10) Albert Millham
ALBERT
Albert Edward Millham, the ninth child and fifth son of Charles and Sarah Millham, was born at Minnedosa, Manitoba on December 24, 1878. He completed a grade 3 education and was employed as a carpenter, before moving with his parents to their Hazelcliffe homestead in 1890.
On March 9, 1898 Albert made entry for his own homestead (NE10-18-33 W1) in the Qu’Appelle Valley, just south of his parents. He commenced breaking the land and acquiring livestock on his property while continuing to live at home with his parents, and by February 4, 1905, he had 50 acres broken and owned 3 horses and 6 cattle. A two-wire fence enclosed 140 acres and a 12’x16’ granary had been erected.
On December 14, 1904 Albert married Elsie Amanda Alm, daughter of Magnus and Amanda (Fagerstrom) Alm who lived in the stone house on an adjacent quarter. Elsie was born in Helsinki, Finland to Swedish parents on January 26, 1884 and moved with her family to Canada in about 1891 and to their homestead (SE10) in 1895. She spent her summers herding cattle in the valley at a remuneration of $1/cow for the season, then moved to Minnedosa where she apprenticed with her sister as a seamstress for a time prior to her marriage.
Albert and Elsie lived on and farmed his father’s homestead (SE22-18-33 W1), where their first five children were born. Albert’s homestead quarter was sold to Mike Tinnish in 1912.
In 1915, following the death of his father, Albert acquired the NW22 which had originally been his brother Alfred’s homestead. They decided to move there, so that fall a barn was built and they moved in. (SE22 was sold to Mr. and Mrs. Fred Schuelke in about 1916 and bought back in about 1939.) The family lived in the barn for a year, the living quarters being on the lower level and sleeping quarters in the loft, where their sixth child was born. The new two-story house was completed in 1916, and remains in use today by Albert’s grandson and family. Two more sons were born there.
In 1927, Albert bought SW27 from the CPR; in 1929, he bought W ½ 21; and a short time later, SW29. For about five years, he owned SW6-19-32 northeast of Hazelcliffe and for a time, another quarter farther north. During that time when his land was spread around, he had up to 16 horses to pull the machinery. In about 1936, Albert and Elsie bought SW28. They subsequently built a new house there and, with their youngest son, moved in 1940. Retirement in 1946 saw them move to Vancouver.
Albert was very athletic and loved sports. Once, at Shellmouth, when still a youth, he was challenged to a race by a braggart and bully. Being a good runner, Albert beat him and heard no more. He encouraged all his boys to participate in sports—they were allowed to quit work early to attend ball games. Albert was also a good swimmer and had no difficulty in swimming across Round Lake.
He was one of the original members of the United Grain Growers, a faithful member of Hazelcliffe Presbyterian and later United Church, trustee of Hazelcliffe School District #285 for several years, a director of Tantallon Agricultural Society, and overseer of road construction in the Hazelcliffe area. Elsie was also active in the community, especially Ladies’ Aid.
Albert was very unhappy with retirement in Vancouver since his only interests were in farming and his family. In 1951, they moved back to Hazelcliffe and resided in Fred’s house for a while before buying and moving into a house in Esterhazy.
Following about six months in hospital, Albert passed away on May 25, 1953. Elsie continued to live in Esterhazy and spent the winters with her daughter in Saskatoon. In January 1958, she fractured a hip from which she never recovered and it was discovered that cancer had recurred. She passed away on Easter Sunday, April 5, 1958. Both were buried in Hazelcliffe cemetery.
ALBERT AND ELSIE MILLHAM
(1878-1953) (1884-1958)
married 1904
- Frederick Albert (1905-1963)
- Myrtle Elsie (1907- )
- Clifford Charles (1909-1936)
- Archie Howard (1912-1917)
- Ralph Lawrence (1914- )
- Harold Roy (1916-1967)
- Howard Lloyd (1919-1980)
- Ross Edward (1927- )
1. Frederick – Nan Lee – Hazel Miller | |||
1. Sheldon – Hilda Iberer | |||
….. | 1. Brenda | 4. Deborah | |
2. Ronald | 5. David | ||
3. Rodney | |||
. | |||
2. Sheila – Lorne Bradley | |||
1. Grant | 2. Laurie | ||
… | |||
3. Clifford – Pat Cragg – Vel McCaw | |||
1. Shannon | 3. Warren | ||
….. | 2. Rhonda | ||
. | |||
4. Dean – Lou Pederson | |||
. | 1. Melissa | ||
… |
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5. Craig – Sue Tessier | |||
1. Andria | 2. Alicia | ||
.. | |||
6 Brent | |||
… | |||
2. Myrtle – Rupert Williams | |||
1. Audrey – Wilf Taylor | |||
1. Lanny | 3. Debra | ||
2. Dawn | 4. Blair | ||
… | |||
2. Joan – Vern Graham – Jack Fonger | |||
1. Shelley | 4. Judith | ||
2. Shawn | 5. Janet | ||
3. Jacqueline | |||
… | |||
3. Clifford | |||
… | |||
4. Archie | |||
… | |||
5. Ralph – Margaret Markland | |||
1. Elsie Maude – Ernest Whelpton | |||
.. | 1. Philip | 3. Susan | |
2. Scott | 4. Justin | ||
… | |||
2. Marion – Barry Kingdon | |||
1. Jennifer | 2. Jason | ||
.. | |||
3. Douglas – Brenda Brace | |||
1. Kathaleen | 3. Rebecca | ||
2. Mark | |||
… | |||
6. Harold – Irene Fulton | |||
1. Jean – Jack Knourek | |||
1. Rodney | 3. Kenneth | ||
.. | 2. Paul | 4. Kathlee | |
… | |||
2. James – Beverly Kitsch | |||
1. Ashley | 3. Jamie | ||
.. | 2. Carment | ||
… | |||
3. Darlene – Robert Smith | |||
1. Kristy | 2. Kevin | ||
.. | |||
7. Howard – Frances Murphy – Isobel | |||
1. Dwight | |||
….. | |||
2. Dwayne – Barbara | |||
.. | |||
3. Nancy – Rick Blaskin | |||
1. Troy | 2. Carey | ||
… | |||
4. Bonnie | |||
… | |||
5. Patricia – Jim Lawrence | |||
1. Craig | 3. Bobbi | ||
2. Kirby | |||
… | |||
6. Angela – Jerry Matsumoto | |||
1. Corey | 2. Jerianne | ||
… | |||
8. Ross – Marion Wonnacott | |||
1. Earl – Jeanette Richards | |||
1. Jennifer | 2. Jonathan | ||
… | |||
2. Cheryl – Darryl McKenzie | |||
1. Nicholas | 3. Shawna | ||
2. Kevin | 4. Thomas |
FRED MILLHAM
(by daughter Sheila)
Frederick Albert Millham, the eldest son of Albert and Elsie Millham, was born November 15, 1905. He attained grade eight at Hazelcliffe School but was frequently absent because of eczema and helping with the farm work. He (and Dave Brown) took an agricultural blacksmith course in Brandon, Manitoba. On a rainy day, Dad could be found working in his father’s shop. He farmed with his father and brothers until his marriage, when he took over the west half of section 29-18-33 W1 (which his father had owned.)
On July 25, 1934, in Hazelcliffe Church, Dad married Annie Elizabeth (Nan) Lee in a double wedding ceremony with her sister Agnes and Rev. Wesley Harland. Mom, born August 24, 1908, was the third daughter of John S. and Mary Lee of Hazelcliffe. She attended Kingslynn School and in 1934, graduated as a registered nurse from Yorkton Union Hospital. Dad was a mixed farmer – growing grain, pigs, and some cattle. He cleared his land of trees (which were mostly poplar and big oaks) with horses and the sod was turned with a 14-inch woodbeam bush breaker.
Dad was a community man helping with the United Church (secretary, elder and maintenance), telephone company, Wheat Pool, and Hazelcliffe rink. With his interest in carpentry he, along with Mike Smart, planned and was overseer of building the new curling rink. He was an ardent curler, often competing for the Walker or Lopston trophies. Dad loved gardening and flowers (like his mother) and would order bedding plants by train from Patmores Nursery in Brandon. He successfully showed grains, flowers and vegetables at Tantallon Fair.
Mom was a happy person and her main interests were their three children, her church (she was a dedicated choir member), and her community. She loved music and because of her musical ability, she was often asked to sing solos at church, weddings, and community functions. After suffering for abut a year with a sclerosis (we think it was Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Mom passed away at home in January 1947. Then Aunt Alice Lee interrupted her teaching career to come and help take care of us.
In 1950, Dad entered Fort San Sanitarium to spend 2 ½ years being treated for tuberculosis. Besides “having a great deal of time to think”, he kept busy doing handcrafts.
On November 12, 1954 Dad married Hazel Helen Miller (born a twin on March 18, 1918), the fourth daughter of William and the late Agnes Miller of Tantallon, and they subsequently had three sons. They continued to farm until Dad’s health forced them to move to Tantallon to be with Hazel’s brothers, Jim and Bob.
Dad lost his battle with cancer in March, 1963, on his son’s second birthday. Although he had dealt with much adversity in his short life, I never heard him complain about his troubles. Hazel now lives on her brothers’ dairy farm at Sardis, B.C.
SHELDON MILLHAM
(by wife Hilda, 1991)
Sheldon the eldest child of Fred and Nan Millham, was born May 28, 1936 at home on the family farm. He attended Hazelcliffe School to the completion of grade 8 and took grade 9 by correspondence. While his dad was in the sanitarium, Sheldon operated the farm, and also worked for his Uncle Harold through one summer. He then moved to Regina where he attended Balfour Tech and worked for the railroad.
Sheldon joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in February 1958 and went to boot camp at St. Jean, Quebec. At Clinton, Ontario, he trained for a career in electronics, ground crew, before being posted to Foymount, Ontario about 100 miles west of Ottawa. When Princess Margaret visited Canada in 1958, Sheldon was a member of the Honor Guard. He drove back to Regina in the fall of 1959 to get married.
On September 12, 1959 Sheldon married Hilda Aloisia Iberer who was born June 22, 1940 in Regina to Alois and Lydia (Schafer) Iberer, the middle of three daughters. Lydia died 1 ½ years later and Alois remarried Ella Schmalenberg. Hilda grew up in Regina and attended Thompson Elementary School and Balfour Tech. Music in the form of piano and singing, drama and church work were her interests. She played the part of “Marie” in the CBC Radio program, “Ici La Francais.”
