Arthur Herbert Densley

Art Densley, our beloved curmudgeon, died on April 3, 2020 aged 99. He had lived independently until February 9, 2020 when he moved to a personal care home.

A child of the depression, Art was no stranger to hard times, hunger and want. It colored his outlook on life and the threat of going without. His philosophy was to waste NOTHING and to SAVE anything that might be of future use.

Art was a veteran of World War II as a member of the 20th Field Company of the Royal Canadian Engineers. His experience drove home the difference a mere inch can make when he heard the high-pitched whine of a sniper’s bullet as it whizzed past his head. Originally intending to sign up with the South Saskatchewan Regiment, he and a friend were encouraged to join the 20th Field Company. As he told Chad Leroux of CTV, if he joined the South Saskatchewan Regiment, he probably would not have made it home.

Dad met his dear wife Florence when he was stationed in Winnipeg prior to heading overseas. They maintained contact throughout the war. When he wired Mum that the train would make a whistle stop in Winnipeg on his way home to Estevan, she was on the platform to meet him. They were married the following year.

The family moved to Saskatoon from Estevan in 1955 when Dad began his career with Customs and Excise Canada. He retired on February 10, 1986. He received a certificate from the Government of Canada acknowledging his over 34 years of service to his country recognizing both his years with the military and his career with Customs.

Dad and Mum were founding members of Goforth Memorial Presbyterian Church (now Calvin Goforth Presbyterian Church). They remained active members of the church for their entire lives.

Art practiced moderation in all things. He was very disciplined and a perfectionist. Very artistic and a gifted woodworker, he created beautiful objects such as a bookcase still in the family home and a cradle for his first grandchild which has been used for the great grandchildren and will continue being used for future generations. His carving included birds, animals, and a cowboy boot. Art also got much joy from watching and feeding the birds and rabbits which frequented his yard.

Art was predeceased by his wife Florence (Williamson) and all of his nine brothers and sisters.

He is survived by his daughters Glenda (Bob) Forward, Kathy (Doug) Chisholm, and Donna (Rejean) Doucet as well as granddaughter Carina (Graham) Calow, great grandchildren Ronan, Spencer, and Adalyn and grandson Alex (Starlah) Chisholm.

Our sincere heartfelt thanks go to the owners and staff of Warm ‘n Cozy Personal Care Home. They supported Dad and the family through the difficult path to peace. Their kindness and gentleness to Dad are greatly appreciated as the man they cared for did not always exhibit the characteristics of the man we knew and loved.

Thank you also to Dr. Laura for her unwavering support of Dad right to the end. Her calming presence and constant communication were very reassuring.

We gratefully acknowledge the contributions of Home Care and Meals on Wheels, services which allowed Art to remain in his home. Thank you. We also thank the home care workers and meals on wheels volunteers who showed him many kindnesses.

Due to the Covid 19 pandemic, there will be no public funeral. If desired, please make donations in his memory to Kinsmen Telemiracle, Kinsmen Foundation, Inc., 2217C Hanselman Court, Saskatoon, Sk S7L 6A8, www.telemiracle .com.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to Jennifer Wildeman at Acadia-McKague’s Funeral Centre 306-955-1600.