Obituary of Howard Douglas Maahs

MAAHS - Howard Maahs, beloved husband of Clara of Springside, passed away peacefully the morning of July 5th at St. Paul's Lutheran Care Home in Melville after a two year battle with Dementia and other complications. Howard was born on Feb.26, 1941 in Yorkton to Lambert and Katie Maahs of Springside. He was raised on the family farm in the Springside district and received his education at Windsor School and then started farming. In the early 60's, Howard and his brother Harry would often cruise to Winnipeg, where they met the two "Fry" sisters and the romance was on! Howard and Clara were united in marriage on Oct 12, 1963 and enjoyed 52 years together until his passing. After they married they continued to farm and the children started to arrive. They were blessed with three sons and one daughter. Howard also managed the Cargill elevator in Orcadia for 14 years until it closed. He then returned to farming full time until failing health took him away from it. Howard was a man that could fix anything or would build anything. No need to call anyone when you can fix it yourself! He could always tell a good story about the old days or a current event, not necessarily accurate, as they were coffee row stories, but they always had you laughing. He liked to go fishing, hunting, and curling in his younger years. The Maahs'even had their own curling team. Dad was known for his takeout shot. You did not want to get in the way of that rock, it was going to fly! We all had sweaters with "MAAHS" on our back. Grandma Fry knitted them for all of us, so everyone knew we were a team to be reckoned with. One of his best inventions that all of us kids enjoyed was the zip line. He designed this from the top of the hill, running through mom's garden, to the tree at the end of the field. These were fun times we had with our cousins, but moms' corn didn't do too well. Once the grandkids were older, there were lots of wiener roasts, bonfires at night, rides on the tractor, or letting the boys drive the truck with some help, and quading. He was starting to slow down, but always kept them entertained. In later years, Howard and Clara enjoyed coffee nights at A & W and Wendy's visiting with friends. Also, he took on the job of counsellor for the R.M. of Orkney for a few terms which supposedly gave us the best roads in the area! Howard was predeceased by his brother Harry in 1972, his father Lambert in 1979, his mother Katie in 1981and his brother Jim in 1986. He leaves to mourn his passing and celebrate his life his loving wife Clara, his children, son Jeffrey of Springside, son Heath (Dianna) of Dalmeny, Sk and their children Benjamin and Charlie, daughter Louise (Kenny) of Yorkton, Sk. and their fur babies Henderson and Lucy, and son Kurtis (Bev) of Chemainus, BC. His sister Judy Adamson of Yorkton, sisters-in-law Carol Maahs of Yorkton, Sherrin Shadforth of Cobble Hill, BC as well as many loving nieces (yes,Suzette was his favorite:), nephews and many other friends. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 12th 2016 from the Springside Baptist Church in Springside with Pastor Richard Kauenhofen officiating. Pastor Mike Anderson read from scripture, and pianist, Diane Jones led in the hymns 'How Great Thou Art', 'It Is Well With My Soul', and 'Precious Lord, Take My Hand'. Son Kurtis gave the eulogy, and daughter Louise was the urnbearer. Memorials were to St. Paul Lutheran Home. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com Service Information Tuesday, July 12th, 2016 11:00am, Springside Baptist Church