Ivar was born in 1930 in Mrs. Randall’s Nursing Home, Outlook, the second son of Ole and Bertha Harilstad of Swanson. He received part of his education at Baupaume School and the rest by correspondence. In 1950 he graduated from the School of Agriculture, University of Saskatchewan. For five years he worked at various jobs before returning to the family farm upon his father’s retirement. He farmed and ranched until his retirement in 2008. Ivar married Lorraine Harrison in 1958. They raised five children: Marvin (Paulette) Harrison (Irricana, AB); Anna (James) Thompson of Vanscoy, SK; Karen (David) Harilstad-Thieme of Saskatoon, SK; Peter (Melanie) Harilstad and Fern (James) Brecht of Strathmore, AB. Their grandchildren: Steven (Heather) Magnin of Airdrie, AB; Charles and Travis Harrison of Irricana, AB; Stephanie, Jesse (Kristin), Samuel, Austin Thompson (Saskatoon, Vanscoy), Kevin (Crystal) Bartel (Red Deer), Mesissa Bartzen, Cayley Boschee (Strathmore), Joshua (Shannon) and Jacob Brecht (Strathmore). Great-grandchildren: Zander Bartel, Myles and Fayden Brecht; sisters Inga Erlandson and Bernice Haugen (Ole); many cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Alf, his brother-in-law Philip Erlandson, and nephew Melvin Harilstad.
Ivar served faithfully as an active member of Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church east of Ardath. He sat on executive positions for Faith Parish, Saskatoon ELCIC conference, and happily attended many church conventions. His deep, abiding faith saw him through many challenges and added to the many celebrations in his life. He did not just talk about being a Christian; he lived by God’s Word day to day and showed God’s love by his actions. He enjoyed many VocAg reunions for the U of S. He served 20 years as secretary treasurer of the Swanson Grazing Co-op. He was a strong supporter of education and encouraged his children to further their education. When you look up Strong, Silent Type in the dictionary, there is a picture of Ivar Harilstad.
Ivar spent his last months living in Saskatoon at Samaritan Place with Lorraine in a companion suite. The care he received there was wonderful and more so as Lorraine was able to live with him and their children were close by. The family would like to thank Pastor Ron Bestvater for the care he provided Ivar and family. Special thanks to cousin John Olson for all that he did for our Dad. Ivar passed into the arms of his Lord on Monday, March 9th, 2015. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to LuMinHoS (Lutheran Ministries in Hospitals of Saskatoon).
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