Martin Haidt

Martin Haidt, born July 7, 1925 in Neudorf, Russia passed away Thursday, May 21, 2020 in Herbert SK. At the age of 16 he was forced into the German army. He fought in the war and was captured by the Russian Army — he escaped while being transported from a concentration camp to Siberia. He survived the unimaginable and in 1950, he travelled on a ship and moved to Canada to live with relatives and start a new life. He boarded a train once arriving in Canada and arrived in Ernfold, SK on June 11, 1950. He joked that he was only 69 years old because that is when he started living in Canada.

Martin met his wife, Berta, in 1952 at the Anglican Church Christmas concert in Uren, SK. They married October 27, 1954 in Herbert. Through the years of 1954 – 1961 they lived on Fred Heiydt’s farm by the Calderbank grid north of Ernfold, enjoying their time watching Clifford and Greg Van Loosen grow up. In 1961, they purchased the Fred McDowell farm south of Ernfold, where he and his family had cattle and grain land —the farm continues to be a Haidt family farm. Throughout the years, Martin worked on Fred Heiydt farm, Earl Burgess farm, and the Morse Coop (1965-1990), along with being part owner of Morse Custom Carpentry. He was always joking with people and keeping caught up on what they all were doing. He treasured his time working with Morse Custom Carpentry.  When we would go for drives to check the cows, go fishing, or just to see what others were up to, he would point out buildings he assisted in constructing.

After he retired, he needed to keep up on everyone’s business so he would use the excuse and tell Berta he needed go into town to “help” Barry at Morse Farm Service. He was often found pumping gas or sitting by the front door to have a quick one liner for everyone who came in. Berta said Martin always wanted to have a family, and a family is what he got. Martin always wanted to talk about, be caught up on, and see us all, which we all cherish.

Martin was predeceased by his son, Martin Lloyd Haidt; his son-in-law, Martin Allen Fjaagesund; his parents, Martin and Salomea (nee Veil) Haidt; his siblings, Jacob, John, and Eva Haidt;  his parents-in-law, August & Philippine Tritthardt; his brothers and sisters-in-law, Maria, Valentin, Ottilie, Karola, August, Heinrich, and Johann; and by many other close friends and family.

He will be enjoying all of the catching up he can do with all those he has missed over the years. We are sure he will be visiting the farm, checking up on the cows, checking in on the coop in town while honking his horn as he goes by, and ensuring all of his grandkids are following his advice of “Be Good,  Be Kind, Be Careful” as he would always remind us to do.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Berta Haidt; his children Brenda (Kevin Sydia) Haidt and Barry (Nickie) Haidt; his grandchildren, Shauna Fjaagesund, Martin (Amber Strauch) Fjaagesund, Brittany (Tristan) Silvester, Kyle  (Kelsey Jordan) Haidt, and Brooklynn (Danny Zmud) Haidt; and by many friends and all of the staff at Herbert Integrated Health Facility, whom he cherished so much and appreciated throughout his life.

The Private Family Graveside Service for Martin Haidt was held on Monday, May 25, 2020 from the Ernfold Cemetery, Ernfold, SK with Pastor Martin Seaborg officiating. Warren, Kevin, and Alishia Beach served as musicians. The eulogy was given by Brittany Silvester. Kyle Haidt, Tristan Silvester, Danny Zmud, Brittany Silvester, Brooklynn Haidt, Greg Van Loosen, and Bill Hampton served as Pallbearers. The Honorary Pallbearers were Shauna Fjaagesund, Martin Fjaagesund, Amber Strauch, the Herbert Integrated Facility Staff, and all of his friends who he shared so many memories with.

In memory of Martin Haidt, donations made to the Ernfold Cemetery Association, Ernfold Community Hall, or the Herbert & District Integrated Health Facility would be appreciated by the family. 

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