Arthur Drewitz

It is with sadness that the family of Arthur Orville Drewitz of Assiniboia, SK, announces his passing on January 13, 2018, at the age of 92. Art was born April 12, 1925 (Easter Sunday morning) near Verwood, SK. Art is survived by son Orlo and wife Karen (nee Hergott) of Saskatoon, SK and their sons Adam and Matthew; sister Edna (Cyril) Bushell of Limerick, SK, brother Norman Drewitz of Assiniboia, SK as well as brother-in-law Larry (Norma) Dahlman of Assiniboia, SK and sister-in-law Helma Dahlman of Calgary, AB, and numerous nieces and nephews. Art was predeceased by his wife Doreen (June 3, 2017), parents August and Hulda Drewitz, sister Elsie (Sam) Berner, sister-in-law Donna Drewitz, a daughter at birth, brother Harold in childhood and a brother at birth. He was also predeceased by brother-in-law Arthur Dahlman; sister-in-law Lila (Magny) Martinson and sister-in-law Audrey (Royal) Borgerson. Art loved farming, but his real passion was inventing, modifying and repairing farm equipment. He spent countless days and evenings, all year long, in his farm shop. Despite his very limited education, Art was a mechanical wizard and had a unique ability to build virtually anything from metal and there was not a piece of equipment that did not undergo some tweaking. Art built countless pieces of farm equipment and shop tools and also had many inventions, along with a few patents, the most notable of which was the invention of the hydraulic cultivator wing lift which was acquired by Morris Industries Ltd. Art enjoyed the visits by neighbours dropping in and working through their fix it problems. In his later years, Art’s attention shifted from farming to the restoration of vintage tractors, particularly Case. He restored over 25 tractors, many of which were rescued from pastures and farmyards from throughout southern Saskatchewan. Art was also a shareholder in the Happy Farmer Equipment Ltd. (“Case”) dealership for a few years in the 1960s. His interest in tractors also resulted in travel to tractor shows for many years throughout the prairies and northern states. Art was supported in all his endeavors by his wife Doreen, of 59 years. Art, along with Doreen, was a charter (founding) member of Messiah Lutheran congregation in Assiniboia when it was formed in 1952 and he was active in its construction. Art enjoyed singing and was a fixture in the church choir with his distinguishable bass voice and enjoyed participating in the album “Messiah Sings” that the choir produced in 1973. He served various roles within the church, and was also active in the community, serving on the Board of the Assiniboia Co-op and Saskatchewan Wheat Pool committee. Art was a devoted husband, father and always willing to lend a helping hand. FUNERAL SERVICE will be held at Messiah Lutheran Church, Assiniboia, SK on Thursday, January 18, 2018 at 1:30 pm. Donations in memory of Art may be made to Messiah Lutheran Church Memorial Fund or South Country Health Care Foundation. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.rossfuneralservice.com