Sept. 8, 1936 — April 14, 2025
It is with great sadness that the family of Irwin Packham announce his passing on Monday, April 14, 2025, at the age of 88 years. Irwin was born in Pincher Creek on Sept. 8, 1936, and was raised on the family farm. He attended Halifax school east of Pincher Creek and later Matthew Halton high school. This is where he met the love of his life Elba, a sweet farm girl from Twin Butte. Irwin went on to attend the Olds School of Agriculture and after graduation, he and Elba married.
They began their life together in Medicine Hat before settling in Fort Macleod to raise their five children. Irwin opened Packham Motors selling used cars and he drove freight liner for the auction mart and Vanee Livestock before going to work for Safeway Shelter Systems in Claresholm.
In 1977, Irwin and Elba moved to Yellowknife where they set up Safeway Home Sales and sold mobile and modular homes to many families moving into the community. Two years later, Irwin and Elba made a pivotal decision, and in November 1979, they opened the doors to the Macleods Family Shopping Center in High Level. Years later, through head office sales and acquisitions, their store became known as True Value Hardware, and Irwin and Elba soon found themselves opening a V&S Variety Store. During the years, they won the Chamber of Commerce’s Best Business Award for True Value Hardware, and in 1995 Irwin and Elba were awarded Outstanding Hardware Retailer by Cotter Canada Hardware and Variety Cooperative. In 1995, Irwin became a partner in a new GM dealership in High Level. He was proud to be a part of this growing company for the time that he committed.
Irwin was a member of the board of directors for High Level and, following the incorporation of the town, served on town council for 12 years. In 1989, he proudly took on the role of mayor of High Level for five years. He was also a contributing member of the Northern Alberta Development Council and Mackenzie Area Restructuring Committee.
Irwin and Elba were supporters of the town’s aquatic center, Spring Fling, Hole-in-One Event, 4-H Beef Club, Chamber of Commerce, and annual rodeo.
In 1999, Irwin was the recipient of the High Level Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year Award, an honour he truly cherished.
Up north, Irwin and Elba fell in love with a little gem; the Five Star Golf Course along the Little Smoky River. Staking out a place of their own, they worked to build a get-away paradise. Each summer they spent many joy-filled weeks hosting friends and family. Five Star truly became a memorable highlight of their lives. Once retired, they moved back ‘home’ to Fort Macleod. Irwin and Elba picked up where they left off, enjoying the shenanigans that unfold with a close bunch of friends. Irwin rekindled his hobbies of wine making, smoking meats, and puttering around on home projects. Irwin and Elba travelled with their motorhome to Five Star and many points in the province, spending time in the outdoors with their friends and family.
Irwin is survived by his children Scot, Joanne (Gordon), Gary, and Jody (Grant); seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and his brother Melvin (Loretta) Packham. He was predeceased by Elba, his loving wife of 67 years; son Darren; and parents Frank and Kathleen Packham and in-laws Fred and May Huddlestun.
Family and friends are invited to a come and go remembrance for Irwin on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 1-4 p.m. at the REO Hall, 470 17th St. in Fort Macleod.