Obituary of Clifford Brager

Mr. Cliff Brager of Camrose passed away on Wednesday July 30, 2008 at the age of 97 years. Cliff was born on August 17th, 1910 in Camrose. On July 2nd, 1935, Cliff married Petra Olson with the ceremony and reception held on the Brager family farm. After a brief honeymoon in Banff in his father's brand-new Buick, they returned to reside for a short time on Cliff's parent's farm. Their first living accommodation was an old wooden granary, his brother Milford fashioned into a suitable but temporary living space. The granary was about the size of the average small bedroom today. By the end of the summer, they built a more permanent house in the pasture, not far from the "granary house" with a kitchen, one bedroom and a living room. During the winter of 1939, they moved their house to an acreage that Cliff purchased from his brother Raymond. Cliff took over a store originally established by Raymond in 1940. Here they resided until 1947 when they sold their place and moved to a modest new home in Camrose. During the years living in the country, Cliff hired numerous people for Store Keepers. Their duty was to serve gas and oil to motorists, and sell groceries and a variety of farm and automotive necessities. Bulk oil and lamp kerosene was weighed or measured on a scale in the Warehouse. Many of these store keepers were young women. They did these chores as routinely as the men, pumping gas, and filing oil from bulk oil barrels. In earlier years, fuel and oil was hauled from Calgary in 45 gallon barrels. Later gas was hauled in a 500-gallon tank that slid in the truck box. Eventually when the business expanded, Cliff hired commercial tankers to supply his fuel. Other items he hauled for the farmers was fence posts from the bush country in western Alberta, gas and oil from Turner Valley, cattle to the markets in Edmonton and grain to the elevators in Ohaton and Bawlf. Cliff has been involved in many committees, boards, and community organizations over the years such as the Camber of Commerce, College and University boards, and service clubs. Left to cherish his memory are his sons, Allan (Marlene), Jim (Marie), Les (Lorraine) and David (Melody) all of Camrose. He is also survived by nine grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. Cliff was predeceased by his wife Petra, his parents, Tom and Clara; three brothers, Raymond, Milford, and Hiram; and three sisters, Gladys (Vikse), Myrtle (Olson), and Tina (Olson). Two infant siblings died at birth. Funeral services were held at 1:30 p.m., Tuesday, August 5, 2008 from Messiah Lutheran Church with Rev. David Eriksson officiating. Interment took place in the Parkland Cemetery. If friends so desire memorial contributions are gratefully accepted to The Canadian Lutheran Bible Institute, Hastings Lake Lutheran Bible Camp, or to the charity of your choice.