The family of Alvin Coward is saddened to announce his passing on January 27, 2011 after a courageous battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). Alvin was the first child born to Robert and Mary Coward on June 11, 1957. He grew up in Hodgeville and attended school there. Alvin began farming with his Grandpa Coward and brother Dale in 1977. In 1980, Alvin married Denise Michaud of Gravelbourg. In 1984, they started their family, raising four children and living in Hodgeville until moving to the farm in 1995. Alvin worked various jobs in Hodgeville, farmed and ranched. In 2003, he rented out some of the farm land, expanded his cattle herd and began working for the Department of Highways. Always a hard working and compassionate family man, he took pride in everything he did. Nothing gave him more pride than his family. Family was number one to him, something he made very clear to everyone who loved him. Always willing to lend a helping hand or a kind word, he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Alvin is survived by his loving wife Denise of 30 years, son Brennen (Sarah) and their children Andon and Ashlynn; daughter Robyn (Brodie) and their child Bryson; daughters Stephanie and Melanie; brother Dale (Carmelle); sister Daneen (Melvin); sister Laura; brother Perry (Jana); in-laws, Elie and Betty Michaud; Ron (Dianne); (Judy); Alain (Shirlee); Diane (Allen); Roger (Linda); Colette (Glenn); Lorraine (Brad), as well as several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Alvin is predeceased by their infant daughter June Angel, parents Robert and Mary Coward, grandparents John and Vera Coward and Jake and Anne Wall, brother in-law Robert Michaud, as well as several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. A memorial service was held at Hodgeville Community Hall on January 31, 2011 with Reverend Linda Tomlinson officiating. The eulogy was done by Doyle and Jan Duncan. The honorary pallbearers were Dale Coward, Perry Coward, Gordon Coward and Lance Nybo. Son, Brennen Coward was the urn bearer. A pictorial tribute highlighting Alvin’s life was done by his children. In memory of Alvin, donations can be made to the ALS Society or Hodgeville Community Hall. Funeral arrangements were in care of Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels, Gravelbourg Saskatchewan.