Woodrow, Orville Bryce

Written by ECA Review

Front of card-1Orville Bryce Woodrow was born in Consort, Alberta on August 21, 1926 and grew up in the area.
He completed high school in Lacombe and completed two years in the Olds Agricultural College and later taught for four years at Olds College. Bryce moved to Castor in the early 1960’s and managed the Revelstoke Lumber yard, winning manager of the year in 1981.
He was the president of the Castor Kinsmen Club, was a member of the Paintearth Economic Development Committee and held many executive positions in the Castor Elks Lodge.  Bryce also was a director of the Progressive Conservative Association of Alberta and the Crowfoot Federal PC’s.
He was part of the Castor Winterfest Committee for 10 years and took a strong role in getting the Alberta Steam Train to visit Castor. He was secretary treasurer of the Castor Gun Club and a member of the Castor Fish and Game Club.  Bryce loved to fish.
He helped to build and place over 1000 bluebird houses into the area, and had a passion for old cars.  He had restored his 1966 Studebaker and his old Chrysler New Yorker.
Another of Bryce’s accomplishments was serving as director and governor of the Red Deer Branch of the AMA and he held many executive positions with the Battle River Tourist Association for more than 20 years beginning in 1970.
He was presented with the 125th medal plaque from Premier Don Getty and the “Anthony Henday Award” from the Battle River Tourist Association.
Bryce had a love of music and singing, participating for many years in the United Church Choir, Rock Shadow Church Choir in Apache Junction, AZ and the Castor Community Choir. He truly loved listening to Gospel Quartets.
Bryce married the love of his life Delores McConkey in 1964 and to this union came two children, Marie (Brian Miller) as well as a son Kelvin. Marie and Brian have two children, Victoria Rae and Anthony James Miller.
Funeral services were held at Knox United Church, Castor, Alberta on January 8, 2013 with Rev. Barbara Zimmerman officiating.  Knox United Church Choir and Cathy Schaffner presented their gift of music and led the hymns.  Granddaughter Victoria Miller accompanied by her mother Marie, played a flute solo.  A beautiful quartet selection was presented by 4 For Him.  Kelly Mabbott and Delaena Ganske gave loving tributes to those in attendance.
Interment took place at Castor Municipal Cemetery at noon before the service with Blair Budvarson, Mark Wright, Bill Schaffner and Vern Fletcher as honourary pallbearers; the Castor Elks were the honour guard.
Family and friends gathered at the Castor Community Hall for a time of fellowship and a luncheon by Ann Michielsen and her staff.  Memorial donations may be made to STARS or to Alberta Heart and Stroke Foundation, c/o Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium, Box 186, Castor, AB T0C 0X0.  Condolences may be viewed or sent to the family at www.parkviewfuneralchapels.com. Parkview Funeral Chapels & Crematorium entrusted with the care and the funeral arrangements.   403-882-3141.

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