Obituary of Art Alstad

ALSTAD - Art (James Arthur) Alstad passed away on January 15, 2013 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. He was 92 years of age. Art was born on the 17th of November 1920, in the Morse-Riverhurst area of Saskatchewan. His dedication to his family and country go without question. He was always kind and considerate and dealt with everything in a fair manner. He lived his life with dignity, compassion, understanding and had a true and gentle heart. Art was the fifth child and third son of John and Anna (Thung) Alstad. He received all of his education at Niobe, a country school. His early youth and teen years were spent on the farm, which included market gardening. This was in the "Dust Bowl" during the dirty thirties. He joined the Army in 1942 and served in Canada, the Italian Campaign, England and the European continent. At first with the Anti-Aircraft unit but due to poor vision was later relegated to 2nd Echelon. Upon discharge, he moved to the Melfort district where he first worked on a dray. Then at an iron works for a few years and later at Power Line Construction. He met and later married Evelyn Mackie, in 1952 at the All Saints Anglican Church, Melfort. They raised three daughters, Heather, Roxanne and Shari. In 1966, the family moved to Yorkton, where Art was in partnership with Tower Line Construction until 1973 when he sold his interest but continued to work there for a couple of years. Later, he and his wife Evelyn operated a convenience store known as the Last Chance Grocery before selling out and retiring in 1983. His past times were golfing, bowling, cards and dancing. Art will also be remembered for his humour & quick wit. Art was very involved with the Royal Canadian Legion, where he served as Branch President for a term and was an active committee member. He received a life membership and the Legion's highest honor, the Meritorious Service Medal and Palm Leaf for his dedication. He was predeceased by his wife Evelyn, his parents, 3 sisters: Clara (Martin) Jorgenson, Olette (Bill) Robson and Lillian (Howard) Johnson. 2 brothers: Andrew (Alice) Alstad and Palmer Alstad. One granddaughter: Amy Lianne Ostafie, 3 brothers in law: Martin Jorgenson, Bill Robson and Leslie (Scottie) Mackie as well as numerous friends. He leaves to mourn his passing, his three daughters: Heather (Robert) Doroshenko, Roxanne Alstad and Shari (Tony) Ostafie. Six grandchildren, decending in age: Craig Alstad, Michael (Kari) Ostafie, Scott Doroshenko, Ryan (Teresa) Doroshenko, Lianne (Matt) Ostafie and Ashley Ostafie as well as three great-grandchildren: Ayden Ostafie, Brayden Ostafie and Charlie Ostafie. Also a brother in law Howard Johnson, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and his many other relatives and friends. The funeral service was held on Saturday, January 19th 2013 from Holy Trinity Anglican Church in Yorkton with Rev. Kim Salo officiating. Reflections & remembrances were given by Ashley Ostafie and Scott Doroshenko. Organist, Judy Berg led members of the church choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'In the Garden', and 'The King of Love My Shepherd Is'. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion, General Alexander Ross branch #77, Yorkton attended the service and gave the Legion Tribute Service. The interment took place in the Garden of Memories Columbarium at the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Craig Alstad as the urnbearer. A reception followed in the Family Centre Reception Room. Condolences can be left at baileysfuneralhome.com. Memorials were to the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens