Obituary of Kevin Passmore

On November 24, just a few hours after celebrating his 70th birthday, Kevin Passmore of Woodrow, Saskatchewan, left this earthly life at his farm home northwest of Lafleche. Kevin was born in Regina, Saskatchewan, on November 24, 1954. He and his older sister, Carole, grew up in Lafleche with their parents, Reg and Beryl (Isaacs) Passmore.

Kevin attended Lafleche Elementary School and then Lafleche Central High. Upon leaving school, Kevin helped his dad on the family farm. In 1975, he took his IA Trucking Course in Moose Jaw. That winter, Kevin went trucking for a short time in the Regina area, living with his Aunt Edith and Uncle Jim Wilkinson in Regina, Saskatchewan. Upon returning to Lafleche, Kevin continued farming and doing various jobs in the area.

In 1985, Kevin was very proud of his newly constructed home built on the original Willy Passmore homestead northwest of Lafleche. When Kevin’s dad passed away in 1997, Kevin took over the farming operation.

No one was more meticulous than Kevin regarding the organization and upkeep of his farmyard and house, as well as his machinery, tools, and vehicles. He was fortunate throughout his life to have caring neighbors, friends, employees, and renters who helped Kevin as needed. His hundreds of hand-planted beautiful fir trees bordering his farmyard were Kevin’s pride and joy.

Kevin’s love of animals, especially dogs, was second to none. He was always drawn to the German Shepherd breed. The SPCA and Humane Societies across Southern Saskatchewan are ever grateful for Kevin’s faithful and generous financial support over the years. When his last German Shepherd, Wadena, died in 2019, Kevin was heartbroken. It was a huge comfort to Kevin to know Wadena’s ashes could be buried with him.

History and heritage were so important to Kevin. He had an uncanny memory for dates, names, and history—locally or worldly. He was so proud and grateful to be farming the Passmore land. He was happiest behind the wheel of his tractor, riding in the combine, or cruising to town in his dad’s 1980 Chevy Half Ton. But perhaps Kevin’s greatest joy was rolling down the highway in his “Big Rig,” a 2009 Kenworth Semi.

Kevin loved being an active member of the Lafleche Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. He proudly took part in the Legion Remembrance Day Service each year. Kevin was also a faithful member of the Lafleche United Church, serving on Church Council for several terms.

Kevin loved to socialize. Heading to town to drop by a few businesses to chat or join the 3:00 p.m. “coffee row” were always highlights for Kevin, especially after he was diagnosed with cancer. “Shooting the breeze” at Woodrow Co-op, Wood River Bar and Grill, or Lafleche Café were special times for Kevin. And he always had a million questions!

He embraced his bachelor life and lived it on his terms. He enjoyed the simple things. Beneath his sometimes-fiery temper, Kevin had a soft, caring heart. He appreciated the people who accepted him as he was and who took time for him. Kevin was unique.

He faced many challenges throughout his entire life, perhaps making him able to meet his nearly six-year battle against bone cancer head-on with bravery and optimism. His doctors often marveled at him, calling him a walking miracle. His stubbornness—and perhaps his hope and determination to have his hair grow back—kept him from giving up on life.

Kevin received compassionate, wonderful medical care from Gravelbourg Ambulance and Hutch Ambulance paramedics, as well as doctors and staff at St. Paul’s Hospital in Saskatoon, Regina General Hospital, Regina Pasqua Hospital, Allan Blair Cancer Clinic, Moose Jaw Hospital, Swift Current Hospital, and especially St. Joseph’s Hospital in Gravelbourg. "Kevin was also blessed with a few close friends who stood by his side throughout his long cancer journey, offering unwavering support through their presence, kindness, and daily phone calls. Heartfelt thanks to all!"

Kevin was predeceased by his parents, Reg and Beryl Passmore of Lafleche; his special aunt, Edith Wilkinson of Lafleche; his special cousin and friend, Doug Passmore of Moose Jaw; and his special cousin and friend, Steve Kosti of Limerick.

Kevin is survived by his sister, Carole (Les) Allen of Taber, Alberta; niece Twylla (Garry) Herron of Hanley, Saskatchewan; nephew Cory (Naoko) Allen of Lethbridge, Alberta; niece Tiffany (Colin) Phillips of Taber, Alberta; special cousin Sceta Kosti of Assiniboia, Saskatchewan; special cousin Marlene McPhee (Barry Farkas) of Calgary, Alberta; special cousin Valerie Ash of St. John’s, Newfoundland; and numerous cousins and friends.

In accordance with Kevin’s and the family’s wishes, a Memorial Service will be held this spring.