Date of Birth: January 17, 1936
Date of Death: March 12, 2017
Surrounded by his family, Del Killick passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Melville, Sask. He was 81 years of age.
Del was a life-long resident of Melville. He was born to Albert and Beatrice Killick in the family home on 5th Avenue West. He attended St. Henry’s Catholic School and received his Grade 12 diploma from St. Thomas College in North Battleford.
Del’s independent spirit and penchant for mischief were evident at an early age. In his youth, Del loved playing hockey, baseball and curling and held an enduring love for fishing. While he travelled to play the sports he loved, he returned to Melville and began his 43-year career as a conductor with CN Rail.
In 1972, he married Elma Lipp, a resident elementary school teacher. Soon after, Del purchased land east of Melville and enjoyed farming and raising animals for over 25 years.
Del was involved with and served his community in many ways. In his early years, he volunteered with Melville minor and junior hockey. He was a devoted parishioner of St. Henry’s Parish and served on the parish council. He also served as local president of the United Transportation Union.
In his retirement, Del volunteered at St. Paul Lutheran Home and especially enjoyed the fellowship and friendships formed with those he visited. He was proud to serve as a lector or impromptu altar server whenever his help was needed.
An avid reader and lifelong learner, Del had a passion for education. He believed education could open doors for a person and wanted everyone to have an equal and outstanding opportunity to learn. An intelligent and well-read man, he prided himself on being up-to-speed on current events. He served over 22 years with the St. Henry’s and Christ the Teacher Catholic School divisions, many of those years as board chair. He was primarily responsible for establishing the French Immersion program at St. Henry’s in the 1980s and helped form Christ the Teacher School Division for Catholic Schools in Melville, Yorkton and Theodore. He also served on the Parkland Regional College board of directors for seven years as board chair where he focused on improving post-secondary education offerings to the region. Because of his dedication, persistence and commitment, many students have benefited from his efforts.
Del had a witty sense of humour, always enjoyed a good joke and loved to tell stories. He was a well-spoken man and could strike up a meaningful conversation with anyone. He was principled and wasn’t afraid to take a stand for what he believed. He taught us the value of perseverance; to work hard to achieve our goals, never give up, and not let difficulties stand in our way.
Del never worried and was a calming force, especially in trying times. He was devout in his faith and believed strongly in the power of prayer.
His greatest love was his family, and his pride in them was evident. A devoted and supportive husband and father, Del provided a loving and stable home for his wife and children. He made it a priority to spend quality time with his children, their friends and his nieces and nephews growing up, and later with his utmost joy, his grandchildren. No matter the distance, he spoke by phone with them every day and celebrated the joys of a close-knit family. Grandpa (or “Papa”) delighted in sharing a funny tale, reading a book, or gifting a much-needed cuddle with his precious granddaughters. Each summer was spent travelling together across Canada and further abroad in his retirement years, creating lasting memories. We all felt his love in many ways.
Del was a faithful and loyal son, husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His presence, smile, laugh and embrace will be forever missed.
Del was predeceased by his parents; sisters, Dorothy Carpenter, Shirley Weese, Joyce Dielschneider and Joan Dally; and brother, Bud Killick.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Elma; children: Rachel (Barry) Milliner and their children, Jessica, Alexa and Estella; Keiran (Robin) Killick and their children, Aaron Neudorf, Jordyn, Grace and Kendall; sister-in-law, Ethel Killick; and brother-in-law, Peter Dielschneider; and numerous nieces and nephews.
His family thanks Dr. van Zyl, Dr. Eshawesh, the numerous nurses and staff, physiotherapy, spiritual ministry and volunteers at St. Peter’s Hospital for the care provided to Del. Many of you offered a personal touch that brought him comfort and happiness. Thank you also to the many friends who visited Del. Your kindness, support and concern for our family will not be forgotten.
Prayer services were held on Wednesday, March 15, 2017 at 7 p.m. from St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church in Melville.
The funeral mass was celebrated on Thursday, March 16, 2017 at 10 a.m. from St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Father Mieczyslaw Burdzy, OMI as the celebrant.
If you wish to honour Del’s memory, please consider a donation to St. Henry’s Memorial Fund, St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation, mass offerings or a charity of your choice.
Arrangements were by Bailey’s Funeral and Cremation Care, Melville.
