Volunteer firefighter remembered at service
RANCHER DIED FIGHTING BLAZE
Aman whose life was taken suddenly and tragically in the line of duty as a volunteer firefighter was remembered and honoured at a memorial service on Friday.
James Hargrave, 34, a fifth-generation rancher from Walsh, was remembered as a man with a kind heart, an infectious smile and a strong belief in the need to help others. He was loyal, generous and always there for you, friends and family said during the service.
Just outside the entrance to Holy Family Parish stood the Walsh Fire Engine 3.
The church that seats about 1,500 was already filled to capacity 45 minutes before the memorial service was due to start. Photographs of Hargrave and his family at the ranch — eldest son Hudson, 6; Alec, 4; Savannah, 2; Isobelle, born in April this year, and his wife Elizabeth — were projected onto a large screen as people waited.
Louis Seifert owns the ranch next to the Hargrave ranch — JH Ranch. Like the Hargraves, it too has been in the family for about four or five generations, and Louis has known Hargrave since he was a baby.
“It was such a shock,” Louis said of the news of his death. “I went to his father’s funeral.”
Hargrave was a neighbour so appreciated and now is no longer there, said Louis.
“The nice thing about James was that he always had time for people. He would stop to chat and find out how people were,” said Sandy Seifert, who together with Louis had attended Hargrave’s wedding in Maple Creek about 10 years ago.
The night James died he had responded to the call for help to fight a fire in the Hilda and Burstall area.
An uncle from Australia read a passage of scripture that talked about there being no greater love than that of a man who would lay down his life for his friend.
“We are all feeling the loss of firefighter Hargrave,” said Brian Webste, deputy fire chief Medicine Hat Fire Service.
When firefighters are called to duty they have a function to perform and are focused on the task at hand to reduce the possible loss, said Webster. When a fellow firefighter is taken in the line of duty it is very sad for every fighter in what is essentially a small community.
The procession of firefighters formed to honour Hargrave on Friday was a show of respect for him, his family and friends, said Webster.
There were lighter moments too at the service as family and friends talked about Hargrave’s humourous side.
“Well, Mr. Hargrave, you made it here on time for once. He was always late, except for his wedding,” said one of the speakers.
Hargrave was described as being “addicted to the weather” and the process of finding out about the weather. He would call people up with helpful advice saying it would be a good idea to bale their hay that night.
He was described as a private and generous person with a quiet sense of humour who enjoyed a steak and a good beer, but also enjoyed unusual cheeses.
“James’s spirit was at home in the outdoors,” said Rev. Chelsea Masterman, who officiated. The changing of the seasons gave James “hope.”
The Hargrave family has seen enormous tragedy. Hargrave’s mother died when he was six, his father when he was 12 and his sister about 10 years ago in a riding accident.
People would often ask him if it made him question his faith, said Masterman. He always said it did not.
“His body is lost to us but his spirit is safe,” said Masterman. “God did not abandon James.”
Firefighters presented James’s widow Elizabeth with a flag, medal and helmet.
A column of firefighters, RCMP, and first responders three abreast marched behind several vehicles carrying family members behind the Walsh fire engine as they made their way to the Cypress Centre for a reception.