Obituary of Elaine Gail Haydon

In Loving Memory of Elaine Gail (Jorgenson) Haydon

We are saddened by the passing of Elaine Gail (Jorgenson) Haydon. She slipped away peacefully at her home near Cabri Saskatchewan on Feb 22, 2022 at the age of 74 with the knowledge that she was loved dearly.

Elaine’s memory will be cherished by her loving husband, of 38 years, Basil Haydon, her daughter Evelyn (Stan) Peters, and grandchildren, Amanda, Matthew and Melissa, her sisters and brothers; Noreen (Art May 10/32 - May 26/19) Sailer, Dennis (Betty) Jorgenson, Sharon (Eskil) Larson, Lyle (Gloria) Jorgenson. She was also the very dear auntie to many nieces and nephews and a treasured friend and neighbour to her community.

Born on November 12, 1947 to James and Ann Jorgenson from Fosterton, Saskatchewan. Elaine was the youngest in a happy family of five and spent her schooling years on the family farm. She attended Scotia School until grade 5 when the school was closed in 1959. So that all the neighbourhood children could finish their school years in Hazlet, both her parents started driving the school bus for the local children, many who had remained close friends with Elaine her entire life. As the youngest child (and of course the cutest!) it was always easy for her sisters and brothers to make this statement whenever there was something they didn't want to do –

Let Elaine Do It!! And she did and continued doing so for everyone that ever needed her help.

After finishing Grade 12, Elaine moved to Calgary and studied Key Punching and then moved to Edmonton and worked with various companies that were just starting to utilize computers for their accounting. She moved onto the large company of Inland/Lafarge Concrete where her dedication and hard work was of utmost importance to the company. Elaine was a leader in the computer era, setting up software programs, working in the field at various plants and the main office. During her time working in Edmonton, she lived in a residential tower next to the company tower where she spent many nights going down her apartment elevator - through the parking lot and up the elevator to the office to change large computer reels. Eventually Elaine decided to return to Saskatchewan, moving her decision forward when Basil surprised her by arranging a large bouquet of beautiful flowers to be delivered in the middle of an important executive meeting. This made quite the impression and statement that her time working in Edmonton was coming to a close and they would need to fill some big shoes. In the early 80’s Elaine shared her expertise with her sister, Sharon, with their new family business when computers were still a rarity by creating a software program to manage inventory and sales and even trained her niece, Kristel, to run the system. Elaine’s very clever skills enabled her to provide accounting and tax needs for many in the community. She was also involved on the Boards of the Cabri Regional Parks and the Credit Union, again making important contributions.  Her legacy during her career is undeniable.

On one of her many trips back to Saskatchewan to visit her family, the spark with Basil ignited resulting in their courtship and ultimately their decision to get married in Hawaii on Valentines Day in 1984 and settling in their home on their farm near Cabri, Saskatchewan. Elaine enjoyed farm life and all the facets of this challenging and rewarding experience with her true partner in life, Basil. Elaine even had her own 4WD tractor and cultivator and would work side by side with Basil. They had many adventures together including much time spent at Diefenbaker Lake on their houseboat or motorhome. Some of their other travels led them across to Western Canada, even driving out the family piano for her niece Kristel Niro’s family to ensure its legacy. One of these trips extended all the way up to the Yukon to visit her sister Noreen’s family where they gold mine. And of course, their regular trips to Hawaii and Mazatlán created many wonderful memories of joy and laughter. Always the thrill seeker, Basil will never forget her adventuresome spirit; in Cuba skydiving or her joining her brother-in-law Gary, on many acrobatic plane rides!

She loved having family and friends come visit their farm, especially when her three grandchildren Amanda, Matthew and Melissa, would come and stay during their summer break. And of course, her beloved nephews, Adam, Thomas and Mike Haydon cherish the memories of spending time with Elaine and Basil at the farm and the river, spreading her positive influence and love. Elaine’s best friend Collen Reynolds (aka Curly) shared in their special friendship and community spirit, helping to organize many events and best known for their amazing Saskatchewan style banquets with standout food like Beef in a Bun and Japanese Salad. Elaine had a passion for her garden, growing all sorts of delicious foods, picking chokecherries for the best syrup ever and of course her famous canned tomatoes.  What a lucky husband Basil!

Elaine was a very big lover of animals and had many pets including her Beagle, Misty and Norwegian Elkhound dog, Captain, who were always by her side during her walks around her farm and helped her during some of her health challenges with their unconditional love. Also, always the first to take in kittens and cats who she protected and fed. Memories of Elaine with her ‘Tom Cats’ being loved is yet another example of her heart of gold.

Elaine was a blessing in all ways. A natural caregiver who always supported her family and friends, and especially everything she did for her parents, taking over the responsibility of making sure her Dad & Mom were happy and healthy, until their passing in 2003 & 2017, respectively. Elaine was instrumental in assuring the Jorgeson Farm was recognized for its Heritage status for being in the family for over 100 years. Elaine supported her niece Kathy during their shared experience of their cancer journeys, being her angel demonstrating strength and humor. Elaine had the joy of reuniting with her birth daughter Evelyn in 1994 and cherished the relationship with Evelyn and her family sharing many wonderful moments together. All the family will forever remember when Evelyn’s family joined us at the Jorgenson farm for Grandma Ann’s 80^th birthday where they were welcomed into the family with open arms forever.

While she had many challenges with her health over the years, she always was able to forge on with her shining smile.  When you look up her name, Elaine, it means Shining Light! So true, as anyone that had the blessing of being part of her life would agree, Elaine brought light to so many and will forever be remembered.   She made an indelible legacy of love and laughter and is missed dearly. 

On July 3^rd  2022 Elaine’s ashes were laid to rest in the Cabri Saskatchewan gravesite surrounded by her family and closest friends. A Celebration of Life reception at the historical Scotia School was attended by over 140 people who shared their beautiful memories and shared tears and laughter. 

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations e in memory of Elaine o the SPCA  https://www.saskspca.ca/support/donate/