Braaten - Orval Chester passed away peacefully on Thursday, Sept. 30th at the age of 97. He is survived by his son Jim (Joan) Braaten of Abbey; daughter Marval (Russ) Jackson of Eston, Sk; grandsons Wade (Lori) Braaten, Warren (Candace) Braaten and Ryan (Lindsay) Jackson; 7 great grandchildren and one sister, MaryDean. He was predeceased by his wife Margery, his parents Oscar and Clara, five brothers - Archie, Earl, Virgil, Robert, and Ken, and two sisters, Mabel and Millie, and a grandson, Sean Jackson. Orval was born in a sod house on the homestead south of Abbey on July 1, 1913. Orval got his schooling in many country schools and finished in Abbey. After working for a few merchants in town, Orval started his lifelong career in farming. He was fortunate to be joined in this venture by his son Jim and then his grandson Wade. Orval kept a very active interest in the farm till the very end. Orval married Margery Cuming (a school teacher in Abbey ) in 1941 and together they became very active in their community. Music played a very big role in Orval's life, first at home with his siblings, then with many different local dance orchestras. Orval was known for his saxophone talent, but in his retirement years, he played guitar and piano as well, even recording tapes of his music. He entertained at family gatherings with his sister Mabel and any friends who wished to join them. During his years in Abbey, Orval was an active member of the Odd Fellows, the local school board, the Wheat Pool committee, the curling and golf clubs, and the Royal Canadian Legion (having been in the Reserve). Orval will also be remembered for his collection of wrenches and old tractors which are lined up near the highway across from Abbey. Marge and Orval moved to Saskatoon in 1967, but he returned to farm in the summers for many years. Orval and Marge enjoyed many summers at their cottage at Clearwater Lake and the numerous winter trips to warmer climates which they enjoyed with friends. Orval's passion and love for music sustained him to the very end--even as he sang to the nurses in the hospital. A Graveside Service will be held on Saturday, October 23, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. at the Abbey Community Cemetery. A lunch will follow in the United Church basement. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Abbey Community Cemetery, c/o Roberta Schafer, Box 171, Abbey,Sk., S0N 0A0. Family and friends may send condolences from the website www.hillcrestmemorial.ca. Arrangements are entrusted to Kenneth Scheirich, HILLCREST FUNERAL HOME, Saskatoon, SK. (306) 477-4400.