Obituary of John Charles Buswell

It is with heavy hearts that the family of John Charles Buswell announces his sudden passing on July 5, 2017. He left this world while on his land, with his daughter and cattle by his side. Left to remember him is his loving wife of 36 years, Miriam; his daughter, Kerry (David) and his beloved granddaughter, Madelyn. He is also survived by his mother, Dorothy; brothers Alan (Vicki) and Neil (Lynna); five nieces and nephews and their partners, six great nieces and nephews, numerous cousins, and two Japanese exchange student daughters. He was predeceased by his father, Ralph, grandparents, aunts and uncles. Dad was born on February 7, 1949, in Borden, SK and grew up on the family farm near Borden. He went to Halcyonia School for Grades 1-8 and then had to go into Borden for his high school years. In 1972, he convocated from the University of Saskatchewan with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture majoring in soil science, and applied his knowledge to his practices. After convocation he joined CUSO and spent two years in northern Ghana working with farmers. These were some of his favourite years and provided him with many stories to tell friends and family. Upon returning to Canada he worked for the Wheat Pool Farm Service Centre before returning to farm with his father. After returning to the farm it only took a short while for Dad to meet his lifelong partner, Miriam Steacy in 1978. Mom and Dad were married on December 23, 1980 in Regina, SK. Once married, Dad started to build a herd of purebred Black Angus cattle with the farm name of Halcyon Angus Farm, in partnership with Mom. Dad worked very hard at building a very successful herd, and was proud to receive the Saskatchewan Angus Heritage Award in 2013. He was a loving and caring father who somehow managed to juggle the demands of farming full-time on his own, while also being home for bedtime stories, recitals and help with homework. Somehow he always had the answer to whatever question was asked of him. Over the years, Dad was very involved in the community. Some of the organizations and committees that he volunteered with over the years include: the Borden Lions Club, St. John’s Anglican Church, the Borden Co-op Board and the Borden Community Pasture. He loved history, music, singing, nature, as well as genealogy, and was the keeper of family stories. Another interest of Dad’s was stargazing, which made calving season more interesting. He greatly enjoyed chewing the rag and laughing with friends. He will be missed by many. His greatest joy came with the birth of his granddaughter, Madelyn, in December 2016 and he was always sharing the latest pictures with whomever he saw. The family wishes to thank the Borden First Responders who attended to John and our neighbours who have provided support during this time of insurmountable grief.