Obituary of Sydney Irving Tremaine
Born July 1, 1912 in Regina, SK the day after a major cyclone hit Regina, he was affectionately known as “cyclone Syd”. He was the last of 7 children born to Cecil and Alberta Tremaine to survive to the ripe old age of 106. Syd passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 27, 2018.
He was predeceased by his wife Sybil in 1995; his brothers and sisters-in-law Bart (Norma), and Bill (Myrtle); his sisters and brothers-in-law Eulah (Milo) Herom, Dorothy (Jim) Martin, Ruth (Malcolm) Sharp, Buddy (Dave) Reid and Sybil’s brother John Durrant, who was killed during WWII, her sister Joan and brother-in-law George Higgins; and a special nephew John Higgins.
Syd is survived by and will be dearly missed by his daughter Patricia (Desmond) Grant; grandson Jamie (Pam), great grandson Cory (Amy MacKinnon); great great grandson Bishop; great granddaughters Chelsey (Cody Ross) and Shelby; grandson Donnie (Judi), great granddaughter Sydney, great grandsons Blair and Scott, granddaughter Patty (Scott) Petronech; great grandson Grant and great granddaughters Kelly and Sadie; daughter Cecile Tremaine; granddaughter Tanis (Darwin) Wagg, great grandsons Brayden and Brock, granddaughter Kim (Scott) Carnochan and great grandson Cejay. He will also be fondly remembered and missed by his numerous nieces and nephews, including Brian and Bob Sharp. Syd also treasured his many special friendships especially Doug Cushway.
After completing his schooling Syd worked as a page in the Legislative Assembly in Regina. In the 1930’s he purchased a parcel of land for $10.00 in the Carrot River District where he homesteaded for several years. Syd's constant companion and one of his best friends was Skip the border collie and to this day he was the smartest dog he'd ever met."
In May of 1942, soon after enlisting in the army, he married Sybil Durrant. He would be shipped overseas within the year and would return to his bride and young daughter in late 1946. He then partnered with his dad and brothers to build a successful business TREMAINE CARTAGE & STORAGE CO. LTD. that remained in operation for 41 years.
Regina Beach had always been the summer vacation place for Syd & Sybil and the family but in the late 1970’s they made Regina Beach their full-time residence. Sybil was finally able to get Syd to love golfing the way she did. It was the favourite place for all the extended family to spend time swimming, biking, boating, fishing or golfing in the summer and skating, snowmobiling, or cross country skiing in the winter, while there was always a card game to be played and something to be fixed in the garage.
After Syd retired he and Sybil travelled to Texas with friends to escape some of the cold winter. A trip to the Maritimes was a highlight as well as a holiday in Portugal.
After Sybil’s passing Syd remained living on his own at the beach for several years until the prospect of living in a fancy retirement home became appealing. In December of 2009 Syd moved to the Wintergreene Estates Retirement Residence where he spent many years until several health issues necessitated a move to an extended care facility. His remaining years were spent in the Veteran’s wing of the Wascana Rehabilitation Centre where he received the very best of care. He participated in all the activities made available including the woodworking where he put together the best birdhouses! Cremation has taken place and a graveside service has tentatively been planned for the long weekend in May of 2019 at Regina Beach.
If one wished to send an expression of sympathy a donation to the Royal Canadian Legion, Regina Branch 001, 1820 Cornwall Street, Regina, SK, S4P 2K2, (306) 522-2676, or a charity of your choice would make Syd happy!
