Ethel Measner Robinson

Ethel is survived by her husband Don Robinson, her four children Murray Measner (Liz), Adrian Measner (Lynn), Bev Fraser, Warren Measner (Joanne) and her five stepchildren Gale Seidlitz (Dave), Tracy Robinson, Anita Robinson (Tim), Tara Robinson, Ken Robinson (Holly), 18 grandchildren, and 27 great-grandchildren.

Ethel was born and raised in Renown, SK to parents William and Vivian Parker. She and her four siblings were involved in farm life right from the start. After completing school, Ethel received a teaching degree from the Saskatoon Normal School. She was recognized by the Government of Canada for her handwriting, which received an award. She would later teach for several years in the one-room Kindred School, a half mile from the Measner farm.

Ethel married Claus Measner on December 28, 1948 and together they had 4 children. Ethel was Claus’ partner and “right hand man” in all aspects of mixed farming on their Holdfast farm until his passing in 1988. She continued farming with her son Warren right up until her passing.

Ethel’s early days on the farm included grooming calves for 4H shows, playing bridge on weekends in the winter and baseball with the kids in the summer. She loved attending the Canadian Western Agribition in Regina and going on family picnics to Manitou beach/pool and Kenaston campground. Ethel saw many improvements in farming and equipment over the years, from threshing crews right up to the purchase of their first semi for hauling grain.

Ethel’s exploits on the farm were well known. She milked cows, shot guns, pitched bales and operated all farm equipment. This included being an expert at unloading grain in the dark! Her running ability was unparalleled and she could outrun any cow or grandchild! She scaled fences at lightning speed and survived drinking coffee at the Edwards boys ranch on annual branding days. Her grandchildren remember chasing coyotes and hanging on for dear life in the box of the half ton while grandma drove with one hand and shot out the window with the other.

Over the years, Ethel took great pride in teaching her children and grandchildren reading, math, cooking and baking. She ruled with an iron fist and a boomerang that has forever been burned into her grandchildren’s memory. She taught every member of her family the tough love of card playing and mercilessly took their money every chance she got.

Ethel married Don Robinson on November 28, 1998 and became involved in working on Don’s Kedleston farm. Don and Ethel later relocated to Don’s home in Lumsden. She spent countless hours sourcing machinery parts with Don and driving the countryside to collect them. They repaired miles of fence line together on Don’s farm and mended everything from canvas to farm clothes on his antique pedal sewing machine. Ethel had an “opinion” on everything and a knack for always understanding what was needed in a situation.

Ethel was very involved in her Holdfast and Lumsden communities. She volunteered and served on several boards including: Holdfast United Church, Holdfast Municipal Cemetery, Holdfast Homecoming and History, Holdfast United Church Women (UCW), with the Rebekahs (for 61 years) and Lumsden Museum.

She will be fondly remembered for her hard work, strength, kindness and great sense of humour. She loved spending time in her garden, picking Saskatoon berries for her famous pies, crab apples for jelly and raspberries for raspberry salad. Her baking, pickles and homemade soup will be missed by all. Square dancing, attending polka fests, playing cards (always for $$), knitting and crocheting were favourite pastimes.

Ethel and Don lived together in their Lumsden home up until her passing. She was predeceased by her first husband Claus Measner, parents William and Vivian Parker, brothers Norman and Ron Parker, sisters Ellen Gaunt and Hazel Windsor, brothers-in-law Darby Gaunt and Clem Windsor, sister-in-law Reena Parker, son-in-law Glen Fraser and grandchildren Melody and James (Jimmy) Robinson.

There was a celebration of Ethel’s life in the Holdfast Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary R.C. Church on Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. Lunch followed. A private interment will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Ethel’s memory may be made to the Holdfast West Cemetery Fund via e-transfer: [email protected] or (306) 551-5759.