William Albert Blake of McCord, SK passed away peacefully on Friday, September 12, 2008 at home at the age of 83 years. Albert was born July 12, 1925 at home and grew up on the family farm and attended Twin Valley School. After his schooling was finished he stayed home to help on the farm and worked for neighbours in the district. He bought a truck and hauled grain, livestock and coal for a number of people. On July 11, 1958 he married Hazel Schwab of Meyronne, SK and they moved to their present home site where the results of hard work and perseverance created many fond memories. Farming became his most important interest. Albert had a strong work ethic that he passed to his children. Only he had the vision in something old or broken down to create something useful .He hated to see anything go to waste, but if things were beyond repair you would never find them lying around...they were gone. All animals were his passion especially cattle and dogs. For many years cattle filled the feeder pens. When he was no longer able to do the work himself he purchased feeder cattle and placed them in Red Coat Cattle Feeders Inc. feedlot to be custom fed. Albert always had a fondness for dogs and they for him. In October 2007 his companion dog "Mikey" passed on and was sorrowfully missed as Albert went about the yard without him. Albert believed in supporting local businesses and the co-operative movement. He served on the boards of Sask. Wheat Pool (now Viterra), the McCord Co-op, and the Glentworth Credit Union. In his later years when he was able you would find him out in the yard fixing things, keeping the yard neat, putting up a windmill for decoration, and making sure everything was in order. His farm was his joy. Albert enjoyed woodworking, reading the Western Producer, and watching sports on TV especially baseball and curling. It upset him when the Lone Star channel changed its programming. Family was important to Albert. He enjoyed family gatherings, visiting and reminiscing about old times. He knew the history of the community and loved to relate stories of the past. Albert was an independent, proud, patient and very caring man. His utmost concern was for his family, for their activities and livelihood. He has left many fond memories and all will miss him dearly. Albert was predeceased by his parents: Horace and Gertrude (Hodgins) Blake; sisters: Muriel Anthony and Vera Williamson; brother: Hugh (in infancy); brothers-in -law: Lorne Anthony and Graham Williamson; nephews: Grant Blake and Les Anthony. He has left to mourn his loving wife Hazel (nee Schwab) of 50 years; sons Donald (Karen) and children Kyle (Alicia), Cole, and Candace; Bruce (Janet) and children Keshia, Cassy and B.J. both of McCord, SK; daughter Beverley (B.J.) O'Doherty and children Hazel Pa'draici'n, Liam, Conn, Eo'in and Gra'inne of Springfield, Colorado; brother: Harry (Karen) of Glentworth, SK .and numerous nieces and nephews. A Service of Remembrance was held Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the McCord United Church. Interment McCord Cemetery. Officiant was Ruby Sayers, pianist Marilyn Sandor, eulogist Doug Williamson (nephew), violin solo "Amazing Grace"by Hazel Pa'draici'n O'Doherty (granddaughter), anthem "Precious Memories" by Grasslands Pastoral Charge Choir. Urn Bearers were grandsons Kyle, Cole, B.J., Liam, Conn and Eo'in. Honorary Pallbearers were"All who shared in Albert's life". Memorial Tributes in Albert's memory were to St. Joseph's Hospital Foundation, Mankota Health Centre or McCord United Church. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Piche-Hawkins-Grondin Funeral Chapels Assiniboia (306) 642-5551 & Gravelbourg.(306) 648-2633