Dwight Blaine Karren

Dwight Blaine Karren passed away peacefully on Wednesday, November 3, 2021 with his family by his side. He is survived by his wife, Diane; and five children, Shannon (Vincent) Tsui; Dustin (Nicole) Karren, Jodi (Scott) Witbeck, Brett (Melissa) Karren, Jordan (Sierra) Karren; as well as 14 grandchildren, Jaden, Madison, Josh; Dakota (Taylor), Avery, Brighton; Taylor, Keira; Peyton, Brody, Kami, Easton; Luca, Delaney.

He is also survived by his brothers, Bryon and Randy (Anne) Karren; as well as his twin sisters, Barbara Welsh and Beverly Chrupka.

He is predeceased by his parents, Fred and Luella Karren; and sister-in-law, Linda Karren.

Dwight was born on February 19, 1945 in Lethbridge, Alberta, to Fred and Luella Karren of Picture Butte, Alberta.

In his youth he played baseball, football and basketball. He loved to hunt geese in the Old Man River Bottom as well as partridge and pheasants with his dogs in the coulees of Southern Alberta.

Dwight graduated from High School in Picture Butte in 1964 and pursued his education at the Lethbridge Junior College, the University of Saskatchewan, and the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree, and graduated in 1969 with his Master of Science in Animal Genetics Degree. Then he decided to add a Bachelor of Education degree in 1970.

Dwight was acquainted with Diane Hornberger while attending school in Picture Butte, as he was alphabetically designated to sit behind her from grade 9 to grade 12. But they socialized within different circles of friends. Coming home for the Christmas break while Dwight was attending the University in Saskatchewan and Diane the University of Alberta, Calgary they met by chance on the street while shopping. A date followed, then a relationship. A common university was chosen, the University of Alberta in Edmonton, and they were married September 10, 1966. Dwight continued his studies and Diane completed her Bachelor of Education degree and began teaching school.

They loved the mountains and the outdoors, enjoying camping, hiking, backpacking, horseback riding and downhill skiing in the winter. It was always an adventure with family or with friends. Dwight developed an interest in gardening and especially growing watermelon, cantaloupe, corn and tomatoes.

As an agrologist and teacher, he accepted a position in Northern Ontario to teach at an agricultural college in New Liskeard and then in Kemptville. Preferring research more than teaching, he accepted a position as a livestock specialist for the Ontario government in Perth, Ontario. Enjoying Ontario and his job but missing extended family, he moved back to Alberta in 1974 with his wife, two young children and newborn baby. He accepted a position as Livestock Specialist for the Government of Alberta with his office in Red Deer.

In 1984, he accepted a transfer with the Alberta government to Lethbridge. Small town living and pheasant hunting in the coulees of Southern Alberta appealed to him. Raymond was his choice. He would commute to his Lethbridge office.

In the private sector of the beef cattle industry, Don McLellan and Ray Roberts approached Dwight with a proposal to add animal nutritional resources to their veterinary clientele. An associate agreement was formed. Dwight enjoyed this as it allowed for research as well as hands on with the ranches and feedlots.

There was an abundance of cattle feedlot operations in the area north of Lethbridge and Dwight decided to branch out with his own private business as a Feedlot Nutrition Consultant. He contracted with many clients, one of which was Cor Van Raay a prominent cattle & grain farmer and entrepreneur. He loved putting on his cowboy work boots and hat and heading out in his pickup truck to the various feedlots to collect feed samples for analysis. And sometimes mounting a horse to assist in checking the cattle. He loved his job and the people he worked with. Reluctantly he eased into retirement, selling his business to a company in Texas.

The community provided many opportunities for his family and he enthusiastically supported hockey, football and basketball and other activities with his children. He and Diane were both members of the Raymond Rotary Club. Political issues were a passion for them and Dwight’s political opinions often appeared as write-ups in the newspaper. He was an active member of his church and loved helping others especially the youth.

Dwight was a caring husband, father, and grandfather. He exemplified many values such as love of God, family and friends. He valued honesty, dependability, hard work and freedom of choice. His family love him and are grateful to him.

Interment will be held prior to service, at 11:30 a.m., on Saturday, November 13, 2021 at Raymond Temple Hill Cemetery. All friends and family are welcome to attend the cemetery.

Friends may meet the family at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 13, 2021, and a Memorial Service will follow at 2:00 p.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Cobblestone Chapel, Raymond AB.  All guests are welcome to join the family in person as a time of gathering and fellowship for the day's events. Vaccine Exemption Program has been chosen for the indoor portion of the day. You will require photo ID and proof of vaccination, or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours. Alternatively for those who wish, live streaming will be available at the bottom of this obituary starting at 1:50 p.m. on service day.

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