Obituary of Irvin Perkins

'A Life Well Lived' A life well lived is a precious gift, Of hope and strength and grace, From someone who has made our world A brighter, better place. It’s filled with moments, Sweet and sad with smiles and sometimes tears, With friendships formed and good times shared, And laughter through the years. A life well lived is a legacy, Of joy and pride and pleasure, A living lasting memory Our grateful hearts will treasure. Author unknown His was a life well lived. Irvin Perkins was a gentle, loving, kind, intelligent, thoughtful man, full of grace who committed his life to serving his family, community, province and more. He had a warm sincere smile, a humble, peaceful demeanour, and a keen sense of humour, never hesitating to poke fun at himself or gently tease others. Irving was born in Lanigan, SK. The family moved from Guernsey to the Codette area in 1930. Irvin was the eldest son of Rober Irvin Perkins d.1992, and Emma Gladys Perkins (Burge) d. 1990, husband of Marie Aileen Perkins (Rosher), father of Tim Perkins (Liza), Leanne Boychuk (Terry), Sharolyn Janzen (Bill McLean), and Karen Perkins, grandfather of eleven and great grandfather of nine. He was the brother of Jean Jarvis (Ed d. 2011, Vern Campbell d.), Bill Perkins d. 2021 (Jean) and Bob Perkins (Helen). He was a friend to many. Irvin took great pride in his chosen profession of farming and attended the U of S School of Agriculture. He farmed in partnership with his dad and brother, Bill, and later with his son, Tim, until his retirement. He worked long, hard hours to make a success of farming and was a pedigreed seed grower. His children remember many happy hours helping him with chores and riding on the combine, swather, and bale wagon, and working alongside him when they were older. Irvin gave generously of his time and talents to his community, church, and many organizations over the years. Some of these were: serving on the University of Saskatchewan Board of Governors, Wheat Pool delegate, 4-H leader, Odd Fellows, Rotary Club, Codette Community Hall, and Codette United Church Board. He had a life-long interest in politics and was an active member of the CCF/NDP, running twice for MLA. When he wasn’t working on the farm or in his other roles, Irvin enjoyed singing. He and Marie sang in various groups through the years. His other interests included curling, gardening and wood working projects. He loved to spend time with family. He built a house in Nipawin for the couple’s later years, and he took great pride in growing and maintaining an immaculate lawn, yard, and garden, always finding something to work at. Irvin’s greatest devotion was to Marie. Married in 1955 they made a life together and raised a family on the farm east of Codette. She always says that she could not have found a better man. As Marie’s abilities slowly declined, Irvin became the care giver, always with patience, kindness, humour, and a gentle touch. He took on the grocery shopping, cooking, and baking, even learning how to make pies, jam, and pickles. She would do the dishes and the laundry, mop the floors, and other duties as best she could. Together, and with the help of family, friends, and kind neighbours, they were able to live independently in their own home until just a few days before he died at the age of 94. Among his possessions was a letter he had written as a young boy to his grandparents. In it he had asked if they thought they would forget him because they may not see him for awhile. That boy and the man he became could never be forgotten. He was so loved and will be dearly missed.