ARTHUR THOMAS STEEL

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ARTHUR THOMAS STEEL Cartwright, Manitoba February 19, 1918 June 10, 2003 With sadness we announce the passing of our father, Art Steel, age 85, on June 10, 2003, of pancreatic cancer. Dad was born February 19, 1918 at "Blow Weary Farm", N.E. section 27-2-15 to Jessie (MacFadyen), deceased Sunday, November 4, 1956 and to Albert Edwin (Bert) Steel, deceased Saturday, April 18, 1959. Also predeceased by his sisters, Sarah Beck McLennan (b. 1914) in 1997, Marion (b. 1916) in 1985, and Alexandria (Lexie) (b. 1921) in 2000. Dad was also predeceased by our mother, Myrthle (Everill) (nee Keel), in January, 1994. Art and Myrthle were married on May 25, 1953. Art leaves three daughters to hold him in their hearts, Heather (Carl) Neitzan, Penny (Alan) Macklem, and Sherry (Robert) Blair; granddaughters, Cora and Deborah, and great-granddaughter Josie, and a number of nieces and nephews. Although Dad liked to claim that all his education came from the "school of hard knocks", he attended Hazeldell School near "Blow Weary". He enjoyed school but his fathers ill health required him on the land. Records show that Dad always maintained 1st standing in class, other than 2nd in Grade Four. His report card in 1925 states, "Art is the most studious little boy I have ever taught!" Dad farmed all of his working life, except for the winter of 1951 when, with his friend Dave Waldie, he went to work on the Laurie River Hydro Dam project near Lynn Lake. He often spoke of the homes and buildings of Sherridan (near Flin Flon) being moved on skids over the snow and ice to the present town of Lynn Lake, developed to mine new seams of gold when the Sherridan mine was depleted. Some of Dads greatest happiness came in small pleasures; bringing home bouquets of Tiger Lilies, Blue Bells, or Lady Slippers from the field for Myrthle, showing us girls a newborn fawn in the woods, picking wild strawberries and raspberries and cranberries at the river on "Blow Weary", or taking the family on country drives. Dad served on the Hazeldell School Board and the Co-Op Board, and was a 4-H Leader for many years. He retired in 1983, but he leased the land out and continued to live on the farm. Collecting antique china and glassware became a passion in 1975. Dad was a fixture at antique auctions in southern Manitoba and was a member of the Antique (Club?) of Manitoba. His collection brought a steady stream of visitors to his door, and friends recall fondly his obvious pleasure at showing them around his treasure trove, explaining the history of each piece, how rare or unusual it was, and other interesting tidbits of information. His powers of recall were impressive. Dad loved a game of cribbage, playing with the local club once a week. A true devotee to the end, he even tried to teach crib to his nurses during his last month in hospital. He also relished a good round of pool, and while his natural reserve prevented him from ever claiming to be a shark, his friends said that he could play a pretty good game and hold his own with the guys at the Corner Pocket. Dad and Mom had the travel bug. Together they ventured to Scotland and Yorkshire several times, and to Paris. They also took holidays in Toronto and London, and especially Ancaster to visit Sherry and her family. The Cartwright Travel Club was one of Arts favourite causes; he felt it was very important for young people to see a bit of the world! Since Moms passing, Dad travelled with daughter Penny to Mexico, Alaska, The Yukon, Vancouver Island several times, Lynn Lake and Laurie River, and this past April, to Alert Bay, BC. Dad was even invited to join Penny and Alan on their recent honeymoon to Hawaii along with Alans mother Mary. A true collector, he devoted an entire wall in his kitchen to a display of photos taken during his trips. How many wonderful stories have we heard Dad tell, how many long Epics and Ballads have we heard him recite from memory? He has left us with much to remember, a legacy to be envied. He was a sensitive, caring man with a genuine concern for humanity. We will reflect fondly on his sense of humour, integrity, intelligence and generosity. He brought light and life and wisdom into the lives of those he met. Dad, with Mom, gave their girls solid guiding principles to take with them into their adult lives: Use common sense, face the challenges, always try, plan ahead, respect the rules, learn from your mistakes, follow your dreams, be yourself and the world will be yours! Art touched the hearts of many in his 85 years. It is the familys wish that you join us to celebrate his life on Saturday, June 28 at the Cartwright United Church, Cartwright at 2:00 p.m., Beth Clark officiating. If friends so wish, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook St., Winnipeg, MB R3C 2B7 or to the Cartwright Community Independent School, Cartwright, MB R0K 0L0 Grahams Funeral Home, Pilot Mound, in care of arrangements. Precious Memories and Love will be treasured. You will be forever in my heart. Thank you for being my Dad. Heather Sadly missed but fondly remembered for frequent trips to visit my family and go Antique hunting in Ontario. I shall think about our cut-throat cribbage games, pool tournaments, and poetry reading! Sherry I loved you dearly, Dad and will always remember you in my heart. You were my mentor and one of my best friends. I loved nothing better than to poke around the countryside with you, gleaning old stories, gossip, and family history, and sitting at the river watching the birds and the wild life. - Penny When I am gone, release me, let me go I have so many things to see and do, You mustnt tie yourself to me with tears; Be happy that we had so many years. I gave to you my love, you can only guess How much you gave to me in happiness. I thank you for the love you have shown, But now its time to travel on alone. So grieve a while for me if grieve you must; Then let your grief be comforted by trust, Its only for awhile that we must part, So bless the memories within your heart. I wont be far away, for life goes on; So if you need me, call and I will come Though you cant see me or touch me, Ill be near And if you listen with your heart, youll hear All of my love around you soft and clear. And then when you must come this way Alone, Ill greet you with a smile and say "Welcome Home" -Author Unknown

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 21, 2003