Date of Birth: October 2, 1932
Date of Death: February 9, 2022
George Ernest Hickie of St. Paul Lutheran Home, Melville, husband of the late Mary Hickie, entered his eternal rest with family at his side on Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2021 at St. Paul Lutheran Home. He was 89 years of age.
George was born Oct. 2, 1932 in a log cabin located on the family homestead (NW1/4 12-59-21 W3M) in the Loon River district. He was the third of seven children of Michael and Katherine Hickie. In 1939 he started his education at the Loon River School located nearby. In 1944 the homestead was sold and the family relocated to a farm in the Waldron district southeast of Melville. George continued his education at St. Antal’s School but due to family circumstances had to leave school after completing Grade 8. He worked on the family farm for some years before buying the NE 1/4 of 27-21-5 W2M and erecting his own house.
In addition to raising crops and cattle, George was very involved in the community. He played, coached and managed fastball teams (yah 36 Ranger and Comets) and was also a registered umpire. In the winter he played hockey, refereed, curled and bowled. He was a leader for the Waldron 4-H Club for 19 years, even winning in 1952 a provincial grain judging competition. He was an active Wheat Pool member and served as a delegate for six years. He served in various executive positions with the National Farmer’s Union, Pro-Life and the Knights of Columbus. He also served on parish council and belonged to the Elks. He had a keen interest as well in politics.
In 1958 George married the love of his life, Mary Letwinetz, a teacher at a nearby school. Twelve children were born to them. They lived on the farm until Mary’s health necessitated a move to Melville.
George is survived by his brothers, John and Edward; his children: Mike (Jackie), Tim (Denise), David, Ernie, Christopher (Rhonda), James, George Allan (Robin), Anna (Kip), John Paul (Bonnie), Laurie (Collin); his 14 grandchildren and step-grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by his wife Mary; parents, Michael and Katherine; his sisters, Loretta, Ruth and Lillian; his brother, Herbert; his sons, William and Samuel; and his grandson Dustin.
Prayer service were held on Tuesday, Feb. 15, 2022 at 7 p.m. from St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church in Melville. Funeral mass was celebrated on Wednesday, Feb. 16, 2022 at 10 a.m. from St. Henry’s Roman Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Andrew Sowa OMI as the Celebrant.
Arrangements were by Bailey’s Funeral Home, Melville.
