Robert Miller Alstad was born July 9, 1931, in Grande Prairie, AB, and passed away at the QEII Hospital on Sunday, October 11, 2020, at the age of 89 years.

Miller was one of five children born to John and Matilda Alstad. He grew up on the homestead and attended Lake Saskatoon school. At the age of 16, he went to the high school in Grande Prairie and stayed at the army barracks. It was during this time that he met the love of his life.

Miller met Beryl Yates in 1948. They were married on August 22, 1952, and spent most of their married life on the Alstad family farm located just one mile north of Cutbank Lake.

He was well known throughout the area and loved all people. He was a great conversationalist; a person was a friend Miller had just not spoken to yet.

In later years, Miller was an active volunteer for the Canadian Cancer Society. He also found time to support the local men’s senior hockey team the “Athletics” and help at many bingos that funded local groups. He was very proud to be named ‘Hometown Hero’ in 2008 and to receive recognition for his long-time work canvassing for the Cancer Society.

Miller was a supporter of the United Church in both Wembley and Grande Prairie.

He enjoyed travel and visited Norway three times. The Norwegian Alstad’s all considered him their special uncle.

These interests, however, were second to his love of family and friends. Together, he and Beryl raised four children: Bev (Bruce) Cameron, Cheryl (Ron) Kimble, Neil (Sherry) Alstad, and Allan (Sandra) Alstad. As if they weren’t busy enough, for many, many years they also foster-parented other children, only stepping back from that role when Alex Goodswimmer and Kim Desjarlais graduated high school.

Miller also leaves 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and one great great-granddaughter. After sixty-eight years of marriage, Miller was often seen watching Beryl with that same twinkle in his eyes, and even though he didn’t always understand her, she was his “girl”. As a family, we are forever blessed to have had this loving example and family roots.He is also survived by his twin sister Grace deRoaldes, sister Maxine (Marshall) Nelson, and sister in-law Gwen Alstad; along with many family members and friends that played a huge role in his life.

Miller was predeceased by his parents John and Matilda Alstad; sister Marlene Showers, brother Jack Alstad; brothers in-law Jim deRoaldes and Arnie Olson; in-laws Wilf and Kathleen Yates; sister in-law Maxine Sedore; and brother in-law George Yates.

The family would like to send a huge thank you to the doctors and nursing staff at both the QEII Hospital and MacKenzie Place who worked with us to provide the best possible life for dad since his admission on November 9, 2015. Your caring and compassion made each step just a little easier.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a private service will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2020, at Oliver’s Funeral Home in Grande Prairie. Friends and neighbours are welcome to join the family at 12:30pm at the Lake Saskatoon Cemetery for the burial.

If anyone so desires, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society (#200, 325 Manning Road NE,
Calgary, AB, T2E 2P5).

Special thanks to Chris at Oliver’s Funeral Home for his help and guidance during this process.

Condolences may be sent by visiting

www.oliversfuneralhome.com

• Date : 2020-10-11
• Location : Grande Prairie, Alberta

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