Stan and Sharleen Chevraux worthy recipients of Community Builders title

Stan and Sharleen Chevraux are passionate supporters of their community and are willing to do what it takes to keep their town vibrant and alive.

Both raised in “small town Alberta” and having lived most of their lives in Killam, Stan and Sharleen love their rural lifestyle and are proud of their rural roots.

The two attended Killam Public School together (although Stan was a couple of grades ahead of Sharleen).

Their parents were also friends and the two young people often travelled together to community dances. Eventually, they became a couple.

Sharleen studied English and then Education at University in Edmonton. Stan attended the Vermilion School of Agriculture then also moved to Edmonton, working at UFA.

The couple married in 1962, then returned to Killam in 1963.

They’ve lived on a local farm for 51 years and are delighted to have lived in the same house the whole time.

Their 98-year-old home is a designated Heritage house.

Stan has remained active as a farmer, while Sharleen taught high school for 35 years before taking a job coaching people through career transitions, a government contract that lasted 13 years.

Most recently, she has opened a craft store in downtown Killam which features a variety of quilts and other handmade items.

The couple has also raised two sons and now have six grandchildren.

But it’s the other things that Stan and Sharleen find time for that have resulted in their selection as Community Builders by the Battle River Community Foundation.

From Stan’s terms as a County Councillor to Sharleen’s time as Chair of the Killam Hospital Board and Killam Hospital Foundation; from Stan’s coaching of trapshooting and teaching of firearm safety to Sharleen’s founding of the Flagstaff Writers’ Guild; from his directorship with the Alberta Flying Farmers to her founding of the Battle River Training Hub; from Stan’s years on the County Agricultural Advisory Board to Sharleen’s involvement with the Chamber of Commerce and the Adult Learning Council; and the couple’s joint contributions to the Knox United Church, there seems to be no end to the list of ways in which the Chevrauxs have supported the development and success of their community.

“It’s what people in smaller communities do,” says Sharleen.

“We can’t just rely on someone else or the government to solve all our issues – we need to step up ourselves.

“Community people make rural Alberta what it is.”

Stan points to Sharleen’s contributions as being “the type of things that go a long way to improve a community,” and she returns the compliment by saying that Stan has coached athletes and trained hunters, and even provided his plane to assist the RCMP when required – all actions that have helped keep the community safe and healthy.

Sharleen and Stan agree that, while they are flattered to have been selected as Community Builders, they’re a bit nervous about being in the spotlight at the upcoming celebration dinner at the Killam Community Hall on Saturday, August 23.

“There are plenty of people in Flagstaff County who are deserving of this honour,” says Stan, “and we’re kind of reluctant to be singled out.

“But we agreed because the proceeds will benefit the community.”

Sharleen adds that, “if we didn’t feel the Battle River Community Foundation is doing great work, we wouldn’t have lent our name to this event.

“But there are a lot of good things going on as a result of the Foundation’s work, so we’ve agreed.”

The Community Builders Dinner will feature a variety of speakers who will toast the couple, as well as a number of items available for live auction.

There may even be a quilt or a plane ride available for purchase.

All proceeds from the evening will be used to establish a fund in Stan and Sharleen’s name, which will support education and the local hospital.

“In rural communities people work together and rally for others in need,” Sharleen says.

“We hope this fund can help meet the needs of people in our area for many years to come.”

Tickets to this evening of community celebration are available at: Guardian Drugs, Battle River Implements, S. James Agencies, Budding Ideas, Jam Tarts, Town of Killam Office, The Community Press’ Killam Office, Underground Hair, Campbell McLennan, Rocky Mountain Equipment, Killam Liquor Store, Holbie’s Glass, or by contacting Judy Larson, BRCF Director at 385-4969.

Battle River Community Foundation