Maurice Hartness

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Maurice Hartness

On June 17, 2023, Maurice Hartness listened to his brother Alvin’s funeral service from his room at the Pasqua Hospital in the Palliative Care Unit. Later that evening, he departed this world at the age of 93 with his loving family by his side. Maurice was born on September 14, 1929 at the family farm in the Verwood district. He was the 8th of 11 children born to Walter and Selena Hartness. He attended Springmount School (sometimes) and quit shortly after starting the 10th grade. In 1947, he bought books from Princess Auto and made his own welder to have on the family farm. He started working for Louis Jolinski in Milestone at the International dealership in the late 1940s. They sent him to Chicago Vocational Training in Edmonton in 1949-1950. He completed a course in Diesel and Automotive Engineering and received Certificates in Fundamental Division on November 29, 1949; Intermediate Division on January 20, 1950; and partially completed the Advanced Theoretical section on January 19, 1950. He returned to Milestone in 1950 and continued working for Jolinski’s. He moved to Liberty, SK to work for the International dealership there. He bought a garage in Verwood in 1953 and operated it with his brother Alvin until 1955. He then worked for contractor Vern Trail out of Moose Jaw inputting power lines. In 1956, his father Walter Hartness gave Maurice his first quarter of land and so he started farming. In 1966, he purchased land with his brother Alvin in the Willow Bunch area. They continued expanding and farming together for many decades. In his earlier days, Maurice played fastball, curled, and played cards. He enjoyed spending time in the shop, and, of course, attending auction sales. He was well known for his mechanical abilities and handyman skills, helping family, friends, and neighbours. Maurice James Hartness is survived by siblings Mabel Wallis, Harvey (Cecilia), sister-in-law, Lynn Hartness, 32 cherished nieces and nephews, and several great and great-great nieces and nephews. Maurice was predeceased by his parents, Walter and Selena; siblings: Thomas (Emma), Leo, John (Anne), Joseph, Ethel Wilson, Lois (Wesley) Maynard, Selena (Lloyd) Rodger, Alvin, and brother-in-law George Wallis. Maurice was very kind-hearted. He loved spending time with family.

Funeral service was held on July 5, 2023, with Reverend Arleen Champion officiating with Interment at Verwood Cemetery. A tribute was presented by Robin Giesbrecht, urn bearer was Mark Hartness. Donations in memory of Maurice may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Hartness family may be shared at www.rossfuneralservice.com. Arrangements entrusted to Ross Funeral Service, Assiniboia, SK 306-642-3373.