MARVIN PHAFF

1929 MARVIN PHAFF – 2025
Marvin Phaff passed away peacefully on February 3, 2025, in Medicine Hat at the age of 95 years. He was born on July 20, 1929, at the Anhorn home in Medicine Hat, AB; the only one in the family born in that province. Marvin was the third child of John and Florence (Stahl) Phaff. He grew up in Hatton, Saskatchewan, where he received his education at the Hatton School and learned how to farm and ranch. His ranching years began when he partnered with his dad, John, in 1951. They bought 20 cows and the J.M. Wilson place. John retired in 1965. Marvin met Elaine Walbauer in Medicine Hat and they married on December 26, 1951. They built a small house on the property, but because they could not obtain water, they moved the house 1/2 mile north of Hatton, where there was ample water and a suitable location for ranching. It was named Blue Sage Ranch. In the early seventies, Marvin and Elaine had a new house built and the old one was used for hired help. Marvin grew mostly crested wheatgrass on the sandy soil of Hatton. The seed was combined and hauled by semi-loads to Barons, Alberta, to the seed cleaning plant, about a four-hour drive. The seed was left to be cleaned and bagged and then picked up on a return trip or sold from the plant. Marvin also raised mostly Charolais cattle. Marvin and Elaine moved to Medicine Hat in 1986 when Rod & Shawna purchased the farm. Marvin couldn’t sit still for long, so he renovated apartment suites. He continued this until he decided to get back into farming and purchased some irrigation land off the Holsom Road. For a while, he drove back and forth to the farm from their house in Medicine Hat but then decided to build a home on the farm, which he mainly did all on his own.
Elaine passed away in June 2009. In August 2010, Marvin married Janet. A couple of years later, he sold the farm and bought a house in Medicine Hat and officially retired at age 83. Marvin enjoyed bowling, playing cards, visiting, working in his yard, volunteering at the Prairie Gleaners, and attending church.
Marvin is survived by his second wife, Janet. He leaves to cherish his memory three children, son, Brent (Sandra) Phaff of Hatton and their children, Kyle from Hatton and Chelsey (Darren), who live near Walsh, Alberta; daughter, Wendy Stewart (Matthew) from Red Deer and her children, Brandy (Brent) Campbell and their daughter, Palmer from Medicine Hat and Wendy’s son, Dallas (Ashley) Bollinger from Medicine Hat; son, Rod (Shawna) Phaff of Dunmore and their children, Quincy (Madi) Phaff from Victoria, BC and daughter, Amelia Phaff from Medicine Hat; two sisters, Yvonne Turcotte and Doreen Meidinger; brother, Clinton (Betty) Phaff; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Marvin was predeceased by his son, Gregory, in infancy in 1966; wife, Elaine, in 2009; parents, John & Florence; brother, Reg; sister, Laura; as well as sisters and brothers-in-law. Marvin lived in his own home until the day before his passing. He will be remembered as a kind, generous, hard-working man who never complained. He was a man of strong but quiet faith, and his family and friends deeply miss him. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Sunday, February 9th, 2025, from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at Saamis Memorial Funeral Chapel, 1 Dunmore Road SE, Medicine Hat, AB, on Monday, February 10th, 2025, at 1:00 pm with Pastor Shane Hein officiating. If unable to attend, family and friends are welcome to participate via live stream by logging on to www.saamis.com and joining the live webcast on Marvin’s memorial page at the above date and time. A virtual guest book is available on the livestream page for those participating remotely. Interment will follow at Saamis Prairie View Cemetery. Condolences may be sent through www.saamis.com or to condolences@saamis.com subject heading Marvin Phaff. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to
SAAMIS MEMORIAL FUNERAL
CHAPEL CREMATORIUM &
RECEPTION CENTRE,
“The Chapel in the Park
#1 Dunmore Road SE,
Medicine Hat, AB T1A 1Z5
(403)528-2599
www.saamis.com
inquiry@saamis.com
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CGR Holdings Ltd.