Both families were present at the wedding but because of harvest, many had to miss the service at Trinity Lutheran Church in Regina. On the following Monday, we left Saskatchewan to travel back to Foymount where Sheldon was stationed. That trip was our “honeymoon”.
Throughout life, we were to experience many “holidays” due to transfers from one military base to another. Wonderful opportunities for us all!
Amid a golden blaze of fall foliage, we arrived at Eaganville, Ontario. Our first home was in a tiny one-bedroom house which was built into a hill. Our roof was supposed to be the lawn of the house above us, so we really were snug as a bug in a rug. After a few months, we moved near to the hamlet of Cormack in a slightly bigger house. According to the natives of the area, Foymount was built on the top of a mountain, but to us it seemed like a high hill. There, Sheldon got involved with playing ball, bowling and curling.
One year and fifteen days after we became two, Brenda Marie made us three and we embarked on the long journey of parenthood. I remember that we panicked when Brenda seemed to be sneezing a lot – we thought she was sick. Our neighbor laughed and laughed. It was only fluff from the new clothes that was tickling her nose! We grew and matured, and grew wiser as parents as the years and the children increased.
Ronald Paul was hurried into this world in September 1961. Sheldon had to leave right away for his second posting – this time to Flin Flon, Manitoba. The rest of us followed when Ron was about two and a half weeks old. Flin Flon was a huge rock with houses glued on top. They mined copper from that rock and we could time our clocks by the underground dynamite explosions. We settled into a small two-bedroom house on Queen Street, which we later bought, enlarged, and sold. This experience of living in Flin Flon taught us many new things too. The many lakes provided beautiful and plentiful pickerel, while northern bush was packed with moose. The short summers were filled with mosquitoes, black flies and playing baseball. That left three- quarters of the year for winter and curling. In the spring of 1963, just before our third child was born, Sheldon returned to Hazelcliffe to bury his father, Fred Millham.
In the fall of 1963, we were on the road again. Sheldon was sent to Denver, Colorado for a three-month course. What a ride! We left Flin Flon in snow with three babies in the back seat, us in the front, and all our basic necessities for three months in and on top of our car. A non-stop trip except when Sheldon’s eyes couldn’t stay open any more. Pull over to the side, and while Sheldon got a few winks, I ran the kids around to help wear off their youthful energy. After three days and two nights, we arrived in Colorado to seventy degree weather and no place to lay our heads. We eventually settled into a court where a couple from Michigan and a couple from Florida became our friends and adopted “family”. The experience of pooling our material goods, our food and our traditions for that American Thanksgiving Day made it a truly memorable affair indeed!
During our stay in Denver, we went to see the Garden of the Gods. Brenda sat under the Balanced Rock. It was fun to see the reaction of our friends from Florida as they experienced snow for the first time – ice skating, making angels in the snow, the sparkle of the snow, the heavy outer baby clothes were all new to those two. My lesson – open your eyes to everyday things around you. They are beautiful.
The Christmas and New Year holidays of 1963 were the first we were able to share with our own parents in Regina and Hazelcliffe. Altogether, five years passed while we were posted in Flin Flon and in the fall of 1965, we were on the move again. This time, we camped. We passed through Saskatchewan, then Banff, Alberta and on to Kamloops, B.C. where we stayed at Uncle Ross and Aunt Marion’s house. Brenda and Ron remember that time because the bathtub got filled to the very brim! We arrived at our new base – Comox and eventually settled into a small house on a large lot. It had a garden, a young pear tree, a mature fruit -bearing apple tree, goldfish pond, and a real holly bush. It was nice to look at but very prickly on the ground around it. The flowers, high trees, short winters, flowering trees, were all new experiences for us. It took us a year to acclimatize, as we shivered due to the dampness.
In December 1967 Deborah Ann entered our lives, a brand new baby to love and cuddle. Brenda and Ronald thought this was wonderful and watched her grow minute by minute, hour by hour. The day she got old enough to get into their “stuff” was the day she wasn’t so adorable to them any more!
The dampness and mold began to take its toll on Sheldon. He was in and out of hospitals, back and forth to Victoria, but finally they solved the problem and posted him to a drier place – Beaverlodge, Alberta. His health improved dramatically.
In Beaverlodge, we bought a three and a half bedroom bungalow and while still living in it, remodeled it into a five bedroom split-level home. A very trying time for all, but we learned to appreciate the everyday things one tends to take for granted in a house – stairs rather than ladders to move from floor to floor; a sturdy roof which doesn’t let rain pour in or stray cats fall through; light switches rather than carrying a lamp around; walls around your bathroom for privacy. Some of the things turned out to be handy. Some examples – lots of wall space to tack up school work and colorings; a telephone on a swinging two by four made a longer stretch possible. One time, along with two other couples, Sheldon bought forty live chickens. He killed them and showed the girls how to pluck them outside in the back yard. He needed a quick way to get those freshly steamed chickens from the kitchen to the back yard, so he just dropped one of the walls out! An instant door and plenty wide enough. Our kitchen was fairly cold that winter because of the unfinished house so we had to put our Christmas oranges into the refrigerator (off the floor) to keep them from freezing.
Sheldon split that house back into its original two parts. He jacked one part up eight feet and built a garage under it. The second part he only jacked up four feet and put a basement under it and bedrooms on top – a huge undertaking but not too bit a challenge for Sheldon. Even Deborah had this same kind of spirit – when she was told all the leaves had to fall off the trees before her expected brother or sister would come, she recruited her friends and together they started ripping leaves off the trees so her “baby brother could hurry up and come”. Finally David Neal arrived by emergency caesarean section on October 2, 1971. Because Sheldon was picking potatoes that day, it is still called “potato picking day” rather than David’s birthday.
Uncle Clifford, Auntie Pat, Shannon, Rhonda and Warren lived in Wembley just a few miles away so we visited back and forth often. We spent special holidays together, especially Christmas. On the morning of Christmas day we had a sweet “braid”. After our big meal, the men and boys did up all the dishes while the women got the younger ones ready for tobogganing. Once we would be at Beaverlodge and the next special occasion was celebrated in Wembley.
We left Beaverlodge in 1975 and came to C.F.B. Medley which is very near Cold Lake, Alberta. Here we became just a number as this was the largest base we had ever seen. We took up residence in the P.M.Q. Sheldon worked out at Primrose – the range for testing military aerial equipment. He was part of a force of men that maintained ten camera sites used to film the testing missions.
In May 1980 Sheldon retired, as Master Corporal, from military life and we moved into our present abode in Grand Centre, Alberta. One by one our four children grew up and they all graduated from grade 12 at the local high school. Our children exhibited many fine talents; all share a love of music and people.
In May 1989, it was my turn to vacation in hospitals. I was diagnosed as a severe diabetic and put on insulin twice a day. Now, in December 1990, I have been healed by the Lord and am off insulin.
Through the years, Sheldon has been employed in many different fields: plumbing, carpentry, electrician, taxi driving, bar-tending, landscaping, cement work, street repair, billboard posting, and barbering (Sheldon cut Pittsburgh Penguin, Bobby Clark’s hair when he was a boy growing up in Flin Flon.)
Currently, Sheldon is working for the Public Works Department of the Town of Grand Centre. He putters around fixing everything for the town. Our grandchildren fill most of our spare time with sheer enjoyment and pleasure. We want to thank our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who has kept us and delivered us during our lives. The Sheldon Millham family has been kept intact by Him and we are truly grateful to all those people Jesus used to help us, love us, and encourage us in every arena of our lives.
Brenda (Millham) Poirier
Brenda Marie, the eldest child of Sheldon and Hilda Millham, was born September 27, 1960. She is a talented artist who loves to paint, especially pictures of animals.
On June 8, 1985 Brenda married Lawrence Poirier of Grand Centre and they now reside in a trailer on an acreage just outside Cold Lake, Alberta with their son. Brenda and Lawrence both love and serve our Lord Jesus Christ and one day will be in the full-time ministry.
Jared Cail, son of Brenda and Lawrence Poirier, was born June 1, 1989.
Ron Millham
Ronald Paul, the second child of Sheldon and Hilda Millham, was born September 11, 1961. He loved to play hockey and while in air cadets, he received the Air Cadet of the Year trophy. He has his journeyman carpenter’s papers and worked at the military base.
On August 19, 1989 Ron married Kelly Lynn Shindell in a private ceremony in her parents’ lovely garden. Since then they have settled into a trailer in Grand Centre, and have two children and Cassey, a large golden lab dog which took to the babies and protects them well. Kelly works in the public health center.
Samuel Alexander (Alex) , son of Ron and Kelly Millham, was born March 31, 1990. He is the first male Millham of his generation as were his dad Ron, his grandfather Sheldon, and great grandfather Fred, of theirs.
Stephanie Alisha, daughter of Ron and Kelly Millham, was born April 26, 1991.
Rodney Millham
Rodney Sheldon, the third child of Sheldon and Hilda Millham, was born April 19, 1963. On February 12, 1965 at twenty-two months of age, due to a sudden crib death, Rodney went to be with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Deborah (Millham) MacIntyre
Deborah Ann, the second daughter of Sheldon and Hilda Millham, was born December 10, 1967. She was very active in figure skating, and gymnastics where she came in thirteenth in the province of Alberta one year. She furthered her education after grade 12 with a secretarial course.
On October 11, 1986 Deb married Vincent MacIntyre. They live in a lovely large home in Bonnyville, Alberta with their son and standard poodle, Dusty Rose. Vince is employed by Esso.
Gordon Tyler, son of Deb and Vince MacIntyre, was born July 16, 1989.
David Millham
David Neal, the youngest child of Sheldon and Hilda Millham, was born October 2, 1971. He accumulated trophies in soccer, basketball, volleyball and badminton. Between those events, he went to school!
At present David is working on an apprentice program through NAIT, in the field of cooking. He desires to be a teacher – gym and home economics. At the age of fifteen, David decorated his sister Deb’s wedding cake. It was three tiers of pink roses, which he cranked out while watching television.
SHEILA (MILLHAM) BRADLEY
(submitted 1991)
Sheila Lee, the only daughter of Fred and Nan Millham, was born at home (SW29-18-33 W1) on May 10, 1939. I received my education at Hazelcliffe country school, grades 9 and 10 by correspondence, and grades 11 and 12 at Esterhazy High School. (I took my grade 2 at Drinkwater while staying with Aunt Alice – a teacher – when my mom was ill.) Following my mother’s death, I was cared for by my dad and my mother’s sister, Alice Lee. I spent one year that Dad was in the San with Aunt Alice and Clifford at Grandma Lee’s. That year we didn’t attend school, so Aunt Alice taught us at home.
