Larry Rufus WakelamSeptember 23, 1951 - March 8, 2011The sudden and unexpected death of Mr. Larry Rufus Peter Wakelam of LeRoy occurred near LeRoy on Tuesday, March 8, 2011, at the age of 59 years. He was born on September 23, 1951, to Lawrence and Dorothy (nee Breckner) Wakelam at LeRoy. The name Rufus was given to him in honour of his paternal grandfather, and maternal great grand father of which he was very proud. Rufus grew up on the Wakelam homestead seven miles southwest of LeRoy and attended LeRoy School. Following his education, he helped his family operate the farm. He also traveled to BC to stay at Uncle Les's for awhile, he enjoyed those times very much. In his early 20's Rufus lost his hand in a farm accident. A hard-working and determined man, he did not let that stop him from continuing to work on the farm or to do anything else that was asked of him. As well as farming, Rufus worked in the construction industry for a short period of time. He then took employment with Dale and Bill Wildeman of LeRoy where he laboured endless hours with their farming operation. Later in his career, Rufus began working at Stomp Pork Farms in the barns and also at the truck wash, which he continued to do for Sinnett Pork Farms when they took over. He always took great pride in his work. In his leisure time, Rufus enjoyed visiting family and friends, and socializing with his friends on "coffee row". In all areas of his life, he was willing to help anyone at any time no matter what. Rufus' volunteering spirit led him to assisting many organizations and causes in the LeRoy community, especially goal judging for the LeRoy Braves for many years. "He was a big man with a huge heart." Rufus will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his mother, Dorothy (nee Breckner) Wakelam, brother, Leonard Wakelam, and sister, Leona Wakelam, all of LeRoy; aunts and uncles: Ellie Hatch of Moose Jaw; Cecil (Vi) Wakelam of Claresholm, AB; Harvey (Joan) Wakelam of Stony Mountain, MB; Mary Hunt of Prince Albert; Len (Chris) Breckner of Saskatoon; Helen (Alex) Murray of Chilliwack, BC; Shirl (Fred) Fitzsimmons and David (Dianne) Breckner, all of Colonsay; Dorothy Wakelam of Vancouver, BC; Josie Wakelam of LeRoy; and Margaret Breckner of Colonsay; and by numerous cousins of the Wakelam and Breckner families. He was predeceased by his father, Lawrence Wakelam; maternal grandparents, John and Frances Breckner; paternal grandparents, Rufus and Ethel Wakelam; uncles and aunts: Toby Hatch, Les Wakelam, James Wakelam, Jack Schoenau, Lawrence Breckner, Peter Breckner, Dennis Hunt, and Tom Breckner; and by two cousins: Sharon Wakelam-Walsh, and Lori Breckner. The Prayer Service for Rufus was held at Holy Rosary R.C. Church, LeRoy on Friday, March 12 at 7:30 p.m., led by Dianne Knaus. Scripture readers were Karen Hartman & Sandra Kientz, and eulogy was delivered by Leona Wakelam. Music ministry was provided by Anna-Marie Moellenbeck. The Funeral Mass was offered at Holy Rosary R.C. Church on Saturday, March 12 at 11:00 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Demetrius Wasylyniuk, OSB. Others taking part were: Randy Breckner, cross bearer; Sandra Kientz & Shirl Fitzsimmons, scripture readers; Karen Hartman, intentions; Lloyd Taphorn & Jan McGrath, memorial table attendants; Ron Kientz & Dwayne Hartman, gift bearers; Ervin McGrath, communion minister; Doug Wakelam, urn bearer. Honorary pallbearers were "all Rufus' friends and Sinnett Pork Farm Co-workers". Rufus' cremains will be laid to rest on his dad's plot at Colonsay Cemetery at a later date. Memorial donations may be directed to either the Heart and Stroke Foundation or the Holy Rosary Parish Roof Fund. Schuler-Lefebvre Funeral Chapel, Humboldt, SK.
