Robert James Goudy

Robert James Goudy (R.J.) of Stoughton, SK the eldest son of William & Nettie Goudy was born on June 23, 1911 in the Hillhurst District of Handsworth, SK and passed away November 3, 2011 at New Hope Pioneer Lodge, Stoughton, SK at the age of 100 years. Robert had 2 younger brothers, Hugh and Bill. He attended the Hillhurst school until he was 12 years old and then went to stay with his Grandparents Mr & Mrs James Graham to attend Pilot Mount School. He worked at various jobs until meeting Isabelle Stanley at Heward, SK during some church meetings. The two fell for each other and were married on February 28, 1934. For one year they lived at Uncle Jack’s farm then moved to the farm purchased from Sam McKee ( currently known as Swan Lake Farms) where they raised their six children, farmed grain and raised shorthorn cattle, pigs, chickens and turkeys. They lived there until their retirement in 1991. They moved to Stoughton to live in what was known as the “Cheater Apartments” and then moved to Sunset Manor in 2000, spent a few months at Hillview Manor in Estevan, then back home to reside in Newhope Pioneer Lodge. Isabelle from 2004 to 2010, and Robert from 2005 to 2011.

Robert was a community “man.” He was director of Rock Lake District 4-H grain club for 7 years. He loved working with kids and staff as patience was one of his attributes. He knew very well the properties of different grains and weeds. He served on the

Credit Union board for 23 years, and worked 30 years for the Government’s Agricultural Department as a weed inspector for the Southern part of the province. He was well acquainted with many farmers and their weed problems. Robert loved having company when time permitted. He would strike up a band with Isabelle at the piano and would pick up any of the instruments he felt like playing…… guitar, violin or mouth organ. He also enjoyed listening to the “Old Time Gospel Hour” on the radio which was part of his nightly routine, a hobby which he enjoyed well into his 90’s. He also raised exotic pigeons, pheasants, rabbits and built bluebird houses to place on fence posts in the district.

Robert had an awesome sense of humour and played tricks on family and friends. He liked to make people laugh. He displayed the gift of encouragement and had an intuitive nature, often thinking of others before himself. Robert had witty nicknames for all his children. Bill’s was Nipper, Ed’s was Slim, George’s was Porgie, Elaine’s was Bradder, Hughie’s was Boodler and Evelyn’s was Dirks. Isabelle was Tootsie, Joan was Turner, Ron was Cyclone, and there were many others who acquired nicknames from Robert’s sense of humour.

Robert had a quiet but strong faith in God and he spoke many times of listening to his church programs via the radio. Towards his last days he spoke of getting ready to meet the Lord. Robert was a man that was always well prepared.

“ There is a time to be born, a time to die, a time to plant, a time to harvest, a time to weep and a time to mourn. To everything there is a season.”

Robert is survived by his 6 children and their families which includes 20 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren, and 1 great- great grandson.

Ever to be lovingly remembered by every one of them.

A Graveside Service was held Saturday, November 12, 2011 at Stoughton Cemetery, Stoughton, Saskatchewan, with Reverend Robert Fenn and Reverend Ken Stoddard officiating.

Arrangements under the direction of Fletcher Funeral Chapel, Weyburn, SK.