“Farming is not a job, it is a way of life.”
Alvin John Klages was born in Hanover, on May 21, 1941 to parents John Robert and Hilda (Unruh) Klages. He was an only child and joined his parents on the family farm on the 10th of Bentinck. At the age of 4, the family moved closer to Elmwood, remaining on the 10th. Alvin attended public school in Elmwood, but decided against high school. He was the first to admit that school wasn’t his thing! In 1961, he started collecting antique coins from Jello and Hostess packages. When his collection was complete, he owned approximately 200 of them. Needless to say, he ate a bit of Jello and chips! 🙂 This unique collection remains with Alvin’s family to this day.
After school, Alvin immediately returned home, working with his father on the farm. From a young age Alvin knew he was going to be a farmer, and now he got to live out that passion. In the coming years, he did some logging with the Monks and spent some time at Dirstein’s Sawmill as well.
In 1965 Alvin was introduced to Josie Morrell. A year later on December 3, 1966 the two were married. The newlyweds soon moved into Elmwood and welcomed their children, Jackie (1967) and John (1970). By this time Alvin had taken a job at the Scone Pallet Factory, where he remained for the next 30 + years, retiring in 2005. Unfortunately, Josie and Alvin separated in 1986. However, the 10th of Bentinck remained Alvin’s home for his entire life.
If you knew Alvin you would understand that his house was where he ate and slept, but it was the farm where he lived! In his prime he owned a couple hundred acres. However, his true love was the animals. He ran a cow-calf operation, raising mostly Hereford and Angus cattle. Calving was his favourite time of year on the farm, as he welcomed new life. When the kids were younger, he also raised pigs and chickens. Many would say that no farm is complete without a dog to keep the farmer company, and some barn cats. Alvin’s farm was no exception and although he wouldn’t always admit to it, he enjoyed their company. He also loved spending time out in the bush, cutting firewood. Most of this wood kept Alvin and his family warm during the winter months, with any extra wood being sold to friends or neighbours. He even made his own cedar posts for fencing, which can be seen today when walking the farm. I am told if you wanted a chainsaw sharpened, Alvin was your man. When friends, neighbours or family members stopped in at the farm for a visit, he was quick to stop what he was doing, welcome them, and enjoy a conversation, usually over a cold beer. Even as recent as a couple of weeks ago, Alvin could be found on the farm with John, checking the crops, making fence posts and watching John bale hay.
Alvin loved when he became a grandfather and in more recent years a great-grandfather. He was so proud of all of them and was known for always giving them the perfect cards on their Birthdays, Valentine’s and at Christmas. Alvin loved all family gatherings. It could be just enjoying a cold beer over a conversation, a big meal during the holidays or just some pizza. If he was with his family, he was happy. Alvin was known for his pickled tongue and head cheese recipe and he will live on in them through their many memories of him on the farm, driving in the lane in his truck or hearing the familiar sound of his chainsaw. Grandpa’s comforting touch and unique smell will also be missed amongst his grandchildren.
In his minimal free time, Alvin enjoyed tinkering with a bit of woodworking and catching a hockey game on the television. If he was working, he would try to catch the game on the radio. He also enjoyed Price is Right and Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? Alvin enjoyed sticking close to home, but did venture out occasionally and saw most of BC (Bruce County)! 🙂 He loved a good roast beef dinner, washed down with a nice cold beverage. His brands of choice over the years were Labatt 50, Lucky and most recently Bud Light. When time allowed for it, Alvin liked keeping up with local news through reading the newspaper.
Alvin was a kind, humble and caring man, who was known at times to be a bit stubborn. He was a workaholic and the busiest and most hardworking retired individual that his family knew. Alvin was very practical, or maybe better put, a simple man with simple needs. He never judged and was kind to everyone he met. These traits and values will live on in his family and friends for years to come.
Sadly only a couple of weeks ago, Alvin experienced some discomfort and went to the hospital. In the days that followed, he was diagnosed with late-stage cancer. He took the bad news in stride and returned home to live out his final days on the farm, surrounded by his family. Alvin passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2020 in his 80th year.
Beloved father of Jackie (Randy) Klerks and John (Bridget Bailey), all of Elmwood. Cherished grandfather of Casey (Justin) Helder of Kennetcook, N.S., Nikki Klerks (Brad Schillaci) of Tara, Shawn and Amelia Klages of Elmwood as well as the great-grandfather of David Helder and Ashtyn Schilliac. Alvin was predeceased by his parents, John and Hilda (Unruh) Klages.
A private celebration of Alvin’s life will be held at his favourite place, at home, on his dear farm.
Memorial donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity that is significant to you would be appreciated.
