Obituary of Maurice Frederick Pardoe

Maurice (Moe) Pardoe

Maurice Frederick Pardoe was born in Birch Hills on November 22^nd, 1927 to parents, Alan and Marjorie, and passed away on April 3^rd, 2024.  He moved to Prince Albert prior to starting school and graduated from PACI, receiving the Governor General’s medal.  Maurice earned a Bachelor of Engineering from the University of Saskatchewan in 1949 and completed a Master of Business Administration in 1973.

Maurice’s career in civil engineering included working as the City Engineer for the cities of Prince Albert and Moose Jaw, private contracting related to water and wastewater and early years spent surveying roads.  His years with the City of Saskatoon involved managing road transportation and water/wastewater projects.

Moe lived an energetic and active life for most of his 96+ years.  He loved the outdoors, whether it was walking, canoeing (northern Saskatchewan and the Nahanni), cross-country skiing or prospecting.  Lake time was important to both Moe and Jean, starting with their shack tent in Waskesiu, followed by the cabin at Christopher Lake in 1962, where many family and extended family gatherings were held.  Moe and Jean spent time at their cabin into their 90s.  Moe loved to swim, sail and waterski, with his last ski at age 80.  Square dancing was another activity they enjoyed, attending dances locally, provincially and nationally for over 50 years.  Moe and Jean opened their home on Leddy Crescent to many people over the years, including three of their grandchildren, who stayed while attending school or working contracts.

Community and volunteering were very important to Moe.  He served on several Anglican vestries, including St. James Church vestry for many years.  He was active with the Association of Professional Engineers (now APEGS), serving as president, both locally and provincially.  He spent many years volunteering with Kinsmen / K-40, including serving as president.  Scouting was an important influence in his life; he spent several years as Akela in Moose Jaw and Saskatoon after his Scouting youth in Prince Albert, where he achieved the Eagle Scout rank.

Travel was a passion for both Moe and Jean.  They travelled Canada from west to east and as far north as Inuvik.  They travelled extensively in Europe, the United Kingdom, Mexico, Central America, Cuba and South America, along with trips to Australia, New Zealand, and Asia.  The only continent they didn’t travel to was Antarctica!  Moe obtained enough Spanish fluency that he served two contracts with CESO, in Honduras and Belize, sharing his knowledge and expertise on municipal water systems with these nations.

Moe is survived by his wife of 69 years, Jean; his six children, Nancy (Doug Dietrick), Maureen (Bob Erickson), Brian (Kathy Graves), Jill, Lynn and Karen (David Crowe).  Moe’s nine grandchildren are Nicholas (Kendra), Mark (Terriann), Graeme (Carla), Aubree (Leland), Risa, Rob (Alisa), Kate, Kleio and Angela (Eli), who all remember boat rides to the north end of the lake with their Grandpa.  Six great-grandchildren arrived starting in 2014: Brynn, Amelia, Roen, Owen, Smith and Ben.  He is also survived by brother-in-law, Colin Eric Clark; long-time friend, Jean Thompson; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Many thanks to Laurie from Saskatoon Home Support and the staff at the Saskatoon Convalescent Home who cared for Moe in his final years.

A Celebration of Moe’s Life will be held at a future date.  Donations in memory of Moe may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society of Saskatchewan.