October 4, 2022

Image: Grain elevators at Rycroft, 1980 (SPRA 192.05.02.0617)

Steve Didow was born on March 8, 1922 in Eaglepoint SK, to Steve Sr. and Mary Didow. He had two brothers, George and John, and a sister, Mary. At age 4 he and his family moved to Rycroft AB where he attended school. In 1939 he began work at United Grain Growers Ltd. Steve enlisted in the RCAF in Calgary in January 1942. While there, he married Eveline Slobodian on December 17, 1943, before being sent overseas. Eveline worked in Young SK during Steve’s absence. Stationed in Great Britain, Steve’s invasion forces went to France on June 10, 1944, and he also served in Belgium and Holland. In March 1945 he was hospitalized for knee surgery in England. Needing further medical care, Steve returned to Canada, and he was discharged from the force that October. Back to work with United Grain Growers, Steve was manager of the elevator in Prestville (Rycroft area) from February 1946 until 1951. Then he and Eveline moved to Spirit River and operated the UFA Co-op Bulk Plant and service station. Steve joined the Legion, served on the town council, was a member of the Chamber of Commerce, and served on the stewards board for the United Church, where he and Eveline were members. They enjoyed golf and curling. In December 1966, Steve and Eveline sold their house, and moved to Florida because of poor health. For nine years they lived there in the winters and in Spirit River in the summers. They bought a farm (between Rycroft and Spirit River), and the Sylvan Meadows Golf Course (in partnership with their son and Steve’s sister), which they operated from 1972 until Steve retired in 1982. From spring to fall they lived in their mobile home at the golf course, and they spent their winters in Richmond BC, and in southern climates. When they sold the farm and golf course in 1991, they moved to Grande Prairie, and then to Edmonton. In 2004 the Didows relocated to Kelowna BC. where Steve passed away on August 30, 2008, and Eveline died in 2011. They had 4 children: Shirley (predeceased), Donald (predeceased), Ken, and Linda.

Source:
Chepi Sepe p. 184 photo; p. 353 family story and photo
AGS website – Obituary Index
SPRA – Family and Personal Life Reference Files

Soldier Spotlight highlights veterans from the Archives’ online Soldiers’ Memorial. Each week, our volunteers select a remarkable individual to showcase in this blog series. The Soldiers’ Memorial commemorates more than 1,100 WWI veterans and 2,300 WWII veterans from our region. Three dedicated volunteers have contributed over 1,200 hours to this project by researching and writing biographies. Our goal is to have all South Peace soldiers acknowledged for their service. If you know of someone who lived in the South Peace and should be listed on the Memorial, or would like to get involved by researching a local veteran, please contact the Archives.

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