Roger Scherrens
Roger Scherrens of Daysland, formerly of Ponoka passed away on March 24, 2010 at the age of 85 years. He is survived by his loving companion Johanna Smith; his children George Scherrens (Rosalyn) of Ponoka, Elaine Merrifield (Glenn) of Lethbridge, Darlene Nazarek of Lethbridge and Johnny Scherrens (Caroline) of Ponoka; grandchildren Annette Scherrens-Sehlstrom (Trent), Michael Scherrens (Dallas), Tracy Merrifield (Derek), Kelly-Anne Mundell (Steve), Matthew Merrifield, Curtis Nazarek, Julie Nazarek, Jonathan Scherrens and Melissa Scherrens; great-granddaughter Lisa Scherrens; sisters Agusta Lanckriet and Julia Hoens (Firmin); as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife Marie Therese Scherrens; brother Anton Scherrens and an infant brother. Roger was born January 17, 1925 in Odelem, Belgium. In 1938 he attended an Agriculture School and stayed on the family farm until 1946 when he joined the army. Roger then came to Canada for the first time in 1948 on the Vollendam army transport carrier which took 11 rough days at sea to arrive on the coast of St. Johns, New Brunswick. He thought he was at his destination only to be told he still had 3 days and nights to travel by train to arrive in Ponoka! While on the train he couldn’t believe how much land there was and how beautiful Canada was. Five days after he arrived in Ponoka he started working for Doug and Elsie Bresee and stayed until 1950. He then returned to Belgium where he was reacquainted with his love Marie, and they were married on December 26, 1950. In 1951 they immigrated to Canada. Upon their arrival Marie couldn’t believe her eyes when the snow drifts were as high as the telephone poles. She wondered what she had gotten herself into until she really seen how beautiful the Ponoka area was later that spring. Roger and Marie rented a farm known as the Croftie place. While farming, helping and working with other farmers in the Ponoka area, they finally saved enough to buy their own farm. In 1960 they bought a half section and buildings from William Paul in the Ferrybank district and in 1965 bought another half section from Oscar Massing only 2 miles away. Farming was a good living and they enjoyed it very much until Marie passed away suddenly in 1976. Roger planted his last crop in 1980, sold the farm in 1981 and moved to Daysland where he built a new home and retired. Roger was retired for 29 years and spent 19 winters in Arizona. He spent most of his time playing in snooker tournaments where he did very well and has trophies to prove it. He also spent every chance, weather permitting, water skiing until he had reached perfection. When he returned every spring he took care of his beautiful yard full of trees, shrubs and all kinds of flowers. He also would start up his beautiful waterfall which took him 10 years to build. Neighbors and friends would walk by just to see and listen to his creation. Roger spent countless hours teaching his grandchildren and friends his special techniques to learn how to get up and carve rooster tails while water skiing so they would be as good as him. Roger was a very hard man at times and we know it has made us stronger individuals and maybe that was his goal. His long talks on the phone, stories and advice or visits will be missed. "Dad, you have worked very hard, played hard, lived life to the fullest and did it your way. Now rest in peace, you will not be forgotten!" A Funeral Service to celebrate Roger’s life was held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 27th at the Ponoka Funeral Home led by Father K. Sobanski. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation.
Arrangements Entrusted To Ponoka Funeral Home
~ A Wombold Family Funeral Home ~