Chaunay Odber and Ida Childs were married August 11,1933. Ou mother and father worked as farmers raising teams of horses, cattle, pigs, chickens and ducks. They gardened as well. Our father was also a car man at the A.C.R. Our mom worked hard as a housewife, helpmate to our dad, and raising their family of eleven children.

Brother Bruce was born April 9, 1934 which I'm sure was a great joy to both my parents. Then along came beautiful daughter, Norma, on January 6,1936. Jim tried to arrive on Christmas Day (I've no doubt) but, he showed up a little early on December 3,1937 (and he probably got a present too!) Doreen arrived for harvest time, September 24,1939. A few years later Evelyn (who didn't want the summer sun) waited until August 18,1942 to arrive. Then in the summer, our parents were running out of names so they called their next daughter June, who was born on June 4,1945. Spring rolled around, and Tom sprung up on May 28, 1950. Dave felt like falling into the family, as he was born September 11,1951. Fred sprouted out for spring, on May 27,1953. And myself, Cathy, happened to love the fall, so I waited until September 12, 1957 to be born. Last but not least (but to break the tie of the girl/boy ratio) Gerry was born on June 29,1959.

After reading the above, you'll realize that we were a party all by ourselves; but over the years as brothers and sisters married, and grandchildren arrived - the farm house seemed to be bulging at the seams. But it was truly worth it! Mom pickled fruits and vegetables. She made homemade bread, pies, cakes, cookies, and meatpies (which dad took credit for at times). There was always lots for everyone to eat.

Then as time went by, and things began to change our father took sick. He needed to slow down a little. In October of 1971 he retired from the A.C.R. A party was put on by the family. Many friends and family members came; it was a special night. The farm animals were gradually sold off. It was a sad time for our parents, for a part of their hard working life was leaving and it was out of their control, for they had to move on and take care of themselves.

Our mom received her licence in November of 1971. What a great earned achievement - now she had freedom. Yeh! A trip to Winnipeg (Mom, Dad, Cathy and Gerry). It was planned with Doreen and her husband, Orville and girls. Whew, it was like we never left the farm - for as quickly as we arrived in to Winnipeg, the trip seemed even faster coming back home. Oh well, something we will never forget.

Our parents never left the farm much, but it was great to see them enjoy their time (after putting their lives on the back burner till their family was almost completely raised and gone).

Jim and his wife, Margaret Ann and daughters; Doreen, her husband Orville, and daughters would be camped at Point des Chenes. Mom and Dad would arrive and enjoy the evening having toast and coffee over the fire.

On February 2, 1978 our father passed away. Our mom was a strong, independent woman in many ways. In May, after the farm sold, Gerry, Mom and I moved to 46 Broadview Drive. What a difference in lifestyle. Mom took a few trips on the Sunshine Tours. Mary Ironside (her sister-in-law) went with her on some. They had a great time. We were all happy for her. Although, she didn't reach out for friendship, or companionship, she enjoyed it when others came to her. She often took her sister, Edith Edwards, out for meals, and for rides together in her car. Mom enjoyed talking to Hannah MacIntyre when Hannah called. Zaira & Duilio Pozzebon were also good neighbours to our parents, and they would visit back and forth. Mom managed her home very well, and she did well on her own too. She enjoyed the years throughout, while living on Broadview; went on trips with family members and relatives. Kathleen & Walter Loomis took her many times to Jackson, Michigan. Bob & Elsie Childs took her to St. Catharines and Niagara Falls. Mom always had her bags packed. If you called her to go somewhere - she was always willing and ready (never needed much coaxing)!

A simple and quiet time was had by both parents; it was one they chose, and succeeded in together for many years through hard work. Our mom passed away November 11, 1995 and will be greatly missed by us all. She was a strong and tireless lady.

As brothers and sisters, we all have different walks of life, and dreams to fulfil. Some are retired and enjoying their lives with their own children and grandchildren. Others are semi-retired, and some are not. But whatever stage of life we are all at - our parents would be proud of us all, as we are of them.