Wilf passed away after a short and courageous battle with cancer at the Melfort Union Hospital on June 12, 2012. He was born in Scott, Saskatchewan to Balzer and Eva (Kessel) Veller on November 4, 1944. His first seven years of life were spent on a farm in the Revenue district before the family moved to Unity, Saskatchewan. It was in Unity that Wilf spent the rest of his childhood and adolescent years.
Wilf is survived by his wife, of almost 46 years, Judy and their two children Trevor (Angel) and Shannon (Rod) Bowes. He leaves behind six grandchildren: Nick (Lacey) Veller, Amber Veller (Christian), Tanya (Jay) Hamel, Shawna (Steve) Beier, Justin & Austin Bowes, five great grandchildren: Chanelle, Athena, Ariana, Trevor and Mya,. Wilf is also survived by brothers Ron (Rae), Clifford, his sister Betty Anne Blaine (Don Westerman) as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Balzer & Eva and three infant sisters (Edith Elaine, Linda, Louise).
Upon completing his high school education Wilf attended SIAST and completed a Certified Nursing Assistant Program. He worked from 1966-71 as a nurse in Kindersley and Saskatoon and during this time completed his studies in the field of Hospital Administration. He began his career as a hospital administrator in Leader (1971-76) moving on to Tisdale for a short period of time before accepting a position as an administrator at Melfort Union Hospital (1977-1993). In 1994 he became the CEO of the Kelsey Trail Health Region. Subsequent to his hospital administration career he worked as a financial advisor for the Investors Group.
Community service, particularly, in the health care field was Wilf’s passion. He provided volunteer service as a board or committee member, often in a leadership capacity, to 27 organizations including: Saskatchewan Association of Health Organizations, Preceptor for Students of Health Care Administration Program – College of Commerce (U of S), Preceptor – College of Commerce (U of S) for Administrative Residents, Melfort & District Coordinating Care Committee (Chairman), Melfort Post-Secondary Education Committee, Melfort Community Bond Corporation (Vice Chairman), Saskatchewan Association of Health Services Executive (President), Saskatchewan Health Association (Chairman of 6 different committees), Saskatchewan Association of Health Services (President), College of Physicians & Surgeons of Saskatchewan Credentials Committee, Advisory Committee – School of Physiotherapy – U of S (Chairman), Canadian Cancer Society (Melfort Chapter Presidents), Plus Industries (Chairman), MS Support Group – Melfort Chapter), and others too numerous to mention.
Despite the many demands in his work life and extensive volunteer service roles, Wilf gave unselfish dedication and devotion to caring for his loving wife Judy who suffered from the debilitating disease of Multiple Sclerosis. Her quadriplegic condition required exceptional effort from Wilf to ensure that they could remain together in their home until his death. In 1998 he received the Opal Award (MS Society-Saskatchewan Division) for outstanding commitment and devotion as a caregiver.
Family life was very important to Wilf. Wilf & Judy enjoyed travelling to many locations while health permitted. Also, along with the children they spent many happy gatherings at the log cabin they built at Greenwater Provincial Park.

• Date : 2012-06-12 06:00:00
• Location : Melfort, SK