Raymond Warren Vall aka Big R, age 86, a long-time resident of Chagoness, Saskatchewan, but more recently he resided at Parkland Place in Melfort, SK, passed away on January 06, 2014.
Raymond was born on the Vall farm on May 23, 1928. There he spent most of his life as a farmer and innovator. Raymond took over the full-time farming operation of the Vall Homestead in 1951 when his father, Peder Vall, died of cancer.
Raymond attended Flint school in rural Saskatchewan, but quickly realized that at heart, he was a farmer. He spent his life close to the land, but was always a forward thinker.
Raymond married Victoria Stasiuk on February 18, 1952. They had four children Debra, Randal, Joy and Brett. His son Randal predeceased Raymond on September 12, 2009. Raymond had the great fortune to grandparent 14 grandchildren, 9 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great grandchildren.
He invented many farming implements to assist his work. Raymond’s junk (treasure) yard was known all over Saskatchewan as they place you could find, for example, an alternator for a 1936 Chevy!! His children remember him building a grain truck from pieces of other vehicles, even crimping the metal for the box himself.
Raymond had a great love of animals even his cows. We clearly remember one milk cow that stayed home from pasture one summer. This cow followed him around the yard and would “moo” outside the house in the morning until he would come out.
Raymond cherished each one of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-children. If there was a baby in the house, it was on Raymond’s lap – most often cuddling or learning to “Row the Boat”. I’m sure that not one the children can hear this song without evoking memories of Raymond smiling at a baby.
Raymond’s hobbies and other loves included old time dancing; he was a marvelous dancer, cards, and board games. Raymond also taught himself carpentry, electrical wiring and plumbing. He plumbed and wired his own house and many of the neighbors’ homes.
Raymond remained healthy and strong until his mid-seventies. He often joked that he was always chosen to be the one to crawl under the South Star church when it came time to inspect the floor. Unfortunately, Raymond developed Parkinson’s disease in his mid-seventies which eventually robbed him of his incredible physical strength, humor, and independence.
At Raymond’s request, there will be no funeral service. Contributions can be made to the Saskatchewan Parkinson’s Disease Foundation in lieu of flowers.

• Date : 2015-01-06