Obituary of Iris Florence Dutton

Born July 12, 1933, Iris passed away peacefully October 15, 2009 at age 76 following a brief but courageous battle with cancer. Predeceased by her parents, Robert & Laura; husband, Albert; brother, Arthur; sister-in-law, Mary (Reg); brothers-in-law, Herb Blehm, Paul Berard, Laurence (Gladys) and Harold (Rose) Dutton. Left to celebrate her life are son, Ward (Teresa); grandchildren, James, Anthony, Katelyn and Dana; daughter, Laurel (Al); granddaughters, Erin and Robyn; step-grandchildren, Katelynn and Michael; sister, Irene Blehm; brother, Earl Ward (Lorina); sisters-in-law, Joan Ward & Phyllis Berard; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Iris was born just north of Earl Grey and was the third of four children. She attended school there and obtained her Grade 12. When not busy with chores on the farm, she was involved with softball, and track and field. In grade 3, she started piano lessons. By age 13, she was the church organist playing for Sunday services, weddings and funerals. At 17, she moved to Regina to attend Success Business College. She worked at Wallace and Milne for 5 years before moving to the CPR Station. That is where she met the love of her life, Albert. Despite moving to the Police Station to work, the relationship blossomed and they were married on June 7, 1958. After Ward was born, Iris chose to become a full time homemaker and helped Albert with his business ventures including Kwik Kafe. Iris loved being at home with her family and it allowed her to serve on many committees to enhance the quality of the activities in which she and her family participated. Iris enjoyed softball, curling, bowling, playing bridge and excelled at all. She loved to watch the Saskatchewan Roughriders. Her garden and flowers were her pride and joy. She loved to cook and did some catering. She volunteered as a canvasser and worked at several elections as an enumerator, DRO and census-taker. Her greatest pleasure came from her gift of music. She taught piano and organ lessons for years. She was the organist at the RCMP Chapel for 18 years playing for Sunday services, graduations and Sunset Ceremonies (funerals & weddings). She was a 50 year member of the Order of the Eastern Star Regina Chapter #7 of which she was the organist for over 30 years. She was the musician for Jobs Daughters, Daughters of the Nile and the 49ers Senior Choir. She played for countless concerts, weddings and funerals. Iris was a very active, kind-hearted, devoted woman who made it her mission to serve others. She had the ability to make people smile wherever she went. It is these gifts that will be greatly missed. A Memorial service will be held on Monday, October 19, 2009 at Broadway United Church, 105 Broadway Avenue, Regina, SK at 1:00 pm with Rev. Jim Balfour presiding. Flowers most gratefully declined. Those wishing to do so may make a donation to the Allan Blair Cancer Clinic or Regina Palliative Care Inc. at the Pasqua Hospital, 4101 Dewdney Avenue, Regina, SK, S4T 7T1, William Booth Wascana Grace Hospice, 2925 Reilly Avenue, Regina, SK, S4R 8P6 or to a charity of your choice. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff at the Pasqua and Regina General Hospitals; Victoria Park Personal Care Community and William Booth Wascana Grace Hospice for the compassionate care provided to Mom. It helped to make a very difficult time more bearable. An online book of condolences may be signed at www.speersfuneralchapel.com