MICKEY GROSS

1924 - 2005

Mr. Michael "Mickey" Gross of Taber, beloved husband of Delphyne, passed away with his family by his side on Friday, September 30, 2005, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
Michael was born south of Grassy Lake on March 17, 1924, and is survived by his wife of 50 years Delphyne, son Blaine, his wife Connie, and their son Mackenzie, daughter Michele Smith, her husband Joe, and their daughter Caraline all of Taber.  His brother Albert, and his wife Lorraine of Taber also survive Michael, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.  
His parents Joseph and Stephina, as well as his brother Ed, and sisters Agnes and Evelyn predeceased Michael.
Dad loved the land. He thoroughly enjoyed his years of farming, and he particularly enjoyed spring planting, and watching the crops grow. He was very active in his community throughout the years. He was part of the committee responsible for moving the Catholic Church to Grassy, as well as part of the committee that brought the construction of the community hall in the earlier years. He also was an integral part of the Grassy Lake Mall Society, which was instrumental in the bringing of a community owned store to Grassy Lake. In January of 2004, Mom and Dad moved to Taber. As Dad's health started to deteriorate, and his mobility was hampered, he found a new role in life as he was seen most days picking up the grandkids from school. He was able along with Mom to share and enjoy a great deal of happy times with them. Dad also found a great group of coffee friends at the A&W, and enjoyed their friendship and company for many hours. His strength, determination, and fight in his battle with cancer were an inspiration to us all and a reflection of his attitude of never quitting. His last weeks were made easier for him and for us as a family by the warm and heartfelt care that he received at the Taber Hospital. The care from the Nurses, Doctors, and support staff took an otherwise unbearable situation, and made it bearable. We as a family will be forever grateful for the care that Dad received. We will miss him greatly, but are comforted by the fact that Dad is in a much better place now, and is free from this earthly pain.
Relatives and friends are invited for Prayers at the Southland Funeral Chapel, 5006 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Sunday, October 2, 2005 at 7:00 P.M.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Augustine's Catholic Church, 5009 - 48 Avenue, Taber on Monday, October 3, 2005 at  10:30 A.M. with Reverend Mariusz Sztuk SDS Celebrant. A Private Family Interment will follow at the Taber Memorial Garden.
If friends so desire, memorial tributes in Mickey's name may be made directly to the Taber Hospital Foundation, 4326-50 Ave., Taber, Alberta T1G 1N9.