It is with broken hearts that we announce the passing of Lester Joseph Shingoose on September 4, 2012 at the age of 68 years. Lester was born on July 29, 1944 at the Crescent Lake district south of Yorkton; a son of Helen (nee Allary) and Walter Shingoose. He was raised in the district and attended school there, as well as Martin Collegiate in Regina. As a young man, Lester entered the workforce at the age of 15 years, and worked at many different jobs in his lifetime. He mainly worked in construction, but Lester also trained for and received his class 1A drivers certificate. On June 19, 1987, Lester was united in marriage to Velma Matilda Pelletier, whom he met and fell in love with some years earlier. They were blessed with two children, Delta and Leon. The family lived in many communities, including British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan. In 1991, the family settled into a home in Springside, where they have since resided. Lester never was idle for very long. While in Springside, Lester continued to drive truck and do construction work. His greatest achievement in construction was rebuilding the family home after the previous one was destroyed by fire. Helping various farmers with the harvest was something he greatly looked forward to each year. Lester also found joy for the past 13 years as a school bus driver, an occupation whose responsibilities he took very seriously. The children he drove bus for always held a special place in his heart. The past couple of years had been difficult for Lester as his health began to deteriorate, but through all of his health challenges, he maintained a positive outlook until the very end. He went home to be with his Lord and Saviour at the Regina General Hospital, following complications from recent heart surgery. Lester's beautiful, deep voice, guitar music, sense of humour, bright smile and heart of gold will be greatly missed. Predeceased by his father Walter, and by brothers Isadore (Buck), and Harvey. He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife, "the love of his life" and partner of 32 years, Velma; his mother, Helen; daughter Delta (Mitch) Fleury, son Leon; stepchildren: Corey Toth & Kathleen Ansell; also three other children: Francis, Leslie and Arles; his grandchildren: "his boys", Jackson, Dawson (Snuffy) & Ethan (Stormy); and Lucas, Kyera & Silas; a step-granddaughter Cheyenne; brothers: Wilmar (Ruth), Wally (Janice), Dave (Bernice) & Mindy; a sister: Mary (Harvey) Pelletier; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many other relatives and friends. Prayer services were held on Thursday evening, September 6, 2012 from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home. Pastor Richard Kauenhofen of the Springside Baptist Church officiated. Musical ministry was provided by Nancy Vitkauskas and Rick Flamont. The funeral service was held on Friday morning, September 7, 2012 from the Springside Baptist Church in Springside with Pastor Kauenhofen officiating. Tributes were given by Karen Ayers & Delta & Jackson Fleury. Organist, Jeanette Kriger, and pianist, Kitty Arndt led the congregations in the singing of the hymns 'Come Let Us Worship and Bow Down', 'What A Friend We Have in Jesus' and 'Precious Lord, Take My Hand'. Special music was provided by Sheldon Fichtner, and Marlon & Tammy Milbrandt. Tim Roussin was the lay-reader. Ushers were Harold Kriger and Ken Effa. The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with T.K. Ayers, Tim & Michael Roussin, Blair Peepeetch, Derek Langan, and Mark Pelletier serving as the casketbearers. Condolences may be e-mailed to [email protected]. Memorials were to the Springside Baptist Church. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home.
