Obituary of Louis Golka

Lou was born to John and Eleanor Golka on the homestead farm south of Viking on August 5, 1922. He passed away peacefully at St. Mary's hospital in Camrose on February 6, 2013. Lou often related the many lessons he learned from his parents as they found creative ways to survive the depression during his childhood and adolescence. Lou was an entrepreneur from the age of 22 when he and his brother, Alvin, started the Golka Gravel Company. He moved to Hardisty in 1944 to start a car dealership and married Charlotte in 1955. His brother John eventually joined him and together they ran Hardisty Motors and Anchor Bar Ranch. They retired from the car dealership in 1979. In addition, Lou opened Hi-Grade Feeders in 1969 and ran it until 1982. Lou was passionate about community development and was instrumental in building the hockey arena, curling rink and golf course. He was an active supporter of the Hardisty Stampeders hockey team and the Hardisty Stampede during the professional rodeo years. During his term as mayor of Hardisty from 1977 to 1980, he successfully campaigned for a new hospital and the railroad overpass. His "retirement" was spent actively involved in the horse racing business, fishing for pickerel and salmon whenever he could, enjoying the sunshine in Phoenix, Arizona, and "supervising" his son, Brian, with the running of the farm. He is survived by his wife Charlotte; their children Luanne (Dwight) Nixon of Calgary, Brian (Eva) of Hardisty and Kevin (Judy Emms) of Surrey, B.C; seven grandchildren Jarrett (Nicole) Nixon, Chad (Laura) Nixon, Daniel (Adja) Nixon, Kristie (Joe) Foster, Anne (Travis) Veale, Kavanaugh Golka and Grayson Golka and four great-grandchildren; his brothers Ernie of Edmonton, John (Koreen) of Hardisty and numerous nieces and nephews. Lou made many friends throughout his life and will be missed by them as well as by his family. A Mass of Christian Burial was held 11:00 a.m., Monday, February 11, 2013 at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church (5010 - 48 A Avenue, Camrose, Alberta) with Rev. Larry Pederson as celebrant. Interment followed in the Hardisty Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Hardisty Agricultural Society, the Battle River Community Foundation or a charity of your choice. Your comfort and support are greatly appreciated and gratefully acknowledged.