When I was 13, Dad felt that our family could manage on our own so Aunt Alice moved back to her mother’s. That fall, I contracted bulbar polio, so was again looked after and nursed back to health by Aunt Alice (with the help of Aunts Mamie and Jean) at Grandma Lee’s. I will be forever grateful for the help and support that I received from my loving family during my life.
During 1957 – 58, I attended Regina College and the following year, Teacher’s College in Moose Jaw where I received my Permanent Teacher’s Certificate. I taught grade one for three years at Lakeview School in Regina followed by three years at Esterhazy.
On July 27, 1963 in Hazelcliffe Church, I married Lorne William Arthur Bradley (born February 4, 1934), the second son of Wilbert and Alice (Tebb) Bradley, neighboring farmers. We lived for one year on SW28-18-33 W1, which we rented from Aunt Alice (Lee) McClung, before we moved to my original home on SW29. We had bought the west half of that section in April 1963 after my dad’s passing. Lorne also continued to farm with his oldest brother, Rae.
With the help of family and neighbors, we built our new home in 1967. What comforts we enjoyed – an oil furnace and running water! (Previously, all drinking water had been hauled from Uncle Ralph’s or another close relative’s.) We became very involved with our two children’s activities – especially Band Boosters, 4-H, hockey and curling – as well as the Tantallon Agricultural Society and the Esterhazy United Church. Our “Thrill of a Lifetime” happened in 1982, when we flew to Arusha, Tanzania, Africa to spend two weeks with Lorne’s brother Bob and his family who were there on the Canadian – Tanzanian Wheat Project. What we saw made (and still makes) us count our blessings!
In 1980, when our children were in their middle years at school, I returned to teaching as a substitute in the Potashville School Unit. In the fall of 1988, I took the kindergarten – grade one position at Gerald, Sask. (a small school with only kindergarten to grade three) where I am still teaching. With full-time employment, I had to give up my greenhouse and selling plants, but I still enjoy my flowers and continue to help family and friends with floral arrangements for weddings, etc. I also decorate cakes for special occasions and in the future hope to have more time for additional handcrafts.
We are happy to have our son Grant join our farming operation. We continue to grow grain and oilseeds, and specialize in Simmental cattle. Lorne enjoys his curling, and we both like reading and dancing. We hope to be able to do more traveling – so who knows – maybe we’ll meet more of our family because of this book!
Grant Bradley
GrantWesley, son of Sheila and Lorne Bradley, was born in Regina on March 23, 1966. While attending school in Esterhazy, he was involved in ball, hockey, band, Tantallon 4-H Beef Club, cattle shows and sales, and curling. Following grade 12, he completed one year at Brandon University in General Studies, but didn’t continue because his heart was with farming. He returned to work full time for Evan and Linda Cuss at Sunrise Simmentals, Spy Hill, Sask. where he had been employed two previous summers.
In April 1989, Grant bought the north half of section 28-18-33 W1 (an original Gordon homestead) from Benny and Betty Forst, and came home to farm with his dad and Uncle Rae. He now lives in his own home – enjoying his grain farm, his garden, his Simmental cattle, fitting and showing cattle for others, curling and entertaining.
Laurie Bradley
Laurie Ann, daughter of Sheila and Lorne Bradley, was born in Esterhazy on February 12, 1968. While she attended school in Esterhazy, she was involved with piano lessons, two bands, Tantallon 4-H Beef Club, Esterhazy Student Association, curling, and was Saskatchewan Simmental Queen for a year. She especially relished the band trips to Quebec City and Expo ’86 at Vancouver.
When she was at university in Saskatoon, Laurie worked part time at Sunnyside Nursing Home, the Crisis Nursery, and volunteer work with the elderly and at the Sexual Assault Center. Her variety of summer jobs included: babysitting, picking stones, Playground Supervisor for the Qu’Appelle Valley Recreational Association, and Esterhazy Care Home. She received her B.A. at the U. of S. and will complete the requirements for her degree in Social Work from the University of Regina in December 1991.
CLIFFORD MILLHAM
(submitted 1991)
Clifford Marshall, the third child of Fred and Nan Millham, was born in Esterhazy Hospital on February 28, 1943. He, along with his cousins Elsie Maude and Jean, was baptized in Hazelcliffe United Church on Easter Sunday that year. Following his mother’s death, Clifford was also cared for by his father and Aunt Alice. He attended school at Hazelcliffe until it was closed and then was bussed to Esterhazy where he completed grade twelve.
On December 5, 1964 Cliff married Patricia Leona Cragg (born May 18, 1946) of Arborfield whom he had met while working on road construction. He took courses at Moose Jaw to obtain his carpentry papers. With their three children, Cliff and Pat lived at Moose Jaw and Regina, Sask. and Wembley, Alberta before being divorced. Cliff moved to Edmonton where he met and married Margaret Wieschorster at Bonneyville, Alberta. Following their divorce, he lived at Grand Centre, Alberta; Pierceland, Sask.; and then Flin Flon, Manitoba.
On July 15, 1989, in Saskatoon, Cliff married Velma McCaw of Flin Flon. With this marriage, he acquired a step-son, Allan and a stepdaughter, Sheila. Cliff, Vel and Sheila now live on an acreage just south of Meadow Lake, Saskatchewan.
Shannon Millham
Shannon Dawn, daughter of Cliff and Pat Millham, was born June 12, 1965 in Moose Jaw and moved with her parents to Regina at the age of one year and to Wembley at the age of five. She attended Wembley Elementary School for grades one to nine and played the flute in the school band. To complete high school, Shannon attended Beaverlodge Regional High where she graduated in 1983. She was also involved in Brownies, 4-H Multi Club, slow pitch, figure skating, basketball and volleyball.
While in high school, Shannon worked part time at Zellers in Grande Prairie, then moved there in 1983 to work full time. During 1989-90, she was a volunteer for the Grande Prairie Association for the Deaf. In 1990, she was transferred to Zellers.
In 1990 and 1991, Shannon has attended Grant MacEwen College and Alberta College in Edmonton to study American Sign Language. Her interests include sewing, crafts, reading, raising houseplants, and outdoor activities.
Rhonda Millham
Rhonda Colleen, the second daughter of Cliff and Pat Millham, was born on July 12, 1966 in Regina and lived there until the age of four when the family moved to Wembley. She attended Wembley Elementary School for grades one to nine and played clarinet in the school band. Rhonda attended Beaverlodge Regional High School for grade 10 and Grande Prairie Composite High School for grade 11. Her other activities included Brownies, 4-H Multi Club, curling, volleyball, basketball and slow pitch.
During the summers of 1981 and 1982, Rhonda worked for the Town of Wembley under the student program. In 1983, she worked part time at Zellers in Grande Prairie prior to moving, in 1984, to Mossleigh, Alberta where she was employed as a gas station attendant. She moved in 1989 to Carsland, Alberta where she is working as a bar attendant in the Carsland Hotel. Her interests include: camping, 4x4ing, outdoor sports, and growing houseplants.
Warren Millham
Warren Clifton, son of Cliff and Pat Millham, was born in Regina on May 10, 1969 and moved to Wembley at the age of one year. He attended Wembley Elementary School for grades one to nine and played trombone in the school band. For half of grade ten, Warren lived in Edmonton before moving to Grande Prairie where he graduated in 1987. He was an avid hockey player in leagues since the age of five years, and was also active in Cubs, badminton, tennis, slow pitch, handball, curling, and volleyball.
Warren worked part time as a stockboy at Woolworths in Grande Prairie while in grade ten, and in the sports department of Canadian Tire through grades eleven and twelve. Following a brief stint at Almac Wireline Services in 1987, he has been employed at NorWard Energy Resources as a well testing supervisor for the past 3 ½ years.
DEAN MILLHAM
(submitted 1991)
Frederick Dean, the eldest son of Fred and Hazel Millham, was born in Yorkton, Sask. on February 2, 1959 and moved with his mother and brothers to Sardis, B.C. in 1973. Dean graduated from BCIT in 1980 with a diploma of Technology in Surveying and lived in Nanaimo, B.C. until 1983.
On December 7, 1985 Dean married Louella Peterson who was born August 22, 1959 in Santa-Ana, California and moved to Sardis in 1978. Dean is now dairy farming at Sardis and Louella is working at Fraser Valley Frosted Foods. They have a daughter.
Melissa Millham
Melissa Dawn, daughter of Dean and Louella Millham, was born June 4, 1987.
CRAIG MILLHAM
(submitted 1991)
Alaistair Craig, the second son of Fred and Hazel Millham, was born March 4, 1961 in Yorkton, Sask. He had moved with his family to the Miller home at Tantallon prior to the death of his father on Craig’s second birthday. He spent the next eleven years growing up in the Tantallon area before moving to a dairy farm at Chilliwack, B.C. in 1973.
After completing high school, Craig attended the British Columbia Institute of Technology and graduated with a diploma in Electronics. During the summers, while attending post secondary school, he worked on the oil rigs in Alberta and learned many valuable lessons which could be used later in life. He was hired by the Department of Communications as a Radio Inspector. (No, that does not mean he gets to watch TV a lot!) However, he does enjoy the contact with the public, both through the licensing of communication systems and the resolving of radio interference complaints.
On July 28, 1984 Craig married Susan Marie Tessier whom he had met two years previously shortly after he began working with the D.O.C. Sue was born March 29, 1961 at Mont Apica, Quebec, the daughter of Joseph Laureat Gerard (who was born in Quebec City) and Carole Irene Stone (born in Brandon, Manitoba), who now reside in Courtenay, B.C. Craig and Sue purchased a house and moved to Surrey, B.C. Sue worked with a dietitian [sic?], but is now a full-time Mom to their two daughters. The family enjoys skiing, golf, tennis, baseball and bike riding.
Andria Millham
Andria Lynn Simone, daughter of Craig and Sue Millham, was born January 25, 1986.
Alicia Millham
Alicia Lee Ashley, the second daughter of Craig and Sue Millham, was born June 13, 1988.
BRENT MILLHAM
(submitted 1991)
Brent, the third son of Fred and Hazel Millham, was born June 8, 1962 in Yorkton, Sask. On that day, IMC reached the potash level while sinking their shaft at K1, and all babies born in the province received one share in the company.
