Obituary of Francis Hester

Francis Warren Hester of Fishing Lake, Saskatchewan passed away in Saskatoon on September 14, 2024 at the age of 81. Francis lived a full life, he held many important roles and wore many hats.

Francis was born August 23, 1943 to parents Dorothy and John Hester. He was the youngest of three children. Francis had an older sister Dolores (Walburger), and older brother John Hester. He grew up in Consul where he went to school, played hockey and baseball. Francis lived in the Consul Hotel, until the age of 17, as his mom owned and ran the Consul Rooming House at the hotel. He spent a lot of time helping his mom at the hotel and was an expert at making a bed!

In 1964 he married Sharon Brekhus. They divorced in 2008 but they had four amazing children together. Francis was a loving Father who was always there for his four children and their families. Daughter Annette Hester (partner Keith Holmes), daughter Amber Hester (partner Bill Hanson), son John-Paul Hester (wife Arlene Hester) and daughter Abbie Skrove (husband Shane Skrove.) His children and their partners will greatly miss him. Francis was a dedicated and fun Grandpa who loved the energy his grandchildren brought to his life. His grandchildren include Tsar Hester, Brayden Hester-Waddell, Chantal and Calista Hester, Kaitlin and Hunter Skrove. Grandpa always made them laugh, had many stories to tell and much wisdom to share. He was a son, brother, uncle, great uncle, friend and neighbor. Francis was predeceased by his: parents John and Dorothy Hester, sister Delores, brother-in-law Mick Walburger, and brother John Hester.

Franics attended school in Consul, then went to Saskatchewan Technical Institute in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan. Francis lived in many locations and had many jobs. He built roads before he began to ranch in the Cypress Hills. Francis welded in Regina for Degelman Industries, managed Mantago River Ranch in Manitoba, and was a farm/ranch hand for Bob Gordon Ranches in Manitoba. During his time in Manitoba, he showed purebred Limousin and Hereford cattle across Canada and the USA. Francis also worked for the Slade Ranch south of Tompkins. He was a business owner as well. He owned and managed Cowtown Cinema in Maple Creek.

Francis bought a ranch in the Cypress Hills and built a beautiful log house with the help of friends and neighbors. After ranching he moved that log house north of Maple Creek where he lived for 25 years as he drove semi-truck for Bert Newby, Trimac, and John Deere Transport. In 2008 Francis permanently retired to his cabin at Fishing Lake, Saskatchewan. He worked hard and was the best handyman. Francis could fix almost anything with very few tools and lots of imagination. He still held a valid Class 1A truck driver’s license at the age of 81. “Not letting that go, I might need it.”

Francis was a devout FreeMason, and Masonry played an essential role in his life. He joined Maple Leaf Lodge No. 9 in 1966. Francis was a member of the Royal Arch Masons, Knights Templar, Scottish Rite, Hub City Conclave, Red Cross of Constantine, Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, WaWa Shrine of Saskatchewan, Eastern Star, and Guardian of Bethel No. 7 Jobs Daughters. He was elected as the Grand Junior Warden of the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan for 2004-2005, and was Masonic Youth Leadership Camp coordinator for that year. Francis continued on through the chairs until he became Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan for 2007-2008. He was presented his 50-year jewel by his home lodge in 2017. Francis spent some time in Texas where he attended lodge meetings in Lubbock, Texas and Grand Lodge in Waco, Texas. He was active with Masons right up to his passing and has so many wonderful friends and experiences as a part of his Masonic journey. Francis really enjoyed attending and fellowship with the Brethren of Elfros Lodge.

Francis was also very interested in genealogy. He had retraced his heritage for many years and in 2021, while living in Texas with his grandson Tsar, was able to reconnect with descendants of his grandparents. Francis was proud to have bridged the generations. Francis was so proud to be a HESTER and has instilled the “Hester” values in all of his children and grandchildren.

Francis embraced the simple life. Family always came first. He valued his friends and had a skill like no other in making lasting connections with all those he met. Francis genuinely took an interest in others, listened intently and was always fully present in every conversation. He had so many passions: hunting, fishing, and baseball were at the top of his list. Francis could fillet a fish like no one else! He loved animals and had some favorites. His horses: Blaze & Sage, and a purebred appaloosa stud, Cherokee Star. Francis had many dogs but had a huge soft spot for his purebred golden retrievers: Sandi, Ginger and his grand puppy Merv.

As we say goodbye to Francis our hearts hurt greatly. We will miss him more than words could ever express. His life was full and his impact immense. Francis left a legacy with his children and grandchildren and will look down from above with great pride on a life well lived.

A special thank you to all of the Doctors, Specialists, Caregivers and Hospital Staff that supported Francis over several surgeries and hospital stays.

Celebrating The Life Of Francis Hester

Masonic Funeral

1:00 p.m.

Friday, October 4, 2024

Elfros Legion Hall

Elfros, SK

Celebration of Life

2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Saturday, October 19, 2024

Consul Community Hall

Consul, SK

Private Interment at The Consul Cemetery

Those wishing to send cards

of caring & sympathy may send them to

The Family of Francis Hester

P.O. Box 145

Foam Lake, SK S0A 1A0

In lieu of flowers,

donations in memory of

Francis may be made to

Grand Lodge of Saskatchewan

Masonic Youth Leadership Camp

1930 Lorne St.

Regina, SK S4P 2M1