Obituary of Hugh Sweatman

Mr. Hugh Sweatman.beloved husband of Esta of Kelliher, passed away following a brief illness on Monday, October 17, 2005 at the Regina General Hospital. He was 87 years of age. Hugh Price Sweatman was born on February 27, 1918 at Melville, Saskatchewan; a son of Gilbert Osborne and Gertrude Hilda (nee Lunn) Sweatman. He was raised on the family farm in the Eastward School district and received his education at Eastward School. As a young man, Hugh worked for a couple of years as a farm hand in the Shoal Lake district of Manitoba. He fondly reminisced of how he rode his bicycle there. Like many young men his age, Hugh enlisted with the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving as an LAC in the RCAF from June 23, 1942 until his discharge on April 25, 1946. During his tenure in the air force, Hugh served overseas in England, servicing aircraft engines, from the fighter planes right up to the bombers. One of his fondest memories was walking into the Rock of Ages in the Cheddar Gorge in England while on leave. On November 5, 1947 Hugh was united in marriage to Esta Audrey Wright at St. Paul's United Church in Kelliher. With the exception of his military service, Hugh farmed all his life. He served on the Board of Directors of the Kelliher CO-OP for 30 years; a member of St. Paul's United Church since 1936 and had served as an elder and treasurer for 14 years. Hugh was also a long time member of the Kelliher branch #219 of the Royal Canadian Legion. Predeceased by his parents, Gilbert and Hilda (Lunn), Muriel (sister in infancy), brothers and sisters-in-law, Vincent (Ina), Ken (Thelma) and Margaret (sister-in-law). He leaves to cherish his memory, his beloved wife Esta; two daughters and three sons: ELAINE of Regina and her family Gordon, Jim (Jody); Dennis (Leona) of Winnipeg and Twila (Wes), Letitia (Chris); JONAH (Faye) of La Ronge; MARILEE (Wayne) of Wadena and Nancy & Ian; and JACK (Liz) of Kelliher and Geoffrey & Erica; three great grandchildren: Telietha, Aazriel and Athena. Also a brother Eric (Jean) of Rosetown and numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral service was held on Friday, October 21, 2005 from St. Vladimir's Church in Kelliher with Rev. Brian Mee of the United Church of Canada officiating. Recollections and remembrances were give by Jonah Sweatman. Organist, Lenore Rein led members of the choir and the congregation in the singing of the hymns How Great Thou Art, In the Garden and Rock of Ages. The choir sang as their anthem Near to the Heart of God. Members of the Royal Canadian Legion attended as a group, gave the Legion Tribute Service and formed an honor guard outside the church at the conclusion of the service. Casketbearers were Murray Drayton, Ken Faure, Glen Clark, Allan Wilson, Joe Lambert and Bert deGooijer. A reception followed in the lower hall of the church. Arrangements were entrusted to Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Friday, October 21st, 2005 2:00pm, St. Vladimir's Church