Elwin Howard Hoium, late of Midale, SK passed away peacefully in his sleep on July 3, 2012 at the age of 89 years, after a period of steadily declining health. Elwin was predeceased by his wife, Odelite (nee Torgunrud); his parents, Alfred and Emilie Hoium; his sister, Agnes Rosengren; his brother, Jim Hoium; brothers-in-law: George Rose, Norman Rosengren; sister-in-law, Alma Hoium; father and mother-in-law, Edwin and Anna Torgunrud.

Elwin is survived by his children: Lee (Wendy Bram), 130 Mile Ranch, BC; granddaughter, Shannon (Mark) Kostering, Chilliwack, BC, great grandchildren: Lisa and Riley; Gary (Shelley), Weyburn, SK, granddaughter, Nicole (Scott) Giroux, Saskatoon, SK, great granddaughter, Maggie; grandson, Jason (fiancée Kayla Rieger), Weyburn, SK; Lois (Dave) Hinz, Waldheim, SK; granddaughters: Courtney Hinz, Montreal, QC and Chenille Hinz, Saskatoon, SK; brothers: Marvin (Ruth) Hoium, Midale, SK, Bazel Hoium, Weyburn, SK; sister, Hazel Rose, Weyburn, SK along with numerous nieces, nephews, close relatives and friends.

Elwin was born in Midale, SK on July 9th, 1922, the first son (and second child) of Alfred and Emilie Hoium. He completed all his school years in Midale with mathematics being one of his favorite subjects. He was confirmed in the Bethlehem Lutheran Church in 1937 and was a faithful member of that congregation throughout his active life.

On December 31st, 1951 (New Year’s Eve) (-31 degrees F.) he married a young school teacher, Odelite Torgunrud of Midale. Their first home was on the Lindbom farm 1 mile south of Midale, where Elwin worked for Henry Lindbom. They had 3 children, Leland, Gary and Lois. Elwin had 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He loved all his grandchildren and especially enjoyed playing with them in their younger years. Odelite his loving wife of 54 years passed away in June, 2005.

In his younger years Elwin enjoyed sports but particularly softball where according to Elwin he became known as the “Home Run King”. He liked to reminisce about the “good old days” including the “dirty thirties”. He fondly and proudly recalled the many long hours and days he spent out in the fields “stooking” and threshing. Along with one or two other close friends, Elwin was responsible for digging some 80 graves by hand with a pick and shovel sometimes picking through 5 feet of frost, sometimes in stormy weather, sometimes in temperatures as cold as –30 degrees F.

When Henry and Vi Lindbom decided to move in 1960 back to their farm, Elwin and Odelite purchased the Egland acreage on the north end of Midale and moved to town. Elwin brought a few of his Shorthorn cows with him and kept a small cattle farm for many years. He continued working for Henry Lindbom and also did part time work as a carpenter. Elwin later joined the RM of Cymri crew and did road maintenance and construction unitl he retired.

During his past 7 years at Hillview Manor in Estevan, Elwin became a resident dishwasher. Elwin always had a very competitive nature. He walked many “Senior” miles each day with his walker up and down the hallways. He very much enjoyed playing cards and bingo and attended all the other daily activities going on. All weekly church services and functions were very important to him, including the “Manor Hymn sing” every Sunday morning. He read his Bible and his devotion booklets every day. He appreciated his visits from friends, family and all clergy. He was especially grateful for his regular visits from his nephew Kevin (his honorary pallbearer) who would make weekly visits on his scooter from the south side of Estevan faithfully bringing the local newspapers and any special news clippings dad might be interested in.

A couple of years back he developed a special relationship with a “Grandbuddy” through an elementary school initiated program matching young students with specific residents allowing them to interact and share some of their life experiences with each other. This gave him many cherished memories.

Elwin was residing at Hillview Manor at the time of his passing. A special thank you to all the staff for the wonderful care they gave to our Dad over the years. Many of you became very special to him. The family appreciate all of you.    

A funeral service for Elwin was held on Saturday, July 7, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. from Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Midale, SK with Pastor Cicely McDougall, officiating. Interment followed at Westphalia Cemetery, Midale, SK. Honorary pallbearer was Kevin Hoium. Active pallbearers were Lee Hoium, Gary Hoium, Jason Hoium
Howard Rosengren, Ron Hoium and Larry Hoium.

For family and friends so wishing, in lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Elwin may be made to the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Memorial Fund, Box 278, Midale, SK   S0C 1S0 or a Charity of Choice.

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