Dorothy Gavelin

Dorothy Hill Gavelin (Munn) passed away Friday, September 14, 2018 in Swift Current at the age of 91 with her family by her side. She was born south of Mankota on the family farm on August 7, 1927. Dorothy was the youngest of eight children. Dorothy grew up helping on the farm and enjoyed participating in 4-H along with her dad. After finishing her grade 11 she worked in the Bank of Commerce in Kincaid and Weyburn as well as Barber Motors in Weyburn. Dorothy married Lloyd Gavelin on October 8, 1954 and they made their home in McCord. Three children were born to this union - Diana, Heather, and David.

Dorothy was involved in various activities in the community. She was an active member of the McCord United Church and enjoyed singing in the choir, which she was able to do up until her 90th birthday. She was a member of the McCord UCW and McCord Ladies Auxiliary. She held the position of treasurer for both these organizations for many years. In later years she was an active member of the McCord Museum Committee.

Dorothy’s family was her pride and joy, always wanting to know how everyone was doing. It always made her happy when family was around and she could enjoy the exchange of conversation. Dorothy made sure that everyone was well fed which always prompted the response that as long as there were buns and pies everyone was good. Her house was known to many as Dot’s Café. Dorothy enjoyed following the grandchildren in their various activities of music, sports and 4-H. She was honoured, along with others, at Swift Current Frontier Days for being a member of a multi-generational 4-H family. She took great pride in the yard that she and Dad established. She was able to manage her own yard into her late 80s and was able to reside independently in her home until after her 90th birthday.

Dorothy is survived by her children Diana Burgess, Heather (Boyd) Federink and David (Kim) Gavelin; eight grandchildren: Ian (Megan) Burgess, Kimberly Burgess, Bradley Federink, Amanda (Chris) Harder, Chayce, Craig, Erin and Kade Gavelin; and two great-grandchildren Jack Burgess and Norah Harder. She was predeceased by her husband Lloyd (1990) and son-in-law Ralph Burgess (2006), her parents Duncan Howard and Harriet Munn, her brother John D and sisters Margaret, Jean, Grace, Marjorie, Bessie and Winnifred.

Funeral service was held Wednesday, September 19, 2018 at 2:00 pm at McCord United Church, McCord, SK with Rev. Eunkyu Ji officiating. Scripture Readers were grandchildren, Bradley, Chayce, Craig; Musical Tribute by grandchildren, Ian, Kimberly, Kade; Memories of Grandma by granddaughters, Amanda, Erin; Pallbearers were grandchildren, Ian, Kimberly, Bradley, Amanda, Chayce, Craig, Erin, Kade. Interment followed in the McCord Cemetery. Memorials may be made to McCord United Church, McCord Museum, and Prairie View Health Centre. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK.