Obituary of Earle Thomas McIntyre
McINTYRE, Earle
LOVED BY ALL
Earle, pops, papa, Mac, left us on Sunday, May 24, 2020, just shy of his 88th birthday. He left us with amazing memories and a love that will last forever in our hearts. Earle will live on in his children, Jo-Ann (Dino) and Donald (Judy); grandchildren Michael (Kim) and their children Garrett (Shelene) and Shaelyn (Anthony); Kama and her children Ticia (Steve) and their three girls Lily, Dawson and Savi; Michaela Jo (Dusty) and their little man Boden; and Tavis; Sheldon and his children Jayda and Kempton; Jarrod and his son London; Colton (Kim); special love Myrna and her daughter Jayme (Richard) and their sons Keaton, Liam, Eric and Deandre; son-in-law Earle and his children Beverly and her little man Wyatt, Ian (Chantel) and their girls and Chantel; sister-in-law Judy (Randy) and their children Robin and his boys Rylan and Bryden and Shawn (Marla) and their boys Cody, Lane and Lucas; brother-in-law Stan (Lana) and their children; Bob and Ray’s children; his family in Ontario, sister Audrey and her children along with the children of sister Elsie and brother Len; as well as extended family and many wonderful friends. Papa’s greatest joy was his grandchildren, especially his greats and great greats.
Earle learned the meaning of hard work at a very early age when his brothers and he would sell wood which they chopped and stack every day after school. He travelled, we believe, to be with us, from Hamilton Ontario leaving his parents along with two brothers and two sisters. With $125.00 in his pocket at the age of 18, Earle and his buddy decided to travel west so they set out in a 1937 Model A Ford which was in a state of disrepair and headed west. At night they would park the car on a hill so that in the morning when it was time to leave they would start the car by rolling it down the hill. This worked and their trek took them thru the northern states, bathing in lakes and living on garlic sausage, bread and beer. They arrived in Avonlea in the summer of 1950 and sought work as hired hands on McDougall’s farm, Campbell’s, and Harvey Watson’s. After the work slowed he returned to Hamilton but soon after he received notice to return once again to Watson’s until he found work with Kings Esso and Trucking. At Kings Esso he also caught the eye of a young lady he would soon marry by the name of Myrna King. They fell in love, married and kept Earle’s favorite and often talked about dog Duke.
Eventually his attention shifted and he became father and provider to 4 young children and their mother Ilien. Together, Earle and Ilien raised their family in Truax where Ilien managed the 24 hour telephone office. Earle worked as grader operator for the RM of Elmsthorpe and then on road construction and running a ukelid at the salt plant in Chaplin and then back to the RM. He was a hardworking man with a great work ethic and always enjoyed people which made his next job of driving truck, delivering or picking up machinery for Nelson Motors so enjoyable. When he felt he could no longer take the pressure of the long large hauls he made the decision to retire after 18 years. Earle continued working well into his 80’s with the RM as foreman and Don Stevenson Construction, a long-time friend, on road construction. He was always there to help whether it be to help a fellow neighbor or help getting a job done or a road built.
After the closure of the SaskTel office in 1974, Earle and Ilien purchased the family farm back in the hills west of Truax. There they nurtured their grandchildren and great-grandchildren showing them the meaning of hard work and appreciation of family. Every holiday, with limited space for sleeping, cuddling a sleeping bag or blanket, the raced was on to secure a spot preferably on a couch or chair but inevitably for some, on the floor. But that was home, with papa and granny and it wouldn’t happen any other way.
They planted crop, raised chicken and turkey, pigs and even the odd pheasant but most important was his beloved horses. Earle was always on board for a trail ride through the hills to our favorite spot at the butte arriving in time for a wiener roast and cocktails. A trail of horses ridden by the grandchildren, family and friends lead the way with his team of horses pulling the wagon and Earle maneuvering them up the steep incline.
Earle remained on the farm after Ilien’s passing until it was no longer safe for the drives into town during the winter months. He made the difficult decision to move to Avonlea. So many wonderful friends including Garry and David made the move bearable and kept him content to remain in Avonlea once spring came. Another person who kept him content was his once love. Myrna and Earle rekindled their relationship and she was by his side since, until his passing. We are so very thankful to have her.
We are also thankful for the staff, volunteers and residents of the Coteau Range Manor who made Earle’s last four months brighter and healthier. Our family was comfortable in knowing that he was getting excellent compassionate care and in seeing all the things done above and beyond our expectations.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions on gatherings, a celebration of Earle’s life will be set for a future date. Flowers are most gratefully declined. For those so wishing, donations in memory of Earle may be made to Coteau Range Manor, P.O. Box 60, Avonlea, SK S0H 0C0. Relatives and friends may reach out to the family by visiting Earle’s Tribute Page at www.speersfuneralchapel.com and let them know you are thinking of them during this difficult time.
