Gwendolyn Elaine (Petch) Haaland

Gwen was born in Moose Jaw on December 27, 1931 and passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at the family cabin at Kenosee Lake. She is survived by her son, Doug (Laurie) of Kenosee Lake; two daughters, Kathy (Scott) Blackstock of Estevan and Tami (Ian) Scott of Oxbow; her cherished grandchildren, Lyndsay (Kody) and Erin (Colten) Haaland, Brett (Krista) Blackstock, Kalah (Brendan) Blackstock, Jessie (Dusty) Blackstock, Ali Scott and Mason Scott and her great-grandson, Ethan Devine; as well as her brother-in-law, Harold (Doreen) Haaland and numerous nieces and nephews.

Gwen was predeceased by her husband, Les; parents, Harold and Bernice Petch; brother, Jack (Keroline) Petch; sister, Margaret (Allan) Jackson; a brother in infancy; in-laws, Harry and Minnie Haaland, Aileen (Neil) Matthie, Eunice (Robert) McClaren, Grace (Jim) Waldner; son-in-law, Orvin Black and great-nephew, Shaun Guillemin.

Gwen was a woman on the move all of her life, first as the daughter of a station agent and then as the wife of a banker, with over 20 relocations, the last being to Hillview Manor in Estevan. She completed her Registered Nursing education in 1953, and married Les in 1954. Gwen nursed in most of the communities that she lived in, whether as a hospital duty nurse, the “village nurse”, doctors’ offices, Home Care or medical administration.

Over the years, Gwen volunteered and was involved in many organizations, with a highlight being a volunteer assignment in Montserrat, West Indies where she and Les helped to develop the local cottage craft industry. Her involvement in the Order of the Eastern Star spanned over 50 years, and she held senior offices locally, provincially and internationally. Les and Gwen traveled extensively with their Eastern Star activities. She supported her community in various locations across the province through the Hospital Auxiliary, Kinettes, Al Anon, Home and School, church boards, ladies aid and Welcome Wagon. She helped with organizing the Bow Valley Villa in Oxbow and served on its Board and Auxiliary. Fun activities through her life included sewing, knitting, crocheting, crafts of all kinds, curling and supporting her children’s activities through Figure Skating and Hockey committees. Even with all of her community involvement, Gwen preferred and relished in one-on-one conversations with her family and friends. She could be counted on for her strong opinions and sense of humour.

The last ten years of Gwen’s life were filled with physical pain and loneliness for Les, who had passed away in 2008. While we will miss our mom and grandma deeply, our grief is tempered by the contentment and joy at which she reached the end of her life’s journey.

Donations may be made in Gwen’s name to Galloway Health Centre Trust (Equipment Fund) or the Bow Valley Villa, both located in Oxbow, Saskatchewan.  Arrangements in care of Redpath Funeral Home, Oxbow. Messages of condolence may be placed at www.redpathfuneralhome.com. 

A  private family service took place on Saturday, September 5, 2020 at the Oxbow Cemetery.

 Service Information