Obituary
Darrel Walton Reed, 68, of Sunset House passed away on Saturday 11th of June, 2022.
Darrel was born on the 21st of September, 1953. He was the 4th son of Allan and Bessie Reed of Barrhead, where he was raised on the family farm.
Darrel derived great pleasure from the farm and way of life but at the age of 18 he left home to operate a loader on a gravel crusher in Yellowknife. He would travel between his job in Yellowknife and Sunset House, Alberta where his sister resided. Darrel always lent a helping hand on the Sunset House farm on his days off.
He made a choice to change occupations and started working as a rig hand. Due to Darrel’s hard work ethic and intelligence he quickly advanced from a roughneck to a driller. Darrel’s goal was always to get back to his roots of farming. He was able to achieve his wish when he purchased his first land from Bud and Deanna Willard in Sunset House, Alberta.
Darrel met the love of his life Lorraine Polard from Sunset House, Alberta. He knew she was his soulmate and together they would have a life filled with adventures. They married on the 21st of July, 1979 and together built a house on the property. This was the start of their lifelong journey together. Darrel continued to supplement his income by working on the rigs and operating Cat clearing land. Darrel was an entrepreneur; he created his company, purchased his own water truck and started hauling water to the oil rigs. He did whatever it took to keep the farm going. Darrel started out as a grain farmer and then was able to change his focus to cattle farming. Darrel was always a cattleman at heart.
Darrel was the epitome of friend; he always knew when someone needed help. He would show up and support in anyway required; no questions asked. Darrel treated everyone with respect and lived by the farmer’s creed a man’s greatest possession is his dignity. He believed hard work and honest sweat were the building blocks of a person’s character. Family and many neighbours enjoyed the benefit of his friendship.
Darrel is survived by his loving wife Lorraine Reed. He is predeceased by his parents Allan and Bessie Reed and his mother and father in-law André and Delma Polard; Sister Muriel MacKenzie and Brothers Bud Reed and Lee Reed. He is survived by his Brother Ken (and Joan) Reed, Sister Joy (and Bruce) McLean and Sister Shannon (and Frank) Michon. Sister in laws; Marlene (Mike) Radoux and Louise Roberts (partner Al Jones). Darrel is survived by numerous nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of life to be announced at a later date.
FARMING
Author Unknown
It is a job, full of long hours, in all temperatures, and lots of hard work. But it is so much more than that. It is scars, callouses, broken bones, stitches and bruises. It is sunshine and storms, dirt under your nails and straw in your boots. It is early mornings, late nights and long days. It is the joy of a good harvest, the beauty of a sunset, the peace in the barns. It is a calf in your kitchen, a dog in your truck, and freedom in your soul. It is faith, determination and accomplishment. It is fears, tears, laughter and love. It is a way of life, a sense of pride, a family affair. It is home. And there is no place I would rather be.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Darrel Reed September 21 1953 June 11 2022..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Peace River, Province: Alberta