Edwin "LeRoy" Fjordbotten
June 8th, 2017
FJORDBOTTEN, Edwin 'LeRoy'
With sadness, we announce the passing of our father, grandfather, brother, uncle, cousin and friend E. LEROY FJORDBOTTEN of Lethbridge, Alberta on Thursday, June 8, 2017 at the age of 78 years. LeRoy was born November 4, 1938 to Artun and Evelyn (Enbysk) Fjordbotten of Granum, Alberta. He was the eldest of four children. He completed grade one at Starline Country School before being bused to Granum Elementary. He completed his high school at Camrose Lutheran College. Later he attended Lutheran Bible Institute in Seattle which gave him a strong foundation for his faith.
LeRoy farmed northeast of Granum and loved the farm life. The seeding, watching the crops grow and ripen and the busy harvests were a fulfilling way to spend his time on earth. LeRoy loved to fly and could be seen many mornings, checking out the crops as he flew his plane around the rural area he knew so well. He was a member of the Flying Farmers of Alberta. In his spare time, he also enjoyed skiing and golfing.
In 1979, he was inspired to run as a Conservative under Peter Lougheed and served his constituents and Alberta for 14 years. He was a Member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta (1979–1982); Minister of Agriculture (1983-1986); Minister of Tourism (1986-1987); and Minister of Forestry, Lands and Wildlife (1987–1992). During his time as MLA, he also served on Priorities, Finance and Coordination Cabinet, Agriculture and Rural Cabinet, and Economic Planning Committees. He was also a member of the Treasury Board. His desire was to help his constituents while making Alberta a better place to live for all residents.
LeRoy was honored when the Peigan Tribe named him "Running Crow".
In 1992, he established Silverwood Consultants and continued to consulate in the private sector to businesses looking to expand into international markets. He also continued to farm until 2015.
LeRoy travelled to many countries and met many individuals. He desired to be a friend to everyone. He was a true "people person" and loved to coffee with his friends and could always be counted on for stories or questions that were "put out there" to see what response he could get. He strongly felt that the biggest contributor to his success was only received by the Grace and Love of God. He felt God's blessing during his years in politics and again was thankful for the prayers during this last year as he battled his health concerns.
LeRoy is remembered by his family; two daughters, Tracy (Dean) Hubbard, Granum, AB and Karine (Shawn) Wilhauk; his wife, Deanne (nee Perchinsky), of Claresholm, AB; four grandchildren, Miranda, Justin and Andrew Hubbard and Madison Wilhauk; brothers, Larry (Karen), Wetaskiwin, and Gail (Linda), Granum; sister, Janet (Glenn) Jeske, Claresholm; sister-in-law, Margy (Warren) Berg; and brother-in-law, Bud (Pearl) Perchinsky, Penticton, BC along with numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of LeRoy's Life will be held at the Claresholm Community Centre, 50th Avenue & 8 Street West, Claresholm, AB on Sunday, June 25th, 2017 at 2:00 pm. A luncheon and a time of reminiscing will follow the service with everyone invited to attend.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Granum Lutheran Church, PO Box 101, Granum, AB, T0L 1A0 of which LeRoy was a member, the Alberta Cancer Foundation for Research, #300, 1620 – 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4L7, or The Salvation Army Canada, 2 Overlea Blvd, Toronto, ON, M4H 1P4.
Messages:
Janet - my thoughts are with you. Your kindnesses and support of LeRoy are most appreciated. (LeRoy and I are both alums of Camrose Lutheran College) I know how much LeRoy loved his family - I trust you have a copy of his autobiography that he lovingly wrote for his grandchildren - he loved each one so dearly. He was greatly respected. My God bless you and keep you.
Fjordbotten Family I was sadden to hear about LeRoy passing. I remember him as a faithful member of Granum Lutheran. I enjoyed conversations we always had. He was a down to earth human being with a winning smile. So sorry this comes so late. In His Service, I Remain Rev. Barrett B.F. Scheske
My sympathy to LeRoy's family. I am sorry I will be unable to attend the service in Claresholm. I knew LeRoy as a member of the Alberta Flying Farmers. He read my articles in the Country Guide and encouraged me. He had a special way of affirming people. I appreciated his kind words when I needed them most. He will be missed.
Although we did not get to spend much time with LeRoy he quickly became a close friend, and he took real enjoyment teasing Donna about her home base in Warner AB. We regret not having spent more time together but will always remember his caring comments, his humor, his love of family and his spirituality. God be with you LeRoy!
