CLARENCE T. WILTSE AND FAMILY

Clarence Tracy Wiltse emigrated at the age of seven with his family from Iowa, U.S. to the Forestburg area. They farmed, in the days of sod huts and oxen pulled plows, with many a merry tale told later on later at his round table in Royalties to his own family. When World War 1 broke out Clarence joined the Army and went overseas. On his return he lived in Fraser Valley, B.C. and drove steam engines for lumber companies. While there he met a pretty young belle named Myrtle Irene Grieve, whose folks were from New Brunswick. Myrtle was born in Courtney, B.C. later moving to the Fraser Valley where she was Head Tester for the Government Milk Association.

Clarence came to Alberta around 1921 to a Soldier Settlement farm near Forestburg. Myrtle joined him a year later. She arrived in Edmonton in 40 degree below snow storm wearing dainty high laced pumps. Her first gift from Clarence was a pair of four-buckled overshoes. Clarence and Myrtle had four children.

The three older children were born in Forestburg and went to Turner Valley, Mercury and Royalties schools. Douglas joined the Airforce after finishing school. On his return he married Louise Johnson of Royalties. Doug worked for Home Oil for many years. They had one daughter Fay, who married Wayne Lenanzick of Calgary and had one daughter Shauna.

Doris married Keith Scott of Blackie whose career was the Army for 30 years. They had two children; Russel, who is married to Merilee Mishae and Carol, who is married to Gerald Evans. Carol has two girls, Pamela and Janine.

Bernice married Dallas Perry of High River and has lived in Royalties, Drayton Valley, and Swan Hills, Dal had been with Home Oil for many years.

Glenn, their youngest son was born in Turner Valley and went to Royalties school. He joined the Navy and served during the Korean War. While in the Navy he married Esther Feddema of Royalties and they had four children; Sharon, Kim, Cal and Tracy. Sharon, Mrs. Paul Brummen of Calgary, had three children; Tricia, Daniel Jessie and Benjamin. Glenn and Esther live in Picture Butte where he operated his own business.

Clarence and Myrtle gave up farming and came to Turner Valley in 1929 and later worked for Brown, Moyer and Brown, which is now Home Oil, until his retirement. Clarence was an avid bandsman all his life, and was trumpet player with the ENGINEERS in Longview, where many a Saturday night was spent dancing. Clarence passed away November 27, 1977 at the age of 81. They had lived in Calgary, Stettler, Kelowna, B.C and finally back to Calgary after their retirement.

From, "IN THE LIGHT OF THE FLARES," pg 737-738
1979 published by The Sheep River Historical Society