The family of Herbert McKelvey is sad to announce that he departed from this earthly life on Tuesday July 20th at the age of 84.

Herb was an extraordinary husband, father, grandfather, and much beloved community member of the town of Magrath. He will be dearly missed by his wife of 46 years Dianna, children Lorne and Heather (Gary) and grandchildren Scott and Tessa. Born 1937 in Peking (now Beijing) China, to Dr. John and Mrs. Ruth McKelvey, he grew up in Minnesota and then graduated from Montana State College with a degree in Animal Sciences. He served 2 years in the US Navy and worked on various ranches in the United States before coming to Canada in 1964 to cowboy. He loved and lived the cowboy way of life: music, poetry, horses, ranching and cattle. Herb was loved by everyone with whom he connected - both in deep friendship or just through brief acquaintance.

He was an amazing bright light of kindness, generosity and positivity. After living and working for 10 years on the McIntyre Ranch, he worked until retirement at the Lethbridge Research and Development Centre. He then generously spent his time volunteering with multiple organizations and events in town and enjoyed traveling to various cowboy music festivals. He pursued and embodied joy and genuine goodness.

He chose and created a life he loved through his passion, not for the love of money or anyone else’s definition of success, but for the pure love of this life. His gentle, humble, cheerful spirit will be tremendously missed, but the legacy and influence of his beautiful soul will never be forgotten.

Cowboy Last Ride horseback procession will be held in his memory at a forthcoming date which is to be determined.

Cremation has been entrusted to Martin Brothers Funeral Chapels.