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On Jan 10 2021, our amazing and courageous father passed away surrounded by his loving family and beautiful partner Doreen Hewitt in the home he so proudly built in 1976. On his own terms he bravely and peacefully made his way onto his next journey.
Dad was born in Delisle on May 17, 1928, the 2nd child of eight siblings, born to Elmer and Barbara (Deane) Shockey.
After growing up on the farm, Dad moved to Saskatoon and began working at the Water Treatment Plant where he remained for 38 years until retirement. As a result of his work ethic, integrity and belief that one needs to stand up for what they believe in, Dad became president of their union and eventually Superintendent in his final years. Both as a co-worker and boss, he was remembered for his sense of humor, fairness and honesty.
In 1953 Dad married Joyce Colborn and had 3 children together. Despite their parting after 24 years, they were able to build a friendship for the sake of their family and remained close friends until Dad’s passing.
Dad married Vera “Helene” Armstrong in 1981 and they were happily married until her death in 2001. Following Helene’s passing, he formed a close bond with Mona Davidson and they were dance partners and remained dear friends until her passing in 2018.
Dad’s love of the country and gardening had him remain at Helene’s family farm by Perdue until moving into Saskatoon with Doreen in January 2018. Even after moving, he made frequent trips back to make sure his farm cats were fed.
Dad was an avid baseball player and celebrated his proudest achievement as pitcher for the Saskatoon Ambassadors when they won the provincial title in 1962. When no longer playing, he switched to coaching Glenda in softball.
He was highly involved in the establishment of the Saskatoon Riversdale constituency and was humbly proud that he was on the committee that approached a young lawyer by the name of Roy Romanow to run for the NDP party. They became very dear friends and Roy describes Dad as the most influential person of his political career. Roy speaks of his admiration for Dad’s wisdom, leadership and passion for what he believed in. And how Dad’s friendship and advice got him through many tough times.
We learned so much from Dad just watching how he lived his life. When asked about the secret to longevity he always said, “never stop moving”. Dad spent many days on the Oasis golf course in Perdue and was so proud of the day he shot his age (84). He loved golfing with his family and during our final game with him this summer, stood up to the final tee and bombed one straight down the middle for all of us to see. It was a magical moment none of us will forget.
He had many hobbies over the years including carpentry, woodcarving, hunting, fishing and gardening but what he loved most was dancing. Right up until the pandemic he and Doreen danced numerous times a week, often travelling around the province.
Dad was such a beautiful dancer and Diane and I cherished every dance we had with him, knowing one would be our last.
Every Christmas right up until he moved off the farm in 2018, Dad would deliver a goodie bag filled with homemade fudge, poppycock and peanut brittle. He was something special.
Dad was such a good man and set a great example for so many. His work ethic was second to none in everything he did and he was always willing to lend a hand. And those hands help build many, many houses over the years.
As a father he was strict but fair and oh so much fun. He loved to tease and was known for the twinkle in his eye and quick wit and loved it when someone had a good comeback.
We have such great family memories of time spent at the Shockey farm and at the lake fishing, camping and waterskiing. Dave has so many fun stories about his hunting adventures with Dad, his uncles and later Shorty Lander and Gary Taylor, two of Dad’s best buddies.
He was loved and respected by so many as was evident by his life long friends, close family and dancing community. Dad was so proud of all of his children and grandchildren and loved the closeness of our family. He spent many hours sitting in the stands cheering on his children and grandchildren in their sports.
We will never forget the fun of when Dad on his return from a hunting trip, chased us around the house pretending to be a monster and giving whisker rubs when he caught us. And taking the “hilly way” home from the Shockey farm with our family singing songs together. We can still hear Dad’s deep baritone voice singing John Brown’s Body.
Dad lived a humble but full life right until his end with his sharp mind and sarcastic wit fully intact. What an incredible 92 years worth celebrating!
We love you Dad/Grandpa and it gives us peace to know you are pain free and Dancing In The Sky.
Glen’s family would like to express their appreciation to Dad’s family doctor at the Community Clinic who worked so hard to relieve Dad’s pain. Also to the doctors and nurses on the 3000 flex unit who cared for him during his final week. They showed such kindness and compassion for Dad, recognizing the special man he was.
A celebration of Dad’s life will be held at a later date. Have your dancing shoes ready!
Glen is survived by his loving partner Doreen Hewitt (and her family), his children Diane Jalbert (Rene), Glenda Bell (Lorne) & David Shockey (Heidi). Grandchildren Clint Young (Christin, children Claire and Connor), Nicole & Allison Jalbert (Josh, daughter Paisley), Kellen (Amanda), Adam (Hope) & Matthew Bell, Brittany (Julian), Briana (Reid) and Thea Shockey.
Stepchildren Allan Armstrong, Cheryl Lebel & families
Brother Cliff (Sylvie), Sisters Norma Colborn (Keith), Eleanor Ryan and Shirley Shockey (Harvey) plus many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents Elmer & Dean Shockey, wife Helene, brothers Melvin, Gerald, Hal & Verne, sisters in law Jackie, Joyce (Jo) & Lil, brothers in law Howard Ryan & Ron Kowalski
In lieu of flowers, donations in Dad’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Saskatoon Community Clinic.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of GLEN ALBERT SHOCKEY, please visit our floral store.
Canadian Cancer Society
2-630 45th St W, Saskatoon SK S7L 5W9
Web: http://www.cancer.ca
Saskatoon Community Clinic
455 2nd Ave. N., Saskatoon SK S7K 2C2