It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of half the Thelma and Louise partnership. Deb Symes, who was “Thelma,” passed away suddenly on January 23, 2021.
DEBRA LYNN SYMES
(1969 – 2021)
Debra Lynn Symes (Debs) was born December 12, 1969, in Red Deer and passed away suddenly on Saturday, Jan 23, 2021 in Pincher Creek Alberta with her husband by her side. She is survived by her loving husband Keith Robertson, her best friend Heather Smith (“Louise”), her mother, her brothers, and many other extended family members.
Deb was passionate about horses and was an accomplished rider, trainer and breeder of horses and mules.
She was our leader, generous beyond words, kind and caring to everyone whose life she touched. Always putting others’ needs ahead of her own. She attended school in Red Deer, competed in high school rodeos in the USA and Canada as well as competed on Canada’s Junior Equestrian Team. She also completed a farriers’ course at Olds College and attended Red Deer Community College. She packed and guided horse trips for Brewster’s and Timberline tours in Lake Louise. She worked for Parks Canada at Banff as well as Waterton Lakes National Parks for 15 years. Deb was a heavy equipment operator, a welder, a wood turner, a musician, an IT person and a photographer.
For the past 10 years, she has been employed at Buffalo Head Vet Clinic with her dearest friend & partner Heather Smith in Taber. They were the co-Founders of Thelma and Louise Sport Horses and Mules. Deb was a world traveler, full of life and the driving force behind so many of her friends, goals, and dreams. Deb was a jack-of-all-trades, and there was nothing she couldn’t do.
Donations in her memory could be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation.