Robert Wayne Werny, 1957-2007

Robert Werny was born on July 8, 1957, and was the fourth child of Bill and Helen Werny. He was the youngest brother of sisters Willi and Diana and brother Bill. During his teenage years he assisted his parents with the daily routine of farm life - a task he continued to do for many years, even after leaving home to pursue other goals. While going to school, Robert attended the local Air Cadet Squadron. The high point of these years was when he went to summer camp and acquired his glider license. Robert loved big trucks and his sister, Diana, and her husband, Harold, gave him his first big opportunity when he started hauling fuel for Oliver’s Bulk Esso after graduation from high school. Driving rigs of all shapes and sizes proved to be a passion for him and he was truly in his element when behind the wheel. He used this as a stepping stone to college and he attended the Alberta Vocational College in Grouard. On completion of this he taught adult Math and English upgrading at the Peace River Correctional Centre for three years. While living in Peace River, he fed his big truck habit by driving for Oliver’s on his weekends. The call to do this fulltime became too strong and he left the Correctional Institute to run the Kinuso Bulk Esso Station until it closed. In November 1984, when the Bulk Esso Station was opened in Red Earth, he moved there and ran the facility - a job that would span some 20 yeard. A significant event that changed Robert’s life forever came in the form of one lovely lady named Debbie - his future wife - who worked at the Esso service station in Red Earth. They were wed in April 1990. They welcomed their first daughter, Amanda, in March 1994, their second daughter, Andrea, in December 1996. Robert continued to work for Imperial Oil after Olivers sold in 2001 and Debbie joined him in running the operation for the subsequent two years. Red Earth became home to Robert, Debbie, Amanda and Andrea and they all became intimately involved in all activities. Robert was extremely active in the Rod and Gun Club and worked closely with Fish and Wildlife on many projects. He also served on the Red Earth School Board of the Northland School Division for eight years. Of significant note is that the school in Red Earth was realized largely due to his role as a key participant in the lobbying efforts that were conducted. Following this time period Robert took on several trucking jobs until securing employment with ATCO Electric in Slave Lake in November 2005. A little known fact about Robert is, he had a love for rock geology and to fulfill that interest he worked as a volunteer with Ashton Mining. Anyone who knew or came into contact with Robert soon knew his true obsession was hunting and fishing. Robert had a terrific talent for always catching fish and he never came back empty-handed. His enthusiasm for this past-time never waned. Even after moving to Slave Lake he continually took his new friends to his old fishing holes. Above all else Robert loved family. He adored his wife and his two beautiful daughters. He lovingly cared for them in his quiet and unassuming manner. He ensured Amanda and Andrea were exposed to his interests of fishing and hunting and he was always supportive of their education and extra curricular activities. Robert’s admiration and love for his family would come shining through every time he spoke of their exploits in school or one of their activities. His facial expression would tell you instantly this was the joy of his life - nothing else mattered more. Tragically, we lost this good man, loving husband, adoring father, compassionate brother and caring friend Nov. 9. We will remember this mountain of a man for all the good he gave to all without asking for anything in return. He leaves to mourn: his wife, Debbie, of 17 years; his two daughters, Amanda and Andrea; Willi and Chris Grey, Michelle, Kirby, Susan and Trevor; Diana and Harold Oliver, Shawn, Leslie and Taylor; Bill and Linda Werny, Stephen, Damon and BJ; plus numerous other relatives. Robert was predeceased by his father in February 1985 and his mother in December 1997.

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