December 16, 1936 - July 5 2020
Mr. Tony Calvin Kreil passed away peacefully in Red Deer, Alberta on Sunday, July 5, 2020 at the age of 83 years.
Tony was born on December 16, 1936 at Manyberries, Alberta, the fourth of seven children. He grew up on the family ranch, initially located in the New Home Area, and later near Etzikom. He attended the Bullhead Butte School. In February 1961, he married the love of his life, Cecelia Heitrich, and they set up a small house on the family ranch. A few years later, they took over the ranch, when his parents decided to retire in Medicine Hat. For the next twenty years, Tony and Cecelia worked side by side at their successful ranching operation, with a herd of 200 cows, and raised three children.
In 1981, they pulled up stakes in search of greener pastures, (literally) and moved to a farm near Spruce View, Alberta. They were very active in the community; joining volunteer organizations, helping to build a new Hall, participating in Curling Bonspiels, and coaching fastball. In 1991, they relocated to a smaller farm in the Spruce View Area and continued their scaled-down farming operation.
After Cecelia passed away in 2001, Tony sold the farm and retired in Innisfail. Tony had a great love of music and played the accordion, guitar and banjo. He attended jam sessions frequently, and could often be heard crooning to the oldies and picking on his banjo. Tony enjoyed playing horseshoes and loved a good game of cards. He had a soft spot for sweets and for his numerous grandkids and great grandkids. Tony was a very hard worker and never quit until the job was finished. He was very inventive, creating all sorts of unique farm tools and gadgets from scrap metal. He loved horses and rodeos and all things western.
Tony will be lovingly remembered by his son, Tim (Cara) Kreil of Innisfail and their three daughters, Ashley (Blake), Katelyn and Morgan (Brett), his daughter, Karen (Larry) Christiansen of Spruce View and their three sons, Kris (Kaycee), Tyler (Lorissa) and Dustin, and his son, Cam (Carrie) Kreil of Poplar Ridge and their three daughters, Melissa (Ryan), Janine and Amanda; his nine great grandchildren, Bryleigh, Hadlynn, Coy, Dakota, Raylene, Finn, Caiden, Landon and Eli; and his special friend, Denise Neigum.
Tony was predeceased by his wife, Cecelia. If desired, Memorial Donations in Tony’s honor may be made directly to the Kidney Foundation of Canada at www.kidney.ca. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.heartlandfuneralservices.com. Arrangements in care of: Heartland Funeral Services Ltd. 4415 – 49 Street. Innisfail, Alberta. Phone: 403.227.0006 Fax: 403.227.6437
