SATHER: Melvin Edward
May 13, 1925 – March 10, 2018
Melvin Edward Sather, aged 92 years, of Watrous, SK, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Central Parkland Lodge, Lanigan, SK on Saturday, March 10, 2018.
Melvin was born on the family farm near Renown May 13, 1925, the fourth of seven children born to Sverre and Marie (Lilleby) Sather who both immigrated from Norway. Melvin obtained his formal education at Highwood School located just three miles from the family farm. Melvin married the love of his life Dorothy Jean Mellesmoen on October 9, 1947 and were blessed with five children: Milton, Judy, Alan, Calvin and Laurie. The school and land was purchased by Melvin and Jean. To this day the school still stands and the land is farmed by the family. Melvin took over the land his dad had purchased in 1910. He lived on the family farm until retiring to Watrous in 1982. Melvin was born to farm. He claimed to have started farming with raising chickens and shipping eggs to the hatchery, making big money of $1.00 a dozen. There was always cows to milk and cream to ship. In 1960, Melvin purchased the homestead of Sigvald and Grace (Hill) Mellesmoen in the Hawkshaw area and the family home of Jean. In 1974 a new pig barn was built. With the help of his sons this remained in operation until 1998. When he retired, he took the pride of farming with him to town and began gardening. He was very proud of his ribbons he received at the Watrous Horticulture Show. Melvin enjoyed his sports. He played men’s softball in Renown, was in a bowling league in Watrous and hockey became his sport of choice. Saturday evening was spent on the edge of his seat watching Hockey Night in Canada. As his sons got involved in hockey he began coaching them. Later in life they played for the Watrous senior team. He faithfully attended the Winterhawk games until about three years ago. As the years rolled along he enjoyed attending many of his grandchildren’s activities. He also developed some hobbies which included coin collecting, willow chair making and enjoyed fishing. He was a mathematician, nobody could add like he could. He loved playing cards to pass the time. Melvin also had a love for music and enjoyed singing or yodelling whenever he had the opportunity. After retirement, Melvin and Jean enjoyed a Mediterranean and a Panama Cruise, went on trips to Maui and Honolulu, Sweden, Norway, New Orleans, as well as bus trips to various states and casinos. A big change after moving to town was the freedom to be part of the fellowship at the Drop-In Centre. He made his rounds to purchase his 649 tickets and a quick daily visit at the post office and grocery store. Melvin and Jean loved to go for a good drive whether it was to the beach, checking crops or the yearly trip to watch the development of the Gardiner Dam. Many trips were made to the farm in the fall to bring snacks and drinks for the hard working crew. Another great accomplishment was the production of When Pigs Fly produced in January 2003, which captured Melvin telling his story of a tornado he was in back in April 1958 that was presented on the History Channel under the title of Weather Untamed. Melvin had an extremely sweet tooth. You could be guaranteed there were jujubes and many other treats when stopping for a visit. Melvin’s greatest treasure was his wife and family. He especially loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and his face lit up when he saw each and every one of them. Melvin lived life to the fullest. He was a hardworking man who was very friendly and outgoing, humorous, a great story teller and enjoyed a good laugh which carried on until his passing.
Melvin is survived by his loving wife Jean for over 70 years, five children, 14 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren and more are on the way! Milton and Cathie Sather, their children Wendy Sather (Jenna), Jason Sather and Fehrin Green (Caleb, Addyson, Landen, Avery), David and Kelly Sather (Natalie, Lexi); Judy and Gerald Schmid, their children Christina and Joe Steen, Curtis and Trina Schmid (Amelia, Oliver), Brad and Karen Schmid (Avery), Carrolyn and Clayton Shular (Cohen and Keira); Alan and Kathy Sather, their children Collin Sather and Ellen Blyth, Craig and Sarah Sather (Chloe and Lucas), Jameson Sather and Mallery Agar; Calvin and Cathy Sather, their children Brent and Catherine Sather (Brielle, Elissa), Paula Sather and Patrick Neufeld and Laurie and Larry Regier, their children Jamie Regier, Janelle and Cole Neufeld (James). Melvin is also survived by sisters-in-law Thelma Sather, Leona Sather, Mildred Paquin, Irene Van Loo; brother-in-law Don Roberds and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by parents Sverre and Marie (Lilleby) Sather; brothers Harold, Palmer and Clarence; sisters Sophie, Mabel, and Anna; nephews Darren Sather and Johnnie Mellesmoen; niece Brenda Blundell; brothers-in-law Ed Dewey, Don McKenzie, Harold Sundquist, Henry Van Loo, George Levers, Raymond Swanson, George Mellesmoen and Gordon Mellesmoen; and sisters-in-law Evelyn Roberds, Lavina Mellesmoen, Kay Swanson, and Sylvia Levers.
A private family funeral service will be held at Fotheringham’s Funeral Chapel, Watrous, SK on Saturday, March 17, 2018.
Interment will follow in Watrous Cemetery. For online condolences, tributes or to make a donation “In Memory of Melvin Sather” to the Watrous Community Health Foundation please visit fotheringham-mcdougall.com