Francis SLIMMON

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SLIMMON: Francis Laverne Slimmon passed away at Valleyview Care Centre on Sunday, June 20, 2010. Laverne was born at Kindersley, Saskatchewan on October 23, 1924. He attended school with his brothers and sisters and completed his Grade 8. He was never very fond of school, having had a rather mean spirited teacher at an early age. Laverne worked as a farmer, farm helper, school bus driver and helped many friends and family over the years. His fondest memory was working with his Dad on the farm. His greatest inspiration was his wife, Betty. His greatest joy: his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Driving the school bus was one job that he enjoyed very much. He was always interested in whatever the kids were doing, whether they were his own children or the neighbors'. His grandchildren's activities and family reunions were high on his list of activities. Laverne loved sports. He played baseball, he curled, and although he couldn't skate, he coached hockey. If he could do it over again,he would have played more ball when he was young. He was a great bowler, both five and ten pin. Dancing was another highlight of his life. He taught many of the school children, that he bused to school, how to dance. Singing in the choirs he belonged to over the years was another love. One choir in particular remembers the Christmas tie that he wore one year. It startedsinging another carol entirely while they were singing. He belonged to theUnited Church and worked on the board. He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion, having joined the Army in 1943. He worked in Minor Sports, worked on the Senior Citizen's Board, and participated in the MSOS Games. Laverne leaves to mourn his passing: his wife of 59 years, Betty; his daughter Joan (Danny) Parthenay; son Gary (Nadine) Slimmon; daughter-in-law, Norma Slimmon (special friend Dave). Grandchildren Cindy (Ryan) Baliski, Kelly (Tanya) Slimmon, Scott (Jennifer) Slimmon, Kyle (Shiela) Slimmon, Darryl (Adrianna) Luke, Brian (Melanie) Luke, Terry (Ruth) Luke. Great-Grandchildren: Paxton Baliski, Ellie and Easton Slimmon, Autumn, Carter and D.J. Luke and Austin Luke. He is also survived by a brother Neil; sister Elaine; sisters-in-law: Lil, Doreen, and Annie. Laverne was predeceased by: his son Randy; granddaughter Crystal; sister Myra; brothers: Arnold, Merrill, Keith and Ian; brothers-in-law: Wilfred, Bert and Jack. The Ceremony to Celebrate Laverne's Life was held at Memories Chapel, on Wednesday, June 23, 2010. Rev. Laird Russell-Yearwood of Central United Church officiated. Interment followed in the Hamiota Cemetery. Friends whowish may make a donation in memory of Laverne to the Canadian Cancer Society, 193 Sherbrook Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 2B7. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements were with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.Fill not your hearts with pain and sorrow, but remember me in every tomorrow. Remember the joy, the laughter, the smiles, I've only gone to resta little while. Although my leaving causes pain and grief, my going has eased my hurt and given me relief. So dry your eyes and remember me, not asI am now, but as I used to be. Because, I will remember you all and look onwith a smile. Understand, in your hearts, I've only gone to rest a littlewhile. As long as I have the love of each of you, I can live my life in thehearts of all of you.

As published in Brandon Sun on Jul 03, 2010