Obituary of Elizabeth Larson

LARSON - Beth Larson, beloved wife of Cliff of Kelliher, passed away on August 22, 2009 at the Pasqua Hospital in Regina following a brave battle with cancer. Elizabeth (Beth) Francis Hakstian was born in Kamloops, BC to Dr. Arthur and Mary Hakstian. A short time later Dr. Hakstian moved the family to Vancouver where Beth received her education, and she moved to Sas katchewan later on. Cliff and Beth were married in April of 1982 and enjoyed many activities together. They loved to travel and fish, making many trips to Fishing Lake and north to LaRonge. In recent years, their travel took them to Hawaii enjoying warmer weather and a break from the long Saskatchewan winters. Beth spent many years as an Avon Representative and when the opportunity presented itself she took the job as District Manager. She had the distinction of managing the largest Avon district in Canada. It was a position to which she excelled, winning numerous achievement awards to include trips to Bali, Rome and Jamaica. She was also active locally in the Lioness Club, once a member of the Order of Eastern Star and enjoyed her tenure with the Saskatchewan Small Business Loans Association, (SBLA). Even though Beth's job with Avon kept her away from home a lot, she was always willing to lend a hand wherever and whenever she was needed. Not one to sit still, Beth had a zest for life and could keep busy. A strong personality, once she put her mind to it, was capable of anything. She was an avid reader, kept up with current events and always enjoyed a spirited discussion of world news and politics. Beth had many interests, in the winter she liked to knit, awaiting the arrival of spring and the return of her hummingbirds. While tending her garden in summer, she enjoyed the antics of their resident squirrel. She would often call him and tuck peanuts into the knot holes of the tree for him to retrieve. She loved her flowers, garden and fruit trees and enjoyed making jams and jellies with the fruits from them. Beth is survived by her loving husband, Clifford and her two children: Bruce (Angie) Simpson of Calgary, AB, and Lorrie Simpson (Murray Swan) of Kelowna, BC. Brothers: Dr. Robert (Michelle) Harris of St. Catherines, ON, Dr. Ralph (Dr. Lorette Woolsey) Hakstian of Vancouver, BC. Clifford's children: Kim (Dave) Christman of Antelope, MT, Laurel (Keith) Clawson of Plentywood, MT, Kris (Chrissy) Larson of Pincher Creek, AB, and Doug (Vicky Golby) Larson of Alliance, AB; 14 grandchildren; 4 great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceeded in death by her parents Arthur and Mary Hakstian. The funeral service was held on Saturday, September 12, 2009 from St. Vladimir's Church in Kelliher. Rev. Brian Mee of the United Church of Canada officiated. Organist, Joel Canning led the congregation in the singing of the hymns 'Come and Find the Quiet Centre', 'In the Bulb There is a Flower', and 'Give to us Laughter'. Tributes were given by Bob Harris and Karen Olafson. Joel Canning accompanied by Lenore Rein, sang Handel's Ombra Mai Fu. The urnbearer was Kirstin Canning. Cremation & funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Sunday, September 12th, 2010 2:00pm, St. Paul's United Church