With sadness in our hearts we announce the peaceful passing of Marion (Hillstead) Windrum following a long battle with cancer on August 18, 2009 in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Marion was predeceased by her parents, Ted and Bessie Hillstead, brothers, Ken, Roy, and sister-in-law, Esther; her brother-in-law, Bernard Polasek; her father and mother-in-law, Bob and Jessie Windrum, and infant son, Robert Dwight.
Marion is survived by her husband of 55 years, George, and their son, Doug (Geri), and their children Sheri (Rob) Stewart (Shay-Lynn and Dougie), Shauna (Brad) Wall (Tony and Lyle), Doug's son, Londell Boucher; their daughter, Cindy (Paul) Dennett and their daughter, Melissa (Stacy); their son, Del (Carol) and their sons, Rory (Pam) and Nathan; her brothers, Harold (Dorothy) Hillestad, and Morris (Fern) Hillstead; sisters, Glenna (Arlo) Johnson, and Eunice Polasek; sisters-in-law, Marlene Hillstead and Juliann Parsons; brothers-in-law, Tom (Edna), Del (Faye), and Wayne (Roberta) Windrum; sisters-in-law, Doreen (Bill) Robertson and Bev (Dick) Clarke; as well as Aunt Mabel Evert and Aunt Jean Rogers; many cousins, nieces, nephews, and dear friends old and new.
Special thanks is extended to the Palliative Care staff (at home and on the ward) who were so compassionate in providing Marion's care.
The Service of Celebration was conducted at the Regina Funeral Home (Highway #1 East) in Regina, Saskatchewan on Saturday, August 22, 2009 at 2 pm. Pastor Mogens Jorgensen officiated at this Celebration of the life of Marion (Hillstead) Windrum. Cari Sauer was the organist, and Eunice Polasek shared the following eulogy:
Marion June entered this world on June 9, 1936, and made a 'very big impression' on arrival --- she weighed over 12 pounds at birth. She was a beautiful baby with a head full of very dark hair and was the fifth of seven children born to Ted and Bessie Hillstead. Waiting to welcome her were siblings, Harold, Roy, Glenna, and Ken, and a loving extended family of grandparents, aunts uncles and cousins.
As a child, Marion was full of mischief and was usually at the centre of whatever was happening. She was adventuresome and loved to have fun, so she approached everything with that in mind. While living on the farm, she had many opportunities to explore nature and challenge her surroundings. One day after we had spent time sliding feet first down a haystack, she decided it would be more fun if she went down head first, and ended up with a broken arm. It was her idea to hypnotize the chickens, to pour water down gopher holes, to play with or torment frogs and salamanders, and engineered all manner of games. She unintentionally started the farmyard on fire one day, and it was nothing short of a miracle that our Mom managed to put it out (with our little bit of help) before it turned into a raging prairie fire.
Marion was also my first teacher. She attended Norge, which was a one-room country school where a lone teacher was responsible for all grades. She took her grade 3 the year before I was to start school. She paid particular attention to what was being taught to the grade ones. Mom always chuckled when remembering how she would arrive home at the end of the school day, and say, "Come on, Eunice." We would then retire to some quiet corner where she would proceed to teach me that day's lessons. It was not surprising then that, since I had already taken Grade 1, I was immediately put into Grade 2 when I started school.
She was always a little mother to Morris and I. Since she was four years older than me, and six years older than Morris, she was "The Boss!" We had very little in the way of toys, but we had great imaginations. We played in the trees, and made mud pies iced with axle grease and decorated with the flowers of sweet clover. Our imaginations took us around the world in a broken old truck where Marion was always the driver, as the next oldest, I got to sit by the other window, and as the youngest, Morris was always stuck in the middle. Our Mom never had to worry about us two little ones, since Marion kept us occupied and entertained.
It was during her formative years that her love of family was nurtured. She, and three girl cousins were born within months of each other, and these girl cousins always had a special bond! There was much visiting back and forth with aunts and uncles and their families where each of us was made to feel special and important.
When she was only 16, having completed her Grade 10, she left home to venture out on her own. She moved to Regina, where she had a couple short-term jobs, and then settled in as an employee of Sask Power.
Marion soon met George, and they were married on June 12, 1954. Marion had just turned 18, and George was almost 20---only a couple of kids---but this union lasted over 55 years!
Their first home was a second floor suite in a private home. It wasn't long before they became home owners: they bought a very small house trailer. This holiday trailer had no water, or bathroom, and it was parked in the backyard at the home of George's parents. This is where they were living when Doug was born. It was cramped and cold, and their finances were stretched to the limit, so they often went a little hungry.
With a second baby on the way, this little trailer was soon sold so that they could finance a small, new two-bedroom house on Forget Street. This was where they were living when Cindy arrived. Doug was only 14 months old, so she had two babies on bottles, and two babies in diapers!
Although, they questioned the sanity of their next decision many times, and even though they knew nothing about carpentry, they decided to build a house in the new bedroom community of White City. So after, only three years of marriage, they packed up their meagre belongings and their two babies, and moved into it on the day the roof was closed in! I don't really think this was the kind of adventure that appealed to Marion---you know, stargazing through cracks in the roof from her bed. And she was already pregnant with Del. She was always a meticulous housekeeper, but keeping house was pretty difficult there: scrubbing wood planks on the floor, no cupboards or sink in the kitchen, etc. She didn't have to worry about washing walls for awhile---there were not any! When Del was born, Doug was just over two, and Cindy was thirteen months, so then she had three on the bottle, and three in diapers, and no conveniences! They eventually did get the house finished, and by then, it was time to move again!
It became financially necessary for Marion to return to work, and commuting with three little ones from a bedroom community was nearly impossible! Their White City home was sold, and they bought a small, older house on Arthur Street, and moved back into Regina.
Adventure beckoned again in 1964, and George decided to go into the funeral business in Innisfail, Alberta with his cousin, Stewart, and off they went to Alberta! In addition to their business, Marion worked in an Insurance office, and George drove taxi and school bus to make ends meet. It was a difficult life and after a few short years, the business was sold, and Marion and George moved their family back to Regina in January 1967. This is where they lived ever since.
Marion loved squirrels and made pets of them the last few years that they lived in their house on Grant Road. She had names for them, and even invited one or two into the house on occasion!
She particulary loved Christmas, and spent many hours preparing cards and letters, shopping and wrapping specially chosen gifts, trimming the tree and decorating the house, baking up a storm. Just in case she'd forget something, she'd keep track of it all with her many lists. On Christmas morning she would be up early to get the turkey, usually weighing at least 25 pounds, in the oven. Many dishes she served were traditions from year to year. The only reward she ever wanted was to see the pleasure her family derived from all her planning and hard work.
We're all here today because we've had some connection to Marion, as a member of her immediate or extended family, as a friend, as a colleague, as a neighbor, or you may be a friend or co-worker of one of her children or grandchildren.
She was a caring and supportive wife to George, a wonderful mother to Doug, Cindy and Del, a welcoming mother-in-law to Geri, Paul, and Carol, a loving and devoted Grandmother and Great-grandmother, a great homemake, a diligent employee, and a faithful friend.
My relationship with her was unique: she was not only my sister, but just about the best friend I ever had. We were always close, but for many years, life's responsibilities didn't leave a lot of time for us just to hang out together. Our retirements changed all that! We regularly enjoyed our shopping trips, and going out for lunch. We played Bunco and went for coffee with our girlfriends. Together, we were able to provide much support for our Mom in her final years of ill health. We shared so many good times, and encouraged each other through the sad and difficult ones. We also had more time to spend with our brothers and sister, and their families. These relationships have been very special to both of us.
Marion, George and I took many trips together, and always shared accomodations! George was usually the first one asleep at night, and the last to wake up in the morning. He could never get over the fact that we'd be talking when he went to sleep, and 'still talking' when he woke up. We'd also talk most of the time we were in the car about anything and everything! I never got tired of Marion's company---we had similar interests, and a common history which gave us many topics to discuss.
Anyone who has spent time around Marion will be familiar with her work ethic. When she was diagnosed with lung cancer, she approached it like she would any job she had to do: she made plans, and gathered her resources. After sharing this news, first of all with her own family, she called each of her brothers and sisters, and George's brothers and sisters. We were told that she couldn't handle this fight on her own, and that she would require everyone's love and support. She also made it clear to everyone with whom she spoke, that she wanted them to talk openly about the diagnosis and treatment, and to feel free to ask any questions that they may have.
She then proceeded to educate herself about lung cancer, and insisted on having copies of all her test results and scan reports. She needed to know what was happening in her body and wanted accurate information relayed to others. I never heard her question, "Why me?" As much as she accepted the diagnosis and probable outcome, she was prepared to fight it with all available treatments and hoped there would be some success as result of them.
Many of us here today have walked beside Marion and George and their family during this time. She was a real people person, and appreciated every visit, phone call, e-mail, prayer offered, or gesture of encouragement she received. Although she was ill herself, she never stopped being concerned about others and the struggles they may be having, be it a neighbor, friend or one of her many relatives. She has been an inspiration to many of us with her faith, her optimism, her sense of humor, and general good nature, and especially, the grace and peace with which she accepted her final struggle on this earth.
Marion didn't leave any particular message for us, but I think the following poem, which was penned anonymously, really expresses what she would want conveyed:
"LET ME GO"
We've known lots of pleasure, At times endured pain.
We've lived in the sunshine And walked in the rain.
But now we're separated And for a time apart,
But I am not alone- You're forever in my heart.
Death always seems so sudden, And it is always sure,
But what is oft' forgotten- It is not without a cure.
I'm walking now with Someone, And I know He'll always stay,
I know He's walking with you too, Giving comfort everyday.
There may be times you miss me, I sort of hope you do,
But smile when you think of me, For I'll be waiting for you.
Now, there's many things for you to do, And lots of ways to grow,
So get busy, be happy and live your life, Miss me, but let me go.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Two Trips of Twenty-Six Days in Summer of 2009
Arlo: From the beginning of March, 2009 and continuing through to the early days of June, I spent 57 of the 97 days away from Prince George! During that time, Glenna and I received an invitation to participate in a Family Reunion on her side of the family in Monticello, Minnesota on June 20-21. So we began to formulate our plans to attend that Christianson Family Reunion.
Even though there had been other such events in the Christianson family, we had never attended. However, this segment of Glenna's family connection did have particular significance to both Glenna and myself. It was in the early summer of 1958 that, while living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Glenna and I took a camping trip into Minnesota in our 1955 Plymouth car. During that short trip we stopped at the Karl Christianson farm in Big Lake, Minnesota to see Glenna's Great Grandma Christianson who had just turned 100 years of age earlier in 1958. Interestingly enough, 1958 was also the 100th anniversary of the State of Minnesota. So Glenna's Great Grandma Christianson was chosen to be the Cenntenial Queen of Minnesota. Several months later she passed from this life, however on the day of our visit, Grandma Christianson sat at the family table and had lunch with us along with her son, Karl and his wife, Olga Christianson. What a memory this has been for Glenna and I over these many years!
OUR FIRST TRIP of 26 days in 2009, began with our departure from Prince George on June 17th and concluded on July 12 with our arrival back home in Prince George.
We began our travel that would take us for starters to this very significant Family Reunion. As we planned this period of time, we committed the details of the trip into the hands of our Lord based on Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Glenna and I discussed many things that we would like to do on this trip, but as usual, I always think of too many things to fit into our time and money alotment. So finally, we had to cut out a lot of things that just could not be included in this trip! Among those things were two very high priority matters, one was a visit in Winnipeg at the Weston Gospel Church, and the second was a visit to Knob Creek, Kentucky to participate in the 200th Anniversary Celebrations of the Birth of Abraham Lincoln! You might remember that Abraham Lincoln is my third cousin, four times removed!
Finally, at 6 am on June 17th Glenna and I are on the first day of this very special 26 day trip! Seventeen hours, and 1020 miles later we arrive in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, after cancelling a pre-booked motel in Saskatoon because we are running ahead of schedule! And after discovering that there was absolutely no motel vacancies to be located at 11 pm in Regina because of an International Farm event in the city! And after a failure to gain contact with my sister Reatha on her farm just twenty minutes south of Regina, we traveled on to Weyburn. After passing "no vacancy" signs on several motels in Weyburn, we chose, or should I say, we were forced to stay at Weyburn's 385 Motel. Now I assure you that we knew that the 385 Motel was no Royal Alexander Hotel, but it was late and we needed a room in which to sleep! Upon getting into the room, we became aware of the room's desparate need for updating, but according to my "Clean Queen Inspector," the bed was alright, it was clean! So after putting down some of the towels on the floor to make a clean pathway from our bed to the bathroom, we climbed into bed about mid-night!
Several years earlier, Glenna's brother Roy had sold this motel to an African lady. The next morning, Glenna introduced herself to the lady, who was not only the owner, and the receptionist, but was probably one of its' primary cleaning women! When the lady discovered that Glenna was Roy's sister, she said, "Oh, as Mr. Roy's sister, you should have stayed here free last night!" But incidentally, she didn't offer us a refund! Quite frankly, I am sure that she needed the money that we, and other patron's had paid for the previous night of lodging! The compliments that she spoke concerning the kindnesses that Roy had shown to her as she assumed ownership and management of the 385 Motel, were more significant to us than any refund that she might have given to us! You see, it was in July, 2007 that Roy passed from this life, and to be reminded again of his kind and fun loving personality was a very special memory. After a quick breakfast at the local Tim Horton's, we were on our way to Fargo, North Dakota for our next motel booking, and to be sure, we would not be cancelling that pre-booked motel!
We arrived at our motel in Fargo in time for our evening meal at a nearby Italian Restaurant. After walking through a conglomerate of motels and shopping stores, we ended up at the Red Target, or was it just the Target? Well, which ever it was, it was there to put someone in the "red!" After a good sleep, and a nice, in-the-motel-breakfast the next morning, we were on our way to Monticello.
After getting settled in Monticello's Days Inn, guest what? We were on our way to Albertsville, Minnesota! Do you know what is there? You guessed it right! It has an unbelieveable number of Outlet Stores! To be truthful, while it is not America's Largest Shopping Mall, it certainly has the largest number of Outlet Stores that I have ever seen in one location! And we were supposed to find Marlo and Tricia among this massive number of stores? Marlo had told me where they usually park, but being overwhelmed with this massive number of stores, do you think I am going to search out where they may have parked! Why, I didn't even remember his description of Grant Neimi's car!?
So we parked our car! Just anywhere would do! And following Glenna's rapid pace, I headed, with her for the nearest dress shop! Now, the first thing that I generally look for in a dress shop is a chair! But my quick search didn't turn up one single chair! So I headed back toward the rack of dresses where Glenna was concentrating her search! And you will never guess what came into focus as I approached that rack? There in clear view of my spinning head is Glenna on one side of the rack, and, yes you guessed right, Tricia is on the other side of the rack! And what was still more amazing was the fact that neither of them had yet encountered the other! I just had to take a picture of these two at this clothing rack, since this happening probably ranks high among my "believe it or not" stories!
At 12 noon on Saturday, June 20 we made our way to Bud and Nola Mitchell's rural farm home. About 100 people gathered on this location for a noon dinner. The original farm had been sub-divided into residencial lots, and Bud and Nola retained 20 acres of a well cared for property. A very large room, that easily housed the group meeting was a part of a still larger shop-type building that also housed many Bud's restored tractors. About one hundred yards away was their residence. At the side of the residence, there was a rock pond and waterfalls. At the back of the house there was a sizeable man made pond, over which a bridge of considerable length had been built. The bridge led to a miniture Chapel that would seat 10-15 people. Surrounding all that I have described above, was a beautiful yard well groomed greenery! What a peaceful place to relax and fellowship with family and friends!
On Sunday, June 21 many of us who were present at the Family Reunion, participated in the service of the Orrock Lutheran Church. Following the service we walked across the road and viewed particular graves of the departed members of the Christianson family. After doing so, we returned to Bud and Nola's place for a light lunch, and shortly thereafter, Glenna and I began our journey to Omaha, Nebraska, by way of Des Moines, Iowa. After lodging overnight in Des Moines, en route to Omaha, we stopped at Elk Horn, Iowa, and viewed a Danish Mill and Museum. This museum contained the story, and piano of Victor Borge (Rosenbaum), the famous musician, while the Wind Mill stood as a tribute to the perseverence of a man by the name of Harvey Sornson. He located this 1848 Wind Mill in Norre Snede, Jutland in Denmark. By the late 1970's he had re-located this Wind Mill to Elk Horn, Iowa. Glenna and I spent an interesting visit in Elk Horn, Iowa.
On Monday, June 22 we arrived at our Travelodge in Omaha. We went to John and Virginia Tynan's for lunch, and shortly thereafter their youngest, and only daughter, Annie (Davis) came to visit with us. What a wonderful time of reminiscing was shared. It was hard to realize that when we moved to Omaha in 1965, Annie was only three years old. Now her and her husband, Scott have two grown sons, Levi and Noah, as well as Scott's son, Eric from a previous marriage. Since we were only in Omaha a little over 30 hours, we didn't have an opportunity to meet Annie's family. But I am sure that time will come! We had only returned to Omaha on two other occasions, once when we took our son, Randy to Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, and the other time was in 1982 when Glenna and I, along with Dale and Alberta Cummins were returning from Texas where we received our Accelorated Christian Educational leadership training. Hopefully, we will connect again in the near future!
On Tuesday morning we spent an hour with Doris Allendorfer at her home on Jones Street, near 114th and Pacific. Bob Allendorfer had just recently passed into the eternal presence of our Lord Jesus, and this time with Doris was mutually beneficial to Doris, as well as to Glenna and I. We do remember many fun times at the Allendorfer home with their children Mike, Karen and Philip.
Now let me share some of my thoughts about Annie! I must say that she is not related to her mother for nothing! Glenna and I have both a lot of respect for her mother, and our friend, Virginia! There is a large deposit of God's wisdom in Virginia. In addition to that, she is a woman of considerable determination! Had that not been so, her marriage to John would not have survived as she waited for his conversion to Christ. He was a Navy man, and I would suppose that music had always been a large part of his life. This being so, John played music in bars and honky-tonks! Though John lived a very worldly life, he really did have a good heart and a very pleasing personality.
In July, 1965 I became a pastor in Bethel Assembly of God, where Virginia and her children, Tom, Bernie and Annie attended. One day Virginia, speaking of her husband said this to me: "John will sweat you!" I knew the word, "sweat," but I had never heard it used in that way. From those very early days in Omaha, I developed a good relationship with John even though he certainly didn't attend church very often. At some point in those early days, John opened a music store on Maple Street in the Benson area. It was not uncommon for me to drop into his music store. It was a warm social gathering place for many, as I recall that period of time so many years ago. It was later in our time in Omaha that John faced some physical challenges. I received a phone call one day from Virginia about that matter. As a result of that call, I went to see John at his store. It was as if God had arranged the store to be without customers at that particular time. I entered into conversation with John about the physical needs that he was facing. While I do not remember the details of the conversation, I do remember asking John if he would close the store, and then we could slip into one of the music cubicals and pray together. That late afternoon, John prayed to invite Christ into his life, and I prayed that John might experience God's help as he began a new life in Christ. Well, the rest of the story is about forty years long! In fact, as I see it, John has been in love with Christ and His Word ever since that encounter that day in that teaching cubical! For that, we give thanks to our Lord Jesus!
