Arthur Liick passed away peacefully at the Idylwyld Lodge on September 13, 2013 at the age of 82 years. Arthur was born in a sod-roofed shack on the original homestead of his parents, Robert and Margaret (nee Beck), in the Stokes District near Belbutte, Saskatchewan on July 17, 1931. On his seventh birthday, fire destroyed the newer home into which the family had moved and Arthur helped to build the log house that replaced it. His attendance at the Stokes country-school sometimes depended on farm duties and Arthur left after Grade 8. However, these work experiences would pay dividends later; while working his own land he often applied the skills he had learned as a boy. A neighbour once commented that when Arthur built something–it was built to last! Despite an abbreviated schooling, Arthur remained an engaged learner throughout his lifetime. In addition to earning his high school equivalency, he taught himself many useful trade skills that would complement his farming career and had completed courses in everything from small engine repair to personal computing.

In 1950, war broke out on the Korean peninsula and Arthur joined the Canadian Army, seeing active service with the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, as part of the Special Force sent by the United Nations. On returning to Canada he continued his military career as an artillery instructor, progressing to the rank of Corporal.

It was in Regina that Arthur met his wife of over 59 years, Velma (nee Ostapowich) of Sheho, Saskatchewan. They were married on June 4, 1954 and a daughter, Brenda, arrived in 1956. In 1957, Arthur transferred to Shilo, Manitoba, and a son, Brian, was born in 1958. After leaving the military in 1960, Arthur acquired two quarters of land across the road from the family farm. Another son, Brent, was born in 1962. In 1966, Arthur joined the Corps Commissionaires at Dundurn and by 1968 had begun a career with the Post Office, retiring in 1992 as post master at Medstead. Through these years Arthur actively farmed his land and after Velma’s retirement, they happily settled on the farm together until 2012.

Arthur is survived by his wife, Velma, and son Brian, both of Medstead; daughter, Brenda (Kent) McLeod of Young, and grandchildren, Erin (Sean) Campbell of Edmonton, Earl (Danielle) McLeod, and great granddaughter, Olivia, of Zealandia; and son Brent of North Battleford. He is also survived by a sister Erna (John) Peters and brother Oswald (Christa) all of Abbottsford, BC; and brothers Luther (Margaret) of Creston, BC; Harold (Sharon) of Swift Current, Alvin of Sifton, MB; and numerous nieces and nephews. Arthur was predeceased by his parents, Robert Liick and Margaret (Liick) Holm.

A service was held on Wednesday, September 18, 2013 and Arthur was interred at Medstead Cemetery with Delores Beaulac presiding. In lieu of flowers, donations in Arthur’s memory may be made to the Idywyld Lodge Auxillary, PO Box 159, Spiritwood, SK S0J 2M0.

Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com

The family has entrusted the funeral arrangements to Lori Saam of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home of Spiritwood, SK 306-883-3500.

• Date : 2013-09-13 06:00:00