Obituary of Roy Tollefson

Roy Stephen Tollefson, of Moose Jaw, SK and formerly Mossbank, SK, passed away on Thursday, January 7, 2016, at the age of 89. He was born in Moose Jaw on November 12, 1926, to Lars and Lily (nee Archer) Tollefson. Roy attended school in Ettington, and finished grade 12 at Luther College in Regina. He studied for two years at the University of Saskatchewan, and then came home to pursue farming. Roy later finished his Bachelor of Arts degree by correspondence. During the summers Roy trained with the R.O.T.C., with aspirations of becoming a medic during the Second World War. Before Roy had a chance for active duty the war ended, but he had logged enough hours to be classed as a veteran. Roy was a lifetime member and past president of the Mossbank Legion, Branch #11. He strongly believed that we must always remember and thank those who served. At a New Year’s Eve party in 1947 Roy met the love of his life, and one year later, on December 31, 1948, Roy married Fern Craig. They took over the Tollefson family farm, a legacy that still continues to this day. They were blessed with four children, Terry, Laurie, Kate and Tim. Roy was very proud of his children. He cherished their frequent phone calls and the many road trips they took to visit him. Roy was a community builder and sat on many boards doing countless hours of volunteer work. He was a member of the Ettington United Church, Coop and Wheat Pool Boards, as well as the Snow Plow Club. In Mossbank he was involved with the Hospital, School Unit, Town Council and United Church Board. He was also an active member of the Boy Scouts of Canada, Mossbank Masonic Lodge, and served two terms on the University of Regina Senate. Roy chaired the committee to compile the history of the Sutton and Lake Johnston municipalities, and was determined to maintain the history of this district. Roy was a driving force in this project, and in October of 1980, the "Furrows and Faith” history book was completed. Roy was proud of this accomplishment and considered it an experience of a lifetime. The Mossbank Museum was his retirement project and having the Blacksmith Shop declared a Provincial Heritage Site was one of his proudest moments. He was also instrumental in having a Cairn built to commemorate the town of Ettington, having a large rock moved to Number Two Bombing and Gunnery School near Mossbank, and having a plaque attached to commemorate those who served at the base. Roy’s family was very proud when he received the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award in recognition of his work. Roy enjoyed a good dry joke, music, and singing in the church choir. He took time to appreciate the beauty of flowers and the simple pleasures of working in the yard or watching the birds while sitting on the back deck. Family mattered most of all; Roy loved to visit his 13 grandchildren and was proud of their accomplishments. Roy truly believed that success in life was not measured by wealth or material things, but rather by service to the country, local community, and love of family and friends. Roy touched many lives and did his best to make the world a better place to live. Roy will be dearly missed by his family and friends. Left to cherish Roy’s memory is his loving family, daughter-in-law Rosemarie Tollefson and daughters: Errin (Chris Willenborg), Heather, Mary, Megan (Mike Hales); son Laurie (Chris) Tollefson and their children: Sarah (Scott Clarkson), Greg (Amanda Clarke), Eric (Shannon Storey), Mark (Dayna Firby); daughter Kate Thomson (Garnet Printz) and her children: Kim (John) Thomliston, Stephen (Stacey Jestin), Erica (Tristan Houde); son Tim (Lorna) Tollefson and their children: Brett (Aubrey), Lee (Kelsey Richardson) and great-grandchildren Aidan, Nevaeh, Lucy, Leo; brother Ed Tollefson (Fran Townsend); sisters-in-law Jean Tollefson, Phyllis Craig; brothers-in-law Ken Craig, Doug (Orla) Craig; and many nieces and nephews. Roy was predeceased by his wife of 64 years Fern Tollefson; son Terry Tollefson; son-in-law Chuck Thomson; parents Lars and Lily Tollefson; sister Grace; brothers Torie (Margaret), Ivar (Eileen), Eric; and sister-in-law Mary. Funeral Service was held on Friday, January 15, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., at the Mossbank United Church. Officiant was Wendy Gibson. The eulogy was shared by Roy’s grandchildren. Organist was Chris Faris. Urn bearer was Laurie Tollefson. An honour guard was formed by the Mossbank Royal Canadian Legion #11. Ushers were Dale Robb and Jan Craig. Family Interment took place at the Mossbank Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Roy to the Canadian Cancer Society, 61B Ross St. W., Moose Jaw, SK S6H 2M2, the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Suite 1-2217 Hanselman Crt, Saskatoon, SK S7L 6A8, or the Mossbank United Church, c/o Maureen Hutchinson, Box 457, Mossbank, SK S0H 3G0, were greatly appreciated.