Page 2 - September 23, 2019
P. 2
PAGE 2 MONDAY SEPTEMBER 23,2019 THE WEEKLY ANCHOR
Edson Legion to celebrate centenary of namesake: Joe Wynne
1940 and spent 5 years in service until 1945. His
Navy career was spent crossing the Atlantic.
His son, Harold, said, "His war record was very
interesting. He spent most of his time crossing the
Atlantic on destroyers and corvettes. One of the
most notable things was the number of crossings he
made. In those days to survive 3 or 4 was amazing
because it was so dangerous and high risk. Dad
made over 20 - be must have had a guardian angel
on his shoulder." Daughter, Maryanne, remembers,
"I think Dad told a reporter years ago that it was
close to 40 crossings." She added, "Another fun
story about Dad's Navy career was that after 5
years in the Navy he could not swim!"
Harold continued, "After the war Dad came to
Edson in 1948 to work for the Municipal Affairs
office ofiD 14- now Yellowhead County. He
covered all aspects of government except Forestry
and the Fish and Wildlife. The ID covered a huge
area, so everyone knew Dad. He was also known,
affectionately of course, as the tax collector. He
often acted as a translator as he was also fluent in
French."
Maryanne shared, "Dad worked for Municipal
Affairs in the Alberta government for 39 years,
almost all of it in Edson. He and Mom, Irene, got Irene and Joe Wynne on their wedding day in
married in Sacred Heart Church in Edson in 1950.
Joe Wynne: the namesake of Royal Canadian January 1950. They had five children: Harold,
Legion Joe Wynne Branch #51. photos provided Lorraine, Jeanette (deceased in 1983), Michael and admire Joe's sweater that Irene had knit for him. He
by the family Maryanne. They were both very active in
community groups. Mom volunteered at the went on and on about how nice this sweater was
hospital, the church, the Thrift Shop ... all over. Dad and how warm it must be especially considering the
by Dawn Olsvik did, too, and sat on a number of boards and weather outside. Without a second thought Joe
committees." took his sweater off the coat rack and gave it to this
On Sept 29, The Royal Canadian Legion Branch Harold added, "Dad was also type 0 blood- a man, who was, of course thrilled. After the man
#51 and the family of the late Joe Wynne will co- universal donor. He was involved with the Catholic left Joe called Irene and told her what he had done
host a celebration to mark the 100th birthday ofthe Church and on the hospital board. The Sisters of and asked her to bring him down another coat.
man the branch is named for. Service ran the hospital in those days, and they Irene asked Joe if he had given the man his new
Many Edson residents are familiar with the Joe would call him from time to time to give blood. He boots as well and should she bring another pair of
Wynne name in relation to the Legion but do went down dozens of times because in those days boots with her too. Joe simply answered -Well I
Edsonites really know who Joe Wynne was? they did not stockpile blood. He would be on a would have if he had asked. It was the gentleness
Wynne's daughter Maryanne explains, "That was gurney beside the guy who needed the transfusion." and kindness of the man, Joe Wynne, that made
my motivation for celebrating his centenary - and "My father and other notable guys coming back working at Municipal Affairs a wonderful
it had to be in Edson - so people there today can from the war, the whole bunch of them, set up the experience."
remember or get to know who he was." first Legion. Guys like Johnny Walker and Hart Maryanne explained, "I knew I wanted to do
"Although Dad did serve in the Navy for the Lindgren and Dad. There was a small group of something to celebrate Dad's 1 OOth birthday, and I
entire Second World War, his military service isn't them that built the Legion," said Harold. wanted it to be for everyone - all ages,
why he got the Legion recognition. It's "Joe Wynne "Interestingly, when I was a little fellow, maybe newcomers, old-timers, Legion members, non-
Branch 51" because of Dad's community service in three, we lived in a little house on the grounds of members. It had to be something for everybody,
Edson," said Maryanne. the Legion. It was just a shack really. My where all are welcome. I first talked about it with
"After the war, Dad and the other WWII veterans grandmother lived across the street and I recall that my brother Michael and we came up with the idea
really turned their idea of service toward their the Legion burned to the ground - maybe around of putting on a pancake breakfast!"
