Obituary of Harry Firus

FIRUS – On Friday, April 10, 2009, Harry Siegfried Firus passed away at the Medicine Hat Hospital at the age of 79. Harry was born on his family farm in Gouldtown, SK, on November 16, 1929, to Hulda and William Firus. He attended Pony Butte school in Gouldtown from 1936-1943. At this time his family then moved to Greenfarm where he continued his schooling (grades 9 and 10 were done by correspondence). In 1945, his family moved one more time to a farm one mile south of Herbert, where at this time he finished his high school, graduating from Herbert school in 1947. After graduation, Harry worked at the Wentland grocery store in Herbert, then on to Swift Current Co-op for two years, and then managed the Pennant Co-op until 1950. Finally, at this time, along with Tillmann Moe, they bought and operated Penner’s General Store in Gouldtown until 1955. This is the time then that Harry and his brother Harold started farming. Soon they were joined by brother Al. On April 23, 1962, he married the love of his life, Inez Steinley. This love remained strong until the time of his passing. Out of this union came three daughters, Cynthia, Pam and Roxanne. Harry worked hard with a strong and pure love for all that he did, from raising his animals, to putting seed in the ground and planting his many, many rows of trees. Inez and he always had a large garden which they enjoyed working side by side in. His love of the Lord was evident in his gentle ways, and he proudly taught his family these ways. Harry is survived by his wife of almost 47 years, Inez; daughters Pam (Tom) Rissling, Roxanne (Wendell) Kehler; son-in-law Kevin (Trudy) Yeske; grandchildren, Sydney, Darian and Aidan Rissling, Justin and Samantha Kehler, and Jason and Jordan Yeske. Harry adored these grandchildren and spent many happy hours with them. Also left to mourn his passing is sister Doreen (Clarence) Cornelson; brother-in-law, Roy Carter; Inez’s brother, Gerald (Fran) Steinley; and all his precious nieces and nephews that all held a special place in his heart. His heart just always expanded to who ever new entered our family. Everyone was loved and instantly belonged. He was predeceased by his parents, Hulda and William; brothers, Al and Harold; sister, Shirley Carter; sister-in-law, Joan Firus; parents-in-law, Jake and Emma Steinley; first grandson, baby Andrew Kehler; and precious daughter Cindy. His life was well lived and he will be deeply missed. The funeral service was held on Thursday, April 16, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. at St. Olaf Lutheran Church with Pastor Greg Kiel officiating. The interment was held at Herbert Cemetery, Herbert, SK. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. Please visit our website at parksidefuneralhome.com to sign the family book of condolence.