Oh yes, I was going to tell you about Annie! Annie, like so many children, is a combination of her mother and father. That should be no surprise to any of us. Annie, like her father, is a naturally gifted lady! And like her mother, she is a very determined individual! I would suppose that the combination of these contributions received from her parents has equipped her to become a Proverbs 31 lady! Presently, Annie, assisted by her husband Scott, operates a home based business in the tayloring of draperies, and not just for little people, but for major companies! Here are some details from Annie about her God connection with Scott: "Before we met Scott was a painting contractor. After we got married he got back into the painting business, and I painted with him until I was about 7 months pregnant with our first child, Levi. In 1993 we quit the painting business and Scott went back to school in pursuit of a degree in Architecture. He did not obtain a degree in architecture, but while in school, he was recommended to a couple that were interior designers in need of a draftsman. So, Scott went to work for them designing built-ins to go in model homes. This firm's clientele were all in the Chicago area. One time while on an installation in Chicago, they asked about my hobbies and when they found out that I liked to quilt, they were stunned. The lady who made their window treatments was preparing to retire and move to Alaska. In view of that they were looking for someone to fill that position. They worked exclusively with model homes, so I was able to learn the business at my own pace while the other lady was preparing to retire. Several years later, the company wanted Scott to move into areas that didn't fit into our plans. So Scott started working with me, so here we are as we operate our own HOME BUSINESS!"
But Annie has some older sibblings, and you need to meet them~first there is Tom, and his wife Mary Jane. Tommy operates, what I would call a "high-end mechanics shop" in the garage at the back of his parents home! It is not a large shop, but as Virginia showed us through the shop, and the high-tech equipment it contains, one just has to be impressed that this "young man" knows what he is doing! And most certainly, this proud mom leaves you with the same impression! Then the second oldest of Annie's sibblings is Bernie. He spent many years as an Army Career Man! Bernie lives in Appleton, Wisconsin. After retiring from the Army, he went to work for a "Half-way House, "funded by United Way. He was "jack-of-all-trades" for them! The men that lived there "half-way" between the hospital, or jail, and regular life. Most of them had medical issues. Bernie occuppied himself with administrating medications to scooping the snow off the walk-ways in the winter. But when there was need to down size in the half-way house, Bernie took retirement. He spends time running, playing the guitar, as well as doing a major remodeling job on his home.
So that's my information from my sources in Omaha, about some of our former connections in that very beautiful city in the heart of America!
Tuesday afternoon, after another short visit at the Tynan's, Glenna and I began our return journey northward. Early that evening we arrived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and located suitable overnight lodging. On Wednesday morning of June 24 we continued north through South Dakota. Glenna's father, Theodore Hillstead was born in South Dakota. He was the second of eight children born to Kristen and Sina Hillestad. When Glenna's father was only 18 years of age, his mother Sina died. We knew that she was buried somewhere in the Sisseton area of South Dakota. It was our intention, on this particular day to locate her grave. So early that afternoon we drove on to a Grocery Store parking lot anticipating our next move in locating Grandma Hillestad's grave. As we sat in our vehicle, an elderly lady walking from the store to her vehicle came into our view. As she approached her vehicle, I noted that an elderly gentleman was sitting at the wheel of their vehicle. So I went over to inquire of him, the directions to the local cemetery. After some extended conversation with him, and additional printed information that we had, he directed us to the villages of Veblen and Clare City about twenty miles in a northerly direction from Sisseton. So we continued on to Veblen, where we were given further directions to a rural cemetery called Bethel. Obviously, at some point in the past there had been a Bethel Lutheran Church located there with an accompanying cemetery, but now it was just a cemetery.
We endeavoured to follow the directions given to us, but all to no avail. The people at the store in Veblen told me that there were trees around the cemetery, so I looked for the biggest clump of trees, and started to drive toward them, in hope of locating the cemetery. When we arrived at the location of the trees, we discovered that it was a farm residence. As I knocked on the door of this residence, I introduced myself to the gentleman that answered my knock. I told him that I was looking for the Bethel Cemetery. With a look of shock on his face, he asked, "Who sent you here?" His response was something of a surprise to me. As I enter the residence, he informed me that he was the caretaker of that cemetery. I stepped momentarily out of the door, and motioned for Glenna to come into the house. Together, we met Sanford and Darlene Vig. They were certainly seniors, and evidently, they had at some point in the distant past, immigrated from Norway. Sanford showed us the map of the Bethel Cemetery, and there was Sina Hillestad's grave location. In the process of our conversation, I said to Sanford, "Concerning your question, 'as to who sent me here?' "This morning we prayed that the Lord would help us find Grandma Hillestad's grave today." Sanford immediately responded that we had come to the right place because they needed help for an extended family member who was ill. We stopped at that moment and prayed for that person, and for our new friends, Sanford and Darlene Vig. After exchanging e-mail addresses, we were on our way to the Bethel Cemetery.
In complete harmony with the map of the Bethel Cemetery shown to us by Sanford, we were able to walk right to the grave marker for Grandma Sina Hillestad. We took some pictures of the sizeable marker, and then we paused for a few moments of prayer. We thanked God for her life, both natural and spiritual. Without her natural life, Theodore Hillstead, and his daughter, and my wife Glenna Hillstead would never have been born. Without her spiritual life, (which incidentally is reported to have been communicated to her from her mother Mrs. Aadland) the seed of the Word of God may not have been deposited in the life of her second born son, Theodore. And had the miracle of the new birth not occurred in Glenna's father's life, it may not have occurred in her life either! So it was with very grateful hearts that we prayed that evening in Bethel Cemetery between the villages of Veblen and Clare City.
Mr. Hansen, the gentleman who gave me the initial directions that ultimately led us to locate Grandma Sina Hillestad's grave, told me that there were Hillestad's living the area of Clare City. So there was one final thing that we wanted to do before leaving the area, so we drove on to Clare City. A lady in the grocery store in Clare City directed us to the farm of Curtis Hillestad. His farm was located under a mile north of Clare City, and his father, Hardy Hillestad lived a little farther north on that same road. We exchanged e-mail addresses with Curtis, and in that his father, Hardy was not home, we continued on to Fargo, ND. At this point in time, there is no clear evidence that these Hillestad's are related to Glenna's family of Hillsteads.
After a second night in the same motel that we stayed in when we were en route to the Christianson Family Reunion, we traveled back to Canada. As we passed through Weyburn, we stopped to visit with Glenna's Aunt Mabel. Then we traveled on to arrive at Reatha's farm in the early evening of June 25, 2009. Jair and Andre Poppelwell and their three children were visiting at Reatha's. On Friday, June 26 Jair and I worked together preparing Reatha's house for a paint job. Sheldon arrived just after 8 am on Saturday, and we were joined by Jason, and his friend, Luke, as well as by Taylor and Donavon, and the painting project was well underway! At just before 8 pm the entire exterior of Reatha's farm home was fully painted. During the early part of the next week, Glenna and I were involved in cleaning of all of the house windows and eaves troughs, as well as spray painting the eaves trough down spouts, and re-installing them on the house. We also ordered new exterior doors for the front and side house entries, as well as new vinyl window shutters, all to be installed at a later time by Jason.
Our son, Grady and his friend Bob arrived Thursday morning, July 2nd, from Mount Pleasant, Ontario. On Sunday, July 5 at 11 am they began their return journey to Ontario. During the days of Thursday-Saturday, together we removed two trucks, and a water windmill tour from the property of my Uncle Arnold Johnson. All of this took place with the assistance of Eric Pritchard and his farm equipment. We hauled Uncle Arnold's 1953 one ton truck to be stored on Reatha's farm. We loaded my Grandpa (Chris) Johnson's 1942 Chevrolet half ton truck on to a trailer in preparation for its' transporation to Mount Pleasant, Ontario. We did take down the water wind mill tower, but we left it on location to be removed at a later time. It was a fun/productive time with Grady and Bob! Finally, they arrived home, still in one piece, even though, en route they disposed of the life of one black bear! No, they didn't hit the bear, the bear walked into the lights of their truck, and the front and back wheels on the drivers side did that poor bear in, but good! I am sure that Bob will never be the same after his encounter with further members of Grady's clan!
Intermingled with all of the above activity, we did some visiting with Glenna's clan, especially with Marion and George Windrum in the light of Marion's physical condition. After a nice spiritual time with Marion and George on Monday evening of July 6th, we prepared to leave for further ventures north. So on Tuesday we drove on to Sheldon and Shawn Johnson in Pierceland, Saskatchewan. We arrived in the early evening, and after a family time including Rob, Kinsley and Joel, we made our way off to bed. Since Rob and Kinsley were going to the Calgary Stampeede, we re-located to sleeping at their house for the rest of our time in Pierceland. We spent most of Wednesday-Saturday, putting two coats of paint on all the trim on most of the second level of the house. We also cleaned all of the windows of this newly constructed house! On Sunday, July 12th at 7:30 am we began our journey back to Prince George, and arrived home about 9 pm that evening! It was good to be home, however, we did enjoy the events and the connections of our multiple-purpose journey of the past 26 days!
OUR SECOND TRIP of 26 DAYS during the summer of 2009, began with our second departure from Prince George en route to Regina on August 20, and concluded with our return to Prince George on September 14. We began our trip to Regina because Glenna's sister, Marion Windrum had passed into the eternal presence of her Savior two days previous on August 18, and the Service of Celebration would be held on Saturday, August 22. So upon our arrival in Regina, we went to stay at Glenna's sister's (Eunice) home from August 21-23. Then on Sunday evening, August 23 we went to stay at my sister's (Reatha) home twenty miles south of Regina. We were scheduled to begin some renovation work on a second house located on her farm. We estimated that the scheduled work would take about three days, and then we would begin our return to Prince George. However, the amount of work that we would eventually do was greatly increased to include major renovations to the interior of Reatha's primary residence. This would include the removal of the carpet in the livingroom and diningroom, the painting of those rooms, and the laying of laminate flooring. New doors were installed in the front and back doors of this primary residence. It was also during this time that our son, Sheldon and his sons, Kyle, Kendal and Kelby all became involved in the major renovations that were made to the second house and the garage located on Reatha's farm. Our time eventually came to a conclusion, and on Thursday, September 10, we left Reatha's place to begin our trip to Deer Lodge, Montana where we would attend a funeral service for Glenna's cousin, Vermae.
We stayed in Great Falls, Montana, then travelled on through Helena, Montana, arriving in Deer Lodge, late on Friday afternoon. Glenna's cousins from Canada (Ed & Gail Jorde, Doreen Sheppard, and Jeanette Jacobson) arrived about the same time. All of us went to their cousin, June's (Donnie) home for a wonderful evening of friendship. As the evening concluded we shared a brief time of prayer for the events of the following day. After checking out of our motel, we gathered again at June's home, and together we went to the Baptist Church for the funeral. Following the burial, we went out to a country residence owned by friends of Vermae's and a lovely meal was served. Lots of time was spent in meeting, and getting acquainted with various family members.
Early that evening, Glenna and I began our trip homeward by traveling as far as Great Falls. We stayed in the same motel, and early the next morning we left for Calgary for an overnight stay with Randy and Cheryl. Early Monday (September 14) morning we began our return to Prince George.
Our Three Trips to Pierceland, Saskatchewan during 2009: Glenna and I left Prince George on Sunday afternoon (May 24, 2009), and travelled to Hinton, Alberta, and parked on the WalMart parking lot overnight. We travelled on to Pierceland, and stayed there from the evening of May 25 to the morning of May 28. We were only out of Pierceland about five miles, and a tire on our Motor Home suffered a blow-out. Fortunately, Kyle was working on the construction of a house in Pierceland, and he was able to assist us in getting to a Tire Shop in Cold Lake where we had two new tires installed on the vehicle. We travelled on to Kincella, Alberta where we were scheduled to be the Thursday evening speaker at a Regional IAOG Pastor's Conference. Though our trip was not very pleasant following our late start, in spite of a strong prairie wind, we did finally arrive in Kincella just in time for the service. Then on Friday, I shared four day time sessions on the War between fear and faith. Now concerning the Motor Home problems, for one, there was a partially plugged fuel filter, and secondly, the awning was loosened by the severe prairie wind that we encountered en route to Kincella. But God knew all of those problems would occur, so our grandson Kyle was available to assist with the tire change. Then, God had Dick Edelman attend that conference, and he was such a blessing to us in the repair of the vehicle. You see, we were scheduled to start a Marriage Seminar in Dawson Creek, BC at 9 am on Saturday. Well, after a grueling night of travel, we arrived in Dawson Creek at 3 am. Well it was a short, or long night, depending on how one looks at it! It was a long night of travel, and a short night of sleep!
Nevertheless, we had a very powerful time of ministry as we presented the Sacred Marriage video series! Following the Sunday morning service at Grandview Chapel, we travelled home to Prince George.
On Tuesday, July 7, we made our second trip to Pierceland, after our trip to Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota (June 17-24), after our first stay at Reatha's to do her house painting project, and after assisting Grady in the preparation and loading of Grandpa Chris Johnson's 1942 truck (June 25-July 6). We went to Pierceland to assist with some painting on the interior of Sheldon and Shawn's new house. After completing our interior painting project, we left Pierceland for Prince George on Sunday, July 12.
On Wednesday, October 6 Glenna and I left at 6:15 am to travel to Pierceland, Saskatchewan to participate in the celebration of Sheldon's 50th birthday! On Thursday, October 8th (the actual date of his birth) Shawn prepared a wonderful birthday meal. At the end of the meal gifts were presented to Sheldon. On Saturday, Glenna and I went to Cold Lake, Alberta to visit with Nish and Kristin, as well as visiting with Amy, and three of her children, Ansel, Novalee, and Zoe. Amy and Dustin have recently been transferred to Cold Lake in conjunction with Dustin's work in the Oil Patch. We had a nice time at both of these times of visitation. On Sunday, we attended the Cold Lake Community Church, where Kristin is the Church Secretary. Everyone was together for a Sunday Thanksgiving Meal, following which I shared stories about the Lincoln Connection with all who were present. It was a very special time. Then at 5:20 am (PG time), Glenna and I began our journey home to Prince George. We arrived home at 7:20 pm. We were at Sheldon and Shawn's for a total of 14 days in 2009.
Our Trip to Grady and Joann's in 2009: We arrived in London, Ontario by West Jet on Monday, May 4th. In view of the fact that our flight arrived mid-evening, we did not attend the first service of the IAOG-Canada Convention. However, we were present for the sessions that were held Tuesday through Thursday evening. On Friday after coming from work, Grady and Joann came to pick us up in London to go to their home in Mount Pleasant. We were with them for the next eleven days. We took our West Jet flight out of Toronto on Tuesday, May 19th.
Our Trips to Randy and Cheryl's in 2009: On Thursday, June 4th we drove to Calgary, and were present for Tanner's Graduation Exercises on Friday morning, in which he was one of the two Valedictorian Speakers. The Graduation Banquet was held on Friday evening, and then Randy and Cheryl held an Honor Tanner gathering on Saturday. We attended church with them on Sunday morning, and left following the service to return home to Prince George.
After attending a Memorial Service in Deer Lodge for Glenna's cousin Vermae, we travelled to Great Falls, Montana to overnight. On Sunday, September 13 we began our journey to Calgary, Alberta to be with Randy and Cheryl overnight. Arrived there Sunday noon, and early Monday morning we left for Prince George on Monday, September 14, 2009.
In all, it has been a wonderful summer that we have spent with many different family members during the spring and summer of 2009!
OUR TWO MONTHS BACK IN PRINCE GEORGE began with Tuesday, September 15, 2009. On Wednesday, September 16 there was an all-day prayer and consultation meeting at Camp Living Water for First Nations Ministry in the northwest of British Columbia. Gerrit Apperloo led the meeting, attended by Elizabeth Apperloo, and Larry Keestra.
While Marlo and Trisha were in Thunder Bay, I was involved in ministry at Westside Family Fellowship, preaching on Sundays, September 20, 27, and October 4. From October 6-12 we were at Sheldon and Shawn's for the celebration of Sheldon's 50th birthday.
On each Tuesday, from October 13 to November 17, I shared six teaching sessions at Camp Living Water Bible School. In the two hours of teaching in the afternoon, I taught on "Discover Your Gift and Develop Your Ministry." In the evening session, I taught on "Fear and Faith." This session was opened up to individuals from their church as well. In that I am close to Vanderhoof at these times, I have gone weekly to visit Pat B., a lady that used to be in residence at Parkside Nursing Home, but now resides in a similar residence in Vanderhoof to be closer to family. The following students participated: David, Barry, Faith, Merilis, Rob, Stan and Pastor Larry.
John and Elsie Giesbrecht from Abbotsford visited in Prince George, October 20-23. Glenna and I had breakfast with them on Wednesday, and after Elsie and John were at Emmaus House sharing with the clients there. The Emmaus House residents did so enjoy Elsie's musical presentation. It was very excellent! On the average I spend between three and four sharing times with the residents there. It is an excellent time of relationship building! On Thursdays from 9-10 am, I walk with Clif Raphael, a professor at College of New Caledonia. It is such a special time. Clif and I have walked together for certain periods of time during the past several years.
Paulita Cannelle became a believer in Christ many years ago through the Home Group that Glenna and I conducted in our home, first at 4288 Punshaw Crescent, and later at 238 Corless Crescent. Paulita has struggled with poor health for some time. Upon returning from our summer travels, I started visiting Paulita regularly while she was hospitalized. Then in mid-October, 2009 she moved to Parkside Nursing Home, and I continued to visit her there. Her daughter, Delia came to visit her in late October. Delia removed the furnishings from Paulita's condominium in preparation for the sale of it.
Our fall and winter activities continue December 4-7, and 12-13, 2009. On Friday, December 4th, I traveled to Vavenby, BC where I will minister to the Church and Church Leaders there. I returned home on December 7th. On Saturday, December 12th I traveled to Likely, BC where I participated in the Induction Service for Gerrit and Elizabeth Apperloo as the new pastors of Likely Chapel. I stayed at Ed and Lynn's home in Likely. On Sunday afternoon, December 13th I drove home to Prince George.
During the last two weeks of 2009, we remained home in Prince George. About eighteen were at our home for the 4 pm Christmas Dinner. It was a nice family time, and by 8 pm that evening everyone had gone home.
On Sundays, January 3, 10, 2010 I taught on the subject of hope.
Glenna and I left for Dawson Creek on Saturday, January 30 and returned home on Monday, February 1. It was a good time with Rob and Liz Nock at Grandview Chapel in Dawson Creek. On Saturday, February 20, I spoke at the Men's Retreat at Gavin Lake. Then on Sunday, February 21, I spoke at Westside Family Fellowship in Prince George.
I am leaving Sunday afternoon (March 7) for Terrace, BC to participate in a First Nations Seminar (March 8-12). Then I will be at Port Simpson, Sunday through Tuesday at the First Nations Church there.
Even though there had been other such events in the Christianson family, we had never attended. However, this segment of Glenna's family connection did have particular significance to both Glenna and myself. It was in the early summer of 1958 that, while living in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Glenna and I took a camping trip into Minnesota in our 1955 Plymouth car. During that short trip we stopped at the Karl Christianson farm in Big Lake, Minnesota to see Glenna's Great Grandma Christianson who had just turned 100 years of age earlier in 1958. Interestingly enough, 1958 was also the 100th anniversary of the State of Minnesota. So Glenna's Great Grandma Christianson was chosen to be the Cenntenial Queen of Minnesota. Several months later she passed from this life, however on the day of our visit, Grandma Christianson sat at the family table and had lunch with us along with her son, Karl and his wife, Olga Christianson. What a memory this has been for Glenna and I over these many years!
OUR FIRST TRIP of 26 days in 2009, began with our departure from Prince George on June 17th and concluded on July 12 with our arrival back home in Prince George.
We began our travel that would take us for starters to this very significant Family Reunion. As we planned this period of time, we committed the details of the trip into the hands of our Lord based on Psalm 37:4 "Delight yourself in the Lord, and He will give you the desires of your heart." Glenna and I discussed many things that we would like to do on this trip, but as usual, I always think of too many things to fit into our time and money alotment. So finally, we had to cut out a lot of things that just could not be included in this trip! Among those things were two very high priority matters, one was a visit in Winnipeg at the Weston Gospel Church, and the second was a visit to Knob Creek, Kentucky to participate in the 200th Anniversary Celebrations of the Birth of Abraham Lincoln! You might remember that Abraham Lincoln is my third cousin, four times removed!
