Jerry Tranter

Jerry's love and respect for the outdoors was nurtured by his parents at an early age. Through camping holidays with his parents and outings to a friends farm plus an absolute love of hunting and fishing Jerry's future careers were mapping themselves out early. He'd say, "I felt guided by the invisible hand of God." and indeed it seemed so.

From working on a farm as a teenager to landing his first Forestry job on a standby crew, to becoming a lookout man on Raspberry Ridge Lookout, Jerry was well on his way. After completing his studies at Old's College and another summer on Raspberry Rider Lookout he was promoted to Assistant Ranger at the Ghost Ranger Station. It wouldn't be long until he asked Sharon for her hand in marriage.

Life was great! Jerry accepted a position with Fish & Wildlife in early 1964, staying there until he was offered a position with the Provincial Parks System. First assignment: Dinosaur Provincial Park. There would be many more assignments, promotions, highs and lows in the incredible life journey of this man. From Wabamun Lake as the Head Ranger to Pigeon Lake and then a promotion to Park Supervisor of Northern Alberta in 1973.

One of Jerry's dreams was to own a farm. He felt it impossible but a sudden decision by headquarters to decentralize their operations resulted in another move, this time he'd be working out of Valleyview. Housing was not easy to come by. As a result they looked further afield and that's when Jerry's dream farm became a reality. Again he'd say, "I know it was the invisible hand of God."

Jerry was also instrumental in establishing the Mounted Rangers Patrol in 1977, as a result of participation in the visit of Queen Elizabeth ll to establish Queen Elizabeth Park.

As busy as Jerry was with Parks and the farm, he still found time to be actively involved in the church where he and his family attended. He served in numerous ways, from Youth Supervisor, when his children were young, to Board Chairman, to a Trustee on the Board of the Alberta Bible College in Calgary for several years.

In March of 1995, after 35 years of service, Jerry retired to his farm in Debolt, where he and Sharon planned to invest a few more years of losing money on the farm.

So, saddle up and join us for the adventure of one man's life well lived.
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