LAYCOCK - Mr. Donald Henry Laycock of rural Battleford passed away on November 20, 2012 in Battleford, Saskatchewan. Donald was born on August 3, 1935 in North Battleford, Sask. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife Jeanne; son Danny and his children Adara, T'Neale and her daughter Brooklynn; daughter Shelby (Tracy) and their children Tyson, Riley, and Maeson; son Robert (Sharon) and their children Ashley Anne, Robyn, Spencer, and Courtney; sisters-in-law Diane Griffiths and Donna Griffiths; and many nieces. Donald was predeceased by his mother and father Laurie and Judith Laycock; sister and brother-in-law Florence and Martin Leite; niece Mavis Leite; and brothers-in-law Bruce Griffiths and Brian Griffiths. Celebration of life Service for the late Mr. Donald Laycock was held on Saturday, December 1, 2012 @ 2:00 p.m. from Battleford United Church with Reverend Nora Borgeson and Pastor David Whalley officiating. Eulogy for the service was read by Pastor David Whalley and the solists were Jack and Lonnie Alm. Urn Bearers for the service were his grandchildren Adara Laycock and Tyson Frank. Interment will follow the service at a later date in the Willowmoor cemetery. Memorial Donations in memory of the late Mr. Donald Laycock may be directed to the Battleford's District Care Recreation Board. Funeral Arrangements were entrusted to Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium. Eulogy Donald, the second child of Laurie and Judith Laycock, was born at Notre Dame Hospital on Aug. 3, 1935 and he died on Nov. 20, 2012 at the Battlefords District Care Centre. He spent his early years on his parent's farm at SE35-41-16W3rd. Along with his sister Florence, he attended Bjelde Creek School from grades 1-8, which was formerly known as Red Pheasant School. At age 14 his father had a very serious accident that left him disabled, so Donald finished grade 8 and his farming life began. He also worked off of the farm at a variety of jobs, including Burns Packing Plant at Prince Albert, North Battleford School Unit and North Battleford Post Office. On April 4, 1959 Donald married Jeanne Griffiths from the Willowmoor District. They moved onto the Frank Laycock farm where they have resided ever since. It was here that they started their family of three - Daniel, Shelby and Robert. In 1968, Donald, Jeanne and family moved from the two story house on the hill to a brand new house down the hill and closer to the road. In 1970 he bought his father-in-law, Bill Griffith's farm, expanding his land and cow herd. Cattle were always a huge part of Donald's life with every cow having a name and every calf known by sight. Many family memories revolve around trips to the pasture by the river to see the cows. Donald was a community minded person being involved in telephone line repair -- active in the Snowplough club -- always ready to do volunteer work for the Community Hall -- firefighting when needed -- cutting winter firewood supplies - doing cemetery clean-up. He was ready and willing to do any job that needed to be done in the community. Silage time was always a very special time for Donald. Right from when he started putting up silage with the Smith brothers and Robert and Horner Speers, he was always amazed by how much good quality feed could be made no matter what the weather did. Donald's first love was his cattle but a very close second was John Deere equipment. Right from his first AR to the 3010 or 8640, there was always a special look of satisfaction on his face when he saw the green paint. In later years, after two hip replacements, he spent many hours on his John Deere Gator checking cows and crops. He could check his cows at calving time by driving right through the herd while they were lying down and they would not even move. Donald's team was his family. He drove a hard bargain and you learned at an early age to have thick skin. He liked to tell family members, "I'm only going to show you this once." As the grandchildren arrived they too realized this, but at the same time they could have him wrapped around their tiny fingers. He treated them all the same and some of his favourite sayings were:"The muscles on your brawny arms are as big as sparrow's kneecaps." "Whatcha doin'?pickin' nose? "You had better not be phoning your mom." "I knew that was going to happen" "Hello Little Potato Head" "Hi Sue-Sue" "How's my lil war-buck? "Hi Schmookums!...." The grandkids will forever cherish gopher hunts with Grandpa. Hunter safety was always first and foremost. Donald was always an active part of harvest until 2011 and was so very proud of the outcome. Never had he known that canola could yield 60 bushels to the acre. It was ironic that his best year was his last year of farming. His trips to town were minimal. His usual stops included Austin's Saddlery, Peavey Mart, Mark's Work Warehouse, Super A Foods, the Battleford Drug Mart and of course the John Deere dealership, if parts were needed. He was a man that believed in only shopping locally. This past year he spent most of his time close to his log home enjoying coffee and a gab with his loyal neighbours whom the family are so thankful for. I remember when Donald got his first gator, he would always take me for a ride, when I visited, to show me the cattle and most times we went to the old house on top of the hill. This one time he asked me to see how we could plug the chimney so the animals and birds couldn't get into the house. Wellwhen I went into the house, the honey bees had taken over the chimney. As I came running out of the house, there was Donald laughing his head off, and he said, "I didn't think you could run that fast David!" I have always believed that God gives each of us special gifts to use in the service of our Creator. One of Donald's gifts was the ability to farm and produce food for our creation. Donald's connection to nature and the land was another gift that I cherished in him. I remember his hand shake being so firm and he always looked into your eyes and called the person's name. I believe that was one way in which he showed his love and respect to others. Donald's connection to the Great Spirit was when he was outside and he could smell the fragrance of the flowers and marvel at the lush green grass and listen to the birds singing; or in the fall, the smell of harvest. To me, Donald was a kind and yet very vibrant person. His beauty as a person was equalled or even surpassed by the loving beauty that shone within him as he walked and lived with respect of nature. To me, Donald was strengthened and nourished by that underlying source of all -- love. I believe that it strengthened Donald to the very core of his being so that he could show that love to others in his own way. Donald had a wonderful sense of humour Donald's life was filled with giving to others, caring for others and sharing with others. His life was filled with hard work, a loving family and many friends. I ask all of you, and especially the family, to remember and cherish the legacy of Donald's life in your hearts and to share his gifts with others. Donald was a man with a sincere firm handshake--- so in honour of him I would ask that you turn to the person next to you and give them a good strong "Donald Laycock" handshake. Donald, we say our farewell to you.thank you for the great memoriesI know that God has welcomed you to life everlasting and said, "Welcome, true and trusted servant, rest with me forever more." Card Of Thanks The family of Donald Laycock would like to thank family and friends for their support and prayers at this difficult time. Thank You to Trevor Watts and staff of Eternal Memories Funeral Service & Crematorium for their professional and compassionate assistance. Special thanks to Ward 3 staff at Battleford's Union Hospital, to Wards 1 and 3 staff at Battleford District Care Centre, and Battlefords Home Care Services. Thank you to Reverend Nora Borgeson and Pastor David Whalley, the Eagle Hills band, and Jack and Lonnie Alm for participating in the service, the Battleford's United Church ladies for the lunch following the service. Thanks to Kathy and Les Godin and Bob and Esther Johnson and their helpers at Eagle Hills Community Centre, Brian Wappel for the slide presentation of Donald's Harvest, Tim at Super A foods for supper. Thanks to family and friends near and far for the kind words, phone calls, emails, cards, flowers, food, and tributes to the Recreation Department of Battleford District Care Centre. Jeanne, Danny, Shelby (Tracy), Robert (Sharon). And the rest of the Laycock family.
