ST. MARIE: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Don St. Marie, late of Vawn on April 13, 2011 at the age of 76 years. Don was born on September 6, 1934 at Edam, Saskatchewan. Don leaves to cherish his memory his daughters: Verna (Dan) LaClare of Edam, SK; Susan (Gary) Boyd of Whitehorse, YK; and Marilyn St. Marie (Shawn Magee) of Saskatoon, SK; grandchildren: Adrian (Laura) LaClare and their son Avery, of Edam, SK; Brent LaClare (Lisa Mosimann) of Edam, SK; Colin Boyd and Denis Boyd of Whitehorse, YK; sisters Marjorie (Bill) Stranaghan and Doreen (Tinker) Young; brother Ray (Dawne) St. Marie; as well as many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his wife Joan; and parents Wilfred and Anna May. We daughters and our families honour Dad's life; his last few years were a time of deep bonding. Dad's life changed dramatically after Mom died. He was not grounded in the same way as before. Dad had a void in his life which each one of us here today helped fill. After Mom died mornings began early. Dad would read his papers, listen to the radio and wait for Verna's morning call. Then it was off to Vawn Post Office for coffee, he seldom missed a day. The afternoons were spent going to town, visiting family and friends and then checking out the gang at Cavalier Agrow. Dad could never separate himself from the Cavalier area. It had always been his home. He'd walked the trails to school, danced with his wife at the old hall, and delivered his grain to the elevator. Cavalier was hallowed ground. The evenings closed with a call from Susan. No day was complete without the hour or more spent together talking about nothing and everything. He looked forward to Marilyn's visits on the weekend. Dad was a humble, unpretentious man. He was always THERE dressed in his jeans, hikers and a cap! Dad had an infectious grin and enjoyed a good story; he teased and yes even flirted!! Dad was a social guy who had the uncanny ability to sniff out fresh baking and didn't often pass up a piece of pie!! Of course Dad did have a favourite route and many pies were hand delivered to his home. Oh how Dad loved pastry and fresh bread!! Dad was a lifelong farmer. He took pride in his farm, respected the land and remained interested and active in the industry. Dad proudly passed on his knowledge of farming and the land to his Grandsons, Brent and Adrian. By choice Dad's world was small; his entire life was lived in the area. But he knew the area intimately from Meota to Dulwich, Jackfish to the River. Family and community were valued and Dad had no desire to move into town. Hockey was Dad's passion. His winters were spent at the rink, whether watching tykes, midgets, or the senior team he was always engaged. Dad had HIS spot on the bleachers, heckled the referees and at times should have been tossed from the rink!! Hockey was a way for Dad to blow off steam, be entertained and just hang out. Dad was fun loving and enjoyed the company of young and old alike; age never had a place in his mind. Dad was a genuine, principled man, if you shared a confidence with him it was safely tucked away. Dad was absolutely trustworthy. We are heartbroken; Dad was an incredible man and with him goes a part of each one of us. I think we can all agree Dad's life was well lived. We are proud to say Don St. Marie was our Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend. The memorial service was held on Tuesday April 19, 2011 from the Vawn Community Hall. If friends so desire, donations in Don's memory can be made to a charity of the donor's choice. Condolences for the family may be left at Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Kristeen Nylander of Wilson & Zehner Funeral Home, North Battleford, SK. 445-6886 ____________________________________________________
