Obituary of Abraham Wesley Cross

Abraham Wesley Cross
April 24, 1934 – June 11, 2026

Dad passed away peacefully on June 11, 2026, with family by his side. Dad was born April 24, 1934, in Spiritwood, to Mathilda and Edward Cross. The second youngest of 9 children, Dad grew up on the family farm south of Spiritwood, SK.

Dad met Mom (Beulah Schlechte) in 1953 and married in November 1955. They settled on the family farm in Spiritwood where they grain farmed, raised cattle, and Mom worked at the hospital. In 1962, they purchased the farm when his parents retired to town. In the early years, Mom and Dad enjoyed many social activities. They were part of the Northern Twisters square dance club and attended many baseball games, hockey games, and rodeos together.

In his younger years, Dad excelled in baseball and hockey and continued playing in the old-timer leagues for many years. Dad had a love for rodeo and along with his two friends, Bev Phelps and Harry Tipton, brought the sport of rodeo to Spiritwood. They ran the rodeo for many years until the Kinsmen Club took it over. Dad enjoyed team roping with his pinto horse, Rocky, and traveled to many rodeos over the years.

Dad was known as Papa, Bapa, Grandpa, Funcle (fun uncle), and “Uncle Abe” to many others. Dad loved the farm, wagon treks, and the cowboy way of life. He had a tremendous love of animals, especially his horses, dogs, and cats. He instilled the love of horses within his own children/grandchildren and many others as well. Always quick witted, Dad had a saying for everything, such as, “Knee High to a Grasshopper” to describe a young child, along with many other “Abe-isms” not appropriate to share.

Dad remained on the family farm until April 2024 when he went to live at the Rabbit Lake Health Care Centre. In 2025, Dad moved to the Spiritwood Long Term Care Complex. While it wasn’t the farm, it did allow family and friends to visit more often. The family is eternally grateful to the staff who cared for Dad with love and compassion during his time there.

Left to cherish his memory are his:
Daughter, Debra (Brian) Jordan: granddaughter, Jaela (Kevin) Menssa, great-granddaughter, Jade; granddaughter, Karli (DJ) Sraybash, great-grandsons, Ashton & Gavin.
Son, Kelly: special grand-dog, KC (Poochie).
Daughter, Valerie (Marty) Kelliher: granddaughter, Bailey (Michael Zadick), great-granddaughter, Parker Jo; granddaughter, Madison (Austin Epperson), great-grandson, Landon; grandson, Logan (Madi Martin).
Daughter, Tamara.
Sister, Anne (Don) Lavoy.
Numerous nieces and nephews.

Irish Blessing
May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face, and rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Friends that wish to make a donation may do so in Abe’s memory to the Spiritwood Long Term Care Complex or the Wild Horses of Alberta Society (https://www.wildhorsesofalberta.com) or Say a cheer to Dad with a Labatt’s Light beer–out of a glass or bottle–never a can!

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit http://www.beaulacfuneralhome.com  Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home and Crematorium, R. Mark Muir, Funeral Director, Spiritwood, SK (306) 883-3500.

 

 

• Date : 2026-06-11
• Location : Spiritwood, SK