Father, grandfather, great grandfather, Louis Sigda, passed away November 4, 2013. Prayers were held November 11, Remembrance Day and a funeral service was held November 12 in Fillmore, from St. Aloysius Catholic Church, in which he was mourned by family, the community of Fillmore and the southeast Weyburn area. He shall be greatly missed by daughter, Marilyn; two sons, Vincent and David; his grandchildren, Mazin, Joshua, Janie, Latisha, Tristan and great grandson, Joshua's son, Austin. "Grandpa" was born on February 8, 1928 to John and Barbara Sigda in Poland shortly before they arrived in Canada to live on their small farm at Fillmore. The European Polish heritage was always a strong backdrop in the Sigda family tree. The son of a military man, Louis paid great respect to war veterans; it is fitting that the celebration of his life by his neighbors and loved ones took place at this time of year - a time of honour, gratitude, respect and dignity. It was his father, John Sigda, a military man, who most shaped the character of Louis. John Sigda, who helped contribute to the building of St. Aloysius Church, believed very strongly in contributing to the community and celebrating in its joys and sorrows - weddings, baptisms, and deaths - events which all centered around this church. Like his father, Louis believed in hard work and enjoyed the labors of a long, successful venture as a Saskatchewan prairie farmer. His determination and faith, his consistent temperament and persistence led to simple behaviors such as rising early every single day to tend to his farm, and pray the rosary every single night. These consistent qualities most characterized this strong and loving father, grandfather, and husband. He married in the early 60s and enjoyed a 13 year marriage. Although they parted, Louis and his wife remained the best of friends, sharing together every holiday season and family get-together. Renee Sigda will always be remembered for her devotion to Louis and her children even to the final last days. A devout Catholic, Louis believed in traditions. He was a peaceful man who presented himself at all times with unfailing strength and composure just as did his brothers: (deceased) Walter, Bernard and Isadore. A close family, he was deeply cared about by his sisters Marcy Gall, (deceased) Bernice Gall and (deceased) Cecille Giroux; his sisters-in-law Sophie, Stella and Donna; and brothers-in-law Aaron Gall, Ray Gall and Leo Giroux. Dad had many nieces and nephews who will miss his steady nearness to them. Most significantly, Louis shared many joys and sorrows of a full 85 year lifetime with the entire community of Fillmore and nearby districts. The family will be forever greatly indebted to this incredible community for the richness of his life, whose daily presence most signified and defined quality of life for Louis. In the end, his determined decision to live his last years independently on his farm, amongst his neighbors and friends, revived and restored his health to full vitality in full victory over his battle with cancer. His sudden death of a heart attack was in keeping with his own wishes, and God's design, for a dignified and natural departure from this world. His most beloved grandson, Joshua, shall now continue to be guided and supported by Louis's remaining family. It is also with the family's blessings and prayers that Louis's son, David, will now carry out the great responsibilities of managing his father's homestead. Finally, Louis's endearing qualities shall be deeply missed - his accordion playing, his jokes and laughter, his deep serenity. The family trips which he planned with yearly regularity to the Kronau Pilgrimage and community fall suppers, Easter and Christmas gatherings shall now be continued and conducted by his family in keeping with the traditions so important to Louis, in honor of his memory. His daughter, who devoted the last year of his life to his primary care, shall carry her father's lovingness in her heart foreverand shall always remember. Our family wishes to express our heartfelt appreciation to the excellent coordination of Dad's health care by both the Qu'Appelle Health and Sun Country Health Regions. Finally, the family is filled with gratitude to Fletcher Funeral Chapel together with Father Fermo and Jeanette Shotter of the St. Aloysius Catholic Church for providing a beautiful service of dignity and Louis's final resting place next to baby daughter, Arlene. Condolences may be left at: www.fletcherfuneralchapel.com. Donations in memory of Louie may be made to the St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church Building Fund, 17 Woodhams St., Fillmore, SK S0G 1N0. Arrangments entrusted to Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, 306-842-54323.
