Robert Ridley

It is with great sadness that the family announces the passing of Robert Elsworth Ridley. He passed away at the age of 88 on July 28, 2024, in Fairview, AB. Robert was the oldest son of Alberta May (Jones) Ridley and Elsworth Ridley; born January 7, 1936, in the local midwifes home in Big Valley. Robert had 4 siblings; Edward, George, Harry, Joanna. Robert married Betty Trout on March 1, 1960, in Stettler, AB. Together, they had 4 children: Gary, Gordon, Les, and Sherry. He was predeceased by his parents and son Gordon May 8, 1962 - March 8, 1986, and his brother Harry August 12, 1943 - December 17, 2010.

Robert is survived by his wife Betty, sons Gary (Lancy), Les (Donna), daughter Sherry (Rob) Kriewaldt, 4 grandchildren; Larry, Caitlin, Jordan, Brandon, and 4 great-grandchildren; Carter, Ethan, Aubree, and Blake.

Robert attended the Scollard school near Big Valley. He was an active 4-H member and attended agriculture classes at the Olds Agriculture College. He worked on the family farm along with other local farms to make extra money. He had fond memories of the Red Deer River on his family farm and spoke of all the dinosaur bones they found. He laughed at how they had no idea the significance of them.

Robert and Betty rented land near Big Valley and had a small herd of cows. In 1962 Robert and his cousin, Charles Usher, came to Spirit River to visit Robert’s brother, George. He was a prairie boy with a sense of adventure and went touring the north country in search of land that was available to homestead. He liked taking photos and laughed at how they got down on their knees to make the Peace Country crops seem very tall to show people in Big Valley.

Robert, Betty, Gary and Gordon moved to Rycroft in the fall of 1962 and they lived in the Highway 49 Motel in Spirit River. Robert worked the winter of 1962/63 at Dika’s sawmill near Vanderhoof, BC. In the spring of 1963-64, his application for the homestead quarter was approved and he started clearing trees to build a house which he built himself throughout the following months. Due to no proper roads to the property, they went back to Stettler, AB for a brief period of time for Les to be born. Robert worked extremely hard; turning the property into productive farmland and loved raising Herford cattle.

Robert was a big supporter of 4-H for many years even after his children grew up. Robert avidly supported the Eureka River and Worsley communities. He firmly believed in supporting local businesses. When eating out, he always ordered beef saying “I got to support the industry”. He enjoyed volunteering with the Agriculture Society, he and Pete put in many shifts in the food booth at the Eureka Rodeo. He loved playing crib with everyone who came to visit.

Robert’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 24, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Eureka River Hall. Following the service, the family asks that you join them for a luncheon and time of fellowship.

Care entrusted to Peace Valley Funeral Home Fairview, AB
780-835-3306

To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Robert Ridley, please visit our Tree Store.