SCLATER: The death of Albert W. Sclater of Rivers, occurred at his residence in Rivers on Saturday, December 22, 2007. The Ceremony to Celebrate Albert's Life will be held at the Rivers United Church on Friday, December 28, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. The Rev. Glenna Beauchamp will officiate. Interment will follow in the Pettapiece Cemetery. Flowers are gratefully declined. Friends who wish may make a donation in memory of Albert to the Rivers Handi-Transit, Box 160, Rivers, Manitoba R0K 1X0 or to the Rivers Train Station Restoration Project, Box 952, Rivers, Manitoba, R0K 1X0. Complete obituary information will follow. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements are with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Centre, 727-0330.


SCLATER: Albert Ward Sclater, 86, passed away peacefully in his home in Rivers, Manitoba on December 22, 2007. Ab was born July 5, 1921 in the Macdonald farm house in the Pettapiece district, north of Rivers. His parents, Ronald and Jessie Sclater came from Orkney, Scotland to settle in the Pettapiece district where they raised Lillian, Mina and Albert. A young prairie lad, Ab enjoyed helping out on the farm, tending animals, swimming in the dugout and attending Medina school. Ab's father died at an early age leaving young Albert to take over the farm. He farmed and drove a truck until his career began as an elevator manager at Floors Siding in 1951. Ab filled many grain cars at Floors under National Grain and Cargill until the line closed and the elevator was taken down in 1980. He continued to buy grain for Cargill in Rivers until his retirement in 1987.Ab enjoyed visiting while selling hail insurance through these years. He willingly liked to share his grain knowledge with the area's young farmers. His ability to rub heads of grain in his palm, gently blow the chaff away and grade the grain precisely was renowned. A young man, Ab delighted in dances and social gatherings with his Pettapiece / Rapid City area buddies. It was in Rapid City where Albert met Mary, who worked at the grocery store. In June 1949, Albert married Mary Marjorie Johnston of Ninga. They lived at the Sclater farm in Pettapiece. In 1950 their first son, Tom was born, and a year later they moved to Floors Siding, six miles west of Pettapiece. Ab and Mary raised Tom, Ron and Aeleen at Floors, moving to their new home in Rivers in 2002. Dad supported family activities generously with pride and joy. He spent hours at Oak River rink and baseball diamonds following Tom and Ron's hockey and baseball seasons driving miles to watch their games. Dad was involved with the boys' Oak River Beavers, Cubs and Scouts. He taught them how to help out at the farm, shared mechanical interests and his pride in autos. He chauffeured, often waiting patiently for Aeleen at her various activities. He kept house while Mary attended 4-H functions. He was simply happy for all of us in our accomplishments. Ab was an avid hunter, curler and golfer taking pride in hunting, respecting nature; curling numerous bonspiels in the Oak River men's and Rivers seniors leagues; and golfing countless rounds with Tom, Lynda, Nyall, Margaret and his weekly Senior Inter-Club friends. Ab worked hard all his life and in his retirement he eagerly helped with projects at Tom and Lynda's and yard work at Aeleen and Murray's, knowing just when to plant and dig the potatoes. "Little" Grandpa loved to give his grandchildren rides on the lawn tractor, golf cart and sometimes let them win at the umpteen dozen games of crib! Ab loved the seasonal activities of hauling water, chopping wood, blowing snow, lawn mowing, feeding the dog, birds, chipmunks and keeping impeccable rainfall records. All the little things he did counted, and it showed in the care he took to ensure everyone was happy, comfortable and safe. His favourite pastime and greatest pleasure was to pop in on folks to visit and share stories. After moving to town Ab embraced making silverware chimes that he joyously gave to many. He would be seen buzzing downtown daily on his scooter, no matter the weather, to meet his coffee crew. Ab's love for Orkney, Scotland grew stronger with each of his and Mary's visits. He always hoped to go back just one more time. Albert was predeceased by his parents Ronald and Jessie Sclater; mother and father-in law Homer and Annie Johnston; son Ron Sclater; sister Lillian, husband Bob Kennell; sister Jemina (Mina), husband Jack Treleaven; uncle Inkster Thomson; brother-in-law Ken Johnston, wife Grace; sister-in-law Aeleen, husband Mac Fritzley; brother-in-law Kelly Johnston, wife Bertha; brother-in-law Jack Bird; niece Darlene (Johnston) Chapman and great niece Dainah (Johnston) Draper. Surviving is Ab's loving wife of nearly 59 years, Mary; son Tom, daughter-in-law Lynda; daughter Aeleen, son-in-law Murray Kernaghan; grandchildren Susan Stewart, Sarah Stewart, Bryna Sclater, Matthew Miller, John Kernaghan, Jesse Kernaghan; great grandson Samuel Stewart; nieces, nephews; great nieces and nephews; Scotland relatives; the Dunns; many good friends and acquaintances. His quiet, gentle, giving, lighthearted and sometimes mischievous nature will be deeply missed. Albert's celebration of life was held Friday, December 28th, 2007 at Rivers United Church with Rev. Glenna Beauchamp officiating. Everyone attending bid farewell as piper Jamie McFadden played a Scottish tribute. Ab's son Tom was urn bearer at the church and daughter Aeleen at graveside. Hoarfrost created a most picturesque and peaceful setting as Ab was laid to rest in Pettapiece Cemetery. A set of his chimes were placed nearby. Donations may be made to Rivers Handi-Transit, Box 160, Rivers, Manitoba, R0K 1X0; Rivers Train Station Restoration Project, Box 952, Rivers, Manitoba, R0K 1X0 or charity of your choice. Expressions of sympathy www.memorieschapel.com. Arrangements with Memories Chapel & Pre-Planning Center, 727-0330.Think of Ab ~ throw a rock ... swing a club ... have another cup of coffee ... reminisce ... have a scotch ... do something nice for someone ... be good to nature ... enjoy the wind in your chimes ... smile.
Memorials
Rivers Handi Transit, or Rivers Train Station Restoration Project