Ken Hymers

Ken Hymers, age 72, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 11, 2019 at Clover House, Swift Current, SK following a difficult and hard-fought battle with a rare form of blood cancer, called myelofibrosis.

Ken is survived by the love of his life and wife of 50 years, Dianne (nee Campbell) Hymers; his three children, nine grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren — his daughter, Melanie (Roger) Wolf (Sherwood Park, AB), and their children Kaythlynn (Jeff) (Ava and Oliver), Lochlan, Adam, and Emelia; his son, Darrick (Randi) Hymers (Swift Current, SK), and their children, Brady, Cameron, and Ian; his daughter, Selesta (Clay) Beauchamp (St. Albert, AB), and their children, Avery and Cavelle; his mother, Patricia Hymers; his brother, Eldon (Terry) Hymers; his sisters, Donna (Keith) Lange and Judy (Peter) Newman; and by many nieces and nephews.

Ken was predeceased by his father, Clifford Hymers, in 1988; and by his brothers-in-law, Jim Woolsey, Larry Faber, and Lawrence Cassidy.

Kenneth Rae Hymers was born in Vanguard, SK on April 12, 1947 to Clifford & Patricia Hymers and spent his first twelve years on the family homestead farm at Glen Bain, SK. The family moved to the Swift Current area in 1959 where Ken attended Ashley Park School, Beatty Collegiate, and OM Irwin School. Ken went to the college of agriculture for one year and loved the farm, having helped from a very early age during summer months with farm activities.

Ken spent some time playing with a local rock and roll group, travelling to local communities in SW Saskatchewan. He also spent one winter working at a sawmill in Cranbrook, BC — operating a chipper, which is used in the production of what is now called OSB. Ken also worked at the Swift Current Research Station in the soil lab and operating agriculture equipment. In 1968, Ken started farming with his parents following a purchase of more land in the Cantuar area.

Ken married Dianne Campbell, who was from a farm near Beverly, SK, on January 25, 1969 and they spent their life together on their farm in the Cantuar area. He was actively involved in the community in his early years, serving on the local telephone company, community hall, and Saskatchewan Wheat Pool committees in Cantuar and Success. Ken & Dianne maintained a voluntary membership in the National Farmers Union until their retirement.

Following the death of his father, Ken & Dianne began to move the farm into a sustainable certified organic operation. They became certified in 1991 and maintained a certified organic operation until they retired in 2016. Ken was instrumental in developing and operating the organic certification co-operative (Canadian Organic Certification Co-operative Ltd.) to provide organic certification services to members. He also became a partner in an organic beef marketing company (COLA — Canadian Organic Livestock Association — Beef Marketing Inc.) in an effort to develop a reliable and sustainable market for organic beef. He was a part of this company for a number of years until the BSE crisis destroyed potential export markets. A large part of Ken’s life involved raising and working with cattle. He enjoyed touring family and friends out to the pastures to see the cows and new baby calves.

Ken was a talented, kind, humble, and loving man who shared his time and knowledge with family, friends, and neighbors in the community. He was very passionate about his career and his enthusiasm was admirable. In 2006, Ken survived a major stroke. With the help from his lifelong companion, Dianne, he recovered almost completely. They were able to maintain their farming operation until 2015, when they rented part of the farm out, finally renting all the land out in 2017.

Ken enjoyed playing hockey, baseball, camping, fishing, horseshoes, downhill and cross-country skiing, and anything outdoors with family and friends. He never outgrew his love of 1970’s rock and roll and it was often blasting out of the shop radio. Family gatherings with relatives were very common and special holidays were always spent surrounded with lots of love and laughter. So many amazing memories were made on the Skyline Farm over the years — it was his favorite place to be.

Ken was a loving son, husband, dad, grandpa, and great grandpa who always showed support, encouragement, and kindness. Our family will always remember him as a kind-hearted, generous, intelligent, thoughtful man who showed his selflessness through his everyday actions. He will be missed dearly by everyone who was fortunate enough to know him, and he will be in our hearts and memories forevermore.

At Ken's request, no formal funeral services will be held, a private family gathering will be held at a later date.

In memory of Ken Hymers, donations made to the Canadian Cancer Society (1910 McIntyre Street, Regina, SK, S4P 2R3) in the search for a cure of myelofibrosis, or to a charity of one’s choice would be appreciated by the family.

For those wishing, cards of condolence for the Hymers family can be sent directly to Dianne (Box 2175, Swift Current, S9H 4V1). 

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