Obituary of Alfred Wightman

Alfred John Wightman was born on March 14, 1914 at home near Waldeck, Sk.to James Collier Wightman and Ellen Archibald. Alf lost his mom at the age of 2 after the birth of his sister Ellen (Bessie) but gained 3 new siblings Violet, Margaret and Harry, when his dad remarried Annie Francis. Brothers Gordon, Louis and Les and sisters Phyllis and Joyce soon joined the family. Alf took on many family responsibilities as the eldest of this brood. He left home at a young age and sought work in Manitoba before coming to the Marsden area in 1935 to work on the dairy farm owned by his aunt and uncle, Bessie and Bert Polkinghorne. Here he met his wife to be, Margaret Lucilla Graham. They were married on May 24, 1938. Alf eventually bought the farm by Manitou Lake from Bruce Graham. Alf and Lu lost 2 young daughters before the birth of Grant, Sandra, Lois and Fred. Lu was killed in a tragic tractor rollover on the farm on April 20, 1953. You may have heard of the book, "It Takes a Village to Raise a Child". With Alf's determination, the help of a community of friends, relatives and neighbors and some hired help Alf was able to keep his four kids together while he maintained the family farm. During Alf's years in the Marsden Community he was active in many organizations. Alf was instrumental in bringing the Credit Union to Marsden and served as President for many years. He served on the Marsden/Neilburg Co-op Board and the Neilburg Housing Board. He served on the Cliffe School Board, Saskatchewan Wheat Pool Board as well as the Manitou Lake Feeders' Co-op. Alf was one of the most selfless people known. He was always looking for ways to help others especially those in need. He was never one to take advantage of someone for his own gain. Alf started a new chapter in his life when he left the farm, moved to Lloydminster and married Mary Green (formerly from the Hillmond area) on October 9, 1971. During the early years in Lloydminster Alf worked part time for Jim at Big J Esso. He also enjoyed helping out at John and Leonie Green's farm. Alf had the memory of an elephant. He remembered dates including the birthdays of his and Mary's children and grandchildren and section numbers and who lived where as if he had a database in his brain. Besides the Western Producer he spent hours reading the various history books of the area. A couple of Alf's favorite family pastimes were crokinole and horseshoes. Alf also loved to sing and knew all the old tunes and hymns. He loved social events and the chance to share stories with everyone. Fowl suppers were a good outlet for this need to socialize. Mary's niece Delorese made extra effort to make sure Alf got his quota of suppers in. The family takes this opportunity to thank Delorese for this and all the other special things you did for Uncle Alf. Alf was a caregiver from the beginning so when Mary suffered some strokes, taking care of her was a role he knew well. Alf devoted many years to Mary's care, first at home and then making daily trips to Dr. Cooke's. After Mary died May 9, 2002, Alf continued to live in the house until June of 2006 when he moved to the Pioneer Lodge and then to the Jubilee Home in December of 2008. Above all Alf loved his family and always wanted to hear how things were going on the farm. Alf passed away May 19, 2010 at the age of 96. A funeral service was conducted on Tuesday, May 25th from McCaw's Funeral home with Interment at the Wycollar Cemetery. He is lovingly remembered by his four children Grant (Sandra) Wightman of Marsden, Sandra (Tony) Allen of Saskatoon, Lois (Tony) Myer of Maidstone and Fred (Brenda) Wightman of Marsden as well as eight grandchildren Curtis (Rachel) Wightman of Neilburg, Luanne (Andy) Jones of Australia, Anita Myer of Lloydminster, Korbin Myer of Saskatoon, Steven (Christine) Myer of Maidstone, Bryce, Jay (Bree) and Lori Allen of Saskatoon and 5 great grandchildren. Alf is also survived by his sister Ellen Elizabeth of Saskatoon, sister Joyce Jensen of Swift Current, sister-in-law Vi Wightman of Swift Current, brothers-in-law Art (Sheila) Graham of Marsden and Floyd (Grace) Graham of Saskatoon and many nieces and nephews. Also left to mourn his passing are Cliff Green of Alaska and Garry (Bonnie) Green and John (Leonie) Green of Lloydminster and their families. Card of thanks: Alf's family would like to thank the staff at the Jubilee Home for their care and support given to dad while living there. A big thank you to McCaw's and to Rev. Harold Martin for honouring dad's request and coming out of retirement one more time to do dad's service. Thank you to the Artland ladies for a wonderful lunch and to Relative Harmony, Hazel Weins and Greg and Alva Graham for giving the gift of music. Thank you to Anita and Curtis for delivering the Eulogy. Thank you to the grandchildren who served as pallbearers, including Kim and Kelly Green. Also thank you to everyone offering acts of kindness and support to our family during this time of loss. Stories of Alf's life may be sent to Sandra Allen 2611 Cairns Ave., Saskatoon SK, S7J 1V6 or allen.sandy@sasktel.net Donations in memory of Alf may be made to the charity of the donors choice.