Obituary of Kenneth Ponto

PONTO ~ Kenneth Ponto of Lloydminster, Saskatchewan passed away peacefully at the age of 81, Sunday, July 20, 2008 with his family by his side. Kenneth leaves to mourn his loving wife Margaret; his three daughters and their spouses: Gail (Don Hansen), Donna (Wayne McGuire), Carole (Clay Hnatiuk) and one son David; his two brothers Ben (Elsie), Milton (Dorthory); two sisters: Ada (Bob Polinsky) and Joan (late Roger LeBlanc); his thirteen grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren as well as numerous relatives and friends. Kenneth was predeceased by his son Brian Kenneth, his parents Ferdinand and Pauline, two brothers Herbert and Raymond Ponto, one brother-in-law Roger LeBlanc and one sister-in-law Edna Ponto. The funeral service was conducted at Grace United Church in Lloydminster, Alberta on Wednesday, July 23, 2008 with Reverend Sue Hertell and Joyce Carson officiating. A eulogy was given by granddaughters Tara Wygle and Brooklyn Ponto. Hymns were sung by Marlene Risling. Active pallbearers were: Don Hansen, Wayne McGuire, Clay Hnatiuk, Darcy Weimer, Jason Wygle, John Matwek and Barry Smith. Honorary pallbearers were grandsons and great grandsons: Jagger Ponto, Brenden Snydal, Brett Track, Wayne McGuire, JR and Joseph McGuire. Interment following in the Lashburn Cemetery, Lashburn, Saskatchewan. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. Kenneth was born September 10, 1926 to Ferdinand and Pauline Ponto at Maidstone, Saskatchewan. In 1948, Kenneth went to Toronto, Ontario to work. While there he met the love of his life Margaret Jarvie. They married in December 1949. In 1950, Kenneth and his new bride moved to Waseca, Saskatchewan, where he continued farming with his father. Their first born son Brian was born in 1950. From then on four more children followed: Gail, Donna, Carole and David. Great sadness came upon Kenneth on the death of his son Brian in August 1955. Kenneth continued to farm and took great pride while doing so. In 1976, Kenneth sold the farm and in July of 1976 Kenneth and Margaret made their home in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan. Kenneth was a man who always had to be doing something, he then took a job at Imperial 400 as maintenance personnel. Kenneth enjoyed all animals, snowmobiling, fishing, travelling, and playing cards and bingo. Even though Margaret was his pride and joy, Kenneth's grandchildren always brought a smile upon his face, he had a great love for each and every one of them and always made time for them. Kenneth took sick in August 2000, since then Margaret continued to care for him, mom did a wonderful job and we as her children are proud of her for doing so. In June 2008 the time came when Kenneth's health was failing and he needed more care. Kenneth was then place in the Jubilee Home until his passing. In loving memory of my father: DAD: There isn't enough words that can describe my father, kind, warmhearted with a giddy side buy yet a loving side. Dad I've always honoured and respected you, this I have learned from you. You gave me life, taught me respect and as I was growing up you always did your best, so, our mother, sisters and brother had the best you could provide. For that I can not thank you enough. As a grandfather and great grandfather, your smile and the twinkle in your eyes was enough. Words didn't have to be said. Dad, the last few years were not the most pleasant for you, but I have never thought any less of you. Watching the strength and courage you had to carry on . I could never admire anyone more than I admire you. Dad it's going to be hard not having you in my life, but your smile and special memories will always be in my heart. Dad I'm writing this in honour, love and respect for you. Dad I love you with all my heart. May you rest in peace. Love your daughter, Carole CARD OF THANKS A sincere thank you to all our family and friends who called, visited, sent food and flowers. A special thank you to Bob and Ada Polinsky and Milton and Dorthory Ponto for being there for your brother and brother-in-law. We, as family, respect and thank you for all the time you spent with my husband and our father. A special thank you to Dr. Kerlis, Jubilee Home and everyone at McCaw Funeral Service for all your compassion, thoughtfulness, guidance and support at this difficult time in our lives. Thank you to Joyce Carson and Reverend Sue Hertell for the beautiful service and to Irene Knowlson and Marlene Risling for providing the beautiful music. To the ladies of the United Church who provided us with a lovely lunch. To Tara Wygle and Brooklyn Ponto for giving the eulogy, you both made Grandpa proud. To all the active pallbearers and honorary pallbearers, thank you. We know Dad, Grandpa, felt honoured to have each and everyone of you there by his side. Sincerely, Margaret Ponto Gail & Don Hansen and family Donna & Wayne McGuire and family Carole Weimer & Clay Hnatiuk and family David Ponto and family Donations in memory of Ken may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation.