ERVEN LEONARD (GUS) ULLBERG

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ERVEN LEONARD (GUS) ULLBERG Erven Leonard (Gus) Ullberg passed away peacefully at the Carewest Fanning Centre (Calgary) on July 13, 2001 at the age of 73 years, following a two year battle to recover from a stroke. Gus is survived by his beloved wife of 39 years, Mary Elizabeth (Betty) (Bissett) sons, Daniel (Gail) Hardock, Kjell Ullberg; and daughter Hansine (Jeff) Cook and his youngest grandson and little partner Alexander Cliche; grandchildren, Clayton (Gisele) Hardock and Angela (Don) Richards; sisters, Evelyn Mattson, Eileen (Don) McIntyre, Emily (Syd) Learman; and brothers, Elden (Betty) Ullberg, Earl (Eleanor) Ullberg, Eskil Ullberg, Ernie Ullberg, and Edward (Wanda) Oleniuk; sisters-in-law, Jean Bissett and Catherine (Paco) Alvarez; and all families. He was predeceased by his parents and his sister Eunice Uhryn. Gus was born on October 3, 1928 in Erickson, MB into a large family. He spent his childhood on the family farm and went to work at an early age in the mines of Sheraton, MB and Estevan, SK. Gus was trained as a telegrapher and station agent and worked for over 10 years on national and international railways. In 1959 he began a career in construction as a superintendent on the Kelsey Hydroelectric Dam and Powerhouse. He supervised large construction projects nationally and internationally for McNamara Corporation of Toronto and V.K. Mason Construction of Toronto/Winnipeg. He was the Safety Director of V.K. Mason Western Division for several years and participated in the development of legislation for tower crane safety in Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. He resided in Winnipeg for 30 years participating as a minor hockey coach, Sunday School teacher at Regents Park United Church and volunteer for St. Johns Ambulance. He moved to Calgary in 1996 to be closer to his family. Gus enjoyed the outdoors and all things "green". Many happy times were spent travelling in the motorhome and planting tree seedlings all over the prairies. He considered education a lifelong process and returned to school as an adult to complete university entrance and Civil Technology. He was a role model for hard work, safe construction sites and devotion to family. When Gus retired, his favourite hobby was more work. He was a man who could fix anything. He also received great joy from his daily adventures and trips to the 7-11 store with his favourite partner Alex. "Resting at the side of the road." Funeral services will be held at Fosters Garden Chapel, 3220 - 4th St. NW, on Thursday, July 19 at 3:00 p.m., with Rev. Arnie Chamberlain. Interment to follow at Queens Park Cemetery. Special thanks for the loving care given by the staff of Carewest Fanning Centre. Family requests that in lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Handi-Bus Association, 231 - 37th Ave. NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8J2.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 18, 2001