Rev. Kurt Edwin Leslie Hartviksen
July 10, 1942 – March 14, 2022
It is with great sadness that Kurt’s family shares the news of his passing on March 14, 2022 at Spruce Manor Special Care Home in Dalmeny, Saskatchewan. Kurt left his earthly home peacefully and walked into new life in his heavenly home, and is now in the presence of His Lord and Saviour.
Kurt was the youngest of two children born to Edwin & Elvira Hartviksen in Port Arthur, ON. Kurt grew up in Port Arthur and then Saskatoon. He married the love of his life, Ardis, in 1965 and together they journeyed a full and faith filled life. They had two daughters, Kristine and Michelle.
Kurt had a passion for ministry and service from a very young age. While his career took him on the path of industrial construction and then 20 years in the pharmaceutical field, his love for people and service took up many hours of his spare time. As a dedicated volunteer he served as a Gideon, an elder in his local church, in service ministry at the local nursing home and partnered with various prison ministries. In his latter years he gave time to helping with the local MS group, Woodworkers Guild and Norwegian Cultural Society.
Kurt always “made the most” of situations. In the early 90’s when his career in pharmaceuticals ended due to health difficulties and business reorganization, he decided to return to school to obtain his Masters of Divinity. Subsequent to graduation, he served as a Pastor with the Christian & Missionary Alliance and as a Hospital Chaplain not only for his remaining working years but well into his retiring years.
Kurt embodied a life of joy and generosity, impacting people around him – everywhere he went. It was not unusual that a short trip to the store would take him 3 hours because he ran into people, made a new friend, or stopped to help someone along the way. He was generous in everything: kindness, words of affirmation, a listening ear, his time, his skills, through helping, caring and meeting tangible needs. He lived a life of love, he put others first, pressed on despite challenges and limitations and did it all with grace and a gentle and loving smile.
In 2020, he (and Ardis) moved into Spruce Manor Special Care Home where although a resident, he continued to serve. He used his gifts there to improve the library for other residents, helped tend the gardens in the summer, photographed special events and helped lead exercises. He found joy in the little things and was involved in every activity he could be.
Kurt’s greatest desire is that people would know the wonderful love and grace of Jesus. Despite a 30+ year battle with Multiple Sclerosis and 2 years with Cancer, Kurt lived with great faith and trusted His Saviour completely. He sprinkled joy to all those around him in hopes that they too would find out just how great God’s love is.
Left to celebrate his life as a loving husband, father, father-in-law, grandfather, brother and brother-in-law are his wife and best friend of 56 years Ardis, his daughters Kristine (Darcy) and Michelle (Michael), his grandchildren Aaron, Khloé, Llyr, Taegyn, Christopher and Nicholas (Raeleigh), and his only sister Judith (Colin). Kurt will also be lovingly remembered by many nieces and nephews, extended family, friends and colleagues.
We would like to thank all of the amazing staff at Spruce Manor. You have gone above and beyond over the past two years. During such a difficult time to be providing care, you have done so with excellence and much love.
A Celebration of Life will be held on April 2, 2022 at 3:00 pm at Erindale Alliance Church in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Spruce Manor Special Care Home Box 190 Dalmeny, Saskatchewan, S0K 1E0.
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
9 Comments
Kurt and Ardis were wonderful neighbors in Elim Lodge, We really missed them when they moved to Spruce Manor. Kurt was always so friendly and positive, in spite of his infirmity. Our condolences to his family
He touched everyone he met
Our deepest condolences to Michelle, Mike and family.
May the Lord be your comfort, strength and peace🙏✝️
From the Fort Saskatchewan days…praying for your family at this time. 1 Thessalonians 4:13&14
Dearest Judy and Colin and family and Ardis and family: Please accept our sincerest condolences at this very sad time and know that we are thinking of you and sending our love. Barb and Bill Day
Sounds like an amazing man with many talents and blessings 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Kurt pastored at two churches McBride’s and Iona Christian Fellowship Churches. He was always willing to talk through any concerns and I especially enjoyed the Bible Studies they had for others not affiliated with the churches. Special prayers for Ardis and family as they mourn his loss from Ontario.
Dearest Ardis, Judith and Colin and families.
Please accept our deepest condolences at this very sad time. We in Norway will forever remember Kurts gentle friendliness. We always really appreciated the numerous warm greetings we received from Kurt and Ardis on various occations during the years. We were also deeply moved and a bit proud to understand how they both cherished Kurts Norwegian roots. Sigmund and all the Kristoffersen relatives in Norway.
So encouraging and uplifting to read about your father’s life, Michelle. He had true riches in his life and you have been incredibly blessed to have him as your Dad. Jean and I have been praying that the Lord will sustain and comfort you through this “valley of the shadow of death” that ultimately leads to the “morning without clouds” in the presence of Christ “which is far better.” With love because of Christ, Frank & Jean
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