I was sad to learn of LeRoy's passing. Unfortunately due to travel commitments and bad timing, I will not be able to attend the funeral. I had the opportunity and honour to work with LeRoy when he was the Minister of Forestry, Lands and Wildlife and I was one of his Executive Assistants. He was a dedicated and hard worker and cared about the future of the Province of Alberta. He worked very hard, was very conscientious and was very effective. The diversification of the economy was driven at that time by the forest industry and he was a major reason for this success. I learned a lot and valued the time I spent working with LeRoy.
Deanne, I was deeply saddened to learn of LeRoy's passing. I had the pleasure of serving as LeRoy's deputy, from 1989-1992. He not only provided me with the opportunity but through his guidance and mentorship he helped pave the way for my post- government career, for which I am forever grateful. A true friend. He will be missed. My heart goes out to you and all of the Fjordbotten clan.
Deanne, My condolences to you and your family on your loss. I will remember LeRoy as a caring and thoughtful friend as we both grew up in the same area and spent many fun times with mutual friends during our teenage years. My husband Al, worked with the Provincial Government for over 30 years and therefore met LeRoy in that capacity, where he earned the reputation for being hardworking and dedicated in all the different positions he occupied. My heart goes out to you and your family. Sincerely Bev. (ONeil) & Al Craig
Our most sincere condolences on the passing of you father and father in law .Thoughts and prayers with you
Gail, Linda & Family, I am sorry to hear about the loss of your brother. My sincere condolences to you and your family during this time.
Helen and I extend our sympathy to Deanne and family. LeRoy was a fine caucus and cabinet colleague and a gentleman whose values I shared and whose judgment I respected. May you beautiful memories of LeRoy bring comfort. Sincerely, Les Les & Helen Young
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. LeRoy was our first friend when we moved to Claresholm in 1995 and introduced us to his wonderful family. We are truly blessed and privileged to have you in our lives.
To the loved ones of LeRoy Fjordbotten...when I was in high school I was a page at the Legislative Assembly. By far my fondest memory of those years was when Mr. Fjordbotten (after watching for a short spell) would pick one of the students from a visiting classroom that seemed like they needed a little "pick me up". He would motion for me to come over and give me a little pin and a handwritten note on my silver plate for me to take upstairs and ceremoniously present to the student... It was what I looked forward to. I am 53 and it is still makes me smile when I think about it. Such a good man...may God bless you with the courage to bear this loss and may he rest in peace.
Our thoughts and prayers to the family during this difficult time. LeRoy's accomplishments are something that will always be remembered by many people. Special thoughts to Gail and Linda who we have known so many years.
Very sorry to hear of LeRoy's passing. He lived a full life and through it all stayed true to his love of farming. I grew up on a neighbouring farm. It was an interesting community as it was on the fringes of Barons, Nobleford, Granum and Claresholm areas. Even though LeRoy never met my husband, he sent me a lovely message when my husband passed away in 2010. It meant a lot to me that LeRoy remembered me and cared enough to get in touch. I hope happy memories will bring you comfort. Sincerely, Cheryl Cutforth Harrington
Tracy & Dean Condolences to you and your family on the passing of your Dad. We are never ready to say goodbye. Hugs to both of you Shannon & Ed Donkersgoed
Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints. Psalm 116:15
The world has truly lost another great one. Leroy was a warm and caring man with a good heart who raised his family and past on the same great things that made him successful on to them. I've had the pleasures of knowing him as a kid and grew up with his kids and have a lot of great memories.
I wish I could have spent more time with him. He had a very positive affect on my life and I will miss him. We will meet again though. He's at peace now.
Pat and I are very sorry to learn of the passing of my former colleague and friend LeRoy. I served the Banff-Cochrane constituency from 1979-89 and I learned so much from my younger friend. He had the complete confidence of Peter Lougheed and Don Getty. He will be sorely missed by his family and friends and all his contacts and fellow MLAs who enjoyed his wit and honesty. In deepest sympathy, Greg and Pat Stevens, Calgary, Alberta.
LeRoy will be greatly missed, but we are comforted knowing he is with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Thank you for the succinct, yet thorough review of LeRoy's life and interests. I know the last couple of years have been extremely hard for you as family, as well as for LeRoy. I saw him at very low times and yet he bounced back until the last. All the time and loving care you have invested makes your loss all the more intense. The rollercoaster emotions leave you drained, so I pray that you all might rest in the God of grace whom LeRoy trusted. Support one another. I am sure that was his greatest wish.
Very sad to hear that "the boss" has passed on. One of my favourite persons and an inspiration. Correction to the obituary - LeRoy was Minister of Tourism between his time as Agriculture Minister and Forestry, Lands and Wildlife Minister. He was in the latter Ministerial role (FL&W) from mid 1987 till his retirement in 1992.
My sympathies to all the family. So sad to hear of Leroy's passing. I was Leroy's flying instructor and taught him flying in the very early 1960's Happy flying in the heavens above Leroy. Allan Gejdos