Hazel Thompson was a pillar at Heaton Place—a lady of dignity, humor, wisdom, and strength. The Heaton family will miss her dearly; however, we are so grateful to have been able to be a part of her journey in this thing we call life.

Celebrating 100 remarkable years, Marion Hope—educator, community pillar, and lifelong learner—reconnects with a former student in an extraordinary reunion. From the coal oil lamps of a railway station to the vibrant halls of Armstrong's museum, Marion's century-long journey is a testament to the power of dedication, community service, and the joys of lifelong connections.

You never know where your life path will take you, but if you are open and willing to step into the unknown, life will deliver amazing experiences! Allan and Michaela's husband said 'yes' to a career opportunity that allowed them to travel across the world.

It was a cool day in Winnipeg on October 6, 1934, when Joyce Schmidt would enter this world. Joyce's birth mom was Eva Marie Harrison, who tragically passed away when Joyce was just four years old. Her father, Adam Schmidt, worked away; therefore, Joyce was cared for by her grandmother for a few years before boarding a troop train, which would end up being the first of many train rides in her life.

A former teacher, firefighter, airplane builder, carpenter and more, Alden Bigsby has lived a colorful life. His family originated in Michigan USA and settled on the prairies in Saskatchewan.

Joining a new community in a new town wasn’t the easiest transition for Elizabeth; however, looking back on her life, her resilience to change has always been her strength.

Phelma was the oldest of five children. The Ford family resided on a large farm, where her father would operate a threshing company.

“I remember the day clear as a bell," Esther said with a smile on her face. "We went to movies and some dances and on June 1, 1946, he asked me to marry him!

Off on his quad enjoying the outdoors, or singing and playing music with his grandchildren, Thompson always brings laughter into the room.

Our sweet Sayuri Koyama is a bright light at Heaton Place; always greeting staff with her infectious smile.

“It was a very good life growing up on the farm; we were a very close knit family. It wasn’t uncommon to have a pile of kids playing ball in our yard and mom dishing out homemade ice cream.”

Some things have stood the test of time; love is one of them! Wilf and Alta Schneider made a commitment to spend all their tomorrows together on August 26, 1950.

The Ginters’ were a hard working family, with mom preparing meals over a wood stove, and the kids and pops tending the dairy cows.

He was a shy guy in school but always participated in the sports. When I asked Ken of his first girlfriend, he blushed and replied, “Her name was Norah Husband…”

Maxine has many fond memories of her childhood growing up on the farm. Her closest neighbours lived a mile or so away. Her playmates were the baby calves, colts, runt pigs, kittens and puppies that inhabited the farm.

It was August, 1942 and the heat of the sun created unbearable hot temperatures below deck, making it hard to breathe. He describes the atmosphere as unbearable. Eventually they settled into the sea voyage with a mixture of excitement, curiosity and apprehension.

Steve and about half a dozen of the other grade 12 boys were determined that they would be conscripted, so they decided to apply for military duty.

Hazel Thompson was born to Stan and Nellie Parkinson in a little mission hospital located in a small community known as Southbank near the Shore of Francois Lake.

Glen Maw was born on the very site that Heaton Place occupies today. Glen was born on August 25, 1927 to Arthur Maw and Ruby Crawford. His mother’s family, the Crawfords, also have a long history in Spallumcheen, hence Crawford Road.

“I’m 99 years old, and I have nothing to hide. My dad brought me up to tell the truth,” were Paul’s first words to me.  When I asked  Paul where he grew up, he chuckled and answered, ‘I think I am still growing up!’