MEDDINS: John A. (Bert)
Nov. 28, 1929 – Feb. 3, 2018
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Bert Meddins, aged 88 years, of Watrous, Sask. at Watrous District Health Complex on Saturday February 3, 2018. John Albert (Bert) was born on Nov. 28, 1929, the first child of John and Martha Meddins to be born in Canada. Bert’s parents and four elder siblings immigrated from Wales in 1926. Two more children were born to complete the family. Bert always loved farming. He quit school during his grade 9 year and started farming with his dad. When his father passed away in the spring of 1957, Bert took over the farm. On Oct. 13, 1957, Bert married Olga Tomashewski. They worked side by side on the grain farm milking cows, raising chickens, pigs, beef cattle and four children. Bert was very loyal to his GM vehicles and John Deere machinery. He would tease that anything else was a piece of junk, just to get a rise out of you. Bert found joy and satisfaction in the spring calves and a completed harvest. Because of Bert’s mobility issues and the water problems in the house, Bert and Olga moved to a condo in Watrous in November 2014. It’s interesting that Bert was born on the onset of the Dirty '30s and lived to see the wettest years in history. Bert had a short stay in Central Parkland Lodge, Lanigan, before moving to Manitou Lodge in August 2016 until his passing. If there’s a 4020 John Deere tractor in heaven, you’ll find Bert sitting behind the wheel. Bert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Olga; sisters Tegwen Orthner and Gwen Stockinger; and his children and their families: Greg (Lori), Lacey (Craig) and Carson, Harper, Collyns, Marcie (Ryan) and Keaton, Grady; Pat (Cecil) Bryson, Daniel (Michelle) and Alyssa, Caiden, Derek, Dallas (Holly) and Nellie; Rick (Patricia); Joyce (Harry) Hignett, Marshal, Davis (Danielle) and Theodore. He was predeceased by his parents, siblings Trevor, Ivor, Dennis and Dilys. Vigil for the deceased was held at St. Patrick’s Roman
Catholic Church, Young Sask. on February 6 conducted by Rev. Richard Meidl, OSB. Readers at prayers were Daniel Bryson and Dallas Bryson. Dallas Bryson provided special music at prayers. The Mass of the Christian Burial was held at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church, Young Sask. on February 7, 2018, Urnbearer was Lacey Anderson. Cross bearer was Harry Hignett. Don and Debbie Read, Shirley Schatz and Bev Keffer were register attendants. Ushers were David Schaan and Jamie Jones. Pat Bryson and Joyce Hignett gave the eulogy. Tributes were given by Lacey Anderson and Marcie Halyk. Patricia Meddins and Michelle Bryson were the readers at mass. Maryanne Tomashewski did mass intentions. Organist was Cheryl Schaan accompanied by St. Patrick’s Choir Interment will take place at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Cemetery in Young, Sask. at a later date. Memorial donations directed to a charity of your choice would be appreciated. To leave online condolences, tributes or to make a donation, please visit fotheringham-mcdougall.com