Vern Calkins, age 87, of Swift Current and formerly of the Eston district, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 17, 2022 surrounded by family at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK.
Vernon Harold Calkins was born September 3, 1934 to Harold & Mildred Calkins in Eston, SK. He grew up on the family farm in the Eston district with his three sisters and completed his schooling.
He met Doreen Pearl Shea in Kindersley, SK and they were married February 8, 1954 in Provost, AB. Vern & Doreen lived in Eston until taking over the Calkins family farm in the spring of 1956, where they raised their six children —Dianna, Verna, Ken, Bernice, Harley, and Gordon.
Along with farming, Vern also worked for J.D. Northcott and the RM of Snipe Lake.
An avid outdoorsman, Vern was part of the Eston Fish and Game club and also served as president. He taught hunting safety for twelve years and hunted big game and geese, and guided geese hunting ten years. One of his favorite things to do was go fishing in the north country. Some of his other hobbies included pony chariot racing, leather craft, and woodworking.
Vern & Doreen retired in 1981 and moved to Swift Current, where they enjoyed visits from their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. They also had the opportunity to spend many winters in Yuma, AZ.
Vern is survived by his children, Dianna Piquard, Bernice (Don) O’Brian, Harley (Jill) Calkins, Ken (Karla) Calkins, and Gordon (Vicky) Calkins; his eighteen grandchildren, Jennifer, Scott (Michelle), Annette (Kirk), Tammy (Steven), Jill (Chris), Adam (Tegan), Kristin, Amanda (Matt), Mike (Miranda), John (Danine), Evan, Tammy (Jay), Lisa (Mike), Jessica, Gaige, Austin, Tanya, and Chris (Becky); his twenty-eight great-grandchildren, Mateja, Nash, Kayne, Nevaeh, Clay (Rachel), Peyton, Tneesha, Keyaura, Christian, Lexie, Shawn, Bella, Iralyn, Jakoby, Shaye, Nathan, Mackenzie, Ben, Beckett, Trey, Seth, Kendyl, Wyatt, Nicole, Taylen, Odyn, Finn, and Aubrey; his great-great-granddaughter, Layla; his sisters, Beulah Henderson and Calla Mazzei; his sisters-in-law, Sadie England and Beatrice Cooke; his brother-in-law, Gren Shea; and by numerous nieces and nephews.
Vern was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Doreen Calkins, in 2015; his daughter, Verna Hiebert; his son-in-law, Len Piquard; his parents, Harold & Mildred Calkins; his sister, Myrna Lamming; his parents-in-law, Harold & Violet Shea; and by his brother-in-law, Herb Shea.
The family of Vernon Calkins, age 87, of Swift Current and formerly of the Eston district are saddened to announce his passing on Thursday, March 17, 2022 at the Cypress Regional Hospital, Swift Current, SK.
A Private Family Celebration of Life was held at the Swift Current Funeral Home Chapel with Kirk Chudyk serving as MC. Scripture was read by Calla Mazzei, a poem was read by Nash Chudyk and Kayne Strome. Special music was "You Are My Sunshine," which was sung by Nevaeh Strome. There were tributes and a time of sharing and stories given by Vern's family.
The Private Family Interment Service for Mr. Vernon Calkins took place from Hillcrest Cemetery, Swift Current, SK. Vern was laid to rest beside his beloved wife, Doreen, with his family, Nash Chudyk, Adam Calkins, Clay Flack, John Calkins, Mike Calkins, and Evan Calkins serving as pallbearers.
For those wishing, in lieu of flowers and in memory of Vernon Calkins, donations made to the Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada or a charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family.
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