Countryman, Allan Ellis
Posted on February 16, 2017 by Maple Creek
COUNTRYMAN – Allan Ellis Countryman passed away Jan. 27, 2017 at the Gull Lake Special Care Home at the age of 94.
The funeral service was held at 2 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 4, 2017 at the Gull Lake Recreational Community Complex with LLWL Eleanor Bowie, of the United Church, officiating. The interment service was held at Gull Lake Community Cemetery. The eulogy was given by Sandra Benallack. Music was performed by Floyd Collier, Sharon Dahl, King Gin, Ken Jensen and Dave Munshaw who accompanied the Gull Lake Community Choir. Ushers were Kerry Lundgren Barbara Lundgren, and Millie Smart. Pallbearers were Jim Countryman (Jr), Tim Countryman, Craig Countryman, Ty Countryman, Jonathan Keenan and Zac Robins.
Al is survived by his wife Stella Moore Countryman; his sons Tom (Gail) Countryman, Jim (Bonnie) Countryman, Step daughter Heather (Tom) Keenan; his grandchildren Jim (Shawna) Countryman, Tim Countryman, Kerri Robins, Ty Countryman, Craig Countryman; his step-grandchildren Erin (Mike) McKenzie, Amber (Aaron) Wandler, Jonathan (Tynita) Keenan; his great grandchildren Zachary Robins, Halle Robins, Nevaeh Countryman, Jadeon Sheppard, Connor Sheppard; his step-great grandchildren Dade McKenzie, Matia McKenzie, Kayla McKenzie, Anya McKenzie, Isla McKenzie, Ava Wandler, Axsen Wandler, Ayden Wandler, Rebecca Keenan; his brothers Neil (Joyce) Countryman, Bruce (Christie) Countryman, Wayne (Shirley) Countryman; his sisters Ruth Goldie, Ida Peters, Jean Purves.
He was predeceased by his parents Violette and Ellis Countryman; his mothers and fathers in law Grace and Joe Drury, Alice and Arthur Kaul; his wife Muriel (Babe) Countryman; his brother Glen in infancy; his sisters and brothers in law Velma and Elmer Wolfater, Lois and Jack Bonnell, Lila and Delmer Wolfater, Eileen Hammer, Shirley and Ken Munsch, Herb Peters, John Goldie, Wes Purves. He was predeceased by all of Babe’s brothers, sisters and their spouses.
Al grew up in the Maple Creek and Piapot areas. He attended Moorehead School near Maple Creek. After finishing Grade 8, Al worked for local farmers and ranchers, and at Ingram’s Dairy in Maple Creek. In 1941 he enlisted with the Canadian Army and served four years with the Service Corps in the 69th Tank Transport Regiment. Al received commendations, medals and remembrances from the Legion, and from the Saskatchewan and Canadian governments, in appreciation of his service, and to mark significant milestones since World War II. In 2014 Al was appointed a knight of France’s National Order of the Legion of Honour in recognition for his services in France during WWII.
After the war, Al returned to Maple Creek and worked as an apprentice at Henry’s Bakery. In 1956 he opened Al’s Bakery in Gull Lake, and became well known for his baking skills. Al sold his bake shop in 1985.
Being involved in his community, and working for positive changes mattered a great deal to Al. He received the Scotty Richardson Memorial Award for his outstanding contributions to curling, while acting as president of the Gull Lake and District Curling Cooperative. Al was also a past president of the Chamber of Commerce, a lifetime member of the Gull Lake Elks Lodge #164, and a loyal member of the Royal Canadian Legion 119. Al enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, curling, woodworking, gardening, dancing, card playing, cooking and of course baking. He also enjoyed a bit of traveling and spending summers at Antelope Lake. He included his friends and family in all his pursuits and was known to be generous with his time, talents and homemade baking.
Memorial donations can be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation: P.O. Box 3924 Regina, SK S4P 3R8, or to the Gull Lake Royal Canadian Legion.
Warren’s Funeral Home were entrusted with the arrangements. For further information call 306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606 or visit our website at http://www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members in our book of condolences.
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