caring, a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all. He is survived by his daughter Yvonne (Vic) Verbitsky of Vulcan; son Arthur (Diane) of Magrath; daughter Linda Hillmer of Fort Assiniboine; grandchildren Allan and Michael Verbitsky; Janice (Scott) Beck; Joan (Kirk) Frenzel; Judy (Bob) Weing; Joyce (Shane) Knox; Tim (Karen Hudson) Fyfe; Chris (Susan) Fyfe; Richard (Penny) Hillmer; Kevin (Jenna) Hillmer; Heather (Todd) Andries; 22 great grandchildren; 2 sisters Alice Brietzke of Three Hills; Stella Salberg of Raymond; and 1 brother, Leonard of Bellville, Ontario. Bud is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Bud is predeceased by his loving wife, Elsie, of 52 years; daughter Janice; his parents Paul and Susan; his 3 brothers, Roy, Ray and William; his 3 sisters Gertrude Rollingson, Pearl Kunz, Mae Johnson; his son-in-law Rick Hillmer; and his great grandson, Andrew Fyfe. Relatives and friends are invited to a Graveside Service at ARCHMOUNT CEMETERY, Westside Drive, West Lethbridge, on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 9:00 A.M. A Memorial Service will follow at the Magrath United Church, 181 West 1st Avenue North, Magrath, Alberta, on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 11:30 A.M. with Reverend George W. Ward officiating. In memory of Bud, donations may be made to the Magrath United Church, Box 351, Magrath, Alberta, T0K 1J0.