Velma Harley was born in the middle of the Great Depression, second child and only daughter to Warren “Buck” and Mary Harley. She and her brother Lorne were raised in Prince Albert, SK. She was educated as a teacher at teachers college in 1956 in Saskatoon. 

Velma married Harold Apesland in 1957 and they had three boys within the first 5 years of marriage: Brent, Warren, and Kirk. And if those boys weren’t tricky enough to handle, the family was blessed with their only daughter, Tara, in 1964. Velma taught school for a number of years as the family moved around the province; moving back to Prince Albert in 1964. Summers were spent at Waskesiu with family friends around and a new generation growing up at the lake. The family moved to Weldon in 1973 where Velma opened a restaurant and operated it from their home in 1978.

In 1979, Velma struck out on her own finding rewards in social work within the community. She traveled often with Tara, enjoying Hawaii most of all, sharing it with friends; and she loved Vegas trips!

Velma moved to Regina in 1994 and babysat Tara’s new family. They all moved to an acreage in Lumsden in 2004 where she lived with them until this spring; moving into a care facility in Imperial, SK. in March. The staff at the home enjoyed their time with her, their lively conversations and visits! Velma could cook wonderfully and has left that as a legacy, in particular to Cassidy who has been taught all her secrets!

Velma was predeceased by her parents Warren “Buck” and Mary Harley, her niece Susan, and her grandson Chase. Sadly Tara, her daughter, passed only a short time ago on November 25, 2014. She is survived by Tara’s family, Velma’s son-in-law Darrel, her grandson Cole, and her granddaughter Cassidy; all who miss Tara immensely. Velma also leaves to mourn her loss her sons Brent (Katherine), Warren (Debbie), and Kirk (Weifang); her brother Lorne (Irene); nephew and niece Robert and Kimberly; grandchildren Jillian and Ilyasse and great-granddaughter Leila, granddaughter Kelsy and Russ and great-grandsons Jack and Wyatt; grandson Mathew and Stefanie, granddaughter Alexandra, granddaughter Miranda (Darcy) and great-granddaughter Emelyn, granddaughters Jari and Kali.

In respect of Velma’s wishes, she has been cremated and there was no service. Keep her great smile, her wonderful meals, her wonderful energetic ways….. in your memories and your hearts.

“May the road rise up to meet you.
May the wind always be at your back.
May the sun shine warm upon your face,
and the rains fall soft upon your fields.
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.”
– Irish Blessing

• Date : 2015-06-06