Obituary of Alfred Saxton

SAXTON, Alfred (Fred) Glen with great sadness, the family of Alfred Glen Saxton announces his passing on July 17th, 2017 at the age of 59. Fred passed peacefully at the Clover House palliative care unit in Swift Current. Fred was born on January 25, 1958 in Lucky Lake Saskatchewan to Alfred (Alf) Ernest Saxton and Alena Christina Saxton (Swan) of Demaine, Sask. He is the eldest of seven children. Fred is survived by his loving wife Arlene (Gareau-Saxton); son, Garret Saxton of Leeds, U.K.; step-son Adrian Gareau of Calgary, AB.; Step-daughters Gabrielle Gareau (Harvey Tuch) of Cambridge, MA, USA; Marcie Legault (Jordon) of Airdrie, AB; and one new baby step grandson, Soren Legault. Also survived by his mother, Alena Saxton of Demaine, SK.; brothers, Jack (Judy) of Wainwright, AB; Dave of Acme, AB; Andy (Tami) of Saskatoon, SK; Tom (Lorie) of Calgary, AB; sisters, Audrey Saxton, (David) of Winnipeg, MB and Marlene Saxton of Beechy, SK; He also leaves to mourn numerous nieces & nephews, aunts and uncles. Also brothers-in-law Ken McConnell (Leanne); Ron McConnell (Wendy) and mother-in-law Donna McConnell, all of Swift Current, SK. Fred was predeceased by his father, Alfred (Alf) Saxton in 2008 and many aunts, uncles & cousins and also grandparents. Fred grew up on a farm at Demaine, SK, completed school and went to work in 1976 starting as a grain helper at Beechy United Grain Growers. In December 1977 he began working at U.G.G. in Brock, SK. Then in 1986 he went to work for U.G.G. in Laporte, SK as a grain manager. In 1988 he moved to Loreburn, SK with U.G.G. also as a grain manager where he worked for several years. In 1997 he moved to Moose Jaw, SK as an assistant manager, later moving to Richardson Pioneer at Reed Lake, near Morse, SK in 2004. In December 2012, he was diagnosed with Colorectal cancer which later ended his work life. Fred loved all types of music and always had a tune in his head. He went through many phases from blues, to classical, heavy metal, a bit of “old-time” country and rock & roll. After learning to play guitar by ear, he began collecting a variety of guitars. He even played in a few bands on the weekends. Fred had a gentle, caring and loving disposition. He was very positive about everything and had an infectious big smile that drew people to him. He was a people person and would always enjoy a chat. He had a tender heart for animals of all kinds and literally couldn’t kill a fly. Fred enjoyed being a member of the Lions Club in Morse, SK. (Ernfold, SK Lions Club) helping with many steak and BBQ nights and bartending. Fred played hockey and baseball growing up and also enjoyed seeing great bands in concert. He enjoyed his work-life and also enjoyed travelling to New Orleans, England and Scotland, with his last trip being to the mountains in Waterton Park, AB. Fred met Arlene in 2011. Life changed a year later with the cancer diagnosis and the hard-fought battle of taking Chemo in Saskatoon. Fred always stayed positive, with grace and strength, until God called him home. In October of 2016 the Chemo was stopped and Fred faced imminent death. He found a friend in Pastor Bob who led him to the Lord, filling his life with a new hope. Their friendship grew strong over the months of the many visits they had together. God sent him just at the right moment for both Fred and Arlene. Going to church was a delight and lifted the soul. In April, 2017 Fred and Arlene were married. The wedding provided great joy and excitement during an otherwise sad time. The wedding also brought both families together which meant the world to Fred and gave him great happiness. We would like to thank Dr. Steencamp, the Doctors in Saskatoon, and the many lovely chemo nurses who cared so well for Fred. To the medical staff at the Clover House and to Homecare, many thanks for the kindness and caring you showed. Also we would like to say thank-you for the love and comfort from our families and our church family.