Ma-Me-O Legion's Veterans Tribute

Alec Dreichel

Submitted

Don Jackson was a charter member of the Ma-Me-O Beach Legion. Over the years Don served as the branch’s President, Vice-president, Secretary and Treasurer. In 1942 he joined the Royal Canadian Air Force and was stationed throughout England. After receiving his honorable discharge in 1946 Don worked down in Calgary for a time. Then in June of 1947 Don and his wife Joey moved to Ma-Me-O Beach to work at his brother Cal’s store. Don ended up working at the store and doing a variety of other jobs around the area. He drove the local cream truck, the school bus and helped construct the new store. He was an active member in his community, belonging to a variety of organizations. He was the President of the Alberta School Bus Operators’ Association for 3 years and a member of the Alberta Safety Council Committee for Fleet Operators.  Don moved to Crystal Springs in 1960 to build his home. Don went on to be a carpenter and established a real estate agency while still operating the local school bus. In 1970 Don gave up house building and became the caretaker at Pigeon Lake Regional High School. Don remained an active Legion member until his death in 1996.

Ralph Bindinger was born in 1915 and was raised on the family farm in the Usona district. In 1939 Ralph join the Royal Canadian Air Force (R.C.A.F) as a mechanic until 1943 when he was discharged for medical reasons. Ralph was discharged at the rank of Leading Aircraftsmen. Upon returning from the war, Ralph continued to farm and began the courtship of his future bride, LaRenne Nadeau. They were married in 1947 at the Baptist Church in Wetaskiwin. In 1949 he sold the farm and went on to buy the Hi-Way Service station in Ma-Me-O Beach.  He was an active member of his Legion and served his community as a volunteer firefighter. Ralph was the Deputy Fire Chief of Ma-Me-O Beach for a time. After years of working at his garage Ralph sold it and became a carpenter. Ralph spent his years living in Ma-Me-O Beach with his wife LaRenne until he passed way in September of 1998.

The Ma-Me-O Beach Legion is proud to have had these two great men a part of our branch. 

“We Will Remember Them”