Tribute

Donald “Roy” Nerland

1930 – 2022

Born in Medicine Hat Alberta to parents Ole and Walborg Nerland, Roy was the youngest of seven children, raised on his father’s farm near Red Rock, and the last to leave this earth. His unbridled positivity and resilience to life’s difficulties made him a shining example of what initiative and perseverance could overcome, and it defined who he was as a man. There was no better example of a life well lived in regards to faith and trust in God, and his days will be remembered because of it.

Roy married Isabel Magdalena Stappler June 23^rd, 1956, both being baptized into Christ in 1958, devout in their faith all their lives. He was a father to Iris, Carol, and Janice, and a grandfather to seven grandchildren, Rusty, Ross, Jordan, Joel, Jonathan, Janine, and Quinten. He was also a great-grandfather to Izzie, Annie, Easton, Hudson, Beckham, Sunnie, and Aspen. Roy was preceded in death by his wife Isabel eight years prior but was able to see the lasting impact his union with her created.

Roy was active in his community through farming, real estate, and especially his church family. After twenty-three years of working with his hands on his farm near Seven Persons, Alberta on Holsom Road, Roy was diagnosed as a type one diabetic and was unable to continue on in this line of work. But this roadblock was not enough to keep him from enjoying life. His love of God’s creation was prevalent throughout his time on earth and could never be stopped from getting out and enjoying nature no matter his inabilities. He was known wherever he dwelt and was loved by every community he was a part of.

In his life, Roy experienced loss and sorrow, but never gave in. He lived through the tumultuous time of World War 2, seeing his brother off to fight in that war, the deaths of his two young sisters Margery and Jean, helped in the dismantling of a POW camp in his hometown, and endured harsh punishment and criticism on his brother’s behalf due to his service in the Canadian Airforce. But these instances only strengthened his resolve and tenacity for life. In his last days, Roy resided in Fernie, British Columbia under the care of his daughter Iris. He anticipated the reunion with his family, especially his sister Margery, and the acceptance of his reward for a life lived in service of God. His example will be remembered by all who knew him, and we know he is now enjoying eternal life with those who had gone on before.

A Celebration to commemorate Roy’s life will be held this summer in Medicine Hat, Alberta.

“Proclaim Jesus Christ, and He will proclaim you.

 – Roy Nerland