Finally, at 6 am on June 17th Glenna and I are on the first day of this very special 26 day trip! Seventeen hours, and 1020 miles later we arrive in Weyburn, Saskatchewan, after cancelling a pre-booked motel in Saskatoon because we are running ahead of schedule! And after discovering that there was absolutely no motel vacancies to be located at 11 pm in Regina because of an International Farm event in the city! And after a failure to gain contact with my sister Reatha on her farm just twenty minutes south of Regina, we traveled on to Weyburn. After passing "no vacancy" signs on several motels in Weyburn, we chose, or should I say, we were forced to stay at Weyburn's 385 Motel. Now I assure you that we knew that the 385 Motel was no Royal Alexander Hotel, but it was late and we needed a room in which to sleep! Upon getting into the room, we became aware of the room's desparate need for updating, but according to my "Clean Queen Inspector," the bed was alright, it was clean! So after putting down some of the towels on the floor to make a clean pathway from our bed to the bathroom, we climbed into bed about mid-night!
Several years earlier, Glenna's brother Roy had sold this motel to an African lady. The next morning, Glenna introduced herself to the lady, who was not only the owner, and the receptionist, but was probably one of its' primary cleaning women! When the lady discovered that Glenna was Roy's sister, she said, "Oh, as Mr. Roy's sister, you should have stayed here free last night!" But incidentally, she didn't offer us a refund! Quite frankly, I am sure that she needed the money that we, and other patron's had paid for the previous night of lodging! The compliments that she spoke concerning the kindnesses that Roy had shown to her as she assumed ownership and management of the 385 Motel, were more significant to us than any refund that she might have given to us! You see, it was in July, 2007 that Roy passed from this life, and to be reminded again of his kind and fun loving personality was a very special memory. After a quick breakfast at the local Tim Horton's, we were on our way to Fargo, North Dakota for our next motel booking, and to be sure, we would not be cancelling that pre-booked motel!
We arrived at our motel in Fargo in time for our evening meal at a nearby Italian Restaurant. After walking through a conglomerate of motels and shopping stores, we ended up at the Red Target, or was it just the Target? Well, which ever it was, it was there to put someone in the "red!" After a good sleep, and a nice, in-the-motel-breakfast the next morning, we were on our way to Monticello.
After getting settled in Monticello's Days Inn, guest what? We were on our way to Albertsville, Minnesota! Do you know what is there? You guessed it right! It has an unbelieveable number of Outlet Stores! To be truthful, while it is not America's Largest Shopping Mall, it certainly has the largest number of Outlet Stores that I have ever seen in one location! And we were supposed to find Marlo and Tricia among this massive number of stores? Marlo had told me where they usually park, but being overwhelmed with this massive number of stores, do you think I am going to search out where they may have parked! Why, I didn't even remember his description of Grant Neimi's car!?
So we parked our car! Just anywhere would do! And following Glenna's rapid pace, I headed, with her for the nearest dress shop! Now, the first thing that I generally look for in a dress shop is a chair! But my quick search didn't turn up one single chair! So I headed back toward the rack of dresses where Glenna was concentrating her search! And you will never guess what came into focus as I approached that rack? There in clear view of my spinning head is Glenna on one side of the rack, and, yes you guessed right, Tricia is on the other side of the rack! And what was still more amazing was the fact that neither of them had yet encountered the other! I just had to take a picture of these two at this clothing rack, since this happening probably ranks high among my "believe it or not" stories!
At 12 noon on Saturday, June 20 we made our way to Bud and Nola Mitchell's rural farm home. About 100 people gathered on this location for a noon dinner. The original farm had been sub-divided into residencial lots, and Bud and Nola retained 20 acres of a well cared for property. A very large room, that easily housed the group meeting was a part of a still larger shop-type building that also housed many Bud's restored tractors. About one hundred yards away was their residence. At the side of the residence, there was a rock pond and waterfalls. At the back of the house there was a sizeable man made pond, over which a bridge of considerable length had been built. The bridge led to a miniture Chapel that would seat 10-15 people. Surrounding all that I have described above, was a beautiful yard well groomed greenery! What a peaceful place to relax and fellowship with family and friends!
On Sunday, June 21 many of us who were present at the Family Reunion, participated in the service of the Orrock Lutheran Church. Following the service we walked across the road and viewed particular graves of the departed members of the Christianson family. After doing so, we returned to Bud and Nola's place for a light lunch, and shortly thereafter, Glenna and I began our journey to Omaha, Nebraska, by way of Des Moines, Iowa. After lodging overnight in Des Moines, en route to Omaha, we stopped at Elk Horn, Iowa, and viewed a Danish Mill and Museum. This museum contained the story, and piano of Victor Borge (Rosenbaum), the famous musician, while the Wind Mill stood as a tribute to the perseverence of a man by the name of Harvey Sornson. He located this 1848 Wind Mill in Norre Snede, Jutland in Denmark. By the late 1970's he had re-located this Wind Mill to Elk Horn, Iowa. Glenna and I spent an interesting visit in Elk Horn, Iowa.
On Monday, June 22 we arrived at our Travelodge in Omaha. We went to John and Virginia Tynan's for lunch, and shortly thereafter their youngest, and only daughter, Annie (Davis) came to visit with us. What a wonderful time of reminiscing was shared. It was hard to realize that when we moved to Omaha in 1965, Annie was only three years old. Now her and her husband, Scott have two grown sons, Levi and Noah, as well as Scott's son, Eric from a previous marriage. Since we were only in Omaha a little over 30 hours, we didn't have an opportunity to meet Annie's family. But I am sure that time will come! We had only returned to Omaha on two other occasions, once when we took our son, Randy to Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri, and the other time was in 1982 when Glenna and I, along with Dale and Alberta Cummins were returning from Texas where we received our Accelorated Christian Educational leadership training. Hopefully, we will connect again in the near future!
On Tuesday morning we spent an hour with Doris Allendorfer at her home on Jones Street, near 114th and Pacific. Bob Allendorfer had just recently passed into the eternal presence of our Lord Jesus, and this time with Doris was mutually beneficial to Doris, as well as to Glenna and I. We do remember many fun times at the Allendorfer home with their children Mike, Karen and Philip.
Now let me share some of my thoughts about Annie! I must say that she is not related to her mother for nothing! Glenna and I have both a lot of respect for her mother, and our friend, Virginia! There is a large deposit of God's wisdom in Virginia. In addition to that, she is a woman of considerable determination! Had that not been so, her marriage to John would not have survived as she waited for his conversion to Christ. He was a Navy man, and I would suppose that music had always been a large part of his life. This being so, John played music in bars and honky-tonks! Though John lived a very worldly life, he really did have a good heart and a very pleasing personality.
In July, 1965 I became a pastor in Bethel Assembly of God, where Virginia and her children, Tom, Bernie and Annie attended. One day Virginia, speaking of her husband said this to me: "John will sweat you!" I knew the word, "sweat," but I had never heard it used in that way. From those very early days in Omaha, I developed a good relationship with John even though he certainly didn't attend church very often. At some point in those early days, John opened a music store on Maple Street in the Benson area. It was not uncommon for me to drop into his music store. It was a warm social gathering place for many, as I recall that period of time so many years ago. It was later in our time in Omaha that John faced some physical challenges. I received a phone call one day from Virginia about that matter. As a result of that call, I went to see John at his store. It was as if God had arranged the store to be without customers at that particular time. I entered into conversation with John about the physical needs that he was facing. While I do not remember the details of the conversation, I do remember asking John if he would close the store, and then we could slip into one of the music cubicals and pray together. That late afternoon, John prayed to invite Christ into his life, and I prayed that John might experience God's help as he began a new life in Christ. Well, the rest of the story is about forty years long! In fact, as I see it, John has been in love with Christ and His Word ever since that encounter that day in that teaching cubical! For that, we give thanks to our Lord Jesus!
Oh yes, I was going to tell you about Annie! Annie, like so many children, is a combination of her mother and father. That should be no surprise to any of us. Annie, like her father, is a naturally gifted lady! And like her mother, she is a very determined individual! I would suppose that the combination of these contributions received from her parents has equipped her to become a Proverbs 31 lady! Presently, Annie, assisted by her husband Scott, operates a home based business in the tayloring of draperies, and not just for little people, but for major companies! Here are some details from Annie about her God connection with Scott: "Before we met Scott was a painting contractor. After we got married he got back into the painting business, and I painted with him until I was about 7 months pregnant with our first child, Levi. In 1993 we quit the painting business and Scott went back to school in pursuit of a degree in Architecture. He did not obtain a degree in architecture, but while in school, he was recommended to a couple that were interior designers in need of a draftsman. So, Scott went to work for them designing built-ins to go in model homes. This firm's clientele were all in the Chicago area. One time while on an installation in Chicago, they asked about my hobbies and when they found out that I liked to quilt, they were stunned. The lady who made their window treatments was preparing to retire and move to Alaska. In view of that they were looking for someone to fill that position. They worked exclusively with model homes, so I was able to learn the business at my own pace while the other lady was preparing to retire. Several years later, the company wanted Scott to move into areas that didn't fit into our plans. So Scott started working with me, so here we are as we operate our own HOME BUSINESS!"
But Annie has some older sibblings, and you need to meet them~first there is Tom, and his wife Mary Jane. Tommy operates, what I would call a "high-end mechanics shop" in the garage at the back of his parents home! It is not a large shop, but as Virginia showed us through the shop, and the high-tech equipment it contains, one just has to be impressed that this "young man" knows what he is doing! And most certainly, this proud mom leaves you with the same impression! Then the second oldest of Annie's sibblings is Bernie. He spent many years as an Army Career Man! Bernie lives in Appleton, Wisconsin. After retiring from the Army, he went to work for a "Half-way House, "funded by United Way. He was "jack-of-all-trades" for them! The men that lived there "half-way" between the hospital, or jail, and regular life. Most of them had medical issues. Bernie occuppied himself with administrating medications to scooping the snow off the walk-ways in the winter. But when there was need to down size in the half-way house, Bernie took retirement. He spends time running, playing the guitar, as well as doing a major remodeling job on his home.
So that's my information from my sources in Omaha, about some of our former connections in that very beautiful city in the heart of America!
Tuesday afternoon, after another short visit at the Tynan's, Glenna and I began our return journey northward. Early that evening we arrived in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and located suitable overnight lodging. On Wednesday morning of June 24 we continued north through South Dakota. Glenna's father, Theodore Hillstead was born in South Dakota. He was the second of eight children born to Kristen and Sina Hillestad. When Glenna's father was only 18 years of age, his mother Sina died. We knew that she was buried somewhere in the Sisseton area of South Dakota. It was our intention, on this particular day to locate her grave. So early that afternoon we drove on to a Grocery Store parking lot anticipating our next move in locating Grandma Hillestad's grave. As we sat in our vehicle, an elderly lady walking from the store to her vehicle came into our view. As she approached her vehicle, I noted that an elderly gentleman was sitting at the wheel of their vehicle. So I went over to inquire of him, the directions to the local cemetery. After some extended conversation with him, and additional printed information that we had, he directed us to the villages of Veblen and Clare City about twenty miles in a northerly direction from Sisseton. So we continued on to Veblen, where we were given further directions to a rural cemetery called Bethel. Obviously, at some point in the past there had been a Bethel Lutheran Church located there with an accompanying cemetery, but now it was just a cemetery.
We endeavoured to follow the directions given to us, but all to no avail. The people at the store in Veblen told me that there were trees around the cemetery, so I looked for the biggest clump of trees, and started to drive toward them, in hope of locating the cemetery. When we arrived at the location of the trees, we discovered that it was a farm residence. As I knocked on the door of this residence, I introduced myself to the gentleman that answered my knock. I told him that I was looking for the Bethel Cemetery. With a look of shock on his face, he asked, "Who sent you here?" His response was something of a surprise to me. As I enter the residence, he informed me that he was the caretaker of that cemetery. I stepped momentarily out of the door, and motioned for Glenna to come into the house. Together, we met Sanford and Darlene Vig. They were certainly seniors, and evidently, they had at some point in the distant past, immigrated from Norway. Sanford showed us the map of the Bethel Cemetery, and there was Sina Hillestad's grave location. In the process of our conversation, I said to Sanford, "Concerning your question, 'as to who sent me here?' "This morning we prayed that the Lord would help us find Grandma Hillestad's grave today." Sanford immediately responded that we had come to the right place because they needed help for an extended family member who was ill. We stopped at that moment and prayed for that person, and for our new friends, Sanford and Darlene Vig. After exchanging e-mail addresses, we were on our way to the Bethel Cemetery.
In complete harmony with the map of the Bethel Cemetery shown to us by Sanford, we were able to walk right to the grave marker for Grandma Sina Hillestad. We took some pictures of the sizeable marker, and then we paused for a few moments of prayer. We thanked God for her life, both natural and spiritual. Without her natural life, Theodore Hillstead, and his daughter, and my wife Glenna Hillstead would never have been born. Without her spiritual life, (which incidentally is reported to have been communicated to her from her mother Mrs. Aadland) the seed of the Word of God may not have been deposited in the life of her second born son, Theodore. And had the miracle of the new birth not occurred in Glenna's father's life, it may not have occurred in her life either! So it was with very grateful hearts that we prayed that evening in Bethel Cemetery between the villages of Veblen and Clare City.
Mr. Hansen, the gentleman who gave me the initial directions that ultimately led us to locate Grandma Sina Hillestad's grave, told me that there were Hillestad's living the area of Clare City. So there was one final thing that we wanted to do before leaving the area, so we drove on to Clare City. A lady in the grocery store in Clare City directed us to the farm of Curtis Hillestad. His farm was located under a mile north of Clare City, and his father, Hardy Hillestad lived a little farther north on that same road. We exchanged e-mail addresses with Curtis, and in that his father, Hardy was not home, we continued on to Fargo, ND. At this point in time, there is no clear evidence that these Hillestad's are related to Glenna's family of Hillsteads.
After a second night in the same motel that we stayed in when we were en route to the Christianson Family Reunion, we traveled back to Canada. As we passed through Weyburn, we stopped to visit with Glenna's Aunt Mabel. Then we traveled on to arrive at Reatha's farm in the early evening of June 25, 2009. Jair and Andre Poppelwell and their three children were visiting at Reatha's. On Friday, June 26 Jair and I worked together preparing Reatha's house for a paint job. Sheldon arrived just after 8 am on Saturday, and we were joined by Jason, and his friend, Luke, as well as by Taylor and Donavon, and the painting project was well underway! At just before 8 pm the entire exterior of Reatha's farm home was fully painted. During the early part of the next week, Glenna and I were involved in cleaning of all of the house windows and eaves troughs, as well as spray painting the eaves trough down spouts, and re-installing them on the house. We also ordered new exterior doors for the front and side house entries, as well as new vinyl window shutters, all to be installed at a later time by Jason.
Our son, Grady and his friend Bob arrived Thursday morning, July 2nd, from Mount Pleasant, Ontario. On Sunday, July 5 at 11 am they began their return journey to Ontario. During the days of Thursday-Saturday, together we removed two trucks, and a water windmill tour from the property of my Uncle Arnold Johnson. All of this took place with the assistance of Eric Pritchard and his farm equipment. We hauled Uncle Arnold's 1953 one ton truck to be stored on Reatha's farm. We loaded my Grandpa (Chris) Johnson's 1942 Chevrolet half ton truck on to a trailer in preparation for its' transporation to Mount Pleasant, Ontario. We did take down the water wind mill tower, but we left it on location to be removed at a later time. It was a fun/productive time with Grady and Bob! Finally, they arrived home, still in one piece, even though, en route they disposed of the life of one black bear! No, they didn't hit the bear, the bear walked into the lights of their truck, and the front and back wheels on the drivers side did that poor bear in, but good! I am sure that Bob will never be the same after his encounter with further members of Grady's clan!
Intermingled with all of the above activity, we did some visiting with Glenna's clan, especially with Marion and George Windrum in the light of Marion's physical condition. After a nice spiritual time with Marion and George on Monday evening of July 6th, we prepared to leave for further ventures north. So on Tuesday we drove on to Sheldon and Shawn Johnson in Pierceland, Saskatchewan. We arrived in the early evening, and after a family time including Rob, Kinsley and Joel, we made our way off to bed. Since Rob and Kinsley were going to the Calgary Stampeede, we re-located to sleeping at their house for the rest of our time in Pierceland. We spent most of Wednesday-Saturday, putting two coats of paint on all the trim on most of the second level of the house. We also cleaned all of the windows of this newly constructed house! On Sunday, July 12th at 7:30 am we began our journey back to Prince George, and arrived home about 9 pm that evening! It was good to be home, however, we did enjoy the events and the connections of our multiple-purpose journey of the past 26 days!
OUR SECOND TRIP of 26 DAYS during the summer of 2009, began with our second departure from Prince George en route to Regina on August 20, and concluded with our return to Prince George on September 14. We began our trip to Regina because Glenna's sister, Marion Windrum had passed into the eternal presence of her Savior two days previous on August 18, and the Service of Celebration would be held on Saturday, August 22. So upon our arrival in Regina, we went to stay at Glenna's sister's (Eunice) home from August 21-23. Then on Sunday evening, August 23 we went to stay at my sister's (Reatha) home twenty miles south of Regina. We were scheduled to begin some renovation work on a second house located on her farm. We estimated that the scheduled work would take about three days, and then we would begin our return to Prince George. However, the amount of work that we would eventually do was greatly increased to include major renovations to the interior of Reatha's primary residence. This would include the removal of the carpet in the livingroom and diningroom, the painting of those rooms, and the laying of laminate flooring. New doors were installed in the front and back doors of this primary residence. It was also during this time that our son, Sheldon and his sons, Kyle, Kendal and Kelby all became involved in the major renovations that were made to the second house and the garage located on Reatha's farm. Our time eventually came to a conclusion, and on Thursday, September 10, we left Reatha's place to begin our trip to Deer Lodge, Montana where we would attend a funeral service for Glenna's cousin, Vermae.
We stayed in Great Falls, Montana, then travelled on through Helena, Montana, arriving in Deer Lodge, late on Friday afternoon. Glenna's cousins from Canada (Ed & Gail Jorde, Doreen Sheppard, and Jeanette Jacobson) arrived about the same time. All of us went to their cousin, June's (Donnie) home for a wonderful evening of friendship. As the evening concluded we shared a brief time of prayer for the events of the following day. After checking out of our motel, we gathered again at June's home, and together we went to the Baptist Church for the funeral. Following the burial, we went out to a country residence owned by friends of Vermae's and a lovely meal was served. Lots of time was spent in meeting, and getting acquainted with various family members.
Early that evening, Glenna and I began our trip homeward by traveling as far as Great Falls. We stayed in the same motel, and early the next morning we left for Calgary for an overnight stay with Randy and Cheryl. Early Monday (September 14) morning we began our return to Prince George.
Our Three Trips to Pierceland, Saskatchewan during 2009: Glenna and I left Prince George on Sunday afternoon (May 24, 2009), and travelled to Hinton, Alberta, and parked on the WalMart parking lot overnight. We travelled on to Pierceland, and stayed there from the evening of May 25 to the morning of May 28. We were only out of Pierceland about five miles, and a tire on our Motor Home suffered a blow-out. Fortunately, Kyle was working on the construction of a house in Pierceland, and he was able to assist us in getting to a Tire Shop in Cold Lake where we had two new tires installed on the vehicle. We travelled on to Kincella, Alberta where we were scheduled to be the Thursday evening speaker at a Regional IAOG Pastor's Conference. Though our trip was not very pleasant following our late start, in spite of a strong prairie wind, we did finally arrive in Kincella just in time for the service. Then on Friday, I shared four day time sessions on the War between fear and faith. Now concerning the Motor Home problems, for one, there was a partially plugged fuel filter, and secondly, the awning was loosened by the severe prairie wind that we encountered en route to Kincella. But God knew all of those problems would occur, so our grandson Kyle was available to assist with the tire change. Then, God had Dick Edelman attend that conference, and he was such a blessing to us in the repair of the vehicle. You see, we were scheduled to start a Marriage Seminar in Dawson Creek, BC at 9 am on Saturday. Well, after a grueling night of travel, we arrived in Dawson Creek at 3 am. Well it was a short, or long night, depending on how one looks at it! It was a long night of travel, and a short night of sleep!