Brent graduated from BCIT as a Civil and Structural Engineer. He lives with his mother in Sardis and has a partnership in a small construction firm that builds houses in the Chilliwack-Abbotsford area of B.C.
MYRTLE (MILLHAM) WILLIAMS
(by daughters Audrey and Joan)
Myrtle Elsie Millham, the only daughter of Albert and Elsie Millham, was born August 21, 1907 at Hazelcliffe. She attended Regina and Manitoba schools for the deaf and following graduation, remained on the family farm until her marriage.
On June 21, 1929 Myrtle married Rupert Jabez Duncan Williams at her parents’ home. Rupert, deaf from the age of 5 as a result of spinal meningitis, graduated from the Manitoba School for the Deaf and from 1922 to 1926, was Sr. Boys Superintendent there. It was at the school that Myrtle met him.
Rupert’s career as a monotypist took him to Saskatoon to work at Modern Press, and initiate a one-man campaign to better the educational opportunities of deaf children in Saskatchewan. Through his efforts, the Saskatchewan School for the Deaf was opened in Saskatoon in September 1931, with Rupert as the first Dean of Residence, a position he held until his retirement in 1963. During those years, he was like a father to the children and initiated athletic activities, coached, counseled, taught, and in general, dedicated his life to their welfare. Rupert passed away in March 1973 at the age of 79.
His commitment to the deaf in the areas of education, employment, rights and freedoms, was recognized in 1982 when the school was renamed the R.J.D. Williams Provincial School for the Deaf. The government of Saskatchewan has since chosen to close the school and the final graduation ceremonies were held on June 21, 1991.
Myrtle was an active volunteer worker with the Girl Guides as well as being a long-time member of the Saskatchewan Deaf Association and the Western Canadian Association of the Deaf. She was an ardent curler, having belonged to the Saskatoon Nutana Curling Club for 25 years. She is still an enthusiastic fan of sports, plays bridge and whist, and continues to travel, especially to visit her two daughters; she has been on cruises with each of them. In 1981, Myrtle moved out of her long-time residence on Cumberland Ave., across the street from the School for the Deaf, and is continuing her senior years in an apartment in Luther Towers.
AUDREY (WILLIAMS) TAYLOR
(submitted 1991)
Audrey Myrtle, the elder daughter of Myrtle and Rupert Williams, was born August 10, 1930.
On December 17, 1948 Audrey married Wilfred Taylor, son of Winnifred and Willis Taylor of Saskatoon. Audrey and Wilf, besides raising a family of four children, have led a very active life. Wilf retired in 1985 after a long career as sales manager on a national level for Genstar Gypsum Corp. Not prepared to be idle at this early stage, he returned to university studies and graduated in 1986 as a Security Commission and Investment Planner and was employed with Investors Syndicate of Canada.
Following the years of being a mother, Audrey pursued experience and through Continuing Education, acquired a diploma as Personal Service Worker in Human Services. Her graduate studies took her into the profession as sign language interpreter for the deaf and eventually Audrey became a well-known counselor in the field of working with cancer patients and their families in Saskatchewan. The Department of Education coaxed her to return to the field of education for the hearing impaired. From 1981 – 88, Audrey served as a dedicated worker and counselor for the deaf and was employed with the Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Arts and Sciences (SIAST) where a large number of hearing impaired adults were training. Audrey retired in 1988 from this program which she had initiated.
Audrey and Wilf bought a house in Victoria, B.C. in 1985 and in 1988, sold it to their daughter Debbie. They now reside in a home overlooking the ocean. Through the years, Audrey’s interests have been music and handicrafts; she is also involved in health fitness and freelance interpreting. Audrey and Wilf are serious boaters and have taken courses for their safety.
Lanny Taylor
Lanny Robert, the eldest child of Audrey and Wilf Taylor, was born August 3, 1949 and completed high school in Saskatoon where he excelled in playing the saxophone. His interests are in computer sciences and art (oil painting), as well as sports, including bowling and curling.
On March 7, 1970 Lanny married Wendy Goldsmith of Victoria and they have two children. They reside in Surrey, B.C. where Lanny has lived since leaving Saskatoon in 1967. He was employed at that time by IBM (International Business Machines) and still works for them after 24 years. His experiences have been in the areas of programmer and consultant, and in 1991, Lanny is Junior Associate Director of IBM in B.C. and Western Canada Marketing Systems Specialist.
Kevin Robert, son of Lanny and Wendy Taylor, was born June 11, 1973. He achieved many science project awards and graduated from grade 12 in 1991. His future career is undecided.
Laura Elizabeth, daughter of Lanny and Wendy Taylor, was born January 12, 1978 and is a talented ballet dancer. Her awards and accomplishments have also been in the areas of drama and scientific school projects.
Dawn (Taylor) Clezy
Dawn Leslie, the second child of Audrey and Wilf Taylor, was born March 12, 1951. Following high school, she was employed as a hairdresser. She was interested in all handicrafts and cosmetic sales in make-up, and enjoyed sports and family gatherings.
On May 29, 1971 Dawn married Rod Clezy, son of Isabelle and John Clezy of Saskatoon and they had two children. Dawn was killed in a car accident on March 30, 1982 at the age of 31 years. Rod, a journeyman glazier and glass manufacturer in Saskatoon, is doing a wonderful job of raising the children but finds that being a single father isn’t easy. Dawn was a beautiful and loving person; her Grandma Williams is still having a hard time accepting her loss.
Jeffrey John, son of Dawn and Rod Clezy, was born November 14, 1972. He is an ardent hockey player who graduated from grade 12 in 1990. His future career is undecided.
Liisa Dee, daughter of Dawn and Rod Clezy, was born January 14, 1975. Her varied interests include fashions, and anything to do with keeping the environment clean and green.
Debbie (Taylor) Tilden
Debbie Joan, the second daughter of Audrey and Wilf Taylor, was born May 9, 1953 in Saskatoon. Following high school, she became a medical receptionist. Her interests include dancing, aerobics, hockey and softball, and she is very involved with her children.
On October 14, 1978 Debbie married Bill Tilden, son of Bessie and William Tilden of Windsor, Ontario, and they had two sons. Debbie moved from Saskatoon to Victoria on a medical transfer to work in the hospital as a ward clerk and eventually into the emergency and maternity wards. After several years, she felt the need to change her career and in 1987, became employed at the Victoria Police Department as a dispatcher. Bill is a manager of the Strathcona Hotel Night Clubs but his interest is in his autobody business in which he has been involved for many years. Debbie and Bill ended their marriage in 1990; both are involved in new and happy relationships.
Ryan William, son of Debbie and Bill Tilden, was born May 7, 1979 and is involved with baseball and hockey where he has received several trophies and personal recognition as a player. He has made the school Honor Roll several times.
Brennan, the second son of Debbie and Bill Tilden, was born January 28, 1983 and is a normal active boy! He loves art and is a great swimmer.
Blair Taylor
Blair Marlon, the second son and youngest child of Audrey and Wilf Taylor, was born in Saskatoon on September 14, 1956. After graduating from grade 12, he has obtained two career qualifications. Blair received his Hotel and Food Administration diploma and worked for 6 years in the King George Hotel in Saskatoon. He then worked for the Royal Bank, but sacrificed that position when he was asked to go to Vancouver and work at Expo 86, managing three night clubs. At present, he lives in Saskatoon and works for Canada Post.
Blair is our “swinging bachelor” son. He is a serious bowler and active in the Saskatoon Kinsmen Club. He is known for his love and kindness, and dedication to helping others in need. Blair is very close in his relationship with his family and especially his Grandma Williams who has said she wants to see his wedding before she passes away. Blair said, “That is what you call pressure!”
JOAN (WILLIAMS) FONGER
(submitted 1991)
Joan Roberta, the second daughter of Myrtle and Rupert Williams, was born January 25, 1935 in Saskatoon. She obtained a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Saskatchewan, majoring in Deaf Education.
On October 6, 1956 Joan married Vernon Graham, a farmer in the Aberdeen district near Saskatoon. They had five children prior to a divorce in 1978. Joan taught at the R.J.D. Williams School for the Deaf and lived in Saskatoon, 1972 – 80.
On August 21, 1980 Joan married Jack Fonger of Winnipeg. He is now retired from his position with Affiliated Inspection Bureau. Joan is presently substitute and term teaching at the Manitoba School for the Deaf. Her involvements include: member of Pembina Curling Club; past president of Crescent Park ladies golf club; and member of Windsor Park ladies golf club. Joan and Jack reside in Winnipeg and go south in January in search of warm weather, golf courses and sandy beaches.
Shelley (Graham) Boyenko
Shelley Lynn, the eldest daughter of Joan and Vern Graham, was born June 1, 1958 and competed grade 12 at Aberdeen Composite High School.
On June 4, 1976 Shelley married Dennis Boyenko and they have three children. They reside at St. Denis, Saskatchewan where they operate a farm.
Natasha Lee, daughter of Shelley and Dennis Boyenko, was born December 19, 1977. She attends Aberdeen Composite High and is active in a bell-ringing group, baby-sitting, and Girl Guides.
Travis Robert Shawn, son of Shelley and Dennis Boyenko, was born January 19, 1979. He is goalie for the Aberdeen PeeWee Hockey team and helps his father on the farm.
Troy Graham, the youngest child of Shelley and Dennis Boyenko, was born July 9, 1987.
Shawn Graham
Shawn Broderick, the only son of Joan and Vern Graham, was born July 30, 1959. His interests include hockey, curling and golf.
On October 23, 1981 Shawn married Charlene Moysuik. They have since divorced. Shawn remains single and lives at Aberdeen where he farms and operates a backhoe for Maxi’s Excavating of Saskatoon.
Jacqueline (Graham) Lutze
Jacqueline Rae, the third child of Joan and Vern Graham, was born May 5, 1961 and graduated from Walter Murray High School where she was involved with volleyball.
On September 5, 1981 Jacqueline married Jack Lutze and they have two children. They live in Saskatoon where Jack is a carpenter and Jacqueline is a pharmacy assistant at City Hospital. Her activities include curling and cake decorating.
Bryce Louis, son of Jacqueline and Jack Lutze, was born August 6, 1983 and is involved in soccer, swimming and skating.
Ramie Janelle, daughter of Jacqueline and Jack Lutze, was born March 3, 1986. Her activities include gymnastics, skating and swimming.
Judith (Graham) Krieger
Judith Diane, the third daughter of Joan and Vern Graham, was born September 7, 1963 and completed her education at Walter Murray High School in Saskatoon.
