
Pituka
Jim Pituka was born in Drumheller, Alta. and grew up in the Newcastle area, swimming in the river and climbing the hills with his three brothers.
Jim was predeceased by his parents Frank and Katie Pituka; his brothers: Ross, Ted and Dennis Pituka.
Left to mourn him are his wife of 55 years, Helga (Rust) Pituka; two children: Melody and husband Dan Lindbeck and Steve and wife Alida Pituka; five grandchildren: Tristyn Lindbeck and partner Chris Gillespie, Devin Lindbeck, Andrea Atkings, Rachael General and Miranda Pituka.
Jim worked for Canadian Utilities at the plant in Drumheller until it shut down in the early ‘60s.
He then moved to Forestburg, Alta. to work at the Battle River Plant, where he met his wife.
He was retired from ATCO for 27 years, in which time he and his wife went south for the winter.
They went on a couple of cruises and travelled to the Dominican Republic.
As a young man, he played baseball in the Drumheller, Hanna, Oyen leagues and continued to play in Forestburg.
He was an avid golfer and won many tournaments, including the Diplomat Cup in Forestburg.
Jim continued to golf until the side effects of diabetes caused him to stop.
Three years ago, he moved to Hanna’s Long Term Care Facility where he received excellent care until he passed away on Oct. 13, 2019.
He is missed by all of his family.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 1 p.m. at the Forestburg Golf Course Lounge, Forestburg, Alta. on Sat. Nov. 23.
If one so desires, donations in Jim’s memory can be made directly to Hanna Ladies Auxiliary, Box 23, Hanna, Alta, T0J 1P0. Hanna Funeral Services Ltd., entrusted with the care and arrangements, 403-854-5956, www.hannafuneral.ca.