Celebration of Life

Ike and Diana LANIER

2:00 pm, Saturday, May 31

Exhibition Agri-Food Hub & Centre, Lakeview Salon

101 Exhibition Way S, Lethbridge

Tributes, shared stories and a light snack

                                                                                      “Out standing in his field”

Days after celebrating his 95th at home, Ike mounted his horse at noon and rode off across cherished farmland to meet Diana, his treasured wife of 69 years (pre-deceased, August 2022).

To know Ike was to be enveloped in his charismatic presence.  You would always be greeted with a genuine smile that made you feel welcome and put you at ease. His farmer-hands offered vigorous handshakes that introduced his self-assurance and strength. Ike was a hugger and to be greeted with one of his hugs filled you with his warmth.

Ike had class. Designer shirts hugged his solid frame as he strode with the grace of strength built from years of hard work. His only extended time off-farm was to attend and graduate from Pickering College (’49) and Queen’s University (‘53). In those days, in addition to academics, students were taught gentlemanly skills such as etiquette and poise.  Ike embodied those lessons and modeled chivalry, especially to his four sons; William, Addison, Roderick and David (perished ‘91).

Ike loved celebrations, especially ones that included singing and dancing. Favorite family memories include being sung Happy Birthday by Ike’s harmonic voice.  Ike sang in the Southminster United Church choir and performed in various productions held at the Yates Memorial Theatre and later, shared a passion with Diana and friends for supporting the arts. In the last 2 years, the walls would regularly be vibrating with music as he danced with his attentive caregiver, Gloria, citing the excuse that it was exercise.

The farm hosted & befriended numerous IAEA international trainees to provide ag experience. Ike was a respected leader throughout the agricultural community and spearheaded numerous initiatives throughout his lifetime. He was an early adopter of conservation farming and while kneeling to check germination or soil moisture, was mocked that “zero tillage had brought Ike to his knees”.  Many farming practices that Ike tried were criticized as unorthodox but have evolved to become common practice. In 2010, he was acknowledged for his leadership and contributions to agriculture and community with the Honorary Degree of Doctor of Laws by the University of Lethbridge.

Ike was proactive and outspoken about agricultural policies and chose to participate in a number of organizations to elicit change. Of the many, two stand out as his legacy:

Ike was a huge advocate of winter wheat and one of the founders of the Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Commission. Having grown up in the dirty 30’s and living in windy southern Alberta, fall seeding of winter wheat created ground cover to protect the healthy soil that he coveted.  Second, he yearned for freedom in selling his grain outside the monopolistic Canadian Wheat Board (CWB). In ’96, he was one of the 13 farmers known as Farmers for Justice, who crossed the US border with grain-filled trucks to create awareness of the plight of prairie farmers forced to sell wheat to the CWB. This initiative landed him in jail, but was deemed a success as the wheat board was dissolved in 2012, allowing wheat to be sold in an open market and he was pardoned for his act by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper.

Ike had a strong-willed personality; a trait passed along to his family. This attribute, although challenging at times, can be found in the four grandchildren that he adored: Zoey, Mark, Paul and Quinn. Other similarities they share are resilience, tenacity, moral code and fashion sense.  Ike was a family man and although not much of a cook, would welcome you to join Sunday morning brunch where he lovingly prepared his signature dish - light, perfectly golden pancakes topped with butter, maple syrup and Diana’s legendary fried eggs.

Ike had a life well-lived that included many interests and passions. During school he was QB on the football team, a fastball pitcher and competed in wrestling and later on coached locally.  He was an avid bird hunter in October, with a well-trained dog as his constant companion. Horsemanship came to him naturally and this quality sealed the deal for his love life, as it attracted Diana his way. Finally, farming was in his blood. His parents immigrated from Kentucky to establish what is now known as NeverIdle Farms and he maintained his Kentucky heritage with his adoration for the Derby horse races, bourbon & cornbread.

Ike and Diana were an adventuresome pair and explored the world together inspired by theatre, art, people, the outdoors, cuisine, and of course, libations. Connoisseurs of wine, they collected, and more importantly, shared wine almost daily in celebration of a day together. Whether it was on the horse trail, beside the creek behind their cabin at Castle, in their farmhouse or sitting beside the roaring and crackling fire, a glass of red marked another successful day. Food and drink were regularly shared with friends, such as a cold glass of beer after skiing at the Bierstube in Whitefish or a sip of port after a satisfying meal at Miro’s.

As Ike moves on with his journey, he leaves us with lyrics from the anthem of his Queen’s alma mater:

“Soiled as they are by the battle and the rain, yet another victory to wipe away the stain!”

A Celebration of Life for Ike and Diana will be held in the spring, after seeding (May-June). Date to be announced. In lieu of cards or flowers, a memory can be shared via the online obituary guestbook or a memorial donation made to any scholarship or organization supporting youth in agriculture.