Jean Miola Latimer (nee Winter)

LATIMER, Jean Miola (nee Winter)

Jean Miola (Winter) Latimer of Olds, Alberta passed away on Monday, May 22, 2017 at the age of 91 years following a brief illness at the Red Deer Regional Hospital in Red Deer, Alberta. Jean will be lovingly remembered by her children, Linda (Doug)Henderson, Gary(Jacci)Latimer, Marlene(Ian)Harvie, Nancy Latimer, Bryan(Annette)Latimer and Elaine(Greg)Urwin, as well as 22 grandchildren, 26 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, sister-in-law Mary (Jim)Buzzard and brother-in-law Marvin(Mary)Latimer. She is predeceased by her husband Louis Latimer, brother and sister-in-law Mac and Lil Winter, sister and brother-in-law Betty and Hugo Widmer, brother-in-law and sister-in-law Carroll and Jeannie Latimer, brother-in-law Norval Latimer, nephew Kim Winter, nephew Michael Widmer, niece Janet Moore, great niece Michelle Winter and great nephews Brad Lewis, Joshua Bishop.

Jean was born to Harry and Ethel Winter on April 1, 1926 in Olds, Alberta and grew up east of Olds in the Poplar Creek district. She attended school at Poplar Creek and then moved to Olds to finish and graduate from high school. She then taught school for a year at Poplar Creek.  Jean married Louis Taylor Latimer on December 3, 1945. They began farming together and soon moved to a ranch north of Sundre. About a year later land was purchased south of Olds and Jean and Louis began the journey to establish Remitall Cattle Company. Together they raised six children and built the business to become a successful and internationally respected purebred herd. Focus was on hard work and family participation. Jean worked in the farm office in addition to looking after kids, housework and cooking for family, employees and guests. In 1954 Jean and Louis formed a partnership with Louie’s brother Carroll and Jeannie which continued for twenty years. From 1960-1972 Jean and Louis, Carroll and Jeannie purchased the John Deere business ‘Yule & Latimer’ in Olds. Jean played an active role in the business, doing the accounting work in early years. Together with Louis many awards were received including the American Shorthorn Association Builder of the Breed, Alberta Angus Association Breeder of the Year, County of Mountain View Family Farm Award and the Bank of Montreal Family Farm Award. Jean was also an active member of the Olds Agricultural Society, serving as secretary for a lengthy time. She volunteered and served on board positions for the Coburn Women's Institute, Alberta Shorthorn Ladies Auxiliary, Hereford Belles, Youth Creative Arts Section of Olds Ag Society, Olds Figure Skating Club, and the Olds Red Hat Society.

Jean and Louis travelled to various countries around the world, promoting cattle, attending shows and touring herds. They in turn hosted many guests over the years, Jean always welcoming people with a meal, homemade pie and a place to stay. Jean and Louis were able to celebrate 65 years of marriage before Louis passed in 2010. Jean’s greatest joy was her family - children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family.  Family events and activities were always top priority. She formed special bonds with everyone by attending birthday parties, hockey, baseball, soccer games, dance recitals, plays, swim meets, cattle shows, trips and much more. Jean had a true love for reading and constantly had a book on the go. She also enjoyed playing bridge and in recent years found great pleasure and companionship in bridge groups twice a week.  Jean was vibrant and sharp witted with a great sense of humour and continued attending events, driving and living independently right up until her recent illness.