ROALD TRYGVE UNGSTAD
September 14, 1931 – August 7, 2013
Roald Trygve Ungstad was born at home on the farm NW of Ponoka, Alberta on September 14, 1931, where he lived most of his life. He passed away on August 7, 2013 at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre at the age of 81 years. He was the last surviving member of 12 siblings. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife Dorothy of Ponoka; daughter Eileen (Dan) Johnstone of Stettler and their children Peter and Mark; son Wayne Ungstad of Ponoka; daughter Gail (David Symington) Ungstad of Slave Lake; daughter Joan (Gerry) Van Wolde of Ponoka and their children April, Ryan (Candace), Holly (Mark) Maier, Heather, Chance, Willow and Brooke; son Peter (Christine) Ungstad of Ponoka and their children Kerr and Kent; two great-grandchildren Quinn Maier and Victor Van Wolde; Brother-in-law Scott Reed; sisters-in-law Vera Gartley, Natalie Ungstad, Joy Pearse, Dorene Pearse and Norma (Max) Kuerbis; nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews as well as numerous other relatives and friends.He was predeceased by his parents Peter and Mathilde Ungstad; sisters Synove (John) Morton, Thora (Bob) Daines, Solveig McDonald, Magdalene Ungstad, Anna Morton, Val Ungstad, and Dede (Henry) Lunde; brothers Wally (Jane) Ungstad, Peter Norman, Rolf and Erland Ungstad; brothers-in-law Jack and George Pearse and sisters-in-law Muriel (Cal) Meyer and Evelyn (Don) Griffiths.
In his early years he had many different jobs, working for the CPR installing telegraph lines in the mountains, driving trucks for oil companies across Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, mining in Uranium City, or bentonite clay at Baroid Plant in Onoway. He moved with his family back to the Ungstad family farm in 1961, where he lived the rest of his life. His farm life included welding, mechanical work and carpentry. He loved sports and was very active playing baseball, curling, and horseshoes – depending on the season. Roald was very proud of his children and grandchildren and always interested in what they were doing. He had difficulty remembering their names but remembered what sports or jobs they were involved with. He was also very proud of his Norwegian heritage and being a Viking. A trip to Norway in 1980, as well as some other holidays like to the Yukon, were highlights. Over the years he had many health issues including numerous brain injuries, strokes and other medical problems. He spent his last years mostly in a wheelchair. Roald loved going to the "Hills of Peace Camp" every summer. He enjoyed driving his scooter around the grounds, eating the food, and attending the services. He loved jokes and enjoyed laughing. Over the past twenty-five years, he was fortunate to have excellent doctors, nursing care and home care staff attending to him. Roald loved the home care ladies and Colton. He was always pleasant and happy to see them. The entire family is grateful for the excellent home care he received. In his later years, he found comfort and joy digging weeds, particularly dandelions, watching birds and reading books about farming, history, Norway, and the series about an unusual bounty hunter. He was very loyal to the things that he liked such as Allis Chalmers tractors and Ford cars and trucks. He especially liked to wear Ford caps or jackets. He also enjoyed watching sports and playing cards, especially bridge and crib. Beating the home care ladies at crib was his passion.
Funeral services will be held at 1:00pm on Saturday, August 17, 2013 at the Ponoka Funeral Home; viewing at 10:30 a.m. Internment at the Forest Home Cemetery in Ponoka.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to:
-Hills of Peace Campground
-Ponoka Hospital & Care Centre Auxiliary & Gift Shop
-Ponoka & District Health Foundation
or a charity of your choice.