On August 27, 1988 Judith married Kevin Roland Krieger. They live in Saskatoon where Kevin works at Intercontinental Pork Packers and Judith is assistant manager at Elephant & Castle Restaurant.
Janet Graham
Janet Elaine, the youngest daughter of Joan and Vern Graham, was born November 7, 1964 and graduated from Fort Richmond High School in Winnipeg. Her activities include curling, skiing, volleyball and softball. Janet presently resides in Camrose, Alberta and is a clerk in Sid’s Sporting Goods Store.
CLIFFORD MILLHAM
Clifford Charles Millham, the second son of Albert and Elsie Millham, was born March 22, 1909. He attended Hazelcliffe School to the completion of grade 8, and Wapella High School while boarding with Aunt Alice Gordon. He played hockey in Wapella.
From 1927 – 31, Clifford attended the University of Saskatchewan studying Pharmacy, and apprenticed in Wapella. He returned home for a year or two and helped his father and brothers with farming, while investigating locations to set up a business.
In 1934, Clifford bought a drugstore in Bredenbury, in which his brother Fred built the shelves. The following year, the drugstore was sold to Orval Gamble and Clifford entered the sanitarium at Fort San with tuberculosis. He passed away there on July 25, 1936.
ARCHIE MILLHAM
Archie Howard Millham, the third son of Albert and Elsie Millham, was born December 2, 1912. He developed diabetes at an early age, but there was no help for him as insulin had not yet been discovered. Archie passed away August 19, 1917.
RALPH MILLHAM
(submitted 1991)
Ralph Lawrence Millham, the fourth son of Albert and Elsie Millham, was born September 17, 1914 on the SE corner of 22-18-33 W1, otherwise known as the Schuelke Place. Shortly afterward, the family moved to the NW ¼ of the same section where Ralph grew up. Ralph attended Hazelcliffe School where he completed grade 9, then began life as a full-time farmer, working with his father and older brother Fred, until his marriage.
While growing up, Ralph took part in all activities of the community including skating, hockey, curling, and softball where he excelled as a catcher. He was a faithful member with regular attendance at Hazelcliffe United Church. (He later drove his wife through all sorts of weather and in all sorts of vehicles to play the organ at the services for 15 years.) In his youth, he belonged to an active Boys’ Group. He served on the session, and in the same capacity later in Esterhazy United Church.
On September 17, 1938 Ralph married Margaret Isobel Markland, daughter of George and Maude (Douglas) Markland of Tantallon. Margaret was a rural school teacher for eight years, three of which were spent at Hazelcliffe School No. 285. Ralph and Margaret farmed and raised their three children on NW21-18-33 W1, where part of the land extended over the Qu’Appelle hills to the valley road. Because of their proximity to the school, they boarded all the lady teachers from 1940 – 50.
Ralph loves horses; he purchased a reliable pony named Janey at Dr. Christie’s sale. Janey won prizes at the fairs for a good many years, being ridden in competition by Ralph and the girls, and driven by both Ralph and Margaret. Janey’s granddaughters, Vickie and Gracie (identical palominos), also performed at fairs in saddle and driven as a team with considerable success.
In 1973, Ralph was awarded a pin in recognition of 25 years as a Saskatchewan Wheat Pool committee member. While still at his parental home, he was a member of Tantallon Agricultural Society and later became, and still is in 1991, a director of that organization.
Since retiring and moving into Esterhazy in the spring of 1981, Ralph has done volunteer work in connection with church and museum, is a member of the seniors’ Golden Jets, and the Qu’Appelle Valley Threshermen’s Association which sponsors a yearly show. For several years, he was frequently called to help out at North American Lumber, an experience he really enjoyed and, having farmed by himself for 42 years, he finally found out what kinds of people there are in this world. Margaret plays the organ for church services and choir practice at the care home as well as being involved with the Golden Jets.
Ralph and Margaret have done considerable traveling, the most exciting and educational trip having been taken early in 1988 when they spent seven weeks in Singapore with daughter Marion and Barry Kingdon (who was serving with the Canadian High Commission) and their son Jason. They took a train trip into Malaysia to Kuala Lumpur, and visited many places of interest. On their return trip, they spent five days in Tokyo, Japan and surrounding area, guests of a Japanese lady with whom Margaret had corresponded for nearly forty years but had never met. Later the same year, the family honored Ralph and Margaret with a Golden Anniversary celebration.
ELSIE MAUDE (MILLHAM) WHELPTON
(submitted 1991)
Elsie Maude, the eldest child of Ralph and Margaret Millham, was born on the home farm August 27, 1941 and was named after her two grandmothers. She attended Hazelcliffe School to grade 10, then moved to Regina to complete her high school education at Central Collegiate. Elsie Maude worked as a bank teller at the Toronto-Dominion Bank from July 1959 until April 1963. Later, from October 1975 to December 1978, she worked at the Sherwood Credit Union and since May 1979, has been a cashier at Sask Power.
On August 18, 1962 Elsie Maude married Ernest George Whelpton, a structural steel detailer. Ernie is the son of George and Erma Whelpton, farmers, of Moosomin. They subsequently had four children.
Ernie has his own company, Steelcraft Drafting Services, and has his office located at home in Regina. Ernie and Elsie have an acreage at McLean where, with son Phil, they manage an apiary and a large garden.
Elsie Maude, Ernie and their daughter Susan are members of Argyle Road Baptist Church. Elsie is now involved with the Baptist Women, after years of teaching Sunday School.
Through the years of bringing up the children, sports were a family involvement, including swimming lessons, hockey, ringette, soccer, and basketball. The children attended many summer camps and the whole family went camping each summer.
In February 1989, Elsie Maude and Ernest visited Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and Singapore where they visited sister Marion. In November 1990, they took a relaxing cruise on the Caribbean.
Philip Whelpton
Philip Ernest, the eldest son of Elsie Maude and Ernest Whelpton, was born August 4, 1963 in Regina. He went to Gladys McDonald public school and Thom Collegiate.
On June 29, 1985 Phil married Natalie Elizabeth Weilgoz, only child of Melvin and Elizabeth Weilgoz of Regina, and they have a daughter. Phil is a mechanic and landlord, and Natalie is a legal secretary.
Jordan Natasha, daughter of Phil and Natalie Whelpton, was born January 15, 1990.
Scott Whelpton
Scott Douglas, the second son of Elsie Maude and Ernest Whelpton, was born in Regina on May 18, 1965. He attended the same schools as his brother, then went to Wascana Institute for training in small motor repair while working part time at Sears.
Scott worked with his dad for several years as a draftsman, and now resides in Calgary where he is employed as a structural steel draftsman.
Susan Whelpton
Susan Margaret, the only daughter of Elsie Maude and Ernest Whelpton, was born July 3, 1968 in Regina. She was involved in school, young people’s groups, and basketball – her activities took her to Winnipeg, British Columbia, and England.
In 1988 Susan graduated from SIAST, Wascana campus, as a registered psychiatric nurse. She works at Pioneer Village and has a son.
Taylor Douglas, son of Susan Whelpton, was born October 29, 1990.
Justin Whelpton
Justin George, the youngest son of Elsie Maude and Ernie Whelpton, was born in Regina on February 17, 1972. He is currently in grade 12 and working at Safeway. Justin can be found playing hockey or soccer, or fixing cars.
MARION (MILLHAM) KINGDON
(submitted 1991)
Marion Eleanor, the second daughter of Ralph and Margaret Millham, was born with cold feet on November 5, 1944. As I grew up learning to do what most farm kids did, I turned into quite a tomboy and soon became known as “Jody” or Jo if I was naughty. I enjoyed climbing trees, chasing cows, and riding horses much more than helping in the house. I remember our first task after school finished in June was building hay stacks and later sheaf stacks – I became quite good at it according to my Uncle Fred. The month of July was dedicated to preparing for the Tantallon Agricultural Fair. We learned many forms of hand sewing, machine sewing, and baking. These two activities carried on every summer until I left home.
I attended Hazelcliffe School for nine years, taking grade 9 by correspondence. The last three years of high school were at Esterhazy where I graduated in 1962 – we were driven there, twelve miles every day, with very few absent days due to weather. I attended Central Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Saskatoon in 1963 and graduated as a certified nursing assistant. Part of this training was in Tisdale, Saskatchewan.
My maternal grandmother, Mrs. Markland, all my life called me a rambling rose; I think she meant this because I was so tall and skinny, but it took on a new meaning as I began to “ramble”. In less than two years, I had moved from Saskatchewan to Ontario and B.C.
On December 11, 1965 I married RCMP Constable Barry W. Kingdon, son of Ray and Myrtle Kingdon of Tantallon. Our first little home was in Revelstoke, B.C., where Barry worked night and day, six and a half days a week, and I worked part time at the local hospital. It was very beautiful country and we loved the mountains – it was there that our quiet life changed forever when our daughter Jennifer arrived.
In the fall of 1967, we were transferred to Ottawa, Ontario and had our first experience living in a high rise apartment, which we didn’t like very much. We soon made new friends, and of course visited all the historical sites we had studied about so many years ago. Again I worked part time and we moved into a duplex house. Jennifer had lots of friends and a park to play in; that summer she continually lost her shoes in the park as she removed them to play in the sand. Her brother Jason was born there in 1969. That winter was long and cold, and there were tons of snow.
In the summer of 1970, we were transferred to Toronto where we rented a town house in Willowdale, then bought our first house in Brampton, a small city west of Toronto. It was very exciting; there were a lot of young families living there. Soon it became time to ramble again – we sold that house and bought our second house in 1976 in another area of Brampton. In May of that year, Barry and I flew to England for three weeks where we visited his relations, and visited the area of Cockington where the first record of the Kingdon family was registered. The most beautiful sight I have ever seen was at a little pond surrounded by many shades of rhododendron trees on a hill; the petals were falling and the mother ducks with their babies were walking on the pink ground.
While we were in Brampton, we bred and showed Siamese cats. Our female, Tiki, was the third best blue point Siamese cat in North America in 1976. We owned several others at the same time, but they became a lot of work so we gradually ended up with only one, which we still have. Kermit is now 13 years old in 1991.
