Erwen Siemens

Erwen Siemens

December 26, 1938 – March 15, 2020

Erwen Kornelius Siemens was born on December 26, 1938 at the family home in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.  In the summer of 2013, he was diagnosed with vascular dementia.  In September of that same year, Erwen suffered a massive stroke and battled the results of that for six and a half years until March 15, 2020 when he went home to be with Jesus. In a private ceremony, his family laid him to rest on March 21, 2020.

Erwen was born to KK and Justina Siemens and was the youngest of six children.  As a youngster he attended Caswell public school and for his high school he went to Saskatoon Technical Collegiate (Tech).  When he was old enough to get his chauffeurs license, he applied and immediately began driving truck for his Dad.  It was during these years he made the decision that one day he would own his own trucking company.  

In 1959, Erwen married Lily Ann Janzen, from Watrous, Saskatchewan and this began their sixty-year journey together. Like any marriage, it had highs and lows, but their unconditional love for each other kept their partnership strong.  A short time after they married, Erwen took a big financial risk and purchased Partons Transport and began hauling general freight between Saskatoon and Kindersley.  His dream of owning his own business was realized and this was the beginning of Kindersley Transport Ltd.  The early days of the business were not especially profitable and coupled with the fact that he and Lil had five children by 1967, pressure was a reality he lived daily as he tried to make his family and business succeed.

For several years, Erwen worked through his challenges and had to make many difficult decisions. He had several lenders tell him he should close his business as it would never survive, but he was determined to make it work and in 1978 he began to see progress.  After that, over the next 30 years, Erwen saw Kindersley Transport Ltd grow into a national trucking company that employed over 2000 people and with his trucks serving Canada and the USA.  He had realized his dream, but he was always quick to remind that it was the people who worked along side him over the years that helped him get to his goal.  He liked to say, “Most folks see the trucking industry as trucks, diesel and warehouses, but it’s really all about people and relationships. “ 

Erwen believed in giving back to the trucking industry and did so over the years by serving as President of the Saskatchewan Trucking Association, and later as the President of the Canadian Trucking Alliance.  He was awarded both the provincial and national “Service to the Industry” award, which was given to people who have contributed significantly to the trucking industry.  He was also inducted into the Saskatchewan Transportation Hall of Fame in 2005, following in his father’s footsteps who was inducted in 1992.

Erwen was a shrewd businessman who understood his industry.  He was a skilled negotiator, a risk taker, and believed his word and a handshake was good enough.  He was loyal and was very generous. He liked to give privately without fanfare.  He had a quiet confidence, and a great sense of humor.

He didn’t have any hobbies but spent a lot of time serving and leading in his local church. His strong faith in God guided how he ran his business, led his family, and served the community.

Erwen loved his family, and spending time together was very important to him.  He took the whole family on numerous vacations, and enjoyed time spent together at the cabin, watching the grandkids learn how to waterski, or having friends share a campfire together. He always appreciated family gatherings at home too. He found time to attend his children’s and grandchildren’s activities, and he was very proud of all of them.

Erwen is survived by his loving wife Lil. His 5 children, and their spouses, 16 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren.  Doug (Deb), Parker, Marshall (Jenn), Benjamin, Kyle; Darrell, Mackenzie, Alexis and Jessi; Terry (Karilyn), Ashley (James), Olivia, Logan and Allisha; Tom (April), Konner, Keatin, Kenedee; Lisa (Bruce), Keli, Jodi, Hannah and Courtney; his siblings Dan (Judy), Walter (Aida); his in-laws Audrey, Vi (Peter), Gord (Julie), Ed (Mary); and a group of very special friends. 

He was predeceased by his parents Kornelius K and Justina Siemens; his in-laws Peter and Nettie Janzen; his siblings Kornelius, Nell Roberts, and Peter; sister and brother in law Agnes and Ray Ens; Don Janzen.

As a family, we would like to thank the care givers and nurses at Sherbrook Care Home for their love and care for Erwen, as well as his many caregivers and therapists throughout the years.  In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Bridge on 20^th.  A celebration of Erwen’s life will be announced at a later date.