Roman Michael Himsl, of Moose Jaw, died on Thursday, May 23, 2019.
Roman was predeceased by his loving wife Doreen, parents Alfred and Theresa, brothers Frank and Alfred, sisters Clara, Iola, Gisela and Leona. He is survived by his brother, Ralph of Lethbridge, and sister, Avona Christiansen of Kelowna.
Rome also leaves his children: Heather Himsl-Holowatiuk of Edmonton, Kathy Grant of Saskatoon, Chris (Dianne) Himsl of Calgary, Patty (Paul) Elkins of Red Deer; 13 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren.
Rome, as he was known by friends and family, was born on July 9, 1925 on the family farm 3 miles south of Bethune in the R.M. of Dufferin. In 1932 his father, Fred Himsl was transferred to Swift Current as field serviceman, district 4, by the Saskatchewan Wheat Pool. In 1937 Fred was moved to Moose Jaw by the Wheat Pool and Rome lived the rest of his life in Moose Jaw. He graduated from grade 12 in 1944. Rejected by the army for physical reasons, he started to work in the dining car stores of the Canadian Pacific Railway in Moose Jaw. In 1959, he started with the Saskatchewan Liquor Board store in Moose Jaw, and finished as assistant manager in the South Hill store in 1988. He retired 2 years early because of physical reasons. Rome had several radio scripts accepted by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, starting in the mid 60's and up to 1986. In 1986 he received a Canada Council grant to research Canadian folk weather lore. An avid bicycle rider, he spent many hours on the delightful machine. He was a parishioner at Church of Our Lady, a member of the Council of Canadians; Canada's National History Society and Amnesty International, for which he wrote many letters.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Amnesty International, 312 Laurier Ave E. Ottawa, ON, K1N 1H9 would be appreciated.
A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. at Parkview Funeral Chapel, 474 Hochelaga St. West, Moose Jaw. In living memory of Rome, a memorial tree planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Services. Please see our online book of condolences at www.parkviewfuneralchapel.ca and www.wjjonesandson.com (Obituaries). Blair Scott, Funeral Director
