Linda Signe Holter ^{1 2}

   Another name for Linda was Linda Ramsum.

  General Notes:

Linda Ramsum has moved back to Westlock, Alberta near Clyde where she and Harold had farmed. ³

Linda married Harold Francis Ramsum, son of Louis Ramsum and Josephine (Josie) Wickenberg, on 6 Oct 1950 in Canada. (Harold Francis Ramsum was born on 26 Jul 1916 in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada and died on 31 Aug 1996 in Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada.)

  Marriage Notes:

Book: Clyde, A Place to Call Home, Westlock. Page 680-681 --- The Ramsum's, By Linda Ramsum ---

In 1941 the three Ramsum brothers - Clarence, Harold and Chester (Chuck) moved to the Green farm one mile west and two and a half miles north of Clyde corner. The farm was across from C.B. Davis' farm, which is now owned by Wally Lentz and Family. (SW17-60-25-W4)

Previous to that they had lived in Florida, Minnesota (where their father died) then on to Clive, AB and later to Bruce, AB, where their mother remarried. Their mother, Mrs. Josie Modin, often visited her sons at Clyde. She was an avid gardener and the proofs of her efforts were seen years later. (Photo: Harold Ramsum on tractor with dog.) Clarence left the farm for awhile to work for the Americans who were building a highway to Alaska. He met Kathleen (Kathy) Erwin of Edmonton in Morinville and later, when they were married, they returned to the farm at Clyde. Harold then went into Edmonton and did similar work. Later he and an older brother, Ernie, started building homes in Edmonton and later sold them. In meantime Chuck married Gwen Peuschel and they purchased the quarter section just north of the home place, where Barry and Lorraine Robinson and boys now reside. On October 6, 1950 Harold and I were married, bought the farm and the following spring we returned to it.

Kathy and Clarence and five children moved to Rochester then and later to Kamloops, BC. About the 1960's they returned to Edmonton, settled there and raised their family, now totalling eight. All the children have done well in their chosen professions. Three are in the States, three in BC and two, Wade and Iris, in Edmonton. When Harold and I started, it was mixed farming. We milked by hand until the electricity was put in. We started with nine cows and a bull; eventually we went into Herefords. The original ten were purchased through O.A. Brown of Edmonton Stockyards. Owing to Harold's failing health, we kept range cattle, selling the calves in the fall. We had machinery but gradually acquired a new machine shed, pig-barn, etc. and even a new double garage, plus improvements to the house. Each achievement bringing with it a quiet happiness, for in those days you only bought something when you had enough money pay for it. Getting plumbing in the house was the greatest highlight. One thing about the "outside" plumbing, as
> we used to call it, there certainly wasn't loitering throughout the winter months. Oh yes, in the early years an Eaton's catalogue was never wasted.

In the later years, as we looked back, we realized that was the happiest time of our lives. Even if it was a struggle, we had our health. In the 1970's we bought Chuck's quarter and he with his family moved to Edmonton. Chuck passed away, in his early 50's, in September 1974 after a lingering illness. In the later years Roland Hill did our custom work. Thanks again Rollie, for a job well done. When we first started farming Louis Kaufman threshed for us and later Harold had his own outfit. Throughout the 1970 and 80's we had several children in our home. They were all unique in their own way. It was a privilege to have them and they surely enriched our lives. Three who stayed the longest were Joanne Parrent, Joyce Clements and Ceceal (Viola) Cardinal. (Photo: Harold and Linda Ramsum farm c. 1986.) In fall of 1989 we had a farm sale and sold to Kelly and Sandy Barton. Earlier Kathy and Clarence retired to Chilliwack, purchasing a lovely home. Clarence died in May 1992 and Kathy October 1992, in her late 60's. Both deaths came without much warning. For that reason we moved to Chilliwack, bought a home near the airport with a beautifully landscaped yard. There too, homeless pets seemed to find us. What pathetic little creatures they were! We attended the First Christian Reformed Church here and made it our "home" church. The pastor and some of the congregation were such a help throughout Harold's illness. Harold, after visits to a clinic in Mexico seemed better for a few short years and was able to enjoy a trip through the States with one of his nephews. The last two years were extremely difficult for him and he passed away August 31, 1996. Harold loved nature and had great respect for it. He also had great compassion for animals. He believed God only "loaned" him the farm and it was his responsibility to leave it in the best condition he could and he did. At present, I'm in a senior's complex and have a condominium of my own in Abbotsford, BC.