Ormond Klaassen

Ormond Klaassen, age 84, passed away peacefully on Friday, March 2, 2018 at the Meadows Care Centre, Swift Current, SK. Ormond Steve Klaassen was born at Beaver Flat, SK on February 4, 1934 — the eldest of six children born to Dan & Katie Klaassen. He was raised on the farm and attended Turnhill School. In 1958, Ormond met and married Judith Hungnes of Stewart Valley. They made a home in Swift Current and purchased a quarter section of land in the Lac Pelletier area. He worked this quarter while also employed at Motorways for a number of years. During this time, their children — Roxy, Barbara, and Todd — were born. Later, he also worked as a helium plant operator, various oilfield positions, and lastly, as a farm implement salesman for Co-op Implements.

Ormond always had a real love for sports. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing hockey for the Turnhill Tornados and playing baseball. He took part in calf roping, and what was known as wild cow riding, in rodeos around Swift Current. Ormond was often the umpire for his kid’s ball games, and loved watching his children and grandchildren in their sporting events. As a young boy he learned to hunt — providing him with spending money for selling his pelts — and enjoyed hunting throughout his life. Ormond successfully obtained sobriety in 1977, with the help of Alcoholics Anonymous and his supportive sponsors. He was an active member for many years and truly valued the fellowship of the other members, with whom he shared a common goal. This part of Ormond’s life is something his family is very thankful for — both for the support he received, and for how he was also able to pay it forward to others. Even while he was a resident in long term care, they continued to hear stories from people he sponsored over the years. Whether Ormond realized it or not, he was a quiet hero used by God in many ways through his friendships and interactions with others. The last four and a half years of his life were spent in long term care, first at the Palliser Regional Care Center and later at the Meadows House 8, where he was treated with compassion and dignity every day. The kindness he was shown will never be forgotten.

Ormond was predeceased by his wife, Judith Klaassen, in 2007; his parents, Dan & Katie Klaassen; his parents-in-law, Lars & Alice Hungnes; his sister-in law, Eleanor Wotherspoon; and by his brothers-in-law, Chester Potter and Arlie Hungnes. Ormond is survived by his loving children, Roxy (Arverd) Dyck, Barbara (Marc) Corbeil, and Todd (Barb) Klaassen; his grandchildren, Marcus (Chantelle) Klaassen, Craig (Jenna) Dyck, Allison (Curtis) Martens, Taylor Corbeil, Carly Klaassen, Joshua (Becca Klein) Corbeil, and Wade Klaassen; his great-grandchildren, Lars and Owen Klaassen, Elianna, Nathanael, and Brielle Dyck, Sierra, Lincoln, and Renae Martens; his sisters, Della (Bill) Roberts, Erla (Harry) Friesen, Fern (Ivan) Prefontaine, and Jewel (Rick) St. Laurent; his brother, Doyle (Lucille) Klaassen; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Anna Potter, Davie Wotherspoon, Elaine Sander, and Jim Sander; his numerous nieces and nephews; and by his large step family.

The Funeral Service for Ormond Klaassen was held on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 2:00 pm from Bridgeway Community Church, Swift Current, SK with Pastor Bob Capelle officiating. “In the Sweet By and By” and “When We All Get to Heaven” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of Ormond's nephew, Darren Friesen, with Sheila Braun as pianist. The eulogy was given by Ormond’s granddaughter, Carly Klaassen. Tributes and memories were shared by Fern Prefontaine and Jewel St. Laurent, Ormond’s sisters. The ushers in the church were Sachia Longo, David Klaassen, Russ Baragar, and Lawrence Forde. The Interment Service was held from Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK with Arverd Dyck, Marc Corbeil, Marcus Klaassen, Craig Dyck, Curtis Martens, Joshua Corbeil, and Wade Klaassen serving as pallbearers.

In memory of Ormond Klaassen, donations made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. 

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