communities. They worked hard through 1953? I remember we had to leave our house and I "My niece Alison Wynne, who still lives part-
organizations like the Legion but also the Elks and watched from my grandma's house. It was very time in Edson, encouraged me to get the Legion
Kinsmen. The Legion members raised funds for traumatic for me- for all of us," remembered involved, "They are lovely people, just give them a
hospital equipment, hockey teams, school trips, Harold. He continued. "But they rebuilt it, call!" And it was true! Wendy Williams brought the
and many, many other great things," added renovated, and expanded ... and Dad was there idea to the Executive Committee meeting and they
Maryanne. through all of it. He was there for the mortgage were enthusiastic and offered all kinds of support.
Joe Wynne was born September 30, 1919. He burning, something he and all the members were The Wynne family is providing the pancake mix
joined the Navy shortly after his 21st birthday in very proud of. Over the years he served in many and so on, but the Legion is contributing not only
positions on the executive including president. I the wonderful hall and kitchens, but also
think the longevity of his involvement also played a experience and expertise."
part in them choosing to name the branch after The breakfast is a free event on Sunday,
him." September 29 from 9am until noon. Any donations
"Dad believed that friends and neighbours had to collected will benefit Joe Wynne Legion Branch
look out for each other and help each other out. #51 projects. Joe Wynne's surviving children
That's what made him and my mom do all the Harold, Lorraine, Michael and Maryanne as well as
things they did for people. My brother Michael granddaughter Alison will be in attendance.
often quotes Dad's perennial advice: "Think of the
other guy". Not always easy when you're a hot-
31~'t1 pur~u~nctofth~Aul'horit~ ~nd ·tt-.... ssrnnud "9Attof headed little kid like I was!" said Maryanne.
·P~rliam.."tU ofC:~!U& U-l!! c"'tt!"S~ Vl, 19-17--48, Ch:!ptn- 84, B$ m-
m.u.W ~ Ch:.pM' 86 of the Sutufi'S of C:m:ub 1%1, Cfupt:~"'" 7.! of Maryanne continued, "He retired before he was
th< &.tutu o( Call:llb 1959, and ~ d~ StatUI<'$ ~ C:.m.h 19611 60, 1977, I think. The plan was to travel and enjoy
th.: ·~ Gnxiian ~.
thfoosh iu 'Dominion 'El"«utio.'tl Coun-
cil, ,b;h, h..'tTbs •vnstiruu :100 csul;>lish " brand. life with Mom. They did get to England and
;:).. '10,~• (cAl•~ & "1/.'10.'1:. "1/o. 51) 'il.....J.
toN" ':Brc111dt of the·~~~ Gn3t.li:!n etg.on .robj«t Scotland once. Unfortunately, my mother died a
to th.- ConotitutiM, ·~-C.,ws, ·'Rule~ 11nd ~~d~ti.lns th..-rrof.
In witom .-Nn.'Oj' il affiu:J dv Corpor::atc ~al of d'-! ~ u . couple years after Dad retired, which was really sad
C: ..
di:on L..~ :~~tcA,xl bs the h:.nds of th.: 'PN5id..•tu and dK 'Dominioa
~at OruwathiJ JOrh &~of em.., 1990 for him. He tried to keep busy as best he could. He
was the manager of the Legion for a while after he
retired (he'd long served on the Executive as
Treasurer). He also enjoyed working at the Tourist
Information Booth in the summers. And as ever, he
was always ready to help anybody who asked,
anybody who needed a meal or a kind word."
In Joe's Eulogy, long time friend and colleague,
Florence Brown, shared a story that shows just how
Official renaming document of Joe Wynne far Joe's acts of kindness could go. "I remember the Joe Wynne on right with a Navy buddy during
Branch #51, dated May 1990. cold winter day when one of Edson's unfortunates WW/1.
walked into the office. While there, he started to
Edson Legion to celebrate centenary of namesake: Joe Wynne
1940 and spent 5 years in service until 1945. His
Navy career was spent crossing the Atlantic.
