With Ruth, his wife of 65 years by his side, Harvey William Grunert passed away on January 28, 2016 at Stensrud Lodge in Saskatoon following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 90 years of age. Harvey was born in Yorkton, the only child of August and Ottilia (Olm) Grunert. He attended Grunert School and often talked about how much he enjoyed the field days competing with other schools. Prizes were Oh Henry bars which were much larger in those days. They remained his favourite treat. He also enjoyed watching hockey, football, curling and baseball. He would have loved to see the Blue Jays win the series this year. He married Ruth (Gieze) in 1950. They started their married life with very little but through hard physical work, scrimping and saving, and doing without over the years they achieved a comfortable life. They were life-long partners who believed in their marriage vows and honoured each other through richer and poorer, sickness and health... until the end. They were blessed with five children. Harvey served as RM Councillor for Orkney Division 4 for many years and served on various committees. He took these responsibilities very seriously. He believed in getting involved and being informed. Harvey was very proud when the family received the "Family Farm Heritage Award" in 1988 for owning a farm that had been operated continuously by the family since it was acquired as a homestead in 1888. He loved everything about the farm, except the winters. He and Ruth spent more than 20 years wintering in Sun City, AZ. He loved to pick and eat fresh oranges, attend estate sales and sit on the patio soaking up the sunshine. Harvey and Ruth made many dear friends in Sun City. They enjoyed volunteering with their church and the community. Harvey always said that he lived a full life and was very blessed. He loved God and said many times that "the good Lord will take care of us all." He reminded us that life here on Earth is short, but eternity is forever. The family takes great comfort in knowing that he felt this way. We know that his suffering at last is over and that he is in heaven watching over us and reminding us to live a Christian life. Harvey was predeceased by an infant son, David; and leaves to cherish his memory, his wife Ruth; children, Gordon (Debbie), Lynda (Wade Johnson), Sheila (James Hansen) and Stuart (Sheryl); grandchildren, Michelle (Craig Bell), Kristopher (Chelsea), Rebecca Johnson, Alicia Johnson, Micah Johnson, Elizabeth Hansen, Emily Hansen; great grandchildren, Aimee Bell, Kate Bell and Lukas Grunert. Funeral Services were held on Thursday, February 4, 2016 from the Springside Baptist Church in Springside, SK with Pastor Richard Kauenhofen officiating. The organist, Diane Jones, led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "How Great Thou Art", "It is Well With My Soul" and "Because He Lives". Special music was shared by Granddaughter, Emily Hansen who played, "Precious Moments." Following a reception in the lower auditorium of Springside Baptist Church, the Interment Service took place in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery, Ebenezer, SK with Gordon Grunert, Stuart Grunert, Kristopher Grunert, James Hansen, Wade Johnson and Craig Bell serving as the casket bearers. Friends so wishing may make donations in Harvey's name to the Springside Baptist Church Memorial Fund or the Gideons International. Harvey's family wishes to thank everyone for their support and prayers during this difficult time. For anyone who would like to send their condolences directly to Ruth, her Saskatoon address is: Suite 208-102 Wellman Crescent, Saskatoon, SK, S7T 0J1. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, Saskatchewan.
