Obituary of Kenneth Wesson

BIOGRAPHY WESSON ~ Kenneth William Wesson passed away peacefully at the Maidstone Hospital, Maidstone, Saskatchewan on Monday, February 18, 2008 at the age of 93 years. The memorial service for Ken was conducted from the St. Andrew's Anglican Church, Maidstone, Saskatchewan on Friday, February 22, 2008 at 2:00 P.M. with Reverend Peter Yeung officiating. Leader of song was Christine Pike accompanied on the organ by Eileen Evans. The hymns sung were "Now Thank We All Our God" and "Blest Be The Tie That Binds". A eulogy was given by Robyn Wesson. The urn bearer was Ted Wesson. Honorary pallbearers were Ted and Shirley Wesson, Don and Shirley Young, Keith and Eileen Evans, Guy and Robyn Wesson, Christine Pike, Mel and Norma Hougan, Edith Foster and Alice McGowan. McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements. Eulogy - Robyn Wesson Kenneth William Wesson was born March 20, 1914 on the Wesson Homestead at the Gully. He passed away February 18, 2008 at the Maidstone Health Complex at the age of 93. Ken is predeceased by his wife Elvina Wesson, mother Lily Wesson, father Edward Wesson, and brother-in-law Albert White. Left to mourn his passing is his sister Marion White and numerous cousins. Ken was the oldest child of Edward and Lily Wesson and had one sister, Marion who was born June 6, 1918. Ken began his schooling at McLaren School which was a four mile walk, north of the Wesson homestead. In 1923, Edward and Lily Wesson along with Ken and Marion moved from the Wesson homestead and relocated to SW 6-49-23, where the other Wesson families had moved prior. It was at this time that Ken and Marion began attending Forrest Bank School which was also four miles away. During his school days Ken enjoyed many sporting activities such as hockey and football and had a natural ability. He continued to play hockey for many years and played on a Forrest Bank team and then in Maidstone. Ken obtained his Grade ten which was quite remarkable in those years. After school Ken farmed with his father, his Uncle Jack, and Uncle Jim for several years. In 1955 Ken married Elvina Hougan and moved onto uncle Jack's farm and continued to farm with his family. Being in such close proximity, the three Wesson families were very close and in 1959 when his Uncle Jim passed away, Ken took over the roll of giving away Jim's two remaining daughters Vivian and Shirley, at their weddings. After his Uncle Jim's passing, Ken farmed with his father until he passed away in 1968. He had the help of a hired man for a couple of years until Ted was old enough to help. Ken and Elvina moved to town in 1968 and he continued to farm until the early 70's. Ken enjoyed his retirement and spent his time woodworking, fishing, camping, bowling, and doing mechanics. His wife Elvina passed away in 1997. I came to know Ken in 2003 and later became the newest member of the Wesson family. He was introduced to me as Uncle Ken, and this is what he was to me from then on. Uncle Ken struck me as a very interesting man and I was instantly drawn to him. I quickly realized how important the Senior's Center was to him as he loved to meet with the "regulars" to play cards. Later on he hosted the card games in his home. Uncle Ken became well known for his mini van full of ladies and was often seen taking them downtown, or to an appointment, or to the Truck Stop for dinner. I must add how much he loved going to Sunny's for Chinese Food!! The more I got to know Ken, the more I realized why people were drawn to him. Uncle Ken was a genuine and kind man. He was a True English Gentleman who was soft spoken, had a great sense of humor, and always had a twinkle in his eye. Not to mention, he had his license into his 90's!!! When Ken moved into Pine Island Lodge in 2007 I had the pleasure of seeing him on an almost daily basis, as that is where I worked. I observed many things over the year. He was a very patient man and never complained. Okay maybe he did complain, but only if it was justified and he always did it in a way that would have everyone chuckling. I quickly noticed his love for his sister Marion and he looked so forward to his nightly phone calls and Sunday visits. He loved company and looked so forward to many of you here today stopping by to say hello. Uncle Ken had a sweet tooth and he is to thank for my son, Ryder, being introduced to Wagon Wheels and our need to always have a box of them in the cupboard. He loved Ryder very much and as his eyesight deteriorated he would often feel his face, then his arms and then his legs, all the while commenting on how he couldn't believe how fast he was growing and I must be feeding him Wesson potatoes. Uncle Ken always had a clever comment for everything!! I mentioned earlier the twinkle in his eye. While visiting with Marion, Ted and Shirley, and Don and Shirley this week, and listening to them reminisce over Ken's life, I think I have a bit of insight into that twinkle. We came across a picture of him in 1935 on a motor bike with a side car filled with two women and two women on the bike behind him. Stories were told of how every Saturday night Ken would load up his Studebaker and head to Lashburn to the picture show. This took place in the late 40's and early 50's. There were pictures and newspaper articles about the Snow Plane he built himself in 1939 and the many stories of how he took people on their honeymoons, took women to the hospital in labor, and oh so much more!! That twinkle in his eye was years of joy, love, heartache, inventions, dreams, hope, laughter, pride, courage, hard work, and many many stories. He truly lived life to the fullest!! So although I never took the opportunity to thank him for letting me into his very fulfilled life, he will always be loved and he will never be forgotten. Card of Thanks My sincere thanks to everyone who has been so kind and helpful to Ken - The homecare girls, the card players, the lodge staff, visits and goodies from caring friends. A special thanks to Ted and the two Shirley's for staying all day and all night with Ken, to Dr. Nyami, Dr. Daniels and the hospital staff for their care after Ken was moved to the hospital. Thanks to Dave and Dale McCaw for their professional and compassionate assistance. Thank you to Reverend Peter Yeung for his kind words, Eileen and Christine for the music, also Robyn for the eulogy and constant caring and compassion. Thank you to Ted for carrying the urn. Thank you to the Forrest Bank Friendship Group for supplying the lovely lunch. To all those who attended the service and those who sent cards, flowers, and donations, your thoughtfulness is very much appreciated. If I have forgotten anyone please accept my sincere apologizes. Again many thanks, Marion White Donations in memory of Ken may be made to St. Paul's Forest Bank Church or to CNIB.