George “Wilmer” Sawatzky
June 22, 1931 – May 25, 2024
George “Wilmer” Sawatzky was born June 22, 1931 at home on the farm, a few miles east of Aberdeen to loving parents Elizabeth (Wiebe) Sawatzky and George K. Sawatzky.
He spent his educational years at New Steinbach, a small rural school. Although he spent several years as a bulldozer and grader operator on construction projects near Saskatoon and then in the RM of Aberdeen (where he helped in building some of the grid road system we still use today), he ultimately pursued what he felt to be his calling in life, his passion of working as a farmer. Wilmer learned much of what he practiced from his father, starting out as a mixed cattle and grain farm. In the mid 1970s he sold his cattle, preferring to focus his time and attention on grain farming. He was an early adopter of the newest agronomic practices and machinery, and was one of the first in the area to grow “rapeseed,” an early version of canola. He spent many years on the RM of Aberdeen Council and found reward in contributing to the betterment of the community he loved in this way. Wilmer was a regular at both the elevator and the coffee shop in Aberdeen where he enjoyed community. He was active in politics, an ardent supporter of the Progressive Conservative party. Wilmer enjoyed many years as a season ticket holder to the Saskatoon Blades hockey games, and almost always went to “head office” (Tim Horton’s) afterward to review the game with friends. Collecting and restoring vintage tractors became a cherished hobby in his later years. He was a founding member of the Aberdeen Vintage Machinery Club and was probably the only person who had a tractor on his covered porch. He was joined by nephew Dean on the farm and together they enjoyed many years working the land. Wilmer never really retired, but progressively did just a little less than the previous year, preferring always to think of himself as an active part of the farming operation, and even in his later years he loved operating the combine for neighbors.
Having placed his faith in the finished work of Jesus in his teens he remained resolute in his faith. He was not one to speak overtly about spiritual matters, preferring to live as he thought Jesus might. His life was as straight as the rows he made in the field. Wilmer moved to Saskatoon in 2018 and in the past several months resided at the Langham Care Home where the staff provided him with wonderful care.
Wilmer was predeceased by his parents, and sisters Tina and Elsie. He is lovingly remembered by brother Harvey (June), sister Vivian Thiessen, 6 nephews and nieces (Dean, Karri, Renee, Richard, Ruth, Karen), 16 great nephews/nieces, and 11 great, great nephews/nieces.
A public viewing will take place on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. at Dalmeny Funeral Home, 139 3rd Street, Dalmeny. The burial will take place on Friday, June 7, 2024, at 10:30 a.m. at Aberdeen Town Cemetery with a Memorial Service to follow at Dalmeny Funeral Home at 2:00 p.m. To watch the live stream please click on the link below.
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAM LINK OF MEMORIAL SERVICE FOR THE LATE WILMER SAWATZKY
(A copy of the live stream will also be available to view after the service at the link above.)
Arrangements entrusted to Dalmeny Funeral Home 306-254-2022.
3 Comments
My father, Cornie Fehr, worked together with Wilmer for a number of years, building roads for the R.M.of Aberdeen.
My Dad was a good judge of character and thought very highly of Wilmer as a worker and, more importantly, as a person. He liked him very much.
When my Dad was in his 80’s and had come to live close to us, I would try to take him to Aberdeen for coffee once a week. If Wilmer was there to visit it was a highlight for him.
My wife Judy and I are sorry for your loss.
A good man has left us.
Lorne Fehr
Wilmer was a great, lifelong friend, who always had a wonderful smile.I enjoyed many visits with him on my annual trips to Saskatchewan.Enjoyed coffee and a visit with him in Saskatoon two years ago, and had planned to see him this summer, when I got the news of his passing.I will miss him and I’m sure many others will feel the same.Truly a great gentleman!
My condolences to Wilmer’s family, rest peacefully Wilmer. Potato chip Dyck
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