Mr. Werner ‘Vern’ Gisler of Red Deer County, Alberta passed away at the Innisfail Health Centre on Tuesday, March 17, 2020 at the age of 85 years.
Vern was a quiet man who was a friend and mentor to many. His calm nature will be missed by all he knew, as will his warm sense of humor, charming blue eyes and love of life. He was born in Switzerland where he grew up on a small farm in the alps in Wiesenberg, Nidwalden. With a dream to see the world and one day having a farm of his own, he immigrated to Canada in 1958. He landed in Quebec by ship and worked his way across Canada from there, doing a multitude of jobs until he arrived in Calgary where he met another wandering soul on her way through to somewhere else. Deciding they needed to be on a different journey together he convinced Pam to marry him in 1963. In 1964 they bought a tiny Dairy Farm east of Innisfail, together with his brother Ernie. Over the next thirty years they grew Gisler Brothers Dairy into a thriving dairy and crop farm. It was where he and Pam raised their family through the hard, the good and all the times in between.
Pam and Vern retired from the dairy in 1992, to the old MacBride farm, and built their dream log house. They then spent many exciting years traveling all over the United States, Europe, China, Russia, South America, Australia, New Zealand and Canada, visiting friends and family along the way. Many adventures were had which seemed to quite frequently involve ending up lost somewhere but still somehow finding where they wanted to go, so he never quite understood why a certain wife would become excited every time it happened.

Along his journey Vern exemplified working hard for what you want. He worked hard but he played harder. His role as host was legendary in the community and among friends, no one ever left wanting for anything. Many stories were told, many songs were sung, and many laughs were had around the big round dining table, there was always room for one more with a full glass of wine waiting. Family and friends were what meant the most to him. He did not give his friendship flippantly, once it was earned, he would do absolutely anything for you. The farm became a haven for many younger expat Swiss, Canadians and New Zealanders over the years who always knew they had a place if they needed. Many of the young trainees who worked on the farm, or nearby, became family, with several moving to Alberta and starting their own farms and families in the area. He offered his wisdom and support without being forceful or demanding. Sadly, the last few years were very difficult for Vern as his health deteriorated, but he was happy to have stayed home for as long as he could and it was only the last six months that he moved to the Innisfail Rosefield Care Centre. The many visitors who came by made the transition easier in some ways and exemplified the respect and love that so many had for him.
A sincere thank you to the staff of CBI Home Care, the Rosefield Centre and Dr. Chauhan, who made his last two and a half years easier. The family cannot thank you enough for your devotion, professionalism and care. You are all an honour to your profession.
Vern will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Pam and daughter, Merna, his close friends, Priska, Beat, Marco and Kevin Fischer; Rene, Carmen, Jesse and Annika Vetterli; Max and Ian Scherrer, Beat, Maria, Martina, Melanie, Lucas and Nicole Zumbuehl, Sally Paradis, Dorothy and Dennis Piquette, Heather and Denys Jefferies, Nadine Schellenbaum and Bruno Lenhere and family, Joe and Margarite Rohrer and family, and so many more. He will also be sadly missed by numerous nieces and nephews and their families in Switzerland. Vern was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Margaret Gisler and three brothers Joseph, Paul and Walter in Switzerland, and Ernie in Innisfail.
Due to current events a funeral will not be held at this time, but a Celebration of Life is being planned for the summer. If desired, Memorial Donations in Vern’s honour may be made directly to the Rosefield Centre, 5023 – 42 Street, Innisfail, Alberta, T4G 1A9. As a funeral cannot be held, we ask that a glass of wine be poured and toasted in his honour. Arrangements in care of Heartland Funeral Services, 4415 – 49 Street, Innisfail, Alberta, 403.227.0006.

• Date : 2020-03-30
• Location : www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com