JOHN EDWIN HUDSON STONE

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JOHN EDWIN HUDSON STONE John Edwin Hudson Stone (Jack) passed away on Saturday, July 13, 2002 at the Fairview Home in Brandon, MB. Jack was born to Hudson and Leila Stone on June 12, 1916 on his fathers homestead near Greenway, MB. In November 1917, after the death of his mothers brother John Smeaton at Vimy Ridge, Jack moved with his parents and two older sisters, Bessie and Ruth, to the Smeaton farm two miles north of Greenway. Jack rode or drove horses to Greenway School when he attended through Grades I to VIII. With the farm rented, Jack moved to Baldur in 1931 where his parents hoped Jack would complete high school, but horses and farming were high priorities and he chored and harvested for nearby farmers making marks on year end school tests a bit short. In 1934, Hudson agreed to go back with Jack and pick up the pieces on the farm. Jack was so content he didnt go to town for a month. From then on repairing and planning new buildings (a new barn in 1941, he prized) and caring for horses, pigs, cattle and chickens were joys for Jack. Horse powered equipment was used until 1946 when Jack bought his first John Deere tractor. By this time Jack had a keep mate, Doris Strang, who he married on June 26, 1943 and with whom he loved happily for over 59 years. Greenway was still a great little town until 1970 and Jack took an active part in the United Church, Greenway Fair, Soil Conservation, and as leader for the 4H Beef Club there. He and Doris always found time to dance on Friday night. While Doris taught school she could count on Jack to get her through the snow banks or have the car warm on a cold morning. Jack had happy times with nephews and nieces at the farm and was very grateful for the many young men who helped him through his farming years. Jack said he never had a bad one. Farming was good to Jack, he only remembered one poor crop in 1961. In 1978 they sold the farm to Gordon and Lauren Jones, and Jack and Doris enjoyed 16 years in Baldur. Since 1994, Jack and Doris have spent happy years among caring friends at Lions Manor in Brandon. Jack was predeceased by his parents, Hudson and Leila; sister Bessie and her husband Syd Holmes; brothers-in-law, Hersel Lockerby, John Hopcraft, Ted Fisher and Lloyd Sigmar. Left with many happy memories of Jack are his wife Doris of 59 years; sister Ruth Hopcraft of Vancouver, BC; sisters-in-law, Marguerite Lockerby of Baldur, Anne Sigmar of Carman and all his nieces and nephews. A service to honour Jacks life will be held on Wednesday, July 17 at 2:00 p.m. in the Baldur United Church with Rev. Doug Craig and Rev. John VanVleit officiating. Interment to follow in the Baldur Cemetery. Friends that so desire, memoriams may be made in Jacks memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 824-18th St., Unit 3, Brandon, MB, R7A 5B7, or to the Baldur United Church Memorial Fund, Baldur, MB, R0K 0B0. Jamieson Funeral Service of Baldur-Glenboro in care of arrangements. 1-204-827-2480.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 15, 2002