Roi AKISTER

Our beloved dad, grandpa and great grandpa, Roi Akister, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, March 6, 2018 at the age of nearly 101 years old.

He was born on March 19, 1917 to James and Jenny (née Elliott) Akister and spent his early years on the family farm near White Bear, SK. After completing grade 12, he taught himself to become a radio technician and spent several years working in Vancouver before returning to take over the family farm. In 1942, he married Rae Bjorgan and they had a wonderful marriage of 69 years. Roi and Rae had two daughters before moving from the farm to White Bear to a brand new house that Roi built completely by himself. Roi was foremost a farmer but also had many other talents. He was instrumental in setting up the Kyle Credit Union, helped build the arena in White Bear as well as constructing the time clock for hockey. His grandchildren maintained he was the smartest person they knew! He was a self-taught man on many and diverse subjects - he could build and repair anything, from constructing a welding machine and a windmill for electricity on the farm, a TV tower in White Bear, furniture and a potters wheel for Rae. He had a love of knowledge and eagerly taught himself about the world through avid reading, radio and travelling.

After retiring in 1979, Roi moved the house to Elrose and built a large extension. In retirement, Roi and Rae traveled to many places in the world, including Australia, England, Norway, Cuba and the USA as well as driving across all of Canada. They also loved to entertain and Roi was often conscripted in the kitchen when the whole family was together. Roi will be remembered as a man of integrity and an inspiration to others but mostly for his love and devotion to his family. Roi was predeceased by his wife Rae (1921-2011) and son in law Richard Babonich (1946-2017). Roi is survived and will be greatly missed by his daughter Sharie Babonich; daughter Lorill (Jim) Chobotuk; grandson Kory (Audrey) Babonich, Maddox and Jaxon; grandson Ryan (Jenn Molloy), Quinn and Jack; granddaughter Amber (Ryan) Blais, Sammy, Greta and Edie; granddaughter Alison (Graham) Yarwood and Bennett; granddaughter Tara (Evan Bianco) Chobotuk; sister-in-law Edna Chapman and many nieces and nephews.

Honouring Roi's wishes, there will not be a memorial service but a private family celebration to honour his life. The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at the Elrose Health Centre who provided Roi with excellent care and compassion for the past four years. Memorial donations may be made to the Elrose Health Centre Auxiliary, P.O. Box 100, Elrose, SK, S0L 0Z0 or a charity of your choice.