Mr. Donald Frederick Peter Fahlman

Donald Fahlman was born December 16, 1928 at Kronau to Peter and Theresa Fahlman, the middle child with two older sisters and two younger brothers. Because his father was ill for several years he was pushed into doing a man’s work at a tender age. He never complained about that, even when at age 10 he spent all summer driving eight horses to work the summerfallow and by the time he got to the inside the outside was grownup with weeds so he had to start again. At 12 he worked on a threshing crew and was proud that a neighbour entrusted him with his good team.

The love of horses remained with him and he encouraged and taught his children to ride. Showing horses, and cattle, at fairs was enjoyed by all the family. Horse and car trading, came easily to him because he loved them both.

Don was a hard worker who didn’t like to call in the neighbourhood professional if he could do it himself. When he made up his mind to do something he was resourceful, physically strong and determined. He was honest and fair, and never left a bill unpaid. However, if he thought the price was unfair he did not hesitate to question it.

The family dubbed him Mr. Clean because he hated a mess. When he moved to the city in 2005 the mess on the streets bothered him so he constantly picked up garbage as he walked. It was suggested the city should put him on their payroll.

Don had a quick wit and off-beat sense of humour that people didn’t always catch on to.

The Fahlmans bought a section of prairie at Griffin in 1946 and Don and his father broke it with a rough old Hardparr tractor.

Don married Jean Krueger in 1950 and 11 days later the home they were living in burned so all the wedding gifts and the second hand furniture they had purchased was lost. They worked hard to re-establish themselves. To help with family finances Don worked as the town dray man, he did custom work for other farmers, he was lineman for Ideal Rural Telephone Company, and replaced fuses for Saskatchewan Power.

Don and Jean had three children, Memory in 1951, Holly in 1952, and Kerry in 1954. While his family was growing up he led the Griffin Community 4-H and Horse Club, he was chairman of the recreation club which build an outdoor rink for the children. Don played baseball with Griffin Bears and later Midale Braves in Souris River baseball league. He was a left-handed first baseman with a powerful swing and strong arm which wasn’t always accurate. He served on the Wheat Pool board but he was impatient with sitting through long meetings. He liked to see some purpose for the time he spent. He joined the choir at Grace united and was president for many years. He had a natural talent for singing and loved music, especially gospel music. They went to pattern and old tyme dances around the country for years. Playing a variety of card games was an interest and they were members of Wheatland Senior Center.

Don was an early riser, which wasn’t always appreciated when he was a guest in other peoples’ homes. He was also prompt and had no sympathy for anyone who was late. When he left the farm his early rising habit went with him. He was first in the field and first out walking the streets. When he lost the strength in his leg and hip life became a challenge for an energetic man who loved to walk miles every day. Don had always been in charge of his life and ill health was making him lose that control.

Our family has always respected the judgement of our dear husband, father and grandfather, and we continue to do so. Remember this honest, humorous, productive man for a life well lived.

A Memorial Service was held Wednesday, February 24, 2010 at 11:00 a.m. from Grace United Church, Weyburn, Saskatchewan with Rev. M. Barnabas officiating. Jean’s thoughts were read by his brother Dennis. The Eulogy was given by Keith Sprecken and Grace United Church Choir sang the Processional Hymn. Interment followed in Green Acres Memorial Gardens, Weyburn, Sask. Everyone who cares about our family are considered Honored Pallbearers. Donations in memory of Don may be made to Grace United Church or to a charity of choice. We invite you to share your fond memories of Don at www.mem.com.

Arrangements entrusted to

Fletcher Funeral Chapels Ltd.

Weyburn, Saskatchewan

(306-842-5432)FOREVER TOGETHER

she watches him cross the yard

pace slowed, back stooped

waist thickened his boots

tread heavy in dusty driveway

for one fleeting moment she longs

to return to the early years

urgent and energetic but

she feels at home now

with his badger-grey temples

cheeks wind-etched

she sees him forever as he was

eternally muscular and virile

full of farming plans

she knows they will finish

the dance together

Jean Fahlman