ESTEVAN - A resident of Hill View Manor in Estevan recently celebrated his 102nd birthday.
John Albert Hale was born on May 8, 1920, at a farm south of Kisbey. He grew up there and attended classes at Morrisview School.
In an email from Hill View Manor, it was noted that Hale remembers that era as being the best time. During the difficult days of the 1930s, he learned to make do with what was available when he was a young boy and a teenager.
As he became older, he ventured off to find employment where he could, which took him from Manitoba to southwest Saskatchewan.
Hale joined the Royal Canadian Army in 1942 and was stationed at various locations in Canada. He finished his training and was stationed in Jamaica in the spring of 1946 as the war was ending, and he returned home.
He married Velma McLeod in July 1946. They began their own farm life and raised three children. Hale retired to Kisbey in 1982. They also lived in Weyburn for a short time.
His wife of 70 years passed away in December 2016, so he then moved back to Kisbey and lived there independently until suffering a stroke in 2021 at the age of 101.
After spending some time in hospital and respite, he moved to Hill View Manor, where he is enjoying the social activities and pampering.
Hale has always been positive and optimistic, and at the age of 102, Hill View Manor says his ability to adapt to adventures is remarkable.
When asked what helped him live a long life he said, “It is hard to say. School, good parents, hard work, living good.”
He never regretted anything and has had a good life.
Hill View Manor described Hale as a very charismatic person who is very humble and always very positive. He loves visiting and entertainment, especially old-time music.
Many other activities have been happening at the manor in May, including a Mother’s Day tea, Bingo, card games, bowling, bean bag toss, Upwards, Scrabble, Crossword, and Snakes and Ladders, to mention a few.
Live entertainment will be courtesy of the Caragana Ramblers, Susan Moser, the Szakac’s Family, Wilma and Val, and Keith and Gary.
Other birthdays in the building for May include Genevieve Jannsen, who turned 79 on May 1; Clara Craigen was 89 on May 21, and Theresa Dukart was 93 on May 30.
