Carolyn and Charles McMillan, former Meota area residents, visited in Meota from Assiniboia last week. A stop was arranged to meet at the Do Drop In where Charles made a donation of a painting he did in 1985, of the Meota train station, three elevators and a team of horses. His family have enjoyed this picture in their homes but agreed the resting place for it should be in the senior's hall in Meota. The painting is a tasteful compliment to the centre. Charles' father was Claire and his pioneer grandfather was Hugh McMillan. Hugh and Alex (Sandy) McMillan were brothers who came up from the United States to homestead together in 1904. So when I asked a fellow at the Meota post office last week if he knew Charles, he said, "No, I'm from the sand and gravel ones." It turns out they are related.
A memorial service honouring the late Harold and Betty Steele, will be held in The Do Drop In Aug. 8 at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in the Meota Cemetery. Harold retired from the CNR, was a past president of the Meota Lions Club and one of the original volunteers who built the Meota Golf Course. They lived in a new home in Lakeview Beach area for about 10 years before moving to Lake Cowichan, B.C. This information came from Gordon MacKinnon, a very good friend.
Contract bridge was played on June 29 with top scores by Vern Iverson and Maureen Campbell.
There will be a shuffleboard tournament in Valleyview Towers II, Wednesday, July 15 starting at 10 a.m. with a potluck lunch at noon. If you want to have a fun day, come out and join our bunch.
Robert and Marion Iverson have enjoyed the company of their grandson Dan and Monica and their three girls – Annabelle, Rosie and Sophie, from Cold lake, Alta. It’s always fun having the young folks about, so interesting.
John MacDonald drove to Kindersley last Tuesday and picked up his mother Patricia, and brought her back to Meota to spend some time with his family.
Pearl Hawkins helped out at the village office while Jennifer was away on medical leave.
A couple more oldtimers have passed from the Leoville district. Bill (William) Goertzen, of Prince Albert, passed away June 28, He had lived in the Chitek Lake and Leoville areas before retiring to Prince Albert in 2008. He was married to Patsy (Lemieux) in 1958, was a handyman after semi-retiring and enjoyed fishing and camping. He was 79 years of age. Gerry Bruneau of Leoville passed away June 26 at 94 years. His mass was held in Leoville June 27.
Gordon Turnbull of Spiritwood has been transferred from the Hafford Health Care facility back to Leoville’s Evergreen Lodge.
Five tables of Canasta players had gathered at the Do Drop In Friday evening only to discover that the power was off. Some returned to North Battleford while a dozen moved to the home of Linda Ard where three tables enjoyed their evening. Top score went to Linda Ard and Beth Wynne (Taber, Alta.). Second were Norm Bouvier (Carstairs, Alta.) and Dave Ottis and third high were Jack Stewart and Arlene Walker. The power went off at the Ard home later on and games were finished by lamplight. The coffee had been made so lunch was still ready before leaving. A transformer blew on Beach Avenue and there was a tree or two that blew down during the heavy winds that preceded the storm.
Duplicate bridge was played at the Do Drop In on Tuesday evening, June 30, with top score by Eric Callbeck and Gerry Fernandes. Second were Ray and Marnie Davie and third were Margaret Dyck and Dave Creegan.
Contract bridge was played Monday evening, July 6, with top score by Maureen Campbell and next was Trudy Iverson.
A pioneer lady that grew up in the McMillan district, 99 years ago, Germaine Nachtegaele passed on last week, with her funeral held July 6, from St. Joe’s Catholic Church in North Battleford. Germaine, as well as her youngest brother Paul Gregoire, were residing in Harwood Manor. She and her husband Coney farmed in the Glenrose district. Both were very active in community affairs and she was in fair health until recently. Upon retiring they loved to travel and always loved to dance. They had six children, now all with families, leaving a great legacy with them.
Daughters, Beth Wynne from Taber and Sally and Norm Bouvier from Carstairs were home for Aunt Nancy Meier’s funeral July 2 and stayed with me in Meota. The Bouviers enjoyed a visit with Ben and Nena Byl while here, friends from their days in La Ronge, many years ago.
The fireworks that they set off in The Meota Park July 1 were appreciated by everyone, as they could be seen all across town. If you stayed indoors you didn’t have the benefit of the noise, which really is part of the package. They were great and there are always some new types.
