ROSS MCKIBBEN

1935 - 2011

Alan Ross McKibben, husband of Marg McKibben, passed away in Taber, surrounded by his family on Thursday, May 5, 2011 at the age of 75 years.
Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Wednesday, May 11, 2011 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 Thursday, May 12, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Sandra Riddell officiating.
Born the eldest of five children to Harry and Jean McKibben, Ross married Margaret Lewis in 1957 and together they raised their three children Mitch McKibben (Samantha Lewis) of Nanton, Keely McKibben (Terry Kading) of Kamloops, British Columbia and Sandra (Sean) Bodie of Sherwood Park. The family grew with the marriages of their children and over time was joyously blessed with the births of seven grandchildren Mitch & Launa’s (nee Donaldson) children Delaney McKibben (Brandon Wintoniak) and Aidan; Mitch & Samantha’s son Xavier; Sandra and Sean’s children Alexandra, Matthew, Noah and Christian; great grandchildren Madison and Bentley Wintoniak, children of Delaney and Brandon. Ross really loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Also remembering Ross are his younger siblings Keith McKibben of Enchant, Beth (Gerald) Ingram of Taber, Ken McKibben (Gerry Renner) of Taber and Joyce (Keith) Petersen of Taber; sister-in-law Margaret Lewis of Taber as well as many wonderful nieces, nephews, cousins and friends that will carry Ross forward in their memories.
He was predeceased by parents Harry and Jean McKibben; brother-in-law Bob Lewis.
Ross’ greatest passion was sports. For seventy five years there was scarcely a time when he wasn’t playing, watching or behind the scenes in sports. Whether it be baseball, hockey, curling or golf, he loved them all. His love of sports was highlighted by his trip to Toronto to compete in the Canadian Farmers 1965 curling playdowns, as well as his work with the Taber Golden Suns and his ownership of the Lethbridge Broncos. The Toronto Blue Jays had a life long fan in Ross.
After Ross and Marg sold the farm in the early 1980’s, they moved in to Taber and Ross became a cattle buyer. It was at this time in his life he developed a real love for gardening. His perennial flower beds were a particular source of peace and pride for him.
The last three years of Ross’ life were lived in the extended care facility in Taber. Between the new friends he made there and the care he received, he was happy and comfortable. For this his family is very grateful.
May your team always be winning. May your roses always be in bloom.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Ross’ name may be made directly to the Taber & District Health Foundation, 4326 - 50 Avenue, Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9.