Alvin K. Amrud of Saskatoon passed away after a lengthy illness at the age of 88 on March 15, 2016.

Alvin was born in the Strongfield, Sask., area on July 8, 1927 to his parents Albert and Anna Amrud, who were Prairie pioneers of the early 1900s. Raised on the farm till 18 years of age, he then chose to pursue a career in the Canadian Armed Forces. Not long after joining the army he married the sweetheart of his teenage years, Audrey Chrispen. Their first home together was in Whitehorse, Yukon. From there his career took the two of them, and eventually their two children, Ken and Shelly, to military bases throughout western Canada and the province of Ontario.

Altogether he served for 32 years and retired from the Royal Canadian Engineers as a Master Warrant Officer. During that time he had one tour of duty as a peacekeeper in the Gaza Strip in the early 1960s and two tours of duty in Alert, N.W.T., where he oversaw engineering orders of operation.

Upon retirement from the army, Alvin took the job as caretaker to Camp Easter Seal at Manitou Beach near Watrous, Sask. Throughout the 13 years there, he and his wife formed many enduring relationships with the campers that came to holiday at the camp.

As a Mason for 55-plus years, Alvin achieved Right Worshipful Brother of the Dundurn/Hanley Lodge (No. 117). He was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion for 35 years. Alvin was also a member of the Canadian Association of Veterans in United Nations Peacekeeping, Northern Saskatchewan Chapter.

Earlier in life he was involved in the Cubs/Scouts organization. He was a requested speaker for Remembrance Day at various Saskatoon schools. Very proud of his Norwegian heritage, he was involved with the Sons of Norway for a time.

Alvin and Audrey spent many retirement winters in Arizona with other family members and friends frequenting the Mesa area as well. They also travelled often to Winnipeg, Man., to visit their two children. At that time they lived in Davidson, Sask., where Alvin helped deliver for the Meals on Wheels program.

Alvin will be fondly remembered for the many stories he would recall of his life adventures and his generosity of service to family, friends and organizations in which he was involved. Alvin was an inspiring model of family and social values as he was a loyal and responsible man. He also had a sense of humour that brought a smile to the faces of those that knew him well.

Alvin will be sadly missed by his surviving family: sister Ida Barlow of Davidson; son Ken Amrud of Davidson; daughter Shelly (Ray) Buhr of Winkler, Man.; grandchildren Ben and Josanne Duthoit of Winnipeg, Man.; sister-in-law Marguerite Spence of Toronto, Ont.; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

He was predeceased by his wife Audrey in 1998, as well as many other family members, relations and friends.

The funeral service was held at Skudesnes Lutheran Church, Loreburn, on Thursday, March 31, 2016, at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Sonje Finnestad officiating. Brian Hanson attended the register and Carol Dieno was the organist. Active pallbearers were son-in-law Raymond Buhr and Masons Brethren/Peacekeeper comrades/friends, Ken Lowther, Sid Lewis, John McKay, Mark Cubbon and Ray Dinnell. Honourary pallbearers were the many friends and family members from all over Canada and abroad that shared in Alvin’s life journey.

Interment was in the family plot, Skudesnes Cemetery, Loreburn, Sask. Hanson’s Funeral Home was in care of arrangements.

We would like to thank Foyer staff for their excellent care and understanding during Alvin’s stay. They were able to offer warmth and quiet as he required which helped him feel more at ease. A thank you as well to Adam’s Funeral Home in Notre Dame de Lourdes for their interim care in Manitoba, and upon arriving in Davidson, to Hanson’s Funeral Home for their care and professional service in Saskatchewan. With much appreciation, a thank you to the gentlemen pallbearers for their loyal support as friends to Alvin and for the addition of the poppy ceremony to close the service. To all who helped with the service, the ladies at Skudesnes Church for the lunch and to Pastor Sonje Finnestad, your kindness and care were so helpful. God bless all who came and joined in the service and to those who were there in spirit. All memorial donations were gratefully received and disbursed.

Ken Amrud, Shelly and Ray Buhr, Ben and Josanne Duthoit.