Frederick Merl Scrivens
(November 25 – 1932 – December 12, 2011)

Frederick Merl Scrivens, late of Birch Hills, was born in Canada in the Derby district south of Kinistino on November 25, 1932. His mother was Florence May and his father was Frederick Thomas. He had one sister, Sylvia (Meyers). His father, mother and sister homesteaded in that area in 1928 four years after emigrating from England.

Dad’s grandfather was also “Frederick” making dad at least Frederick the 3rd. Fred and Norma’s son is named Frederick Dean, and Dean has a son named Frederick Jonathan. The name goes on.

The Scrivens farm was carved out of a very hilly and light soil area. At one point they had pigs, chickens and a few cattle. They also did a small amount of grain farming. Dad’s father was not very healthy and so from a very young age, dad was the “bread winner” for the family. He did the majority of the farming enabling the family to survive. He also learned how to hunt wild game and due to their location there was lots of game to be had. Dad’s father passed away in 1952. He remained on the farm with his mother until 1957 when they moved to town.

In 1958, dad married Norma Stausland, the girl of his dreams. We still have the cross country skis that he used to travel several miles in the winter to visit the Stausland farm. After their marriage dad started a lifelong career as mechanic. He initially started out as an automotive mechanic, but later moved into Heavy Duty mechanics. He worked in Birch Hills as well as Prince Albert.

Dean has many fond memories of going with his dad to many farms during harvest to help repair all kinds of machinery. Even after his retirement he did lots of work for people. It seems that he had a passion to help – both friends and family – often going out of his way to help someone else. It didn’t seem to matter what he was doing for himself – he would willingly drop that and go and help someone else. If you ask any of his children or grandchildren they would all agree that “Grandpa can and would fix anything”.

Dad was on many boards and committees over the years including the Birch Hills Fire Department for 35 years, the Birch Hills Housing Authority, the Birch Hills Curling Club and so on.

Dad had a unique way of smiling. All of his children and grandchildren will agree that he could smile “upside down”. He did this with a sparkle in his eye. At least one of his grandchildren has acquired this trait.

Dad could be found at every gathering around town, and if he wasn’t found with his violin in hand, everyone knew that he had been singing at whatever event he had been attending. Of course he loved getting the chance to visit as well. Dad never met a stranger, no one stays a stranger once you say hello.

Dad will be missed by all of his family and friends, his church family, as well as the nursing home staff and residents where he provided entertainment with his violin and voice for many years.

Dad was predeceased by his parents, Frederick Thomas and Florence, his sister Sylvia and brother in law Ben Meyers, his sister-in-law Ruby and brother- in- law Arthur Hegg.

Dad leaves to mourn his wife Norma of 53 years, his son Dean Scrivens and his wife Dalyce, their children Jonathan and his wife Kaylyn, Janelle and her husband Tyler and Nathan and his fiancé Deanne; his daughter Heather Dyck and her husband Norm, their children Jordan and his wife Caren, Michael and his wife Rae, Christopher and his wife Jill, and Timothy and by his daughter Cindy Jensen and her husband Sheldon and their children Kyle, Colby and Avery.

Dad’s nine great grandchildren, Danae, Aimee, Karlin, Hailey, Penelope, Molly, Nathan, Addison and Tristan are left to learn about and carry on his legacy of faith and love.

He is also survived by his nephews Dennis, Allan, Brian, Roland, Gilbert, Darcy, and Boyd, his nieces Brenda and Debbie, and their families.

Dad will be missed by all.

Arrangements in care of Northern Funeral Service, MacKenzie Chapel. Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors. 306.763.8488 www.northernfuneralservice.ca

• Date : 2011-12-12 06:00:00