Bill Oldhaver passed away on April 16, 2025 at the age of 93 at the Cypress Regional Hospital in Swift Current, Saskatchewan with family by his side. Bill was born on October 12, 1931 at Cabri, Saskatchewan, the oldest of four children. Growing up on the family farm, he developed a strong work ethic, milking cows, and delivering milk before school, driving machinery, and doing chores at an early age.
Bill married his childhood neighbor Merle (Jackson) in 1954. They recently celebrated 70 years of marriage – a lifetime marked by love, dedication, and shared joys in their work, hobbies, and especially in raising their family.
Over the years, Bill held a variety of jobs. He began truck driving for CP Transport in 1954, then worked on the Bradley Ranch for a short time. He proudly served as a member of the Swift Current City Police from 1959 until the RCMP took over in 1971. He returned to trucking for Jordahl’s, Superior Trucking, and Sam’s General Trucking. He later joined Trail Excavating until an injury led to retirement in 1991. Despite some medical challenges, Bill’s resilience and positive outlook carried him through.
A self-taught learner, Bill became a jack-of-all-trades and could fix almost anything. He played musical instruments by ear, completed countless wood working and renovation projects for family and friends, and enjoyed his days spent in his shop. Bill apprenticed in the electrical trade, completed engine repair courses, and earned his Crane Operator Certificate.
In earlier years, he looked forward to the annual Thanksgiving prairie chicken hunt in the Sandhills. A turkey dinner was served from the tailgate of a truck, Bill enjoyed this event with his extended family. Family vacations were camping and fishing trips. One memorable adventure was to Expo ’67 in Montreal, in a station wagon with 4 kids, pulling a homemade trailer. Bill and Merle continued to travel well into their 80’s to the Yukon, Arizona, Disney World, Branson, Quebec, and closer to home, to Cypress Hills.
Retirement brought new passions and new friends. Bill and Merle joined the Goldwing Motorcycle Club, travelling to many rallies in Canada and the US. Bill became involved with the Swift Wings RC Flying Club, and the Blue Knights Motorcycle Club made up of former police officers. He treasured Tuesday night motorcycle rides with friends, morning coffees down the road at the K Motel, and watching sports – especially when shared with family. He loved to read, and recently took up jigsaw puzzles. He always enjoyed the company of his favorite cats, and most recently, a tabby named Sophie.
In 2018, Bill and Merle moved from their acreage to Pioneer Manor in Swift Current, making new friends and enjoying community life. Following a heart attack in June of 2023, Bill moved to the Prairie Health Care Centre in Cabri. He then returned to Swift Current to the Meadows where Merle joined him in 2024. They were fortunate to continue their life together in side-by-side rooms.
Bill is survived by his beloved wife Merle; daughter Pat (Lyle) Quintin and their children: Tammy (Mike), Valerie (Tyler); daughter Shirley (Greg) Gryde and their children: Wayne (Nicole), Kirk (Lyndi); daughter Cathy (Tim) McKaig and their children: Teagan (John), Cole (Chelsea); and son David (Lonnie) Oldhaver and their children: Leslie (Vanessa), Leah (Tyler); as well as 16 Great Grandchildren; siblings: Betty Goddard, Rob (Marion) Oldhaver; in-laws Bob Jackson, Grace Winkler; and many nieces and nephews. Bill was predeceased by his infant daughter Sharon; parents Ed and Agnes Oldhaver; sister Denise Hind;
parents-in-law Doug and Geneva Jackson; in-laws Fred Hind, Allan Goddard, Mary (Syd) Barber, Carl Winkler and Mary Jackson.
The family extends heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Cabri and the Meadows for the compassion and respect shown to Bill. Dad knew the majority by name and we are so grateful for all of you.
A private family celebration of life will take place at a later date.
Arrangements Entrusted To: Warren's Funeral Home. For further information please call 1-306-773-8831 or 1-800-267-6606, or visit our website at www.warrensfuneralhome.com and express your sympathy to family members on the tribute wall.