June Rose Southard
June 4th, 1933 - November 28th, 2017

June Southard was born in Romford, England on June 4, 1933 and passed away in Calgary, Alberta on November 28, 2017. June was born into the Great Depression and lived through WWII with her parents Fred and Frances Southard and her three sisters Eva, Doris and Miriam. Eva and husband Bill Boyd moved to Stettler, Alberta after the war and June joined them, their daughter Frances and son WIlliam (WIll) in 1958. June taught piano in Stettler and was loved by her many young students. She moved to Calgary with the Boyd family in 1962. She joined MRU as a piano and theory teacher that same year and retired in 1990.

The great passion of June's life were her dogs. In 1965 her kennel name Debesu was registered with the Canadian Kennel Club. June bred and showed American Cocker Spaniels, specializing in black and tans. She raised countless Canadian champions in both Confirmation and Obedience. She was recognized by the CKC as one of the top and most recommended breeders in Canada. June was a very loving, gentle person who cared deeply about her family and friends, her students and especially her dogs.

Although tiny in stature, June possessed great inner strength and a fierce independent streak. June was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2013 and received loving care from the staff at Extendicare Hillcrest and her companion Pam. June fought the good fight until the very end.

June is mourned by her nephew Will, niece Frances (Fred), sister Miriam, as well as her extended family in BC and Australia. June touched the lives of so many through her teaching and the long list of those who cherished the dogs she bred. These include her special friends Bob and Elaine, Gail and Randy, Mary and the Underwood family.

June's Celebration of Life will be held at Choice Memorial (105-4715 13th Street NE) on Sunday, December 10, 2017 at 2:00 pm. To view and share photos, condolences and stories of June please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.