I worked part time at Peel Memorial Hospital for the seven years we lived in Brampton. Barry received many promotions and attended Wilfred Laurier University in Waterloo, Ontario, graduating in 1979 with a B.A. That summer we were transferred back to Ottawa, which Jennifer and Jason both consider to be their home city. We bought our third house, in Kanata west of Ottawa. We all learned to downhill ski, and Barry and I joined the Canadian Ski Patrol. I worked at Queensway Carleton Hospital full and part time the seven years we were in Kanata. I worked with the geriatric rehabilitation patients, which was the most challenging of all the areas I have worked.
The summer of 1986 brought about our farthest transfer yet. Barry, Jason and I, and of course our cat Kermit, moved to Singapore on a three-year posting. Barry worked with the Department of External Affairs at the Canadian High Commission. That was quite a different and interesting life. We have been fortunate to have traveled around the world several times, stopping in many countries, and we have met many interesting people from all over the world. For me it was a “life of leisure”, or so my husband thought. I had a maid who cleaned the apartment and did the ironing. I learned how to play tennis which takes a lot of energy, and I spent several hours sunning by our club pool with my friends, the average temperature there was 32 degrees, so you see that took a lot of energy! I did a few useful things – I was on the women’s committee of the Canadian Association and we organized many lunches, coffee parties, tours, and social events for special occasions – to keep us from getting homesick. The only thing we could not supply was snow! I was also on a visiting committee for all expatriate patients who were hospitalized. And of course, the shopping there was never-ending. We returned to Canada in the summer of 1989 when Barry retired from the federal government.
We are presently living in Kelowna, British Columbia. I am a sales associate with Realty World Carruthers & Miekle Real Estate in Kelowna and Barry is completing the Real Estate licensing course. The Kingdons hope to become a real estate sales team in September 1991.
[As of November 1, 1991 Marion and Barry have moved to Calgary where Marion continues with Realty World.]
Jennifer Kingdon
Jennifer Marion, daughter of Marion and Barry Kingdon, was born August 4, 1966 in Revelstoke, B.C. She started school at Harold F. Laughdin Public School in Brampton, Ontario, and graduated grade 13 from Elmwood Girls School in Kanata. During her earlier years of school, she was fortunate to travel to P.E.I., Quebec City, and on a band trip to Vancouver. She then attended Carleton University and graduated with her B.A. in Sociology in 1988. Jennifer visited her parents in Singapore twice, but unfortunately she was unable to live with them as she was not allowed to attend university there.
Jennifer lives in Coquitlam, B.C., and works for Peter Cundill Investments as a Mutual Fund Administrator. She is always busy studying and is presently completing the final stages of her bachelor degree program. She has plans for a summer wedding in 1992.
Jason Kingdon
Jason Douglas Miles, son of Marion and Barry Kingdon, was born in Ottawa Civic Hospital on August 12, 1969 and also started school at Harold F. Laughdin Public School in Brampton. While living with his family at Kanata, Jason learned to ski and took racing lessons for three years. He attended A.Y. Jackson High School for the last two years in Kanata prior to moving with his parents to Singapore. He was very active in the Scout program, skiing, playing his bass guitar, and a part-time job.
Jason presently lives in Deep Cove, a suburb of North Vancouver, and is employed as a host at the Hyatt International Hotel in Vancouver. In September 1991, he will embark on a course of study at Vancouver Community College and hopes to become a steel fabricator. He has plans to travel overseas again to renew acquaintances with several of his overseas friends.
DOUG MILLHAM
(submitted 1991)
Douglas Ralph, the only son of Ralph and Margaret Millham, was born in Esterhazy Hospital on May 5, 1951. He attended Hazelcliffe School for two years until the school was closed, and then was bussed to Esterhazy where he completed grade 10. Doug had a great desire to “drive trucks” which he did, and in 1991 still does, as his main source of income.
On October 16, 1971 Doug married Brenda Ellen Brace, only daughter of Wm. and Josephine Brace of Kennedy. Doug and Brenda have three children.
Doug worked for Saskatchewan Pool Elevators at Whitewood and Rocanville, and tried underground potash mining, but came back to driving trucks for Kleysens out of Esterhazy, and bought a house in Hazelcliffe. At the Hazelcliffe Homecoming 1980, Doug was proclaimed mayor and presented with a special ribbon and a gold key to the hamlet. At a later date, he emceed a program and dedication in honor of the pioneers of the Hazelcliffe area. When his parents retired to Esterhazy, Doug took over the farm. After four years, he sold the cultivated acres but continues to live on the farmstead, which is still referred to as “home” by all family members.
Driving for Kleysens means making six trips a week hauling potash from the mines east of Esterhazy to the USA border. The trucks, two-tandem, are the biggest gross vehicle weight, 200,000 pounds, of any truck hauling on a regular basis on the North American continent. Each truck has 38 wheels and crosses four valleys, summer and winter.
Doug inherited a love for horses from both sides of the family (not his mother), so was a member of the 4-H Horse project, later joined the Twin Valley Riding Club, and became involved in rodeos with the Manitoba Rodeo Cowboys Association. He has competed, announced, and ‘picked up’, and in 1989 and 1990 was arena director for a three-day show rodeo in connection with Brandon Fall Fair. In July 1982, Doug was honored when he and a rodeo friend were chosen as pick-up men in a mini-rodeo arranged to entertain Princess Anne during her visit to Brandon. The boys also served as outriders when Princess Anne was brought into the grounds in a wagon drawn by a six-horse team. In 1990, Doug gave up the rodeo circuit and, although he has kept two horses, he has now invested in cows.
In the summer of 1990, the family of five went on a holiday and visited relatives in Montana, British Columbia and Alberta.
Kathaleen Millham
Kathaleen Ann, the elder daughter of Doug and Brenda Millham, was born February 8, 1972. She attended Esterhazy’s Gillen School and Central High from which she graduated in 1990 with her grade 12 and a scholarship from the Centennial Special Care Home. In the fall of 1990, she began a two-year course, training as a psychiatric nurse at Saskatchewan Institute of Applied Science and Technology (SIAST), Wascana campus, in Regina. Kathy excelled in athletics through the years.
Mark Millham
Mark Douglas, the only son of Doug and Brenda Millham, was born April 1, 1977 in Esterhazy. He attended Gillen elementary school and is now in grade 8 at Central High. Mark takes part in field meets and plays floor hockey.
Becky Millham
Rebecca Jo, the youngest child of Doug and Brenda Millham, was born March 4, 1982 in Esterhazy and is now in grade 3 at East Elementary School. Becky, too, is very athletic.
HAROLD MILLHAM
(by daughter Jean)
Harold Roy Millham, the sixth child of Albert and Elsie Millham, was born April 8, 1916 when the family lived in the barn before their new house was built on NW22-18-33. There is an expression, “Close the door. Were you born in the barn?” Dad always answered “yes” to that question. He completed grade 10 at Hazelcliffe School before taking a one-year mechanics course at Balfour Technical School in Regina. He then settled down to full-time farming with his father and on December 21, 1939, obtained title to the home farm along with SW27.
On July 10, 1940 Dad married Irene Jean Fulton (born April 30, 1919), the youngest daughter of William and the late Margaret (Fyffe) Fulton of Lumsden, Saskatchewan. Mom had taught at Hazelcliffe School for two years prior to their marriage, while boarding at the home of Uncle Fred Millham.
After a series of boils and other symptoms, it was discovered in December 1940 that Dad had diabetes. Two daily injections of insulin controlled the disease fairly well, but occasionally he would go into shock. His mealtimes, diet and rest periods had to be followed rigidly – a very difficult requirement for a farmer whose work load is never constant. His health was Mom’s chief concern for the rest of his life.
Dad and Mom started a purebred Hereford business in the early 1940’s but had the misfortune of losing one of two purchased heifers when a strawstack collapsed on her. The name, “HI-CLIFFE FARM”, was adopted using their initials along with “Cliffe” from Hazelcliffe. They contined to expand their herd during the 1950’s and 60’s, and found that production of superior animals required strict genetic selection and a lot of hard work. They showed their prize-winning animals at various fairs and Polled Hereford shows, including the Toronto Royal in 1966 and 1967. In 1966, Dad and Mom attended the U.S. National Polled Hereford Show as spectators.
Dad farmed with horses for several years and in 1948, bought a small Farmall tractor. During the early years, prior to full mechanization, there was usually at least one hired man, and sometimes a girl in the house so Mom could help with the farming. The first car was purchased in about 1946, a one-ton truck in 1952, and the first combine in 1951. Dad had the first combine in the district and when the neighbors had to quit threshing at dark, he could continue combining well into the night if the grain didn’t get tough.
Power on the farmyard was supplied by a 32-volt windcharger and battery system prior to the installation of electricity on February 12, 1952. Dad then did the necessary work to provide running water in the house. The trench, eight feet deep, in which to lay the waterlines from the well to the house, was dug by hand and indoor bathroom facilities were installed. No more trips out to the little house out back! Other conveniences such as a refrigerator, deep freezer, dryer and oil furnace soon followed.
In about 1952 Dad and Mom acquired the “Morrison quarter” (SW22) and the “Banting quarter” (SE21) from the Banting family. The NE22 and W ½ 23 were also part of the operation, with NW14 (Crown land) being leased for a number of years for pasture.
Disaster struck on May 12, 1954 when a large machine shed which housed the truck, threshing machine, and many other pieces of equipment, was destroyed by fire. A general ring on the phone alerted the neighbors who hurried to help, but had to stand back and watch because of the danger of the bulk fuel tank (which stood beside the burning building) exploding. The hose burned right off the tank and gasoline burned as it ran out. Uncle Fred stood at the door of the house with a water hose in his hand to spray the roof should sparks alight. Fortunately, no explosion occurred and the wind was favorable, so only the one building and contents burned. A couple of hours later, a two-day rain began.
Dad was an avid sportsman, being involved in football and baseball in his younger days, and later in golfing and his favorite, curling. He partook numerous bonspiels near and far, including shirt-sleeve bonspiels in Nelson, B.C. in the summers of 1956, 1959 and 1963; Nipawin car ‘spiel in 1954; Regina Men’s Open, 1952-early 60’s; Melville, 1953-64; Brandon, 1962; as well as most local bonspiels within a 20-mile radius. While curling in Melville in 1957, he was on a rink that scored a curler’s dream – an 8-ender.
In 1963, Dad joined a farmers’ tour of Europe and was able to observe farming practices throughout England, France and Switzerland. He was a Saskatchewan Wheat Pool member, on the executive of the local curling club, and secretary of Hazelcliffe S.D. #285 for a number of years until the school closed in 1959. Dad and Mom were both members of Tantallon Agricultural Society and directors for a number of years. The annual fair was a chance for them to exhibit their cattle, and Mom excelled in the baking, sewing and knitting classes. They were both faithful members of Hazelcliffe United Church and firm believers in good education – both religious and academic. They taught their three children to strive for excellence in everything they did; “If a thing is worth doing it is worth doing well”.
