J. Harvey Gjesdal C.M.
January 4, 1922 – Birch Hills, Sk.
June 20, 2014 – Birch Hills, Sk.
With a peace that surpasses all human understanding we remember with love and celebrate the incredible life of our husband, dad, grandpa, brother, uncle, cousin and friend Harvey Gjesdal, who died at 6:38 am, June 20, 2014 with his wife of 63 years, Jennie by his side, in Birch Hills, Saskatchewan – a place and community that he loved and called home all of his life. Dad operated a successful certified and registered seed farm. In spite of only achieving a grade 8 education, he developed a reputation as an extraordinary inventor and mechanical genius, and became one of the most respected seed growers in Canada. His counsel was widely sought at local, provincial and national levels by both agricultural and governmental organizations. Dad’s mind never quit working, and as a result of this spirit of innovation and creativity, he built many machines, equipment and toys. He was inspired by the needs of his fellow man. Two inventions of note that Dad designed and patented and continue to be in widespread use were: the first prototype Rotary Snow Blower built in 1948; and the Gjesdal Five-in-One rotary seed cleaner, which was built in 1979. Several of the Rotary Snow Blowers have been produced and used throughout Canada and the United States for snow removal in city streets, highways and railroads. The Gjesdal Five-in-One rotary seed cleaner is sold throughout Canada and the United States and in several overseas countries. Throughout the years, dad was recognized for being an outstanding seed grower. He set an example for other farmers throughout the country. His farming abilities and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience with others led to many appointments, including Director on the Canadian Seed Growers Association (CSGA), Member of the Board of Governors of the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange, Advisor to the Canadian Wheat Board and a bi-weekly contributor to a Farmer’s Diary column in GRAINEWS. Dad’s outstanding service to the seed industry, agriculture and his community was recognized by many. He was named “Robertson Associate”, the highest honor bestowed by the CSGA, received the Master Farm Family Award, was inducted into both the Saskatchewan and Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fames and received the Order of Canada. Dad loved life. He and mom were able to travel to many countries throughout the world. Dad has left wonderful memories for his wife Jennie, son Roger, daughters Nancy Guebert (Alf) and Lorna (Kenah and Karsten) and grandchildren Brian Guebert (Chelsea), Jenilee Guebert and Logan Gjesdal. He is also loved by his sisters Alice Tastad (George), Norma Arnestad (Verner) and Myrtle Swenson (Clifford), sister-in-laws Minnie Avery (Ibbs), Ada Urton, Elsie Goplen, Henrietta Goplen and Gladys Gjesdal and numerous nieces and nephews. Dad was predeceased by his parents Knute and Amanda Gjesdal, his brother Selmer and sisters and brother-in-laws, Margaret and Trond Tomtene, Kerna and George Haugen, Alphild and Hanley Mitchell; his parents-in-law Axel and Betty Goplen, brother-in-laws and sister-in-laws Dr. Bernard Goplen, Axel and Alice Goplen, Harley and Betty Webb, Dick Jones and Jack Urton, as well as niece Barbara Goplen and nephews Robbie Tastad and Bernie Urton. Dad, we will miss you so much but you will be forever in our hearts. Thanks for sharing a Great Life! A celebration of dad’s life will be held on Wednesday June 25, 2014 at Birch Hills Lutheran Church at 11 am. In honor of dad, memorial tributes can be made to the Canadian Food Grains Bank (Box 767 Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 2L4), the Birch Hills & District Historical Society (Box 693 Birch Hills, Saskatchewan SOJ OGO) or to a charity of your choice. We would also like to pay special thanks to the staff and volunteers of the Birchview Nursing Home for all the incredible love, support and care they provided to dad and our family. Arrangements in care of MacKenzie Chapel & Crematorium. Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors. 306.763.8488 www.MacKenzieChapel.ca