John McCAUSLAND

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McCAUSLAND: On May 7, 2018 we lost a quiet, kind, compassionate gentleman. John Arthur Eugene McCausland (1927-2018) passed away peacefully at the Boissevain Health Centre with family by his side. Gene was born on January 5, 1927 at Tripp’s Nursing Home in Ninga to Edward John and Helen Kathleen (nee Sage) McCausland. Gene was the third of four boys and raised on the family farm near Ninga. He attended school at Hiawatha and Ninga. Following high school Gene enrolled in a mechanical correspondence course which required him to travel to Edmonton for several weeks to complete. After graduating he returned to farm alongside family members. Gene was a successful farmer and meticulous in the care of his equipment and tools. Gene was always interested in sports. As a young man he played fastball with the Ninga Vets fastball team, curled regularly in Ninga attending many local bonspiels, enjoyed hunting and took up golf in the early 1960s. Gene coached the Boissevain Border Queens fastball team from 1971-1974. In 1975 Gene married a long-time family friend and widow, Alma Riddell (nee Hill). Gene inherited five adult children and their ever-growing families. He was a great step-dad sharing his love of sports, playing cards, travelling and was always there to lend a helping hand. Gene was a wonderful grandfather and adored his grandchildren. From days of holding them on his lap, to flipping through the Wish Book, to following their many activities, he showed a keen interest in their lives. He was always ready for a game of Trivial Pursuit, Canasta or golf. Gene and Alma lived in Boissevain, as they continued to farm until retiring in 1985. Together they shared a wonderful life travelling throughout the continental USA, parts of Europe, Saudi Arabia, Hawaii, most of Canada and enjoying an Alaskan Cruise. They took in many Briers and World Curling events along with playing many golf courses throughout North America. They volunteered countless hours to the Boissevain Recycling Plant and Boissevain Golf Club. In addition to being avid golfers and bowlers they enjoyed many evenings playing Canasta with friends! Gene was a devoted husband for nearly 41 years and provided wonderful care to Alma, as her health declined. Upon her death Gene remained very independent, living on his own and driving his own car. He continued league bowling until shortly before his passing and played 20 rounds of golf last summer. He was a long-time member of the Boissevain Golf Club, Boissevain Bowling League, Boissevain Curling Club and 50+ years member with Forresters. He enjoyed watching hockey, baseball, golf and curling on TV. Gene was predeceased by his wife Alma in 2016, his mother, father and 3 brothers: Rowland, Harold and Merlyn. He is survived by his step-children: Les (Christine) Riddell, Kenn (Doreen) Riddell, Pat (Bob) Gouldie, Ron (Brenda) Riddell and Arlene (Ron) Carlson, 18 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren and 1 great- great-grandchild, sisters-in-law Ruth Campbell and Louise McCausland and numerous nieces and nephews. A family graveside service was held at Ninga Cemetery on May 12, 2018 followed by a Memorial Reception at the Boissevain Community Centre. Donations in memory of Gene may be made to the Boissevain Health Centre Palliative Care, Box 899, Boissevain, MB R0K 0E0. “Always in our hearts!”Messages of condolencecan be made online at www.wheatlandfs.com

As published in Brandon Sun on Jun 09, 2018