Artscript Canada Publications
Gerry Tranter has made an outstanding contribution to Alberta’s Provincial Parks over the last 30+ years.
Dave Chabillon, Executive Director
A RANGER’S RAMBLINGS TRIBUTE
Gerry Tranter is one of those character individuals who makes a tremendous, but quiet impact on anything he does. Gerry made such an impact on the Alberts Parks Service. He not only was a leader by position but he was also a leader in the most important way and that is by personal integrity.
As a leader by position, Gerry always got the job done no matter how tough or adverse the assignment or conditions. His word was as good as gold and when he said “no problem, it will get done,” it was as good as done right then. Gerry was there when staff needed to talk to someone who they could confide in and trust. He also knew when to offer staff an understanding ear or supportive shoulder.
Gerry will be deeply missed by the Alberta Parks Service. Thirty five years of experience with the Alberta government is not easy to replace. However, his retirement is very well deserved and I wish him and his family many happy and healthy years of retirement. Gerry, you were truly one of the primary builders of the excellent Alberta Parks Service.
~ Julien Nowicki, Deputy Minister, Alberta Recreation and Parks
A Ranger's Ramblings
Author: Jerry Tranter
Grande Prairie, Alberta
A Ranger's Ramblings
Autobiography
Life of a Park Ranger.
ISBN # 1999072502
Available from Amazon
Paper back: $44.50
or Kindle: $6.57
This book can be purchased directly from the author at: twinpine3@gmail.com
$35.00 plus postage.
From working on a farm as a teenager to landing his first Forestry job on a standby crew, to becoming a lookout man on Raspberry Ridge Lookout, Jerry was well on his way. After completing his studies at Old's College and another summer on Raspberry Rider Lookout he was promoted to Assistant Ranger at the Ghost Ranger Station. It wouldn't be long until he asked Sharon for her hand in marriage.
Life was great! Jerry accepted a position with Fish & Wildlife in early 1964, staying there until he was offered a position with the Provincial Parks System. First assignment: Dinosaur Provincial Park. There would be many more assignments, promotions, highs and lows in the incredible life journey of this man. From Wabamun Lake as the Head Ranger to Pigeon Lake and then a promotion to Park Supervisor of Northern Alberta in 1973.
One of Jerry's dreams was to own a farm. He felt it impossible but a sudden decision by headquarters to decentralize their operations resulted in another move, this time he'd be working out of Valleyview. Housing was not easy to come by. As a result they looked further afield and that's when Jerry's dream farm became a reality. Again he'd say, "I know it was the invisible hand of God."
Jerry was also instrumental in establishing the Mounted Rangers Patrol in 1977, as a result of participation in the visit of Queen Elizabeth ll to establish Queen Elizabeth Park.
As busy as Jerry was with Parks and the farm, he still found time to be actively involved in the church where he and his family attended. He served in numerous ways, from Youth Supervisor, when his children were young, to Board Chairman, to a Trustee on the Board of the Alberta Bible College in Calgary for several years.
In March of 1995, after 35 years of service, Jerry retired to his farm in Debolt, where he and Sharon planned to invest a few more years of losing money on the farm.
So, saddle up and join us for the adventure of one man's life well lived.