Obituary of Fay Mastad

We are saddened to announce that Fay Mastad passed away on January 12, 2022, at the age of 93 years, in the Prairie View Health Centre in Mankota, SK.

Fay Marie Mastad (nee Eklund) was born on Nov.3, 1928 in the Horse Creek district to Raymond and Theresa Eklund. She was born early and tiny and she joked that this was why she was given a tiny name. Fay was the younger sister of Geraldine and the older sister to three brothers: Vernon (Bud), Glenn and Douglas. Fay talked fondly of her family, childhood and school years. Her family worked hard but also had lots of fun together. They maintained a close, fun-loving relationship throughout their lives.

Fay married Melvin Mastad in 1950. They lived with his parents for a short time before buying their home place, south of McCord, where they raised their family and spent the rest of their time together. Their children Calvin, Judy, Melody and Darcy were raised first in the two-room house, and then later in the house that Melvin and Fay had built. Both houses were filled with love and company. Fay was an excellent cook and guests often stopped in for a meal.

Family meant the world to Fay, and she was happiest when she was visiting and spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lit up with joy at the sight of her cherished family.

Fay so enjoyed watching sports, especially if her children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren were participating. She loved being at rodeos, ball games and the hockey rink. Fay also appreciated music and owned a large collection of records, tapes and CDs. She especially loved the live music concerts in her living room and her annual weekend at the Maple Creek Cowboy Poetry Gathering, which she attended with her family. Fay adored horses, especially newborn long-legged foals. She watched the many horses around the yard and knew all their names. When the riders came to the house to visit, she would happily pet and talk to the horses as much as to the people. She was an excellent cook and a great gardener, and she kept an immaculate house. She lovingly crocheted blankets for her family; kept detailed diaries and created precious photo albums that will be treasured for generations to come.

Some words that describe our beloved Fay: genuine, kind, a great sense of humor, intelligent, witty, warm, a contagious laugh, loving, sweet and so very special.

Fay touched so many lives and she was admired and loved by many. Her genuine interest in people, her warm nature and her quick wit turned strangers into immediate friends. She often had a crowd around her wanting to spend time in her company and usually that crowd was laughing at something witty that she had said.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren feel lucky to have had such a special Grandma. She always let us know that we were loved and important. She wanted to be a part of and know all about everything that we were doing or were interested in. At the age of ninety-two she climbed onto her grandson’s motorbike. After only a few minutes she knew the location of every compartment and what every button was for. This is how she was – determined, feisty, interested and intelligent.

We were blessed to know Fay. She taught us all about living well – with a sense of humor, genuine love and so much joy. We will miss her dearly.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.