On March 7, 1937, Herman was born at home, weighing in only at 1 lb. 10 oz.. He was the youngest son of James and Mary Jane Gwilliam.
Herman grew up in the Baring District on the family farm and attended Viewland School. Farming was his true passion and he officially began farming at age 17 years on the home farm with his dad. He eventually took over the farmstead in 1959. He supported the Sask Wheat Pool and participated in various committees over his years of farming.
In June 1960, he married his sweetheart, Katherine Maier and together they continued to farm and raise a family of three girls: Dorothy (1961); Cynthia (1963); and Lorna (1966).
He lovingly wanted this story told. He was very proud that his wife, Katherine was an active partner in the farming operation. His instructions to her on this particular day were to follow him with the harrows, as he lead the way with the cultivator. All was going well, until he drove between a scrub pile and fence that was just large enough for his 30 feet of cultivator. Doing as she was told, Katherine followed him through. The only problem was that she had 60 feet of harrows.
Some of you may be surprised to hear that Herman’s favourite color was actually “red”, but when it came to farming, it was John Deere green. He had a tendency to transform everything into John Deere green.
Herman was a gentle man slow to anger, dedicated to family, friends and community. He had strong faith and was a member of the Peace Lutheran Church. He was an active member within the church and spent many years serving in several official positions, including Sunday School Superintendent, Member on the Board of Elders, Chairman and Vice-Chair of the Congregation, and Trustee of the Memorial Fund. He participated anywhere he was needed whether it was being an usher, a greeter, a driver for the shut ins, or as the MC for special events.
Herman was an avid curler and loved the game and fellowship it offered. As part of the Grenfell Curling Club he served in several roles, including club president, working the canteen or lounge, or helping the ladies prepare and serve the banquets.
For many years, Herman spent countless volunteer hours with other dedicated Baring District members to keep the heritage alive through old time dances, annual Christmas concerts and picnics. He loved to dance and was always happy to waltz around the kitchen floor with his daughters teaching them to dance.
Herman had a special love for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He played an active role in their lives and was often found down on the floor playing whatever they wanted. As they grew, he loved to attend their activities every chance he could.
Herman had a special knack with animals and started his day on the farm by sitting at the table with his dog perched on the chair beside him, sharing breakfast together.
Herman and Katherine semi-retired and moved to Grenfell in 1999, when Cindy moved onto the farm. He slowly made the transition over the next 9 years to full retirement. He was often found in his workshop fixing on something, building something or just working around the yard. Many of his “whirly” jigs, coffee tin tractors, or tin men were often displayed around the yard.
Herman enjoyed the fellowship of his morning coffees downtown with friends. His humor and quick wit was a large part of who he was. He was never without a story, a joke or a quick one liner. One of his favorites was to play with his name when introducing himself. He would say “This is my wife Katherine and I am ‘her’ ‘man’”. Sometimes it would take a second, but it was never long before laughter was a part of any conversation.
Herman was diagnosed with lung cancer in December 2017. Despite some attempts to slow the progression, he passed away peacefully with Katherine at his side on March 14, 2018.
Herman was pre-deceased by his parents: James and Mary Jane Gwilliam; brothers Ivan Gwilliam and Harry Gwilliam; and his sister Fanny Burstyk.
Herman leaves to mourn his passing his loving wife of 58 years, Katherine Gwilliam, his daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, his sisters and brother and sister-in laws, and numerous nieces and nephews.
• Daughter Dorothy (Brad) Tait and her family: Andrew (Megan) Tait with Boston; Darcy (Paula) Tait with Everett and Charlotte; Brittany (Blaine) Best with Mykayla and Brooklyn; and Taylor (Sam) Tait.
• Daughter Cindy (Rod) Winkler and her family: Rebecca (Matt) Crowe and Eric (Haley) Leech.
• Daughter Lorna (Ike) Sinclair and her family: James Sinclair and Danielle (Cody) Sinclair with Riley and Gil.
• Sisters Effie Schlecter and Ethel (Roy) Reiger.
• Brothers and Sisters-in-Law: Martha (Tony) Velestuk, Willie (Joyce) Maier, George (Sharon) Maier, Walter (Lola) Maier, Richard Maier, Mary Maier and Donna (Kim) Sampson.
The family wishes to thank the excellent care and compassion of the doctors and staff of the Grenfell Health Center, Indian Head Hospital, Pasqua Hospital 3B Unit and Pallative Care and the Allan Blair Cancer Center.
In lieu of flowers and cards, contributions can be made in remembrance of Herman to the following charities:
Peace Lutheran Church, Box 520, Grenfell, SK S0G 2B0 or Allan Blair Cancer Centre, c/o Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, 200-4545 Parliament Avenue, Regina, SK S4W 0G3 (www.saskcancer.ca)
Funeral Services: Friday, March 23, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. in the Peace Lutheran Church. Private family interment will be in the Grenfell Cemetery immediately following the service. Lunch will be in the basement of the Peace Lutheran Church following the service.
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