Nevertheless, we had a very powerful time of ministry as we presented the Sacred Marriage video series! Following the Sunday morning service at Grandview Chapel, we travelled home to Prince George.
On Tuesday, July 7, we made our second trip to Pierceland, after our trip to Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota (June 17-24), after our first stay at Reatha's to do her house painting project, and after assisting Grady in the preparation and loading of Grandpa Chris Johnson's 1942 truck (June 25-July 6). We went to Pierceland to assist with some painting on the interior of Sheldon and Shawn's new house. After completing our interior painting project, we left Pierceland for Prince George on Sunday, July 12.
On Wednesday, October 6 Glenna and I left at 6:15 am to travel to Pierceland, Saskatchewan to participate in the celebration of Sheldon's 50th birthday! On Thursday, October 8th (the actual date of his birth) Shawn prepared a wonderful birthday meal. At the end of the meal gifts were presented to Sheldon. On Saturday, Glenna and I went to Cold Lake, Alberta to visit with Nish and Kristin, as well as visiting with Amy, and three of her children, Ansel, Novalee, and Zoe. Amy and Dustin have recently been transferred to Cold Lake in conjunction with Dustin's work in the Oil Patch. We had a nice time at both of these times of visitation. On Sunday, we attended the Cold Lake Community Church, where Kristin is the Church Secretary. Everyone was together for a Sunday Thanksgiving Meal, following which I shared stories about the Lincoln Connection with all who were present. It was a very special time. Then at 5:20 am (PG time), Glenna and I began our journey home to Prince George. We arrived home at 7:20 pm. We were at Sheldon and Shawn's for a total of 14 days in 2009.
Our Trip to Grady and Joann's in 2009: We arrived in London, Ontario by West Jet on Monday, May 4th. In view of the fact that our flight arrived mid-evening, we did not attend the first service of the IAOG-Canada Convention. However, we were present for the sessions that were held Tuesday through Thursday evening. On Friday after coming from work, Grady and Joann came to pick us up in London to go to their home in Mount Pleasant. We were with them for the next eleven days. We took our West Jet flight out of Toronto on Tuesday, May 19th.
Our Trips to Randy and Cheryl's in 2009: On Thursday, June 4th we drove to Calgary, and were present for Tanner's Graduation Exercises on Friday morning, in which he was one of the two Valedictorian Speakers. The Graduation Banquet was held on Friday evening, and then Randy and Cheryl held an Honor Tanner gathering on Saturday. We attended church with them on Sunday morning, and left following the service to return home to Prince George.
After attending a Memorial Service in Deer Lodge for Glenna's cousin Vermae, we travelled to Great Falls, Montana to overnight. On Sunday, September 13 we began our journey to Calgary, Alberta to be with Randy and Cheryl overnight. Arrived there Sunday noon, and early Monday morning we left for Prince George on Monday, September 14, 2009.
In all, it has been a wonderful summer that we have spent with many different family members during the spring and summer of 2009!
OUR TWO MONTHS BACK IN PRINCE GEORGE began with Tuesday, September 15, 2009. On Wednesday, September 16 there was an all-day prayer and consultation meeting at Camp Living Water for First Nations Ministry in the northwest of British Columbia. Gerrit Apperloo led the meeting, attended by Elizabeth Apperloo, and Larry Keestra.
While Marlo and Trisha were in Thunder Bay, I was involved in ministry at Westside Family Fellowship, preaching on Sundays, September 20, 27, and October 4. From October 6-12 we were at Sheldon and Shawn's for the celebration of Sheldon's 50th birthday.
On each Tuesday, from October 13 to November 17, I shared six teaching sessions at Camp Living Water Bible School. In the two hours of teaching in the afternoon, I taught on "Discover Your Gift and Develop Your Ministry." In the evening session, I taught on "Fear and Faith." This session was opened up to individuals from their church as well. In that I am close to Vanderhoof at these times, I have gone weekly to visit Pat B., a lady that used to be in residence at Parkside Nursing Home, but now resides in a similar residence in Vanderhoof to be closer to family. The following students participated: David, Barry, Faith, Merilis, Rob, Stan and Pastor Larry.
John and Elsie Giesbrecht from Abbotsford visited in Prince George, October 20-23. Glenna and I had breakfast with them on Wednesday, and after Elsie and John were at Emmaus House sharing with the clients there. The Emmaus House residents did so enjoy Elsie's musical presentation. It was very excellent! On the average I spend between three and four sharing times with the residents there. It is an excellent time of relationship building! On Thursdays from 9-10 am, I walk with Clif Raphael, a professor at College of New Caledonia. It is such a special time. Clif and I have walked together for certain periods of time during the past several years.
Paulita Cannelle became a believer in Christ many years ago through the Home Group that Glenna and I conducted in our home, first at 4288 Punshaw Crescent, and later at 238 Corless Crescent. Paulita has struggled with poor health for some time. Upon returning from our summer travels, I started visiting Paulita regularly while she was hospitalized. Then in mid-October, 2009 she moved to Parkside Nursing Home, and I continued to visit her there. Her daughter, Delia came to visit her in late October. Delia removed the furnishings from Paulita's condominium in preparation for the sale of it.
Our fall and winter activities continue December 4-7, and 12-13, 2009. On Friday, December 4th, I traveled to Vavenby, BC where I will minister to the Church and Church Leaders there. I returned home on December 7th. On Saturday, December 12th I traveled to Likely, BC where I participated in the Induction Service for Gerrit and Elizabeth Apperloo as the new pastors of Likely Chapel. I stayed at Ed and Lynn's home in Likely. On Sunday afternoon, December 13th I drove home to Prince George.
During the last two weeks of 2009, we remained home in Prince George. About eighteen were at our home for the 4 pm Christmas Dinner. It was a nice family time, and by 8 pm that evening everyone had gone home.
On Sundays, January 3, 10, 2010 I taught on the subject of hope.
Glenna and I left for Dawson Creek on Saturday, January 30 and returned home on Monday, February 1. It was a good time with Rob and Liz Nock at Grandview Chapel in Dawson Creek. On Saturday, February 20, I spoke at the Men's Retreat at Gavin Lake. Then on Sunday, February 21, I spoke at Westside Family Fellowship in Prince George.
I am leaving Sunday afternoon (March 7) for Terrace, BC to participate in a First Nations Seminar (March 8-12). Then I will be at Port Simpson, Sunday through Tuesday at the First Nations Church there.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Checking the Johnson-Lincoln connection
Arlo A Johnson: I have been studying the book, "Our Lincoln Heritage" written by Cecile (Lincoln) Johnson, and assisted by Annie (Lincoln) Gompf. Annie is in her early 90's and is becoming increasingly "computer literate." Congratulations Annie! I need your help with this simplification of the Johnson-Lincoln connection, but before I include it in the continuing story of my life and ministry, I want to check it's accuracy. So here goes ... waiting to hear from any of you, including Annie Gompf, who may know the information and the proper way of expressing this information!
As I read the information in the book, "Our Lincoln Heritage," Mordecai Lincoln (1686-1736) had nine children, and including two boys named John and Thomas. John (1716-1788), ultimately became the Great Grandfather of Abraham Lincoln, and his brother, Thomas (1732-1775), ultimately became the Great, Great, Great Grandfather of my Grandpa (Oscar John) Lincoln (1881-1967).
So what is the proper way to express my relationship to Abraham Lincoln? I have always been aware of the fact that I am not a direct descendant of Abraham Lincoln, but I am a descendant of a brother of Abraham Lincoln, and I think that this is a very significant matter! Furthermore, I am very appreciative to my Mother and her first cousin, Annie Gompf for the work that they have done in the gathering of the many details of my connection to the Lincoln family line! Of course, I want to simplify the means of expressing this Lincoln connection to my succeeding generations.
So here is the basic information of this family connection, and a simplified expression of that information: By birth connection to my mother, Cecile Carolyn (Lincoln) Johnson, I am a direct descendant of Thomas Lincoln (1732- 1775), a brother of John Lincoln (1755-1835). John's son, Abraham (1744-1786), Grandfather of President Abraham Lincoln, had a first cousin, Hananiah (1756-1816). Abraham (1744-1786), had a son, Thomas (1778-1851), who had a second cousin, Thomas (1776-1844). Thomas Lincoln (1778-1851) and wife Nancy (Hanks) birthed Abraham (1809-1865) who would become the most outstanding president of the USA. Abraham had a third cousin, Jefferson (1816-1852). From Jefferson's family line of descendants we have Charles Lincoln (1844-1920), Oscar Lincoln (1881-1967), Cecile (Lincoln) Johnson, of whom I was born. So what is my relationship to Abraham Lincoln? PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS MY THIRD COUSIN, 4 TIMES REMOVED! Now if you would like to check the validity of such an expression, simply go to Wikipedia and type in cousin, and this is what you will read: "For example, a person with whom you share a grandparent (but not a parent) is a first cousin; someone with whom you share a great-grandparent (but not a grandparent) is a second cousin; and someone with whom you share a great-great-grandparent (but not a great-grandparent) is a third cousin; and so on. The child of your first cousin is your first cousin once removed because the one generation separating you and the child (the cousin) represents one remove. You and the child are still considered first cousins, as your own grandparent (this child's great-grandparent), as the most recent common ancestor, represents one degree."
Now why am I checking all this out at this time? Well on June 20-21, 2009 Glenna and I, joined by many of her relatives will be attending the Christianson Family Reunion in Monticello, Minnesota. Now by the time we travel that far, we are only about 12 hours traveling time from Knob Hill, Kentucky. Abraham Lincoln was born in Knob Hill, Kentucky in 1809, and since this is the year 2009, there is a year long celebration of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday! Now if it should work out for us to go to Kentucky in late June, I want to be fully conversant about my relationship to Abraham Lincoln! Doesn't that make good sense? So if you want to help me understand and express this correctly, write me at glennarlo@telus.net. Have a good day!
As I read the information in the book, "Our Lincoln Heritage," Mordecai Lincoln (1686-1736) had nine children, and including two boys named John and Thomas. John (1716-1788), ultimately became the Great Grandfather of Abraham Lincoln, and his brother, Thomas (1732-1775), ultimately became the Great, Great, Great Grandfather of my Grandpa (Oscar John) Lincoln (1881-1967).
So what is the proper way to express my relationship to Abraham Lincoln? I have always been aware of the fact that I am not a direct descendant of Abraham Lincoln, but I am a descendant of a brother of Abraham Lincoln, and I think that this is a very significant matter! Furthermore, I am very appreciative to my Mother and her first cousin, Annie Gompf for the work that they have done in the gathering of the many details of my connection to the Lincoln family line! Of course, I want to simplify the means of expressing this Lincoln connection to my succeeding generations.
So here is the basic information of this family connection, and a simplified expression of that information: By birth connection to my mother, Cecile Carolyn (Lincoln) Johnson, I am a direct descendant of Thomas Lincoln (1732- 1775), a brother of John Lincoln (1755-1835). John's son, Abraham (1744-1786), Grandfather of President Abraham Lincoln, had a first cousin, Hananiah (1756-1816). Abraham (1744-1786), had a son, Thomas (1778-1851), who had a second cousin, Thomas (1776-1844). Thomas Lincoln (1778-1851) and wife Nancy (Hanks) birthed Abraham (1809-1865) who would become the most outstanding president of the USA. Abraham had a third cousin, Jefferson (1816-1852). From Jefferson's family line of descendants we have Charles Lincoln (1844-1920), Oscar Lincoln (1881-1967), Cecile (Lincoln) Johnson, of whom I was born. So what is my relationship to Abraham Lincoln? PRESIDENT ABRAHAM LINCOLN IS MY THIRD COUSIN, 4 TIMES REMOVED! Now if you would like to check the validity of such an expression, simply go to Wikipedia and type in cousin, and this is what you will read: "For example, a person with whom you share a grandparent (but not a parent) is a first cousin; someone with whom you share a great-grandparent (but not a grandparent) is a second cousin; and someone with whom you share a great-great-grandparent (but not a great-grandparent) is a third cousin; and so on. The child of your first cousin is your first cousin once removed because the one generation separating you and the child (the cousin) represents one remove. You and the child are still considered first cousins, as your own grandparent (this child's great-grandparent), as the most recent common ancestor, represents one degree."
Now why am I checking all this out at this time? Well on June 20-21, 2009 Glenna and I, joined by many of her relatives will be attending the Christianson Family Reunion in Monticello, Minnesota. Now by the time we travel that far, we are only about 12 hours traveling time from Knob Hill, Kentucky. Abraham Lincoln was born in Knob Hill, Kentucky in 1809, and since this is the year 2009, there is a year long celebration of Abraham Lincoln's 200th birthday! Now if it should work out for us to go to Kentucky in late June, I want to be fully conversant about my relationship to Abraham Lincoln! Doesn't that make good sense? So if you want to help me understand and express this correctly, write me at glennarlo@telus.net. Have a good day!
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Remembering Wesley Johnson
Wesley Johnson was born to Eldon and Luella Johnson on February 18, 1954 in Pangman, SK. Wesley passed away after a very lengthy illness with cancer on March 25, 1999 in Calgary, AB. His memorial service was conducted at First Assembly, 6031 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB. on March 31, 1999.
Scriptures: Arlo A. Johnson
Duet: Randy and Cheryl Johnson "The Old Rugged Cross."
Solo: Cheryl Newton "Thank You." "Look For Me."
Eulogy: Son, Dallas and Daughter, Shanalyn
Message: Pastor Norman Worth
Heaven is richer, and Earth is poorer for the absence of Wesley!
Scriptures: Arlo A. Johnson
Duet: Randy and Cheryl Johnson "The Old Rugged Cross."
Solo: Cheryl Newton "Thank You." "Look For Me."
Eulogy: Son, Dallas and Daughter, Shanalyn
Message: Pastor Norman Worth
Heaven is richer, and Earth is poorer for the absence of Wesley!
Monday, April 27, 2009
60th Wedding Anniversary - Eldon & Luella Johnson
Eldon and Luella (Pritchard) Johnson were united in marriage on April 23, 1949 in Pangman's Bethel Mission by Pastor Lorne O. Pritchard. The Bridal Party was composed of Luella (Bride), Eldon (Groom), Flo (Wilson) Arneson, (Bridesmaid), Arlo Johnson (Best Man), and Marilyn (Pritchard) Poppelwell (Flower Girl).
It was April 25, 2009, and people converged on the Regina Apostolic Church about 5 pm to Celebrate the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Eldon and Luella Johnson. Family and friends came from Vancouver, Prince George, Calgary, Diamond Valley, Didsbury, Saskatoon, Pangman, Grenfell, Lumsden, Wilcox, and Regina to participate in this very special day for the Bride and Groom of 60 years ago!
The event was planned and co-ordinated by Dillon (Joleen), Dallas (Amy), Kyle (Melissa), Shanalyn, and their mother, Karen. Others, like Marsha, Shasta, Judy, and Carol assisted with the on-location details of the celebration.
Celebrants: Luella and Eldon Johnson, the Bride and Groom, Flo Arneson, Bridesmaid, Arlo Johnson (Glenna), Best Man, (grandchildren: Taylor and Donavan Johnson), Lorne Pritchard, pastor who performed the marriage ceremony.
Children/grandchildren: Carol Lungren and daughter, Julia Lungren. Karen (Johnson) Isaacson, daughter-in-law.
Wes and Karen's children/grandchildren: Dallas (Amy)(Wesley David Kenneth),
Dillon (Joleen), Kyle (Melissa), and Shanalyn.
Eric (brother)(Luella) Pritchard, and son, Gary Pritchard. Reatha Pritchard (sister), Larry and Marsha Borowko, daughter Shasta (Clayton) Mund, (children: Ava and Justus), Ryan Borowko, and friend, Allison. John and Judy Stockdale, daughter, Jorie, and son, Jay (Kristy), (child, Winston).
Rod and Gwen Pritchard (children: Sarah and Victoria).
Cousins: Darlene and Don Wilson, Norma Goebel, Bob and Alice Wilson, Larry (Rose) Wilson, (daughter, Carla).
Friends: Lewis and Clara White, and John and Lynn Taylor.
Following the serving of a lovely meal, honors and congratulatory messages were shared by Lorne Pritchard, Flo Arneson, Arlo Johnson, John Taylor, and Marsha Borowko.
Luella expressed appreciation for those who planned and co-ordinated the event, and all who were in attendance. Then she shared the following thoughts about a good marriage relationship: 1. Keeping Marriage Alive by John Burns of Surrey, BC - "Stay Amazed, Appreciate Your Spouses Individuality, Don't Compare Your Spouse with others, Serve Your Spouse without return expectation, Celebrate." 2. Luella's additions: "Don't Try to Change Your Spouse, Someone in the husband/wife relationship has to make the decisions (and Eldon says that is his job, and it suits me MOST of the time), Respect Each Other."
Eldon shared some brief concluding comments.
The evening concluded as Shasta led in the hymn, "Blessed Assurance," followed by an extended time of fellowship among those in attendance. It was just another special time that provided opportunity for family members to stay in touch with one another, and be updated on the things that are taking place within the lives of the members of our family circle!
It was April 25, 2009, and people converged on the Regina Apostolic Church about 5 pm to Celebrate the 60th Wedding Anniversary of Eldon and Luella Johnson. Family and friends came from Vancouver, Prince George, Calgary, Diamond Valley, Didsbury, Saskatoon, Pangman, Grenfell, Lumsden, Wilcox, and Regina to participate in this very special day for the Bride and Groom of 60 years ago!
The event was planned and co-ordinated by Dillon (Joleen), Dallas (Amy), Kyle (Melissa), Shanalyn, and their mother, Karen. Others, like Marsha, Shasta, Judy, and Carol assisted with the on-location details of the celebration.
Celebrants: Luella and Eldon Johnson, the Bride and Groom, Flo Arneson, Bridesmaid, Arlo Johnson (Glenna), Best Man, (grandchildren: Taylor and Donavan Johnson), Lorne Pritchard, pastor who performed the marriage ceremony.
Children/grandchildren: Carol Lungren and daughter, Julia Lungren. Karen (Johnson) Isaacson, daughter-in-law.
Wes and Karen's children/grandchildren: Dallas (Amy)(Wesley David Kenneth),
Dillon (Joleen), Kyle (Melissa), and Shanalyn.
Eric (brother)(Luella) Pritchard, and son, Gary Pritchard. Reatha Pritchard (sister), Larry and Marsha Borowko, daughter Shasta (Clayton) Mund, (children: Ava and Justus), Ryan Borowko, and friend, Allison. John and Judy Stockdale, daughter, Jorie, and son, Jay (Kristy), (child, Winston).
Rod and Gwen Pritchard (children: Sarah and Victoria).
Cousins: Darlene and Don Wilson, Norma Goebel, Bob and Alice Wilson, Larry (Rose) Wilson, (daughter, Carla).
Friends: Lewis and Clara White, and John and Lynn Taylor.
Following the serving of a lovely meal, honors and congratulatory messages were shared by Lorne Pritchard, Flo Arneson, Arlo Johnson, John Taylor, and Marsha Borowko.
Luella expressed appreciation for those who planned and co-ordinated the event, and all who were in attendance. Then she shared the following thoughts about a good marriage relationship: 1. Keeping Marriage Alive by John Burns of Surrey, BC - "Stay Amazed, Appreciate Your Spouses Individuality, Don't Compare Your Spouse with others, Serve Your Spouse without return expectation, Celebrate." 2. Luella's additions: "Don't Try to Change Your Spouse, Someone in the husband/wife relationship has to make the decisions (and Eldon says that is his job, and it suits me MOST of the time), Respect Each Other."
Eldon shared some brief concluding comments.
