Obituary of Allan Leslie Grayston

Allan Grayston, a lifelong resident of Dawson Creek, B.C. passed away on Friday, December 18, 2015 in Dawson Creek at the age of 85 years. Allan was born on April 30, 1930 in the old log house on the Grayston farm in Rolla to parents Leatha and Les Grayston. Sister Faye followed in 1934, and brother Doyle in 1945. He loved all things that came with that life; farming, trapping, being outdoors, playing sports, being with friends and family. Like most farm boys, Allan was creative in making his own money. He raised a piglet to buy his first bicycle. Allan would trap squirrels, weasels, coyotes, and foxes near the creek running through the Grayston farm. His mom showed him how to skin and prepare the furs. Leatha was an avid gardener; Allan got his green thumb from his mother from spending so much time in the garden with her. Allan loved the farm life, at threshing time he helped his father. At the age of 14 Allan worked for Harold and Harley Plaster driving a D-2 Caterpillar breaking land. Later he worked for Wes Yaeger doing summer fallow with an International Steel Wheeled tractor. He also worked for Frances Steeves and Bob Coutts breaking land with the D-C Cat. After graduating, he worked various jobs in Southern Alberta, Fort Nelson, and in Chetwynd. With the money he earned, he bought a half section of land near East Doe River. He continued farming on a part time basis as well as worked at MacDonalds Consolidated-Canada Safeway, full time as produce manager, for 28 years. In 1954, Allan met Shirley Odden a young Norwegian girl from Groundbirch at a dance in Progress. They were married on August 18, 1956. Allan and Shirley had a son, Rick, in 1957 and Donna followed in 1961 to complete their family. Allan was a member of the Sons of Norway for 23 years. In most of those years he was the Publicity Director. His talent for photography was put to good use for many years with newspaper articles and other publications. Allan was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, and a good friend to many. He will be dearly missed. Allan is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Shirley, his sister Faye Lindstrom, his brother Doyle (Susan) Grayston, his son Rick (Sharon) Grayston, his daughter Donna (Sheldon) Lee, his granddaughter Megan Grayston, his Aunt Della Nicholson, and his sister-in-law Charlotte Odden, as well as numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. A Funeral Service was held on Wednesday, December 23, 2015 at 1:00 PM from Reynars Funeral Chapel. Reverend Marilyn Carroll officiated. Interment followed in the Brookside Cemetery. For friends so wishing, donations may be made in memory of Allan to the South Peace Senior Citizens Association, Branch #74, 1101- McKellar Avenue, Dawson Creek, B.C. V1G 2S2 Very Respectfully Reynars Funeral Home & Crematorium Funeral Service 1:00 pm Wednesday, December 23, 2015 Reynars Funeral Chapel 1300 102nd Avenue Dawson Creek, British Columbia, Canada V1G 2C6