HALDERMAN – Glenn Ralph Halderman passed away on Friday, June 2nd, 2023 at the Brooks Hospital Long-Term Care Centre with his son, Frank, and loving partner, Doris Cairns, at his side. He was just shy a few days from his 97th birthday. His son, Ian, was fortunate to come from Calgary and pay his father a visit before he passed away. We would like to thank the Care Centre Nursing staff for their tender care and empathy for Glenn and all the other residents—theirs comes from the heart and knows no bounds.
The Long-Term Care Centre was his home for the last 2 years and 9 months of his life. In true fashion, he made the most of his time there. He often commented that he could not understand why the others did not partake in all the activities. The piano recitals, bingo games, and painting, exercise and mind-fit classes were etched on his calendar. A most-remarkable event occurred on the Tuesday before he passed away. His health was in significant decline at this time; he mostly slept, and ate and drank very little. He opened his eyes at 2:05pm and said to Frank that bingo was at 3pm. Never in Frank’s wildest dreams did he think his father would play bingo. Doris came to visit him shortly after 3pm and, much to her horror, Glenn was not in his room. The worry in Doris’ face suddenly turned to surprise, when she found Glenn playing bingo with 6 cards on the go. She quickly joined him and he won 2 games. It was as though he said to Saint Peter at the Pearly Gates; Revelation 21:21, “hold on for a minute Peter. Bingo is on Tuesday. I have to go back and play one last time, as I’m feeling lucky.” Peter, knowing his inherent drive, determination and devotion to God, no doubt said: “ok, Glenn, go on back. Your name is highlighted in my book. Have fun!”
Glenn was born on June 15th, 1926 at Climax Hospital, near the farm. This Tuesday’s child was indeed full of grace. He was blessed with a sunny disposition; nary say he an ill word about anyone.
He was the youngest son of Dayton Barrett and Mary (nee Strickler) Halderman, who had nine children in all. His siblings were Frank, Herbert, Mae, Genevieve, Orlean, George, Douglas and Barbara. All of whom predeceased Glenn. He was proud of his settler roots. His father came from Kansas, first homesteaded in North Dakota, made a second attempt in Manitoba, and finally settled in the “land of opportunity – Saskatchewan.” In 1910, Dayton went by horse sixty-five miles north to Gull Lake and stood in line for two days and one night in order to register on the W ½ of 34-3-19 W3rd meridian for himself and the east half of the same section in his Mary’s name. His parents’ fortitude is a testament to all those who settled in the Plateau School District, south of the Frenchman Valley in 1910 and beyond.
Glenn was passionate about many things in life. He was an excellent baseball player and spoke often about his time playing for the Quill Lake Hardball Team, a team picture hangs in his office from June 25, 1947. His skill in construction and woodworking came from his three years working at a lumber and hardware store. Like father like son, Glenn was a pioneer in the oil and gas industry. His work on drilling rigs set the course for his future. His is the forgotten era of discovery wells. Many a brave and athletic farm boy, like him, were on the rigs drilling the first wells in Saskatchewan and Alberta. Some his firsts were the Coleville #1, Frontier and Rapdan #1. This led to a successful and respected career with Schlumberger from 1954 to 1986.
In 1953, he met F. Hala Coates, who hailed from Amherst, Nova Scotia and was immensely proud of her family and deep maritime heritage. She was a Registered Nurse working at the Frontier Hospital, when they met. They fell in love and married, and as my mom once said: “their sons, Frank and Ian, were an expression of the love they had for each other.” Hala passed away in 2005, after a brief illness. Glenn was a fortunate man, as he met Doris Cairns who lost her husband three years prior. Their first date was to the Gem Fall Super, which became an annual tradition. Doris brought my dad so much joy and happiness. I have often said that it was like he was struck by lightning twice, perhaps a more apt description would be to be struck by Cupid’s arrow twice. He was twice blessed to have two special loves in his life, and loves who shared the fun of curling, golfing, camping and fishing made romance even better for my dad. How wonderful is that! We are so thankful for how loving and caring Doris has been to Glenn. She is, indeed, an angel.
He was a member of the Brooks Curling Club, and draw-master for years. He was also a member of the Brooks Oilmen’s Association, and enjoyed the annual Big Country Oilmen’s Bonspiel and bonspiels in the surrounding communities. He played golf at the Duchess Golf Course, with an excellent year being 100-plus games.
Glenn, a true gentleman, is almost the last of his generation; men of few words who hold dear to their hearts crown, country, community, settler heritage, and kinsmen. Men with a strong moral compass, who use history as a guiding light when looking to the future. His last words to Dan and Peotta Halderman and their daughter Jayci was: “keep it going.” He said this in reference to the 5th generation that has arrived at the Halderman century-old homestead, and the importance of family, farming and the future. Inurnment will be at the Ridgley Cemetery beside those of Hala; others from the Halderman family and south of the Frenchman River are also buried at Ridgely Cemetery. It is fitting that it is a short distance from the Plateau farm and has a magnificent view into the prairie forever.
Frank and Doris recently met with Rev. Esther of the Brooks United Church for a time of quiet prayer and reflection to celebrate of the memory of Glenn. We encourage those who knew Glenn to find your own meaningful way of celebrating his well-lived life. Donations to the future of the Brooks United Church are kindly welcomed and appreciated.
Til roses lose their petals,
til the heather has lost it’s dew,
til the end of time,
I will remember you.
