Obituary of Thomas Harold Rathwell

Thomas (Harold) Rathwell of Wainwright, AB passed away peacefully on Friday, January 1, 2021 at the age of 97. He will be dearly missed by his 2 children Lee (Mariella) Rathwell, Colleen (Rick) Warawa, 4 Grandchildren and 9 Great Grandchildren, Lisa (Mike) Myers (with their children Amelia and Eli), Mark (Erin) Rathwell (with their children Archer, Edison and Brynlee,), Tyler (Andrea) Warawa (with their children Hudson and Isaac), Quinn (Megan) Warawa (with their children Chloe and Sam), his brother in law Keith Babb and many nieces and nephews. Harold was predeceased by his parents Walter and Mabel (nee Bazley) and stepmother Anna (nee Fenning), his wife Betty (nee Babb), brother Allan, sister Leona MacDonald and his companion and good friend Annie Fraser. Harold grew up on the family farm north of Wainwright and was the middle child of three siblings. Harold lost his mom Rebecca when he was very young and was raised by his dad and stepmother Anna. Harold married Betty in 1953 and they raised their children (Lee & Colleen) on the farm along with his brother Allan’s family. Family and farming were his life and he did both exceptionally well. Harold enjoyed hard work and got up everyday with a purpose and a plan. He was always on the go. Harold also loved to travel. Along with Betty he spent many winters in California and later went to Victoria to escape the cold Alberta winters. Other memorable trips included, Barbados, Cuba, Mexico, Hawaii and Alaska. Harold believed in giving back to the community by coaching baseball and judging at gymkhana’s. He was president of the Seed Cleaning Plant for many years and was a board member of the Wainwright museum. Later in life he turned his attention to restoring antique cars and tractors. He took great pride in driving them in local parades or taking his grandchildren for rides. Dad will always be deeply loved and missed by his family and we will cherish the memories, stories and work ethic he left for us. A private family service will take place on Saturday, January 9. 2021 at 11:00 AM. Family and friends wishing to participate may do so via the webcast link below the photo or under the photos and video tab above. Interment will follow in the Wainwright Cemetery. If so desired the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Wainwright Health Foundation CT Scanner project, The Wainwright Museum or Wainwright Cemetery Fund