Ivan G Fulford

Ivan Fulford died peacefully early Sunday morning on March 14th with family by his side, at the age of 107. He will be missed by special friend, Olga Rock, sons: Doug (Velda) and Ken (Lynda), daughters: Pat Chimney Lois Aiten (Jim), Betty MacLure (Murray) and Dawne Fulford (Al), brother Keith (Alfreda) and sister Norma Hanley. Also, 24 grandchildren, 55 great grandchildren and 22 great great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his wife Bernice (nee Godin), father Alfred (Doc), mother Tina (nee Mcleod), son Gordon, granddaughter Holly, son in law Don, and great great grandson Kale. Brothers Hugh, Jim and Dal, sisters Freda, Alda and Jean, and sisters in law and brothers in law.

Ivan was born in Mather, Manitoba and at the age of 21 moved with his parents to Minitonas, Manitoba. Dad loved to farm and work in the bush cutting and hauling logs to the mill. He married Bernice in 1937 and they farmed until 1954 when with the family of six, moved to Oakland, Manitoba where he served as a student minister in the Oakland United Church while attending college. Their seventh child arrived while ministering at Oakland. When he got his degree in 1958 he accepted a call to be the United minister at Grandview, Manitoba. He also ministered at Wiseton, Saskatchewan and Pelly, Saskatchewan.

Dad was known for his ability to reach people in a special way- he assisted his parishioners when help was needed, and especially loved in the midst of his ministerial work to help farmers with the harvest. He was the leader in building a new church in Grandview. 

In summer holidays the car was loaded down with tenting supplies and family travelled across Canada and into the States- Mom and Dad loved visiting distant family. When he retired in 1976 he returned to farming at Pelly, where he and mom built a homestead into a ranch. Family and grandkids loved too visit Rev's Rolling Ranch. Dad was a hard working man and grandkids were educated in learning to ride a horse, lasso a cow, drive a tractor and ride a baler. they learned hard work in cutting trees down for firewood and pulling logs out of the bush with a horse. Grandkids loved him dearly but found out he was not a man to be reckoned with, especially in a game of crib. Dad taught us the value of family, and oh, how he loved a family sing song. He also enjoyed a good debate with whoever would argue. In his mid seventies, he and mom took up downhill skiing and joined in family ski trips in the Rockies. Dad loved riding horseback and continued to join on trail rides into his nineties. He loved to dance and was able to until he was 103.

We will remember him sitting in the rocking chair in the big kitchen looking out down into the valley- the dances at weekend family get-together's at Wellman Lake Church camp...  the beautiful rendition of "Be present at our table Lord" sang before every meal. And we will remember the crumpled farm hat, the worn overalls, his chuckles, and his humming a tune while working away. Dad/ Grandpa, your chuckles will be echoed in our hearts forever. You instilled values, morals and have left us with memories and love to cherish for a lifetime- thank-you for the legacy you left us. Your work is dine now- Rest in Peace!!

Special thanks to Dads caregivers at Gateway Lodge for their kindness to Dad, and the excellent care he received. We are truly grateful to all the staff there. Plans are to have a memorial service when things open up in the spring/summer. In lieu of flowers donations can be sent to: The Canora Gateway Lodge Auxiliary, Box 1387 Canora, Sk S0A 0L0...to a charity of your choice, or pass on a kindness to...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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