MR. HAROLD PAUL JANECKE, beloved husband of Mrs. Frances Janecke of Lethbridge, passed away at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Monday, November 15, 2010 at the age of 80 years. Besides his loving wife of 55 years, Frances, he is survived by his children and their families; Jeff (Roxanne) Janecke, Lindsey (Robert Bedford), Stacey (Greg Plante), Brittany, and great grandson Graydon Janecke, Brian (Kairyn) Janecke, Sierra and Noah Janecke, JoAnn (Steve Wetter) Janecke, Karl Wetter, Karen (George Stephenson) Janecke and Dawn (Sean Kirby) Janecke, Quinn, Benjamin and Emerson Kirby. He is also survived by his sister, Dorothy Bruce, brother Gerald (Leslie) Janecke as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his mother, father and brother-in-law Jack Bruce. Born on the family farm in Richmound, Saskatchewan on February 23, 1930 to Paul and Ethel Janecke, Harold moved to Medicine Hat to work for CP Rail as a young man. He moved to Lethbridge after marrying Frances Colby in 1955 and they spent 55 wonderful years together raising their children, and enjoying their grandchildren and great grandchild. Harold was an avid outdoorsman and after retiring from the CP Rail in 1986, he spent countless hours volunteering for numerous causes that were near to his heart. He had a particular passion for causes that involved the appreciation and preservation of the outdoors, nature, birds and wildlife in all of its forms, including Lethbridge Fish and Game, Ducks Unlimited and the Mountain Bluebird Society and it was through his generous contributions to these causes that Harold and Frances made many lifelong friends. Harold was also an avid reader and read extensively on the subjects of outdoor travel, gardening, hunting and environmental issues. He had been recognized both locally and provincially on many occasions for his efforts, he was especially proud of receiving the “Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal” in 2003. He remained committed and generous with his time and expertise in these areas up until his passing. Harold’s sense of humor, teasing, and story-telling abilities are well-known; he loved a good practical joke, and it was not uncommon for you to hear him say upon greeting you, “Come sit down, I’ve got a story to tell you”. He will forever be remembered and greatly missed by his family and all those who came to know him over the years. The family would like to invite friends and family to join in a Memorial Service to celebrate a life well lived, at SOUTHMINSTER UNITED CHURCH, 1011 - 4th Avenue South, Lethbridge on Saturday, November 20, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. with Reverend Aldeen McKay officiating. If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made in lieu of flowers to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4K7 or to the S.T.A.R.S Foundation, 416 - 10 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, T1H 2C7. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca