Hazel Evelyn (McCrie) McKECHNEY

Hazel was born to Hugh & Elizabeth McCrie in 1925 and grew up on the farm at Saskatchewan Landing. She had two sisters: Isabel and Grace and one brother Jack. Hazel attended North Landing and Kyle Schools and graduated from Normal School in Saskatoon. Her first teaching job was at Carmichael, Saskatchewan where she met John McKechney – returned from World War II. They were married in 1945 and ran the store and post office, a busy stop on the CN main line. Their three children (Ken, Judy and Don) were born there, before she and Johnny returned to her home farm at Saskatchewan Landing in 1953. Although she sometimes was a substitute teacher at North Landing School, her main interest was being a farmer. Hazel was book keeper, tax filer and hard worker in the farm business. Out of interest and capabilities - she often took on being an enumerator and census taker.

Hazel enjoyed socializing: dances with Johnny’s band, the North Landing Sewing Club, square dancing, dances at Clearwater Lake and the Legion, gatherings at North Landing School and always up for a good joke at coffee row. In later years she took up downhill skiing.

A community supporter, Hazel was a 4H Leader, judged 4H public speaking, on the 4H Provincial Council, 4H Foundation and involved in the planning for Camp Rayner. She was on the Kyle Library Board and was a volunteer there - a good fit with being an avid reader!  She supported the Royal Canadian Legion and Kyle United Church where she sang in the choir.

In 1997, Hazel made her home with Britton McCrie and they enjoyed twenty-five years together.

Hazel was predeceased by her son Don in 1983 and husband John in 1993. Treasuring her memories are Britton McCrie; children:  Ken (Margaret) - Robin (Kate Corban), Shane, Kim (Jeanne) Cohen & Parker; Judy (Ron) Haichert - Dana, Aiden, Kaelen, Maigen, Sheri; Paula (Roberto Casanova Uscanga) - Michelle (Greg Brown).

A Service of Remembrance was held at the Elks Hall in Kyle on Tuesday, June 13, 2023 at 1:00 p.m. with Pastor Deborah Springer presiding, lunch followed. Interment at Clearwater Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Kyle United Church Memorial Fund, 604 Aspen Drive, Swift Current, SK, S9H 5E3 or Saskatchewan 4-H Foundation, 3830 Thatcher Ave Saskatoon SK, S7R 1A5.