Alva Lipka

Alva Joan Keeler was born November 19, 1940 in her Grandmother’s farmhouse near Whitewood, SK to Clarence and Isabella (Sybil) Keeler. Alva was the last of the 3 pre-war babies; she often told us how she remembered going with ration coupons for supplies at the store, while her Dad was away at war, and her Mom was the switchboard operator.

After Alva graduated from Tantallon School, she left home for Regina where she started working for the Bank of Montreal. She ventured out to Calgary, and then onto Vancouver, before returning to Calgary with the Bank. While visiting her parents and younger siblings, who at the time, owned the Globe Hotel in Fosston, she met Ted. After writing letters back and forth, she married him on August 21, 1965. They lived in Saskatoon briefly where Alva worked at the BMO again, before settling full time on the Lipka home quarter.  Alva continued her career in banking, joining the staff at the Rose Valley Bank of Montreal.  Here she would meet many co-workers and customers that became life-long friends.

After years of praying, she was blessed with her first baby boy, Terance, in January of 1972. David would follow in October, 1973. This family of four had many adventures of fishing, hunting, and camping-- but it was not complete until 1981, when Alva got her girl, Valerie.  Together they lived on the farm, with Alva helping run their grain and cattle farm.

Alva was very social and touched so many lives.  She worked at the Globe Hotel in Fosston part time. She volunteered with many of the local Ladies clubs, rink kitchens, and enjoyed curling in the winter. In 1996, she started working at Acklands in Humboldt.  The couple ended up moving there, where she took care of Ted until his passing. After Ted passed, Alva decided to get a dog.  She named him Bandit, and he was her travel companion for many years.  Alva kept busy by being very involved in her community.  She became a Big Sister in Humboldt, joined the Legion Ladies Auxiliary, and continued volunteering with other organizations.

Another special individual in her life was Jim.  She met Jim Currie at a dance, and they became close friends.  Alva always enjoyed travelling, but after her retirement, she was able to do even more. Jim and her went on many adventures together, attending music festivals, dances, chuck wagons, and camping; or sometimes they would just enjoy visits with people along their way. Jim brought back Alva’s interest in horses; they enjoyed working with a beautiful team of horses for many years.   She and Jim were very close friends, and Alva made sure he was taken care of  until his passing.

Alva always said that her kids kept her young!  And being the vibrant woman she was, she would continue her love of travelling by going on an Alaskan cruise, USA bus tours, casino trips, a dream fulfilling trip to Scotland to see where her Mom was born, and she even rode a Harley in California, and spent New Years in Vegas.  Alva really enjoyed drama and was a part of many plays and skits over the years. She loved music, reading, watching curling and chuckwagons, visiting new and old friends, and helping anyone if she could. Alva was also famous for her buns, and has ribbons from the Fair to prove it.  She would receive requests to bake her delicious buns for various events all the time.

Alva was predeceased by her parents, her husband Ted, and her special friend Jim. As well as her in-laws, many sisters/brothers in-law, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins.   Alva is survived by sons Terance (Sarah), David (LoriAnn), and daughter Valerie (Wade); granddaughters Dakota, Cheyenne, and Sierra. As well as Mabel, who has been her loyal companion these last few years. Siblings Roy(Sylvia), Lyle, Charles, and Dora; many nephews, nieces and a lifetime of friends.

Alva touched many lives.  She was loved dearly and will be missed by many people from many generations. She was proud to be known as “Terance/David/Val’s Mom” when she entered a room.  She will forever be in our hearts.