Obituary of John Frederick Hastie

HASTIE - John Fredrick Hastie was born on March 26, 1921, at Jedburgh, Saskatchewan, the oldest of 3 children born to John and Anne (nee Skerrit) Hastie. He was raised on the farm in the Jedburgh district. He went to school at Rocky Dell and Jedburgh. He worked around home and got started in mechanics with farm tractors. When World War II broke out, he enlisted for active service in the Army in 1942. He received training in mechanics served overseas for 5 years. He was stationed in England and drove an armoured car in France and Holland until peace was declared. There were many times when he was in grave danger on the front lines; however, he successfully arrived back in Canada in 1945. He got a job cat skinning for the municipality. In the course of digging dugouts for farmers, at the farm of Clifford Meays he met Carol who was home for the holidays from teaching school. They were married on July 23, 1947. They lived in Theodore and Melville for a short time, then moved to Yorkton where he worked as a mechanic and later, for most of his career, in car sales. The union resulted in the birth of three daughters, Donna in 1950, Cheryl in 1953, and Sandy in 1957. He worked for Korb Motors, Carnduff Motors, and had his own gas station and used car lot before retiring. There were many good times throughout his life as the family camped with good friends at every opportunity during the summer months. He also had a cabin at Good Spirit Lake. When he retired, he and Carol travelled in the southern United States during the winter months. Then they settled in Mesa, Arizona, for a few winters, where many good times were enjoyed with fellow "snowbirds". Fred was an active member in the United Commercial Travellers, Masons, and the Royal Canadian Legion for many years. He loved his dogs, enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, working on antique tractors and small engines, and later ham radio. He received a computer as a birthday gift at the age of 80 which opened up a new way of staying connected to friends and family. He truly enjoyed his friends, cherishing old ones and making new ones throughout his life. Fred fought valiantly against cancer for six years. He passed away at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre on December 27, 2009. He was 88 years of age. Predeceased by his parents, Fred leaves to mourn his passing and to cherish his memory, his beloved wife Carol; daughters Donna (Peter) Luk of Toronto, Cheryl (Rob) Irvine of Penticton, and Sandy (Rick) Vaughan Hastie of Yorkton; grandchildren Dean McBride of Sundre, Alberta, Dylan McBride of Calgary, Darcy McBride of Edmonton, Peter Luk Jr. of Toronto, and Jennifer Luk of Wallaceburg, Ont.; two great- granchildren, Brendan and Megan McBride of Sundre; his sister Winnifred (Harold) Ayers of Kelowna; brother, William (Barb) of Regina and many nieces, nephews, very good friends; and "the perfect dog" Goldie. Funeral services were held on Thursday, December 31, 2009 from Westview United Church in Yorkton with Faye L. Greer officiating. Organist, Laurene Jemieff led members of the choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Nearer My God to Thee' and 'In the Garden'. Members of the Yorkton Masonic Lodge attended and gave the Masonic Tribute Service. Tributes were given by family friend Rev. Don Milne and by daughters Donna, Cheryl and Sandy. The Legion Tribute Service was performed by members of the Royal Canadian Legion, General Alexander Ross branch #77, Yorkton. The interment took place in the Yorkton City Cemetery with sons-in-law and grandchildren, Peter, Rob, Rick, Dean, Dylan, Darcy, Peter Jr. and Jennifer serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Thursday, December 31st, 2009 11:00am, Westview United Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery