WAYNE “Longhall” Hall
“I was born; I blinked; and it was over.”
It pains to admit, but apparently, I have passed away. Everyone told me it would happen one day, but that’s simply not something I wanted to hear, much less experience. I made 86 years without acting my age so now I wonder how I got so damn old so quick.
My parents Lawrence and Doris (née Walz) and older sister Darlene celebrated my birth. I was introduced to all as “Lawrence Wayne Hall”.
We lived on the family homestead south of Moose Jaw. As a child I walked or rode a pony to the local country school. I attended high school in Moose Jaw at what is now knows as Peacock. I completed my grade 10. Full of myself I informed my dad I had quit school. My dad informed me that I couldn’t live there, unless I was working so I had better get out and get a job.
I did, not just one but many…labourer, farmer, trucker, business owner and snowplow operator just to name a few. I knew how to work hard, and I loved it. I was very successful at work. (I also knew how to play hard and was very successful at that as well). My favorite career was farming. I was born on this land and was still on the land, when God decided he needed a bass player and an entertainer in heaven. At 86 years old I was still able to be part of the 2024 seeding and spraying crew. There was no “taking the farm” out of this old country boy.
There was no stopping me, I wanted to see all and do all. And I did, till age and illness wore the body out but not the mind. I loved travelling, I loved rodeos, horses, tractors, tall tales and pranks. I loved pranking people but seemed everybody liked pranking me more. I think I got them this time; they have to attend my funeral, but I won’t be at theirs.
I love being a member of a club. Not just a card playing member but a titled member. I was two-time provincial grand president of the Saskatchewan Elks Association, Exalted ruler of the Moose Jaw Branch, Proud member of the Moose Jaw Shrine Equestrian unit, Affordable Travel Club and South Saskatchewan Wildlife Association. Award winner of many red first place ribbons from the SSRR club, lifetime member of the Canadian Cattleman Association and a loyal Moose Jaw Warriors fan. I loved being busy and around people.
I didn’t own a Herschel hemi half ton, but I sure knew how to play it. I loved playing bass in many bands through the years. I just loved life.
Speaking of titles… I’ve had a few in my day. I’ve been a devoted son, an energetic teenager, a loving husband of almost 66 years to the best thing and the love of my life “Saint” Dorothy (nee Schulties) …I hit the lottery the day I net her in the hospital when I was getting my tonsils out. She tried sneaking out the back door, but I tracked her down. Tried to be a good father, a little too stubborn at times but loved my children Shelly and Brent. I loved them unconditionally. Brent brought another Shelly into the picture, her four children and three grandchildren…and the best butter tarts I have ever tasted.
A spoiling teasing grandpa to my two “jackasses” Keegan and Karsten. A true and loyal friend… and if you don’t believe me, just ask me, oh wait, I’m afraid it’s too late for questions I’m up playing my next gig and visiting my friends and family who went ahead to warn God that I was coming; (sister Darlene and her husband Bill Bernard; Dorothy’s sisters and their spouses, Julie (Allen), Ruth (George), Martha (Art), Doris (Carl), Fran (Harry), Betty (Chuck), Shirley , Carolla and Jenita; brothers, Gordon (Clara), Ken, Elmer, Don and Walter.
Left to mourn me and sing my praises as to what a wonderful, obedient husband, perfect person I was is my wife, although I hated leaving, I could never have managed without my Dorothy, so I needed to go first. She was my rock, my love and the one who knew me the best. My daughter Shelly, a female version of myself (what else can I say) she will continue to be a force to be reckoned with. My son Brent, I know the farm is in good hands, you got this. My “Jackasses” Keegan and Karsten, my pride and joys, you enriched my life, could take my teasing and dish it right back to me. I was truly blessed. Debbie, Bonnie, René, Noel and their families, numerous Walz cousins. Dororthy remaining brothers, sisters and in laws…Donna (Kevin), Sharon, Chuck (Carole), Doug, Ernie, Gladys and Ed
There will be no buildings named after me. No monuments erected in my honour (a few plaques but no monuments), but I DID have the chance to know and love each and every friend as well as many family. How much more blessed can a person be.
If you want to you can look for me in the evening sunset or in the morning dew, with the ripening of the crops, amongst the birds and the animals and of course happy hours. You know I’ll be there in one form or another. Of course, that will probably comfort some while antagonizing other, but you know me…it’s what I do.
I’ll leave you with this...please don’t cry because I’m gone; instead, be happy that I was here (or maybe you can cry a little bit, after all I have passed away).
I will be there in spirit at my Last Farewell Party which will take place on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 2:30 p.m. at the Moose Jaw Exhibition Grounds, 250 Thatcher Drive East with Pastor Marvin Seaborg officiating. Although I always liked having the last word, I am giving everyone the opportunity to tell everyone what a great guy I was and share your stories at the open mic that will follow the service…so have your stories ready!
Those not able to attend may view the service virtually by going to https://youtube.com/live/z4_pZUwWRLs.
Arrangements are entrusted to Moose Jaw Funeral Home, 268 Mulberry Lane. Gary McDowell, Funeral Director 306-693-4550 www.moosejawfuneralhome.com