Obituary of Wilfred Pister

Mr. Wilfred Pister of Big River, Sask. passed away December 25, 2009 at the age of 75 years. Wilfred was born January 26, 1934 in Hague, SK. The family moved to Garthland, Sask. where he worked with his father running a steamer for a saw mill. He moved to Big River in the 1940's and drove truck with his dad hauling freight. Wilfred and Ted McKenzie worked in the oil rigs in Alberta and Southern Sask. He then met Florence Anderson and they were married on May 25th, 1955. Wilfred and Florence resided in Big River. He helped with the construction of the mill down by Cowan Lake and worked in the logging industry. He worked in the bush at Smoothstone, Tea Creek and other areas. Wilfred worked in the logging industry until the retiring of the Bodmin Sawmill after 40 years of service. Wilfred and his brother Clarence went into business together in the 1970's, they farmed, raised cattle and owned and operated a backhoe business, while they were both employed at the sawmill. Wilfred was involved in coaching hockey with Andy Lomsnes. Wilfred's passions were his family, gardening, farming, playing cards and of course horse racing. He was very proud that one of his horses "The Doc's Back" still holds the track record for a 1-1/16 mile at Marquis Downs in Saskatoon. Wilfred leaves to cherish his memory: His children: Marlow (Judy) Pister of Big River, SK; Heather Pister (Barry) of Watrous, SK; Kyle Pister of Big River, SK; Treena (Bruce) Leverton of Big River, SK; Vonda (Marc) Frenette of Big River, SK. His grandchildren: Cole Pister of Big River, SK; Aimee Pister of Saskatoon, SK; Lonnie Crashley of Big River, SK; Kaylene Crashley (Jordon Stanford) of Watrous, SK; Jesse Leverton (Tabitha) of Prince Albert, SK; Gary Leverton (Chantelle) & son Reese of Lloydminster, SK and Warren Leverton of Big River, SK. His brothers & sisters: Kaye Whitehead of Vernon, BC; Edna (Delbert) Sundby of Kamloops, BC; Gladys Page of Chilliwack, BC; Clarence (Pricilla) Pister of Big River, SK; Vern (Sherry) Pister of Edmonton, AB; Stan (Minnie) Pister of Courtney, BC and Barb (Darcy) White of Australia. Numerous other nieces, nephews and relatives. Wilfred was predeceased by: His loving wife Florence "Tootsie" (Jan 5, 2009), his sister Shirley Ann; his parents Peter & Martha Pister; his brothers-in-law Wesley Whitehead, Peter Page and a nephew Lyle Anderson. The funeral service for Mr. Pister was held on Wednesday, December 30th at 2:00 pm in the Big River Community Hall with Delores Beaulac officiating. Ken & Deedie Lomsnes gave the eulogy. Honorary Pallbearers were "all of his friends and relatives." Active Pallbearers were: Lonnie Crashley, Bruce Leverton, Warren Leverton, Cole Pister, Marc Frenette and Jordan Stanford. Wilfred was laid to rest in the Big River Cemetery