Hixon Pittman

Hixon Pittman passed away quietly in his sleep February, 21, 2017 at Oliver Lodge where he was a resident for the past two years. Dad was born on the homestead, three miles south of White Bear sk. on June 6th, 1928 to Linn and Mae (nee Caldwell) Pittman. Hixon was predeceased by his parents Linn and Mae Pittman; wife Verna (nee Gillanders), son Bob Pittman; brothers Lloyd, Jack and Linn; and sisters Lola Lyons, Ginger Pittman and Mona Alger. He is survived by his children Greg, Lori, and Brent (Andrea); nine grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his sisters Norma Schuler, Marion Murray, Faye (Harry) Donaldson; brother Lyle (Gill) Pittman; brother in law Bob (Marge) Gillanders and many nieces and nephews.

Hixon grew up with 10 brothers and sisters three miles south of White Bear, SK on the homestead. His mother and father moved to Calgary during his grade 11 year and shortly after, Hixon moved to Vancouver. He lived with his sister Lola working for the Nutty Club Candy Company for a short time before moving back to the farm south of White Bear. It was at this time that he met and courted Verna Gillanders. They were married on August 14, 1953 and spent their honeymoon in Banff, Alberta. Hixon and Verna moved onto the homestead where he grew up. Dad farmed and they started their family, having children, Bob, Greg, Lori, and Brent. Dad was a scout master from 1958-1968 for the White Bear district and received his 10 year woggle and badge. He attended Camp Jubilee in 1967 with the White Bear troop. In the fall of 1968 the family moved to Saskatoon, where Hixon continued to farm for a few years and took on jobs in the winter time in Saskatoon. His love of gardening soon brought him to the U. of S. Horticulture Department where he worked until November, 1993. With mom’s onset of dementia, dad soon became the main caregiver, and a better one you could never ask for. He looked after mom until he could no longer keep up with the workload. Dad then spent about two and a half years at Preston Park Seniors residence visiting mom on a daily basis before settling in at Oliver Lodge with mom. Verna meant everything to him and her passing was something he never got over. We are very fortunate to have had such a great father and grandfather and our last five days were spent by his bedside talking to him and sharing family stories.

The family would like to thank Oliver Lodge staff for their compassionate care of dad and mom for the past six years. It has meant so much to us knowing that mom and dad were being looked after in a loving, caring way during their final years.

A sincere thank you to all the staff at the Leslie and Irene Dube Urology Centre at St. Paul’s, who have been looking after dad and his appointments for over two years. The Funeral Service for Hixon will be held on Monday, February 27, 2017 at 2:00Pm from from St. Martin’s United Church (2617 Clarence Avenue South, Saskatoon) with interment at Woodlawn Cemetery to follow. Arrangements entrusted to Acadia-McKague’s Funeral Centre (306.955.1600).