MAY 17, 1952 – JANUARY 17, 2022
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Jack Kimberley Aris. Kim passed away peacefully on Monday January 17th,2022 at his home with his wife by his side after a courageous battle with an aggressive form of pre-leukemia. Kim was 69 years of age at the time of his passing. He was born in Calgary, Alberta to Jack and Velma Aris, the youngest of 4 children.
At the age of five his parents moved to Red Deer, where he spent most of his childhood. In his late teen years his family moved back to Calgary where Kim graduated from James Fowler High School which included a technical diploma in building construction. Upon this milestone he worked as an apprentice plumber and attended Mount Royal College for a year. He then moved to Trochu where he managed the town swimming pool. The following year, Kim decided to pursue a degree at the University of Calgary, where he obtained a Bachelor of Education. Kim’s degree was tailored towards elementary school in Phys Ed and Social Studies. During this time Kim worked three jobs, one of these being a lifeguard with the City of Calgary. Kim was abounding in energy, he loved skiing, racquetball, swimming and horseback riding. He frequently jogged to university and the places he worked. Other activities and clubs Kim was involved with during this time consisted of the following: Secretary Treasurer of the Young Man’s Social Club, Interim Financial Officer for a local branch national political party, sports instructor for badminton, volleyball and tennis, outdoor camp instructor, Red Cross Instructor, lifeguard, and member of the Appaloosa Club of Alberta.
After graduation Kim began his journey of teaching and farming. While working as a substitute teacher he bought his first tractor and started farming land in the Red Deer River Valley. It was soon afterwards that he would meet his future wife Shelly Wangler from Innisfail, Alberta. Shelly and Kim were married August 16,1986 and began a new adventure together, moving to Shining Bank Ranch, Peers, Alberta, where Kim entered the cattle industry with his brother-in-law. Although he grew up as a city boy his natural love of farming and cattle brought him to the ranch, this adventure also presented with the new challenges of managing yearlings as well as beginning his first cow – calf herd. A year later he also began to teach at Hilltop High School in Whitecourt and later took on an administrative role at Whitecourt Chriistian School. Throughout these years they had their first daughter and son. Kim and Shelly lived at Shiningbank Ranch almost 5 years before moving to Innisfail where he continued his cow - calf operation and working off farm. Partnering with Shelly’s uncle the farm continued to expand. Likewise, his family continued to grow adding three more sons and a daughter. Throughout these years Kim farmed with his children, he was very proud of each of them and appreciated their diligent commitment working alongside him. As such during this last year his grown children continued to run the farm while he was unable to.
Kim lived a very active life. He was a man of his word and valued his family and godly heritage. He loved being surrounded by his family and his leisure time was spent, camping, playing cards, reading and walking with them. Kim will be lovingly remembered by family and friends as a loving husband, father and grand-pa. Proverbs 20:7 "The righteous man who walks in integrity and lives life in accord with his godly beliefs- how blessed are his children after him who have his example to follow"
Kim is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Shelly, his sister Connie Whiteside of Erskine, his sister Lynne Markham (Stan) of Delburne, his brother Dave Aris (Kathy) of Gabriola Island, his children, Aimee Gabert (Anthony), Luke Aris (Kyla), Morgan Aris (Dalene), Caeden Aris (fiancée Jade Grimes), Landon Aris, Jalissa Aris, grandchildren Erika, Cecily, Roy, Ivalee and Brynlee, mother-in-law Shirley Wangler, all of whom reside in Innisfail and brother-in-law Darrell Wangler (Amy) of Enderby, B.C. Further survived by nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Predeceased by parents Jack and Velma Aris, brother-in-law Ed Whiteside, father-in-law Bob Wangler, and granddaughter Hannah Gabert.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, donations can be made to STARS Air Ambulance. Funeral Service to be held 2:00 p.m. February 23rd at Willow Lane Barn, 33117 Range Road 290, Mountain View County AB
