Frank Edward Cushon

Frank Edward Cushon, Oxbow, Saskatchewan

November 8, 1917 -- October 3, 2020

We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Frank Cushon at the Gainsborough Health Centre on October 3, 2020, five weeks before his 103rd birthday.

The youngest son of the late Harold and Agnes (Black) Cushon, Frank was predeceased by his wife, Violet (Berntson) and sons, Lynn and Allan, as well as sister, Nellie and brothers, Norman, Allan and George.

He is survived by sons, Sandy (Karen Omelan), Hal (Dianne Jordan) and Ian (Jo-Anne); daughters-in-law, Janice Cushon and Ulrike Veith; grandchildren, Jennifer (Craig Silliphant), Ian, Kate (Scott Ardelan), Kevin, Liam and Anna, and great-grandchildren, Luke and Imogen.

Frank was born on a farm in the Palestine district northeast of Oxbow. One hundred years ago this Fall, the family moved to the farm now run by Ian and Jo-Anne.

In his 102 years, Frank wore many hats. As well as family man and farmer, he was a musician, gardener, sheep man, Border collie trainer, tree planter, conservationist and celebrated bread and biscuit maker.

Frank spent many happy hours in his garden. He was especially proud of his apple trees, all developed on the prairies. He was convinced that his Rocket tomatoes were the earliest and the best. Everything was happily shared with friends and family.

In 1981, Frank and Violet built a new house and retired to Oxbow. In town, Frank gladly gave free music lessons to neighbourhood youngsters.

During the growing season, he would help on the farm, tend to the farm garden and share his "wisdom" with the next generation.

Frank was never one to dwell on his advancing years -- forget your age, just live your life. He rode his bicycle to coffee row and around the farm into his nineties.

Frank was an avid reader and a keen observer of news and current events. Like many of his generation, he was strongly influenced by the Great Depression. Nothing was wasted or thrown out, and Frank could make any farm equipment last far beyond its useful life. His sons were known to tease him about the weight of the welding rods in just about every implement!

Like every other Saskatchewan farmer, our father kept a keen eye on the weather. For over 50 years he recorded the daily temperature and rainfall for Environment Canada.

Frank was a supporter of the good works of the community, and a firm believer in the cooperative spirit. He was an active member of the Saskatchewan Farmers Union and the National Farmers Union. Frank sat on the hospital and church boards and sang in the St. Paul’s choir. He helped to launch the Ralph Allan Museum and the Bow Valley Villa.

Frank was one of the original board members when the Co-op first opened a grocery store in Oxbow. It was a proud day for us in 2016 when he was asked to cut the ribbon to open the new Co-op store.

Our father was a man with strong opinions about everything from the value of mulch to the latest political shenanigans, preferably shared over a cup of strong coffee. He has left us a lifetime of stories that will help us through this difficult time.

Our thanks to Dr. Botha and Dr. Hyman, the staff at the Galloway Health Centre, the Bow Valley Villa and the Gainsborough Health Centre for the care and kindness they showed to Frank.

We also thank his many friends for their kind words and support. The family looks forward to a day when we can invite everyone to a celebration of his life.

Donations in memory of Frank may be made to the Bow Valley Villa, Box 207, Oxbow, SK. S0C 2B0 or to the charity of your choice.

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