The evening concluded as Shasta led in the hymn, "Blessed Assurance," followed by an extended time of fellowship among those in attendance. It was just another special time that provided opportunity for family members to stay in touch with one another, and be updated on the things that are taking place within the lives of the members of our family circle!
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Remembering Dwain B. Johnson - Oct.15, 2008
JOHNSON - Dwain Bernard Johnson passed away suddenly in his home near Courval, on Wednesday, October 15th, 2008, at the age of 68 years. Dwain was predeceased by his father Glenn and mother Karen, twin sister Delores and nephew Jason. Dwain is survived by his four loving children and their families, Terry (Nina, Hayley and Kirk), Trevor (Darcy, Amanda, Jocelyn and Chris), Jeff (Colin and Mackenzie) and Sheri-Lyn (Wayne, Brooke, Brianna and Sabrina) and their mother Carol Arneson; along with many nephews, nieces, cousins and an Uncle Arnold. The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 at 2:00 pm in Hillcrest Apostolic Church.
Memories of Pearl Lillian Johnson - Nov. 12, 2003
Darlene writes in behalf of herself and here sisters, Luella and Norma: Our Mom was born November 30, 1914 in the area of Moosomin, Saskatchewan. Her father died when she was about 2 1/2 years old, as a result of injuries suffered while serving in World War I. At a very young age she moved with her mother and siblings to Stony Beach. It was there that she spent her growing up years.
About 1930, a young lady, Mary Ridings, from Parry, Saskatchewan became a friend of my Mom's sister, Ida, through working in Regina. Mom soon got to know her too, and was invited to Parry where she met Elaine Weatherall and Marie Donaldson. As a result of her visits to Parry she met Arnold Johnson, and in a couple of years they were married on December 22, 1932.
Dad, of course, was a farmer and Mom had always lived in town, but with the wonderful, kind guiding hand of her mother-in-law, she quickly learned how to be a very good farmer's wife.
They began their marriage by living in a one room building. Mom was a natural homemaker, and Dad and Mom papered it with blue building paper, and it soon looked "very homey." They had a stove, 3/4 size bed, and a table. In 1932 apples were packed in sturdy wooden boxes with a divider in the middle of the box. These boxes were transformed into cupboards by Mom for her dishes, a washstand, and chairs.
By 1934, Mom and Dad had moved a house and a few other buildings to their own quarter section of land. Mom raised chickens, and learned to milk cows, feed pigs and help take care of the cattle. She enjoyed the outdoor chores. As times changed on their farm by the reduction of livestock, she learned to help in the field by operating farm machinery. She was the grain hauler at harvest time. In those days the one ton truck didn't have power steering. She retired from grain hauling when Dad bought a larger truck. She had no interest in learning how to operate it.
Our home was always open to visitors. Mom never did much formal entertaining. She always said, "I hate inviting people, I just like people to drop in." Every Saturday, us girls had to help clean the house thoroughly, and bake a cake or two so we would be prepared for any week-end visitors. Mom kept her home spotless and she never liked to go to bed at night and leave dirty dishes in the sink! As recent as this past September, Mom and Dad had been a little later than usual in returning from the farm, and after having their supper, she was so tired that she just left the dishes in the sink and later she said to me, "I was sure hoping no one would come along early in the morning and see those dirty dishes!"
Our home was a happy home. We learned good work ethics, but we had lots of time just to be kids! Mom loved to sing and often sang hymns to us, or some of the old songs she had learned at school.
Mom was such a contented person. Lu was recalling the time when rural homes were starting to get running water. Mom would say, "Oh I'm just thankful to have a good well on the farm." She didn't seem to mind the countless pails of water that she had to carry to the house. In time, she did get to enjoy the convenience of running water.
Four of Mom and Dad's grandsons were born within a year of each other, so you can imagine the handful they were when they all wanted to be at Grandma and Grandpa's at the same time! Sometimes the boys would get doing some very venturesome "boy things," and Mom would say, "Oh my heart was in my mouth watching those kids!" No wonder she had a few grey hairs!
Tyson, was a few years younger, and lived in Calgary, but from the time he was six years old or so, he flew down by himself to spend some time on the farm with Grandma and Grandpa, and he got to do many of the same things the other boys had enjoyed. Mom was also a Grandma to step-grandsons, Gordon and Gary Goebel.
Mom didn't do alot of needlework, but she did make a quilt for each grandchild, and enjoyed doing embroidery work on crib-size quilts or wall hangings for most the great-grandchildren. Arthritis in her hands prevented her from continuing to do this for the younger great-grandchildren. She loved dearly her great-grandchildren, and she had already picked out their birthday cards as several of their birthdays were coming in the winter months.
Even though Mom and Dad have been retired and have lived in Regina for a long time, they still went to the farm every week during the summer. They had a garden and enjoyed puttering around the yard. In these last few years, if the weather was windy or just a little uncomfortable for her to be walking about, Dad would drive the half ton out to the garden and Mom would sit in it while Dad worked.
During the past couple of years Mom's eyesight deteriorated so that she was unable to read or watch T.V. so she often found the evenings long. Lu and I started phoning her every night and we would have long chats. Sometimes, she would say, "I just moved the phone to the table and sat down to wait for your call." Often when I would ask, "What are you doing?" She would say, "Oh, Dad and I were just talking." I always thought it was so remarkable that they could find so much to talk about after being together for nearly 71 years. They enjoyed each other's company so very much!
Mom faithfully wrote Norma a letter every second week. As her arthritis caused more crippling in her right hand, I used to say, "Why don't you phone her instead of writing?" She would reply, "Oh, Norma always looks for a letter." Just a few days ago I opened Mom's writing pad to get a piece of paper and there were two pages of a letter to Norma, dated October 11th. She started it on Saturday, intending to finish it on Sunday, but Saturday evening, October 11th, Mom had a massive stroke.
So many have said to us in recent days, "Your parents were such a sweet couple," and we certainly agree. I guess if I had to sum up Mom's life in one sentence, it would be, "Godliness with contentment is great gain!"
About 1930, a young lady, Mary Ridings, from Parry, Saskatchewan became a friend of my Mom's sister, Ida, through working in Regina. Mom soon got to know her too, and was invited to Parry where she met Elaine Weatherall and Marie Donaldson. As a result of her visits to Parry she met Arnold Johnson, and in a couple of years they were married on December 22, 1932.
Dad, of course, was a farmer and Mom had always lived in town, but with the wonderful, kind guiding hand of her mother-in-law, she quickly learned how to be a very good farmer's wife.
They began their marriage by living in a one room building. Mom was a natural homemaker, and Dad and Mom papered it with blue building paper, and it soon looked "very homey." They had a stove, 3/4 size bed, and a table. In 1932 apples were packed in sturdy wooden boxes with a divider in the middle of the box. These boxes were transformed into cupboards by Mom for her dishes, a washstand, and chairs.
By 1934, Mom and Dad had moved a house and a few other buildings to their own quarter section of land. Mom raised chickens, and learned to milk cows, feed pigs and help take care of the cattle. She enjoyed the outdoor chores. As times changed on their farm by the reduction of livestock, she learned to help in the field by operating farm machinery. She was the grain hauler at harvest time. In those days the one ton truck didn't have power steering. She retired from grain hauling when Dad bought a larger truck. She had no interest in learning how to operate it.
Our home was always open to visitors. Mom never did much formal entertaining. She always said, "I hate inviting people, I just like people to drop in." Every Saturday, us girls had to help clean the house thoroughly, and bake a cake or two so we would be prepared for any week-end visitors. Mom kept her home spotless and she never liked to go to bed at night and leave dirty dishes in the sink! As recent as this past September, Mom and Dad had been a little later than usual in returning from the farm, and after having their supper, she was so tired that she just left the dishes in the sink and later she said to me, "I was sure hoping no one would come along early in the morning and see those dirty dishes!"
Our home was a happy home. We learned good work ethics, but we had lots of time just to be kids! Mom loved to sing and often sang hymns to us, or some of the old songs she had learned at school.
Mom was such a contented person. Lu was recalling the time when rural homes were starting to get running water. Mom would say, "Oh I'm just thankful to have a good well on the farm." She didn't seem to mind the countless pails of water that she had to carry to the house. In time, she did get to enjoy the convenience of running water.
Four of Mom and Dad's grandsons were born within a year of each other, so you can imagine the handful they were when they all wanted to be at Grandma and Grandpa's at the same time! Sometimes the boys would get doing some very venturesome "boy things," and Mom would say, "Oh my heart was in my mouth watching those kids!" No wonder she had a few grey hairs!
Tyson, was a few years younger, and lived in Calgary, but from the time he was six years old or so, he flew down by himself to spend some time on the farm with Grandma and Grandpa, and he got to do many of the same things the other boys had enjoyed. Mom was also a Grandma to step-grandsons, Gordon and Gary Goebel.
Mom didn't do alot of needlework, but she did make a quilt for each grandchild, and enjoyed doing embroidery work on crib-size quilts or wall hangings for most the great-grandchildren. Arthritis in her hands prevented her from continuing to do this for the younger great-grandchildren. She loved dearly her great-grandchildren, and she had already picked out their birthday cards as several of their birthdays were coming in the winter months.
Even though Mom and Dad have been retired and have lived in Regina for a long time, they still went to the farm every week during the summer. They had a garden and enjoyed puttering around the yard. In these last few years, if the weather was windy or just a little uncomfortable for her to be walking about, Dad would drive the half ton out to the garden and Mom would sit in it while Dad worked.
During the past couple of years Mom's eyesight deteriorated so that she was unable to read or watch T.V. so she often found the evenings long. Lu and I started phoning her every night and we would have long chats. Sometimes, she would say, "I just moved the phone to the table and sat down to wait for your call." Often when I would ask, "What are you doing?" She would say, "Oh, Dad and I were just talking." I always thought it was so remarkable that they could find so much to talk about after being together for nearly 71 years. They enjoyed each other's company so very much!
Mom faithfully wrote Norma a letter every second week. As her arthritis caused more crippling in her right hand, I used to say, "Why don't you phone her instead of writing?" She would reply, "Oh, Norma always looks for a letter." Just a few days ago I opened Mom's writing pad to get a piece of paper and there were two pages of a letter to Norma, dated October 11th. She started it on Saturday, intending to finish it on Sunday, but Saturday evening, October 11th, Mom had a massive stroke.
So many have said to us in recent days, "Your parents were such a sweet couple," and we certainly agree. I guess if I had to sum up Mom's life in one sentence, it would be, "Godliness with contentment is great gain!"
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
The Story of Arnold Pritchard's Life by Lorne Pritchard
Arnold and his older sister, Elsie started attending the Fordyce School located one mile east of the Pritchard farm in 1925. Arnold's Dad purchased a shetland pony named Gertie. Gertie was hitched up to a buggy in the summer, and to a sleigh in the winter, and that became the means by which the Pritchard children were transported to and from school. I think it was that pony that gave Arnold his love of horses!
During the 1920's our family attended Trossachs Gospel Camp every July for three weeks. As children, we attended three services a day. We sat in the third row of seats from the front, in the left wing of the Tabernacle between our parents. I heard a "special children's worker" say, "You can't expect children to sit still for two hours!" He didn't know our mother!
The first car that I remember our father owning was a 1925 Touring Car. No windows, just curtains! We were on our way to Grandpa Wilsons, and we had just crossed the CNR tracks going north. The four oldest children (Elsie, Arnold, Lorne and Les) were in the back seat and having a good time, and Arnold was the leading funmaker! I recall my Dad saying, "Kids calm down or somebody is going to get hurt." We were traveling about 10 miles per hour. Just about that time, Les (who was 3 years old) fell out through the curtain on to the road. Dad stopped the car, and ran back to Les who was crying his heart out! Dad said, "Are you hurt Les?" He said, "No." "Then why are you crying so loud?" Les said, "I was just afraid that I was going to be left behind."
In the spring of 1928, Gertie gave birth to a colt, and Arnold named her Trixie.
In the fall of 1928, Dad purchased a 1928 Chevrolet Car, and it had glass windows! In October or November our family packed into that car, and we started on a journey to Vancouver, BC. We stopped overnight with Aunt Mary Bingham (Grandpa Pritchard's sisster) in Moose Jaw. It snowed all night, so we left the car, boarded the CPR train. We stopped off at Proctor, near Nelson, BC to visit the Murihead's for a few days. After which we travelled on to New Westminster, rented a suite in which to live.
Dad purchased a 1927 Ford for $400. In that car we went to Seattle, Washington to visit Dad's first cousin, Bertha. She had a daughter, Barbara who fell in love with Arnold and so would only let him play with her toys!
Back in New Westminster, Joe Erickson had a Good News Mission. At that time, Elsie, Arnold, Les and I were a singing quartet. We not only sang for Brother Erickson, we also sang for Mrs. Britten, pastor of the Four Square Church in Vancouver.
Aimee Semple McPerson, the founder of the Four Square Gospel Church, was a well known Radio Evangelist and Pastor of Los Angeles Gospel Temple. She came to Vancouver for meetings in the Arena, and Pastor Button arranged for us to sing in those meetings! Mrs. McPherson, hugged and kissed each one of us! She was dressed in white satin, and Arnold thought she looked like an angel!
Arnold had a good singing voice, and he loved to gather with others around a piano and sing old hymns and choruses! We boys did not like Vancouver. For Arnold, there was no place like the home farm! On the train going home, Elsie remembers that Arnold led us through the train cars, singing, "We're on the homeward trail ... everybody singing, going home! At that time Arnold didn't mean heaven, but the farm!
Gertie gave birth to a second colt, and Arnold named him, "Happy." That pony was Arnold's pride and joy! He had a way with horses. Happy would obey his every command. He taught Happy to buck every time any student at school would climb on his back. And of course, they tumbled on to the ground. But, Happy never bucked for a Pritchard! We talk about "Horse sense," Happy had it!
I think it was 1930, and we continued going to school in our "one horse shay." But Trixie had grown up and Arnold was anxious to drive a team of ponies to school. But the buggy needed a pole! We bugged our Dad to fix the problem, but he was too busy to do so. But Arnold couldn't wait any longer (this day, I remember well)!
So Arnold and I went to Grandpa Pritchard's blacksmith shop to put a pole in that buggy. We found scrap material in Grandpa's junk pile, and then went to his trees and cut down a pole about three times the thickness of a broom handle. Arnold really worked on this project. We were about finished, and I suppose that we were very satisfied with our work. Grandpa came to the shop and with a laugh, said, "It won't get you out of the gate." But we knew better! We hooked up the team to the buggy, and we were on our way. When we came to the South West gate of Grandpa's farm, we were going south to get on to the road. Then as the horses turned west, the pole broke off from the buggy. Arnold and I were left sitting in the buggy in the ditch, facing south! And the team of horses were running home as fast as they could run! Arnold started running after them, but he couldn't catch up to them! We found out that Grandpa knew more than we did!
From the fall of 1933, until the spring of 1935 we lived in Regina. The farm was rented to Elmer Powers. It was the heart of the great depression! Arnold had an after-school job in Regina Butcher Shop. We boys, especially Arnold, hated living in the city. In 1934, we persuaded our parents to let us take our Christmas holidays on the farm with Elmer Powers. Aunt Minnie Lee would have us come to her place for Christmas dinner. Mr. Aldrich from Ceylon, and his son, Elwood drove the car over snowbanks to deliver us (Arnold, Les and I) safely to the farm before Christmas. Christmas Day, 1934 was the worst stormy day of the winter. We could not make it to Aunt Minnie's for Christmas dinner. I cooked Christmas dinner. Since Elmer was just batching, all he had in the house was a can of corn and lots of potatoes. That was our dinner! But we did not complain, we were at least on the farm!
In 1936, our Dad and Arnold went to the Big Muddy Ranch and purchased two "wild horses." Arnold gave them names, Dinah and Bubbles. That horse, Bubbles, was second to none! And she would do anything for Arnold ... he taught her to rear-up on her hind legs before taking off! Many a boy mounting her without a saddle, to Arnold's delight, had a slide to the ground!
For several winters, Arnold had a trap-line, catching rabbits, weasels, and at times, a coyote. It was a means of making a little money! Arnold would get up at 5 am and ride Bubbles for about two hours, covering about 20 miles to re-set his traps.
It was in 1936 that Uncle Ernie Wilson moved into Pangman to operate the Pool Hall and Barber Shop, and left a team of horses in Arnold's care. They were named Beauty and Darling. I can't remember when he bought that team from Uncle Ernie, but I know that he sold them to Archie Haggerty at Stoney Beach for $100. each. Perhaps he sold those horses so he could marry Reatha.
In 1937 we had sad days. August 15, about noon Arnold and I were at the bedside of our sister Elma. She had diphtheria, and was very ill. Suddenly, she died while we were present! There was no money for an Undertaker. Sid Hart, Norm West's grandfather made a casket, a nurse at our home, placed the body of Elma in the casket, and the next day a funeral was held in the farm yard. Arnold drove the car to the Pangman Cemetery with that casket in it. And we, three boys, with our Dad lowered that casket into the ground.
I think it was 1939 when Arnold was hired by the Federal Grain Elevators to work with a work-gang repairing elevators. He had to hang head down with a rope on his legs to nail loose tin under the eve of the elevator. At Swift Current, the young men on the work-gang, older than he, tried to get him to drink beer or whiskey! An older man in his 50's, came to his rescue by saying, "You fellows leave that young lad a lone. If he doesn't want to drink, that is his choice!"
In 1940, Arnold was in a soldier's uniform for a few weeks, but was honorably discharged for health reasons. Between the years of 1936-1940, Arnold and Les became pretty good cowboys, roping cattle, riding and breaking in horses until they tamed them. They had their own rodeos, riding steers, whatever else is involved with cattle and horses in a rodeo!
In 1941, Arnold and Reatha chose September 27th as their wedding day! At that time, it was necessary for Reatha to have a permission paper signed by her father before she could be married. But Reatha's father said that before he would sign the paper, Arnold had to get on his knees to ask permission to marry Reatha, and promise that she would not have to milk cows etc. Time was passing, and that paper needed to be signed! So Reatha and Arnold agreed on the following plan: Annie Lincoln (Gompf) was working at Johnson's. Reatha's parents were away, and Annie was ironing clothes. So Arnold told Annie a "white lie." Then when Reatha's parents came home, Annie told them that Arnold was white in his face, and really serious when he said, "Annie, we can't get married on the September 27th because it is too late to get that permission paper signed." In reply Reatha's Mom said, "Now Harry, you have carried your joke too far." Reatha's Dad said, "Where is that paper," and he signed it! That day, Reatha and Arnold had the last laugh!"
The Greatest Day in the Life of Arnold Pritchard!
In our farm home we had family worship every morning after breakfast, and again before going to bed. Sometimes the evening time of Bible reading would become a prayermeeting. In 1925, in one of those evening prayermeetings, Arnold received Christ as his Savior, and he shed many tears of joy. That was the greatest day in Arnold's life! The next morning, Arnold told of receiving Christ as Savior the night before. My mother asked me if I would like to be saved. And when she asked me to believe in Jesus, I did! So she said, "Lorne, you are now saved!" Arnold then said, "He's not save, he didn't cry!" Each one of us children, from the eldest (Elsie) to the youngest (Eric), were led to believe in the Lord Jesus by our parents!
In June, 2006 a lady was dying in a Vancouver Hospital. The hospital chaplain asked her, "To what denomination do you belong," and her reply was, "I am a believer in Jesus Christ." Oswald Chambers, author of "My Utmost for His highest," died in 1916. On his grave marker these words are written: Oswald Chambers, A believer in Jesus Christ. My brother Arnold lived and died, A believer in Jesus Christ!
During the 1920's our family attended Trossachs Gospel Camp every July for three weeks. As children, we attended three services a day. We sat in the third row of seats from the front, in the left wing of the Tabernacle between our parents. I heard a "special children's worker" say, "You can't expect children to sit still for two hours!" He didn't know our mother!
