Alfred "Fred" Benjamin Tillman was born on December 28, 1927 in the Tisdale district of SK, the son of Oswald and Bertha (Hauschaltz) Tillman. His early childhood years were spent in the Tisdale area and he started school there as well. In 1942, his father purchased land in the Springside District and moved the family to Springside. Fred completed his education at Windsor School and continued to help on the family farm and worked on other farms in the district. In his early twenties, Fred spent two winters working in the rail yards in Vancouver with his brother, Arthur and three of their friends. When he returned to the prairies, he began "courting" the love of his life, Loreen Jonat. They were married on October 5, 1951 and they made their home on the family farm where they resided until moving to the Bentley Retirement Community in Yorkton in December of 2013. Fred enjoyed hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, golfing, playing baseball and trapping moles. He loved the farm, being outdoors and he had a special wildflower garden. Fred spent many hours in the pasture pulling apart beaver dams and just watching the birds and wildlife. He enjoyed travelling and together with Loreen made many trips throughout Canada, the United States and a memorable trip to Europe. When Fred was 80, he went on a special trip to see the Toronto Blue Jays play a triple header in Minneapolis - the Blue Jays won all three games just for him! When he could no longer farm due to failing health, Fred spent many hours driving his side-by-side, supervising the farming operation. In his retirement years, he enjoyed playing cards, feeding the birds, setting puzzles, shooting pool, driving around the country side and watching baseball on television - especially his Blue Jays! Fred devoted his life to Christ and was an active member of the Springside Baptist Church. He attended church regularly where he enjoyed listening to Loreen play the organ. Fred loved gospel music. Fred's grandchildren and great-grandchildren held a very special place in his heart. He would often be found holding one or many on his lap, reciting poetry or stories that he learned as a child in school. Fred passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2014 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre, Yorkton, SK. He was 86 years of age. Fred was predeceased by his parents, Oswald and Bertha Tillman; his brothers, Arthur and his wife, Ella and Edmund; his son-in-law, Norman Martel and his brother-in-law, Norman Klingspon. He leaves to mourn his passing and cherish his memory, his wife, Loreen; his son, Bryce (Nicole Gleason); his daughters, Terry (Brian) Matkowski, Cheryl (Ron) Minke and Karen (Davis) Manganye; his grandchildren, Deven and Stacey Matkowski and children, Shelyse and Jayce; Cortney and Kari Matkowski and children, Brett, Tristen, Mason and Kaydence; Kenda and Derek Kohut and children, Brayden, Josh-lynn and Tayja; Tannys and Kurt Madsen and children, Mikayla, Mitchel and Jessica; Graem and Trisha Minke and children, Dylan and Dru; Jarred Minke; Bryan and Tracy Berrecloth and son, Kolby; Shannon Berrecloth and children, Keegan and Kali; Samantha Tillman and Jordan Lutz and children, Chrislynn and Cain; Clinton Tillman; Gordon Gleason; Evan Gleason and Travis Gleason-Tillman; his brother, David (Hilda) Tillman; his sisters, Linda (Stan) McKen and Hertha Klingspon; his sisters-in-law, Erna Tillman and Elaine (Alvin) Patzer as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives and good friends. Funeral Services were held on Friday, April 11, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. from Springside Baptist Church with Pastor Richard Kauenhofen officiating. The organist, Jeanette Kriger and the pianist, Kitty Arndt led the congregation in the singing of the hymns, "When We All Get To Heaven" and "All The Way My Saviour Leads Me." Special Music was performed by Soul Purpose. Deven Matkowski and Tannys Madsen gave tribute to their grandfather in eulogy and Fred's children; Bryce Tillman, Terry Matkowski, Cheryl Minke and Karen Manganye shared special memories of their father. The urnbearer was Bryce Tillman. 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.
