BRIGGS:The death of Mr. Stewart Clayton Briggs of Spalding, SK, occurred at Humboldt District Hospital, Humboldt, SK, on Sunday, October 16, 2011. He was 92 years of age. Stewart was born on June 10, 1919, to Lee and Mable (nee Gray) Briggs at Daphne, SK, with the assistance of local midwives. He grew up on the Briggs family homestead east of Spalding and attended Lake Edward and Kingscourt rural schools. Following his formal education, he worked on the farm with his father and, later, on his own. During the Second World War, Stewart enlisted in the Canadian Armed Forces and served overseas. After being discharged in 1945 he returned home and, on, July 15, 1946, Stewart married Ruth Gasall in Saskatoon. They began their life together on the farm east of Spalding. There they ran a mixed-farm operation and raised a family of three daughters. As well as farming, Stewart worked off the farm at a variety of jobs. He was also very community-minded, and was actively involved with various local events. After Stewart turned 65, he and Ruth retired from farming and moved into Spalding, where they continued to reside. Throughout his life, Stewart was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt, fish, and spend time with Ruth at their Marean Lake cabin. A true "people person", he was very sociable and loved the camaraderie with his Legion buddies, and visiting with family and friends. "He was an unassuming, simple, and good man who lived a simple, good life." Stewart will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 65 years, Ruth (nee Gasall) Briggs of Spalding; three daughters: Beryl Slater (Albert) of Porcupine Plain, SK; Brenda (Jim) Pomfrey of Regina, SK; and Shirley (Lloyd) McLeod of Watson, SK; 10 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren; one brother, Lorne (Myrtle) Briggs of Saskatoon, SK; and by numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son in infancy; his parents, Lee and Mable (nee Gray) Briggs; and by two sisters: Joyce (Albert) Wheeler and Helen (John) Rayner. The Funeral Service for Stewart was held at Crossroads Bible Church, Spalding, on Wednesday, October 19, 2011, at 2:00 p.m., officiated by Pastor Brian Unger. Music ministry was provided by pianist Karen Unger and the memorial table attendant was Laurie Reschny. Honorary pallbearers were "all those who shared in Stewart's life." Active pallbearers were Vincent Dewing, Vic Olson, Dave Chapman, Donald Briggs, Larry Hoffman and Melroy Lavis. Interment followed at Naicam Public Cemetery, Naicam, SK. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Humboldt District Hospital Foundation General Equipment Fund or the Canadian Cancer Society. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
