Roy Ardell

Roy Ardell

August 23, 1924 – September 8, 2020

Roy Gordon Ardell passed away in Warman, Saskatchewan on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2020 at age 96. He was born August 23, 1924 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan to John and Flossie Ardell. Roy was raised on a farm at Valley Center, NE of Rosetown. He was the seventh of nine children.  Roy is predeceased by his sisters and their spouses Myrtle (Gordon Gibbings), Reta (Evertt Wickens), Elsie (Tom Seeley), Bessie (Ervine Page), Verna (Norman Dreger) and brothers and spouses Bruce (Jean), and Hugh (Evelyn). He is survived by his youngest sister Mina and her husband Carmen McCombs. Roy is predeceased by his dear wife Margaret (Skarsgard) and her two brothers Sylvan (Doreen), Harvey (Ilse) and his first wife Anne. He is survived by Margaret’s brother Lloyd and his wife Margaret. Roy is survived by his children Terry (Joanne), Dale (Jan), Joan (Darrel), Cathi (Bruce) and Rob (Sharon). He is predeceased by his two grandsons Brad and Mark.  He is survived by his grandchildren Mike (Theresa), James (Allison), Kristen (Michael), Kim (Joni), Bree (Otto), Stephanie (Spencer), Andrew, Peter, Jared (Marla), Steven (Karina), Kathryn, Nathaniel, Adam, Jenessa (Jani), Carla (Matt), Becky (Denver), Sarah, Joey (Shaina), and 13 great grandchildren. As well, Roy is survived by countless nieces and nephews on both sides of the family whom he loved dearly.  Roy was a beloved husband, brother, father, uncle, grandpa, great grandpa and friend to many.

Roy’s love for family and friends was only surpassed by his love for God. Roy’s faith was ignited at a church service when he was 19 years of age when he heard the evangelist Joe Carlson preach.  As Roy penned: “I knelt at the foot of the cross to accept Jesus as my Savior and Lord”.  From that point on, all Roy did was filtered through the lens of loving God and loving others.

Roy worked at a men’s clothing store before he entered University to obtain his diploma in agriculture. He also attended Robertson Business College for two semesters to gain some business knowledge.  From there, Roy’s love for meeting people took him into the fertilizer business where he enjoyed a long career as an Agronomist with Cominco.  During this time he bought “the home section” in 1963 by Vanscoy which became the base for farming endeavors with his sons, particularly his eldest son, Terry, in later years.  During this time Roy and Margaret (whom he married in 1951) had five children: Terry, Dale, Joan, Cathi and Rob. Family birthday celebrations, Monday night Kentucky Fried chicken, Sunday meals with grandma/grandpa Skarsgard, fall corn roasts, weekly early morning Gideon meetings, painting and repainting all the buildings and old equipment on the farm, farming,  gardening– growing both vegetables and flowers, travelling, enjoying many sporting pursuits with family were all the rhythms of Roy’s life.  He loved being involved in the greeter’s ministry at church, and he loved the Gideon organization which handed out Bibles to Grade 5 students – something Roy did tirelessly till well into his 70’s.

Roy and Marg were known for their thoughtful care of others and always open door to friends and neighbors who became friends.  Roy loved to grow gladiolas – most he gave away — and juiced countless carrots for the ever healthy carrot juice tonic well before such a drink was vogue.  Roy always knew every waitress or attendant that served him taking an interest in their family and concerns and usually leaving them a small Gideon New Testament to read.

Roy was concerned to stay fit and healthy.  He would enjoy daily bike rides with Marg, do push-ups, sit ups and many other exercises he cycled through his regime. He was riding a stationary bike until shortly before his 96^th birthday.  He was an avid tennis player and loved to play saxophone.  Roy played at countless church events, services and senior homes with Marjorie Goetz as his favorite accompanist.  He played saxophone duets with his son or grandson/daughter with another family member accompanying him on the piano well into his 90’s, instilling a love for music in his children and grandchildren. Roy was truly a man of many talents, much ability and deep love for others, especially his family.

In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that donations be given to the Gideon Bible Society in memory of Roy Ardell.  As per covid restrictions, a small intimate family funeral is planned on Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.  The service will be held at Forest Grove Community Church.

Arrangements are in care of DALMENY FUNERAL HOME 306-254-2022.