Obituary of Raymond "Bob" Grettum

Raymond "Bob" Grettum of Camrose passed away on Friday, December 20, 2013 at the age of 99 years. Raymond Francis (Bob) Grettum was born on September 20, 1914 in Innisfail, Alberta to Clarence and Alma Grettum. He attended Daresbury School and lived in the Camrose area all his life. On December 27, 1938 he married his beautiful sweetheart, Frances Courtney on the coldest day of the year in Ponoka, Alberta, in a double ring ceremony with Vera and Mike Adams. Even though it was a bitterly cold day, Bob and Frances had their love to keep them warm. They had five daughters in a row and finally, he was blessed with two boys. Bob was a handyman with a very inventive mind. He didn't mind getting dirty and had an old washing machine in the machine shed where he would wash his greasy clothes to placate his fed up Fran. He was intrigued with water and irrigation methods. And yes, he always found ways to make it work better. He loved going to auctions and was a good sport as he would go along with the auctioneer's attempts to pin a sale on him. He brought many a good deal home; from antique furniture to boxes of brand new but outdated, ugly shoes that his daughters just would not lower themselves to wear. Bob and Franny were avid game players and were always present at Heatherbrae/Daresbury card parties. They made many fine friends and their house was always open to company and a game. In their later years, Bob and Frances took bus tours throughout Canada and the States. He made sure to tote his banjo along, playing and entertaining others throughout their travels. They loved their cruise to the Caribbean and they even touched down in Venezuela. He loved taking pictures of his endeavors. In 2002 they moved to Deer Meadows and made a whole new set of friends who gravitated to them for fun and games playing tock, crib and chickenfoot. After he fell and broke his femur, he was confined to a wheelchair but he stayed positive. He never complained about the food or service. He was content with what he had. He was always ready for a good laugh and he enjoyed people. He was so appreciative of all those who came to visit. His friends were young and old and they loved to be around him. We cherish his memory. Bob is survived by five daughters; Velma (Terry) Steere, Clarene (Dennis) Matthews, Verny (Ken) Cox, Delphy (Bruce) Olesen and Keitha (Neil) Cunningham, two sons; Kendall (Eunice) Grettum and Winston (Monika) Grettum. His 17 grandchildren: Terrance, Carolyn, Johnathan and Walter; Leslie, Bob, Delphine; Lorraine and Rusty; Darin and Lisa; Susan and Karyn; Tanis and Devon; Nicholas and Thomas and 18 great-grandchildren. He was predeceased by his wife, Frances, his grandson, Christopher, his parents and his brothers and sister, Kenneth, Kelly, Irene and Gordon and many inlaws. A funeral service was held on Sunday, December 29, 2013 at 1:00 p.m. from the Bailey Theatre (5041 50 Street, Camrose) with Rev. Brian Hunter officiating. Inurnment will take place in the Skafse Cemetery at a later date. If friends so desire, memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to the Skafse Cemetery or S.T.A.R.S. or to a charity of your choice.