Obituary of Allen Hippsley

A memorial folder from the funeral service may be printed under the "Memories" tab, then choose "Memorial Program". Allen Clayton Hippsley passed away peacefully with his family at his side, on Friday February 13th at Lakeside Manor Care Home in Saltcoats. He was 88 years old. Allen was born in Yorkton on December 16th, 1920 to Albert and Edith (nee Allen) Hippsley. He attended Simpson School under the supervision of Principal Ernie Crosswaithe. In those days, the boys and girls had separate entrances into the school that they were required to line up in front of each morning. Once the doors were opened the children were allowed into the school, marching to the music of Allen playing the piano. Allen always spoke fondly of his time at Simpson School where he loved to play hockey and baseball and get into mischief with his brothers! Despite the fact that there were 9 children in his family and very little money to spare, Allen was fortunate to take piano lessons from Tom Berry for many years. As a young teen-ager he began his career playing for dances when he joined up with Rex Goulden, Bill Buchken and his brother Roy. For many years their orchestra was kept busy playing for dances at Armstrong, Dunleath, Tupper and Eden schools as well as many other places through out the district. In 1939 Allen enlisted in the Army, becoming a member of the Calgary Regiment (Tanks) and was initially sent to Camp Dundurn and later to various camps in Ontario. Because of his musical ability, Allen was taught to decipher Morse code. Through out his time in training camps, he and other musically inclined soldiers formed a dance band. They were kept busy entertaining the troops in the area until they were ready to be sent overseas. Allen saw action in Sicily, Italy, Germany, Holland and Belguim. He was very proud to have served in the Army but he kept the horrible memories to himself. Instead, his family would hear stories about the wonderful families that he met overseas. He loved to tell his children stories of how he "tickled the ivories" in countless pubs across Europe. Since entertainment was scarce in those days the pub owners kept him supplied with free drinks provided he would just keep on playing! One of Allen's special memories of the war was when he played the beautiful white grand piano that belonged to Italy's Prime Minister, Benito Mussolini after he was overthrown by revolt in 1943. Following the war, Allen returned home to live with his parents and brothers on the farm located in the Dunleath area. He worked for contractors Ted and Pete Hoyland of Rosetown breaking land with a caterpiller. During this time he continued to play piano for countless dances with his original orchestra. In subsequent years the members of the orchestra changed but Allen kept on playing the piano. Many people still recall dancing to the wonderful music of the Art Gellert Orchestra that included Allen along with Art Gellert, Bruce Trembly and Nelson Waldner. That orchestra performed together for many many years. In the early 1950's Allen began working with Massey Ferguson. In 1962 Allen started working at Brown Brothers selling parts for Massey Harris farm implements. It was the beginning of a wonderful working relationship whereby he respected and worked hard for Gordon and Roy Brown, and they in turn trusted and respected Allen. Allen was a dedicated and loyal employee. As the Manager of the Parts Department, he developed the incredible ability of memorizing every number of every possible implement part. To this day there are still local farmers that remember Allen's amazing memorising talent and continue to marvel at his ability of knowing just how many of each that were in stock at any given time! Allen retired in 1985 when he reached the age of 65. In 1953 Allen met and fell in love with Evelyn Kaping at a dance in Springside. They were united in marriage at St. Paul Lutheran Church on May 25, 1954. Evelyn and Allen's union was blessed with four children. He was a dedicated and loving husband and father. He honored and adored his wife. Allen was a true gentleman that lived his life as an example to his children. He had a wonderful disposition that kept a smile on his lips and a twinkle in his eye. In 2000, Allen was diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease. He lost his wife of almost 50 years to cancer in April 2004. Following Evelyn's death he went to live with his oldest daughter Deb and her husband Doug Wilkinson. As the disease progressed it eventually became necessary to enter into long term care. On July 2nd 2008, Allen became a resident of Lakeside Manor Care Home in Saltcoats. Allen leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life, his children Deb (Doug) Wilkinson of Yorkton, Al (Chrissy) Hippsley of White Rock B.C. Mitch (Geraldine) Hippsley of Yorkton, and Kris Dean of Yorkton. His grandchildren, Melissa (Allan) Holman of Moosomin, Sk. Chelsea (Dustin) Shingoose of Yorkton, Chad (Liezel) Hippsley of Surrey, B.C. Josh Hippsley of Alida, Britanny (Dave) Burchill of Calgary, Alberta, Carly Hippsley of Toronto , Macy Hippsley of Yorkton, Alexa Hippsley of Yorkton, Linzi Dean of Yorkton. Great Grandchildren, Halle and Kaelem Shingoose of Yorkton, Luke Holman of Moosomin and Kyanni and Logan Hippsley of White Rock B.C. as well as his sister Edith Off of Regina. Allen was predeceased by his loving wife Evelyn (2004), parents Albert (1965) and Edith (1973) sister, Mae (1921) brothers, Gordon (1961) Roy (1974) Bert (1984) Art (1986) Dave (1991) and Cliff (2003) A service of comfort was held on Tuesday evening, February 17, 2009 from the Chapel of Bailey's Funeral Home Yorkton with Pastor Fred Schneider officiating. The organist was Jolene Cherland leading the congregation in the Hymns: "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "Beyond the Sunset". Tributes of Allen's life were given by his children: Deb Wilkinson, Al Hippsley and grandchildren Chelsea Shingoose and Carly Hippsley. The Funeral service was held on Wednesday afternooon February 18, 2009 from St. Paul Lutheran Church with Pastor Fred Schneider officiating. The organists were Judy Berg and Jolene Cherland. The soloist was Norm Graff singing "In The Garden". The Hymns for the service were "Just A Closer Walk With Thee", "Amazing Grace" and "How Great Thou Art". Mitch Hippsley gave the tribute in honour of his dad. The Legion Burial Rite was conducted by members of the Royal Canadian Legion General Alexander Ross Branch # 77 with Seargeant - At - Arms Peter Wyatt, Words of Remembrance, Last Post and Reveille by John Miiller with Andy Juba, George Arnold, Larry Hamiilton and Russell Bischop serving as Colour Party. At the conclusion of the funeral the closing song was "PIano Man" by Billy Joel. Al, Mitch, Chad, Josh Hippsley, Doug Wilkinson and Dustin Shingoose served as Casket Bearers. The interment took place on Thursday morning Feb 19 in the Garden of Memories Yorkton Memoral Gardens with Deb Wilkinson serving as Urn Bearer. Donations in Allen's memory may be made to St. Paul Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Lakeside Manor Care Home Gazebo Fund, or Alzheimer's Society of Saskatchewan. The family wishes to thank the caring and compassionate staff of Lakeside Manor Care Home in Saltcoats for the wonderful care they gave our father. Funeral arrangements were by Baileys Funeral Home Yorkton Service Information Sunday, January 18th, 2009 2:00pm, St. Paul Lutheran Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens