John Harold Kivimaa of Livelong passed away on Thursday, July 30, 2015 at the age of 82 years. Harold Kivimaa was born on a homestead at NE 35-53-19 W3 in the midst of the Great Depression. The family raised cattle, sheep and chickens, and sold mitts, socks, butter and eggs to help make ends meet. Finnish was the first language of the home. Harold attended Dexter School which was not far from the homestead. In 1944 the family moved to SW 19-54-18 W3, which had been homesteaded by his uncle, Bill. There Harold helped his family with the homestead, commercial fishing on Turtle Lake and cutting wood in the bush. In 1965, Harold began working in oilfield construction based in Fort St. John, BC. He often reminisced of his days as a "catskinner" operating heavy equipment in the Yukon and Northwest Territories. He would come back to Saskatchewan in the summers to farm. Harold had much involvement in municipal government, beginning as a Councilor of the RM of Greenfield and also serving as Reeve of Greenfield. He was also Councilor and Reeve of the RM of Mervin. He had a partnership lasting many years with Wilfred and Roy Hamm cutting, sawing and planing lumber. His connection to the forest included serving on the Divide Forest Advisory Council until his passing. Harold married Darlene Rottacker on May 30, 1975, becoming stepfather to Kerry Rottacker. Harold and Darlene then had a daughter, Kelly, in 1978, and a son, Shawn, in 1980. His pride was in his family. Harold was predeceased by: his brother, Vilko; his parents, Felix and Ida; and his sisters, Minerva and Helvi. He is survived by: his loving wife, Darlene; his children, Kerry, (Stephanie) Ìýand Ìýtwo Ìýgrandchildren, Kelly, (Phil), and ÌýShawn; two Ìýbrothers, Charlie, (Dorothy), and Jimmy (Irene); and numerous nieces and nephews. The Memorial Service for Harold was conducted from the Livelong & District Community Hall on Monday, August 3, 2015 at 2:00 p.m. with Reverend Daniel Gies officiating. ÌýShawn Kivimaa, Kelly Kivimaa-Schouten, and Kerry Rottacker were the urn bearers. All of Harold's Family & Friends were the honorary bearers. Shawn read the eulogy, and Greg & Inga Sample and Wilfred & Darlene Hamm provided the music. Inurnment took place in the Livelong Cemetery following the service. Marshall's Funeral Home Ltd, of St. Walburg, Saskatchewan administered the funeral arrangements. Donations in memory of Harold may be made to the charity of your choice. Condolences may be emailed at www.marshallsfuneralhome.ca
Ìý
CARD OF THANKS
The family of Harold Kivimaa would like to thank all of our family, friends and neighbors for their support and caring during this difficult time. Thank you to the staff of the Riverside Health Complex for the care they provided. Thank you to Reverend Daniel Gies for the beautiful service, to Shawn for reading the eulogy; to Greg and Inga Sample, and Wilfred and Darlene Hamm for providing the music. ÌýThank you to the Livelong Ladies for the lovely lunch and to Marshall's Funeral Home Ltd. Thank you to everyone for the food, flowers and phone calls to each of our homes. Your thoughtfulness will never be forgotten.Ìý
Darlene and Family