Dad passed away on July 9, 1967 due to a massive coronary. My brother Jim took over the farm and Mom remained in the farm home until her health began failing. In 1970, to be nearer medical facilities, she moved to Regina and the following year, she was the recipient of a successful kidney transplant.
Her early dream of being a nurse became a reality when Mom entered Wascana Institute and graduated in 1977 as a registered nurse (fifth in her class). She nursed for a while until a series of medical problems developed and she was forced to stop. During her years of widowhood, Mom traveled extensively, sometimes accompanied by her younger daughter, to such places as Hawaii, Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe and Africa. She was one of the founding members of the Saskatchewan Kidney Association.
While in University Hospital in Saskatoon for routine analysis, Mom suffered heart failure. At the time of her death on January 26, 1985, she was one of the longest surviving kidney recipients in the province. Dad and Mom were buried in Hazelcliffe cemetery overlooking the picturesque Qu’Appelle Valley that they loved.
JEAN (MILLHAM) KNOUREK
Marilyn Jean, the eldest child of Harold and Irene Millham, was born (with great difficulty) on September 22, 1942 in Esterhazy Hospital. Mom taught me most of grade one at home, then I attended Hazelcliffe School through the completion of grade ten. One memory of my youth that stands out occurred the summer I was ten years old and cousin Sheldon was working for Dad. My weekly allowance was ten cents, which I usually spent on Saturday evening when we went to town. One Saturday, Sheldon was to finish stoking a certain field but by mid- afternoon when time was running out, he offered me 25 cents to gather all out-of-row sheaves and place the last two on each stook. I did, he paid, and we went to town!
I graduated from Esterhazy High School in 1959 and that year, set a provincial record (which stood for several years) in shot put at the track and field meet. Being too young to enter the diploma nursing program, I attended Regina College for a year. After completing two years of the three-year nursing program at Regina General Hospital, I took a secretarial course prior to my marriage.
On July 21, 1962 I married John (Jack) William Knourek, second son of William and Annie (Swejda) Knourek. Jack was born December 11, 1934 on his parents’ farm in the Brookvale district southwest of Esterhazy. He worked in the mill at IMC K1, and we rented a house in town for a year until we built our own home. By the fall of 1967, our dream of acquiring a farm became a reality when we purchased a ½ section in the Kolin district, ten miles southwest of Esterhazy, bordering the Qu’Appelle Valley. During the summer of 1969, we built a house and established a new farmyard and later that fall, we moved with our four children to embark on rural life.
Jack continued to work at the mine until 1971 when he decided to farm full time. By 1975, circumstances required that he go back to work and he obtained full-time employment at Metal Fabricating Services in Esterhazy. He continues to work there and we have also added two more quarters to our farming operations. I do what I can to help with the field work, and manage our Charolais/Hereford cattle herd which involves complete winter care as well as attention at calving time. Jack spends his summers making feed for the herd while I raise, butcher and sell several hundred roasting chickens.
We both enjoy hunting. Besides deer hunting, each fall since the mid-1970’s, we have gone moose hunting north of Hudson Bay, Sask. That week in the forest has been considered our annual holiday! A love of animal life and the outdoors, motivated me to get involved in teaching the Firearm Safety/Hunter Education course, which I have done as part of a team since 1982. For several years, I have been on the executive of the Esterhazy Wildlife Federation and am currently trophy chairman. I was also a 4-H leader for ten years.
Other than hunting, my favorite sporting activity is curling which I started at about the age of ten and continue to pursue when possible, especially bonspiels. I spend my spare time (and some not-so-spare time) knitting, and also read everything I can lay my hands on, especially historical novels and non-fiction. My interest in history lead to being investigator and editor of our Kolin district history book, Treasury of Memories, which was released in 1986, (and this book as well!)
Rodney Knourek
Rodney Blair, the eldest son of Jean and Jack Knourek, was born January 4, 1964 and, as Esterhazy’s New Year’s baby that year, was the recipient of several gifts. He attended kindergarten for a month prior to our moving to the farm, then waited a year to begin grade one. Rodney attended Esterhazy schools until the age of 16 when, although he was an A student, he joined the work force. Throughout his youth, he participated in all school sports, played broomball, and was a 4-H member for several years. He later wrote GED exams to obtain his grade 12, followed by training in autobody mechanics.
Rodney worked as an autobody repairman at Bangor and Balcarres, Sask. And for the past several years has been employed at Regina Motor Products. As a serious sports enthusiast, he faithfully follows major league activities and whenever possible goes golfing, curling or hunting.
Paul Knourek
Paul David, the second son of Jean and Jack Knourek, was born December 18, 1964. Medical problems during his pre-school years were finally diagnosed (by biopsy of the liver) as glycogen-storage disease, a rare condition characterized by improper metabolism of certain enzymes. Prognosis at the time was not good, but he seems to have outgrown the problem.
While attending Esterhazy schools, Paul was active in sports and 4-H. His greatest interest seemed to be anything mechanical and he would often dismantle things just to see what made them tick! After leaving school at the age of sixteen, he was employed in a wide variety of jobs, including farm labor, tire repair and mechanics. He later obtained his grade 12 by writing GED exams.
On October 24, 1987 Paul married Kimberly Ann Zimmer, daughter of Ron and Marlene Zimmer of Grayson, Sask. Kim was born June 23, 1968 in Regina, grew up on her parents’ farm southeast of Grayson, and graduated from high school in Esterhazy. Following their marriage, Paul and Kim lived at Pilot Butte, Sask. and both worked in Regina – Paul as a mechanic in garages, and Kim at Sears.
In September 1989, they moved, with their daughter, to Stockholm, Sask. where Paul has since been employed at
George’s Garage as an apprentice automotive mechanic. He has completed two terms (at SIAST in Moose Jaw) of a four-year course toward obtaining his journeyman’s ticket. Paul and Kim expect their second child early in 1992.
Samantha Cory, daughter of Paul and Kim Knourek, was born December 15, 1988.
Ken Knourek
Kenneth Harold, the third son of Jean and Jack Knourek, was born July 28, 1967 and named after his Grandpa Millham who had passed away three weeks previously. He attended Esterhazy schools but his main interests were anything non-academic. As a member of the Esterhazy 4-H Multiple Club, he completed projects in beef, woodworking and motor tobogganing. Ken enjoys all sports, especially curling, hunting, and biking.
After leaving school at age sixteen, Ken worked at various jobs including highway construction, carpentry, steel building construction and hotel maintenance. He presently resides in Oasis, B.C.
Kathy (Knourek) Shaw
Kathleen Denise, the only daughter of Jean and Jack Knourek, was born September 18, 1969 just three weeks before her family moved from town to the farm. While attending Esterhazy schools, her interests, too, included sports and 4-H. Following the completion of grade 11, Kathy moved to Moose Jaw and was employed at a pizza restaurant.
On June 17, 1989 Kathy married Evan Douglas Shaw, son of George and Vicki Shaw of Esterhazy. Evan was born November 12, 1964 and graduated from Esterhazy High School. They presently live in Castlegar, B.C. where Evan is manager of the High Arrow Inn.
JIM MILLHAM
(submitted 1991)
James Fyffe, son of Harold and Irene Millham, was born in Esterhazy Hospital on August 10, 1945. I attended Hazelcliffe School until it closed, then was bussed to Esterhazy. Following graduation in 1963, I remained at home to help with the farming. I began curling at the age of eight (with two hands on the rock, two feet in the hacks and push), played Little League baseball, and was a member of the high school curling and basketball teams. As a senior beef member of the Langenburg 4-H Club, I met my future wife.
On June 30, 1967 I married Barbara Beverley Kitsch (born September 30, 1948), daughter of Emil and Elizabeth Kitsch of Langenburg, Saskatchewan. Our honeymoon, spent on the show circuit with our Hereford cattle, was cut short with Dad’s untimely passing. Suddenly I became responsible for the farming operations.
Bev and I, along with our three children, have maintained the purebred Polled Hereford business started by my parents, and through modern technology such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer, have continued to improve the genetics. Hi-Cliffe Polled Herefords have had champions at such major shows as Ag-Ex in Brandon and Agribition in Regina. Sales have been made to several countries, including U.S.A., Japan, Denmark, Bulgaria and Hungary.
Throughout the years, I have continued curling, coached minor league baseball, and in 1979, began umpiring baseball. In January 1981, I was elected councilor of Division 3 in the R.M. of Spy Hill #152, a position I yet hold and in 1988, I became president of the Moosomin Hereford Breeders’ Association. Throughout the years, Bev has been a hockey Mom, curled, and been involved in church activities as well as full participation in farming operations.
A youthful ambition was realized in 1986 when I obtained my private pilot’s license. Now I have found the fast way of going to cattle shows and sales, as I often fly with my own Piper Cherokee 180 which I acquired in January 1988.
Ashley Millham
Ashley, James, the first child of Jim and Bev Millham, was born March 7, 1969. He attended P.J. Gillen and Central High School in Esterhazy where he graduated in 1987. While in school, Ashley was on the curling, track and football teams, and was senior boys’ Sports Rep. and statistician. He was in the stage band, marching band and choir, and a member of the Reach for the Top team in 1985-86 and 1986-87.
Ashley’s non-academic activities included playing hockey, Level 4 refereeing, baseball, 4-H Beef Club, and membership in Royal Canadian Air Cadets #557 Langenburg from 1983-87. While in cadets, he advanced through basic camp, athletic leadership, junior leadership course, and Recruit and Basic Training course.
In November 1987, Ashley took a Basic Artilleryman Course and became Private Ashley J. Millham in Canadian Forces Primary Reserves (Militia) prior to transferring to the regular Armed Forces in March 1988. Training in Cornwallis, Nova Scotia and Gagetown, New Brunswick preceded Trooper Millham being posted to Reconnaissance Squadron Royal Canadian Dragoons based at Petawawa, Ontario. In 1989, his squadron performed peacekeeping duties in Cyprus for a six-month tour. While in Cyprus, Ashley successfully completed a basic sport parachute training course with a qualifying descent from 2200 feet. In August 1990, he transferred to C.F.B. Gagetown, N.B. and is a licensed Leopard tank operator.
