Ira Kenneth Ellingson

Ira Kenneth Ellingson, age 85, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Pioneer Lodge in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. He was born December 25, 1932 on a farm near Vidora, Saskatchewan, one of 9 children to Rudolph and Caroline (Anderson) Ellingson. He married Joyce Richardson on November 30, 1962 in Eastend, Saskatchewan. In 1963, they moved to Mortlach, Saskatchewan, where they raised their family and built their lives together in the same family home until the time of Ira’s passing. Ira was a hardworking husband and father, and was famous for his infectious sense of humor. As a young man, he began his career with the federal government working for the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Association, retiring at age 56 after 32 years of service in varying roles. At the same time, he followed his passion to farm and raise cattle until he disposed of his farming operation in his later years. He held on to a small parcel of land on the north side of Mortlach, where he continued to raise a few horses and tinker around. He loved to tell his grandchildren stories and take them for trips to the barn to see the horses. Every chance he got he would be on the road visiting auction sales, hoping for a good piece of pie and a visit with an old friend. He received several awards for his service to the community. Ira is survived by his wife of 56 years, Joyce; five children: Barbara (Scott) Ellingson, Patricia Ellingson, Duane (Kelli) Ellingson, Clinton Ellingson, and Andy Ellingson; eight grandchildren: Chantai Spearman, Shandell Spearman, Adrian McLaren, Paige McLaren, Dylan Ellingson, Sydney Ellingson, Abygail Ellingson, and Gracie Ellingson; great-grandson, Karsyn Spearman; siblings, Ollie Ellingson, and Bernice (Bob) Weber; and many nieces and nephews. Ira was preceded by his parents, Rudolph and Caroline; brothers, Alby, Kermy, Guy, and Barry; and sisters, Laura, and Josephine. Ira will be remembered as a man who was hardworking, honorable and a man of his word. He loved the simple things in life and devoted his life to his family. A Celebration of Ira’s Life will be held on Monday, December 17, 2018 from 1:30 to 4:30 pm at Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane, Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, where the family will host a short program and greet friends over lunch. At a later date, Ira will be taken home to his place of birth, where his ashes will be buried in the cemetery at Consul, Saskatchewan beside several of his siblings. In lieu of flowers, contribution to Short Line 101 at Western Development Museum, 50 Diefenbaker Dr, Moose Jaw, SK S6J 1L9 will be appreciated. Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane.  Calvin Gammel, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com

Dad, the weather is good today, may the sun shine on your face and the breeze blow through the trees and grass as you carry on your journey.