Obituary of Glen Smale

Celebrating The Life Of Glen Smale

It is with profound sadness that the Smale family announces the passing of their beloved brother and uncle, Glen Allen Smale of Wadena, Saskatchewan on May 6, 2025. He was predeceased by his: parents Edgar and Evelyn Smale; brother Lawrence Smale; sisters - Mavis Weber and Nina Schweitzer.

Left to mourn his passing are his: sister, Marlene (Reginald) Wickett; brothers in in law- Francis Weber and Gordon Schweitzer; sister in law, Marilyn Shamu; nephews and nieces - Brian (Linda) Weber, Harvey Weber, Stacey (Terry) Hunt, Leanne (Terry) Holmstrom, Jennifer (Troy) Nystrom as well as numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews, cousins and other extended family members.

Glen was born prematurely on December 23, 1936. He was a very tiny baby, but born with a strong will to live. His parents credited the efforts of the dedicated hospital nursing staff for saving his life. They spent many hours feeding him with an eye dropper and keeping him warm with hot water bottles, a make-shift incubator. He spent many months in hospital before he was able to join the family on the farm.

Glen struggled with poor eyesight all his life. Although declared legally blind, he had some eyesight, so he and his parents were determined that he live life to the fullest. With the encouragement and help of family and medical experts, he soon found ways to navigate his world, despite his diminished eyesight. Glen was a intelligent man, who had an impeccable memory and could recite facts and information about many things. His hearing was above others capability.

Glen loved everything about farm life, living on the farm, doing chores, caring for the animals, the ebb and flow of the seasons, neighbours visiting and helping one another and the sense of accomplishment which came with the harvesting of the last field of wheat and bringing in the bales in the fall season. Glen’s Dad, Edgar, worked alongside him, teaching him about mechanics, repairing and how to use each implement. Upon the death of his father, Glen continued to work with his mother to keep the farm afloat. Upon her passing, he rented the land out, and moved into Wadena. When Glen purchased his house he loved his new home and spent many hours working to improve both the house and the yard.

Never one to remain idle, Glen bought a riding lawn mower which he used to cut his own grass and also neighbours’ yards. He also joined the Wadena Museum Board and the Wadena Singles Club. The Museum fed his need to share his love of the machinery and farming methods from the ‘olden’ days of farming. The Singles Club gave him the opportunity to dance, talk and meet people, all of which he loved to do.

Glen was a avid fan of the Blue Jays watching as many games as he could manage. He also was a curling fan, in particular, watching the Scotties and the Brier cheering on the Saskatchewan teams.

Glen always wanted to travel. In 2017, on his 80th birthday, his family surprised him with a pre-paid trip to Toronto to watch the Blue Jays play in-person. To his delight, one of the ball games he watched had the Blue Jays hitting 8 home runs and easily winning the game. He also visited the Blue Jay Stadium shop to look at all the Jay’s paraphernalia. Of course, not wanting to leave out any of his friends, neighbours or relatives, he bought enough jackets, caps, balls, badges, scarfs, etc., to outfit a large portion of the Wadena population, over $700.00 worth. He was also able to visit Niagara Falls where he rode in the Maid of the Mist Boat up to the falls where he got totally soaked. A few years later, Glen realized another dream of travelling to Alberta. He went to the Calgary Stampede and saw the mountains. He was so delighted to have these opportunities.

As Glen aged, his mobility declined, but his determination to be independent remained. Glen desperately wanted to live in his own home until his passing. This is where he felt most comfortable. In particular, his 5 nieces and nephews, children of his beloved sisters (and other concerned friends and relatives) agreed to try to support him with this wish. In 2024, Glen was diagnosed with heart and lung disease and in April 2025, he had to be hospitalized. He spent time in RUH and then Wadena Hospital where he passed.

Glen was a much loved member of the Smale family. In return he had a deep love and concern for all of them. He had a slow impish grin and big laugh which made you smile and laugh too. As nephew Brian said, “you know Uncle, he has a way of getting what he wants when he wants it and getting frosty when he doesn’t”. However, he never stayed frosty for long and somehow you couldn’t remain upset at him for long either. The family (and others) helped him meet his wish to be ‘home’ for as long as possible which gave them a little peace in the face of his death.

Rest in peace dear brother, uncle, cousin and friend.

Celebration Of Life

10:00 a.m.

Friday, May 16, 2025

Chapel Of Narfason’s

Narfason’s Funeral Chapel & Crematorium

Wadena, SK

Those wishing

to send cards of caring & sympathy

may send them to

The Family Of Glen Smale

P.O. Box 942

Wadena, SK S0A 4J0

Donations in memory

of Glen may be made to

a charity of ones choice.