Obituary of V. Harmel

V. Ray Harmel of Maidstone, SK passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 20th, 2006 at the Maidstone Hospital. He was born in Lashburn, SK on August 28, 1939 to parents Adolph and Margaret Harmel of Maidstone.. Ray attended school at Keyworth, Halfway and Maidstone High School. Throughout these years he was a proficient member of both Grain and Beef 4-H Clubs winning many significant trophies. In 1962 he graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Degree in Agriculture and then returned to Maidstone to run the family farm. In 1963 he married Ethel McDonald of Turtleford who he had met while they were both in 4-H. Together they have continually managed the mixed farm north of Maidstone and raised their family there. Beginning with a small number of Registered Herefords which his father had taken pride in Ray expanded the herd. He was passionate about raising cattle. The Harmels’ were proud to receive a Century Farm Award from the Saskatchewan Provincial Government in 2005. Ray was recognized in the community as a respected farmer and a kind, generous and trustworthy neighbour. He was a strong family man, always wanting the best for them. He set high standards for his children and was extremely proud of their accomplishments. Ray spent many winters teaching farm management courses throughout Saskatchewan for SIAST. He always gave generously of his time working on the Maidstone Agriculture Committee and as a member of the Kinsmen Club, the K-40's, the Lloydminster Co-op Board (23 years), the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Committee and as a Board member/Treasurer of the United Church of Maidstone. He willingly helped judge Beef Club Achievement Days as well. Other activities Ray enjoyed throughout the years included square dancing, curling, downhill skiing, bowling, fishing, camping and travelling. Ray bravely faced his many medical challenges over the years – never complaining and always willing to continue to participate as well as he could in farm operations, family gatherings and social events. Ray was predeceased by his parents Adolph and Margaret Harmel in 1961 and 1990 respectively and his father-in-law Alistair McDonald of Turtleford in 1998. He will be forever lovingly remembered by Ethel, his wife of 43 years and children, Ross (Becky) Harmel of Maidstone, Andrea (Steve) Danychuk of Maidstone and Mark Harmel of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia and his 5 grandchildren, Alishia, Christopher and Megan Danychuk and Lauryn and Tyler Harmel all of Maidstone. He will also be greatly missed by his sister, Evelda (Bill) Love of Calgary and nephews Kevin Love of Jersey City/New York City and Michael Love of Calgary. He is survived as well by his mother-in-law, Bernice McDonald, brother-in-law, Alex (Marilyn) McDonald of Turtleford, SK and his nieces and nephews, Blair (Sherry) McDonald of Turtleford, Bonnie (Jay) Braun of Saskatoon, Blaine McDonald of Turtleford and Becky McDonald of Calgary and their families. Ray’s Auntie Eileen Hall of Warburg, AB will also remember him fondly. Many cousins, other relatives and friends will mourn his passing. A Service of Celebration for Ray’s life was held in the Maidstone Legion Hall on May 24, 2006. Accompanists were June Franks and Marilyn Owens and special music was provided by Sharon and Cliff Veer and the Maidstone Community Choir. Rev Ean Kasper officiated. Ross Harmel was the Urn Bearer and the Honorary Pallbearers were all those whose lives have been touched by Ray. Interment was in the Maidstone Cemetery. Arrangements were made by McCaw Funeral Services Ltd. of Lloydminster. Condolences may be submitted at www.mccawfuneralservice.com and they will be forwarded to the family. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation, the Maidstone Integrated Health Complex Building Project, the Maidstone United Church or another charity of your choice. Ethel Harmel and all the family wish to thank everyone who sent food, cards and flowers and called to express condolences. The huge outpouring of support at Ray’s Celebration of Life Service was a tremendous support to the family. The service was enhanced by: Rev. Ean Kasper, Cliff and Sharon Veer of Swift Current, the Maidstone Community Choir, accompanists June Franks and Marilyn Owens, the tributes by Ethel Harmel, Evelda Love (read by Pat Bullock), Bob Bullock, Barry Golden, Fred Bowditch, Dale Brook, Don Retzlaff, Joe Stakiw, Don Young, Lloyd Robb and Cliff and Sharon Veer. The family were also grateful for the bountiful lunch provided by the Maidstone United Church Women. The professional conduct of McCaw Funeral Service Ltd. were of great comfort to the family. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Kidney Foundation or to the Maidstone Integrated Facility Building Fund.