Obituary of James Macaulay

MACAULAY – James was born on June 13, 1920 at the Macaulay farm west of Leinan, Saskatchewan, the son of Scottish immigrants Peter and Margaret Macaulay. He had four siblings–Agnes, his twin brother Jack, Freda, and Dewaine. James was predeceased by his spouse of 72 years, Cora, in April this year. He is survived by his daughter Catherine, his son Kent (Thom Knutson), his brother Jack, his brother-in-law John Marsch (Margaret), his sister-in-law May Marsch, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. James attended Kilton Hill School (named by his father, who helped build the school, after a location in southern Scotland). He completed Grade Nine, and then began working on the Brown and Schuler farms in the neighborhood. He met Cora Marsch who was housekeeping in the area, one thing led to another, and they were married in Bethel Prairie Lutheran Church in 1943, beginning a long and loving life together. James and Cora built their own farmhouse with the help of some carpenter relatives, and they planted over 3,000 trees as a shelterbelt for their yard. Over the years, they had many community involvements; James was a church council member, 4-H leader, and Saskatchewan Wheat Pool delegate. James was an avid sports fan, and participated in softball at school and church picnics, and in curling, horseshoe and bowling. He enjoyed community dances and was a very smooth dancer. He learned to play cribbage at age 15, and after eighty years of near-misses, finally scored a perfect 29-hand. He loved a good joke, even if he had heard it (or told it!) before. James had a rich and fulfilling 96 years, and will be remembered by family and friends for his thrift, practicality, hard work, and contribution to his community. A celebration of life service was held on Monday, July 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. from St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Pastor Linda Hall officiating.