Obituary of Ellis GAVELIN

Ellis Ingel Gavelin was born on January 30, 1924 to Nils and Eva (Hodgins) Gavelin. Ellis was born on the family farm at McCord, Saskatchewan and with the exceptions of a few winters away working lived in the same house that he was born in. Certainly Ellis was most content being at home and "dragging" him away for even a short few day visit was a challenge. Ellis attended Montague School and completed his grade 8. Ellis then stayed at home to help Nils with the farm. In 1946 Ellis and his brothers Lloyd and Ken purchased the farm from Nils. In later years David and Calvin joined the farm. Ellis, Ken and Calvin continued to farm together until Ken's retirement. In his 59 years of operating harvest equipment Ellis experienced the advancements of farming moving from a team of horses, to a "C" Case combine to the modern combines of today. Ellis had a fondness for horses and took great pride in his cattle. He was able to recollect the various names of horses as if it was only yesterday. Ellis worked tirelessly during calving and continued to calve out cows past his 80th birthday. His weekly routine included going to check the cows on Sunday - especially at his favourite pasture - Dunn's (which he referred to as God's country). Ellis married Marie Bouvier on June 14, 1968. Together they raised their family Alma, Linda and Calvin. Ellis and Marie took pride in their farm yard and it was very important to Ellis that each night things were put away and the shed doors closed. Ellis had high expectations for himself and for others and firmly believed "to try your best". In his younger days Ellis enjoyed curling and participated in local bonspiels. Ellis served on the RM council as well as on the Meyronne Community Pasture Board. Ellis never developed any true hobbies other than farming. He stuck with this hobby until he could no longer do it. Accepting the reality of being unable to work like he once had was difficult for Ellis. In January, 2010 Ellis became a resident of the Mankota Prairie View Centre. Surprisingly, Ellis, adjusted to the move and was an agreeable, pleasant resident. The nurses and staff of the Care Home provided wonderful care and ensured Ellis' comfort, safety and health. Ellis is survived by his loving wife of 46 years Marie Gavelin (nee Bouvier), daughter Alma Gavelin, daughter Linda (Ron) Hinz, grandsons Alex and Ethan, son Calvin (Marla) Gavelin, granddaughters Rhys and Quinn; sisters Dorothy Williamson, Iva (Dave) Haynes, brother Gerald (Phyllis) Gavelin; sisters-in-law Dorothy Gavelin, Helen Denton, Jeanne Brault, Lillian Bouvier, Thérèse Thomas; brothers-in-law Daniel (Theresa) Bouvier, Raymond Bouvier; numerous nieces, nephews and families. Ellis was predeceased by his parents Nils and Eva (nee Hodgins); brothers Lloyd, Ellis’ twin Elgin, Kenneth, Donald; brothers-in-law Frank Williamson, Cec Denton, Eugene Landry, Alex Bouvier, Mag Bouvier, John Thomas; sister-in-law Cecile (Adolphe) Lalonde. A private graveside service will be held at the McCord Cemetery. The family invites you to join them for a time of fellowship on Friday, October 10, 2014, at 2:30 p.m., at the McCord Hall, McCord, SK. Memorial donations in memory of Ellis may be made to the Prairie View Health Centre Fund, Mankota.