The first car that I remember our father owning was a 1925 Touring Car. No windows, just curtains! We were on our way to Grandpa Wilsons, and we had just crossed the CNR tracks going north. The four oldest children (Elsie, Arnold, Lorne and Les) were in the back seat and having a good time, and Arnold was the leading funmaker! I recall my Dad saying, "Kids calm down or somebody is going to get hurt." We were traveling about 10 miles per hour. Just about that time, Les (who was 3 years old) fell out through the curtain on to the road. Dad stopped the car, and ran back to Les who was crying his heart out! Dad said, "Are you hurt Les?" He said, "No." "Then why are you crying so loud?" Les said, "I was just afraid that I was going to be left behind."
In the spring of 1928, Gertie gave birth to a colt, and Arnold named her Trixie.
In the fall of 1928, Dad purchased a 1928 Chevrolet Car, and it had glass windows! In October or November our family packed into that car, and we started on a journey to Vancouver, BC. We stopped overnight with Aunt Mary Bingham (Grandpa Pritchard's sisster) in Moose Jaw. It snowed all night, so we left the car, boarded the CPR train. We stopped off at Proctor, near Nelson, BC to visit the Murihead's for a few days. After which we travelled on to New Westminster, rented a suite in which to live.
Dad purchased a 1927 Ford for $400. In that car we went to Seattle, Washington to visit Dad's first cousin, Bertha. She had a daughter, Barbara who fell in love with Arnold and so would only let him play with her toys!
Back in New Westminster, Joe Erickson had a Good News Mission. At that time, Elsie, Arnold, Les and I were a singing quartet. We not only sang for Brother Erickson, we also sang for Mrs. Britten, pastor of the Four Square Church in Vancouver.
Aimee Semple McPerson, the founder of the Four Square Gospel Church, was a well known Radio Evangelist and Pastor of Los Angeles Gospel Temple. She came to Vancouver for meetings in the Arena, and Pastor Button arranged for us to sing in those meetings! Mrs. McPherson, hugged and kissed each one of us! She was dressed in white satin, and Arnold thought she looked like an angel!
Arnold had a good singing voice, and he loved to gather with others around a piano and sing old hymns and choruses! We boys did not like Vancouver. For Arnold, there was no place like the home farm! On the train going home, Elsie remembers that Arnold led us through the train cars, singing, "We're on the homeward trail ... everybody singing, going home! At that time Arnold didn't mean heaven, but the farm!
Gertie gave birth to a second colt, and Arnold named him, "Happy." That pony was Arnold's pride and joy! He had a way with horses. Happy would obey his every command. He taught Happy to buck every time any student at school would climb on his back. And of course, they tumbled on to the ground. But, Happy never bucked for a Pritchard! We talk about "Horse sense," Happy had it!
I think it was 1930, and we continued going to school in our "one horse shay." But Trixie had grown up and Arnold was anxious to drive a team of ponies to school. But the buggy needed a pole! We bugged our Dad to fix the problem, but he was too busy to do so. But Arnold couldn't wait any longer (this day, I remember well)!
So Arnold and I went to Grandpa Pritchard's blacksmith shop to put a pole in that buggy. We found scrap material in Grandpa's junk pile, and then went to his trees and cut down a pole about three times the thickness of a broom handle. Arnold really worked on this project. We were about finished, and I suppose that we were very satisfied with our work. Grandpa came to the shop and with a laugh, said, "It won't get you out of the gate." But we knew better! We hooked up the team to the buggy, and we were on our way. When we came to the South West gate of Grandpa's farm, we were going south to get on to the road. Then as the horses turned west, the pole broke off from the buggy. Arnold and I were left sitting in the buggy in the ditch, facing south! And the team of horses were running home as fast as they could run! Arnold started running after them, but he couldn't catch up to them! We found out that Grandpa knew more than we did!
From the fall of 1933, until the spring of 1935 we lived in Regina. The farm was rented to Elmer Powers. It was the heart of the great depression! Arnold had an after-school job in Regina Butcher Shop. We boys, especially Arnold, hated living in the city. In 1934, we persuaded our parents to let us take our Christmas holidays on the farm with Elmer Powers. Aunt Minnie Lee would have us come to her place for Christmas dinner. Mr. Aldrich from Ceylon, and his son, Elwood drove the car over snowbanks to deliver us (Arnold, Les and I) safely to the farm before Christmas. Christmas Day, 1934 was the worst stormy day of the winter. We could not make it to Aunt Minnie's for Christmas dinner. I cooked Christmas dinner. Since Elmer was just batching, all he had in the house was a can of corn and lots of potatoes. That was our dinner! But we did not complain, we were at least on the farm!
In 1936, our Dad and Arnold went to the Big Muddy Ranch and purchased two "wild horses." Arnold gave them names, Dinah and Bubbles. That horse, Bubbles, was second to none! And she would do anything for Arnold ... he taught her to rear-up on her hind legs before taking off! Many a boy mounting her without a saddle, to Arnold's delight, had a slide to the ground!
For several winters, Arnold had a trap-line, catching rabbits, weasels, and at times, a coyote. It was a means of making a little money! Arnold would get up at 5 am and ride Bubbles for about two hours, covering about 20 miles to re-set his traps.
It was in 1936 that Uncle Ernie Wilson moved into Pangman to operate the Pool Hall and Barber Shop, and left a team of horses in Arnold's care. They were named Beauty and Darling. I can't remember when he bought that team from Uncle Ernie, but I know that he sold them to Archie Haggerty at Stoney Beach for $100. each. Perhaps he sold those horses so he could marry Reatha.
In 1937 we had sad days. August 15, about noon Arnold and I were at the bedside of our sister Elma. She had diphtheria, and was very ill. Suddenly, she died while we were present! There was no money for an Undertaker. Sid Hart, Norm West's grandfather made a casket, a nurse at our home, placed the body of Elma in the casket, and the next day a funeral was held in the farm yard. Arnold drove the car to the Pangman Cemetery with that casket in it. And we, three boys, with our Dad lowered that casket into the ground.
I think it was 1939 when Arnold was hired by the Federal Grain Elevators to work with a work-gang repairing elevators. He had to hang head down with a rope on his legs to nail loose tin under the eve of the elevator. At Swift Current, the young men on the work-gang, older than he, tried to get him to drink beer or whiskey! An older man in his 50's, came to his rescue by saying, "You fellows leave that young lad a lone. If he doesn't want to drink, that is his choice!"
In 1940, Arnold was in a soldier's uniform for a few weeks, but was honorably discharged for health reasons. Between the years of 1936-1940, Arnold and Les became pretty good cowboys, roping cattle, riding and breaking in horses until they tamed them. They had their own rodeos, riding steers, whatever else is involved with cattle and horses in a rodeo!
In 1941, Arnold and Reatha chose September 27th as their wedding day! At that time, it was necessary for Reatha to have a permission paper signed by her father before she could be married. But Reatha's father said that before he would sign the paper, Arnold had to get on his knees to ask permission to marry Reatha, and promise that she would not have to milk cows etc. Time was passing, and that paper needed to be signed! So Reatha and Arnold agreed on the following plan: Annie Lincoln (Gompf) was working at Johnson's. Reatha's parents were away, and Annie was ironing clothes. So Arnold told Annie a "white lie." Then when Reatha's parents came home, Annie told them that Arnold was white in his face, and really serious when he said, "Annie, we can't get married on the September 27th because it is too late to get that permission paper signed." In reply Reatha's Mom said, "Now Harry, you have carried your joke too far." Reatha's Dad said, "Where is that paper," and he signed it! That day, Reatha and Arnold had the last laugh!"
The Greatest Day in the Life of Arnold Pritchard!
In our farm home we had family worship every morning after breakfast, and again before going to bed. Sometimes the evening time of Bible reading would become a prayermeeting. In 1925, in one of those evening prayermeetings, Arnold received Christ as his Savior, and he shed many tears of joy. That was the greatest day in Arnold's life! The next morning, Arnold told of receiving Christ as Savior the night before. My mother asked me if I would like to be saved. And when she asked me to believe in Jesus, I did! So she said, "Lorne, you are now saved!" Arnold then said, "He's not save, he didn't cry!" Each one of us children, from the eldest (Elsie) to the youngest (Eric), were led to believe in the Lord Jesus by our parents!
In June, 2006 a lady was dying in a Vancouver Hospital. The hospital chaplain asked her, "To what denomination do you belong," and her reply was, "I am a believer in Jesus Christ." Oswald Chambers, author of "My Utmost for His highest," died in 1916. On his grave marker these words are written: Oswald Chambers, A believer in Jesus Christ. My brother Arnold lived and died, A believer in Jesus Christ!
Monday, January 26, 2009
In Loving Memory of Kenneth T. C. Hillstead
Kenneth Theodore Charles Hillstead was born on February 25, 1934 at McLean, Saskatchewan. Kenneth passed away on Friday, September 10, 1993 after a long courageous battle with cancer at the age of 59 years. He was predeceased by his father, Ted Hillstead, and he leaves to mourn his passing, his wife, Marlene Hillstead, and three sons, Don (Tammy) Hillstead, Jim (Debbie) Hillstead, Ted (Rhonda) Hillstead, and two daughters, Lorna (Dave) Jacob, Karen Hillstead, his mother, Bessie Hillstead, three brothers, Harold (Dorothy) Hillestad, Roy (Esther) Hillstead, Morris (Fern) Hillstead, three sisters, Glenna (Arlo) Johnson, Marion (George) Windrum, Eunice (Bern) Polasek. He leaves 12 grandchildren, Ryan, Tyler, and Kyle Hillstead; Robbie, Jaimee, and Kristen Hillstead; Sterling and Landon Jacob; Tedd, Gary, Bradley, and Jessica Hillstead; numerous nieces and nephews; as well a several aunts, uncles and cousins.
Kenneth was an active member of the executive of the Weyburn Golf Club. He was responsible for starting the first little league baseball club for very young children. He was very active in several teams. He was a member of the Legion and a past member of the Elks Club.
Kenneth funeral service was held at the St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church in Weyburn with Rev. John Ferrier officiating. Interment followed at Green Acres Memorial Gardens.
Kenneth was an active member of the executive of the Weyburn Golf Club. He was responsible for starting the first little league baseball club for very young children. He was very active in several teams. He was a member of the Legion and a past member of the Elks Club.
Kenneth funeral service was held at the St. Vincent de Paul Roman Catholic Church in Weyburn with Rev. John Ferrier officiating. Interment followed at Green Acres Memorial Gardens.
In Loving Memory of Roy Selmer Hillstead
Roy S. Hillstead was born in Oungre, Saskatchewan on March 31, 1929 and passed away on July 20, 2007 at 78 years of age. He was predeceased by his parents, a brother, Ken, brother-in-law, Bern Polasek, mother-in-law, Anna Schmale, and by his wife, Esther. He is left to mourn his passing, his beloved Juliann Parsons, son, Bruce and his children Chris and Alana (Terroll) and her children, Mathew, Kaitlyn Madison, daughter, Lindy (Ron) Wilkinson and their children, Jeff and Tyler (Jennie); brothers and sisters, Harold (Dorothy) Hillestad, Glenna (Arlo) Johnson, Marion (George) Windrum, Eunice Polasek, and Morris (Fern) Hillstead, and sister-in-law, Marlene Hillstead, special aunt, Mabel Evert, and many brothers and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Roy spent the first years of his life in Beaubier, Saskatchewan & when his father became a CPR workman, the family lived in the towns of McLean, Grenfell, Corrine, and Qu'Appelle. In 1943 the family moved back to Beaubier to farm, Roy completed his education at Norge School. Later, Roy was employed with a Seismograph company. It was while working in the Kerrobert area that he boarded at Anna Schmale's home, where he met and married Esther Schmale on November 5, 1950.
Roy and Esther worked in the oil fields of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and on April 4, 1953 their son Bruce was born in Red Deer, Alberta, and on September 27, 1954 their daughter Lindy was born in Olds, Alberta.
Over the years, Roy was involved in various business ventures: In the late 1950's it was a service station business in Medicine Hat, Alberta. In 1960 the family moved to Midale, Saskatchewan and bought a Tanker Truck to haul oil and do field service work for Harold Schrader Trucking. A year later, Roy bought two trucks and started working for Central Del Rio which later became Pan Canadian Petroleum. In 1964, Roy and his brother Ken formed Hillstead Brothers Trucking, which later became Hillstead Transport Limited. In 1967 they bought Henry Reiter Transport. Then they had highway trucks hauling cable and prefabricated house packages, as well as trucks to service the oilfields. In 1977 Roy sold his share to Ken, and Roy bought the Bow Manor Hotel in Oxbow, Saskatchewan. Upon selling the Bow Manor two years later, he purchased the Big J Motel in Weyburn. Several years later he sold the motel and purchased Slezak's Sheet Metal and Don's Plumbing amalgamating the two companies into one company known as Don's Plumbing and Heating. Roy's final venture into business involved the purchase of the 385 Motel in 1992. After remodeling it, and operating it for many years, he sold it in 2003 to retire.
In the restlessness of his retirement, Roy started helping his friends Rick and Trevor with their farming operation. This gave him an opportunity to, once again, drive truck and feel useful.
Roy was all heart. He was the first to offer his assistance in a time of need. He made us feel special and loved. He was also great company by injecting his sense of humour at every opportunity. He will live on in the memories of his family and friends.
Roy's funeral service was held in the Weyburn Free Methodis Church on Thursday, July 26, 2007, with interment in the Weyburn Hillcrest Cemetery.
Roy spent the first years of his life in Beaubier, Saskatchewan & when his father became a CPR workman, the family lived in the towns of McLean, Grenfell, Corrine, and Qu'Appelle. In 1943 the family moved back to Beaubier to farm, Roy completed his education at Norge School. Later, Roy was employed with a Seismograph company. It was while working in the Kerrobert area that he boarded at Anna Schmale's home, where he met and married Esther Schmale on November 5, 1950.
Roy and Esther worked in the oil fields of Alberta and Saskatchewan, and on April 4, 1953 their son Bruce was born in Red Deer, Alberta, and on September 27, 1954 their daughter Lindy was born in Olds, Alberta.
Over the years, Roy was involved in various business ventures: In the late 1950's it was a service station business in Medicine Hat, Alberta. In 1960 the family moved to Midale, Saskatchewan and bought a Tanker Truck to haul oil and do field service work for Harold Schrader Trucking. A year later, Roy bought two trucks and started working for Central Del Rio which later became Pan Canadian Petroleum. In 1964, Roy and his brother Ken formed Hillstead Brothers Trucking, which later became Hillstead Transport Limited. In 1967 they bought Henry Reiter Transport. Then they had highway trucks hauling cable and prefabricated house packages, as well as trucks to service the oilfields. In 1977 Roy sold his share to Ken, and Roy bought the Bow Manor Hotel in Oxbow, Saskatchewan. Upon selling the Bow Manor two years later, he purchased the Big J Motel in Weyburn. Several years later he sold the motel and purchased Slezak's Sheet Metal and Don's Plumbing amalgamating the two companies into one company known as Don's Plumbing and Heating. Roy's final venture into business involved the purchase of the 385 Motel in 1992. After remodeling it, and operating it for many years, he sold it in 2003 to retire.
In the restlessness of his retirement, Roy started helping his friends Rick and Trevor with their farming operation. This gave him an opportunity to, once again, drive truck and feel useful.
Roy was all heart. He was the first to offer his assistance in a time of need. He made us feel special and loved. He was also great company by injecting his sense of humour at every opportunity. He will live on in the memories of his family and friends.
Roy's funeral service was held in the Weyburn Free Methodis Church on Thursday, July 26, 2007, with interment in the Weyburn Hillcrest Cemetery.
In Loving Memory of Cecile Carolyn Johnson
Cecile C. Johnson was born January 26, 1903 at McComb, Illinois. She passed away on Sunday, April 28, 1991 in Regina at 88 years of age. Her funeral services was conducted by Pastor Merv Switzer at the Regina Apostolic Church, 808 Assiniboine Avenue East, Regina, Saskatchewan. She was predeceased by her parents, leaving to mourn her passing are her husband, Harry, her children, Reatha (Arnold) Pritchard, Eldon (Luella) Johnson, Arlo (Glenna) Johnson, grandchildren, Marilyn (Terry) Poppelwell, Marsha (Larry) Borowko, Carol (Clark) Lungren, Wesley (Karen) Johnson, Grady Johnson, Marlo (Patricia) Johnson, Randy (Cheryl) Johnson, and Sheldon (Shawn) Johnson, her brother Kenneth (Maxine) Lincoln, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Mom Johnson put forth great effort in seeking to develop and maintain close relationships among the family members of the Lincoln and Johnson clans. She co-ordinated many family gatherings and anniversary celebrations in order to develop and maintain family relationships. These events, not only drew her descendants together, but also drew the members Dad and Mom's sibblings and their family members together.
Mom Johnson put forth great effort in seeking to develop and maintain close relationships among the family members of the Lincoln and Johnson clans. She co-ordinated many family gatherings and anniversary celebrations in order to develop and maintain family relationships. These events, not only drew her descendants together, but also drew the members Dad and Mom's sibblings and their family members together.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Celebrating the Life of Bessie Charlotte Hillstead
1. Arlo Johnson: We have come together today (September 12,1998) to celebrate the long and fruitful life of Bessie Charlotte Hillstead who passed away on Monday, September 7th, 1998 in her 93rd year of life. Today, reflect with us, as we, her family share this CELEBRATION OF THANKS for the life that Mom Hillstead lived and shared with us.
There are three components that will make up our service today ...
1. Memories of Mom will be shared
2. Meditations of Mom's favorite Bible Passage will be shared
3. Mom's Meeting with her Maker contemplated
During this time we will laugh and cry, and that is alright! But just remember, if you cry, you are not crying for Mom, you will be crying for yourself, and the impact of loss because of the passing of a very special lady!
2. Prayer and Opening Hymn ... "In the Garden."
3. Memories ... we remember many things about Mom, allow me to mention just a few. I am sure that every family member remembers eating her freshly baked buns! We all remember being in her clean, clean house, mobile home, or apartment! Then there was the ring of laughter in her place of residence. She, like many prairie pioneers knew poverty, but she was one who was able to make the most of the little she had. Without doubt she was a loving, and fun person.
Glenna and I received many letters from her over the years of our lives, but among those letters there were two that were specially addressed to me ... One was written by her in 1951 shortly after Glenna and I were engaged to be married, welcoming me into the Hillstead family. A second letter was written to me in 1989, and in it she asked me if I would take this service today. After listing a number of things that she wanted included in the service, she said, "But this might not happen for another ten years." Mom was quite accurate in her calculations, and today we are seeking to carry out her requests for this occasion.
4. Randy and Cheryl Johnson sing: "Amazing Grace."
5. Eulogy written and read by Harold Hillestad: Many thoughts went through my mind as I sat down to prepare this eulogy of my Mother for the service today. So many in fact that I realized it would be impossible to relate them all. The thoughts and memories which I share with you today are only a few that linger, and the history of events in mother's life which I will attempt to relate are not a complete recollection or record, but just some of the memorable and important ones.
Mother began her journey through life over 92 years ago. It was a journey that was filled with many experiences, both joyful and difficult ones. And regardless of the emotion of each experience, she relied on her strong, unwavering, Christian faith to sustain and guide her and accepted all of life's challenges with a positive, loving attitude. Mother maintained this attitude to the end and died peacefully Monday afternoon.
To go back to the beginning, Mother was born on April 30th, 1906 in Orrock, Minnesota, the second child of Harold and Rena Torkelson. About 1908 she moved with her parents, brother Morris who passed away in 1933 at the age of twenty eight, and sister Hazel to a homestead near Alkabo, North Dakota. Alkabo is situated in the extreme northwest corner of North Dakota some seven or eight miles from Westby, Montana.
Little is remembered of the time spent here except her sister Agnes was born in Alkabo. It is believed that about 1911, when Mother was five years old, the family moved to their farm north east of what is now Beaubier where they were to live for many years and where Mother spent her formative years. It was here that her sisters Ruth, Marie and Mabel were born.
