Arthur Garnet Bayes

Art was born May 22, 1920 on the family farm in the Riverdale Valley south west of Minnedosa. He was the 5th of 6 boys born to Henry & Annie Bayes. He passed away at the age of 102 on June 4, 2022 at the Brandon Regional Hospital with his 5 children at his side.

Dad attended school at McBride until Grade nine when he suffered a ruptured appendix and became very sick. He then quit school to help his Dad on the family farm.

Dad enlisted in the Army during WWII serving in Shilo & Winnipeg. He was very proud of his service and was a life member of the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #49 in Rapid City where he served for 75 years. After Dad was discharged, he returned to the Moline district to farm. He married the love of his life, Helen Wilson on April 5, 1952 and built a home on the farm to raise their 5 children.

He was a member of the United Church, lifetime member of the Rapid City Agricultural Society, Moline Pool and Councillor & Reeve of the RM of Saskatchewan for 23 years.

Mom & Dad moved to Minnedosa in 1984. Dad continued farming with his son David until 1988 when he retired. He enjoyed bowling, coffee row & became a member of AOTS. Together Mom & Dad travelled Canada from Coast to Coast and various locations throughout the US & Mexico.

Following Helen’s passing in 2015, Dad moved to Victoria Landing Retirement Residence in Brandon to be closer to his brother Cecil. While in Brandon he made many new friends & became very involved in social activities, outings and enjoyed his daily walks.

Dad enjoyed life to the fullest, and just loved to reminisce about the good old days to anyone who was willing to listen. He enjoyed sports, politics and had a unique sense of humour right up to his final day. But most of all, Dad loved family get togethers, trips, Sunday drives, reunions and any reason to celebrate. Dads last big party was his own 102nd Birthday May 22, 2022 for an outdoor family gathering loaded with more good times and memories.

Dad’s memory will live on in his 5 children, son David (Jane) Bayes of Coquitlam, BC, daughters Iris (Keith Orr) of Neepawa, Gwen (Randy) Usick, Shirley Bayes, Judy (Chris Leitch) all of Minnedosa.

8 Grandchildren, Louis (Reed) Bayes, Sheila (Steve) Baars, Becky (Simone) Kooting, David (Michelle) Kooting, Leigh (Rob) Heie, Kim (Mike) Speiss, Val Adam, Jason (Michelle) Adam, 16 Great Grand Children and numerous nieces & nephews.

Dad was predeceased by his parents Henry & Annie, wife Helen, brothers Levi (Mary), Ray (Isabel), Ernie (Doris), Fred (Florence), Cecil (Doreen), Albert in infancy. Son-in-law Bob Adam and Great Grandson Ole Heie.

A huge Thank You to Dad’s loving family atmosphere at Victoria Landing, as well as, the paramedics, nurses, doctors & staff in both emergency and 4th floor for the excellent care he received while in Brandon hospital.

A Celebration of Life was held on Friday June 10, 2022 at Minnedosa United Church, Urn Bearers David Kooting & Wiley Speiss with Rev. Kathy Platt officiating. Interment followed in the Minnedosa Cemetery Legion Section. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Heart & Stroke, Cancer Care or a charity of choice.

White’s Funeral Home – Minnedosa in care of arrangements.

Recording of the service may be viewed at www.whitesfh.ca

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