Obituary of Vic Loucks

LOUCKS - Mr. Vic Loucks, beloved husband of Bettine of Yorkton, passed away peacefully in his sleep early Thursday, October 26, 2006 in the Yorkton Regional Health Centre following a short stay in the Regina General Hospital. He was 100 years, 4 months and 6 days of age. Victor Wilson Loucks was born June 20, 1906 to Harry Artley (HA) Loucks and Eveleena Maud (Stephens) Loucks in Clear Creek, Ontario, the third of 7 children. He travelled to Invermay with his mother, older sister and brother to join his father in August 1907. His father had secured a homestead in Invermay in early 1907 and had a teaching position at Olivet School. Vic attended school to grade XI in Invermay. In 1924 he worked as a cream grader at the Invermay Creamery; and in 1925 he went east and worked as a cream grader and bookkeeper at a creamery in Oxford, Nova Scotia. He came back west in 1927, and he and his sister Edna completed grade XII in Nokomis. Vic farmed and operated a garage with his brother Cliff from 1928 through 1930. Following in his father's footsteps, he became a teacher, attending Normal School in Saskatoon graduating in 1931. He taught at the one-room rural schools of Mainroad and Loch Sloy, and later in Invermay until June 1937. While at Mainroad, he conducted a school band, which performed at various sports days during the summer months. The band won an award at a band festival in Canora. He played the cornet and for many years he played the Last Post at November 11 memorial services at the Cenotaph in Invermay. During his early teaching career he courted Bettine Frost-Hunt; they were married in 1932. Vic and Bettine enjoyed 74 years of married life. Their first child, Vivianne, was born the following summer. Vivianne arrived early and on the way to Canora Hospital at Arthur Dean's farm near Rama. Therefore, is Rama Post Office is Vivianne's place of birth on her birth certificate! A baby girl was quite a novelty with Mr. and Mrs. Dean and the five young Dean boys! In the fall of 1937, Vic and Bettine took over his father's farm just North of Invermay and their second daughter, Karen, was born. Three more daughters were later added to the family, Katherine, Vicki and Jolyn. Vic became Secretary-Treasurer of the Rural Municipality of Invermay #305 on April 18, 1942, taking over from his father, H.A. Loucks, who had been Secretary-Treasurer since January 1919. Vic retired as Secretary-Treasurer of the R.M. of Invermay on December 31, 1973. Vic never lost his love for the land and farming. He continued to farm part time from 1942 until he sold the land in 1980. Vic was very active in Invermay community life; Secretary Treasurer of the Village of Invermay 1947 - 1963; Member of the Canora Union Hospital Board 1951-1953; School trustee of Invermay School Board, 1958 and Chairman of the Board overseeing the building of a six room elementary school; a founding member of the Invermay Community Remembrance Hall Co-operative Association when the Community Hall was built in 1950; Elder of the United Church continuously from 1945 (several years as treasurer); Chairman of the Recreation Board; and Trustee for the Parkland Regional Library. Vic enjoyed curling since the first slab rink was built in Invermay in 1935. A sport he participated in until his mid-90s. In 1985 Vic and Bettine moved to Yorkton and maintained a lovely home and yard on Rosefield Drive until December 2004 at which time they moved to an apartment in Independent Manor. Vic and Bettine enjoyed life in Yorkton: golfing, curling, bowling, travelling, playing cards, camping and spending time with grandchildren and great grandchildren. They joined the Westview United Church. Vic sang in the choir for many years. Vic was an avid golfer, becoming a life time member of the York Lake Golf & Country Club. He last enjoyed a 9-hole golf game with Vivianne in October of 2004, joined by John Miller and Manse Powell. He was 98. Vic was predeceased by his parents, brothers: Cliff and George, sisters: Edna, Bessie and Evelyn; and sons-in-law, Jack Stewart and Corn Klippenstine. He leaves to celebrate his long life his loving wife Bettine; his daughters, Vivianne (Gordon) Minken, Yorkton; Karen (Rod) Gerla, Calgary; Katherine (Fred) Klewchuk, Burnaby; Vicki Loucks, Vancouver; Jolyn Loucks, Yorkton. He also leaves 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren; and a brother, Wilfred (Bernadette) Calgary; and many nieces and nephews. "Let us be unafraid of life, unafraid of death, unafraid to be happy, to believe the best, to be trustful and confident" The funeral service was held on Tuesday, October 31, 2006 from Westview United Church with Faye Greer officiating. Organist, Marilyn Newell led members of the church choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Amazing Grace', 'How Great Thou Art', and 'In the Bulb There is a Flower', the recessional hymn was 'Go Now in Peace'. Family members participated in the service, Kevin Stewart gave the eulogy, and grandchildren Tannis, Tanya and Todd read scripture. Soloists: Sharon Coleman sang 'He', and Lori Erhardt sang 'Danny Boy'. The interment service took place Wednesday afternoon, November 1, 2006 at the Invermay Cemetery. A reception followed at the Invermay Community Hall. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Monday, October 30th, 2006 2:00pm, Westview United Church Interment Details Invermay Community Cemetery