Donald Hughie Willerth

He was predeceased by his wife Connie of 45 years; parents Albert and Margaret Willerth; siblings: Gordon (Anne), Charles (Pauline), Louise, Joyce (Winfield Tilton), Jean (Walter Wagner), Marlene (Wilfred Dick), Gerry (Doreen).

Don will be lovingly remembered by his son Bob and daughter-in-law Elaine; three grandsons and seven great-grandchildren: Geoff (Ashley) and family Hunter and Austin, Mark (Stephanie) and family Allie and Brynn and Steven (Sarah) and family Macie, Zoey and Quinn. He is also survived by two sisters-in-law, June Wilson and Doreen Willerth, along with many nieces and nephews.

Don was born and raised in Indian Head. He grew up on the family farm and was a passionate and dedicated farmer into his late 80’s. For years, Don also spent many winter months logging in northern Ontario. In 1977 he married Connie Gillespie. Together they travelled throughout Canada and around the world always taking time to visit relatives and friends. They also cherished Christmas vacations in Mexico with the grandkids and eventually the great-grandkids. In Mexico Don truly enjoyed deep sea fishing trips, dinners by the beach and a humorous toast with his favorite tequila.

Don’s grandsons were a big part of his life. He enjoyed hosting holiday dinners, weekend sleepovers, which included pool and shuffleboard tournaments and would often be busy building something for or with the boys. He and Connie were often in attendance at the grandsons activities in Regina. When the boys all went to university in Saskatoon there were countless road trips made with care packages and to take the boys out for meals. When the grandsons all relocated to BC, they made multiple road trips to visit them and cheer on the Canucks. He loved those boys and made each one think they were his favorite.

Farming and hard work were always foremost on his mind. Together with Bob and the boys, Don shared his love for farming, demonstrated a true DIY attitude, appreciation for the land and angst for the weather and fussy machinery. You always knew that if you were on the other end of a crosscut saw with Don that he’d be working harder than you. He loved shovelling grain from wooden bins and would do it non-stop until they were empty. The boys were all taught to drive grain trucks and other machinery at the farm, well before obtaining a driver’s license. He was always kind, patient and encouraging, finding humour in the small things. He would go to the farm every day but you could always set your clock by him showing up at the house in town on time for meals.

Don and Connie were proud supporters of the Indian Head community and attended many community events and functions. They enjoyed curling, golfing, bowling, playing cards and games and hosting dinners with friends and family. Don was an active member and volunteer for various service organizations in town, especially the Elks, hospital board, nursing home board, meals on wheels and volunteered at many local farming events.

In 2017, failing health brought about a move to Victoria Park Care Home in Regina where they lived until Connie’s passing. In early 2023 Don came home to Indian Head to live at Golden Prairie Home where he was very happy and received special attention by the staff.

A private family interment will be held in the Indian Head Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Don may be made to the Golden Prairie Nursing Home Activity Fund, Box 250, Indian Head, SK. S0G 2K0.