Obituary of David William Wotherspoon

WOTHERSPOON, David William – Passed away peacefully, at the age of 86, in the comfort of his home with his four children by his side. Dad was so proud of his family, and that was evident in the emotional goodbyes we all were privileged to have in his final weeks. Davie, as most everyone called him, was born on February 15th, 1934 in Swift Current to Catherine (Kit) and David Wotherspoon. He grew up in the Success area, attending the Flats School until Grade 8, then into Swift Current to O.M. Irwin. After completing grade 10, Dad decided to go farming and started working as a hired man. He worked for several farmers like E.I. Wood, his uncle Glen Robbie, and John Knapp to name a few. In 1956, Dad moved to the Knapp farm, where he helped John with all farming/ranching duties including putting up feed, working the cattle & milking cows. The next year, he and Mom would purchase the Knapp farm which became their forever home. Dad married Eleanor Marlyne Hungnes, from the Stewart Valley area, on April 12th, 1957. Dad talked about their first few years of farming being tough, but how they truly enjoyed their new life together on the farm. They didn’t have much to start out with, but they made the best with what they did have. They welcomed their first little babe, Deborah Catherine, during the summer of 1958. In the spring of 1960, their only boy, Darrell Lynn was born. Their 2nd daughter, Maureen Fay, followed in the fall of 1962. And in the winter of 1970, their last baby arrived, Janice Marie. Dad and Mom lived in the “little house” on the farm until the fall of 1962, after Maureen was born. John Knapp was moving to Swift Current, so they welcomed the move to his much larger house in the same yard. They were so excited as this meant more bedrooms and a much larger kitchen! Their home was always open for all to stop in for a cup of coffee, or an evening of socializing with lots of laughter and music. Dad loved to take Mom dancing and they both enjoyed attending many dances at the Flat School & halls around the community. He spoke of many fond memories with friends & family, that usually involved sing-alongs where Dad would play his guitar and/or fiddle. We, as kids, also recall those times and will cherish them as they showed us the importance of being thankful for each moment as they come to us, with people that mean the most. We can all remember Dad having greyhound dogs with which he hunted coyotes. There were certain dogs that did specific things and he enjoyed the rush of this activity. Dad’s good buddies Orville Crozier, Donny Anderson, Ken Cobbe and Jim Speirs shared countless hours hunting with him. Dad had a talent of finding water sources by witching for water using willow branches. Once he found the source, they would dig and more times than not, find water. There was rarely a time he wasn’t successful and for this reason was sought after by many in the Southwest area. Dad loved his horses and from a young age had many to call his reliable friends. They were there for rounding up the herd, pulling the stone boat in the cold winters, as well as enjoying a ride, just roaming the open prairie. From the beginning of his farming and ranching life, he was an organic producer. This wasn’t always easy, but he was dedicated to finding the market for this high-quality production. Dad truly loved the farming life and felt proud of what he & Mom had accomplished. Dad had many good friends with whom he made great memories during his involvement with: curling, brandings, going to dances, hunting and of course coffee time. He talked about many neighbor visits and he always made time when someone pulled into the yard, regardless how busy he was. Although he didn’t care to travel much, he did take a few trips to the States, to the Maritimes, to BC and of course many voyages to Banff to visit Maureen. He was quite content to just visit around the community. He was always around to attend family birthdays, graduations and weddings. He never grew tired of his daily life on the farm. The farm was his passion and for that he was grateful and at peace to spend his remaining days for his last farewell. We were proud to be by his side and going to miss our “dear old dad”. At Dad’s request, his ashes will be spread at the farm where a willow tree will be planted during a family gathering for his life celebration. Davie is survived by his four children: Debbie Horvey, Darrell (Donna), Maureen (Colin), Janice (Rich) Bissonnette Grandchildren: Jill Booth (Neil), Karla Horvey (Kyle), Duane Horvey (Kristin), Darren Horvey (Nikki), Kristen Wicks (Dave), Tyler Wotherspoon (Kaitlin), Shayn (Claudia), Cole, & Haley Bissonnette Great Grandchildren: Aubrielle, Kaydence and Nikko Brothers: Leslie (Barb) Wotherspoon, Robbie Wotherspoon, sister’s in-law: Gail Wotherspoon, Elaine (Jim) Sander, special cousin, Alma Froese and numerous nieces & nephews whom all meant a lot to Dad. He was predeceased by his wife, Eleanor and son in-law, Gary Horvey. His parents Kit & Dave Wotherspoon, his parents in-law Lars & Alice Hungnes, brothers: Johnny and Donald Wotherspoon, in-laws: Chester & Anna Potter, Ormond & Judith Klaassen and Arlie Hungnes. In memory of Davie, donations can be made to Cantuar Community Hall – Box 1331, Swift Current, S9H 3X4 or The Graham Wotherspoon Academy – a school & residence for kids in the slums of Nairobi (for more information & address please contact Davie’s family) Arrangements were in care of Parkside Memorial Funeral Home – Ryan and Hayden Cappelle. To sign the book of condolences or view a video of memories please visit www.parksidefuneralhome.com A MAN ON HIS HORSE ON TOP OF A RIDGE A man on his horse on top of a ridge, As daylight begins to appear. The sighs and the sounds of the world all around, A Nature’s gift to his ears. Yet the stars in the sky, and the mountains high Tell a story about all creation A man and his horse on top of a ridge Are a small speck of dust in relation. As he looks down below, the lights start to glow As people prepare for their day, In their buildings, so grand, their steeples so tall, Where they sing and worship and pray To the man and his horse on top of the ridge He hears the sound of their call, But the man sits his horse on top of the ridge In the grandest church of them all.