Beaubier actually did not come into existence until 1926, after the railroad was built. Tribune was then the place where settlers got their mail, bought their supplies and sold their produce. It served a large rural area with the amenities and services for the ever growing community. Mother spoke fondly of the times that she would accompany the family to Tribune for special occasions--it was an important and memorable occasion to venture off the farm and travel by horse and wagon to Tribune. Memories of this period acually became more vivid and fondly recalled as she grew older.
In Mother's formative years her life evolved mainly around home and particularly Velhaven School which was opened for classes in 1915. Mother was nine years old then and could only converse in Norwegian, the language spoken at home, as it was in many of the settlers of Norwegian ancestry. When she started to school then it was necessary to learn a new language in addition to her other studies. Mother often recalled many of the experiences and events which took place at Velhaven. She also had many fond memories of teachers and fellow students which she related to us. Perhaps the ones she found most amusing were memories associated with learning English, and her early habit of mixing Norwegian words with English in her first year or two at school. She enjoyed relating and sharing these memories with us especially in her last years.
Although not having spoken Norwegian for many years, she was able to recite the alphabet and say grace in Norwegian less than two years ago and would translate English words into Norwegian when asked--an exercise she always enjoyed doing. One could sense the pride she felt in being able to demonstrate her ability in speaking Norwegian. Mother finished her formal education at Canora, Saskatchewan where she completed her grade eight. This was a considerable feat. It was very difficult to attain an education in those days keeping in mind that it was necessary to move away from home and be separated from her family and move temporarily to a place she was not acquainted with. It was an accomplishment of which she was proud. She was inspired and encouraged by Bessie Turnbull, one of the teachers who taught her at Velhaven, to continue her education at Canora.
Marriage to Dad was the most important event in her life. This occurred on November 18th, 1925 and lasted almost 42 years ending in January, 1967 when Dad passed away. I was first born in the family of seven, followed by Roy, Glenna, Ken who passed away in 1993, Marion, Eunice and Morris.
In 1927, at the age of twenty one, she suffered an injury which would affect her and challenge her stamina the rest of her life. This occurred during a horse and buggy runaway shortly after I was born. With the team of horses out of control, Mother jumped from the buggy and in the process fractured her ankle. The ankle did not heal properly and left Mother with a permanent limp often causing much discomfort.
I often think how difficult it must have been for Mother and Dad to have begun life together in the late twenties and to have endured the tough and trying times of the dirty thirties and supporting a family which Dad did by working as a section hand for the CPR in several communities.
In later years they settled in Midale where Mother worked in the local hospital as a cook, an experience which she enjoyed until her retirement at age 65. She maintained contact with several of her fellow workers and other Midale friends for many years following her move to Regina where she resided since 1971.
Mother was one of the first residents at The Horizon, a high rise senior citizen's home, moving there in 1976 and residing there until ill health necessitated her move to Parkside Extendicare Home on December 28th, 1993. Mother enjoyed the time she lived at the Horizon. She made many friends there and enjoyed the fellowship of the residents and participated in many of the social acitivies that were held there. It was to be her home for seventeen years.
Like most people, Mother went through difficult periods. She felt great sadness at the passing of loved ones which left a void in her life that was never replaced. Her strong faith and positive attitude sustained her when dealing with personal loss and helped her continue life's journey.
Family was always first and foremost in Mother's life, beginning with the family into which she was born. She remained close to her sisters and was always concerned about each of them and their families. Getting together with them and other relatives was always special. She was particularly proud of her own family. While she was a very modest person, she took delight in telling others about her rather large family. She took particular delight in the fact that she was the grandmother of twenty four and ultimately had forty nine great grandchildren. With memory fading, she enjoyed hearing about the arrival of her five great great grandchildren. Unknown to her, she was blessed with a sixth great great grandchild two days before she passed away. Mother felt she was especially blessed to have so many descendents and never lost an opportunity to express her joy and love for each. She also felt a real love and kinship for each one that joined our families through marriage over the years. Her extended family were special to her and she enjoyed the many relationships she had with each.
As we look back, we recognize and appreciate the legacy she has left us by the way she lived her life. Her kindness, thoughtfulness and caring will always be an inspiration for us. She spoke well of everyone and extended her hand of friendship to all she met. She considered each acquaintance a friend. She particularly displayed her friendly and caring nature during her tenure at Parkside. She made a point to reach out to residents and staff alike in a friendly manner with a kind word, a touch or a smile. Mother enjoyed her life at Parkside and the association with her fellow residents and particularly the many friendships with the people that cared for her. She was always anxious to get back to the environment at Parkside when she was away. When one of us would take her to our homes or to Weyburn and Yellow Grass to see her sisters, we were always reminded when it was time to go home to Parkside. This usually started by Mother looking at her watch which she would do often just in case we didn't notice. If we didn't pay attention to the signal she was sending, she would find it necessary to tell us bluntly that she wanted to go home.
Friends and relatives enhanced Mother's life immensely by their visits to see her. She enjoyed the times she was to share with all those who came to see and spend time with her. These were special to her. Unable to attend Southside Assembly as she was used to these last years, she was particularly grateful for the visits from Murray and Alita Lincoln and other friends from the congregation. It permitted her to still feel part of her church family with whom she wanted to be involved.
Mother had several mini-strokes the past five years and was able to bounce back from each one until late March of last year when she lost most of her ability to communiate. She lost her ability to write and much of her speech. Initially, not being able to speak in the manner she could before the stroke, she found frustrating. With the passing of time, she learned to accept the situation and usually when trying to tell us something and we didn't understand, she was able to laugh about it. As Mother grew weary, we all tried to be with her as much as possible. Many, many relatives made a special effort to visit her these past two months and she enjoyed the time spent with each. She knew the end was not far off. Mother did not fear death and I believe she even looked forward to it as her health failed. In the end it ended quietly and peacefully.
She did not leave us with a final message but then in many ways over the months and years in her own inimitable way, I believe her thoughts would have mirrored those of the unknown poet who penned the poem entitled "I'm Free". I will close by reading it:
I"M FREE
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play, Tasks left undone, must stay that way I found peace at close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy! A love shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch, Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don't lenghen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, HE SET ME FREE.
6. Sheldon, Randy and Cheryl Johnson sing: "Thank You."
7. Meditation on Psalm 23 ... this is a Psalm that is so widely known and loved! I wish to answer the question as to why it is so widely loved and appreciated. There are two reasons that I would like to suggest in the answering of this question: 1. This Psalm more than any other portrays the character qualities of God. a) In the New Testament the character qualities of God are demonstrated lin the life of our Lord Jesus Christ as He lived it out upon the earth. b) While in the Old Testament the character qualities of God were revealed by names that were given to God. From a careful study of the Old Testament, one will discover that among many names ascribed to God, there are seven compound names of God. These seven above all others reveal the nature of God.
The seven compound names of God are as follows:
1. Jehovah-Ra ah translated in Psalm 23 as Shepherd
2. Jehovah-Shalom (Peace) The pastoral scene given in verse 2 is a picture of peace.
3. Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Righteousness) Verse 3 states that the Lord leads us in paths of righteousness.
4. Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord is present) Verse 4 assures us of the presence of the Lord in time of difficulty.
5. Jehovah-Jireh (Provision) Verse 5 assures us of the Lord's provision at all times.
6. Jehovah-Rapha (The Healer) Verse 5 alludes to oil as a symbol of healing.
7. Jehovah-Nissi (A Banner, or Victory) Verse 6 surely portrays victory in this life, and in the life which is to come following death.
The Lord Jesus of the New Testament was all of that which was revealed in the Old Testament through the seven compound names of the LORD, or Jehovah. And all that these names indicated of the character qualities of God are included in the 23rd Psalm. Little wonder that it is a specially loved Psalm.
2. This Psalm can be briefly summated as follows: In verses 1-5 this Psalm portrays Faith for the present, and in verse 6 it speaks of Hope for the future. What more do we need if we have faith for the present, and hope for the future?
However, it should be noted that if you are to have faith for the present and hope for the future, while enjoying the character qualities of God, you must know the Lord as your shepherd. The story is told of a celebration for an outstanding orator. During the evening someone asked the honored guest if he would quote the 23re Psalm. This he did, and as he did, people cheered, and clapped in response. Then the honored guest asked a special friend present if he would quote the 23rd Psalm, this he did. As his godly friend quoted the Psalm, people cried. At the conclusion, the honored guest posed a question: "How is it that when I quoted the 23rd Psalm, you cheered, and clapped, but when my godly friend quoted it, you cried?" Then he proceeded to answer his own question as follows: "I KNOW THE 23rd PSALM, BUT HE KNOWS THE SHEPHERD!" Mom Hillstead not only knew the 23rd Psalm, she knew the Shepherd! She knew the Lord as a Good Shepherd (John 10:11), as the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20) and as the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).
8. Sheldon Johnson sings: "Welcome Home."
9. Mom Hillstead meets her Maker ... today is a day of separation for us! We feel very deeply the loss of her today upon earth. However in heaven, today is a day of re-union. Mom and Dad Hillstead have been separated by death for thirty-one years, but today they are together with the Lord. This is not a fanciful myth, it is a fact based on the Word of God. Listen to these words, "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8). In view of this let us hear the instruction of the Word of God to us from Ecclesiastes 12 ... "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. Remember Him, before the silver cord is broken, and the dust return to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Now all has been heard, here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God, and Keep His Commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
10. Congregational Hymn: "In the Sweet Bye and Bye."
11. Prayer of Benediction
There are three components that will make up our service today ...
1. Memories of Mom will be shared
2. Meditations of Mom's favorite Bible Passage will be shared
3. Mom's Meeting with her Maker contemplated
During this time we will laugh and cry, and that is alright! But just remember, if you cry, you are not crying for Mom, you will be crying for yourself, and the impact of loss because of the passing of a very special lady!
2. Prayer and Opening Hymn ... "In the Garden."
3. Memories ... we remember many things about Mom, allow me to mention just a few. I am sure that every family member remembers eating her freshly baked buns! We all remember being in her clean, clean house, mobile home, or apartment! Then there was the ring of laughter in her place of residence. She, like many prairie pioneers knew poverty, but she was one who was able to make the most of the little she had. Without doubt she was a loving, and fun person.
Glenna and I received many letters from her over the years of our lives, but among those letters there were two that were specially addressed to me ... One was written by her in 1951 shortly after Glenna and I were engaged to be married, welcoming me into the Hillstead family. A second letter was written to me in 1989, and in it she asked me if I would take this service today. After listing a number of things that she wanted included in the service, she said, "But this might not happen for another ten years." Mom was quite accurate in her calculations, and today we are seeking to carry out her requests for this occasion.
4. Randy and Cheryl Johnson sing: "Amazing Grace."
5. Eulogy written and read by Harold Hillestad: Many thoughts went through my mind as I sat down to prepare this eulogy of my Mother for the service today. So many in fact that I realized it would be impossible to relate them all. The thoughts and memories which I share with you today are only a few that linger, and the history of events in mother's life which I will attempt to relate are not a complete recollection or record, but just some of the memorable and important ones.
Mother began her journey through life over 92 years ago. It was a journey that was filled with many experiences, both joyful and difficult ones. And regardless of the emotion of each experience, she relied on her strong, unwavering, Christian faith to sustain and guide her and accepted all of life's challenges with a positive, loving attitude. Mother maintained this attitude to the end and died peacefully Monday afternoon.
To go back to the beginning, Mother was born on April 30th, 1906 in Orrock, Minnesota, the second child of Harold and Rena Torkelson. About 1908 she moved with her parents, brother Morris who passed away in 1933 at the age of twenty eight, and sister Hazel to a homestead near Alkabo, North Dakota. Alkabo is situated in the extreme northwest corner of North Dakota some seven or eight miles from Westby, Montana.
Little is remembered of the time spent here except her sister Agnes was born in Alkabo. It is believed that about 1911, when Mother was five years old, the family moved to their farm north east of what is now Beaubier where they were to live for many years and where Mother spent her formative years. It was here that her sisters Ruth, Marie and Mabel were born.
Beaubier actually did not come into existence until 1926, after the railroad was built. Tribune was then the place where settlers got their mail, bought their supplies and sold their produce. It served a large rural area with the amenities and services for the ever growing community. Mother spoke fondly of the times that she would accompany the family to Tribune for special occasions--it was an important and memorable occasion to venture off the farm and travel by horse and wagon to Tribune. Memories of this period acually became more vivid and fondly recalled as she grew older.
In Mother's formative years her life evolved mainly around home and particularly Velhaven School which was opened for classes in 1915. Mother was nine years old then and could only converse in Norwegian, the language spoken at home, as it was in many of the settlers of Norwegian ancestry. When she started to school then it was necessary to learn a new language in addition to her other studies. Mother often recalled many of the experiences and events which took place at Velhaven. She also had many fond memories of teachers and fellow students which she related to us. Perhaps the ones she found most amusing were memories associated with learning English, and her early habit of mixing Norwegian words with English in her first year or two at school. She enjoyed relating and sharing these memories with us especially in her last years.
Although not having spoken Norwegian for many years, she was able to recite the alphabet and say grace in Norwegian less than two years ago and would translate English words into Norwegian when asked--an exercise she always enjoyed doing. One could sense the pride she felt in being able to demonstrate her ability in speaking Norwegian. Mother finished her formal education at Canora, Saskatchewan where she completed her grade eight. This was a considerable feat. It was very difficult to attain an education in those days keeping in mind that it was necessary to move away from home and be separated from her family and move temporarily to a place she was not acquainted with. It was an accomplishment of which she was proud. She was inspired and encouraged by Bessie Turnbull, one of the teachers who taught her at Velhaven, to continue her education at Canora.
Marriage to Dad was the most important event in her life. This occurred on November 18th, 1925 and lasted almost 42 years ending in January, 1967 when Dad passed away. I was first born in the family of seven, followed by Roy, Glenna, Ken who passed away in 1993, Marion, Eunice and Morris.
In 1927, at the age of twenty one, she suffered an injury which would affect her and challenge her stamina the rest of her life. This occurred during a horse and buggy runaway shortly after I was born. With the team of horses out of control, Mother jumped from the buggy and in the process fractured her ankle. The ankle did not heal properly and left Mother with a permanent limp often causing much discomfort.
I often think how difficult it must have been for Mother and Dad to have begun life together in the late twenties and to have endured the tough and trying times of the dirty thirties and supporting a family which Dad did by working as a section hand for the CPR in several communities.
In later years they settled in Midale where Mother worked in the local hospital as a cook, an experience which she enjoyed until her retirement at age 65. She maintained contact with several of her fellow workers and other Midale friends for many years following her move to Regina where she resided since 1971.
Mother was one of the first residents at The Horizon, a high rise senior citizen's home, moving there in 1976 and residing there until ill health necessitated her move to Parkside Extendicare Home on December 28th, 1993. Mother enjoyed the time she lived at the Horizon. She made many friends there and enjoyed the fellowship of the residents and participated in many of the social acitivies that were held there. It was to be her home for seventeen years.
Like most people, Mother went through difficult periods. She felt great sadness at the passing of loved ones which left a void in her life that was never replaced. Her strong faith and positive attitude sustained her when dealing with personal loss and helped her continue life's journey.
Family was always first and foremost in Mother's life, beginning with the family into which she was born. She remained close to her sisters and was always concerned about each of them and their families. Getting together with them and other relatives was always special. She was particularly proud of her own family. While she was a very modest person, she took delight in telling others about her rather large family. She took particular delight in the fact that she was the grandmother of twenty four and ultimately had forty nine great grandchildren. With memory fading, she enjoyed hearing about the arrival of her five great great grandchildren. Unknown to her, she was blessed with a sixth great great grandchild two days before she passed away. Mother felt she was especially blessed to have so many descendents and never lost an opportunity to express her joy and love for each. She also felt a real love and kinship for each one that joined our families through marriage over the years. Her extended family were special to her and she enjoyed the many relationships she had with each.
As we look back, we recognize and appreciate the legacy she has left us by the way she lived her life. Her kindness, thoughtfulness and caring will always be an inspiration for us. She spoke well of everyone and extended her hand of friendship to all she met. She considered each acquaintance a friend. She particularly displayed her friendly and caring nature during her tenure at Parkside. She made a point to reach out to residents and staff alike in a friendly manner with a kind word, a touch or a smile. Mother enjoyed her life at Parkside and the association with her fellow residents and particularly the many friendships with the people that cared for her. She was always anxious to get back to the environment at Parkside when she was away. When one of us would take her to our homes or to Weyburn and Yellow Grass to see her sisters, we were always reminded when it was time to go home to Parkside. This usually started by Mother looking at her watch which she would do often just in case we didn't notice. If we didn't pay attention to the signal she was sending, she would find it necessary to tell us bluntly that she wanted to go home.
Friends and relatives enhanced Mother's life immensely by their visits to see her. She enjoyed the times she was to share with all those who came to see and spend time with her. These were special to her. Unable to attend Southside Assembly as she was used to these last years, she was particularly grateful for the visits from Murray and Alita Lincoln and other friends from the congregation. It permitted her to still feel part of her church family with whom she wanted to be involved.
Mother had several mini-strokes the past five years and was able to bounce back from each one until late March of last year when she lost most of her ability to communiate. She lost her ability to write and much of her speech. Initially, not being able to speak in the manner she could before the stroke, she found frustrating. With the passing of time, she learned to accept the situation and usually when trying to tell us something and we didn't understand, she was able to laugh about it. As Mother grew weary, we all tried to be with her as much as possible. Many, many relatives made a special effort to visit her these past two months and she enjoyed the time spent with each. She knew the end was not far off. Mother did not fear death and I believe she even looked forward to it as her health failed. In the end it ended quietly and peacefully.
She did not leave us with a final message but then in many ways over the months and years in her own inimitable way, I believe her thoughts would have mirrored those of the unknown poet who penned the poem entitled "I'm Free". I will close by reading it:
I"M FREE
Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free I'm following the path God laid for me. I took his hand when I heard him call, I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day, To laugh, to love, to work or play, Tasks left undone, must stay that way I found peace at close of day. If my parting has left a void Then fill it with remembered joy! A love shared, a laugh, a kiss Oh yes these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow. My life's been full, I've savored much, Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch, Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don't lenghen it now with undue grief. Lift up your heart and share with me, God wanted me now, HE SET ME FREE.
6. Sheldon, Randy and Cheryl Johnson sing: "Thank You."
7. Meditation on Psalm 23 ... this is a Psalm that is so widely known and loved! I wish to answer the question as to why it is so widely loved and appreciated. There are two reasons that I would like to suggest in the answering of this question: 1. This Psalm more than any other portrays the character qualities of God. a) In the New Testament the character qualities of God are demonstrated lin the life of our Lord Jesus Christ as He lived it out upon the earth. b) While in the Old Testament the character qualities of God were revealed by names that were given to God. From a careful study of the Old Testament, one will discover that among many names ascribed to God, there are seven compound names of God. These seven above all others reveal the nature of God.
The seven compound names of God are as follows:
1. Jehovah-Ra ah translated in Psalm 23 as Shepherd
2. Jehovah-Shalom (Peace) The pastoral scene given in verse 2 is a picture of peace.
3. Jehovah-Tsidkenu (Righteousness) Verse 3 states that the Lord leads us in paths of righteousness.
4. Jehovah-Shammah (The Lord is present) Verse 4 assures us of the presence of the Lord in time of difficulty.
5. Jehovah-Jireh (Provision) Verse 5 assures us of the Lord's provision at all times.
6. Jehovah-Rapha (The Healer) Verse 5 alludes to oil as a symbol of healing.
7. Jehovah-Nissi (A Banner, or Victory) Verse 6 surely portrays victory in this life, and in the life which is to come following death.
The Lord Jesus of the New Testament was all of that which was revealed in the Old Testament through the seven compound names of the LORD, or Jehovah. And all that these names indicated of the character qualities of God are included in the 23rd Psalm. Little wonder that it is a specially loved Psalm.
