Osbjorn Hoiness

Osbjorn “Ozzie” Hoiness was born February 12, 1924 to John and Johanna Hoiness. He passed away on the farm, where he lived and was happiest. Farming was his life’s work, in which he took great pride. In his younger days he enjoyed curling, often on a straw bale curling rink. He was a musician and was a member of the community band in Sunny Valley. Even in the middle of winter, they would take the piano on a wagon or sleigh to play for various dances in the area. Ozzie was involved with his community and was a member of the Elks. Ozzie loved to fish and play golf but his greatest joy however, was watching his grandchildren’s ball and hockey games. More recently, Ozzie took pleasure going to Market Mall for coffee and regular visits with friends he had made over the years. He was well liked and respected by all who knew him, he will be dearly missed. He was predeceased by his parents, John and Johanna Hoiness; his wife, Freda Hoiness; and by both his brother and sister-in-law Carl and Mildred Hoiness. He will be lovingly remembered by his sister, Ellie (Jim) Mizzoni; son, Brian (Fay) Hoiness and their children, Greg (Roberta) Hoiness and children, Aiden, Ethan and Sara, and Brent Hoiness; daughter, Beverley (Nick) Bakker; son, Jim Hoiness; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends.

The Eulogy, written and read at the Funeral Service by his daughter, Beverley:

Dad was born on February 12, 1924 to John and Johanna Hoiness and was the youngest of their three children. Uncle Carl was the oldest and Auntie Ellie the middle child. His parents came to Canada from Norway to start a new life as so many did in those days. His father was born in Stavanger, Norway on December 4, 1875 and passed away at the farm August 22, 1961. Dad’s mother was born in Vestre Toten, Norway on February 7, 1888 and passed away in Saskatoon on August 9, 1967. Dad married Freda Wintringham on November 29, 1946 and together they had three children; Brian the eldest, Beverley born 2 years later, and James (Jim) born about 5 years later.

Dad was a farmer at heart. At the tender age of 14 he left school to work on the family farm. He was happiest when he was working on machinery, or out in the fields. I remember walking down the road with dad on the way to the slough where we hayed near home; he would be whistling and bumping his shoulder into mine as we walked along, happy as a lark.

Dad played the piano, a bit of guitar, and I remember him marching in the band at the Sunny Valley Picnic, playing his horn, and looking very handsome! He helped his neighbours build a straw bale curling rink each winter and I believe he curled with Punch Remmen.

Dad was very good at fixing things. He welded and did mechanical work on all the implements and vehicles on the farm. He said Marvin Orsen had taught him a lot about repairing tractor engines when he was young, so that came in very handy. Where there is a will, there is a way, as the saying goes; and he had lots of will!

Brian started to work for Elwin Morgan when he was 16, and since I was the next oldest I became Dad’s main “helper”. When we were haying, mom brought out lunch to us, we would all eat together, then dad and I would rest under the willow trees for a little while before returning to work. It was very hot in those slough bottoms, but in the shade of the willows, with a little breeze, it was very pleasant to rest. What happy memories I have of those times; lots of hard work, but lots of fun and love.

Our family was happy when we could go tenting at Long Lake for a few days break. We children loved trying to catch fish, and were very excited when we caught one as Dad would clean it and we’d have it for supper!

In later years, after the Goff family had moved in next door to our farm, we would join them at their cabin at Waskesiu Lake. There were many good times and Mom and Dad enjoyed Tom and Chris’ company so much; and of course we children had a great time.

Brent, Cam and Terry Goff have been looking after dad’s farming for many years now and it was a relief to our family to know they were nearby if he had needed any help.

Mom and Dad were very happy when Brian and Fay were married on July 11, 1970; and they were thrilled to be a part of their grandchildren, Greg and Brent’s lives as the boys actively participated in Hockey, Soft Ball, School Plays, etc. Dad was also very happy to be a part of Greg and Roberta’s three children’s (Aidan, Ethan and Sara) lives as well.

Dad was heartbroken when mom died in 1992... but he carried on. Mom was the love of his life and I know he missed her always. He never complained, but simply carried on.

Dad wasn’t the biggest traveller in the world, but he did make 2 big trips to Holland with Nick and I, and met Nick’s Dad, his siblings and their families! He enjoyed all the new places and sights and could out walk both of us!

Nick and I were so glad some years back when Dad finally decided he could leave the farm for the winter and stay with us. He enjoyed the break; but as soon as the spring came, he was called back to the farm. He said the lawn needed cutting, he had a garden to plant and he just had things to do!

Dad was a man of simple tastes, who loved much, and lived well. He helped (alongside Mom) to teach us children, the value of honesty, hard work, determination and community! He wasn’t one to give out praise easily, but I know he was so proud of ALL of his family.

From farming with a horse and plow, to flying in a 747 to Holland, Dad did it all. A Life Well Lived!

We miss you- we love you Dad.