His son, Harold, said, "His war record was very
interesting. He spent most of his time crossing the
Atlantic on destroyers and corvettes. One of the
most notable things was the number of crossings he
made. In those days to survive 3 or 4 was amazing
because it was so dangerous and high risk. Dad
made over 20 - be must have had a guardian angel
on his shoulder." Daughter, Maryanne, remembers,
"I think Dad told a reporter years ago that it was
close to 40 crossings." She added, "Another fun
story about Dad's Navy career was that after 5
years in the Navy he could not swim!"
Harold continued, "After the war Dad came to
Edson in 1948 to work for the Municipal Affairs
office ofiD 14- now Yellowhead County. He
covered all aspects of government except Forestry
and the Fish and Wildlife. The ID covered a huge
area, so everyone knew Dad. He was also known,
affectionately of course, as the tax collector. He
often acted as a translator as he was also fluent in
French."
Maryanne shared, "Dad worked for Municipal
Affairs in the Alberta government for 39 years,
almost all of it in Edson. He and Mom, Irene, got Irene and Joe Wynne on their wedding day in
married in Sacred Heart Church in Edson in 1950.
Joe Wynne: the namesake of Royal Canadian January 1950. They had five children: Harold,
Legion Joe Wynne Branch #51. photos provided Lorraine, Jeanette (deceased in 1983), Michael and admire Joe's sweater that Irene had knit for him. He
by the family Maryanne. They were both very active in
community groups. Mom volunteered at the went on and on about how nice this sweater was
hospital, the church, the Thrift Shop ... all over. Dad and how warm it must be especially considering the
by Dawn Olsvik did, too, and sat on a number of boards and weather outside. Without a second thought Joe
committees." took his sweater off the coat rack and gave it to this
On Sept 29, The Royal Canadian Legion Branch Harold added, "Dad was also type 0 blood- a man, who was, of course thrilled. After the man
#51 and the family of the late Joe Wynne will co- universal donor. He was involved with the Catholic left Joe called Irene and told her what he had done
host a celebration to mark the 100th birthday ofthe Church and on the hospital board. The Sisters of and asked her to bring him down another coat.
man the branch is named for. Service ran the hospital in those days, and they Irene asked Joe if he had given the man his new
Many Edson residents are familiar with the Joe would call him from time to time to give blood. He boots as well and should she bring another pair of
Wynne name in relation to the Legion but do went down dozens of times because in those days boots with her too. Joe simply answered -Well I
Edsonites really know who Joe Wynne was? they did not stockpile blood. He would be on a would have if he had asked. It was the gentleness
Wynne's daughter Maryanne explains, "That was gurney beside the guy who needed the transfusion." and kindness of the man, Joe Wynne, that made
my motivation for celebrating his centenary - and "My father and other notable guys coming back working at Municipal Affairs a wonderful
it had to be in Edson - so people there today can from the war, the whole bunch of them, set up the experience."
remember or get to know who he was." first Legion. Guys like Johnny Walker and Hart Maryanne explained, "I knew I wanted to do
"Although Dad did serve in the Navy for the Lindgren and Dad. There was a small group of something to celebrate Dad's 1 OOth birthday, and I
entire Second World War, his military service isn't them that built the Legion," said Harold. wanted it to be for everyone - all ages,
why he got the Legion recognition. It's "Joe Wynne "Interestingly, when I was a little fellow, maybe newcomers, old-timers, Legion members, non-
Branch 51" because of Dad's community service in three, we lived in a little house on the grounds of members. It had to be something for everybody,
Edson," said Maryanne. the Legion. It was just a shack really. My where all are welcome. I first talked about it with
"After the war, Dad and the other WWII veterans grandmother lived across the street and I recall that my brother Michael and we came up with the idea
really turned their idea of service toward their the Legion burned to the ground - maybe around of putting on a pancake breakfast!"
