Dear Editor;

I think it would be appropriate for Ponoka to pay homage to Chris Churla who recently passed away.  He devoted over 20 years of his life here picking up garbage with good humor and no complaint.  He touched the hearts of everyone on his routes and often went that extra mile for those that needed it.  He won several awards, which he was very proud of, for his hard work and long service.  If you were his friend he would walk to the end of the earth for you.  He was our gentle giant.  He was born on Christmas Day in 1959 which is maybe why his mother named him Chris. He leaves behind one brother and four sisters but he leaves behind much more than that.  A legacy of hard work, determination and kindness that we could all learn from.  We already had to say good-bye to him once when he was transferred to Camrose.  Now it’s time for the final good-bye.  Good-bye Chris.  You were loved and you’ll be missed.

Michelle Shevlin

Ponoka