Obituary of Harold Taralson
Harold Joseph Taralson was born on July 11, 1931 at Killam Hospital to John and Agnes Taralson.
Harold attended Asquith, Prairie Park and Killam schools as well as Central High in Sedgewick where he graduated.
After high school he worked in Edmonton as a welder for a short time before returning to Killam to work on the farm.
On October 14, 1953, Harold married Jean Rae Wills of Alliance. To this union, spanning three decades, seven children were born: David, Dale, Carolyn, Ken, Judy, Kevin and Melanie.
Harold started working for Bill Clark in the electrical business in 1954 and they maintained a close working relationship throughout the years, later establishing Sonark Developments in 1978 which opened up 49 new lots in Killam for housing.
Harold established Taralson Construction in 1964 whereupon many new homes and businesses were completed in Killam and surrounding area. Together with his sons, David and Dale, he also helped to establish Killam Building Center in 1986.
Harold was actively involved at Killam Pentecostal Tabernacle during the years he lived in Killam, touching the lives of many with his kindness and generosity. He was the church organist and loved music. His journeys took him on missions' trips to St. Lucia where he helped build homes for hurricane victims and later to Rwanda with Word of Life, his home church in Red Deer. He was also currently supporting children through Home of Hope, as well as many other charities.
After the passing of his beloved wife, Rae, in 1998, Harold remained on the farm, renting out the land. In 2002 the farm was sold and he moved to Red Deer. Harold kept his hand in the construction business building several spec homes until his 80th year.
Harold resided in Red Deer until his recent transfer from Red Deer Hospital to Killam Hospital Palliative Care, where he passed away peacefully on September 5, 2014. His personal request was to come "home to Killam" to spend his last days.
Harold is survived by his children: David (Leola), Dale (Nancy), Carolyn (Ward), Ken (Judy), Judy (Calvin), Kevin (Myriam) and Melanie (Eric), 26 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, sister, Jerdis, brothers-in-law, Dale, Richard and Gordon Wills, and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Harold was predeceased by his wife Jean Rae (1998), parents, John and Agnes, brother, Talmage, and sister, Doris.
A memorial service for Harold will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at the Killam Community Hall at 2:00 p.m. with lunch immediately following. Memorial donations in memory of Harold may be made to the Killam Hospital Palliative Care, Home of Hope or a charity of the donor's choice.
