Alma McCAUSLAND

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McCAUSLAND: Alma Jean McCausland (Riddell) (nee Hill) 1926-2016. Alma passed away peacefully on September 1, 2016 surrounded by her loving husband, all her children and many other family members. Alma was born April 23, 1926 on the family farm to Thomas Antony and Ida Florence Hill. She had two older sisters, Muriel and Ruth. They were known as ‘The Hill Girls”. Alma attended school in Ninga and Bethel. She talked about how one student would go early to light a fire in the potbelly stove to warm the schoolroom before the other students arrived. Her lunch usually consisted of a sandwich, cookie and an apple that she brought from home. She was especially fond of the Christmas concerts and field days held in Killarney or Boissevain. During the winter months she enjoyed pushing the desks back at lunchtime and dancing. As she got older she enjoyed going to school dances every second Friday evening and recalled how a battery, cord and light bulb were hooked up in the schoolroom to provide lighting for the evening. Alma had polio when she was 10 years old. She often talked of their hired man. George Rogers, who was very kind to her. She felt like he was like the brother she never had. She often thought about him and wondered how hard it must have been for him to be quarantined, while she was sick. Alma enjoyed farm life, describing herself as the “boy” in the family because she liked working with her Dad, driving the tractor and bedding the animals down. She talked about their big garden and how that was so important to survive the ‘30s. A story she told was that every year a traveller came by and traded peaches and pears for old hens. The wrappers on the peaches and pears was a soft paper and was used as toilet paper – a big improvement over the Eaton’s catalogue. Alma met Robert (Bob) Riddell in 1944 at a Bethel School dance and their first official date was to attend a dance at the Parish Hall in Boissevain. They were married on May 3, 1946 at her parents’ home. She was now a farmer’s wife and they began their lives together on a farm several miles north of her parents’ farm. Between 1947 and 1956 their happy home was blessed with five children – Les, Kenn, Pat, Ron and Arlene. Much of their social time was spent at dances, square dancing with the ’64 Club, travelling to ball tournaments, entertaining friends and taking up the game of golf. Alma’s strong work ethic and selflessness ensured that her five children were always well cared for. She was an amazing baker; her homemade pies, buns, angel food cake and chocolate chip cookies won many awards at local Fairs and the admiration of her family. She knew the importance of being there to help family, friends, neighbours and community groups. She never showed up on anyone’s doorstep without food in hand. An early snowfall in 1959 prevented the crops from being harvested so Bob went to work for Kinsey’s Plumbing & Heating in Boissevain. A short time later the family moved to Ninga and in 1965 to Boissevain. Alma worked for Westview Lodge, Riddell’s Plumbing & Heating and Houston’s Drug Store. In Boissevain, Alma could now enjoy running water and a golf course close by. Her passion for the game grew and she soon had many titles to her name. Her love of the game has been passed on to many of her family. Her strictest lesson on the golf course was etiquette and sportsmanship. On August 14, 1973 she lost her husband Bob suddenly. This was a very sad and lonely time for her. She always remained strong and brave and found comfort being with her children and grandchildren. Her heart found love and devotion once again. Eugene (Gene) McCausland was a friend and a farm neighbour since childhood. They were married on October 25, 1975. Alma was now farming again and working hard alongside Gene. They farmed until 1985 when they sold the farm and retired. They loved to golf, travel and attended many curling briers. Alma was the spark plug at family functions, dancing with everyone whether boy or girl. She loved to play cards or games with family and friends. A tradition she passed down to her grandchildren. At 70+ years of age Alma accepted the challenge and purchased her first computer. She became very proficient on how to use a computer and an iPad in order to stay connected to her family. She was a long time member of the Ninga Presbyterian Church Ladies’ Group and taught 4-H for many years. Eighteen years ago Alma’s life was touched by cancer. Throughout this personal battle she demonstrated courage and perseverance of unimaginable proportions. There are several very important people that helped her through these difficult times. The first is her loving husband, Gene. The care, love and devotion he gave is undoubtedly a love story of its own. Dr. Nell, who held a special place in her heart, and provided her with many years of devoted care! And of course her family who were always there to support her, especially Pat, Bob and Kenn. Alma was predeceased by her mother Florence Ida Hill (nee Brown) on November 7, 1968, her first husband Robert Leslie Grant Riddell on August 14, 1973, her father Thomas Antony Hill on April 5, 1981 and her sister Muriel Irene Nay on February 16, 2009. She is survived by her husband Gene, her five children: Les (Christine) Riddell, Kenn (Doreen) Riddell, Pat (Bob) Gouldie, Ron (Brenda) Riddell, Arlene (Ron) Carlson, sixteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, one great- great -grandchild, five step- grandchildren and her sister Ruth Campbell. Alma was our true inspiration. Most importantly she was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, great-great-grandmother and sister. She will be deeply missed and forever in our hearts. May the orchestra play on!A family graveside service was held at Ninga Cemetery on September 7, 2016 followed by a Memorial Reception at the Community Centre in Boissevain. Donations in memory of Alma may be made to the Boissevain Palliative Care Fund, Box 899, Boissevain, MB R0K 0E0.Messages of condolence may be made online at www.wheatlandfs.com.

As published in Brandon Sun on Sep 17, 2016