Obituary of Steve Bolen

Stephen John Bolen of Gravelbourg, SK, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday, May 1st, 2012, at the age of 88 years. Steve was born on the family farm on December 26th, 1923 to Frank and Mary Bolen. Dad was one of 14 children. He attended Wesson School a ¼ mile from the farm up to Grade 8, when due to the illness of his father; he had to look after the farm. Dad later continued his education by correspondence. Dad spent many winters working outside of Saskatchewan until 1950 when he purchased a ½ section of land and became a full time farmer. It was around this time that he met Florence, who was nursing at the Gravelbourg hospital when Dad was admitted for tonsillitis. Dad asked Florence to attend a hockey game and after one more date they were a couple and they married in January of 1954. 12 years and 8 boys later, their family was complete. Dad was not afraid of hard work. He spent countless hours running a tractor or combine, caring for the livestock, milking cows and even working in Gravelbourg during the winters. Dad left the family farm in 1980 due to health reasons. He and Mom moved into Gravelbourg. From 1980 to the mid-90s Dad worked various jobs from Parkview Motors, Ray’s meats, Bumper to Bumper and finally as a driver for the special needs bus. Dad’s hands never sat idle. Dad and Mom loved to travel. They took many vacations to Mexico, Hawaii, the U.S. and also visited Europe on one occasion. In the latter years, their travel was limited to visiting the 8 sons all over Western Canada. They loved spending time with their grandchildren. The last 2 years were very trying for Dad. After Mom’s illness and then passing, he moved out of the house and eventually into the Foyer. He often commented that he missed Mom and wished he was with her. Steve is survived by his loving family, sons: Eugene (Karen), Trevor, Jeremy and Chris; Al (Penny), Derek, Duane, Jarred, Thomas and Marcie; Adrien (Yvette), Scott, Kimberly, Tyler, Jason, Lianne, Devin, Justin; Rick (Rita), Stephen and Marc; Paul (Marj); Marcel (Kathy), Travis, Robyn and Stephanie; Steven (Lise), Eric and April Camille (Gina); 13 great grandchildren; brother Alexander; sister Lillian Zech; as well as numerous nephews and nieces. Predeceased by his parents Frank and Mary (nee Schnieder) Bolen; brothers Nicklaus, George, Valentine, Henry; sisters Mary Gauthier, Ann Shuster, Helen Mulatz, Barbara Baril, Irene Topola, Frances Lamarre, Madeline Godin. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 10:30 a.m., from Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg, SK, with Bishop Don Bolen and Father Armand Guenette con-celebrants. Urn bearer was Duane Bolen. Readers were Steven Bolen and Stephen Bolen. Intercessions were shared by Steve’s grandchildren. Offertory gifts were presented by Pat and Lil O’Loan. The eulogy was given by Travis Bolen. Music by cantor Henri Lepage, organist Leona Bourgeois and accompanist Jenny Song. Musical tribute by Stephen’s grandchildren. Interment took place at the Gravelbourg Roman Catholic Cemetery. The Bolen Family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Foyer d’Youville. Your care and compassion for our father is greatly appreciated. Memorial tributes in memory of Stephen to St. Joseph Hospital/Foyer d’Youville Foundation, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0, were greatly appreciated. The family would also like to thank the community of Gravelbourg for your many acts of kindness and words of condolence.