Derwood Hermanson

Derwood Hermanson, age 80, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 21, 2023 at the Meadows in Swift Current, SK.  The family wishes to thank the Meadows staff for the incredible care and love for Derwood — the staff called Derwood their Prince Charming. Derwood Walter Hermanson was born September 12, 1942 to Walter & Clarine Hermanson in Swift Current and grew up on a farm near Stewart Valley, SK overlooking the banks of the Saskatchewan River.  A strong Christian faith was always a prominent part of his life. He was taught from a very young age the importance of faith and trust in the Lord, and he would carry this strong foundation throughout his life. 

Derwood was a bright young man and a skilled mathematician who loved solving math problems in his head. He had an incredible memory and could still recite poetry from his early years in school and was promoted from the second to fourth grade. Derwood was highly involved in 4H as a young man, helping his sisters until his youngest sister completed 4H. He also loved playing and coaching sports — curling, baseball. Skiing, and hockey to name a few. He had a passion for hockey and loved his years playing for the Stewart Valley Rockets where he was a rugged and fierce competitor, capturing two provincial titles. He also played back-catcher and short stop with the Stewart Valley Rockets.

Hard work ethic was instilled in Derwood from a young age, he grew up farming and absolutely loved the land. One of his favorite things was walking through his crops, watching his crops grow, and predicting the weather. Upon graduating high school, Derwood’s first job was working in the tunnels of the Gardner Dam. 

On July 6, 1963 Derwood married his high school sweetheart, Arlie Olson. They were blessed with three children — Crystal, Shawn, and Angela. Together, Derwood & Arlie farmed with his parents for a number of years until purchasing family land and starting their own farm in the Nordland Community, east of Stewart Valley.

Along with farming the land, Derwood raised cattle and pigs. Throughout his years farming, Derwood sold Trail Rite bins and was employed by United Taxi, where he operated two cars for many years and even won a “Swifty Award” for Best Cabbie.  Derwood loved his passengers and ensuring they were cared for and arrived safely home. Throughout his farming years, Derwood served on the local school board, local co-op board, Sask Wheat Pool Committee, the Roy Hope Evangelistic Board, was a trustee in the Nordland Church and taught youth Sunday School there, and was also an usher at Trailview Alliance church. Whatever he was doing, he used it as an opportunity to share his faith in Jesus.

Derwood & Arlie faced many challenges together from farming droughts, storms, the loss of his finger in a farming accident, and the tragic death of their daughter, Crystal on January 1, 1999. The loss of his daughter had a forever impact on his life, and we know they are holding each other in heaven. Family was incredibly important to him, he had deep love and pride for his children and grandchildren and found great joy in supporting them in their many sports and activities. Over the years, many special memories were made.

Derwood loved to travel with Arlie and together they were able to enjoy various parts of God’s beautiful creation, including Hawaii, California, Florida, Norway, Alaska, Coast to Coast in Canada.  A highlight in his travels was a cruise along the North Coast of the Mediterranean from Barcelona, Spain to Venice, Italy —“FANTASTIC,” is how he described it. They also shared many memories taking ski trips in the winters with family and friends.

Derwood is survived by his wife of 59 years, Arlie Hermanson; his children, Shawn (Elin) Hermanson (Saskatoon, SK) and Angela Hermanson (Swift Current, SK); his son-in-law, Russ (Jacqueline) Siemens (Swift Current, SK); his grandchildren, Colten (Jori), Marshall (Mary), Tristan, Noah, Emilie, Anaya, and Daniel; his great-grandson, Caleb; his siblings, Marilyn (Edmund) Olson, Mel (Len) Nakashimada, and Michelle (Brad) Olfert; and by numerous nieces and nephews.

Derwood was predeceased by his daughter, Crystal Siemens; his infant grandson, David Hermanson; his infant granddaughter, Katrina Hermanson; his parents, Walter & Clarine Hermanson; his parents-in-law, Gustave & Margit Olson; and by his sister and brother-in-law, Carol & Daryl Heron. Every family member was precious to him, he mourned the loss of his extended family that passed on before him and we rejoice in knowing that he is reunited with them in heaven.

The Funeral Service for Derwood Hermanson was held on Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 1:00 pm from Trailview Alliance Church, Swift Current, SK with Russ Siemens officiating. “How Great Thou Art” and “Amazing Grace” were sung by the congregation under the leadership of Russ Siemens, with D’lee Johnson serving as pianist. Matthew 20:1-16 was read by Brad Olfert. Special music was brought by Ed Olson and D’lee Johnson, who sang “Great is Thy Faithfulness.” Tributes were given by Derwood’s grandchildren, Angela Hermanson, Shawn Hermanson, Derwood’s sisters, and Harold Moen. The obituary was read by Colten Siemens. A photo tribute, “Seasons of Life,” was given by the family. The devotional was given by Shawn Hermanson. The ushers in the church were Jerome Austring and Gary Argue.

The bulletin is posted below.

The Interment Service was held following the Funeral Service from the Nordland Cemetery, Stewart Valley, SK with Colten Siemens, Marshall Siemens, Tristan Hermanson, Daniel Hermanson, Noah Schindel, and Aaron Church serving as Pallbearers.

In memory of Derwood Hermanson, donations made to Stinger Strong Community Fire Rebuild ((Box 93, Stewart Valley, SK S0N 2P0 or by eTransfer stingerstrong2022@gmail.com) or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

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