Wilfred George Thorsness passed away on April 11, 2015 at the age of 91, surrounded by family. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife of 68 years, Peggy (nee Wood), daughter, Wanda (Peter) Kolenick, son, Robert (Cheryl Kolbinson), daughter, Myrna (Jack) Livingstone, 8 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and his brother, Samuel Keith (Jean). He was predeceased by his 3 year-old son, Daniel and his sister, Shirley Burke. Wilf was born to Clarice (nee Taylor) and Obert Thorsness. He grew up on a farm near Bredenbury. After graduating high school, at the age of 17, he joined the RCAF and received his wings in Yorkton. He served as a Lancaster Bomber pilot, 434 Squadron, in the UK during WWII. Upon returning to Bredenbury, he and his father purchased the local hardware store, establishing the family business which later included Wilf's younger brother, Keith. On August 5, 1946, he married Peg, who had recently moved to Bredenbury to teach school. In 1948 they moved to Saltcoats to operate the second hardware store. Over the years, their business expanded to include hardware, furniture and appliance stores in Churchbridge, Langenburg and Yorkton. Wilf was a dedicated entrepreneur with strong leadership skills. His commitment to service was the key to their success. Wilf operated the business for over 50 years and lived in Saltcoats for 66 years. Wilf lived his life to the fullest - working hard, but always finding time for family, friends, and his love for the outdoors. He was an avid weather watcher, an enthusiastic goose, duck and big game hunter, fisherman, berry picker, as well as a devoted master and companion to each dog that was lucky enough to be a part of his life. He enjoyed playing and listening to music, as well as traveling. In earlier years, he and his family enjoyed numerous trips to different parts of Canada and the U.S.A. and in his retirement, Wilf and Peg enjoyed traveling in their motorhome or making bigger trips to a variety of countries. Above all, Wilf was a loving husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend. He lived a wonderful and full life, the blessing of which was not lost on him and was reflected in his strong faith. He will be greatly missed and lovingly remembered by many. A Memorial Service was held on Saturday, April 18, 2015 from the Saltcoats Community Hall, Saltcoats, SK with Reverend Walter Farquharson officiating. The organist, Ruth Datema and members of the Saltcoats United Church Choir (and Friends) led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "Amazing Grace", "How Great Thou Art", "All Things Bright and Beautiful" and "The Lord's My Shepherd". The Choir Selection was "In the Garden". Legion Funeral Rites were conducted with Pastor Richard Gibson serving as the Padre, Peter Wyatt as the Sergeant-at-Arms and members of the Royal Canadian Legion, General Alexander Ross Branch #77 served as the Color Party. The Cremation Committal followed in the Saltcoats Town Cemetery, Saltcoats, SK with Wilf's son, Robert Thorsness serving as the urn bearer. Memorial donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or to the Saltcoats United Church. 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.
