An Abundant Life:
Below is a photo taken at Old St. Thomas Cemetery, with Mr. Trautman beside a fledgling oak he is nurturing along. I couldn't help but relate our Living Heritage intentions, to that oak. My hopes for the program soared!
|
As Mr. Trautman says, "There's not many who know local history like I do, most of it lived." Living, and doing so in abundant fashion, is at the heart of Mr. Trautman's identity. Born on the family farm back in 1926, agriculture found its way into his lifeblood. When he married his beloved, Mary Smith, she brought with her two cows that were to begin what would eventually become a flourishing Registered Holstein operation. Not surprisingly, the farm remains in his family today.
Stan Trautman has demonstrated his community based agricultural mindset by sitting for many boards, including the Alberta Wheat Pool, and National Farmer's Union, and the Ducks Unlimited Camrose and District Fish and Game Association. He has always been quite sports minded, and has either played, watched or coached many sports, including curling, baseball, hockey and others, for most of his life. He was involved with New Norway Home and School Association, as well as the St Thomas Parish Council as well. He was the president of the Duhamel Historical Society for 35 years, has written a memoir of his life called "A Citizen of Duhamel". Somehow, he found time to act as a County inspector of well sites for Alberta Development of Environment, and in this same vein, has donated land through the "Conservation easement to nature conservancy" as well. When I first met him, Mr. Trautman had just celebrated his ninetieth birthday, which took the form of an elaborate birthday bash, planned and accommodated by him. There were over one hundred young and old, in attendance at the New Norway curling rink; a testament to the life of service and connection that Mr. Trautman has chosen to create. His was the first interview session for Living Herittage, and I suspect none will compare in avid attention to detail, sentiment, and hours of pure hospitality. Because of these gifts, you will find the voice and thoughts of Stan Trautman interspersed liberally through out many pages here at Living Heritage. Click the file below if you're up for reading the lengthy interview sessions recorded below. 
| ||