communities. They worked hard through 1953? I remember we had to leave our house and I "My niece Alison Wynne, who still lives part-
organizations like the Legion but also the Elks and watched from my grandma's house. It was very time in Edson, encouraged me to get the Legion
Kinsmen. The Legion members raised funds for traumatic for me- for all of us," remembered involved, "They are lovely people, just give them a
hospital equipment, hockey teams, school trips, Harold. He continued. "But they rebuilt it, call!" And it was true! Wendy Williams brought the
and many, many other great things," added renovated, and expanded ... and Dad was there idea to the Executive Committee meeting and they
Maryanne. through all of it. He was there for the mortgage were enthusiastic and offered all kinds of support.
Joe Wynne was born September 30, 1919. He burning, something he and all the members were The Wynne family is providing the pancake mix
joined the Navy shortly after his 21st birthday in very proud of. Over the years he served in many and so on, but the Legion is contributing not only
positions on the executive including president. I the wonderful hall and kitchens, but also
think the longevity of his involvement also played a experience and expertise."
part in them choosing to name the branch after The breakfast is a free event on Sunday,
him." September 29 from 9am until noon. Any donations
"Dad believed that friends and neighbours had to collected will benefit Joe Wynne Legion Branch
look out for each other and help each other out. #51 projects. Joe Wynne's surviving children
That's what made him and my mom do all the Harold, Lorraine, Michael and Maryanne as well as
things they did for people. My brother Michael granddaughter Alison will be in attendance.
often quotes Dad's perennial advice: "Think of the
other guy". Not always easy when you're a hot-
31~'t1 pur~u~nctofth~Aul'horit~ ~nd ·tt-.... ssrnnud "9Attof headed little kid like I was!" said Maryanne.
·P~rliam.."tU ofC:~!U& U-l!! c"'tt!"S~ Vl, 19-17--48, Ch:!ptn- 84, B$ m-
m.u.W ~ Ch:.pM' 86 of the Sutufi'S of C:m:ub 1%1, Cfupt:~"'" 7.! of Maryanne continued, "He retired before he was
th< &.tutu o( Call:llb 1959, and ~ d~ StatUI<'$ ~ C:.m.h 19611 60, 1977, I think. The plan was to travel and enjoy
th.: ·~ Gnxiian ~.
thfoosh iu 'Dominion 'El"«utio.'tl Coun-
cil, ,b;h, h..'tTbs •vnstiruu :100 csul;>lish " brand. life with Mom. They did get to England and
;:).. '10,~• (cAl•~ & "1/.'10.'1:. "1/o. 51) 'il.....J.
toN" ':Brc111dt of the·~~~ Gn3t.li:!n etg.on .robj«t Scotland once. Unfortunately, my mother died a
to th.- ConotitutiM, ·~-C.,ws, ·'Rule~ 11nd ~~d~ti.lns th..-rrof.
In witom .-Nn.'Oj' il affiu:J dv Corpor::atc ~al of d'-! ~ u . couple years after Dad retired, which was really sad
C: ..
di:on L..~ :~~tcA,xl bs the h:.nds of th.: 'PN5id..•tu and dK 'Dominioa
~at OruwathiJ JOrh &~of em.., 1990 for him. He tried to keep busy as best he could. He
was the manager of the Legion for a while after he
retired (he'd long served on the Executive as
Treasurer). He also enjoyed working at the Tourist
Information Booth in the summers. And as ever, he
was always ready to help anybody who asked,
anybody who needed a meal or a kind word."
In Joe's Eulogy, long time friend and colleague,
Florence Brown, shared a story that shows just how
Official renaming document of Joe Wynne far Joe's acts of kindness could go. "I remember the Joe Wynne on right with a Navy buddy during
Branch #51, dated May 1990. cold winter day when one of Edson's unfortunates WW/1.
walked into the office. While there, he started to
