It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of William (Bill) Housen, late of Saskatoon, SK formerly of Shellbrook, SK on April 6th, 2021 at the age of 92. Bill was born January 2nd, 1929 in Unity, SK and was taken to his new home by horse and sleigh. He grew up on the family farm 6 miles west of Unity. He attended the rural Belton School which he had to walk 1 ½ miles to get to. After the 8th grade, he lived with his grandmother in Unity to finish his grade 12.
He worked a year with the railroad company then decided more education was the route for him. After completing a one-year course at teacher’s college, he landed his first teaching job at a one room school in Fisque, SK. He taught for 1 year then was accepted as principal/teacher at the Plato, SK three room school where he stayed for several years. This is where he met his future wife Pearl in Plato, SK and they got married in August 1955. They decided if Bill was going to continue teaching, he should go to university and get his degree. Bill earned his Bachelor of Education degree and accepted a teaching position at Elrose Composite School. They moved to Elrose, SK in 1959 where he began teaching after 10 years of teaching, he then became principal of the school for 3 years.
In June of 1964, their first son Trevor was born, and their second son Paul was born in November of 1966. Bill enjoyed his 13 years in Elrose then moved to Shellbrook in 1972 when he accepted the superintendent position for the Parkland School Division. He finished his career as Director for the Parkland School Division in 1986. After retirement, he worked part time as the superintendent for the Ahtahkakoop First Nation school for 2 years. The kids there referred to him as “mushom” which means grandfather. He enjoyed that title.
Bill was an avid fisherman, and he frequented a lot of local lakes. He went on many fly-out fishing trips over the years with a few of his teaching colleagues. Bill cherished the fishing he did up north with his son Trevor, who is also an avid fisherman. Bill enjoyed his fishing experiences in the NWT, when he and Pearl would visit with their other son Paul in Yellowknife, NWT. He even got the chance to go deep sea fishing with Trevor when they were in Mexico. Bill and Pearl really enjoyed camping, they took their boys all over from Riding Mountain National Park in Manitoba, all over Saskatchewan, west to Radium and Fairmont Hot Springs, & Vancouver Island. Every summer you could find Bill and Pearl tending their garden in Shellbrook. They both enjoyed the rewards of their labour with plenty of fresh vegetables.
Bill was a dedicated Elks Lodge member for many years. He put in countless hours of volunteer work at many functions hosted by the local Elks Club. Bill developed many lasting friendships with these members. In the wintertime you could find Bill at the local arena cheering on his sons in minor league hockey games or during the popular Elks hockey league or junior b Knights games. He could also be found next door at the curling rink as he enjoyed participating in this sport for many years.
Tragedy struck the family in December 2006 when Bill’s loving wife Pearl suddenly passed. He continued to live in the family home on his own, until 2011. Reluctantly, Bill moved from Shellbrook to Saskatoon to be closer to the boys. He moved into an independent living facility named Parksville Manor. He resided there for nine years and enjoyed the friendships of many residents. He spent his last 3 months living with his son Paul and daughter-in-law Trudy. This short time was enjoyed very much by the family. Bill was a very fine gentleman, always humble and kind. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He was always cheery and would say hello to anybody. Bill was a dedicated father and family man. He will be greatly missed and fondly remembered always. We love you Dad. God blessed.
Bill was survived by his sons Trevor (Wendy) and Paul (Trudy), his granddaughter Nicole, his sisters-in-law Joyce (Mark), & Betty, and his brother-in-law John (Joan). As well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was predeceased by his loving wife Pearl, his parents Fred & Eula, his brother Maurice, his brothers-in-law Bobby, Ray, Billy, Harold, Donny, Al, and Gerald and his sisters-in-law Audrey and Marge.
Bill deserved a large celebration of his life for his dedication to Shellbrook all those years and being such a wonderful human being. Unfortunately, the service will not be open to the public. Due to Covid-19 restrictions the funeral service is limited to immediate family only. Condolences can be sent to the family on the MacKenzie Funeral Home Website at mackenziechapel.ca/book-of-memories/4582612/Housen-William/index.php. The service will be recorded, and once available can be viewed through the MacKenzie Funeral Chapel website. In lieu of flowers the family asks to please send donations to the Saskatchewan Lung Association, 2308 Arlington Avenue, Saskatoon, SK S7J 3l3 or go to www.lungsask.ca. Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium – Shellbrook Funeral Home. Brian & Bev Stobbs, Renee Phaneuf & Mark Gyoerick. www.MacKenzieChapel.ca 306.763.8488.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of William Harvey Housen Tuesday April 6th 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Prince-Albert,, Province: Saskatchewan