Obituary of Frank Halliday

HALLIDAY - Mr. Frank Halliday, beloved husband of Marianne of the Tonkin district passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at the Yorkton Regional Health Centre following a brief illness. He was 76 years of age. Frank Thomas Halliday was born on October 1, 1935 at Yorkton; a son of Thomas and Blanche (nee Pollock) Halliday. He was raised on the family farm and received his education at the Armstrong School and the Yorkton Collegiate Institute. As a young man, Frank ventured out on his own to find work. He worked in Winnipeg and later Calgary, before eventually returning back to the family farm in the Tonkin district, where he resided until his passing. He began employment with the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, in their livestock division, a career that would span some 32 years of service. On September 19, 1969, he was united in marriage to Marianne Wirl at Langenburg. In addition to his career at the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, Frank had a life-long hobby raising thoroughbred horses. From a very young age he took a keen interest and it would become a true passion of his in later years. He won numerous awards and produced many stakes winners in the racing and show circuits throughout the province and spent most of his life involved in the industry. But of equal importance to Frank was his family, he took great interest in the activities of his children. In later years, his cherished grandchildren became a big part of his life. They were his pride and joy. His face would light up and his eyes would sparkle whenever his grandkids came to visit. He often said that without them, life would be nothing. Frank was a gentle, loving, and generous soul. He had many lifelong friends, and always would run into a friend wherever he went. Frank will be dearly missed and loved by his family and all who knew him. Predeceased by his parents; a brother James (and Anne) Halliday, and by a brother-in-law John MacDonald. Frank leaves to mourn his passing his beloved wife Marianne; son Randy (Anita) of Saskatoon; daughter Sherri (Wayne) Sherstabitoff of Yorkton; and son Kelly of the Tonkin district; five special grandchildren: Taylor, Zachary, Carter, McKenna and Jensyn. A brother Robert (Peggy) Halliday of the Tonkin district; sisters Isabelle MacDonald of Winnipeg and Myrtle (John) Johnson of Kelowna; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and his many other relatives and friends. The prayer vigil service was held on Friday evening, December 2, 2011 from St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church in Yorkton. Father Francis Hengen presided. Anita Halliday read scripture and Kevin Spelay gave a tribute. Organist, Pam Yaremko led the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Be Not Afraid', Psalm 103 & 'Day Is Done'. The Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, December 3, 2011 from St. Gerard's Church with Father Francis Hengen as Celebrant. The lay-readers were Cheryl Tiller and Shauna Wirl. The crossbearer was Zachary Halliday. The gift bearers were the grandchildren: McKenna & Jensyn, Taylor & Carter. Organist, Lorraine Lysak led members of the Parish Choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'How Great Thou Art', Psalm 145, 'Come Home', 'Amazing Grace', 'Song of the Angels' & 'Praise the Lord With the Sound of Trumpet'. The interment followed in the Yorkton Memorial Gardens with Colin Wirl, Bob Halliday, David Wirl, Kevin Spelay, Ken Wanner and Clinton Halliday serving as the casketbearers. Arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Saturday, December 3rd, 2011 1:00pm, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton Memorial Gardens