Happy Father's Day Dad! Forever loved and always missed.
Dad was born at home on the family ranch near Meyronne, Saskatchewan in August 1910. The second youngest of 6 siblings, his father passed away when he was just 14 years old. He left school after grade 8 to help his brothers with the ranch.
In 1931, his mother, sister, one of his brothers and Dad travelled north in search of land. Dad and his brother travelled with the train to ensure their possessions arrived intact, while Grandma and my aunt travelled by car. They arrived in Nipawin on Dad's 21st birthday.
He was allotted a quarter section of land, and worked hard to break the land. He had no money for equipment so he worked for other farmers during the summer, and in logging camps in the winter. Through hard work and perseverance, he built his little farm up to 3 quarter sections.
The house we grew up in was built in stages, starting with two granaries and then added to as the family grew. That house burned down several years ago.
He married mom in 1954, and immediately became a father to my oldest brother. A few years later, I was born, rapidly followed by my sister and younger brother. Dad always said we kept him young, and when he turned 65 and started receiving the old age pension, he gave the cheques to mom to bank. He was too young, he said!
Dad passed away in September 2008, just a few weeks after his 98th birthday. He had always thought he would make at least 100 but it wasn't to be. The photo above is one of the last I have of him. He always had a smile on his face, no one was a stranger, and he had a heart of gold.
I will remember him, until I can remember no more. Love you Dad!
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