Obituary of Anton Andrew Fahlman

FAHLMAN, Anton Andrew

Nov 19, 1928 – May 14, 2019

Anton (Tony) Fahlman, late of Regina, SK, passed away peacefully listening to the Holy Rosary, surrounded by loved ones at the age of 90 years, far surpassing any timeframe health care professionals and family had ever imagined. He was predeceased by his wife Kay (Sept. 2018); infant daughter Caroline Louise; parents, Andrew and Barbara; father and mother-in-law Simon and Caroline and stepmother Agatha Herauf; all of his siblings, Fernie, Sr. Benedicta, Hedy Kramer, Marie Folk, Theresa Dyczkowski, infant brother Benedict, Joe, Clara Lagus, and Andy; as well as numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews. Tony is survived by his children Mary Anne Parsons and her children, Michael, Mark (Lauren), Michelle (John) Eldeen, Mitchell (Jenny), Meagan (Chris) Cuevas, and Melissa; son Robert; son Mark and his children, Candice (Derek) Major, Vanessa (Chad Cunningham), and Melissa; daughter Kathy (Peter) Thiele and their daughter Madison; daughter Teresa (James) Siebert and their children, Brad (Amanda) and Amanda; eight great-grandchildren Kaleigh, Hudson, Oliver, Sophie, Autumn, Lincoln, Sky, and baby boy Siebert (due Sept. 2019). Tony is also survived by his in-laws: Eileen Fahlman, Wilfred Herauf, Peter Herauf, Doris Herauf, Celine Jamieson, Herb (Carrol) Herauf, Teresa Higgins, Bob (Helen) Herauf, Darrell (Anna) Herauf, and Darlene Herauf; as well as numerous nieces and nephews. 

Tony was a dedicated husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, neighbour, and friend. His greatest joy was his faith and family whom he loved unconditionally with his whole heart. Tony was born and grew up on the family farm in Kathrinthal Colony “14 Colony” near Kronau. He met the love of his life Kay when she was only 10 years old; he was an altar server with Kay’s brothers and she was the cute young girl with little round glasses. Mom said she picked Dad because she “knew he loved her the most”. They married in 1951, raised their five children and were married for 66 years. Tony farmed with his brother Joe; he loved everything about the farm especially the animals and horses. When chronic health issues forced him to retire, he dedicated his time to life in Regina with Mom and Robert. Attending daily mass with Mom was his first priority while he was able, long drives all over the country side with Robert and Mom – praying and singing while collecting pop cans along the way, breakfast and casino Saturday mornings with Robert, cooking (the waterless way), making homemade soups, gardening (especially his love for tomatoes), fishing, driving kids and grandkids around, coffee at A&W with friends, Sudoku, and learning to use an iPad in his 80’s. Tony remained in his home just days before his death and was so proud to be living in his parent’s house, which he helped to build. His love for the Lord and his Roman Catholic faith brought him great comfort always, especially in those tough times. Tony’s dedication and devotion to Jesus, the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Eucharist, attending daily mass or watching it on TV (EWTN), praying the rosary daily, Divine Mercy novena, The Pieta Prayer Book, annual pilgrimage at St. Peter’s, and pro-life causes, all encouraged him to teach and preach to all who “were within ear shot”. Tony was never afraid to send an email, text, or tell anyone about the Catholic faith.  As his health declined he always said it still wasn’t his time…he had more work to do…to pray for souls. When declining health confined him to his bedroom, Dad was constantly reminding us that Robert was his special gift, the reason that Mom and him could live out their days at home. Robert was Dad’s eyes, ears and feet to let him know what was happening in the community, the parish, and to bring him Holy Communion for the shut in’s. Dad’s reverence for the Eucharist was such a beautiful sight to witness. He spoke of great joy that Jesus would come to visit him in his home. Hours before his death he reminded loved ones in the hospital room to never be afraid to talk about Jesus and that if you did good things for Jesus, he would do good things for you. It was Dad’s mission before his death to make sure every single one of Mom and Dad’s godchildren received a blessed wall crucifix as a reminder of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice on the cross for us and their love for each of them. 

His compassion, generous heart, quiet gentle demeanor and great sense of humor are things we will always remember and miss the most. 

At Dad’s request please pray for his soul.

Breathe easy Dad, may you rest in peace.

With grateful hearts we rejoice that Mom and Dad are reunited again in God's eternal home.

The family wishes to thank Home Care providers, Senior’s House Call and Palliative Care staff, Pasqua Hospital Palliative Unit staff, Dr A. Sheikh, Dr. R. Nair, Fr. Jose Periyilkatte, Fr. Danilo Rafael, Fr. Brad Fahlman, Fr. JB Okai, Fr. Ed Hengen, Superstore Pharmacy staff (Prince of Wales), our special Nannies Elsie and Marie, Joanne Mortin, Carma Staples, Manda, Meagan, Vanessa, and extended family and friends.

Funeral Mass will be held at Little Flower Parish, 420 College Avenue, Regina, SK on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, family and friends so wishing may make a donation, in memoriam, to Dad’s favorite charity, EWTN (Eternal Word Television Network) which he started listening to on Shortwave radio in 1980. EWTN Global Catholic Network, PO Box 157, Station A, Etobicoke, ON M9C 4V2.