1922 – 2016

Sadly, on Saturday, December 17, 2016, the family of Mr. Bernard Schatkoske, late of Shellbrook, announce the passing of their brother, father, grandfather and very good friend, at the age of 94 years.  Bernard was born on June 7, 1922 to John and Rosalie Schatkoske.  He had two older siblings, Georgean and Frieda, followed by two younger siblings Martin and Elsie.  The family lived and farmed in the Waldeck district, near Swift Current, until 1934 when they moved north to settle at Sturgeon River.

Bernard attended Sturgeon River School and was a member of the Luther League.  He helped his parents on the farm and also kept busy with some trapping.  In the spring of 1938 he was employed going from farm to farm cleaning seed grain.  During harvest time, Bernard worked out stooking and threshing.  In the fall of 1940, Bernard and his father went to National Mills, Manitoba to work in the bush. During this time, he also did some beekeeping in addition to all the farm work which included working the land with horse and plough.                                                               

In 1941, Bernard enlisted in the Canadian Army taking his basic training in Regina and Prince Albert, followed by further training in Ontario.  Bernard received his embarkment papers for service overseas and was then transferred to Camp Fort Henry in Kingston, Ontario and served as military police performing guard duty.  He was discharged from service in 1946 receiving the Canadian Volunteer Service medal.

After discharge from the army, Bernard came home to farm with his father and his brother Martin. With his brother Martin, they farmed as well as did brush cutting, piling and breaking.  In the winter of 1946 Bernard worked with a survey crew for Ducks Unlimited at Cumberland House, travelling on snowshoes and living in tents.  The winters of 1947-53 were spent working out cutting cordwood at Twedsmuir and doing bush work with the saw mills at Bittern Lake, Candle Lake, Montreal Lake, and Cowan Dam at Big River.  Bernard also was employed by Waite Fisheries hauling fish with Bombardier and truck at Buffalo Narrows.

In June 1954, Bernard married the love of his life, Betty Larsen of the Cookson District.  They lived on the Lundell land which Bernard had purchased in 1949.  A new home was built in 1962.  The brush cutting outfit was sold and the young couple went into mixed farming.  In 1968 all the cattle were sold and the hog operation was expanded.  In 1978 the hogs were sold and they stayed with grain farming.  During this time, three children were born: Ann, Lynn and Neil.  In 1998, a move was made to a newly built house in the town of Shellbrook where Betty enjoyed her golfing and social life, and Bernard continued to be active on the farm with Neil. Sadly, Betty passed away in June 2009.

Bernard was genuinely devoted to his family and committed to community.  He was a community builder most of his life.  Some of his many involvements included:  the Cookson Snowplough Club, the Wheat Pool Board, charter member of the Shellbrook Credit Union, Community Clinic in Prince Albert, Co-op Board, member of the Legion Branch in Shellbrook.  He dedicated years of work to the maintenance of the Sturgeon River Chapel and cemetery grounds.  After the move to Shellbrook, he devoted many hours to the upkeep and maintenance of the Legion cenotaph yard and garden.  He enjoyed curling, dancing, ice fishing and good live music.  But, what he loved most was working on his farm or in his shop.

Bernard lived a full and storied life.  He was fortunate to spend time with all his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by his family and the community.   Bernard is lovingly survived by his children, Ann Dupuis and her children, Daniel Dupuis, Tara Dupuis and Sabrina Dupuis; Lynn (Carl) Piper; Neil (Lisa) Schatkoske and their children, Adam, Josée and Ayli Schatkoske; his sister, Elsie Allyn; his brother-in-law, Arnold (Helen) Larsen; his sister-in-law, Faye Larsen Turnbull; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives. Bernard was predeceased by his wife, Betty Schatkoske in 2009; his parents, John and Rosalie Schatkoske; his parent’s in-law, Isak and Margit Larsen; his sisters, Georgean (Bill) Main and Frieda (Warner) Read; his brother, Martin (Evelyn) Schatkoske and an infant brother; his son-in-law, Martin Dupuis; and his brother-in-law, Trygve Larsen.

There was a Memorial Service held for Bernard on Thursday, December 22, 2016 at St. John’s Lutheran Church with Pastor Trent Felstrom officiating.  Bernard was laid to rest in Prince Albert Memorial Gardens. In lieu of tributes, memorial donations may be made in memory of Bernard to the Shellbrook & Districts Health Services Foundation. Family and friends wishing to send private online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com  Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart – Director (Shellbrook 306-747-2828).

• Date : 2016-12-17