Palmer Morris Holtskog

On January 3, 1928, Palmer Morris Holtskog was the youngest of 7 siblings born in southern Saskatchewan but at an early age, his father (Hans) wanted to leave the dry south and find better farmland which would have a water well, something that was very difficult to come by in the South. The hope of finding water came true when Palmer’s father went north to seek better farmland. He would find land with two water wells and one of those very close to the house. Hans returned south to and began preparing to take his family on their long journey to Kelliher loading all their possessions on a wagon, shipping cattle by train and driving the horses north. Palmer said his father always thought he had died and gone to heaven because of that water well so close to the house.

Palmer grew up and remained in Kelliher later farming the land that his father had purchased those years ago. He eventually met his future wife, Belva (Sloat) at one of the many school dances they attended and would later continue to enjoy. They courted and eventually married on November 4, 1952, and would become parents to 3 children, Rodger, Phillip and Brenda. Palmer continued farming in Kelliher until 1966 when he and Belva pulled up the farming roots, bought a home and moved to Regina. Palmer worked part-time with his brother-in-law Slim Bowdish at the Exhibition Grounds, but Palmer was finally able to obtain a full-time position with the City of Regina, Parks and Recreation Department as a heavy equipment operator. He would work there until his combined 25-year work anniversary and retirement at 65 years of age. Palmer loved his job and wasn’t to keen on retirement at all! He loved his job so much that he arose in the middle of the night dressed, ate breakfast and was going to leave when Belva asked where he was going to which he responded – going to work. He was sleepwalking that night.

Although Palmer loved his job, he was a family man and loved spending time with his family, camping, going for drives, puttering in the garden, working around the home, playing a good game of three spot (Kaiser) with competitive adversaries and even a good game of crib now and then. We cannot forget about those delicious homemade buns that he would make. Everyone wanted his recipe!

Palmer had a musical side to him and when Belva thought Palmer was “in a rut”, she would have house parties where he would be heard playing his song of choice “Pop Goes the Weasel” on his old fiddle his father gave him at 7 years old. You might even have been lucky enough to hear a yodel or two or even one of his little songs he would sing. Aside from the house parties, there was always a dance party somewhere where Palmer and Belva would be, but it was the New Years Eve Balls that were the best.

After most of his life spent on the prairies, in 2001, Palmer and Belva would leave the cold behind and make their final move to the sunny Okanagan in Kelowna, British Columbia.

Although Palmer had seen many changes throughout his 95 years, some of his happiest times were spending time with his children, grandchildren and as of late, with his great-grandchildren. Palmer was so proud when he found out his youngest great-grandchild would carry his middle name of “Palmer”.

Palmer’s kindness, generosity, sense of humour, quiet disposition and love for his family and those around him are only a snapshot of the qualities that will be missed. Palmer will be sadly missed by his son Phillip (Judy Cournoyer), daughter, Brenda, grandsons Travis and Shane (Taylor) Holtskog, grand-daughter, Anna, great-grandchildren, Emerson, Brooks, Nathan, Julianna, Rhett, Chancie and Dart and numerous nieces and nephews. Palmer was pre-deceased by his wife, Belva and his oldest son, Rodger (Suzanne).

The family would also like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the Hospice House for providing Palmer with the greatest care during his final two days.

Palmer was definitely not the “fan fare” type and at his request, there will be no service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Lung Foundation, the Kidney Foundation of Canada or the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299