Monday morning the temperature was - 5 C. For the last while the temperature has been up and down. Last Monday it was very cold with the temperature down to - 32 C, remaining cold during the early part of last week. Fog made for poor driving conditions for a day or two, but brought hoar frost, which gave us beautiful scenery.
This week I sadly report the death of Bill Lamont, a former local resident on a farm near Maidstone. He passed away quietly at his most recent residence, Piccadily Home in Salmon Arm, B.C.
Bill was the fourth and youngest child born to Tom and Ann Lamont of the McLaren district at their home on Jan. 24, 1922 with Mrs. Harry Johnson attending. He went to McLaren School, a distance of four miles. He joined the Canadian Air Force during World War II and was stationed at many places in Canada including North Battleford and bases in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia.
After marrying Eileen Pike, of Forest Bank, the newlyweds travelled to Brantford, Ont. where Bill worked for Massey Harris Company. Returning to their home area, the couple farmed, finally settling to a farm a mile west of Maidstone. Their interest in animals was a large part of their farming operations, resulting in their development of the Speckle Park breed of cattle that is now popular in many parts of the world.
In recent years, Bill and Eileen lived in Salmon Arm, B.C. where they followed many of their interests
Bill was predeceased by his wife Eileen, his parents and siblings but leaves many relatives and many friends with some wonderful memories of a man who had lived a uniquely interesting life. Bill passed away Feb. 1.
Our congratulations once again to the curling team of Jill Shumay, Kara Johnston, Taryn Holtby and Jinaye Ayrey, who curled their way to the Women's Provincial Championship held in Balgonie recently. Their success now entitles them to travel to Kingston, Ont. to take part in the Scotties Tournament of Hearts, which runs from Feb. 16 to 24.Their final game in provincial championship play was a nail-biter with Jill Shumay scoring one point in the 10th end to win the championship. Our best wishes go with this Maidstone team.