2. This Psalm can be briefly summated as follows: In verses 1-5 this Psalm portrays Faith for the present, and in verse 6 it speaks of Hope for the future. What more do we need if we have faith for the present, and hope for the future?
However, it should be noted that if you are to have faith for the present and hope for the future, while enjoying the character qualities of God, you must know the Lord as your shepherd. The story is told of a celebration for an outstanding orator. During the evening someone asked the honored guest if he would quote the 23re Psalm. This he did, and as he did, people cheered, and clapped in response. Then the honored guest asked a special friend present if he would quote the 23rd Psalm, this he did. As his godly friend quoted the Psalm, people cried. At the conclusion, the honored guest posed a question: "How is it that when I quoted the 23rd Psalm, you cheered, and clapped, but when my godly friend quoted it, you cried?" Then he proceeded to answer his own question as follows: "I KNOW THE 23rd PSALM, BUT HE KNOWS THE SHEPHERD!" Mom Hillstead not only knew the 23rd Psalm, she knew the Shepherd! She knew the Lord as a Good Shepherd (John 10:11), as the Great Shepherd (Hebrews 13:20) and as the Chief Shepherd (1 Peter 5:4).
8. Sheldon Johnson sings: "Welcome Home."
9. Mom Hillstead meets her Maker ... today is a day of separation for us! We feel very deeply the loss of her today upon earth. However in heaven, today is a day of re-union. Mom and Dad Hillstead have been separated by death for thirty-one years, but today they are together with the Lord. This is not a fanciful myth, it is a fact based on the Word of God. Listen to these words, "We are confident, I say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord." (2 Corinthians 5:8). In view of this let us hear the instruction of the Word of God to us from Ecclesiastes 12 ... "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth. Remember Him, before the silver cord is broken, and the dust return to the ground it came from, and the spirit returns to God who gave it. Now all has been heard, here is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God, and Keep His Commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil."
10. Congregational Hymn: "In the Sweet Bye and Bye."
11. Prayer of Benediction
Memorial Service for Lois Alford - January 31, 2003
On behalf of the immediate family members, Lois' Mother, Mildred Scherrer, her daughter Carla, and husband Ranie, and their children Bryce and Dakota.
Together we celebrate the Life of Lois Alfred. I am Arlo Johnson, a cousin of Lois, and one of the ten grandchildren of our Grandpa and Grandma Christ Johnson. I was asked by Lois prior to her death, and by her immediate family following her passing, to co-ordinate this memorial.
Let me say that in a service of this nature we will be reminded of our human-ness! One aspect of our human-ness is that none of us is perfect .. we are flawed! And whether we are thinking of the living or the deceased, for our own wellbeing, it is necessary for each of us to forgive individ- uals for their weaknesses, and appreciate them for their strengths! As we do this, we will experience different emotions .. at times we will feel like crying, and at other times we will feel likelaughing. Let me assure you that the expression of either or both emotions is a necessary part of our grieving process! So if you feel like crying, don't supress your tears! And if you feel like laughing, do so, and most of us will probably join in with you in either or both of these emotions!
The story of Lois' life really had its beginning long before she was ever born. Her story begins with the coming together of two families .. the Scherrer and Johnson families. These two families came from different geographical locations to live in the Parry district of Saskatchewan. As a result of that, Art Scherrer and Mildred Johnson were married in Moose Jaw on January 11, 1927. As a result of that marriage, Lois was born on December 6, 1928 in Pangman, Saskatchewan. Lois was married to Archie Alfred on September 23, 1952 in the Wascana United Church, then located on 13th Avenue in the city of Regina. In 1966 Lois and Archie birthed a daughter, Carla Lynn.
The Milestone Mail of November, 1974 was purchased for just 10 cents! It was in this news paper that bore these headlines: Centenarian Honored .. "District pioneer farmer, Christian Johnson was honored at an informal come-and-go tea on October 20 in Parry United Church on the occasion of his 100th Birthday anniversary. Great granddaughter, Carla Alfred of Moose Jaw attended the register signed by 161 well wishers."
It was into this family connection that Lois was born, and spent her childhood, growing up on her father's farm just a short distance east of Parry. Art was the farmer, and his wife, Mildred was an exceptional housekeeper according to my childhood memories. Lois was a fun loving cousin! I was four years her junior, but there were occasions when Aunt Mildred had me spend some vacation time with them in their home. It was always a very special time! Aunt Mildred had something that none of my family or extended family had .. she had a canary! As for Lois, she entertained me well!
Eulogy by Paul Larsen
Lois Mabel Alford nee Scherrer was born December 6, 1928 and passed away Sunday, January 26th, 2003 at the age of 74 years. Predeceased by her grandparents, her Dad, Art, in October, 1976, and her husband Al in July, 2000. Lois is survived by her mother, Mildred, daughter, Carla, son-in-law Ranie, grandson, Bryce and granddaughter, Dakota, also extended family members, uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews and many cousins and friends.
Lois lived up and across the road from my home. Their home was like a second home for me. We were such close neighbors so we saw alot of one another. Her Mom and Dad were a part of my growing up years, hence they are a large part of my memories. Lois and I went to school in Parry. In the summer we rode with her Dad in that Model T or we walked to school across country from our place to town and school. When the creek was running, then it was a longer route. In winter we wnt with our team of horses and sleigh. One summer she received a new bike, one of the first in the area, so she was the envy of all the girls at school. I learned to ride on that bike. We got a long fine until this boy-girl thing kicked in and I didn't want to be seen riding or walking with a girl.
That model T was an important vehicle for the Scherrers as it was used to take Lois and I to school on a number of occasions. In order to make such a trip worthwhile there was a barrel in the back of the truck to be filled with water at the town well on the way home. This was fine until one day the rear wheel came off and passed us. This created a large let down and it seemed as if the whole barrel of water came over us. Lois thought this was hilarious, even if I didn't quite agree. We were left with no choice but to walk home!
Then there was the jersey cow that did not like children! Lois and I would become the "butt" of her "cow jokes," if were not watching.
The Scherrer house had an attic that was rather unique at the time as it had a floor and a stairway leading up to it. This is where Lois spent much of her time playing with her dolls and other girl things.
After Lois finished grade school at Parry, she went to Amulet for high school. Then to Regina to take a hairdressing course and this led to her lifetime business of hairdressing. Eventually, she owned her own hair dressing shop in Moose Jaw.
Lois was a very friendly, caring person and she loved her family dearly. Her grandchildren were a great joy to her. She would tell about their latest escapades and what they had talked about on the phone. Lois and Mildred, not only had a mother and daughter relationship, they were the best of friends!
Memories by Arlo Johnson
In the fall of 1945, my parents moved to Regina where my father would haul coal, and my mother, with the assistance of Rachel Rasmussen (Sheppard) ran a boarding house at 2230 Smith Street. The second World War was just over, and War Veterans were returning home in great numbers. To make a long story short, we had between 8 and 10 men, and Lois as boarders. There are two things that I remember about Lois: 1. For the 8-10 men and Lois, we had just one BATHROOM! It seemed to my 13 year old mind that Lois spent much time in the bathroom, as all the men put together! 2. One night, the reason for which I have no recollection, but Lois put my hair in pin curls. Upon taking them out the next morning, my hair made me 4-6 inches taller .. upon going to school that day, the Grade Eight Teacher at Victoria School asked me, "Arlo, what happened to your hair?" I told him and the class that I splept on it wrong! Later that day, the teacher came to me, and asked me privately, "Arlo, did you really sleep on your hair wrong to make it look this way?" Need I say more, but if that helped one of my favorite cousins to be thrust into a successful career in hairstyling, I'd do it all over again, just for Lois!
Memories by Luella (Johnson) Pritchard
Lois was raised in a very loving home. All of us cousins loved to go to Aunt Mildred and Uncle Art's home. Everything was so pretty, and Aunt Mildred kept her home so immaculate. There were always special goodies to eat. Uncle Art was a tease, but we thrived on it.
Lois left home at quite an early age to pursue her dream of becoming a hairdresser. She took her training in Regina and stayed at Uncle Harry and Aunt Cecile's home. Reatha recalls her paarents commenting that Lois wa such a strong person, displaying much stamina in walking to her place of training each day.
Reatha also remembers how as a young girl, Aunt Mildred always had Lois dressed so beautifully-like a doll. A practice, Lois maintained all her life as she always looked attractive!
Lois was visiting Reatha and Arnold in their home in Moreland. Reatha remembers when Arnold was pretending to chase Lois and Reatha with something. So Lois and Reatha scrambled under the kitchen table just at the precise moment a traveling salesman came to their door. He peered through the window in the door and took in the happening! That would have been one of those embarrassing moments difficult to explain!
Darleen remembers, as a teenager, admiring Lois' beautiful clothes on more than one occasion. She was glad to be a recipient of some of her hand-me-downs, which were still very lovely.
Verla recalled a trip when she and Lois, along with other family members, travelled to Florida, and how Lois' fun-loving personality made the trip so enjoyable!
After the marriage of Lois and Al, they made their home in Moose Jaw. Al worked at the Canadian Forces Base, and Lois continued her career of hairdressing. A career she continued all of her life. Lois was an excellent hairdresser. She was always friendly and enjoyed visiting with people. She was very willing to serve and please her customers, often working past her scheduled time. Her character and work qualities resulted in a thriving clientele. Lois owned her own business.
Although Lois was happy in her profession, her greatest joy was at the birth of their daughter, Carla Lynn. Lois placed priority on Carla Lynn over her business. As Carla grew older, she married Ranie Moldenhouer, and Bryce and Dakota were born to complete the family. Lois' grandchildren brought great joy to Lois. She spoke lovingly of her family and they meant so much to her. Her only wish was that they lived closer so they could all be together more often!
Uncle Art and Aunt Mildred moved to Moose Jaw in 1968, just a short distance from Lois and her famlly. After Uncle Art's passing, Aunt Mildred and Lois enjoyed many trips abroad in such places as Thailand, Japan, and Spain. After Al passed away, Aunt Mildred moved from her apartment to live with Lois in her home.
Lois fought a noble battle against cancer. Even those times when she was recovering from surgery or treatment for cancer, Lois still maintained her positve outlook. She didn't dwell on her sickness, but we knew she was suffering. During the course of one such visit, Lois said, "I am ready to die, but I really want to live." Then she asked that we remember her in prayer.
A couple of weeks ago I sent Lois a card with a little note. I remember saying to her, "Lois, you are an inspiration to all of us. During this time of suffering, you have been so positive, so patient and so strong." I chose a card with the poem, "Footprints."
Reading of Footprints (written by: Margaret Fishback Powers) by Darlene (Johnson) Wilson:
One night a man had a dream ...
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
One belonged to him and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
He looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life, there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome
Times in my life, there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed you most that you would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering, when you saw only one set of footprints,
IT WAS THEN THAT I CARRIED YOU!"
Songs by Audrey Thomas: A Mansion over the Hilltop and Farther Along.
Together we celebrate the Life of Lois Alfred. I am Arlo Johnson, a cousin of Lois, and one of the ten grandchildren of our Grandpa and Grandma Christ Johnson. I was asked by Lois prior to her death, and by her immediate family following her passing, to co-ordinate this memorial.
Let me say that in a service of this nature we will be reminded of our human-ness! One aspect of our human-ness is that none of us is perfect .. we are flawed! And whether we are thinking of the living or the deceased, for our own wellbeing, it is necessary for each of us to forgive individ- uals for their weaknesses, and appreciate them for their strengths! As we do this, we will experience different emotions .. at times we will feel like crying, and at other times we will feel likelaughing. Let me assure you that the expression of either or both emotions is a necessary part of our grieving process! So if you feel like crying, don't supress your tears! And if you feel like laughing, do so, and most of us will probably join in with you in either or both of these emotions!
The story of Lois' life really had its beginning long before she was ever born. Her story begins with the coming together of two families .. the Scherrer and Johnson families. These two families came from different geographical locations to live in the Parry district of Saskatchewan. As a result of that, Art Scherrer and Mildred Johnson were married in Moose Jaw on January 11, 1927. As a result of that marriage, Lois was born on December 6, 1928 in Pangman, Saskatchewan. Lois was married to Archie Alfred on September 23, 1952 in the Wascana United Church, then located on 13th Avenue in the city of Regina. In 1966 Lois and Archie birthed a daughter, Carla Lynn.
The Milestone Mail of November, 1974 was purchased for just 10 cents! It was in this news paper that bore these headlines: Centenarian Honored .. "District pioneer farmer, Christian Johnson was honored at an informal come-and-go tea on October 20 in Parry United Church on the occasion of his 100th Birthday anniversary. Great granddaughter, Carla Alfred of Moose Jaw attended the register signed by 161 well wishers."
It was into this family connection that Lois was born, and spent her childhood, growing up on her father's farm just a short distance east of Parry. Art was the farmer, and his wife, Mildred was an exceptional housekeeper according to my childhood memories. Lois was a fun loving cousin! I was four years her junior, but there were occasions when Aunt Mildred had me spend some vacation time with them in their home. It was always a very special time! Aunt Mildred had something that none of my family or extended family had .. she had a canary! As for Lois, she entertained me well!
Eulogy by Paul Larsen
Lois Mabel Alford nee Scherrer was born December 6, 1928 and passed away Sunday, January 26th, 2003 at the age of 74 years. Predeceased by her grandparents, her Dad, Art, in October, 1976, and her husband Al in July, 2000. Lois is survived by her mother, Mildred, daughter, Carla, son-in-law Ranie, grandson, Bryce and granddaughter, Dakota, also extended family members, uncles and aunts, nieces and nephews and many cousins and friends.
Lois lived up and across the road from my home. Their home was like a second home for me. We were such close neighbors so we saw alot of one another. Her Mom and Dad were a part of my growing up years, hence they are a large part of my memories. Lois and I went to school in Parry. In the summer we rode with her Dad in that Model T or we walked to school across country from our place to town and school. When the creek was running, then it was a longer route. In winter we wnt with our team of horses and sleigh. One summer she received a new bike, one of the first in the area, so she was the envy of all the girls at school. I learned to ride on that bike. We got a long fine until this boy-girl thing kicked in and I didn't want to be seen riding or walking with a girl.
That model T was an important vehicle for the Scherrers as it was used to take Lois and I to school on a number of occasions. In order to make such a trip worthwhile there was a barrel in the back of the truck to be filled with water at the town well on the way home. This was fine until one day the rear wheel came off and passed us. This created a large let down and it seemed as if the whole barrel of water came over us. Lois thought this was hilarious, even if I didn't quite agree. We were left with no choice but to walk home!
Then there was the jersey cow that did not like children! Lois and I would become the "butt" of her "cow jokes," if were not watching.
The Scherrer house had an attic that was rather unique at the time as it had a floor and a stairway leading up to it. This is where Lois spent much of her time playing with her dolls and other girl things.
After Lois finished grade school at Parry, she went to Amulet for high school. Then to Regina to take a hairdressing course and this led to her lifetime business of hairdressing. Eventually, she owned her own hair dressing shop in Moose Jaw.
Lois was a very friendly, caring person and she loved her family dearly. Her grandchildren were a great joy to her. She would tell about their latest escapades and what they had talked about on the phone. Lois and Mildred, not only had a mother and daughter relationship, they were the best of friends!
Memories by Arlo Johnson
In the fall of 1945, my parents moved to Regina where my father would haul coal, and my mother, with the assistance of Rachel Rasmussen (Sheppard) ran a boarding house at 2230 Smith Street. The second World War was just over, and War Veterans were returning home in great numbers. To make a long story short, we had between 8 and 10 men, and Lois as boarders. There are two things that I remember about Lois: 1. For the 8-10 men and Lois, we had just one BATHROOM! It seemed to my 13 year old mind that Lois spent much time in the bathroom, as all the men put together! 2. One night, the reason for which I have no recollection, but Lois put my hair in pin curls. Upon taking them out the next morning, my hair made me 4-6 inches taller .. upon going to school that day, the Grade Eight Teacher at Victoria School asked me, "Arlo, what happened to your hair?" I told him and the class that I splept on it wrong! Later that day, the teacher came to me, and asked me privately, "Arlo, did you really sleep on your hair wrong to make it look this way?" Need I say more, but if that helped one of my favorite cousins to be thrust into a successful career in hairstyling, I'd do it all over again, just for Lois!
Memories by Luella (Johnson) Pritchard
Lois was raised in a very loving home. All of us cousins loved to go to Aunt Mildred and Uncle Art's home. Everything was so pretty, and Aunt Mildred kept her home so immaculate. There were always special goodies to eat. Uncle Art was a tease, but we thrived on it.
Lois left home at quite an early age to pursue her dream of becoming a hairdresser. She took her training in Regina and stayed at Uncle Harry and Aunt Cecile's home. Reatha recalls her paarents commenting that Lois wa such a strong person, displaying much stamina in walking to her place of training each day.
Reatha also remembers how as a young girl, Aunt Mildred always had Lois dressed so beautifully-like a doll. A practice, Lois maintained all her life as she always looked attractive!
Lois was visiting Reatha and Arnold in their home in Moreland. Reatha remembers when Arnold was pretending to chase Lois and Reatha with something. So Lois and Reatha scrambled under the kitchen table just at the precise moment a traveling salesman came to their door. He peered through the window in the door and took in the happening! That would have been one of those embarrassing moments difficult to explain!
Darleen remembers, as a teenager, admiring Lois' beautiful clothes on more than one occasion. She was glad to be a recipient of some of her hand-me-downs, which were still very lovely.
Verla recalled a trip when she and Lois, along with other family members, travelled to Florida, and how Lois' fun-loving personality made the trip so enjoyable!
After the marriage of Lois and Al, they made their home in Moose Jaw. Al worked at the Canadian Forces Base, and Lois continued her career of hairdressing. A career she continued all of her life. Lois was an excellent hairdresser. She was always friendly and enjoyed visiting with people. She was very willing to serve and please her customers, often working past her scheduled time. Her character and work qualities resulted in a thriving clientele. Lois owned her own business.
Although Lois was happy in her profession, her greatest joy was at the birth of their daughter, Carla Lynn. Lois placed priority on Carla Lynn over her business. As Carla grew older, she married Ranie Moldenhouer, and Bryce and Dakota were born to complete the family. Lois' grandchildren brought great joy to Lois. She spoke lovingly of her family and they meant so much to her. Her only wish was that they lived closer so they could all be together more often!
Uncle Art and Aunt Mildred moved to Moose Jaw in 1968, just a short distance from Lois and her famlly. After Uncle Art's passing, Aunt Mildred and Lois enjoyed many trips abroad in such places as Thailand, Japan, and Spain. After Al passed away, Aunt Mildred moved from her apartment to live with Lois in her home.
Lois fought a noble battle against cancer. Even those times when she was recovering from surgery or treatment for cancer, Lois still maintained her positve outlook. She didn't dwell on her sickness, but we knew she was suffering. During the course of one such visit, Lois said, "I am ready to die, but I really want to live." Then she asked that we remember her in prayer.
A couple of weeks ago I sent Lois a card with a little note. I remember saying to her, "Lois, you are an inspiration to all of us. During this time of suffering, you have been so positive, so patient and so strong." I chose a card with the poem, "Footprints."
Reading of Footprints (written by: Margaret Fishback Powers) by Darlene (Johnson) Wilson:
One night a man had a dream ...
He dreamed he was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene, he noticed two sets of footprints in the sand;
One belonged to him and the other to the Lord.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
He looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of his life, there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he questioned the Lord about it.
"Lord, you said that once I decided to follow you,
You'd walk with me all the way. But I have noticed that during the most troublesome
Times in my life, there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why, when I needed you most that you would leave me."
The Lord replied, "My precious, precious child, I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering, when you saw only one set of footprints,
IT WAS THEN THAT I CARRIED YOU!"
Songs by Audrey Thomas: A Mansion over the Hilltop and Farther Along.
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