Carmen Millham
Carmen Neil, the second son of Jim and Bev Millham, was born June 23, 1971 and also attended P.J. Gillen and Central High School in Esterhazy where he graduated in 1989. He was a member of the high school curling team for three years, on the track team, band member, and Math contest winner. Carmen also played hockey and baseball on the provincial level, refereed hockey, and was a member of the 4-H Beef Club.
Carmen was a member of the Saskatchewan Junior Hereford Association and later elected president. In 1985, at CNE in Toronto, Carmen was awarded the Robert Watson Memorial Scholarship for demonstrating outstanding ability in grooming and showmanship. He was also Saskatchewan Representative in the Canadian Junior Hereford Association prior to be elected president in 1990.
A near-fatal motorcycle accident while rounding up cattle on June 11, 1984 has left Carmen facially disfigured, but did not affect his scholastic abilities. Upon entry to the University of Saskatchewan School of Agriculture in Saskatoon, he was the recipient of several scholarships including: Petro-Canada 4-H Youth Leadership Award; Saskatchewan Achievement Award for Agriculture; Canada Scholarship for Outstanding Scholastic Achievement in Science and Engineering; and Canadian National Exhibition Agriculture Scholarship awarded annually to one 4-H member in each province. He was on the Dean’s Honor Roll with great distinction in 1990 and 1991. In September 1991, Carmen was accepted into Veterinary Medicine at the U. of S. and received the Keith Gilmore Foundation Scholarship which is awarded throughout North America for academic excellence in the areas of agriculture, agricultural journalism, and research related to the betterment of the Hereford industry. He has embarked on a four-year program leading to his degree and continued devotion to livestock.
Jamie Millham
Jamie Jean, daughter of Jim and Bev Millham, was born March 25, 1977. She attended P.J. Gillen School and is now in grade nine at Central High in Esterhazy where she is Senior E.S.A. grade rep. She is a member of the school choir and curling team, and curls with her parents as a member of the Farmers’ Curling Club.
Jamie is secretary and reporter for her 4-H Beef Club and a member of the Junior Hereford Association. She enjoys working with cattle, and actively participates in their care, both at home and on the show circuit.
DARLENE (MILLHAM) SMITH
(submitted 1991)
Darlene Myrtle, the youngest child of Harold and Irene Millham, was born February 6, 1956 in St. Anthony’s Hospital in Esterhazy. Enroute home, at the age of one week, Darlene rode with her mother in a car, a train, and a sleigh drawn by a team of horses. She attended elementary school in Esterhazy and had numerous sports interests, was involved in 4-H, church choir, and obtained her grade 7 Conservatory in piano.
In 1971, Darlene moved to Regina to be with her mother and attended high school at Campbell Collegiate. During those years, Darlene traveled with her mother on many excursions to such places as Hawaii, California, the Caribbean and the Maritimes, and spent any spare time planning their next holiday together.
In June 1976, Darlene graduated as a registered nurse from Wascana Institute in Regina and in July started her first job, as a surgical nurse, at the Providence Hospital in Moose Jaw.
On May 14, 1980 Darlene married Robert Alexander Smith, a nursing orderly, following a fiery hospital romance. Bob is the only child of Alex and Kathleen Smith of Moose Jaw, and was born and raised there. Enjoying two medical careers, Darlene and Bob settled down and bought a house. In 1987, Bob was honored for 20 years of service. Due to budget cutbacks in 1991, Bob is now store clerk and printer in charge of all paperwork and supplies in the hospital (and loving it) . Darlene is evening supervisor at the Providence Hospital. They do a lot of traveling with their two children and spent many summer holidays camping in the mountains. Recent summers have been enjoyed at Buffalo Pound Lake, just north of Moose Jaw.
Kristy Smith
Kristy Delaine, daughter of Darlene and Robert Smith, was born May 2, 1982 in Moose Jaw. She is now in grade four, and registered in first-year Girl Guides after completing the Brownie program. After trying skating and dancing, Kristy has found her niche in swimming and has completed eight out of ten badges.
Kevin Smith
Kevin Robert, son of Darlene and Robert Smith, was born January 28, 1986, the same day that the U.S. space shuttle exploded, killing all aboard. He is now in kindergarten and registered in a learn-to-skate hockey program.
HOWARD MILLHAM
Howard Lloyd, the seventh child of Albert and Elsie Millham, was born August 11, 1919 on the family farm at Hazelcliffe, and attended Hazelcliffe School where he completed grade 9. During World War II, he enlisted in the army and took his basic training at Regina before transferring to the air force. Following training in eastern Canada and England, he saw active duty as an air gunner with missions over Germany. Due to ill health, he was transferred back to hospital in Halifax.
In August 1943 Howard married Frances Murphy in New Brunswick and their first son was born there. Following a medical discharge from the air force, Howard and Frances moved back to Saskatchewan where Howard was a patient at Fort San for a time and later a repairman there.
In about 1947, they moved to Moose Jaw where Howard was a carpenter. Three of four years later they moved to Taber, Alberta to continue his trade. Six more children were born to them. Howard and Frances were later divorced.
In the early 1970’s, Howard married Isabel and they lived in Surrey and later Pitt Meadows, B.C. where he passed away on May 11, 1980.
DWIGHT MILLHAM
Dwight Montgomery, the first son of Howard and Frances Millham, was born in July 1944. He died due to eczema in 1946.
DWAYNE MILLHAM
Dwayne Cornelle, the second son of Howard and Frances Millham, was born June 17, 1946.
On October 6, 1974 Dwayne married Barbara and they are both teachers in Calgary where they live. Dwayne has also taught in Germany.
NANCY (MILLHAM) BLASKIN
Mary Nan, the eldest daughter of Howard and Frances Millham, was born August 14, 1948.
On July 26 Nancy married Rick Blaskin and they have two sons. Rick is co-owner/operator of Blaskin & Lane Firestone Stores and Nancy is a computer operator. They reside in Calgary.
Troy Blaskin
Troy, son of Nancy and Rick Blaskin, was born May 4 in Calgary.
Carey Blaskin
Carey, the second son of Nancy and Rick Blaskin, was born June 16, in Calgary.
BONNIE MILLHAM
Bonnie Lee, the second daughter of Howard and Frances Millham, was born August 6, 1950. She works for Alberta Government Telephones in Calgary.
PATRICIA (MILLHAM) LAWRENCE
Patricia Winnifred, the fifth child of Howard and Frances Millham, was born December 19, 1951.
On December 4, 1971 Pat married Allen James Lawrence and they have three children. Jim is a teacher and Pat is a computer operator in Calgary where they live.
Craig Lawrence
Craig, son of Pat and Jim Lawrence, was born December 7 in Calgary.
Kirby Lawrence
Kirby, the second son of Pat and Jim Lawrence, was born March 26.
Bobbi Lawrence
Bobbi, daughter of Pat and Jim Lawrence, was born July 24, 1985 in Calgary.
ANGELA (MILLHAM) MATSUMOTO
Angela Diane, the sixth child of Howard and Frances Millham, was born June 6, 1953.
On June 6 Angela married Jerry Matsumoto and they had two children prior to a divorce. Angela lives in Okotoks, Alberta and works for Carling Brewery in public relations and sales.
Corey Matsumoto
Corey, son of Angela and Jerry Matsumoto, was born in Calgary on December 8.
Jerianne Matsumoto
Jerianne, daughter of Angela and Jerry Matsumoto, was born April 20 in Calgary.
KELLIE (MILLHAM) FINLEY
Kellie Murphy, the youngest daughter of Howard and Frances Millham, was born May 15, 1955.
On October 2, Kellie married Kevin Finley and they reside in Calgary.
ROSS MILLHAM
(submitted 1991)
Ross Edward Millham, the seventh and youngest son of Albert and Elsie Millham, was born August 19, 1927 and attended Hazelcliffe School. In 1940, he moved with his parents to SW28-18-33 W1. Ross joined the Canadian Army for a period of six months in 1945 and upon his return, lived with and worked for his brother Harold and family. In 1948, he moved to Moose Jaw and was employed by the CPR as a fireman until 1956.
On June 16, 1951 Ross married Marion Wonnacott in Wynyard, Saskatchewan and they subsequently adopted two children. From 1956-59, in Moose Jaw, Ross did carpentry work before moving to Taber, Alberta, where he continued his trade until 1964. The family moved to Kamloops, B.C. in 1965. Ross and Marion were divorced in 1971.
Ross moved to Surrey, B.C. in 1985, where he lives at present, and continues with carpentry work. He has specialized in finishing work in new houses. On July 30, 1991, he moved into a new two-bedroom suite in a house his company built four years ago.
EARL MILLHAM
(submitted 1991)
Earl Ross, adopted son of Ross and Marion Millham, was born March 20, 1955 and received a grade 10 education. He is a registered Class C welder and has training in heavy duty mechanics.
On July 9, 1983 Earl married Jeanette Richards (born December 3, 1956) with whom he had lived since July 1977. Jeannette [sic?] is an upholsterer’s assistant and seamstress. They lived in Medicine Hat, Alberta, and Summerland, Kamloops and Whitecroft Village, B.C. before moving to Prince George, B.C. in 1985. They hope to buy land and stay there. They have two children.
Earl’s interest is in stock cars and racing. The family races a Bomber #33, which is number 1 in points standing – Earl is the crew chief.
Jennifer Millham
Jennifer Janean, daughter of Earl and Jeanette Millham, was born July 2, 1979. She is very artistic and loves bike riding and riding motorcycle with her dad.
Jonathon Millham
Jonathon Earl Ross, son of Earl and Jeanette Millham, was born October 6, 1984. He loves cars, riding his bike, and riding motorcycle with his dad.
CHERYL (MILLHAM) McKENZIE
(submitted 1991)
Cheryl Jean, adopted daughter of Ross and Marion Millham, was born December 31, 1959.
On May 19, 1978 Cheryl married Darryl McKenzie and they had four children prior to a divorce. Cheryl now lives in Kamloops and is raising her children.
Nicholas McKenzie
Nicholas Ross, the eldest son of Cheryl and Darryl McKenzie, was born November 27, 1979.
Kevin McKenzie
Kevin Earl, the second son of Cheryl and Darryl McKenzie, was born July 23, 1981.
Shawna McKenzie
Shawna Joyce, daughter of Cheryl and Darryl McKenzie, was born March 4, 1983.
Thomas McKenzie
Thomas Kyle, the youngest son of Cheryl and Darryl McKenzie, was born September 24, 1984.