Alta. community wrapping its arms around farm family

Kyle Hoefels died in a farming accident on Dec. 1

An Alberta community is coming together to support a farm family after grieving after loss.

Kyle Hoefels died in a farming accident near Rich Valley, Alta., about an hour away from Edmonton, on Dec 1., at the age of 33.

He is survived by his wife, Kristina, and their three children – Tanner, Harper and Sawyer.

Since his passing, the farming community and people who knew him have been sharing their memories of Kyle.

“There isn’t a story amongst his friends group that doesn’t involve Kyle,” Amanda Obrigewitch said on Facebook. “He was the first person the gang called when they needed a helping hand with anything. This will forever be a void at all the gatherings that will be felt for years to come.”

“He was an amazing fun loving person who will be sorely missed,” Terri Featherstone Potter wrote online.

In addition to the messages, the community has come together to support Kyle’s family as they move forward.

A GoFundMe page is collecting donations, and farmers and local businesses are donating products and services in a silent auction.

Woywitka Farms, for example, is donating one super B load of feed barley.

And Sunnie Valley Farms is donating a full Berkshire hog.

“Pulling together as a community for Kristina and the kids is how everyone can help,” Danielle Primalskull, the auction organizer, wrote on Facebook.

The silent online auction ends Dec. 15.