Darrel (Doc) Stickland (DHS class of 1967) Passed away.
Posting from Dean Stickland (’73): Olympia, WA
Gary,
Sorry to interrupt your Christmas with bad news but wanted you to know about the death of my brother Darrel (Doc).
We discovered him in his home last night, the 23rd, collapsed due to a sudden and massive heart attack. He turned 71 last June. He had experienced mild symptoms recently but felt they didn’t require medical attention. He lived just a mile away and was a close and dear brother to us in many ways. We’ll miss him dearly.
Darrel spent almost his entire working life as a drywall contractor in the Twin Cities, MN area until moving out to Olympia, WA about 12 years ago. He was semi-retired but still worked part-time, mostly for a local property management company.
He is survived by his former wife, Jan, only daughter, Laura, two grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
He’ll be greatly missed by all who knew him.
This comes only two months after our older brother Leland’s decease in October. 2020 has been quite a year.
We don’t question the Lord’s work or his timing. We give thanks for the comfort He gives us.
We wish the best for all in the new year.
Dean Stickland
Gary’s Comment
So Sorry to hear this sad news Dean. You lost your only two brothers so close together this year too. Our hearts go out to you. Please keep us posted with Funeral or other arrangements. Again, our condolences are with.
Raphael Poitra memories and condolences
From Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND
Folks, I forgot to include this message from Vickie with my last posting. So sorry for that Vickie.
Gary, Kelly, Jaime, family, Evon, and many friends of Raphael,
Raphael’s family roots were well known to my dad’s family. Raphael recalled and knew lots of local oral history stories.
I heard tales from those who worked iron, he had a unsurpassed respected work ethic among his peers and employers.
Raphael will be well remembered as honest and true to his family, friends and neighbors.
He was a loyal friend accepting and respectful of others whose opinions differed from his. He never wavered on his beliefs. He’d adamantly stand behind his word and argue his opinions.
Sincere sympathy Kelly and Jaime on the passing of your father. Yes indeed, he had a wonderful, hearty, contagious laugh that will never be replicated! He was delighted and immensely proud of you, Kennedy and you Joss, whom he loved unconditionally!
Sincerely,
Vickie L. Metcalfe
December 9, 2020
Carol Eller Dejarlias (DHS Class of 1970 Passed away.
Posting from Ivy Eller Robert (’74): Everett, WA
Hi Gary,
So very sorry for your loss of Bernadette. I wanted to let you know that I got news that my sister Carol Eller Dejarlias passed away, but could not confirm it. Julie and I have not been in contact with her and her family for a good many years. I mentioned it to Art Hagen and he said he would see if he could find something.
He texted me the other day and said he found a small ‘stip-it’ when he Googled her name.
All it stated was, she died on December 12, 2020 in a hospital in Fargo, ND. No cause of death. Just stated that there are no services planned at this time.
Carol graduated from Dunseith High School in 71. I know she married Mathew Dejarlais, but don’t know when. He passed away, I think 4 or 5 years ago. I ready don’t know anything else about her.
Thank You,
Ivy Eller Robert (74)
I saw the Christmas Star 2020
Posting from Vickie Metcalfe (’70): Bottineau, ND
Hello Gary,
December 21,2020
I went out at 4:40 to the field adjacent to my yard on the South East Yup, that old habit of mine, I always show up to things early.
I trudged back and forth for a great length of time through the snow. Finally as the sun set I had a well worn path. And the light of the moon above. South West was a first star appearing. I wandered crunching through the crisp snow using… a sturdy …. gardening plant stick. Breathing in the cold fresh North Dakota air, I’d pause, squinted, and counted stars as they appeared.
I had to keep moving to keep warm. Nearly frost bit my toes as the cold seeped through the sole of my boots.
That first star was not a huge star…. like a flash bang moment. But was the biggest and steadfast all the time. Hmmm No, not a satellite or the International space station? A jet passed high above in route like a giant snow bird winging south.
I thought, “Wow, to be a shepherd and follow a star on a cold night”……. and hope it is the right one.
It got darker and darker on the 50 acre field. I didn’t see any bigger ones appear.
I sent my thoughts and prayers up high, along with the Lord’s Prayer, and Apostles Creed. I thought, “Wow, God, I am seeing the same sky and stars as lots of family and friends.
And a star that was there when Jesus was born!”
Now, maybe tomorrow, someone will tell me I was looking in the wrong direction. All was Calm and All was Bright in my world, finally reluctantly I waded through the snow. I didn’t use the flashlight in my pocket, trusting the path and the stars.
It took a long time to thaw out. I rechecked info about the Star on line that folks may continue to see the star thru the 26th of December.
December 22, 2020
This morning I stopped at Cenex for my usual morning coffee. I purchased the mug back last April for $20. and since then have free fill ups every morning.
Yup~ I do not deny I am of Scotch of the hills person decent!
I have noted Cenex, where a cheerful wonderful group of committed folks work there through this long pandemic. One is Amber (Great Grandparent’s; Ed Hanson, Jennie Handeland & Winnifred Eurich) She Is the manager of the Cenex food court. I’ve known her since she was a wee child. I also taught the Hanson Twins in my third grade class. ( they’d say, “No, it isn’t Hanson, it is the ” Handsome Twins”) It has been gratifying watching former students … come into there own!
Amber brought out a little wrapped gift, placing in my hand, She said, “open asap.” Of course like a kid, I tore open a.k.a ripped open the pkg.
……. wooden star ornament……
I am so touched by the significance of this “CHRISTMAS” star, Amber handmade and gave me the morning after I saw the Christmas Star.
May all be Blessed with a Merry Christmas!
Vickie