Lofstrom, Harold

Harold Godfrey Lofstrom was born in Saskatchewan on July 2, 1914. Born at home, weighing barely two pounds, he was kept alive by the constant vigil of his family. It was a miracle he survived even by today’s standards. In 1928, leaving young Harold behind to finish his education, the family packed up their belongings and headed for the Peace River Country. They went across the Wapiti south of Wembley and took up homesteads. Harold joined the family in 1936.

When the war broke out in 1939, Harold was one of the first men from the Wapiti district to join the army. He joined up in September and was sent over to England in February. He served four years in the Army, taking part in the invasion of Italy with the English and Canadian troops. In the fall of 1944, after being stricken with malaria, he was sent home.

Harold married Alice Gerow on June 8, 1945 and they settled in to married life in a log shack on the Sundin quarter. In 1947 they moved to their own land, a quarter section purchased from Ed Sundin. Harold built a two storey house with lumber, with the help of his brothers. Soon they put up a barn and started milking cows and shipping cream. Harold and Alice raised six children, who with the hardships of farm life, grew up with a keen understanding of life. In 1966 they moved to Grande Prairie where Harold spent several years working in the construction and building maintenance industry. In 1978 Harold retired for health reasons.

Harold passed away on September 5, 1980 and is interred at City of Grande Prairie Cemetery.

Sources: Along the Wapiti  p. 300

 

For King and Country poster in Wembley

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