Herman Oliver Simrose
Herman Simrose of Moose Jaw, formerly of Parkbeg, passed away on Sept 8, 2021, at the age of 99 years. He had an interesting and adventurous life!
Herman was born on June 3, 1922, the seventh child of Alfred and Marie (Dybukkt) Simrose at Simrishill farm near Darmody, SK. He attended Simrishill school, and started working after eighth grade.
In his early twenties, Herman travelled to the Caribou area in B.C. to help his brothers on their ranch. He returned to the family farm during WWII, and eventually purchased it.
Herman attended CLBI in Camrose, where he felt called to missionary work. Darjeeling, India, was his first posting, where he learned to speak, read and write Nepali. In 1956 he married Betty Jane Hanson. They had two daughters born in India, Mary and Rebecca (Becky). When Nepal opened up, Herman was one of the first foreigners to work there as an agriculturist, developing and propagating many new crops and livestock, including mandarin oranges. Julie was born in Saskatchewan, and Philip back in Nepal. Herman’s brother Reinhard farmed his land in Canada during this time.
In 1973, Herman and his family came back to Saskatchewan. He was very innovative, being one of the first farmers in the area to grow lentils, straight combine, and direct seed. He worked on inventions in his workshop. Betty passed away in 1974.
He returned to work in Nepal in 1978, this time to install water systems for drinking water, as well as agriculture and reforestation. Before this, people had to walk a long way and carry water for their families and livestock. In all, he spent 25 years working in Nepal. Philip and Karin came to farm in 1992, and he continued to work with them until he was about 90. Once a farmer, always a farmer!
He was an accomplished artist, and he drew and painted many portraits of Nepali people, and a variety of other subjects. He wrote and submitted many stories to newspapers, especially memories of his growing-up years. He bowled every Wednesday afternoon for years, and won the senior’s bowling zones well into his 90’s! He enjoyed reading, a game of Scrabble and practical jokes and puns. Swedish pancakes and chicken curry were his culinary specialties. He travelled back to Nepal many times to visit friends. He was called by the Lord to be a lay pastor and spent considerable time-sharing God’s word. Church was very important to him, and he attended both Bethany Lutheran Church, Parkbeg and Central Lutheran Church, Moose Jaw. He very much enjoyed spending time with his family and grandchildren.
He will be greatly missed by his children Mary (Milo Grimsrud), and their children Rachel (Tom), Jordan (Tracy) and Mark; Rebecca (Brian Brandon) and their daughters Brianna and Jenna (Bruce); Julie Smith and her daughters Alyson (Frank Giacomin) and Kerry; and Philip (Karin) and their children Joel (Cadence), Chanel and Micah, and 4 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Anne Williams, sisters-in-law Lorraine and Eleanor and many nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, his wife Betty, son-in-law Dan and siblings Art, Reinhard (Bertha), Martin, Ruth (Ivar), Albin (Anne), Oscar (Gwen), George, Margaret and brother-in-law Cy.
The family is so grateful to Saurav and Stephanie Rokaya (and their children Eli and Leo who gave Herman much joy during the last year and a half) for their friendship and care for Herman so he could live in his own home until July. We are also very thankful to the staff at Extendicare and Providence Place for your professional care and support.
Due to rising Covid numbers, there will be a private family service officiated by Pastor Marvin Seaborg.
In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to:
Bethany Lutheran Church
Box 264
Mortlach, SK S0H 3E0
Providence Place Foundation Inc.
100 2nd Avenue NE
Moose Jaw, SK S6H 1B8
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thess. 5:18
In living memory of Herman, a memorial planting will be made by Jones-Parkview Funeral Services. Please sign the memorial register at website: www.jonesparkview.com (Obituaries). - Funeral Director
