ION – Laurence Wilfred Ion (2024)

Ion – Laurence Wilfred Ion of Brooks, beloved husband of Trudy Ion, passed away peacefully at home with his wife by his side on Thursday June 13, 2024 at the age of 80 years old. Laurence was born on November 22, 1943 in Bassano, Alberta to William and Mary Ion. He was the fifth of six children and grew up on a farm and attended school in Gem, Alberta. Laurence began his career in the oilfield in the early 1960’s. He purchased his first D4 Cat and D65 Komatsu and his business began. Over the years he owned and operated several businesses – Brooks Oilfield Contracting, Ion Holdings, Ion Enterprises and Ionite Ltd. He was a skilled equipment operator and could pick up the smallest object off the ground with the hoe. Laurence worked all over southern Alberta building oilfield leases, pipelines and dug countless dugouts for his agriculture customers. “Catskinner” was his nickname because of his expertise with his equipment. Laurence was a loving father of the 4 children he had with his first wife Gloria. In 1997, Laurence met the love of his life Trudy Fister Gee and they were married July 4, 2001. Laurence immensely enjoyed travelling with Trudy. They travelled to Germany, Hungary, Mexico, all over the USA and Canada, Costa Rica, Belize, Aruba making lasting friendships in all of these places. He especially enjoyed winters in Arizona and Mexico. Laurence enjoyed hunting, fishing and cooking and entertaining friends. By far his passion was hunting and fishing and these trips took him to many places with his favorite being at Red Earth, Alberta, making memories that lasted a lifetime with his beloved friends Earhart and Bruno from Germany, Ron, Gary and Rick. Oh, the adventures they would have, not to mention the stories they would tell! Laurence loved cooking and food in general. He was a foodie before his time! Trying new restaurants and all kinds of food was a top priority on any of his trips. He was a good cook as well! Laurence was best known for his gift of gab and entertaining and quick wit. He could make a friend for life in the grocery store produce section! He was easy to chat with and always had good advice to give whether you wanted to hear it or not. Laurence made time for everyone and always was there to help when needed. He would never disappoint you when you asked if he had something you needed to borrow, he probably had a few. After the final sale of his tools, he was still buying some new tools the day before his departure (never know when you might need something he’d always say). He loved to journal and could tell you what happened on any given day in any year! He leaves to mourn his beautiful and loving wife Trudy; children Toni-Marie Ion-Brown (Bruce), Tracy Sutherland (Lucas), Bradly Ion (Tracie), Mark Gee (Teresa), Dale Gee (Christine) and Kevin Gee (Kendall); numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Eleanor Simpson, Doris Fraser (Wallace) and brother Sam Ion, along with numerous nephews, nieces and amazing friends. Laurence was predeceased by his parents Bill and Mary Ion, his daughter Sharra-Lee Ion and brothers, Jim Ion and Ken Ion. The family would like to express their gratitude to Brooks Homecare, specifically Doreen Daniels, who went above and beyond to make sure Laurence was being looked after, Dr Muller, Dr Kitts and staff at the Brooks Hospital. His kind heart and generous soul will be forever missed by all who loved him. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, July 3^rd at 2:00 PM from the Cassils Community Centre. In memory of Laurence, if friends desire, in lieu of flowers memorial tributes may be made directly to the Cassils Community Centre or a charity of your choice.

Cremation is entrusted to and conducted at

ION – Laurence Wilfred Ion (2024)

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