CHARLIE FOOTE

1917 - 2008

Charles Edward Foote of Taber, beloved husband of the late Jean Foote (nee Fletcher), passed away on Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at the age of 91 years.
Charlie is survived by his daughter Evelyn (Willard) Soltys of Lethbridge and daughter-in-law Linda Foote of Champion. He is also survived by his grandchildren Pam (Kevin) Ellis, Michele (Mario) Ferreira, Monica (Doug) Starrett, Rob (Lisa) Foote and Brad (Amber) Foote; great grandchildren Jessica & Nicholas Ellis, Jonathon & Nataleah Ferreira, Mackenzie Soltys-Starrett, Rob’s children Brenden, Joshua, Tyler & Kaitlyn Foote and Brad’s children Lindy & Carter Foote.
He was predeceased by his wife Jean, son Bryan and sister Irene Flickenger.
Charlie, son of John and Lulu Foote, was born August 31, 1917 at the family farm located south east of Purple Springs. He was educated at Hudson School. At the age of 14, Charlie worked for neighbours to supplement the farm’s income. Fascinated by developing technology, he began inventing machinery to make farming easier. Among his inventions were a portable welder, a manure spreader, a side pick up for bales and a scoop for the tractor. Charlie always wanted to know how things worked and looked for ways to improve them. When Calgary Power, the telephone and natural gas were being introduced to rural areas, Charlie was eager for them to be accepted by the farmers in the Hudson area and worked hard to bring these services to all the farms. He was also a very active member of the Fraternal Order of Moose and the Knox United Church in Taber.
In 1941, Charlie married his childhood sweetheart and neighbour, Jean Fletcher. They were just three months away from celebrating their fiftieth wedding anniversary when Jean passed away. The majority of their married life was spent farming. In 1984 they retired to Taber and enjoyed traveling to Europe, the Philippines and many US states. After Jean’s passing, Charlie moved first to Harmony Home, later the Clearview Lodge and finally Continuing Care where he made many new and wonderful friends. Poetry became a new found talent and it was his way of expressing his thoughts on the environment and life in general. He will be fondly missed by his family and many friends.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, October 6, 2008 between 7:00 P.M. and 8:00 P.M.
The Funeral Service will be held at Knox United Church, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber on Tuesday, October 7, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Frank Lewis officiating. Burial to follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Charles’ name may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 317 - 10 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2M7 or to the Knox United Church Memorial Fund, 4929 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1H7.