EDWARD WALTER SOMERVILLE

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EDWARD WALTER SOMERVILLE On Saturday, February 2, 2008 Edward Walter Somerville, beloved father, grandfather, and great-grandfather passed away at the Hartney Community Health Centre in his 92nd year. His wife Ruth predeceased him in 2003. He leaves to mourn his five children, Gail Boch, Donna (Bernie) Baker, Gary (Maggie) Somerville, Diane Combs, Dale (Valdi) Somerville, grandchildren Darryl (Janice) and Tricia Boch, Kelly (Ted), Kerry and Kristi (Warren) Baker, Kenny (Laura) and Darwin Somerville, Greg (Hana), Chris (Denise), Jennifer (Nathan), and Jeremy Combs and great-grandchildren Matthew, Ashley and Kyle Boch, Christie and Justin Baker, Jaydene Somerville, and Jaida Combs. He also leaves his two sisters-in-law Alice and Mabel Somerville, his brother-in-law Walter (Fran) McCaw and numerous nieces and nephews. Walter was predeceased by his parents William and Mabel Somerville, two brothers Irvine and Hartley, and sister Marjorie. Walter was born on the family farm on March 24, 1916, in the Underhill R.M. of Cameron, the youngest of four children. Walter much enjoyed farm life, and from an early age was quite active with the livestock and grain operations. As a young man his focus was fully on farming. With the help of their dad, he and his brother Harley began expanding the family farm in the mid 1930s. The brothers were innovative in farm mechanization, replacing grain stooks and threshing machines with self-propelled combines and caterpillars. When Walter was 23, he attended the U of M, taking an agriculture course which he thoroughly enjoyed. In 1937, Walter met an attractive young woman from Winnipeg, and in 1940 they were married. Walter and Ruth would spend the rest of their lives on the same home quarter. Ruth provided much support for her husband through their 63 years of married life. Walter and Hartley continued to improve their farming operations. In 1947, they added the Hartney Airport and surrounding land to their farm. During this time they farmed as the Somerville Bros. A very successful crop for them was flax, and in the late 1940s were named the Flax Kings of Manitoba by the Winnipeg Free Press. One aspect that greatly affected their farming operation was the addition of lights to the tractors and combines. This allowed for late night seeding and combining, and 24 hour work days became a way of life for them. Walter continued farming after his brother left for Alberta, and would do so successfully for another four decades. Even at 86 Walter was still managing to put in a full days work. Multiple hip and knee surgeries had severely limited his mobility, leaving him dependent on crutches to walk. Dad managed somehow, with sheer determination, to get in and out of the combine every day. He also loved the freedom his pick-up gave him and would drive around the countryside supervising seeding and harvesting activities, his heart forever with the farm. Those who got to know Walter soon became aware of his love for farming. He was hardworking and expected the same of those working alongside him. He was always looking for ways to improve the farm and increase crop yields. Walter was very sharp and seldom came out on the short end of any business deal. In his younger years, dad enjoyed raising all sorts of livestock-chickens, pigs, cattle, and horses. He loved riding horseback, and growing up we heard many stories of his favourite mare Clara. Highlights of Dad's year were the old time Christmas concerts and dances at Barber school. We as children remember Dad taking us to our school concerts in his snowplane. He loved a good game of pool, challenging his family to try and beat him. Dad kept a detailed daily diary from the time he was a young man, and reading it today gives us wonderful insight into his life. In latter days the highlight of Dad's day was watching curling on TV. He took great pleasure in his beautiful yard and trees. A service of remembrance was held at Kowalchuk's Funeral Home on Thursday, February 7, 2008. Pallbearers were nephew John Somerville, grandchildren, Ken and Darwin Somerville, Darryl Boch, and Jennifer Combs, and great-grandson Justin Baker. Interment at Hartney Riverside Cemetery. If friends so desire, a donation in Walter's name may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, or to a charity of one's choice. God has you in his keeping, We have you in our hearts. We love you Dad

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 23, 2008